CaV2.1 channels conduct P/Q-type Ca2+ currents that are modulated by calmodulin (CaM) and the structurally related Ca2+-binding protein 1 (CaBP1). Visinin-like protein-2 (VILIP-2) is a CaM-related Ca2+-binding protein expressed in the neocortex and hippocampus. Coexpression of CaV2.1 and VILIP-2 in tsA-201 cells resulted in Ca2+ channel modulation distinct from CaM and CaBP1. CaV2.1 channels wi...

We examined the hypothesis that exposure of nondiabetic rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to sera from diabetic BB/W rats would produce an increase in calcium currents associated with impaired regulation of the inhibitory G protein-calcium channel complex. Acutely dissociated rat DRGs were incubated for 18-24 h in medium supplemented with sera (10% vol/vol) from either diabetic rats with n...

this commentary considers the vexed question of whether or not we should be spending time and resources on using multifaceted interventions to undertake implementation of evidence in healthcare. a review of systematic reviews has suggested that simple interventions may be just as effective as those taking a multifaceted approach. taking cognisance of the promoting action on research implementat...

Hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells receive two independent afferents from the enthorinal cortex, i.e. a direct input via the temporoammonic pathway (TA, perforant path) and an indirect input via the mossy fibres (MF) of dentate granule cells. In spite of past suggestions that the TA is assigned an important role in exciting the pyramidal cells, little is known about their physiological properties....

The hippocampal commissural system has recently been found to participate in the generation of mirror foci after kainate-induced epileptiform discharges. In the present study we have evaluated the electrophysiological alterations in the ventral commissural hippocampal system that originates in the pyramidal CA3 cells and connects to the contralateral CA3 pyramidal cells. The recordings were per...

Interactions between the ventral premotor (PMv) and the primary motor cortex (M1) are crucial for transforming an object's geometrical properties, such as its size and shape, into a motor command suitable for grasp of the object. Recently, we showed that PMv interacts with M1 in a specific fashion, depending on the hand posture. However, the functional connectivity between PMv and M1 during the...

Intracortical inhibition (ICI) and facilitation (ICF) of the human motor cortex can be induced by paired transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Although demonstrated in experimental animals, the existence of intracortical inhibitory and excitatory circuits in parietal sensory cortex has not been documented in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of paired TMS of the pa...

OBJECTIVE To examine the mechanisms of disuse-induced plasticity following long-term limb immobilization. METHODS We studied 9 subjects, who underwent left upper limb immobilization for unilateral wrist fractures. All subjects were examined immediately after splint removal. Cortical motor maps, resting motor threshold (RMT), motor evoked potential (MEP) latency and MEP recruitment curves were...

Mouse Alzheimer's disease (AD) models develop age- and region-specific pathology throughout the hippocampal formation. One recently established pathological correlate is an increase in hippocampal excitability in vivo. Hippocampal pathology also produces episodic memory decline in human AD and we have shown a similar episodic deficit in 3xTg AD model mice aged 3-6 months. Here, we tested whethe...