BDNF During Withdrawal.

Among the adaptations observed following drugs of abuse consumption, BDNF levels are widely altered in both brain and periphery. In this chapter, we first reviewed these adaptations in preclinical studies, in both juveniles and adult animals. A particular focus was made on protracted withdrawal as incubation is often associated with an increase in central BDNF levels. Then, we reported mixed results regarding the role of BDNF in drug-seeking behavior in animals as BDNF can either enhance reinstatement or have protective properties. Finally, we reviewed recent clinical studies that provide insight into the potential of BDNF to be a good biomarker of vulnerability to relapse.

Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl-allenes by Gold-Catalyzed Rearrangement of Propargyl Benzyl Ethers.

A new method for the synthesis of trifluoromethyl-allenes from easily accessible α-trifluoromethyl-propargyl benzyl ether derivatives following a gold-catalyzed intramolecular hydride transfer has been developed. Various di- and trisubstituted trifluoromethyl-allenes were obtained in good to excellent yields.

Effects of exercise on brain and peripheral inflammatory biomarkers induced by total sleep deprivation in rats.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise induces neuroprotection through anti-inflammatory effects and total sleep deprivation is reported an inflammatory process. We examined whether 7 weeks of exercise training attenuates markers of inflammation during total sleep deprivation (24-h wakefulness) in the rat brain and periphery. METHODS: Four groups of 10 rats were investigated: Sedentary control, Sedentary sleep-deprived, Exercised control, and Exercised sleep-deprived. Sleep deprivation and exercise training were induced using slowly rotating wheels and a motorized treadmill. We examined mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory (IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6) cytokine-related genes using real-time PCR, and protein levels in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, as well as circulating concentrations. RESULTS: Compared to Sedentary control rats, hippocampal and cortical IL-1ß mRNA expressions in Sedentary sleep-deprived rats were up-regulated (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively). At the protein level, hippocampal IL-1ß and TNF-α and cortical IL-6 contents were higher in Sedentary sleep-deprived rats (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). Peripherally, TNF-α, IL-6 and norepinephrine concentrations were higher in Sedentary sleep-deprived rats compared to Sedentary control (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively). Exercise training reduced the sleep deprivation-induced hippocampal IL-1ß increases (mRNA expression and protein content) (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001), and TNF-α content (p < 0.001). At the periphery, exercise reduced sleep deprivation-induced increase of IL-6 concentration (p < 0.05) without effect on TNF-α and norepinephrine. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that a 7-week exercise training program before acute total sleep deprivation prevents pro-inflammatory responses in the rat hippocampus, particularly the IL-1ß cytokine at the gene expression level and protein content.

The value of endoscopic retrograde opacification of biliary-pancreatic ducts in icterus.

Important progress in the last few years in fiberscopic instrumentation for digestive endoscopy has made possible duodenoscopy with catheterization of the papilla to obtain retrograde biliopancreatic contrast x-rays. Up to now the only possible way to explore biliary ducts, in icterus, was surgically. This new method makes their study possible without any surgical intervention and with a simple neuroleptanalgesia. It is most advantageous in icterus where clinical tests, laboratory tests and other complementary examinations such as laparoscopy do not help to determine the cause. This examination is not devoid of dangers, particularly of the risk of cholangitis and pancreatitis and therefore certain technical precautions are necessary, e.g., immediate surgical intervention in case of organ obstruction and well defined indications.