@article{UeceylerKewenigKittelSchneideretal.2015, author = {{\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Kewenig, Susanne and Kittel-Schneider, Sarah and Fallgatter, Andreas J. and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Increased cortical activation upon painful stimulation in fibromyalgia syndrome}, series = {BMC Neurology}, volume = {15}, journal = {BMC Neurology}, number = {210}, doi = {10.1186/s12883-015-0472-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125230}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Background Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and associated symptoms. We investigated cerebral activation in FMS patients by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Methods Two stimulation paradigms were applied: a) painful pressure stimulation at the dorsal forearm; b) verbal fluency test (VFT). We prospectively recruited 25 FMS patients, ten patients with unipolar major depression (MD) without pain, and 35 healthy controls. All patients underwent neurological examination and all subjects were investigated with questionnaires (pain, depression, FMS, empathy). Results FMS patients had lower pressure pain thresholds than patients with MD and controls (p < 0.001) and reported higher pain intensity (p < 0.001). Upon unilateral pressure pain stimulation fNIRS recordings revealed increased bilateral cortical activation in FMS patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). FMS patients also displayed a stronger contralateral activity over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in direct comparison to patients with MD (p < 0.05). While all three groups performed equally well in the VFT, a frontal deficit in cortical activation was only found in patients with depression (p < 0.05). Performance and cortical activation correlated negatively in FMS patients (p < 0.05) and positively in patients with MD (p < 0.05). Conclusion Our data give further evidence for altered central nervous processing in patients with FMS and the distinction between FMS and MD.}, language = {en} } @article{HornBaumannPereiraetal.2012, author = {Horn, Michael and Baumann, Reto and Pereira, Jorge A. and Sidiropoulos, P{\´a}ris N. M. and Somandin, Christian and Welzl, Hans and Stendel, Claudia and L{\"u}hmann, Tessa and Wessig, Carsten and Toyka, Klaus V. and Relvas, Jo{\~a}o B. and Senderek, Jan and Suter, Ueli}, title = {Myelin is dependent on the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type 4H disease culprit protein FRABIN/FGD4 in Schwann cells}, series = {Brain}, volume = {135}, journal = {Brain}, doi = {10.1093/brain/aws275}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125390}, pages = {3567-3583}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Studying the function and malfunction of genes and proteins associated with inherited forms of peripheral neuropathies has provided multiple clues to our understanding of myelinated nerves in health and disease. Here, we have generated a mouse model for the peripheral neuropathy Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4H by constitutively disrupting the mouse orthologue of the suspected culprit gene FGD4 that encodes the small RhoGTPase Cdc42-guanine nucleotide exchange factor Frabin. Lack of Frabin/Fgd4 causes dysmyelination in mice in early peripheral nerve development, followed by profound myelin abnormalities and demyelination at later stages. At the age of 60 weeks, this was accompanied by electrophysiological deficits. By crossing mice carrying alleles of Frabin/Fgd4 flanked by loxP sequences with animals expressing Cre recombinase in a cell type-specific manner, we show that Schwann cell-autonomous Frabin/Fgd4 function is essential for proper myelination without detectable primary contributions from neurons. Deletion of Frabin/Fgd4 in Schwann cells of fully myelinated nerve fibres revealed that this protein is not only required for correct nerve development but also for accurate myelin maintenance. Moreover, we established that correct activation of Cdc42 is dependent on Frabin/Fgd4 function in healthy peripheral nerves. Genetic disruption of Cdc42 in Schwann cells of adult myelinated nerves resulted in myelin alterations similar to those observed in Frabin/Fgd4-deficient mice, indicating that Cdc42 and the Frabin/Fgd4-Cdc42 axis are critical for myelin homeostasis. In line with known regulatory roles of Cdc42, we found that Frabin/Fgd4 regulates Schwann cell endocytosis, a process that is increasingly recognized as a relevant mechanism in peripheral nerve pathophysiology. Taken together, our results indicate that regulation of Cdc42 by Frabin/Fgd4 in Schwann cells is critical for the structure and function of the peripheral nervous system. In particular, this regulatory link is continuously required in adult fully myelinated nerve fibres. Thus, mechanisms regulated by Frabin/Fgd4-Cdc42 are promising targets that can help to identify additional regulators of myelin development and homeostasis, which may crucially contribute also to malfunctions in different types of peripheral neuropathies.}, language = {en} } @article{WalterReilichThieleetal.2013, author = {Walter, Maggie C. and Reilich, Peter and Thiele, Simone and Schessl, Joachim and Schreiber, Herbert and Reiners, Karlheinz and Kress, Wolfram and M{\"u}ller-Reible, Clemens and Vorgerd, Matthias and Urban, Peter and Schrank, Bertold and Deschauer, Marcus and Schlotter-Weigel, Beate and Kohnen, Ralf and Lochm{\"u}ller, Hans}, title = {Treatment of dysferlinopathy with deflazacort: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial}, series = {Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases}, volume = {8}, journal = {Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases}, number = {26}, issn = {1750-1172}, doi = {10.1186/1750-1172-8-26}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125663}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: Dysferlinopathies are autosomal recessive disorders caused by mutations in the dysferlin (DYSF) gene encoding the dysferlin protein. DYSF mutations lead to a wide range of muscular phenotypes, with the most prominent being Miyoshi myopathy (MM) and limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B). Methods: We assessed the one-year-natural course of dysferlinopathy, and the safety and efficacy of deflazacort treatment in a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial. After one year of natural course without intervention, 25 patients with genetically defined dysferlinopathy were randomized to receive deflazacort and placebo for six months each (1 mg/kg/day in month one, 1 mg/kg every 2nd day during months two to six) in one of two treatment sequences. Results: During one year of natural course, muscle strength declined about 2\% as measured by CIDD (Clinical Investigation of Duchenne Dystrophy) score, and 76 Newton as measured by hand-held dynamometry. Deflazacort did not improve muscle strength. In contrast, there is a trend of worsening muscle strength under deflazacort treatment, which recovers after discontinuation of the study drug. During deflazacort treatment, patients showed a broad spectrum of steroid side effects. Conclusion: Deflazacort is not an effective therapy for dysferlinopathies, and off-label use is not warranted. This is an important finding, since steroid treatment should not be administered in patients with dysferlinopathy, who may be often misdiagnosed as polymyositis.}, language = {en} } @article{KarleSchueleKlebeetal.2013, author = {Karle, Kathrin N. and Sch{\"u}le, Rebecca and Klebe, Stephan and Otto, Susanne and Frischholz, Christian and Liepelt-Scarfone, Inga and Sch{\"o}ls, Ludger}, title = {Electrophysiological characterisation of motor and sensory tracts in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP)}, series = {Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases}, volume = {8}, journal = {Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases}, number = {158}, issn = {1750-1172}, doi = {10.1186/1750-1172-8-158}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124763}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are characterised by lower limb spasticity due to degeneration of the corticospinal tract. We set out for an electrophysiological characterisation of motor and sensory tracts in patients with HSP. Methods: We clinically and electrophysiologically examined a cohort of 128 patients with genetically confirmed or clinically probable HSP. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to arms and legs, somato-sensory evoked potentials of median and tibial nerves, and nerve conduction studies of tibial, ulnar, sural, and radial nerves were assessed. Results: Whereas all patients showed clinical signs of spastic paraparesis, MEPs were normal in 27\% of patients and revealed a broad spectrum with axonal or demyelinating features in the others. This heterogeneity can at least in part be explained by different underlying genotypes, hinting for distinct pathomechanisms in HSP subtypes. In the largest subgroup, SPG4, an axonal type of damage was evident. Comprehensive electrophysiological testing disclosed a more widespread affection of long fibre tracts involving peripheral nerves and the sensory system in 40\%, respectively. Electrophysiological abnormalities correlated with the severity of clinical symptoms. Conclusions: Whereas HSP is primarily considered as an upper motoneuron disorder, our data suggest a more widespread affection of motor and sensory tracts in the central and peripheral nervous system as a common finding in HSP. The distribution patterns of electrophysiological abnormalities were associated with distinct HSP genotypes and could reflect different underlying pathomechanisms. Electrophysiological measures are independent of symptomatic treatment and may therefore serve as a reliable biomarker in upcoming HSP trials.}, language = {en} } @article{HansenKahnZelleretal.2015, author = {Hansen, Niels and Kahn, Ann-Kathrin and Zeller, Daniel and Katsarava, Zaza and Sommer, Claudia and {\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan}, title = {Amplitudes of pain-related evoked potentials are useful to detect small fiber involvement in painful mixed fiber neuropathies in addition to quantitative sensory testing - an electrophysiological study}, series = {Frontiers in Neurology}, volume = {6}, journal = {Frontiers in Neurology}, doi = {10.3389/fneur.2015.00244}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-124824}, pages = {244}, year = {2015}, abstract = {To investigate the usefulness of pain-related evoked potentials (PREP) elicited by electrical stimulation for the identification of small fiber involvement in patients with mixed fiber neuropathy (MFN). Eleven MFN patients with clinical signs of large fiber impairment and neuropathic pain and ten healthy controls underwent clinical and electrophysiological evaluation. Small fiber function, electrical conductivity and morphology were examined by quantitative sensory testing (QST), PREP, and skin punch biopsy. MFN was diagnosed following clinical and electrophysiological examination (chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy: n = 6; vasculitic neuropathy: n = 3; chronic axonal ­neuropathy: n = 2). The majority of patients with MFN characterized their pain by descriptors that mainly represent C-fiber-mediated pain. In QST, patients displayed elevated cold, warm, mechanical, and vibration detection thresholds and cold pain thresholds indicative of MFN. PREP amplitudes in patients correlated with cold (p < 0.05) and warm detection thresholds (p < 0.05). Burning pain and the presence of par-/dysesthesias correlated negatively with PREP amplitudes (p < 0.05). PREP amplitudes correlating with cold and warm detection thresholds, burning pain, and par-/dysesthesias support employing PREP amplitudes as an additional tool in conjunction with QST for detecting small fiber impairment in patients with MFN.}, language = {en} } @article{WestermaierKoehlerLinsenmannetal.2015, author = {Westermaier, Thomas and Koehler, Stefan and Linsenmann, Thomas and Kinderlen, Michael and Pakos, Paul and Ernestus, Ralf-Ingo}, title = {Intraoperative Myelography in Cervical Multilevel Stenosis Using 3D Rotational Fluoroscopy: Assessment of Feasibility and Image Quality}, series = {Radiology Research and Practice}, volume = {2015}, journal = {Radiology Research and Practice}, doi = {10.1155/2015/498936}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125779}, pages = {498936}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Background. Intraoperative myelography has been reported for decompression control in multilevel lumbar disease. Cervical myelography is technically more challenging. Modern 3D fluoroscopy may provide a new opportunity supplying multiplanar images. This study was performed to determine the feasibility and image quality of intraoperative cervical myelography using a 3D fluoroscope. Methods. The series included 9 patients with multilevel cervical stenosis. After decompression, 10 mL of water-soluble contrast agent was administered via a lumbar drainage and the operating table was tilted. Thereafter, a 3D fluoroscopy scan (O-Arm) was performed and visually evaluated. Findings. The quality of multiplanar images was sufficient to supply information about the presence of residual stenosis. After instrumentation, metal artifacts lowered image quality. In 3 cases, decompression was continued because myelography depicted residual stenosis. In one case, anterior corpectomy was not completed because myelography showed sufficient decompression after 2-level discectomy. Interpretation. Intraoperative myelography using 3D rotational fluoroscopy is useful for the control of surgical decompression in multilevel spinal stenosis providing images comparable to postmyelographic CT. The long duration of contrast delivery into the cervical spine may be solved by preoperative contrast administration. The method is susceptible to metal artifacts and, therefore, should be applied before metal implants are placed.}, language = {en} } @article{KleinGrohWeishauptetal.2015, author = {Klein, Dennis and Groh, Janos and Weishaupt, Andreas and Martini, Rudolf}, title = {Endogenous antibodies contribute to macrophage-mediated demyelination in a mouse model for CMT1B}, series = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, volume = {12}, journal = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, number = {49}, doi = {10.1186/s12974-015-0267-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125036}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Background We could previously identify components of both the innate and the adaptive immune system as disease modifiers in the pathogenesis of models for Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuropathies type 1B and 1X. As part of the adaptive immune system, here we investigated the role of antibodies in a model for CMT1B. Methods Antibodies were localized and characterized in peripheral nerves of the CMT1B model by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Experimental ablation of antibodies was performed by cross breeding the CMT1B models with mutants deficient in B-lymphocytes (JHD-/- mutants). Ameliorated demyelination by antibody deficiency was reverted by intravenous injection of mouse IgG fractions. Histopathological analysis was performed by immunocytochemistry and light and quantitative electron microscopy. Results We demonstrate that in peripheral nerves of a mouse model for CMT1B, endogenous antibodies strongly decorate endoneurial tubes of peripheral nerves. These antibodies comprise IgG and IgM subtypes and are preferentially, but not exclusively, associated with nerve fiber aspects nearby the nodes of Ranvier. In the absence of antibodies, the early demyelinating phenotype is substantially ameliorated. Reverting the neuropathy by reconstitution with murine IgG fractions identified accumulating antibodies as potentially pathogenic at this early stage of disease. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that in a mouse model for CMT1B, endogenous antibodies contribute to early macrophage-mediated demyelination and disease progression. Thus, both the innate and adaptive immune system are mutually interconnected in a genetic model for demyelination. Since in Wallerian degeneration antibodies have also been shown to be involved in myelin phagocytosis, our study supports our view that inherited demyelination and Wallerian degeneration share common mechanisms, which are detrimental when activated under nonlesion conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{KleinschnitzLinkerMagnusetal.2015, author = {Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Linker, Ralf A. and Magnus, Tim and Korn, Thomas and Meuth, Sven G.}, title = {Report on the 6th scientific meeting of the "Verein zur F{\"o}rderung des Wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses in der Neurologie" (NEUROWIND e.V.) held in Motzen, Germany, Oct. 31th - Nov. 2nd, 2014}, series = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine}, volume = {7}, journal = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine}, number = {1}, organization = {on behalf of the speakers at the 6'th NEUROWIND e.V. scientific meeting}, doi = {10.1186/s13231-014-0013-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125049}, year = {2015}, abstract = {From October 31th - November 2nd, 2014, the 6th NEUROWIND e.V. meeting was held in Motzen, Brandenburg, Germany. 70 doctoral students and postdocs from over 25 different groups working in German and Swiss university hospitals or research institutes attended the meeting to discuss their latest experiments and findings in the fields of neuroimmunology, neurodegeneration and neurovascular research. The meeting was regarded as a very well organized platform to support research of young investigators in Germany and all participants enjoyed the stimulating environment for lively in depth discussions. According to the major aim of NEUROWIND e.V. to support younger researchers in Germany the 4th NEUROWIND YOUNG SCIENTIST AWARD for experimental neurology was awarded to Michael Breckwoldt on his work in the group of Thomas Misgeld (Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technische Universit{\"a}t M{\"u}nchen, Germany). The successful project was published in Nature Medicine entitled "Multiparametric optical analysis of mitochondrial redox signals during neuronal physiology and pathology in vivo". This outstanding paper deals with a molecular imaging approach in living mice to optically analyze the role of mitochondrial redox signals in axons in health and disease. The award is endowed with 20.000 Euro sponsored by Merck Serono GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany (unrestricted educational grant). This year's keynote lecture was given by Bernhard Hemmer, Head of the Department of Neurology at the Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universit{\"a}t M{\"u}nchen. Dr. Hemmer highlighted the particular role of B cells and (auto)antibodies in multiple sclerosis (MS). As a new highlight Dr. Urbahns, head of global discovery technologies at Merck research laboratories, gave insights from research practice in the pharmaceutical industry and introduced a shift in the view on present-day drug discovery paradigms.}, language = {en} } @article{AlbertWeissenbergerStetterMeuthetal.2012, author = {Albert-Weissenberger, Christiane and Stetter, Christian and Meuth, Sven G. and G{\"o}bel, Kerstin and Bader, Michael and Sir{\´e}n, Anna-Leena and Kleinschnitz, Christoph}, title = {Blocking of Bradykinin Receptor B1 Protects from Focal Closed Head Injury in Mice by Reducing Axonal Damage and Astroglia Activation}, series = {Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism}, volume = {32}, journal = {Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism}, number = {9}, doi = {10.1038/jcbfm.2012.62}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125903}, pages = {1747-1756}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The two bradykinin receptors B1R and B2R are central components of the kallikrein-kinin system with different expression kinetics and binding characteristics. Activation of these receptors by kinins triggers inflammatory responses in the target organ and in most situations enhances tissue damage. We could recently show that blocking of B1R, but not B2R, protects from cortical cryolesion by reducing inflammation and edema formation. In the present study, we investigated the role of B1R and B2R in a closed head model of focal traumatic brain injury (TBI; weight drop). Increased expression of B1R in the injured hemispheres of wild-type mice was restricted to the later stages after brain trauma, i.e. day 7 (P<0.05), whereas no significant induction could be observed for the B2R (P>0.05). Mice lacking the B1R, but not the B2R, showed less functional deficits on day 3 (P<0.001) and day 7 (P<0.001) compared with controls. Pharmacological blocking of B1R in wild-type mice had similar effects. Reduced axonal injury and astroglia activation could be identified as underlying mechanisms, while inhibition of B1R had only little influence on the local inflammatory response in this model. Inhibition of B1R may become a novel strategy to counteract trauma-induced neurodegeneration.}, language = {en} } @article{IsaiasSpiegelBrumbergetal.2014, author = {Isaias, Ioannis Ugo and Spiegel, J{\"o}rg and Brumberg, Joachim and Cosgrove, Kelly P. and Marotta, Giorgio and Oishi, Naoya and Higuchi, Takahiro and K{\"u}sters, Sebastian and Schiller, Markus and Dillmann, Ulrich and van Dyck, Christopher H. and Buck, Andreas and Herrmann, Ken and Schloegl, Susanne and Volkmann, Jens and Lassmann, Michael and Fassbender, Klaus and Lorenz, Reinhard and Samnick, Samuel}, title = {Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor density in cognitively intact subjects at an early stage of Parkinson's disease}, series = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience}, volume = {6}, journal = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience}, doi = {10.3389/fnagi.2014.00213}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-119351}, pages = {213}, year = {2014}, abstract = {We investigated in vivo brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) distribution in cognitively intact subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) at an early stage of the disease. Fourteen patients and 13 healthy subjects were imaged with single photon emission computed tomography and the radiotracer 5-[(123)I]iodo-3-[2(S)-2-azetidinylmethoxy]pyridine ([(123)I]5IA). Patients were selected according to several criteria, including short duration of motor signs (<7 years) and normal scores at an extensive neuropsychological evaluation. In PD patients, nAChR density was significantly higher in the putamen, the insular cortex and the supplementary motor area and lower in the caudate nucleus, the orbitofrontal cortex, and the middle temporal gyrus. Disease duration positively correlated with nAChR density in the putamen ipsilateral (ρ = 0.56, p < 0.05) but not contralateral (ρ = 0.49, p = 0.07) to the clinically most affected hemibody. We observed, for the first time in vivo, higher nAChR density in brain regions of the motor and limbic basal ganglia circuits of subjects with PD. Our findings support the notion of an up-regulated cholinergic activity at the striatal and possibly cortical level in cognitively intact PD patients at an early stage of disease.}, language = {en} } @article{AlbertWeissenbergerMenclHoppetal.2014, author = {Albert-Weissenberger, Christiane and Mencl, Stine and Hopp, Sarah and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Siren, Anna-Leena}, title = {Role of the kallikrein-kinin system in traumatic brain injury}, series = {Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience}, volume = {8}, journal = {Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience}, issn = {1662-5102}, doi = {10.3389/fncel.2014.00345}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-118226}, pages = {345}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Despite improvements in acute intensive care, there are currently no specific therapies to ameliorate the effects of TBI. Successful therapeutic strategies for TBI should target multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms that occur at different stages of brain injury. The kallikrein-kinin system is a promising therapeutic target for TBI as it mediates key pathologic events of traumatic brain damage, such as edema formation, inflammation, and thrombosis. Selective and specific kinin receptor antagonists and inhibitors of plasma kallikrein and coagulation factor XII have been developed, and have already shown therapeutic efficacy in animal models of stroke and TBI. However, conflicting preclinical evaluation, as well as limited and inconclusive data from clinical trials in TBI, suggests that caution should be taken before transferring observations made in animals to humans. This review summarizes current evidence on the pathologic significance of the kallikrein-kinin system during TBI in animal models and, where available, the experimental findings are compared with human data.}, language = {en} } @article{HohmannMillesSchinkeetal.2014, author = {Hohmann, Christopher and Milles, Bianca and Schinke, Michael and Schroeter, Michael and Ulzheimer, Jochen and Kraft, Peter and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Lehmann, Paul V. and Kuerten, Stefanie}, title = {Categorization of multiple sclerosis relapse subtypes by B cell profiling in the blood}, series = {Acta Neuropathologica Communications}, volume = {2}, journal = {Acta Neuropathologica Communications}, number = {138}, issn = {2051-5960}, doi = {10.1186/s40478-014-0138-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-120580}, year = {2014}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: B cells are attracting increasing attention in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). B cell-targeted therapies with monoclonal antibodies or plasmapheresis have been shown to be successful in a subset of patients. Here, patients with either relapsing-remitting (n = 24) or secondary progressive (n = 6) MS presenting with an acute clinical relapse were screened for their B cell reactivity to brain antigens and were re-tested three to nine months later. Enzyme-linked immunospot technique (ELISPOT) was used to identify brain-reactive B cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) directly ex vivo and after 96 h of polyclonal stimulation. Clinical severity of symptoms was determined using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). RESULTS: Nine patients displayed B cells in the blood producing brain-specific antibodies directly ex vivo. Six patients were classified as B cell positive donors only after polyclonal B cell stimulation. In 15 patients a B cell response to brain antigens was absent. Based on the autoreactive B cell response we categorized MS relapses into three different patterns. Patients who displayed brain-reactive B cell responses both directly ex vivo and after polyclonal stimulation (pattern I) were significantly younger than patients in whom only memory B cell responses were detectable or entirely absent (patterns II and III; p = 0.003). In one patient a conversion to a positive B cell response as measured directly ex vivo and subsequently also after polyclonal stimulation was associated with the development of a clinical relapse. The evaluation of the predictive value of a brain antigen-specific B cell response showed that seven of eight patients (87.5\%) with a pattern I response encountered a clinical relapse during the observation period of 10 months, compared to two of five patients (40\%) with a pattern II and three of 14 patients (21.4\%) with a pattern III response (p = 0.0005; hazard ratio 6.08 (95\% confidence interval 1.87-19.77). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate actively ongoing B cell-mediated immunity against brain antigens in a subset of MS patients that may be causative of clinical relapses and provide new diagnostic and therapeutic options for a subset of patients.}, language = {en} } @article{IsaiasDipaolaMichietal.2014, author = {Isaias, Ioannis Ugo and Dipaola, Mariangela and Michi, Marlies and Marzegan, Alberto and Volkmann, Jens and Rodocanachi Roidi, Mariana L. and Frigo, Carlo Albino and Cavallari, Paolo}, title = {Gait Initiation in Children with Rett Syndrome}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {9}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {4}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0092736}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-119789}, pages = {e92736}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Rett syndrome is an X-linked neurodevelopmental condition mainly characterized by loss of spoken language and a regression of purposeful hand use, with the development of distinctive hand stereotypies, and gait abnormalities. Gait initiation is the transition from quiet stance to steady-state condition of walking. The associated motor program seems to be centrally mediated and includes preparatory adjustments prior to any apparent voluntary movement of the lower limbs. Anticipatory postural adjustments contribute to postural stability and to create the propulsive forces necessary to reach steady-state gait at a predefined velocity and may be indicative of the effectiveness of the feedforward control of gait. In this study, we examined anticipatory postural adjustments associated with gait initiation in eleven girls with Rett syndrome and ten healthy subjects. Muscle activity (tibialis anterior and soleus muscles), ground reaction forces and body kinematic were recorded. Children with Rett syndrome showed a distinctive impairment in temporal organization of all phases of the anticipatory postural adjustments. The lack of appropriate temporal scaling resulted in a diminished impulse to move forward, documented by an impairment in several parameters describing the efficiency of gait start: length and velocity of the first step, magnitude and orientation of centre of pressure-centre of mass vector at the instant of (swing-)toe off. These findings were related to an abnormal muscular activation pattern mainly characterized by a disruption of the synergistic activity of antagonistic pairs of postural muscles. This study showed that girls with Rett syndrome lack accurate tuning of feedforward control of gait.}, language = {en} } @article{KraftDrechslerGunrebenetal.2014, author = {Kraft, Peter and Drechsler, Christiane and Gunreben, Ignaz and Nieswandt, Bernhard and Stoll, Guido and Heuschmann, Peter Ulrich and Kleinschnitz, Christoph}, title = {Von Willebrand Factor Regulation in Patients with Acute and Chronic Cerebrovascular Disease: A Pilot, Case-Control Study}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {9}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {6}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0099851}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-119588}, pages = {e99851}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background and Purpose In animal models, von Willebrand factor (VWF) is involved in thrombus formation and propagation of ischemic stroke. However, the pathophysiological relevance of this molecule in humans, and its potential use as a biomarker for the risk and severity of ischemic stroke remains unclear. This study had two aims: to identify predictors of altered VWF levels and to examine whether VWF levels differ between acute cerebrovascular events and chronic cerebrovascular disease (CCD). Methods A case-control study was undertaken between 2010 and 2013 at our University clinic. In total, 116 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transitory ischemic attack (TIA), 117 patients with CCD, and 104 healthy volunteers (HV) were included. Blood was taken at days 0, 1, and 3 in patients with AIS or TIA, and once in CCD patients and HV. VWF serum levels were measured and correlated with demographic and clinical parameters by multivariate linear regression and ANOVA. Results Patients with CCD (158±46\%) had significantly higher VWF levels than HV (113±36\%, P<0.001), but lower levels than AIS/TIA patients (200±95\%, P<0.001). Age, sex, and stroke severity influenced VWF levels (P<0.05). Conclusions VWF levels differed across disease subtypes and patient characteristics. Our study confirms increased VWF levels as a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease and, moreover, suggests that it may represent a potential biomarker for stroke severity, warranting further investigation.}, language = {en} } @article{WurmbSchlerethKredeletal.2014, author = {Wurmb, Thomas Erik and Schlereth, Stefan and Kredel, Markus and Muellenbach, Ralf M. and Wunder, Christian and Brederlau, J{\"o}rg and Roewer, Norbert and Kenn, Werner and Kunze, Ekkehard}, title = {Routine Follow-Up Cranial Computed Tomography for Deeply Sedated, Intubated, and Ventilated Multiple Trauma Patients with Suspected Severe Head Injury}, series = {BioMed Research International}, journal = {BioMed Research International}, number = {361949}, doi = {10.1155/2014/361949}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-120084}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background. Missed or delayed detection of progressive neuronal damage after traumatic brain injury (TBI) may have negative impact on the outcome. We investigated whether routine follow-up CT is beneficial in sedated and mechanically ventilated trauma patients. Methods. The study design is a retrospective chart review. A routine follow-up cCT was performed 6 hours after the admission scan. We defined 2 groups of patients, group I: patients with equal or recurrent pathologies and group II: patients with new findings or progression of known pathologies. Results. A progression of intracranial injury was found in 63 patients (42\%) and 18 patients (12\%) had new findings in cCT 2 (group II). In group II a change in therapy was found in 44 out of 81 patients (54\%). 55 patients with progression or new findings on the second cCT had no clinical signs of neurological deterioration. Of those 24 patients (44\%) had therapeutic consequences due to the results of the follow-up cCT. Conclusion. We found new diagnosis or progression of intracranial pathology in 54\% of the patients. In 54\% of patients with new findings and progression of pathology, therapy was changed due to the results of follow-up cCT. In trauma patients who are sedated and ventilated for different reasons a routine follow-up CT is beneficial.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Schwab2009, author = {Schwab, Nicholas}, title = {The importance of CD8\(^+\) T cells and antigen-presenting cells in the immune reaction of primary inflammatory versus degenerative diseases}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-37330}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2009}, abstract = {The bidirectional influence of parenchymal cells and cells of the immune system, especially of antigen-presenting and CD8\(^+\) T cells, in situations of putative auto- immune pathogenicity and degeneration was the main topic of this thesis. In the first part, the influence of human muscle cells on antigen-presenting cells was investigated. In inflammatory myopathies prominent infiltrates of immune cells containing T cells and antigen-presenting cells like macrophages and dendritic cells are present. The hypothesis was that human myoblasts have an inhibiting influence on these antigen-presenting cells under homeostatic conditions. A dysfunction or impairment under inflammatory circumstances might contribute to the development of myopathic conditions. The surface analysis of dendritic cells cocultured with myoblasts showed that immature dendritic cells could be driven into a reversible semi- mature state with significantly elevated levels of CD80. These dendritic cells were additionally characterized by their inhibiting function on T-cell proliferation. It was also shown that the lysates of healthy myoblasts could strongly enhance the phagocytic ability of macrophages, which could help with muscle regeneration and which might be disturbed in myositis patients. The second part of this thesis was about the clonal specificity of CD8\(^+\) T cells in a mouse model with genetically induced over-expression of PLP in oligodendrocytes. Here, we could show that the cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which had previously been shown to be pathogenic, were clonally expanded in the CNS of the transgenic mice. The amino acid sequences of the corresponding receptor chains were not identical, yet showed some similarities, which could mean that these clones recognize similar antigens (or epitopes of the same antigen). The knockout of PD-1 in this setting allowed for an analysis of the importance of tissue immune regulation. It became evident that the absence of PD-1 induced a larger number of clonal expansions in the CNS, hinting towards a reduced threshold for clonal disturbance and activation in these T cells. The expansions were, however, not pathogenic by themselves. Only in the presence of tissue damage and an antigenic stimulus (in our case the overexpression of PLP), the PD-1 limitation exacerbated the immune pathogenicity. Therefore, only in the presence of a "tissue damage signal", the dyshomeostasis of T cells lacking PD-1 achieved high pathogenetic relevance. Finally, we investigated the pathogenetic role of CD8 T cells in Rasmussen encephalitis, a rare and chronic neurological disease mainly affecting children. The analysis of the T-cell receptor repertoire in Rasmussen encephalitis patients in the peripheral CD4\(^+\) and CD8\(^+\) T-cell compartments as well as the brain revealed the involvement of T cells in the pathogenicity of this disease. Many clonal expansions in the brain matched CD8\(^+\) T-cell expansions in the periphery on the sequence level. These putatively pathogenic clones could be visualized by immunohistochemistry in the brain and were found in close proximity to astrocytes and neurons. Additionally, the expanded clones could be found in the periphery of patients for at least one year.}, subject = {T-Lymphozyt}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Fischer2009, author = {Fischer, Cindy Erika Elisabeth}, title = {Expression des fetalen Acetylcholinrezeptors im Muskel bei experimenteller Nervenl{\"a}sion der Ratte und bei Neuropathien des Menschen}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-36619}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2009}, abstract = {No abstract available}, subject = {Acetylcholinrezeptor}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Hirschmann2020, author = {Hirschmann, Anna}, title = {microRNA-Genexpressionsprofile in Blut-, Haut- und Nervenproben von Patienten mit Polyneuropathien}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-21701}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-217010}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Die Polyneuropathie (PNP) ist die h{\"a}ufigste St{\"o}rung des peripheren Nervensystems bei Erwachsenen. Die Suche nach der Ursache bleibt in vielen F{\"a}llen erfolglos, ist aber unverzichtbar, da die Therapiewahl von der {\"A}tiologie der Erkrankung abh{\"a}ngt. Geeignete Biomarker k{\"o}nnten die Differentialdiagnose unter Umst{\"a}nden erleichtern. microRNAs (miRNAs) sind in dieser Hinsicht vielversprechend, da in vielen Studien bei Nervende- und regenerationsprozessen sowie in neuropathischen Schmerzmodellen eine Dysregulation beschrieben wurde. In dieser Studie wurde die Expression zweier miRNAs, miR-103a und miR-let-7d, sowie eines Zielmolek{\"u}ls der miR-103a, des Kalziumkanals Cav1,2, in einer großen Kohorte von PNP-Patienten unterschiedlicher {\"A}tiologie in Blut, Haut- und Nervenbiopsien untersucht. Insgesamt wurden 116 Patienten und 22 Kontroll-probanden in die Studie eingeschlossen. Nach der Isolation von RNA aus weißen Blutzellen (WBC), Haut- und Nervenbiopsien folgte die Expressionsbestimmung mittels qRT-PCR. W{\"a}hrend sich jeweils Unterschiede zwischen PNP-Patienten und Kontrollen und zwischen Patienten mit entz{\"u}ndlicher und solchen mit nicht-entz{\"u}ndlicher PNP zeigten, wurden keine Unterschiede in der Expression zwischen den {\"a}tiologischen Subgruppen oder zwischen Patienten mit schmerzhafter und schmerzloser PNP festgestellt. In den Nervenbiopsien der Patientenkohorte ergab sich eine inverse Korrelation der miR-103a und ihrem Zielgen Cacna1c, die darauf hinweisen k{\"o}nnte, dass Cacna1c von der miR-103a negativ reguliert wird. Da in unserer Patientenkohorte keine Unterschiede zwischen den PNP-Subgruppen auftraten, scheint der Einsatz der miR-103a und miR-let-7d als diagnostische Biomarker zur {\"a}tiologischen Einordnung einer PNP nicht gerechtfertigt. Dennoch deuten unsere Ergebnisse auf eine m{\"o}gliche Rolle der untersuchten miRNAs bei Entstehung und Verlauf von PNP hin. F{\"u}r ein tieferes pathophysiologisches Verst{\"a}ndnis der miRNAs vor allem bei entz{\"u}ndlichen Neuropathien, k{\"o}nnte die Untersuchung von weiteren miRNAs und Zielgenen Aufschluss geben.}, subject = {miRNS}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Pozzi2020, author = {Pozzi, Nicol{\´o} Gabriele}, title = {Parkinson's disease revisited: multiple circuitopathies}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-21671}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-216715}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Parkinson's disease (PD) is among the most common neurodegenerative conditions, and it is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and a great variability in clinical expression. Despite several effective medications, it still causes disability as all patients show treatment-resistant symptoms and complications. A possible reason for this therapeutic-burden and great clinical variability lies in a probable misconception about its pathophysiology, one that focuses on neurodegeneration, while largely neglecting its functional consequences and the related compensatory changes. In this thesis, I expand on the hypothesis that some PD symptoms have a dysfunctional origin and reflect derangements of neural network dynamics, the means by which brain coordination supports any motor behaviour. In particular, I have investigated resting tremor and freezing of gait, two common symptoms with an enigmatic mechanism and suboptimal management. In the case of tremor, I predicted a pathological change in response to dopamine loss, which included the activation of noradrenergic (NA) neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC) projecting to the cerebellum. This compensatory LC activation that supports dopaminergic neurons might indeed come at the expense of tremor development. To assess the role of LC-NA in tremor development, I recorded tremor occurrence in the reserpinized rat model of PD, one of very few showing tremor, after selective lesioning (with the neurotoxin DSP-4) of the LC-NA terminal axons. DSP-4 induced a severe reduction of LC-NA terminal axons in the cerebellar cortex and this was associated with a significant reduction in tremor development. Unlike its development, tremor frequency and the akinetic rigid signs did not differ between the groups, thus suggesting a dopaminergic dependency. These findings suggest that the LC-NA innervation of the cerebellum has a critical role for PD tremor, possibly by exerting a network effect, which gates the cerebello-thalamic-cortical circuit into pathological oscillations upon a dopaminergic loss in the basal ganglia. In contrast, for the study of freezing of gait, I worked with human PD subjects and deep brain stimulation, a therapeutic neuromodulation device that in some prototypes also allows the recording of neural activity in freely-moving subjects. Gait freezing is a disabling PD symptom that suddenly impairs effective stepping, thus causing falls and disability. Also in this study, I hypothesized that the underlying pathophysiology may be represented by dysfunctional neural network dynamics that abruptly impair locomotor control by affecting the communication in the supraspinal locomotor network. To test this hypothesis, I investigated the coupling between the cortex and the subthalamic nucleus, two main nodes of the supraspinal locomotor network, in freely-moving subjects PD patients and also performed molecular brain imaging of striatal dopamine receptor density and kinematic measurements. I found that in PD patients, walking is associated with cortical-subthalamic stable coupling in a low-frequency band (i.e. θ-α rhythms). In contrast, these structures decoupled when gait freezing occurred in the brain hemisphere with less dopaminergic innervation. These findings suggest that freezing of gait is a "circuitopathy", with dysfunctional cortical-subcortical communication. Altogether the results of my experiments support the hypothesis that the pathophysiology of PD goes beyond neurodegenerative (loss-of-function) processes and that derangement of neural network dynamics coincides with some disabling PD symptoms, thus suggesting that PD can be interpreted as the combination of multiple circuitopathies.}, subject = {Parkinson-Krankheit}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Beaucamp2021, author = {Beaucamp, Marcel}, title = {Pr{\"a}diktion des Verschlusses großer intrakranieller Arterien anhand pr{\"a}klinischer Schlaganfallscores}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-21511}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-215117}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {2015 konnte in mehreren Studien ESCAPE, EXTENDED IA, MR CLEAN, REVASCAT, SWIFT-PRIME eine signifikante {\"U}berlegenheit der mechanischen Thrombektomie verglichen mit der alleinigen i. v. Lysetherapie mit rtPA bezogen auf Revaskularisierung bei Patienten mit einer LVO (large vessel occlusion) nachgewiesen werden. Diese neue Therapiem{\"o}glichkeit erforderte eine Aufteilung der Patienten die von einer Thrombektomie profitieren (LVO) und der Patienten, die keiner Thrombektomie zugef{\"u}hrt werden k{\"o}nnen (nLVO). Die zentrale Fragestellung der Studie ist: Kann ein symptomorientierter Schlaganfallscore die Wahrscheinlichkeit eines großen intrakraniellen Gef{\"a}ßverschlusses mit hinreichender Pr{\"a}zision vorhersagen und kann auf Basis dieser Vorhersage ein Patient direkt in ein {\"u}bergeordnetes Schlagfanfallzentrum gebracht werden, obwohl sich dadurch eine Bridging Lysetherapie verz{\"o}gern w{\"u}rde? Um diesen Fragen auf den Grund zu gehen f{\"u}hrten wir eine monozentrische Querschnittstudie durch, in deren Rahmen 215 Patienten rekrutiert wurden. Die Rekrutierung erfolgte mittels eines aus Subitems bereits etablierter Schlafanfallscores (FAST, CPSS, LAPSS, 3ISS, RACE), zusammengesetzten Fragebogens. Die ausgef{\"u}llten Frageb{\"o}gen wurde in Excel digitalisiert und mittels SPSS, Signifikanz und Odds Ratio berechnet. Anschließend wurde aus den signifikanten Subitems mit der h{\"o}chsten Odds Ratio ein neuer einfach anzuwendender Schlaganfallscore, bestehend aus den pr{\"a}klinisch erhobenen Daten gebildet (W{\"u}rzburg Score of Large Vessel Occlusions, WOLVE- Score). Weiter wurden Signifikanz, Odds Ratio, Sensitivit{\"a}t und Spezifit{\"a}t des WOLVE-Score mit denen der oben genannten etablieren Scores verglichen.}, subject = {Schlaganfall}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Frank2021, author = {Frank, Franziska}, title = {Ver{\"a}nderung der Ranvier'schen Schn{\"u}rringarchitektur bei Patienten mit diabetischer Neuropathie}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-21966}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-219668}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In der Krankheitsentstehung der diabetischen Neuropathie wird die paranodale Demyelinisierung als ein m{\"o}glicher Pathomechanismus diskutiert, wobei Studien mit Gewebeproben von Patienten aufgrund der Invasivit{\"a}t limitiert sind. In der vorliegenden Studie wurden periphere Nervenfasern in Hautbiopsien von Patienten mit diabetischer Neuropathie und in Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus ohne Neuropathie untersucht. Ziel war es, nodale und paranodale Ver{\"a}nderungen, wie eine Dispersion der paranodalen Proteine Caspr und Neurofascin oder der nodalen Na-Kan{\"a}le, zu detektieren und die Proben auf verl{\"a}ngerte Ranvier`sche Schn{\"u}rringe zu untersuchen. Es wurde die Hypothese {\"u}berpr{\"u}ft, dass paranodale Demyelinisierungen bei Patienten mit diabetischer Neuropathie in Hautbiopsien, als minimal-invasive Methode, nachweisbar sind. Hautproben von Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus ohne Neuropathie sollten zudem in einem fr{\"u}hen Krankheitsstadium untersucht werden. F{\"u}r die Untersuchung konnten 35 Patienten mit einer diabetischen Neuropathie, 17 Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus und 31 Kontrollen eingeschlossen werden. Immunfluoreszenzf{\"a}rbungen mit Antik{\"o}rpern gegen Caspr, Neurofascin und Natrium-Kan{\"a}len wurden zur Analyse der Ranvier`schen Schn{\"u}rringarchitektur durchgef{\"u}hrt und ausgewertet. Eine erh{\"o}hte Anzahl an verl{\"a}ngerten Schn{\"u}rringen, als Zeichen einer segmentalen Demyelinisierung, konnte in den Patienten mit diabetischer Neuropathie aber auch in Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus nachgewiesen werden. Weiterhin waren vermehrt Ver{\"a}nderungen der paranodalen Proteine, wie eine Dispersion von Caspr und Neurofascin in den Proben des Fingers der Patienten mit diabetischer Neuropathie sowie eine Dispersion von Neurofascin im Unterschenkel in beiden Patientengruppen nachweisbar. Interessanterweise waren einzelne Ver{\"a}nderungen auch in den gesunden Kontrollen auffindbar. Ver{\"a}nderungen der Schn{\"u}rringarchitektur lassen sich mithilfe der Hautbiopsie nachweisen und quantifizieren. Nodale und paranodale Ver{\"a}nderungen weisen auf demyelinisierende Prozesse in Patienten mit diabetischer Neuropathie hin und finden sich auch bereits in einem fr{\"u}hen Krankheitsstadium.}, subject = {Ranvier-Schn{\"u}rring}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Kohl2009, author = {Kohl, Bianca Dorothea}, title = {PMP22-overexpressing mice as a model for Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A neuropathy implicate a role of immune-related cells}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-43066}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2009}, abstract = {Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a cohort of human hereditary disorders of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) which exhibit symptoms like sensory dysfunction, muscle weakness and gait disturbances. Different mutations are described as causation for this neuropathy, such as a duplication of chromosome 17 comprising the gene for the peripheral myelin protein-22 (PMP22). Based on different animal models former studies identified immune cells, i.e. macrophages and T-lymphocytes, as crucial mediators of pathology in these neuropathies. In this study, PMP22-overexpressing mice (PMP22tg, C61), serving as a model for a specific type of CMT - CMT1A - were crossbred with immune-deficient mutant mice to examine the impact of the immune system on nerve pathology. Crossbreeding of PMP22tg mice with recombination activating gene-1 (RAG-1) deficient mice, lacking mature T- and B-lymphocytes, caused no striking alterations of pathogenesis in peripheral nerves of mutant mice. In contrast, crossbreeding of PMP22tg myelin mutants with mice deficient in the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1, CCL2) caused an amelioration of the demyelinating phenotype of peripheral nerves when MCP-1 was either reduced or completely absent. Furthermore, functional investigations, i.e. neurographic recordings and examinations of the grip strength of the extremities, revealed an amelioration in PMP22tg/MCP-1-/- mice in regard to a symptomatic improvement in the compound action muscle potential (CMAP) and stronger grip strength of the hindlimbs. Interestingly, peripheral nerves of PMP22tg mice showed an irregular distribution of potassium channels in presence of MCP-1, whereas the absence of MCP-1 in the myelin mutants rescued the ion channel distribution and resulted in a more wild type-like phenotype. Having shown the impact of MCP-1 as an important mediator of nerve pathology in PMP22/MCP-1 double mutants, the regulation of this chemokine became an important target for potential treatment strategies. We found that the signaling cascade MEK1/2/ERK1/2 was more strongly activated in peripheral nerves of PMP22tg mice compared to nerves of wild type mice. This activation corresponded to an increase in MCP-1 mRNA expression in peripheral nerves at the same age. Furthermore, a MEK1/2-inhibitor was used in vivo to confirm the regulation of MCP-1 by the MEK1/2/ERK1/2 pathway. After a treatment period of three weeks, a clear reduction of ERK1/2-phosphorylation as well as a reduction of MCP-1 mRNA expression was observed, accompanied by a decline in macrophage number in peripheral nerves of PMP22tg mice. These observations suggest that the expression of MCP-1 is crucial for the neuropathological progression in a mouse model for CMT1A. Therefore, this chemokine could provide a basis for a putative treatment strategy of inherited neuropathies.}, subject = {Myelin}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Raban2021, author = {Raban, Rebecca Emmi Hildegard}, title = {Sicherheit und Wirksamkeit von intrathekalem Triamcinolon bei Patienten mit chronisch-progredienter Multipler Sklerose : eine retrospektive Longitudinalstudie}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-22047}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-220478}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Im Zeitraum von 2004 bis 2016 erhielten an der Neurologischen Universit{\"a}tsklinik W{\"u}rzburg Patienten mit einer chronisch progredienten Multiplen Sklerose insgesamt 595 Injektionen von intrathekalem Triamcinolonacetonid. Diese Arbeit befasst sich mit Sicherheit, Nebenwirkungen und Wirksamkeit der intrathekalen Therapieform.}, subject = {Intrathekale Applikation}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{KuettnergebWeber2021, author = {K{\"u}ttner [geb. Weber], Sarah-Lucia}, title = {Der Optikusnervenscheidendurchmesser als Instrument zur Prognoseeinsch{\"a}tzung bei Patienten mit hypoxischer Enzephalopathie nach erfolgreicher Reanimation}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23766}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-237669}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Eine Prognoseeinsch{\"a}tzung bei Patienten mit hypoxischer Enzephalopathie (HIE) nach Reanimation wird fr{\"u}hestens 72 Stunden nach Reanimation empfohlen. Bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt besteht eine f{\"u}r {\"A}rzte und Angeh{\"o}rige belastende prognostische L{\"u}cke. Und auch nach 72 Stunden bestehen nur ungenaue Angaben zum weiteren Vorgehen, sodass eine fundierte Prognoseeinsch{\"a}tzung aktuell eine deutliche Herausforderung im Alltag klinisch t{\"a}tiger {\"A}rzte darstellt. Der Nervus opticus ist als Bestandteil des zentralen Nervensystems mit dem Liquorsystem verbunden. Intrazerebrale Druckerh{\"o}hungen wirken sich daher unmittelbar auf die ihn ummantelnde Nervenscheide und deren Durchmesser aus, sodass sich die Bestimmung des Optikusnervenscheidendurchmessers (ONSD) mittels transorbitaler Sonographie in der Diagnostik unterschiedlicher intrakranieller Erkrankungen bereits bew{\"a}hrt hat. Das Krankheitsbild der HIE wurde als weiteres m{\"o}gliches Einsatzgebiet des ONSD jedoch bisher nicht untersucht. 
Ziel dieser Dissertation war es daher, den ONSD grunds{\"a}tzlich auf seine Verl{\"a}sslichkeit als Prognoseparameter bei HIE nach Reanimation zu {\"u}berpr{\"u}fen. Besonderes Augenmerk lag hierbei auf der Erm{\"o}glichung einer fr{\"u}hzeitigen Prognoseeinsch{\"a}tzung innerhalb von 24 Stunden sowie auf der Definition eines prognostischen Cut-Off-Wertes als klare Entscheidungshilfe f{\"u}r weitere therapeutische Strategien. 24, 48 und 72 Stunden nach Reanimation werden signifikant unterschiedliche ONSD unter {\"u}berlebenden und verstorbenen Patienten nachgewiesen. Letztere weisen dabei im Vergleich sowohl h{\"o}here als auch im zeitlichen Verlauf signifikant ansteigende ONSD-Werte auf. Als prognostischer Cut-Off-Wert konnte eine Grenze bei 5,75mm festgelegt werden. Zusammenfassend stellt die sonographische Bestimmung des ONSD eine sinnvolle Zusatzdiagnostik in der Prognoseeinsch{\"a}tzung bei Patienten mit HIE nach Reanimation dar.}, subject = {Wiederbelebung}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Auchter2021, author = {Auchter, Antonia}, title = {Schlafassoziierte Ver{\"a}nderung der lokalen Feldpotential Aktivit{\"a}t im Nucleus subthalamicus bei Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23782}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-237822}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Die tiefe Hirnstimulation ist eine etablierte und hocheffiziente operative Behandlungsmethode f{\"u}r Patienten mit idiopathischem Parkinson- Syndrom (IPS). Als Zielgebiet dient in den meisten F{\"a}llen der Nucleus subthalamicus. Die Indikationen zur Implantation einer tiefen Hirnstimulation (THS) sind medikament{\"o}s nicht behandelbare motorische Fluktuationen und Dyskinesien oder ein medikament{\"o}s nicht kontrollierbarer Tremor. Bislang erfolgt eine kontinuierliche Stimulation. Little et al. konnten jedoch bereits in ihrer 2013 ver{\"o}ffentlichen Studie zeigen, dass eine adaptive Stimulation, gemessen am UPDRS, um 27 \% effektiver war und entsprechend die Stimulationszeit um 56 \% gesenkt werden konnte. Voraussetzung f{\"u}r die Anwendbarkeit einer adaptiven Stimulation im klinischen Alltag ist der Nachweis eines oder mehrerer Physiomarker, welche als R{\"u}ckkopplungssignal f{\"u}r den Stimulationsbeginn dienen. Diese Marker m{\"u}ssen verl{\"a}sslich mit dem Auftreten und der Auspr{\"a}gung der Bewegungsst{\"o}rungen korrelieren. Die Systeme m{\"u}ssen die Signale auslesen und entsprechend darauf reagieren k{\"o}nnen, damit ein sogenanntes Closed- loop- Verfahren entstehen kann. Bei diesen Markern handelt es sich um sogenannte lokale Feldpotenzialaktivit{\"a}ten, das heißt niederfrequente Potential{\"a}nderungen von Zellen in subkortikalen Arealen des Gehirns, welche {\"u}ber Elektroden der THS abgeleitet werden k{\"o}nnen. Der Stimulator Activa PC+S (Medtronic) erm{\"o}glicht es erstmalig Aufzeichnungen von LFP- Daten, außerhalb eines experimentellen Laboraufbaus, mittels dauerhaft implantiertem Ger{\"a}t vorzunehmen und damit auch Langzeitanalysen durchzuf{\"u}hren. Erkenntnisse vergangener Studien ergaben, dass die synchronisierte, pathologisch gesteigerte oszillatorische Aktivit{\"a}t im Beta-Frequenzband (13- 35 Hz) eine bedeutende Rolle im Bezug auf die Pathophysiologie des IPS spielt und als krankheitsspezifische Aktivit{\"a}t gilt. Es konnte bereits belegt werden, dass die Verbesserung der motorischen Symptome (Bradykinese und Rigor) mit dem Ausmaß der Suppression der Betaband- Aktivit{\"a}t korreliert. Die Betabandaktivit{\"a}t als lokale Feldpotentialaktivit{\"a}t kann als Physiomarker einer adaptiven Stimulation dienen. Unser Hauptaugenmerk galt daher der Analyse der Betabandaktivit{\"a}t oder anderer Frequenzbereiche w{\"a}hrend des Schlafes um hier die THS bedarfsgerecht einzusetzen. Hierf{\"u}r wurden n{\"a}chtliche subkortikale LFP- Aufzeichnungen parallel zur Schlaf- Polysomnographie durchgef{\"u}hrt. Zudem erfolgte in der vorliegenden Arbeit sowohl in unserem Vorversuch als auch in unserem Hauptversuch die Anwendung des UPDRS Teil III zur Erfassung der motorischen Symptome, sowie die Durchf{\"u}hrung von Frageb{\"o}gen zur Erfassung der nicht- motorischen Symptome, insbesondere des Schlafes vor und nach Implantation der tiefen Hirnstimulation. Wir konnten belegen, dass es nach Implantation der THS zu einer Erh{\"o}hung der Schlafeffizienz und zu einer Erh{\"o}hung des Anteils der Schlafstadien II und III und damit einhergehend zu einer Steigerung der Schlafqualit{\"a}t kommt. {\"U}bereinstimmend mit anderen Studien konnten wir zeigen, dass sich die Motorik unter Stimulation deutlich verbessert. Im Vorversuch reduzierte sich der mittlere pr{\"a}operative MDS- UPDRS III im MedsOFF verglichen mit dem mittleren postoperativ MDS- UPDRS III im MedsOFF/StimON um 37 \%. In der PC+S- Studie imponierte eine Reduktion um 67\%. Zudem zeigte sich eine Reduktion der nicht- motorischen Symptome durch die THS, insbesondere in der Kategorie Schlaf. Die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Arbeit ergaben außerdem, dass die Betabandaktivität im Schlafstadium II und vor allem im Schlafstadium III am geringsten ist. Im Schlafstadium I und REM ist die Betabandaktivit{\"a}t höher als im Schlafstadium II und III. Hierbei war entscheidend, dass die Patienten eine klar abgrenzbare Betabandaktivit{\"a}t im Wachstadium aufwiesen und die Elektrodenkontakte im dorsolateralen Kerngebiet des STN lokalisiert waren. Gegenl{\"a}ufig dazu verh{\"a}lt sich die Deltaaktivität. Sie ist im Schlafstadium II und besonders im Stadium III am h{\"o}chsten. Stadium I ist mit durchschnittlich um 7,3 \% niedriger als im Wachstadium. Am geringsten ist sie jedoch im REM-Schlafstadium. Indem wir mit der Betabandaktivit{\"a}t und Deltaaktivit{\"a}t in den einzelnen Schlafstadien einen stabilen und reproduzierbaren Physiomarker finden konnten, sind wir unserem Ziel der adaptiven THS ein St{\"u}ck n{\"a}her gekommen.}, subject = {Parkinson}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Koeberle2021, author = {K{\"o}berle, Philipp}, title = {High-resolution ultrasound for the identification of pathological patterns in patients with polyneuropathies and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-24580}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-245800}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Neuropathies are a group of potentially treatable diseases with an often disabling and restricting course. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal disease without causal treatment possibilities. The objective of this study was to examine the diagnostic utility of HRUS for the differentiation of subtypes of axonal and demyelinating neuropathies and to investigate its utility for the sonological differentiation of ALS. The hypothetical statement that neuropathy causes enlargement of peripheral nerves compared to healthy controls proved to be right, but the adjunctive assumption that ALS does not cause enlargement of peripheral nerves proved to be wrong - in patients with ALS slight enlargement of peripheral nerves was visible as well. The statement that nerve enlargement can be detected by measurement of the cross-sectional area (CSA) and the longitudinal diameter (LD) with comparable results proved to be right, but the enlargement was slightly less present by measurement of the LD. The statement that axonal and demyelinating neuropathies show distinct patterns of nerve enlargement must be answered differentiated: The comparison between axonal and demyelinating neuropathies showed a stronger nerve enlargement in patients with demyelinating neuropathies than in patients with axonal neuropathies at proximal nerve segments of upper extremities. In the comparison of diagnose-defined subgroups of inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies a respective specific pattern of nerve enlargement was visible. However, remarkable in this context was the strong nerve enlargement found in patients with NSVN, which is classified as an axonal neuropathy. Stratification for specific findings in nerve biopsy did not lead to constructive differences in comparison between the different groups. To sum up, HRUS showed to provide a useful contribution in the diagnostic process of neuropathies and ALS but needs to be integrated in a multimodal diagnostic approach.}, subject = {Polyneuropathie}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Christ2021, author = {Christ, Nicolas}, title = {Die Auswirkung zerebraler Mikroblutungen auf die kognitive Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit nach isch{\"a}mischem Schlaganfall}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-24367}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-243679}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In der vorliegenden Studie wurde untersucht, ob zerebrale Mikroblutungen (CMB) bereits im fr{\"u}hen Verlauf nach isch{\"a}mischem Schlaganfall (IS) oder Transitorisch-Isch{\"a}mischer Attacke (TIA) mit kognitivem Abbau assoziiert sind und ob spezifische kognitive Dom{\"a}nen besonders betroffen sind. Der Vergleich zweier Probandengruppen mit IS/TIA und CMB bzw. IS/TIA ohne CMB hinsichtlich ihrer Ergebnisse in der neuropsychologischen Testbatterie CERAD ergab, dass CMB bereits sechs Monate nach dem zerebrovaskul{\"a}ren Ereignis mit einem kognitiven Abbau assoziiert sind. Multilokul{\"a}re CMB zeigen eine st{\"a}rkere Auswirkung auf die Kognition als solche CMB, die in einer einzigen Hirnregion gefunden wurden. Zudem wurde eine signifikante Korrelation zwischen dem Grad der kognitiven Einschr{\"a}nkung und der Anzahl der CMB errechnet. Die separate Betrachtung derjenigen Testungen, welche das episodische Ged{\"a}chtnis erfassen, zeigte eine Beeintr{\"a}chtigung der Testpersonen beim Wiedererkennen von zuvor gelernten W{\"o}rtern. Bei der Untersuchung des semantischen Ged{\"a}chtnisses der ProbandInnen fiel eine signifikant eingeschr{\"a}nkte phonematische Wortfl{\"u}ssigkeit auf, die semantische Fl{\"u}ssigkeit und das Benennen jedoch waren weniger betroffen. Die Dom{\"a}ne „Visuokonstruktive F{\"a}higkeiten" wurde ebenfalls in drei Untertests beurteilt. Hierbei zeigten sich keine Defizite der Testgruppe beim Abzeichnen der dargebotenen Figuren, die Reproduktion hingegen war signifikant gest{\"o}rt. Es zeigte sich keine CMB-bedingte Einschr{\"a}nkung der exekutiven Funktionen.}, subject = {Hirnblutung}, language = {de} } @article{SchreweLillLiuetal.2015, author = {Schrewe, L. and Lill, C. M. and Liu, T. and Salmen, A. and Gerdes, L. A. and Guillot-Noel, L. and Akkad, D. A. and Blaschke, P. and Graetz, C. and Hoffjan, S. and Kroner, A. and Demir, S. and B{\"o}hme, A. and Rieckmann, P. and El Ali, A. and Hagemann, N. and Hermann, D. M. and Cournu-Rebeix, I. and Zipp, F. and K{\"u}mpfel, T. and Buttmann, M. and Zettl, U. K. and Fontaine, B. and Bertram, L. and Gold, R. and Chan, A.}, title = {Investigation of sex-specific effects of apolipoprotein E on severity of EAE and MS}, series = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, volume = {12}, journal = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, number = {234}, doi = {10.1186/s12974-015-0429-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-136252}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Background: Despite pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects of apolipoprotein E (apoE) in vitro, its effects on the clinical course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are still controversial. As sex hormones modify immunomodulatory apoE functions, they may explain contentious findings. This study aimed to investigate sex-specific effects of apoE on disease course of EAE and MS. Methods: MOG\(_{35-55}\) induced EAE in female and male apoE-deficient mice was assessed clinically and histopathologically. apoE expression was investigated by qPCR. The association of the MS severity score (MSSS) and APOE rs429358 and rs7412 was assessed across 3237 MS patients using linear regression analyses. Results: EAE disease course was slightly attenuated in male apoE-deficient (apoE\(^{-/-}\)) mice compared to wildtype mice (cumulative median score: apoE\(^{-/-}\) = 2 [IQR 0.0-4.5]; wildtype = 4 [IQR 1.0-5.0]; n = 10 each group, p = 0.0002). In contrast, EAE was more severe in female apoE\(^{-/-}\) mice compared to wildtype mice (cumulative median score: apoE\(^{-/-}\) = 3 [IQR 2.0-4.5]; wildtype = 3 [IQR 0.0-4.0]; n = 10, p = 0.003). In wildtype animals, apoE expression during the chronic EAE phase was increased in both females and males (in comparison to naive animals; p < 0.001). However, in MS, we did not observe a significant association between MSSS and rs429358 or rs7412, neither in the overall analyses nor upon stratification for sex. Conclusions: apoE exerts moderate sex-specific effects on EAE severity. However, the results in the apoE knock-out model are not comparable to effects of polymorphic variants in the human APOE gene, thus pinpointing the challenge of translating findings from the EAE model to the human disease.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Reymann2016, author = {Reymann, Stephan Andreas}, title = {Pathophysiologische Rolle und therapeutische Relevanz von Plasmakallikrein beim experimentellen Schlaganfall}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-135834}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Die Rolle thromboinflammatorischer Vorg{\"a}nge in der Pathogenese des isch{\"a}mischen Schlaganfalls ist in den letzten Jahren immer mehr in den wissenschaftlichen Fokus ger{\"u}ckt. Plasmakallikrein (PK) spaltet von hochmolekularem Kininogen (KNG) Bradykinin (BK) ab und ist dadurch Ausgangspunkt des proinflammatorischen Kallikrein-Kinin-Systems (KKS). Zum anderen kann es den Gerinnungsfaktor XII (FXII) aktivieren, den Ausgangspunkt der intrinsischen Gerinnungskaskade. Es initiiert also sowohl inflammatorische als auch thrombotische Vorg{\"a}nge. Daher wurde in dieser Arbeit der Effekt einer Blockade PKs in einem Mausmodell der fokalen zerebralen Isch{\"a}mie untersucht - und zwar sowohl durch genetische Depletion als auch durch pharmakologische Blockade. Beide Ans{\"a}tze brachten einen nachhaltigen protektiven Effekt in Bezug auf Infarktgr{\"o}ßen und funktionelles Outcome, ohne die Blutungsgefahr zu erh{\"o}hen.}, subject = {Plasmakallikrein}, language = {de} } @article{MinnerupSutherlandBuchanetal.2012, author = {Minnerup, Jens and Sutherland, Brad A. and Buchan, Alastair M. and Kleinschnitz, Christoph}, title = {Neuroprotection for Stroke: Current Status and Future Perspectives}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Science}, volume = {13}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Science}, number = {9}, doi = {10.3390/ijms130911753}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134730}, pages = {11753-11772}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Neuroprotection aims to prevent salvageable neurons from dying. Despite showing efficacy in experimental stroke studies, the concept of neuroprotection has failed in clinical trials. Reasons for the translational difficulties include a lack of methodological agreement between preclinical and clinical studies and the heterogeneity of stroke in humans compared to homogeneous strokes in animal models. Even when the international recommendations for preclinical stroke research, the Stroke Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) criteria, were followed, we have still seen limited success in the clinic, examples being NXY-059 and haematopoietic growth factors which fulfilled nearly all the STAIR criteria. However, there are a number of neuroprotective treatments under investigation in clinical trials such as hypothermia and ebselen. Moreover, promising neuroprotective treatments based on a deeper understanding of the complex pathophysiology of ischemic stroke such as inhibitors of NADPH oxidases and PSD-95 are currently evaluated in preclinical studies. Further concepts to improve translation include the investigation of neuroprotectants in multicenter preclinical Phase III-type studies, improved animal models, and close alignment between clinical trial and preclinical methodologies. Future successful translation will require both new concepts for preclinical testing and innovative approaches based on mechanistic insights into the ischemic cascade.}, language = {en} } @article{GolombeckWessigMonoranuetal.2013, author = {Golombeck, Stefanie Kristin and Wessig, Carsten and Monoranu, Camelia-Maria and Sch{\"u}tz, Ansgar and Solymosi, Laszlo and Melzer, Nico and Kleinschnitz, Christoph}, title = {Fatal atypical reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome: a case report}, series = {Journal of Medical Case Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Journal of Medical Case Reports}, number = {14}, doi = {10.1186/1752-1947-7-14}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-135517}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Introduction: Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome - a reversible subacute global encephalopathy clinically presenting with headache, altered mental status, visual symptoms such as hemianopsia or cortical blindness, motor symptoms, and focal or generalized seizures - is characterized by a subcortical vasogenic edema symmetrically affecting posterior brain regions. Complete reversibility of both clinical signs and magnetic resonance imaging lesions is regarded as a defining feature of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome is almost exclusively seen in the setting of a predisposing clinical condition, such as pre-eclampsia, systemic infections, sepsis and shock, certain autoimmune diseases, various malignancies and cytotoxic chemotherapy, transplantation and concomitant immunosuppression (especially with calcineurin inhibitors) as well as episodes of abrupt hypertension. We describe for the first time clinical, radiological and histological findings in a case of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome with an irreversible and fatal outcome occurring in the absence of any of the known predisposing clinical conditions except for a hypertensive episode. Case presentation: A 58-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a two-week history of subacute and progressive occipital headache, blurred vision and imbalance of gait and with no evidence for raised arterial blood pressure during the two weeks previous to admission. Her past medical history was unremarkable except for controlled arterial hypertension. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated cortical and subcortical lesions with combined vasogenic and cytotoxic edema atypical for both venous congestion and arterial infarction. Routine laboratory and cerebrospinal fluid parameters were normal. The diagnosis of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome was established. Within hours after admission the patient showed a rapidly decreasing level of consciousness, extension and flexion synergisms, bilaterally extensor plantar responses and rapid cardiopulmonary decompensation requiring ventilatory and cardiocirculatory support. Follow-up cerebral imaging demonstrated widespread and confluent cytotoxic edematous lesions in different arterial territories, global cerebral swelling, and subsequent upper and lower brainstem herniation. Four days after admission, the patient was declared dead because of brain death. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that fulminant and fatal reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome may occur spontaneously, that is, in the absence of any of the known predisposing systemic conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{BittnerBobakFeuchtenbergeretal.2011, author = {Bittner, Stefan and Bobak, Nicole and Feuchtenberger, Martin and Herrmann, Alexander M and G{\"o}bel, Kerstin and Kinne, Raimund W and Hansen, Anker J and Budde, Thomas and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Frey, Oliver and Tony, Hans-Peter and Wiendl, Heinz and Meuth, Sven G}, title = {Expression of K\(_2\)\(_P\)5.1 potassium channels on CD4\(^+\)T lymphocytes correlates with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients}, series = {Arthritis Research \& Therapy}, volume = {13}, journal = {Arthritis Research \& Therapy}, number = {R21}, doi = {10.1186/ar3245}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-139334}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Introduction CD4+ T cells express K2P5.1 (TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium channel 2 (TASK2); KCNK5), a member of the two-pore domain potassium channel family, which has been shown to influence T cell effector functions. Recently, it was shown that K2P5.1 is upregulated upon (autoimmune) T cell stimulation. The aim of this study was to correlate expression levels of K2P5.1 on T cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to disease activity in these patients. Methods Expression levels of K2P5.1 were measured by RT-PCR in the peripheral blood of 58 patients with RA and correlated with disease activity parameters (C-reactive protein levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rates, disease activity score (DAS28) scores). Twenty patients undergoing therapy change were followed-up for six months. Additionally, synovial fluid and synovial biopsies were investigated for T lymphocytes expressing K2P5.1. Results K2P5.1 expression levels in CD4+ T cells show a strong correlation to DAS28 scores in RA patients. Similar correlations were found for serological inflammatory parameters (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein). In addition, K2P5.1 expression levels of synovial fluid-derived T cells are higher compared to peripheral blood T cells. Prospective data in individual patients show a parallel behaviour of K2P5.1 expression to disease activity parameters during a longitudinal follow-up for six months. Conclusions Disease activity in RA patients correlates strongly with K2P5.1 expression levels in CD4+ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood in cross-sectional as well as in longitudinal observations. Further studies are needed to investigate the exact pathophysiological mechanisms and to evaluate the possible use of K2P5.1 as a potential biomarker for disease activity and differential diagnosis.}, language = {en} } @article{PuschmannSommer2011, author = {Puschmann, Anne-Katrin and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Hypervigilance or avoidance of trigger related cues in migraineurs? - A case-control study using the emotional stroop task}, series = {BMC Neurology}, volume = {11}, journal = {BMC Neurology}, number = {141}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2377-11-141}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-137750}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background "Negative affect" is one of the major migraine triggers. The aim of the study was to assess attentional biases for negative affective stimuli that might be related to migraine triggers in migraine patients with either few or frequent migraine and healthy controls. Methods Thirty-three subjects with frequent migraine (FM) or with less frequent episodic migraine, and 20 healthy controls conducted two emotional Stroop tasks in the interictal period. In task 1, general affective words and in task 2, pictures of affective faces (angry, neutral, happy) were used. For each task we calculated two emotional Stroop indices. Groups were compared using one-way ANOVAs. Results The expected attentional bias in migraine patients was not found. However, in task 2 the controls showed a significant attentional bias to negative faces, whereas the FM group showed indices near zero. Thus, the FM group responded faster to negative than to positive stimuli. The difference between the groups was statistically significant. Conclusions The findings in the FM group may reflect a learned avoidance mechanism away from affective migraine triggers.}, language = {en} } @article{WeiseBasseLuesebrinkKleinschnitzetal.2011, author = {Weise, Gesa and Basse-L{\"u}sebrink, Thomas C. and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Kampf, Thomas and Jakob, Peter M. and Stoll, Guido}, title = {In Vivo Imaging of Stepwise Vessel Occlusion in Cerebral Photothrombosis of Mice by \(^{19}\)F MRI}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {6}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {12}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0028143}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-137792}, pages = {e28143}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background \(^{19}\)F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was recently introduced as a promising technique for in vivo cell tracking. In the present study we compared \(^{19}\)F MRI with iron-enhanced MRI in mice with photothrombosis (PT) at 7 Tesla. PT represents a model of focal cerebral ischemia exhibiting acute vessel occlusion and delayed neuroinflammation. Methods/Principal Findings Perfluorocarbons (PFC) or superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIO) were injected intravenously at different time points after photothrombotic infarction. While administration of PFC directly after PT induction led to a strong \(^{19}\)F signal throughout the entire lesion, two hours delayed application resulted in a rim-like \(^{19}\)F signal at the outer edge of the lesion. These findings closely resembled the distribution of signal loss on T2-weighted MRI seen after SPIO injection reflecting intravascular accumulation of iron particles trapped in vessel thrombi as confirmed histologically. By sequential administration of two chemically shifted PFC compounds 0 and 2 hours after illumination the different spatial distribution of the \(^{19}\)F markers (infarct core/rim) could be visualized in the same animal. When PFC were applied at day 6 the fluorine marker was only detected after long acquisition times ex vivo. SPIO-enhanced MRI showed slight signal loss in vivo which was much more prominent ex vivo indicative for neuroinflammation at this late lesion stage. Conclusion Our study shows that vessel occlusion can be followed in vivo by \(^{19}\)F and SPIO-enhanced high-field MRI while in vivo imaging of neuroinflammation remains challenging. The timing of contrast agent application was the major determinant of the underlying processes depicted by both imaging techniques. Importantly, sequential application of different PFC compounds allowed depiction of ongoing vessel occlusion from the core to the margin of the ischemic lesions in a single MRI measurement.}, language = {en} } @article{UeceylerTopuzoğluSchiesseretal.2011, author = {{\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Topuzoğlu, Teng{\"u} and Schießer, Peter and Hahnenkamp, Saskia and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {IL-4 Deficiency Is Associated with Mechanical Hypersensitivity in Mice}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {6}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {12}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0028205}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-137924}, pages = {e28205}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic cytokine that induces opioid receptor transcription. We investigated IL-4 knockout (ko) mice to characterize their pain behavior before and after chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve as a model for neuropathic pain. We investigated opioid responsivity and measured cytokine and opioid receptor gene expression in the peripheral and central nervous system (PNS, CNS) of IL-4 ko mice in comparison with wildtype (wt) mice. Na{\"i}ve IL-4 ko mice displayed tactile allodynia (wt: 0.45 g; ko: 0.18 g; p<0.001), while responses to heat and cold stimuli and to muscle pressure were not different. No compensatory changes in the gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-13 were found in the PNS and CNS of na{\"i}ve IL-4 ko mice. However, IL-1β gene expression was stronger in the sciatic nerve of IL-4 ko mice (p<0.001) 28 days after CCI and only IL-4 ko mice had elevated IL-10 gene expression (p = 0.014). Remarkably, CCI induced TNF (p<0.01), IL-1β (p<0.05), IL-10 (p<0.05), and IL-13 (p<0.001) gene expression exclusively in the ipsilateral spinal cord of IL-4 ko mice. The compensatory overexpression of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic cytokines IL-10 and IL-13 in the spinal cord of IL-4 ko mice may explain the lack of genotype differences for pain behavior after CCI. Additionally, CCI induced gene expression of μ, κ, and δ opioid receptors in the contralateral cortex and thalamus of IL-4 ko mice, paralleled by fast onset of morphine analgesia, but not in wt mice. We conclude that a lack of IL-4 leads to mechanical sensitivity; the compensatory hyperexpression of analgesic cytokines and opioid receptors after CCI, in turn, protects IL-4 ko mice from enhanced pain behavior after nerve lesion.}, language = {en} } @article{RuckBittnerAfzalietal.2015, author = {Ruck, Tobias and Bittner, Stefan and Afzali, Ali Maisam and G{\"o}bel, Kerstin and Glumm, Sarah and Kraft, Peter and Sommer, Claudia and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Preusse, Corinna and Stenzel, Werner and Wiendl, Heinz and Meuth, Sven G.}, title = {The NKG2D-IL-15 signaling pathway contributes to T-cell mediated pathology in inflammatory myopathies}, series = {Oncotarget}, volume = {6}, journal = {Oncotarget}, number = {41}, doi = {10.18632/oncotarget.6462}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-136047}, year = {2015}, abstract = {NKG2D is an activating receptor on T cells, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. T cells are critically involved in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) and have been proposed as specific therapeutic targets. However, the mechanisms underlying T cell-mediated progressive muscle destruction in IIM remain to be elucidated. We here determined the involvement of the NKG2D - IL-15 signaling pathway. Primary human myoblasts expressed NKG2D ligands, which were further upregulated upon inflammatory stimuli. In parallel, shedding of the soluble NKG2D ligand MICA (sMICA) decreased upon inflammation potentially diminishing inhibition of NKG2D signaling. Membrane-related expression of IL-15 by myoblasts induced differentiation of naive CD8\(^+\) T cells into highly activated, cytotoxic \(CD8^+NKG2D^{high}\) T cells demonstrating NKG2D-dependent lysis of myoblasts in vitro. \(CD8^+NKG2D^{high}\) T cell frequencies were increased in the peripheral blood of polymyositis (PM) patients and correlated with serum creatinine kinase concentrations, while serum sMICA levels were not significantly changed. In muscle biopsy specimens from PM patients expression of the NKG2D ligand MICA/B was upregulated, IL-15 was expressed by muscle cells, CD68\(^+\) macrophages as well as CD4\(^+\) T cells, and \(CD8^+NKG2D^+\) cells were frequently detected within inflammatory infiltrates arguing for a local signaling circuit in the inflammatory muscle milieu. In conclusion, the NKG2D - IL-15 signaling pathway contributes to progressive muscle destruction in IIM potentially opening new therapeutic avenues.}, language = {en} } @article{VolkmannAlbaneseAntoninietal.2013, author = {Volkmann, Jens and Albanese, Alberto and Antonini, Angelo and Chaudhuri, K. Ray and Clarke, Karl E. and de Bie, Rob M. A. and Deuschl, G{\"u}nther and Eggert, Karla and Houeto, Jean-Luc and Kulisevsky, Jaime and Nyholm, Dag and Odin, Per and Ostergaard, Karen and Poewe, Werner and Pollak, Pierre and Rabey, Jose Martin and Rascol, Olivier and Ruzicka, Evzen and Samuel, Michael and Speelman, Hans and Sydow, Olof and Valldeoriola, Francesc and van der Linden, Chris and Oertel, Wolfgang}, title = {Selecting deep brain stimulation or infusion therapies in advanced Parkinson's disease: an evidence-based review}, series = {Journal of Neurology}, volume = {260}, journal = {Journal of Neurology}, doi = {10.1007/s00415-012-6798-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-132373}, pages = {2701-2714}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Motor complications in Parkinson's disease (PD) result from the short half-life and irregular plasma fluctuations of oral levodopa. When strategies of providing more continuous dopaminergic stimulation by adjusting oral medication fail, patients may be candidates for one of three device-aided therapies: deep brain stimulation (DBS), continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion, or continuous duodenal/jejunal levodopa/carbidopa pump infusion (DLI). These therapies differ in their invasiveness, side-effect profile, and the need for nursing care. So far, very few comparative studies have evaluated the efficacy of the three device-aided therapies for specific motor problems in advanced PD. As a result, neurologists currently lack guidance as to which therapy could be most appropriate for a particular PD patient. A group of experts knowledgeable in all three therapies reviewed the currently available literature for each treatment and identified variables of clinical relevance for choosing one of the three options such as type of motor problems, age, and cognitive and psychiatric status. For each scenario, pragmatic and (if available) evidence-based recommendations are provided as to which patients could be candidates for either DBS, DLI, or subcutaneous apomorphine.}, language = {en} } @article{IsaiasMarzeganPezzolietal.2012, author = {Isaias, Ioannis U. and Marzegan, Alberto and Pezzoli, Gianni and Marotta, Giorgio and Canesi, Margherita and Biella, Gabriele E. M. and Volkmann, Jens and Cavallari, Paolo}, title = {A role for locus coeruleus in Parkinson tremor}, series = {Frontiers in Human Neuroscience}, volume = {5}, journal = {Frontiers in Human Neuroscience}, number = {179}, doi = {10.3389/fnhum.2011.00179}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133955}, year = {2012}, abstract = {We analyzed rest tremor, one of the etiologically most elusive hallmarks of Parkinson disease(PD), in 12 consecutive PD patients during a specific task activating the locus coeruleus (LC) to investigate a putative role of noradrenaline (NA) in tremor generation and suppression. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed in all subjects by reduced dopamine reuptake transporter (DAT) binding values investigated by single photon computed tomography imaging (SPECT) with [\(^{123}\)I] N-\(\omega\)-fluoropropyl-2 \(\beta\)-carbomethoxy-3 \(\beta\)-(4-iodophenyl) tropane (FP-CIT). The intensity of tremor (i.e., the power of Electromyography [EMG] signals), but not its frequency, significantly increased during the task. In six subjects, tremor appeared selectively during the task. In a second part of the study, we retrospectively reviewed SPECT with FP-CIT data and confirmed the lack of correlation between dopaminergic loss and tremor by comparing DAT binding values of 82 PD subjects with bilateral tremor (n = 27), unilateral tremor (n = 22), and no tremor (n = 33). This study suggests a role of the LC in Parkinson tremor.}, language = {en} } @article{IsaiasVolkmannMarzeganetal.2012, author = {Isaias, Ioannis U. and Volkmann, Jens and Marzegan, Alberto and Marotta, Giorgio and Cavallari, Paolo and Pezzoli, Gianni}, title = {The Influence of Dopaminergic Striatal Innervation on Upper Limb Locomotor Synergies}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {7}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {12}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0051464}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133976}, pages = {e51464}, year = {2012}, abstract = {To determine the role of striatal dopaminergic innervation on upper limb synergies during walking, we measured arm kinematics in 13 subjects with Parkinson disease. Patients were recruited according to several inclusion criteria to represent the best possible in vivo model of dopaminergic denervation. Of relevance, we included only subjects with normal spatio-temporal parameters of the stride and gait speed to avoid an impairment of upper limbs locomotor synergies as a consequence of gait impairment per se. Dopaminergic innervation of the striatum was measured by FP-CIT and SPECT. All patients showed a reduction of gait-associated arms movement. No linear correlation was found between arm ROM reduction and contralateral dopaminergic putaminal innervation loss. Still, a partition analysis revealed a 80\% chance of reduced arm ROM when putaminal dopamine content loss was >47\%. A significant correlation was described between the asymmetry indices of the swinging of the two arms and dopaminergic striatal innervation. When arm ROM was reduced, we found a positive correlation between upper-lower limb phase shift modulation ( at different gait velocities) and striatal dopaminergic innervation. These findings are preliminary evidence that dopaminergic striatal tone plays a modulatory role in upper-limb locomotor synergies and upper-lower limb coupling while walking at different velocities.}, language = {en} } @article{BrandtZimmermannKaufholdetal.2012, author = {Brandt, Alexander U. and Zimmermann, Hanna and Kaufhold, Falko and Promesberger, Julia and Schippling, Sven and Finis, David and Aktas, Orhan and Geis, Christian and Ringelstein, Marius and Ringelstein, E. Bernd and Hartung, Hans-Peter and Paul, Friedemann and Kleffner, Ilka and D{\"o}rr, Jan}, title = {Patterns of Retinal Damage Facilitate Differential Diagnosis between Susac Syndrome and MS}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {7}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0038741}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134013}, pages = {e38741}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Susac syndrome, a rare but probably underdiagnosed combination of encephalopathy, hearing loss, and visual deficits due to branch retinal artery occlusion of unknown aetiology has to be considered as differential diagnosis in various conditions. Particularly, differentiation from multiple sclerosis is often challenging since both clinical presentation and diagnostic findings may overlap. Optical coherence tomography is a powerful and easy to perform diagnostic tool to analyse the morphological integrity of retinal structures and is increasingly established to depict characteristic patterns of retinal pathology in multiple sclerosis. Against this background we hypothesised that differential patterns of retinal pathology facilitate a reliable differentiation between Susac syndrome and multiple sclerosis. In this multicenter cross-sectional observational study optical coherence tomography was performed in nine patients with a definite diagnosis of Susac syndrome. Data were compared with age-, sex-, and disease duration-matched relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients with and without a history of optic neuritis, and with healthy controls. Using generalised estimating equation models, Susac patients showed a significant reduction in either or both retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and total macular volume in comparison to both healthy controls and relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients. However, in contrast to the multiple sclerosis patients this reduction was not distributed over the entire scanning area but showed a distinct sectorial loss especially in the macular measurements. We therefore conclude that patients with Susac syndrome show distinct abnormalities in optical coherence tomography in comparison to multiple sclerosis patients. These findings recommend optical coherence tomography as a promising tool for differentiating Susac syndrome from MS.}, language = {en} } @article{JariusRuprechtWildemannetal.2012, author = {Jarius, Sven and Ruprecht, Klemens and Wildemann, Brigitte and Kuempfel, Tania and Ringelstein, Marius and Geis, Christian and Kleiter, Ingo and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Berthele, Achim and Brettschneider, Johannes and Hellwig, Kerstin and Hemmer, Bernhard and Linker, Ralf A. and Lauda, Florian and Hayrettin, Christoph A. and Tumani, Hayrettin and Melms, Arthur and Trebst, Corinna and Stangel, Martin and Marziniak, Martin and Hoffmann, Frank and Schippling, Sven and Faiss, J{\"u}rgen H. and Neuhaus, Oliver and Ettrich, Barbara and Zentner, Christian and Guthke, Kersten and Hofstadt-van Oy, Ulrich and Reuss, Reinhard and Pellkofer, Hannah and Ziemann, Ulf and Kern, Peter and Wandinger, Klaus P. and Bergh, Florian Then and Boettcher, Tobias and Langel, Stefan and Liebetrau, Martin and Rommer, Paulus S. and Niehaus, Sabine and M{\"u}nch, Christoph and Winkelmann, Alexander and Zettl, Uwe K and Metz, Imke and Veauthier, Christian and Sieb, J{\"o}rn P. and Wilke, Christian and Hartung, Hans P. and Aktas, Orhan and Paul, Friedemann}, title = {Contrasting disease patterns in seropositive and seronegative neuromyelitis optica: A multicentre study of 175 patients}, series = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, volume = {9}, journal = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, number = {14}, doi = {10.1186/1742-2094-9-14}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133636}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background: The diagnostic and pathophysiological relevance of antibodies to aquaporin-4 (AQP4-Ab) in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) has been intensively studied. However, little is known so far about the clinical impact of AQP4-Ab seropositivity. Objective: To analyse systematically the clinical and paraclinical features associated with NMO spectrum disorders in Caucasians in a stratified fashion according to the patients' AQP4-Ab serostatus. Methods: Retrospective study of 175 Caucasian patients (AQP4-Ab positive in 78.3\%). Results: Seropositive patients were found to be predominantly female (p < 0.0003), to more often have signs of co-existing autoimmunity (p < 0.00001), and to experience more severe clinical attacks. A visual acuity of <= 0.1 during acute optic neuritis (ON) attacks was more frequent among seropositives (p < 0.002). Similarly, motor symptoms were more common in seropositive patients, the median Medical Research Council scale (MRC) grade worse, and MRC grades <= 2 more frequent, in particular if patients met the 2006 revised criteria (p < 0.005, p < 0.006 and p < 0.01, respectively), the total spinal cord lesion load was higher (p < 0.006), and lesions >= 6 vertebral segments as well as entire spinal cord involvement more frequent (p < 0.003 and p < 0.043). By contrast, bilateral ON at onset was more common in seronegatives (p < 0.007), as was simultaneous ON and myelitis (p < 0.001); accordingly, the time to diagnosis of NMO was shorter in the seronegative group (p < 0.029). The course of disease was more often monophasic in seronegatives (p < 0.008). Seropositives and seronegatives did not differ significantly with regard to age at onset, time to relapse, annualized relapse rates, outcome from relapse (complete, partial, no recovery), annualized EDSS increase, mortality rate, supratentorial brain lesions, brainstem lesions, history of carcinoma, frequency of preceding infections, oligoclonal bands, or CSF pleocytosis. Both the time to relapse and the time to diagnosis was longer if the disease started with ON (p < 0.002 and p < 0.013). Motor symptoms or tetraparesis at first myelitis and > 1 myelitis attacks in the first year were identified as possible predictors of a worse outcome.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Oehler2015, author = {Oehler, Steffen Claus}, title = {Deeskalation der Immuntherapie bei Patienten mit Multipler Sklerose}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-133666}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Die vorliegende Arbeit ist die erste, die sich mit der Frage besch{\"a}ftigt, mit welcher zur Deeskalation eingesetzten Therapie nach Beendigung einer Eskalationstherapie mit Mitoxantron am besten Krankheitsstabilit{\"a}t erreicht werden kann bzw. ob Patienten-/Krankheitscharakteristika existieren, die eine bestimmte Nachfolge-Therapie favorisieren. Trotz neuer Behandlungsm{\"o}glichkeiten der hochaktiven MS mit Fingolimod, Natalizumab und Alemtuzumab hat Mitoxantron im klinischen Alltag nach wie vor einen hohen Stellenwert, so dass die Fragestellung dieser Studie weiter relevant ist. Es zeigten sich keine Patientencharakteristika, die auf eine erfolgsversprechende Therapie in der Deeskalationsphase nach Mitoxantron schließen ließen. Bei Patienten, bei denen w{\"a}hrend der Eskalation mit Mitoxantron die Dosis reduziert werden konnte, wurden w{\"a}hrend der Deeskalationstherapie ein stabilerer Verlauf und weniger Therapiewechsel beobachtet. Bei Patienten, die wegen einer rein chronischen Krankheitsprogredienz eskaliert wurden, trat eine Verschlechterung nach Deeskalation h{\"a}ufiger auf als bei denjenigen, welche wegen Schubaktivit{\"a}t eskaliert wurden. Die Aussagekraft der Daten wird durch die nur niedrige Anzahl der in diese Studie eingeschlossenen Patienten limitiert. Rekrutierungsprobleme stellten die Hauptursache f{\"u}r die geringe Anzahl der Studienteilnehmer dar.}, subject = {Multiple Sklerose}, language = {de} } @article{EhlingGoebBittneretal.2013, author = {Ehling, Petra and G{\"o}b, Eva and Bittner, Stefan and Budde, Thomas and Ludwig, Andreas and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Meuth, Sven G.}, title = {Ischemia-induced cell depolarization: does the hyperpolarization-activated cation channel HCN2 affect the outcome after stroke in mice?}, series = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine}, volume = {5}, journal = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine}, number = {16}, doi = {10.1186/2040-7378-5-16}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-131887}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background Brain ischemia is known to include neuronal cell death and persisting neurological deficits. A lack of oxygen and glucose are considered to be key mediators of ischemic neurodegeneration while the exact mechanisms are yet unclear. In former studies the expression of two different two-pore domain potassium \((K_{2P})\) channels (TASK1, TREK1) were shown to ameliorate neuronal damage due to cerebral ischemia. In neurons, TASK channels carrying hyperpolarizing \(K^+\) leak currents, and the pacemaker channel HCN2, carrying depolarizing \(I_h\), stabilize the membrane potential by a mutual functional interaction. It is assumed that this ionic interplay between TASK and HCN2 channels enhances the resistance of neurons to insults accompanied by extracellular pH shifts. Methods In C57Bl/6 (wildtype, WT), \(hcn2^{+/+}\) and \(hcn2^{-/-}\) mice we used an in vivo model of cerebral ischemia (transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO)) to depict a functional impact of HCN2 in stroke formation. Subsequent analyses comprise behavioural tests and hcn2 gene expression assays. Results After 60 min of tMCAO induction in WT mice, we collected tissue samples at 6, 12, and 24 h after reperfusion. In the infarcted neocortex, hcn2 expression analyses revealed a nominal peak of hcn2 expression 6 h after reperfusion with a tendency towards lower expression levels with longer reperfusion times. Hcn2 gene expression levels in infarcted basal ganglia did not change after 6 h and 12 h. Only at 24 h after reperfusion, hcn2 expression significantly decreases by ~55\%. However, 30 min of tMCAO in hcn2-/- as well as hcn2+/+ littermates induced similar infarct volumes. Behavioural tests for global neurological function (Bederson score) and motor function/coordination (grip test) were performed at day 1 after surgery. Again, we found no differences between the groups. Conclusions Here, we hypothesized that the absence of HCN2, an important functional counter player of TASK channels, affects neuronal survival during stroke-induced tissue damage. However, together with a former study on TASK3 these results implicate that both TASK3 and HCN2 which were supposed to be neuroprotective due to their pH-dependency, do not influence ischemic neurodegeneration during stroke in the tMCAO model.}, language = {en} } @article{BrechtWeissbrichBraunetal.2012, author = {Brecht, Isabel and Weissbrich, Benedikt and Braun, Julia and Toyka, Klaus Viktor and Weishaupt, Andreas and Buttmann, Mathias}, title = {Intrathecal, Polyspecific Antiviral Immune Response in Oligoclonal Band Negative Multiple Sclerosis}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {7}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {7}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0040431}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134426}, pages = {e40431}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background: Oligoclonal bands (OCB) are detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in more than 95\% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Western hemisphere. Here we evaluated the intrathecal, polyspecific antiviral immune response as a potential diagnostic CSF marker for OCB-negative MS patients. Methodology/Principal Findings: We tested 46 OCB-negative German patients with paraclinically well defined, definite MS. Sixteen OCB-negative patients with a clear diagnosis of other autoimmune CNS disorders and 37 neurological patients without evidence for autoimmune CNS inflammation served as control groups. Antibodies against measles, rubella, varicella zoster and herpes simplex virus in paired serum and CSF samples were determined by ELISA, and virus-specific immunoglobulin G antibody indices were calculated. An intrathecal antibody synthesis against at least one neurotropic virus was detected in 8 of 26 (31\%) patients with relapsing-remitting MS, 8 of 12 (67\%) with secondary progressive MS and 5 of 8 (63\%) with primary progressive MS, in 3 of 16 (19\%) CNS autoimmune and 3 of 37 (8\%) non-autoimmune control patients. Antibody synthesis against two or more viruses was found in 11 of 46 (24\%) MS patients but in neither of the two control groups. On average, MS patients with a positive antiviral immune response were older and had a longer disease duration than those without. Conclusion: Determination of the intrathecal, polyspecific antiviral immune response may allow to establish a CSF-supported diagnosis of MS in OCB-negative patients when two or more of the four virus antibody indices are elevated.}, language = {en} } @article{IpKronerGrohetal.2012, author = {Ip, Chi Wang and Kroner, Antje and Groh, Janos and Huber, Marianne and Klein, Dennis and Spahn, Irene and Diem, Ricarda and Williams, Sarah K. and Nave, Klaus-Armin and Edgar, Julia M. and Martini, Rudolf}, title = {Neuroinflammation by Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes Impairs Retrograde Axonal Transport in an Oligodendrocyte Mutant Mouse}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {7}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {8}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0042554}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134982}, pages = {e42554}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Mice overexpressing proteolipid protein (PLP) develop a leukodystrophy-like disease involving cytotoxic, CD8+ T-lymphocytes. Here we show that these cytotoxic T-lymphocytes perturb retrograde axonal transport. Using fluorogold stereotactically injected into the colliculus superior, we found that PLP overexpression in oligodendrocytes led to significantly reduced retrograde axonal transport in retina ganglion cell axons. We also observed an accumulation of mitochondria in the juxtaparanodal axonal swellings, indicative for a disturbed axonal transport. PLP overexpression in the absence of T-lymphocytes rescued retrograde axonal transport defects and abolished axonal swellings. Bone marrow transfer from wildtype mice, but not from perforin- or granzyme B-deficient mutants, into lymphocyte-deficient PLP mutant mice led again to impaired axonal transport and the formation of axonal swellings, which are predominantly located at the juxtaparanodal region. This demonstrates that the adaptive immune system, including cytotoxic T-lymphocytes which release perforin and granzyme B, are necessary to perturb axonal integrity in the PLP-transgenic disease model. Based on our observations, so far not attended molecular and cellular players belonging to the immune system should be considered to understand pathogenesis in inherited myelin disorders with progressive axonal damage.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Hullin2016, author = {Hullin, Marcus}, title = {Zusammenhang zwischen Raumwahrnehmung, K{\"o}rperselbstgef{\"u}hl und Puppenhandillusion bei gesunden {\"A}lteren und Patienten mit kortikobasalem Syndrom}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134291}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Das K{\"o}rperselbstgef{\"u}hl (KSG) bezeichnet das Gef{\"u}hl, einen bestimmten K{\"o}r-perteil als dem eigenen K{\"o}rper zugeh{\"o}rig zu empfinden. Es erscheint stabil und nicht st{\"o}rbar, l{\"a}sst sich jedoch bei den meisten Menschen experimentell beein-flussen. Ein Beispiel hierf{\"u}r ist die Puppenhandillusion (PHI), bei der die nicht sichtbare eigene Hand des Probanden und eine sichtbare Plastikhand in glei-cher Stellung an den gleichen Fingerstellen synchron mit zwei Pinseln bestri-chen wird, wodurch die Wahrnehmung entsteht, die Plastikhand sei die eigene. Ver{\"a}nderungen des KSG k{\"o}nnen jedoch auch im Rahmen neurodegenerativer Erkrankungen vorkommen. So nimmt beim kortikobasalen Syndrom (CBS) etwa die H{\"a}lfte der Patienten im Krankheitsverlauf einen Arm und seine Bewegungen als fremd war ("Alien-limb"-Ph{\"a}nomen). Das CBS beginnt oft einseitig und ist durch eine rasch fortschreitende, akinetisch-rigide Parkinson-Symptomatik, aber auch durch kortikale Funktionsst{\"o}rungen gekennzeichnet, so dass es ne-ben einer St{\"o}rung des KSG auch zu einer St{\"o}rung der r{\"a}umlichen Aufmerk-samkeit (Hemineglect) kommt. Bislang wurde der Zusammenhang zwischen Raumwahrnehmung, KSG und PHI bei gesunden {\"a}lteren Menschen noch nicht systematisch untersucht. Ebenso wenig war bisher bekannt, inwieweit das KSG bei CBS-Patienten durch die PHI modulierbar ist. Wir untersuchten 65 gesunde {\"a}ltere Probanden (60 - 90 Jahre) ohne neurologi-sche Vorerkrankungen sowie zehn Patienten zwischen 59 und 77 Jahren mit wahrscheinlichem oder m{\"o}glichem CBS. Den kognitiven und orientierend seeli-schen Zustand eruierten wir mit Hilfe des PANDA- und des Uhrentests, die Raumwahrnehmung testeten wir mittels des Milner-Landmark-Tests sowie des Letter-Cancellation-Tests, das spontane K{\"o}rperselbstgef{\"u}hl wurde mittels eines Fragebogens erfasst. Der PHI-Versuch wurde mit synchroner sowie asynchro-ner taktiler Stimulation durchgef{\"u}hrt, das Auftreten eines Selbstgef{\"u}hls f{\"u}r die Plastikhand wurde subjektiv {\"u}ber spontane {\"A}ußerungen und einen etablierten Fragebogen, objektiv {\"u}ber den sog. propriozeptiven Drift der stimulierten Hand erfasst. Unter den Kontrollprobanden fanden sich 12\% mit einer wahrscheinlichen De-menz, wohingegen dies bei 80\% der CBS-Patienten der Fall war. Im Milner-Landmark-Test zeigte sich bei den Kontrollprobanden eine {\"U}bersch{\"a}tzung des rechten Segmentes einer mittig geteilten Linie, entsprechend einem milden Hemineglect, bei den CBS-Patienten konnte keine einheitliche Tendenz festge-stellt werden. Das spontane K{\"o}rperselbstgef{\"u}hl stellte sich bei nahezu allen Probanden als intakt dar, w{\"a}hrend sich bei vier Patienten mit CBS Hinweise auf aktuelle oder intermittierende St{\"o}rungen desselben ergaben. Die Puppenhandil-lusion war in der Gruppe gesunder {\"A}lterer bei synchroner Stimulation ausl{\"o}s-bar, nicht jedoch bei asynchroner Stimulation. Eine Lateralisierungstendenz zeigte sich nicht. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus konnte bei den Probanden eine positive Korre-lation zwischen dem propriozeptiven Drift der linken Hand nach synchroner Stimulation und dem Hemineglect nach links gefunden werden. Bei den CBS-Patienten fand sich unabh{\"a}ngig von der Stimulationsart (synchron oder asyn-chron) eine erh{\"o}hte Bereitschaft, die linke Puppenhand ins eigene K{\"o}rperbild zu integrieren. Das Auftreten der PHI bei gesunden {\"a}lteren Probanden ist vergleichbar mit den Daten j{\"u}ngerer Probandengruppen. Hinweise auf eine hemisph{\"a}rische Laterali-sierungstendenz der PHI ergaben sich nicht, jedoch scheint der in dieser Grup-pe festgestellte leichtgradige Hemineglect nach links den multisensorischen Prozess zu beeinflussen, eine k{\"u}nstliche Hand in das eigene K{\"o}rperschema zu integrieren. Bei den CBS-Patienten war die PHI unabh{\"a}ngig vom Stimulations-modus links besser ausl{\"o}sbar als rechts, was mit vorwiegend rechtshemisph{\"a}-rischen krankheitsbedingten Ver{\"a}nderungen des multisensorischen Integrati-onsprozesses vereinbar ist.}, subject = {Raumwahrnehmung}, language = {de} } @article{BurlinaSimsPoliteietal.2011, author = {Burlina, Alessandro P. and Sims, Katherine B. and Politei, Juan M. and Bennett, Gary J. and Baron, Ralf and Sommer, Claudia and Moller, Anette Torvin and Hilz, Max J.}, title = {Early diagnosis of peripheral nervous system involvement in Fabry disease and treatment of neuropathic pain: the report of an expert panel}, series = {BMC Neurology}, volume = {11}, journal = {BMC Neurology}, number = {61}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2377-11-61}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-135309}, pages = {1-11}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Background: Fabry disease is an inherited metabolic disorder characterized by progressive lysosomal accumulation of lipids in a variety of cell types, including neural cells. Small, unmyelinated nerve fibers are particularly affected and small fiber peripheral neuropathy often clinically manifests at young age. Peripheral pain can be chronic and/or occur as provoked attacks of excruciating pain. Manifestations of dysfunction of small autonomic fibers may include, among others, impaired sweating, gastrointestinal dysmotility, and abnormal pain perception. Patients with Fabry disease often remain undiagnosed until severe complications involving the kidney, heart, peripheral nerves and/or brain have arisen. Methods: An international expert panel convened with the goal to provide guidance to clinicians who may encounter unrecognized patients with Fabry disease on how to diagnose these patients early using simple diagnostic tests. A further aim was to offer recommendations to control neuropathic pain. Results: We describe the neuropathy in Fabry disease, focusing on peripheral small fiber dysfunction - the hallmark of early neurologic involvement in this disorder. The clinical course of peripheral pain is summarized, and the importance of medical history-taking, including family history, is highlighted. A thorough physical examination (e. g., angiokeratoma, corneal opacities) and simple non-invasive sensory perception tests could provide clues to the diagnosis of Fabry disease. Reported early clinical benefits of enzyme replacement therapy include reduction of neuropathic pain, and adequate management of residual pain to a tolerable and functional level can substantially improve the quality of life for patients. Conclusions: Our recommendations can assist in diagnosing Fabry small fiber neuropathy early, and offer clinicians guidance in controlling peripheral pain. This is particularly important since management of pain in young patients with Fabry disease appears to be inadequate.}, language = {en} } @article{DupuisDenglerHenekaetal.2012, author = {Dupuis, Luc and Dengler, Reinhard and Heneka, Michael T. and Meyer, Thomas and Zierz, Stephan and Kassubek, Jan and Fischer, Wilhelm and Steiner, Franziska and Lindauer, Eva and Otto, Markus and Dreyhaupt, Jens and Grehl, Torsten and Hermann, Andreas and Winkler, Andrea S. and Bogdahn, Ulrich and Benecke, Reiner and Schrank, Bertold and Wessig, Carsten and Grosskreutz, Julian and Ludolph, Albert C.}, title = {A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Pioglitazone in Combination with Riluzole in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {7}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0037885}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-130255}, pages = {e37885}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background: Pioglitazone, an oral anti-diabetic that stimulates the PPAR-gamma transcription factor, increased survival of mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods/Principal Findings: We performed a phase II, double blind, multicentre, placebo controlled trial of pioglitazone in ALS patients under riluzole. 219 patients were randomly assigned to receive 45 mg/day of pioglitazone or placebo (one: one allocation ratio). The primary endpoint was survival. Secondary endpoints included incidence of non-invasive ventilation and tracheotomy, and slopes of ALS-FRS, slow vital capacity, and quality of life as assessed using EUROQoL EQ-5D. The study was conducted under a two-stage group sequential test, allowing to stop for futility or superiority after interim analysis. Shortly after interim analysis, 30 patients under pioglitazone and 24 patients under placebo had died. The trial was stopped for futility; the hazard ratio for primary endpoint was 1.21 (95\% CI: 0.71-2.07, p = 0.48). Secondary endpoints were not modified by pioglitazone treatment. Pioglitazone was well tolerated. Conclusion/Significance: Pioglitazone has no beneficial effects on the survival of ALS patients as add-on therapy to riluzole.}, language = {en} } @article{GolombeckWessigMonoranuetal.2013, author = {Golombeck, Stefanie Kristin and Wessig, Carsten and Monoranu, Camelia-Maria and Sch{\"u}tz, Ansgar and Solymosi, Laszlo and Melzer, Niko and Kleinschnitz, Christoph}, title = {Fatal atypical reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome: a case report}, series = {Journal of Medical Case Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Journal of Medical Case Reports}, number = {14}, doi = {10.1186/1752-1947-7-14}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-129456}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Introduction: Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome - a reversible subacute global encephalopathy clinically presenting with headache, altered mental status, visual symptoms such as hemianopsia or cortical blindness, motor symptoms, and focal or generalized seizures - is characterized by a subcortical vasogenic edema symmetrically affecting posterior brain regions. Complete reversibility of both clinical signs and magnetic resonance imaging lesions is regarded as a defining feature of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome is almost exclusively seen in the setting of a predisposing clinical condition, such as pre-eclampsia, systemic infections, sepsis and shock, certain autoimmune diseases, various malignancies and cytotoxic chemotherapy, transplantation and concomitant immunosuppression (especially with calcineurin inhibitors) as well as episodes of abrupt hypertension. We describe for the first time clinical, radiological and histological findings in a case of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome with an irreversible and fatal outcome occurring in the absence of any of the known predisposing clinical conditions except for a hypertensive episode. Case presentation: A 58-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a two-week history of subacute and progressive occipital headache, blurred vision and imbalance of gait and with no evidence for raised arterial blood pressure during the two weeks previous to admission. Her past medical history was unremarkable except for controlled arterial hypertension. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated cortical and subcortical lesions with combined vasogenic and cytotoxic edema atypical for both venous congestion and arterial infarction. Routine laboratory and cerebrospinal fluid parameters were normal. The diagnosis of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome was established. Within hours after admission the patient showed a rapidly decreasing level of consciousness, extension and flexion synergisms, bilaterally extensor plantar responses and rapid cardiopulmonary decompensation requiring ventilatory and cardiocirculatory support. Follow-up cerebral imaging demonstrated widespread and confluent cytotoxic edematous lesions in different arterial territories, global cerebral swelling, and subsequent upper and lower brainstem herniation. Four days after admission, the patient was declared dead because of brain death. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that fulminant and fatal reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome may occur spontaneously, that is, in the absence of any of the known predisposing systemic conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{FluriHeinenKleinschnitz2013, author = {Fluri, Felix and Heinen, Florian and Kleinschnitz, Christoph}, title = {Intravenous Thrombolysis in a Stroke Patient Receiving Rivaroxaban}, series = {Cerebrovascular Disease Extra}, volume = {2013}, journal = {Cerebrovascular Disease Extra}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1159/000355839}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-128816}, pages = {153-155}, year = {2013}, abstract = {No abstract available.}, language = {en} } @article{LinkerMagnusKornetal.2013, author = {Linker, Ralf A. and Magnus, Tim and Korn, Thomas and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Meuth, Sven G.}, title = {Report on the 5'th scientific meeting of the "Verein zur F{\"o}rderung des Wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses in der Neurologie" (NEUROWIND e.V.) held in Motzen, Germany, Oct. 25th - Oct. 27th, 2013}, series = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine}, volume = {5}, journal = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine}, number = {15}, doi = {10.1186/2040-7378-5-15}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-129230}, year = {2013}, abstract = {From october 25th - 27th 2013, the 5th NEUROWIND e.V. meeting was held in Motzen, Brandenburg, Germany. This year more than 60 doctoral students and postdocs from over 25 different groups working in German university hospitals or research institutes attended the meeting to discuss their latest findings in the fields of neuroimmunology, neurodegeneration and neurovascular research. All participants appreciated the stimulating environment in Motzen, Brandenburg, and people took the opportunity for scientific exchange, discussion about ongoing projects and already started further collaborations. Like in the previous years, the symposium was regarded as a very well organized platform to support research of young investigators in Germany. According to the major aim of NEUROWIND e.V. to support younger researchers in Germany the 3rd NEUROWIND YOUNG SCIENTIST AWARD for experimental neurology was awarded to Ruth Stassart working in the group of Klaus Armin Nave and Wolfgang Br{\"u}ck (MPI G{\"o}ttingen and Department of Neuropathology, G{\"o}ttingen Germany). The successful work was published in Nature Neuroscience entitled "A role for Swann cell-derived neuregulin-1 in remyelination". This outstanding paper deals with the function of Schwann cell neuregulin as an endogenous factor for myelin repair. The award is endowed with 20.000 Euro sponsored by Merck Serono GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany (unrestricted educational grant). This year's keynote lecture was given by Albert Ludolph, Head of the Department of Neurology at the University Clinic of Ulm. Dr. Ludolph highlighted the particular role of individual scientists for the development of research concepts in Alzheimer´s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).}, language = {en} } @article{EhlingGoebBittneretal.2013, author = {Ehling, Petra and G{\"o}b, Eva and Bittner, Stefan and Budde, Thomas and Ludwig, Andreas and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Meuth, Sven G.}, title = {Ischemia-induced cell depolarization: does the hyperpolarization-activated cation channel HCN2 affect the outcome after stroke in mice?}, series = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine}, volume = {5}, journal = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine}, number = {16}, doi = {10.1186/2040-7378-5-16}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-129240}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background Brain ischemia is known to include neuronal cell death and persisting neurological deficits. A lack of oxygen and glucose are considered to be key mediators of ischemic neurodegeneration while the exact mechanisms are yet unclear. In former studies the expression of two different two-pore domain potassium \((K_{2P})\) channels (TASK1, TREK1) were shown to ameliorate neuronal damage due to cerebral ischemia. In neurons, TASK channels carrying hyperpolarizing \(K^+\) leak currents, and the pacemaker channel HCN2, carrying depolarizing Ih, stabilize the membrane potential by a mutual functional interaction. It is assumed that this ionic interplay between TASK and HCN2 channels enhances the resistance of neurons to insults accompanied by extracellular pH shifts. Methods In C57Bl/6 (wildtype, WT), \(hcn2^{+/+}\) and \(hcn2^{-/-}\) mice we used an in vivo model of cerebral ischemia (transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO)) to depict a functional impact of HCN2 in stroke formation. Subsequent analyses comprise behavioural tests and hcn2 gene expression assays. Results After 60 min of tMCAO induction in WT mice, we collected tissue samples at 6, 12, and 24 h after reperfusion. In the infarcted neocortex, hcn2 expression analyses revealed a nominal peak of hcn2 expression 6 h after reperfusion with a tendency towards lower expression levels with longer reperfusion times. Hcn2 gene expression levels in infarcted basal ganglia did not change after 6 h and 12 h. Only at 24 h after reperfusion, hcn2 expression significantly decreases by ~55\%. However, 30 min of tMCAO in hcn2-/- as well as hcn2+/+ littermates induced similar infarct volumes. Behavioural tests for global neurological function (Bederson score) and motor function/coordination (grip test) were performed at day 1 after surgery. Again, we found no differences between the groups. Conclusions Here, we hypothesized that the absence of HCN2, an important functional counter player of TASK channels, affects neuronal survival during stroke-induced tissue damage. However, together with a former study on TASK3 these results implicate that both TASK3 and HCN2 which were supposed to be neuroprotective due to their pH-dependency, do not influence ischemic neurodegeneration during stroke in the tMCAO model.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Stallforth2007, author = {Stallforth, Sabine}, title = {Unterschiedliche Wirkungen der TNF-alpha-Rezeptoren auf De- und Regeneration peripherer NervenEine Studie an TNF-alpha-Rezeptor-Knockoutm{\"a}usen in zwei verschiedenen Tiermodellen f{\"u}r Nervenl{\"a}sionen}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-24808}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2007}, abstract = {Noch immer ist die Behandlung von Neuropathien mit den g{\"a}ngigen therapeutischen Mitteln f{\"u}r viele Patienten sehr unbefriedigend. Als erfolgsversprechender therapeutischer Ansatz werden zur Zeit Wege erforscht, welche direkt in die molekularen Entstehungsmechanismen pathologischer Ver{\"a}nderungen und regenerationsf{\"o}rdernder Mechanismen eingreifen, um dadurch eine Heilung von Nervensch{\"a}den zu erm{\"o}glichen. Bisher sind die Erkenntnisse {\"u}ber diese Mechanismen nicht vollst{\"a}ndig genug, um daraus eine sichere Behandlungsm{\"o}glichkeit abzuleiten. Wegweisende Erkenntnisse deuten sich allerdings durch Studien von unterschiedlichen Vertretern des Zytokinnetzwerkes an - darunter auch TNF-alpha - welche als molekulare Ursache neuropathischer Ver{\"a}nderungen diskutiert werden. In dieser Studie wurde an Knockoutm{\"a}usen der Einfluss des jeweiligen TNF-alpha-Rezeptors auf morphologische Ver{\"a}nderungen nach CCI (Chronic constriction injury) und Crush-Verletzung des N. ischiadicus untersucht. Nach 3,7,15 und 36 Tagen (CCI) bzw. 3,7 und 28 Tagen (Crush) wurden in Methylenblau gef{\"a}rbten Semid{\"u}nnschnitten intakte und degenerierte Nervenfasern, Makrophagen, Angioproliferation, {\"O}dembildung udn Ver{\"a}nderung des Anteils nicht neuronaler Zellen lichtmikroskopisch beurteilt. Zus{\"a}tzlich wurden Mac-1+ Makrophagen immunzytochemisch erfasst. Die Ergebnisse zeigten in beiden Modellen und bei beiden Knockouttypen eine starke axonale Sch{\"a}digung, die von einer großen endoneuroalen Makrophagenansammlung begleitet war. Bei TNF-R1-/- M{\"a}usen war eine st{\"a}rkere und verl{\"a}ngerte Degeneration mit entsprechend h{\"o}heren Makrophagenzahlen sichtbar. In den Immunzytochemischen F{\"a}rbungen wiesen die TNF-R1-/- M{\"a}use hingegen den geringsten Makropahgenanteil auf.Trotz der starken Sch{\"a}digung war die anschließende Regeneration im Gegensatz zu WT und TNF-R2-/- M{\"a}usen besser. Die {\"O}dembildung war bei den TNF-R2-/- nach CCI besonders stark ausgepr{\"a}gt und von einer schlechten Regeneration gefolgt. W{\"a}hrend die gefundenen Daten auf eine Beteiligung beider Rezeptoren w{\"a}hrend degenerativer Prozesse hindeuten, scheint insbesondere TNF-R2 regenerationsf{\"o}rdernde Effekte zu vermitteln.}, subject = {peripheral nerve}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{He2009, author = {He, Lan}, title = {Small fiber involvement in Fabry's disease}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-32844}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2009}, abstract = {Aim of Investigation: The neurological manifestations of Fabry's disease, a rare, X-linked, multisystem disorder caused by alpha-galactosidase A deficiency and globotriosylceramide (Gb3) accumulation, include both peripheral and central nervous system symptoms. Here we evaluated a prospectively recruited cohort of patients with Fabry's disease for pain, small nerve fiber function, and skin innervation. Methods: 66 patients (31 male and 35 female) were enrolled\&\#65292;31 patients were on ERT. All patients underwent quantitative sensory testing (QST), electrophysiological examination, and extra- and transcranial Doppler sonography. For pain and mood assessment standardized questionnaires were used. Skin biopsies were performed at the left distal leg in 38 patients for intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) assessment. Results: Age at examination did not differ significantly between women (40.2+/-16.2 years) and men (38.9+/-13.8; n.s.). 29/31 male and 19/35 female patients complained of acroparesthesias or neuropathic pain. QST abnormalities indicative of small fiber impairment were found in 26/31 male and 28/35 female patients. Electrophysiological examination of large fibers and autonomic fibers revealed pathological findings in 11/31 male and 3/35 female patients. All patients had normal Doppler sonography results. Indicators for depression were present in 14/31 male and 10/35 female patients. 20/31 male and 18/35 female patients had a skin biopsy, the IENFD was significantly reduced in male (2.0+/-2.8 fibers/mm) compared with female patients (6.7 +/- 4.4 fibers/mm). In 10 patients free from neurological symptoms, QST and IENFD abnormalities were still detected. Follow up examination after one year in 12 patients under ERT (2.1+/-1.7 years) showed improvement in some symptoms and in QST and neurophysiology in six patients with normal renal function. 20/35 female patients older than 40 y had concomitant diseases, while none of the 18 younger female patients did. The corresponding radio in male patients was 5/19 (>=40y) and 2/13 (<40y) respectively. Conclusions: Neuropathic pain and sensory deficits of the distal extremities are common in patients with Fabry's disease. QST and IENFD analysis are important for early diagnosis of nerve involvement in Fabry's disease. Small fiber function may improve under ERT in patients without severe renal impairment.}, subject = {Fabry's disease}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{YuHwa2009, author = {Yu-Hwa, Huang}, title = {The Role of HLA-G-expressing Regulatory T cells in Multiple Sclerosis: A Perspective of Beneficial Inflammation in the Central Nervous System Inflammation}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-39957}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2009}, abstract = {Die Regulation von Effektor-T-Zellen ist ein wichtiger Mechanismus zur Kontrolle organspezifischer Entz{\"u}ndungen. Dabei sind regulatorische T-Zellen (Treg) maßgeblich an der Aufrechterhaltung peripherer Immuntoleranz und parenchymaler Immunhom{\"o}ostase beteiligt. Eine neue Population von humanen, nat{\"u}rlich vorkommenden Treg Zellen wurde durch ihre konstitutive Expression des immuntolerogenen Molek{\"u}ls HLA-G identifiziert. Im ersten Teil dieser Arbeit wurden die Mechanismen, durch die CD4+ HLA-Gpos Treg Zellen ihre Zielzellen (autologe HLA-Gneg T-Zellen) modulieren, aufgekl{\"a}rt. Unter Verwendung eines Suppressionsansatzes in Abwesenheit von antigenpr{\"a}sentierenden Zellen (APC) wurden T-T-Zell-Interaktionen, die die Proliferation von HLA-Gneg T-Zellen hemmen, demonstriert. Diese Suppression, die durch die Stimulierung des T-Zell-Rezeptors auf HLA-Gpos Treg Zellen verst{\"a}rkt wurde, war unabh{\"a}ngig vom Zell-Zell-Kontakt. Die HLA-Gneg T-Zellen erlangten nach Entfernung der HLA-Gpos Treg Zellen und einer erneuten Stimulierung ihrer T-Zell- Rezeptoren ihre F{\"a}higkeit zur Proliferation wieder. Dies wies auf die Umkehrbarkeit dieser Suppression hin. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus war die HLA-Gpos Treg-vermittelte Suppression entscheidend von der IL-10- Sekretion, nicht jedoch von TGF-\&\#946; abh{\"a}ngig. Zusammengefasst beschreibt dieser Teil der Arbeit eine detaillierte Charakterisierung der Mechanismen, wie HLA-Gpos Treg HLA-Gneg TZellen supprimieren. Das tiefere Verst{\"a}ndnis der Wirkmechanismen von HLA-Gpos Treg k{\"o}nnte in therapeutischen Strategien verwendet werden, in denen die regulatorische Funktion der T-Zell-Suppression verst{\"a}rkt oder moduliert werden soll. Im zweiten Teil dieser Arbeit wurde die potenzielle Rolle von HLA-Gpos Treg bei der Multiplen Sklerose (MS) untersucht, einer klassischen Autoimmunerkrankung des Zentralnervensystems (ZNS). Im Gegensatz zu Vergleichspatienten mit nicht-entz{\"u}ndlichen Erkrankungen konnte im Liquor von MS Patienten eine erh{\"o}hte Anzahl von HLA-Gpos Treg gefunden werden. Diese aus dem Liquor isolierten HLA-Gpos Treg wiesen ph{\"a}notypische Merkmale von zentralen Ged{\"a}chtnis-T-Zellen (CD45RA- CD27+) auf, exprimierten den Aktivierungsmarker ICOS sowie deutlich h{\"o}here Level des Chemokinrezeptors (CCR) CCR5 und agierten als starke Suppressoren der autologen CD4+ T-Zellproliferation. Durch Verwendung eines in vitro Modells der humanen Bluthirnschranke konnte demonstriert werden, dass HLA-Gpos Treg eine starke Neigung zur Migration haben, die durch die CCR5- Liganden MIP1\&\#945; und RANTES, nicht jedoch durch MIP3\&\#946; (Ligand von CCR7) unterst{\"u}tzt wird. Diese Chemokin-induzierte Migration von HLA-Gpos Treg war auch mit einer Steigerung der suppressiven Kapazit{\"a}t nach Zelltransmigration assoziiert. Im Gegensatz zu CD4+CD25+, FoxP3-exprimierenden Treg zeigten HLA-Gpos Treg von MS-Patienten keine beeintr{\"a}chtigte Funktionalit{\"a}t. Dies deutet auf eine selektive Rekrutierung von HLA-Gpos Treg zu Entz{\"u}ndungsherden im ZNS und ihre Beteiligung an der Bek{\"a}mpfung der destruktiven Entz{\"u}ndung hin. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studien tragen zum weitergehenden Verst{\"a}ndnis der Rolle und Funktion HLA-Gpos Treg Zellen bei und stellen somit ein wichtiges pathophysiologisches Beispiel „gutartiger" T-Zell-Entz{\"u}ndung w{\"a}hrend der ZNS Autoimmunit{\"a}t dar, das sowohl aus pathophysiologischer als auch therapeutischer Sicht interessant ist.}, subject = {Regulatorische T-Zellen}, language = {en} } @article{GiordanoCanesiIsalbertietal.2014, author = {Giordano, Rosaria and Canesi, Margherita and Isalberti, Maurizio and Isaias, Ioannis Ugo and Montemurro, Tiziana and Vigan{\`o}, Mariele and Montelatici, Elisa and Boldrin, Valentina and Benti, Riccardo and Cortelezzi, Agostino and Fracchiolla, Nicola and Lazzari, Lorenza and Pezzoli, Gianni}, title = {Autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapy for progressive supranuclear palsy: translation into a phase I controlled, randomized clinical study}, series = {Journal of Translational Medicine}, volume = {12}, journal = {Journal of Translational Medicine}, number = {14}, doi = {10.1186/1479-5876-12-14}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-117594}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background: Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a sporadic and progressive neurodegenerative disease which belongs to the family of tauopathies and involves both cortical and subcortical structures. No effective therapy is to date available. Methods/design: Autologous bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from patients affected by different type of parkinsonisms have shown their ability to improve the dopaminergic function in preclinical and clinical models. It is also possible to isolate and expand MSC from the BM of PSP patients with the same proliferation rate and immuphenotypic profile as MSC from healthy donors. BM MSC can be efficiently delivered to the affected brain regions of PSP patients where they can exert their beneficial effects through different mechanisms including the secretion of neurotrophic factors. Here we propose a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase I clinical trial in patients affected by PSP with MSC delivered via intra-arterial injection. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial to be applied in a no-option parkinsonism that aims to test the safety and to exploit the properties of autologous mesenchymal stem cells in reducing disease progression. The study has been designed to test the safety of this " first-in-man" approach and to preliminarily explore its efficacy by excluding the placebo effect. Trial registration: NCT01824121}, language = {en} } @article{NorrmenFigliaLebrunJulienetal.2014, author = {Norrmen, Camilla and Figlia, Gianluca and Lebrun-Julien, Frederic and Pereira, Jorge A. and Tr{\"o}tzm{\"u}ller, Martin and K{\"o}feler, Harald C. and Rantanen, Ville and Wessig, Carsten and van Deijk, Anne-Lieke F. and Smit, August B. and Verheijen, Mark H. G. and R{\"u}egg, Markus A. and Hall, Michael N. and Suter, Ueli}, title = {mTORC1 Controls PNS Myelination along the mTORC1-RXR gamma-SREBP-Lipid Biosynthesis Axis in Schwann Cells}, series = {Cell Reports}, volume = {9}, journal = {Cell Reports}, number = {2}, issn = {2211-1247}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2014.09.001}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-114847}, pages = {646-660}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Myelin formation during peripheral nervous system (PNS) development, and reformation after injury and in disease, requires multiple intrinsic and extrinsic signals. Akt/mTOR signaling has emerged as a major player involved, but the molecular mechanisms and downstream effectors are virtually unknown. Here, we have used Schwann-cell-specific conditional gene ablation of raptor and rictor, which encode essential components of the mTOR complexes 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2), respectively, to demonstrate that mTORC1 controls PNS myelination during development. In this process, mTORC1 regulates lipid biosynthesis via sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs). This course of action is mediated by the nuclear receptor RXRg, which transcriptionally regulates SREBP1c downstream of mTORC1. Absence of mTORC1 causes delayed myelination initiation as well as hypomyelination, together with abnormal lipid composition and decreased nerve conduction velocity. Thus, we have identified the mTORC1-RXR gamma-SREBP axis controlling lipid biosynthesis as a major contributor to proper peripheral nerve function.}, language = {en} } @article{CruccuPennisiAntoninietal.2014, author = {Cruccu, Giorgio and Pennisi, Elena M. and Antonini, Giovanni and Biasiotta, Antonella and Di Stefano, Giulia and La Cesa, Silvia and Leone, Caterina and Raffa, Salvatore and Sommer, Claudia and Truini, Andrea}, title = {Trigeminal isolated sensory neuropathy (TISN) and FOSMN syndrome: despite a dissimilar disease course do they share common pathophysiological mechanisms?}, series = {BMC Neurology}, volume = {14}, journal = {BMC Neurology}, issn = {1471-2377}, doi = {10.1186/s12883-014-0248-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-114249}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background: Patients presenting with bilateral trigeminal hypoesthesia may go on to have trigeminal isolated sensory neuropathy, a benign, purely trigeminal neuropathy, or facial-onset sensory motor neuronopathy (FOSMN), a malignant life-threatening condition. No diagnostic criteria can yet differentiate the two conditions at their onset. Nor is it clear whether the two diseases are distinct entities or share common pathophysiological mechanisms. Methods: Seeking pathophysiological and diagnostic information to distinguish these two conditions at their onset, in this neurophysiological and morphometric study we neurophysiologically assessed function in myelinated and unmyelinated fibres and histologically examined supraorbital nerve biopsy specimens with optic and electron microscopy in 13 consecutive patients with recent onset trigeminal hypoesthesia and pain. Results: The disease course distinctly differed in the 13 patients. During a mean 10 year follow-up whereas in eight patients the disease remained relatively stable, in the other five it progressed to possibly life-threatening motor disturbances and extra-trigeminal spread. From two to six years elapsed between the first sensory symptoms and the onset of motor disorders. In patients with trigeminal isolated sensory neuropathy (TISN) and in those with FOSMN neurophysiological and histological examination documented a neuronopathy manifesting with trigeminal nerve damage selectively affecting myelinated fibres, but sparing the Ia-fibre-mediated proprioceptive reflex. Conclusions: Although no clinical diagnostic criteria can distinguish the two conditions at onset, neurophysiological and nerve-biopsy findings specify that in both disorders trigeminal nerve damage manifests as a dissociated neuronopathy affecting myelinated and sparing unmyelinated fibres, thus suggesting similar pathophysiological mechanisms.}, language = {en} } @article{BischoffRingstedPetersenetal.2014, author = {Bischoff, Joakim M. and Ringsted, Thomas K. and Petersen, Marian and Sommer, Claudia and {\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Werner, Mads U.}, title = {A Capsaicin (8\%) Patch in the Treatment of Severe Persistent Inguinal Postherniorrhaphy Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial}, series = {PLOS ONE}, volume = {9}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, number = {10}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0109144}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-115198}, pages = {e109144}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background: Persistent pain after inguinal herniorrhaphy is a disabling condition with a lack of evidence-based pharmacological treatment options. This randomized placebo-controlled trial investigated the efficacy of a capsaicin 8\% cutaneous patch in the treatment of severe persistent inguinal postherniorrhaphy pain. Methods: Forty-six patients with persistent inguinal postherniorrhaphy pain were randomized to receive either a capsaicin 8\% patch or a placebo patch. Pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS 0-10]) was evaluated under standardized conditions (at rest, during movement, and during pressure) at baseline and at 1, 2 and 3 months after patch application. Skin punch biopsies for intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) measurements were taken at baseline and 1 month after patch application. Quantitative sensory testing was performed at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 months after patch application. The primary outcome was comparisons of summed pain intensity differences (SPIDs) between capsaicin and placebo treatments at 1, 2 and 3 months after patch application (significance level P<0.01). Results: The maximum difference in SPID, between capsaicin and placebo treatments, was observed at 1 month after patch application, but the pain reduction was not significant (NRS, mean difference [95\% CI]: 5.0 [0.09 to 9.9]; P=0.046). No differences in SPID between treatments were observed at 2 and 3 months after patch application. Changes in IENFD on the pain side, from baseline to 1 month after patch application, did not differ between capsaicin and placebo treatment: 1.9 [-0.1 to 3.9] and 0.6 [-1.2 to 2.5] fibers/mm, respectively (P=0.32). No significant changes in sensory function, sleep quality or psychological factors were associated with capsaicin patch treatment. Conclusions: The study did not demonstrate significant differences in pain relief between capsaicin and placebo treatment, although a trend toward pain improvement in capsaicin treated patients was observed 1 month after patch application.}, language = {en} } @article{MeyerzuHoersteCordesMausbergetal.2014, author = {Meyer zu H{\"o}rste, Gerd and Cordes, Steffen and Mausberg, Anne K. and Zozulya, Alla L. and Wessig, Carsten and Sparwasser, Tim and Mathys, Christian and Wiendl, Heinz and Hartung, Hans-Peter and Kieseier, Bernd C.}, title = {FoxP3+Regulatory T Cells Determine Disease Severity in Rodent Models of Inflammatory Neuropathies}, series = {PLOS ONE}, volume = {9}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, number = {10}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0108756}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-115239}, pages = {e108756}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Inflammatory neuropathies represent disabling human autoimmune disorders with considerable disease variability. Animal models provide insights into defined aspects of their disease pathogenesis. Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+ regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) are anti-inflammatory cells that maintain immune tolerance and counteract tissue damage in a variety of immune-mediated disorders. Dysfunction or a reduced frequency of Tregs have been associated with different human autoimmune disorders. We here analyzed the functional relevance of Tregs in determining disease manifestation and severity in murine models of autoimmune neuropathies. We took advantage of the DEREG mouse system allowing depletion of Treg with high specificity as well as anti-CD25 directed antibodies to deplete Tregs in mice in actively induced experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN). Furthermore antibody-depletion was performed in an adoptive transfer model of chronic neuritis. Early Treg depletion increased clinical EAN severity both in active and adoptive transfer chronic neuritis. This was accompanied by increased proliferation of myelin specific T cells and histological signs of peripheral nerve inflammation. Late stage Treg depletion after initial disease manifestation however did not exacerbate inflammatory neuropathy symptoms further. We conclude that Tregs determine disease severity in experimental autoimmune neuropathies during the initial priming phase, but have no major disease modifying function after disease manifestation. Potential future therapeutic approaches targeting Tregs should thus be performed early in inflammatory neuropathies.}, language = {en} } @article{UeceylerValetKafkeetal.2014, author = {{\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Valet, Michael and Kafke, Waldemar and T{\"o}lle, Thomas R. and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Local and Systemic Cytokine Expression in Patients with Postherpetic Neuralgia}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0105269}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-113041}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the painful complication of a varicella zoster virus reactivation. We investigated the systemic and local gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in patients with PHN. Methods Thirteen patients with PHN at the torso (Th4-S1) were recruited. Skin punch biopsies were obtained from the painful and the contralateral painless body area for intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and cytokine profiling. Additionally, blood was withdrawn for systemic cytokine expression and compared to blood values of healthy controls. We analyzed the gene expression of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF] and interleukins [IL]-1β, IL-2, and IL-8). Results IENFD was lower in affected skin compared to unaffected skin (p<0.05), while local gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines did not differ except for two patients who had 7fold higher IL-6 and 10fold higher IL-10 gene expression in the affected skin compared to the contralateral unaffected skin sample. Also, the systemic expression of cytokines in patients with PHN and in healthy controls was similar. Conclusion While the systemic and local expression of the investigated pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was not different from controls, this may have been influenced by study limitations like the low number of patients and different disease durations. Furthermore, other cytokines or pain mediators need to be considered.}, language = {en} } @article{KleinschnitzMenclGarzetal.2013, author = {Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Mencl, Stine and Garz, Cornelia and Niklass, Solveig and Braun, Holger and G{\"o}b, Eva and Homola, Gy{\"o}rgy and Heinze, Hans-Jochen and Reymann, Klaus G. and Schreiber, Stefanie}, title = {Early microvascular dysfunction in cerebral small vessel disease is not detectable on 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging: a longitudinal study in spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats}, series = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine}, journal = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine}, doi = {10.1186/2040-7378-5-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-97056}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background Human cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) has distinct histopathologic and imaging findings in its advanced stages. In spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats (SHRSP), a well-established animal model of CSVD, we recently demonstrated that cerebral microangiopathy is initiated by early microvascular dysfunction leading to the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and an activated coagulatory state resulting in capillary and arteriolar erythrocyte accumulations (stases). In the present study, we investigated whether initial microvascular dysfunction and other stages of the pathologic CSVD cascade can be detected by serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Findings Fourteen SHRSP and three control (Wistar) rats (aged 26-44 weeks) were investigated biweekly by 3.0 Tesla (3 T) MRI. After perfusion, brains were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and histology was correlated with MRI data. Three SHRSP developed terminal CSVD stages including cortical, hippocampal, and striatal infarcts and macrohemorrhages, which could be detected consistently by MRI. Corresponding histology showed small vessel thromboses and increased numbers of small perivascular bleeds in the infarcted areas. However, 3 T MRI failed to visualize intravascular erythrocyte accumulations, even in those brain regions with the highest densities of affected vessels and the largest vessels affected by stases, as well as failing to detect small perivascular bleeds. Conclusion Serial MRI at a field strength of 3 T failed to detect the initial microvascular dysfunction and subsequent small perivascular bleeds in SHRSP; only terminal stages of cerebral microangiopathy were reliably detected. Further investigations at higher magnetic field strengths (7 T) using blood- and flow-sensitive sequences are currently underway.}, language = {en} } @article{UeceylerKahnKrameretal.2013, author = {{\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Kahn, Ann-Kathrin and Kramer, Daniela and Zeller, Daniel and Casanova-Molla, Jordi and Wanner, Christoph and Weidemann, Frank and Katsarava, Zaza and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Impaired small fiber conduction in patients with Fabry disease: a neurophysiological case-control study}, series = {BMC Neurology}, journal = {BMC Neurology}, doi = {10.1186/1471-2377-13-47}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-96527}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background Fabry disease is an inborn lysosomal storage disorder which is associated with small fiber neuropathy. We set out to investigate small fiber conduction in Fabry patients using pain-related evoked potentials (PREP). Methods In this case-control study we prospectively studied 76 consecutive Fabry patients for electrical small fiber conduction in correlation with small fiber function and morphology. Data were compared with healthy controls using non-parametric statistical tests. All patients underwent neurological examination and were investigated with pain and depression questionnaires. Small fiber function (quantitative sensory testing, QST), morphology (skin punch biopsy), and electrical conduction (PREP) were assessed and correlated. Patients were stratified for gender and disease severity as reflected by renal function. Results All Fabry patients (31 men, 45 women) had small fiber neuropathy. Men with Fabry disease showed impaired cold (p < 0.01) and warm perception (p < 0.05), while women did not differ from controls. Intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) was reduced at the lower leg (p < 0.001) and the back (p < 0.05) mainly of men with impaired renal function. When investigating A-delta fiber conduction with PREP, men but not women with Fabry disease had lower amplitudes upon stimulation at face (p < 0.01), hands (p < 0.05), and feet (p < 0.01) compared to controls. PREP amplitudes further decreased with advance in disease severity. PREP amplitudes and warm (p < 0.05) and cold detection thresholds (p < 0.01) at the feet correlated positively in male patients. Conclusion Small fiber conduction is impaired in men with Fabry disease and worsens with advanced disease severity. PREP are well-suited to measure A-delta fiber conduction.}, language = {en} } @article{KleinschnitzGoebelMeuthetal.2014, author = {Kleinschnitz, Christoph and G{\"o}bel, Kerstin and Meuth, Sven G. and Kraft, Peter}, title = {Glatiramer acetate does not protect from acute ischemic stroke in mice}, doi = {10.1186/2040-7378-6-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-110528}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background The role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of acute ischemic stroke is increasingly recognized. However, targeted treatment strategies to modulate immunological pathways in stroke are still lacking. Glatiramer acetate is a multifaceted immunomodulator approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Experimental studies suggest that glatiramer acetate might also work in other neuroinflammatory or neurodegenerative diseases apart from multiple sclerosis. Findings We evaluated the efficacy of glatiramer acetate in a mouse model of brain ischemia/reperfusion injury. 60 min of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in male C57Bl/6 mice. Pretreatment with glatiramer acetate (3.5 mg/kg bodyweight) 30 min before the induction of stroke did not reduce lesion volumes or improve functional outcome on day 1. Conclusions Glatiramer acetate failed to protect from acute ischemic stroke in our hands. Further studies are needed to assess the true therapeutic potential of glatiramer acetate and related immunomodulators in brain ischemia.}, language = {en} } @article{GrohStadlerButtmannetal.2014, author = {Groh, Janos and Stadler, David and Buttmann, Mathias and Martini, Rudolf}, title = {Non-invasive assessment of retinal alterations in mouse models of infantile and juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis by spectral domain optical coherence tomography}, doi = {10.1186/2051-5960-2-54}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-110566}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Introduction The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses constitute a group of fatal inherited lysosomal storage diseases that manifest in profound neurodegeneration in the CNS. Visual impairment usually is an early symptom and selective degeneration of retinal neurons has been described in patients suffering from distinct disease subtypes. We have previously demonstrated that palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 deficient (Ppt1-/-) mice, a model of the infantile disease subtype, exhibit progressive axonal degeneration in the optic nerve and loss of retinal ganglion cells, faithfully reflecting disease severity in the CNS. Here we performed spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) in Ppt1-/- and ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal 3 deficient (Cln3-/-) mice, which are models of infantile and juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, respectively, in order to establish a non-invasive method to assess retinal alterations and monitor disease severity in vivo. Results Blue laser autofluorescence imaging revealed increased accumulation of autofluorescent storage material in the inner retinae of 7-month-old Ppt1-/- and of 16-month-old Cln3-/- mice in comparison with age-matched control littermates. Additionally, optical coherence tomography demonstrated reduced thickness of retinae in knockout mice in comparison with age-matched control littermates. High resolution scans and manual measurements allowed for separation of different retinal composite layers and revealed a thinning of layers in the inner retinae of both mouse models at distinct ages. OCT measurements correlated well with subsequent histological analysis of the same retinae. Conclusions These results demonstrate the feasibility of OCT to assess neurodegenerative disease severity in mouse models of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis and might have important implications for diagnostic evaluation of disease progression and therapeutic efficacy in patients. Moreover, the non-invasive method allows for longitudinal studies in experimental models, reducing the number of animals used for research.}, language = {en} } @article{UeceylerKewenigKafkeetal.2014, author = {{\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Kewenig, Susanne and Kafke, Waldemar and Kittel-Schneider, Sarah and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Skin cytokine expression in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome is not different from controls}, doi = {10.1186/s12883-014-0185-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-110624}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown etiology. There is increasing evidence for small nerve fiber impairment in a subgroup of patients with FMS. We investigated whether skin cytokine and delta opioid receptor (DOR) gene expression in FMS patients differs from controls as one potential contributor to small nerve fiber sensitization. Methods We investigated skin punch biopsies of 25 FMS patients, ten patients with monopolar depression but no pain, and 35 healthy controls. Biopsies were obtained from the lateral upper thigh and lower calf. Gene expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 and of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR and normalizing data to 18sRNA as housekeeping gene. Additionally, we assessed DOR gene expression. Results All cytokines and DOR were detectable in skin samples of FMS patients, patients with depression, and healthy controls without intergroup difference. Also, gene expression was not different in skin of the upper and lower leg within and between the groups and in FMS patient subgroups. Conclusions Skin cytokine and DOR gene expression does not differ between patients with FMS and controls. Our results do not support a role of the investigated cytokines in sensitization of peripheral nerve fibers as a potential mechanism of small fiber pathology in FMS.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Herrmann2014, author = {Herrmann, Alexander Michael}, title = {CD8+ Lymphozyten mediierter Angriff auf Neuronen des ZNS: Relevanz von Granzym B und Perforin f{\"u}r akute elektrophysiologische Ver{\"a}nderungen}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-109124}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Zytotoxische CD8+ T-Lymphozyten spielen in vielen inflammatorischen, aber auch prim{\"a}r neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen eine wichtige Rolle. Daher besitzt die Fragestellung inwiefern CD8+ ZTL Neurone direkt sch{\"a}digen und ggf. welche mechanistischen Aspekte dieser Sch{\"a}digung zugrunde liegen, eine hohe Relevanz. Um diese Fragestellung eingehender zu beleuchten, wurde mit dem OT-I-System gearbeitet. Dieses gut vorcharakterisierte CD8+ T-Zell-Modell besitzt den Vorteil, dass diese transgenen Zellen nur eine Peptidsequenz des Ovalbumin (OVA) Protein als spezifisches Antigen erkennen. Zun{\"a}chst wurden in der vorliegenden Arbeit Co-Kultivierungs-Experimente durchgef{\"u}hrt. Hierzu wurden akut isolierte murine Hippokampus-Neurone unter verschiedenen Bedingungen mit OT-I Lymphozyten co-kultiviert. Hierbei konnte gezeigt werden, dass unter Antigenpr{\"a}sentation der Neurone signifikant mehr Neurone in die Apoptose/Nekrose gef{\"u}hrt werden, als unter Kontroll-Bedingungen, in denen entweder kein Antigen oder ein Antigen, das nicht von OT-I Lymphozyten erkannt wird, pr{\"a}sentiert wird. Nachdem die Antigen-abh{\"a}ngigen zytotoxischen Effekte auf Neurone gezeigt werden konnten, wurde mithilfe elektrophysiologischer Techniken die mechanistischen und funktionellen Konsequenzen des direkten neuronalen/OT-I-vermittelten Zellkontakts untersucht. Bei diesem experimentellen Ansatz wurde durch elektrisches Auslenken eines Neurons nach Kontakt mit einem OT-I Lymphozyt die passiven elektrischen Parameter der Neuronenmembran gemessen. In diesen Messungen konnte gezeigt werden, dass nach unmittelbarem Kontakt eines Neurons mit einem OT-I Lymphozyt der neuronale Membranwiderstand reduziert wird bzw. die Leitf{\"a}higkeit der Zellmembran erh{\"o}ht wird. Diese {\"A}nderung der neuronalen Membran-Leitf{\"a}higkeit findet in einem Zeitraum von 10 min nach dem Zell-Zell-Kontakt statt. Auch hier konnte gezeigt werden, dass dieser Einfluss von OT-I Lymphozyten auf Neurone strikt Antigen-abh{\"a}ngig ist. Zur Untersuchung des Mechanismus der OT-I T-Lymphozyten auf Neurone wurde das Augenmerk auf verschiedene T-Zell-induzierte Apoptosewegegelegt. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass durch Blockieren der Fas/FasL-Interaktion mittels eines Antik{\"o}rpers kein Unterschied, weder in der neuronalen Apoptoserate nach Co-Kultivierung, noch eine {\"A}nderung der passiven neuronalen Membran-Leitf{\"a}higkeit auftritt. Weiterhin wurde die Rolle der von T-Zellen sezernierten Granula Perforin und Granzym B untersucht. Um den Einfluss dieser Granula aufzukl{\"a}ren, wurden OT-I Lymphozyten verwendet, die entweder defizient f{\"u}r Perforin oder Granzym B waren. In diesem experimentellen Ansatz wurde gezeigt, dass ausschließlich Perforin f{\"u}r die Erniedrigung des passiven neuronalen Membran-Widerstandes verantwortlich ist. Diese Erh{\"o}hung der neuronalen Membranleitf{\"a}higkeit f{\"u}hrte aber nicht direkt zum neuronalen Zelltod. Vielmehr wurde durch die einhergehende Depolarisation des Neurons die elektrische Aktivit{\"a}t der Zelle vermindert, sodass es zu einem sogenannten „electrical silencing" kommt. Dieser Umstand konnte auch in der Betrachtung der spontanen Netzwerkaktivit{\"a}t von Neuronenkulturen gezeigt werden. Hierf{\"u}r wurden hoch dichte Neuronenkulturen auf MEA-Chips kultiviert. Mit Hilfe dieser MEA konnten die Summenfeldpotentiale der Neuronenkulturen detektiert werden. Hierbei wurde beobachtet, dass nach Beladung der Neuronen mit dem spezifischen OT-I-Antigen und OT-I Zellen eine Verringerung der spontanen Netzwerkaktivit{\"a}t einhergeht. Auch in diesem Effekt konnte eine Antigen-Spezifit{\"a}t nachgewiesen werden. Da der Prozess der zellul{\"a}ren Apoptose mit einem Anstieg der intrazellul{\"a}ren Ca2+-Konzentration einhergeht, und Perforin als Ca2+-durchl{\"a}ssiger unselektiver Porenbildner fungiert, wurden zur {\"U}berpr{\"u}fung der Hypothese calcium imaging-Experimente durchgef{\"u}hrt. Analog zu den elektrophysiologischen Messungen wurde gezeigt, dass nach direktem Zell-Zell-Kontakt zwischen Neuron und OT-I Lymphozyt eine Erh{\"o}hung der intrazellul{\"a}ren Ca2+-Konzentration zu messen ist. Dass diese {\"A}nderung des neuronalen Ca2+-Einstroms durch Perforin-abh{\"a}ngige Membranporen hervorgerufen wird, konnte durch die Verwendung von Perforin-defizienten OT-I Lymphozyten bewiesen werden. Unter Verwendung von Perforin-defizienten OT-I Lymphozyten wurde keine {\"A}nderung der neuronalen Ca2+-Konzentration ermittelt. Weiterhin wurde in diesem experimentellen Ansatz gezeigt, dass auch der OT-I-vermittelte neuronale Ca2+-Anstieg strikt Antigen-abh{\"a}ngig ist.Zusammengefasst konnte in dieser Arbeit gezeigt werden, dass MHC-I/Antigen-vermittelte CD8+ Lymphozyten-Interaktion mit einem Neuron zu „electrical silencing" des Neurons f{\"u}hrt. Dieser Prozess ist klar Perforin-abh{\"a}ngig, f{\"u}hrt jedoch nicht zum unmittelbaren Zelltod des Neurons.}, subject = {Antigen CD8}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Klaus2021, author = {Klaus, Laura-Christin}, title = {Generierung und Charakterisierung eines neuen Mausmodells des Morbus Parkinson durch AAV1/2 vermittelte {\"U}berexpression von humanem mutiertem A53T-α-Synuclein in der Substantia nigra}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23921}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-239217}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Auch wenn die {\"A}tiopathogenese von Morbus Parkinson bis heute nicht vollst{\"a}ndig gekl{\"a}rt ist, scheint α-Synuclein (α-Syn) eine zentrale Rolle zu spielen. Die Entdeckung als genetische Ursache der Erkrankung, als Hauptbestandteil der Lewy-K{\"o}rper (LK) und seine Assoziation mit verschiedenen anderen potenziellen {\"a}tiologischen Faktoren verdeutlichen dies. Bei Ratten und Affen f{\"u}hrte eine AAV1/2-vermittelte {\"U}berexpression von A53T-α-Syn zu einer Degeneration dopaminerger Neurone in der Substantia nigra (SN), einem striatalen dopaminergen Defizit sowie Verhaltensauff{\"a}lligkeiten. In Anbetracht bestimmter Vorteile der Mausspezies, war es das Ziel dieser Dissertation - die im Rahmen eines kollaborativen Projektes mit dem Toronto Western Research Institut in Ontario, Kanada entstanden ist - dieses auf AAV1/2-A53T-α-Syn basierende Parkinson-Modell auf M{\"a}use zu {\"u}bertragen. Dazu wurde AAV1/2-A53T-α-Syn oder leerer AAV1/2-Vektor in einer Dosis von 1,5 µl mit einer Konzentration von 5,16 x 10^12 gp/ml stereotaktisch einseitig in die rechte SN von C57BL/6-wt-M{\"a}usen injiziert. {\"U}ber einen Zeitraum von 11 Wochen wurden verschiedene Verhaltensexperimente durchgef{\"u}hrt und die beiden Versuchstiergruppen miteinander verglichen. Post-mortem erfolgten verschiedene immunhistochemische Untersuchungen. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass die einseitige Injektion von AAV1/2-A53T-α-Syn in die SN bei M{\"a}usen eine weit verbreitete {\"U}berexpression von A53T-α-Syn in dopaminergen Neuronen der SN induzierte, die innerhalb von 10 Wochen zu signifikanten fr{\"u}hen und persistierenden motorischen Verhaltensauff{\"a}lligkeiten, nigrostriataler Degeneration und Entwicklung einer Lewy-{\"a}hnlichen Pathologie f{\"u}hrte. Durch die Generierung und Charakterisierung dieses neuen Parkinson-Mausmodells, das klinische und histopathologische Merkmale der menschlichen Erkrankung widerspiegelt, besteht nun die M{\"o}glichkeit es weiterzuentwickeln und z.B. auf transgene M{\"a}use zu {\"u}bertragen, um u.a. molekulare Mechanismen der Parkinson-Krankheit zu entschl{\"u}sseln und pr{\"a}klinische Tests von krankheitsmodifizierenden Therapien durchzuf{\"u}hren.}, subject = {Parkinson-Krankheit}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Yuan2023, author = {Yuan, Xidi}, title = {Aging and inflammation in the peripheral nervous system}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23737}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-237378}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Aging is known to be a risk factor for structural abnormalities and functional decline in the nervous system. Characterizing age-related changes is important to identify putative pathways to overcome deleterious effects and improve life quality for the elderly. In this study, the peripheral nervous system of 24-month-old aged C57BL/6 mice has been investigated and compared to 12-month-old adult mice. Aged mice showed pathological alterations in their peripheral nerves similar to nerve biopsies from elderly human individuals, with nerve fibers showing demyelination and axonal damage. Such changes were lacking in nerves of adult 12-month-old mice and adult, non-aged humans. Moreover, neuromuscular junctions of 24-month-old mice showed increased denervation compared to adult mice. These alterations were accompanied by elevated numbers of macrophages in the peripheral nerves of aged mice. The neuroinflammatory conditions were associated with impaired myelin integrity and with a decline of nerve conduction properties and muscle strength in aged mice. To determine the pathological impact of macrophages in the aging mice, macrophage depletion was performed in mice by oral administration of CSF-1R specific kinase (c-FMS) inhibitor PLX5622 (300 mg/kg body weight), which reduced the number of macrophages in the peripheral nerves by 70\%. The treated mice showed attenuated demyelination, less muscle denervation and preserved muscle strength. This indicates that macrophage-driven inflammation in the peripheral nerves is partially responsible for the age-related neuropathy in mice. Based on previous observations that systemic inflammation can accelerate disease progression in mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases, it was hypothesized that systemic inflammation can exacerbate the peripheral neuropathy found in aged mice. To investigate this hypothesis, aged C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 500 μg/kg body weight) to induce systemic inflammation by mimicking bacterial infection, mostly via activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Altered endoneurial macrophage activation, highlighted by Trem2 downregulation, was found in LPS injected aged mice one month after injection. This was accompanied by a so far rarely observed form of axonal perturbation, i.e., the occurrence of "dark axons" characterized by a damaged cytoskeleton and an increased overall electron density of the axoplasm. At the same time, however, LPS injection reduced demyelination and muscle denervation in aged mice. Interestingly, TREM2 deficiency in aged mice led to similar changes to LPS injection. This suggests that LPS injection likely mitigates aging-related demyelination and muscle denervation via Trem2 downregulation. Taken together, this study reveals the role of macrophage-driven inflammation as a pathogenic mediator in age-related peripheral neuropathy, and that targeting macrophages might be an option to mitigate peripheral neuropathies in aging individuals. Furthermore, this study shows that systemic inflammation may be an ambivalent modifier of age-related nerve damage, leading to a distinct type of axonal perturbation, but in addition to functionally counteracting, dampened demyelination and muscle denervation. Translationally, it is plausible to assume that tipping the balance of macrophage polarization to one direction or the other may determine the functional outcome in the aging peripheral nervous system of the elderly.}, subject = {Maus}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Waldmann2021, author = {Waldmann, Amelie Friederike}, title = {K{\"o}rperselbstgef{\"u}hl und Puppenhandillusion bei Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson im medikament{\"o}sen ON und OFF}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23200}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-232009}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In der vorliegenden Studie untersuchten wir das K{\"o}rperselbstgef{\"u}hl von Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson und altersgematchten gesunden Teilnehmern mithilfe der Puppenhandillusion. Bei diesem Paradigma wird dadurch, dass die verdeckte Hand der Testperson zeitgleich mit einer sichtbaren Puppenhand bestrichen wird, das Gef{\"u}hl hervorgerufen, die Kunsthand sei die eigene (gemessen mittels Fragebogen zur Illusion und propriozeptivem Drift). Eine zeitlich versetzte (asynchrone) Stimulation dient als Kontrollbedingung. Innerhalb der Parkinsonpatienten wurde dar{\"u}ber hinaus eine Untergruppe zus{\"a}tzlich im medikament{\"o}sen OFF-Zustand untersucht. Die Annahme, dass die Parkinsonerkrankung mit einer gest{\"o}rten K{\"o}rperselbstwahrnehmung einhergeht, spiegelt sich in den Ergebnissen wider: Bei den Patienten mit Parkinsonerkrankung trat unabh{\"a}ngig vom Stimulationsmodus ein h{\"o}herer propriozeptiver Drift als bei den Gesunden ein. Wurden die Patienten anschließend nach dem Erleben der Illusion befragt, fielen die Antworten allerdings nur w{\"a}hrend der asynchronen Durchf{\"u}hrung positiver als bei der Kontrollgruppe aus. Die Untersuchungen des Drifts und Fragebogens im ON- gegen{\"u}ber OFF-Zustand lieferten keinen Unterschied. Die vorliegende Studie liefert Hinweise darauf, dass die gemessenen Unterschiede bei Parkinsonpatienten gegen{\"u}ber Gesunden auf ein internes Rauschen eingehender sensorischer Signale beim Morbus Parkinson sowie auf die Beteiligung nicht-dopaminerger Systeme zur{\"u}ckzuf{\"u}hren sein k{\"o}nnten. Die zunehmende Aufmerksamkeit gegen{\"u}ber einer ver{\"a}nderten K{\"o}rperwahrnehmung bei Parkinsonpatienten und deren Grundlagen im Bereich der multisensorischen Integration k{\"o}nnte k{\"u}nftig neue M{\"o}glichkeiten in der ganzheitlichen Therapie liefern mit dem Ziel, die Lebensqualit{\"a}t der Patienten zu steigern.}, subject = {Parkinson-Krankheit}, language = {de} } @article{EgenolfAltenschildescheKressetal.2021, author = {Egenolf, Nadine and Altenschildesche, Caren Meyer zu and Kreß, Luisa and Eggermann, Katja and Namer, Barbara and Gross, Franziska and Klitsch, Alexander and Malzacher, Tobias and Kampik, Daniel and Malik, Rayaz A. and Kurth, Ingo and Sommer, Claudia and {\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan}, title = {Diagnosing small fiber neuropathy in clinical practice: a deep phenotyping study}, series = {Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders}, volume = {14}, journal = {Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders}, issn = {1756-2864}, doi = {10.1177/17562864211004318}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-232019}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background and aims: Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is increasingly suspected in patients with pain of uncertain origin, and making the diagnosis remains a challenge lacking a diagnostic gold standard. Methods: In this case-control study, we prospectively recruited 86 patients with a medical history and clinical phenotype suggestive of SFN. Patients underwent neurological examination, quantitative sensory testing (QST), and distal and proximal skin punch biopsy, and were tested for pain-associated gene loci. Fifty-five of these patients additionally underwent pain-related evoked potentials (PREP), corneal confocal microscopy (CCM), and a quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART). Results: Abnormal distal intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) (60/86, 70\%) and neurological examination (53/86, 62\%) most frequently reflected small fiber disease. Adding CCM and/or PREP further increased the number of patients with small fiber impairment to 47/55 (85\%). Genetic testing revealed potentially pathogenic gene variants in 14/86 (16\%) index patients. QST, QSART, and proximal IENFD were of lower impact. Conclusion: We propose to diagnose SFN primarily based on the results of neurological examination and distal IENFD, with more detailed phenotyping in specialized centers.}, language = {en} } @article{BrieseSaalBauernschubertLueningschroeretal.2020, author = {Briese, Michael and Saal-Bauernschubert, Lena and L{\"u}ningschr{\"o}r, Patrick and Moradi, Mehri and Dombert, Benjamin and Surrey, Verena and Appenzeller, Silke and Deng, Chunchu and Jablonka, Sibylle and Sendtner, Michael}, title = {Loss of Tdp-43 disrupts the axonal transcriptome of motoneurons accompanied by impaired axonal translation and mitochondria function}, series = {Acta Neuropathologica Communications}, volume = {8}, journal = {Acta Neuropathologica Communications}, doi = {10.1186/s40478-020-00987-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-230322}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Protein inclusions containing the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 are a pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative disorders. The loss of TDP-43 function that is associated with these inclusions affects post-transcriptional processing of RNAs in multiple ways including pre-mRNA splicing, nucleocytoplasmic transport, modulation of mRNA stability and translation. In contrast, less is known about the role of TDP-43 in axonal RNA metabolism in motoneurons. Here we show that depletion of Tdp-43 in primary motoneurons affects axon growth. This defect is accompanied by subcellular transcriptome alterations in the axonal and somatodendritic compartment. The axonal localization of transcripts encoding components of the cytoskeleton, the translational machinery and transcripts involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism were particularly affected by loss of Tdp-43. Accordingly, we observed reduced protein synthesis and disturbed mitochondrial functions in axons of Tdp-43-depleted motoneurons. Treatment with nicotinamide rescued the axon growth defect associated with loss of Tdp-43. These results show that Tdp-43 depletion in motoneurons affects several pathways integral to axon health indicating that loss of TDP-43 function could thus make a major contribution to axonal pathomechanisms in ALS.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Hornburger2021, author = {Hornburger, Hannah}, title = {Die Rolle des prim{\"a}ren somatosensiblen Kortex f{\"u}r die multisensorische Integration bei der Puppenhandillusion - eine tDCS-Studie}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23232}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-232323}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In der Puppenhandillusion (PHI) wird durch die synchrone Ber{\"u}hrung der nicht-sichtbaren Hand des Probanden und einer sichtbaren Puppenhand ein illusio-n{\"a}res K{\"o}rperzugeh{\"o}rigkeitsgef{\"u}hl induziert. Dieses Paradigma erlaubt es zu untersuchen, wie das Gehirn widerspr{\"u}chliche multisensorische Informationen w{\"a}hrend einer perzeptiven Inferenz aufl{\"o}st. Vorausgehende Studien weisen darauf hin, dass der Konflikt zwischen visueller und propriozeptiver Information vor der PHI durch eine Abschw{\"a}chung des so-matosensiblen Inputs behoben wird. Um herauszufinden, ob eine Exzitabilit{\"a}ts-Minderung des prim{\"a}ren somatosensiblen Kortex die PHI verst{\"a}rken kann, kam die kathodale transkranielle Gleichstromstimulation (c-tDCS) zum Einsatz. An dreißig gesunden Probanden wurde die PHI ohne (=baseline) und w{\"a}hrend tDCS untersucht. Jeder Proband erhielt kathodale, anodale und sham-Stimulation an drei unterschiedlichen Tagen im Abstand von je einer Woche. Das PHI-Paradigma wurde in sechs Distanzen (von 17,5 bis 67,5 cm) zwischen der eigenen Hand und der Puppenhand durchgef{\"u}hrt. Das Auftreten der PHI wurde anhand eines Fragebogens (Illusionsscore, IS) und der Abweichung der gef{\"u}hlten Handposition in Bezug zur realen Position (relativer Drift, RD) evalu-iert. Die kathodale Stimulation war mit einem signifikanten Anstieg des IS im Vergleich zur anodalen Stimulation assoziiert, wohingegen die RD-Werte {\"u}ber alle Stimulationsarten hinweg vergleichbar waren. Die fehlende Signifikanz zwischen Verum und Sham-Stimulation wurde auf die geringe Effektst{\"a}rke bei vergleichsweise kleinem Probandenkollektiv bezogen. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie zeigen jedoch eine verst{\"a}rkte Wahrnehmung der PHI unabh{\"a}ngig von demographischen Faktoren, wenn kathodale tDCS {\"u}ber dem kontralateralen prim{\"a}ren somatosensiblen Kortex appliziert wurde. Dies unterst{\"u}tzt unsere Hypothese, dass eine Abschw{\"a}chung der somatosensiblen Pr{\"a}zision den Weg f{\"u}r eine erleichterte Integration eines fremden K{\"o}rperteils in das eigene K{\"o}rperschema ebnet.}, subject = {tDCS}, language = {de} } @article{RaslanAlbertWeissenbergerWestermaieretal.2012, author = {Raslan, Furat and Albert-Weißenberger, Christiane and Westermaier, Thomas and Saker, Saker and Kleinschmitz, Christoph and Lee, Jin-Yul}, title = {A modified double injection model of cisterna magna for the study of delayed cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-76038}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Delayed cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious medical complication, characterized by constriction of cerebral arteries leading to varying degrees of cerebral ischemia. Numerous clinical and experimental studies have been performed in the last decades; however, the pathophysiologic mechanism of cerebral vasospasm after SAH still remains unclear. Among a variety of experimental SAH models, the double hemorrhage rat model involving direct injection of autologous arterial blood into the cisterna magna has been used most frequently for the study of delayed cerebral vasospasm following SAH in last years. Despite the simplicity of the technique, the second blood injection into the cisterna magna may result in brainstem injury leading to high mortality. Therefore, a modified double hemorrhage model of cisterna magna has been developed in rat recently. We describe here step by step the surgical technique to induce double SAH and compare the degree of vasospasm with other cisterna magna rat models using histological assessment of the diameter and cross-sectional area of the basilar artery}, subject = {Medizin}, language = {en} } @article{KunzePhamRaslanetal.2012, author = {Kunze, Ekkehard and Pham, Mirko and Raslan, Furat and Stetter, Christian and Lee, Jin-Yul and Solymosi, Laszlo and Ernestus, Ralf-Ingo and Hamilton Vince, Giles and Westermaier, Thomas}, title = {Value of Perfusion CT, Transcranial Doppler Sonography and Neurological Examination to detect delayed Vasospasm after aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage [Research Article]}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-76241}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background If detected in time, delayed cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) may be treated by balloon angioplasty or chemical vasospasmolysis in order to enhance cerebral blood flow (CBF) and protect the brain from ischemic damage. This study was conceived to compare the diagnostic accuracy of detailed neurological examination, Transcranial Doppler Sonography (TCD), and Perfusion-CT (PCT) to detect angiographic vasospasm. Methods The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of delayed ischemic neurological deterioration (DIND), pathological findings on PCT- maps, and accelerations of the mean flow velocity (MVF) were calculated. Results The accuracy of DIND to predict angiographic vasospasm was 0.88. An acceleration of MFV in TCD (>140 cm/s) had an accuracy of 0.64, positive PCT-findings of 0.69 with a higher sensitivity, and negative predictive value than TCD. Interpretation Neurological assessment at close intervals is the most sensitive and specific parameter for cerebral vasospasm. PCT has a higher accuracy, sensitivity and negative predictive value than TCD. If detailed neurological evaluation is possible, it should be the leading parameter in the management and treatment decisions. If patients are not amenable to detailed neurological examination, PCT at regular intervals is a helpful tool to diagnose secondary vasospasm after aneurysmal SAH.}, subject = {Medizin}, language = {en} } @article{WestermaierStetterRaslanetal.2012, author = {Westermaier, Thomas and Stetter, Christian and Raslan, Furat and Vinc, Giles Hamilton and Ernestus, Ralf-Ingo}, title = {Brain edema formation correlates with perfusion deficit during the first six hours after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-75765}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background: Severe brain edema is observed in a number of patients suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Little is known about its pathogenesis and time-course in the first hours after SAH. This study was performed to investigate the development of brain edema and its correlation with brain perfusion after experimental SAH. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats, randomly assigned to one of six groups (n = 8), were subjected to SAH using the endovascular filament model or underwent a sham operation. Animals were sacrificed 15, 30, 60, 180 or 360 minutes after SAH. Intracranial pressure (ICP), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and bilateral local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) were continuously measured. Brain water content (BWC) was determined by the wet/dry-weight method. Results: After SAH, CPP and LCBF rapidly decreased. The decline of LCBF markedly exceeded the decline of CPP and persisted until the end of the observation period. BWC continuously increased. A significant correlation was observed between the BWC and the extent of the perfusion deficit in animals sacrificed after 180 and 360 minutes. Conclusions: The significant correlation with the perfusion deficit after SAH suggests that the development of brain edema is related to the extent of ischemia and acute vasoconstriction in the first hours after SAH.}, subject = {Medizin}, language = {en} } @techreport{LinkerMeuthMagnusetal.2012, author = {Linker, Ralf, A. and Meuth, Sven G. and Magnus, Tim and Korn, Thomas and Kleinschnitz, Christoph}, title = {Report on the 4'th scientific meeting of the "Verein zur F{\"o}rderung des Wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses in der Neurologie" (NEUROWIND e.V.) held in Motzen, Germany, Nov. 2'nd - Nov. 4'th, 2012 [meeting report]}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-76407}, year = {2012}, abstract = {From November 2nd - 4th 2012, the 4th NEUROWIND e.V. meeting was held in Motzen, Brandenburg, Germany. Again more than 60 participants, predominantly at the doctoral student or postdoc level, gathered to share their latest findings in the fields of neurovascular research, neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Like in the previous years, the symposium provided an excellent platform for scientific exchange and the presentation of innovative projects in the stimulating surroundings of the Brandenburg outback. This year's keynote lecture on the pathophysiological relevance of neuronal networks was given by Christian Gerloff, Head of the Department of Neurology at the University Clinic of Hamburg-Eppendorf. Another highlight of the meeting was the awarding of the NEUROWIND e.V. prize for young scientists working in the field of experimental neurology. The award is donated by the Merck Serono GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany and is endowed with 20.000 Euro. This year the jury decided unanimously to adjudge the award to Michael Gliem from the Department of Neurology at the University Clinic of D{\"u}sseldorf (group of Sebastian Jander), Germany, for his outstanding work on different macrophage subsets in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke published in the Annals of Neurology in 2012.}, subject = {Medizin}, language = {en} } @article{ZellerDangWeiseetal.2012, author = {Zeller, Daniel and Dang, Su-Yin and Weise, David and Rieckmann, Peter and Toyka, Klaus V. and Classen, Joseph}, title = {Excitability decreasing central motor plasticity is retained in multiple sclerosis patients}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-76333}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background: Compensation of brain injury in multiple sclerosis (MS) may in part work through mechanisms involving neuronal plasticity on local and interregional scales. Mechanisms limiting excessive neuronal activity may have special significance for retention and (re-)acquisition of lost motor skills in brain injury. However, previous neurophysiological studies of plasticity in MS have investigated only excitability enhancing plasticity and results from neuroimaging are ambiguous. Thus, the aim of this study was to probe long-term depression-like central motor plasticity utilizing continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS), a non-invasive brain stimulation protocol. Because cTBS also may trigger behavioral effects through local interference with neuronal circuits, this approach also permitted investigating the functional role of the primary motor cortex (M1) in force control in patients with MS. Methods: We used cTBS and force recordings to examine long-term depression-like central motor plasticity and behavioral consequences of a M1 lesion in 14 patients with stable mild-to-moderate MS (median EDSS 1.5, range 0 to 3.5) and 14 age-matched healthy controls. cTBS consisted of bursts (50 Hz) of three subthreshold biphasic magnetic stimuli repeated at 5 Hz for 40 s over the hand area of the left M1. Corticospinal excitability was probed via motor-evoked potentials (MEP) in the abductor pollicis brevis muscle over M1 before and after cTBS. Force production performance was assessed in an isometric right thumb abduction task by recording the number of hits into a predefined force window. Results: cTBS reduced MEP amplitudes in the contralateral abductor pollicis brevis muscle to a comparable extent in control subjects (69 ± 22\% of baseline amplitude, p < 0.001) and in MS patients (69 ± 18\%, p < 0.001). In contrast, postcTBS force production performance was only impaired in controls (2.2 ± 2.8, p = 0.011), but not in MS patients (2.0 ± 4.4, p = 0.108). The decline in force production performance following cTBS correlated with corticomuscular latencies (CML) in MS patients, but did not correlate with MEP amplitude reduction in patients or controls. Conclusions: Long-term depression-like plasticity remains largely intact in mild-to-moderate MS. Increasing brain injury may render the neuronal networks less responsive toward lesion-induction by cTBS.}, subject = {Medizin}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Schmid2012, author = {Schmid, Benedikt}, title = {Relation between cerebral arterio-venous transit time and neuropsychological performance in patients with vascular dementia}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-71234}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Dementia, or any form of degenerative cognitive decline, is one of the major problems in present, and even more will be in future medicine. With Alzheimer's disease (AD) being the most prevalent, Vascular Dementia is the second most entity of dementing processes in the elderly. As diagnostic criteria are still imprecise and in many cases do not embrace early stages of the disease, recent studies have proposed more detailed classifications of the newly created condition Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI). Of all conditions subsumed under this term, subcortical small-vessel alterations are the most common cause for cognitive decline. The diagnosis of dementia / cognitive impairment is presently often made in late stages of the disease, when therapeutical options are poor. Thus, early detection of changes of the subcortical small vessels is desirable, when there is still time to identify and aggressively treat risk factors and underlying conditions like diabetes, hyper- or hypotension, and hyperlipidemia. This study aimed to evaluate whether cTT correlates to cognitive dysfunction, i.e. if cTT is fit as an early diagnostic tool for VCI. The study cohort included 38 patients from the Neurological Clinic of the W{\"u}rzburg University hospital admitted due to diagnoses other than dementia or stroke. As a result of this study it turned out that cTT is certainly capable of fulfilling the task to easily and effectively detect and evaluate possible microvascular lesions of the brain with respect to the actual clinical relevance for the patient. When compared to the other proposed diagnostic tools, neuropsychological testing and MRI, the advantages of cTT are obvious: its measurement is a low-cost and quick procedure which would spare both patients and examiners a long neuropsychological exam or complement it. cTT is safe to assess as the only possible risks derive from the use of the contrast agent, which are rare and easily manageable. It has also proven to be more accurate in showing the extent of cognitive impairment than MRI. Finally, it is widely available. The only prerequisite is an ultrasound machine capable of transcranial color-coded duplex sonography. No cost-intensive procedures like MRI are needed. So, with neuropsychological testing remaining the gold standard, cTT here proved to be a reliable alternative which is more time- and cost-effective than MRI.}, subject = {Demenz}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Groh2013, author = {Groh, Janos Michael}, title = {Pathogenic impact of immune cells in mouse models of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-77684}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2013}, abstract = {The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are fatal neurodegenerative disorders in which the visual system is affected in early stages of disease. A typical accompanying feature is neuroinflammation, the pathogenic impact of which is presently unknown. In this study, the role of inflammatory cells in the pathogenesis was investigated in Palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1-deficient (Ppt1-/-) and Ceroidlipofuscinosis, neuronal 3-deficient (Cln3-/-) mice, models of the infantile and juvenile forms of NCL, respectively. Focusing predominantly on the visual system, an infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic Tlymphocytes and an activation of microglia/macrophage-like cells was observed early in disease. To analyze the pathogenic impact of lymphocytes, Ppt1-/- mice were crossbred with mice lacking lymphocytes (Rag1-/-) and axonal transport, perturbation and neuronal survival were scored. Lack of lymphocytes led to a significant amelioration of neuronal disease and reconstitution experiments revealed a crucial role of CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Lack of lymphocytes also caused an improved clinical phenotype and extended longevity. To investigate the impact of microglia/macrophage-like cells, Ppt1-/- and Cln3-/- mice were crossbred with mice lacking sialoadhesin (Sn-/-), a monocyte lineage-restricted cell adhesion molecule important for interactions between macrophage-like cells and lymphocytes. Similar to the lack of lymphocytes, absence of sialoadhesin significantly ameliorated the disease in Ppt1-/- and Cln3-/- mice. Taken together, both T-lymphocytes and microglia/macrophage-like cells were identified as pathogenic mediators in two distinct forms of fatal inherited neurodegenerative storage disorders. These studies expand the concept of secondary inflammation as a common pathomechanistic feature in some neurological diseases and provide novel insights that may be crucial for developing treatment strategies for different forms of NCL.}, subject = {Nervendegeneration}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Ritter2013, author = {Ritter, Christian}, title = {Pathomechanismen von Antik{\"o}rpern gegen Aquaporin 4 in einem Tiermodell f{\"u}r die Neuromyelitis Optica}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-85526}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Die Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) ist eine schwerwiegende autoimmune Erkrankung des zentralen Nervensystems (ZNS), die mit rezidivierenden Optikusneuritiden und Querschnittsmyelitiden einhergeht. Als serologischer Biomarker wurden Autoantik{\"o}rper gegen Aquaporin 4 (anti-AQP4-AK) identifiziert. Mit Hilfe eines passiv-Transfer Rattenmodelles mit implantierten intrathekalen Kathetern wurden aufgereinigte IgG Fraktionen (NMO-IgG) von Plasmapheresematerial anti-AQP4-AK positiver NMO Patienten verabreicht. Zum Nachweis der Antigen-Spezifit{\"a}t wurden in weiteren Versuchsgruppen rekombinante IgG-AK gegen AQP4 appliziert. Die repetitive Injektion von NMO-IgG oder anti-AQP4-AK f{\"u}hrte zu einer signifikanten klinischen Verschlechterung und einer reduzierten motorischen Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit der Versuchstiere im Vergleich zu Kontrollen. Mittels Magnetresonanztomographie konnten exemplarisch Kontrastmittel-aufnehmende L{\"a}sionsareale im R{\"u}ckenmark der Versuchstiere im Bereich der Katheterspitze detektiert werden. Histopathologisch zeigte sich in diesen L{\"a}sionsbereichen eine Anreicherung von intrathekal applizierten humanen IgG, ein Verlust der Expression von AQP4 und des Glutamattransporters EAAT2. Im Gegensatz zu der bisher bekannten, Komplement-induzierten Gewebedestruktion bei NMO-Patienten mit entz{\"u}ndlichen L{\"a}sionen wurde hier keine Depletion von Astrozyten oder Komplementaktivierung beobachtet. Stattdessen kam es in den hier beschriebenen Arealen mit IgG-Ablagerung zu einer Hypertrophie und Vermehrung der GFAP-positiven Astrozyten. Die Ergebnisse lassen auf eine pathophysiologisch relevante, intrinsische und komplement-unabh{\"a}ngige Wirkung von anti-AQP4-AK schließen.}, subject = {Autoantik{\"o}rper}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Leinweber2022, author = {Leinweber, Jonas}, title = {Untersuchung zur pathophysiologischen Rolle und therapeutischen Relevanz der neuen Inhibitoren der plasmatischen Blutgerinnung Agaphelin und Ixolaris im experimentellen Schlaganfallmodell der Maus}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-25292}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-252921}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Beim isch{\"a}mischen Schlaganfall f{\"u}hrt ein thrombotischer Verschluss von gehirnversorgenden Arterien zu einer akuten Durchblutungsst{\"o}rung, mit der Folge von neurologischen Defiziten. Prim{\"a}res Therapieziel ist es, diese Blutgerinnsel aufzul{\"o}sen, um die Sauerstoffversorgung des Gehirns wiederherzustellen und den isch{\"a}mischen Hirnschaden zu begrenzen. Dazu stehen die intraven{\"o}sen Thrombolyse mit rt-PA (rekombinanter Gewebe-Plasminogen-Aktivator) sowie die endovaskul{\"a}re mechanische Thrombektomie zur Verf{\"u}gung. H{\"a}ufig kann ein Schlaganfall, trotz erfolgreicher Rekanalisation der Gef{\"a}ße, zu einer weiteren Gr{\"o}ßenzunahme des Infarktes und neurologischen Defiziten bei den Patienten f{\"u}hren. Diese Gr{\"o}ßenzunahme beruht zum einen auf einem sich entwickelnden Hirn{\"o}dem und zum anderen auf entz{\"u}ndlichen Prozessen. Zahlreiche Hinweise deuten darauf hin, dass der Schlaganfall ein Zusammenspiel aus thrombotischen und entz{\"u}ndlichen Ereignissen ist, ein Ph{\"a}nomen, das als Thromboinflammation bezeichnet wird. Aufgrund der begrenzten Behandlungsm{\"o}glichkeiten ist die Entwicklung neuer Therapieans{\"a}tze f{\"u}r den isch{\"a}mischen Schlaganfall besonders wichtig. Agaphelin und Ixolaris sind Proteine aus den Speicheldr{\"u}sen von H{\"a}matophagen, f{\"u}r welche in fr{\"u}heren Studien eine starke antithrombotische Wirkung bei gleichzeitig geringem Blutungsrisiko nachgewiesen wurde. Diese m{\"o}glichen antithrombotischen Effekte wurden in dieser Studie im Hinblick auf ihre Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit im Mausmodell der zerebralen Isch{\"a}mie untersucht. Die Behandlung der M{\"a}use mit Agaphelin 1 Stunde nach transienter Okklusion der Arteria cerebri media (tMCAO) f{\"u}hrte zu kleineren Schlaganfallvolumina und geringeren neurologischen Defiziten an Tag 1 nach dem Schlaganfall. Die Mortalit{\"a}t der M{\"a}use war bis Tag 7 deutlich gesunken. Aus klinischer Sicht ist ebenfalls relevant, dass der starke antithrombotische Effekt von Agaphelin im Mausmodell nicht mit einem erh{\"o}hten Risiko f{\"u}r intrazerebrale Blutungen einherging. Diesem protektiven Effekt von Agaphelin lagen eine verminderte intrazerebrale Thrombusbildung, eine abgeschw{\"a}chte Entz{\"u}ndungsantwort und eine Stabilisierung der Blut-Hirn-Schranke sowie eine Reduzierung der Apoptose zugrunde. Nach der Gabe von Ixolaris 1 Stunde nach tMCAO waren zwar signifikant geringere Infarktgr{\"o}ßen messbar, diese f{\"u}hrten allerdings nicht zu einer Verbesserung der neurologischen Defizite. Zudem verursachte die Gabe von Ixolaris schon 24 Stunden nach tMCAO erhebliche intrazerebrale Blutungen und auch die Mortalit{\"a}t der M{\"a}use war zu diesem Zeitpunkt bereits erh{\"o}ht. Aufgrund dieser massiven Nebenwirkungen scheint Ixolaris kein geeigneter Kandidat f{\"u}r eine humane Anwendung zu sein. Bei Agaphelin hingegen k{\"o}nnte es sich um einen vielversprechenden Kandidaten f{\"u}r die Behandlung des isch{\"a}mischen Schlaganfalls handeln. Vor einer m{\"o}glichen Testung von Agaphelin in klinischen Studien, sind weitere translationale Untersuchungen notwendig, um ein noch pr{\"a}ziseres Verst{\"a}ndnis f{\"u}r die Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit von Agaphelin zu gewinnen. Insgesamt stellt die Hemmung thromboinflammatorischer Prozesse, ohne eine Erh{\"o}hung der Blutungskomplikationen, eine vielversprechende Option zur Behandlung des isch{\"a}mischen Schlaganfalls dar.}, subject = {Schlaganfall}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Nakchbandi2022, author = {Nakchbandi, Luis}, title = {Adaptives motorisches Lernen und seine Konsolidierung bei Multipler Sklerose}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-25246}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-252465}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Der Verlauf der Multiplen Sklerose ist heterogener Natur; die F{\"a}higkeit zu einem intakten adaptiven motorischen Lernen und einer intakten Konsolidierung k{\"o}nnten einen milden Krankheitsverlauf beg{\"u}nstigen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden das adaptive motorische Lernen und seine Konsolidierung bei MS-Patienten im Vergleich zu neurologisch gesunden Kontrollprobanden untersucht; außerdem wurde das Verh{\"a}ltnis dieser Formen des Lernens zu klinischen und apparativen Parametern des Krankheitsprogresses untersucht. Dazu f{\"u}hrten 20 MS-Patienten und 20 Kontrollprobanden eine visuoadaptive Lernaufgabe durch. Hierzu sollten mittels Computerbildschirm und Computermaus geradlinige Zielbewegungen zwischen einem Startpunkt und einem Zielpunkt wechselnder Lokalisation durchgef{\"u}hrt werden, wobei in einem Rotationsmodus eine externe Ablenkung der Zielbewegung im Uhrzeigersinn eingef{\"u}hrt wurde, welche auszugleichen war. Die {\"U}bungssitzung wurde nach 24 Stunden und nach 72 Stunden wiederholt. Analysiert wurden die Richtungsfehler der Zielbewegungen, die Adaptationsrate an die Ablenkung und die Retention der erlernten Adaptation bis zur Folgesitzung. Motorische Einschr{\"a}nkung wurde durch den EDSS-Score und den 9-Loch-Stecktest quantifiziert, zentralnerv{\"o}se L{\"a}sionslast wurde mittels cMRT und MEP ermittelt. Die Adaptation und Lernf{\"a}higkeit innerhalb einer {\"U}bungssitzung waren in der Patienten- und der Kontrollgruppe vergleichbar; jedoch zeigte sich eine signifikant verminderte Retentionsrate in der Patientengruppe an den Folgeuntersuchungstagen im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe. In den Korrelationsanalysen und Subgruppenvergleichen innerhalb der Patientengruppe nach Stratifizierung aufgrund von EDSS-Score, 9-Lochstecktest und zentralnerv{\"o}ser L{\"a}sionslast im MRT konnte kein eindeutiger Zusammenhang zwischen klinischer Beeintr{\"a}chtigung bzw. zentralnerv{\"o}ser L{\"a}sionslast auf der einen Seite und Adaptation bzw. Konsolidierung auf der anderen Seite identifiziert werden. Jedoch zeigte sich in der Patientengruppe f{\"u}r den ersten Nachuntersuchungstag eine signifikant h{\"o}here Retentionsrate in der Subgruppe mit geringerer Leistung im 9-Lochsteck-Test. Insgesamt deuten die vorliegenden Daten auf eine erhaltene F{\"a}higkeit zu adaptivem motorischen Lernen und somit auf eine erhaltene rasch einsetzende Neuroplastizit{\"a}t bei leicht bis mittelgradig betroffenen MS-Patienten hin; jedoch sprechen die Daten f{\"u}r eine eingeschr{\"a}nkte Konsolidierungsf{\"a}higkeit. Zentralnerv{\"o}se L{\"a}sionslast scheint Motoradaptation und Konsolidierung nicht zu verhindern. Das genaue Verh{\"a}ltnis der Motoradapation und Konsolidierung zum klinischen Funktionserhalt konnte nicht genauer aufgekl{\"a}rt werden. Um die genaue Beziehung zwischen Motoradaptation und Konsolidierung und klinischer Beeintr{\"a}chtigung bzw. ZNS-L{\"a}sionen zu eruieren, bedarf es weiterer Studien.}, subject = {Multiple Sklerose}, language = {de} } @article{NguemeniHiewKoegleretal.2021, author = {Nguemeni, Carine and Hiew, Shawn and K{\"o}gler, Stefanie and Homola, Gy{\"o}rgy A. and Volkmann, Jens and Zeller, Daniel}, title = {Split-belt training but not cerebellar anodal tDCS improves stability control and reduces risk of fall in patients with multiple sclerosis}, series = {Brain Sciences}, volume = {12}, journal = {Brain Sciences}, number = {1}, issn = {2076-3425}, doi = {10.3390/brainsci12010063}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-252179}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The objective of this study was to examine the therapeutic potential of multiple sessions of training on a split-belt treadmill (SBT) combined with cerebellar anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on gait and balance in People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Twenty-two PwMS received six sessions of anodal (PwMS\(_{real}\), n = 12) or sham (PwMS\(_{sham}\), n = 10) tDCS to the cerebellum prior to performing the locomotor adaptation task on the SBT. To evaluate the effect of the intervention, functional gait assessment (FGA) scores and distance walked in 2 min (2MWT) were measured at the baseline (T0), day 6 (T5), and at the 4-week follow up (T6). Locomotor performance and changes of motor outcomes were similar in PwMS\(_{real}\) and PwMS\(_{sham}\) independently from tDCS mode applied to the cerebellum (anodal vs. sham, on FGA, p = 0.23; and 2MWT, p = 0.49). When the data were pooled across the groups to investigate the effects of multiple sessions of SBT training alone, significant improvement of gait and balance was found on T5 and T6, respectively, relative to baseline (FGA, p < 0.001 for both time points). The FGA change at T6 was significantly higher than at T5 (p = 0.01) underlining a long-lasting improvement. An improvement of the distance walked during the 2MWT was also observed on T5 and T6 relative to T0 (p = 0.002). Multiple sessions of SBT training resulted in a lasting improvement of gait stability and endurance, thus potentially reducing the risk of fall as measured by FGA and 2MWT. Application of cerebellar tDCS during SBT walking had no additional effect on locomotor outcomes.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Klitsch2021, author = {Klitsch, Alexander}, title = {Corneal and cutaneous factors contributing to small fiber pathology in fibromyalgia syndrome}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-22439}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-224398}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {We examined 143 patients suffering from FMS, a syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Etiology and pathophysiology of FMS are scarcely understood. In recent years abnormalities of small Aδ- and C-nerve fibers have been found in subgroups of FMS patients. It is yet unclear how such SFP is caused in FMS patients and how it contributes to FMS symptoms. We used CCM to analyze corneal small nerve fibers and associated LC, comparing FMS patients' results to those from 65 healthy controls and 41 disease controls suffering from SFN. We, further, assessed expression levels of mRNA and miRNA in keratinocytes taken from skin punch biopsies of FMS patients and healthy controls kept as monocellular cell cultures. A screening was performed using NGS in a small cohort of 12 FMS patients and 5 healthy controls. Results were validated in larger cohorts by qRT-PCR. As in previous studies IENFD and CNFD were reduced in a subgroup of FMS patients. We found identical LC densities in FMS patients, healthy controls, and SFN patients. The subpopulation of dLCfiber contact in FMS and SFN patients was lower than in healthy controls. Our RNA expression analysis revealed one mRNA that was expressed higher in FMS patients than in controls: PRSS21. We conclude that reduced neurotrophic signaling of LC may contribute to SFP in the cornea. Epidermal PRSS21 expression and dLCfiber contact density are promising biomarker candidates for FMS diagnosis.}, subject = {Fibromyalgie}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Peterka2021, author = {Peterka, Manuel}, title = {Propriozeptive St{\"o}rungen bei Morbus Parkinson - Explorative Untersuchungen zu Art, Ausmaß und potenzieller Rekalibrierung mithilfe der LSVT-BIG-Therapie}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-22612}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-226129}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Beim idiopathischen Parkinson Syndrom (IPS) gewinnen nicht-motorische Symptome in Forschung und Klinik zunehmend an Bedeutung. So findet sich in der Literatur vermehrt Evidenz, dass die Propriozeption bei Patienten mit IPS (PmIPS) gest{\"o}rt ist. Verschiedene klinische und neuroanatomische Studien weisen darauf hin, dass es beim IPS zu einer fehlerhaften sensomotorischen Integration von propriozeptiven Informationen in den Basalganglien kommt. Zudem gibt es Hinweise, dass die passiv-sensible Wahrnehmung von Propriozeption pathologisch ver{\"a}ndert ist. Außerdem wird vermutet, dass durch propriozeptives Training eine Verbesserung der Parkinsonsymptomatik erreicht werden kann. Ein spezielles Trainingsprogramm, die LSVT-BIG-Therapie, bei der gezielt trainiert wird, Bewegungen mit einer großen Amplitude durchzuf{\"u}hren, konnte motorische Symptome und Mobilit{\"a}t beim IPS effektiv verbessern. In der vorliegenden Arbeit stellten wir folgende Hypothesen auf: Das IPS geht mit einer fehlerhaften sensomotorischen Integration von Propriozeption einher. Die afferente propriozeptive Wahrnehmung ist ebenfalls pathologisch ver{\"a}ndert. Eine propriozeptive Rekalibrierung ist mithilfe der LSVT-BIG-Therapie m{\"o}glich. F{\"u}r die {\"U}berpr{\"u}fung dieser Hypothesen schlossen wir 30 PmIPS und 15 gesunde Probanden in unsere Fall-Kontroll-Studie ein und f{\"u}hrten eine Eingangsuntersuchung durch. 11 PmIPS absolvierten anschließend eine vierw{\"o}chige LSVT-BIG-Therapie. Die Folgeuntersuchungen fanden 4 und 8 Wochen nach der Eingangsuntersuchung statt. 78 Diese beinhalteten neuropsychologische Testungen, außerdem die Bestimmung der Lebensqualit{\"a}t, die Erhebung des motorischen Teils der Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson´s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS III), Untersuchungen zur Feinmotorik, die Durchf{\"u}hrung einer diagnostischen Transkraniellen Magnetstimulation (TMS) sowie Testverfahren zur Propriozeption, darunter sowohl Zeigeversuche, als auch die Bestimmung der Position einer Extremit{\"a}t, ohne visuelle Kontrolle. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass die IPS-Gruppe gegen{\"u}ber der gesunden Kontrollgruppe signifikant gr{\"o}ßere Zeigefehler machte, wohingegen die Bestimmung der Position einer Extremit{\"a}t in beiden Gruppen vergleichbar pr{\"a}zise m{\"o}glich war. Zus{\"a}tzlich zeigte eine von sieben Messungen der Feinmotorik einen signifikanten Unterschied zwischen PmIPS und Kontrollen. Die Messungen der TMS erbrachten hingegen keine signifikant messbaren Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen. In den Folgeuntersuchungen nach therapeutischer Intervention ergaben die Zeige{\"u}bungen eine signifikante Verbesserung der BIG-Gruppe im Zeitverlauf. Die Untersuchungen zu Feinmotorik und MDS-UPDRS III ergaben zwar eine tendenzielle Verbesserung durch die LSVT-BIG-Therapie, waren jedoch statistisch nicht signifikant. Die Lebensqualit{\"a}t der PmIPS in der BIG-Gruppe verbesserte sich signifikant nach Intervention. Die Ergebnisse sprechen f{\"u}r die Hypothese der fehlerhaften propriozeptiven Integration beim Morbus Parkinson. Dies zeigte sich f{\"u}r aktive sensomotorische Tasks, nicht hingegen in der passiv-sensiblen propriozeptiven Testung. Auch wenn weitere Studien mit gr{\"o}ßeren Kohorten ben{\"o}tigt werden, legt unsere Studie nahe, dass die LSVT-BIG-Therapie mit einer propriozeptiven Rekalibrierung einhergeht. Damit erkl{\"a}rt sich m{\"o}glicherweise der nachhaltige Erfolg der Therapie.}, subject = {Propriozeption}, language = {de} } @article{RauschenbergervonWardenburgSchaeferetal.2020, author = {Rauschenberger, Vera and von Wardenburg, Niels and Schaefer, Natascha and Ogino, Kazutoyo and Hirata, Hiromi and Lillesaar, Christina and Kluck, Christoph J. and Meinck, Hans-Michael and Borrmann, Marc and Weishaupt, Andreas and Doppler, Kathrin and Wickel, Jonathan and Geis, Christian and Sommer, Claudia and Villmann, Carmen}, title = {Glycine Receptor Autoantibodies Impair Receptor Function and Induce Motor Dysfunction}, series = {Annals of Neurology}, volume = {88}, journal = {Annals of Neurology}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1002/ana.25832}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-216005}, pages = {544 -- 561}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Objective Impairment of glycinergic neurotransmission leads to complex movement and behavioral disorders. Patients harboring glycine receptor autoantibodies suffer from stiff-person syndrome or its severe variant progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus. Enhanced receptor internalization was proposed as the common molecular mechanism upon autoantibody binding. Although functional impairment of glycine receptors following autoantibody binding has recently been investigated, it is still incompletely understood. Methods A cell-based assay was used for positive sample evaluation. Glycine receptor function was assessed by electrophysiological recordings and radioligand binding assays. The in vivo passive transfer of patient autoantibodies was done using the zebrafish animal model. Results Glycine receptor function as assessed by glycine dose-response curves showed significantly decreased glycine potency in the presence of patient sera. Upon binding of autoantibodies from 2 patients, a decreased fraction of desensitized receptors was observed, whereas closing of the ion channel remained fast. The glycine receptor N-terminal residues \(^{29}\)A to \(^{62}\)G were mapped as a common epitope of glycine receptor autoantibodies. An in vivo transfer into the zebrafish animal model generated a phenotype with disturbed escape behavior accompanied by a reduced number of glycine receptor clusters in the spinal cord of affected animals. Interpretation Autoantibodies against the extracellular domain mediate alterations of glycine receptor physiology. Moreover, our in vivo data demonstrate that the autoantibodies are a direct cause of the disease, because the transfer of human glycine receptor autoantibodies to zebrafish larvae generated impaired escape behavior in the animal model compatible with abnormal startle response in stiff-person syndrome or progressive encephalitis with rigidity and myoclonus patients.}, language = {en} } @article{SaudekCahovaHavrdovaetal.2018, author = {Saudek, František and Cahov{\´a}, Monika and Havrdov{\´a}, Terezie and Zacharovov{\´a}, Kl{\´a}ra and Daňkov{\´a}, Helena and Voska, Luděk and L{\´a}nsk{\´a}, Věra and {\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Preserved Expression of Skin Neurotrophic Factors in Advanced Diabetic Neuropathy Does Not Lead to Neural Regeneration despite Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation}, series = {Journal of Diabetes Research}, volume = {2018}, journal = {Journal of Diabetes Research}, number = {2309108}, doi = {10.1155/2018/2309108}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-227469}, pages = {1-11}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes with potential severe consequences. Its pathogenesis involves hyperglycemia-linked mechanisms, which may include changes in the expression of neurotrophic growth factors. We analyzed the expression of 29 factors potentially related to nerve degeneration and regeneration in skin biopsies from 13 type 1 diabetic pancreas and kidney recipients with severe DPN including severe depletion of intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENF) in lower limb skin biopsies (group Tx1 1st examination). The investigation was repeated after a median 28-month period of normoglycemia achieved by pancreas transplantation (group Tx1 2nd examination). The same tests were performed in 13 stable normoglycemic pancreas and kidney recipients 6-12 years posttransplantation (group Tx2), in 12 matched healthy controls (group HC), and in 12 type 1 diabetic subjects without severe DPN (group DM). Compared to DM and HC groups, we found a significantly higher (p < 0.05-0.001) expression of NGF (nerve growth factor), NGFR (NGF receptor), NTRK1 (neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 1), GDNF (glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor), GFRA1 (GDNF family receptor alpha 1), and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) in both transplant groups (Tx1 and Tx2). Enhanced expression of these factors was not normalized following the median 28-month period of normoglycemia (Tx1 2nd examination) and negatively correlated with IENF density and with electrophysiological indices of DPN (vibration perception threshold, electromyography, and autonomic tests). In contrast to our expectation, the expression of most of 29 selected factors related to neural regeneration was comparable in subjects with severe peripheral nerve fiber depletion and healthy controls and the expression of six factors was significantly upregulated. These findings may be important for better understanding the pathophysiology of nerve regeneration and for the development of intervention strategies.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Teuteberg2003, author = {Teuteberg, Philipp Wilhelm Friedemann}, title = {Schmerzhafte Mononeuropathie an C57BL/6 M{\"a}usen: Studien mit neutralisierenden Antik{\"o}rpern gegen Tumor-Nekrose-Faktor Alpha an zwei verschiedenen L{\"a}sionsmodellen}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-5346}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2003}, abstract = {Die vorliegende Arbeit befaßt sich mit zwei Modellen einer schmerzhaften Mononeuropathie an der C57BL/6-Maus sowie deren Beeinflussung durch neutralisierende AK gegen TNF. Daf{\"u}r wurden die Nn. ischiadici der M{\"a}use operativ manipuliert, zum einen in Form der CCI durch drei den Nerven einschn{\"u}rende Ligaturen und zum anderen in Form der PST durch Heraustrennen eines Drittels des Nervendurchmessers. Beide Operationsmodelle l{\"o}sten bei den M{\"a}usen eine schmerzhafte Neuropathie aus. Es wurde untersucht, inwieweit zum Zeitpunkt der jeweiligen Operation oder am 4. postoperativen Tag applizierte TNF-AK das Schmerz-assoziierte Verhalten beeinflussen konnten und ob diese Behandlung einen Einfluß auf die Zytokinexpression im Endoneurium, auf den Makrophageneinstrom und auf die Nervenregeneration hatte. Hierzu wurden Verhaltenstests sowie immunhistochemische und morphometrische Methoden verwendet. Aus den vorliegenden Ergebnissen kann geschlossen werden, daß der bei CCI vermutete Einfluß der epineuralen Entz{\"u}ndung auf das Schmerz-assoziierte Verhalten kleiner ist als urspr{\"u}nglich angenommen. Die Tatsache, daß zumindest auf einen Parameter (Hitzehyperalgesie) nicht nur die pr{\"a}ventive sondern auch die therapeutische TNF-Hemmung wirksam war, l{\"a}ßt auf einen Einsatz von TNF-Hemmern bei bestimmten Formen des neuropathischen Schmerzes zur Therapieerg{\"a}nzung hoffen. Obwohl die TNF-Hemmung in den hier verwendeten Dosen und Applikationsweisen keinen Einfluß auf die endoneurale Zytokinexpression, Makrophagendichte und Regeneration hatte, sollten zuk{\"u}nftige Studien diese Parameter unter variierten Applikationsbedingungen genauer untersuchen.}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Nehring2003, author = {Nehring, Claudia}, title = {Sensitivit{\"a}t elektrophysiologischer Parameter bei der chronischen inflammatorischen demyelinisierenden Polyneuropathie (CIDP) in der Beurteilung des Langzeitverlaufes}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-7659}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2003}, abstract = {Die Chronische Inflammatorische Demyelinisierende Polyneuropathie (CIDP) ist eine seltene autoimmune Erkrankung des peripheren Nervensystems. In der vorliegenden Dissertation wurden die Akten von 23 CIDP - Patienten der Neurologischen Klinik der Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg aus dem Zeitraum von 1990 bis 1999 ausgewertet und die elektrophysiologischen Parameter sowohl mit den klinischen Befunden als auch mit den Biopsiebefunden in Beziehung gestellt. Folgende Schlussfolgerungen konnten gezogen werden : - In dem untersuchten Patientenkollektiv war die sensomotorische Form der CIDP mit {\"u}berwiegend motorischen Symptomen die h{\"a}ufigste Auspr{\"a}gungsform. Hingegen treten rein motorische und rein sensible Formen sehr selten auf. - Die Krankheit manifestierte sich {\"u}berwiegend an den distalen Extremit{\"a}ten. - Die oberen Extremit{\"a}ten waren selten und in keinem Fall isoliert betroffen. - Die systematische Auswertung des klinischen Schwergrades erfolgte anhand des Modifizierten Rankin Scores, der sowohl motorische als auch sensible Symptome ber{\"u}cksichtigt. Zus{\"a}tzlich erfolgte der Entwurf eines sensiblen Scores, bei dem die sensiblen Symptome der Patienten in Zahlenwerten ausgedr{\"u}ckt sind. - Der Vergleich des klinischen Schweregrades mit den neurophysiologischen Befunden ergab vier unterschiedliche Korrelationstypen, die von sehr enger Korrelation bis hin zu nur geringen {\"U}bereinstimmungen reichten. - Der Schwergrad der Beeintr{\"a}chtigung der Patienten war im Langzeitverlauf mit dem axonalen Verlust korreliert. Es fand sich eine gute Korrelation der Muskelsummenaktionspotentiale (CMAP) des Nervus medianus und des Nervus tibialis sowie der sensiblen Nervenaktionspotentiale (SNAP) des Nervus suralis mit dem Score. - Es ergab sich ein signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen der Amplitude des Nervus suralis NAP`s und dem Ausmaß des Axonverlustes, wohingegen zwischen der Nervenleitungsgeschwindigkeit des Nervus suralis und dem Axonverlust nur eine geringe Abh{\"a}ngigkeit besteht. - Der Grad der Demyelinisierung korrelierte mit der Anzahl der endoneuralen Makrophagen. - Zwischen der Nervenleitgeschwindigkeit des Nervus suralis und dem Grad der Demyelinisierung im Biopsat konnte keine eindeutige Abh{\"a}ngigkeit nachgewiesen werden. - Es besteht ein Zusammenhang zwischen der Spontanaktivit{\"a}t im EMG und im Verlauf abnehmenden Nervenleitgeschwindigkeiten des Nervus medianus, der aber statistisch nicht signifikant ist. - Insbesondere ist die NLG- Abnahme in den ersten Wochen ein prognostisch ung{\"u}nstiges Zeichen. - Eine Analogie zwischen einer durch das EMG nachgewiesenen Spontanaktivit{\"a}t und der Amplitude des Nervus suralis besteht. - Zwischen den Amplituden der motorischen Summenaktionspotentiale des Nervus tibialis oder den Amplituden der sensiblen Nervenaktionspotentiale des Nervus suralis auf der einen Seite und dem Ausmaß der Spontanaktivit{\"a}t im EMG auf der anderen Seite bestehen erkennbare Korrelationen.}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Bischofs2005, author = {Bischofs, Stefan}, title = {Evaluation der antihyperalgetischen und neuroregenerativen Wirkung von Topiramat nach tierexperimenteller peripherer Nervenl{\"a}sion}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-18352}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2005}, abstract = {Evaluation der antihyperalgetischen wie neuroregenerativen Potenz von Topiramat nach peripherer Nervenl{\"a}sion. Untersuchung im Tiermodell nach CCI / Crush-Nervenl{\"a}sion. Verhaltenstestungen, morphometrisch histologische Analysen, Immunhistochemische F{\"a}rbungen, elektrophysiologische Studien sowie RT-PCR. Topiramat zeigte hierbei - modulierende Wirkung auf die Entwicklung einer mechanischen Hyperalgesie wie K{\"a}lteallodynie nach CCI, auf Hitzehyperalgesie wie K{\"a}lteallodynia nach Crush - keine neuroprotektive oder pro-regenerative Wirkung in den von uns verwendeten L{\"a}sionsmodellen - eine ausgepr{\"a}gte Modulation des zellul{\"a}ren Zytokinmilieus distal der Nervenl{\"a}sion im Sinne einer Hochregulation proinflammatorischer Zytokine.}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Topuzoglu2012, author = {Topuzoglu, Teng{\"u} G{\"u}ls{\"u}m}, title = {Charakterisierung von IL-4 Knockout-M{\"a}usen und ihrer Zytokin- und Opioidrezeptor-Expression im peripheren und zentralen Nervensystem}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-72372}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2012}, abstract = {In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde der Einfluss eines Mangels des antiinflammatorischen Zytokins Interleukin(IL)-4 am Tiermodell einer experimentellen Mononeuropathie (engl. chronic constriction injury, CCI) untersucht. Zentrale Fragestellung der Studie war, ob IL-4 knockout(ko)-M{\"a}use im Vergleich zu Wildtyp(wt)-M{\"a}usen mit einem gesteigerten Schmerzverhalten sowie einer ver{\"a}nderten Zytokinantwort und Opioidrezeptor-Expression nach Anwendung eines neuropathischen Schmerzmodells (CCI) reagieren. In mehreren Tierstudien war zuvor eine antiinflammatorische und analgetische Wirkung von IL-4 belegt worden (Vale et al. 2003; Hao et al. 2006) und in klinischen Studien war ein verminderter IL-4-Spiegel bei Patienten mit verschiedenen neuropathischen Schmerzsyndromen mit einer gesteigerten Schmerzempfindung verbunden ({\"U}{\c{c}}eyler et al. 2006; {\"U}{\c{c}}eyler et al. 2007b). Da IL-4 die Transkription von Opioidrezeptoren induziert (Kraus et al. 2001; B{\"o}rner et al. 2004), wurde zudem das Ansprechen von IL-4 ko-M{\"a}usen auf Morphin und die Genexpression zentraler Opioidrezeptoren untersucht. Vor sowie bis vier Wochen nach Durchf{\"u}hrung einer CCI wurden IL-4 ko- sowie wt- M{\"a}use hinsichtlich ihrer Empfindlichkeit auf mechanische und thermische Stimuli analysiert. Zum Zeitpunkt des Schmerzmaximums nach CCI (Tag 7 bis 9) wurde zudem das Ansprechen beider Genotypen auf Morphin untersucht. Die Genexpression pro- (IL-1 beta, TNF) und antiinflammatorischer Zytokine (IL-10, IL- 13) im peripheren (N. ischiadicus) und zentralen Nervensystem (lumbales und zervikales R{\"u}ckenmark, Pons, Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Striatum, Kortex) sowie die Genexpression zentraler Opioidrezeptoren (m{\"u}-OR, delta-OR, kappa-OR) wurde bei beiden Genotypen vor sowie vier Wochen nach CCI mittels Real-Time-PCR bestimmt. Unbehandelte IL-4 ko-M{\"a}use zeigten im Vergleich zu wt-M{\"a}usen bereits vor Durchf{\"u}hrung einer CCI eine mechanische {\"U}berempfindlichkeit (Hyperalgesie), was m{\"o}glicherweise durch die bei IL-4-Mangel fehlenden zentralen inhibitorischen Mechanismen bedingt ist. Nach CCI entwickelten sowohl IL-4 ko- als auch wt-M{\"a}use eine gleich ausgepr{\"a}gte mechanische und thermische Hyperalgesie. Die Tatsache, dass die mechanische {\"U}berempfindlichkeit bei IL-4 ko-M{\"a}usen nach Nervenl{\"a}sion nicht {\"u}berproportional steigt, kann Ausdruck der nachgewiesenen kompensatorisch st{\"a}rker ausgepr{\"a}gten Genexpression proinflammatorischer, aber insbesondere auch antiinflammatorischer Zytokine in diesem Genotyp sein. Nur bei IL-4 ko-M{\"a}usen war vier Wochen nach CCI die Genexpression der anti- inflammatorischen Zytokine im N. ischiadicus (IL-10) und ipsilateralen R{\"u}ckenmark (IL-10, IL-13), jedoch auch die der proinflammatorischen Zytokine im ipsilateralen R{\"u}ckenmark (TNF, IL-1 beta) erh{\"o}ht. Nach CCI sprachen IL-4 ko-M{\"a}use schneller auf Morphingabe an als wt-M{\"a}use, was durch den bei diesem Genotyp st{\"a}rker ausgepr{\"a}gten Anstieg der Genexpression der Opioidrezeptortypen delta-OR und kappa-OR im kontralateralen Thalamus bedingt sein kann.}, subject = {Neuralgie}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Geis2004, author = {Geis, Christian}, title = {Charakterisierung von Spinalganglienneuronen intakter und l{\"a}dierter Afferenzen}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-13926}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2004}, abstract = {Am Tiermodell einer experimentellen Mononeuropathie (chronic constriction injury, CCI) wurde bei Ratten die Expression von Zytokinen (TNF-\&\#945;, IL-10), Vanilloidrezeptor 1 (VR1) und Neuropeptiden in Spinalganglienneuronen immunhistochemisch analy-siert. Durch retrograde Anf{\"a}rbung mit den Tracern Fluorogold (FG) und Fluoruby (FR) konnten intakte von gesch{\"a}digten Neuronen unterschieden und Muskel- und Hautaffe-renzen getrennt untersucht werden. Nach CCI fand sich ein selektiver Anstieg der TNF-\&\#945; Immunreaktivit{\"a}t in mittelgroßen und großen Spinalganglienneuronen, welche durch Vergleich mit anderen neuronalen Markern als A-Faser Neurone identifiziert werden konnten. Nicht nur gesch{\"a}digte, sondern auch intakte Spinalganglienneurone wiesen eine erh{\"o}hte TNF-\&\#945; Immunreaktivit{\"a}t auf und sowohl Muskel- als auch Hautafferenzen trugen zur vermehrten TNF-\&\#945; Expression bei. IL-10, VR1 und IB4 Immunreaktivit{\"a}t fand sich vor allem in kleinen Neuronen und war nach CCI deutlich reduziert, w{\"a}hrend die Expression von CGRP in kleinen und mittel-großen Spinalganglienneuronen nachzuweisen war und keine Ver{\"a}nderung zeigte. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass intakt gebliebene A-Faser Neurone pathophysiologische Ver{\"a}nderungen im Sinne einer vermehrten Expression des pro-inflammatorischen Zyto-kins TNF-\&\#945; erfahren. Dieser ph{\"a}notypische Switch ist m{\"o}glicherweise mit einer neuen Funktion dieser Neurone im nozizeptiven System verbunden. Die verminderte Expression des anti-inflammatorischen Zytokins IL-10 vier Tage nach CCI korrespondiert mit der fr{\"u}hen Schmerzentstehung nach peripherer Nervenl{\"a}sion und der noch fehlenden Suppression der pro-inflammatorischen Zytokine zu diesem Zeitpunkt. Dagegen ist der R{\"u}ckgang der VR1 und IB4 Konzentrationen im Spinal-ganglion am ehesten durch einen l{\"a}sionsbedingten Mangel an neurotrophen Faktoren zu erkl{\"a}ren. Die in dieser Arbeit gewonnenen Erkenntnisse unterst{\"u}tzen die These, dass pro-inflammatorischen Zytokinen, insbesondere TNF-\&\#945;, eine besondere Bedeutung bei der Entstehung neuropathischer Schmerzen zukommt. Dies k{\"o}nnte ein Ansatzpunkt f{\"u}r wei-tere Studien sein, die Wirksamkeit TNF-\&\#945; hemmender Medikamente bei neuropathi-schen Schmerzmodellen im Tierversuch und eventuell sp{\"a}ter klinisch zu untersuchen.}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Gossger2005, author = {Gossger, Nicoletta Philippine}, title = {Bildgebende Verfahren in der Diagnostik von Myopathien}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-14712}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2005}, abstract = {Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, die Aussagef{\"a}higkeit der Kernspintomographie mit der der Histologie und der Sonographie im Hinblick auf Umbauvorg{\"a}nge im Muskel in einem Patientenkollektiv mit Myopathien verschiedener {\"A}tiologie zu vergleichen. Weiterhin sollte {\"u}berpr{\"u}ft werden, ob die MRT-Untersuchung mittels fettsupprimierter TIRM-Sequenz und T1-gewichteter Sequenz nach Kontrastmittelgabe eine zus{\"a}tzliche Hilfe bei der Diagnosefindung darstellt. Hierzu wurden {\"u}ber den Zeitraum von zwei Jahren 26 Patienten, die in der Neurologischen Universit{\"a}tsklinik W{\"u}rzburg mit einer Myopathie aufgenommen wurden, nach einem standardisierten Protokoll klinisch, laborchemisch, sonographisch (n=16) sowie kernspintomographisch untersucht. Außerdem erfolgte zur histologischen Diagnostik nach Aufkl{\"a}rung des Patienten eine Muskelbiopsie. Die kernspintomographische Untersuchung umfasste eine konventionelle T1-gewichtete Sequenz, eine fettunterdr{\"u}ckte TIRM-Sequenz und eine T1-gewichtete Sequenz nach der Gabe von Gadolinium-DTPA. Das Patientenkollektiv wurde f{\"u}r die statistische Auswertung in drei klinische Diagnosegruppen aufgeteilt: nicht-entz{\"u}ndliche, degenerative Myopathien (Gruppe A1), nicht-entz{\"u}ndliche, nicht-degenerative Myopathien (Gruppe A2) und entz{\"u}ndliche Myopathien (Gruppe B). Die T1-gewichtete Spinechosequenz zeigte sich in diesen Untersuchungen wie in vorangegangenen Arbeiten im Bezug auf fett- und bindegewebigen Umbauvorg{\"a}nge des Muskelparenchyms am sensitivsten. Muskul{\"a}re Ver{\"a}nderungen in der T1-gewichteten Sequenz korrelieren mit der Schwere des Muskelumbaus in der Histologie und dem MRC-Kraftgrad als funktionellen Parameter. Pathologische Befunde in der {\"o}demsensitiven TIRM-Sequenz fanden sich bei entz{\"u}ndlichen und nicht-entz{\"u}ndlichen Myopathien etwa gleich h{\"a}ufig. Unsere Ergebnisse legen also nahe, dass eine {\"O}dementstehung nicht zwangsl{\"a}ufig an eine entz{\"u}ndliche Genese gebunden ist. Eine Korrelation des histologischen Entz{\"u}ndungsscores mit der TIRM-Sequenz konnte in keiner der Diagnosegruppen nachgewiesen werden. Hieraus ist abzuleiten, dass zur genauen Lokalisation der Muskelbiopsie eine MRT-Diagnostik vor allem bei entz{\"u}ndlichen Myopathien sehr zu empfehlen ist. In dieser Arbeit fanden sich in der Patientengruppe mit einer degenerativen Myopathie h{\"a}ufiger als bisher beschrieben pathologische Auff{\"a}lligkeiten (46 \% der Patienten) in der T1-Sequenz nach Kontrastmittelgabe. Die Kontrastmittelanreicherung entspricht nicht in jedem Fall einer in der TIRM-Sequenz festgestellten {\"O}demausbreitung. Bei den entz{\"u}ndlichen Myopathien zeigte sich eine Korrelation der CK-Aktivit{\"a}t mit der T1-gewichteten Sequenz nach Kontrastmittelgabe, jedoch nicht mit den beiden anderen MRT-Sequenzen. An Hand der vorliegenden Befunde l{\"a}sst sich vermuten, dass Kontrastmittelanreicherung ein Ausdruck aktiver muskul{\"a}rer Umbauprozesse im Rahmen entz{\"u}ndlicher und degenerativer Myopathien ist. Damit scheint unter dem Aspekt der Erfassung der Aktivit{\"a}t einer Myopathie eine Kontrastmittelgabe bei der MRT-Diagnostik auch bei degenerativen neuromuskul{\"a}ren Erkrankungen sinnvoll. Die Befunde der Sonographie korrelieren mit den Befunden aus der T1-gewichteten MRT- Sequenz, mit der Schwere des Muskelumbaus in der Histologie und dem MRC-Kraftgrad. Diese Ergebnisse zeigen die gute Nachweisrate von muskul{\"a}ren Ver{\"a}nderungen durch die Sonographie. Alle drei zu vergleichenden Untersuchungsmethoden eignen sich f{\"u}r die Diagnostik von Myopathien. Eine spezifische Diagnose der Muskelerkrankungen auf Grund der MRT allein, ist, auch bei der hier untersuchten Anwendung von zus{\"a}tzlicher Kontrastmittelgabe, noch nicht m{\"o}glich. Die Diagnosestellung erfolgt letztendlich aus der Anamnese und der Gesamtheit aller Befunde. Welche apparativen und bildgebenden Verfahren hierbei zum Einsatz kommen, muss individuell entschieden werden, da die Untersuchungsverfahren unterschiedliche Aspekte der Erkrankung beleuchten. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse k{\"o}nnten hierbei eine Entscheidungshilfe sein.}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Klein2004, author = {Klein, Oliver}, title = {Regulation der Chemokinexpression in humanen zerebralen Endothelzellen}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-11567}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2004}, abstract = {Humane zerebrale Endothelzellen sind in vitro in der Lage nach Stimulation mit proinflammatorischen Zytokinen Chemokine zu produzieren. Diese sind von Bedeutung in der Entwicklung von entz{\"u}ndlichen ZNS-Erkrankungen. So scheinen zerebrale Endothelzellen neben Astrozyten und Mikroglia als Produzenten dieser Schl{\"u}sselmolek{\"u}le zu fungieren.}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Leffler2003, author = {Leffler, Andreas}, title = {TRPV1 ist ein polymodaler Rezeptor von nozizeptiven Spinalganglienzellen}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-10748}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2003}, abstract = {In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde mittels der Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Methode sensible Neurone von transgenen M{\"a}usen untersucht, bei denen das Gen f{\"u}r TRPV1 (transient receptor potential V1) deletiert wurde. Das Ergebniss wurde mit den Daten von Wildtyp M{\"a}usen verglichen. TRPV1 (fr{\"u}her VR1; vanilloid receptor 1) wird nahezu selektiv in sensiblen Neuronen exprimiert und wird im heterologen Expressionssystem durch Vanilloide, Hitze (> 43°C) und Protonen aktiviert. Durch diese Eigenschaften scheint TRPV1 f{\"u}r die rezeptiven Eigenschaften polymodaler Nozizeptoren von großer Bedeutung zu sein. Als ein Model des peripheren afferenten Neurons wurde die Aktivierbarkeit kultivierter Spinalganglienzellen durch Vanilloide, Protonen und Hitze elektrophysiologisch untersucht. W{\"a}hrend etwa 35\% der Wildtyp-Zellen Vanilloid-sensibel waren, fehlte in Zellen der TRPV1-knockout Maus jegliche Vanilloid-Sensibilit{\"a}t. Auch bei der Protonen-Sensibilit{\"a}t wurde eine signifikante Reduktion in TRPV1-knockout Zellen beobachtet. In Wildtyp-Zellen wurde eine hohe Protonen-Sensibilit{\"a}t fast ausschliesslich in Vanilloid-sensiblen Zellen beobachtet. Hitze-induzierte Einw{\"a}rtsstr{\"o}me mit einer Aktivierungsschwelle bei 43°C wurden ausschliesslich in Vanilloid-sensiblen Zellen der Wildtyp-Maus beobachtet. Dagegen wurden Hitze-induzierte Einw{\"a}rtsstr{\"o}me mit einer Aktivierungsschwelle {\"u}ber 53°C in sowohl Wildtyp- als auch in TRPV1-knockout Zellen beobachtet. Im Bezug auf die Bedetung von TRPV1, wurde die Funktionalit{\"a}t zwei distinkter Populationen von Spinalganglienzellen, NGF- bzw. GDNF-abh{\"a}ngigen Neuronen, durch eine Lebendf{\"a}rbung mit IB4-FITC untersucht. Hinsichtlich Vanilloid-, Protonen-, Hitze-Sensibilit{\"o}t wurden jedoch keine Unterschiede zwischen IB4-negative und IB4-positive Neuronen beobachtet. Die vorliegende Studie zeigt damit, dass TRPV1 f{\"u}r Vanilliod-Sensibilit{\"a}t sensibler Neurone essentiell ist. Weiterhin konnte gezeigt werden, dass TRPV1 ein wichtiges Transduktionselement f{\"u}r sowohl die Protonen-Sensibilit{\"a}t als auch f{\"u}r die Hitze-Sensibilit{\"a}t in Spinalganglienzellen darstellt. Die Daten dieser zellul{\"a}ren Untersuchungen konnten in weiteren in vitro und in vivo Untersuchungen best{\"a}tigt werden (Caterina et al., 2000).}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Neukirchen2005, author = {Neukirchen, Sebastian}, title = {Borrelienneuropathie - eine histologische und immunhistochemische Charakterisierung}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-16147}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2005}, abstract = {Die Pathomechanismen der Neuropathie bei Neuroborreliose sind noch immer unklar. In der vorliegenden Studie untersuchten wir 22 Patienten mit einer Neuropathie bei Neuroborreliose (BN) (3 Patienten in Stadium 2, 19 Patienten in Stadium 3) und verglichen diese mit 9 Patienten einer vaskulitischen Neuropathie (VN) und 14 Patienten einer idiopathisch axonalen Neuropathie (AN). Histologische und immunhistochemische F{\"a}rbungen wurden mit Antik{\"o}rpern gegen Leu4, CD68, 27E10 (fr{\"u}hzeitig aktivierte Makrophagen) und 25F9 (sp{\"a}te Makrophagen), Membrane-Attack-Komplex C5b-9, Adh{\"a}sionsmolek{\"u}l ICAM sowie inflammatorische Zytokine Tumor Nekrose-Faktor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) und Interleukin-6 (IL-6), als auch Metalloproteinase MMP-9 durchgef{\"u}hrt, ferner mit Antik{\"o}rpern gegen das membranassoziierte Glykoprotein HLA-DR3. Zus{\"a}tzlich wurden Semi-D{\"u}nn-Schnitte angefertigt. Klinisch wiesen die meisten BN Patienten eine distal symmetrische sensomotorische Neuropathie auf, nur 6/22 Patienten waren schmerzfrei. Die Mehrzahl (18/22) der BN Neuropathien waren prim{\"a}r axonal mit perivaskul{\"a}ren (6/22), in 8 F{\"a}llen vaskulitischen Infiltraten. Das Perineurium war schwerpunktm{\"a}ßig im Rahmen einer Borrelien-assoziierten Neuropathie betroffen. Das lies sich aus dem gegen{\"u}ber den Kontrollgruppen signifikant verdickten Perineurium, der vermehrten Vaskularisation des Perineuriums und der starken IR f{\"u}r das Zytokin TNF-\&\#945; schliessen, in geringerem Ausmaß f{\"u}r IL-1\&\#946;, und f{\"u}r die terminale Komplementkomponente C5b9. Perivaskul{\"a}re und vaskul{\"a}re Infiltrate sowie die betont perineurale Expression bestimmter inflammatorischer Zytokine und Adh{\"a}sionsmolek{\"u}le erschienen charakteristisch f{\"u}r eine Neuropathie bei Neuroborreliose. Autoimmune Reaktionen mit Angriff am Perineurium k{\"o}nnen f{\"u}r die Pathogenese der Neuropathie bei Neuroborreliose bedeutsam sein.}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Cholewa2005, author = {Cholewa, Ute}, title = {Procalcitonin in der Fr{\"u}hdiagnose der bakteriellen Meningitis}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-16490}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2005}, abstract = {Die Prognose einer lebensbedrohlichen Meningitis wird bestimmt durch m{\"o}glichst erregergerechte und m{\"o}glichst fr{\"u}hzeitige Therapie. Dabei spielt die Unterscheidung zwischen eitriger Meningitis durch typische oder schwer anz{\"u}chtbare Bakterien und abakterieller Meningitis eine Rolle, um die potentiellen Komplikationen unn{\"o}tiger Polypragmasie zu vermeiden. Daher sind m{\"o}glichst einfach und rasch zu bestimmende Laborparameter zur Untersuchung w{\"u}nschenswert. Als relativ neuer Parameter zur Differenzierung bakterieller von nicht bakteriellen Infekten ist Procalcitonin (PCT) eingef{\"u}hrt, dessen Bestimmung jetzt auch am Krankenbett m{\"o}glich ist. PCT hat bisher seine N{\"u}tzlichkeit v. a. in der Sepsiserkennung und -therapie gezeigt. Erste Fragestellung dieser retrospektiven Analyse von Meningoencephalitispatienten war, ob bei Erwachsenen durch Messung des PCT-Spiegels eine Differenzierung zwischen bakterieller oder viraler Genese gelingt, und ob der Bedsidetest so zuverl{\"a}ssig ist wie der aufw{\"a}ndigere LUMItest®. Dazu wurden retrospektiv die Daten von 141 Patienten erhoben, die 1992-2001 an der Neurologischen Universit{\"a}tsklinik W{\"u}rzburg mit gesicherter Meningitis behandelt wurden, von denen sowohl Akten als auch Liquor- und Serumasservate vorlagen, in denen die PCT-Messungen durchgef{\"u}hrt wurden. In den Untersuchungen von Schwarz et al. [102], Gendrel et al. [100] und Jereb et al. [104] wurde bei einem PCT-Grenzwert von 0,5 ng/ml eine Spezifit{\"a}t von 100 \% f{\"u}r die Differenzierung bakterielle verusus abakterielle Meninigitis gefunden. Dagegen w{\"a}ren bei gleicher Messmethodik im hier vorliegendem gr{\"o}ßeren Patientengut 35 \% der gesicherten bakteriellen Meningitiden bei einem „cut-off" von 0,5 ng/ml nicht als solche erkannt worden. 5 \% der nicht-bakteriellen Meningitiden w{\"a}ren mittels PCT-Messung als bakteriell eingestuft worden. Im hier untersuchten Patientenkollektiv hatte PCT als diagnostischer Parameter f{\"u}r diese Fragestellung bei einem Grenzwert von 0,5 ng/ml eine Sensitivit{\"a}t von 65 \% und eine Spezifit{\"a}t von 96 \%. Eine 100 \% Spezifit{\"a}t w{\"a}re in unserer Untersuchung bei einem „cut-off" von 1 ng/ml erreicht worden. Diese Grenze wird jedoch auf dem Schnelltest nicht angegeben. Es stellte sich hier heraus, dass der PCT®-Q Schnelltest im Bereich > 0,5 ng/ml bzw. <0,5 ng/ml dem LUMItest® vergleichbare Ergebnisse lieferte. Das bedeutet zwar, dass alle bakteriellen Meningitiden durch typische Erreger (Meningokokken und Pneumokokken) rasch und sicher bettseitig mittels PCT-Schnelltest h{\"a}tten identifiziert werden k{\"o}nnen. Aber ein niedriger PCT-Wert schloss eine bakterielle Meningitis, insbesondere eine durch „atypische Erreger" wie Listerien und Mycobakterien, nicht sicher aus. Denkbare St{\"o}rgr{\"o}ßen f{\"u}r das vorliegende Ergebnis sind Antibiotikagabe und Immunschw{\"a}che. Ein statistisch auffallender Einfluss einer Antibiotikatherapie auf den PCT-Spiegel konnte in unserem Patientengut nicht festgestellt werden. F{\"u}r die wenigen F{\"a}lle mit anzunehmender verminderter Immunleistung ließ sich keine Regel bez{\"u}glich der PCT-Reaktion ableiten. Damit erscheint der Schnelltest im klinischen Alltag f{\"u}r eine 100\% spezifische, sichere Unterscheidung bakterielle vs. nicht-bakterielle Meniongoencephalitis nicht geeignet; das bisher gr{\"o}ßte untersuchte Kollektiv hat den in der Literatur angegebenen „cut-off" von 0,5 ng/ml f{\"u}r eine sichere Differenzierung nicht best{\"a}tigen k{\"o}nnen. Die zweite Frage ist, ob die Messung des PCT den traditionellen Parametern Liquorzellzahl, Liquoreiweiß, Liquor/Serum-Glucosequotient, BSG, Serumleukozytenzahl oder CRP bez{\"u}glich Spezifit{\"a}t und Sensitivit{\"a}t in der Differentialdiagnose {\"u}berlegen ist. Es zeigte sich, dass CRP bei einem Grenzwert von 5-6 mg/dl mit einer Sensitivit{\"a}t und Spezifit{\"a}t von 95 \% und 98 \% die sicherste Differenzierung zwischen bakterieller und abakterieller Meningitis bei diesem Patientenkollektiv leistete. Mithin kann die PCT-Bestimmung am Krankenbett in der Akutaufnahmesituation eines Patienten mit Meningoencephalitis bei Werten > 10 ng/ml zwar treffsicher die Diagnose einer Meningokokken- oder Pneumokokken-Infektion st{\"u}tzen. F{\"u}r jede dar{\"u}ber hinaus gehende Schlussfolgerung erscheint die PCT-Messung aber entbehrlich wegen mangelhafter Spezifit{\"a}t und Sensitivit{\"a}t und v.a. der Unterlegenheit gegen{\"u}ber traditionell herangezogenen Laborparametern, insbesondere CRP. Folglich erwies sich die Bestimmung des PCT bei akuter Meningoencephalitis als entbehrlich.}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Preisshofen2005, author = {Preisshofen, Tobias}, title = {Apoptosemessungen bei Thymompatienten mit und ohne Myasthenia Gravis}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-15973}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2005}, abstract = {Thmyome komen sehr selten mit und ohne Myasthenia Gravis vor und sind ein gutes Beispiel f{\"u}r Autoimmunerkrankungen}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Rosen2005, author = {Rosen, Sandra}, title = {Der Einsatz von Abciximab (ReoPro®) in der Akutbehandlung von isch{\"a}mischen Hirninfarkten mit und ohne vorangehende Thrombolysebehandlung mit rt-PA}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-17514}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2005}, abstract = {Abciximab wurde, in Phase II-Studien, in der Behandlung der akuten cerebralen Isch{\"a}mie erprobt und es erscheint bisher sicher und effektiv. Obwohl die Effektivit{\"a}t in der Abciximab in Acute Ischemic Stroke Studie nicht prospektiv untersucht wurde, ist jedoch ein Trend zu einem verbessertem Outcome zu beobachten. In unserer Untersuchung wurden 65 Patienten mit cerebralen Isch{\"a}mien in verschiedenen Gef{\"a}ßterritorien mit Abciximab behandelt. Die Patienten zeigten entweder Zeichen und Symptome einer Crescendo-TIA, eines progressive stroke außerhalb des "3-Stunden-Zeitfensters" f{\"u}r eine Thrombolyse oder eine erneute Verschlechterung nach zun{\"a}chst erfolgreicher Thrombolyse. Alle Patienten wurden anhand der modified Rankin Scale (mRS) zum Zeitpunkt des Eintreffens in der Klinik und am Tag der Entlassung von der Stroke Unit untersucht. Ergebnisse: 88\% der Patienten (57/65) verbesserten sich um im Mittel 2,3 Punkte bezogen auf die mRS. 71\% der Patienten (46/65) erreichten eine mRS von 0-2. Es wurden keine fatalen oder symptomatischen intracerebralen Blutungen beobachtet. Fazit: In dieser nicht-randomisierten Untersuchung {\"u}ber die Akuttherapie der cerebralen Isch{\"a}mie, zeigte die Behandlung mit Abciximab alleine oder in Kombination mit Thrombolyse eine klinische Verbesserung in 88\% der Patienten. Blutungskomplikationen waren selten und nie schwerwiegend. Diese Ergebnisse unterst{\"u}tzen die Forderung nach weiteren placebokontrollierten, randomisierten Studien von Abciximab in der Akutbehandlung der cerebralen Isch{\"a}mie.}, language = {de} }