Development of transgenic pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan. L Millsp) overexpressing citrate synthase gene for high phosphorus uptake.

Plants have developed several adaptive strategies to enhance the availability and uptake of phosphorus (P) from the soil under conditions of P deficiency. Exudation of organic acids like citrate is one of the important strategies. In this study, we developed transgenic pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) over-expressing Dacus carota citrate synthase (DcCs) gene to increase the synthesis and exudation of citrate. Transgenic plants were generated through agro bacterium mediated in-planta transformation technique. Integration and expression of the transgene was confirmed by genomic Southern and RT-PCR analysis. We observed that the transgenic lines had more tissue P and chlorophyll content, and also citrate synthase content higher in the roots. Further, transgenic lines had more vigorous root system both under P sufficient and deficient conditions with more lateral roots and root hairs under P deficient conditions. We conclude that the transgenic pigeonpea plants have the capacity to acquire more P under P deficient conditions.

Efficacy of Cervical Medial Branch Block in Two Patients with Refractory Occipital Neuralgia.

Occipital neuralgia is often characterized by severe, paroxysmal and debilitating pain in the distribution of greater and lesser occipital nerve. It can cause severe refractory headache. Occipital nerve blocks have been used for long in diagnosis and treatment. We describe the efficacy of cervical medial branch block in patients with refractory occipital neuralgia. Two patients with refractory occipital neuralgia who were earlier treated with medications and occipital nerve block without much benefit were given cervical medial branch block. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was checked for evaluation of effect of cervical medial branch block. The VAS score at 3 month after cervical medial branch block was significantly decreased compared to baseline scores in both patients. There were no major complications. Our case report suggests that cervical medial branch block can be used as a treatment modality in patients with refractory occipital neuralgia. This also suggests that cervical medial branches are important pain generators located in cervical region, could be an important source of pain in occipital neuralgia.