Annals of Neurosciences, Vol 14, No 4 (2007)
Annals of Neurosciences, Volume 14, Issue 4 (October), 2007
Editorial Message
Dear Colleagues,
It gives me great pleasure to place before you the October issue of the journal, which is also the last issue for the current year. It contains 5 articles (2 original articles, 2 review articles, and 1 case report). It is encouraging to note that one of these articles is from overseas.
Lipid peroxidation has been reported as one of the key factors in the etiology of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases including cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion. Experimental HNE exposure provides an intriguing model of toxicant-cell interactions in which, depending upon the exposure regimen and concentrations of HNE, cytotoxicity mediated oxidative stress may be reversible or lead to neurodegeneration. Siddiqui et al., have carried out investigations to study the influences of cytotoxic doses of 4-Hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE) on the expression of various neurotransmitters in PC-12 cells. There finding support the conclusion that PC-cells have a particular vulnerability to cytotoxic concentrations of HNE.
The canine acral model of OCD is a spontaneously occurring disease in dogs with many behavioural and compulsive features similar to human OCD. It is considered to be a superior animal model of OCD with a potential for use in new drug development. Jose et al., have carried out investigations to assess the predictive validity of VPA induced rat WDS model and its ability to identify potential OCD drugs as well as see the effects of single dose and chronic administration of clomipramine and fluoxetine are reproducible as seen with clinical response of these drugs in OCD. The acute decrease of WDS in clomipramine group appear to be due to its anticholinergic effects while during the chronic condition, the effect of fluoxetine may be due to the 5-HT down regulation.
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) result in devastating motor and sensory deficits, however the development of chronic neuropathic pain (NP) may be even more debilitating than the functional deficit. The development of some degree of central NP is believed to occur in the majority of SCI patients and may cause significant discomfort and disability in many areas of a patient's life. The cellular and molecular mechanisms in the development of pain are poorly understood. Many recent advances give hope for future success in the treatment of SCI and associated pain syndromes. Cain et al., have reviewed the current experimental models of SCI and chronic NP.
Melatonin is a free radical scavenger, powerful antioxidant and immunomodulatory agent. Its natural occurance, neuroregenerative properties and lack of serious toxicity has evoked hopes that it might be used as a promising drug in the near future for neurological disorders. Therapeutic trials with melatonin have been effective in slowing down the progression of same neurodegenerative disorders. Jain and Bhatnagar have reviewed the role of this controversial biomolecule.
Singh et al., report an interesting family of possible toxic neuropathy. Organophosphate intoxication as well as arsenic poisoning were considered however, the cause could not be confirmed.
Dr Rakesh Shukla
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