An in vitro model for investigating human autologous neuronal-astrocyte and immune cell interactions underlying neurodegenerative and immunosuppressive processes in neuropathy.

Primary mixed neuronal-astrocytic cultures were established from human brain tissues from elective surgical procedures and maintained in vitro for over 21 days. The majority of cells (a) expressed morphological and cytoskeletal markers of differentiated neurons (MAP2a&b; Tau) or astrocytes (GFAP) in anticipated proportion (1:2), and (b) regenerated synaptic connections and neural-astrocytic associations. Co-cultures with autologous blood leukocytes established that alterations in the viability (by Annexin V/PI) of brain and immune cells over 3 days were indicative of neurodegenerative or immunosuppressive processes.

Neuroleptospirosis with hydrocephalus and very elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein.

To our knowledge, this is the first known case of a patient with leptospirosis and very elevated CSF, which caused hydrocephalus.

Influence of diabetes mellitus on cervical intervertebral disc herniation.

Objectives: To establish if patients treated surgically for cervical disc disease have an increased incidence of diabetes mellitus.

Patients And Methods: We prospectively studied 66 consecutive patients who were treated surgically for cervical disc disease and compared them with 100 age-matched patients at the same time period who underwent surgery for other reasons.

Results: There was a significantly increased incidence of diabetes mellitus in the first group.