Role of connexin 32 hemichannels in the release of ATP from peripheral nerves.

Extracellular purines elicit strong signals in the nervous system. Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) does not spontaneously cross the plasma membrane, and nervous cells secrete ATP by exocytosis or through plasma membrane proteins such as connexin hemichannels. Using a combination of imaging, luminescence and electrophysiological techniques, we explored the possibility that Connexin 32 (Cx32), expressed in Schwann cells (SCs) myelinating the peripheral nervous system could be an important source of ATP in peripheral nerves.

The role of bFGF on the ability of MSC to activate endogenous regenerative mechanisms in an ectopic bone formation model.

The view depicting bone marrow (BM)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) as a uniform population differentiating into new-tissue builder cells is evolving toward the concept of a heterogeneous population of stem/progenitor cells secreting bioactive molecules, and contributing to establish an on-site regenerative microenvironment. We report that in an ectopic bone formation model the intrinsic MSC capability to activate endogenous regenerative mechanisms is critically dependent on the commitment level of implanted MSC. We demonstrate that the presence of bFGF in the culture medium during mouse MSC expansion in vitro is the key factor for the selection of subpopulations inducing host regenerative responses.

[Retained rectal foreign bodies by trans-anal introduction. Case report].

The Authors refer about two cases of retained rectal foreign bodies by trans-anal introduction as consequence of anal eroticism: a deodorant aerosol-can cap and a sizeable phallic object. These reports represent an occasion to talk about the etiology (the wide variety of foreign bodies) and the motivations (eroticism or sadism, clumsy diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, true or presume accidents) responsible for this pathological condition and to consider every therapeutic options employed during the past years, without forgetting that, despite difficulties, non-surgical extraction is to prefer, if possible, because of the negative prognostic implications often related to the surgical treatment. The Authors finally confirm, because of the severity of this pathological condition - with negative outcomes especially in that cases with complete or incomplete perforative complications (produced during introduction through the anus or during several attempts of extraction of the object or caused by its long staying in the rectum because of the patient's denial of medical care) - the surgeons can't put aside possible indication for surgical treatment.