Ultrastructural evidence for mu and delta opioid receptors at noradrenergic dendrites and glial profiles in the cat locus coeruleus.

The Locus Coeruleus (LC) is a pontine nucleus involved in many physiological processes, including the control of the sleep/wake cycle (SWC). At cellular level, the LC displays a high density of opioid receptors whose activation decreases the activity of LC noradrenergic neurons. Also, microinjections of morphine administered locally in the LC of the cat produce sleep associated with synchronized brain activity in the electroencephalogram (EEG).

Clearance of amyloid-β peptide across the choroid plexus in Alzheimer's disease.

Aging and several neurodegenerative diseases bring about changes in the anatomy and physiology of the choroid plexus. The identification of specific membrane receptors that bind and internalize extracellular ligands has revolutionized the traditional roles of this tissue. Amyloid beta peptide (Aβ), the major constituent of the amyloid core of senile plaques in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is known to contribute to disease neuropathology and progression.

Megalin interacts with APP and the intracellular adapter protein FE65 in neurons.

Increasing evidence has implicated megalin, a low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein, in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the brain, megalin is expressed in brain capillaries, ependymal cells and choroid plexus, where it participates in the clearance of brain amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) complex. Recently, megalin has also been detected in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes.

The ANKK1 gene associated with addictions is expressed in astroglial cells and upregulated by apomorphine.

Background: TaqIA, the most widely analyzed genetic polymorphism in addictions, has traditionally been considered a gene marker for association with D2 dopamine receptor gene (DRD2). TaqIA is located in the coding region of the ANKK1 gene that overlaps DRD2 and encodes a predicted kinase ANKK1. The ANKK1 protein nonetheless had yet to be identified.

Gender-specific COMT Val158Met polymorphism association in Spanish schizophrenic patients.

The functional Val158Met polymorphism (rs4680) located at the gene that codes for the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) has been extensively investigated in schizophrenia although current data are still controversial. Since COMT activity is sexually dimorphic, we carried out two independent studies in homogeneous samples of male and female Spanish schizophrenic patients. In males, we found an association between the homozygous Val genotype and the disorder, which resembled a recessive model (P = 0.