Neurotrophic Factors: Past and Future

in Acta Neurologica Belgica (1996), 96(3), 203-18

In vitro expression of RC2-labeled antigens as radial glial cells markers in cultures derived from mouse embryonic brain

Poster (1996)

Surface modification of biomaterials in order to control cell adhesion.

Conference (1996)

Astroglia-released factor with negative allosteric modulatory properties at the GABA A receptor.

in Biochemical Pharmacology (1996), 52(3), 465-473

We have previously shown, using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques, that astrocytes release a negative allosteric modulator of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAA receptor) with beta ... [more ▼]

We have previously shown, using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques, that astrocytes release a negative allosteric modulator of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAA receptor) with beta-carboline-like properties, thus, likely to act at the benzodiazepine site. Here, using patch-clamp and binding techniques, we confirm that the low-molecular-weight fraction of astroglia-conditioned medium (ACM lmf) contains a factor(s) that negatively modulates GABAA-receptor function. This factor, like beta-carbolines, enhances the specific binding of [35S]t-butyl bicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) to adult rat cortical membranes in the presence of GABA. However, it fails to interact with various ligands of the benzodiazepine (BZD) site of the GABAA receptor ([3H]flunitrazepam, [3H]Ro 15-1788 and [3H]Ro 15-4513). The question of the actual binding site of the astroglia-derived factor on the GABAA receptor, thus, remains open and can be addressed only after the purification of the active molecule(s) of ACM Imf has been completed, and a labeled form of the endogenous ligand becomes available. Taken together, however, the data suggest that type 1 astrocytes are able to modulate the effects of the main inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. [less ▲]

Preparation of a Macroporous Biodegradable Polylactide Implant for Neuronal Transplantation

in Journal of Biomedical Materials Research (1995), 29(11), 1349-62

This article reports the production of a surgical implant meeting several specific requirements such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, macroporosity, and flexibility. Porosity was controlled by an ... [more ▼]

This article reports the production of a surgical implant meeting several specific requirements such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, macroporosity, and flexibility. Porosity was controlled by an original method consisting of the aggregation of calibrated poly-D,L-lactide microparticles. The size of the interstices between the aggregated microspheres was in a direct relationship to the microsphere diameter. A first approach was based on coating the microspheres with poly(vinyl alcohol) followed by chemically crosslinking the coating layers that were in mutual contact. This method was disregarded because of the acute cytotoxicity of glutaraldehyde used as the crosslinking agent, the absence of macroporosity, and the complete lack of flexibility. A physical technique of aggregation was then tested, which relied on the plasticization of poly-D,L-lactide microspheres with triethylcitrate to the point where microspheres strongly adhered to each other when they were in contact. This method has proved to be straightforward and definitely superior to the chemical approach, particularly with respect to cytotoxicity, control of macroporosity, and flexibility. A polymer support was thus successfully which was biodegradable, macroporous( interconnected pores of 10-100 microns in diameter), and flexible. This potential medical device is presently being used for neuronal transplantation in the central nervous system. [less ▲]

A model of spinal cord injury: the balloon-compressive model

Conference (1995, September 03)

Effects of macrophage grafts on the expression of glial and neuronal markers in the lesioned adult rat spinal cord: a combined immunocytochemical and biochemical study.

Conference (1995, May 09)

Astroglia-Released Factor Shows Similar Effects as Benzodiazepine Inverse Agonists

in Journal of Neuroscience Research (1994), 39(4), 364-76

Media conditioned by cultured neonatal cerebral cortex microexplants (CCM) or astrocytes (ACM) contain low molecular weight (< 1,000 Da) substance(s) which inhibits the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA ... [more ▼]

Media conditioned by cultured neonatal cerebral cortex microexplants (CCM) or astrocytes (ACM) contain low molecular weight (< 1,000 Da) substance(s) which inhibits the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)-induced inward current recorded in cerebellar granule cells and hippocampal neurons in culture using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. This effect is specific for CCM and ACM, as medium conditioned by PC12 cells (PC12CM) does not affect the GABA response of these cells. It is also specific for GABA-induced currents because glutamate-induced currents do not change either in amplitude or in shape in the presence of CCM or ACM. The inhibitory effect on the GABA response in cerebellar granule cells of both ACM and CCM could be suppressed by flumazenil, a specific benzodiazepine (BZD) antagonist and could be mimicked by two BZD inverse agonists. These data thus demonstrate the presence of a BZD inverse agonist-like activity in CCM and ACM. This effect of ACM on different neuronal cell types was heterogenous since no detectable effect could be observed on the GABA-induced current in GABA-responsive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, presumably reflecting a functional heterogeneity of the GABAA receptors present in these different neuronal subsets. By the release of such an endogenous BZD inverse agonist-like activity, glia cells could possibly modulate GABAA receptor-mediated responses. [less ▲]

Radiation-Induced Myelopathy and Vertebral Necrosis

in Neuroradiology (1994), 36(5), 405-7

Radiation-induced myelopathy is often a diagnosis of exclusion. In addition to the classic criteria needed to support the diagnosis, the presence of another radiation-induced lesion, such as aseptic ... [more ▼]

Radiation-induced myelopathy is often a diagnosis of exclusion. In addition to the classic criteria needed to support the diagnosis, the presence of another radiation-induced lesion, such as aseptic vertebral necrosis, is useful to confirm the cause of the spinal cord lesion. [less ▲]

Hypothèses étiopathologiques récentes dans la maladie d'Alzheimer: apports de la biologie moléculaire

in Revue Médicale de Liège (1994), 49(2), 78-83