Control of Emotion and Wakefulness by Neurotensinergic Neurons in the Parabrachial Nucleus / 神经科学通报·英文版

The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) integrates interoceptive and exteroceptive information to control various behavioral and physiological processes including breathing, emotion, and sleep/wake regulation through the neural circuits that connect to the forebrain and the brainstem. However, the precise identity and function of distinct PBN subpopulations are still largely unknown. Here, we leveraged molecular characterization, retrograde tracing, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and electrocortical recording approaches to identify a small subpopulation of neurotensin-expressing neurons in the PBN that largely project to the emotional control regions in the forebrain, rather than the medulla. Their activation induces freezing and anxiety-like behaviors, which in turn result in tachypnea. In addition, optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations of these neurons revealed their function in promoting wakefulness and maintaining sleep architecture. We propose that these neurons comprise a PBN subpopulation with specific gene expression, connectivity, and function, which play essential roles in behavioral and physiological regulation.

Lateral medullary syndrome: an unwanted ischemia to identify early

Lateral medullary syndrome also referred to asWallenberg syndrome, posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) syndrome, orvertebral artery syndrome is a cluster of neurological symptoms and signs brought on by obstructions in the blood vessels supplying the medulla, which causes ischemia or infarction of the brainstem. The vertebral artery or the posterior inferior cerebellar artery are the arteries most frequently affected with lateral medullary syndrome. The most prevalent symptom istransient ischemic attack (TIA) with dizziness or vertigo andatherosclerosis in the posterior cerebral circulationbeingthe most common cause. Lateral Medullary Syndrome patients sufferfrom strokes or infarction and alsopresentwith vomiting,nausea, gait impairment, instability, hoarseness, and swallowing difficulties. Depending on the particular nuclei and fibersinvolved, different indications will appear. CT/MRI imaging is used to diagnose conditions. The majority of management is supportive, including risk factor reduction for additional ischemia events as well as speech and occupational therapy following an acute intervention. In this review article, we discuss the etiopathogenesis and factors leading to lateral medullary syndrome along with a comprehensive discussion on its clinical features, challenges in diagnosis, and treatment.

Revisão de anatomia e correlações clínicas do tronco encefálico, parte i: bulbo / Review of brain anatomy and clinical correlations, part i: medulla

O Tronco encefálico (TE) é uma estrutura singular do sistema nervoso central, pois nele passam tratos sensoriais ascendentes da medula espinal, tratos sensoriais da cabeça e do pescoço, os tratos descendentes motores originados no prosencéfalo (divisão mais rostral do encéfalo), e as vias ligadas aos centros de movimento dos olhos. Contém ainda os núcleos dos nervos cranianos e está envolvido na regulação do nível de consciência através de projeções ao prosencéfalo oriundas da formação reticular. Todas essas estruturas coexistem em um espaço muito exíguo, o que faz com que o TE seja um local muito sensível às alterações patológicas, sendo que os pacientes apresentam muitos sinais neurológicos mesmo com lesões muito pequenas nesse local. Compreender a anatomia interna do TE é essencial para o diagnóstico neurológico e a prática da medicina clínica. Outros profissionais da saúde também se beneficiam desse conhecimento para melhor manejo dos seus pacientes neurológicos. Essa revisão apresenta detalhes da anatomia macroscópica e microscópica do bulbo, bem como seus correlatos clínicos frente às lesões mais comuns dessa divisão particular do TE, conhecidas como síndromes bulbares.

The brainstem is a unique structure in the central nervous system, since it gives way to ascending sensory tracts from the spinal cord, sensory tracts from the head and neck, motor descending tracts originating from the forebrain, and the pathways connected to the eye movement centers. It also contains the cranial nerve nuclei and is involved in the regulation of consciousness levels through projections to the forebrain originating in the reticular formation. All these structures coexist in a very small space, which makes the brainstem very sensitive to pathological changes, with patients presenting several neurological symptoms even with very small brainstem lesions. Understanding the internal anatomy of the brainstem is essential for neurological diagnosis and the practice of clinical medicine. Other health professionals also benefit from this knowledge to better manage their neurological patients. This review presents detailed information on the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the medulla, as well as its clinical correlates in the face of the most common lesions of this particular division of the brainstem, known as medullary syndromes.

Feocromocitoma adrenal gigante derecho. Reporte de un caso / Right giant adrenal pheochromocytoma. A case report

Introducción. El feocromocitoma es una neoplasia endocrina productora de catecolaminas, poco común, que generalmente se origina en la medula suprarrenal, y rara vez en el tejido cromafín extraadrenal, dándosele el nombre de paraganglioma. Existe una gran variedad de signos y síntomas secundarios a la secreción excesiva de catecolaminas por lo que su diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos son fundamentales para evitar complicaciones potencialmente fatales. Caso clínico. Paciente femenina de 54 años, con dolor abdominal intermitente y con aumento progresivo, localizado en el cuadrante superior derecho. Por estudios imagenológicos se diagnosticó una gran masa suprarrenal derecha, con pruebas de laboratorio que encontraron niveles de metanefrinas y catecolaminas en orina normales. Discusión. Debido al tamaño del tumor y al íntimo contacto con las estructuras adyacentes, se realizó la resección por vía abierta, sin complicaciones y con una buena evolución postoperatoria. El informe anatomopatológico confirmó el diagnóstico de feocromocitoma suprarrenal derecho. Conclusión. Aunque poco frecuente, el feocromocitoma es una patología que se debe sospechar ante la presencia de masas suprarrenales y alteraciones relacionadas con la secreción elevada de catecolaminas. Se debe practicar el tratamiento quirúrgico de forma oportuna.

Introduction. Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-producing endocrine neoplasm that generally originates in the adrenal medulla, and rarely in extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue, giving it the name of paraganglioma. There is a wide variety of signs and symptoms secondary to excessive secretion of catecholamines, so its timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid potentially fatal complications. Clinical case. A 54-year-old female patient with intermittent abdominal pain and progressive increase, located in the right upper quadrant. By imaging studies, a large right adrenal mass was diagnosed, with laboratory tests that found normal levels of metanephrines and catecholamines in urine. Discussion. Due to the size of the tumor and the intimate contact with the adjacent structures, the resection was performed by open approach, without complications and with a good postoperative evolution. The pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of right adrenal pheochromocytoma. Conclusion. Although rare, pheochromocytoma is a pathology that should be suspected in the presence of adrenal masses and changes related to elevated catecholamine secretion. Surgical treatment should be performed in a timely manner.

Asymmetric Opening of Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore in Mouse Brain Hemispheres: A Link to the Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter Complex

Abstract The prolonged entry of large amounts of calcium into the mitochondria through the mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex (MCUC) may cause the permeability transition pore (mPTP) to open, which contributes to the pathogenesis of several diseases. Tissue-specific differences in mPTP opening due to variable expression of MCUC components may contribute to disease outcomes. We designed this study to determine differential mPTP opening in mitochondria isolated from different regions of mouse brain and kidney and to compare it with the expression of MCUC components. mPTP opening was measured using mitochondria isolated from the left/right brain hemispheres (LH/RH, respectively) and from kidney cortex/medulla, while the expression level of MCUC components was assessed from total cellular RNA. Interestingly, LH mitochondria showed less calcium-induced mPTP opening as compared to RH mitochondria at two different calcium concentrations. Conversely, mPTP opening was similar in the renal cortex and renal medulla mitochondria. However, the kidney mitochondria demonstrated bigger and faster mPTP opening as compared to the brain mitochondria. Furthermore, asymmetric mPTP opening in the LH and RH mitochondria was not associated with the expression of MCUC components. In brief, this study demonstrates thus far unreported asymmetric mPTP opening in mouse brain hemispheres that is not associated with the mRNA levels of MCUC components.

Establishment of Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model of Medulla Oblongata-Upper Cervical Spinal Cord Based on Pathological Section and Biomechanical Analysis of Related Injury / 医用生物力学

Objective The three-dimensional (3D) solid model of medulla oblongata-upper cervical spinal cord based on specimen pathological section data was established, and the stress and strain levels of medulla oblongata-upper cervical spinal cord under dentate process compression were obtained by finite element analysis, so as to provide references for clinical research. Methods Mimics was used to process the slice data, so as to establish the point cloud model. SolidWorks was used to locate, edit and optimize the point cloud model, so as to establish the 3D solid model. HyperMesh was used to establish the finite element model and ANSYS was used for finite element analysis. Results The medulla oblongata-upper cervical spinal cord model with clear boundary between gray matter and white matter and white matter fiber bundle was established. The stress and strain levels and stress-strain curves of white matter and gray matter under different compression degrees were obtained. Conclusions Combined with pathological sections of specimens and reverse engineering, the 3D medulla oblongata-upper cervical spinal cord model with clear morphology and structure of gray/white matter can be established. When the medulla oblongata-upper cervical spinal cord is compressed, the stress level of gray matter is lower than that of white matter, and about 20% of compression is the critical state of white matter. When the disease develops beyond the critical state, the biomechanical properties of white matter may fail, resulting in gray matter damage.

Neural pathway between the nucleus accumbens and the rostral ventrolateral medulla in a rat model of anorexia nervosa / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the potential neural pathway connecting the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), and whether the pathway participates in the regulation of cardiovascular function in a model rat of anorexia nervosa (AN).@*METHODS@#Rat models of AN were established by allowing voluntary activity in a running wheel with restricted feeding, with the rats having free access to normal chow without exercise as the control group. FluoroGold (FG) retrograde tracing method and multi-channel simultaneous recording technique were used to explore the possible pathway between the NAc and the RVLM.@*RESULTS@#The rats in AN group exhibited significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) with significantly increased discharge frequency of RVLM neurons in comparison with the control rats. After the injection of FG into the RVLM, retrograde labeled neurons were observed in the NAc of the rats in both the normal control and AN groups. In both groups, SBP and HR were significantly decreased in response to 400 μA electrical stimulation of the NAc accompanied by an obvious increase in the discharge frequency of the RVLM neurons; the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and MAP were significantly lower in AN model rats than in the normal rats in response to the stimulation.@*CONCLUSIONS@#We successfully established a rat model of AN via hyperactivity and restricted feeding and confirm the presence of a neural pathway connecting the NAc and the RVLM. This pathway might participate in the regulation of cardiovascular function in AN model rats.

Environmental Enrichment Promotes Antioxidant Effect in the Ventrolateral Medulla and Kidney of Renovascular Hypertensive Rats / O Enriquecimento Ambiental Promove Efeito Antioxidante no Bulbo Ventrolateral e Rins de Roedores com Hipertensão Renovascular

Abstract Background: Arterial hypertension is a precursor to the development of heart and renal failure, furthermore is associated with elevated oxidative markers. Environmental enrichment of rodents increases performance in memory tasks, also appears to exert an antioxidant effect in the hippocampus of normotensive rats. Objectives: Evaluate the effect of environmental enrichment on oxidative stress in the ventrolateral medulla, heart, and kidneys of renovascular hypertensive rats. Methods: Forty male Fischer rats (6 weeks old) were divided into four groups: normotensive standard condition (Sham-St), normotensive enriched environment (Sham-EE), hypertensive standard condition (2K1C-St), and hypertensive enriched environment (2K1C-EE). Animals were kept in enriched or standard cages for four weeks after all animals were euthanized. The level of significance was at p < 0.05. Results: 2K1C-St group presented higher mean arterial pressure (mmHg) 147.0 (122.0; 187.0) compared to Sham-St 101.0 (94.0; 109.0) and Sham-EE 106.0 (90.8; 117.8). Ventrolateral medulla from 2K1C-EE had higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) (49.1 ± 7.9 U/mg ptn) and catalase activity (0.8 ± 0.4 U/mg ptn) compared to SOD (24.1 ± 9.8 U/mg ptn) and catalase activity (0.3 ± 0.1 U/mg ptn) in 2K1C-St. 2K1C-EE presented lower lipid oxidation (0.39 ± 0.06 nmol/mg ptn) than 2K1C-St (0.53 ± 0.22 nmol/mg ptn) in ventrolateral medulla. Furthermore, the kidneys of 2K1C-EE (11.9 ± 2.3 U/mg ptn) animals presented higher superoxide-dismutase activity than those of 2K1C-St animals (9.1 ± 2.3 U/mg ptn). Conclusion: Environmental enrichment induced an antioxidant effect in the ventrolateral medulla and kidneys that contributes to reducing oxidative damage among hypertensive rats.

Resumo Fundamento: A hipertensão arterial é um precursor para o desenvolvimento da insuficiência cardíaca e renal e, além disso, está associada com o aumento dos marcadores oxidativos. O enriquecimento ambiental dos roedores melhora o desempenho em tarefas de memória, e também parece ter um efeito antioxidante sobre o hipocampo dos ratos normotensos. Objetivos: Avaliar o efeito do enriquecimento ambiental sobre o estresse oxidativo no bulbo ventrolateral, coração, e rins de ratos com hipertensão renovascular. Métodos: Quarenta ratos machos, tipo Fischer (6 semanas de idade), foram divididos em quatro grupos: normotensos em condições padrão (Sham-CP), normotensos em ambiente enriquecido (Sham-AE), hipertensos em condições padrão (2R1C-CP), e hipertensos em ambiente enriquecido (2R1C-AE). Os animais foram mantidos em gaiolas enriquecidas ou padrão durante quatro semanas e, por fim, todos os animais foram eutanasiados. O nível de significância foi p < 0,05. Resultados: O grupo 2R1C-CP apresentou pressão arterial média maior (mmHg) 147,0 (122,0; 187,0) quando comparado com os grupos Sham-CP 101,0 (94,0; 109,0) e Sham-AE 106,0 (90,8; 117,8). Observou-se maior atividade das enzimas superóxido dismutase (SOD) (49,1 ± 7,9 U/mg ptn) e da catalase (0,8 ± 0,4 U/mg ptn) no bulbo ventrolateral do grupo 2R1C-AE, em relação à atividade da SOD (24,1 ± 9,8 U/mg ptn) e da catalase (0,3 ± 0,1 U/mg ptn) no grupo 2R1C-CP. No grupo 2R1C-AE, a oxidação lipídica no bulbo ventrolateral foi menor (0,39 ± 0,06 nmol/mg ptn) quando comparado com o grupo 2R1C-CP (0,53 ± 0,22 nmol/mg ptn). Ademais, foi observada maior atividade das enzimas superóxido dismutase nos rins dos animais 2R1C-AE (11,9 ± 2,3 U/mg ptn) em relação aos animais 2R1C-CP (9,1 ± 2,3 U/mg ptn). Conclusão: O enriquecimento ambiental provocou efeito antioxidante no bulbo ventrolateral e nos rins, o que contribuiu para a redução do dano oxidante nos ratos hipertensos.

El verdadero origen aparente de los nervios glosofaríngeo, vago y accesorio / The true apparent origin of glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory nerves

Resumen Introducción. Existe un vacío conceptual asociado con los sitios precisos por donde emergen las raíces de los nervios glosofaríngeo, vago y accesorio, un conocimiento que es de suma importancia para los neurocirujanos. Objetivo. Determinar el sitio preciso por donde las raíces de los nervios glosofaríngeo, vago y accesorio emergen como origen aparente en la médula oblongada. Materiales y métodos. Se valoraron 67 troncos encefálicos humanos que con anterioridad habían sido fijados en solución de formalina al 10%. Mediante inspección directa, luego de retirar las meninges, se examinó y registró el sitio preciso por donde emergen las raíces de tales nervios y se comparó con lo registrado en la literatura. Resultados. En el 100% de los troncos encefálicos estudiados se encontró que las raíces nerviosas emergen entre 2mm a 3mm por detrás del surco retro-olivar, distinto a lo reportado en la literatura consultada. Conclusión. Hay disparidad de criterios en cuanto al origen aparente de los nervios glosofaríngeo, vago y accesorio, lo que amerita un estudio más amplio que permita llegar a un consenso generalizado sobre el sitio preciso por donde las raíces de tales nervios hacen su aparición.

Abstract Introduction: There is a conceptual gap associated with the sites where the roots of the glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory nerves emerge, which is information of utmost importance for neurosurgeons. Objective: To determine the exact site where the roots of the glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory nerves emerge, considering the medulla oblongata as their apparent place of origin. Materials and methods: 67 human brainstems that had previously been fixed in 10% formalin solution were examined. After removing the meninges, the precise site where the roots of these nerves emerged was analyzed by direct inspection and the results recorded and compared to the literature. Results: In 100% of the brainstems studied, it was found that the nerve roots emerge between 2mm and 3mm behind the retro-olivary groove, which differs from the reports of the consulted literature. Conclusion: There are different opinions about the apparent origin of the glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory nerves. This requires a deeper study that allows reaching a general consensus on the precise place where the roots of these nerves originate.

A case of unilateral hypertrophic olivary degeneration following bilateral medial medullary infarction / 中华神经科杂志

Bilateral medial medullary infarction is a rare type of stroke. Hypertrophic olivary degeneration (HOD) is usually secondary to the lesion involving the Guillain-Mollaret triangle with vacuolar degeneration of inferior olivary nucleus neurons and enlargement of inferior olivary nucleus. The primary lesions involving the Guillain-Mollaret triangle are usually located in midbrain, pons and cerebellum. A case of unilateral HOD secondary to bilateral medial medullary infarction is reported and the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment are analyzed in order to improve the understanding of HOD.

Setting-up of the calculation model for sagittal diameter of bulbo-medullary junction / 中华骨科杂志

Objective@#To develop a calculation model for normal sagittal diameter (SD) of bulbo-medullary junction with the change of distance above the measurement baseline(the line connecting the anterior lower margin of the C2 vertebral body and the posterior upper margin of the C3 vertebral body), and to investigate its calculation error.@*Methods@#All of 164 patients with cervical disc herniation or cervical spinal stenosis who underwent cervical MRI between April 2018 and August 2018 in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital were included in this study. The normal bulbo-medullary junction was divided into two parts from top to bottom, and the dividing line was defined factitiously (the line parallel to the measurement baseline and through the lower margin of cancellous bone of the anterior arch of atlas). On the middle sagittal MRI images of 100 cases of normal bulbo-medullary junction, the change rate of the SD along the distance above the measurement baseline was counted on the upper and lower segments separately. The calculation model for SD of bulbo-medullary junction was established, with the SD of spinal cord at level of the lower margin of axis and the distance above the measurement baseline as independent variables. After setting-up of the calculation model, the actual SD at the lower margin of the C1 anterior arch and 10 mm above and below it was measured on other 64 cases of normal bulbo-medullary junction. The actual SD and calculation value were compared for calculating the error and error rate. The SD at the dividing line was estimated using the substituted estimation (the actual SD at level of the lower margin of axis) and mean-value estimation (the mean SD of the first 100 cases). Calculation value, substituted estimation and mean-value estimation were compared, and their calculation error and the occurrence rate of significant error (no less than 1 mm) were also compared.@*Results@#Calculation formula for SD of bulbo-medullary junction: (below the dividing line) SD=sagittal diameter at level of the lower margin of axis (SDA)+0.0472×height above the measurement baseline (HAB), (above the dividing line) SD=SDA+0.0472×height of dividing line above the measurement baseline (HDL)+0.298×(HAB-HDL). The error of calculation model increased with the distance above the measurement baseline. The error at the topmost level was 1.06±0.72 mm, and the error rate was 10.52%± 8.26%. Compared with the estimation method using the mean value, the calculation model was accompanied with a significantly lower ratio of significant error (Z=-3.527, P<0.001). Compared with the estimation method using a substitute, the error of the calculation model was significantly smaller (Z=-4.88, P<0.001) and the ratio of significant errors was significantly lower (Chi-Square= 6.015, P=0.024).@*Conclusion@#The SD calculation model could accurately estimate the SD of a normal bulbo-medullary junction, and has great significance for the quantitative imaging assessment and decompression strategy in patients with atlantoaxial instability.

Analysis of clinical characteristics of 13 patients with bilateral medial medullary infarction / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of bilateral medial medullary infarction (BMMI). Methods The clinical data, cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and prognosis at 3 months follow-up of 13 patients with BMMI were analyzed, retrospectively. Results The common symptoms and signs of BMMI were quadriplegia in 13 cases), dizzy in 10 cases, dysarthria in 8 cases, hypoglossal nerve palsy in 8 cases)and dyspnea in 3 severe cases. The disease had an acute onset with rapid progress and reached peak between day 3 and 6. There were ten cases with moderate to severe disability at 3 months follow-up. The risk factors were hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. MRI diffusion weighted imaging showed hyperintense signals in the bilateral medial medulla with classical "heart-"shape (6 cases) and "Y-" shape (6 cases). Magnetic resonance angiography showed unilateral vertebral artery stenosis or occlusion in most patients. Conclusion BMMI is a rare cerebrovascular disease with a poor outcome. MRI diffusion weighted imaging is of great value in the early diagnosis.

Role of On-cells and Off-cells in the rostral ventromedial medulla in pain modulation / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

The rostral ventromedial medulla is one of the key structures in descending pain modulation system. It receives inputs from the thalamus, the periaqueductal gray, and parabrachial nucleus, and sends descending projections through the dorsolateral funiculus and ventrolateral funiculus to the spinal dorsal horns. The rostral ventromedial medulla is thought to be the final relay in descending modulation of pain. The neurons in this region can be classified into On-cells, Off-cells and Neutral cells according to the changes in the firing activity before tail flick. This review mainly focuses on pain modulation functions and potential analgesia mechanisms of On-cells and Off-cells.

Histogenesis Of Human Fetal Renal Medulla

Introduction: Histogenesis of kidney gives knowledge regarding histological maturity of kidney and its functionalstatus at the given gestational age. Kidney is developed from two parts, metanephrogenic blastema and uretericbud. Metanephrogenic blastema gives origin to secretory part i.e. nephron while ureteric bud forms the collectingpart i.e. collecting tubules and ureter. Both these parts fuse with each other and the development becomescomplete.Materials and Methods: 50 aborted human fetuses between 13-36 weeks of gestational age were used for thisstudy with no obvious congenital anomalies. The 2-3 mm thick cut sections of both kidneys were taken, processedand Paraffin blocks were prepared. 5-7 micron thick sections were taken with rotary microtome, mounted andthen stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin. Microscopic features were observed in low and high power and thendocumented.Results and Discussion: Differentiation between cortex and medulla was seen from 16-18 week onwards. Themedulla with collecting ducts, thick and thin segment of loop of Henle became well differentiated from 16 weekonwards. Vascularity of medulla increased with increase in gestational age while connective tissue decreasedwith increase in gestational age. Renal pelvis was lined by transitional epithelium.

Expression of aquaporin 2, aquaporin 3 and aquaporin 4 in renal medulla of Bactrian camel ( Camelus bactrianus ) / Expresión de acuaporina 2, acuaporina 3 y acuaporina 4 en la médula renal del camello bactriano ( Camelus bactrianus )

SUMMARY: Aquaporins (AQPs) are members of the aquaporin water channel family that play an important role in reabsorption of water from the renal tubular fluid to concentrate urine. Using immunohistochemical staining on paraffin sections, We studied expression of AQP2, AQP3 and AQP4 in renal medulla of Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus). The renal medulla of cattle (Bos taurus) acted as the control. Compared with the control, strong expression of AQP2 was observed at the apical plasma membrane and intracellular vesicles, in both the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) and the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) of camel. Strong expression of AQP3 was observed at the basolateral plasma membrane of the IMCD of camel. Strong AQP4 expression, however, was observed at the basolateral plasma membrane in the OMCD of camel. Moreover, moderate AQP4 expression was detected in endothelium of capillary in medullary region of camels, whereas very weak/absent expression was detected in endothelium of capillary of cattle. We concluded that expression of AQP2, AQP3 and AQP4 in the camel kidney showed some differences from cattle in renal trans-epithelial water transport. It may enhance our better understanding of special water metabolism mechanisms that enable camels to survive in extreme environments.

RESUMEN: Las acuaporinas (AQP) son miembros de las proteínas de transporte que desempeñan un papel importante en la reabsorción de agua del líquido tubular renal para concentrar la orina. Estudiamos la expresión de AQP2, AQP3 y AQP4 en la médula renal del camello bactriano (Camelus bactrianus) usando tinción inmunohistoquímica en secciones de parafina. La médula renal del bovino (Bos taurus) se usó como control. En comparación con el control, se observó una fuerte expresión de AQP2 en la membrana plasmática apical y vesículas intracelulares tanto en el conducto colector medular externo (CCME) como en el conducto colector medular interno (CCMI) del camello. Se observó una fuerte expresión de AQP3 en la membrana plasmática basolateral del CCMI del camello. También se observó una expresión fuerte de AQP4 en la membrana plasmática basolateral en el CCME de camello. Además, se detectó una expresión moderada de AQP4 en el endotelio de los capilares en la región medular de los camellos, mientras que en el endotelio de los capilares del bovino se detectó una expresión muy débil. Concluimos que la expresión de AQP2, AQP3 y AQP4 en el riñón de camello mostró algunas diferencias con el bovino en el transporte trans-epitelial de agua renal. El estudio podría mejorar nuestra comprensión de los mecanismos especiales del metabolismo del agua que permiten a los camellos sobrevivir en ambientes extremos.

Medullary Infarction Presenting as Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

The causes of sudden death after medullary infarction involve arrhythmia, central respiratory failure, and dysautonomia. Sudden cardiac arrest in a medullary infarction is uncommon. Most of these cases experienced sudden cardiopulmonary arrest within 2 weeks from stroke onset as the extent of lesion increased. Here, we report two cases of medullary infarction presenting as sudden cardiac arrest. These cases indicate that medullary infarction could be one of the causes of sudden cardiac arrest.

Comparison of electrophysiological properties of two types of pre-sympathetic neurons intermingled in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) contains two types of neurons projecting to either the rostral ventrolateral medulla (PVN(RVLM)) or the intermediolateral horn (IML) of the spinal cord (PVN(IML)). These two neuron groups are intermingled in the same subdivisions of the PVN and differentially regulate sympathetic outflow. However, electrophysiological evidence supporting such functional differences is largely lacking. Herein, we compared the electrophysiological properties of these neurons by using patch-clamp and retrograde-tracing techniques. Most neurons (>70%) in both groups spontaneously fired in the cell-attached mode. When compared to the PVN(IML) neurons, the PVN(RVLM) neurons had a lower firing rate and a more irregular firing pattern (p < 0.05). The PVN(RVLM) neurons showed smaller resting membrane potential, slower rise and decay times, and greater duration of spontaneous action potentials (p < 0.05). The PVN(RVLM) neurons received greater inhibitory synaptic inputs (frequency, p < 0.05) with a shorter rise time (p < 0.05). Taken together, the results indicate that the two pre-sympathetic neurons differ in their intrinsic and extrinsic electrophysiological properties, which may explain the lower firing activity of the PVN(RVLM) neurons. The greater inhibitory synaptic inputs to the PVN(RVLM) neurons also imply that these neurons have more integrative roles in regulation of sympathetic activity.

The inhibitory effect of α-lipoic acid on the high salt-induced hypertension rats / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate whether the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondria of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) can inhibit the high salt-induced hypertension response.Methods A total off 32 male rats were divided into two groups:two groups were given normal salt diet (0.3％ NaCl) for 8 weeks (n=16) and high salt diet (8％ NaCl) for 8 weeks (n=16,induced hypertension model) respectively.The two groups were divided into four groups,two groups were given α-lipoic dissolving in 0.9％ normal saline (60 mg/kg),two groups were fed with saline for 9 weeks.There were ffour groups:the experimental group (n=8,the hypertension model sample fed α-lipoic acid),the model group (n=8,the hypertension model sample fed saline),the control group (n=8,normal salt diet sample fed α-lipoic acid) and the blank control group (n=8,normal salt diet sample ffed saline).Monitored the change of the arterial pressure and detected the expression off superoxide by immunofluorescence at the end of the experiment,measured the expression of NAD(P)H NOX2,NOX4 and Cu/Zn-SOD in RVLM by Western blot;determined the expression differences of oxidative stress related substances such as mitochondrial malondialdehyde(MDA)in RVLM by ELISA.Results The mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the experimental group was lower than that in the model group,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05);in the experimental group and the model group the intensities of fluorescent-labled dihydroethidium(DHE) were 60.2±3.1,99.1±3.8;the numbers of positive neurons in Cu/Zn-SOD were 20.8±1.1,6.9 ± 1.2;the numbers of NOX2 positive neurons were 12.3 ± 3.5,25.1 ±5.4;the numbers of NOX4 positive neurons were 10.1±2.2,13.3±4.1,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).Western blot showed that the NOX2 levels of the experimental group and the model group were 78.9 ± 2.0,112.7 ± 3.8;the levels of NOX4 were 63.2± 2.1,99.4 ± 1.7.The levels of Cu/Zn-SOD in RVLM of the experimental group and the model group were 19.7 ±1.6,10.3± 1.2,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05);the levels of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD) were (33.1±3.8),(15.2±1.7)U/mg,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).The levels of mitochondrial glutathione (GSH) in the experimental group and the model group were (5.2±0.9),(2.3±0.5)μmol/g;the levels of norepinephrine (NE) were (325.8 ± 7.3),(467.9 ± 6.1) pg/mL,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).Conclusion α-lipoic acid could decrease the expression of NOX2,NOX4 and the bioenergy of mitochondria enzyme,and increase the intracellular antioxidant ability in the RVLM during the development of hypertension to inhibit the oxidative stress response in the development of hypertension.

Advances in Dysphagia after Medullary Infarction (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Dysphagia is most common after medullary infarction, characterized by aspiration, residual pharynx and poor esophageal sphincter opening. The existence and severity of dysphagia can be preliminarily determined according to the site of infarction, and it is more likely to cause dysphagia on rostral, dorsal and lateral part of the medulla oblongata. High resolution manometry can be used to understand the biomechanical characteristics of the pharynx and upper segment of esophagus, and helps to evaluate dysphagia, especially combined with videofluoroscopic swallowing study, to guide the rehabilitation. Compensatory posture, electrical stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation and balloon dilatation are effective for the treatment.

X-linked spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (Kennedy's disease): the first case described in the Brazilian Amazon / Atrofia muscular bulboespinhal ligada ao cromossomo X (doença de Kennedy): o primeiro caso descrito na Amazônia brasileira

ABSTRACT The X-linked spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (Kennedy's disease) is a rare X-linked, recessive, lower motor neuron disease, characterized by weakness, atrophy, and fasciculations of the appendicular and bulbar muscle. The disease is caused by an expansion of the CAG repetition in the androgen receptor gene. Patients with Kennedy's disease have more than 39 CAG repetitions. We report a case of 57-year-old man, resident of Monte Dourado (PA, Brazil) who complained of brachiocrural paresis evolving for 3 years along with fasciculations and tremors of extremities. In addition, he also developed dysarthria, dysphagia, and sexual dysfunction. The patient clinical picture included gait impairment, global hyporeflexia, proximal muscle atrophy of upper limbs, deviation of the uvula to right during phonation and tongue atrophy with fasciculations. The patient reported that about 30 years ago he had undergone gynecomastia surgery. His electroneuromyography suggested spinal muscular atrophy, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging showed tapering of the cervical and thoracic spinal cord. Patient's creatine kinase level was elevated. In view of the findings, an exam was requested to investigate Kennedy's disease. The exam identified 46 CAG repetitions in the androgen receptor gene, which confirmed the diagnostic suspicion. This was the first case of Kennedy's disease diagnosed and described in the Brazilian Amazon. To our knowledge only other four papers were published on this disease in Brazilian patients. A brief review is also provided on etiopathogenic, clinical and diagnostic aspects.

RESUMO A atrofia muscular bulboespinhal ligada ao cromossomo X (doença de Kennedy) é uma rara doença de neurônio motor inferior, recessiva, ligada ao X, e caracterizada por fraqueza, atrofia e fasciculações da musculatura apendicular e bulbar. É causada por uma expansão da repetição CAG no gene do receptor de androgênio. Pacientes com doença de Kennedy apresentam mais de 39 repetições CAG. O paciente deste relato era do sexo masculino, 57 anos, morador de Monte Dourado (PA, Brasil), com queixa de paresia braquiocrural há 3 anos, acompanhada de fasciculações e tremores de extremidades. Em seguida, ele desenvolveu disartria, disfagia e disfunção sexual. Também apresentava comprometimento da marcha, hiporreflexia global, atrofia muscular proximal dos membros superiores, desvio da úvula para direita à fonação e atrofia de língua com fasciculações. Foi realizada cirurgia para tratamento de ginecomastia há 30 anos. A eletroneuromiografia sugeriu quadro de atrofia muscular espinhal. Imagens de ressonância magnética demonstraram afilamento da medula espinhal cervical e torácica. A creatina quinase estava elevada. Diante dos achados, solicitou-se investigação para doença de Kennedy, e foram identificadas 46 repetições CAG no gene do receptor de androgênio, o que confirmou a suspeita diagnóstica. Este foi o primeiro caso de doença de Kennedy diagnosticado e descrito na Amazônia brasileira. Existem, além deste relato, apenas outros quatro trabalhos publicados sobre a doença em pacientes do Brasil. Também realizamos breve revisão de aspectos etiopatogênicos, clínicos e diagnósticos.