PEPT2 is functionally active and localized to the apical membrane of rat choroid plexus epithelial cells. However, little is known about the transport mechanisms of endogenous neuropeptides in choroid plexus, and the role of PEPT2 in this process. In the present study, we examined the uptake kinetics of carnosine in rat choroid plexus primary cell cultures and choroid plexus whole tissue from w...

OBJECTIVE Our aim was to test the hypothesis that electroacupuncture (EA) at acupuncture point LI4 activates specific brain regions by nerve stimulation that is mediatied through a pathway involving the brachial plexus. METHODS Twelve acupuncture naive right-handed volunteers were allocated to receive three sessions of EA at LI4 in a random different order (crossover): (1) EA alone (EA); EA a...

The choroid plexus, a barrier between the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), is known to accumulate lead (Pb) and also possibly function to maintain brain's homeostasis of Abeta, an important peptide in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease. This study was designed to investigate if Pb exposure altered Abeta levels at the blood-CSF barrier in the choroid plexus. Rats received ip injection of 27...

The choroid plexuses of all ventricles receive a well-developed adrenergic and cholinergic innervation reaching both the secretory epithelium and the vascular smooth muscle cells. Also peptidergic nerves, containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, are present but primarily associated only with the vascular bed. A sympathetic inhibitory effect on the plexus epithelium has been indicated in de...

Three methods of blocking the brachial plexus with a supraclavicular approach are presented. The pros and cons of using this technique, as well as its usefulness, are discussed. The four most commonly used drugs for blocks also are examined. A 270% increase in blood flow to the arm is achieved by this block but, with the addition of epinephrine, it can be increased to 430%. The permeability of ...

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is formed by the tight junctions of the cerebral capillary endothelium and the choroid plexus epithelium. The molecular anatomy of the tight junction resembles that of a polarized, transporting epithelium, suggesting some model cell culture systems can provide insight into traffic into the central nervous system. Pathogens target both the endothelium, causing encep...

Blood vessels deliver oxygen, nutrients, hormones and immunity factors throughout the body. To perform these vital functions, vascular cords branch, lumenize and interconnect. Yet, little is known about the cellular, molecular and physiological mechanisms that control how circulatory networks form and interconnect. Specifically, how circulatory networks merge by interconnecting 'in parallel' al...

Ipsilateral invasion of the cervical sympathetic plexus, leading to Horner's syndrome (miosis, enophthalmos, ptosis) in 1450% of patients [2] . Ipsilateral reflex sympathetic dystrophy in the arm, with enhanced sensitivity to touch, and skin changes. Shoulder and arm pain (from the brachial plexus invasion C8-T1) with wasting of the intrinsic hand muscles and paraesthesiae in the medial side of...