Karolinska Institutet

About: Karolinska Institutet is a education organization based out in Stockholm, Sweden. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 46212 authors who have published 121142 publications receiving 6008130 citations.

Acetylcholine receptors containing the β2 subunit are involved in the reinforcing properties of nicotine

Abstract: Release of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the mesolimbic system of the brain mediates the reinforcing properties of several drugs of abuse, including nicotine1. Here we investigate the contribution of the high-affinity neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor2 to the effects of nicotine on the mesolimbic dopamine system in mice lacking the β2 subunit of this receptor3. We found that nicotine stimulates dopamine release in the ventral striatum of wild-type mice but not in the ventral striatum of β2-mutant mice. Using patch-clamp recording, we show that mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons from mice without the β2 subunit no longer respond to nicotine, and that self-administration of nicotine is attenuated in these mutant mice. Our results strongly support the idea that the β2-containing neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is involved in mediating the reinforcing properties of nicotine.

International consensus diagnostic criteria for autoimmune pancreatitis: guidelines of the International Association of Pancreatology.

Abstract: Objectives:To achieve the goal of developing international consensus diagnostic criteria (ICDC) for autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP).Methods:An international panel of experts met during the 14th Congress of the International Association of Pancreatology held in Fukuoka, Japan, from July 11 through 13,

Embryonic stem cells develop into functional dopaminergic neurons after transplantation in a Parkinson rat model

Abstract: Although implantation of fetal dopamine (DA) neurons can reduce parkinsonism in patients, current methods are rudimentary, and a reliable donor cell source is lacking. We show that transplanting low doses of undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells into the rat striatum results in a proliferation of ES cells into fully differentiated DA neurons. ES cell-derived DA neurons caused gradual and sustained behavioral restoration of DA-mediated motor asymmetry. Behavioral recovery paralleled in vivo positron emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging data demonstrating DA-mediated hemodynamic changes in the striatum and associated brain circuitry. These results demonstrate that transplanted ES cells can develop spontaneously into DA neurons. Such DA neurons can restore cerebral function and behavior in an animal model of Parkinson's disease.

Increased amount of nitric oxide in exhaled air of asthmatics

Abstract: The presence of nitric oxide (NO) in the exhaled air of humans has recently been described. We wanted to assess at what level exhaled NO originates in normal airways, and to determine whether airway inflammation induces changes in the levels of exhaled NO. Exhaled NO was continuously measured by chemiluminescence technique during normal tidal breathing through the nose or mouth, with a detection limit of 1 part per billion (ppb). Twelve control subjects were compared to eight patients with mild atopic asthma and rhinitis caused by occupational allergen. In control subjects, the major part of NO in exhaled air (up to 30 ppb) seemed to originate in the nasal airways, with only minor contribution from the lower airways and the oral cavity. However, in mild asthmatics, the level of exhaled NO during oral breathing, indicating the involvement of the lower airways, was increased 2-3 fold. Since increased production of NO in the lower airways may involve activated macrophages or neutrophils, we suggest that exhaled NO may be used to instantly monitor ongoing bronchial inflammation, at least when involving inducible NO synthase.

Prostaglandins and thromboxanes.

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses prostaglandins and thromboxanes. The prostaglandins are C 20 acids formed from polyunsaturated fatty acids by oxygenation and cyclization. The thromboxanes, which were originally found in platelets, have now been identified in a variety of tissues. Rapid progress is being made in understanding their biological roles. Earlier studies on vascular and airway smooth muscle demonstrated that endoperoxides had unique effects that could not be attributed to conversion into the stable prostaglandins. Because aspirin, an inhibitor of endoperoxide formation, inhibits the second wave of aggregation, it was suggested that the endoperoxides play a role in the release reaction. The potency of the endoperoxides in causing contractions of the isolated rabbit aorta was of particular interest. However, the occurrence of thromboxanes is not limited to platelets. The transformation of arachidonic acid into thromboxane B 2 has also been observed in lung tissue, spleen, kidney, leukocytes, umbilical artery, and brain.