Local application of nucleus pulposus induces expression OF P2X3 in rat dorsal root ganglion cells.

The P2X(3) receptor is a ligand-gated cation channel that is activated by extra cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) found in the dorsal root, trigeminal and nodose ganglia. It is one of the receptors transmitting nociceptive information of injuries and inflammation of the periphery by endogenous ATP released from damaged cells. The present study was performed in order to evaluate if there was an increased expression of P2X(3)-immunoreactivity in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons after experimental disc herniation.

Effect of methotrexate on fracture healing.

Low doses of methotrexate (MTX) are safe and effective for treating adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. However, because this powerful anti-inflammatory drug might negatively influence the healing of wounds and fractures, MTX administration is often stopped during surgical procedures. The present study assesses the effects of low- and high-dose MTX on early inflammatory processes and bone healing in an experimental model of fracture.

Keishikajutsubuto (Guizhi-shu-fu-tang) treatment for refractory accumulation of synovial fluid in a patient with pustulotic arthro-osteitis.

We present a patient, a sixty-seven-year-old woman, who had refractory accumulation of synovial fluid in the knee joints with pustulotic arthro-osteitis for more than 10 years. Fifty ml of synovial fluid from her right knee contained 6,480 pg/ml of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and 15,000/mm3 of neutorophils. At first, she was treated with 400 mg/day of indomethacin farnesil (a prodrug that is converted to indomethacin after intestinal absorption) for 24 weeks.

Serotonin syndrome caused by minimum doses of SSRIS in a patient with spinal cord injury.

There have been only a few reports of serotonin syndrome developing after mono-therapy with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). We report a case of serotonin syndrome caused by long-term therapy with fluvoxamine prior to treatment with paroxetine. An 18-year-old man with spinal cord injury (SCI) at thoracic level 2-3 presented with onset of serotonin syndrome after taking fluvoxamine (50 mg per day) for 8 weeks prior to treatment with paroxetine (10 mg per day) for 6 days.

An anatomic study of the sacral hiatus: a basis for successful caudal epidural block.

Study Design: An anatomic study of the sacral hiatus using isolated sacra.

Objectives: To clarify the anatomic variations of the sacral hiatus using the bony landmarks of the sacrum for improving the reliability of caudal epidural block (CEB).

Background Data: The CEB has been widely used for the diagnosis and treatment of lumbar spinal disorders.