Sustained GRK2-dependent CREB activation is essential for α-adrenergic receptor-induced PC12 neuronal differentiation.

Many aspects of neuronal development, such as neuronal survival and differentiation, are regulated by the transcription factor cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB). We have previously reported that α-adrenergic receptors (ARs), members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, induce neuronal differentiation of rat pheochromocytoma (PC)-12 cells in a subtype-specific manner, i.e.

Pharmacogenomics education in medical and pharmacy schools: conclusions of a global survey.

The need for pharmacogenomic education is becoming more and more urgent. Our aim was to evaluate the progress in pharmacogenomics education since then, and to put forward further recommendations. A survey was sent to 248 schools of medicine, pharmacy, nursing and health professions around the world.

The impact of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on renin and aldosterone.

Objective: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) is a respiratory disorder characterized by recurrent airflow obstruction caused by total or partial collapse of the upper airway. OSAS is an established independent factor of cardiovascular risk together with other risk factors such as smoking and increased lipids. The aim of our study was to measure serum levels of aldosterone and renin in OSAS patients that did not suffer from arterial hypertension and compare them to matched healthy subjects in order to reveal the impact of chronic intermittent hypoxia on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Intramyocardial thrombin promotes angiogenesis and improves cardiac function in an experimental rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction.

Objective: Thrombin has been reported to play a pivotal role in the initiation of angiogenesis by indirectly regulating and organizing a network of angiogenic molecules. On the basis of these reports, we investigated the angiogenic action of thrombin in a rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction.

Methods: A rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary branch.