MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Brain Research Bulletin' source. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:43:00 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645082&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22274401%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: de Oliveira MR, da Rocha RF, Pasquali MA, Moreira JC Abstract Even though vitamin A has been viewed as an antioxidant molecule, recent findings demonstrate that such vitamin elicits pro-oxidant effects in vivo. Moreover, vitamin A supplements utilization may increase mortality rates among healthy subjects. However, the mechanism by which vitamin A elicits such effects remains to be better analyzed. In this regard, we investigated here the consequences of vitamin A supplementation at 500, 1000, or 2500IU/kgday(-1) for 3 months on adult rat substantia nigra and striatum total and mitochondrial redox state (both oxidative and nitrosative stress markers), electron transfer chain activity, monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme activity, endoplasmic reticulum stress marker (BiP), α- a... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645082 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5645082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5607705&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22248440%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chong SL, Claussen CM, Dafny N Abstract Methylphenidate (MPD) is a psychostimulant that enhances dopaminergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system by using mechanisms similar to cocaine and amphetamine. The mode of action of brain circuitry responsible for an animal's neuronal response to MPD is not fully understood. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) has been implicated in regulating the rewarding effects of psychostimulants. The present study used permanently implanted microelectrodes to investigate the acute and chronic effects of MPD on the firing rates of NAc neuronal units in freely behaving rats. On experimental day 1 (ED1), following a saline injection (control), a 30min baseline neuronal recording was obtained immediately followed by a 2.5mg/kg i.p. MPD inject... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5607705 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5607705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5607707&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22245028%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study we evaluated the potential relationship between energetic impairment, excitotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat striatal slices exposed to quinolinic acid (QA; as an excitotoxic model), 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP; as an inhibitor of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase), as well as a combined model produced by the co-administration of these two toxins at subtoxic concentrations. We took advantage of the direct antioxidant/scavenger properties of Probucol in order to investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mediating the toxicity of both compounds alone or in association. Experiments with MK-801 (a NMDA type glutamate receptor antagonist) and succinate (an energy precursor agent) were also performed in an attempt to better comprehend the mechanisms of damage... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5607707 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5607707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5607708&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22245027%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of the present work was to verify the presence of unbound TAK-285 in the rat brain after oral administration by a microdialysis technique with simultaneous sampling of blood and brain. In a pilot microdialysis experiment no detectable amount of TAK-285 was found in the brain dialysate samples after oral administration of the drug (50mg/kg). A conventional pharmacokinetic study was performed simultaneously with the pilot microdialysis study using the same dosing suspension. TAK-285 was detected in the brain even at the last time point when the samples were taken from the animal at the end-point of the microdialysis experiment. The apparent absence of TAK-285 in blood and brain dialysate samples might be explained by a very low recovery of microdialysis probes for TAK-285 and/o... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5607708 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5607708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5607706&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22245534%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jacquelin C, Strazielle C, Lalonde R Abstract Homozygous Dab1(scm) mutants with cell ectopias in cerebellar cortex, hippocampus, and neocortex were compared with non-ataxic heterozygous and wild-type controls in spontaneous alternation and Morris water maze tests. Although there were no group differences in alternation rates, wild-type and heterozygote groups alternated above chance levels, whereas homozygous Dab1(scm) mutants did not. In the Morris water maze, Dab1(scm) mutants were impaired in both hidden and visible platform subtests. The deficits in spontaneous alternation and water maze measures reproduce the phenotype previously described in Reln(rl-Orl) mutants, attributed to disturbance of the same molecular pathway involving reelin. PMID: 22245534 [PubMed - as... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5607706 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5607706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5607709&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22240273%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Morecraft RJ, Stilwell-Morecraft KS, Cipolloni PB, Ge J, McNeal DW, Pandya DN Abstract The cytoarchitecture and cortical connections of the anterior cingulate, medial and dorsal premotor, and precentral region are investigated using the Nissl and NeuN staining method and the fluorescent retrograde tract tracing technique. There is a gradual stepwise laminar change in the cytoarchitectonic organization from the proisocortical anterior cingulate region, through the lower and upper banks of the cingulate sulcus, to the dorsolateral isocortical premotor and precentral motor regions of the frontal lobe. These changes are characterized by a gradational emphasis on the lower stratum layers (V and VI) in the proisocortical cingulate region to the upper stratum layers (II and III) ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5607709 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5607709 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5581929&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22230108%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: MyÅ›liÅ„ska D, PluciÅ„ska K, Glac W, Wrona D Abstract The present study indicates that a chronic 14 day electrical stimulation of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) increased blood but not spleen natural killer cell (NK) cytotoxicity and a large granular lymphocyte (LGL) number. These immune changes positively correlated with the increased activity in brain cortical and subcortical motor structures that influence the BST stimulation-induced behavioral response. No significant changes in blood and spleen leukocyte population numbers and plasma corticosterone concentration after the stimulation were found. The obtained results suggest that this immunoenhancing effect on blood NK cell function and number is dependent on the behavioral outcome of the BST stimulation... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5581929 Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5581929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5570194&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22214603%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hasan Mohajeri M, Peter Giese K Abstract A large number of genome-wide association studies have linked missense mutations, mutations altering the amino acid sequence of proteins, with cognitive impairment in humans. However, these studies are correlative. As there may be multiple mutations for one particular patient, it is essential to address the functional impact of a missense mutation in a model system. The most suitable model system is the generation of knock-in mice with the homologous missense mutation followed by behavioural phenotyping. Here, we review selected mutants demonstrating an impact of single mutations on learning and memory in mice and discuss the relevance of such studies for understanding the role of these polymorphisms in human behaviour. We conclude ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5570194 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5570194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541293&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22192876%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Li X, Li G, Xu H, Tang X, Gao Y, Xu C, Liu S, Xie J, Tu G, Peng H, Qiu S, Liang S Abstract Neuropathic pain is caused by the peripheral or central nervous system structure damage or dysfunction. VEGF is involved in nociception and inflammation. VEGF may target VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) on the surface of neurons. P2X(2/3) receptors play a crucial role in facilitating pain transmission at the spinal sites. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats were used as neuropathic pain model. Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into sham group, anti-recombinant VEGF antibody group with phosphate-buffer saline (anti-rVEGF+PBS group), CCI rats treated with phosphate-buffer saline group (CCI+PBS group) and CCI rats treated with anti-recombinant VEGF antibody group (CCI+anti-rVEG... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541293 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541294&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22178644%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Basselin M, Ramadan E, Rapoport SI Abstract The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), important second messengers in brain, are released from membrane phospholipid following receptor-mediated activation of specific phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) enzymes. We developed an in vivo method in rodents using quantitative autoradiography to image PUFA incorporation into brain from plasma, and showed that their incorporation rates equal their rates of metabolic consumption by brain. Thus, quantitative imaging of unesterified plasma AA or DHA incorporation into brain can be used as a biomarker of brain PUFA metabolism and neurotransmission. We have employed our method to image and quantify effects of mood stabilizer... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541294 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541295&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22178354%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we examined the effect of unilateral high frequency stimulation (HFS) of the ANT on amygdala-kindled seizures in Wistar rats. When fully-kindled seizures were achieved by daily amygdala kindling, HFS (15min train of 100μs pulses at 200Hz and 450-800μA) was delivered to the ipsilateral or contralateral ANT immediately before the kindling stimulation for 15 days. HFS of the ipsilateral ANT significantly decreased the incidence of generalized seizures and the mean behavioral seizure stage and afterdischarge duration (ADD), and shortened cumulative ADD and cumulative generalized seizure duration. Furthermore, HFS of the ipsilateral ANT significantly increased the afterdischarge threshold (ADT). Our data suggest that unilateral HFS of the ANT may be an effective method of inhib... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541295 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5519414&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22173062%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nathaniel TI, Huber R, Panksepp J Abstract A repeated injection of cocaine regime is known to induce complex locomotion alterations in both vertebrate and invertebrate models of drug addiction. However, the specific effect of cocaine on behaviorally distinct locomotion and non locomotion parameters is not well known. The present experiments determined whether cocaine has distinct effect on multifarious locomotor activity of crayfish (Orconectes rusticus). Following repeated injections of 2.5μg/g or 10.0μg/g dose of cocaine for three days, videotaped recordings of locomotion were analyzed to determine whether repeated injections of cocaine produced distinct effect on multifarious locomotor activity of crayfish. Cocaine decreased immobility in day 1 when compared with sali... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5519414 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5519414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5519417&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22155548%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Stewart AM, Desmond D, Kyzar E, Gaikwad S, Roth A, Riehl R, Collins C, Monnig L, Green J, Kalueff AV Abstract Epilepsy is a complex brain disorder with multiple underlying causes and poorly understood pathogenetic mechanisms. Animal models have been indispensable tools in experimental epilepsy research. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are rapidly emerging as a promising model organism to study various brain disorders. Seizure-like behavioral and neurophysiological responses can be evoked in larval and adult zebrafish by various pharmacological and genetic manipulations, collectively emphasizing the growing utility of this model for studying epilepsy. Here, we discuss recent developments in using zebrafish models to study the seizure-like behavior involved in epilepsy, outlining cu... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5519417 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5519417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5519416&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22155686%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Escudero C, Casas S, Giuliani F, Bazzocchini V, García S, Yunes R, Cabrera R Abstract In this work we investigated how the neurosteroid allopregnanolone can modulate learning and memory processes. For this purpose, we used ovariectomized (OVX) rats subcutaneously injected with oestradiol benzoate (E) alone or E and progesterone (P). Then, rats were injected in dorsal hippocampus with allopregnanolone or vehicle. Animals were tested in inhibitory avoidance task (IA task). After behavioural test hippocampal mRNA expression and enzymatic activity of 3α-HOR, the enzyme responsible of allopregnanolone synthesis, were analysed. In IA task OVX-EP rats spent less time on platform, compared to those OVX or OVX-E. Regression analyses revealed that there was a significant negative ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5519416 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5519416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5519415&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22155687%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, an endogenous DA tone may act on D(3) receptors to inhibit TIDA neuron activity and in turn stimulate the PRL surge in the afternoon of OVX+E(2) rats. PMID: 22155687 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Brain Research Bulletin) Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5519415 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5519415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5519413&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22173063%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lewis PA, Cookson MR Abstract The study of gene expression has undergone a transformation in the past decade as the benefits of the sequencing of the human genome have made themselves felt. Increasingly, genome wide approaches are being applied to the analysis of gene expression in human disease as a route to understanding the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. In this review, we will summarise current state of gene expression studies of the brain in Parkinson's disease, and examine how these techniques can be used to gain an insight into aetiology of this devastating disorder. PMID: 22173063 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Brain Research Bulletin) Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5519413 Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5519413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5519419&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22155282%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nguyen VH, Verdurand M, Dedeurwaerdere S, Wang H, Zahra D, Gregoire MC, Zavitsanou K Abstract Cannabis use has been shown to alter brain metabolism in both rat models and humans although the observations between both species are conflicting. In the present study, we examined the short term effects of a single-dose injection of the synthetic cannabinoid agonist HU210 on glucose metabolism in the rat brain using small animal (18)F-2-fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) 15min (Day 1) and 24h (Day 2) post-injection of the agonist in the same animal. Young adult male Wistar rats received an intra-peritoneal injection of HU210 (100μg/kg, n=7) or vehicle (n=5) on Day 1. Approximately 1mCi of (18)F-FDG was injected intravenously into each animal at 15min (... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5519419 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5519419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5519418&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22155297%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Choi DY, Lee YJ, Hong JT Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease and most common cause of dementia. However, there is no known way to halt or cure the neurodegenerative disease. Oxidative stress is a cardinal hallmark of the disease and has been considered as therapeutic target for AD treatment. Several factors may contribute to oxidative stress in AD brains. First, mitochondrion is a key player that produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondrial dysfunction found in AD patients may exaggerate generation of ROS and oxidative stress. Second, amyloid-beta peptide generates ROS in the presence of metal ions such as Fe(2+) and Cu(2+). Third, activated glial cells in AD brains may produce excessive amount of superoxide and nitric... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5519418 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5519418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5499976&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22142972%26dopt%3DAbstract This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Transcriptome'. PMID: 22142972 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Brain Research Bulletin) Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5499976 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5499976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5499975&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22142973%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hall AM, Roberson ED Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, affecting 35 million people today. The search for new treatments is made ever more urgent by prospects for increasing prevalence due to population aging. Mouse models are one of the most important research tools for finding new treatments for AD. Here, we review those models. We begin by briefly reviewing the AD genetics on which mouse models are based and then consider the most common mouse models of AD, including mice transgenic for human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP) and beta-amyloid (Aβ), mice expressing mutant presenilin genes, mice modeling tau's role in AD, and apolipoprotein E models. The discussion highlights key features and important differences between these mouse m... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5499975 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5499975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5499978&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22138197%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Eyigor O, CoÅŸkun C, Cavun S, Savcı V Abstract The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of intravenous (i.v.) cytidine-5'-diphosphate (CDP)-choline administration on the activation of oxytocin and vasopressin neurons in the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular nuclei (PVN), using the immunohistochemical identification of c-Fos expression as a marker of neuronal activation and to correlate this with the plasma hormone levels. Rats were catheterized under sevofluorane anesthesia and experiments were conducted 24h later. Blood samples were withdrawn from arterial catheter at 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 60min after CDP-choline (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0g/kg; i.v.) or saline (1.0ml/kg; i.v.) for the measurement of plasma oxytocin and vasopressin levels by radioimmunoassay. Anima... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5499978 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5499978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5499977&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22138198%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Witte V, Flöel A Abstract The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene has attracted strong neuroscientific interest due to its implication in dopaminergic neurotransmission. One of its most widely studied variations comprises a common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), a valine-to-methionine substitution at codon 158 (COMT Val158Met), which has been associated with various cognitive phenotypes, psychiatric disorders and changes in brain activation and structure. This review first gives an overview of recent findings on the effect of COMT Val158Met carrier status on behavioral and imaging correlates of brain function. Here, we highlight not only commonalities but also disparate findings and open questions, and identify possible causal factors including gender effects, ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5499977 Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5499977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5499981&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22127323%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Grassi S, Frondaroli A, Scarduzio M, Dieni CV, Brecchia G, Boiti C, Pettorossi VE Abstract We investigated the possible influence of sex and estrous cycle on the synaptic responses of neurons in the medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) and their long-term modifications. In brain stem slices of male and female rats during proestrus (PE) and diestrus (DE), we evaluated the field potential evoked in the MVN by vestibular afferent stimulation. Here we find that in PE females the field potential had a lower threshold and higher amplitude than in DE females and in males and also that the stimulus-response curve was shifted to the left. Such difference is related to the level and cyclic fluctuation of circulating 17β-estradiol (E(2)). This is supported by the exogenous administration... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5499981 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5499981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5499980&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22133920%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Eriksen GS, Jacobsen LM, Mahmood A, Pedersen LM, Gjerstad J Abstract Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an enzyme that metabolizes endocannabinoids and fatty acid amides possibly linked to activation of the opioid system. To examine how this enzyme affects spinal signalling, electrophysiological recordings in the dorsal horn and qPCR on dorsal horn tissue following systemic administration of the FAAH inhibitor URB597 (0.3 and 1.0mg/kg i.v.) and spinal administration of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (0.1μg/μl i.th.), were performed. The present data showed that the suppressive effect of the FAAH inhibitor URB597 (1.0mg/kg i.v.) on the spinal nociceptive responses was prevented by spinal administration of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (0.1μg/μl i.th... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5499980 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5499980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5499979&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22133921%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we assessed the effect of leptin on U87 cells proliferation in vitro and in vivo, elucidating its underlying mechanism. The results showed that leptin significantly promoted U87 tumor cells growth in a time-and-dose-dependent manner. Leptin increased cell DNA synthesis and promoted G(0)/G(1) phase to S phase transition, but without any influence on cell apoptosis. In addition, leptin treatment resulted in phosphorylation of Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription 3 (STAT3) on Tyr705, the key transcription factor in Janus-Activated Kinase (JAK)/STAT3 signaling pathway. All the data suggest that the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway may be involved in promoting U87 glioblastoma growth mediated by leptin, which may be a target for anti-neoplastic treatments for glioblastom... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5499979 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5499979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5499983&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22119731%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study we exposed male Wistar rats to 2000ppm inhaled toluene for 40 days in rats at ages P 28-32 (adolescents) and P 70-75 (adults). The immediate and delayed effects of toluene chronic exposure (immediately after the end of toluene chronic inhalation and 90-day after the end of toluene chronic inhalation, correspondingly) on pyramidal cell loss in adolescent and adult rats was investigated. The results reveal that (i) chronic exposure to 2000ppm of toluene chronic exposure alters the structure of hippocampus in adolescent and adult rats provoking both, immediate and delayed effects; (ii) the character of structural alterations depends upon the postnatal age of testing of the animals. PMID: 22119731 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Brain Research Bulletin) Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5499983 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5499983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5499982&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22119732%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bombardi C Abstract The 5-HT2A receptor subtype (5-HT2Ar) plays an important role in the modulation of the hippocampal region activity and it has been associated with learning and memory processes. In the present study, the 5-HT2Ar was immunohistochemically localized in the rat hippocampal region, which includes the hippocampal formation and the parahippocampal region. In the hippocampal formation (dentate gyrus, hippocampus proper and subiculum) and entorhinal cortex, the colocalization of the 5-HT2Ar with the inhibitory transmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was studied using double immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. The patterns of immunostaining were very different in non-injected and colchicine-injected rats. In untreated rats, the immunoreactivity could be attr... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5499982 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5499982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448163&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22108631%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gulcebi MI, Ketenci S, Linke R, Hacioglu H, Yananli H, Veliskova J, Moshé SL, Onat F, Cavdar S Abstract The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNR) is the ventral subdivision of the substantia nigra and contains mostly GABAergic neurons. The present study explores whether the SNR relates to all dorsal thalamic nuclei equally or just to a particular group of nuclei, such as first or higher-order nuclei. Injections of biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) were made into the SNR of 10 male adult rats. The distribution of anterogradely labelled axon terminals in the thalamic nuclei was documented. The projections of the SNR to the thalamic nuclei were exclusively to some motor higher-order, but not to first-order thalamic relays. There were bilateral projections to the ventromedial... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448163 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5448163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448162&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22108632%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chao OY, Mattern C, De Souza Silva AM, Weßler J, Ruocco LA, Nikolaus S, Huston JP, Pum ME Abstract l-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) remains the most effective drug for therapy of Parkinson's disease. However, the current clinical route of l-DOPA administration is variable and unreliable because of problems with drug absorption and first-pass metabolism. Administration of drugs via the nasal passage has been proven an effective alternate route for a number of medicinal substances. Here we examined the acute behavioral and neurochemical effects of intranasally (IN) applied l-DOPA in rats bearing unilateral lesions of the medial forebrain bundle, with severe depletion (97%) of striatal dopamine. Turning behavior in an open field, footslips on a horizontal grid and postu... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448162 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5448162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448165&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22100333%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lei J, You HJ, Andersen OK, Graven-Nielsen T, Arendt-Nielsen L Abstract The aim of current study was to explore role of gender in pain and cutaneous vasomotor responses during the condition of intramuscular (i.m.) hypertonic (HT, 5.8%) saline induced muscle pain. In 20 healthy human subjects (10 females), 2-4.8ml of either HT or isotonic (IT, 0.9%) saline was infused into the left tibialis anterior muscle to elicit muscle pain, during which the intensity and distribution of pain together with skin vasomotor responses were investigated. Cutaneous blood flow was assessed using laser-Doppler flowmetry in 4 different skin areas: ipsilateral infusion area (5cm×5cm), ipsilateral referred pain area (5cm×10cm), contralateral area to the infusion site (5cm×5cm), and contralatera... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448165 Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5448165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448164&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22100334%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang Z, Peng D, Zhu H, Wang X Abstract EGb761 is a standard extract of Ginkgo biloba, which is a kind of traditional Chinese herbs that has widely used in clinic treatment of stroke in China. However, its effects against ischemic stroke have not been evaluated comprehensively and its neuroprotective mechanism has not really been explored. In the present study, magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), neurological behavior and TTC staining were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of EGb761 in rat ischemic models. Additionally, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were performed to measure the phosphorylations of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and Akt as well as the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in rat brains. The resu... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448164 Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5448164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5429226&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22093690%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we constructed hybrid cells by transferring neuronal nuclei into BMSC cytoplasts and investigated the proliferative capacity and phenotypic characteristics of the hybrid cells. The neuronal nuclei were labeled with Hoechst 33342 before the transfer process, and the cell membrane antigen CD71 was used as a marker of BMSC cytoplasts. The BMSC cytoplasts and neuronal karyoplasts were separated by Ficoll density gradient ultracentrifugation. The hybrid cells were generated by the polyethylene glycol-mediated fusion of BMSC cytoplasts with neuronal karyoplasts. The hybrid cells exhibited Hoechst 33342 staining in their nuclei and CD71 staining on their cytomembranes, which confirmed the success of cell fusion. The hybrid cells were positive for BrdU immunostaining. Viability anal... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5429226 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5429226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5429229&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22085742%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mediavilla C, Mahía J, Bernal A, Puerto A Abstract Taste aversion learning (TAL) is a learning modality in which the animals reject a gustatory stimulus associated with the administration of noxious visceral substances. This learning can be established by concurrent or sequential procedures that involve different anatomical and functional mechanisms and may constitute distinct learning modalities. The dopaminergic system has been related to various learning processes and goal-directed behaviours. The present study examined the effect of the administration of tiapride, a D(2)/D(3) dopaminergic antagonist, on concurrent and sequential TAL. Results obtained showed that pre-treatment with tiapride blocks the acquisition of concurrent TAL but does not affect sequential TAL, in... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5429229 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5429229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5429228&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22085743%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hussien HM, Abdou HM, Yousef MI Abstract The protective effect of sesame oil against cypermethrin-induced brain toxicity was studied. Female rats were orally treated with cypermethrin, sesame oil and their combination for 30 consecutive days. The results showed that cypermethrin increased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and decreased glutathione (GSH) and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes. Brain injury was confirmed by histopathological changes and DNA damage. Also, the reduction in the activities of acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase (AChE & MAO), total protein, albumin and body weight, and the induction in triacylglycerol and cholesterol have been observed due to cypermethrin toxicity. Animals treated with sesame oil and cypermethrin ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5429228 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5429228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5429227&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22085744%26dopt%3DAbstract This study indicates that the Hdh(Q92/Q92) mice may have deficits in aspects of attentional function, in particular disruption in the ability to maintain attention in the visuospatial domain, suggesting that this knock-in mouse model of Huntington's disease may be a relevant model of the disease for the testing of novel therapeutic interventions. PMID: 22085744 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Brain Research Bulletin) Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5429227 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5429227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5429232&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22079503%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Isaev NK, Lozier ER, Novikova SV, Silachev DN, Zorov DB, Stelmashook EV Abstract Zinc chloride (0.02mM, 3h) did not have any influence on the survival of cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) incubated in balanced salt solution (BSS). However, in the absence of glucose ZnCl(2) caused severe neuronal damage, decreasing cell survival to 12±2%. Either the blockade of ionotropic glutamate NMDA-receptors with MK-801 or APV or supplementation the medium with ruthenium red (mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter blocker) almost entirely protected CGNs from the toxic effect of ZnCl(2) during glucose deprivation (GD). However, NBQX (AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor blocker) did not show protective effect. Measurements of intracellular calcium ions concentration using fluorescent probe (Fluo-4 ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5429232 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5429232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5429231&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22079588%26dopt%3DAbstract This study describes the antinociceptive effects of μ-opioid agonists, d-Ala(2),N-Me-Phe(4),Gly(5)-ol-enkephalin (DAMGO) and morphine in a model of rat visceral pain in which nociceptive responses were triggered by 2% acetic acid intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections. DAMGO and morphine were administered i.p., to the same site where acetic acid was delivered or intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.). The antinociceptive actions of i.p. versus i.c.v. administered DAMGO or morphine were evaluated in the late phase of permanent visceral nociceptive responses. Both compounds inhibited the nociceptive responses in a dose-dependent manner and exhibited more potent agonist activity after i.c.v. than i.p. administration. DAMGO and morphine showed comparable ED(50) values after i.p. injections. However, D... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5429231 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5429231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5429230&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22079627%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Azim S, Banday AR, Tabish M Abstract 5-Hydroxytryptamine receptors (HTRs) are coded by seventeen different genes in mouse. One of them is htr4 that codes for the HTR4 receptor, a G-protein coupled receptor containing seven transmembrane domains. In mouse, the gene is reported to contain 6 exons and 5 introns. Our present study reports the presence of four transcript variants of this gene encoding different N-termini. These transcripts are expressed in neuronal as well as non-neuronal tissues of mouse. We have identified five novel coding exons present at the 5' end of the gene which splice with the published internal exon in an alternative manner making a total of five transcripts, four new transcript variants (T1, T2l, T2s and T3) and one published earlier. All five trans... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5429230 Sun, 06 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5429230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5429233&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22075254%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ren YS, Qian NS, Tang Y, Liao YH, Yang YL, Dou KF, Toi M Abstract Neuropathic pain is one of the most common chronic complications of diabetes, of which the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Expression changes of voltage-gated sodium channels in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are involved in the production of ectopic spontaneous activity. In the present study, we examined the changes of DRG Nav1.6 expression in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes (db/db mice). Db/db mice developed significant and persistent mechanical allodynia from postnatal 2 months compared to the heterozygous littermates (db/+) and C57 mice. Immunofluorescent staining showed that Nav1.6 was highly expressed in the normal DRG (approximately 31.3±5.2% of total DRG neurons), especially in the large-diameter neu... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5429233 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5429233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384296&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22056623%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jerzemowska G, Plucinska K, Kulikowski M, Trojniar W, Wrona D Abstract The present study investigated whether the higher dopaminergic system activation in rats with high (HRs) rather than low (LRs) locomotor activity in response to novelty depend on the number of cells containing the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH(+)) and/or differences in the morphology of these cells. One week after the novelty test, brains from male Wistar rats (HRs and LRs) were collected and stained for TH expression (immunohistochemistry) and for morphological analysis (immunofluorescent staining). The morphology and total number of TH(+) cells was analyzed for each A9 (substantia nigra) and A10 (ventral tegmental area) group of the midbrain dopaminergic cells. We found that HRs had a higher total n... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384296 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384300&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22044943%26dopt%3DAbstract This study provides first evidence that (1) high-glycine can induce plasticity at glutamatergic synapses in CGCs, and (2) that acute NRG1/ErbB-signaling can regulate glutamatergic plasticity in CGCs. Taken together with previous reports, our results suggest that, similar to Schaeffer collateral to CA1 synapses, NRG1 effects are activity dependent and mediated via modulation of synaptic AMPARs. PMID: 22044943 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Brain Research Bulletin) Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384300 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384298&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22051611%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Xu X, Jiang H, Liu H, Zhang W, Xu X, Li Z Abstract The exposure of neurons to high glucose concentrations is considered a determinant of diabetic neuropathy. The extracellular high concentration of glucose can cause neuronal cellular damage. Galanin (Gal) not only plays a role in processing of sensory information but also participates in energy homeostasis and glucoregulation. However, the effects of Gal on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons with high glucose are not clear. Using an in vitro model of high glucose-treated DRG neurons in culture, the effects of Gal on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression, cell viability, apoptosis, expression of Gal and its receptors (GalR1 and GalR2) of DRG neurons were investigated. Neurons were dissociated from embryonic... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384298 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384297&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22051612%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Saraiva AL, Ferreira AP, Silva LF, Hoffmann MS, Dutra FD, Furian AF, Oliveira MS, Fighera MR, Royes LF Abstract Achievements made over the last years have highlighted the important role of creatine in health and disease. However, its effects on hyperexcitable circuit and oxidative damage induced by traumatic brain injury (TBI) are not well understood. In the present study we revealed that severe TBI elicited by fluid percussion brain injury induced oxidative damage characterized by protein carbonylation, thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) increase and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity inhibition 4 and 8 days after neuronal injury. Statistical analysis showed that after TBI creatine supplementation (300mg/kg, p.o.) decreased the levels of protein carbonyl and TBARS but d... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384297 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384295&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22056992%26dopt%3DAbstract We examined whether asymmetry in theta and beta band differentiates the role of the hemispheres during the execution of two different prosacadic conditions: a fixed condition, where the stimulus was presented at the same location; and a random condition, where the stimulus was unpredictable. Twelve healthy volunteers (3 male; mean age: 26.25) performed the task while their brain activity pattern was recorded using quantitative electroencephalography. We did not find any significant difference for beta, slow- and fast-alpha frequencies for the pairs of electrodes analyzed. The results for theta band showed a superiority of the left hemisphere in the frontal region when responding to the random condition on the right, which is related to the planning and selection of responses, and also a gr... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384295 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384294&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22056993%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hasegawa S, Fikre-Merid M, Diksic M Abstract The effects of the administration of the serotonin (5-HT)(2A) antagonist, M100907, on 5-HT synthesis rates, were evaluated using the α-[(14)C]methyl-l-tryptophan (α-MTrp) autoradiographic method. In the treatment study, M100907 (10mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 30min before the α-MTrp injection (30μCi over 2min). A single dose of M100907 caused a significant decrease in the synthesis in the anterior olfactory nucleus, accumbens nucleus, frontal cortex, sensory-motor cortex, cingulate cortex, medial caudate-putamen, dorsal thalamus, substantia nigra, inferior collicus, raphe magnus nucleus, superior olive, and raphe pallidus nucleus. These data suggest that the terminal 5-HT(2A) receptors are involved in the regulation... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384294 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384302&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040859%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cechetti F, Pagnussat AS, Worm PV, Elsner VR, Ben J, da Costa MS, Mestriner R, Weiss SN, Netto CA Abstract Reduction of cerebral blood flow is an important risk factor for dementia states and other brain dysfunctions. In present study, the effects of permanent occlusion of common carotid arteries (2VO), a well established experimental model of brain ischemia, on memory function were investigated, as assessed by reference and working spatial memory protocols and the object recognition task; cell damage to the hippocampus, as measured through changes in immunoreactivity for GFAP and the neuronal marker NeuN was also studied. The working hypothesis is that metabolic impairment following hypoperfusion will affect neuron and glial function and result in functional damage. Adult... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384302 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384301&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22040860%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this study was to investigate the neurophysiological properties of the CN neurons in response to acute and chronic administration of MPD in freely behaving animals, previously implanted with permanent semi microelectrodes. Twenty-six rats were permanently implanted with semi microelectrodes into the CN using general anesthesia. On experimental day one (ED1) the rat was placed into the testing chamber, and neuronal activity was recorded using a wireless (telemetric) headstage device following both a saline and a 2.5mg/kg MPD injection. From ED2 to ED6 daily injections of 2.5mg/kg MPD were administered without recordings to induce a chronic effect of the drug, preceded by three days of washout (ED7-ED9) where no injections were given. On ED10 rats were placed back into the t... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384301 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384299&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22044944%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Xu C, Xu W, Xu H, Xiong W, Gao Y, Li G, Liu S, Xie J, Tu G, Peng H, Qiu S, Liang S Abstract Tissue injury or inflammation of the nervous system may result in chronic neuropathic pain characterized by sensitivity to painful stimuli. P2X(3) receptors play a crucial role in facilitating pain transmission. Puerarin is an active compound of a traditional Chinese medicine Ge-gen, and Ge-gen soup has anti-inflammatory effects. The present research investigated the role of puerarin in the signalling of chronic neuropathic pain mediated by P2X(3) receptors of rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model was adopted. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank control group (Ctrl), sham group (Sham), puerarin-treated control group (Ctrl+PUE)... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384299 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384299 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384303&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22033501%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Toth A, Hajnik T, Detari L Abstract Slow cortical rhythm (SCR) is characterized by rhythmic cycling of active (UP) and silent (DOWN) states in cortical cells. In urethane anesthesia, SCR appears as alternation of almost isoelectrical EEG periods and low-frequency, high-amplitude large shifts with superimposed high-frequency activity in the local field potentials (LFPs). Dense cholinergic projection reaches the cortex from the basal forebrain (BF), and acetylcholine (ACh) has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the regulation of cortical activity. In the present experiments, cholinergic drugs were administered topically to the cortical surface of urethane-anesthetized rats to examine the direct involvement of ACh and the BF cholinergic system in the SCR. SCR was rec... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384303 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5350263&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22024597%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Smith JA, Das A, Ray SK, Banik NL Abstract Microglia are activated in response to a number of different pathological states within the CNS including injury, ischemia, and infection. Microglial activation results in their production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α. While release of these factors is typically intended to prevent further damage to the CNS tissue, they may also be toxic to neurons and other glial cells. Mounting evidence indicates that chronic microglial activation may also contribute to the development and progression neurodegenerative disorders. Unfortunately, determining the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in these disorders has been complicated by their dual roles in neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. The purpose of this... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5350263 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5350263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5350264&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22020131%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Martins EN, Pessano NT, Leal L, Roos DH, Folmer V, Puntel GO, Rocha JB, Aschner M, Avila DS, Puntel RL Abstract Manganese (Mn) is an essential element for biological systems; however occupational exposure to high levels of this metal may lead to neurodegenerative disorders, resembling Parkinson's disease (PD). While its mechanisms of neurotoxicity have yet to be fully understood, oxidative stress plays a critical role. Thus, the main goal of this study was to investigate the efficacy of aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis in attenuating Mn-induced brain oxidative stress in mice. Sixteen male mice were randomly divided into two groups and treated for 3 months: the first group consumed tap water (control group) and the second group was treated with Mn (50mg/kg/day for hab... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5350264 Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5350264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5269132&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21945086%26dopt%3DAbstract This study presents our findings on the extent of neuronal damage in the hippocampal CA1-4 subfields following global (forebrain) cerebral ischemia in rats when using different blood pressure levels (37 vs 45mmHg) and bilateral carotid occlusion durations (8 vs 10min) under isoflurane anesthesia. We observed that global ischemia induced at a blood pressure of 37mmHg resulted in high-grade CA1 neuron injury (>90%) at either duration of carotid occlusion. In contrast, global ischemia induced at a blood pressure of 45mmHg resulted in either high-grade CA1 neuronal loss or a neuronal loss of ≈50% or less. We also noted that a post-reperfusion EEG recovery time (return of burst suppression spikes) of >12min was associated with an 85% rate of high-grade CA1 neuronal injury. Neuronal loss... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5269132 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5269132 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5269131&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21945087%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rummel C, Matsumura K, Luheshi GN Abstract Interleukin-(IL)6 is the most prominent circulating cytokine induced by systemic infection and inflammation, and the main humoral mediator to the brain in fever. We have previously demonstrated that the PG-pathway, the ultimate step in fever generation, is activated by circulating IL-6 by triggering the expression of the rate limiting enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX)2 in the brain. Downstream of COX2, another enzyme, microsomal PG synthase (mPGES)-1 has also been implicated in the inflammatory response but relatively little is known about its role in cytokine mediated inflammation. Here, we investigated for the first time the direct role of circulating IL-6 in brain and peripheral mPGES-1-expression. Rats were either treated with LPS i... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5269131 Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5269131 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5269141&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21930192%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Silva AJ PMID: 21930192 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Brain Research Bulletin) Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5269141 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5269141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5235962&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21925245%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hao L, Zhang Q, Yu T, Yu L, Cheng Y Abstract Heparin is an effective competitive antagonist of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs). It binds to IP(3)Rs and affects calcium homeostasis. Ultra-low-molecular-weight heparin (ULMWH) is heparin's derivative, the present study was designed to test the effects of ULMWH on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) in primary cultured neurons. [Ca(2+)]i was measured by Multilabel Counter Victor-1420 using Fura-2/AM as the calcium fluorescent probe. The results indicated that ULMWH decreased the resting [Ca(2+)]i with or without extracellular Ca(2+). They had no effects on high K(+)-induced elevation of intracellular Ca(2+) level indicating that ULMWH had no effect on external Ca(2+) influx mediated by voltage-depe... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5235962 Sat, 10 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5235962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5235961&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21925574%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Da Silva CZ, Menani JV, Callera JC Abstract GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors activation with agonists muscimol and baclofen, respectively in the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN), induces water and hypertonic NaCl intake in rats. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of previous injections of losartan (AT(1) angiotensin receptor antagonist) into the LPBN on 0.3M NaCl and water intake induced by baclofen injected bilaterally in the same area in fluid replete rats and in rats treated with the diuretic furosemide combined with a low dose of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril injected subcutaneously. Male Wistar rats with stainless steel cannulas implanted bilaterally into the LPBN were used. Bilateral injections of baclofen (0.5nmol/0.2μl, n=... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5235961 Sat, 10 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5235961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5235965&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21924327%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Munoz A, Somogyi GT, Boone TB, Smith CP Abstract Urothelial purinergic receptors are important for the regulation of afferent sensory pathways in bladder pain and overactivity. Using in vivo electrophysiological recordings we evaluated the activity of spinal dorsal horn neurons in female rats at the L6/S1 level when urinary bladder pressure was abruptly increased. Intravesical infusion of ATP and systemic application of suramin allowed us to evaluate the contribution of urothelial purinergic receptors. Rats were anesthetized with isofluorane. Suprapubic, venous and tracheal catheters were implanted. Laminectomy was performed at the L6-S1 spinal levels. The cervical spinal cord was transected, and rats were mechanically pithed. Anesthesia was stopped, rats were ventilated, ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5235965 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5235965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5235964&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21924328%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hong CJ, Liou YJ, Tsai SJ Abstract Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the most abundant neurotrophin in the brain, serves an important role during brain development and in synaptic plasticity. Given its pleiotropic effects in the central nervous system, BDNF has been implicated in cognitive function and personality development as well as the pathogenesis of various psychiatric disorders. Thus, BDNF is considered an attractive candidate gene for the study of healthy and diseased brain function and behaviors. Over the past decade, many studies have tested BDNF genetic association, particularly its functional Val66Met polymorphism, with psychiatric diseases, personality disorders, and cognitive function. Although many reports indicated a possible role for BDNF genetic ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5235964 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5235964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5235963&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21924329%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mao X, Ma P, Cao D, Sun C, Ji Z, Min D, Sun H, Xie N, Cai J, Cao Y Abstract Impaired GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)R), potassium chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) and astrocytes are of particular importance to GABAergic transmission and thus involved in the development of increased seizure susceptibility. The tremor rat (TRM: tm/tm), a genetic mutant discovered in a Kyoto-Wistar colony, can manifest both absence-like seizures and tonic convulsions without any external stimuli. So far, there are no reports that can elucidate the effects of GABA(A)R (α4, γ2 subunit), KCC2 and astrocytes on TRMs. The present study was undertaken to detect the expressions of GABA(A)R α4, GABA(A)R γ2 an... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5235963 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5235963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5223168&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21893168%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhong XL, Lv KR, Zhang Q, Yu JT, Xing YY, Wang ND, Tan L Abstract Brain stimulation with low-frequency is emerging as an alternative treatment for refractory epilepsy. The anterior nucleus thalamus (ANT) is thought to be a key structure in the circuits of seizure generation and propagation. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of low frequency stimulation (LFS) targeting ANT on amygdala-kindled seizures in Sprague-Dawley rats. Electrodes were implanted into the right basolateral amygdala and the right or bilateral ANT of Sprague-Dawley rats. When fully kindled seizures were achieved by daily electrical stimulation of the amygdala, LFS (15min train of 0.1ms pulses at 1Hz and 200-500μA) was applied to the unilateral or bilateral ANT immediately before the kind... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5223168 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5223168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5223167&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21893169%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Li J, Zou Y, Ye JH Abstract Although there is increasing clinical acceptance of acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA) as a treatment of substance abuse-related disorders, our understanding of this treatment remains incomplete. Previous clinical and pre-clinical studies have shown that acupuncture and EA are effective in reducing ethanol consumption. Recent studies have shown that Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats under an intermittent-access two-bottle choice drinking procedure (IE procedure) voluntarily drank high amounts of ethanol. However, an effect of EA on ethanol consumption of the SD rats under this drinking procedure has not been demonstrated. In the present study, we demonstrated that SD rats escalated their ethanol intake and subsequently developed ethanol dependence u... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5223167 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5223167 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5223166&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21893170%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Salari AA, Enayati M, Hosseini MH, Shahi HR, Saki G Abstract Scientific reports suggest that the exposure to long-term stressors throughout or during late gestation increase anxiety- and depression-like behaviors of offspring in their later life. Moreover, several studies concluded that increasing age correlates with increased anxiety behaviors in humans and rodents. In the present study, we assessed the effects of prenatally administration of equal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) doses in various points of late gestation (days 15, 16, and 17) period, on neuroendocrine and immunological responses of pregnant mice, and subsequent long-lasting consequences of anxiety and depression with increasing age in male offspring at postnatal days (PD) 40 and 80. Four hours after the LPS inje... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5223166 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5223166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5223169&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21889580%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kang SY, Kim CY, Roh DH, Yoon SY, Park JH, Lee HJ, Beitz AJ, Lee JH Abstract Spinal astrocytes have emerged as important mechanistic contributors to pathological and chronic pain. Recently, we have demonstrated that injection of diluted bee venom (DBV) into the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint produces a potent anti-nociceptive effect via the activation of spinal alpha-2 adrenoceptors. However, it is unclear if this anti-nociceptive effect is associated with alterations in spinal astrocytes. Thus, the present study was designed to determine: (1) whether DBV's anti-nociceptive effect in the formalin test involves suppression of spinal astrocyte activation; (2) whether DBV-induced astrocyte inhibition is mediated by spinal alpha-2 adrenoceptors; and (3) whether this glial modulation ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5223169 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5223169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5223171&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21884763%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lee J, Yim YS, Ko SJ, Kim DG, Kim CH Abstract Astrocytic gap junctions have been implicated in the regulation of cell viability. High amounts of extracellular zinc, which is released during ischemia, seizure, and brain trauma, can be cytotoxic to astrocytes. We tested whether gap junction coupling between astrocytes plays an important role in modulating zinc toxicity in hippocampal astrocytes. Zinc induces cell death in a dose-dependent manner in primary cultured hippocampal astrocytes. Two gap junction inhibitors, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid and arachidonic acid, had no effect on zinc-induced cell death in low-confluence culture, where physical separation prevents gap junctions from forming. However, these inhibitors can potentiate zinc toxicity in high-confluence astrocyte ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5223171 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5223171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5223170&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21888952%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sewards TV Abstract In this review, Adolph Hopf's [21] myeloarchitectonic parcellation of the left hemisphere human temporal lobe is examined in light of current functional (neuroimaging) data, and by comparison with classical and recently published partial parcellations of the macaque temporal lobe. In order to effect these comparisons, the components of Hopf's parcellation were mapped to the human cortical PALS atlas using the Caret software, as were components of more recent partial temporal lobe parcellations. Correspondences between functionally defined structures, including the occipital and fusiform face areas and the parahippocampal place area, with components of the Hopf parcellation were determined by plotting the locations of activation foci published in neuroim... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5223170 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5223170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5180627&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21875656%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Slotkin TA, Seidler FJ Abstract Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm delivery, which in turn necessitates the common use of glucocorticoids to prevent respiratory distress syndrome. Accordingly, there is a substantial population exposed conjointly to fetal nicotine and glucocorticoids (typically dexamethasone). We administered nicotine to pregnant rats throughout gestation, using a regimen (3mg/kg/day by osmotic minipump) that maintains plasma nicotine levels within the range seen in smokers; on gestational days 17, 18 and 19, we gave 0.2mg/kg of dexamethasone. We assessed norepinephrine levels in three brain regions (frontal/parietal cortex, brainstem, cerebellum) throughout adolescence, young adulthood and later adulthood, and contrasted the persistent ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5180627 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5180627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5163888&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21864655%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Constandil L, Aguilera R, Goich M, Hernández A, Alvarez P, Infante C, Pelissier T Abstract Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity of the central and peripheral nervous system. In chronic pain, plastic changes in dorsal horn neurons contribute to a phenomenon of hypersensitivity to pain sensation that is maintained over time, known as central sensitization. This process is accompanied by BDNF overexpression, but the role of BDNF in the generation and maintenance of the hyperalgesic phenomenon is still unclear. The present study was aimed to investigate if exogenous BDNF administered to the rat spinal cord, in addition to trigger pain, participates in the maintenance of the central sensitization process (i.e., pain ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5163888 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5163888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5163889&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21856383%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: de Oliveira MR, Lorenzi R, Schnorr CE, Morrone M, Moreira JC Abstract Vitamin A supplementation among women is a common habit worldwide in an attempt to slow aging progression due to the antioxidant potential attributed to retinoids. Nonetheless, vitamin A elicits a myriad of side effects that result from either therapeutic or inadvertent intake at varying doses for different periods. The mechanism behind such effects remains to be elucidated. In this regard, we performed the present work aiming to investigate the effects of vitamin A supplementation at 100, 200, or 500IU/kgday(-1) for 2 months on female rat brain, analyzing tissue lipid peroxidation levels, antioxidant enzyme activities (both Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase - SOD - and Mn-SOD); glutathione S-transferase (GST) ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5163889 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5163889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5163893&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21854837%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bowles KR, Brooks SP, Dunnett SB, Jones L Abstract Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease, resulting in expansion of the CAG repeat in exon 1 of the HTT gene. The resulting mutant huntingtin protein has been implicated in the disruption of a variety of cellular functions, including transcription. Mouse models of HD have been central to the development of our understanding of gene expression changes in this disease, and are now beginning to elucidate the relationship between gene expression and behaviour. Here, we review current mouse models of HD and their characterisation in terms of gene expression. In addition, we look at how this can inform behaviours observed in mouse models of disease. The relationship between gene expression and... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5163893 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5163893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5163890&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21855613%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Brossier NM, Carroll SL Abstract Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the most common genetic disorder affecting the human nervous system, is characterized by the development of multiple benign Schwann cell tumors in skin and large peripheral nerves. These neoplasms, which are termed dermal and plexiform neurofibromas respectively, have distinct clinical courses; of particular note, plexiform, but not dermal, neurofibromas often undergo malignant progression to form malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), the most common malignancy occurring in NF1 patients. In recent years, a number of genetically engineered mouse models have been created to investigate the molecular mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of these tumors. These models have been designed to address key ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5163890 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5163890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5163892&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21855612%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maehara S, Okuda S, Ohta H Abstract One of the major circulating metabolites of clozapine, N-desmethylclozapine (NDMC), has been demonstrated to exhibit partial agonistic activity at M(1) muscarinic receptors. Some of the unique therapeutic effects of clozapine might involve the pharmacological effects of this metabolite. The purpose of the present study was therefore to examine whether NDMC improved behavioral abnormalities in animal models of social deficits and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia. NDMC (3mg/kg) and clozapine (1-3mg/kg) each improved the reduction of social interaction caused by a non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, 5R,10S-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine (MK-801) (0.1mg/kg), without affecting ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5163892 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5163892 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5145173&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21839813%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Yenkoyan K, Safaryan K, Chavushyan V, Meliksetyan I, Navasardyan G, Sarkissian J, Galoyan A, Aghajanov M Abstract It is recognized that the main trigger of Alzheimer disease related neurodegeneration is β-amyloid peptide, which subsequently generates different metabolic disorders in neuron and finally leads to neuronal death. Several biologically active products were tested as neuroprotectors, but only few of them demonstrated any efficiency. Proline-rich polypeptide-1 was tested as a neuroprotective agent on Aβ25-35 animal model of Alzheimer disease. Biochemical analysis (determination of spectrum of neuroactive amino acids, such as glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glycine, aspartate and taurine), as well as behavioral, electrophysiological and morphological studies ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5145173 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5145173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5145169&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21840379%26dopt%3DAbstract This study focused on the effects of electrical stimulation of olfactory bulb (OB) on the expression of RGMa and axonal regeneration after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) group (48h, 1 w), stimulation group (48h, 1 w), and sham-stimulated group (48h, 1 w). Focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion was induced by intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion. Electrical stimulation was performed via a bipolar electrode implanted in the right OB. The changes in the expression of RGMa were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western-blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Neurofilament protein 200 (NF-200) immunohistochemical staining was used to ass... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5145169 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5145169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5145166&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21840381%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Burket JA, Herndon AL, Winebarger EE, Jacome LF, Deutsch SI Abstract Balb/c mice display deficits of sociability; for example, they show reduced locomotor activity in the presence of an enclosed or freely-moving social stimulus mouse. Transgenic mice with defective or diminished expression of NMDA receptors manifest impaired sociability, while a partial and full agonist of the obligatory glycine co-agonist binding site on the NMDA receptor improved sociability in the Balb/c mouse strain. Because 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP), an antagonist of the mGluR5 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR), reduced self-grooming behavior in BTBR T+tfJ (BTBR) mice, another inbred genetic mouse model of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), and mGluR5 antagonism is emerging as an... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5145166 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5145166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5145168&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21840380%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Aguila FA, Oliveira-Pelegrin GR, Yao ST, Murphy D, Rocha MJ Abstract Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) has been reported to be up-regulated in the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) during dehydration which in turn could increase nitric oxide (NO) production and consequently affect arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion. The anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) region has strong afferent connections with the SON. Herein we describe our analysis of the effects of an AV3V lesion on AVP secretion, and c-fos and nNOS expression in the SON following dehydration. Male Wistar rats had their AV3V region electrolytically lesioned or were sham operated. After 21 days they were submitted to dehydration or left as controls (euhydrated). Two days later, one group was anaesthetized... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5145168 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5145168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5145256&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21839151%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Crabtree DM, Zhang J Abstract Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, affecting more than 1% of the population over age 60. The most common feature of PD is a resting tremor, though there are many systemic neurological effects, such as incontinence and sleep disorders. PD is histopathologically identified by the presence of Lewy bodies (LB), proteinaceous inclusions constituted primarily by α-synuclein. To date, there is no effective treatment to slow or stop disease progression. To help understand disease pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets, many genetic mouse models have been developed. By far the most common of these models are the wildtype and mutant α-synuclein transgenic mice, because α-synuclein was the... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5145256 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5145256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119528&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21827835%26dopt%3DAbstract This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of action of microRNA (miR) let-7e in PC12 cells undergoing apoptosis following anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) injury. The putative binding site of let-7e in the 3' UTR of caspase-3 (Casp3) mRNA was analyzed using the miRanda algorithm. Precursor let-7e (pre-miRNA), let-7e miR and anti-let-7e oligonucleotides were transfected into PC12 cells, which were then subjected to A/R injury. The levels of Casp3 mRNA and let-7e miRNA, the total protein levels of Casp3, Casp8 and Casp9 and levels of cellular apoptosis were measured. It was found that let-7e expression in PC12 cells was decreased, whereas the expression of Casp3 was significantly increased after A/R injury. The transfection of pre-miRNA or let-7e miR into PC12 cells decreased Casp3 ex... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119528 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119529&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21821105%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sachdeva AK, Kuhad A, Chopra K Chronic fatigue syndrome is a heterogeneous disorder with unknown pathogenesis and etiology, characterized by tiredness, difficulty in concentration and memory, and concomitant skeletal and muscular pain, thus affecting both mental and physical domains. The pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome is multifactorial and involves increased oxido-nitrosative stress along with generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. In the present study chronic fatigue was produced in rats by plunging a load of 10±2% body weight and subjecting them to forced swim inside a rectangular jar daily for 28 days. Endurance capacity and post-swim fatigue were assessed on 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days. EGCG was administered daily by oral gavage 30min be... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119529 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119538&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21801813%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ma Y, Liu W, Wang Y, Chao X, Qu Y, Wang K, Fei Z Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious insult that frequently leads to neurological dysfunction or death. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major regulator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability. Recently, VEGF has been identified as a neurotrophic factor and has been implicated in the pathogenic mechanisms of TBI. However, the possible mechanisms of VEGF in primary or secondary injuries after TBI are largely unknown. The present study attempted to determine whether VEGF has a protective effect on primary cortical neurons against mechanical trauma injury, which is an in vitro insult mimicking traumatic brain injury. We found that pretreatment of primary cortical neurons in culture with VEGF decreased neuronal ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119538 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119537&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21801814%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we subjected weaning rats to a brief two-week social isolation and then re-socialized them until adulthood. We found that early isolation rearing affected reversal learning without interfering with spatial learning in the Morris water maze. We also found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein expression was increased in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) but was decreased in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), CA1 and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in isolation-reared rats. Together, our findings support the use of adolescent social isolation as a rodent model to study brain and behavior abnormalities induced by early environmental interruptions. PMID: 21801814 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Brain Research Bulletin) Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119537 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119536&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21801815%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we investigated the effects of both cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1 receptor) antagonist AM281 and anandamide reuptake inhibitor AM404 on the formation of contextual fear memory in adult mice. Both i.p. and intra-hippocampal injections of AM281 promoted contextual fear memory while a high dose of AM404 inhibited it. These findings demonstrate that CB1 receptor-mediated signaling negatively contributes to contextual fear memory formation. We further investigated the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in CA1 pyramidal neurons of hippocampal slices and found that AM281 impaired the induction of LTP. Additionally, the blockade of LTP by AM281 was completely prevented by bath application of picrotoxin, a selective antagonist of GABA(A) receptor. Taken together, these resu... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119536 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119539&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21801812%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bayram-Weston Z, Jones L, Dunnett SB, Brooks SP Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of CAG repeats in the Htt gene. Examination of the post-mortem brains of HD patients shows the presence of diffuse nuclear htt immunoreactivity and intra-nuclear inclusions. The aim of this study was to produce a detailed characterization of the neuronal pathology in the R6/1 transgenic mouse model. The R6/1 carrier mice demonstrate intra-nuclear and extra-nuclear inclusions with the S830 htt antibody at 2-11 months of age. The distribution pattern of neuronal intra-nuclear inclusions (NIIs) was irregular in several brain regions including the striatum, cortex and hippocampus. A greater number of NIIs were found in the ventral striatum tha... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119539 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119535&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21803125%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bambini V, Gentili C, Ricciardi E, Bertinetto PM, Pietrini P Prior neuroimaging studies on metaphor comprehension have tended to focus on the role of the right hemisphere, without reaching consensus and leaving aside the functional architecture of this process. The present work aimed to break down metaphor comprehension into its functional components. The study rationale is two-fold: on the one hand, the large-scale network model as emerging in cognitive neuroscience led us to a consideration of metaphor as supported by a distributed and bilateral network; on the other hand, we based on the accounts of figurative language put forward in pragmatics and cognitive science to postulate a decomposition of such a network into multiple sub-systems. During scanning, participants impli... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119535 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119533&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21803127%26dopt%3DAbstract This study was designed to investigate the effect of crush and axotomy on oxidative stress and some trace element levels in phrenic nerve of rats. Eighteen male Wistar-albino rats were divided randomly into three groups, each consisting of 6 rats. The animals in the first group were not crushed or axotomized and served as control. Phrenic nerves of the animals in the second and third groups were crushed and axotomized, respectively. Animals in all groups were sacrificed one week after the crush or axotomy, and degenerated phrenic nerves were harvested for the determination of tissue oxidative stress and trace element levels. Lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde and antioxidant glutathione levels increased in both crushed and axotomized phrenic nerves. The activities of antioxidant en... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119533 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119533 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119532&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21803128%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang XQ, Yao RQ, Liu X, Huang JJ, Qi DS, Yang LH The aim of this study was to investigate the protection of quercetin (QUE) on oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) from oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced injury in vitro and explore whether the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway contributed to the protection provided by quercetin. The OGD condition was induced by including 2mM sodium dithionite (Na(2)S(2)O(4)) in glucose-free DMEM medium. The concentration of QUE in this study ranged from 3μM to 81μM. OPCs were identified by immunocytochemical staining. Cell viability was analyzed using the water soluble tetrazolium salt-8 (WST-8) and lactate dehydrogenase assay (LDH). The morphological changes of the nucleus were measured using Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining, and the ratio o... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119532 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119530&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21810454%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ingram MA, Orr HT, Clark HB The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are dominantly inherited disorders that primarily affect coordination of motor function but also frequently involve other brain functions. The models described in this review address mechanisms of trinucleotide-repeat expansions, particularly those relating to polyglutamine expression in the mutant proteins. Modeling chronic late-onset human ataxias in mice is difficult because of their short life-span. While this potential hindrance has been partially overcome by using over-expression of the mutant gene, and/or worsening of the mutation by increasing the length of the trinucleotide repeat expansion, interpretation of results from such models and extrapolation to the human condition should be cautious. Nevertheless... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119530 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119534&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21803126%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhou ZH, Qu F, Zhang CD The present study investigated the role of thrombin in the expression of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1), and the effect of argatroban (Arg) a direct thrombin inhibitor, on PAR-1 expression in perihematomal tissue with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). For these experiments 90 rats were divided into 5 groups: sham, ICH, argatroban-treated ICH (ICH+Arg), thrombin (TM) and argatroban-treated thrombin (TM+Arg). The ICH model or thrombin injection models were established by injecting autologous blood or thrombin, respectively. Rats in TM+Arg and ICH+Arg groups were administered argatroban (0.9mg/kg) after models were established for 3h and 12h, intraperitoneally. All rats were killed to harvest brains after models were established for 24h. The levels of... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119534 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119531&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21807073%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: Bioinformatics may help excavate and analyze large amounts of data in microarrays by means of rigorous experimental planning, scientific statistical analysis and collection of complete data about survival of GBM patients. In the present study, a novel differential gene expression pattern was constructed and advanced study will provide new targets for chemosensitivity of GBM. PMID: 21807073 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Brain Research Bulletin) Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119531 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5119531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5071514&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21782905%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Abidin I, Yildirim M, Aydin-Abidin S, Kalay E, Cansu A, Akca M, Mittmann T Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) heterozygous mice (BDNF (+/-)) kindle slowly and have a higher seizure threshold. However, BDNF (+/-) mice exhibit reduced cortical inhibition and disrupted balance of excitation/inhibition synaptic transmission. We investigated penicillin-induced focal cortical epileptiform activity and electroencephalogram (EEG) spectral power of BDNF (+/-) mice, by using electrocorticogram (ECoG) recordings. BDNF (+/-) mice (n=10) and wild type littermates (n=9) were anesthetized with i.p. urethane (1.750g/kg). The recordings of ECoG were carried out by using a data acquisition system and 100IU penicillin was administered intracortically to induce epileptiform activity. The la... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5071514 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5071514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5071510&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21791239%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang YJ, Huang X, Wang Y, Xie Y, Qiu XJ, Ren P, Gao LC, Zhou HH, Zhang HY, Qiao MQ Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), one of popular antidepressants as "one-compound-one-target" paradigm, cannot but discontinue because of inhibiting gut movement. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Chaihu-Sugan-San (CSS) can simultaneously exert anti-depression and prokinetics. From this thread, we aimed to find a new antidepressant with polypharmacological mechanisms. In vivo antidepressive and prokinetic comparisons between CSS and its absorbed compound ferulic acid (FA) were made. And FA's action mechanisms involved in monoaminergic systems, HPA axis and gastrointestinal peptide ghrelin was then studied in forced swimming test (FST) of rat. Lastly, the jejunal contraction acti... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5071510 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5071510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5071511&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21787845%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, event-related brain potentials (ERPs) elicited by fragments of Chinese single-character words were simultaneously recorded while participants completed a delayed character-matching task as fast as possible, wherein probe characters were matched with their prior fragments. The number of solutions for such fragments was manipulated. Results indicate that fragments completed with several characters elicited greater N400 than did fragments with a single solution. Behavioral results demonstrated that "multiple-solution" responses were slower and had lower accuracy rates than the "one-solution" responses. In this article, both behavioral and N400 solution-effects are interpreted to provide evidence that supports the interactive activation model (IAM) but counters the efficacy of s... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5071511 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5071511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5071513&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21782906%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mozes E, Hunya A, Toth A, Ayaydin F, Penke B, Datki ZL The cell-impermeant oligomer-(e.g. beta-amyloid-, or tubulin-) specific fluorescent dye, bis-ANS (4,4'-bis-1-anilinonaphtalene-8-sulfonate), was successfully used for labeling mechanically damaged but still viable neuron bodies, neurites and neurite cross sections in acute brain slices. Acute hippocampal brain slices of rats were co-stained with bis-ANS and the cell-impermeant, DNA-specific dye propidium iodide (PI) and were then analyzed using fluorescence and confocal microscopes. Both the neuron bodies and the neurites were found to exhibit increased fluorescence intensities, suggesting that using this method they can be detected more easily. In addition, bis-ANS showed good region - but not cell specific co-localizatio... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5071513 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5071513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5071512&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21784136%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhang ZY, Schluesener HJ, Zhang Z Experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) is a well-known animal model of human demyelinating polyneuropathies and is characterized by inflammation and demyelination in the peripheral nervous system. Tim-3 had been identified as a Th1-specific marker negatively regulating autoimmunity or inflammatory diseases. Here we have studied by immunohistochemistry the spatiotemporal accumulation of Tim-3(+) cells in sciatic nerves of EAN rats, particularly focusing on its association with alternatively activated macrophages. Our results showed that time course of Tim-3(+) cell accumulation correlated positively with disease progression of EAN; but distinct major cellular resources of Tim-3 were observed at different disease stages of EAN: during the early ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5071512 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5071512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5071516&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21771642%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Davies W Many brain and behavioural phenotypes in humans exhibit some degree of sexual dimorphism. Moreover, there are large and replicable differences in the vulnerability of the two sexes to a wide range of common brain disorders. Ultimately, sex differences in healthy individuals, or in pathological states, must arise as a consequence of the differential complement of sex-linked genes in males and females. These genes may act indirectly (for example through influencing gonadal hormone secretion), or directly, to influence brain development and function. In this review, I discuss how genetically tractable mouse models may be employed to inform our knowledge of the molecular basis of sexual differentiation of the mammalian brain, and how such models may therefore represent a ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5071516 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5071516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5071515&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21777663%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: András CD, Albert C, Salamon S, Gálicza J, András R, András E The Irukandji syndrome is caused by the sting of some small jellyfish species. The syndrome has severe life-threatening consequences. The exacerbating pain and cardiovascular symptoms (tachycardia and hypertension) are hard to control in many cases. We suggest a way to experiment a new possible therapy with an FDA approved analgesic, ziconotide, a synthetic derivative from a marine cone snail (Conus magus) venom component, which is administrated intravenously. The proposed experimental plasma concentration of ziconotide for rats is in the range of 0-6μgml(-1). Based on a molecular biological scenario of the venom action mechanism at cellular level, we suggest that the proposed method should be functional in re-... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5071515 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5071515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5071519&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21763406%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mohamed RH, Karam RA, Amer MG Doxorubicin (DOX) is considered one of the most important chemotherapeutic agents that is used for the treatment of solid tumors. Its long-term use can cause neurodegenerative disorders due to its prolonged activation of microglia. The present study proved that the use of epicatechin prior to DOX treatment significantly attenuated not only the increase in TNF-α, iNOS and NF-κB expressions but also the increase in TNF-α and total nitrite levels in brain tissue when compared with rats treated with DOX-only. Thus, our study revealed that epicatechin can be used for the treatment of neuroinflammation and also for preventing the development of neurodegenerative disease during antineoplastic therapy because of its protective role in attenuation of ne... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5071519 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5071519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5071517&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21763761%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shahidi S, Hasanein P Chronic morphine exposure causes tolerance and dependence. The cessation of morphine consumption induces a withdrawal syndrome that may involve cannabinoids and is characterized by undesirable psychological and physical signs. The present study examined whether augmentation of the endocannabinoid system by inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase could suppress the morphine withdrawal syndrome in morphine-addicted rats. Morphine dependency was induced by 7 consecutive days of morphine injection. The morphine-addicted rats received URB597 (1, 0.5, 0.3, 0.1, 0.03mg/kg), a fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor, before the precipitation of morphine withdrawal syndromes by naloxone. Withdrawal symptoms including jumping, teeth chattering, paw tremor, wet dog sh... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5071517 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5071517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5071518&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21763407%26dopt%3DAbstract This article is part of Special Issue entitled 'HD Transgenic Mouse'. PMID: 21763407 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Brain Research Bulletin) Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5071518 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5071518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5071522&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21756983%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tu S, Wang X, Yang F, Chen B, Wu S, He W, Yuan X, Zhang H, Chen P, Wei G Propofol is currently one of the most widely used intravenous anesthetic. In the present study, we investigated the effects of propofol on neuropathogenesis in newborn rats under hypoxic conditions. Seven-day old SD rats were assigned into one of the six treatments: propofol+50% oxygen (propofol-oxygen, PO), propofol+room air (propofol-air, PA), propofol+18% oxygen (propofol-hypoxia, PH), control group: lipid emulsion solvent+50% oxygen (CO), lipid emulsion solvent+room air (CA), lipid emulsion solvent+18% oxygen (CH). The rats assigned to anesthesia or control groups received intraperitoneally (ip) propofol 50mg/kg or identical volume of lipid emulsion solvent (5.0ml/kg) for seven days. SaO(2) (%) and re... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5071522 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5071522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5071521&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21756984%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wang J, Li PT, Du H, Hou JC, Li WH, Pan YS, Hua Q, Chen HC Neuronal survival can be influenced by activated microglia, but limited evidence exists on the effects of paracrine signaling from brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) on microglial action. Therefore, we examined the effects of normal BMECs conditioned medium (BMECs-CM) on activated microglia induced by pro-inflammatory cytokine macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta (MIP-1β), a chemokine that released from ischemic BMECs and has been proved to stimulate microglial proliferation. Our results showed that BMECs-CM inhibited the proliferation and transmigration of microglia induced by MIP-1β. Moreover, BMECs-CM significantly suppressed the expression of the MIP-1β receptor, CCR5, and the phosphorylation of p38 ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5071521 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5071521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5071520&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21756985%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Low YF, Strauss DJ Large-scale neural correlates of auditory selective attention reflected in the electroencephalogram (EEG) have been identified by using the complex wavelet-phase stability measure (WPS). In this paper, we study the feasibility of using this amplitude independent measure, the WPS in extracting the correlates of attention by comparing its performance to the widely used linear interdependency measures, i.e., the wavelet coherence and the correlation coefficient. The outcome reveals that the WPS outperforms the other two measures in discriminating both the attended and unattended single sweep auditory late responses (ALRs). It is concluded that the proposed WPS provides a faster (in terms of less sweeps which are required) and robust objective quantification of ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5071520 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5071520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5025390&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21741454%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gou B, Li Y, Li B Contrast-defined contours are one type of second-order contours, across which there are no differences in luminance. Although they can be always perceived, their responses have been only investigated when the spatial frequency of carrier, the background texture whose contrast is modulated to form contours, is much higher than that of contrast-defined contours, due to the interference of responses to luminance contours in other cases. In the present study, we examined visual responses in cat area 18 to the contrast-defined contours with carrier at same spatial frequency equal to neuron's preferred value for luminance contours, by establishing a control stimulus including all the luminance components but lack of the contrast contour information. Using single un... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5025390 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5025390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5025389&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21741455%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mathew A, Yoshida Y, Maekawa T, Sakthi Kumar D Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease manifested by cognitive and memory deterioration, culminating in a spectrum of neuropsychiatric disturbances and the impairment of daily activities. AD is a multifactorial disease with a range of contributing factors which includes genes and diet. The magnitude of AD is reflected in the loss of individuality of the affected person and in the terminal course through which the disease develops. In this review, we aim to provide a background on AD and the contribution of cholesterol in the etiology of Alzheimer's. Cholesterol seems to be intimately linked with the generation of amyloid plaques, which is central to the pathogenesis of AD. Although there are confl... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5025389 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5025389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5025386&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21745546%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hunt GE, McGregor IS, Cornish JL, Callaghan PD The popular party drug MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, "Ecstasy") increases sociability in both humans and laboratory animals. Recent research suggests that these prosocial effects may involve serotonin (5-HT)-stimulated hypothalamic release of the neuropeptide oxytocin. WAY 100635, a 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist, prevents MDMA-induced increases in plasma oxytocin and also reduces MDMA-mediated increases in social interaction in rats. The present study used c-Fos immunohistochemistry to determine the possible role of 5-HT(1A) receptors in MDMA-mediated activation of oxytocin synthesizing neurons. Male Wistar rats (n=8/group) were administered MDMA (10mg/kg, i.p.) with or without WAY 100635 (1mg/kg, i.p.) pre-treatment and... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5025386 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5025386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5025385&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21745547%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pinto-Ribeiro F, Ansah OB, Almeida A, Pertovaara A We characterized response properties of neurons in the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM), a structure involved in pain modulation. Electrophysiological recordings were performed in pentobarbitone-anesthetized control and monoarthritic rats. Noxious pinch, heat, cold and colorectal distension were used for peripheral test stimulation. To study central modulation of CVLM neurons and role in mediating descending pain regulation from the hypothalamus, glutamate was administered into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). CVLM neurons gave excitatory, inhibitory or no response to noxious test stimulation. Response patterns for part of the neurons varied with submodality of test stimulation; e.g., a cell with an ex... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5025385 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5025385 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5025384&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21745548%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vulovic V, Curthoys IS The aim of the study was: (a) to test whether short duration (6ms) 500Hz bone-conducted vibration (BCV) of the skull in alert head free guinea pigs would elicit eye movements; (b) to test whether these eye movements were vestibular in origin; and (c) to determine whether they corresponded to human eye movements to such stimuli. In this way we sought to establish the guinea pig as an acceptable model for testing the mechanism of the effect BCV on the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Consistent short-latency stimulus-locked responses to BCV were observed. The magnitude of eye displacement was directly related to stimulus intensity as recorded by accelerometers cemented onto the animal's skull. The strongest and most consistent response component was intorsion of b... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5025384 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5025384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5025388&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21741456%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lv JY, Wang T, Tu S, Qiu J Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were used to examine the different negative emotional contexts on involuntary attention, induced by a task-irrelevant sound, in an auditory-visual distraction paradigm. The emotional contexts comprised sad, fearful and neutral, and the irrelevant auditory stimuli consisted of repetitive standard sounds (80%) and environmental novel sounds (20%). The present results revealed that there were apparently different mismatch negativity (MMN) and Novelty-P3 components among these emotional contexts. Specifically, the amplitude of MMN showed no significant difference, indicating that the early stage of involuntary attention was not affected by the emotional context. Then, the amplitude of Novelty-P3, indicating the invol... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5025388 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5025388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5025387&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21741457%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Novick AM, Forster GL, Tejani-Butt SM, Watt MJ Stressful experiences during adolescence can alter the trajectory of neural development and contribute to psychiatric disorders in adulthood. We previously demonstrated that adolescent male rats exposed to repeated social defeat stress show changes in mesocorticolimbic dopamine content both at baseline and in response to amphetamine when tested in adulthood. In the present study we examined whether markers of adult dopamine function are also compromised by adolescent experience of social defeat. Given that the dopamine transporter as well as dopamine D1 receptors act as regulators of psychostimulant action, are stress sensitive and undergo changes during adolescence, quantitative autoradiography was used to measure [(3)H]-GBR12935... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5025387 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5025387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976650&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21669334%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Reiner M PMID: 21669334 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Brain Research Bulletin) Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976650 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 07:45:42 +0100 4976650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976646&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21704134%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ibrahim L, Duncan W, Luckenbaugh DA, Yuan P, Machado-Vieira R, Zarate CA While conventional antidepressants benefit many patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), as much as eight to 12 weeks can elapse before significant improvements in depressive symptoms are seen. Treatments that act more rapidly in MDD are urgently needed. Sleep deprivation (SD) has been shown to produce a rapid antidepressant response within one day in 50-60% of patients with MDD; thus, identifying its antidepressant mechanism may contribute to the development of antidepressants that act more rapidly. The present study evaluated the effects of 39h of SD on mood, as well as on plasma levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with MDD. ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976646 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4976646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976649&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21684324%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schmid RS, Vitucci M, Miller CR Over the last decade, genetically engineered mouse models have been extensively used to dissect the genetic requirements for neoplastic initiation and progression of diffuse gliomas. While these models faithfully recapitulate the histopathological features of human gliomas, comparative genomic analyses are increasingly being utilized to comprehensively assess their fidelity to recently identified molecular subtypes of these tumors. Future progress with these models will rely on incorporating insight snot only from oncogenomics studies of cancer, but also from the developmental neuroscience and stem cell biology fields to design accurate and experimentally tractable models for use in translational cancer research, particularly for experimental th... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976649 Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4976649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976648&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21689735%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lai HH, Munoz A, Smith CP, Boone TB, Somogyi GT The purpose of this study was to examine the pharmacologic plasticity of cholinergic, non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC), and purinergic contractions in neurogenic bladder strips from spinal cord injured (SCI) rats. Bladder strips were harvested from female rats three to four weeks after T(9)-T(10) spinal cord transection. The strips were electrically stimulated using two experimental protocols to compare the contribution of muscarinic and NANC/purinergic contractions in the presence and the absence of carbachol or muscarine. The endpoints of the study were: (1) percent NANC contraction that was unmasked by the muscarinic antagonist 4-DAMP, and (2) P2X purinergic contraction that was evoked by α,β-methylene ATP. NANC contrac... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976648 Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4976648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976653&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21664441%26dopt%3DAbstract This study investigated the effect of histamine microinjected into the cerebellar vermis on emotional memory consolidation in mice in the elevated plus-maze (EPM). The cerebellar vermis of male mice (Swiss Albino) were implanted with guide cannulae. The mice weighed between 25 and 30g. After three days of recovery, behavioral tests in the EPM were performed on two consecutive days; the testing periods were called, Trial 1 and Trial 2. Immediately after Trial 1, the animals received microinjections of histamine in the cerebellar vermis (0.54, 1.36, 2.72, and 4.07nmol/0.1μl). On both days, the test sessions were recorded to enable analysis of behavioral measures. The decrease in open arm exploration (% entries and % time spent in the open arms) in Trial 2 relative to Trial 1 was used as a m... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976653 Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4976653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976652&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21669259%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sugata S, Hanaya R, Kumafuji K, Tokudome M, Serikawa T, Kurisu K, Arita K, Sasa M The spontaneously epileptic rat (SER) begins to exhibit both tonic convulsions and absence seizures from 6 weeks of age and SERs have stable seizures after 10 weeks of age. Low-dose administrations of levetiracetam (LEV) for 4- to 5-weeks-old SERs which did not show spontaneous seizures reduced both seizures 5 weeks after termination of administration. The hippocampus of SER exhibited decreased CA3 neurons, sprouting of mossy fibers, and hyperexpression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We attempted prophylactic LEV administrations in preseizure-manifesting SERs to evaluate if such a treatment regimen would protect the hippocampal sclerosis-like changes observed in SERs. The osmoti... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976652 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4976652 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976651&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21669260%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pentón-Rol G, Marín-Prida J, Pardo-Andreu G, Martínez-Sánchez G, Acosta-Medina EF, Valdivia-Acosta A, Lagumersindez-Denis N, Rodríguez-Jiménez E, Llópiz-Arzuaga A, López-Saura PA, Guillén-Nieto G, Pentón-Arias E Although the huge economic and social impact and the predicted incidence increase, neuroprotection for ischemic stroke remains as a therapeutically empty niche. In the present study, we investigated the rationale of the C-Phycocyanin (C-PC) treatment on global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in gerbils. We demonstrated that C-PC given either prophylactically or therapeutically was able to significantly reduce the infarct volume as assessed by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and the neurological deficit score 24h post-stroke. In additio... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976651 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4976651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976647&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21700401%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Liu R, Zhang TT, Wu CX, Lan X, Du GH Alzheimer's disease involves the complex and interconnected cascade of cellular and molecular events. Only a few treatments are available to slow the course of the disease at present. Recent studies suggest that neurovascular unit serves to maintain cerebral homeostasis, and pathological interactions between components of neurovascular unit lead to cerebral dysfunction. In present study, we established a functional unit trying to target major components of the neurovascular unit by the co-culture of rat cortical parenchymal culture and cerebral microvascular endothelial cells. This entity allowed the application of techniques such as immunofluorescent imaging and biological assays under defined conditions. The morphology of cell types, bloo... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976647 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4976647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976654&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21664440%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Miller SM, Lonstein JS Postpartum female rats exhibit a suppression of anxiety-related behaviors when compared to diestrous virgin females, pregnant females, and males. This blunted anxiety promotes optimal maternal care and involves elevated GABA neurotransmission, possibly including greater density of GABA(A) and benzodiazepine receptors in the postpartum brain. We here examined autoradiographic binding of [(3)H]muscimol to measure the total population of GABA(A) receptors and [(3)H]flunitrazepam to assess density of benzodiazepine sites in the medial prefrontal cortex, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, amygdala, hippocampus, and periaqueductal gray of female rats sacrificed on day 7 postpartum, day 10 of pregnancy, or as diestrous virgins. A group of sexually naïve male... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976654 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4976654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4927792&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21640169%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nesil T, Yararbas G, Mola G, Kanit L, Pogun S Smoking continues to be a major health problem and unfortunately smoking cessation interventions have limited success; the conditioning effects of nicotine and individual differences in tobacco addiction are important factors that underlie this setback. The aim of the current study was to investigate nicotine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in male and female rats which were previously exposed to a free choice of oral nicotine or water and showed different preferences for nicotine; subsequently nicotine intake also varied between subjects. Exposure patterns were varied in three experiments to allow for assessing the effect of adult v.s. adolescent exposure. The design of CPP testing enabled testing for the possible confo... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4927792 Wed, 25 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4927792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4927794&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21624440%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chen L, Liu J, Zhang QJ, Feng JJ, Gui ZH, Ali U, Wang Y, Fan LL, Hou C, Wang T Although increasing evidence indicates that psychiatric symptoms are crucial characteristic of the early stage of Parkinson's disease (PD) and precede motor impairments, the neuronal firing activity of the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) in the psychiatric symptom of PD and the involved mechanism are still unclear. In the present study, we examined the changes in emotional and cognitive tests not focused on motor fluency and firing activity of projection neurons in the BLA rats with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injected bilaterally into dorsal striatum, and the effects of apomorphine and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) on these changes. Injection of 6-OHDA (10.5μg) into the dorsal stria... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4927794 Sun, 22 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4927794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4927796&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21624438%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ryu HJ, Kim JE, Yeo SI, Kim DW, Kwon OS, Choi SY, Kang TC Clasmatodendrosis is an irreversible astroglial degenerative change, which includes extensive swelling and vacuolization of cell bodies and disintegrated and beaded processes. Since alteration in F-actin level influences on the formation of vacuoles/vesicles during exocytosis/endocytosis in astrocytes, we investigated whether F-actin polymerization involves clasmatodendrosis in the rat hippocampus following status epilepticus (SE). In the present study, vacuoles in clasmatodendrotic astrocytes showed LAMP-1 and LC3-II (a marker for autophagy) immunoreactivity. These findings reveal that clasmatodendrosis may be lysosome-derived autophagic astroglial death. Jasplakinolide (an F-actin stabilizer) infusion significantly de... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4927796 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4927796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4927795&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21624439%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Spyrka J, Danielewicz J, Hess G We studied the effects of brief (10min) neck restraint on long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in mouse dentate gyrus (DG) slices. Brain slices were prepared immediately after neck restraint and LTP/LTD induction was attempted 3.5h later. LTP enhancement and LTD suppression was observed in slices prepared from stressed animals. The corticosterone plasma concentration was elevated approx. fourfold just after the neck restraint session. To examine the role of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation in mediating the effects of neck restraint on LTP and LTD, the animals were pretreated with either the specific GR antagonist RU38486, the specific MR antagonist spironolactone, the corticostero... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4927795 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4927795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4927793&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21624441%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Brooks SP, Janghra N, Higgs GV, Bayram-Weston Z, Heuer A, Jones L, Dunnett SB People with HD have a demonstrated early extra-dimensional set-shifting deficit. In the present study, we use a novel water T-maze set-shifting procedure and demonstrate its validity as a set-shifting task in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. Three groups of YAC128 mice of different ages (27, 69 and 117 weeks) were run on the task, which incorporated six distinct stages in which the mice must learn a rule and then switch to a different rule. The six stages were: directional learning, directional learning reversal, light discrimination, light discrimination reversal, return to place learning and a maze rotation spatial learning test. Rule changes from place learning to light discrimination and ba... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4927793 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4927793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4881817&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21620935%26dopt%3DAbstract This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'HD Transgenic Mouse'. PMID: 21620935 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Brain Research Bulletin) Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4881817 Tue, 17 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4881817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4881818&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21619914%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kovács Z, Czurkó A, Kékesi KA, Juhász G Peripheral lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection enhances spike-wave discharges (SWDs) in the genetic rat model of absence epilepsy (Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rijswijk rats: WAG/Rij rats) parallel with the peripheral proinflammatory cytokine responses. The effect of centrally administered LPS on the absence-like epileptic activity is not known, however despite the important differences in inflammatory mechanisms. To examine the effect of centrally administered LPS on the pathological synchronization we intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) injected LPS into WAG/Rij rats and measured the number and duration of SWDs. I.c.v. injected LPS increased the number and duration of SWDs for 3h, thereafter, a decrease in epileptic activity was observed. To ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4881818 Mon, 16 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4881818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4881846&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21600271%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Giachritsis CD, Ferre M, Barrio J, Wing AM Accurate weight perception is important particularly in tasks where the user has to apply vertical forces to ensure safe landing of a fragile object or precise penetration of a surface with a probe. Moreover, depending on physical properties of objects such as weight and size we may switch between unimanual and bimanual manipulation during a task. Research has shown that bimanual manipulation of real objects results in a misperception of their weight: they tend to feel lighter than similarly heavy objects which are handled with one hand only [8]. Effective simulation of bimanual manipulation with desktop haptic interfaces should be able to replicate this effect of bimanual manipulation on weight perception. Here, we present the Master... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4881846 Fri, 13 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4881846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4881825&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21605633%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Luo P, Fei F, Zhang L, Qu Y, Fei Z Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the major cause of death and disability, and the incidence of TBI continues to increase rapidly. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to an important structure at the postsynaptic membrane: the postsynaptic density (PSD). Glutamate receptors, as major components of the PSD, are highly responsive to alterations in the glutamate concentration at excitatory synapses and activate intracellular signal transduction via calcium and other second messengers following TBI. PSD scaffold proteins (PSD-95, Homer, and Shank), which anchor glutamate receptors and form a network structure, also have potential effects on these downstream signaling pathways. The changes in the function and structure of these major... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4881825 Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4881825 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4881823&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21605634%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kotulska K, Larysz-Brysz M, Lepecheur M, Marcol W, Olakowska E, Lewin-Kowalik J, London J There are controversies regarding pain expression in mentally disabled people, including Down syndrome patients. The aim of this study was to examine neuropathic pain-related behavior and peripheral nerve regeneration in mouse model of Down syndrome. Sciatic nerves of double transgenic mice, overexpressing both amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) genes, and FVB/N wild type mice were transected and immediately resutured. Evaluation of autotomy and functional recovery was carried out during 4-week follow-up. We found markedly less severe autotomy in transgenic animals, although the onset of autotomy was significantly delayed in control mice. Interestingly, ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4881823 Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4881823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4881844&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21600965%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ulusoy GK, Celik T, Kayir H, Gürsoy M, Isik AT, Uzbay TI Parkinson's disease (PD) is a late-onset, progressive and neurodegenerative disorder of unknown etiology. Besides the other therapeutic approaches, new drug options in pharmacotherapy of PD are important. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of pioglitazone and retinoic acid, antioxidant and neuroprotective agents, on rotenone-induced model of PD in rats. Adult male Wistar rats (260-373g) were subjects. Rotenone (2.5mg/kg, sc) was injected to rats for 70 days. At the end of rotenone administration, rats were treated with pioglitazone (10mg/kg, ip) and retinoic acid (1mg/kg, ip) or vehicles for 15 days. Then, rats were tested for evaluation of Parkinson signs by measurement of locomotor activity. I... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4881844 Tue, 10 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4881844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4881840&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21600966%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cao Y, Mao X, Sun C, Zheng P, Gao J, Wang X, Min D, Sun H, Xie N, Cai J Baicalin is an important medicinal herb purified from the dry roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of baicalin in gerbils subjected to transient global cerebral ischemic-reperfusion injury. Baicalin at doses of 50, 100 and 200mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected into the gerbils immediately after cerebral ischemia. Seven days after reperfusion, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to analyze hippocampal CA1 pyramidal damage histopathologically. In addition, in order to understand the potential protective mechanism of baicalin, we examined anti-oxidative enzymes, such superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4881840 Tue, 10 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4881840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828628&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21571046%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we utilized an in vitro scratch model of TBI to assess the effect of post-injury treatment with Escherichia coli LPS and Neisseria meningitidis lipooligosaccharide (LOS) on cell death and cytokine induction by assessing the level of lactate dehydrodgenase released from cells and rat multiplex cytokine assays. Our results showed that post-injury treatment of C6 glioma cells with either the LPS or the LOS reduced cell death when compared to scratched controls treated with media only. Post-injury treatment of the primary mixed neuronal cultures with LPS reduced cell death and resulted in a significant up-regulation in IL-10 when compared to controls. With LOS post-scratch treatment of the primary cell cultures, we found that IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly u... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828628 Fri, 06 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4828628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828629&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21539901%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: KamiÅ„ski J, Wróbel A, Kublik E The vibrissa-barrel system of rodents has become one of the dominant models for studying sensory information processing. Fast oscillations (>200Hz) have been shown to play an important role in cortical integration of inputs from several whiskers. The mechanism subserving such integration remains, however, unknown. To address this issue, we examined the influence of the gap junction blocker (carbenoxolone, CBX) topically applied on the cortical surface on the high frequency component evoked by multiple-whisker stimulation. The magnitude of the fast oscillatory response to simultaneous stimulation of three whiskers was shown to be higher compared to its linear prediction (defined as the sum of corresponding single whisker responses). Applicati... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828629 Thu, 21 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4828629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4774911&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21527320%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hu W, Zhang M, Czéh B, Zhang W, Flügge G Chronic stress, a risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders, is known to induce alterations in neuronal networks in many brain areas. Previous studies have shown that chronic stress changes the expression of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in the brains of adult rats, but neurophysiological consequences of these changes remained unclear. Here we demonstrate that chronic restraint stress causes a dysfunction in CB1 mediated modulation of GABAergic transmission in the hippocampus. Using an established protocol, adult male Sprague Dawley rats were daily restrained for 21 days and whole-cell voltage clamp was performed at CA1 pyramidal neurons. When recording carbachol-evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) which ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4774911 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4774911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4774915&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21515343%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gómez-Camarillo MA, Beyer C, Lucio RA, García-Juárez M, González-Arenas A, Camacho-Arroyo I, Komisaruk BR, González-Flores O The effect of genital stimulation, either by vaginocervical stimulation (VCS) using a calibrated vaginal probe combined with manual flank stimulation (FS), or by mounts performed by the male, on the hypothalamus and preoptic area concentration of the progesterone receptors A (PR-A) and B (PR-B) was assessed in ovariectomized (ovx) estrogen-primed rats. VCS/FS or stimulation provided by male mounts, even without intromission, significantly decreased PR-B concentration in the hypoythalamus. Down regulation of PR produced by genital stimulation was quantitatively similar to that elicited by progesterone (P) administration. Bilateral or unilateral trans... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4774915 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4774915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4774914&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21515344%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, ischaemic gerbils reacted to a fearsome thread with a behavioural pattern different from unlesioned animals and they revealed this specific foot-shock induced behaviour again during the test session. This indicated that CA1 hippocampal death did not interrupt memory performance but changed expression of fear. Therefore, measuring duration of freezing and the activity score seems to be not applicable for quantitative comparisons of memory deficits after 2VO in gerbils in a context-dependent fear conditioning task. Our results indicate, however, that initiation of freezing (number of freezing bouts) may be a more suitable parameter comparing gerbils with and without CA1 damage. PMID: 21515344 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Brain Research Bulletin) Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4774914 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4774914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4774913&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21515345%26dopt%3DAbstract This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'HD Transgenic Mouse'. PMID: 21515345 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Brain Research Bulletin) Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4774913 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4774913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4774912&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21524693%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dziopa L, Imeh-Nathaniel A, Bair D, Kiel M, Sameera S, Brager A, Beatriz V, Nathaniel TI With a highly organized stereotypic behavior and a simplified neuronal system that is characterized by cellular modularity, crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) represents an excellent model that we used in this study to explore how a drug-conditioned-cue alters c-Fos protein expression in the brain of an invertebrate species. The first set of experiments revealed that a single injection of different doses of morphine (3.0μg/g, 6.0μg/g and 12.0μg/g) into the circulatory system of crayfish significantly increased locomotor activity. Repeated injections of morphine increased locomotion at lower doses (3.0μg/g and 6.0μg/g), and decreased locomotion at a higher dose of 12.0μg/g. The second exp... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4774912 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4774912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4774917&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21511013%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bayram-Weston Z, Torres EM, Jones L, Dunnett SB, Brooks SP Huntington's disease is an autosomal dominant, progressive neurodegenerative disease in which a single mutation in the gene responsible for the protein huntingtin leads to a primarily striatal and cortical neuronal loss, resulting progressive motor, cognitive and psychiatric disability and ultimately death. The mutation induces an abnormal protein accumulation within cells, although the precise role of this accumulation in the disease process is unknown. Several animal models have been created to model the disease. In the present study, the pathology of the Hdh(CAG(150)) mouse model was analyzed longitudinally over 24 months. At 5 months of age, the mutant N-terminal antibody S830 found dense nuclear staining and nucle... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4774917 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4774917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4774916&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21513775%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, the Hdh(Q92) mouse model of Huntington's disease was analysed at different time points across the lifespan of the animal. At 4 months of age, Hdh(Q92/Q92) mice showed dense nuclear staining and nuclear inclusions in the olfactory tubercle and striatum with the mutant N-terminal antibody S830. Widespread formation of mutant huntingtin aggregates in the neuronal nuclei and cytosol increased in number with age and disease progression. Electron microscopy revealed that at 14 and at 21 months of age neurons showed the features of both necrotic and apoptotic cell death, such as irregular nuclear and cytoplasmic membranes, dark condensed nuclei, vacuolated cytoplasm, and swollen mitochondria. The spatial spread of NIIs progressed along the anterior-posterior and ventral-dorsal plan... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4774916 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4774916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4774920&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21501665%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kerr CE, Jones SR, Wan Q, Pritchett DL, Wasserman RH, Wexler A, Villanueva JJ, Shaw JR, Lazar SW, Kaptchuk TJ, Littenberg R, Hämäläinen MS, Moore CI During selective attention, ∼7-14Hz alpha rhythms are modulated in early sensory cortices, suggesting a mechanistic role for these dynamics in perception. Here, we investigated whether alpha modulation can be enhanced by "mindfulness" meditation (MM), a program training practitioners in sustained attention to body and breath-related sensations. We hypothesized that participants in the MM group would exhibit enhanced alpha power modulation in a localized representation in the primary somatosensory neocortex in response to a cue, as compared to participants in the control group. Healthy subjects were randomized to 8-weeks of MM... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4774920 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4774920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4774919&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21501666%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Naert A, Callaerts-Vegh Z, D'Hooge R When rodents are reared in isolation from young age onwards, they manifest a number of behavioural alterations in adulthood. Since some of these alterations resemble symptoms of psychiatric disorders, the post-weaning social isolation (ISO) manipulation is often applied to create rodent models of these disorders. In rats, ISO effects have been thoroughly characterised, but in mice they are less well documented. Therefore, we further evaluated behaviour of adult ISO mice with a test battery that focussed on abnormalities relevant to schizophrenia. We found that ISO mice were hyperactive during the dark phase. Also, ISO mice showed alterations in magnitude, habituation and prepulse-inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex, increased anxiety,... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4774919 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4774919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4774918&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21501667%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Guidi S, Bianchi P, Alstrup AK, Henningsen K, Smith DF, Bartesaghi R Postnatal neurogenesis is currently viewed as important for neuroplasticity and brain repair. We are, therefore, interested in animal models for neuroimaging of postnatal neurogenesis. A recent stereological study found an age-dependent increase in the number of neurons and glial cells in the neocortex of Göttingen minipigs, suggesting that this species may be characterized by a prolonged postnatal neurogenesis. Since there is no direct evidence on this issue, the goal of our study was to quantify cell proliferation in the two major neurogenic regions of the postnatal brain - the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle (SVZ) and the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) - at two separate points during the life... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4774918 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4774918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4774921&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21473901%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Xing G, Dong M, Li X, Zou Y, Fan L, Wang X, Cai D, Li C, Zhou L, Liu J, Niu Y Epidemiological data have indicated that estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) can decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Phytoestrogens have been proposed as potential alternatives to ERT. The aim of the present study was to assess the neuroprotective effects of puerarin, a phytoestrogen isolated from Pueraria lobata, against the toxicity of beta-amyloid (Aβ) in relation to the mitochondria-mediated cell death process, and to elucidate the role the activation of Akt and modulation of the pro- and antiapoptotic proteins in puerarin-induced neuroprotection. The present study shows that puerarin afforded protection against Aβ-induced toxicity through inhibiting apoptosis in PC12 cells... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4774921 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4774921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4774922&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21473900%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fellinger R, Klimesch W, Gruber W, Freunberger R, Doppelmayr M Since years there is a hotly discussed dispute whether event-related potentials are either generated by an evoked component or by resetting of ongoing phase. We argue that phase-reset must not be proven in order to accept the general involvement of phase in ERP-generation as it is only one of several possible mechanisms influencing or generating certain ERP-components. Supporting data are presented showing that positive peaks of ongoing pre-stimulus alpha activity are not randomly distributed in time across trials. Most importantly, we found that a certain kind of pre-stimulus phase concentration that represents a continuous development of an alpha wave up to the time window where the P1 is generated is associated ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4774922 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4774922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4774923&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21459132%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Moisello C, Avanzino L, Tacchino A, Ruggeri P, Ghilardi MF, Bove M Motor sequence learning is not a unitary phenomenon, but involves optimizing different components that include declarative and procedural aspects. In this work we designed an experimental approach that allows monitoring all the aspects of sequence learning using a finger opposition task and a movement-by-movement analysis. Subjects performed a visuomotor sequence learning paradigm with (Explicit) or without (Implicit) instructions and we measured response time (RT) and touch duration (TD) for each finger opposition movement of the sequence. Our results indicated that sequence learning induced a double-faced effect on motor performance: a decrease of RT and an increase of TD. However, the above changes manifeste... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4774923 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4774923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4774925&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21457763%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zhong XL, Yu JT, Zhang Q, Wang ND, Tan L Given the tremendous success of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of movement and neuropsychiatric disorders, clinicians have begun to open up to the possible use of electrical stimulation for the treatment of patients with uncontrolled seizures. DBS of various neural targets has been investigated in clinical studies and animal studies, including the anterior nucleus of thalamus (ANT), cerebellum, hippocampus, subthalamic nucleus (STN), centromedian nucleus of the thalamus (CMT), caudate nucleus (CN). Recently, a large and multicenter trial (SANTE: Stimulation of the Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus for Epilepsy) was conducted and subsequently with encouraging results, making ANT the most well-established target for DBS in ... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4774925 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4774925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4774924&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21457764%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Enticott PG, Kennedy HA, Bradshaw JL, Rinehart NJ, Fitzgerald PB The observation of other's behaviour results in increased corticospinal excitability (CSE) within the primary motor cortex, a phenomenon that has typically been interpreted in the context of motor resonance and human "mirror systems". Mirror systems are implicated in empathy, and may therefore show a preferential response to the observation of interactive behaviour. Participants were administered transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the primary motor cortex while viewing matched hand movements with or without (1) an interactive context and (2) an interactive context with an implied heightened emotional aspect. CSE was not enhanced when viewing interactive (compared with individual) hand movements. There was... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4774924 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4774924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4670415&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21453759%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Matsuura T, Iwata S, Shin MC, Wakita M, Ogawa SK, Akaike N The effects of α-chloralose on presynaptic GABA(A) receptors were investigated with respect to spontaneous and evoked GABAergic transmission (sIPSCs and eIPSCs) in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. sIPSCs were recorded in mechanically dissociated CA1 neurons with intact GABAergic terminals, namely the "synaptic bouton preparation." eIPSCs were elicited by focal electrical stimuli of a single GABAergic bouton on an isolated CA1 neuron using the whole-cell patch recording configurations under voltage-clamp condition. We found that α-chloralose potentiated the exogenous GABA-induced Cl(-) response in a concentration dependent manner, and the drug itself induced Cl(-) response at high concentrations (> 100μM). Î... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4670415 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4670415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4670414&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21453760%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Allahtavakoli M, Jarrott B Sigma receptor agonists have been found to provide potent neuroprotection in rats and mice. This neuroprotection is thought to be mediated through anti-excitotoxic mechanisms. Neuroprotective and immune modulatory effects of sigma ligands have not been investigated in embolic stroke. In the present study, rats were subjected to embolic stroke or sham stroke and were treated with the sigma-1 receptor agonist PRE-084 (5mg/kg i.p) or saline vehicle 3h and 24h after stroke. Infarct volume and behavioural tests were conducted, and cytokine levels (ILs-1α and β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, GM-CSF and TNF-α) were determined in ischemic and non-ischemic cortices. Axonal damage was determined using the pNF-H ELISA assay. Treatment with PRE-084 afforded neurop... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4670414 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4670414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4670413&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21453761%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Seidler FJ, Slotkin TA Early-life exposure to organophosphate pesticides leads to subsequent hyperresponsiveness of β-adrenergic receptor-mediated cell signaling that regulates hepatic gluconeogenesis, culminating in metabolic abnormalities resembling prediabetes. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of chlorpyrifos or parathion on presynaptic sympathetic innervation to determine whether the postsynaptic signaling effects are accompanied by defects in neuronal input. We administered either chlorpyrifos or parathion to newborn rats using exposure paradigms known to elicit the later metabolic changes but found no alterations in either hepatic or cardiac norepinephrine levels in adolescence or adulthood. However, shifting chlorpyrifos exposure to the prenatal period di... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4670413 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4670413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4670424&cid=s_34575_25_f&fid=34575&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21419831%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Xing B, Zhao Y, Zhang H, Dang Y, Chen T, Huang J, Luo Q Valproic acid (VPA), widely used as mood stablizer, has been shown therapeutic effects in controlling both episodes of mania and depression. The neurobiological actions by which valproic acid exerts these effects have not been established. Ventrolateral orbital cortex (VLO) is a subregion of orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) that has been closely associated with depression. However, there are few studies aimed at investigating the role of the VLO in the neurobiology of depression. In the present study, we investigated the effects on rat forced swimming test (FST) of microinjected VPA into the VLO. A single bilateral infusion of VPA into the VLO and repeated systemic administration of fluoxetine, a chemical antidepressant, signif... Brain Research Bulletin journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4670424 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4670424