Improved survival of transplanted cortical brain tissue grafts by iloprost in rats

Restorative neurosurgery

Restorative neurosurgery currently is the frontier of neuroscientists for the restoration of lost neuronal function especially in neurodegenerative diseases and ischemic and traumatic central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The striking developments in molecular neurobiology and bio-technology are progressively offering new opportunities for a better quality of life to patients suffering from loss of neuronal function. Besides all new and challenging medical therapeutic interventions, great emphasis is also given to transplantation for neuronal restoration as well.

Morphological assessment in pinealectomy and foetal pineal gland transplantation in rats: Part I

The effects of pineal gland, an endocrine organ known to affect the physiology of various organs and systems including the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis, on the morphological characteristics of target organs were investigated in rats after pinealectomy and foetal pineal gland transplantation to a subpial cortical area close to the pinealectomized region. It was demonstrated that weight gain was significantly slower in pinealectomized male rats (p < 0.01); pituitary gland weight was lower in the pinealectomized group (p < 0.01) and transplantation had no effect on the weight of this organ; weight of adrenal gland and testis were lower after pinealectomy (p < 0.01) but restored back to control levels after transplantation; the mitotic activity in seminiferous tubules increased with pinealectomy and returned back to control indexes after transplantation. Research on hypothalamic catecholaminergic content revealed a diminished histofluorescence in pinealectomized rats which showed a potentiated restoration after transplantation. The innervation of the pineal gland was studied by anterograde and retrograde injections of Wheat Germ Agglutinin Horse Radish Peroxidase from superior cervical ganglion and pineal gland, respectively. It was demonstrated that cell bodies were traced both at the transplanted tissue and hypothalamus. In view of these data, the multifunctional and a probable high level homeostatic harmony regulator essence of pineal gland is discussed.

Behavioural assessment of pinealectomy and foetal pineal gland transplantation in rats: Part II

Pineal gland is an endocrine organ which exerts regulatory effects on the activity of various organs and systems. The present study was undertaken to highlight in experimental animals the possible integrative function of this endocrine organ on a behavioural pattern. Pinealectomy and foetal pineal gland transplantation to a subpial cortical area close to the pinealectomized region was performed. Behaviour was defined through motor activity induced by low (2 mg/kg) and high (10 mg/kg) doses of amphetamine in rats. It was shown that pinealectomy produced significant different patterns of behaviour induced by low and high doses of amphetamine. In sham operated animals low dose amphetamine induced a significant locomotor stimulation but without stereotyped activity. High dose amphetamine induced stereotyped activity. After pinealectomy even low dose amphetamine produced the behavioural pattern of stereotyped activity resembling a high dose amphetamine-induced behaviour. This differential effect of amphetamine, seen in pinealectomized rats, was completely restored after transplantation. On the other hand, melatonin treatment did not generate a significant alteration of behavioural profile either in the control or pinealectomized group of rats. Results are discussed with regard to the general regulatory function of the pineal gland.