Optical and SPION-enhanced MR imaging shows that trans-stilbene inhibitors of NF-κB concomitantly lower Alzheimer's disease plaque formation and microglial activation in AβPP/PS-1 transgenic mouse brain.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with a microglia-dependent neuroinflammatory response against plaques containing the fibrous protein amyloid-β (Aβ). Activation of microglia, which closely associate with Aβ plaques, engenders the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the internalization of Aβ fibrils. Since the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB is one of the major regulators of Aβ-induced inflammation, we treated transgenic amyloid-β protein protein/presenilin-1 (AβPP/PS1) mice for one year with a low dose (0.

SPION-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of Alzheimer's disease plaques in AβPP/PS-1 transgenic mouse brain.

In our program to develop non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we have synthesized antibody-conjugated, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) for use as an in vivo agent for MRI detection of amyloid-β plaques in AD. Here we report studies in AβPP/PS1 transgenic mice, which demonstrate the ability of novel anti-AβPP conjugated SPIONs to penetrate the blood-brain barrier to act as a contrast agent for MR imaging of plaques. The conspicuity of the plaques increased from an average Z-score of 5.

Thoracic radiography of pet macaques in Sulawesi, Indonesia.

This report describes the results from a study of thoracic radiographs taken on a sample (n = 20) of pet macaque monkeys (Macaca) on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. We present findings relating to general thoracic health, as well as describe our field methods and outline some of the challenges of conducting thoracic radiography in remote areas of the developing world. Examination of the radiographic images identified six possible cases of cardiac enlargement, and one case of minor lung consolidation possibly consistent with tuberculosis.

Inhibition of pancreatic cholesterol esterase reduces cholesterol absorption in the hamster.

Background: Pancreatic cholesterol esterase has three proposed functions in the intestine: 1) to control the bioavailability of cholesterol from dietary cholesterol esters; 2) to contribute to incorporation of cholesterol into mixed micelles; and 3) to aid in transport of free cholesterol to the enterocyte. Inhibitors of cholesterol esterase are anticipated to limit the absorption of dietary cholesterol.

Results: The selective and potent cholesterol esterase inhibitor 6-chloro-3-(1-ethyl-2-cyclohexyl)-2-pyrone (figure 1, structure 1) was administered to hamsters fed a high cholesterol diet supplemented with radiolabeled cholesterol ester.