Growth factor-estradiol interaction on DNA labeling and cytoskeletal protein expression in cultured rat astrocytes

Growth factors are major signaling agents regulating neuron-glia dialogue. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin (INS) induce neuronal and astroglial cell proliferation and differentiation. This is true also for estrogens that influence astrocytes and exert neuroprotectant activity. In this study interactions between growth factors and estradiol on DNA labeling and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin expression in cultured astrocytes were investigated. DNA labeling was significantly stimulated by bFGF pretreatment followed by 24 h estradiol and EGF or IGF-I or INS added in the last 12 h. Western blotting showed also a modulation of GFAP and vimentin expression in treated astrocytes. This suggests the occurrence of a crucial growth factor-estradiol interaction on DNA labeling and cytoskeletal protein expression during astrocyte proliferation and differentiation in culture

Ergonomics of prehensility in pushing and pulling motions: An anatomical and biomechanical overview

The hand represents one of the most remarkable expressions of humanization of the anterior limb. The anterior limb, at first ambulatory, underwent continuous evolution acquiring innumerable new functions. In the course of human evolution the hand has undergone continual structural and functional adaptations, characterized, among others, by enrichment of peripheral innervation and further development of the thumb. This development was accompanied by important changes in the brain and the relocation of the eyes, together allowing the muscle control and stereoscopic vision, necessary for a controlled grip. The anatomy of the hand is complex, intricate, and fascinating. Its integrity is absolutely essential for our everyday functional living. It is intimately correlated with the brain, both in the evolution of the species and in the development of the individual. Actually, we can state that we “think” and “feel” with our hands, hence, their contribution is essential to the mental processes of thought and feeling. The aim of this review is to evaluate the most typical hand quality, the prehensility and hence, the possibility of manoeuvring tools. Our attention is mainly focused on the hand anatomy and prehensility during pushing and pulling motions. In particular, our attention is directed toward the relationship existing between the hand prehensility and the volume of the object to be gripped. As an example, we use a grip of the paddle and, pushing and pulling motions during kayak paddling. Indeed, we are firmly convinced that the prehensility plays a crucial role not only in performing the stylistically correct paddling, but especially in realizing a more effective and powerful paddle stroke. This review highlights a great link existing between biomechanical and anatomical notions and sporting performance

Astroglial-conditioned media and growth factors modulate proliferation and differentiation of astrocytes in primary culture

Astroglial conditioned media (ACM) influence the development and maturation of cultured nerve cells and modulate neuron-glia interaction. To clarify mechanisms of astroglial cell proliferation/differentiation in culture, incorporation of [methyl-3H]-thymidine or [5,6-3H]-uridine in cultured astrocytes was assessed. Cultures were pre-treated with epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin (INS), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and subsequently with ACM. DNA labeling revealed a marked stimulatory effect of ACM from 15 days in vitro (DIV) cultures in 30 DIV astrocytes after 12 h pre-treatment with growth factors. The main effects were found after INS or EGF pre-treatment in 30 DIV cultures. ACM collected from 15 or 60 or 90 DIV increased RNA labeling of 15 and 30 DIV astrocyte cultures, being the highest value that of 30 DIV cultures added with ACM from 90 DIV. The findings of increased DNA labeling after EGF or INS pre-treatment in 30 DIV cultures, followed by addition of ACM from 15 DIV cultures, suggest that these phenomena may depend by extra cellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) activation

Visual anatomia e fisiologia

Il testo combina un approccio visivo con un'organizazzione modulare per fornire un materiale facile da utilizzare e assimilare. Il p eculiare approccio visivo fa sì che le immagini siano l'elemento centrale per l'insegnamento e l'apprendimentocon il testo costruito direttamente intorno ad esse