Fibroblast growth factors-5 and -9 distinctly regulate expression and function of the gap junction protein connexin43 in cultured astroglial cells from different brain regions

Astroglial cells contribute to neuronal maintenance and function in the normal and diseased brain. Gap junctions formed predominantly by connexin43 (cx43) provide important pathways to coordinate astroglial responses. We have previously shown that fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, which occurs ubiquitously in the CNS, downregulates gap junction communication in cortical and striatal, but not in mesencephalic astroglial cells in vitro (Reuss et al. Glia 22:19-30, 1998). Other members of the FGF family expressed in the CNS include FGF-5 and FGF-9. We show that both FGF-5 and FGF-9, like FGF-2, downregulate astroglial gap junctions and functional coupling. However, their effects are strikingly different from different brain regions, with regard to astroglial cells. FGF-5 specifically affects mesencephalic astroglial cells without changing coupling of cortical and striatal astroglia, while FGF-9 reduces gap junctional coupling in astroglia from all three brain regions. Both cx43 mRNA and protein levels as well as functional coupling assessed by dye spreading are affected. To clarify whether brain region-specific effects of FGFs on astroglial coupling are due to differential expression of FGF receptors (FGFR), we monitored expression of the four known FGFR mRNAs in astroglial cultures by RT-PCR. Irrespective of their regional origin, astroglial cells express mRNAs for FGFR-2 and FGFR-3. In summary, our results provide evidence for an important role of FGF-2, -5, and -9 in a distinct, CNS region-specific regulation mechanism of astroglial gap junction communication. The molecular basis underlying the regionally distinct responsiveness of astrocytes to different FGFs may be sought beyond distinct FGFR expression.

Glucocorticoid-regulated gene expression during cutaneous wound repair

Glucocorticoids exert a deleterious effect on the wound healing process, which has been suggested to result from the anti-inflammatory action of these steroids. In addition, recent studies have demonstrated that glucocorticoids regulate the expression of various genes at the wound site which are likely to encode key players in the wound repair process. Using a murine full-thickness excisional wound healing model, we analyzed the effect of dexamethasone on the expression of various cytokines, growth factors, enzymes, and extracellular matrix molecules in normal and wounded skin. We demonstrate that the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 alpha and -beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, keratinocyte growth factor, transforming growth factors beta 1, beta 2, and beta 3 and their receptors, platelet-derived growth factors and their receptors, tenascin-C, stromelysin-2, macrophage metalloelastase, and enzymes involved in the generation of nitric oxide are targets of glucocorticoid action in wounded skin. These results indicate that anti-inflammatory steroids inhibit wound repair at least in part by influencing the expression of these key regulatory molecules.

Asymmetric subunit organization of heterodimeric Rous sarcoma virus reverse transcriptase alphabeta: localization of the polymerase and RNase H active sites in the alpha subunit

The genes encoding the alpha (63-kDa) and beta (95-kDa) subunits of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) reverse transcriptase (RT) or the entire Pol polypeptide (99 kDa) were mutated in the conserved aspartic acid residue Asp 181 of the polymerase active site (YMDD) or in the conserved Asp 505 residue of the RNase H active site. We have analyzed heterodimeric recombinant RSV alphabeta and alphaPol RTs within which one subunit was selectively mutated. When alphabeta heterodimers contained the Asp 181-->Asn mutation in their beta subunits, about 42% of the wild-type polymerase activity was detected, whereas when the heterodimers contained the same mutation in their alpha subunits, only 7.5% of the wild-type polymerase activity was detected. Similar results were obtained when the conserved Asp 505 residue of the RNase H active site was mutated to Asn. RNase H activity was clearly detectable in alphabeta heterodimers mutated in the beta subunit but was lost when the mutation was present in the alpha subunit. In summary, our data imply that the polymerase and RNase H active sites are located in the alpha subunit of the heterodimeric RSV RT alphabeta.

The protein Hrb57A of Drosophila melanogaster closely related to hnRNP K from vertebrates is present at sites active in transcription and coprecipitates with four RNA-binding proteins

The hnRNP K protein is among the major hnRNA-binding proteins with a strong preference for cytidine-rich sequences. We have cloned a Drosophila hnRNP protein closely related to this vertebrate protein. The protein first identified by the monoclonal antibody Q18 is encoded by a gene located in 57A on polytene chromosomes and has been consequently named Hrb57A. The amino acid sequence of the Hrb57A KH domains and their overall organisation in the protein are remarkably similar to the vertebrate proteins. As the hnRNP K in vertebrates the M(r) 55 000 Drosophila Hrb57A/Q18 protein strongly binds to poly(C) in vitro and is ubiquitously present in nuclei active in transcription. On polytene chromosomes it is found in many puffs and minipuffs. Hrb57A/Q18 specifically coprecipitates four other proteins: Hrb87F/P11 a Drosophila hnRNP A1 homologue, the hnRNA-binding protein S5, the RNA recognition motif-containing protein NonA and the RNA-binding zinc finger-containing protein on ecdysone puffs PEP/X4.

Neu differentiation factor/heregulin induction by hepatocyte and keratinocyte growth factors

Hepatocyte growth-factor (HGF) is a potent, widely produced, pleiotropic mediator of mesenchymal-epithelial interaction. In a study of changes in gene expression initiated by HGF in Balb/MK keratinocytes, we observed the induction of Neu-differentiation factor (NDF) mRNA (also known as heregulin, or HRG). Further characterization of the regulation of NDF expression in Balb/MK keratinocytes revealed potent induction by keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), but not by HGF/NK2, an alternative HGF isoform with motogenic but not mitogenic or morphogenic activities. Sustained treatment (8 h) of Balb/MK cells with KGF stimulated secretion of mature NDF protein into the culture medium, and Balb/ MK cells treated with purified recombinant NDF protein showed increased DNA synthesis. We also found evidence of NDF induction in two models of tissue repair in mice: in full-thickness skin wounds, following locally increased KGF production, and in kidney after partial hepatectomy, following elevation of circulating HGF levels. These results reveal that mesenchymally-derived HGF and KGF can activate autocrine NDF signaling in their epithelial targets, and suggest that this mechanism contributes to the coordination of stages of wound repair, and possibly development, where these growth factors act in concert to direct epithelial proliferation, morphogenesis and differentiation.

Suppression of keratin 15 expression by transforming growth factor beta in vitro and by cutaneous injury in vivo

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is a multifunctional cytokine which plays an important role in cutaneous wound repair. To gain insight into the mechanisms of action of this growth and differentiation factor in the skin, we searched for genes which are regulated by TGF-beta1 in cultured HaCaT keratinocytes. Using the differential display RT-PCR technology we identified a gene which was strongly downregulated by TGF-beta1. The identified cDNA includes sequences of the keratin 15 (K15) gene which encodes a component of the cytoskeleton of basal cells in stratified epithelia. Surprisingly, our cDNA also included an unknown sequence. Since this cDNA lacks an open reading frame, the corresponding mRNA is likely to be nonfunctional. However, we also demonstrate a strong negative regulation of the expression of the published, functional K15 variant. Expression of K15 was also suppressed by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and to a lesser extent by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). By contrast, the major basal type I keratin, K14, was upregulated by TGF-beta1, whereas TNF-alpha, EGF, and KGF had no effect. Consistent with the in vitro data, we found a significant reduction of the K15 mRNA levels after skin injury, whereas K14 expression increased during the wound healing process. Immunostaining revealed the presence of K15 in all basal cells of the epidermis adjacent to the wound, but not in the hyperproliferative epithelium above the granulation tissue. These data demonstrate that K15 is excluded from the activated keratinocytes of the hyperthickened wound epidermis, possibly as a result of increased growth factor expression in injured skin.

Connective tissue growth factor: a novel player in tissue reorganization after brain injury?

Recent studies have suggested a role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in repair processes of the skin as well as in various types of fibrotic disease. However, a function of this molecule in central nervous system (CNS) repair has not been demonstrated yet. In this study we analysed the temporal and spatial expression pattern of CTGF after unilateral kainic acid lesions of the hippocampal CA3 region in mice. We found a strong induction of CTGF mRNA and protein expression in neurons and glial cells of the lesioned hippocampus. Interestingly, increased expression of this mitogen was accompanied by elevated levels of the extracellular matrix molecule fibronectin, which is a known target of CTGF action. Therefore, our data indicate a novel function of CTGF in postlesional restructuring of the hippocampus, where it possibly participates in glial scar formation.

[Current status of laser therapy of hemangioma in infants. Case reports and review of the literature]

Today the management of hemangiomas is still a great challenge for physicians, even for the most experienced of clinicians. With the introduction of lasers, new ways of treating hemangiomas have been found. Four case reports document the importance of early treatment. In addition, the differentiated use of various laser systems and their effects, limitations, and side effects are shown and discussed.

Discoupling the Ca(2+)-activation from the pore-forming function of the bi-component Panton-Valentine leucocidin in human PMNs

The consecutive cell activation, including Ca(2+)-channel opening, and pore formation leading to human neutrophil lysis were the two functions of the staphylococcal Panton-Valentine leucocidin attempted to be discoupled by site-directed mutagenesis. In a first approach consisting in deletions of the cytoplasmic extremity of the transmembranous domain, we produced a LukF-PV DeltaSer125-Leu128 with a slightly reduced Ca(2+) induction but with a significantly lowered lytic activity when combined with its synergistic protein LukS-PV. The second approach consisted in the modification of charges and/or introduction of a steric hindrance inside the pore, which also led to interesting mutated proteins: LukF-PV G131D, G131W and G130D. The latter had an intact Ca(2+) induction ability while the lytic one was 20-fold diminished. Binding properties and intrinsic pore diameters of these discoupled toxins remained comparable to the wild-type protein. The mutated proteins promoted interleukin-8 secretion, but they were rather inactive in an experimental model. New insights are brought concerning the role of the two functions in the virulence of this bi-component leucotoxin.

Growth factor-regulated expression of enzymes involved in nucleotide biosynthesis: a novel mechanism of growth factor action

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is a potent and specific mitogen for epithelial cells, including the keratinocytes of the skin. We investigated the mechanisms of action of KGF by searching for genes which are regulated by this growth factor in cultured human keratinocytes. Using the differential display RT-PCR technology we identified the gene encoding adenylosuccinate lyase [EC 4.3.2.2] as a novel KGF-regulated gene. Adenylosuccinate lyase plays an important role in purine de novo synthesis. To gain further insight into the potential role of nucleotide biosynthesis in the mitogenic effect of KGF, we cloned cDNA fragments of the key regulatory enzymes involved in purine and pyrimidine metabolism (adenylosuccinate synthetase [EC 6.3.4.4], phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase [EC 2.7.6.1], amidophosphoribosyl transferase [EC 2.4.2.14], hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase [EC 2.4.2.8] and the multifunctional protein CAD which includes the enzymatic activities of carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase II [EC 6.3.5.59], aspartate transcarbamylase [EC 2.1.3.2] and dihydroorotase [EC 3.5.2.3]). Expression of all of these enzymes was upregulated after treatment with KGF and also with epidermal growth factor (EGF), indicating that these mitogens stimulate nucleotide production by induction of these enzymes. To determine a possible in vivo correlation between the expression of KGF, EGF and the enzymes mentioned above, we analysed the expression of the enzymes during cutaneous wound repair, where high levels of these mitogens are present. Indeed, we found a strong mRNA expression of all of these enzymes in the EGF- and KGF-responsive keratinocytes of the hyperproliferative epithelium at the wound edge, indicating that their expression might also be regulated by growth factors during wound healing.

Overexpression of activin A in the skin of transgenic mice reveals new activities of activin in epidermal morphogenesis, dermal fibrosis and wound repair

Recently we demonstrated a strong induction of activin expression after skin injury, suggesting a function of this transforming growth factor-beta family member in wound repair. To test this possibility, we generated transgenic mice that overexpress the activin betaA chain in the epidermis under the control of a keratin 14 promoter. The transgenic mice were significantly smaller than control littermates, and they had smaller ears and shorter tails. In their skin, the fatty tissue was replaced by connective tissue and a severe thickening of the epidermis was found. The spinous cell layer was significantly increased, and the epidermal architecture was highly disorganized. These histological abnormalities seem to result from increased proliferation of the basal keratinocytes and abnormalities in the program of keratinocyte differentiation. After skin injury, a significant enhancement of granulation tissue formation was detected in the activin-overexpressing mice, possibly as a result of premature induction of fibronectin and tenascin-C expression. These data reveal novel activities of activin in the regulation of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation as well as in dermal fibrosis and cutaneous wound repair.

Soluble Rous sarcoma virus reverse transcriptases alpha, alphabeta, and beta purified from insect cells are processive DNA polymerases that lack an RNase H 3' --> 5' directed processing activity

Reverse transcriptase (RT) isolated from Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) consists of heterodimeric RTalphabeta, RTalpha, and RTbeta. The alpha subunit (63 kDa) contains an N-terminal polymerase and a C-terminal RNase H domain. The N terminus of beta (95 kDa) corresponds to alpha with the integrase domain attached to the C terminus (32 kDa). We have constructed baculoviruses expressing the genes for alpha or beta or the entire pol (99 kDa). Infection of insect cells with recombinant virus yielded highly active and soluble RSV RT enzymes that could be purified to >90% homogeneity. HPLC gel filtration showed that alpha is a dimeric enzyme that can be partially monomerized upon the addition of 45% Me(2)SO. DNA synthesis on DNA-DNA and DNA-RNA primer-templates in the presence of competitor substrates revealed that alphabeta and beta as well as alpha are processive polymerases. However, the affinity of beta and alphabeta for primer-template substrates appears to be higher than that of alpha. All RSV enzymes investigated have the potential to displace RNA-RNA duplexes more efficiently than human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RT. Unlike human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RT, RSV RTs can catalyze an initial RNase H endonucleolytic cleavage of the RNA template but not a 3' --> 5' directed processing activity.

Treatment of venous malformations with an intense pulsed light source (IPLS) technology: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The intense pulsed light source (IPLS) technology provides an innovative concept in the treatment of vascular lesions. We investigated the effectiveness of IPLS in the treatment of venous malformations.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of 11 patients with venous malformations (VMA) treated with IPLS was initiated. Clinical VMA characteristics recorded were size and location. Data collected included treatment parameters (filters, pulse duration, fluence, and pulse sequencing), % clearance, and side effects (e.g., swelling, blisters, crusting, pain, altered pigmentation, and scarring).

RESULTS

Good and very good (70-100%) clearance was achieved in 8 malformations smaller than 100 cm(2). Especially small lesions needed only 2-3 treatments. Three VMA larger than 100 cm(2) could be cleared well in an average of 18 sessions. The most frequently used parameters were the 590 nm filter in long pulse mode, triple pulses, and fluences at an average of 80.4 J/cm(2). Side effects included prolonged erythema in 23.6, swelling in 17.9%, crusting in 4.7%. Bleeding, hypo-, hyperpigmentation, and scarring were rare (0.9% respectively).

CONCLUSION

IPLS presents an effective method for treating VMA, especially small malformations, with a justifiable rate of side effects when optimal parameters are chosen.

Paradoxical role of PGE2 and cAMP in Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitants strain Y4-induced lymphocyte proliferation

An immune mechanism has been suggested in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitants (Aa) has been implicated as one of the etiological agents that induces the major immune response together with a dense infiltrate of inflammatory cells. But the exact role of these immune cells in periodontal disease has not yet been clarified. In this study the T lymphocyte (TL) proliferative response was evaluated after having being exposed to free cell supernatant (SN) from Aa. Aa SN increased TL proliferation. This mitogenic effect of Aa SN was attenuated by pretreating TL with indomethacin (INDO) or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) but not by polymyxin B. The inhibitory effect of INDO on cell proliferation was reversed by the addition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to the culture assay. Moreover, when immune cells were exposed to Aa SN they were able to generate PGE2 at the same time as intracellular levels of cAMP decreased. Both, PGE2 release and decrease accumulation of cAMP in TL were blunted by treated lymphocytes with INDO. In this paper we demonstrate that cell free SN from Aa induces a mitogenic effect on murine lymphocytes. The mechanism involves the host's immunecompetent cells and the release of PGE2 and appears not to be induced by capsular-like polysaccharide antigen. Results show a paradoxical mitogenic effect of Aa SN accompanied by increased generation of PGE2 and decreased production of cAMP by lymphocytes.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in Crohn's disease: increased production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and decreased VEGF165 labeling of peripheral CD14+ monocytes

Recently, increased serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been shown in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The origins of the circulating VEGF are still not described. Monocytes play an important role in the inflammatory process. VEGF binding to monocytes mediates monocyte recruitment and activation. The present study investigates the VEGF production of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the ability of peripheral monocytes to bind VEGF165 in patients with Crohn's disease. Nineteen patients with Crohn's disease and 10 healthy volunteers were studied. VEGF165 labeling of CD14+ monocytes was measured using two-color flow cytometry. Density of VEGF labeling was expressed as the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). Furthermore, VEGF levels were determined in culture supernatants of unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. VEGF in culture supernatants was measured using a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There was a significantly decreased VEGF165 labeling of monocytes of patients with active Crohn's disease (MFI: 369.9+/-121.6, N = 7, P < 0.002) compared to patients with inactive disease (MFI: 457.7+/-74.5, N = 6) and healthy controls (MFI: 542.9+/-96.2, N = 10). Unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with active Crohn's disease produced significantly higher amounts of VEGF (1142.6+/-483.9 pg/ml, N = 12, P < 0.001) compared with peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy volunteers (113.4+/-101.8 pg/ml, N = 10). VEGF production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with active disease was significantly increased compared to patients with quiescent disease (261.6+/-254.8 pg/ml, N = 7, P < 0.001). In conclusion, our data describe peripheral blood mononuclear cells as one of the origins of the elevated VEGF serum levels in patients with active Crohn's disease. Furthermore, a decrease in VEGF165 binding sites on peripheral monocytes of patients with active Crohn's disease has been shown. The study underlines the important role of VEGF in Crohn's disease.

Treatment of port-wine stains with a noncoherent pulsed light source: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether a noncoherent intense pulsed light source (IPLS) would be effective in therapy of port-wine stains (PWSs).

DESIGN

To evaluate the efficacy in treatment of PWSs with IPLS, a retrospective study was initiated.

SETTING

The data were collected by physicians working in private practices and departments of university hospitals and medical centers, respectively.

PATIENTS

A total of 37 randomly selected patients with a total of 40 PWSs were included in the study. Clinical PWS characteristics recorded were color and location of the PWS.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients were treated with IPLS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Data collected included treatment parameter (filters, pulse duration, fluence, and pulse sequencing), percentage of clearance, and side effects (purpura, blisters, crusting, altered pigmentation, and scarring).

RESULTS

Good and complete (70%-100%) clearance was achieved in 28 of 40 PWSs treated with IPLS. The average number of treatment sessions in PWSs reaching 100% clearance included 4.0 for pink PWSs and 1.5 for red PWSs. The average number of sessions for purple PWSs reaching good clearance (70%-99%) was 4.2 sessions. Parameters used most frequently were 515- and 550-nm cut-off filters, pulse duration of 2.5 to 5.0 milliseconds, and fluences of 24 to 60 J/cm2. Side effects included purpura in 133 (76%), superficial blisters in 14 (8%), and crusting in 35 (20%). Transient pigmentation changes were seen in 10.8% of patients (hypopigmentation in 3 [8.1%], hyperpigmentation in 1 [2.7%]). No scarring was observed.

CONCLUSION

Intense pulsed light source presents an effective and safe method for treating PWSs, especially purple PWSs.

Cloning of novel injury-regulated genes. Implications for an important role of the muscle-specific protein skNAC in muscle repair

To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the wound repair process, we searched for genes that are regulated by skin injury. Using the differential display reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique, we identified a gene that was strongly induced as early as 12 h after wounding. Sequence analysis revealed the identity of the corresponding protein with skeletal muscle nascent polypeptide-associated complex (skNAC), a recently identified muscle-specific transcription factor. By in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated the specific expression of skNAC in skeletal muscle cells of the panniculus carnosus at the wound edge. Furthermore, in vitro studies with cultured myoblasts revealed expression of skNAC in differentiating and differentiated, but not in proliferating, nondifferentiated cells. Differentiation of cultured myoblasts was accompanied by simultaneous expression of skNAC and the muscle-specific transcription factor myogenin. Our results provide the first evidence for a role of skNAC in muscle repair processes. Furthermore, they demonstrate the usefulness of our approach in identifying new players in wound repair.

[A Scandinavian multicenter study will investigate the question: surgery or not in mild primary hyperparathyroidism?]

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disease particularly prevalent among elderly women. A majority of these patients diagnosed today are mildly hypercalcaemic, and many seem to lack manifest symptoms or complications. In such cases, conservative follow-up rather than parathyroid surgery may be suggested. However, long-term follow-up may entail costly investigations and be difficult to accomplish. Moreover, conservative follow-up is associated with a risk of subsequent complications or even premature death due to cardiovascular disorders. A Scandinavian multicentre study has been initiated to assess survival, morbidity and quality of life in surgically vs. conservatively treated patients.

Different types of ROS-scavenging enzymes are expressed during cutaneous wound repair

Injury to the skin initiates a series of events including inflammation, new tissue formation, and matrix remodeling. During the early inflammatory phase, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages infiltrate the wounded tissue. Once activated, they produce large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as part of their defense mechanism. Although this process is beneficial, increased levels of ROS can inhibit cell migration and proliferation and can even cause severe tissue damage. Therefore, cells must develop strategies for the detoxification of these molecules. To gain insight into the mechanisms which underlie this process, we analyzed the temporal and spatial expression pattern of various ROS-scavenging enzymes during the healing process of full-thickness excisional wounds in mice. Here we demonstrate a strong mRNA expression of two types of superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as of catalase, and the selenoenzymes glutathione peroxidase (SeGPx) and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase in normal and wounded skin. Most importantly, mRNA levels of the SODs and of SeGPx increased strongly after skin injury. In situ hybridization and immunofluorescence studies revealed the presence of these transcripts at multiple places in the wound, whereby particularly high expression levels were detected in the hyperproliferative epithelium and the hair follicles at the wound edge. These data suggest an important role of ROS-scavenging enzymes in the detoxification of ROS during cutaneous wound repair.

Consequences of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor blockade during status epilepticus in the developing brain

To investigate if AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptor activation contributes to acute manifestations and long term consequences of status epilepticus (SE), we administered the AMPA receptor antagonist NBQX to P35 rats undergoing kainic acid (KA)-induced SE. NBQX (30 mg/kg/dose) given intraperitoneally (i.p.) at 30, 60 and 90 min after i.p. KA injection (12 mg/kg) reduced severity of SE. When tested as adults, rats that had received KA and NBQX were similar to controls with no long term impairment in visuospatial memory (assessed by the water maze test), or histologic damage in the CA1 or CA3 hippocampal subfields. However, both P35 groups, those receiving KA alone and those receiving KA and NBQX, had similar rates of spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS). In P15 rats, NBQX resulted in increased acute mortality from KA associated SE. These results indicate that the effects of NBQX on KA-induced SE are age dependent, and that non-NMDA receptor activation contributes to the acute manifestations and to the long term sequelae seen after KA-induced SE in the prepubescent rat brain.

[Tattoo removal Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm) and the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 and 1064 nm). A retrospective study]

In a retrospective study 47 patients with 68 amateur and 25 professional tattoos were examined, considering clearance of tattoo pigments and the frequency of side effects after finished treatments with the Q-switched ruby (694 nm) and the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 and 1064 nm). Black amateur tattoos were found to lighten faster than professional tattoos (13.2 and 18.6 treatments respectively). For the clearance of multicolored tattoos (amateur or professional), similar numbers of laser treatments were needed. Green pigments were removed with the Q-switched ruby laser and red pigments with the frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). Compared to the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm), the Q-switched ruby laser and the frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm) more often caused blistering and transient hypopigmentation (5.4% and 7.5% vs. 1.1% (blisters); 8.6% and 15.1% vs. 4.3% (hypopigmentation).