Ethanol-dependent expression of the NKG2D ligands MICA/B in human cell lines and leukocytes.

Alcohol consumption affects the human immune system, causing a variety of disorders. However, the mechanisms of development of these changes are not fully understood. We hypothesized that ethanol may influence the expression of MICA and MICB, stress-induced molecules capable of regulating the activity of cytotoxic lymphocytes through the interaction with receptor NKG2D, which substantially affects the functionality of cellular immunity.

Aspartic cathepsin D degrades the cytosolic cysteine cathepsin inhibitor stefin B in the cells.

Stefin B is the major general cytosolic protein inhibitor of cysteine cathepsins. Its main function is to protect the organism against the activity of endogenous potentially hazardous proteases accidentally released from lysosomes. In this study, we investigated the possible effect of endosomal/lysosomal aspartic cathepsins D and E on stefin B after membrane permeabilization.

[The use of computed tomography in stereotaxic operations in dyskinesia patients].

Experience with 366 CT-stereotactic operations in varying movement disorders (Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, torsion dystonia, torticollis, hemihyperkinesis) is presented. Different deep structures, such as thalamic nuclei, subthalamic structures, palladium, putamen, caudate nucleus, dentate nucleus, and brachium conjunctivum or combination of these structures, were selected as a stereotactic target point. Anodic or radiofrequency stimulation, implantation of chronic intracerebral electrodes and neurotransplantation were used as methods of exposure.

Functional neurosurgery using 3-D computer stereotactic atlas.

To facilitate a full-scale representation of thalamic nuclei and surrounding subcortical structures in the course of stereotactic procedures, a 3-D computer atlas of this region has been created, which permits visualization of the operative field including the involved structures and the position of the instrument. Necessary adaptation is performed according to the position of the intracranial reference points derived from CT-scan. Working with the atlas permitted more accurate and safer surgery.

[The dynamic neuronal interactions in the reticular nucleus of the human thalamus to verbal stimuli of differing signal strengths].

Dynamics of neuronal interaction in 90 ensembles of the RT including units of two types (A, B) recorded by microelectrodes was analyzed during verbal and sensory stimulation and voluntary motor acts in dyskinetic patients in the course of 38 stereotaxic operations. It was shown that high transient interneuronal cooperation in A and B units were selectively related to triggering stages of a purposive act: verbal commands presentation and movement initiation and realization. Specific character of dynamics of interneuronal cooperation determined both by the type of constituent elements and functionally different stages of voluntary acts was found.

[The neuronal reactions of the reticular nucleus of the human thalamus to verbal and sensory stimuli of differing signal strengths].

Responses of 340 single units of the n. Rt of the human thalamus to significant and insignificant verbal and sensory stimuli during the performance of voluntary motor acts recorded by microelectrodes were investigated in dyskinetic patients in the course of 46 stereotaxic operations. Two types of polymodal units with irregular continuous (A-type, "triggered verbal command" units, 183 neurons, 56% reacting) and burst rhythmic (2-5 per s.

[Stereotaxic combined dentate-thalamotomy in the treatment of spastic-hyperkinetic forms of subcortical dyskinesias].

The work is based on the results of operations on the cerebellar dentate nuclei in 92 patients. In 42 of them, combined manipulations were carried out on the cerebellar dentate nuclei and the diencephalic structures (relay nuclei, median centre, pulvinar and subthalamus). Analysis of the results showed that stereotaxic destruction of the ventrooral parts of the cerebellar dentate nucleus is a very effective surgical manipulation in various forms of spastic dyskinesia.

[Lateralization of mental functions at the subcortical level (according to material from stereotaxic surgery)].

In 26 patients with expressed signs of parkinsonism the authors studied the state of higher cortical functions prior to and following stereotaxic operations. The results of such studies point to a distinct connection between the changes of certain mental processes and the side of the operation. It was demonstrated that the subcortical structures of the left and right hemisphere participate in the mnestic function in different ways.