Changes in the numbers and distribution of calretinin in the epileptic rat hippocampus

To examine calretinin [CR]-containing interneurons that degenerate in the hippocampus in post status epilepticus [SE] rats at different time points. This study was conducted at the Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Hunan Province, P.R. China between September 2008 and January 2010. Pilocarpine-induced SE was chosen as a model to generate chronic epileptic rats. To determine whether hippocampal neuronal populations are affected by hippocampal seizures, immunohistochemical assays were performed in brain sections obtained from age-matched control [n=50] and epileptic rats [n=170]. Nissl stain was used to observe pathological changes of the hippocampus. Our results revealed the most dramatic cell loss to be in the hilar, cornu Ammonis [CA]1, and CA3 areas in the epileptic rats. Quantitative analysis revealed significant differences between control and epileptic rats in the number of CR-positive interneurons. These interneurons were distributed in the hilar, CA1, and CA3 areas and in the dentate gyrus of both control and epileptic rats, but was more numerous in the hippocampus of normal rats. However, a transient increase of CR-positive interneurons was observed in the CA1 between 7 and 15 days post SE. The CR interneurons were mostly located in the hilar and CA1 for epileptic rats, and in the hilus for control rats. Our data suggest that a different proportion of inhibitory interneurons was observed in the epileptic rat hippocampus, as their numbers differ from controls. These results indicate that the inhibitory circuits in the hippocampus may represent a compensatory response with a role to balance the enhanced excitatory input in the region

Use of urokinase in the treatment of tuberculous meningitis hydrocephalus

We present a patient with hydrocephalus after tuberculous meningitis successfully treated with urokinase. She presented with multiple episodes of headache, fever, and vomiting. She underwent external ventricular drainage and was treated with urokinase in addition to dexamethasone, acetazolamide, and 4 antituberculous drugs. She was evaluated clinically, radiologically, and by laboratory work-up. On short-term clinical follow-up [3 months], she was asymptomatic after the treatment with urokinase. She was radiologically evaluated 3 weeks after the treatment. An MRI of the brain showed a decrease in ventricular size. Urokinase can be considered as a safe and promising adjunctive treatment for tuberculous meningitis hydrocephalus

Experimental epileptic discharge can be transmitted between 2 brains in rats

To identify whether epileptic discharges can be conducted out of the brain according to the principle of a lightning rod. This experimental study was conducted at Central South University, Xiangya Hospital, Hunan, China between 2005 and 2008. Eighty Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with intra hippocampus and intra frontal lobe electrodes, and randomized to 3 groups: [A] a group that was kindled via stimulation of intra-hippocampus injection of penicillin, [B] a group that was stimulated via a copper wire connected to the intra-hippocampus electrodes of group A, [C] a group composed of non-stimulated, control rats. The behavioral changes and epileptiform activity were assessed by both Racine Grade and electrocorticogram [ECoG]. The intrahippocampal ECoG recordings were coincident with clinical seizures, electrographic seizures occurred not only in the injected hippocampus group A rats, but also in the connected group B rats. However, there were no visible seizures or ECoG burst at any time in group C rats. Epileptic discharge can be conducted out of the brain, which may open new therapeutic approaches for epilepsy

Comparison between solitary and multiple intracranial tuberculoma

To compare and analyze the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of solitary or/and multiple CNS tuberculomas [CNSTs]. The study was conducted at Central South University, First Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China between 1998-2008. Forty-two subjects with diagnosed CNSTs were compared and analyzed by multiple or solitary lesions seen on enhanced MRI. The final diagnosis of tuberculomas was confirmed by histopathology. From the 42 subjects, 64.3% multiple CNSTs were observed, out of which, 55.6% were with meningitis and 44.4% without meningitis. Of the CNSTs, solitary lesions were present in 35.7%, 80% of which were without meningeal involvement, and 20% with meningeal involvement. In multiple CNSTs, 55.6% were noncaseating granulomas, and 74.1% caseating granulomas with a solid center, while in solitary CNSTs, 80% were caseating granulomas with a solid center. For multiple lesions, temporal lobe, frontal lobe, cerebella, and brain stem were predilection sites. While for solitary lesions, apical lobe, and cerebellum were predilection sites. The histopathological features were the same in all multiple and solitary lesions. Multiple CNSTs are more often associated with meningitis, while solitary CNSTs particularly occur with less or atypical clinical manifestation. Difference in the predilection sites between multiple and solitary CNSTs were observed