Molecular mechanisms of enhanced wound healing by copper oxide-impregnated dressings.

ABSTRACT Copper plays a key role in angiogenesis and in the synthesis and stabilization of extracellular matrix skin proteins, which are critical processes of skin formation. We hypothesized that introducing copper into wound dressings would enhance wound repair. Application of wound dressings containing copper oxide to wounds inflicted in genetically engineered diabetic mice (C57BL/KsOlaHsd-Lepr(db)) resulted in increased gene and in situ up-regulation of proangiogenic factors (e.

Electron microscopy of wet tissues: a case study in renal pathology.

In this report we introduce wet-tissue scanning electron microscopy, a novel technique for direct imaging of wet tissue samples using backscattered electrons. Samples placed in sealed capsules are imaged through a resilient, electron-transparent membrane. The contrast of the imaged samples may be enhanced by chemical staining.

A quaternary anti-cholinesterase probe for determining the integrity of the blood--brain barrier.

7-(Methylethoxyphosphinyloxy)-1-methyl quinolinium iodide (MEPQ), a new quaternary anti-cholinesterase (anti-ChE) compound was prepared and evaluated as a potential probe for assessing changes in the blood-brain barrier (B-BB) permeability. MEPQ was found to be 170 times more potent in its cholinesterase inhibitory activity than phospholine iodide, a previously reported anti-ChE probe in B-BB research. In rats and mice with impaired B-BB induced by osmotic opening, MEPQ readily penetrated through the damaged site as demonstrated by considerable reduction of ChE activity.