Impairment in exploratory behavior is associated with arc gene overexpression in the dorsolateral striatum of rats with nigral injection of l-buthionine sulfoximine.

The aims of the present work were to evaluate the exploratory activity in Sprague-Dawley rats, as well as to analyze the nigral and striatal mRNA expression of the plasticity-related genes bdnf and arc after L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) injection into substantia nigra compacta. Lesioned rats traveled less distance in open field but did not show a decline in the novel object recognition test. On the other hand, RT-PCR analysis showed overexpression of striatal arc 24 h post-lesion; no significant changes in bdnf expression were observed in nigral or striatal tissue. These results suggest that intranigral BSO injection causes impairment in exploratory behavior in these rats, by affecting locomotion, which is associated with changes in striatal synaptic plasticity.

Effect of neurotoxic lesion of pedunculopontine nucleus in nigral and striatal redox balance and motor performance in rats.

Early degeneration of pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is considered part of changes that characterize premotor stages of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this paper, the effects of unilateral neurotoxic lesion of the PPN in motor execution and in the development of oxidative stress events in striatal and nigral tissues in rats were evaluated. The motor performance was assessed using the beam test (BT) and the cylinder test (CT). Nigral and striatal redox balance, was studied by means of biochemical indicators such as malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and the catalase enzymatic activity (CAT EA). Lesioned rats showed fine motor dysfunction expressed both as an increase in the length (p<0.001) and deviation (p<0.001) of the traveled path and also in the time spent (p<0.01) in the circular small beam (CBS) (p<0.01) in comparison with control groups. In addition, the lesioned rats group presented a right asymmetry index greater than 0.5 which is consistent with a significant increase in the percentage of use of the right forelimb (ipsilateral to the lesion), compared with the control group (p<0.05). Biochemical studies revealed that after 48-h PPN neurotoxic injury, the CAT EA showed a significant increase in the subtantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) (p<0.05). This significant increase of CAT EA persisted in the nigral tissue (p<0.001) and reached the striatal tissue (p<0.001) seven days after PPN injury. Also at seven days post-injury PPN, increased concentrations of MDA (p<0.01) and a tendency to decrease in the concentrations of NO in both structures (SNpc and striatum) were found. The events associated with the generation of free radicals at nigral and striatal levels, can be part of the physiological mechanisms underlying motor dysfunction in rats with unilateral PPN neurotoxic lesion.

Síndrome Metabólico en pacientes con psoriasis de la Cátedra de Dermatología del Hospital de Clínicas / Metabolic syndrome in psoriatic patients of the Dermatology Service of Clinical Hospital

La psoriasis es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica sistémica de la piel. Publicaciones de los últimos 10 años reportan una asociación entre la psoriasis y el síndrome metabólico, una agrupación de factores de riesgo que incluye la obesidad, hipertensión arterial, dislipidemia e insulinorresistencia. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar la frecuencia del síndrome metabólico y las características clínicas de los pacientes con psoriasis. Para ello, se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte trasversal en pacientes con psoriasis que consultaron en la Cátedra de Dermatología del Hospital de Clínicas de mayo a diciembre del año 2013. Se estudiaron 52 pacientes con psoriasis, de los cuales 36 pacientes (69%) eran de sexo masculino. Presentaron síndrome metabólico 25 casos (48%), la hipertensión arterial fue el factor de riesgo más frecuente estando presente en 31 pacientes (60%), siguiéndole en frecuencia la obesidad en 31 pacientes (58%). Se encontró que tanto el síndrome metabólico como todos sus componentes en forma individual son más frecuentes en los pacientes con psoriasis moderada y severa. El síndrome metabólico es un hallazgo frecuente en los pacientes con psoriasis existiendo una relación directa entre la severidad de la psoriasis con el síndrome metabólico y cada uno de los factores de riesgo que lo componen, por lo cual se hace imperativa la búsqueda de esta patología en la evaluación dermatológica clínica para la prevención de complicaciones cardiovasculares.

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease of the skin. Publications in the last10 years reported an association between psoriasis and the metabolic syndrome, agroupof risk factors including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Todetermine the frequency of metabolic syndrome and the clinical characteristics of patientswith psoriasis we performed a descriptive cross-sectional study in psoriatic patients whoconsultedinthe Dermatology Department oftheClinicas Hospital from May to Decemberof 2013.We studied 52 psoriatic patients, of whom 36 (69%) were male and 16 (31%)were female.Twenty five(48%) patients had metabolic syndrome.Hypertension was themost common risk factor being present 31 cases (59,6%), followed in frequency obesityin 30 patients (57,7%).We found that both the metabolic syndrome and its componentsindividually are more frequent in patients with moderate and severe psoriasis.Metabolicsyndrome is a common finding in patients with psoriasis. There is a direct relationship between the severity of psoriasisand themetabolic syndrome and each of its risk factors,so it is imperativetosearch for this dermatological pathology intheclinical evaluation ofpatients for the prevention of cardiovascular complications.

Current status of prenatal diagnosis in Cuba: causes of low prevalence of Down syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze trends in cytogenetic prenatal diagnosis in Cuba and to analyze possible causes leading to a low Down syndrome prevalence in a country where the triple test is not available. METHODS: An analysis of the Cuban program in prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis from 1984 to 2012 was conducted. Results are described, with particular emphasis on indications, abnormal results, types of invasive procedures, and terminations of pregnancy. RESULTS: Cytogenetic prenatal diagnostic analyses (n = 75,095) were conducted; maternal age was the indication for 77.9% of the amniocenteses and chorionic villus samplings. The detection rate of chromosomally abnormal pregnancies was 2.3% for maternal age and increased to 8-9% for other indications. When a chromosomal abnormality was identified, 88.5% terminated the pregnancy. In 2002, the live birth prevalence of Down syndrome was 8.4 per 10,000 live births, and in 2012, 7 per 10,000. CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis in Cuba has contributed to a significant reduction in chromosomal aberrations. The impact increased because of the demographic trends of the population, the high index of terminations of pregnancy, and the establishment of a network of cytogenetic laboratories throughout Cuba.

BDNF in quinolinic acid lesioned rats after bone marrow cells transplant.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration was measured in the striatum and cortex after quinolinic acid intrastriatal lesion and transplantation of bone marrow cells (BMSC). The results showed a significant increase of the BDNF levels in the striatum and cortex of the lesioned animals and the ability of the transplanted cells to increase the levels of BDNF in both sites. This recovery of BDNF production and distribution might have beneficial effects and ameliorate the negative consequences of the striatal lesion, a mechanism of potential interest for the treatment of Huntington's disease (HD).

Características clínico epidemiológicas de la lepra en la cátedra de dermatología del Hospital de clínicas - Paraguay. Períodod 2003 - 2013 / No disponible

Objetivo: Conocer las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la Lepra en la Cátedra de Dermatología del Hospital de Clínicas - Paraguay. Material y método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se estudiaron 250 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico y anatomapatológico de lepra de consultaron en la Cátedra de Dermatología del Hospital de Clínicas entre los años 2003 a 2013 y se realizó el análisis estadístico de las variables estudiadas para lo cual se utilizaron los datos de las historias clínicas. Resultados: la frecuencia en el diagnóstico de lepra fue de 0,57%. El 65% de los pacientes era del sexo masculino. La edad promedio fue de 46,5 ± 16 años; con una edad mínima de 3 años y la máxima de 86 años. En relación a la procedencia el 68% pertenecía al departamento Central y a Asunción. El tiempo de evolución entre la aparición del cuadro clínico y la consulta fue de 1 a 12 meses en el 62% de los pacientes. El 12% de los pacientes presentaba antecedentes de la enfermedad en la familia. El motivo de consulta más frecuente fue la presencia de placas en el 46%. Según la clasificación de la OMS se encontró que el 87% correspondía a la forma multibacilar y la forma clínica más frecuente fue la lepra lepromatosa en el 59% de pacientes. Se encontró que el 30% de los pacientes presentó una reacción lepromatosa, siendo la tipo 2 la de mayor frecuencia. El 50% de los pacientes completó el tratamiento propuesto por la OMS. Se realizó seguimeinto en el 28% de los casos. Conclusión: El programa de lucha contra la lepra debería intensificar la formación de los profesionales, intensificar el seguimiento de los pacientes y difundir información acerca de la enfermedad con el fin de lograr diagnósticos tempranos y la disminución de la prevalencia de la enfermedad (AU)

Objective: To determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Leprosy in the Department of Dermatology, Clinicas Hospital-Paraguay. Methods: An observational, descriptive and retrospective study. We studied 250 patients with clinical and pathological diagnosis of leprosy who consulted at the Department of Dermatology, between the years 2003-2013 and performed the statistical analysis of the variables for which we used data from the medical records. Results: The frequency in the diagnosis of leprosy was 0.57%. The 65% of patients were male. The average age was 46.5 ± 16 years, with a minimum age of 3 years and maximum of 86 years. In relation to the origin 68% belonged to the Central Department and Asuncion. The mean time to interval between the onset of clinical and consultation was 1 to 12 months in 62% of patients. 12% of patients had a history of family illness. The most frequent reason for consultation was the presence of plaques in 46%. According to the WHO classification 87% were of multibacillary form and the most frequent clinical presentation was lepromatous leprosy in 59% of patients. It was found that 30% of patients had a lepromatous reaction type 2. The 50% of the patients completed the treatment proposed by the WHO. Monitoring was performed in 28% of cases. Conclusion: The program of leprosy should intensify the training of professionals, step up monitoring of patients and disseminate information about the disease in order to achieve early diagnosis and decrease the prevalence of the disease (AU)

Cutis marmorata telangiectásico congénito o síndrome de van Lohuizen: descripción de un caso / Congenital telangiectatic cutis marmorata or Van Lohuizen syndrome: report of a case

El cutis marmorata telangiectásico congénito (CMTC) es una malformación vascular cutánea de bajo flujo que compromete vasos capilares y venosos y que se presenta con baja incidencia desde el nacimiento. Se presenta el caso de un recién nacido, de cuatro días de vida con diagnóstico de CMTC no asociado a otras malformaciones.

Congenital telangiectatic cutis marmorata (CTCM) is acutaneous low-flow vascular malformation that involves venous and capilary blood vessels that occurs with low incidence at birth.We present the case of a newborn, 4 days old, with this condition that was presented in isolation fashion not associated with other malformations.

Reacciones vasculonecróticas en la lepra. Descripción de dos casos de fenómeno de Lucio / Vasculonecrotic reactions in leprosy. Two cases of Lucio’s phenomenon

El Fenómeno de Lucio (FL), probablemente mediado por inmunocomplejos, se caracteriza por una reacción cutánea necrosante grave que ocurre en pacientes portadores de Lepra no nodular[1]. La literatura revisada muestra inadecuado uso de esta definición. Muchos autores identifican como Fenómeno de Lucio las reacciones vasculonecróticas que ocurren en formas distintas a la Lepra difusa [2, 9]. Presentamos dos casos clínicos de pacientes con formas difusas de Enfermedad de Hansen que desarrollaron fenómenos vasculonecróticos (AU)

The Lucio’s phenomenon (LP), probably mediated by immune complexes, is a severe necrotizing skin reaction that occurs mainly in patients with non nodular lepromatous leprosy. The literature review shows that there is an inadequate use of this definition. Several authors identify as LP the vasculonecrotic reactions that occur in other forms than the diffuse leprosy. We present two cases of patients with Hansen’s disease, who developed vasculonecrotic reactions (AU)

[Evaluation of the survival of bone marrow mononucleate cells transplanted in a rat model of striatal lesion with quinolinic acid]. / Evaluacion de la supervivencia de las células mononucleadas de la médula ósea trasplantadas en un modelo de ratas con lesión estriatal por ácido quinolínico.

INTRODUCTION: Transplant is one of the alternatives available for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases aimed at replacing the cells lost during the course of the disease. One promising source of cells for the development of transplants could be the mononucleate cells from bone marrow. AIMS. The purpose of this study was to study the capacity of bone marrow mononucleate cells to survive the transplant process, and to search for a method that enables tracking of these cells in vivo once they have been implanted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone marrow mononucleate cells were extracted from the femur of rats by means of a Ficoll-Hypaque gradient. The cells under study were modified genetically with an adenovirus that expresses the PFV or which are marked with Hoechst dye. The marked cells were implanted in the striatum of rats with lesions caused by quinolinic acid. RESULTS: The viability of the genetically modified cells was low, whereas that of the cells marked with Hoechst dye was above 90%. The implanted cells survived the transplant at least a month and dispersed away from the site of entry towards the corpus callosum and cortex. CONCLUSIONS: We consider that the use of Hoechst dye offers more advantages for tracking these cells in vivo. Mononucleate cells have a number of characteristics that allow them to be included as candidate sources of cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Evaluación de la supervivencia de las células mononucleadas de la médula ósea trasplantadas en un modelo de ratas de lesión estriatal con ácido quinolínico / Evaluation of the survival of bone marrow mononucleate cells transplanted in a rat model of striatal lesion with quinolinic acid

Introducción. El trasplante es una de las alternativas para el tratamiento de enfermedades neurodegenerativas, y está encaminado hacia el reemplazo de las células perdidas durante el desarrollo de la enfermedad. Una fuente celular prometedora para el desarrollo de los trasplantes podrían ser las células mononucleadas de la médula ósea. Objetivo. Estudiar la capacidad de las células mononucleadas de la médula ósea de sobrevivir al trasplante y buscar un método que permita el seguimiento de estas células in vivo una vez implantadas. Materiales y métodos. Las células mononucleadas fueron extraídas del fémur de ratas mediante un gradiente de Ficoll-Hypaque. Las células objeto de estudio fueron modificadas genéticamente con un adenovirus que expresa la PFV o marcadas con el reactivo de Hoechst. Las células marcadas se implantaron en el estriado de ratas lesionadas con ácido quinolínico. Resultados. La viabilidad de las células modificadas genéticamente fue baja, mientras que la de las células marcadas con el reactivo de Hoechst fue superior al 90 por ciento. Las células implantadas sobrevivieron al trasplante al menos un mes y se dispersaron desde el sitio de entrada hacia el cuerpo calloso y la corteza. Conclusiones. Consideramos más ventajoso el uso del reactivo de Hoechst para el seguimiento de estas células in vivo. Las células mononucleadas tienen características que les permiten formar parte de las fuentes celulares candidatas para el tratamiento de las enfermedades neurodegenerativas(AU)

Introduction: Transplant is one of the alternatives available for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases aimed at replacing the cells lost during the course of the disease. One promising source of cells for the development of transplants could be the mononucleate cells from bone marrow. AIMS. The purpose of this study was to study the capacity of bone marrow mononucleate cells to survive the transplant process, and to search for a method that enables tracking of these cells in vivo once they have been implanted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone marrow mononucleate cells were extracted from the femur of rats by means of a Ficoll-Hypaque gradient. The cells under study were modified genetically with an adenovirus that expresses the PFV or which are marked with Hoechst dye. The marked cells were implanted in the striatum of rats with lesions caused by quinolinic acid. RESULTS: The viability of the genetically modified cells was low, whereas that of the cells marked with Hoechst dye was above 90percent. The implanted cells survived the transplant at least a month and dispersed away from the site of entry towards the corpus callosum and cortex. CONCLUSIONS: We consider that the use of Hoechst dye offers more advantages for tracking these cells in vivo. Mononucleate cells have a number of characteristics that allow them to be included as candidate sources of cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Evaluación de la supervivencia de las células mononucleadas de la médula ósea trasplantadas en un modelo de ratas con lesión estriatal por ácido quinolínico / Evaluation of the survival of bone marrow mononucleate cells transplanted in a rat model of striatal lesion with quinolinic acid

Introducción. El trasplante es una de las alternativas para el tratamiento de enfermedades neurodegenerativas, y está encaminado hacia el reemplazo de las células perdidas durante el desarrollo de la enfermedad. Una fuente celular prometedora para el desarrollo de los trasplantes podrían ser las células mononucleadas de la médula ósea. Objetivo. Estudiar la capacidad de las células mononucleadas de la médula ósea de sobrevivir al trasplante y buscar un método que permita el seguimiento de estas células in vivo una vez implantadas. Materiales y métodos. Las células mononucleadas fueron extraídas del fémur de ratas mediante un gradiente de Ficoll-Hypaque. Las células objeto de estudio fueron modificadas genéticamente con un adenovirus que expresa la PFV o marcadas con el reactivo de Hoechst. Las células marcadas se implantaron en el estriado de ratas lesionadas con ácido quinolínico. Resultados. La viabilidad de las células modificadas genéticamente fue baja, mientras que la de las células marcadas con el reactivo de Hoechst fue superior al 90%. Las células implantadas sobrevivieron al trasplante al menos un mes y se dispersaron desde el sitio de entrada hacia el cuerpo calloso y la corteza. Conclusiones. Consideramos más ventajoso el uso del reactivo de Hoechst para el seguimiento de estas células in vivo. Las células mononucleadas tienen características que les permiten formar parte de las fuentes celulares candidatas para el tratamiento de las enfermedades neurodegenerativas

Introduction. Transplant is one of the alternatives available for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases aimed at replacing the cells lost during the course of the disease. One promising source of cells for the development of transplants could be the mononucleate cells from bone marrow. Aims. The purpose of this study was to study the capacity of bone marrow mononucleate cells to survive the transplant process, and to search for a method that enables tracking of these cells in vivo once they have been implanted. Materials and methods. Bone marrow mononucleate cells were extracted from the femur of rats by means of a Ficoll-Hypaque gradient. The cells under study were modified genetically with an adenovirus that expresses the PFV or which are marked with Hoechst dye. The marked cells were implanted in the striatum of rats with lesions caused by quinolinic acid. Results. The viability of the genetically modified cells was low, whereas that of the cells marked with Hoechst dye was above 90%. The implanted cells survived the transplant at least a month and dispersed away from the site of entry towards the corpus callosum and cortex. Conclusions. We consider that the use of Hoechst dye offers more advantages for tracking these cells in vivo. Mononucleate cells have a number of characteristics that allow them to be included as candidate sources of cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

[The effects of lesions in the compact part of the substantia nigra on glutamate and GABA release in the pedunculopontine nucleus]. / Efecto de la lesión de la sustancia negra pars compacta sobre la liberación de glutamato y GABA en el núcleo pedunculopontino.

INTRODUCTION: The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), co-localized with the mesencephalic locomotor region, has been proposed as a key structure in the physiopathology of Parkinson's disease. OBJECTIVES: The goal of the present study was to assess if the aminoacid neurotransmitter release in the PPN is modified by the degeneration of dopaminergic cells, from substantia nigra pars compacta in 6-hydroxidopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats. In addition, it was studied the aminoacid neurotransmitter release in the PPN of rats with lesion of the subthalamic nucleus by quinolinic acid (QUIN) (100 nmol) intracerebral injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were assigned to five groups: untreated rats (I) (n = 13), 6-OHDA lesion (II) (n = 11), 6-OHDA + QUIN lesion (III) (n = 9), sham-operated (IV) (n = 10), QUIN, STN (V) lesioned (n = 9). The extracellular concentrations of glutamic acid (GLU) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were determined by brain microdialysis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS. GLU released in PPN from 6-OHDA lesioned rats (group II), was significantly increased in comparison with the others groups (F(4, 47) = 18.21, p < 0.001). GABA released shows significant differences between experimental groups (F(4, 45) = 12.75, p < 0.001). It was detected a higher valour (p < 0.05) in-group II. The groups III and IV exhibited intermeddle valour (p < 0.001) and groups I and IV (p < 0.001) showed the lower GABA extracellular concentrations. The infusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid with higher potassium (100 mmol) induced an increase in the GLU and GABA released in all groups, which confirm the neuronal origin of the extracellular content. CONCLUSION: These results are in agreement with the current model of basal ganglia functioning and suggest the role of STN-PPN projection in the physiopathology of Parkinson's disease.

Efecto de la lesión de la sustancia negra parte compacta sobre la liberación de glutamato y GABA en el núcleo pedunculopontino / The effects of lesions in the compact part of the substantia nigra on glutamate and GABA release in the pedunculopontine nucleus

The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), co-localized with the mesencephalic locomotor region, has been proposed as a key structure in the physiopathology of Parkinson's disease. OBJECTIVES: The goal of the present study was to assess if the aminoacid neurotransmitter release in the PPN is modified by the degeneration of dopaminergic cells, from substantia nigra pars compacta in 6-hydroxidopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats. In addition, it was studied the aminoacid neurotransmitter release in the PPN of rats with lesion of the subthalamic nucleus by quinolinic acid (QUIN) (100 nmol) intracerebral injection...(AU)

Efecto de la lesión de la sustancia negra pars compacta sobre la liberación de glutamato y GABA en el núcleo pedunculopontino / The effects of lesions in the compact part of the substantia nigra on glutamate and gaba release in the pedunculopontine nucleus

Introducción. El núcleo pedunculopontino (NPP), colocalizado con el área locomotora mesencefálica, se ha señalado como una estructura clave en la fisiopatología de la enfermedad de Parkinson. Objetivos. 1. Estudiar el efecto de la lesión de la sustancia negra pars compacta -por inyección de 6-hidroxidopamina (6-OHDA)- sobre la liberación de aminoácidos neurotransmisores en el NPP. 2. Estudiar el efecto de la lesión del núcleo subtalámico (NST), por inyección intracerebral de 100 nmol de ácido quinolínico (QUIN), sobre la liberación de aminoácidos neurotransmisores en el NPP. Materiales y métodos. Se organizaron cinco grupos experimentales: ratas sanas (I; n = 13), lesión con 6-OHDA (II; n = 11), lesión simultánea de 6-OHDA + QUIN (III; n = 9), falsa lesión de 6-OHDA (IV; n = 10), y lesión del NST con QUIN (V; n = 9). Las concentraciones extracelulares de ácido glutámico (GLU) y GABA se determinaron por medio de cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC) con detección fluorimétrica. Resultados. Se detectaron diferencias significativas en la liberación de GLU entre todos los grupos experimentales (F(4, 47) = 18,21, p < 0,001), con un aumento significativo de esta variable en el grupo II. La liberación de GABA en el NPP mostró diferencias significativas entre los grupos en estudio (F(4, 45) = 12,75, p < 0,001). Para esta variable se produjo una separación entre los grupos, con un aumento significativo (p < 0,05) en el grupo II, valores intermedios y significativamente diferentes para los grupos III y V (p < 0,001) y valores menores para los grupos I y IV. La infusión de una solución de líquido cefalorraquídeo artificial con mayor concentración de potasio (100 mmol) produjo un incremento en la liberación de los aminoácidos neurotransmisores en todos los grupos experimentales, lo cual confirma el origen neuronal del contenido extracelular estudiado. Conclusiones. Estos resultados concuerdan con el ‘modelo’ actual de funcionamiento de los ganglios basales y sugieren un papel importante a la proyección STN-NPP en la fisiopatología de la enfermedad de Parkinson

Introduction. The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), co-localized with the mesencephalic locomotor region, has been proposed as a key structure in the physiopathology of Parkinson’s disease. Objectives. The goal of the present study was to assess if the aminoacid neurotransmitter release in the PPN is modified by the degeneration of dopaminergic cells, from substantia nigra pars compacta in 6-hydroxidopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats. In addition, it was studied the aminoacid neurotransmitter release in the PPN of rats with lesion of the subthalamic nucleus by quinolinic acid (QUIN) (100 nmol) intracerebral injection. Materials and methods. Rats were assigned to five groups: untreated rats (I) (n = 13), 6-OHDA lesion (II) (n = 11), 6-OHDA + QUIN lesion (III) (n = 9), sham-operated (IV) (n = 10), QUIN, STN (V) lesioned (n = 9). The extracellular concentrations of glutamic acid (GLU) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were determined by brain microdialysis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results. GLU released in PPN from 6-OHDA lesioned rats (group II), was significantly increased in comparison with the others groups (F(4, 47) = 18.21, p < 0.001). GABA released shows significant differences between experimental groups (F(4, 45) = 12.75, p < 0.001). It was detected a higher valour (p < 0.05) in-group II. The groups III and IV exhibited intermeddle valour (p < 0.001) and groups I and IV (p < 0.001) showed the lower GABA extracellular concentrations. The infusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid with higher potassium (100 mmol) induced an increase in the GLU and GABA released in all groups, which confirm the neuronal origin of the extracellular content. Conclusion. These results are in agreement with the current model of basal ganglia functioning and suggest the role of STN-PPN projection in the physiopathology of Parkinson’s disease

[Stromal cell transplant in the 6-OHDA lesion model]. / Trasplante de células estromales en el modelo de lesión por 6-OHDA.

INTRODUCTION: A good deal of evidence currently exists to show that transplanting foetal mesencephalic tissue can produce symptomatic benefits both in patients and in disease models. Nevertheless, the technical and ethical difficulties involved in obtaining enough suitable foetal cerebral tissue have been a serious obstacle to its application. Stromal cells derived from bone marrow, due to their potential capacity to generate different types of cells, could be an ideal source of material for cell restoration in neurodegenerative diseases. AIMS: Our aim was to evaluate the effect of transplanting stromal cells derived from bone marrow on the behaviour of 6-OHDA rats, when they are inserted into the striatum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study we used rats with a lesion in the substantia nigra induced by 6-hydroxydopamine, divided into several experimental groups. Rotary activity induced by D-amphetamine (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was evaluated before and throughout the three months following the transplant in all the experimental groups, except in the group of healthy controls. Hemiparkinsonian rats received a total of 350 000 foetal ventral mesencephalic cells and 8 x 10(4) stromal cells/microL, which were implanted in the striatum. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Animals with stromal cells transplanted in the body of the striatum significantly reduced the number of turns induced by amphetamine (p < 0.05); yet this reduction was not greater than that induced by foetal mesencephalic cell transplants. We were also unable to demonstrate any significant improvement in the motor skills of the forelimbs.

Trasplante de células estromales en el modelo de lesión por 6-OHDA / Stromal cell transplant in the 6-OHDA lesion model

A good deal of evidence currently exists to show that transplanting foetal mesencephalic tissue can produce symptomatic benefits both in patients and in disease models. Nevertheless, the technical and ethical difficulties involved in obtaining enough suitable foetal cerebral tissue have been a serious obstacle to its application. Stromal cells derived from bone marrow, due to their potential capacity to generate different types of cells, could be an ideal source of material for cell restoration in neurodegenerative diseases. AIMS: Our aim was to evaluate the effect of transplanting stromal cells derived from bone marrow on the behaviour of 6-OHDA rats, when they are inserted into the striatum(AU)

Trasplante de células estromales en el modelo de lesión por 6-OHDA / Stromal cell transplant in the 6-OHDA lesion model

Introducción. En la actualidad, existe un cúmulo de evidencias de que el trasplante de tejido mesencefálico fetal puede producir un beneficio sintomático tanto en los pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson como en los modelos de la enfermedad. Sin embargo, las dificultades técnicas y éticas en la obtención de tejido cerebral fetal apropiado y en cantidad suficiente ha dificultado su aplicación. Las células estromales derivadas de médula ósea, debido a su potencialidad para generar diferentes tipos de células, podrían ser una fuente ideal para la restauración celular en las enfermedades neurodegenerativas. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto del trasplante de células estromales derivadas de médula ósea sobre la conducta de ratas con lesión por 6-OHDA, cuando se realiza en el estriado. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron ratas con lesión de la sustancia negra inducida por la 6-OHDA, divididas en varios grupos experimentales. La actividad rotatoria inducida por D-anfetamina (5 mg/kg intraperitonialmente) se evaluó antes y en los tres meses posteriores al trasplante en todos los grupos experimentales, excepto en el grupo de controles sanas. Las ratas hemiparkinsonianas recibieron un total de 350.000 células de mesencéfalo ventral fetal y 8 × 104 células estromales/µL, las cuales se implantaron en el estriado. Resultados y conclusiones. Los animales con trasplante de células estromales en el cuerpo estriado redujeron significativamente el número de vueltas inducidas por anfetamina (p < 0,05); sin embargo, esta reducción no fue mayor que la inducida por los trasplantes de células mesencefálicas fetales. Por otro lado, no fue posible demostrar una mejoría significativa de las habilidades motoras de las extremidades anteriores (AU)

Introduction. A good deal of evidence currently exists to show that transplanting foetal mesencephalic tissue can produce symptomatic benefits both in patients and in disease models. Nevertheless, the technical and ethical difficulties involved in obtaining enough suitable foetal cerebral tissue have been a serious obstacle to its application. Stromal cells derived from bone marrow, due to their potential capacity to generate different types of cells, could be an ideal source of material for cell restoration in neurodegenerative diseases. Aims. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of transplanting stromal cells derived from bone marrow on the behaviour of 6-OHDA rats, when they are inserted into the striatum. Materials and methods. In this study we used rats with a lesion in the substantia nigra induced by 6-hydroxydopamine, divided into several experimental groups. Rotary activity induced by D-amphetamine (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was evaluated before and throughout the three months following the transplant in all the experimental groups, except in the group of healthy controls. Hemiparkinsonian rats received a total of 350,000 foetal ventral mesencephalic cells and 8 × 104 stromal cells/µL, which were implanted in the striatum. Results and conclusions. Animals with stromal cells transplanted in the body of the striatum significantly reduced the number of turns induced by amphetamine (p < 0.05); yet this reduction was not greater than that induced by foetal mesencephalic cell transplants. We were also unable to demonstrate any significant improvement in the motor skills of the forelimbs (AU)

Dermatosis de consulta más frecuente en dermatología pediátrica / Most frequent dermatoses in pediatric dermatology consultation

El presente trabajo fue realizado en la Cátedra de Dermatología del Hospital de Clínicas con el objetivo de conocer cual es la dermatosis de consulta mas frecuente en Dermatología Pediátrica. Para el efecto fue diseñado un estudio observacional restrospectivo de corte transversal en el que se consideraron 2583 pacientes con edades comprendidas entre 0-15 años, en un periodo de tiempo entre los años 1998-2000, habiéndose observado que la dermatosis de consulta más frecuente en el grupo estudiado fuel el eczema con 704 pacientes (27,25pto), la escabiosis 338 pacientes(13,08pto). Conclusión: La dermatología pediátrica es una de las especialidades emergentes dentro de la pediatría y dermatología general. Así la consulta en dermatología pediátrica representa el 17,32pto de las consultas en dermatología. El motivo de consulta más frecuente lo constituye la dermatitis eccematosa. Existe un ligero predominio de las patologías dermatológicas en pediatría en el sexo femenino, con un ligero incremento por encima de los 13 años. También se pudo constatar que los pacientes acuden con mayores problemas dermatológicos durante el verano.

[Lesions in the pars compacta substantiae nigra and the subthalamic nucleus modify the density of muscarinic receptors in different nuclei of the basal ganglia]. / La lesión de la sustancia negra pars compacta y del núcleo subtalámico modifica la densidad de receptores muscarínicos en distintos núcleos de los ganglios basales.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies that has focused to the dopaminergic transmission in the basal ganglia in parkinsonian condition, but only a few article has taking into account the imbalance between dopaminergic and cholinergic transmission. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the muscarinic cholinergic receptors density in SNc and PPN in the 6-OHDA model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Were organized five experimental groups in correspondence to the place of the lesion: I. Non treated rats, II. 6-OHDA lesion in SNc, III. 6-OHDA lesion in SNc + quinolinic acid lesion in NST, IV. Sham operated rats, V. Quinolinic acid in STN. Were obtained coronal sections of 20 microm thickness of SNc and PPN from rats and in these sections was evaluated the muscarinic receptors density through autoradiographic technique with [3H]quinuclidinylbenzilate (QNB) (1.23 nM). The muscarinic antagonist atropine (1 microM) was utilized as non-specific union. The density was evaluated in both hemispheres and the density optical was converted in fentomolas/mg of tissue with base to values obtained from tritium standards. RESULTS: Significant diminution of the muscarinic receptors density was found in the SNc ipsilateral to the 6-OHDA lesion from experimental groups II (t=2.76; p<0.05) and III (t=4.06; p<0.05). In the group V, was seen a significant increase of muscarinic receptor density in the SNc ipsilateral to the 6-OHDA lesion. The comparison between experimental groups evidenced significant differences among them (F=13.13; p<0.001) with a significant decrease in the density from SNc of groups II and III and significant increase in the density from SNc of group V in comparison of the others groups. In relation to PPN, muscarinic receptors density from right PPN ipsilateral to the 6-OHDA lesion, shown significant differences (F=3.93; p<0.01) between the experimental groups with a significant increase of this variable in the group II. CONCLUSIONS: These results signal a modification of cholinergic activity after 6-OHDA lesion. The changes in the muscarinic receptors populations located in SNc and PPN could be part of different compensatory mechanisms to attempt ameliorate the imbalance between dopaminergic and cholinergic transmission that it was installed after denervation of nigrostriatal forebrain bundle. The excitotoxic lesion of STN impose a new adjust mechanism for cell from PPN, which could be expressed in the changes of muscarinic cholinergic receptors population at the level of SNc.

[The pedunculopontine nucleus. A structure involved in motor and emotional processing]. / Núcleo pedunculopontino. Una estructura involucrada en el procesamiento motor y emocional.

INTRODUCTION: There is currently a growing interest for conducting studies into the electrical and neurochemical activity of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) due to the privileged position occupied by this structure in the flow of information to and from the cortex. This nucleus acts as a relay, not only for the motor information that is processed in the basal ganglia but also for information of an emotional type, whose main centre is the nucleus accumbens. It is also strongly linked with the aspects that determine the mechanisms governing addiction to certain drugs. DEVELOPMENT: We conduct a detailed analysis of the main findings from studies of the role played by the PPN in the physiopathology of Parkinsonism, namely the study of metabolic activity, immunohistochemical studies with different tracers, electrophysiological studies that have confirmed the immunohistochemical observations, as well as deep electrical stimulation carried out in non human primates. Furthermore, we also examine the part played by this structure in the processing of emotional information associated with different learning tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the authors grant the PPN a privileged position in the physiopathology of the axial disorders related to Parkinson s disease; its most important afference, stemming from the subthalamic nucleus, appears to play a key role in the understanding of the part played by the PPN in Parkinsonism.