Zirconium oxide ceramic foam: a promising supporting biomaterial for massive production of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor

This study investigated the potential application of a zirconium oxide （ZrO2） ceramic foam culturing system to the production of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor （GDNF）. Three sets of ZrO2 ceramic foams with different pore densities of 10, 20, and 30 pores per linear inch （PPI） were prepared to support a 3D culturing system. After primary astrocytes were cultured in these systems, production yields of GDNF were evaluated. The biomaterial bio- compatibility, cell proliferation and activation of cellular signaling pathways in GDNF synthesis and secretion in the culturing systems were also assessed and compared with a conventional culturing system. In this study, we found that the ZrO2 ceramic foam culturing system was biocompatible, using which the GDNF yields were elevated and sustained by stimulated cell proliferation and activation of signaling pathways in astrocytes cultured in the system. In conclusion, the ZrO2 ceramic foam is promising for the development of a GDNF mass production device for Parkinson＇s disease treatment.

Tetrahydropalmatine protects against methamphetamine-induced spatial learning and memory impairment in mice

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of methamphetamine （MA） on spatial learning and memory and the role of tetrahydropalmatine （THP） in MA-induced changes in these phenomena in mice. Methods Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into eight groups, according to different doses of MA, different doses of THP, treatment with both MA and THP, and saline controls. Spatial learning and memory were assessed using the Morris water maze. Western blot was used to detect the expression of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase （ERK） in the mouse prefrontal cortex （PFC） and hippocampus. Results Repeated MA treatment significantly increased the escape latency in the learning phase and decreased the number of platform site crossings in the memory-test phase. ERK1/2 expression was decreased in the PFC but not in the hippocampus of the MA-treated mice. Repeated THP treatment alone did not affect the escape latency, the number of platform site crossings or the total ERK1/2 expression in the brain. Statistically significantly shorter escape latencies and more platform site crossings occurred in MA＋THP-treated mice than in MA-treated mice. Conclusion Repeated MA administration impairs spatial learning and memory in mice, and its co-administration with THP prevents this impairment, which is probably attributable to changed ERK1/2 expression in the PFC. This study contributes to uncovering the mechanism underlying MA abuse, and to exploring potential therapies.