Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Antigen induced activation of Th1 cells in the peripheral blood leads to elevated production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) that have been directly linked to disease induction and neuropathic pain. It was hypothesized that following antigenic induction, cytokines gain access to the spinal cord and participate in direct cellular interaction with dorsal horn neurons. Using an animal model of MS, we show that TNF-α gene and protein expression in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cord tissue is increased in the active group. In addition, our findings show TNF-α mRNA expression in the dorsal root entry point. Therefore, our results support the hypothesis that antigen induced DRG derived TNF-α can transport to the spinal cord via the dorsal roots and is involved in the underlying pathogenesis of MS induced neuropathic pain.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Antigen induced activation of Th1 cells in the peripheral blood leads to elevated production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) that have been directly linked to disease induction and neuropathic pain. It was hypothesized that following antigenic induction, cytokines gain access to the spinal cord and participate in direct cellular interaction with dorsal horn neurons. Using an animal model of MS, we show that TNF-α gene and protein expression in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cord tissue is increased in the active group. In addition, our findings show TNF-α mRNA expression in the dorsal root entry point. Therefore, our results support the hypothesis that antigen induced DRG derived TNF-α can transport to the spinal cord via the dorsal roots and is involved in the underlying pathogenesis of MS induced neuropathic pain.

Thesis (Ph.D. in Toxicology) -- University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, 2006. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-141). Free to UCDHSC affiliates. Online version available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations;

Thesis (Ph.D. in Immunology) -- University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, 2006. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 182-208). Free to UCDHSC affiliates. Online version available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations;

Dissertation (Ph.D.) -- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 2006. / Vita. Bibliography: p.148-174

by Keung Ka Man. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 163-184). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.ii / 摘要 --- p.iv / Acknowledgements --- p.vi / Table of Contents --- p.vii / List of Abbreviations --- p.xiv / List of Tables --- p.xvi / List of Figures --- p.xvi / Chapter CHAPTER 1. --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1. --- Events happened after brain injury --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2. --- Glial cells --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.1. --- Microglia --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.2. --- Oligodendrocytes --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.3. --- Astrocytes --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.3.1. --- Uptake of neurotransmitters --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.3.2. --- Maintenance of extracellular homeostasis --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.3.3. --- Induction of blood-brain-barrier --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.3.4. --- Guidance of migrating neurons during development --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.3.5. --- Immunocompetent cells of the brain --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.3.6. --- Contribution to astrogliosis --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3. --- Cytokines and astrogliosis --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3.1. --- IL-6 and astrogliosis --- p.12 / Chapter 1.3.2. --- IL-1 and astrogliosis --- p.13 / Chapter 1.3.3. --- IFN-γ and astrogliosis --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.4. --- TNF-α and astrogliosis --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3.4.1. --- General properties of TNF-α --- p.15 / Chapter 1.3.4.2. --- TNF receptors (TNFRs) --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.4.3. --- NFkB induction --- p.18 / Chapter 1.3.4.4. --- Intermediate early genes --- p.19 / Chapter 1.3.4.5. --- iNOS is the target of NFkB and AP-1 --- p.20 / Chapter 1.4. --- β-Adrenergic receptors (P-ARs) --- p.21 / Chapter 1.4.1. --- β-ARs and astrogliosis --- p.22 / Chapter 1.4.2. --- General properties of β-ARs --- p.23 / Chapter 1.4.3. --- Interactions between β-adrenergic mechanism and TNF-α --- p.24 / Chapter 1.5. --- Aims and scopes of the project --- p.25 / Chapter CHAPTER 2. --- MATERIALS & METHODS / Chapter 2.1. --- Materials --- p.29 / Chapter 2.1.1. --- Rats for astrocyte culture --- p.29 / Chapter 2.1.2. --- Cell culture materials --- p.29 / Chapter 2.1.2.1. --- Complete Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium:F12 (DF12) --- p.29 / Chapter 2.1.2.2. --- Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) --- p.30 / Chapter 2.1.3. --- Drugs preparation --- p.30 / Chapter 2.1.3.1. --- Recombinant cytokines --- p.30 / Chapter 2.1.3.2. --- Modulators of protein kinase A (PKA) --- p.30 / Chapter 2.1.3.3. --- Modulators of protein kinase C (PKC) --- p.31 / Chapter 2.1.3.4. --- β-Agonists and -antagonists --- p.31 / Chapter 2.1.3.5. --- Antibodies used in western blot analysis --- p.31 / Chapter 2.1.4. --- Reagents for cell proliferation determination --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.5. --- Reagents for RNA isolation --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.6. --- Reagents for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.7. --- Reagents for Electrophoresis --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.8. --- Reagents and buffers for western blotting --- p.35 / Chapter 2.2. --- Methods --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.1. --- Preparation of primary astrocytes --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.2. --- Preparation of cells for assays --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.3. --- Determination of cell proliferation --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.3.1. --- [3H]-Thymidine incorporation assay --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2.3.2. --- MTT assay --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2.3.3. --- Data analysis --- p.38 / Chapter 2.2.4. --- Determination of RNA expression by RT-PCR analysis --- p.38 / Chapter 2.2.4.1. --- RNA extraction --- p.38 / Chapter 2.2.4.2. --- Spectrophotometric Quantitation of DNA and RNA --- p.38 / Chapter 2.2.4.3. --- RNA gel electrophoresis --- p.39 / Chapter 2.2.4.4. --- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.39 / Chapter 2.2.4.5. --- Separation of PCR products by agarose gel electrophoresis --- p.40 / Chapter 2.2.4.6. --- Quantification of band density --- p.41 / Chapter 2.2.5. --- Determination of protein expression by Western blotting --- p.41 / Chapter 2.2.5.1. --- Total protein extraction --- p.41 / Chapter 2.2.5.2. --- Western blotting analysis --- p.42 / Chapter CHAPTER 3. --- RESULTS / Chapter 3.1. --- Effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines on astrocyte proliferation --- p.43 / Chapter 3.1.1. --- Effects of TNF-α on astrocyte proliferation --- p.44 / Chapter 3.1.2. --- Effects of TNF-R1 and -R2 antibodies on astrocyte proliferation --- p.47 / Chapter 3.1.3. --- Effects of other cytokines on astrocyte proliferation --- p.50 / Chapter 3.1.4. --- Comparisons of the effects of cytokines on astrocyte proliferation --- p.53 / Chapter 3.2. --- Effects of β-agonist and -antagonist on astrocyte proliferation --- p.55 / Chapter 3.3. --- Effects of TNF-α on the expression of TNFR and endogenous TNF-α in astrocytes --- p.60 / Chapter 3.3.1. --- Effects of TNF-α on the expression of TNF-R1 and -R2 in astrocytes --- p.60 / Chapter 3.3.1.1. --- Effects of TNF-α on the expression of TNF-R1 and -R2 mRNA --- p.60 / Chapter 3.3.1.2. --- TNFR subtypes involved in the TNF-α-induced TNF-R2 mRNA expression --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3.1.3. --- Signaling pathways of the TNF-α-induced TNF-R2 mRNA expression --- p.67 / Chapter 3.3.1.4. --- Effects of TNF-α on the expression of TNF-R1 and -R2 --- p.68 / Chapter 3.3.2. --- Effects of TNF-α on the expression of endogenous TNF-α in astrocytes --- p.73 / Chapter 3.3.2.1. --- Effects of TNF-α on the expression of TNF-α mRNA --- p.73 / Chapter 3.3.2.2. --- TNFR subtypes involved in the TNF-α-induced TNF-α mRNA expression --- p.73 / Chapter 3.3.2.3. --- Signaling pathways of the TNF-α-induced TNF-α mRNA expression --- p.74 / Chapter 3.3.2.4. --- Effects of other cytokines on the expression of TNF-α mRNA --- p.75 / Chapter 3.4. --- Effects of TNF-α on the expression of β1- and β2-AR in astrocytes --- p.85 / Chapter 3.4.1. --- Effects of TNF-α on the expression of β1- and β2-AR mRNA --- p.85 / Chapter 3.4.2. --- TNFR subtypes involved in the TNF-a-induced β1 and β2-AR mRNA expressions --- p.88 / Chapter 3.4.3. --- Signaling pathways of the TNF-α -induced β1- and β2-AR mRNA expressions --- p.88 / Chapter 3.4.4. --- Effects of TNF-α on the expression of β1- and β2-AR protein --- p.100 / Chapter 3.4.5. --- Effects of other cytokines on the expression of β1- and β2-AR mRNA --- p.100 / Chapter 3.5. --- Interactions between TNF-α and β-adrenergic mechanism in astrocytes --- p.107 / Chapter 3.5.1. --- Effects of β-agonists and -antagonists on the TNF-α-induced endogenous TNF-α expression in astrocytes --- p.107 / Chapter 3.5.1.1. --- Effects of ISO and PROP on the expression of TNF-α mRNA --- p.107 / Chapter 3.5.1.2. --- β-AR subtypes involved in the TNF-α-induced TNF-α mRNA expression --- p.108 / Chapter 3.5.2. --- Effects of β-agonists and -antagonists on the TNF-α-induced TNFRs expression in astrocytes --- p.112 / Chapter 3.5.2.1. --- Effects of ISO and PROP on the expression of TNFRs mRNA --- p.112 / Chapter 3.5.2.2. --- β-AR subtypes involved in the TNF-α-induced TNF-R2 mRNA expression --- p.115 / Chapter 3.6. --- Effects of TNF-α on the expression of transcription factors in astrocytes --- p.117 / Chapter 3.6.1. --- "Effects of TNF-α on c-fos, c-jun and NFKB/p50 expression" --- p.118 / Chapter 3.6.2. --- Effects of other cytokines on the expression of NFKB/p50 mRNA --- p.119 / Chapter 3.6.3. --- "TNFR subtypes involved in the TNF-α-induced c-fos, c-jun and NFKB/p50 mRNA expression" --- p.125 / Chapter 3.7. --- Effects of TNF-α on the expression of iNOS in astrocytes --- p.130 / Chapter 3.7.1. --- Effects ofTNF-α the expression of iNOS mRNA --- p.130 / Chapter 3.7.2. --- TNFR subtypes involved in the TNF-α-induced iNOS mRNA expression --- p.131 / Chapter 3.7.3. --- Signaling pathways of the TNF-α-induced iNOS mRNA expression --- p.136 / Chapter 3.7.4. --- Effects of other cytokines on the expression of iNOS mRNA --- p.139 / Chapter 3.7.5. --- Effects of β-agonists and -antagonists on the TNF-α-induced iNOS expression --- p.142 / Chapter 3.7.5.1. --- Effects of ISO and PROP on the expression of iNOS mRNA --- p.142 / Chapter 3.7.5.2. --- β-AR subtypes involved in the TNF-α-induced iNOS mRNA expression --- p.143 / Chapter CHAPTER 4. --- DISCUSSIONS & CONCLUSIONS / Chapter 4.1. --- Effects of TNF-α on astrocyte proliferation --- p.148 / Chapter 4.2. --- Roles of endogenous TNF-α and TNFR in astrocyte proliferation --- p.150 / Chapter 4.3. --- Interactions between TNF-α and β-adrenergic mechanism in astrocytes --- p.154 / Chapter 4.4. --- Induction of transcription factors by TNF-α in astrocytes --- p.157 / Chapter 4.5. --- Possible source of β-agonists --- p.159 / Chapter 4.6. --- Conclusions --- p.160 / REFERENCE --- p.163

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Animal Sciences / Barry Bradford / The transition into lactation is a period of primary concern to dairy producers because of the tremendous incidence of health disorders observed during this time. Two common disorders that lead to decreases in production and retention within the herd include fatty liver disorder (FL) and ketosis. These two disorders have been commonly associated with negative energy balance, yet recently it has been hypothesized that inflammation is a contributor to the etiology of these disorders. Three individual projects were completed for this dissertation, all involving inflammation. The role of endogenous inflammation was determined by administration of sodium salicylate (SS) to cows for 7 d after parturition, and metabolites and production responses were evaluated. Overall it appears that SS induced hypoglycemic conditions and increased triglyceride accumulation in the liver (while administered), increased lipid mobilization and ketones (2 weeks after administration ended), and increased whole lactation milk production in older cows. A sensitive, specific sandwich ELISA for bovine tumor necrosis factor-[alpha] was developed, which provided the ability to measure “normal” circulating levels of this cytokine. The final study involved inducing inflammation by daily injections of the TNF[alpha] to the early lactation dairy cow. In this model, cows receiving TNF[alpha] had a reduction in dry matter intake, water intake, and decreases in milk production and milk components. Overall, it appears that inflammation is involved in the normal biology of the transition dairy cow and disrupting this can lead to interesting negative effects and some improvements of production; however, when inflammation is much greater it can lead to negative production effects.

by Wong Wah Yau. / Thesis (M.Ph.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1988. / Bibliography: leaves 219-228.

by Chan Po-cheung. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 218-244). / Acknowledgement --- p.i / Abbreviations --- p.ii / Abstract --- p.iv / Table of content --- p.ix / Chapter Chapter 1. --- Biochemistry of Tumor Necrosis Factor --- p.1 / Chapter I. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- The discovery of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- TNF as an antitumor agent --- p.3 / Chapter 1.3 --- Production of TNF --- p.4 / Chapter 1.4 --- Structure of TNF --- p.5 / Chapter 1.5 --- TNF receptor --- p.6 / Chapter 1.6 --- Biological activities of TNF --- p.10 / Chapter 1.7 --- Anti-tumor activity of TNF --- p.14 / Chapter 1.7.1 --- In vitro studies --- p.14 / Chapter 1.7.1.1 --- Synergistic effect of other cytokines --- p.14 / Chapter 1.7.1.2 --- DNA damages --- p.15 / Chapter 1.7.1.3 --- Free radical generation --- p.15 / Chapter 1.7.1.4 --- Utilization of ATP --- p.16 / Chapter 1.7.1.5 --- Phospholipase A2 activation --- p.17 / Chapter 1.7.2 --- In vivo studies --- p.17 / Chapter 1.8 --- Clinical trials --- p.18 / Chapter Chapter 2. --- Materials and Methods --- p.20 / Chapter 2.1 --- Materials --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2 --- Solutions commonly used --- p.21 / Chapter 2.3 --- Methods and procedure --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Culture of L-929 cells --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Trypan Blue exclusion test --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Determination of viability of L-929 cells upon rhTNF treatment --- p.24 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Determination of cellular cAMP level --- p.25 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- Determination of inositol phosphate turnover --- p.26 / Chapter 2.3.6 --- Use of fluorescence probe in the study of rhTNF mediated killing --- p.28 / Chapter 2.3.6.1 --- Determination of changes in internal pH of L-929 cells --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.6.2 --- Determination of intracellular calcium level in L-929 cells --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.6.3 --- Determination of membrane potential by fluorescence probes --- p.32 / Chapter 2.3.6.4 --- "Translocation of nucleolar protein, nucleophosmin (B23)in L-929 cells" --- p.32 / Chapter 2.3.6.5 --- Determination of calcium mobilization in L-929 cells by confocal microscopy --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.6.6 --- Determination of protein kinase C and phospho-tyrosine kinase in L-929 cells --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.7 --- Uptake of 45Ca2+ in L-929 cells --- p.35 / Chapter 2.3.8 --- Measurement of membrane potential by Patch-clamp assay --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3.9 --- Determination of tyrosine kinase activation by Western blotting --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3.10 --- Statistical analysis --- p.38 / Chapter Chanter 3. --- Effect of rhTNF treatment on nucleophosmin in L-929 cells --- p.39 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.39 / Chapter 3.2 --- Results --- p.43 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Effect of TNF (in the presence or absence of actinomycin D) on the nucleophosmin translocation in L-929 cells --- p.43 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Effect of actinomycin D on the TNF-mediated cytotoxicity on L-929 cells --- p.51 / Chapter 3.3 --- Discussion --- p.57 / Chapter Chapter 4. --- Changes in membrane potential and intracellular pH in rhTNF-mediated cytotoxicity in L-929 cells --- p.59 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.59 / Chapter 4.2 --- Results --- p.61 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Effect of rhTNF on the membrane potential of L-929 cells determined by fluorescence method --- p.61 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Effect of rhTNF on the membrane potential of L-929 cells determined by patch clamp technique --- p.64 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- "Effect of K+, Na+ and pH on the rhTNF-mediated cytotoxicity on L-929 cells" --- p.67 / Chapter 4.3 --- Discussion --- p.90 / Chapter Chapter 5. --- Effect of intracellular cAMP and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) on the rhTNF-mediated cytotoxicity on L-929 cells --- p.92 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.92 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- "GTP-binding protein (G protein), cAMP and protein kinase A" --- p.92 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Role of cAMP as second messenger --- p.96 / Chapter 5.1.3 --- Bacterial toxin used for study of G-protein --- p.98 / Chapter 5.1.4 --- Effect of cAMP on rhTNF cytotoxicity --- p.99 / Chapter 5.1.5 --- Effect of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PICA) on rhTNF cytotoxicity --- p.101 / Chapter 5.2 --- Results --- p.102 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Cyclic-AMP (cAMP) level in rhTNF-treated L-929 cells --- p.102 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Effect of intracellular cAMP level on rhTNF-mediated cytotoxicity on L-929 cells --- p.104 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Effect of agonist and inhibitor of cAMP dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A) on rhTNF-mediated cytotoxicity on L-929 cells --- p.107 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Effect of protein kinase A inhibitors on rhTNF-mediated cytotoxicity on L-929 cells --- p.111 / Chapter 5.3 --- Discussion --- p.118 / Chapter Chapter 6. --- "Role of intracellular free calcium, ions and calcium dependent response in rhTNF-mediated cytotoxicity on L-929 cells" --- p.121 / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.121 / Chapter 6.1.1 --- Inositol triphosphate and intracellular free calcium --- p.121 / Chapter 6.1.2 --- Diacylglycerol --- p.131 / Chapter 6.1.3 --- Protein kinase C (PKC) --- p.131 / Chapter 6.1.4 --- Intracellular free calcium ions and protein kinase C --- p.134 / Chapter 6.1.5 --- Effect of intracellular free calcium ions and protein kinase C on TNF-mediated cytotoxicity --- p.135 / Chapter 6.1.6 --- Tyrosine kinase induced release of IP3 --- p.136 / Chapter 6.1.7 --- Calcium channels --- p.136 / Chapter 6.2 --- Result --- p.139 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Effect of rhTNF on intracellular free [Ca2+] of L-929 cells --- p.141 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Effect of calcium ion channel blockers on rhTNF-mediated cytotoxicity on L-929 cells --- p.148 / Chapter 6.2.3 --- Effect of protein kinase C (PKC) on rhTNF-mediated cytotoxicity on L-929 cells --- p.158 / Chapter 6.2.4 --- Immunofluorescence staining of PKC in rhTNF-treated L-929 cells --- p.162 / Chapter 6.2.5 --- Effect of calmodulin and calmodulin sensitive calcium ATPase on rhTNF-mediated cytotoxicity on L-929 cells --- p.165 / Chapter 6.2.6 --- Role of inositol triphosphate in rhTNF-mediated cytotoxicity on L-929 cells --- p.167 / Chapter 6.2.7 --- Role of tyrosine kinase activity in the rhTNF-mediated cytotoxicity on L-929 cells --- p.185 / Chapter 6.3 --- Discussion --- p.191 / Chapter Chapter 7. --- Effect of antioxidants on rhTNF-mediated cytotoxicity on L-929 cells --- p.195 / Chapter 7.1 --- Introduction: Oxygen free radicals as mediators of rhTNF-induced tumor cell necrosis --- p.195 / Chapter 7.2 --- Results --- p.199 / Chapter 7.3 --- Discussion --- p.203 / Chapter Chapter 8. --- General Discussion --- p.205 / Bibliography --- p.217

by Chang Chuen Chung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1993. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 125-140). / Acknowledgement --- p.4 / List of Abbreviations --- p.5 / Abstract --- p.7 / Chapter CHAPTER I --- INTRODUCTION --- p.10 / Chapter 1.1 --- Astrocytes in the Central Nervous System --- p.10 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Characteristics of astrocytes --- p.10 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Functional roles of astrocytes --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.2.1 --- General functions of astrocytes --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.2.2 --- Volume regulation of astrocytes in CNS injuries --- p.12 / Chapter 1.1.2.3 --- Immunological functions of astrocytes --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2 --- Taurine in the CNS --- p.15 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- The biochemistry and distribution of taurine --- p.15 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Physiological functions of taurine in the CNS --- p.19 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Uptake and release of taurine by cultured astrocytes --- p.20 / Chapter 1.2.3.1 --- Taurine uptake in astrocytes --- p.21 / Chapter 1.2.3.2 --- Taurine release in astrocytes --- p.22 / Chapter 1.3 --- Tumor necrosis factor in the CNS --- p.23 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Characteristics of tumor necrosis factor --- p.23 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Sources of TNF in the CNS --- p.25 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Functions of TNF in the CNS --- p.26 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- TNF and signal transduction --- p.27 / Chapter 1.4 --- cGMP second messenger system in astrocyte --- p.29 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- cGMP as second messenger in astrocytes --- p.29 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Post cGMP cascade effects --- p.30 / Chapter 1.5 --- The aims of this project --- p.30 / Chapter CHAPTER II --- METHODS --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1 --- Primary astrocytes culture --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Primary rat astrocytes culture --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Primary mouse astrocytes culture --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Culture of rat C6 glioma cell line --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Subculture of astrocytes in different media --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2 --- Taurine uptake and release assay --- p.39 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Taurine uptake assay --- p.39 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Taurine release assay --- p.41 / Chapter 2.3 --- The effects of TNF on taurine transport --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4 --- The effects of TNF on cell volume in astrocytes --- p.43 / Chapter 2.5 --- "The effects of TNF on amino acids, glucose and neurotransmitters uptake" --- p.43 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- The effects of TNF on amino acids uptake --- p.43 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- The effects of TNF on glucose uptake --- p.44 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- The effects of TNF on neurotransmitters uptake --- p.45 / Chapter 2.6 --- The effects of LPS on taurine uptake in astrocytes --- p.46 / Chapter 2.7 --- The effects of IFN-¡’ on taurine uptake in astrocytes --- p.46 / Chapter 2.8 --- The effects of PMA on taurine uptake in astrocytes --- p.47 / Chapter 2.9 --- "The effects of TNF on thymidine, uridine and leucine incorporation in astrocytes" --- p.47 / Chapter 2.10 --- The effects of TNF on basal level of cGMP in astrocytes --- p.48 / Chapter 2.11 --- The effects of TNF on protein phosphorylation in astrocytes --- p.49 / Chapter 2.12 --- The effects of TNF on calcium uptake in astrocytes --- p.50 / Chapter CHAPTER III --- RESULTS --- p.51 / Chapter 3.1 --- The effects of TNF on taurine transport in cultured rat astrocytes --- p.51 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- The effects of TNF on [3H]-taurine uptake -time course study --- p.52 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- The effects of TNF on the kinetic parameters of the taurine uptake system --- p.54 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- The effects of TNF concentration on taurine uptake --- p.63 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- The effects of TNF exposure time on taurine uptake --- p.65 / Chapter 3.1.5 --- The effects of TNF on cell volume change in astrocytes --- p.67 / Chapter 3.1.6 --- "Comparison of the effects of TNF on taurine uptake amongst cultured primary rat astrocytes, primary mouse astrocytes and C6 glioma cell line" --- p.69 / Chapter 3.1.7 --- The effects of TNF on taurine release --- p.71 / Chapter 3.1.8 --- The specificity of the effects of TNF on taurine uptake --- p.74 / Chapter 3.1.8.1 --- The effects of TNF on the uptake of amino acids and glucose in primary rat astrocytes --- p.79 / Chapter 3.1.8.2 --- The effects of TNF on neurotransmitters uptake --- p.87 / Chapter 3.1.9 --- The effects of LPS on taurine uptake in astrocytes --- p.92 / Chapter 3.1.10 --- The effects of IFN-¡’ on taurine uptake in astrocytes --- p.97 / Chapter 3.1.11 --- The effects of PMA on taurine uptake --- p.99 / Chapter 3.2 --- The effects of TNF on cell metabolism in rat astrocytes --- p.102 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- The effects of TNF on astrocyte proliferation --- p.102 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- The effects of TNF on RNA synthesis --- p.103 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- The effects of TNF on protein synthesis --- p.106 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- The effects of TNF on basal level of cGMP --- p.108 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- The effects of TNF on protein phosphorylation --- p.111 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- The effects of TNF on calcium uptake --- p.113 / Chapter Chapter IV --- DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION --- p.116 / References --- p.125