In the present study, we investigated whether a Nogo66 receptor (NgR) vaccine, combined with neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation, could promote better functional recovery than when NgR vaccine or NSCs were used alone. Methods: Adult rats were immunized with NgR vaccine at 1 week after a contusive SCI at the thoracic level, and the NSCs, obtained from green fluorescent protein

transgenic rats, were transplanted into the injury site at 8 weeks post injury. The functional recovery of the animals under various treatments was evaluated by three independent behavioural tests, that is, Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale, footprint analysis and grid walking. Results: The combined therapy with NgR H 89 mw vaccination and NSC transplantation protected more ventral horn motor neurones in the injured spinal cord and greater functional recovery than when they were used alone. Furthermore,

NgR vaccination promoted migration of engrafted NSCs along the rostral-caudal axis of the injured spinal cords, and induced their differentiation into neurones and oligodendrocytes in vivo. Conclusions: The combination therapy of NgR vaccine and NSC transplantation AZD2014 cell line exhibited significant advantages over any single therapy alone in this study. It may represent a potential new therapy for SCI. “
“Brain ischaemia and reperfusion produce alterations in the microenvironment of the parenchyma, including ATP depletion, ionic homeostasis alterations, inflammation, release of multiple cytokines and abnormal release of neurotransmitters. As a consequence, the induction of proliferation and migration of neural stem cells is redirected towards the peri-infarct region. The success of new neurorestorative treatments for damaged brain implies the need to describe with greater accuracy the mechanisms in charge of regulating adult neurogenesis, under both physiological and pathological conditions. Recent evidence demonstrates that many neurotransmitters, glutamate in particular, control the CYTH4 subventricular zone (SVZ), thus being part

of the complex signal network that exerts a remarkable influence on the production of new neurones. Neurotransmitters provide a link between brain activity and SVZ neurogenesis. Therefore, a deeper knowledge of the role of neurotransmitters systems, such as glutamate and its transporters, in adult neurogenesis, may prove a valuable tool to be utilized as a neurorestorative therapy in this pathology. “
“Pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) are characterized by an excellent prognosis although several factors of adverse outcome have been reported. The mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway plays a major role in their tumorigenesis. To report a series of 148 PAs in children to define clinicopathological and biological prognostic factors. Clinical data were collected from patient files and mail inquiry. Pathological specimens were centrally reviewed.