Neurosignals最新文献

Endomorphin-1 (EM1) and endomorphin-2 (EM2) are two endogenous ligands that belong to the opioid peptide family and have the highest affinity and selectivity for the µ-opioid receptor (MOR). The neuroanatomical distribution, ultrastructural features and neural circuitry of EM-containing neuronal structures have been morphologically demonstrated. In addition, the modulation effects of the EMs in different areas reflect their potential endogenous roles in many major physiological processes, including their remarkable roles in the transmission and modulation of noxious information. The distinguished antinociceptive property of the EMs in acute and chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, cancer pain and inflammatory pain, has been revealed and investigated for therapeutic purposes. However, EMs exert adverse effects in the gastrointestinal, urinary, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, which impede the development of EMs as new analgesics. Numerous studies have synthesized and investigated EM analogues and demonstrated that these EM derivatives had improved pharmacological properties, supporting their therapeutic perspectives. In the present review, the results of previous studies, particularly morphological and pharmacological studies, were summarized. Finally, EM modifications and their potential clinical implications were described. Applying this knowledge about EMs may provide information for further investigations in clinical application.

Background/aims: Every year, around the world, between 250000 and 500000 people suffer from spinal cord injury (SCI). This study investigated the potential for poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) complex inoculated with olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) to treat spinal cord injury in a rat model.

Methods: OECs were identified by immunofluorescence based on the nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) p75. The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) score, together with an inclined plane (IP) test were used to detect functional recovery. Nissl staining along with the luxol fast blue (LFB) staining were independently employed to illustrate morphological alterations. More so, immunofluorescence labeling of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and the microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2), representing astrocytes and neurons respectively, were investigated at time points of weeks 2 and 8 post-operation.

Results: The findings showed enhanced locomotor recovery, axon myelination and better protected neurons post SCI when compared with either PLGA or untreated groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: PLGA complexes inoculated with OECs improve locomotor functional recovery in transected spinal cord injured rat models, which is most likely due to the fact it is conducive to a relatively benevolent microenvironment, has nerve protective effects, as well as the ability to enhance remyelination, via a promotion of cell differentiation and inhibition of astrocyte formation.

Background/aims: Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide, likely acting as a neurotransmitter in the pharyngeal mucosa enhancing the swallow and cough reflex. Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation (PES) induces a temporary increase of salivary SP levels in healthy adults. Previous evidence suggests that post-stroke dysphagia is related to reduced SP levels. Here, we investigated the effects of PES on SP levels in severely dysphagic stroke patients and a possible link between increase of SP and treatment success.

Methods: 23 tracheotomized stroke patients who could not be decannulated due to severe and persisting dysphagia according to endoscopic evaluation received PES for 10 minutes a day over three consecutive days in this prospective single-center study. If initial treatment failed, repetitive stimulation cycles were provided. Saliva samples were collected before and directly after each PES.

Results: 61% of participants were decannulated after the first treatment cycle. Increase of SP levels post-stimulation was closely related to treatment success, i.e. decannulation with 79% of successfully treated patients showing increase of SP, whereas 89% of unsuccessfully treated patients had stable or decreased SP levels. Applying logistic regression analysis, increase of SP level remained the only independent predictor of decannulation after PES. All 3 repetitively treated patients showed increased SP levels when progressing from the 1st to the 2nd cycle, two of whom were decannulated hereafter.

Conclusions: The physiological mechanism of PES may consist in restoration of sensory feedback, which is known to be crucial for the execution of a safe swallow. SP possibly acts as a biomarker for indicating response to PES.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a severe and common autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system. Despite the availability of several novel treatment options, the disease is still poorly controlled, since the pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood.

Methods: We tested the role of the acid sphingomyelinase/ceramide system in a model of MS, i.e. experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Mice were immunized with myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and the development of the disease was analyzed by histology, immunological tests and clinical assessment in wildtype and acid sphingomyelinase (Asm)-deficient mice.

Results: Genetic deficiency of acid sphingomyelinase (Asm) protected against clinical symptoms in EAE and markedly attenuated the characteristic detrimental neuroinflammatory response. T lymphocyte adhesion, integrity of tight junctions, blood-brain barrier disruption and subsequent intracerebral infiltration of inflammatory cells were blocked in Asm-deficient mice after immunization. This resulted in an almost complete block of the development of disease symptoms in these mice, while wildtype mice showed severe neurological symptoms typical for EAE.

Conclusion: Activation of the Asm/ceramide system is a central step for the development of EAE. Our findings may serve to identify novel therapeutic strategies for MS patients.

Background/aims: Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive cancers, counting for a high number of the newly diagnosed patients with central nervous system (CNS) cancers in the United States and Europe. Major features of GBM include aggressive and invasive growth as well as a high resistance to treatment. Kv1.3, a potassium channel of the shaker family, is expressed in the inner mitochondrial membrane of many cancer cells. Inhibition of mitochondrial Kv1.3 was shown to induce apoptosis in several tumor cells at doses that were not lethal for normal cells.

Methods: We investigated the expression of Kv1.3 in different glioma cell lines by immunocytochemistry, western blotting and electron microscopy and analyzed the effect of newly synthesized, mitochondria-targeted, Kv1.3 inhibitors on the induction of cell death in these cells. Finally, we performed in vivo studies on glioma bearing mice.

Results: Here, we report that Kv1.3 is expressed in mitochondria of human and murine GL261, A172 and LN308 glioma cells. Treatment with the novel Kv1.3 inhibitors PAPTP or PCARBTP as well as with clofazimine induced massive cell death in glioma cells, while Psora-4 and PAP-1 were almost without effect. However, in vivo experiments revealed that the drugs had no effect on orthotopic brain tumors in vivo.

Conclusion: These data serve as proof of principle that Kv1.3 inhibitors kills GBM cells, but drugs that act in vivo against glioblastoma must be developed to translate these findings in vivo.