Intraoperative measurements of femoral anterior tangent (FAT) line for determining the rotational alignment of femoral component of total knee arthroplasty.

Previously, we reported using CT images that the anterior surface of the femur immediately proximal to the trochlea and its tangent line (femoral anterior tangent line; FAT line) could be used as a good index of the femoral rotation. In this study, we developed a jig that allowed us to measure the FAT line during surgery, and we examine the relation between preoperative and intraoperative measurement values. The results indicated that the average intraoperative measurement value of the 'surgical' FAT line was 9.

Neuroprotective effects of PDGF against oxidative stress and the signaling pathway involved.

The neuroprotective effects of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and the major signaling pathways involved in these were examined using primary cultured mouse cortical neurons subjected to H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress. The specific function of the PDGF beta-receptor (PDGFR-beta) was examined by the selective deletion of the corresponding gene using the Cre-loxP system in vitro. In wild-type neurons, PDGF-BB enhanced the survival of these neurons and suppressed H(2)O(2)-induced caspase-3 activation.

Activation of MAP kinases, Akt and PDGF receptors in injured peripheral nerves.

A number of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and the downstream phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathways have been critically involved in peripheral nerve regeneration. Here, we examined the activation of PI3K/Akt and MAP kinase pathways, and platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) in the distal segments of crushed rat sciatic nerve from 3 to 28 days after injury. In Western blot analyses, the phosphorylated forms of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinases (JNKs) were highly augmented on days 3 and 7 and on days 7 and 14 after injury, respectively.

PDGF receptor beta is a potent regulator of mesenchymal stromal cell function.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in bone marrow are important for bone homeostasis. Although platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has been reported to be involved in osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, the role remains controversial and the network of PDGF signaling for MSCs has not been clarified. To clarify the underlying regulatory mechanism of MSC functions mediated by PDGF, we deleted the PDGF receptor (PDGFR)beta gene by Cre-loxP strategy and examined the role of PDGF in osteogenic differentiation of MSCs and fracture repair.

Mouse brains deficient in neuronal PDGF receptor-beta develop normally but are vulnerable to injury.

Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and PDGF receptors (PDGFRs) are widely expressed in the mammalian CNS, though their functional significance remains unclear. The corresponding null-knockout mutations are lethal. Here, we developed novel mutant mice in which the gene encoding the beta subunit of PDGFR (PDGFR-beta) was genetically deleted in CNS neurons to elucidate the role of PDGFR-beta, particularly in the post-natal stage.