Neuro-inflammation induced in the hippocampus of 'binge drinking' rats may be mediated by elevated extracellular glutamate content.

The neuropathological and immune changes induced in the brain by 'binge drinking' have been investigated in a rat model. Evidence of neuro-inflammation was identified in the 'binge drinking' rat model of alcohol abuse after 3 weeks of administration of 2 or 3 g/kg ethanol (EtOH), three times per day for two consecutive days, followed by 5 days of abstinence: Firstly, alveolar macrophages, isolated from these animals, showed significant increases in inducible nitric oxide synthase, as assayed by nitrite release, both before and after lipopolysaccaharide stimulation. Secondly, significant numbers of activated microglia were present in the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus of the 'binge drinking' model, after major histocompatibility complex class II staining, by comparison with the control. Microdialysis studies in the ventral hippocampus identified a significant increase in the basal extracellular concentration of glutamate, in both the 2 and 3 g/kg administered 'binge drinking' rats. In contrast, no changes in the hippocampal extracellular concentrations, of GABA and taurine, or the dopamine and serotonin metabolites were observed under basal conditions. A further dose of EtOH induced a significant decrease in the concentrations of both 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, whereas glutamate, taurine and GABA levels were unaffected. There was no evidence that EtOH preference was initiated by the 'binge drinking' regimen. Our results suggest that the possible toxicity associated with 'binge drinking' maybe directed by the elevated glutamate levels, which in turn, activate phagocytic cells to release their inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, ultimately leading to neuro-inflammation.

Side-branched modular endograft system for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

PURPOSE: To describe a side-branched modular endograft system that provides adequate visceral artery perfusion with perfect seal during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair. CASE REPORT: A 76-year-old man with a 57-mm TAAA involving the celiac artery was treated with a customized Talent endograft consisting of a 46-mm x 18-cm stented main body and a 6-mm x 30-mm nonstented Dacron side branch. The graft was delivered through a surgical exposure of the left common femoral artery. A 6-mm x 10-cm Hemobahn stent-graft was introduced in the 30-mm side branch from the aorta to the celiac trunk through a long 8-F sheath via the left brachial artery. The patient recovered uneventfully except for a mild reactive inflammatory syndrome. Postoperative computed tomography demonstrated total exclusion of the TAAA sac and good antegrade perfusion of the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries, which has been maintained at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of TAAA is feasible with further technical refinements of available technology.