Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering最新文献

{"title":"Insights into the Social Determinants of Health in Older Adults.","authors":"Felipe P Perez, Carmen A Perez, Magali N Chumbiauca","doi":"10.4236/jbise.2022.1511023","DOIUrl":"10.4236/jbise.2022.1511023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this paper, we review the social determinants of health in older adults and their complex interrelationship with medical diseases. Also, we provide recommendations to address these determinants in the integrated healthcare plan. The social determinants in older adults and its influence in health outcomes have been studied for decades. There is solid evidence for the interrelationship between social factors and the health of individuals and populations; however, these studies are unable to define their complex interrelatedness. Health is quite variable and depends on multiple biological and social factors such as genetics, country of origin, migrant status, etc. On the other hand, health status can affect social factors such as job or education. Addressing social determinants of health in the integrated healthcare plan is important for improving health outcomes and decreasing existing disparities in older adult health. We recommend a person-centered approach in which individualized interventions should be adopted by organizations to improve the health status of older adults at the national and global level. Some of our practical recommendations to better address the social determinants of health in clinical practice are EHR documentation strategies, screening tools, and the development of linkages to the world outside of the clinic and health system, including social services, community activities, collaborative work, and roles for insurance companies.</p>","PeriodicalId":15173,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering","volume":"15 11","pages":"261-268"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9681180/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40702411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Numerical Analysis and Design of an EMF Birdcage Wearable Device for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Feasibility Study.","authors":"Felipe P Perez,&nbsp;David Michael Arvidson,&nbsp;Tyler Phoenix Taylor,&nbsp;Maryam Rahmani,&nbsp;Maher Rizkalla","doi":"10.4236/jbise.2022.158020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/jbise.2022.158020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, we performed a numerical analysis of a novel EMF Birdcage wearable device for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We designed the new device to generate and radiate a frequency of 64 MHz and a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.6 W/kg to a simulated human brain tissue. We determined these parameters from our experimental studies on primary human brain cultures at the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM). We found that this frequency and SAR decreased the toxic A<i>β</i> levels in the cell cultures. The frequency of 64 MHZ has good skin depth penetration, which will easily pass through the various head layers, including hair, skin, fat, dura, the cerebrospinal (CSF), and grey matter, and reach deeply into the brain tissues. The SAR of 0.6 W/kg was achieved with lower power input and energy, decreasing the probability of thermal injury. Therefore, these parameters enhance the safety of these potential treatments. This Birdcage device emulates a small-scale MRI machine, producing the same 64 MHz frequency at much lower operating input power. In this work, we utilized a high-frequency simulation system (HFSS/EMPro) software to produce the birdcage structure for the required EMF parameters. The 64 MHz radiating frequency produced the scattering S11 parameter of -15 dbs. We obtained a SAR of 0.6 W/kg when an input power of 100 W was applied. The coil dimensions were found to be near 15 cm in height and 22 cm in diameter, which fits in wearable systems. We found that the distribution of the electric field and SAR radiate homogeneously over the simulated human head with good penetration into the brain, which proves to be an appropriate potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":15173,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering","volume":"15 8","pages":"219-227"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9406889/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"33442324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Deciphering the Role of <i>Klf10</i> in the Cerebellum.","authors":"Malek Kammoun,&nbsp;Lydie Nadal-Desbarats,&nbsp;Sandra Même,&nbsp;Aude Lafoux,&nbsp;Corinne Huchet,&nbsp;Géraldine Meyer-Dilhet,&nbsp;Julien Courchet,&nbsp;Frédéric Montigny,&nbsp;Frédéric Szeremeta,&nbsp;William Même,&nbsp;Vladimir Veksler,&nbsp;Jérôme Piquereau,&nbsp;Philippe Pouletaut,&nbsp;Malayannan Subramaniam,&nbsp;John R Hawse,&nbsp;Jean-Marc Constans,&nbsp;Sabine F Bensamoun","doi":"10.4236/jbise.2022.155014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/jbise.2022.155014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recent studies have demonstrated a new role for <i>Klf10</i>, a Krüppel-like transcription factor, in skeletal muscle, specifically relating to mitochondrial function. Thus, it was of interest to analyze additional tissues that are highly reliant on optimal mitochondrial function such as the cerebellum and to decipher the role of <i>Klf10</i> in the functional and structural properties of this brain region. <i>In vivo</i> (magnetic resonance imaging and localized spectroscopy, behavior analysis) and <i>in vitro</i> (histology, spectroscopy analysis, enzymatic activity) techniques were applied to comprehensively assess the cerebellum of wild type (WT) and <i>Klf10</i> knockout (KO) mice. Histology analysis and assessment of locomotion revealed no significant difference in <i>Klf10</i> KO mice. Diffusion and texture results obtained using MRI revealed structural changes in KO mice characterized as defects in the organization of axons. These modifications may be explained by differences in the levels of specific metabolites (<i>myo</i>-inositol, lactate) within the KO cerebellum. Loss of <i>Klf10</i> expression also led to changes in mitochondrial activity as reflected by a significant increase in the activity of citrate synthase, complexes I and IV. In summary, this study has provided evidence that <i>Klf10</i> plays an important role in energy production and mitochondrial function in the cerebellum.</p>","PeriodicalId":15173,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering","volume":"15 5","pages":"140-156"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9733405/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10729954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Eletromagnetic Detection of Mild Brain Injury: A Novel Imaging Approach to Post Concussive Syndrome.","authors":"James Rizkalla,&nbsp;David Botros,&nbsp;Nasser Alqahtani,&nbsp;Mounica Patnala,&nbsp;Paul Salama,&nbsp;Felipe Pablo Perez,&nbsp;Maher Rizkalla","doi":"10.4236/jbise.2021.1411030","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/jbise.2021.1411030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common injury, with nearly 3 - 4 million cases annually in the United States alone. Neuroimaging in patients with mTBI provides little benefit, and is usually not indicated as the diagnosis is primarily clinical. It is theorized that microvascular trauma to the brain may be present in mTBI, that may not be captured by routine MRI and CT scans. Electromagnetic (EM) waves may provide a more sensitive medical imaging modality to provide objective data in the diagnosis of mTBI.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>COMSOL simulation software was utilized to mimic the anatomy of the human skull including skin, cranium, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), gray-matter tissue of the brain, and microvasculature within the neural tissue. The effects of penetrating EM waves were simulated using the finite element analysis software and results were generated to identify feasibility and efficacy. Frequency ranges from 7 GHz to 15 GHz were considered, with 0.6 and 1 W power applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Variations between the differing frequency levels generated different energy levels within the neural tissue-particularly when comparing normal microvasculature versus hemorrhage from microvasculature. This difference within the neural tissue was subsequently identified, via simulation, serving as a potential imaging modality for future work.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The use of electromagnetic imaging of the brain after concussive events may play a role in future mTBI diagnosis. Utilizing the proper depth frequency and wavelength, neural tissue and microvascular trauma may be identified utilizing finite element analysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":15173,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering","volume":"14 11","pages":"347-360"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8641976/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39571948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feasibility of MRI in patients with non-Pacemaker/Defibrillator metallic devices and abandoned leads.","authors":"Prabhakaran P Gopalakrishnan,&nbsp;Loretta Gevenosky,&nbsp;Robert W W Biederman","doi":"10.4236/jbise.2021.143009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/jbise.2021.143009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate feasibility of MRI in patients with non-pacemaker (PM)/ Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) metallic devices and abandoned leads.</p><p><strong>Background: </strong>Relative safety of MRI performed using specified protocol has been established in MR non-conditional PM/ICDs. With limited safety data, many non-PM/ICD metallic devices and abandoned leads continue to be a contraindication for MRI.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with extra-cardiac devices, non-programmable cardiac devices, and abandoned leads, who underwent MRI (GE 1.5 Tesla, WI) at a single tertiary care center over a span of 13 years. Scan protocol was designed to maintain specific absorption rate (SAR) < 4.0 W/kg and scan time < 60 minutes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cohort comprised 127 MRI exams representing 94 patients, with 13 patients having two or more scans. The devices consisted of: 23 vagal nerve stimulators (VNS), 22 implantable loop recorders, 16 spinal stimulators, 5 peripheral nerve stimulators, 3 bladder stimulators, 2 deep brain stimulators, 1 gastric stimulator, 1 bone stimulator, 1 WATCHMAN device, 22 abandoned PM/lCD leads and 1 VNS lead. There was no immediate (peri-MRI exam) morbidity or mortality. Patients did not report any discomfort, palpitations, heating, or sensation of device migration during the exam. Local follow-up data was available in 65% (100% for thoracic imaging) with a mean of 190±475 days (median 13 days). No device malfunction reported during follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>With appropriate precautions, MRI is feasible in patients with extracardiac devices, nonprogrammable cardiac devices, and abandoned leads.</p>","PeriodicalId":15173,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering","volume":"14 3","pages":"83-93"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7993908/pdf/nihms-1682336.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"25526956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Single-Use Bag Valve Masks: Evaluation of Device Design and Residual Bioburden Analytical Methods.","authors":"Sarah Zemitis,&nbsp;Melinda Harman,&nbsp;Zachary Hargett,&nbsp;Donna Weinbrenner","doi":"10.4236/jbise.2018.119019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/jbise.2018.119019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>A recent survey of in-hospital reprocessing in Tanzanian hospitals identified bag-valve masks (BVM) as a commonly reused single-use device. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), in-hospital reprocessing supports neonatal resuscitation strategies by helping to maintain adequate supplies of BVM. However, there is a need for device-specific protocols defining reprocessing procedures and inspection criteria to overcome variations in reprocessing practices between hospitals. The purposes of this study were: 1) to complete a comprehensive design review and identify challenges to reprocessing BVMs; and 2) to investigate three different residual bioburden analysis methods for assessing the efficacy of decontaminating a disposable BVM.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>New, unused bag-valve-masks were contaminated with <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i> and Artificial Mucus Soil to simulate the worst case soiling conditions. Devices underwent one of five disinfection protocols, including one currently used in a LMIC hospital. Three analytical (two quantitative and one qualitative) methods were selected to evaluate residual bioburden on the device following decontamination.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of all protocols tested, only the positive control and the Soap and Bleach protocols met disinfection targets. Most cleaning outcomes were consistent from trial to trial for each protocol. However, cleaning outcomes varied greatly for the Alcohol Wipe protocol. For the residual bioburden analyses, the two quantitative methods produced similar results, but the qualitative measurement exhibited increased variability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While this study revealed positive disinfection outcomes for the Tanzanian hospital decontamination protocol, more studies are required to support these findings. Design features of the BVM mask presented challenges to cleaning and drying during different decontamination protocols, as seen in the variability in the Alcohol Wipe protocol performance. These findings support the case for a device-specific protocol for the BVM. Given proper hospital personnel training and available resources, in-hospital reprocessing could support neonatal resuscitation strategies and other demands for manual resuscitation by helping to maintain adequate supplies of BVM.</p>","PeriodicalId":15173,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering","volume":"11 9","pages":"235-246"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7394296/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"38228160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of an Artificial Finger-Like Knee Loading Device to Promote Bone Health.","authors":"Sandeep Korupolu, Stanley Chien, Hiroki Yokota, Sohel Anwar","doi":"10.4236/jbise.2017.1011041","DOIUrl":"10.4236/jbise.2017.1011041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study presents the development of an innovative artificial finger-like device that provides position specific mechanical loads at the end of the long bone and induces mechanotransduction in bone. Bone cells such as osteoblasts are the mechanosensitive cells that regulate bone remodelling. When they receive gentle, periodic mechanical loads, new bone formation is promoted. The proposed device is an under-actuated multi-fingered artificial hand with 4 fingers, each having two phalanges. These fingers are connected by mechanical linkages and operated by a worm gearing mechanism. With the help of 3D printing technology, a prototype device was built mostly using plastic materials. The experimental validation results show that the device is capable of generating necessary forces at the desired frequencies, which are suitable for the stimulation of bone cells and the promotion of bone formation. It is recommended that the device be tested in a clinical study for confirming its safety and efficacy with patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":15173,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering","volume":"10 11","pages":"550-561"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6217823/pdf/nihms967528.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"36704514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antenna Design and SAR Analysis on Human Head Phantom Simulation for Future Clinical Applications.","authors":"Felipe Pablo Perez, Joseph Paul Bandeira, Jorge J Morisaki, Seshasai Vamsi Krishna Peddinti, Paul Salama, James Rizkalla, Maher E Rizkalla","doi":"10.4236/jbise.2017.109032","DOIUrl":"10.4236/jbise.2017.109032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The rapid development of a variety of devices that emit Radiofrequency Electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) has sparked growing interest in their interaction with biological systems and the beneficial effects on human health. As a result, investigations have been driven by the potential for therapeutic applications, as well as concern for any possible negative health implications of these EM energies [1-4]. Recent results have indicated specific tuning of experimental and clinical RF exposure may lead to their clinical application toward beneficial health outcomes [5].</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>In the current study, a mathematical and computer simulation model to analyze a specific RF-EMF exposure on a human head model was developed. Impetus for this research was derived from results of our previous experiments which revealed that Repeated Electromagnetic Field Stimulation (REMFS) decreased the toxic levels of beta amyloid (A<i>β</i>) in neuronal cells, thereby suggesting a new potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Throughout development of the proposed device, experimental variables such as the EM frequency range, specific absorption rate (SAR), penetration depth, and innate properties of different tissues have been carefully considered.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>RF-EMF exposure to the human head phantom was performed utilizing a Yagi-Uda antenna type possessing high gain (in the order of 10 dbs) at a frequency of 64 MHz and SAR of 0.6 W/Kg. In order to maximize the EM power transmission in one direction, directors were placed in front of the driven element and reflectors were placed behind the driven element. So as to strategically direct the EM field into the center of the brain tissue, while providing field linearity, our analysis considered the field distribution for one versus four antennas. Within the provided dimensions of a typical human brain, results of the Bioheat equation within COMSOL Multiphysics version 5.2a software demonstrated less than a 1 m˚K increase from the absorbed EM power.</p>","PeriodicalId":15173,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering","volume":"10 9","pages":"421-430"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2017-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5613941/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"35453098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The P2Y₂ Receptor Interacts with VE-Cadherin and VEGF Receptor-2 to Regulate Rac1 Activity in Endothelial Cells.","authors":"Zhongji Liao,&nbsp;Chen Cao,&nbsp;Jianjie Wang,&nbsp;Virginia H Huxley,&nbsp;Olga Baker,&nbsp;Gary A Weisman,&nbsp;Laurie Erb","doi":"10.4236/jbise.2014.714109","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/jbise.2014.714109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) mediates homophylic adhesion between endothelial cells and is an important regulator of angiogenesis, blood vessel permeability and leukocyte trafficking. Rac1, a member of the Rho family of GTPases, controls VE-cadherin adhesion by acting downstream of several growth factors, including angiopoietin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Here we show that UTP-induced activation of the G_q protein-coupled P2Y₂ nucleotide receptor (P2Y₂R) in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) activated Rac1 and caused a transient complex to form between P2Y₂R, VE-cadherin and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). Knockdown of VE-cadherin expression with siRNA did not affect UTP-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) but led to a loss of UTP-induced Rac1 activation and tyrosine phosphorylation of p120 catenin, a cytoplasmic protein known to interact with VE-cadherin. Activation of the P2Y₂R by UTP also caused a prolonged interaction between p120 catenin and vav2 (a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rac) that correlated with the kinetics of UTP-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of p120 catenin and VE-cadherin. Inhibitors of VEGFR-2 (SU1498) or Src (PP2) significantly diminished UTP-induced Rac1 activation, tyrosine phosphorylation of p120 catenin and VE-cadherin, and association of the P2Y₂R with VE-cadherin and p120 catenin with vav2. These findings suggest that the P2Y₂R uses Src and VEGFR-2 to mediate association of the P2Y₂R with VE-cadherin complexes in endothelial adherens junctions to activate Rac1.</p>","PeriodicalId":15173,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering","volume":"7 14","pages":"1105-1121"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4314728/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"33033268","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differential expression of mGluR2 in the developing cerebral cortex of the mouse.","authors":"Pooja S Venkatadri,&nbsp;Charles C Lee","doi":"10.4236/jbise.2014.713100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/jbise.2014.713100","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Glutamatergic synaptic transmission is an essential component of neural circuits in the central nervous system. Glutamate exerts its effects by binding to various types of glutamate receptors, which are found distributed on neurons throughout the central nervous system. These receptors are broadly classified into two main groups, ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Unlike iGluRs, the mGluRs are G-protein coupled receptors that exert their effects on postsynaptic membrane conductance indirectly through the downstream modification of ion channels. A subtype of mGluRs, the Group II mGluRs, are particularly interesting since their activation by glutamate results in a hyperpolarizing response. Thus, glutamate can act potentially as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, by binding to postsynaptic Group II mGluRs. Given the potential importance of these receptors in synaptic processing, the development of the central nervous system, and neurological disorders, we sought to characterize the expression of mGluR2 in the developing neocortex of the mouse. Therefore, we examined the distribution of mGluR2 in the developing cerebral cortex. We found a general caudal to rostral gradient in the expression of these receptors, with ventral cortical regions labeled caudally and dorsal regions labeled rostrally. Limbic regions highly expressed mGluR2 throughout the brain, as did sensory and motor cortical areas. Finally, other non-cortical structures, such as the thalamic reticular nucleus, amygdala, and mammillary bodies were found to have significant expression of the receptor. These results suggest that mGluR2 may play important roles in mediating glutamatergic inhibition in these structures and also could have a role in shaping the development of mature neural networks in the forebrain.</p>","PeriodicalId":15173,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering","volume":"7 13","pages":"1030-1037"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4235154/pdf/nihms641358.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"32830021","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}