Biotechnology worldwide and the 'European Biotechnology Thematic Network' Association (EBTNA).

The European Biotechnology Congress 2011 held under the auspices of the European Biotechnology Thematic Network Association (EBTNA) in conjunction with the Turkish Medical Genetics Association brings together a broad spectrum of biotechnologists from around the world. The subsequent abstracts indicate the manner in which biotechnology has permeated all aspects of research from the basic sciences through to small and medium enterprises and major industries. The brief statements before the presentation of the abstracts aim to introduce not only Biotechnology in general and its importance around the world, but also the European Biotechnology Thematic Network Association and its aims especially within the framework of education and ethics in biotechnology.

Protein kinase inhibitor as a potential candidate for epilepsy treatment.

Purpose: Effects of the "VID-82925" kinase inhibitor molecule were investigated both during the developing phase as well as during the stable phase of the focus with spontaneous recurrent seizures using the 4-AP-induced in vivo epilepsy model in anesthetized rats.

Methods: In electrophysiologic experiments, VID-82925 (0.85 mg/kg) was injected intravenously either before the induction (pretreatment) or after the development of the stable focus (treatment).

Effects of 3-aminopyridine-induced seizures on platelet eicosanoid synthesis.

We investigated the influence of recurrent epileptic seizures on the arachidonic acid (AA) cascade in platelets and brain microvessels, using [(14)C]AA as a tracer substrate and chromatographic determination. The recurrent epileptic seizures of male Wistar rats were induced every second day with 3-aminopyridine (3-AP, 25 mg/kg ip) for two weeks. In the chronic 3-AP model, the earlier epileptic insults resulted in a decreased incidence of limbic seizures and higher survival rate at later administration of 3-AP.

The functional significance of gap junction channels in the epileptogenicity and seizure susceptibility of juvenile rats.

Purpose: The functional significance of gap-junction (GJ) channels in seizure susceptibility and induction and maintenance of seizures in the developing rat brain was investigated on the 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) in vivo epilepsy model.

Methods: In electrophysiological experiments, GJs were manipulated with a blocker or opener before induction or at the active epileptic foci between postnatal days 9 and 28 (P9-28). Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification was used to measure the levels of connexin (Cx) 26, 32, 36, and 43 mRNAs at the untreated cortex or epileptic foci.

Quinine, a blocker of neuronal cx36 channels, suppresses seizure activity in rat neocortex in vivo.

Purpose: The selective contribution of neuronal gap junction (GJ) communication via connexin 36 (Cx36) channels to epileptogenesis and to the maintenance and propagation of seizures was investigated in both the primary focus and the mirror focus by using pharmacologic approaches with the 4-aminopyridine in vivo epilepsy model.

Methods: ECoG recording was performed on anesthetized adult rats, in which either quinine, a selective blocker of Cx36, or the broad-spectrum GJ blockers carbenoxolone and octanol were applied locally, before the induction or at already active epileptic foci.

Results: The blockade of Cx36 channels by quinine before the induction of epileptiform activity slightly reduced the epileptogenesis.