Role of mesolimbic ghrelin in the acquisition of cocaine reward.

The present study examined the ability of ghrelin administration into either the ventral tegmental area (VTA) or nucleus accumbens (NAc) to potentiate cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Additionally, we examined the impact of co-injection of the ghrelin 1a antagonist JMV 2959 with ghrelin in order to evaluate the potential attenuation of ghrelin's effects on cocaine-induced CPP. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were allowed simultaneous access to either side of the CPP apparatus to establish baseline chamber preferences.

Exendin-4 antagonizes the metabolic action of acylated ghrelinergic signaling in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus.

In the current study we investigated the interaction of hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and ghrelin signaling in the control of metabolic function. We first demonstrated that acylated ghrelin injected directly into the PVN reliably altered the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) of adult male Sprague Dawley rats. All testing was carried out during the initial 2 h of the nocturnal cycle using an indirect open circuit calorimeter.

Intrathecal administration of AAV vectors for the treatment of lysosomal storage in the brains of MPS I mice.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is caused by an inherited deficiency of alpha-L-iduronidase (IDUA). The result is a progressive, lysosomal storage disease with central nervous system (CNS) as well as systemic involvement. To target gene therapy to the CNS, recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors carrying IDUA sequence were administered to MPS I mice via injection into cerebrospinal fluid.

Anatomical studies of the mouse genital tubercle.

Background: To study the etiology of hypospadias, we propose the use of a mouse model, the embryonic mouse genital tubercle. In this study, we define the development of the mouse genital tubercle with special emphasis on urethral formation demonstrating anatomical similarities to human development.

Materials And Methods: Serial sections of genital tubercles from embryonic male and female mice ages 14 to 21 days gestation from timed pregnant animals, newborn and adult mice were immunohistochemical stained with antibodies to E-cadherin, cytokeratins 7, 10, and 14.