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Selective Loss (selective + loss)
Selected AbstractsT-cell tolerance induced by repeated antigen stimulation: Selective loss of Foxp3, conventional CD4 T cells and induction of CD4 T-cell anergyEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Lena Eroukhmanoff Abstract Repeated immunization of mice with bacterial superantigens induces extensive deletion and anergy of reactive CD4 T cells. Here we report that the in vitro proliferation anergy of CD4 T cells from TCR transgenic mice immunized three times with staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) (3× SEB) is partially due to an increased frequency of Foxp3+ CD4 T cells. Importantly, reduced number of conventional CD25, Foxp3, cells, rather than conversion of such cells to Foxp3+ cells, was the cause of that increase and was also seen in mice repeatedly immunized with OVA (3× OVA) and OVA,peptide (OVAp) (3× OVAp). Cell-transfer experiments revealed profound but transient anergy of CD4 T cells isolated from 3× OVAp and 3× SEB mice. However, the in vivo anergy was CD4 T-cell autonomous and independent of Foxp3+ Treg. Finally, proliferation of transferred CD4 T cells was inhibited in repeatedly immunized mice but inhibition was lost when transfer was delayed, despite the maintenance of elevated frequency of Foxp3+ cells. These data provide important implications for Foxp3+ cell-mediated tolerance in situations of repeated antigen exposure such as human persistent infections. [source] Loss of dopaminergic neurons by the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 via CD40: Relevance to Parkinson's diseaseJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 6 2005Tatsusada Okuno Abstract A glial reaction associated with up-regulation of inflammatory molecules has been suggested to play an important role in dopaminergic neuron loss in Parkinson's disease (PD). Among inflammatory molecules, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) have been focused upon as key factors in the pathogenesis. However, the mechanism of how these molecules are induced in PD brains is not clearly understood. We focused on CD40, which is expressed on neural cells and could be implicated in the neuroinflammation by inducing inflammatory molecules. We showed that both iNOS and COX-2 were up-regulated in microglia and astrocytes by CD40 stimulation in association with a low dose of interferon-, (IFN-,) in vitro. Selective loss of dopaminergic neurons was induced by costimulation with CD40 and IFN-, in mesencephalic cultures, which was protected by selective inhibitors of iNOS and/or COX-2. We also found in CD40-stimulated astrocytes an increase of a low-affinity IgE receptor CD23, which is known to induce iNOS expression. Together these data suggest that up-regulated iNOS and COX-2 via the CD40 pathway may lead to dopaminergic neuron loss and may participate in the neuroinflammaory pathway of PD. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Vascular endothelial growth factor prevents G93A-SOD1-induced motor neuron degenerationDEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 13 2009J. Simon Lunn Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by selective loss of motor neurons (MNs). Twenty percent of familial ALS cases are associated with mutations in Cu2+/Zn2+ superoxide dismutase (SOD1). To specifically understand the cellular mechanisms underlying mutant SOD1 toxicity, we have established an in vitro model of ALS using rat primary MN cultures transfected with an adenoviral vector encoding a mutant SOD1, G93A-SOD1. Transfected cells undergo axonal degeneration and alterations in biochemical responses characteristic of cell death such as activation of caspase-3. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic and neuroprotective growth factor that can increase axonal outgrowth, block neuronal apoptosis, and promote neurogenesis. Decreased VEGF gene expression in mice results in a phenotype similar to that seen in patients with ALS, thus linking loss of VEGF to the pathogenesis of MN degeneration. Decreased neurotrophic signals prior to and during disease progression may increase MN susceptibility to mutant SOD1-induced toxicity. In this study, we demonstrate a decrease in VEGF and VEGFR2 levels in the spinal cord of G93A-SOD1 ALS mice. Furthermore, in isolated MN cultures, VEGF alleviates the effects of G93A-SOD1 toxicity and neuroprotection involves phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling. Overall, these studies validate the usefulness of VEGF as a potential therapeutic factor for the treatment of ALS and give valuable insight into the responsible signaling pathways and mechanisms involved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009 [source] BimEL as a possible molecular link between proteasome dysfunction and cell death induced by mutant huntingtinEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 11 2010Rebecca Leon Abstract Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded polyglutamine repeat within the N-terminus of the huntingtin protein. It is characterized by a selective loss of medium spiny neurons in the striatum. It has been suggested that impaired proteasome function and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress play important roles in mutant huntingtin (mHtt)-induced cell death. However, the molecular link involved is poorly understood. In the present study, we identified the essential role of the extra long form of Bim (Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death), BimEL, in mHtt-induced cell death. BimEL protein expression level was significantly increased in cell lines expressing the N-terminus of mHtt and in a mouse model of HD. Although quantitative RT-PCR analysis indicated that BimEL mRNA was increased in cells expressing mHtt, we provided evidence showing that, at the post-translational level, phosphorylation of BimEL played a more important role in regulating BimEL expression. Up-regulation of BimEL facilitated the translocation of Bax to the mitochondrial membrane, which further led to cytochrome c release and cell death. On the other hand, knocking down BimEL expression prevented mHtt-induced cell death. Taken together, these findings suggest that BimEL is a key element in regulating mHtt-induced cell death. A model depicting the role of BimEL in linking mHtt-induced ER stress and proteasome dysfunction to cell death is proposed. [source] Inter-hemispheric inhibition is impaired in mirror dystoniaEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 8 2009S. Beck Abstract Surround inhibition, a neural mechanism relevant for skilled motor behavior, has been shown to be deficient in the affected primary motor cortex (M1) in patients with focal hand dystonia (FHD). Even in unilateral FHD, however, electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies have provided evidence for bilateral M1 abnormalities. Clinically, the presence of mirror dystonia, dystonic posturing when the opposite hand is moved, also suggests abnormal interhemispheric interaction. To assess whether a loss of inter-hemispheric inhibition (IHI) may contribute to the reduced surround inhibition, IHI towards the affected or dominant M1 was examined in 13 patients with FHD (seven patients with and six patients without mirror dystonia, all affected on the right hand) and 12 right-handed, age-matched healthy controls (CON group). IHI was tested at rest and during three different phases of a right index finger movement in a synergistic, as well as in a neighboring, relaxed muscle. There was a trend for a selective loss of IHI between the homologous surrounding muscles in the phase 50 ms before electromyogram onset in patients with FHD. Post hoc analysis revealed that this effect was due to a loss of IHI in the patients with FHD with mirror dystonia, while patients without mirror dystonia did not show any difference in IHI modulation compared with healthy controls. We conclude that mirror dystonia may be due to impaired IHI towards neighboring muscles before movement onset. However, IHI does not seem to play a major role in the general pathophysiology of FHD. [source] Patients with Epstein Barr virus-positive lymphomas have decreased CD4+ T-cell responses to the viral nuclear antigen 1INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 12 2008Kevin N. Heller Abstract Epstein Barr virus (EBV) causes lymphomas in immune competent and, at increased frequencies, in immune compromised patients. In the presence of an intact immune system, EBV-associated lymphomas express in most cases only 3 or fewer EBV antigens at the protein level, always including the nuclear antigen 1 of EBV (EBNA1). EBNA1 is a prominent target for EBV-specific CD4+ T cell and humoral immune responses in healthy EBV carriers. Here we demonstrate that patients with EBV-associated lymphomas, primarily Hodgkin's lymphoma, lack detectable EBNA1-specific CD4+ T-cell responses and have slightly altered EBNA1-specific antibody titers at diagnosis. In contrast, the majority of EBV-negative lymphoma patients had detectable IFN, expression and proliferation by CD4+ T cells in response to EBNA1, and carry EBNA1-specific immunoglobulins at levels similar to healthy virus carriers. Other EBV antigens, which were not present in the tumors, were recognized in less EBV positive, than negative lymphoma patients, but detectable responses reached similar CD8+ T cell frequencies in both cohorts. Patients with EBV-positive and -negative lymphomas did not differ in T-cell responses in influenza-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation and in antibody titers against tetanus toxoid. These data suggest a selective loss of EBNA1-specific immune control in EBV-associated lymphoma patients, which should be targeted for immunotherapy of these malignancies. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Changes in oxidative balance in rat pericytes exposed to diabetic conditionsJOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 1 2004A. Manea Abstract Recent data indicate that the oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy and accelerated atherosclerosis. In diabetic retinopathy, it was demonstrated a selective loss of pericytes accompanied by capillary basement membrane thickening, increased permeability and neovascularization. This study was designed to investigate the role of diabetic conditions such as high glucose, AGE-Lysine, and angiotensin II in the modulation of antioxidant enzymes activities, glutathione level and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in pericytes. The activity of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total glutathione (GSH) was measured spectrophotometrically. The production of ROS was detected by spectrofluorimetry and fluorescence microscopy after loading the cells with 2,-7, dichlorofluoresceine diacetate; as positive control H2O2 was used. Intracellular calcium was determined using Fura 2 AM assay. The results showed that the cells cultured in high glucose alone, do not exhibit major changes in the antioxidant enzyme activities. The presence of AGE-Lys or Ang II induced the increase of SOD activity. Their combination decreased significantly GPx activity and GSH level. Athree times increase in ROS production and a significant impairment of intracellular calcium homeostasis was detected in cells cultured in the presence of the three pro-diabetic agents used. In conclusion, our data indicate that diabetic conditions induce in pericytes: (i) an increase of ROS and SOD activity, (ii) a decrease in GPx activity and GSH level, (iii) a major perturbation of the intracellular calcium homeostasis. The data may explain the structural and functional abnormalities of pericytes characteristic for diabetic retinopathy. [source] To go or not to go: Migration of human mesenchymal progenitor cells stimulated by isoforms of PDGFJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2004Jörg Fiedler Abstract The recruitment of mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) and their subsequent differentiation to osteoblasts is mandatory for bone development, remodeling, and repair. To study the possible involvement of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoforms, primary human MPCs and osteogenic differentiated progenitor cells (dOB) were examined for chemotaxic response to homodimeric human platelet-derived growth factor AA, -BB, and heterodimeric PDGF-AB. The role of PDGF receptors was addressed by preincubation with PDGF receptor alpha and beta chain specific antibodies. Migration of MPCs, dOB, and primary osteoblasts (OB) was stimulated by the addition of rhPDGF-AA, rhPDGF-BB, and rhPDGF-AB. The effect was highest in MPCs and for rhPDGF-BB, and declining with osteogenic differentiation. Preincubation with the receptor alpha specific antibody decreased the CI to borderline values while pretreatment with the receptor beta specific antibody led to a complete loss of chemotactic response to PDGF isoforms. In control experiments, basal migration values and rhBMP-2 as well as rxBMP-4 induced chemotaxis of MPC were not influenced by the addition of receptor alpha or beta antibodies. Interestingly, without preincubation the parallel exposure of MPC to rhTGF-,1 instantaneously leads to a selective loss of migratory stimulation by rhPDGF-AA. The chemotactic effect of PDGF isoforms for primary human MPCs and the influence of osteogenic differentiation suggest a functional role for recruitment of MPCs during bone development and remodeling. Moreover, these observations may be useful for novel approaches towards guided tissue regeneration or tissue engineering of bone. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A study of gross, histological and blood biochemical changes in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), with rainbow trout gastroenteritis (RTGE)JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES, Issue 4 2010J Del-Pozo Abstract The mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of rainbow trout gastroenteritis (RTGE) are still unknown. This study examined the macroscopic and microscopic changes in trout with RTGE (RTGE+), as well as the blood chemistry. A total of 464 rainbow trout were sampled from 11 sites in the UK, comprising 152 RTGE+ fish and 330 random, apparently healthy fish. A case definition for RTGE was assessed by the analysis of its agreement with three laboratory tests: histopathology, packed cell volume and kidney bacteriology. Cluster analysis indicated the presence of three distinct presentations within the population of RTGE+ fish. Cluster A included gross signs associated with moribund RTGE+ fish, and clusters B and C identified gross signs consistent with concurrent diseases, notably furunculosis, enteric redmouth and proliferative kidney disease. The information gained was used to select RTGE+ fish without concurrent disease for the analysis of RTGE pathogenesis with blood biochemistry. This analysis revealed a severe osmotic imbalance and a reduced albumin/globulin ratio as indicatives of selective loss of albumin. These findings are compatible with a protein losing enteropathy. [source] Loss of metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated regulation of glutamate transport in chemically activated astrocytes in a rat model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosisJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2006Céline Vermeiren Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a selective loss of motor neurones accompanied by intense gliosis in lesioned areas of the brain and spinal cord. Glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity resulting from impaired astroglial uptake constitutes one of the current pathophysiological hypotheses explaining the progression of the disease. In this study, we examined the regulation of glutamate transporters by type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR5) in activated astrocytes derived from transgenic rats carrying an ALS-related mutated human superoxide dismutase 1 (hSOD1G93A) transgene. Cells from transgenic animals and wild-type littermates showed similar expression of glutamate,aspartate transporter and glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) after in vitro activation, whereas cells carrying the hSOD1 mutation showed a three-fold higher expression of functional mGluR5, as observed in the spinal cord of end-stage animals. In cells from wild-type animals, (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) caused an immediate protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent up-regulation of aspartate uptake that reflected the activation of GLT-1. Although this effect was mimicked in both cultures by direct activation of PKC using phorbol myristate acetate, DHPG failed to up-regulate aspartate uptake in cells derived from the transgenic rats. The failure of activated mGluR5 to increase glutamate uptake in astrocytes derived from this animal model of ALS supports the theory of glutamate excitotoxicity in the pathogenesis of the disease. [source] Oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of experimental diabetic neuropathyJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2003P. A. Low We evaluated the effects of chronic hyperglycemia on L5 DRG neurons. Experimental diabetic neuropathy (EDN) was induced by streptozotocin. We studied peripheral nerve after 1, 3, 12 months of diabetes. A conduction deficit was present from the first month and persisted over 12 months, affecting mainly sensory fibers. 8-Hydroxy-deoxyguanosine labeling was significantly increased at all time points in DRG neurons, indicating oxidative injury. Caspase-3 labeling was increased at all three time-points, indicating commitment to the efferent limb of the apoptotic pathway. Apoptosis was confirmed by a significant increase in the percent of neurons undergoing apoptosis (TUNEL staining) at 1 month (8%), 3 months (7%) and 12 months (11%). Morphometry of DRG showed a selective loss (42%) of the largest neurons. These findings support the concept that oxidative stress leads to oxidative injury of DRG neurons, with mitochondrium as a specific target, leading to apoptosis and a predominantly sensory neuropathy. [source] Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Neurotrophin-3, and Neurotrophin-4/5 Prevent the Death of Striatal Projection Neurons in a Rodent Model of Huntington's DiseaseJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2000Esther Pérez-Navarro Abstract: Intrastriatal injection of quinolinate has been proven to be a very useful animal model to study the pathogenesis and treatment of Huntington's disease. To determine whether growth factors of the neurotrophin family are able to prevent the degeneration of striatal projection neurons, cell lines expressing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), or neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5) were grafted in the adult rat striatum before quinolinate injection. Three days after lesioning, ongoing cell death was assessed by in situ detection of DNA fragmentation. In animals grafted with the control cell line, quinolinate injection induced a gradual cell loss that was differentially prevented by intrastriatal grafting of BDNF-, NT-3-, or NT-4/5-secreting cells. Seven days after lesioning, we characterized striatal projection neurons that were protected by neurotrophins. Quinolinate injection, alone or in combination with the control cell line, induced a selective loss of striatal projection neurons. Grafting of a BDNF-secreting cell line prevented the loss of all types of striatal projection neurons analyzed. Glutamic acid decarboxylase 67-, preproenkephalin-, and preprotachykinin A- but not prodynorphin-expressing neurons were protected by grafting of NT-3- or NT-4/5-secreting cells but with less efficiency than the BDNF-secreting cells. Our findings show that neurotrophins are able to promote the survival of striatal projection neurons in vivo and suggest that BDNF might be beneficial for the treatment of striatonigral degenerative disorders, including Huntington's disease. [source] Iron accelerates the conversion of dopamine-oxidized intermediates into melanin and provides protection in SH-SY5Y cellsJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 1 2005Yasuhiko Izumi Abstract Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN), and it has been suggested that dopamine is one of the main endogenous toxins in the genesis of PD. We demonstrated that thiol antioxidants (the reduced form of glutathione, N -acetyl-L-cysteine, and L-cysteine), which conjugate with one dopamine oxidation intermediate, o -quinone, provided almost complete protection from dopamine-mediated toxicity in SH-SY5Y, a human neuroblastoma cell line. In contrast, catalase partially provided protection against cell death caused by dopamine. These data suggest that the generation of dopamine oxidation intermediates, rather than hydrogen peroxide, plays a pivotal role in dopamine-induced toxicity. Iron accumulated in the SN of patients with PD can cause dopaminergic neuronal degeneration by enhancing oxidative stress. However, we found that iron reduced the total amounts of dopamine oxidation intermediates and enhanced the formation of melanin, a final product of dopamine oxidation. Also, addition of iron inhibited dopamine-induced cytotoxicity. These results suggest that iron can provide protection when it accelerates the conversion of dopamine oxidation intermediates. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] p -quinone mediates 6-hydroxydopamine-induced dopaminergic neuronal death and ferrous iron accelerates the conversion of p -quinone into melanin extracellularlyJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 6 2005Yasuhiko Izumi Abstract Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), a dopaminergic neurotoxin, is detected in human brains and the urine of PD patients. Using SH-SY5Y, a human neuroblastoma cell line, we demonstrated that 6-OHDA toxicity was determined by the amount of p -quinone produced in 6-OHDA auto-oxidation rather than by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Glutathione (GSH), which conjugated with p -quinone, provided significant protection whereas catalase, which detoxified hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions, failed to block cell death caused by 6-OHDA. Although iron accumulated in the SN of patients with PD can cause dopaminergic neuronal degeneration by enhancing oxidative stress, we found that extracellular ferrous iron promoted the formation of melanin and reduced the amount of p -quinone. The addition of ferrous iron to the culture medium inhibited caspase-3 activation and apoptotic nuclear morphologic changes and blocked 6-OHDA-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells and primary cultured mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. These data suggested that generation of p -quinone played a pivotal role in 6-OHDA-induced toxicity and extracellular iron in contrast to intracellular iron was protective rather than harmful because it accelerated the conversion of p -quinone into melanin. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Models of Parkinson's diseaseMOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 7 2003Michael Orth MD Abstract Parkinson's disease (PD) is a heterogenous disease likely to be caused by more than one specific aetiological factor. In rare familial cases of PD with similar clinical features to the idiopathic form of the disease, the underlying genetic cause has been identified. These PD-associated genes have been manipulated to create animal and cell culture models of the disease that have helped to further our understanding of the pathogenesis of PD, particularly concerning causes of the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons at the molecular level. In addition, these models will aid the future development of rational therapeutic strategies. This study briefly reviews toxin-induced models and the genetics of PD. It focuses on recently developed animal models of PD, as well as in vitro approaches to model the disease. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society [source] Evidence that bcl-2 is the Target of Three Photosensitizers that Induce a Rapid Apoptotic Response,PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2001David Kessel ABSTRACT We originally proposed that the subcellular target for one class of photosensitizing agents was the mitochondrion. This classification was based on effects that occur within minutes of irradiation of photosensitized cells: rapid loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential (,,m), release of cytochrome c into the cytosol and activation of caspase-3. These effects were followed by the appearance of an apoptotic morphology within 30,90 min. Fluorescence localization studies on three sensitizers initially classified as ,mitochondrial' revealed that these agents bind to a variety of intracellular membranes. The earliest detectable effect of photodamage is the selective loss of the antiapoptotic protein bcl-2 leaving the proapoptotic protein bax undamaged. Bcl-2 photodamage can be detected directly after irradiation of cells at 10°C. Subsequent warming of cultures to 37°C results in loss of ,,m, release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase-3. The latter appears to amplify the other two effects. Based on results reported here we propose that the apoptotic response to these photosensitizers is derived from selective photodamage to the antiapoptotic protein bcl-2 while leaving the proapoptotic protein bax unaffected. [source] Modulation by phytochrome of the blue light-induced extracellular acidification by leaf epidermal cells of pea (Pisum sativum L.): a kinetic analysisTHE PLANT JOURNAL, Issue 5 2000J. Theo M. Elzenga Summary Blue light induces extracellular acidification, a prerequisite of cell expansion, in epidermis cells of young pea leaves, by stimulation of the proton pumping-ATPase activity in the plasma membrane. A transient acidification, reaching a maximum 2.5,5 min after the start of the pulse, could be induced by pulses as short as 30 msec. A pulse of more than 3000 ,mol m,2 saturated this response. Responsiveness to a second light pulse was recovered with a time constant of about 7 min. The fluence rate-dependent lag time and sigmoidal increase of the acidification suggested the involvement of several reactions between light perception and activation of the ATPase. In wild-type pea plants, the fluence response relation for short light pulses was biphasic, with a component that saturates at low fluence and one that saturates at high fluence. The phytochrome-deficient mutant pcd2 showed a selective loss of the high-fluence component, suggesting that the high-fluence component is phytochrome-dependent and the low-fluence component is phytochrome-independent. Treatment with the calmodulin inhibitor W7 also led to the elimination of the phytochrome-dependent high-fluence component. Simple models adapted from the one used to simulate blue light-induced guard cell opening failed to explain one or more elements of the experimental data. The hypothesis that phytochrome and a blue light receptor interact in a short-term photoresponse is endorsed by model calculations based upon a three-step signal transduction cascade, of which one component can be modulated by phytochrome. [source] Environmental neurotoxin-induced progressive model of parkinsonism in ratsANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 1 2010Wei-Bin Shen PhD Objective Exposure to a number of drugs, chemicals, or environmental factors can cause parkinsonism. Epidemiologic evidence supports a causal link between the consumption of flour made from the washed seeds of the plant Cycas micronesica by the Chamorro population of Guam and the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism dementia complex. Methods We now report that consumption of washed cycad flour pellets by Sprague-Dawley male rats induces progressive parkinsonism. Results Cycad-fed rats displayed motor abnormalities after 2 to 3 months of feeding such as spontaneous unilateral rotation, shuffling gait, and stereotypy. Histological and biochemical examination of brains from cycad-fed rats revealed an initial decrease in the levels of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum (STR), followed by neurodegeneration of dopaminergic (DAergic) cell bodies in the substantia nigra (SN) pars compacta (SNc). ,-Synuclein (,-syn; proteinase K-resistant) and ubiquitin aggregates were found in the DAergic neurons of the SNc and neurites in the STR. In addition, we identified ,-syn aggregates in neurons of the locus coeruleus and cingulate cortex. No loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord was found after chronic consumption of cycad flour. In an organotypic slice culture of the rat SN and the striatum, an organic extract of cycad causes a selective loss of dopamine neurons and ,-syn aggregates in the SN. Interpretation Cycad-fed rats exhibit progressive behavioral, biochemical, and histological hallmarks of parkinsonism, coupled with a lack of fatality. ANN NEUROL 2010;68:70,80 [source] The regulation of veratridine-stimulated electrogenic ion transport in mouse colon by neuropeptide Y (NPY), Y1 and Y2 receptorsBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 5 2005Niall P Hyland Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a prominent enteric neuropeptide with prolonged antisecretory effects in mammalian intestine. Veratridine depolarises neurons consequently causing epithelial anion secretion across mouse colon mucosa. Our aim was to characterise functionally, veratridine-stimulated mucosal responses and to determine the roles for NPY, Y1, and Y2 receptors in modulating these neurogenic effects. Colon mucosae (with intact submucous innervation) from wild-type mice (+/+) and knockouts lacking either NPY (NPY,/,), Y1,/, or Y2,/, were placed in Ussing chambers and voltage clamped at 0 mV. Veratridine-stimulated short-circuit current (Isc) responses in +/+, Y1 or Y2 antagonist pretreated +/+ colon, Y1,/, and NPY,/, colon were insensitive to cholinergic blockade by atropine (At; 1 ,M) and hexamethonium (Hex; 10 ,M). Tetrodotoxin (TTX, 100 nM) abolished veratridine responses, but had no effect upon carbachol (CCh) or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-induced secretory responses. To establish the functional roles for Y1 and Y2 receptors, +/+ tissues were pretreated with either the Y1 or Y2 receptor antagonist (BIBO3304 (300 nM) or BIIE0246 (1 ,M), respectively) and veratridine responses were compared with those from Y1,/, or Y2,/, colon. Neither BIBO3304 nor Y1,/, altered veratridine-induced secretion, but Y1 agonist responses were abolished in both preparations. In contrast, the Y2 antagonist BIIE0246 significantly amplified veratridine responses in +/+ mucosa. Unexpectedly, NPY,/, colon exhibited significantly attenuated veratridine responses (between 1 and 5 min). We demonstrate that electrogenic veratridine responses in mouse colon are noncholinergic and that NPY can act directly upon epithelia, a Y1 receptor effect. The enhanced veratridine response observed in +/+ tissue following BIIE0246, indicates that Y2 receptors are located on submucosal neurons and that their activation by NPY will inhibit enteric noncholinergic secretory neurotransmission. We also demonstrate Y1 and Y2 receptor-mediated antisecretory tone in +/+ colon and show selective loss of each in Y1 and Y2 null colon respectively. In NPY,/, tissue, only Y1 -mediated tone was present, this presumably being mediated by endogenous endocrine peptide YY. Y2 tone was absent from NPY,/, (and Y2,/,) colon and we conclude that NPY activation of neuronal Y2 receptors attenuates secretory neurotransmission thereby providing an absorptive electrolyte tone in isolated colon. British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 712,722. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706368 [source] Segmentation of FD-OCT images shows selective loss of inner retinal layers in patients with DM and no or early DRACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009FD VERBRAAK Purpose Determine whether diabetes differentially affects specific retinal layers by comparing the thickness of six retinal layers in diabetic patients with no or minimal diabetic retinopathy (DR) to age- and gender-matched normal controls. Methods Forty-four patients with type 1 diabetes and no or minimal DR underwent full ophthalmic examination, stereoscopic fundus photographs and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Following automated segmentation of intraretinal layers of the OCT images, mean thickness was calculated for 6 individual layers of the retina in the fovea, the pericentral area and the peripheral area of the central macula and compared to an age- and gender-matched control group. Results In type 1 diabetic patients with minimal DR, the retinal nerve fiber layer (p=0.00) and the ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer (p=0.02) were significantly thinner compared to age- and gender-matched controls. No other layers showed a significant difference. Conclusion Thinning of the total retina in diabetic patients with minimal DR relative to normal controls is due to a selective thinning of inner retinal layers and supports the concept that early DR includes a neuro-degenerative component. 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