Κυριακή 14 Φεβρουαρίου 2016

Raised arterial blood pressure in neurokinin-1 receptor deficient mice (NK1R-/-): Evidence for a neural rather than a vascular mechanism

Abstract

Mice with functional ablation of the neurokinin-1 receptor gene (NK1R-/-) express behavioural abnormalities equivalent to those seen in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). An established model of ADHD is the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), which exhibits high blood pressure due to increased central sympathetic drive. In light of the evidence that NK1R also influence cardiovascular haemodynamics, we have investigated whether NK1R-/- similarly exhibit raised blood pressure. Cardiovascular parameters were recorded for 24 h in conscious mice using radiotelemetry. Vascular function was assessed in mesenteric resistance arteries by wire myography. NK1R-/- mice exhibited a higher blood pressure than wildtype animals throughout the 24 h period. Heart rate and locomotor activity in NK1R-/- mice were higher than wildtypes during the night period (active phase), consistent with an ADHD-like phenotype, but not during the day. Mesenteric and renal arteries from NK1R-/- mice exhibited normal vascular function: the responses to vasoconstrictors (U46619 & phenylephrine) and the endothelium-dependent vasodilator, acetylcholine, were not altered in these animals, suggesting that NK1R do not regulate vascular tone. Analysis of heart rate variability revealed a higher low frequency: high frequency (LF:HF) ratio in NK1R-/- indicative of increased cardiac sympathetic activity. We propose that the raised blood pressure in NK1R-/- mice could be due a neural mechanism, rather than a change in vascular reactivity. Further studies are required to understand this mechanism and to establish whether a subgroup of ADHD patients, with polymorphism of the equivalent (TACR1) gene, are similarly affected.

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Efficacy of Schwann Cell (SC) transplantation for spinal cord repair is improved with combinatorial strategies

Abstract

When cells (including Schwann cells, SCs) of the PNS could be purified and expanded in number in tissue culture, Richard Bunge in 1975 envisioned that the SCs could be introduced to repair the CNS, as SCs enable axons to regenerate after PNS injury. Importantly, autologous human SCs could be transplanted into injured human spinal cord. Availability of the new culture systems to study interactions between sensory neurons, SCs and fibroblasts increased our knowledge of SC biology in the 70 s and 80 s. Joining the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis in 1989 brought the opportunity to use this knowledge to initiate spinal cord repair studies. Development of a rat complete spinal cord transection/SC bridge model allowed the demonstration that axons regenerate into the SC bridge. Together with study of contused rat spinal cord, it was concluded that implanted SCs reduce cavitation, protect tissue around the lesion, support axon regeneration, and form myelin. SC transplantation efficacy was improved when combined with neurotrophins, elevation of cyclic AMP levels, olfactory ensheathing cells, a steroid or chondroitinase. Increased efficacy meant higher numbers of axons, particularly from the brainstem, and more SC-myelinated axons in the implants and improvement in hindlimb movements. Human SCs support axon regeneration as do rat SCs. Astrocytes at the SC bridge/host spinal cord interfaces play a key role in determining whether axons enter the SC milieu. The SC work described here contributed to gaining approval from the FDA for an initial autologous human SC clinical trial (at the Miami Project) that has been completed and found to be safe.

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Acid-sensing ion channel 1a induces AMPA receptor plasticity: a link between acidotoxicity and excitotoxicity in hippocampal CA1 neurons



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Context-dependent use of muscle spindles for human position sense



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Modification of sleep-waking and electroencephalogram induced by vetiver essential oil inhalation

2016-02-14T14-42-01Z
Source: Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology
Dania Cheaha, Acharaporn Issuriya, Rodiya Manor, Jackapun Kwangjai, Thitima Rujiralai, Ekkasit Kumarnsit.
Previously, efficacy of essential oil application has been considered as non evidence based. In this study, we performed scientific research of vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) essential oil inhalation. The results confirmed its beneficial properties with quantitative data of sleep-waking and EEG profiles.


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EMT - Horseshoe Casino Cleveland

Caesars Entertainment Corporation is the world's most geographically diversified casino-entertainment company. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, more than 75 years ago, Caesars has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions, and now operates casinos on four continents. The company's resorts operate primarily under the Harrah's®, Caesars® and Horseshoe® brand ...

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Rwanda to use drones to deliver medical supplies

The unmanned aircraft will make deliveries to rural health facilities for less than it would cost to make the same deliveries by motorbike

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