The spinal cord

In recent years considerable attention has been paid to the relationship between the biological functions of substance P and the physiological effects of capsaicin. For details of the current state of knowledge regarding this peptide, the reader is referred to an excellent review on the subject by Nicoll et at. (1980). Of direct interest here is the demonstration of the 

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Neurotensin. This hormone has been isolated and characterized from acid—acetone extracts of bovine hypothalamus (118) on the basis of its hypotensive activity. Immunoreactive neurotensin is present in mammalian gut and is distributed throughout the central nervous system its highest concentration is in the hypothalamus and in the substantia gelatinosa of the spinal cord (119). Its overall brain distribution is not unlike that of enkephalin ( ) ... 

As a neurotransmitter in the sensory nervous system, high levels of substance P are found in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord as well as in peripheral sensory nerve terminals. However, substance P also plays a significant role as a neuromodulator in the central, sympathetic, and enteric nervous system. NKA and NKB are also localized selectively in the CNS. 

The human body has more than 600 muscles. The body s movement is performed by muscle contractions, which are stimulated by the nervous system. This system links muscle tissue to the spinal cord and brain. The network of nerve cells which carries the brain s signals directs the flow of muscular energy. Most muscular activity occurs beyond the range of the conscious mind. The body, working through the neuromuscular network, manages... 

Water-soluble contrast media (CM) are preferred because of effective mixing with CSF, plus the radiopaque is absorbed and effectively excreted in the urine, and does not have to be physically removed from the subarachnoid space after the procedure. Sodium methiodal, the first water-soluble agent used for myelography, produced neurotoxicity problems when exposed to the cells of the spinal cord and brain, thus limiting utility to the lumbar region and requiring the appHcation of spinal or general anesthesia. 

Picrotoxin has been instmmental in estabUshing an inhibitory neurotransmitter role for the amino acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), quantitatively the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian CNS. Whereas glycine is predominately localized in the spinal cord, GABA... 

Neurological symptoms result from demyelination of the spinal cord and are potentially irreversible. The symptoms and signs characteristic of a vitamin B 2 deficiency include paresthesis of the hands and feet, decreased deep-tendon reflexes, unsteadiness, and potential psychiatric problems such as moodiness, hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis. Neuropsychiatric disorders sometimes develop independently of the anemia, particularly in elderly patients. Visual loss may develop as a result of optic atrophy. 

Codeine (morphine methyl ether) resembles morphine in its general effect, but is less toxic and its depressant action less marked and less prolonged, whilst its stimulating action involves not only the spinal cord, but also the lower parts of the brain. In small doses in man it induces sleep, which is not so deep as that caused by morphine, and in large doses it causes restlessness and increased reflex excitability rather than sleep. The respiration is slowed less than by morphine (cf. table, p. 261). Cases of addiction for codeine can occur but according to Wolff they are rare. The best known ethers of morphine are ethylmorphine and benzyl-morphine [cf., table, p. 261), both used to replace morphine or codeine for special purposes. 

Peters s results for corycavine and corycavamine indicate that these two alkaloids produce narcosis in frogs followed by paralysis of the spinal cord, and in mammals increased secretion of tears and saliva and epileptiform convulsions without increase of reflex irritability they also adversely affect the heart. ... 

In the early 1930 s, when the prime research aim was the commercial synthesis of the sex hormones (whose structures had just been elucidated), the principal raw material available was cholesterol extracted from the spinal cord or brain of cattle or from sheep wool grease. This sterol (as its 3-acetate 5,6-dibromide) was subjected to a rather drastic chromic acid oxidation, which produced a variety of acidic, ketonic and hydroxylated products derived mainly by attack on the alkyl side-chain. The principal ketonic material, 3j -hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one, was obtained in yields of only about 7% another useful ketone, 3 -hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one (pregnenolone) was obtained in much lower yield. The chief acidic product was 3j -hydroxy-androst-5-ene-17j -carboxylic acid. All three of these materials were then further converted by various chemical transformations into steroid hormones and synthetic analogs ... 

CNS (Central Nervous System). The brain and the spinal cord. CNS stimulant. A drug that counteracts fatigue and somnolence. 

ALS is a disorder of the motor neurons and the cortical neurons that provide their input. The disorder is characterized by rapidly progressive weakness and muscle atrophy. Most affected patients die of respiratory compromise and pneumonia after 2 to 3 years. There is prominent loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem although the oculomotor neurons are spared. Large pyramidal motor neurons in layer V of motor cortex, which are the origin of the descending corticospinal tracts, are also lost. 

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]. 

Amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS) 3. AEA and 2-AG increase in the spinal cord of SOD1 transgenic mice, a model of ALS, to inhibit disease progress 3. CB2 receptor agonists or inhibitors of degradation... 

The epidural space surrounds the dura mater of the spinal cord. It is bounded by the pedicles of the vertebral arches and by the anterior and posterior ligaments connecting the bony vertebral column. The epidural space contains nerve roots, fat, and blood vessels. 

The intrathecal space is located between the arachnoid and the pia mater of the spinal cord. It contains the cerebrospinal fluid, spinal nerves and blood vessels. 

The locus cemleus is important for the regulation of attentional states and autonomic nervous system activity. It has also been implicated in the autonomic and stress-like effects of opiate withdrawal. A noradrenergic pathway originating from the locus cemleus which descends into the spinal cord is part of the descending inhibitory control system, which has an inhibitory effect on nociceptive transmission in the dorsal horn. 

A high concentration of DOPs is found in the olfactory bulb, the neocortex, caudate putamen, and in the spinal cord, but they are also present in the gastrointestinal tract and other peripheral tissues. The functional roles of DOP are less clearly established than for MOP they may have a role in analgesia, gastrointestinal motility, mood and behaviour as well as in cardiovascular regulation [2]. 

According to the NC-IUPHAR Subcommittee on Opioid Receptois it was proposed to term ORL-1 recqrtor as NOP receptor [1]. The human NOP receptor gene encodes a protein of370 amino acids. Splice valiants have been found in the human and mouse NOP recqrtor with no known functional significance. NOP receptors are widely distributed throughout the brain and in the spinal cord. They are also present in immune cells. A functional role for N/OFQ has been proposed in nociception, locomotoric activity, reward, stress, and immunomodulation. 

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