Changes of Nerve Growth Factor Synthesis in Nonneuronal Cells in Response to Sciatic Nerve Transection

The intact sciatic nerve contains levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) that are comparable to those of densely innervated peripheral target tissues of NGF-responsive (sympathetic and sensory) neurons. There, the high NGF levels are reflected by correspondingly high mRNA^(NGF) levels. In the intact sciatic nerve, mRNA^(NGF) levels were very low, thus indicating that the contribution of locally synthesized NGF by nonneuronal cells is small. However, after transection an increase of up to 15-fold in mRNA^(NGF) was measured in 4-mm segments collected both proximally and distally to the transection site. Distally to the transection site, augmented mRNA^(NGF) levels occurred in all three 4-mm segments from 6 h to 2 wk after transection, the longest time period investigated. The augmented local NGF synthesis after transection was accompanied by a reexpression of NGF receptors by Schwann cells (NGF receptors normally disappear shortly after birth). Proximal to the transection site, the augmented NGF synthesis was restricted to the very end of the nerve stump that acts as a "substitute target organ" for the regenerating NGF-responsive nerve fibers. While the mRNA^(NGF) levels in the nerve stump correspond to those of a densely innervated peripheral organ, the volume is too small to fully replace the lacking supply from the periphery. This is reflected by the fact that in the more proximal part of the transected sciatic nerve, where mRNA^(NGF) remained unchanged, the NGF levels reached only 40% of control values. In situ hybridization experiments demonstrated that after transection all nonneuronal cells express mRNA^(NGF) and not only those ensheathing the nerve fibers of NGF-responsive neurons

Multiple Convictions for Single Acts of Possession - The Eighth Circuit Finally Gets It Right

Until the recent decision in United States v. Richardson, the Eighth Circuit was the only circuit in the United States to permit multiple convictions for single acts of possessing a firearm or ammunition. This Note will explore the rationale and the ramifications of this decision and illustrate that, while it took the Eighth Circuit longer than it should have, this shift represents a step toward the realization of a more just and satisfactory criminal justice system, where convictions are based not on conjecture and speculation, but on practical interpretations of legislative intent

Stretching the Fourteenth Amendment and Substantive Due Process: Another Close Call for 42 U.S.C. 1983

Forty years ago, Justice John Harlan noted that the United State Constitution is not a panacea for every blot upon the public welfare, nor [is the] Court . . .a general haven for reform movements. Written during an era of judicial progressivism, Justice Harlan\u27s words capture perfectly the essence of the Eighth Circuit\u27s majority opinion in Terrell v. Larson, a recent substantive due process case from Minnesota. Substantive due process claims often tug at the heartstrings of our jurisprudence, and Terrell is certainly no exception. This Note will explore the legal foundations and policy implications of Terrell and attempt to illustrate that, while the Eighth Circuit correctly dismissed Terrell\u27s claims, the court failed to capitalize on an opportunity to encourage state legislatures to provide causes of action for these substantive due process cases