Publications by authors named "V Rodriguez-Chavez"

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of prolactin (PRL) on intracellular calcium (Ca) concentration and its neuroprotective role in a model of kainic acid (KA) excitotoxicity in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons. Cell viability and intracellular Ca concentrations were determined by MTT and Fura-2 assays, respectively, either after induction by KA as an agonist or after treatment with NBQX antagonist alone or in combination with PRL administration. Expression of ionotropic glutamatergic receptors (iGluRs) subunits in neuronal cells was determined by RT-qPCR.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Prolactin (PRL) is a polypeptide hormone that has been reported to play a significant role in neuroprotection against neuronal excitotoxicity produced by glutamate (Glu) or kainic acid (KA) in both, in vitro and in vivo models. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in PRL's neuroprotective effects in the hippocampus have not been completely elucidated. The aim of the present study was to assess the signaling pathways involved in PRL neuroprotection against excitotoxicity.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

It has been well recognized that prolactin (PRL), a pleiotropic hormone, has many functions in the brain, such as maternal behavior, neurogenesis, and neuronal plasticity, among others. Recently, it has been reported to have a significant role in neuroprotection against excitotoxicity. Glutamate excitotoxicity is a common alteration in many neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, leading to neuronal death.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Glutamate (Glu) is known as the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It can trigger a series of processes ranging from synaptic plasticity to neurophysiological regulation. To carry out its functions, Glu acts via interaction with its cognate receptors, which are ligand-dependent.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The efficacy and safety of losartan and valsartan were evaluated in a multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. Blood pressure responses to once-daily treatment with either losartan 50 mg (n = 93) or valsartan 80 mg (n = 94) for 6 weeks were assessed through measurements taken in the clinic and by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Both drugs significantly reduced clinic sitting systolic (SiSBP) and diastolic blood pressure (SiDBP) at 2, 4, and 6 weeks.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF