Endogenous Sensitizers

Laruelle M (2000) The role of endogenous sensitization in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia Implications from recent bram imaging studies. Brain Res Brain Res Rev 31 371—384. 

Radiometric detection technology offers high sensitivity and specificity for many appUcations in scientific research. The radioactive emission of the labeled compound is easily detected and does not suffer from interference from endogenous radioactivity in the sample. Because of this unique property, labeled compounds can be used as tracers to study the localization, movement, or transformation of molecules in complex experimental systems. 

A critical step in radioprotection involves the IL-1 receptors. Monoclonal antibodies to the type 1 IL-1 receptor block IL-l-induced radioprotection (167). Although this receptor is not present on BM cells, it is present on fibroblasts, which suggests that the effects of IL-1 on stem cells maybe largely indirect and mediated by stromal cell activation (168). Anti-IL-1 receptor (type 1) also sensitizes normal mice to the effects of TBI, which suggests that endogenous IL-1 has an intrinsic radioprotective role. IL-6 induction by IL-1, but not CSF levels, is inhibited, which supports the concept that G-CSF and GM-CSF are insufficient by themselves at radioprotecting stem cells and indicates a contributory role for IL-6. Anti-IL-6 antibody blocks IL-1 and TNF-induced radioprotection and also decreases the intrinsic radioresistance of mice, as does anti-TNF- a (169). 

Subtype, often refers to a receptor and denotes a variation in the gene product such that the endogenous ligand is the same (i.e., neurotransmitter, hormone) but the function, distribution, and sensitivity of the receptor subtypes differ. Antagonists often can distinguish receptor subtypes. 

Antidepressants are used in the treatment of neuropathic pain and headache. They include the classic tricyclic compounds and are divided into nonselective nor-adrenaline/5-HT reuptake inhibitors (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine, clomipramine, venlafaxine), preferential noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (e.g., desipramine, nortriptyline) and selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (e.g., citalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine). The reuptake block leads to a stimulation of endogenous monoaminer-gic pain inhibition in the spinal cord and brain. In addition, tricyclics have NMDA receptor antagonist, endogenous opioid enhancing, Na+ channel blocking, and K+ channel opening effects which can suppress peripheral and central sensitization. Block of cardiac ion channels by tricyclics can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. The selective 5-HT transporter inhibitors have a different side effect profile and are safer in cases of overdose [3]. 

Identity of action. The proposed NT must produce effects postsynaptically which are identical physiologically (appropriate membrane potential changes) and pharmacologically (sensitivity to antagonists) to that produced by neuronal stimulation and the relased endogenous NT. 

Modern sensitive chromatographic and voltammetric techniques now make it possible to estimate the release of unlabelled endogenous transmitter from slices of brain tissue (commonly the hippocampus and striatum) or spinal cord (Fig. 4.4). However, whatever analytical method is used, the thickness of the slice is paramount. It is important to maintain the balance between preserving the integrity of the tissue (the thicker the slice, the better) against maintaining tissue viability by perfusion with oxygenated aCSF (the thinner the slice, the better). 

Endogenous estrogens are known to be active in a number of areas of the brain. There are indications that estrogens may play a role in mood, locomotor activity, pain sensitivity, vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases and cognition (McEwan, 1999). In humans, the blood brain barrier is not fiilly developed at birth and, for this reason, the central nervous system (CNS) may be more sensitive to phytoestrogens in utero or at birth. As ERs are expressed in the CNS, phytoestrogens may also be active in this area. 

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