Proliferative activity and in vitro replication of HSV1716 in human metastatic brain tumours.

Background: The neurotropic herpes simplex virus mutant HSV1716 lacks the gene encoding the virulence factor ICP34.5 and cannot replicate in non-dividing cells where proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is not actively engaged in cellular DNA synthesis. In the brain, tumoral expression of PCNA therefore confers on it oncolytic specificity and may determine its efficacy.

Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone).

Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) is a novel preparation of synthetic peptides composed of four amino acids. Laboratory studies have shown that it prevents, or modifies, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, the animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS), in several mammalian species. Its mode of action has not been fully elucidated but it is known to induce suppresser T-cells, known to be deficient in MS, and competitively inhibits the effect of CNS myelin antigens, thought to be important in the pathogenesis of MS, through MHC blockade.

Spinal teratoma: is there a place for adjuvant treatment? Two cases and a review of the literature.

Spinal teratomas are rare intradural spinal tumours, commonly of benign histological profile. The main treatment remains surgical excision which often is incomplete as the tumour is frequently intimately related to surrounding nerve roots and adjacent spinal cord. The value of adjuvant treatment in the form of radiotherapy has not been clearly identified.

Harvesting and preparation of cadaveric osseoligamentous lower cervical spine (C2-C7) for biomechanical testing.

Cadaveric osseoligamentous lower cervical spines (C2-C7) are often used in the investigation of spinal biomechanics in vitro. Surprisingly, however, the techniques of harvesting at postmortem and preparation of cadaveric osseoligamentous lower cervical spine for biomechanical testing have not been described in detail. We describe a simple and effective method that can be readily integrated into the routine autopsy procedure.