Phenotype and synthesis activity of joint chondrocytes extracted from newborn rats with prenatal ethanol exposure.

Thirteen female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: one treated with ethanol and the other of untreated. Four newborns from each mother were selected and weighed, measured, and evaluated for physical characteristics. From these neonates, chondrocytes were extracted from the articular cartilages of the femur and tibia, and cultivated in a chondrogenic medium at 37C and 5% CO.

Effects of methylprednisolone, dantrolene, and their combination on experimental spinal cord injury.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of methylprednisolone sodium succinate, dantrolene sodium, and their combination on experimental spinal cord injury. We used 25 rats (Rattus norvegicus) that were divided into five groups. The negative control group (NC) consisted of animals without spinal cord trauma.

Omega-conotoxin MVIIC attenuates neuronal apoptosis in vitro and improves significant recovery after spinal cord injury in vivo in rats.

Excessive accumulation of intracellular calcium is the most critical step after spinal cord injury (SCI). Reducing the calcium influx should result in a better recovery from SCI. Calcium channel blockers have been shown a great potential in reducing brain and spinal cord injury.

Systemic effects induced by intralesional injection of ω-conotoxin MVIIC after spinal cord injury in rats.

Background: Calcium channel blockers such as conotoxins have shown a great potential to reduce brain and spinal cord injury. MVIIC neuroprotective effects analyzed in in vitro models of brain and spinal cord ischemia suggest a potential role of this toxin in preventing injury after spinal cord trauma. However, previous clinical studies with MVIIC demonstrated that clinical side effects might limit the usefulness of this drug and there is no research on its systemic effects.

Head trauma as a possible cause of central diabetes insipidus in a cat.

A 13-month-old female domestic shorthair cat presented with a 10-month history of polyuria and polydipsia that began after having been hit by a car. Neurological examination revealed visual deficits and an absent bilateral menace response. Hematological and serum biochemical analyses were within reference values, but hyposthenuria was identified.