Marked Elevation of Excitatory Amino Acids in Cerebrospinal Fluid Obtained From Patients With Rotavirus-Associated Encephalopathy.

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children; however, its pathogenesis and immunity are not completely understood. Even less well recognized is rotavirus-induced central nervous system (CNS) involvement, which has been associated with seizure, encephalopathy and death, among others. To elucidate the host response to rotavirus infection, we retrospectively examined neurotransmitter amino acids in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 19 children with CNS involvement associated with rotavirus infection.

A 5-bp insertion in Mip causes recessive congenital cataract in KFRS4/Kyo rats.

We discovered a new cataract mutation, kfrs4, in the Kyoto Fancy Rat Stock (KFRS) background. Within 1 month of birth, all kfrs4/kfrs4 homozygotes developed cataracts, with severe opacity in the nuclei of the lens. In contrast, no opacity was observed in the kfrs4/+ heterozygotes.

Expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of children with meningitis and encephalitis/encephalopathy.

Many reports in the field of childhood brain disorders have documented that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) affects central nervous system (CNS) functions. In this clinical study, BDNF levels were evaluated in association with pediatric CNS infections. BDNF levels in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 42 patients admitted during 5-year period, due to CNS infections, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).

Production of chemokines in respiratory syncytial virus infection with central nervous system manifestations.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children can be associated with acute encephalopathy. However, the roles of cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of such patients remain unevaluated. In this study, a profile of 17 cytokines was determined for eight RSV-infected children with neurological complications.