NRP-1 Receptor Expression Mismatch in Skin of Subjects with Experimental and Diabetic Small Fiber Neuropathy.

The in vivo cutaneous nerve regeneration model using capsaicin is applied extensively to study the regenerative mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy of disease modifying molecules for small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Since mismatches between functional and morphological nerve fiber recovery are described for this model, we aimed at determining the capability of the capsaicin model to truly mimic the morphological manifestations of SFN in diabetes. As nerve and blood vessel growth and regenerative capacities are defective in diabetes, we focused on studying the key regulator of these processes, the neuropilin-1 (NRP-1)/semaphorin pathway.

Evaluation of pain behavior and bone destruction in two arthritic models in guinea pig and rat.

The primary aim of the study was to describe and correlate pain behavior and changes in bone morphology in animal models of arthritis both in rats and guinea pigs. Either complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or mono-iodoacetate (MIA) solution was injected into the left knee joint to obtain a model for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, respectively. Subsequently, animals were behaviorally tested during a period of 12 days after CFA injection and at least 19 days after MIA injection.

A preclinical comparison between different opioids: antinociceptive versus adverse effects.

Reduced side-effect liability of opioids may enhance the patient's quality of life and decrease the incidence of opioid-insensitive pain. Literature offers few comparative data between different opioids at equianalgesic doses. Therefore morphine, fentanyl, buprenorphine, codeine, hydrocodone and oxycodone were compared for analgesic properties and side-effect profiles in rats.

Bone cancer pain model in mice: evaluation of pain behavior, bone destruction and morphine sensitivity.

The primary aim of the study was to correlate pain development during bone cancer growth with objectively obtained tumor-induced changes in bone morphology. Additionally morphine sensitivity of this bone pain was evaluated. Mice were injected into the femur with osteolytic NCTC2472 cells, and behaviorally followed during a 3-week period.

Morphine-induced analgesia in the hot-plate test: comparison between NMRI(nu/nu) and NMRI mice.

NMRInu/nu mice are frequently used in cancer research, but their use in behavioural pain tests is unexplored. As behaviour of NMRI mice in pain tests is well-documented, a hot-plate test was performed comparing acute thermal nociception in NMRInu/nu and NMRI mice - untreated and morphine-treated - to estimate the usefulness of NMRInu/nu mice for further research on cancer pain. In both strains, morphine dose-dependently increased response latencies, number of animals reaching cut-off times and AUC values.

Immunolocalization of sex steroid hormone receptors in canine vaginal and vulvar tissue and their relation to sex steroid hormone concentrations.

The aim of this immunohistochemical study was to describe the cellular distribution of the estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha), progesterone receptor (PR) and androgen receptor (AR) in canine vaginal and vulvar tissue. Samples were taken from dogs in different stages of the estrous cycle. Nuclear staining for ERalpha, PR and AR was observed in surface epithelium, stromal and smooth muscle cells.

Immunolocalization of sex steroid hormone receptors in the canine uterine tube and their relation to sex steroid hormone concentrations.

The aim of this immunohistochemical study was to describe the cellular distribution of the estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha), progesterone receptor (PR) and androgen receptor (AR) in canine uterine tubes. Samples of uterine tubes were taken from dogs in different stages of the estrous cycle, and dogs that were pregnant or had just delivered. Nuclear staining for sex steroid hormone receptors was observed in the surface epithelium, stromal cells and smooth muscle cells of the muscular layer.