GABAergic Mechanisms Can Redress the Tilted Balance between Excitation and Inhibition in Damaged Spinal Networks.

Correct operation of neuronal networks depends on the interplay between synaptic excitation and inhibition processes leading to a dynamic state termed balanced network. In the spinal cord, balanced network activity is fundamental for the expression of locomotor patterns necessary for rhythmic activation of limb extensor and flexor muscles. After spinal cord lesion, paralysis ensues often followed by spasticity.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide shifts synaptic vesicle recycling to a fast mode at the mouse neuromuscular junction.

Acetazolamide (AZ), a molecule frequently used to treat different neurological syndromes, is an inhibitor of the carbonic anhydrase (CA), an enzyme that regulates pH inside and outside cells. We combined fluorescent FM styryl dyes and electrophysiological techniques at ex vivo levator auris longus neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) from mice to investigate the modulation of synaptic transmission and vesicle recycling by AZ. Transmitter release was minimally affected by AZ, as evidenced by evoked and spontaneous end-plate potential measurements.

Bilirubin effect on endothelial adhesion molecules expression is mediated by the NF-kappaB signaling pathway.

We have recently demonstrated that unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) limits the overexpression of adhesion molecules and inhibits the PMN endothelial adhesion induced by the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFalpha. To understand the molecular events involved we investigated whether the inhibitory effect is determined by a direct influence of UCB on different nuclear pathways. Co-treatment of cells with UCB, TNFalpha, and pyrridoline dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a NF-kappaB inhibitor, additively enhanced the inhibitory effect of UCB.

Bilirubin inhibits the TNFalpha-related induction of three endothelial adhesion molecules.

Since an increased serum unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) level has been proposed as an independent protective factor against atherosclerotic disease, we investigated the molecular events at the basis of this effect. HUVEC and H5V cells were treated with TNFalpha and UCB and the effects assessed on E-selectin, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. In HUVEC cells, UCB blunted the TNFalpha-induced gene upregulation of E-selectin VCAM-1 and ICAM-1.