@article{SchuhmannPappStolletal.2021, author = {Schuhmann, Michael K. and Papp, Lena and Stoll, Guido and Blum, Robert and Volkmann, Jens and Fluri, Felix}, title = {Mesencephalic electrical stimulation reduces neuroinflammation after photothrombotic stroke in rats by targeting the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {22}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {3}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms22031254}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-259099}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Inflammation is crucial in the pathophysiology of stroke and thus a promising therapeutic target. High-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) reduces perilesional inflammation after photothrombotic stroke (PTS). However, the underlying mechanism is not completely understood. Since distinct neural and immune cells respond to electrical stimulation by releasing acetylcholine, we hypothesize that HFS might trigger the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway via activation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAchR). To test this hypothesis, rats underwent PTS and implantation of a microelectrode into the MLR. Three hours after intervention, either HFS or sham-stimulation of the MLR was applied for 24 h. IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1α were quantified by cytometric bead array. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)\(^+\) CD4\(^+\)-cells and α7nAchR\(^+\)-cells were quantified visually using immunohistochemistry. Phosphorylation of NFĸB, ERK1/2, Akt, and Stat3 was determined by Western blot analyses. IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1α were decreased in the perilesional area of stimulated rats compared to controls. The number of ChAT\(^+\) CD4\(^+\)-cells increased after MLR-HFS, whereas the amount of α7nAchR\(^+\)-cells was similar in both groups. Phospho-ERK1/2 was reduced significantly in stimulated rats. The present study suggests that MLR-HFS may trigger anti-inflammatory processes within the perilesional area by modulating the cholinergic system, probably via activation of the α7nAchR.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Greeske2008, author = {Greeske, Juliane}, title = {Mechanismen der Makrophagen-Aktivierung in Connexin32-defizienten M{\"a}usen}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-27491}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2008}, abstract = {Connexin32- defiziente M{\"a}use stellen ein Mausmodell f{\"u}r eine Form der heredit{\"a}ren peripheren Neuropahtie dar. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass Makrophagen, m{\"o}glicherweise aktiviert durch MCP-1, die Demyelinisierung in Connexin32-defizienten M{\"a}usen vermitteln. Diese Arbeit untersucht m{\"o}gliche Signaltransduktionswege, die in den peripheren Nerven Connexin32- defizienter M{\"a}use aktiviert sein k{\"o}nnten und damit in Zusammenhang mit der Genexpression von MCP-1 und/oder Makrophagen-Aktivierung stehen k{\"o}nnten.}, subject = {Makrophage}, language = {de} } @article{DipaolaPavanCattaneoetal.2016, author = {Dipaola, Mariangela and Pavan, Esteban E. and Cattaneo, Andrea and Frazzitta, Giuseppe and Pezzoli, Gianni and Cavallari, Paolo and Frigo, Carlo A. and Isaias, Ioannis U.}, title = {Mechanical Energy Recovery during Walking in Patients with Parkinson Disease}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {11}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0156420}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-179739}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The mechanisms of mechanical energy recovery during gait have been thoroughly investigated in healthy subjects, but never described in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). The aim of this study was to investigate whether such mechanisms are preserved in PD patients despite an altered pattern of locomotion. We consecutively enrolled 23 PD patients (mean age 64±9 years) with bilateral symptoms (H\&Y ≥II) if able to walk unassisted in medication-off condition (overnight suspension of all dopaminergic drugs). Ten healthy subjects (mean age 62±3 years) walked both at their 'preferred' and 'slow' speeds, to match the whole range of PD velocities. Kinematic data were recorded by means of an optoelectronic motion analyzer. For each stride we computed spatio-temporal parameters, time-course and range of motion (ROM) of hip, knee and ankle joint angles. We also measured kinetic (Wk), potential (W\(_{p}\)), total (W\(_{totCM}\)) energy variations and the energy recovery index (ER). Along with PD progression, we found a significant correlation of W\(_{totCM}\) and W\(_{p}\) with knee ROM and in particular with knee extension in terminal stance phase. W\(_{k}\) and ER were instead mainly related to gait velocity. In PD subjects, the reduction of knee ROM significantly diminished both W\(_{p}\) and W\(_{totCM}\). Rehabilitation treatments should possibly integrate passive and active mobilization of knee to prevent a reduction of gait-related energetic components.}, language = {en} } @article{UeceylerBikoSommer2010, author = {Ueceyler, Nurcan and Biko, Lydia and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {MDL-28170 Has No Analgesic Effect on CCI Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-68359}, year = {2010}, abstract = {The calpain inhibitor MDL-28710 blocks the early local pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in mice after chronic constriction nerve injury (CCI). Onehundred- thirteen wild type mice of C57Bl/6J background received CCI of the right sciatic nerve. Mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds and thermal withdrawal latencies were investigated at baseline and at 1, 3, and 7 days after CCI. Three application regimens were used for MDL-28170: a) single injection 40 min before CCI; b) serial injections of MDL- 28170 40 min before and up to day three after CCI; c) sustained application via intraperitoneal osmotic pumps. The control animals received the vehicle DMSO/PEG 400. The tolerable dose of MDL-28170 for mice was 30 mg/kg body weight, higher doses were lethal within the first hours after application. Mechanical withdrawal thresholds and thermal withdrawal latencies were reduced after CCI and did not normalize after single or serial injections, nor with application of MDL-28170 via osmotic pumps. Although the calpain inhibitor MDL-28170 inhibits the early local cytokine upregulation in the sciatic nerve after CCI, pain behavior is not altered. This finding implies that local cytokine upregulation after nerve injury alone is only one factor in the induction and maintenance of neuropathic pain.}, subject = {Medizin}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Karch2022, author = {Karch, Katharina}, title = {Mapping and Neutralization of Antibodies against Neurofascin, Contactin 1, Contactin associated protein 1 and Cortactin}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28022}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-280223}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Immune-mediated polyneuropathies like chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy or Guillain-Barr{\´e} syndrome are rare diseases of the peripheral nervous system. A subgroup of patients harbors autoantibodies against nodal or paranodal antigens, associated with a distinct phenotype and treatment response. In a part of patients with pathologic paranodal or nodal immunoreactivity the autoantigens remain difficult or impossible to determine owing to limitations of the used detection approach - usually ELISAs (enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assays) - and incomplete knowledge of the possible autoantigens. Due to their high-throughput, low sample consumption and high sensitivity as well as the possibility to display many putative nodal and paranodal autoantigens simultaneously, peptide microarray-based approaches are prime candidates for the discovery of novel autoantigens, point-of-care diagnostics and, in addition, monitoring of pathologic autoimmune response. Current applications of peptide microarrays are however limited by high false-positive rates and the associated need for detailed follow-up studies and validation. Here, robust peptide microarray-based detection of antibodies and the efficient validation of binding signals by on-chip neutralization is demonstrated. First, autoantigens were displayed as overlapping peptide libraries in microarray format. Copies of the biochips were used for the fine mapping of antibody epitopes. Next, binding signals were validated by antibody neutralization in solution. Since neutralizing peptides are obtained in the process of microarray fabrications, neither throughput nor costs are significantly altered. Similar in-situ validation approaches could contribute to future autoantibody characterization and detection methods as well as to therapeutic research. Areas of application could be expanded to any autoimmune-mediated neurological disease as a long-term vision.}, subject = {Microarray}, language = {en} } @article{PohGreenAgostinellietal.2022, author = {Poh, Eugenia Z. and Green, Courtney and Agostinelli, Luca and Penrose-Menz, Marissa and Karl, Ann-Kathrin and Harvey, Alan R. and Rodger, Jennifer}, title = {Manipulating the level of sensorimotor stimulation during LI-rTMS can improve visual circuit reorganisation in adult ephrin-A2A5\(^{-/-}\) Mice}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {23}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {5}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms23052418}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-284090}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has the potential to treat a variety of neurologic and psychiatric disorders. The extent of rTMS-induced neuroplasticity may be dependent on a subject's brain state at the time of stimulation. Chronic low intensity rTMS (LI-rTMS) has previously been shown to induce beneficial structural and functional reorganisation within the abnormal visual circuits of ephrin-A2A5\(^{-/-}\) mice in ambient lighting. Here, we administered chronic LI-rTMS in adult ephrin-A2A5\(^{-/-}\) mice either in a dark environment or concurrently with voluntary locomotion. One day after the last stimulation session, optokinetic responses were assessed and fluorescent tracers were injected to map corticotectal and geniculocortical projections. We found that LI-rTMS in either treatment condition refined the geniculocortical map. Corticotectal projections were improved in locomotion+LI-rTMS subjects, but not in dark + LI-rTMS and sham groups. Visuomotor behaviour was not improved in any condition. Our results suggest that the beneficial reorganisation of abnormal visual circuits by rTMS can be significantly influenced by simultaneous, ambient visual input and is enhanced by concomitant physical exercise. Furthermore, the observed pathway-specific effects suggest that regional molecular changes and/or the relative proximity of terminals to the induced electric fields influence the outcomes of LI-rTMS on abnormal circuitry.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Weise2006, author = {Weise, David Thomas}, title = {Maladaptive Plastizit{\"a}t bei Schreibkrampf-Patienten}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-26734}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2006}, abstract = {Der Schreibkrampf ist eine Form der fokalen Handdystonie, die durch anhaltende, unwillk{\"u}rliche Verkrampfung der Hand beim Schreiben gekennzeichnet ist und zu unnat{\"u}rlicher, zum Teil statischer und schmerzhafter Handhaltung f{\"u}hrt. Bei pr{\"a}disponierten Personen kann dieser nach exzessiver Wiederholung von stereotypen Bewegungen auftreten. Bewegungen und sensible Stimulation f{\"u}hren durch Mechanismen neuronaler Plastizit{\"a}t zu dynamischer Modulation sensibler und motorischer kortikaler Repr{\"a}sentationen. Wird neuronale Plastizit{\"a}t nicht in nat{\"u}rlichen Grenzen gehalten, kann es zu ver{\"a}nderten, entdifferenzierten neuronalen Repr{\"a}sentationen wie sie bei fokaler Handdystonie gefunden werden, f{\"u}hren. Zellul{\"a}re Kandidatenmechanismen f{\"u}r die Bildung neuronaler Engramme sind die Langzeitpotenzierung und -depression (LTP / LTD) neuronaler Synapsen. Wir verwendeten die als ein Modell f{\"u}r assoziative LTP und LTD beim Menschen entwickelte assoziative Paarstimulation (PAS). Mit dieser Methode untersuchten wir die zeitlichen und r{\"a}umlichen Eigenschaften neuronaler Plastizit{\"a}t des Motorkortex bei Schreibkrampf-Patienten. Eine niederfrequente elektrische Stimulation eines peripheren Nerven (N. medianus (MN) oder N. ulnaris (UN)) wurde wiederholt (0,1Hz, 180 Reizpaare) mit einer transkraniellen Magnetstimulation (TMS) {\"u}ber dem homotopen kontralateralen Motorkortex mit einem Zeitintervall von 21,5ms (MN-PAS21.5; UN-PAS21.5) oder 10ms (MN-PAS10) kombiniert. Bei MN-PAS21.5 und MN-PAS10 wurde die optimale Spulenposition so gew{\"a}hlt, dass das magnetisch evozierte motorische Potential (MEP) im kontralateralen M. abductor pollicis brevis (APB) eine maximale Gr{\"o}ße annahm, f{\"u}r UN-PAS21.5 wurde die Spule {\"u}ber dem "Hotspot" des M. abductor digiti minimi (ADM) platziert. Zehn Schreibkrampf-Patienten (Alter 39±9 Jahre; Mittelwert±Standardabweichung) und 10 gesunde bez{\"u}glich Alter und Geschlecht angepasste Probanden wurden untersucht. Ver{\"a}nderungen der Exzitabilit{\"a}t wurden mittels TMS bis zu 85 min nach der jeweiligen Intervention gemessen. Nach MN-PAS21.5 oder UN-PAS21.5 stieg die Amplitude der MEPs bei den gesunden Probanden nur in den Muskeln, die homotope externe PAS Stimulation erhalten hatten (APB Zielmuskel f{\"u}r MN; ADM f{\"u}r UN), nicht aber in Muskeln, die nicht homotop stimuliert worden waren. Im Gegensatz dazu stiegen bei Schreibkrampf-Patienten nach MN-PAS21.5 oder UN-PAS21.5 die Amplituden der APB und ADM-MEPs unabh{\"a}ngig von dem Ort der peripheren oder zentralen Stimulation. Bei Schreibkrampf-Patienten war eine fr{\"u}here, st{\"a}rkere und l{\"a}ngere Zunahme der kortikalen Exzitabilit{\"a}t im Vergleich zu den Kontrollen zu verzeichnen. Qualitativ {\"a}hnliche Beobachtungen konnten in umgekehrtem Sinne (fr{\"u}here und l{\"a}ngere Abnahme der Exzitabilit{\"a}t im homo- und heterotopen Muskel) nach MN-PAS10 gemacht werden. LTP- und LTD-{\"a}hnliche Plastizit{\"a}t ist bei Schreibkrampf-Patienten demnach gesteigert und die normale strenge topographische Spezifit{\"a}t PAS-induzierter Plastizit{\"a}t aufgehoben. Diese maladaptive Plastizit{\"a}t k{\"o}nnte ein Bindeglied zwischen repetitiven Bewegungen und gest{\"o}rter sensomotorischer Repr{\"a}sentation darstellen, damit zu einem besseren Verst{\"a}ndnis der Pathophysiologie der Dystonie beitragen und letztendlich m{\"o}gliche therapeutische Konsequenzen implizieren.}, subject = {Neuronale Plastizit{\"a}t}, language = {de} } @article{WeiseStoll2012, author = {Weise, Gesa and Stoll, Guido}, title = {Magnetic resonance imaging of blood brain/nerve barrier dysfunction and leukocyte infiltration: closely related or discordant?}, series = {Frontiers in Neurology}, volume = {3}, journal = {Frontiers in Neurology}, number = {178}, doi = {10.3389/fneur.2012.00178}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-123359}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Unlike other organs the nervous system is secluded from the rest of the organism by the blood brain barrier (BBB) or blood nerve barrier (BNB) preventing passive influx of fluids from the circulation. Similarly, leukocyte entry to the nervous system is tightly controlled. Breakdown of these barriers and cellular inflammation are hallmarks of inflammatory as well as ischemic neurological diseases and thus represent potential therapeutic targets. The spatiotemporal relationship between BBB/BNB disruption and leukocyte infiltration has been a matter of debate. We here review contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a non-invasive tool to depict barrier dysfunction and its relation to macrophage infiltration in the central and peripheral nervous system under pathological conditions. Novel experimental contrast agents like Gadofluorine M (Gf) allow more sensitive assessment of BBB dysfunction than conventional Gadolinium (Gd)-DTPA enhanced MRI. In addition, Gf facilitates visualization of functional and transient alterations of the BBB remote from lesions. Cellular contrast agents such as superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIO) and perfluorocarbons enable assessment of leukocyte (mainly macrophage) infiltration by MR technology. Combined use of these MR contrast agents disclosed that leukocytes can enter the nervous system independent from a disturbance of the BBB, and vice versa, a dysfunctional BBB/BNB by itself is not sufficient to attract inflammatory cells from the circulation. We will illustrate these basic imaging findings in animal models of multiple sclerosis, cerebral ischemia, and traumatic nerve injury and review corresponding findings in patients.}, language = {en} } @article{KunzeLillaStetteretal.2018, author = {Kunze, Ekkehard and Lilla, Nadine and Stetter, Christian and Ernestus, Ralf-Ingo and Westermaier, Thomas}, title = {Magnesium protects in episodes of critical perfusion after aneurysmal SAH}, series = {Translational Neuroscience}, volume = {9}, journal = {Translational Neuroscience}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1515/tnsci-2018-0016}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-177078}, pages = {99-105}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Background: To analyze whether magnesium has a neuroprotective effect during episodes that indicate a critical brain perfusion after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods: 107 patients with aSAH were randomized to continuously receive intravenous magnesium sulfate with target serum levels of 2.0 - 2.5 mmol/l (n = 54) or isotonic saline (n = 53). Neurological examination and transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) were performed daily, Perfusion-CT (PCT) was acquired in 3-day intervals, angiography in case of suspected vasospasm. The primary endpoint was the development of secondary infarction following episodes of delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND), elevated mean flow velocity (MFV) in TCD or pathological findings in PCT. Results: In the magnesium group, 9 episodes of DIND were registered, none was followed by secondary infarction. In the control group, 23 episodes of DIND were registered, 9 were followed by secondary infarction (p < 0.05). In the magnesium group, 114 TCD-measurements showed an elevated MFV(> 140 cm/s). 7 were followed by new infarction. In control patients, 135 measurements showed elevated MFV, 32 were followed by new infarction (p < 0.05). 10 of 117 abnormal PCT-findings were followed by new infarction, compared to 30 of 122 in the control-group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: DIND, elevated MFV in TCD and abnormal PCT are findings which are associated with an increased risk to develop delayed secondary infarction. The results of this analysis suggest that magnesium-treatment may reduce the risk to develop infarction in a state of critical brain perfusion.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Schaefer2014, author = {Sch{\"a}fer, Kristina}, title = {L{\"a}sst sich eine Vaskulitische Polyneuropathie mittels B-Bild-Sonographie der Beinnerven identifizieren?}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-104712}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2014}, abstract = {{\"U}ber die Nervensonographie wurde bereits in den 1980er Jahren erstmals berichtet. Die rasche Weiterentwicklung der Technik hat dazu gef{\"u}hrt, dass es inzwischen zahlreiche Fallberichte und einige Studien gibt, die sich mit der Darstellung peripherer Nerven durch Ultraschall als Mittel zur Diagnose verschiedener Nervpathologien besch{\"a}ftigen. Besonders bei der Diagnostik des epidemiologisch h{\"a}ufigen Karpaltunnelsyndroms ist die sonographische Beurteilung des N. medianus in dieser Lokalisation vielerorts bereits etablierter Bestandteil der Diagnostik. In der hier vorgelegten Studie sollte der Stellenwert der B-Bild-Sonographie peripherer Nerven am Unterschenkel f{\"u}r die Diagnose einer Vaskulitischen Neuropathie gepr{\"u}ft werden. Dazu musste zun{\"a}chst die Ultraschalluntersuchung spezieller Nerven am Unterschenkel etabliert werden. Diese ist technisch deutlich anspruchsvoller als die Darstellung von Karpaltunnelsyndrom oder Armplexus. Durch die f{\"u}nfmalige Untersuchung zehn junger Personen wurden ultraschalltechnisch leicht reproduzierbar anatomisch auffindbare und Anisotropie-vermeidende Abschnitte von N. suralis, N. peroneus communis, profundus, superfcialis und N. tibialis definiert und als Messpunkte der Studie zu Grunde gelegt. In die von der Ethikkommission der Medizinischen Fakult{\"a}t positiv beschiedene Studie wurden 26 Patienten/-innen, die klinisch und elektrophysiologisch nachgewiesen eine Polyneuropathie hatten und bei denen zur Ursachendiagnostik eine Biopsie und histologische Aufarbeitung des N. suralis durchgef{\"u}hrt wurde (Abteilung f{\"u}r Neuropathologie des Pathologischen Instituts der Universit{\"a}t sowie Histologielabor der Neurologischen Universit{\"a}tsklinik), sowie 26 Kontrollpersonen ohne klinischen Hinweis auf eine Polyneuropathie nach informiertem Einverst{\"a}ndnis aufgenommen. F{\"u}r jede/-n Patienten/-in wurde ein/-e Proband/-in gleichen Geschlechts mit einem Altersunterschied von h{\"o}chstens f{\"u}nf Jahren in die Kontrollgruppe aufgenommen. Alle 52 Untersuchten mussten erwachsen und 160 - 180 cm groß sein. Bei allen Patienten/-innen und Kontrollpersonen wurden jeweils der GD, der KD, der LD und die QSF des N. suralis am unteren Drittel der Wade und distal im Bereich des Außenkn{\"o}chels, des N. tibialis nahe des Innenkn{\"o}chels, des N. peroneus communis im Bereich des Fibulak{\"o}pfchens, des N. peroneus profundus am Fußr{\"u}cken und nahe der Großzehen und des N. peroneus superficialis im Bereich des distalen Schienbeins bestimmt. Alle gesuchten Nerven waren bei allen Versuchspersonen eindeutig identifizierbar. Die Untersuchungen wurden durch eine Untersucherin mit demselben Ger{\"a}t, geblindet f{\"u}r das Ergebnis der Histologie, durchgef{\"u}hrt. Das gew{\"a}hrleistete eine Konstanz in der schwierigen und mit Unsicherheiten behafteten Messung der Nervenstrukturen, was ausf{\"u}hrlich diskutiert wird. Ein statistisch signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den sonographisch erhobenen Messdaten der PNP-Gruppe und der Kontrollgruppe konnte bei 20 der 28 Parameter gezeigt werden. Bei 11 der 28 Parameter konnte zwischen Vaskulitis-Patienten/-innen und allen anderen, also PNP-Patienten/-innen und der Kontrollgruppe, ein statistisch signifikanter Unterschied festgestellt werden. Außerdem ergab die statistische Analyse bei drei der 28 Messgr{\"o}ßen einen statistisch signifikanten Unterschied zwischen Patienten/-innen mit und ohne Demyelinisierung des N. suralis in der feingeweblichen Untersuchung. Die sonographischen Ergebnisse der Vakulitis-Patienten/-innen unterschieden sich nicht von denen der PNP-Patienten/-innen mit anderer {\"A}tiologie. Es wurde auch kein statistisch signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den Werten der PNP-Patienten/-innen mit und ohne histologisch gesicherte entz{\"u}ndliche Komponente beobachtet. Gem{\"a}ß der histologischen Untersuchung der Biopsate wurde bei sechs Patienten/-innen eine Vaskulitis diagnostiziert. Bei f{\"u}nf dieser Patienten/-innen fielen teilweise Kaliberspr{\"u}nge im Sinne einer Zunahme der QSF oder Abflachung im Verlauf des N. suralis, N. peroneus superficialis und N. peroneus communis auf. Aber auch bei Patienten/-innen mit einer anderen Form der Polyneuropathie und einigen Kontrollpersonen waren Besonderheiten im sonographischen Bild einzelner Nerven zu beobachten. Mit der vorgelegten Untersuchung konnte zwar nicht gezeigt werden, dass die Nervensonographie einen Beitrag zur differentialdiagnostischen Abgrenzung Vaskulitischer Polyneuropathien leisten kann, der den Goldstandard invasiver Nervenbiopse entbehrlich machen k{\"o}nnte. Das war bei der histologischen Unterschiedlichkeit der besch{\"a}digten Nervenanatomie bei Vaskulitis aber auch nicht ernsthaft zu erwarten. Die vorgelegte Arbeit zeigt aber auch, dass kranke periphere Nerven von gesunden Nerven im Ultraschall unterscheidbar sind, wenn man wie hier systematisch mit 28 Parametern an sieben Messpunkten untersucht. Dies allerdings dauert auch f{\"u}r einen Ge{\"u}bten 40 bis 60 Minuten, so dass die Polyneuropathiediagnostik oder gar Differentialdiagnostik mittels Ultraschall aktuell noch als Forschungsinstrument an großen Fallzahlen anzusehen ist. Dabei wird es k{\"u}nftig f{\"u}r die Gruppenbildung der sonographisch Untersuchten neben {\"a}tiologischer und histologischer Gruppenbildung darauf ankommen, das Krankheitsbild besser zu definieren, d.h. Ausmaß von Demyelinisierung, Remyelinisierung und axonalem Untergang in geeignete Skalen zu fassen. Auch die Magnetresonanztomographie stellt eine Option als diagnostischer Baustein bei Vaskulitischer Polyneuropathie dar. Dieses bildgebende Verfahren kann bereits zur Diagnostik von traumatischen Nervverletzungen, Kompressionensyndromen, Raumforderungen im Bereich der Nerven und Plexusneuritis eingesetzt werden.}, subject = {Ultraschalldiagnostik}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Wirsching2019, author = {Wirsching, Isabelle}, title = {LTD-artige zentralmotorische Plastizit{\"a}t im Schubereignis bei Patienten mit Multipler Sklerose}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-18003}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-180036}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Die Multiple Sklerose ist eine chronisch entz{\"u}ndliche Erkrankung des zentralen Nervensystems. Durch ein komplexes Zusammenspiel von Genetik, Autoimmunvorg{\"a}ngen und proinflammatorischen Prozessen kommt es zur Demyelinisierung sowie zu axonalen Sch{\"a}den und kortikalen L{\"a}sionen (Calabrese et al., 2010; Ciccarelli et al., 2014; International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics et al., 2011; Leray et al., 2015). In den Industriel{\"a}ndern ist diese Erkrankung eine der h{\"a}ufigsten Ursachen f{\"u}r langfristige Behinderung bereits im fr{\"u}hen Lebensalter (Flores-Alvarado, Gabriel- 46 Ortiz, Pacheco-Mois, \& Bitzer-Quintero, 2015). Die Diskrepanz allerdings zwischen klinischer Symptomatik und den Befunden der Bildgebung (Barkhof, 2002) gibt Anlass daf{\"u}r, Adaptionsm{\"o}glichkeiten detailliert zu erforschen. Vorg{\"a}nge der Neuroplastizit{\"a}t mit LTP und LTD als Basismechanismen erscheinen dabei zunehmend Beachtung zu finden (Dayan \& Cohen, 2011; Zeller et al., 2011). Welche Rolle diese Prozesse allerdings im akuten Schub, w{\"a}hrend der h{\"a}ufig stark ausgepr{\"a}gten Symptomatik, insbesondere aber auch w{\"a}hrend ihrer R{\"u}ckbildung spielen, bleibt bisher weitgehend ungekl{\"a}rt. Eine Untersuchung zu stimulationsinduzierter LTP-artiger Plastizit{\"a}t im Schub deutete auf einen m{\"o}glichen Zusammenhang zwischen Ausmaß der Symptomr{\"u}ckbildung und PAS25-induziertem LTP-Effekt hin (Mori et al., 2014). In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde komplement{\"a}r hierzu die stimulationsinduzierte LTD-artige Plastizit{\"a}t bei 19 MS- bzw. CIS-Patienten w{\"a}hrend des steroidbehandelten akuten Schubes untersucht. Als Kontrollgruppe wurden alters- und geschlechtsgematchte gesunde Probanden untersucht. Die Messungen wurden mithilfe eines Protokolls der assoziativen Paarstimulation durchgef{\"u}hrt. Paarstimulation wird die Kombination aus der peripher elektrischen und transkraniell magnetischen Stimulation genannt. Das in unserer Studie verwendete Protokoll sieht ein Interstimulusintervall von 10ms vor (PAS10). Der Effekt der Paarstimulation wird durch Messungen der Exzitabilit{\"a}t des motorischen Kortex mittels motorisch evozierter Potenziale (MEP) jeweils vor und nach der Intervention gemessen. Bei den MS-Patienten wurden diese Daten zum Zeitpunkt des Schubes (t1) und 12 Wochen danach (t2) erhoben; die gesunden Kontrollen wurden nur einmal gemessen. Daneben wurde bei den Schubpatienten zur Quantifizierung der klinischen Symptomatik jeweils zum ersten und zum zweiten Zeitpunkt der MSFC erhoben. Die MS-Patienten zeigten im akuten MS-Schub im Gegensatz zu der Kontrollgruppe aus Gesunden keinen LTD-artigen, sondern einen inversen, sprich einen signifikant LTP-artigen Effekt; dieser war zum Zeitpunkt t2 nicht mehr zu erkennen. Der Unterschied zwischen den PAS10-Effekten der MS- und der Kontrollgruppe war ebenfalls signifikant. Der Vergleich der MSFC-Werte der MS-Gruppe zwischen t1 und t2 erbrachte eine signifikante klinische Besserung. Eine signifikante Korrelation zwischen 47 den neurophysiologischen und klinischen Daten bzw. ihren Ver{\"a}nderungen zwischen t1 und t2 zeigte sich nicht. Diese Ergebnisse untermauern und erweitern bereits bestehende Hinweise, dass w{\"a}hrend der akuten Inflammationsprozesse des MS-Schubes ver{\"a}nderte Voraussetzungen f{\"u}r die Induzierbarkeit von Plastizit{\"a}t gegeben sind. Nicht nur, wie bereits gezeigt, die LTP-artige, sondern offenbar auch die LTD-artige assoziative Plastizit{\"a}t zeigt sich stark von den humoralen Ver{\"a}nderungen im steroidbehandelten Schub beeinflusst. Weitere Studien in st{\"a}rker vorselektierten Patientengruppen sollten der Frage nachgehen, inwieweit LTD-artige Plastizit{\"a}t sich in verschiedenen Subgruppen mit unterschiedlichen Schubsymptomen unterscheidet. Des Weiteren ist der Frage weiter nachzugehen, ob LTD-artige Plastizit{\"a}t funktional zur Adaption im Rahmen des Schubereignisses notwendig ist und inwieweit deren Unterdr{\"u}ckung bzw. Ersatz durch Langzeitpotenzierung potenziell einer Adaption im Wege steht. Sollten potenzielle Folgestudien best{\"a}tigen, dass LTD- und LTP-artige Plastizit{\"a}t im Schub m{\"o}glicherweise h{\"a}ufig dysfunktional ausgepr{\"a}gt ist und einer optimalen Regeneration entgegensteht, w{\"a}ren daraus praktische Implikationen zu ziehen. Die Entwicklung neuer Trainingsprogramme oder elektrophysiologischer Konzepte k{\"o}nnte ein n{\"a}chstes Ziel dieses Forschungszweiges sein, um potenziell dysfunktionale Plastizit{\"a}t zu vermeiden und physiologische Prozesse bereits im Schub zu f{\"o}rdern.}, subject = {Neuronale Plastizit{\"a}t}, language = {de} } @article{PeterkaOdorferSchwabetal.2020, author = {Peterka, Manuel and Odorfer, Thorsten and Schwab, Michael and Volkmann, Jens and Zeller, Daniel}, title = {LSVT-BIG therapy in Parkinson's disease: physiological evidence for proprioceptive recalibration}, series = {BMC Neurology}, volume = {20}, journal = {BMC Neurology}, doi = {10.1186/s12883-020-01858-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-230084}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background There is growing evidence for proprioceptive dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The Lee Silvermann Voice Treatment-BIG therapy (LSVT-BIG), a special training program aiming at an increase of movement amplitudes in persons with PD (PwPD), has shown to be effective on motor symptoms. LSVT-BIG is conceptionally based on improving bradykinesia, in particular the decrement of repetitive movements, by proprioceptive recalibration. Objective To assess proprioceptive impairment in PwPD as compared to matched controls and to probe potential recalibration effects of the LSVT-BIG therapy on proprioception. Methods Proprioceptive performance and fine motor skills were assessed in 30 PwPD and 15 matched controls. Measurements with significant impairment in PwPD were chosen as outcome parameters for a standardized 4 weeks amplitude-based training intervention (LSVT-BIG) in 11 PwPD. Proprioceptive performance served as primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included the motor part of the MDS-UPDRS, the nine-hole-peg test, and a questionnaire on quality of life. Post-interventional assessments were conducted at weeks 4 and 8. Results Compared to the control group, PwPD showed significantly larger pointing errors. After 4 weeks of LSVT-BIG therapy and even more so after an additional 4 weeks of continued training, proprioceptive performance improved significantly. In addition, quality of life improved as indicated by a questionnaire. Conclusion LSVT-BIG training may achieve a recalibration of proprioceptive processing in PwPD. Our data indicates a probable physiological mechanism of a symptom-specific, amplitude-based behavioral intervention in PwPD.}, language = {en} } @article{EstradaKrebbersVossetal.2018, author = {Estrada, Veronica and Krebbers, Julia and Voss, Christian and Brazda, Nicole and Blazyca, Heinrich and Illgen, Jennifer and Seide, Klaus and J{\"u}rgens, Christian and M{\"u}ller, J{\"o}rg and Martini, Rudolf and Trieu, Hoc Khiem and M{\"u}ller, Hans Werner}, title = {Low-pressure micro-mechanical re-adaptation device sustainably and effectively improves locomotor recovery from complete spinal cord injury}, series = {Communications Biology}, volume = {1}, journal = {Communications Biology}, doi = {10.1038/s42003-018-0210-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-227357}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Traumatic spinal cord injuries result in impairment or even complete loss of motor, sensory and autonomic functions. Recovery after complete spinal cord injury is very limited even in animal models receiving elaborate combinatorial treatments. Recently, we described an implantable microsystem (microconnector) for low-pressure re-adaption of severed spinal stumps in rat. Here we investigate the long-term structural and functional outcome following microconnector implantation after complete spinal cord transection. Re-adaptation of spinal stumps supports formation of a tissue bridge, glial and vascular cell invasion, motor axon regeneration and myelination, resulting in partial recovery of motor-evoked potentials and a thus far unmet improvement of locomotor behaviour. The recovery lasts for at least 5 months. Despite a late partial decline, motor recovery remains significantly superior to controls. Our findings demonstrate that microsystem technology can foster long-lasting functional improvement after complete spinal injury, providing a new and effective tool for combinatorial therapies.}, 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} } @article{HornKristLiebetal.2021, author = {Horn, A. and Krist, L. and Lieb, W. and Montellano, F. A. and Kohls, M. and Haas, K. and Gelbrich, G. and Bolay-Gehrig, S. J. and Morbach, C. and Reese, J. P. and St{\"o}rk, S. and Fricke, J. and Zoller, T. and Schmidt, S. and Triller, P. and Kretzler, L. and R{\"o}nnefarth, M. and Von Kalle, C. and Willich, S. N. and Kurth, F. and Steinbeis, F. and Witzenrath, M. and Bahmer, T. and Hermes, A. and Krawczak, M. and Reinke, L. and Maetzler, C. and Franzenburg, J. and Enderle, J. and Flinspach, A. and Vehreschild, J. and Schons, M. and Illig, T. and Anton, G. and Ungeth{\"u}m, K. and Finkenberg, B. C. and Gehrig, M. T. and Savaskan, N. and Heuschmann, P. U. and Keil, T. and Schreiber, S.}, title = {Long-term health sequelae and quality of life at least 6 months after infection with SARS-CoV-2: design and rationale of the COVIDOM-study as part of the NAPKON population-based cohort platform (POP)}, series = {Infection}, volume = {49}, journal = {Infection}, number = {6}, issn = {0300-8126}, doi = {10.1007/s15010-021-01707-5}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-308960}, pages = {1277-1287}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Purpose Over the course of COVID-19 pandemic, evidence has accumulated that SARS-CoV-2 infections may affect multiple organs and have serious clinical sequelae, but on-site clinical examinations with non-hospitalized samples are rare. We, therefore, aimed to systematically assess the long-term health status of samples of hospitalized and non-hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals from three regions in Germany. Methods The present paper describes the COVIDOM-study within the population-based cohort platform (POP) which has been established under the auspices of the NAPKON infrastructure (German National Pandemic Cohort Network) of the national Network University Medicine (NUM). Comprehensive health assessments among SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals are conducted at least 6 months after the acute infection at the study sites Kiel, W{\"u}rzburg and Berlin. Potential participants were identified and contacted via the local public health authorities, irrespective of the severity of the initial infection. A harmonized examination protocol has been implemented, consisting of detailed assessments of medical history, physical examinations, and the collection of multiple biosamples (e.g., serum, plasma, saliva, urine) for future analyses. In addition, patient-reported perception of the impact of local pandemic-related measures and infection on quality-of-life are obtained. Results As of July 2021, in total 6813 individuals infected in 2020 have been invited into the COVIDOM-study. Of these, about 36\% wished to participate and 1295 have already been examined at least once. Conclusion NAPKON-POP COVIDOM-study complements other Long COVID studies assessing the long-term consequences of an infection with SARS-CoV-2 by providing detailed health data of population-based samples, including individuals with various degrees of disease severity. Trial registration Registered at the German registry for clinical studies (DRKS00023742).}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Fischer2004, author = {Fischer, Matthias}, title = {Lokalisierung eines Ged{\"a}chtnisses bei Drosophila melanogaster}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-8050}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2004}, abstract = {Es konnte in dieser Arbeit gezeigt werden, daß das olfaktorische Kurzzeitged{\"a}chtnis von Drosophila melanogaster in den Pilzk{\"o}rpern lokalisiert ist. Zu Beginn dieser Doktorarbeit war bekannt, daß die Pilzk{\"o}rper notwendig f{\"u}r das Geruchsged{\"a}chtnis sind. Drei unabh{\"a}ngige Methoden der Ablation bzw. Ver{\"a}nderung der biochemischen Eigenschaften der Pilzk{\"o}rper hatten zu dem selben Ergebnis gef{\"u}hrt, daß funktionierende Pilzk{\"o}rper unentbehrlich f{\"u}r den Aufbau eines Geruchsged{\"a}chtnisses sind. Noch informativer als ein Experiment, in dem durch Zerst{\"o}rung einer Struktur eine Leistung unm{\"o}glich gemacht wird ist der umgekehrte Weg, der durch einen gewebespezifischen „rescue" die Leistung wiederherstellt. Dazu wurde in dieser Arbeit das wildtypische Allel des Gens rutabaga in rut-mutanten Fliegen mit Hilfe des Gal4/UAS-Systems ausschließlich in den Pilzk{\"o}rpern, bzw., im Gegenexperiment, nur außerhalb der Pilzk{\"o}rper zur Expression gebracht. rut kodiert f{\"u}r die Adenylatcyclase I, die mit synaptischer Plastizit{\"a}t bei Drosophila, Aplysia und M{\"a}usen in Verbindung gebracht wird. Man geht davon aus, daß synaptische Plastizit{\"a}t die molekulare Grundlage f{\"u}r Lernen und Ged{\"a}chtnis ist. Die AC I stellt cAMP her, dessen Menge und pr{\"a}zise Regulation die {\"U}bertragungsst{\"a}rke an Neuronen beeinflußt. Eine St{\"o}rung dieses Signalweges z. B. durch die rut-Mutation f{\"u}hrt zu einer Beeintr{\"a}chtigung des Ged{\"a}chtnisses bei Drosophila. rut wurde mit Hilfe des in Drosophila etablierten Gal4/UAS-Systems exprimiert: Der gewebespezifisch aktive Hefe-Transkriptionsfaktor Gal4 f{\"u}hrt dazu, daß das hinter einen Gal4-spezifischen UAS-Promotor klonierte wildtypische rut-Gen in denjenigen Zellen transkribiert wird, in denen der Transkriptionsfaktor vorhanden ist. Dies wurde in einer rut-Mutante durchgef{\"u}hrt, so daß in allen anderen Zellen keine funktionierende AC I vorhanden war. Die rut-abh{\"a}ngige synaptische Plastizit{\"a}t wurde damit ausschließlich auf die gew{\"u}nschten Regionen beschr{\"a}nkt. Das Expressionsmuster der Gal4-Linien wurde durch Immuncytochemie (Anti-Tau) sichtbar gemacht. Diese Fliegen wurden in einem klassischen Konditionierungsexperiment auf ihr Geruchs-Ged{\"a}chtnis untersucht. Dazu wurden einer Gruppe von Fliegen nacheinander 2 Ger{\"u}che pr{\"a}sentiert, von denen einer mit Elektroschocks gepaart war. Nach ca. 2 min konnten diese Fliegen sich f{\"u}r einen der beiden Ger{\"u}che entscheiden, die nun gleichzeitig aus 2 unterschiedlichen Richtungen dargeboten wurden. Je nach Lernleistung entschieden sich mehr oder weniger Fliegen f{\"u}r den vorher unbestraften Geruch. Es ergab sich, daß der Ort im Gehirn, an dem die wildtypische AC I exprimiert wurde, {\"u}ber die H{\"o}he des Ged{\"a}chtniswertes entschied: Die AC I ausschließlich in den Pilzk{\"o}rpern gew{\"a}hrte ein v{\"o}llig normales Ged{\"a}chtnis, wogegen die AC I außerhalb der Pilzk{\"o}rper das Ged{\"a}chtnis nicht gegen{\"u}ber der rut-Mutante verbessern konnte. Die Analyse der Expressionsverteilung von insgesamt 9 getesteten Fliegenlinien mißt {\"u}berdies dem \&\#61543;-Lobus des Pilzk{\"o}rpers eine besondere Bedeutung bei und l{\"a}ßt den Schluß zu, daß das hier untersuchte Ged{\"a}chtnis ausschließlich in den \&\#61543;-Loben lokalisiert ist. Dieses erfolgreiche rut-„rescue" - Experiment zeigt, daß rut-abh{\"a}ngige synaptische Plastizit{\"a}t ausschließlich in den Pilzk{\"o}rpern ausreichend f{\"u}r ein wildtypisches Ged{\"a}chtnis ist. Dieses Ergebnis vervollst{\"a}ndigt die Erkenntnisse von den Pilzk{\"o}rper-Ablationsexperimenten insofern, als nun die Aussage zutrifft, daß die Pilzk{\"o}rper notwendig und hinreichend f{\"u}r das olfaktorische Kurzzeitged{\"a}chtnis sind.}, language = {de} } @article{KollikowskiSchuhmannNieswandtetal.2020, author = {Kollikowski, Alexander M. and Schuhmann, Michael K. and Nieswandt, Bernhard and M{\"u}llges, Wolfgang and Stoll, Guido and Pham, Mirko}, title = {Local Leukocyte Invasion during Hyperacute Human Ischemic Stroke}, series = {Annals of Neurology}, volume = {87}, journal = {Annals of Neurology}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1002/ana.25665}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-212168}, pages = {466-479}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Objective Bridging the gap between experimental stroke and patients by ischemic blood probing during the hyperacute stage of vascular occlusion is crucial to assess the role of inflammation in human stroke and for the development of adjunct treatments beyond recanalization. Methods We prospectively observed 151 consecutive ischemic stroke patients with embolic large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. In all these patients, we attempted microcatheter aspiration of 3 different arterial blood samples: (1) within the core of the occluded vascular compartment and controlled by (2) carotid and (3) femoral samples obtained under physiological flow conditions. Subsequent laboratory analyses comprised leukocyte counting and differentiation, platelet counting, and the quantification of 13 proinflammatory human chemokines/cytokines. Results Forty patients meeting all clinical, imaging, interventional, and laboratory inclusion criteria could be analyzed, showing that the total number of leukocytes significantly increased under the occlusion condition. This increase was predominantly driven by neutrophils. Significant increases were also apparent for lymphocytes and monocytes, accompanied by locally elevated plasma levels of the T-cell chemoattractant CXCL-11. Finally, we found evidence that short-term clinical outcome (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale at 72 hours) was negatively associated with neutrophil accumulation. Interpretation We provide the first direct human evidence that neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, accompanied by specific chemokine upregulation, accumulate in the ischemic vasculature during hyperacute stroke and may affect outcome. These findings strongly support experimental evidence that immune cells contribute to acute ischemic brain damage and indicate that ischemic inflammation initiates already during vascular occlusion. Ann Neurol 2020;87:466-479}, language = {en} } @article{GarciaFernandezReinholdUeceyleretal.2023, author = {Garc{\´i}a-Fern{\´a}ndez, Patricia and Reinhold, Colette and {\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Local inflammatory mediators involved in neuropathic pain}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {24}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {9}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms24097814}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-313613}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Polyneuropathy (PNP) is a term to describe diseases of the peripheral nervous system, 50\% of which present with neuropathic pain. In some types of PNP, pain is restricted to the skin distally in the leg, suggesting a local regulatory process leading to pain. In this study, we proposed a pro-inflammatory pathway mediated by NF-κB that might be involved in the development of pain in patients with painful PNP. To test this hypothesis, we have collected nerve and skin samples from patients with different etiologies and levels of pain. We performed RT-qPCR to analyze the gene expression of the proposed inflammatory pathway components in sural nerve and in distal and proximal skin samples. In sural nerve, we showed a correlation of TLR4 and TNFα to neuropathic pain, and an upregulation of TNFα in patients with severe pain. Patients with an inflammatory PNP also presented a lower expression of TRPV1 and SIRT1. In distal skin, we found a reduced expression of TLR4 and miR-146-5p, in comparison to proximal skin. Our findings thus support our hypothesis of local inflammatory processes involved in pain in PNP, and further show disturbed anti-inflammatory pathways involving TRPV1 and SIRT1 in inflammatory PNP.}, 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{PasosSteigerwaldReichetal.2019, author = {Pasos, Uri E. Ramirez and Steigerwald, Frank and Reich, Martin M. and Matthies, Cordula and Volkmann, Jens and Reese, Ren{\´e}}, title = {Levodopa modulates functional connectivity in the upper beta band between bubthalamic nucleus and muscle activity in tonic and phasic motor activity patterns in Parkinson's disease}, series = {Frontiers in Human Neuroscience}, volume = {13}, journal = {Frontiers in Human Neuroscience}, number = {223}, doi = {10.3389/fnhum.2019.00223}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-201540}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Introduction: Striatal dopamine depletion disrupts basal ganglia function and causes Parkinson's disease (PD). The pathophysiology of the dopamine-dependent relationship between basal ganglia signaling and motor control, however, is not fully understood. We obtained simultaneous recordings of local field potentials (LFPs) from the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and electromyograms (EMGs) in patients with PD to investigate the impact of dopaminergic state and movement on long-range beta functional connectivity between basal ganglia and lower motor neurons. Methods: Eight PD patients were investigated 3 months after implantation of a deep brain stimulation (DBS)-system capable of recording LFPs via chronically-implanted leads (Medtronic, ACTIVA PC+S®). We analyzed STN spectral power and its coherence with EMG in the context of two different movement paradigms (tonic wrist extension vs. alternating wrist extension and flexion) and the effect of levodopa (L-Dopa) intake using an unbiased data-driven approach to determine regions of interest (ROI). Results: Two ROIs capturing prominent coherence within a grand average coherogram were identified. A trend of a dopamine effect was observed for the first ROI (50-150 ms after movement start) with higher STN-EMG coherence in medicated patients. Concerning the second ROI (300-500 ms after movement start), an interaction effect of L-Dopa medication and movement task was observed with higher coherence in the isometric contraction task compared to alternating movements in the medication ON state, a pattern which was reversed in L-Dopa OFF. Discussion: L-Dopa medication may normalize functional connectivity between remote structures of the motor system with increased upper beta coherence reflecting a physiological restriction of the amount of information conveyed between remote structures. This may be necessary to maintain simple movements like isometric contraction. Our study adds dynamic properties to the complex interplay between STN spectral beta power and the nucleus' functional connectivity to remote structures of the motor system as a function of movement and dopaminergic state. This may help to identify markers of neuronal activity relevant for more individualized programming of DBS therapy.}, language = {en} }