Neuroprotective Effect of Fucoidan against N-methyl-D-aspartate-Induced Excitotoxicity in Rat Hippocampus

Fucoidan, a sulfated polyanionic polymer of L-fucose, is obtained from brown marine macroalgae. In the present study, neuroprotective effect of fucoidan against N-methyl- D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced excitotoxicity in the hippocampus was investigated. The patch clamp study revealed that fucoidan significantly inhibited NMDA receptor-activated ion current in the acutely dissociated hippocampal CA1 neurons. In an organotypic hippocampal slice culture, fucoidan inhibited NMDA-induced neuronal cell death in a dose-dependent manner. The present study showed that fucoidan possesses a neuroprotective effect against NMDA-induced excitotoxicity, and that the suppressive effect of fucoidan on the NMDA-induced ion current can be suggested as being the underlying neuroprotective mechanism of fucoidan.

Immediate Internal Fixation of Open Fractures of the Long Bones / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Between May, 1984 and October, 1986, twenty patients were treated at Han-Ra Hospital of JejuCity and Chung-Ang University Hospital of Seoul with immediate internal fixation with or without bone graft of open fractures of the long bones within three days. Fractured bones were ten tibiae, six femurs, three humeri and one radius and ulna. The injuries were classified on the basis of extent of soft tissue injury as defined by Gustilo and Anderson and consisted of four TypeI injuries, five Type II injuries and eleven Type III injuries. All wounds were closed primarily and radiological follow up was qhecked every month till union occurred. The complications included two deep infections, one non-union and one amputation. This study demonstrates that immediate internal fixation with bone graft when necessary is a beneficial method of treatment of open fractures of the long bones if copious irrigation, adequate debridement and skillful internal fixation technique are given golden period after injury. The results were related to the severity of the initial soft tissue injury and surgical technique and the period of union was not related to the individual bone. Autogenous bone grafting at the time of immediate internal fixation in comminuted or segmental fractures in which interfragmental compression cannot be obtained is recommended.

Experience of Vascularized Joint Transfer for Segmental Loss of M-P Joint: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Restoration of the M-P joint of a damaged or lost joint by trauma, tumor and others is necessary for adequate function of the hand. Several procedure have been described for restoration of the M-P joint. We experienced a case of vascularized joint transter for a lost joint by trauma. After 1 year and 2 months follow-up, there have been no degenerative change and no pain.