Cerebral Glycogen Distribution and Aging

In the brain, glycogen metabolism has been implied in synaptic plasticity and learning, yet the distribution of this molecule has not been fully described. We investigated cerebral glycogen of the mouse by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using two monoclonal antibodies that have different affinities depending on the glycogen size. The use of focused microwave irradiation yielded well‐defined glycogen immunoreactive signals compared with the conventional periodic acid‐Schiff method. The IHC signals displayed a punctate distribution localized predominantly in astrocytic processes. Glycogen immunoreactivity (IR) was high in the hippocampus, striatum, cortex, and cerebellar molecular layer, whereas it was low in the white matter and most of the subcortical structures. Additionally, glycogen distribution in the hippocampal CA3‐CA1 and striatum had a ‘patchy’ appearance with glycogen‐rich and glycogen‐poor astrocytes appearing in alternation. The glycogen patches were more evident with large‐molecule glycogen in young adult mice but they were hardly observable in aged mice (1–2 years old). Our results reveal brain region‐dependent glycogen accumulation and possibly metabolic heterogeneity of astrocytes

A Synthesis Phosphatidylinositol Bearing Arachildonic acid

Phosphatidylinositol bearing arachidonoyl group at sn-2 position was synthesized through preparation of protected myo-inositol, chemoenzymatic synthesis of an optically active lysophosphatidylcholine, introduction of an optically active sn-2 hydroxyl group, phospholipase D-assisted synthesis of a phosphatidic acid, and trisopropylbenzene sulfonylchloride assisted eaterification of the acid with the protected myo-inositol; as a final step.ホスファチジルイノシトールは，細胞外からのシグナルが細胞膜中の特異的受容体に結合する事により遊離される情報伝達物質の前駆体である．一般にそのグリセロール骨格のsn-２位には高度不飽和脂肪酸が，特にアラキドン酸が結合していることが知られている．本研究では，そのようなアラキドン酸結合ホスファチジルイノシトールの簡便な合成法を酵素的，化学的手法を用いる事により位置選択的に合成する事に成功した

PACAP is Implicated in the Stress Axes

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a highly conserved pleiotropic neuropeptide that functions as a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator and neurotrophic factor. Accumulating evidence implicates PACAP as an important regulator of both central and/or peripheral components of the stress axes, particularly exposure to prolonged or traumatic stress. Indeed, PACAP and its cognate receptors are widely expressed in the brain regions and peripheral tissues that mediate stress-related responses. In the sympathoadrenomedullary system, PACAP is required for sustained epinephrine secretion during metabolic stress. It is likely that PACAP regulates autonomic function and contributes to peripheral homeostasis by maintaining a balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, favoring stimulation of the sympathetic system. Furthermore, PACAP is thought to act centrally on the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus to regulate both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Intriguingly, PACAP is also active in brain structures that mediate anxiety- and fear-related behaviors, and the expression of PACAP and its receptors are dynamically altered under pathologic conditions. Thus PACAP may influence both hard-wired (genetically determined) stress responses and gene-environment interactions in stress-related psychopathology. This article aims to overview the molecular mechanisms and psychiatric implications of PACAP-dependent stress responses

Fine structure of OPCs observed by SBF-SEM

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPC) arise from restricted regions of the central nervous system (CNS) and differentiate into myelin-forming cells after migration, but their ultrastructural characteristics have not been fully elucidated. This study examined the three-dimensional ultrastructure of OPCs in comparison with other glial cells in the early postnatal optic nerve by serial block-face scanning electron microscopy. We examined 70 putative OPCs (pOPC) that were distinct from other glial cells according to established morphological criteria. The pOPCs were unipolar in shape with relatively few processes, and their Golgi apparatus were localized in the perinuclear region with a single cisterna. Astrocytes abundant in the optic nerve were distinct from pOPCs and had a greater number of processes and more complicated Golgi apparatus morphology. All pOPCs and astrocytes contained a pair of centrioles (basal bodies). Among them, 45% of pOPCs extended a short cilium, and 20% of pOPCs had centrioles accompanied by vesicles, whereas all astrocytes with basal bodies had cilia with invaginated ciliary pockets. These results suggest that the fine structures of pOPCs during the developing and immature stages may account for their distinct behavior. Additionally, the vesicular transport of the centrioles, along with a short cilium length, suggests active ciliogenesis in pOPCs

Effective Monotherapy with Amrubicin for a Refractory Extrapulmonary Small-Cell Carcinoma of the Liver

Small-cell carcinoma of the liver is a rare neoplasm, and no standard treatment for it has yet been established. A 72-year-old man with an extensive disease stage of small-cell carcinoma of the liver was treated with systemic chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and etoposide (PE) followed by irinotecan. Although the masses were markedly decreased once after the sixth course of PE, amrubicin monotherapy as third-line chemotherapy was started because the hepatic masses had increased again. The administration of amrubicin was repeated in 8 courses with regression of the disease, resulting in a 26-month survival since the first-line chemotherapy was started. This is the first case report of a refractory EPSCC successfully treated with amrubicin

Real-Time Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Microwave Coagulation Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Color Doppler Imaging

Percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) is a new technique for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it is difficult to distinguish those lesions in which necrosis has been induced from the viable residual lesions during the procedure, because the margin of the tumor becomes unclear during PMCT. We determined the area of necrotic lesions during the procedure using color Doppler imaging. PMCT was performed on 10 patients (17 lesions) with recurrent HCC. The electrode of the microwave delivery system was moved around the tumor and the surrounding area until color mosaic images disappeared from the entire area of the tumor. The areas in which necrotic tissue was indicated by color Doppler imaging were later confirmed by other modalities such as angiography or contrast-enhanced computed tomography. This leads us to believe that real-time, effective evaluation of PMCT is possible with color Doppler imaging.</p