Int Rev Neurobiol
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Experimental evidence suggests that reinnervation of the distal stump of a transected nerve may occur if the former is coapted end-to-side to the trunk of an adjacent nerve. Axonal regeneration occurs by collateral sprouting of healthy donor nerve axons, induced by neurotrophic factors. ⋯ End-to-side neurorrhaphy has already been used in the clinical practise, but there are still some issues that have not been completely clarified yet: (i) the origin of regenerating axons, (ii) collateral sprouting molecular mechanisms, and (iii) the degree of donor nerve axotomy needed for motor functional recovery. The results of experimental studies trying to investigate these parameters are briefly discussed in this review article.
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Methamphetamine (MAP), a drug of abuse known worldwide for its addictive effects and neurotoxicity, causes somatic and psychiatric disorders. MAP enters terminals/neurons via monoamine transporters, displaces both vesicular and intracellular monoamines, and facilitates the release of monoamines into the extraneuronal space through synaptic transport via the monoamine transporters. Chronic psychostimulant abusers exhibit psychotic features, including delusions and auditory hallucinations. ⋯ The deletion of DAT attenuates the locomotor effects of MAP and may play larger role in behavioral responses to MAP compared to the deletion of VMAT2. MAP produces hyperthermia and/or neuronal toxicity in most species. The effects of MAP in DAT or serotonin transporter (SERT) single knockout (KO) mice and DAT/SERT double KO mice suggested that DAT and SERT are key molecules for hyperthermia and neuronal toxicity of MAP.
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Despite the progress in understanding the pathophysiology of peripheral nervous system injury and regeneration, as well as advancements in microsurgical techniques, peripheral nerve injuries are still a major challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Thorough knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology, and surgical reconstruction is a prerequisite of proper peripheral nerve injury management. This chapter reviews the currently available surgical treatment options for different types of nerve injuries in clinical conditions. ⋯ Achieving better outcomes depends both on the advancements in microsurgical techniques and introduction of molecular biology discoveries into clinical practice. The field of peripheral nerve research is dynamically developing and concentrates on more sophisticated approaches tested at the basic science level. Future directions in peripheral nerve reconstruction including, tolerance induction and minimal immunosuppression for nerve allografting, cell based supportive therapies and bioengineering of nerve conduits are also reviewed in this chapter.
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Observational studies in humans suggest that exposure to marijuana and other cannabis-derived drugs produces a wide range of subjective effects on mood tone and emotionality. These observations have their counterpart in animal studies, showing that cannabinoid agonists strongly affect emotional reactivity in directions that vary depending on dose and context. Based on these evidence, the activation of central CB(1) receptor has emerged as potential target for the development of antianxiety and antidepressant therapies. ⋯ Therefore, inhibition of AEA metabolism activity could amplify CB(1) activation mainly where AEA release is higher. Furthermore, the inhibition of FAAH causes an accumulation of AEA but not 2-AG, which, being 200-fold more abundant than AEA in the brain, might differently modulate CB(1)-mediated behavioral responses. The evidence outlined above supports the hypothesis that the EC system plays an important role in anxiety and mood disorders and suggests that modulation of FAAH activity might be a pharmacological target for novel anxiolytic and antidepressant therapies.