Cytosolic calcium of PMN was measured in a single-cell digital im

Cytosolic calcium of PMN was measured in a single-cell digital imaging system. Receptor

expression and polymorphism were studied by real-time RT-PCR, flow cytometry and standard PCR. C-reactive protein induced cytosolic calcium signals in PMNs from homozygote R/R131donors, but not in PMNs from heterozygote R/H131 donors. However, after the heterozygote PMNs had been incubated with IFN- (100U/ml) for 2h, both the proportion of cells responding and the size of the CRP-induced calcium signals increased. IFN- increased mRNA expression of https://www.selleckchem.com/products/bi-d1870.html CD64 about fivefold and surface protein expression of CD64 about fourfold. The calcium signal elicited by CRP was augmented by PMN adhesion to fibronectin, but almost totally abrogated by sphingosine kinase inhibitors. The signals were partly dependent on calcium influx. In conclusion, calcium signalling instigated by CRP in human PMN is FcRIIa allele specific, as R/R131 responded to CRP, whereas R/H131 did not. However, increased expression of FcRIa (CD64), stimulated by IFN-, can augment calcium signalling by CRP in low-responders. This suggests that the state of the PMNs, as well as the genetic origin, affect sensitivity for CRP.”
“The vaccine potential of meningococcal Omp85 was studied by comparing the immune responses of genetically modified

deoxycholate-extracted outer membrane vesicles, expressing five-fold SRT2104 mouse higher levels of Omp85, with wild-type vesicles. Groups (n=612) of inbred and outbred mouse strains (Balb/c, C57BL/6, OFI and NMRI) were immunized with the two vaccines, and the induced antibody levels and bactericidal and opsonic activities measured. Except for Balb/c mice, which were low responders, the genetically

17-DMAG (Alvespimycin) HCl modified vaccine raised high Omp85 antibody levels in all mouse strains. In comparison, the wild-type vaccine gave lower antibody levels, but NMRI mice responded to this vaccine with the same high levels as the modified vaccine in the other strains. Although the vaccines induced strain-dependent Omp85 antibody responses, the mouse strains showed high and similar serum bactericidal titres. Titres were negligible with heterologous or PorA-negative meningococcal target strains, demonstrating the presence of the dominant bactericidal PorA antibodies. The two vaccines induced the same opsonic titres. Thus, the genetically modified vaccine with high Omp85 antibody levels and the wild-type vaccine induced the same levels of functional activities related to protection against meningococcal disease, suggesting that meningococcal Omp85 is a less attractive vaccine antigen.”
“We have previously demonstrated that a soluble form of the human NK cell natural cytotoxicity receptor NKp44, binds to the surface of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Herein, we investigated the interaction of MTB cell wall components (CWC) with NKp44 or with Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and the role of NKp44 and TLR2 in the direct activation of NK cells upon stimulation with MTB CWC.

A commercial sample of the truncated Protein G and a

A commercial sample of the truncated Protein G and a SU5402 basic protein, both without the linker, did not bind to natural or synthetic zeolites or silica. We conclude that the zeolite-binding affinity is mediated by the linker peptide sequence. As a consequence, these data may imply that the binding affinity is directed to the SiO2 component rather than to the atomic orientation on the zeolite crystal surface as previously assumed.”
“Purpose: We assessed the oncological outcome of penile conserving surgery and identified parameters predicting local recurrence, including resection

margins.

Materials and Methods: A total of 179 patients with invasive penile cancer treated with organ sparing surgery at a tertiary center between 2002 and 2010 fulfilled our study criteria. Demographic, histopathological, management and followup data were recorded in a prospective database. Local, regional and distant recurrence rates, time to recurrence and survival rates were calculated. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method.

Multivariate analysis was used to identify predictors of local recurrence.

Results: Mean followup was 42.8 months (range 4 to 107). Local, regional and distant metastatic recurrence developed in 16 (8.9%), 19 (10.6%) and 9 patients (5.0%) at a mean of 26.1, 26.8 and 11.7 months, respectively. The 5-year disease specific survival rate after recurrence was 54.7% (95% CI 46.1-63.3). For patients with isolated local recurrence the 5-year disease specific survival rate was 91.7% compared https://www.selleckchem.com/products/VX-765.html to 38.4% for those with regional recurrence. The overall 5-year local recurrence-free rate was 86.3% (95% CI 82.6-90.4). Tumor grade (p = 0.003), stage (p = 0.021) and lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.014) were identified as predictors of local recurrence on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions: Penile conserving surgery is oncologically safe and a surgical excision margin of less than 5 mm is adequate. Higher local recurrence rates are associated with lymphovascular

invasion, and higher tumor stage and grade. Local recurrence has no negative impact AZD7762 solubility dmso on long-term survival.”
“Dream diaries and reports of daytime waking thought were collected from five schizophrenia patients and matched controls. It was more difficult for blind judges to differentiate the patients than the controls’ dream reports from reports of waking thought, and patients reported shorter but more bizarre dreams than did the controls. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“In the last years, a new group of enzymes, the so-called silicateins, have been identified and characterized, which form the axial filaments of the spicules of the siliceous sponges, consisting of not only amorphous silica among others. These enzymes are able to catalyze the polycondensation and deposition of silica at mild conditions. Silicateins can be expressed in Escherichia coli.

Platelet serotonin release assays were performed to assess the pl

Platelet serotonin release assays were performed to assess the platelet-activating potential of the antibodies. Plasma levels of platelet factor 4 and interleukin 6 were assayed at prespecified time points. Histocompatibility leukocyte antigen status was assessed preoperatively in all patients and was compared with that of 6156 healthy subjects.

Results: Thirty-seven (52%) patients had anti-platelet factor 4/heparin antibodies with an OD

value of 0.45 or greater in 1 or more of the assays. Applying strict seroconversion criteria (>2-fold increase in Optical Density), only 16 (22.5%) patients had evidence of anti-platelet factor 4/heparin antibody seroconversion after the operation. Neither the presence of anti-platelet factor 4/heparin antibodies nor seroconversion influenced postoperative outcomes. The CW4 allele was significantly more frequent among seroconverted patients (46.9%

vs 19.1%, see more P = .002). Platelet factor 4 levels did not influence seroconversion. Patients with anti-platelet factor 4/heparin levels of 0.45 OD units or greater 14 days after the operation had significantly higher interleukin 6 levels measured 1 hour after protamine administration.

Discussion: Patients with a greater amount of perioperative inflammation could be more likely to have anti-platelet factor 4/heparin antibodies 1 to 2 weeks later. We provide additional evidence that the histocompatibility leukocyte antigen CW4 confers genetic susceptibility in an acquired inflammatory disorder that includes the anti-platelet MK-4827 cell line factor 4/heparin immune response.”
“The present study tested whether non-visual spatial experience affects later acuity of space perception. Congenitally blind adults who differed in the age acquired spatial knowledge via an orientation and mobility (O&M) training and matched sighted controls performed passive arm movements and judged the direction of the sensed movement. Proprioceptive-spatial discrimination acuity was assessed

by an adaptive psychophysical procedure in two spatial coding conditions. In the egocentric coding condition, participants judged whether the hand trajectory felt left- or right-tilted in reference to a straight trajectory aligned to the transverse Alvespimycin horizontal plane of the body midline axis. In the allocentric coding condition, they indicated whether the hand trajectory felt acute- or obtuse-angled in reference to a right angle. Proprioceptive-spatial acuity of congenitally blind participants significantly covaried with the age they attended an O&M training. The earlier the congenitally blind participants started the O&M training the more accurate was their space perception. Congenitally blind participants who underwent an O&M training after the age of 12 years showed poorer acuity than sighted controls. Congenitally blind participants with an earlier O&M training, however, approached the performance level of the sighted controls.

Results: Among the 124 male patients median followup was 6 8 year

Results: Among the 124 male patients median followup was 6.8 years. The overall complication rate for patients undergoing an artificial urinary sphincter was 37.0%, with mechanical failure the most common cause (29), followed by erosion (10) and then infection (7). Significant differences between complications and specific patient and artificial urinary sphincter characteristics risk factors were not found. Functional outcomes appeared stable with similar mild-moderate urinary incontinence severity and HKI-272 0 to 1 daily pad use at intervals of 0 to 4 years, 4 to 8 years and more than 8 years. Long-term durability was notable with 36% having complications (requiring

surgical revision or removal) within 10 years and

most events occurring within the first 48 months.

Conclusions: Long-term durability and functional outcomes are achievable for the AMS 800, but there are appreciable complication rates for erosion, mechanical failure and infection in the first 48 months from implantation.”
“Expression of transcription factor ATF3 in sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglion and in Schwann cells in sciatic nerve of diabetic (BB and Goto-Kakizaki rats; experimental models of types 1 and 2 diabetes, respectively) and healthy rats were examined by immunocytochemistry after PRN1371 solubility dmso nerve compression (silicone tube) for 3,6 or 14 days. ATF3-stained sensory neurons https://www.selleck.cn/products/Cyclosporin-A(Cyclosporine-A).html in dorsal root ganglia and Schwann cells at compression site were more frequent in diabetic BB rats. Decompression of nerves in Goto-Kakizaki rats did not reduce number of ATF3-stained cells. Diabetes (BB; i.e. type 1) confers on the peripheral nerve an increased susceptibility to nerve compression indicated by an increased expression of stained ATF3 neurons and Schwann cells.”
“Purpose: We characterized the vaginal pressure profile as a representation of closure forces along the length and circumference of the vaginal wall. Vaginal pressure profile data were used to test the hypothesis that the strength of pelvic

floor muscle contractions differs significantly between continent women and women with stress urinary incontinence.

Materials and Methods: Vaginal pressure profile recordings were made in 23 continent subjects and in 10 patients with stress urinary incontinence. The recordings characterized closure forces along the entire length of the vagina and identified differences among the anterior, posterior, left and right sides of the vaginal wall. Using a novel, directionally sensitive vaginal probe we made vaginal pressure profile measurements with the women at rest and during pelvic floor muscle contraction while supine.

Results: The nature of the vaginal pressure profile was characterized in terms of force distribution in the anterior and posterior vaginal walls, which was significantly greater than that on the left and right sides.

After achieving maximal diluting capacity a standardized meal was

After achieving maximal diluting capacity a standardized meal was administered, followed

by desmopressin tablet (t test) or melt (M-test). Diuresis rate and urinary osmolality were measured hourly. Paired data from 4 girls and 15 boys with a mean age of 12.1 years were obtained.

Results: In the early response phase more than 25% of patients had a higher diuresis rate with Selleckchem ARN-509 tablet vs melt formulation, reaching statistical significance in the plateau phase (urine collected at hours 3 to 5, p < 0.02) and in duration of action (urine collected at hours 5 to 8, p < 0.005). For desmopressin melt smaller standard deviations in diuresis rate were remarkable. Concentrating capacity demonstrated no significant differences between formulations in the early response

phase, in contrast to the plateau phase (p < 0.036) and duration of action (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: With meal combination desmopressin melt formulation has a superior pharmacodynamic profile to tablet, making it more suitable for the younger age group with a limited interval between meal and drug administration.”
“Paroxetine increases the levels of neurosteroids, such as allopregnanolone (AP), that influence the excitability of the central nervous system by positive allosteric modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. Here, we investigated the role of AP synthesis on the paroxetine-induced antihyperalgesic LXH254 in vitro effect in a rat model of neuropathic pain induced by lumbar spinal nerve ligation (SNL). Subcutaneous

administration of paroxetine in SNL rats, dose-dependently decreased the probability of hyperalgesic response and increased AP levels in the spine but not in either brain or serum. Concomitant treatment with an inhibitor of the AP-synthesizing enzyme, finasteride, attenuated the paroxetine-induced antihyperalgesic effect as well as the paroxetine-induced increase in spinal AP levels. Intrathecal injection of exogenous AP mimicked the analgesic effects of paroxetine in vehicle-treated SNL rats, whereas no NU7441 datasheet additional analgesic effects were observed in paroxetine-treated SNL rats. Our findings suggest that the antihyperalgesic effect of paroxetine in a rat neuropathic pain model is AP-mediated. These results also suggest that pharmacological-based therapies targeting AP synthesis might be a promising treatment for neuropathic pain. NeuroReport 22: 984-988 (C) 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.”
“Affective traits and states may be important moderators of stress reactivity, providing insight into stress-related consequences on cognitive functioning. This study assessed cognitive control processes using response-related brain electrical activities-the error-related negativity (ERN) and error positivity (Pe)-that are sensitive to trait and state affect.

However, the recent generation of mouse strains lacking MC-CPA ha

However, the recent generation of mouse strains lacking MC-CPA has opened up new possibilities for investigations related to this protease. This recent development has revealed a role

for MC-CPA in regulating innate immunity responses, including the degradation of harmful substances such as the vasoconstrictive factor endothelin 1 and snake venom toxins. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of MC-CPA.”
“Bipolar disorders are usually defined by alternative mood states, but a more precise characterization of the euthymic period could provide further insights into the pathophysiology of bipolar disorders. Surprisingly, few studies have investigated core affective dimensions in euthymic bipolar patients. In this study, we assessed 179 euthymic bipolar patients (score < 12 on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale and a score < 6 on the MK-8776 ic50 Bech-Rafaelsen Mania Scale) compared with 86 control subjects using French versions of the Affective Lability Scale (ALS) and the Affect Intensity Measure (AIM). Data were analyzed by logistic

regression. Our results showed that euthymic bipolar subjects reported having more intense emotions than controls and also had a higher affective lability. High scores in both affective dimensions were associated with a significantly higher risk for psychiatric axis I comorbidity. Moreover, a high affective lability score was associated CH5183284 price with an earlier age of onset for bipolar disease. Affective lability and affect intensity might be Nutlin-3a order two core dimensions of bipolar disorder during euthymic periods, suggesting that bipolar disorder is not circumscribed to mood episodes but also affects emotional reactivity between episodes. Both dimensions could account for the stress reactivity of bipolar patients that may lead to relapses. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“BACKGROUND:

Cerebral aneurysms (CAs) have a high prevalence in the general population and cause lethal subarachnoid hemorrhage. We recently demonstrated that chronic inflammation is an underlying pathogenesis of CA. However, we identified the negative involvement of angiotensin receptor signaling in the pathogenesis of CA.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the involvement of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) by assessing the expression and activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a key enzyme of RAS, during CA formation and evaluating the effect of imidapril, an ACE inhibitor and a potent inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), on CA formation.

METHODS: Surgically induced CA models of rats were used. Imidapril was given intraperitoneally to rats, and aneurysm size and medial thickness of CAs were examined 1 month after induction. Then, ACE and MMP-9 expression was assessed by immunostaining and Western blot analysis. The MMP-9 activity was evaluated by gelatin zymography, and ACE expression in human CA walls was assessed by immunostaining.


“Whereas most calpains are cytosolic


“Whereas most calpains are cytosolic Pifithrin-�� mouse proteases, calpain 10 is resident in mitochondria and is important in mitochondria! homeostasis. Because calpain 10 has been implicated in type 2 diabetes, we studied its possible role in diabetes-induced renal dysfunction. We treated renal proximal tubular cells with high glucose (17 mmol/l) and found decreased mitochondrial calpain 10 mRNA and protein at 96h compared with cells incubated with 0 or 5 mmol/l glucose or 17 mmol/l D-mannitol. High glucose increased mitochondrial calpain 10 substrates (NDUFB8 and ATP synthase p), decreased basal and uncoupled

respiration, and initiated cell apoptosis as indicated by cleaved caspase 3 and nuclear condensation. Renal calpain 10 protein and mRNA were specifically decreased in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with kidney dysfunction, and in diabetic ob/ob mice. In agreement with our in vitro data, the kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats had elevated calpain 10 substrates and cleaved caspase 3. Finally, specific siRNA-induced knockdown of calpain 10 in the proximal tubules of control rats resulted in decreased renal function as evidenced by increased serum

creatinine, and increased caspase 3 cleavage compared with rats receiving scrambled siRNA. Thus, the glucose-induced loss of calpain 10 in vivo results in renal cell apoptosis and organ failure through accumulation of mitochondrial calpain 10 substrates and mitochondrial selleck compound dysfunction.

Whether this is a major cause of the decreased renal function in diabetic nephropathy will require further studies. Kidney International (2012) 81, 391-400; doi:10.1038/ki.2011.356; published online 19 October 2011″
“Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage constitutes a clinical entity associated with high mortality and morbidity. It is widely accepted that improper clip placement may have as a result of incomplete aneurysm occlusion and/or partial or complete obstruction of an adjacent vessel. Various modalities, including intraoperative or postoperative digital subtracting angiography, near-infrared indocyanine green angiography, micro-Doppler ultrasonography (MDU), and neurophysiological studies, have been utilized for verifying proper clip placement. The aim of our study was to review the role of MDU during aneurysmal https://www.selleck.cn/products/BIBW2992.html surgery.

A literature search was performed using any possible combination of the following terms: “”aneurysm,”" “”brain,”" “”cerebral,”" “”clip,”" “”clipping,”" “”clip malpositioning,”" “”clip repositioning,”" “”clip suboptimal positioning,”" “”Doppler,”" “”intracranial,”" “”microsurgery,”" “”micro-Doppler,”" “”residual neck,”" “”ultrasonography,”" “”ultrasound,”" and “”vessel occlusion”". Additionally, reference lists from the retrieved articles were reviewed for identifying any additional articles. Case reports and miniseries were excluded.

In fact, a trend to the reverse exists with no clinically harmful

In fact, a trend to the reverse exists with no clinically harmful effects. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2012;143:85-92)”
“In addition to their well-accepted role as critical effector cells in anaphylaxis and other acute Z-VAD-FMK price IgE-mediated allergic reactions, mast cells (MCs) have been implicated in a wide variety of processes that contribute to disease or help to maintain health. Although some of these roles were first suggested by analyses of MC products or

functions in vitro, it is critical to determine whether, and under which circumstances, such potential roles actually can be performed by MCs in vivo. This review discusses recent advances in the development and analysis of mouse models to investigate the roles of MCs and MC-associated products during Sotrastaurin biological responses in vivo, and comments on some of the similarities and differences in the results obtained with these newer versus older models of MC deficiency.”
“Because

gastric infection by Helicobacter pylori takes place via the oral route, possible interactions of this bacterium with human salivary proteins could occur. By using modified 1-and 2-D bacterial overlay, binding of H. pylori adhesins BabA and SabA to the whole range of salivary proteins was explored. Bound salivary receptor molecules were identified by MALDI-MS and by comparison to previously established proteome maps of whole and glandular salivas. By use of adhesin-deficient mutants, binding of H. pylori to MUC7 and gp-340 could be linked to the SabA and BabA adhesins, respectively, whereas binding to MUC5B was associated with both adhesins. Binding of H. pylori to the proline-rich glycoprotein was newly detected learn more and assigned to BabA adhesin whereas the SabA adhesin was found to mediate binding to newly detected receptor molecules, including carbonic anhydrase VI, secretory component, heavy chain of secretory IgA1, parotid secretory protein and zinc-alpha(2)-glycoprotein. Some of these salivary glycoproteins are known to act as scavenger molecules or are involved in innate immunity whereas others might come to modify the pathogenetic properties of this organism. In general, this 2-D bacterial overlay technique

represents a useful supplement in adhesion studies of bacteria with complex protein mixtures.”
“The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) is a neural site for several physiological functions related to cardiovascular regulation, pain modulation and behavioral reactions. Recently, angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] has been considered as an important biologically active component of the renin-angiotensin system in the CNS. The purpose of this study was to determine (1) existence of Ang-(1-7) receptor, Mas-R, within the dorsolateral PAG (dl-PAG), (2) the role for Ang-(1-7) in modulating activity of dl-PAG neurons, and (3) the mechanisms by which Ang-(1-7) plays a regulatory role. Western blot analysis showed that Mas-R appears within the dl-PAG.

ugent be/rover), a tool that facilitates this process Rover acce

ugent.be/rover), a tool that facilitates this process. Rover accepts quantitative data from different sources such as MASCOT Distiller and MaxQuant and, in an intuitive environment, Rover visualizes these data such that the user can select and validate algorithm-suggested

regulated proteins in the frame of the whole experiment and in the context of the protein inference problem.”
“The purpose of the present study was to analyze simultaneously the temporal relationship between the changes of circadian rhythms of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and core temperature (T-c) by dual probe telemetric monitoring transmitters and to determine the role of endogenous arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the circadian rhythms of BAT temperature (T-BAT)

AZD5582 price and T-c in male learn more rats. The key observations in this study are: (1) Increase in T-BAT commenced approximately 8 min before T-c increases at the start of transition from the light to dark phase. Whereas at the start of transition from the dark to light phase, decrease in T-BAT commenced approximately 3 min before T-c decreases. The data show that circadian changes of BAT thermogenesis do indeed play a significant role in the overall maintenance of the circadian rhythm of core temperature. (2) The plasma AVP level was significantly elevated when core temperature decreases during the light phase, suggesting that endogenous AVP is involved in thermoregulatory processes during the light phase. V1a receptor antagonist could elevate core and BAT temperature during the light period, suggesting that endogenous AVP, acting through V1a receptor, could be involved in AZD1080 ic50 tonic thermoregulatory processes. V1a receptor antagonist can increase the blood lipid metabolism, suggesting that the mechanism of endogenous AVP in tonic thermoregulatory processes during

light period could involve the suppression of lipolysis in BAT and other peripheral tissues. In summary, this study demonstrated that endogenous vasopressin contributes to reduced BAT themogenesis and body temperature in the light phase of the circadian cycle. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Nicotine (NIC), the main psychostimulant compound of smoked tobacco, exerts its effects through activation of central nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), which become up-regulated after chronic administration. Recent work has demonstrated that the recreational drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has affinity for nAChR and also induces up-regulation of nAChR in PC 12 cells. Tobacco and MDMA are often consumed together. In the present work we studied the in vivo effect of a classic chronic dosing schedule of MDMA in rats, alone or combined with a chronic schedule of NIC, on the density of nAChR and on serotonin reuptake transporters. MDMA induced significant decreases in [H-3]paroxetine binding in the cortex and hippocampus measured 24 h after the last dose and these decreases were not modified by the association with NIC.


“Precise and rapid detection of porcine

reproducti


“Precise and rapid detection of porcine

reproductive respiratory syndrome Mdm2 antagonist virus (PRRSV) infection in swine farms is critical. Improvement of control procedures, such as testing incoming gilt and surveillance of seronegative herds requires more rapid and sensitive methods. However, standard serological techniques detect mainly IgG antibodies. A double recognition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DR-ELISA) was developed for detection of antibodies specific to European PRRSV. This new assay can recognize both IgM and IgG antibodies to PRSSV which might be useful for detecting in routine surveillance assays pigs that are in the very early stages of infection and missed by conventional assays detecting only IgG antibodies. DR-ELISA is based on the Selleckchem Necrostatin-1 double recognition

of antigen by antibody. In this study, the recombinant nucleocapsid protein (N) of PRRSV was used both as the coating and the enzyme-conjugated antigen. To evaluate the sensitivity of the assay at early stages of the infection, sera from 69 pigs infected with PRRSV were collected during successive days post infection (pi) and tested. While standard methods showed low sensitivity rates before day 14 pi, DR-ELISA detected 88.4% seropositive samples at day 7 showing greater sensitivity at early stages of the infection. Further studies were carried out to assess the efficiency of the new assay, and the results showed Oxygenase DR-ELISA to be a sensitive and accurate method for early diagnosis of EU-PRRSV infection. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by bryostatin-1 affects various functions of the central

nervous system. We explored whether bryostatin-1 influenced synaptic plasticity via a process involving PKC. Our purpose was to examine whether bryostatin-1 affected the induction of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) in Schaffer-collateral fibers (CA1 fibers) of the hippocampus, and/or influenced the intracellular Ca2+ level of hippocampal neurons. We also determined the PKC isoforms involved in these processes. We found that bryostatin-1 strongly facilitated LTP induction, in a dose-dependent manner, upon single-theta burst stimulation (TBS). Further, intracellular Ca2+ levels also increased with increasing concentration of bryostatin-1. The facilitative effects of bryostatin-1 in terms of LTP induction and enhancement of intracellular Ca2+ levels were blocked by specific inhibitors of PKCa and PKCE, but not of PKGS. Our results suggest that bryostatin-1 is involved in neuronal functioning and facilitates induction of LTP via activation of PKC alpha and/or PKCE. (c) 2012 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.