Brain investigated

Buchert R, Thomasius R, Nebeling B, Petersen K, Obrocki J, Jenicke L, Wilke F, Wartberg L, Zapletalova P, Clausen M. Long-term effects of ecstasy use on serotonin transporters of the brain investigated by PET. J Nucl Med 2003 44 375-84. 

PD is characterized by activation of microglial cells found in and around degenerating neurons. Reactive microglia are commonly seen within the SNpc of PD brains investigated at... 

A purification procedure has been described for an atypical arylsulphatase A which exists in chicken brain. Investigation of the properties of the enzyme revealed inter alia that the molecule is a glycoprotein. 

K. R. Brain, Investigation of piezoelectric effect with dielectrics, Proc. Phys. Soc. (Land.) 36 81 (1924),... 

In other applications of CT, orally administered barium sulfate or a water-soluble iodinated CM is used to opacify the GI tract. Xenon, atomic number 54, exhibits similar x-ray absorption properties to those of iodine. It rapidly diffuses across the blood brain barrier after inhalation to saturate different tissues of brain as a function of its lipid solubility. In preliminary investigations (99), xenon gas inhalation prior to brain CT has provided useful information for evaluations of local cerebral blood flow and cerebral tissue abnormalities. Xenon exhibits an anesthetic effect at high concentrations but otherwise is free of physiological effects because of its nonreactive nature. 

Other studies indicate that sucrose does not cause hyperactivity. Carbohydrate ingestion increases levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), a brain neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep. Dietary sucrose should theoretically have a calming effect and reduce activity, manifestations which have been observed in case studies (63). To date, clinical investigations have failed to show a significant connection between sucrose consumption and aggressive or dismptive behavior (66). 

L-Tyrosine metabohsm and catecholamine biosynthesis occur largely in the brain, central nervous tissue, and endocrine system, which have large pools of L-ascorbic acid (128). Catecholamine, a neurotransmitter, is the precursor in the formation of dopamine, which is converted to noradrenaline and adrenaline. The precise role of ascorbic acid has not been completely understood. Ascorbic acid has important biochemical functions with various hydroxylase enzymes in steroid, dmg, andhpid metabohsm. The cytochrome P-450 oxidase catalyzes the conversion of cholesterol to bUe acids and the detoxification process of aromatic dmgs and other xenobiotics, eg, carcinogens, poUutants, and pesticides, in the body (129). The effects of L-ascorbic acid on histamine metabohsm related to scurvy and anaphylactic shock have been investigated (130). Another ceUular reaction involving ascorbic acid is the conversion of folate to tetrahydrofolate. Ascorbic acid has many biochemical functions which affect the immune system of the body (131). 

Hepoxylins are metabolites of arachidonic acid which arise from 12-HPETE in tissues such as pancreatic islet cells (where they stimulate glucose-dependent insulin release) and brain (where they appear to have a neuromodulatory role). The structure of the hepoxylins was confirmed by synthesis which also has provided this scarce material for biological investigation. 

Atterwill, C. K. (1989). Brain reaggregate cultures in netirotoxicological investigations Adap-tational and neurodegenerative processes following lesions. Mo/. Toxicol. 1, 489-502. 

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is produced in the intestine and the brain. It appears to be an important mediator of anxiety. It also stimulates vasopressin secretion and slows gastric emptying. In addition, it is an important humoral satiety signal (appetite control). Various antagonists have been developed and are currently being investigated with regard to their therapeutic potential. 

There are multiple mechanisms known to underlie the neuronal cell damage associated with injury or disease that at least theoretically could be targeted for pharmaceutical intervention. Currently however, there is no clinically available therapeutic agent that can reliably protect the brain from progressive neurodegenerative processes for sustained periods. Due to the extensive amount of preclinical research that has been conducted in recent years, there is a basis for optimism, however, it appears likely that some of these approaches will result in clinically effective therapeutic modalities in the near future. A short overview of some of the investigational approaches to combat neurodegeneration appears below. 

The Ley group also investigated the PS-base/tosyl chloride methodology developed by Brain (see above. Scheme 8) for the synthesis of 2-aminooxadiazoles from semicarbazides, especially with a view to directly synthesize 2-aminosulfonamide substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, a compound class of interest for agrochemical and pharmaceutical apphcations (Scheme 10) [71]. In this case, the choice of the supported base was crucial for the result of the reaction weak bases (PS-DIEA, PS-NMM) could still afford the cyclized 2-aminooxadiazole product, but could not efficiently... 

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