Functional Rescue of Inactivating Mutations of the Human Neurokinin 3 Receptor Using Pharmacological Chaperones.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) facilitate the majority of signal transductions across cell membranes in humans, with numerous diseases attributed to inactivating GPCR mutations. Many of these mutations result in misfolding during nascent receptor synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), resulting in intracellular retention and degradation. Pharmacological chaperones (PCs) are cell-permeant small molecules that can interact with misfolded receptors in the ER and stabilise/rescue their folding to promote ER exit and trafficking to the cell membrane.

The effect of Searsia chirindensis stem-bark extract on renal and liver function in a rat model of neurotoxicity.

Searsia chirindensis (SC) (Baker F.) (Anacardiaceae) has shown potential for the treatment of many neurological diseases however its effect on other bodily systems in neurotoxic models is not well-documented. In this study we investigated the effects of SC on blood glucose homeostasis, as well as its effect on liver and kidney function by assessing lipid peroxidation using the TBARS assay and measuring plasma and urinary electrolyte concentrations in a 6-hydroxydopamine parkinsonian model.

The effects of prenatal methylmercury exposure on trace element and antioxidant levels in rats following 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neuronal insult.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a metal toxin found commonly in the environment. Studies have shown severe neurotoxic effects of MeHg poisoning especially during pregnancy where it crosses the foetoplacental and the blood brain barrier of the foetus leading to neurodevelopmental deficits in the offspring. These deficits may predispose offspring to neurodegenerative diseases later in life.