Inhibition of repulsive guidance molecule-a ameliorates compromised blood-spinal cord barrier integrity associated with neuromyelitis optica in rats.

The influx of pathogenic aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-Abs) across the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is crucial for the development and exacerbation of neuromyelitis optica (NMO). We examined whether prophylactic intravenous administration of anti-repulsive guidance molecule-a antibodies (RGMa-Abs) has disease-modifying effects on BSCB dysfunction using an NMO model elicited by peripheral administration of AQP4-Abs to rats. RGMa-Ab treatment attenuated the acute exacerbation of perivascular astrocytopathy in the spinal cord and clinical symptoms, which were highly correlated with neurofilament light chain levels in both the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum.

Developing a Novel Method for the Analysis of Spinal Cord-Penile Neurotransmission Mechanisms.

Sexual dysfunction can be caused by impaired neurotransmission from the peripheral to the central nervous system. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the input of sensory information from the peripheral genital area and investigate the control mechanisms in the spinal cord to clarify the pathological basis of sensory abnormalities in the genital area. However, an in vivo evaluation system for the spinal cord-penile neurotransmission mechanism has not yet been developed.

Involvement of Histamine H Receptor Agonism in Premature Ejaculation Found by Studies in Rats.

Several of the drugs currently available for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE) (e.g., local anesthetics or antidepressants) are associated with numerous safety concerns and exhibit weak efficacy.