Search results for "neuron"
showing 10 items of 2611 documents
Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields Do Not Affect LTP-Like Plasticity in Healthy Humans.
2020
Introduction: Several studies explored, in vitro, the biological effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) and reported the induction of functional changes in neuronal activity. In particular, ELF-MFs can influence synaptic plasticity both in-vitro and in animal models. Indeed, some studies reported an increase in long-term potentiation (LTP) whereas others suggested its reduction. However, no specific study has investigated such effect in humans. Aims: To evaluate whether ELF-MFs affect the propensity of the human cortex to undergo LTP-like plasticity. Methods: We designed a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled, cross-over study on 10 healthy subjects. Cortical plas…
Spinal neuronal correlates of tapentadol analgesia in cancer pain: A back-translational approach
2014
Background Pain is a common and highly debilitating complication for cancer patients significantly compromising their quality of life. Cancer-induced bone pain involves a complex interplay of multiple mechanisms including both inflammatory and neuropathic processes and also some unique changes. Strong opioids are a mainstay of treatments but side effects are problematic and can compromise optimal pain control. Tapentadol is a novel dual-action drug, both stimulating inhibitory μ-opioid receptors (MOR) and mediating noradrenaline reuptake inhibition (NRI) leading to activation of the inhibitory α-2 adrenoceptor. It has been demonstrated to treat effectively both acute and chronic pain. We he…
Neuron-Glial Interaction During Injury and Edema of the CNS
1994
During injury and ischemia of the CNS mediator compounds are released or activated which cause secondary swelling and damage of nerve cells. Such mediators are glutamate, acidosis, free fatty acids, or high extracellular potassium. Glial homeostatic mechanisms are activated to prevent the secondary injury from these mediators. The glial clearance mechanisms have been studied in detail using in vitro systems allowing for a close control of the glial environment. Current evidence suggests glial swelling to occur together with glutamate uptake or in response to extracellular acidosis. Glial swelling, therefore, is rather the result of homeostatic mechanisms than an indication of glial demise.
A model study for the progressive disruption of CA1 firing properties during Alzheimer’s disease
2011
Several independent studies show that β-Amyloid (Aβ) peptides accumulation, one of the characteristic hallmark of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), can affect the normal neuronal activity in different ways causing an increase or a decrease in neuronal membrane excitability. For example, experimental evidence for a negative impact on neuronal membrane in animal models of AD has been obtained in dual patch recordings in rat hippocampal tissue slices, in which Aβ blocked K channels in pyramidal cell dendrites, causing an increase in dendritic membrane excitability. The resulting increased Ca2+ influx and excitoxicity may lead to dendritic degeneration. However, further experimental evidence suggests t…
Opioid-Sensitive Peripheral Neuronal Activity in the Modulation of Gastric Mucosal Injury
1991
There is growing evidence that capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurones participate in the protective mechanisms of the gastric mucosa against damage. Animals pretreated systemically with capsaicin, at doses that lead to the ablation of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons, show an increase in the level of macro-scopically apparent mucosal damage in different experimental models of ulceration (Szolcsanyi and Bartho, 1981; Holzer and Sametz, 1986). Furthermore, acute stimulation with capsaicin of afferent nerve endings located in the gastric mucosa protects against different ulcerogenic mechanisms (Szolcsanyi and Bartho, 1981; Holzer and Lippe, 1988; Holzer et al., 1989).
Diagnosis of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses: An update
2006
Abstract For the majority of families affected by one of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), a biochemical and/or genetic diagnosis can be achieved. In an individual case this information not only increases understanding of the condition but also may influence treatment choices and options. The presenting clinical features prompt initial investigation and also guide clinical care. The clinical labels “infantile NCL”, “late infantile NCL” and “juvenile NCL”, therefore remain useful in practice. In unusual or atypical cases ultra-structural analysis of white blood cells or other tissue samples enables planning and prioritisation of biochemical and genetic tests.This review describes cu…
Prenatal exposure to cannabinoids evokes long-lasting functional alterations by targeting CB 1 receptors on developing cortical neurons
2015
The CB1 cannabinoid receptor, the main target of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most prominent psychoactive compound of marijuana, plays a crucial regulatory role in brain development as evidenced by the neurodevelopmental consequences of its manipulation in animal models. Likewise, recreational cannabis use during pregnancy affects brain structure and function of the progeny. However, the precise neurobiological substrates underlying the consequences of prenatal THC exposure remain unknown. As CB1 signaling is known to modulate long-range corticofugal connectivity, we analyzed the impact of THC exposure on cortical projection neuron development. THC administration to pregnant mice in…
Interictal Heart Rate Variability Analysis Reveals Lateralization of Cardiac Autonomic Control in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.
2020
International audience; Purpose: The temporal lobe, a critical hub for cognition, also plays a central role in the regulation of autonomic cardiovascular functions. Lesions in this area are usually associated with abnormalities in the regulation of heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). The analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV) is useful to evaluate the cardiac parasympathetic nervous system activity. This study aims at comparing HRV changes occurring in two groups of patients suffering from Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE). To that aim, we evaluated patients differentiated by the right or left location of the epileptic foci. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two adult patients with a diagn…
Potential Roles of Peroxisomes in Alzheimer's Disease and in Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type
2012
In Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT), the role played by peroxisomes is not well known. Peroxisomes are present in all eukaryotic cells, with the exception of erythrocytes. They are involved in the β-oxidation process of long-chain fatty acids, very-long-chain fatty acids, and branched-chain fatty acids. They participate in the α-oxidation of phytanic acid, the biosynthesis of bile acids, and the breakdown of eicosanoids. Peroxisomes are also involved in the synthesis of specific fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is essential for the brain and retina, and plasmalogens (PLGN), which play crucial roles in neural cells and are essential com…
Disabilità visiva e neuroni specchio
2009
Il seguente lavoro ha come obiettivo quello indagare, il possibile coinvolgimento del sistema dei neuroni specchio nella disabilità visiva, cercando di analizzare, in particolare, come il soggetto non vedente possa comprendere e conoscere l’azione degli altri privato dal corpus di informazioni provenienti dal canale visivo. L’ipotesi da verificare è se nei soggetti con disabilità visiva e nei soggetti con sviluppo tipico venga messo in gioco e con quale modalità, lo stesso sistema di neuroni specchio unitario (visivo-uditivo) per il riconoscimento dell’azione. Inoltre, lo studio dovrebbe consentire di verificare se la disabilità visiva ad esordio precoce (congenita) è in grado di aumentare …