Micelles formed from polycaprolactone-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PCL-b-PEO) diblock copolymers were investigated as a novel drug delivery system. The affinity of the micelles for hydrophobic solubilizates was assayed by determining the partition coefficient for the lipophilic compound, pyrene, between the micelles and water; the partition coefficient was found to be on the order of 10(2). The Trypan blue and Alamar blue survival assays were used to assess the in vitro biocompatibility of the micelles with PC 12 cells, MCF-7 breast cancer cells, and primary cultures of human microglia, astrocytes, and cortical neurons. The micelles were then studied as a delivery vehicle for the neurotrophic agents FK506 and L-685,818 in PC 12 cell cultures. In both cases, the micelle-incorporated drugs, in the presence of nerve growth factor (5 ng/mL), were able to promote the degree of differentiation of the PC 12 rat pheochromocytoma cells.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

PCL-b-PEO micelles as a delivery vehicle for FK506: assessment of a functional recovery of crushed peripheral nerve.

The aim of this work was to test in vivo a new block copolymer-based delivery system containing lipophilic drug FK506, known as Tacrolimus. Tacrolimus is currently used in clinics as an immunosupressant agent, and more recently it has been shown that it can exert neurotrophic effects. We prepared, characterized, and assessed polycaprolactone-b-polyethylenoxyde (PCL-b-PEO) micelles containing FK506 in vitro and in vivo. By using well-established animal model of peripheral nerve injury (crushed sciatic nerve), we show that the rate of functional recovery of injured nerve is significantly enhanced in rats treated with micellar FK506. These findings support the notion that PCL-b-PEO is a suitable polymer material for FK506 and suggest its wider applicability as a delivery vehicle for other biologically active, poorly soluble therapeutic agents.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Exogenous lipid pneumonia related to smoking weed oil following cadaveric renal transplantation.

A 30-year-old female presented shortly after cadaveric renal transplantation with respiratory distress typical of a bacterial infection. Following initial improvement, she developed progressive respiratory failure, initially felt to be secondary to cytomegalovirus infection. Two bronchoalveolar lavages were nondiagnostic, and an open lung biopsy was performed, which revealed a pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) reaction and exogenous lipid pneumonia (ELP). The ELP was considered to be secondary to the use of marijuana, in the form of weed oil, that was smoked daily for over 10 years and stopped just before renal transplantation. This is the first description of both PAP and ELP following renal transplantation, and the first description of ELP related to smoking weed oil. Physicians should be aware of the different forms of marijuana available and of their potential medical complications.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Retinoic acid-induced modulation of IL-2 mRNA production and IL-2 receptor expression on T cells.

BACKGROUND: Retinoic acid (RA) has important immune-modulating effects on both T and B cell function. Our laboratory has shown that RA can enhance in vitro polyclonal B cell immunoglobulin (Ig) response. Investigating cytokines known to affect B cell differentiation, we have recently shown that IL-6 production is augmented by RA. In the present study we have examined the immune modulating effects of RA on IL-2 mRNA, another important cytokine for B cell immunoglobulin production, the expression of IL-2 receptors on T cells, and the RA nuclear receptors. METHODS: Purified T cells were obtained from adenoidal tissues, and incubated with RA (10(-7) M) or DMSO solvent/media control for 0, 6-8, and 24 h. Total mRNA was extracted from T cells, and using RT-PCR, changes in the production of IL-2 and RA receptors (RAR)-alpha,beta,gamma mRNA were determined. The effects of RA on IL-2-alpha receptor expression was determined by flow cytometry on T cells. CONCLUSION: These studies suggest that RA can augment IL-2 mRNA production by T cells with a possible paracrine effect on IL-2R-alpha expression. These changes appear to be mediated by RAR-alpha. Thus, IL-2 may be another important cytokine modulated by RA in the immune response.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The development and use of SPIO Lycra compression bracing in children with neuromotor deficits.

The use of flexible compression bracing in persons with neuromotor deficits offers improved possibilities for stability and movement control without severely limiting joint movement options. At the Children's Therapy Center in Kent, Washington, this treatment modality has been explored with increasing application in children with moderate to severe cerebral palsy and other neuromotor deficits over the past 6 years, with good success. Significant functional improvements using Neoprene shoulder/trunk/hip Bracing led us to experiment with much lighter compression materials. The stabilizing pressure input orthosis or SPIO bracing system (developed by Cheryl Allen, parent and Chief Designer, and Nancy Hylton, PT) is custom-fitted to the stability, movement control and sensory deficit needs of a specific individual. SPIO bracing developed for a specific child has often become part of a rapidly increasing group of flexible bracing options which appear to provide an improved base of support for functional gains in balance, dynamic stability, general and specific movement control with improved postural and muscle readiness. Both deep sensory and subtle biomechanical factors may account for the functional changes observed. This article discusses the development and current use of flexible compression SPIO bracing in this area.

Bandages↗

PubMedDate not supplied