APOE epsilon 4 allele affects presynaptic, but not postsynaptic cholinergic markers in Alzheimer's disease neocortex

The present study used electrical stimulation to distinguish the vesicular from the cytoplasmic component of transmitter release in human autopsy synaptosomes. We demonstrate that the present electrical stimulation paradigm can elicit successive release pulses from synaptosome preparation

Stem cells in stroke treatment: the promise and the challenges

Stroke, for some years now the neglected major indication in the pharmaceutical development cupboard, has recently become one of the hot areas for stem cell therapy development. This is driven by better understanding of potential therapeutic opportunities both in the acute and chronic phases and the launch of a series of new early phase clinical trials in a number of countries, driven by positive data in relevant animal models. In addition, the impetus for stem cell product development is motivated by patient demand, with thousands of victims seeking unproven treatments abroad. This article looks at the many challenges facing the development of a stem cell therapy for stroke. These range from product characterization and banking, through nonclinical safety and efficacy to the regulatory requirements for starting patient trials and beyond to maximizing value from carefully designed efficacy trials