Zinc may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) through influencing the conformation and neurotoxicity of amyloid beta-proteins (Abeta). Zn(2+) induces rapid aggregation of synthetic or endogenous Abeta in a pH-dependent fashion. Here we show for the first time that Zn(2+)-induced aggregation of Abeta (10-21) potentiates its action on outward potassium currents i...

THE determination of potassium is more troublesome than that of any other biologically important cation; at the same time there are many conditions involving variations in the electrolyte content ofthe body fluids in which accurate estimations of potassium are desirable. It therefore appeared worth while to try to devise an analytical method for potassium which should be simpler than those at p...

Human cortical malformations often result in severe forms of epilepsy. Although the morphological properties of cells within these malformations are well characterized, very little is known about the function of these cells. In rats, prenatal methylazoxymethanol (MAM) exposure produces distinct nodules of disorganized pyramidal-like neurons (e.g., nodular heterotopia) and loss of lamination in ...

ATP induced swelling of isolated yeast mitochondria suspended in an isoosmotic solution of potassium gluconate. Valinomycin stimulated the swelling rate, indicating that K+ influx in the presence of ATP is rate-controlling. This swelling was inhibited by ADP, phosphate (probably acting on the external face of the inner membrane), and Mg2+, which forms a complex with ATP. ATP-induced swelling di...

Microglia is a type of glial cell located throughout the central nervous system (CNS), which is sensitive to CNS injury and disease. Responsibility of microglia as the resident macrophage cells for injuries suggests that these cells have the potential to act as diagnostic markers of disease beginning or progression. Function of Microglia is strongly synchronized by the microenvironment of brain...

We present a patient with new onset temporal lobe epilepsy and cognitive decline in his sixth decade with unilateral hippocampal atrophy on structural brain imaging, compatible with mesial temporal sclerosis. This unusual clinical scenario presented a challenging differential diagnosis since it may overlap with primary cognitive disorders, including early-onset Alzheimer's disease and some form...