Application of Fluorescence Microscopy and Behavioral Assays to Demonstrating Neuronal Connectomes and Neurotransmitter Systems in .

The nematode () is a prevailing model which is commonly utilized in a variety of biomedical research arenas, including neuroscience. Due to its transparency and simplicity, it is becoming a choice model organism for conducting imaging and behavioral assessment crucial to understanding the intricacies of the nervous system. Here, the methods required for neuronal characterization using fluorescent proteins and behavioral tasks are described.

N-nitro-L-arginine, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, attenuates nickel-induced neurotoxicity.

The various mediums of exposure to nickel (Ni) compounds have raised enormous public health concerns, as it has been illustrated to exert toxic effects in biological organs, including the brain. We have previously implicated the involvement of elevated nitric oxide (NO) in Ni-induced oxidative stress in the brain. Hence, the present study investigated the ameliorative potential of N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA), a NO synthase inhibitor, following Ni-induced neurotoxicity.

Neurovascular dysfunctions in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy pose a huge challenge to the socioeconomic stability of a community; being a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality during delivery. Although there have been recent improvements in management strategies, still, the diversified nature of the underlying pathogenesis undermines their effectiveness. Generally, these disorders are categorized into two; hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with proteinuria (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy without proteinuria (gestational and chronic hypertension).

Environmental influence on neurodevelopmental disorders: Potential association of heavy metal exposure and autism.

Environmental factors have been severally established to play major roles in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated with symptoms that reduce the quality of life of affected individuals such as social interaction deficit, cognitive impairment, intellectual disabilities, restricted and repetitive behavioural patterns. ASD pathogenesis has been associated with environmental and genetic factors that alter physiologic processes during development.

The effects of manganese overexposure on brain health.

Manganese (Mn) is the twelfth most abundant element on the earth and an essential metal to human health. Mn is present at low concentrations in a variety of dietary sources, which provides adequate Mn content to sustain support various physiological processes in the human body. However, with the rise of Mn utility in a variety of industries, there is an increased risk of overexposure to this transition metal, which can have neurotoxic consequences.

Role for calcium signaling in manganese neurotoxicity.

Background: Calcium is an essential macronutrient that is involved in many cellular processes. Homeostatic control of intracellular levels of calcium ions [Ca] is vital to maintaining cellular structure and function. Several signaling molecules are involved in regulating Ca levels in cells and perturbation of calcium signaling processes is implicated in several neurodegenerative and neurologic conditions.