[Dose-dependent effects of neuroimmunomodulator interferon alpha on behavior of humans and animals].

The review analyses the literature on polyfunctional activity of the cytokine interferon-alpha (IA) which has neuroimmunomodulatory properties and is used for treatment of viral and oncologic diseases. The major intention is devoted to action of small and high doses of IA on different forms of animals and human behavior. We suggest that chronic treatment with small IA doses is more effective than high dose therapy.

[The role of interferon-alpha in regulation of nervous system functions].

The review analyses contemporary data on the role of the interferon-alpha in the central nervous systems. Interferon-alpha is one of the key polyfunctional cytokines providing integrative activity of the neuro-immuno-endocrine complex. The emphasis is made on the molecular mechanisms of anti-viral, anti-proliferative and neuromodulating actions of the interferon-alpha in the brain.

Antidiuretic hormone-V2-receptor-aquaporin-2 system in rat kidneys during acute inflammation.

Expression of antidiuretic hormone V(2)-receptor, water channel protein aquaporin-2, and cytokines interleukin-1b and interleukin-6 was studied in the kidneys of rats with acute inflammation produced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide in a dose of 250 microg/100 g. Reduced expression of aquaporin-2 and V(2)-receptor led to impairment of concentration capacity in the kidneys and decrease in urine osmolarity.

The central nucleus of the amygdaloid body of the brain: cytoarchitectonics, neuronal organization, connections.

This review considers the questions of the structural-functional organization of the central nucleus (CN) of the amygdaloid body (AB) of the brain in relation to new data on its involvement in the formation of stress reactions and adaptive behavior in animals. Data are presented on the distribution of neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and modulators in the CN. It is noted that the CN, appearing at the earliest stages of establishment of the AB, is reorganized with it and reflects the evolution of the whole AB.

Role of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant compound probucol in antiradical protection of pancreatic beta-cells during alloxan-induced diabetes.

The severity of disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism in rats with alloxan-induced diabetes depended on activity of antioxidant enzymes in the target organ (pancreas). Damage to the pancreas is related to intensive generation of reactive oxygen species, free radicals, and lipid peroxides. Alloxan-induced diabetes in rats is a free radical disease, which in vivo serves as a useful model for the search for pharmacological preparations with antiradical and antioxidant properties.