Distinct brain remodeling has been found after different nerve reconstruction strategies,including motor representation of the affected limb.However,differences among reconstruction strategies at the brain network lev...Distinct brain remodeling has been found after different nerve reconstruction strategies,including motor representation of the affected limb.However,differences among reconstruction strategies at the brain network level have not been elucidated.This study aimed to explore intranetwork changes related to altered peripheral neural pathways after different nerve reconstruction surgeries,including nerve repair,endto-end nerve transfer,and end-to-side nerve transfer.Sprague–Dawley rats underwent complete left brachial plexus transection and were divided into four equal groups of eight:no nerve repair,grafted nerve repair,phrenic nerve end-to-end transfer,and end-to-side transfer with a graft sutured to the anterior upper trunk.Resting-state brain functional magnetic resonance imaging was obtained 7 months after surgery.The independent component analysis algorithm was utilized to identify group-level network components of interest and extract resting-state functional connectivity values of each voxel within the component.Alterations in intra-network resting-state functional connectivity were compared among the groups.Target muscle reinnervation was assessed by behavioral observation(elbow flexion)and electromyography.The results showed that alterations in the sensorimotor and interoception networks were mostly related to changes in the peripheral neural pathway.Nerve repair was related to enhanced connectivity within the sensorimotor network,while end-to-side nerve transfer might be more beneficial for restoring control over the affected limb by the original motor representation.The thalamic-cortical pathway was enhanced within the interoception network after nerve repair and end-to-end nerve transfer.Brain areas related to cognition and emotion were enhanced after end-to-side nerve transfer.Our study revealed important brain networks related to different nerve reconstructions.These networks may be potential targets for enhancing motor recovery.展开更多
Purpose: To evaluate optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) data obtained from the superficial retinal capillary plexus of patients with retinal vein occlusion and comparative analysis with data registered f...Purpose: To evaluate optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) data obtained from the superficial retinal capillary plexus of patients with retinal vein occlusion and comparative analysis with data registered from unaffected fellow eyes. Methods: The examined patients were classified into 2 groups: group 1—eyes with established retinal vein occlusion (n = 29) and group 2—unaffected fellow eyes of patients with retinal vein occlusion (n = 24). The scanning protocol “Angiography 3 × 3 mm” of Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT 6000, AngioPlex Metrix was used to evaluate the retinal superficial capillary plexus. The analyzed parameters were vascular density and perfusion density, as well as the area, perimeter, and circularity of the foveolar avascular zone (FAZ). Results: The comparative analysis of FAZ parameters at the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) between group 1 (eyes with retinal vein occlusion) and group 2 (unaffected fellow eyes) showed significant results for the three parameters, respectively area (p = 0.003), perimeter (p ≤ 0.001), and circularity (p = 0.011) of FAZ. The comparative analysis of the vascular network at SCP in patients with diagnosed retinal vein occlusion and unaffected fellow eyes showed significant results for vascular density (VD) in the central (p = 0.038) and inner (p ≤ 0.001) zones as well as total VD (p ≤ 0.001) were statistically significant. Moreover, the results obtained in the study of vascular perfusion (VP) indicated significant results in the inner zone (p ≤ 0.001) and total VP (p = 0.001). Vascular perfusion in the central zone (p = 0.116) was the only parameter not to meet significant results. Conclusion: The current study observed a significant enlargement of the FAZ and loss of its circularity, along with a reduction in vascular network parameters at the superficial retinal capillary plexus level.展开更多
Dendrites play irreplaceable roles in the nerve conduction pathway and are vulnerable to various insults.Peripheral axotomy of motor neurons results in the retraction of dendritic arbors,and the dendritic arbor can be...Dendrites play irreplaceable roles in the nerve conduction pathway and are vulnerable to various insults.Peripheral axotomy of motor neurons results in the retraction of dendritic arbors,and the dendritic arbor can be re-expanded when reinnervation is allowed.RhoA is a target that regulates the cytoskeleton and promotes neuronal survival and axon regeneration.However,the role of RhoA in dendrite degeneration and regeneration is unknown.In this study,we explored the potential role of RhoA in dendrites.A line of motor neuronal conditional knockout mice was developed by crossbreeding HB9~(Cre+)mice with RhoA~(flox/flox)mice.We established two models for assaying dendrite degeneration and regeneration,in which the brachial plexus was transection or crush injured,respectively.We found that at 28 days after brachial plexus transection,the density,complexity,and structural integrity of dendrites in the ventral horn of the spinal cord of RhoA conditional knockout mice were slightly decreased compared with that in Cre mice.Dendrites underwent degeneration at 7 and 14 days after brachial plexus transection and recovered at 28–56 days.The density,complexity,and structural integrity of dendrites in the ventral horn of the spinal cord of RhoA conditional knockout mice recovered compared with results in Cre mice.These findings suggest that RhoA knockout in motor neurons attenuates dendrite degeneration and promotes dendrite regeneration after peripheral nerve injury.展开更多
BACKGROUND Dexmedetomidine(DMED)is frequently used as a sedative in several medical fields.The benefits of DMED include enhanced quality of regional anesthesia,prolonged analgesia,and postoperative opioid-sparing when...BACKGROUND Dexmedetomidine(DMED)is frequently used as a sedative in several medical fields.The benefits of DMED include enhanced quality of regional anesthesia,prolonged analgesia,and postoperative opioid-sparing when administered intravenously or perineurally in combination with regional anesthesia.Severe hemodynamic complications,such as profound bradycardia and hypotension,can occur after DMED administration in critically ill patients or overdosage;however,there are few reports of complications with DMED administration following brachial plexus block(BPB).CASE SUMMARY We present two cases of hemodynamic instability that occurred following the initial loading of DMED under supraclavicular BPB.A healthy 29-year-old man without any medical history showed profound bradycardia after receiving a loading dose of DMED 0.9μg/kg for 9 min.DMED administration was promptly stopped,and after receiving a second dose of atropine,the heart rate recovered.A 62-year-old woman with a history of cardiomyopathy became hypotensive abruptly,requiring the administration of inotrope and vasopressors after receiving a reduced loading dose of 0.5μg/kg for 10 min.Half of the recommended loading dose of DMED was administered due to the underlying heart dysfunction.Decrea-sed blood pressure was maintained despite the intravenous administration of ephedrine.With continuous infusion of dopamine and norepinephrine,the vital signs were maintained within normal ranges.Inotropic and vasopressor support was required for over 6 h after the initial loading dose of DMED.CONCLUSION DMED administration following BPB could trigger hemodynamic instability in patients with decreased cardiac function as well as in healthy individuals.展开更多
The choroid plexus(ChP)is a highly vascularized and secretory tissue in each of the brain ventricles that represents the key structure between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF).Besides its essential role in C...The choroid plexus(ChP)is a highly vascularized and secretory tissue in each of the brain ventricles that represents the key structure between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF).Besides its essential role in CSF production and brain waste clearance pathways,the ChP also contributes to the regulation of central nervous system(CNS)immunosurveillance(Ghersi-Egea et al.,2018).Indeed,the ChP forming the blood-CSF barrier(BCSFB)regulates the entry of immune cells and solute molecules into the brain and vice versa.When antigen-specific,autoreactive immune activation occurs in the periphery,inflammatory cells migrate through the brain barriers towards the CNS(Strominger et al.,2018),initiating neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis(MS).展开更多
Introduction-Objectives: Through the presentation of epidemiological, anatomo-clinical and surgical aspects, we report our experience in the management of traumatic axillary lesions. Materials and Methods: A descripti...Introduction-Objectives: Through the presentation of epidemiological, anatomo-clinical and surgical aspects, we report our experience in the management of traumatic axillary lesions. Materials and Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was based on the medical records of patients who suffered vascular axillary and/or brachial plexus trauma and who underwent surgical repair at the Abidjan Cardiology Institute from January 2008 to June 2022. Epidemiological, anatomo-clinical and surgical data were studied. Results: Thirty-four medical files belonging to 33 men and one woman, aged 32 on average, were collected. The circumstances of occurrence were dominated by the stab wound (n = 22). The combinations of injuries were as follows: associated involvement of the axillary artery and vein (n = 4);isolated involvement of axillary artery (n = 3);isolated involvement of the axillary vein (n = 2);associated involvement of the axillary artery and brachial plexus (n = 17);associated involvement of the axillary artery and vein and brachial plexus (n = 08). Anatomic lesions included acute arterial lesions (n = 29) and arteriovenous fistula (n = 1) and false aneurysms (n = 4). All patients were operated on under general anesthesia;vascular repair included direct suturing (n = 16), arterial and venous bypass using a long saphenous graft (n = 9), prosthetic arterial bypass (n = 5) and prosthetic flattening-graft (n = 4). Brachial plexus surgery consisted of an end-to-end anastomosis of each transected bundle in all cases (n = 25). The medium-term postoperative course was marked by success without functional sequelae in 88.24% of cases (n = 30) and by the persistence of distal paralysis of the thoracic limb after 6 months in 05.88% (n = 2) of all patients, i.e., 8% of patients who presented with brachial plexus injury. Conclusion: The concomitant surgical treatment of these axillary vascular and nerve lesions has given good results. However, if paralysis of the thoracic limb persists after 6 to 12 months, the patient should be referred to a specialist in brachial plexus surgery.展开更多
Pain is a common symptom of pancreatic disease and is frequently difficult to manage. Pain relief provided by narcotics is often suboptimal and is associated with significant side effects. An alternative approach to p...Pain is a common symptom of pancreatic disease and is frequently difficult to manage. Pain relief provided by narcotics is often suboptimal and is associated with significant side effects. An alternative approach to pain management in pancreatic disease is the use of celiac plexus block (CPB) or neurolysis (CPN). Originally performed by anesthesiologists and radiologists via a posterior approach,recent advances in endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) have made this technique an attractive alternative. EUS guided celiac plexus block/ neurolysis is simple to perform and avoids serious complications such as paraplegia or pneumothorax that are associated with the posterior approach. EUS guided CPN should be considered first line therapy in patients with pain due to pancreatic cancer. It provides superior pain control compared to traditional management with narcotics. A trend for improved survival in pancreatic cancer patients treated with CPN has been reported,but larger studies are needed to confirm this finding. At this time,the use of EUS guided CPB cannot be recommended as routine therapy for pain in chronic pancreatitis since only one-half of the patients experience pain reduction and the beneficial effect tends to be short lived. EUS guided CPB and CPN should be used as part of a multidisciplinary team approach for pain management.展开更多
<b>Background:</b> Peripheral block techniques for total hip arthroplasty have been used as an analgesic strategy, only a few studies described it as an anesthetic technique, so the perioperative performan...<b>Background:</b> Peripheral block techniques for total hip arthroplasty have been used as an analgesic strategy, only a few studies described it as an anesthetic technique, so the perioperative performance and safety are poorly studied. <b>Methods:</b> 78 total hip arthroplasties were prospectively observed in our hospital. Divided into 2 groups: 1) General anesthesia;and 2) Lumbar sacral plexus block anesthesia. Variables measured in both groups were: demographics, conversion to general anesthesia, total opioid doses, surgical time, blood loss, postoperative pain, use and total dose of vasopressors drugs, transfusion and ICU transfer needs, postoperative ambulation time, and length of hospital stay. T student and chi-square tests were used upon the case. A significant difference was considered when a value of p < 0.05 was obtained. Descriptive statistics were performed in frequency, percentages, variance and standard deviation. <b>Results:</b> 3 patients (7.3%) anesthetized with combined lumbar sacral plexus block were converted to general anesthesia. When comparing peripheral nerve block and general anesthesia, less intraoperative (p = 0.000) and postoperative (p = 0.002) opioid consumption were noted, less postoperative pain in PACU (p = 0.002) and in the first 24 hours (p = 0.005), as well as earlier onset of ambulation (p = 0.008) and shorter hospital stay (p = 0.031). <b>Conclusions:</b> In our study, the lumbar and sacral plexus block anesthesia technique provided anesthetic conditions to perform hip joint arthroplasty and it was proved to be advantageous in comparison to general anesthesia.展开更多
Electroacupuncture has traditionally been used to treat pain, but its effect on pain following brachial plexus injury is still unknown. In this study, rat models of an avulsion injury to the left brachial plexus root ...Electroacupuncture has traditionally been used to treat pain, but its effect on pain following brachial plexus injury is still unknown. In this study, rat models of an avulsion injury to the left brachial plexus root (associated with upper-limb chronic neuropathic pain) were given electroacupuncture stimulation at bilateral Quchi (LIll), Hegu (LI04), Zusanli (ST36) and Yanglingquan (GB34). After electroacupuncture therapy, chronic neuropathic pain in the rats' upper limbs was significantly attenuated. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the expression of β-endorphins in the arcuate nucleus was significantly increased after therapy. Thus, experimental findings indi- cate that electroacupuncture can attenuate neuropathic pain after brachial plexus injury through upregulating β-endorphin expression.展开更多
AIM:To assess the feasibility of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)guided celiac plexus neurolysis(CPN) using a poloxamer. METHODS:In this prospective evaluation,six Yorkshire pigs underwent EUS-guided CPN.Three received an i...AIM:To assess the feasibility of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)guided celiac plexus neurolysis(CPN) using a poloxamer. METHODS:In this prospective evaluation,six Yorkshire pigs underwent EUS-guided CPN.Three received an injection of 10 mL of 0.25%Lidocaine plus methylene blue(group 1) and three received an injection of 10 mL of 0.25%Lidocaine plus blue colored poloxamer(PS137-25)(group 2) .Necropsy was performed immediately after the animals were sacrificed.The abdominal and pelvic cavities were examined for the presence of methylene blue and the blue colored poloxamer.RESULTS:EUS-guided CPN was successfully performed in all 6 pigs without immediate complication.Methylene blue was identified throughout the peritoneal and retroperitoneal cavity in group 1.The blue colored poloxamer was found in the retroperitoneal cavity immediately adjacent to the aorta,in the exact location of the celiac plexus in group 2.CONCLUSION:EUS-guided CPN using a reverse phase polymer in a non-survival porcine model was technically feasible.The presence of a poloxamer gel at the site of the celiac plexus at necropsy indicates a precise delivery of the neurolytic agent.展开更多
Experimental rats with root avulsion of the brachial plexus upper trunk were treated with the improved C34 transfer for neurotization of 05-6. Results showed that Terzis grooming test scores were significantly increas...Experimental rats with root avulsion of the brachial plexus upper trunk were treated with the improved C34 transfer for neurotization of 05-6. Results showed that Terzis grooming test scores were significantly increased at 6 months after treatment, the latency of C5-6 motor evoked potential was gradually shortened, and the amplitude was gradually increased. The rate of C3 instead of C5 and the C4 + phrenic nerve instead of C6 myelinated nerve fibers crossing through the anastomotic stoma was approximately 80%. Myelinated nerve fibers were arranged loosely but the thickness of the myelin sheath was similar to that of the healthy side. In clinical applications, 39 patients with root avulsion of the brachial plexus upper trunk were followed for 6 months to 4.5 years after treatment using the improved C3 instead of C5 nerve root transfer and C4 nerve root and phrenic nerve instead of C6 nerve root transfer. Results showed that the strength of the brachial biceps and deltoid muscles recovered to level IIHV, scapular muscle to level Ill-W, latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major muscles to above level Ⅲ, and the brachial triceps muscle to level 0 Ill. Results showed that the improved 03-4 transfer for root avulsion of the brachial plexus upper trunk in animal models is similar to clinical findings and that C3-4 and the phrenic nerve transfer for neurotization of C5-6 can innervate the avulsed brachial plexus upper trunk and promote the recovery of nerve function in the upper extremity.展开更多
Brachial plexuses of 110 healthy volunteers were examined using high resolution color Doppler ultrasound. Ultrasonic characteristics and anatomic variation in the intervertebral foramen, interscalene, supraclavicular ...Brachial plexuses of 110 healthy volunteers were examined using high resolution color Doppler ultrasound. Ultrasonic characteristics and anatomic variation in the intervertebral foramen, interscalene, supraclavicular and infraclavicular, as well as the axillary brachial plexus were investigated. Results confirmed that the normal brachial plexus on cross section exhibited round or elliptic hypoechoic texture. Longitudinal section imaging showed many parallel linear hypo-moderate echoes, with hypo-echo. The transverse processes of the seventh cervical vertebra, the scalene space, the subclavian artery and the deep cervical artery are important markers in an examination. The display rates for the interscalene, and supraclavicular and axillary brachial plexuses were 100% each, while that for the infraclavicular brachial plexus was 97%. The region where the normal brachial plexus root traversed the intervertebral foramen exhibited a regular hypo-echo. The display rate for the C5-7 nerve roots was 100%, while those for C8 and T1 were 83% and 68%, respectively. A total of 20 of the 110 subjects underwent cervical CT scan. High-frequency ultrasound can clearly display the outline of the transverse processes of the vertebrae, which were consistent with CT results. These results indicate that high-frequency ultrasound provides a new method for observing the morphology of the brachial plexus. The C~ vertebra is a marker for identifying the position of brachial plexus nerve roots.展开更多
The transplantation of embryonic stem cells can effectively improve the creeping strength of nerves near an injury site in animals. Amniotic epithelial cells have similar biological properties as em-bryonic stem cells...The transplantation of embryonic stem cells can effectively improve the creeping strength of nerves near an injury site in animals. Amniotic epithelial cells have similar biological properties as em-bryonic stem cells; therefore, we hypothesized that transplantation of amniotic epithelial cells can repair peripheral nerve injury and recover the creeping strength of the brachial plexus nerve. In the present study, a brachial plexus injury model was established in rabbits using the C6root avulsion method. A suspension of human amniotic epithelial cells was repeatedly injected over an area 4.0 mm lateral to the cephal and caudal ends of the C6 brachial plexus injury site (1 × 106 cells/mL, 3μL/injection, 25 injections) immediately after the injury. The results showed that the decrease in stress and increase in strain at 7,200 seconds in the injured rabbit C6 brachial plexus nerve were mitigated by the cell transplantation, restoring the viscoelastic stress relaxation and creep properties of the brachial plexus nerve. The forepaw functions were also signiifcantly improved at 26 weeks after injury. These data indicate that transplantation of human amniotic epithelial cells can effec-tively restore the mechanical properties of the brachial plexus nerve after injury in rabbits and that viscoelasticity may be an important index for the evaluation of brachial plexus injury in animals.展开更多
AIM: To study the distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rat stomach myenteric plexus. METHODS: The distribution of NOS in gastric wall was studied in quantity and location by the NADPH-diaphorase (NDP) histoc...AIM: To study the distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rat stomach myenteric plexus. METHODS: The distribution of NOS in gastric wall was studied in quantity and location by the NADPH-diaphorase (NDP) histochemical staining method and whole mount preparation technique. RESULTS: NOS was distributed in whole stomach wall, most of them were located in myenteric plexus, and distributed in submucosal plexus.The shape of NOS positive neurons was basically similar, most of them being round and oval in shape. But their density, size and staining intensity varied greatly in the different parts of stomach. The density was 62+/-38 cells mm(2) (antrum), 43+/-32 cells/mm(2) (body), and 32+/-28 cells mm(2) (fundus), respectively. The size and staining intensity of NOS positive neurons in the fundus were basically the same, the neurons being large and dark stained, while they were obviously different in antrum. In the body of the stomach, the NOS positive neurons were in an intermediate state from fundus to antrum. There were some beadlike structures which were strung together by NOS positive varicosities in nerve fibers, some were closely adherent to the outer walls of blood vessels. CONCLUSION: Nitric oxide might be involved in the modulation of motility, secretion and blood circulation of the stomach, and the significant difference of NOS positive neurons in different parts of stomach myenteric plexus may be related to the physiologic function of stomach.展开更多
Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are excellent modalities which have the ability to detect,depict and stage the nerve invasion associated with pancreatic carcinoma.The aim of this article ...Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are excellent modalities which have the ability to detect,depict and stage the nerve invasion associated with pancreatic carcinoma.The aim of this article is to review the CT and MR patterns of pancreatic carcinoma invading the extrapancreatic neural plexus and thus provide useful information which could help the choice of treatment methods.Pancreatic carcinoma is a common malignant neoplasm with a high mortality rate.There are many factors influencing the prognosis and treatment options for those patients suffering from pancreatic carcinoma,such as lymphatic metastasis,adjacent organs or tissue invasion,etc.Among these factors,extrapancreatic neural plexus invasion is recognized as an important factor when considering the management of the patients.展开更多
AIM: To determine the expression of c-fos in gastric myenteric plexus and spinal cord of rats with cervical spondylosis and its clinical significance. METHODS: A cervical spondylosis model was established in rats by d...AIM: To determine the expression of c-fos in gastric myenteric plexus and spinal cord of rats with cervical spondylosis and its clinical significance. METHODS: A cervical spondylosis model was established in rats by destroying the stability of cervical posterior column,and the cord segments C4-6 and gastric antrum were collected 3, 4 and 5 mo after the operation. Rats with sham operation were used as controls. c-fos neuronal counter-staining was performed with an immunohistochemistry method. Every third sections from C4-6 segments were drawn. The 10 most labeled c-fos-immunoreactive (Fos-IR) neurons were counted, and the average number was used for statistical analysis. The mean of Fos-IR neurons in myenteric plexus was calculated after counting Fos-IR neurons in 25 ganglia from each antral preparation, and expressed as a mean count per myenteric ganglion.RESULTS: There were a few c-fos-positive neurons in the cervical cord and antrum in the control group. There was an increased c-fos expression in model group 3, 4 and 5 mo after operation, whereas there was no significant increase in c-fos expression in the control group at 3, 4 and 5 mo.More importantly, there was a significant difference in c-fos expression between rats followed up for 3 mo and those for 5 mo in the model group (11.20±2.26 vs 27.68±4.36,P<0.05, for the cervical cord; and 11.3±2.3 vs 29.3±4.6,P<0.05, for the gastric antrum). There was no significant difference between rats followed up for 3 mo and those for 4 mo and between rats followed up for 4 mo and those for 5 mo in the model group.CONCLUSION: c-fos expression in gastric myenteric plexus was dramatically associated with that in the spinal cord in rats with cervical spondylosis, suggesting that the gastrointestinal function may be affected by cervical spondylosis. If this hypothesis is confirmed by further studies, functional gastrointestinal diseases such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome could be explained by neurogastroenterology.展开更多
Transplantation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) enhanced the outgrowth of regenerating axons and promoted locomotor improvements of rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). BMSCs did not survive long-term, disappe...Transplantation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) enhanced the outgrowth of regenerating axons and promoted locomotor improvements of rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). BMSCs did not survive long-term, disappearing from the spinal cord within 2-3 weeks after transplantation. Astrocyte-devoid areas, in which no astrocytes or oligodendrocytes were found, formed at the epicenter of the lesion. It was remarkable that numerous regenerating axons extended through such astrocyte-devoid areas. Regenerating axons were associated with Schwann cells embedded in extracellular matrices. Transplantation of choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPECs) also enhanced axonal regeneration and locomotor improvements in rats with SCI. Although CPECs disappeared from the spinal cord shortly after transplantation, an extensive outgrowth of regenerating axons occurred through astrocyte-devoid areas, as in the case of BMSC transplantation. These findings suggest that BMSCs and CPECs secret neurotrophic factors that promote tissue repair of the spinal cord, including axonal regeneration and reduced cavity formation. This means that transplantation of BMSCs and CPECs promotes "intrinsic" ability of the spinal cord to regenerate. The treatment to stimu- late the intrinsic regeneration ability of the spinal cord is the safest method of clinical application for SCI. It should be emphasized that the generally anticipated long-term survival, proliferation and differentiation of transplanted cells are not necessarily desirable from the clinical point of view of safety.展开更多
There is a large amount of fat in the postganglionic segment of the brachial plexus nerve.The use of short T1 inversion recovery pulse sequence may improve signal strength of the brachial plexus postganglionic segment...There is a large amount of fat in the postganglionic segment of the brachial plexus nerve.The use of short T1 inversion recovery pulse sequence may improve signal strength of the brachial plexus postganglionic segment.The present study revealed that the combination of three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition with phase-cycled and short T1 inversion recovery pulse sequence clearly displayed the anatomical morphology and structure of the brachial plexus nerve,together with maximum intensity projection,volume rendering and other three-dimensional reconstruction techniques.Our results suggested that this method is also suitable for providing accurate assessment and diagnosis of the site,severity and scope of brachial plexus injury.展开更多
Copolymer-1(Cop-1) is a peptide with immunomodulatory properties, approved by the Food and Drug Administration of United States in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Cop-1 has been shown to exert neuroprotective e...Copolymer-1(Cop-1) is a peptide with immunomodulatory properties, approved by the Food and Drug Administration of United States in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Cop-1 has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects and induce neurogenesis in cerebral ischemia models. Nevertheless, the mechanism involved in the neurogenic action of this compound remains unknown. The choroid plexus(CP) is a network of cells that constitute the interphase between the immune and central nervous systems, with the ability to mediate neurogenesis through the release of cytokines and growth factors. Therefore, the CP could play a role in Cop-1-induced neurogenesis. In order to determine the participation of the CP in the induction of neurogenesis after Cop-1 immunization, we evaluated the gene expression of various growth factors(brain-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor 1, neurotrophin-3) and cytokines(tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon-gamma, interleukin-4(IL-4), IL-10 and IL-17), in the CP at 14 days after ischemia. Furthermore, we analyzed the correlation between the expression of these genes and neurogenesis. Our results showed that Cop-1 was capable of stimulating an upregulation in the expression of the genes encoding for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor 1, neurotrophin-3 and IL-10 in the CP, which correlated with an increase in neurogenesis in the subventricular and subgranular zone. As well, we observed a downregulation of IL-17 gene expression. This study demonstrates the effect of Cop-1 on the expression of growth factors and IL-10 in the CP, in the same way, presents a possible mechanism involved in the neurogenic effect of Cop-1.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.81871836(to MZ),82172554(to XH),and 81802249(to XH),81902301(to JW)the National Key R&D Program of China,Nos.2018YFC2001600(to JX)and 2018YFC2001604(to JX)+3 种基金Shanghai Rising Star Program,No.19QA1409000(to MZ)Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning,No.2018YQ02(to MZ)Shanghai Youth Top Talent Development PlanShanghai“Rising Stars of Medical Talent”Youth Development Program,No.RY411.19.01.10(to XH)。
文摘Distinct brain remodeling has been found after different nerve reconstruction strategies,including motor representation of the affected limb.However,differences among reconstruction strategies at the brain network level have not been elucidated.This study aimed to explore intranetwork changes related to altered peripheral neural pathways after different nerve reconstruction surgeries,including nerve repair,endto-end nerve transfer,and end-to-side nerve transfer.Sprague–Dawley rats underwent complete left brachial plexus transection and were divided into four equal groups of eight:no nerve repair,grafted nerve repair,phrenic nerve end-to-end transfer,and end-to-side transfer with a graft sutured to the anterior upper trunk.Resting-state brain functional magnetic resonance imaging was obtained 7 months after surgery.The independent component analysis algorithm was utilized to identify group-level network components of interest and extract resting-state functional connectivity values of each voxel within the component.Alterations in intra-network resting-state functional connectivity were compared among the groups.Target muscle reinnervation was assessed by behavioral observation(elbow flexion)and electromyography.The results showed that alterations in the sensorimotor and interoception networks were mostly related to changes in the peripheral neural pathway.Nerve repair was related to enhanced connectivity within the sensorimotor network,while end-to-side nerve transfer might be more beneficial for restoring control over the affected limb by the original motor representation.The thalamic-cortical pathway was enhanced within the interoception network after nerve repair and end-to-end nerve transfer.Brain areas related to cognition and emotion were enhanced after end-to-side nerve transfer.Our study revealed important brain networks related to different nerve reconstructions.These networks may be potential targets for enhancing motor recovery.
文摘Purpose: To evaluate optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) data obtained from the superficial retinal capillary plexus of patients with retinal vein occlusion and comparative analysis with data registered from unaffected fellow eyes. Methods: The examined patients were classified into 2 groups: group 1—eyes with established retinal vein occlusion (n = 29) and group 2—unaffected fellow eyes of patients with retinal vein occlusion (n = 24). The scanning protocol “Angiography 3 × 3 mm” of Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT 6000, AngioPlex Metrix was used to evaluate the retinal superficial capillary plexus. The analyzed parameters were vascular density and perfusion density, as well as the area, perimeter, and circularity of the foveolar avascular zone (FAZ). Results: The comparative analysis of FAZ parameters at the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) between group 1 (eyes with retinal vein occlusion) and group 2 (unaffected fellow eyes) showed significant results for the three parameters, respectively area (p = 0.003), perimeter (p ≤ 0.001), and circularity (p = 0.011) of FAZ. The comparative analysis of the vascular network at SCP in patients with diagnosed retinal vein occlusion and unaffected fellow eyes showed significant results for vascular density (VD) in the central (p = 0.038) and inner (p ≤ 0.001) zones as well as total VD (p ≤ 0.001) were statistically significant. Moreover, the results obtained in the study of vascular perfusion (VP) indicated significant results in the inner zone (p ≤ 0.001) and total VP (p = 0.001). Vascular perfusion in the central zone (p = 0.116) was the only parameter not to meet significant results. Conclusion: The current study observed a significant enlargement of the FAZ and loss of its circularity, along with a reduction in vascular network parameters at the superficial retinal capillary plexus level.
基金the Ministry of Science and Technology China Brain Initiative Grant,No.2022ZD0204701the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82071386&81870982(all to JG)。
文摘Dendrites play irreplaceable roles in the nerve conduction pathway and are vulnerable to various insults.Peripheral axotomy of motor neurons results in the retraction of dendritic arbors,and the dendritic arbor can be re-expanded when reinnervation is allowed.RhoA is a target that regulates the cytoskeleton and promotes neuronal survival and axon regeneration.However,the role of RhoA in dendrite degeneration and regeneration is unknown.In this study,we explored the potential role of RhoA in dendrites.A line of motor neuronal conditional knockout mice was developed by crossbreeding HB9~(Cre+)mice with RhoA~(flox/flox)mice.We established two models for assaying dendrite degeneration and regeneration,in which the brachial plexus was transection or crush injured,respectively.We found that at 28 days after brachial plexus transection,the density,complexity,and structural integrity of dendrites in the ventral horn of the spinal cord of RhoA conditional knockout mice were slightly decreased compared with that in Cre mice.Dendrites underwent degeneration at 7 and 14 days after brachial plexus transection and recovered at 28–56 days.The density,complexity,and structural integrity of dendrites in the ventral horn of the spinal cord of RhoA conditional knockout mice recovered compared with results in Cre mice.These findings suggest that RhoA knockout in motor neurons attenuates dendrite degeneration and promotes dendrite regeneration after peripheral nerve injury.
基金Supported by the Fund of Biomedical Research Institute,Jeonbuk National University Hospital,Jeonju,Republic of Korea.
文摘BACKGROUND Dexmedetomidine(DMED)is frequently used as a sedative in several medical fields.The benefits of DMED include enhanced quality of regional anesthesia,prolonged analgesia,and postoperative opioid-sparing when administered intravenously or perineurally in combination with regional anesthesia.Severe hemodynamic complications,such as profound bradycardia and hypotension,can occur after DMED administration in critically ill patients or overdosage;however,there are few reports of complications with DMED administration following brachial plexus block(BPB).CASE SUMMARY We present two cases of hemodynamic instability that occurred following the initial loading of DMED under supraclavicular BPB.A healthy 29-year-old man without any medical history showed profound bradycardia after receiving a loading dose of DMED 0.9μg/kg for 9 min.DMED administration was promptly stopped,and after receiving a second dose of atropine,the heart rate recovered.A 62-year-old woman with a history of cardiomyopathy became hypotensive abruptly,requiring the administration of inotrope and vasopressors after receiving a reduced loading dose of 0.5μg/kg for 10 min.Half of the recommended loading dose of DMED was administered due to the underlying heart dysfunction.Decrea-sed blood pressure was maintained despite the intravenous administration of ephedrine.With continuous infusion of dopamine and norepinephrine,the vital signs were maintained within normal ranges.Inotropic and vasopressor support was required for over 6 h after the initial loading dose of DMED.CONCLUSION DMED administration following BPB could trigger hemodynamic instability in patients with decreased cardiac function as well as in healthy individuals.
基金supported by the German Research Foundation(DFG):SFB-TR-128(to SG and MM)MU 4354/1-1(to MM)the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds BIF-03(to SG and MM).
文摘The choroid plexus(ChP)is a highly vascularized and secretory tissue in each of the brain ventricles that represents the key structure between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF).Besides its essential role in CSF production and brain waste clearance pathways,the ChP also contributes to the regulation of central nervous system(CNS)immunosurveillance(Ghersi-Egea et al.,2018).Indeed,the ChP forming the blood-CSF barrier(BCSFB)regulates the entry of immune cells and solute molecules into the brain and vice versa.When antigen-specific,autoreactive immune activation occurs in the periphery,inflammatory cells migrate through the brain barriers towards the CNS(Strominger et al.,2018),initiating neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis(MS).
文摘Introduction-Objectives: Through the presentation of epidemiological, anatomo-clinical and surgical aspects, we report our experience in the management of traumatic axillary lesions. Materials and Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was based on the medical records of patients who suffered vascular axillary and/or brachial plexus trauma and who underwent surgical repair at the Abidjan Cardiology Institute from January 2008 to June 2022. Epidemiological, anatomo-clinical and surgical data were studied. Results: Thirty-four medical files belonging to 33 men and one woman, aged 32 on average, were collected. The circumstances of occurrence were dominated by the stab wound (n = 22). The combinations of injuries were as follows: associated involvement of the axillary artery and vein (n = 4);isolated involvement of axillary artery (n = 3);isolated involvement of the axillary vein (n = 2);associated involvement of the axillary artery and brachial plexus (n = 17);associated involvement of the axillary artery and vein and brachial plexus (n = 08). Anatomic lesions included acute arterial lesions (n = 29) and arteriovenous fistula (n = 1) and false aneurysms (n = 4). All patients were operated on under general anesthesia;vascular repair included direct suturing (n = 16), arterial and venous bypass using a long saphenous graft (n = 9), prosthetic arterial bypass (n = 5) and prosthetic flattening-graft (n = 4). Brachial plexus surgery consisted of an end-to-end anastomosis of each transected bundle in all cases (n = 25). The medium-term postoperative course was marked by success without functional sequelae in 88.24% of cases (n = 30) and by the persistence of distal paralysis of the thoracic limb after 6 months in 05.88% (n = 2) of all patients, i.e., 8% of patients who presented with brachial plexus injury. Conclusion: The concomitant surgical treatment of these axillary vascular and nerve lesions has given good results. However, if paralysis of the thoracic limb persists after 6 to 12 months, the patient should be referred to a specialist in brachial plexus surgery.
文摘Pain is a common symptom of pancreatic disease and is frequently difficult to manage. Pain relief provided by narcotics is often suboptimal and is associated with significant side effects. An alternative approach to pain management in pancreatic disease is the use of celiac plexus block (CPB) or neurolysis (CPN). Originally performed by anesthesiologists and radiologists via a posterior approach,recent advances in endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) have made this technique an attractive alternative. EUS guided celiac plexus block/ neurolysis is simple to perform and avoids serious complications such as paraplegia or pneumothorax that are associated with the posterior approach. EUS guided CPN should be considered first line therapy in patients with pain due to pancreatic cancer. It provides superior pain control compared to traditional management with narcotics. A trend for improved survival in pancreatic cancer patients treated with CPN has been reported,but larger studies are needed to confirm this finding. At this time,the use of EUS guided CPB cannot be recommended as routine therapy for pain in chronic pancreatitis since only one-half of the patients experience pain reduction and the beneficial effect tends to be short lived. EUS guided CPB and CPN should be used as part of a multidisciplinary team approach for pain management.
文摘<b>Background:</b> Peripheral block techniques for total hip arthroplasty have been used as an analgesic strategy, only a few studies described it as an anesthetic technique, so the perioperative performance and safety are poorly studied. <b>Methods:</b> 78 total hip arthroplasties were prospectively observed in our hospital. Divided into 2 groups: 1) General anesthesia;and 2) Lumbar sacral plexus block anesthesia. Variables measured in both groups were: demographics, conversion to general anesthesia, total opioid doses, surgical time, blood loss, postoperative pain, use and total dose of vasopressors drugs, transfusion and ICU transfer needs, postoperative ambulation time, and length of hospital stay. T student and chi-square tests were used upon the case. A significant difference was considered when a value of p < 0.05 was obtained. Descriptive statistics were performed in frequency, percentages, variance and standard deviation. <b>Results:</b> 3 patients (7.3%) anesthetized with combined lumbar sacral plexus block were converted to general anesthesia. When comparing peripheral nerve block and general anesthesia, less intraoperative (p = 0.000) and postoperative (p = 0.002) opioid consumption were noted, less postoperative pain in PACU (p = 0.002) and in the first 24 hours (p = 0.005), as well as earlier onset of ambulation (p = 0.008) and shorter hospital stay (p = 0.031). <b>Conclusions:</b> In our study, the lumbar and sacral plexus block anesthesia technique provided anesthetic conditions to perform hip joint arthroplasty and it was proved to be advantageous in comparison to general anesthesia.
基金supported by the Project of Ministry of Health(Comprehensive Research on Brachial Plexus Injury),No.13D22270800 from the National Natural Science Foundation of China2011 Shanghai Medical College Young Scientist Fund of Fudan University,No.11L-24
文摘Electroacupuncture has traditionally been used to treat pain, but its effect on pain following brachial plexus injury is still unknown. In this study, rat models of an avulsion injury to the left brachial plexus root (associated with upper-limb chronic neuropathic pain) were given electroacupuncture stimulation at bilateral Quchi (LIll), Hegu (LI04), Zusanli (ST36) and Yanglingquan (GB34). After electroacupuncture therapy, chronic neuropathic pain in the rats' upper limbs was significantly attenuated. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the expression of β-endorphins in the arcuate nucleus was significantly increased after therapy. Thus, experimental findings indi- cate that electroacupuncture can attenuate neuropathic pain after brachial plexus injury through upregulating β-endorphin expression.
基金Supported by A grant from Generalitat de Catalunya(AGAUR,BE-100022)
文摘AIM:To assess the feasibility of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)guided celiac plexus neurolysis(CPN) using a poloxamer. METHODS:In this prospective evaluation,six Yorkshire pigs underwent EUS-guided CPN.Three received an injection of 10 mL of 0.25%Lidocaine plus methylene blue(group 1) and three received an injection of 10 mL of 0.25%Lidocaine plus blue colored poloxamer(PS137-25)(group 2) .Necropsy was performed immediately after the animals were sacrificed.The abdominal and pelvic cavities were examined for the presence of methylene blue and the blue colored poloxamer.RESULTS:EUS-guided CPN was successfully performed in all 6 pigs without immediate complication.Methylene blue was identified throughout the peritoneal and retroperitoneal cavity in group 1.The blue colored poloxamer was found in the retroperitoneal cavity immediately adjacent to the aorta,in the exact location of the celiac plexus in group 2.CONCLUSION:EUS-guided CPN using a reverse phase polymer in a non-survival porcine model was technically feasible.The presence of a poloxamer gel at the site of the celiac plexus at necropsy indicates a precise delivery of the neurolytic agent.
基金supported by the Military Medicine and Health Research Foundation of China,No.06M098, CWS11J240
文摘Experimental rats with root avulsion of the brachial plexus upper trunk were treated with the improved C34 transfer for neurotization of 05-6. Results showed that Terzis grooming test scores were significantly increased at 6 months after treatment, the latency of C5-6 motor evoked potential was gradually shortened, and the amplitude was gradually increased. The rate of C3 instead of C5 and the C4 + phrenic nerve instead of C6 myelinated nerve fibers crossing through the anastomotic stoma was approximately 80%. Myelinated nerve fibers were arranged loosely but the thickness of the myelin sheath was similar to that of the healthy side. In clinical applications, 39 patients with root avulsion of the brachial plexus upper trunk were followed for 6 months to 4.5 years after treatment using the improved C3 instead of C5 nerve root transfer and C4 nerve root and phrenic nerve instead of C6 nerve root transfer. Results showed that the strength of the brachial biceps and deltoid muscles recovered to level IIHV, scapular muscle to level Ill-W, latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major muscles to above level Ⅲ, and the brachial triceps muscle to level 0 Ill. Results showed that the improved 03-4 transfer for root avulsion of the brachial plexus upper trunk in animal models is similar to clinical findings and that C3-4 and the phrenic nerve transfer for neurotization of C5-6 can innervate the avulsed brachial plexus upper trunk and promote the recovery of nerve function in the upper extremity.
基金funded by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Higher Learning Schools of Youth Teacher Education Program of Sun Yat-sen University in 2009,No.09YKPY05the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,No.S2011010004708
文摘Brachial plexuses of 110 healthy volunteers were examined using high resolution color Doppler ultrasound. Ultrasonic characteristics and anatomic variation in the intervertebral foramen, interscalene, supraclavicular and infraclavicular, as well as the axillary brachial plexus were investigated. Results confirmed that the normal brachial plexus on cross section exhibited round or elliptic hypoechoic texture. Longitudinal section imaging showed many parallel linear hypo-moderate echoes, with hypo-echo. The transverse processes of the seventh cervical vertebra, the scalene space, the subclavian artery and the deep cervical artery are important markers in an examination. The display rates for the interscalene, and supraclavicular and axillary brachial plexuses were 100% each, while that for the infraclavicular brachial plexus was 97%. The region where the normal brachial plexus root traversed the intervertebral foramen exhibited a regular hypo-echo. The display rate for the C5-7 nerve roots was 100%, while those for C8 and T1 were 83% and 68%, respectively. A total of 20 of the 110 subjects underwent cervical CT scan. High-frequency ultrasound can clearly display the outline of the transverse processes of the vertebrae, which were consistent with CT results. These results indicate that high-frequency ultrasound provides a new method for observing the morphology of the brachial plexus. The C~ vertebra is a marker for identifying the position of brachial plexus nerve roots.
基金financially supported by grants from the Science and Technology Development Plan Program of Jilin Province of China,No.20110492
文摘The transplantation of embryonic stem cells can effectively improve the creeping strength of nerves near an injury site in animals. Amniotic epithelial cells have similar biological properties as em-bryonic stem cells; therefore, we hypothesized that transplantation of amniotic epithelial cells can repair peripheral nerve injury and recover the creeping strength of the brachial plexus nerve. In the present study, a brachial plexus injury model was established in rabbits using the C6root avulsion method. A suspension of human amniotic epithelial cells was repeatedly injected over an area 4.0 mm lateral to the cephal and caudal ends of the C6 brachial plexus injury site (1 × 106 cells/mL, 3μL/injection, 25 injections) immediately after the injury. The results showed that the decrease in stress and increase in strain at 7,200 seconds in the injured rabbit C6 brachial plexus nerve were mitigated by the cell transplantation, restoring the viscoelastic stress relaxation and creep properties of the brachial plexus nerve. The forepaw functions were also signiifcantly improved at 26 weeks after injury. These data indicate that transplantation of human amniotic epithelial cells can effec-tively restore the mechanical properties of the brachial plexus nerve after injury in rabbits and that viscoelasticity may be an important index for the evaluation of brachial plexus injury in animals.
文摘AIM: To study the distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rat stomach myenteric plexus. METHODS: The distribution of NOS in gastric wall was studied in quantity and location by the NADPH-diaphorase (NDP) histochemical staining method and whole mount preparation technique. RESULTS: NOS was distributed in whole stomach wall, most of them were located in myenteric plexus, and distributed in submucosal plexus.The shape of NOS positive neurons was basically similar, most of them being round and oval in shape. But their density, size and staining intensity varied greatly in the different parts of stomach. The density was 62+/-38 cells mm(2) (antrum), 43+/-32 cells/mm(2) (body), and 32+/-28 cells mm(2) (fundus), respectively. The size and staining intensity of NOS positive neurons in the fundus were basically the same, the neurons being large and dark stained, while they were obviously different in antrum. In the body of the stomach, the NOS positive neurons were in an intermediate state from fundus to antrum. There were some beadlike structures which were strung together by NOS positive varicosities in nerve fibers, some were closely adherent to the outer walls of blood vessels. CONCLUSION: Nitric oxide might be involved in the modulation of motility, secretion and blood circulation of the stomach, and the significant difference of NOS positive neurons in different parts of stomach myenteric plexus may be related to the physiologic function of stomach.
基金Supported by National Nature Science Foundation of China,No. 30370436
文摘Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are excellent modalities which have the ability to detect,depict and stage the nerve invasion associated with pancreatic carcinoma.The aim of this article is to review the CT and MR patterns of pancreatic carcinoma invading the extrapancreatic neural plexus and thus provide useful information which could help the choice of treatment methods.Pancreatic carcinoma is a common malignant neoplasm with a high mortality rate.There are many factors influencing the prognosis and treatment options for those patients suffering from pancreatic carcinoma,such as lymphatic metastasis,adjacent organs or tissue invasion,etc.Among these factors,extrapancreatic neural plexus invasion is recognized as an important factor when considering the management of the patients.
基金Supported by the Medical Research Fund of Guangdong Province, No. A2004434
文摘AIM: To determine the expression of c-fos in gastric myenteric plexus and spinal cord of rats with cervical spondylosis and its clinical significance. METHODS: A cervical spondylosis model was established in rats by destroying the stability of cervical posterior column,and the cord segments C4-6 and gastric antrum were collected 3, 4 and 5 mo after the operation. Rats with sham operation were used as controls. c-fos neuronal counter-staining was performed with an immunohistochemistry method. Every third sections from C4-6 segments were drawn. The 10 most labeled c-fos-immunoreactive (Fos-IR) neurons were counted, and the average number was used for statistical analysis. The mean of Fos-IR neurons in myenteric plexus was calculated after counting Fos-IR neurons in 25 ganglia from each antral preparation, and expressed as a mean count per myenteric ganglion.RESULTS: There were a few c-fos-positive neurons in the cervical cord and antrum in the control group. There was an increased c-fos expression in model group 3, 4 and 5 mo after operation, whereas there was no significant increase in c-fos expression in the control group at 3, 4 and 5 mo.More importantly, there was a significant difference in c-fos expression between rats followed up for 3 mo and those for 5 mo in the model group (11.20±2.26 vs 27.68±4.36,P<0.05, for the cervical cord; and 11.3±2.3 vs 29.3±4.6,P<0.05, for the gastric antrum). There was no significant difference between rats followed up for 3 mo and those for 4 mo and between rats followed up for 4 mo and those for 5 mo in the model group.CONCLUSION: c-fos expression in gastric myenteric plexus was dramatically associated with that in the spinal cord in rats with cervical spondylosis, suggesting that the gastrointestinal function may be affected by cervical spondylosis. If this hypothesis is confirmed by further studies, functional gastrointestinal diseases such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome could be explained by neurogastroenterology.
基金supported in part by grants from the Japanese Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science,and Technology(No.2300125 to CI,No.15K10957 to NN,and No.26870744 to KK)
文摘Transplantation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) enhanced the outgrowth of regenerating axons and promoted locomotor improvements of rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). BMSCs did not survive long-term, disappearing from the spinal cord within 2-3 weeks after transplantation. Astrocyte-devoid areas, in which no astrocytes or oligodendrocytes were found, formed at the epicenter of the lesion. It was remarkable that numerous regenerating axons extended through such astrocyte-devoid areas. Regenerating axons were associated with Schwann cells embedded in extracellular matrices. Transplantation of choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPECs) also enhanced axonal regeneration and locomotor improvements in rats with SCI. Although CPECs disappeared from the spinal cord shortly after transplantation, an extensive outgrowth of regenerating axons occurred through astrocyte-devoid areas, as in the case of BMSC transplantation. These findings suggest that BMSCs and CPECs secret neurotrophic factors that promote tissue repair of the spinal cord, including axonal regeneration and reduced cavity formation. This means that transplantation of BMSCs and CPECs promotes "intrinsic" ability of the spinal cord to regenerate. The treatment to stimu- late the intrinsic regeneration ability of the spinal cord is the safest method of clinical application for SCI. It should be emphasized that the generally anticipated long-term survival, proliferation and differentiation of transplanted cells are not necessarily desirable from the clinical point of view of safety.
文摘There is a large amount of fat in the postganglionic segment of the brachial plexus nerve.The use of short T1 inversion recovery pulse sequence may improve signal strength of the brachial plexus postganglionic segment.The present study revealed that the combination of three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition with phase-cycled and short T1 inversion recovery pulse sequence clearly displayed the anatomical morphology and structure of the brachial plexus nerve,together with maximum intensity projection,volume rendering and other three-dimensional reconstruction techniques.Our results suggested that this method is also suitable for providing accurate assessment and diagnosis of the site,severity and scope of brachial plexus injury.
基金supported by a grant from Universidad Anahuac México Norte(No.201425)
文摘Copolymer-1(Cop-1) is a peptide with immunomodulatory properties, approved by the Food and Drug Administration of United States in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Cop-1 has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects and induce neurogenesis in cerebral ischemia models. Nevertheless, the mechanism involved in the neurogenic action of this compound remains unknown. The choroid plexus(CP) is a network of cells that constitute the interphase between the immune and central nervous systems, with the ability to mediate neurogenesis through the release of cytokines and growth factors. Therefore, the CP could play a role in Cop-1-induced neurogenesis. In order to determine the participation of the CP in the induction of neurogenesis after Cop-1 immunization, we evaluated the gene expression of various growth factors(brain-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor 1, neurotrophin-3) and cytokines(tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon-gamma, interleukin-4(IL-4), IL-10 and IL-17), in the CP at 14 days after ischemia. Furthermore, we analyzed the correlation between the expression of these genes and neurogenesis. Our results showed that Cop-1 was capable of stimulating an upregulation in the expression of the genes encoding for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor 1, neurotrophin-3 and IL-10 in the CP, which correlated with an increase in neurogenesis in the subventricular and subgranular zone. As well, we observed a downregulation of IL-17 gene expression. This study demonstrates the effect of Cop-1 on the expression of growth factors and IL-10 in the CP, in the same way, presents a possible mechanism involved in the neurogenic effect of Cop-1.