bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinct responses of basal ganglia substance P systems to low and high doses of methamphetamine
Authors: Hanson Glen R. , Bush Lloyd , Keefe Kristen A. , Alburges Mario E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSubstance P (SP) is a neuropeptide closely associated with basal ganglia dopaminergic neurons. Because some neuropeptide systems in the basal ganglia (i.e. neurotensin and metenkephalin) are differentially affected by treatment with low or high doses of methamphetamine, we determined if basal ganglia SP pathways were also differentially influenced in a dose‐dependent manner by this psychostimulant. Employing in vivo microdialysis, it was observed that the lowdose (0.5 mg/kg) of methamphetamine increased the extracellular concentration of SP in the substantia nigra, but not in globus pallidus or striatum. In contrast, the high dose (10 mg/kg) of methamphetamine did not increase extracellular SP content in any of these structures. The effect of the low‐dose methamphetamine treatment on nigral extracellular SP levels was blocked by pre‐treatment with either a D1 or D2 antagonist. In addition, 12 h after similar methamphetamine treatments, a dose‐dependent differential response in SP tissue levels occurred in some of the regions examined. When these changes occurred, the low dose of methamphetamine usually reduced, whereas the high dose increased, SP tissue content. This study demonstrated opposite responses of the basal ganglia SP system to low and high doses of methamphetamine and suggested that a combination of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor activity contributed to these effects.
Characterization of a tyramine receptor from Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Rex Elizabeth , Komuniecki Richard W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractOctopamine (OA) plays an important role in the regulation of a number of key processes in nematodes, including pharyngeal pumping, locomotion and egg‐laying. However, while putative OA receptors can be tentatively identified in the Caenorhabditis elegans database, no OA receptors have been functionally characterized from any nematode. We have isolated two cDNAs, ser‐2 and ser‐2a, encoding putative C.elegans serotonin/OA receptors (C02D4.2, ser‐2). The sequences of these cDNAs differ from that predicted by GeneFinder and lack 42 bp of exon 2. In addition, ser‐2a appears to be alternatively spliced and lacks a predicted 23 amino acids in the third intracellular loop. COS‐7 cells expressing SER‐2 bind [3H]LSD in the low nM range and exhibit Kis for tyramine, octopamine and serotonin of 0.07, 2, and 13.7 µm, respectively. Significantly, tyramine reduces forskolin‐stimulated cAMP levels in HEK293 cells stably expressing SER‐2 with an IC50 of about 360 nm, suggesting that SER‐2 is a tyramine receptor.
Up‐regulation of the PACAP type‐1 receptor (PAC1) promoter by neurotrophins in rat PC12 cells and mouse cerebellar granule cells via the Ras/mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade
Authors: Jamen Françoise , Bouschet Tristan , Laden Jean‐Charles , Bockaert Joël , Brabet Philippe 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide type‐1 receptor (PAC1) has been involved in the survival and differentiation of neuroblasts during development. This study examined the effects of various neurotrophins on the activity of the mouse PAC1 promoter/luciferase reporter constructs in rat PC12 cells and in 8‐day‐old mouse cerebellar granule cells. In PC12 cells, both differentiating factors such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and mitogens such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) up‐regulated PAC1 promoter activity by 2–4‐fold in a concentration‐dependent manner. Although PACAP differentiated the PC12 cells, it had no effect on the PAC1 promoter and antagonized the stimulatory effect of NGF. In cerebellar granule cells, IGF‐1 and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) also stimulated the activity of the PAC1 promoter. NGF and IGF‐1 increased endogenous PAC1 mRNA levels, and the NGF‐induced up‐regulation is the result of an increase in transcription from PAC1 promoter instead of an increase in mRNA stability. The mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase inhibitor, PD98059, prevented the transcriptional effects both in PC12 and cerebellar granule cells. Moreover, expression of dominant‐negative Ras protein in PC12 cells also prevented the NGF effect. Our results show that the PAC1 promoter can be up‐regulated by diverse neurotrophins via an MAPK‐dependent pathway and suggest a role for the Ras protein.
Matrix metalloproteinase mediated degradation of basement membrane proteins in Trembler J neuropathy nerves
Authors: Misko A. , Ferguson T. , Notterpek L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA single point mutation in peripheral myelin protein 22 (pmp22) of the Trembler‐J (TrJ) mouse models the human peripheral neuropathy, Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1 A (CMT1A). An unexplored aspect of this disease is the gradual remodeling of the extracellular matrix in affected nerves. To elucidate the mechanism responsible for these changes, the levels of the extracellular matrix molecules laminin, collagen IV, and fibronectin were determined. In TrJ nerves, laminin is modestly increased while full‐length forms of collagen IV and fibronectin are decreased. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to degrade multiple matrix molecules; therefore, nerves were assayed for MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 proteins. In neuropathy nerves, elevated levels of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 were detected on western blots, and gelatin zymography confirmed the up‐regulation of gelatinalytic activity in affected samples. Immunostaining studies revealed an increase in the numbers of MMP‐2‐ and MMP‐9‐expressing cells in TrJ nerves. Cell type‐specific immunolabeling showed that infiltrating macrophages are a significant source of both MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. Finally, the degradation of exogenous collagen IV by TrJ nerve lysates was prevented with a specific MMP inhibitor. Together these observations suggest that infiltration by MMP‐expressing macrophages contributes to the remodeling of the TrJ nerve matrix.
Heterogeneity of the calcium‐induced permeability transition in isolated non‐synaptic brain mitochondria
Authors: Kristián Tibor , Weatherby Tina M. , Bates Timothy E. , Fiskum Gary 
Published: March 2003

AbstractCalcium overload of neural cell mitochondria plays a key role in excitotoxic and ischemic brain injury. This study tested the hypothesis that brain mitochondria consist of subpopulations with differential sensitivity to calcium‐induced inner membrane permeability transition, and that this sensitivity is greatly reduced by physiological levels of adenine nucleotides. Isolated non‐synaptosomal rat brain mitochondria were incubated in a potassium‐based medium in the absence or presence of ATP or ADP. Measurements were made of medium and intramitochondrial free calcium, light scattering, mitochondrial ultrastructure, and the elemental composition of electron‐opaque deposits within mitochondria treated with calcium. In the absence of adenine nucleotides, calcium induced a partial decrease in light scattering, accompanied by three distinct ultrastructural morphologies, including large‐amplitude swelling, matrix vacuolization and a normal appearance. In the presence of ATP or ADP the mitochondrial calcium uptake capacity was greatly enhanced and calcium induced an increase rather than a decrease in mitochondrial light scattering. Approximately 10% of the mitochondria appeared damaged and the rest contained electron‐dense precipitates that contained calcium, as determined by electron‐energy loss spectroscopy. These results indicate that brain mitochondria are heterogeneous in their response to calcium. In the absence of adenine nucleotides, approximately 20% of the mitochondrial population exhibit morphological alterations consistent with activation of the permeability transition, but less than 10% exhibit evidence of osmotic swelling and membrane disruption in the presence of ATP or ADP.
Apoptosis in cerebellar granule neurons is associated with reduced interaction between CREB‐binding protein and NF‐κB
Authors: Yalcin Asligul , Koulich Elena , Mohamed Salah , Liu Li , D'Mello Santosh R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractCerebellar granule neurons undergo apoptosis when switched from medium containing depolarizing levels of potassium (high K+ medium, HK) to medium containing low K+ (LK). NF‐κB, a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor, is involved in the survival‐promoting effects of HK. However, neither the expression nor the intracellular localization of the five NF‐κB proteins, or of IκB‐α and IκB‐β, are altered in neurons primed to undergo apoptosis by LK, suggesting that uncommon mechanisms regulate NF‐κB activity in granule neurons. In this study, we show that p65 interacts with the transcriptional co‐activator, CREB‐binding protein (CBP), in healthy neurons. The decrease in NF‐κB transcriptional activity caused by LK treatment is accompanied by a reduction in the interaction between p65 and CBP, an alteration that is accompanied by hyperphosporylation of CBP. LK‐induced CBP hyperphosphorylation can be mimicked by inhibitors of protein phosphatase (PP) 2A and PP2A‐like phosphatases such as okadaic acid and cantharidin, which also causes a reduction in p65–CBP association. In addition, treatment with these inhibitors induces cell death. Treatment with high concentrations of the broad‐spectrum kinase inhibitor staurosporine prevents LK‐mediated CBP hyperphosphorylation and inhibits cell death. In vitro kinase assays using glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST)‐CBP fusion proteins map the LK‐regulated site of phosphorylation to a region spanning residues 1662–1840 of CBP. Our results are consistent with possibility that LK‐induced apoptosis is triggered by CBP hyperphosphorylation, an alteration that causes the dissociation of CBP and NF‐κB.
New Otx2 mRNA isoforms expressed in the mouse brain
Authors: Courtois Virginie , Chatelain Gilles , Han Zhi‐Yan , Le Novère Nicolas , Brun Gilbert , Lamonerie Thomas 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe mouse Otx2 gene is essential throughout head and brain development, from anterior–posterior polarity determination and neuroectoderm induction to post‐natal sensory organ maturation. These numerous activities must rely on a very finely tuned regulation of expression. In order to understand the molecular control of the Otx2 gene, we set out to isolate its promoter. During this quest, we identified three remote transcription start sites, two defining two new upstream exons and one mapping within the previously reported first exon. The three transcripts differed in their 5′ non‐coding region but encoded the same protein. The transcription start nucleotides of each mRNA species have been mapped by RNase protection assays and by an RNA circularization technique. We have demonstrated that they are all used and linked to functional promoters. In addition to leader versatility, we also detected alternative splicing within the coding sequence that gives rise to a new protein endowed with an 8 amino‐acid insertion upstream of the homeodomain. Combined analysis of the relative abundance of Otx2 mRNA isoforms in representative tissues and in situ hybridization studies revealed distinct spatial and temporal, although partially overlapping, expression patterns of the mRNA isoforms. These findings provide new clues to a better understanding of the relationships between Otx2 gene architecture and its complex regulatory requirements.
Functional metabotropic glutamate receptors are expressed in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells
Authors: Luyt Karen , Varadi Aniko , Molnar Elek 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe investigated the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) isoforms in CG‐4 rodent oligodendroglial progenitor cells (OPC) and rat brain oligodendrocytes. Our RT‐PCR analysis detected mRNAs for mGluR3 and mGluR5 isoforms in OPCs. Although neurons express both mGluR5a and mGluR5b splice variants, only mGluR5a was identified in OPCs. Antibodies to mGluR2/3 and mGluR5 detected the corresponding receptor proteins in immunoblots of OPC membrane fractions. Furthermore, immunocytochemical analysis identified mGluR5 in oligodendrocyte marker O4‐positive OPCs. The expression of mGluR5 was also demonstrated in oligodendrocyte marker (O4 and O1) positive cells in white matter of postnatal 4‐ and 7‐day‐old rat brain sections using immunofluorescent double labelling and confocal microscopy. The mGluR5 receptor function was assessed in CG‐4 OPCs with fura‐2 microfluorometry. Application of the mGluR1/5 specific agonist (S)‐3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) induced calcium oscillations, which were inhibited by the selective mGluR5 antagonist 2‐methyl‐6‐(phenylethynyl) pyridine hydrochloride (MPEP). The DHPG induced calcium oscillations required Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. In OPCs the group II mGluR agonist (2S,2′R,3′R)‐2‐(2′,3′‐dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine (DCG‐IV) decreased forskolin‐stimulated cAMP synthesis, indicating the presence of functional mGluR3. The newly identified mGluR3 and mGluR5a may be involved in the differentiation of oligodendrocytes, myelination and the development of white matter damage.
Microsatellite loci isolated from the Mediterranean species Cicada barbara (Stål) and C. orni L. (Hemiptera, Cicadoidea)
Authors: Seabra S. G. , Wilcock H. R. , Quartau J. A. , Bruford M. W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe describe the isolation of six polymorphic microsatellites for Cicada barbara (Stål), four of which are also polymorphic for the closely related Cicada orni L. Cicadas from several sites in the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa (C. barbara) and Greece (C. orni) were genotyped at these loci. Polymorphism is higher than that previously obtained with allozymes for these species. One locus allows species diagnosis (nonoverlapping allele size ranges) between C. barbara and C. orni and the others have some exclusive alleles for each species.
Polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers for the Patagonian squid, Loligo gahi (Cephalopoda)
Authors: Shaw P. W. , Adcock G. J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSquid populations are being put under rapidly increasing commercial fishing pressure worldwide. The same species are known to be susceptible to extreme population fluctuations, so detailed knowledge of population substructuring and genetic diversity is essential for rational management. We present a set of microsatellite DNA loci suitable for population genetic analysis of Loligo gahi, the squid species subject to the most detailed monitoring and fishery control (around the Falkland Islands), with the future aim of generating management‐related information to aid conservation of this valuable natural resource.
Identification of one X‐linked and five autosomal microsatellite loci in Carabus violaceus (Coleoptera, Carabidae) and their applicability to related taxa
Authors: Keller I. , Largiadèr C. R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe characterize six microsatellite loci from the ground beetle Carabus violaceus. The polymorphism of the loci was assessed in 46 individuals from one population. The number of alleles ranges between three and eight, and the observed heterozygosities between 0.46 and 0.76. All males are homozygous for locus CVI08106CMPG, whereas most females are heterozygous. This suggests that this locus is situated on the X chromosome. Tests in eight different species of ground beetles showed that four loci could be amplified in C. coriaceus and one each in C. glabratus, C. nemoralis, C. problematicus and Abax parallelepipedus.
Isolation and characterization of five microsatellite loci in Dolichopoda cave crickets (Orthoptera Rhaphidophoridae)
Authors: Bernardini C. , Ketmaier V. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractFive microsatellite loci are described for the cave cricket genus Dolichopoda. Preliminary data on allelic variation of these loci are presented for one population of D. schiavazzii and one population of D. laetitiae to test their usefulness in fine‐scale studies of the genetic aspect of cave colonization. Cross‐species amplifications were carried out in four other Dolichopoda species and in two species belonging to another cave cricket genus (Troglophilus) to test the potential use of these microsatellite markers in studies of both congeneric species and species belonging to the same family.
Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite markers in the new world honey ant Myrmecocystus mimicus
Authors: Kronauer Daniel J. C. , Gadau Jürgen 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe present primer sequences for five polymorphic microsatellite loci in the honey ant Myrmecocystus mimicus. Microsatellite loci were isolated using a highly efficient enrichment procedure. The number of alleles ranged from three to eight with observed levels of heterozygosity ranging from 0.492 to 0.871. These markers were designed to study the population and colony kin structure of a honey ant species that has been shown to conduct intraspecific brood raids. We also report the applicability of these loci in a second honey ant species (Myrmecocystus depilis) and briefly assess the utility of our loci in more distantly related taxa.
DNA microsatellites of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana)
Authors: Carling M. D. , Passavant C. W. , Byers J. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe developed a set of eight polymorphic microsatellite loci for pronghorn, Antilocapra americana. We screened 233 individuals from the National Bison Range in Moiese, MT, and found allele numbers from three to 11 and heterozygosity levels ranging from 0.142 to 0.807. These results suggest that these loci will be useful in paternity analysis and basic population genetics applications.
A quantitative evaluation of two methods for preserving hair samples
Authors: Roon D. A. , Waits L. P. , Kendall K. C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractHair samples are an increasingly important DNA source for wildlife studies, yet optimal storage methods and DNA degradation rates have not been rigorously evaluated. We tested amplification success rates over a one‐year storage period for DNA extracted from brown bear (Ursus arctos) hair samples preserved using silica desiccation and −20 °C freezing. For three nuclear DNA microsatellites, success rates decreased significantly after a six‐month time point, regardless of storage method. For a 1000 bp mitochondrial fragment, a similar decrease occurred after a two‐week time point. Minimizing delays between collection and DNA extraction will maximize success rates for hair‐based noninvasive genetic sampling projects.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the black rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta)
Authors: Blouin‐Demers Gabriel , Gibbs H. Lisle 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe obtained molecular markers useful for population level studies of the black rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta) by screening genomic DNA libraries enriched for dinucleotide, tetranucleotide, and pentanucleotide microsatellite repeats. Following sequencing of the positive clones, 11 pairs of primers were designed for polymorphic loci and their variability assessed in > 350 individuals from four populations in North America. The loci had between 9 and 40 alleles and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.071 to 0.87. Some of these pairs of primers also successfully amplified DNA from two other snake species.
Isolation of microsatellite markers from the rosy apple aphid Dysaphis plantaginea
Authors: Harvey N. G. , Fitzgerald J. D. , James C. M. , Solomon M. G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe report the development of five polymorphic microsatellite loci from the aphid Dysaphis plantaginea, a serious pest on apple. Using a multimotif enrichment protocol, we have isolated loci that are proving to be valuable tools for studying aphid movement at both between‐county and within‐orchard scales.
Phlebectomy – cosmetic indications
Authors: Ramelet A‐A 
Published: March 2003

Summary Ambulatory phlebectomy is a safe, aesthetic, effective and economical operative technique, which enables venous extraction with a special hook, assuring complete and definitive eradication of the veins. Minimal skin incisions (1–3 mm), or even needle punctures, usually result in little or no scarring.This aesthetic method is particularly indicated to treat unsightly varicose veins, such as reticular veins (popliteal fold, lateral thigh and leg), groin pudendal veins, veins of the ankles and the dorsal venous network of the foot. Curettage of telangiectasias is a less well‐known technique, but it is also effective in removing networks of thick blue spider veins. Ambulatory phlebectomy of body areas other than the lower limbs include dilated periorbital, temporal or frontal venous networks and venous dilatation of the abdomen, upper limbs or dorsa of the hands.
A3. The role of botulinum toxin and alphahydroxy acids as agents to prolong the effects of skin rejuvenation procedures
Authors: Benedetto Anthony V 
Published: March 2003

The desire of ‘baby‐boomers’ to remain forever young can prove to be a tenuous goal that often eludes most of us. However, with the current popularity and availability of minimally invasive techniques of facial rejuvenation, many people with facial wrinkles and photodamage may be closer to the ideal of at least appearing youthful.Injections of Botulinum toxin (BTX) will remove many of the dynamic wrinkles of the face that denote a negative emotion and give the appearance of being old and tired or even angry and disgusted. These types of wrinkles are produced by hyperactive mimetic muscles of the face, which can be weakened by injections of BTX.The addition of superficial chemical peelings with the alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) can be used to rejuvenate the superficial surface of the face by diminishing the appearance of the fine, static wrinkles of the face, many of which are caused by photodamage and chronological ageing. Daily application of the AHAs in cream form can be used to maintain a supple, healthy glow on the surface of the skin, keeping the telltale wrinkles of the ageing process at bay.
A4. Hair loss – surgical and pharmacological treatment
Authors: Ginzburg Alex 
Published: March 2003

Most adult men, and some women, will eventually have a certain degree of hair loss which is not a pathological condition, but which can create social and psychological problems. Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss in both sexes and appears to be caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and androgen hormone. However, there are many other causes for hair loss such as poor nutrition, alopecia areata, infection, systemic disease, metabolic or genetic disorders, and baldness due to side‐effects from drugs.Treatment options include:a) Hormone modifiers:Androgen inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride, spironolactone)Oestrogen mediatedb) Surgical options:Scalp surgery, excision of bald scalp, with or without tissue expansion, scalp flaps and hair transplantation have been the treatment for androgenetic alopecia for many years and are constantly being revised and improved.