Induction of autophagy by cystatin C: a mechanism that protects murine primary cortical neurons and neuronal cell lines.

Cystatin C (CysC) expression in the brain is elevated in human patients with epilepsy, in animal models of neurodegenerative conditions, and in response to injury, but whether up-regulated CysC expression is a manifestation of neurodegeneration or a cellular repair response is not understood. This study demonstrates that human CysC is neuroprotective in cultures exposed to cytotoxic challenges, including nutritional-deprivation, colchicine, staurosporine, and oxidative stress. While CysC is a cysteine protease inhibitor, cathepsin B inhibition was not required for the neuroprotective action of CysC.

Renal functional, not morphological, abnormalities account for salt sensitivity in Dahl rats.

Background: The kidney's role in the pathogenesis of salt-induced hypertension remains unclear. However, it has been suggested that inherited morphological renal abnormalities may cause hypertension. We hypothesized that functional, not morphological, derangements in Dahl salt-sensitive rats' kidneys cause NaCl retention that leads to hypertension accompanied by renal pathologic changes and proteinuria.

Large cell variant of small cell carcinoma, hypercalcemic type, of primary peritoneal origin.

Background: Large cell variant of small cell carcinoma hypercalcemic type (SCC-HT) is extremely rare. All reported cases involved an ovary, and one with primary peritoneal origin has not been described. Also, convincing neuroendocrine granules have not been illustrated.

A method for peripheral chromatolysis in neurons of trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia, produced in rats by lithium.

In classical chromatolysis, Nissl bodies are initially lost centrally with subsequent progression to the periphery of the neuron. Peripheral chromatolysis has the opposite pattern; it is less common and more difficult to produce. We describe a new method for producing peripheral chromatolysis in neurons of trigeminal ganglia and dorsal root ganglia that requires only injection of large doses of lithium chloride (LiCl) for two, three or four consecutive daily doses.