Biochemical study on rat brain in acute carbon monoxide poisoning

Environmental risk factors for multiple sclerosis: a review with a focus on molecular mechanisms

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disabling disease of the central nervous system commonly affecting young adults. Pathologically, there are patches of inflammation (plaques) with demyelination of axons and oligodendrocyte loss. There is a global latitude gradient in MS prevalence, and incidence of MS is increasing (particularly in females). These changes suggest a major role for environmental factors in causation of disease. We have reviewed the evidence and potential mechanisms of action for three exposures: vitamin D, Epstein Barr virus and cigarette smoking. Recent advances supporting gene-environment interactions are reviewed. Further research is needed to establish mechanisms of causality in humans and to explore preventative strategies.

Cerebral infarction due to carotid occlusion and carbon monoxide exposure. I. Pathophysiological and neuropathological investigations

Ligation of one common carotid artery and exposure to carbon monoxide has proved to be a reliable method of producing unilateral cerebral infarcts in the rat, allowing controlled experiments in any given sample size. Pathophysiological measurements in awake and narcotized rats has shown that, in contrast to hypoxic hypoxia, the carbon monoxide-induced functional anaemia (3000 ppm in room air) did not stimulate chemoreceptors, thus causing a severe systemic hypotension owing to peripheral vascular dilatation. This hypotension is likely to represent the main pathogenetic factor in this model. An inhibition of ferro-enzymes by carbon monoxide did not seem to be involved. The only cause of death was shown to be diffuse ipsilateral brain oedema with or without extra-vasation of serum proteins. The EEG, the systemic arterial pressure, rotational behaviour, and carotidal stump pressure proved to be reliable predictors of outcome.