Wide-field high-resolution surface-plasmon interference microscopy.

We describe a wide-field interferometric surface-plasmon microscope capable of submicrometer resolution. The system is a speckle-illuminated Linnik interferometer, which behaves as a wide-field analog of a scanning heterodyne interferometer. The presented images demonstrate contrast reversals at different defocus while retaining submicrometer lateral resolution.

High-resolution wide-field surface plasmon microscopy.

This paper describes the application of a Köhler illuminated high-resolution wide-field microscope using surface plasmons to provide the image contrast. The response of the microscope to a grating structure in both the Fourier and the image planes is presented to demonstrate image formation by surface waves. The effect of spatial filtering in the back focal (Fourier) plane to enhance image contrast is described.

IFN-beta1a may increase serum levels of TIMP-1 in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Serum levels of matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 (TIMP-1) were measured monthly in 7 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) 6 months before and 6 months during treatment with weekly intramuscular (i.m.) injections of interferon-beta1a (IFN-beta1a) 30 microg.

Serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels are related to MRI activity in relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Objective: To 1) compare monthly serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of MMP-type 1 (TIMP-1) in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) versus healthy controls and 2) determine the relationship among monthly serum levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and MRI activity.

Background: Activated T-cells and macrophages secrete MMPs that may facilitate their migration across vascular subendothelial basement membranes into the CNS. The serum concentration of MMP-9 is reported to be higher in patients with RRMS than healthy controls.

Serum gelatinase B, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels in multiple sclerosis. A longitudinal clinical and MRI study.

Metalloproteinases have been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. We report longitudinal serum levels of gelatinase B and of the tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP), TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, in 21 patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Patients had monthly clinical and gadolinium-enhanced MRI follow-up for 10 months.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (gelatinase B) is selectively elevated in CSF during relapses and stable phases of multiple sclerosis.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases capable of enzymatic digestion of subendothelial basement membrane and other components of the extracellular matrix. Expression of MMP-2, -3, -7 and -9 is increased around multiple sclerosis plaques and in brain tissue in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. To measure quantitatively the expression of these MMPs and their endogenous inhibitors (TIMP-1 and -2), we analysed samples from 52 patients with relapsing-remitting and primary progressive multiple sclerosis by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and substrate-gel electrophoresis (zymography).

Matrix metalloproteinase expression during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and effects of a combined matrix metalloproteinase and tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a large family of Zn2+ endopeptidases that are expressed in inflammatory conditions and are capable of degrading connective tissue macromolecules. MMP-like enzymes are also involved in the processing of a variety of cell surface molecules including the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha. MMPs and TNF-alpha have both been implicated in the pathology associated with neuro-inflammatory diseases (NIDs), particularly multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).