Wu, Xiaomei. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 163-194). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

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

by Wong Kin Ling. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 348-373). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.ii / 撮要 --- p.iv / Acknowledgements --- p.vi / Table of Contents --- p.vii / List of Abbreviations --- p.xviii / List of Tables --- p.xxi / List of Figures --- p.xxii / Chapter CHAPTER 1. --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1. --- Events happened in brain injury --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2. --- An alternate approach based on neuronal regeneration --- p.3 / Chapter 1.3. --- Fate of astrocytes after brain injury --- p.4 / Chapter 1.3.1. --- General information of astrocytes --- p.4 / Chapter 1.3.2. --- Functions of astrocytes --- p.5 / Chapter 1.4. --- Factors relate to astrocytes proliferation --- p.7 / Chapter 1.4.1. --- TNF-α --- p.8 / Chapter 1.4.2. --- β adrenergic mechanism and astrocyte proliferation --- p.11 / Chapter 1.5. --- Cell cycle-related proteins --- p.13 / Chapter 1.5.1. --- Maturation promoting factor (MPF) --- p.15 / Chapter 1.5.2. --- Early G1 phase --- p.16 / Chapter 1.5.3. --- Retinoblastoma protein (pRb) --- p.18 / Chapter 1.5.4. --- Cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) activating kinase (Cak) --- p.19 / Chapter 1.5.5. --- "Cyclin, cdks, cki" --- p.20 / Chapter 1.5.5.1. --- Cyclins --- p.20 / Chapter 1.5.5.1.1. --- Cyclin D --- p.21 / Chapter 1.5.5.1.2. --- Cyclin E --- p.22 / Chapter 1.5.5.1.3. --- Cyclin A --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5.5.1.4. --- Cyclin B --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5.5.2. --- Cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks) --- p.24 / Chapter 1.5.5.3. --- Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (cki) --- p.24 / Chapter 1.5.5.3.1. --- INK4 proteins (inhibitors of cdk-4 and cdk-6) --- p.25 / Chapter 1.5.5.3.2. --- p21 family proteins --- p.25 / Chapter 1.5.5.3.2.1. --- p21 --- p.25 / Chapter 1.5.5.3.2.2. --- p27 --- p.25 / Chapter 1.6. --- Apoptosis related proteins --- p.26 / Chapter 1.6.1. --- bcl-2 family --- p.26 / Chapter 1.6.1.1. --- bcl-2 --- p.26 / Chapter 1.6.1.2. --- bcl-x --- p.27 / Chapter 1.6.1.3. --- bcl-xα --- p.27 / Chapter 1.6.1.4. --- bcl-w --- p.28 / Chapter 1.6.1.5. --- Myeloid cell leukemia factor 1 (Mcl-1) --- p.28 / Chapter 1.7. --- C6 glioma cell line --- p.28 / Chapter 1.8. --- Aim of this project --- p.30 / Chapter CHAPTER 2. --- MATERIALS & METHODS / Chapter 2.1. --- Materials / Chapter 2.1.1. --- Rat C6 glioma cell line --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.2. --- Cell culture materials preparation / Chapter 2.1.2.1. --- Complete Dulbecco's Modified Medium (cDMEM) --- p.32 / Chapter 2.1.2.2. --- Serum-free Dulbecco's Modified Medium (sDMEM) --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.2.3. --- Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.3. --- Drug preparation / Chapter 2.1.3.1. --- Recombinant cytokines --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.3.2. --- Antibodies / Chapter 2.1.3.2.1. --- Antibodies used in expression analysis --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.4. --- Antibodies used in Western blotting --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.5. --- Reagents for RNA isolation --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.6. --- Reagents for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.7. --- Reagents for Electrophoresis --- p.38 / Chapter 2.1.8. --- Reagents and buffers for Western blotting --- p.38 / Chapter 2.1.9. --- Other chemicals and reagents --- p.39 / Chapter 2.2. --- Methods / Chapter 2.2.1. --- Maintenance of C6 cells --- p.39 / Chapter 2.2.2. --- Preparation of cells for assays --- p.40 / Chapter 2.2.3. --- Drugs preparation --- p.40 / Chapter 2.2.4. --- Determination of RNA expression by RT-PCR analysis / Chapter 2.2.4.1. --- RNA extraction --- p.41 / Chapter 2.2.4.2. --- Spectrophotometric Quantitation of DNA and RNA --- p.43 / Chapter 2.2.4.3. --- RNA gel electrophoresis --- p.43 / Chapter 2.2.4.4. --- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) --- p.43 / Chapter 2.2.4.5. --- Separation of PCR products by agarose gel electrophoresis --- p.43 / Chapter 2.2.4.6. --- Quantification of band density --- p.45 / Chapter 2.2.4.7. --- Restriction enzyme (RE) digestion --- p.45 / Chapter 2.2.5. --- Determination of protein expression by Western blotting / Chapter 2.2.5.1. --- Total protein extraction --- p.46 / Chapter 2.2.5.2. --- Western blotting analysis --- p.46 / Chapter CHAPTER 3. --- RESULTS / Chapter 3.1. --- Effects of TNF-α on cell cycle related genes and proteins expression --- p.49 / Chapter 3.1.1. --- Effects of TNF-α on the time courses of cyclin D1 gene and protein expression --- p.49 / Chapter 3.1.2. --- Effect of TNF-α on the time course of cyclin D2 gene expression --- p.50 / Chapter 3.1.3. --- Effects of TNF-α on the time courses of cyclin D3 gene and protein expression --- p.53 / Chapter 3.1.4. --- Effects of TNF-α on the time courses of cdk-4 gene and protein expression --- p.55 / Chapter 3.1.5. --- Effects of TNF-α on the time courses of cyclin E gene and protein expression --- p.55 / Chapter 3.1.6. --- Effects of TNF-α on the time courses of cdk-2 gene and protein expression --- p.58 / Chapter 3.1.7. --- Effects of TNF-α on the time courses of p15 gene and protein expression --- p.61 / Chapter 3.1.8. --- Effects of TNF-α on the time courses of p27 gene and protein expression --- p.61 / Chapter 3.1.9. --- Effects of TNF-α on the time courses of p21 gene and protein expression --- p.64 / Chapter 3.1.10. --- Effects of TNF-α on the time courses of p130 gene and protein expression --- p.66 / Chapter 3.1.11. --- Effects of TNF-α on the time courses of Cak gene and protein expression --- p.66 / Chapter 3.1.12. --- Effects of TNF-α on the time courses of cyclin H gene and protein expression --- p.68 / Chapter 3.1.13. --- Effects of TNF-α on the time courses of cyclin B gene and protein expression- --- p.71 / Chapter 3.1.14. --- Effect of TNF-α on the time course of bcl-2 protein expression --- p.71 / Chapter 3.1.15. --- Effects of TNF-α on the time courses of bcl-XL gene and protein expression --- p.73 / Chapter 3.1.16. --- Effect of TNF-α on the time course of bcl-xα gene expression --- p.73 / Chapter 3.1.17. --- Effects of TNF-α on the time courses of bcl-w gene and protein expression --- p.76 / Chapter 3.1.18. --- Effects of TNF-α on the time courses of Mcl-1 gene expression --- p.76 / Chapter 3.2. --- Effects of TNF-R1 and -R2 on cell cycle related genes and proteins expression --- p.81 / Chapter 3.2.1. --- Effects of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time courses of cyclin D1 gene and protein expression --- p.81 / Chapter 3.2.2. --- Effect of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time course of cyclin D2 gene expression --- p.82 / Chapter 3.2.3. --- Effects of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time courses of cyclin D3 gene and protein expression --- p.85 / Chapter 3.2.4. --- Effects of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time courses of cdk-4 gene and protein expression --- p.90 / Chapter 3.2.5. --- Effects of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time courses of cyclin E gene and protein expression --- p.93 / Chapter 3.2.6. --- Effects of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time courses of cdk-2 gene and protein expression --- p.93 / Chapter 3.2.7. --- Effects of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time courses of p15 gene and protein expression --- p.96 / Chapter 3.2.8. --- Effects of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time courses of p27 gene and protein expression --- p.99 / Chapter 3.2.9. --- Effects of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time courses of p21 gene and protein expression --- p.103 / Chapter 3.2.10. --- Effects of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time courses of pl30 gene and protein expression --- p.106 / Chapter 3.2.11. --- Effect of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time course of Cak gene expression --- p.110 / Chapter 3.2.12. --- Effects of blocking TNP-R1/ -R2 on the time courses of cyclin H gene and protein expression --- p.110 / Chapter 3.2.13. --- Effects of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time courses of cyclin B gene and protein expression --- p.112 / Chapter 3.2.14. --- Effect of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time course of bcl-2 protein expression --- p.116 / Chapter 3.2.15. --- Effects of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time courses of bcl-xL gene and protein expression --- p.119 / Chapter 3.2.16. --- Effect of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time course of bcl-xα gene expression --- p.122 / Chapter 3.2.17. --- Effects of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time courses of bcl-w gene and protein expression --- p.124 / Chapter 3.2.18. --- Effect of blocking TNF-R1/ -R2 on the time course of Mcl-1 gene expression --- p.124 / Chapter 3.3. --- "Effects of other cytokines (IL-6, IL-lα, IL-lβ, IFγ) on cell cycle related genes and proteins expression" --- p.129 / Chapter 3.3.1. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-lβ, IFγ on cyclin D1 gene and protein expression" --- p.129 / Chapter 3.3.2. --- "Effects of TNF-a, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-lβ, IFγ on cyclin D2 gene and protein expression" --- p.132 / Chapter 3.3.3. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-1β, IFγ on cyclin D3 gene and protein expression" --- p.136 / Chapter 3.3.4. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-1β, IFγ on cdk-4 gene and protein expression" --- p.140 / Chapter 3.3.5. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-1β, IFγ on cyclin E gene and protein expression" --- p.144 / Chapter 3.3.6. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-1β, IFγ on cdk-2 gene and protein expression" --- p.148 / Chapter 3.3.7. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-1β, IFγ on pl5 gene and protein expression" --- p.152 / Chapter 3.3.8. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-1β, IFγ on p27 gene and protein expression" --- p.152 / Chapter 3.3.9. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-ip, IFγ on p21 gene and protein expression" --- p.159 / Chapter 3.3.10. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-lβ, IFγ on pl30 gene and protein expression" --- p.162 / Chapter 3.3.11. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-lp, IFγ on Cak gene expression" --- p.166 / Chapter 3.3.12. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-1β, IFy on cyclin H gene and protein expression -" --- p.170 / Chapter 3.3.13. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-1β, IFγ on cyclin B gene and protein expression" --- p.174 / Chapter 3.3.14. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-1β, IFγ on bcl-2 gene and protein expression" --- p.178 / Chapter 3.3.15. --- "Effects of TNF-a, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-1β, IFγ on bcl-xL gene and protein expression" --- p.178 / Chapter 3.3.16. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-1β, IFγ on bcl-xα gene expression" --- p.184 / Chapter 3.3.17. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-lβ, IFγ on bcl-w gene and protein expression" --- p.187 / Chapter 3.3.18. --- "Effects of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-lα, IL-1β, IFγ on Mcl-1 gene expression" --- p.191 / Chapter 3.4. --- Effects of P-ARs on cell cycle related genes expression --- p.194 / Chapter 3.4.1. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on cyclin D1 gene expression --- p.195 / Chapter 3.4.2. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on cyclin D2 gene expression --- p.198 / Chapter 3.4.3. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on cyclin D3 gene expression --- p.201 / Chapter 3.4.4. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on cdk-4 gene expression --- p.204 / Chapter 3.4.5. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on cyclin E gene expression --- p.207 / Chapter 3.4.6. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on cdk-2 gene expression - --- p.210 / Chapter 3.4.7. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on p15 gene expression --- p.213 / Chapter 3.4.8. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on p27 gene expression --- p.216 / Chapter 3.4.9. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on p21 gene expression --- p.219 / Chapter 3.4.10. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on p130 gene expression --- p.222 / Chapter 3.4.11. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on Cak gene expression --- p.225 / Chapter 3.4.12. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on cyclin H gene expression --- p.228 / Chapter 3.4.13. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on cyclin B gene expression --- p.231 / Chapter 3.4.14. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on bcl-XL gene expression --- p.233 / Chapter 3.4.15. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on bcl-xα gene expression --- p.236 / Chapter 3.4.16. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on bcl-w gene expression --- p.239 / Chapter 3.4.17. --- Effects of β-AR agonists and antagonists on Mcl-1 gene expression --- p.243 / Chapter CHAPTER 4. --- DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION --- p.247 / Chapter 4.1. --- Effects of TNF-α on the induction of cell cycle regulatory genes/proteins expression --- p.248 / Chapter 4.2. --- Effects of TNF-α on bcl-2 family apoptotic inhibitor genes expression --- p.250 / Chapter 4.3. --- The TNF-R subtype(s) responsible for the TNF-a-induced cell cycle regulatory genes and proteins expression --- p.251 / Chapter 4.4. --- Is the TNF-α-induced cell cycle regulatory genes and proteins expression cytokine specific? --- p.253 / Chapter 4.5. --- The relationship between TNF-α and β-adrenergic mechanism in C6 cell proliferation --- p.254 / Chapter 4.6. --- General Discussion --- p.256 / Chapter 4.7. --- Possible treatments for brain injury --- p.258 / APPENDIX --- p.259 / REFERENCES --- p.348

Yeung Ho Lam. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-107). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Thesis Committee --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / 摘要 --- p.iv / Acknowledgments --- p.v / Table of Contents --- p.vi / List of Abbreviations --- p.x / List of Figures --- p.xiii / List of Tables --- p.xv / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Glucose Transport through the Blood Brain Barrier --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Roles of Astrocytes in the Brain --- p.4 / Chapter 1.3 --- Glucose Metabolism in Astrocytes --- p.8 / Chapter 1.4 --- Diseases Associated with Reduced Glucose Transport --- p.10 / Chapter 1.5 --- Extracellular Accumulation of Glutamate as a Cause for Epilepsy --- p.13 / Chapter 1.6 --- Regulations of Astrocyte-mediated Glutamate Uptake --- p.17 / Chapter 1.7 --- Aim and Hypothesis of the Project --- p.22 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- MATERIALS AND METHODS --- p.24 / Chapter 2.1 --- Materials --- p.24 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Primary Rat Astrocytes --- p.24 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Cell Culture Materials --- p.24 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Chemicals --- p.26 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Reagents for the Determination of Gene Expressions --- p.26 / Chapter 2.1.5 --- Reagents for the Determination of Protein Expressions --- p.29 / Chapter 2.1.6 --- Reagents for Functional Assays --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.6.1 --- Reagents for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) of IL-6 --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.6.2 --- Reagents for Glutamate Uptake Assay --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.6.3 --- Reagents for Extracellular Glutamate Determination Assay --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1.6.4 --- Reagents for Glucose Uptake Assay --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.6.5 --- Reagents for MTT Assay --- p.34 / Chapter 2.1.6.6 --- Reagents for GFAP Immunostaining --- p.35 / Chapter 2.2 --- Methods --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Preparation of Primary Astrocytes --- p.36 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Determination of Gene Expressions by Reverse Transcription-Polymersase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Determination of Protein Expressions by Western Blotting --- p.40 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- ELISA --- p.43 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Glutamate Uptake Assay --- p.44 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Extracellular Glutamate Determination Assay --- p.44 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Glucose Uptake --- p.45 / Chapter 2.2.8 --- MTT Assay --- p.46 / Chapter 2.2.9 --- GFAP Immunostaining --- p.46 / Chapter 2.2.10 --- Band Intensity Quantification --- p.47 / Chapter 2.2.11 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.47 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- RESULTS --- p.49 / Chapter 3.1 --- Preparation of Primary Astrocyte Culture --- p.49 / Chapter 3.2 --- Effects of Glucose Deficiency on Astrocyte-mediated Glutamate Uptake --- p.51 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Effects of Glucose Deficiency on the Expressions of Glutamate Transporters --- p.51 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Effects of Glucose Deficiency on Glutamate Uptake in Primary Astrocytes --- p.56 / Chapter 3.3 --- Astrocytic Glucose Transport under Glucose Deficiency --- p.61 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Effects of Glucose Deficiency on the Expressions and Secretion of Inflammatory Cytokines --- p.64 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Effects of Exogenous Interleukin-6 on Energy Availability in Primary Astrocytes upon Glucose Deficiency --- p.70 / Chapter 3.4 --- Signaling Mechanism Mediating the Astrocytic Responses under Glucose Deficiency --- p.74 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Effects of Glucose Deficiency on the Expressions of Total and Phosphorylated ERK1/2 in Primary Astrocytes --- p.74 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS --- p.81 / Chapter 4.1 --- Role of Astrocytes in Preventing Glutamate Excitotoxicity under Glucose Deficiency --- p.81 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Neonatal Astrocytes as the Cell Model for Chronic Glucose Deficiency --- p.81 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Effects of Glucose Deficiency on the Expressions of Glutamate Transporters and Glutamate Uptake --- p.83 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Cytokines: Mediators for Energy Production in Astrocytes --- p.85 / Chapter 4.1.4 --- Summary of the Roles of Astrocyets under Prolonged Glucose Deficiency --- p.88 / Chapter 4.2 --- Establishment of an in vitro GlutlDS model --- p.89 / Chapter 4.3 --- Future Directions of the Project --- p.90 / Chapter 4.4 --- Conclusion --- p.92 / REFERENCES --- p.93 / APPENDIX --- p.108

Estrogen acts on maternal circuitry to establish maternal behaviour in otherwise non-maternal rats. The precise mechanisms by which estrogen primes maternal circuitry are unknown; however, the medial preoptic area (MPOA) stimulates maternal behaviour whilst the medial amygdala (MeA) inhibits it. This thesis aimed to address the link between estrogen sensitivity, astroglia and maternal behaviour. Maternal care influences maternal behaviour of female offspring. One mechanism underlying this influence is differential estrogen sensitivity within the MPOA. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) expression was examined in offspring of High and Low licking/grooming (LG) dams within the MPOA. Enhanced expression ERalpha was limited to the medial preoptic nucleus in offspring of High LG dams and the anteroventral periventricular nucleus in Low LG dams. Adult nulliparous offspring of High and Low LG dams were assessed for maternal responsiveness using the pup sensitization paradigm. Offspring of Highs showed maternal behaviour significantly earlier than offspring of Lows. Brains of pup-exposed and pup-naive High and Low offspring were analyzed for astroglial markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and glutamine synthetase. Pup-naive animals showed more GFAP positive cells within the posteroventral MeA, with no differences within the MPOA and no effect of maternal care. Glutamine synthetase, a glial-derived enzyme necessary for glutamate production, showed greater expression within the MeA of High LG pup-naive animals; with no maternal care differences observed in pup-experienced animals. Thus, long-lasting changes within maternal circuitry established in early life are reflected in regionally specific enhanced estrogen sensitivity and latency to display maternal behaviour, but the effects are less clear with respect to astroglia.

No description available.

Wong Chun Lung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 202-225). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Thesis Committee --- p.ii / Abstract --- p.iii / 摘要 --- p.vi / Acknowledgements --- p.ix / Table of Contents --- p.x / List of Abbreviations --- p.xv / List of Figures --- p.xix / List of Tables --- p.xx iii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- "Neurodegeneration, Inflammation and Gliosis" --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Anatomy of the CNS --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3 --- Astrocytes --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Morphology and Identification of Astrocytes --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Physiological Functions of Astrocytes in the CNS --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3.2.1 --- Induction of Blood-brain Barrier (BBB) --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3.2.2 --- Metabolism of Neurotransmitters --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3.2.3 --- Nursing Role of Astrocytes --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3.2.4 --- Immunological Functions of Astrocytes --- p.10 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Neonatal Rat Cortical Astrocytes as In Vitro Model --- p.12 / Chapter 1.4 --- Cytokines in Brain Damage --- p.14 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) --- p.16 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) --- p.17 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Interleukin-1 (IL-1) --- p.19 / Chapter 1.4.4 --- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) --- p.20 / Chapter 1.4.5 --- Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) --- p.21 / Chapter 1.5 --- Cytokines-induced Signaling Cascade --- p.22 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- TNF Receptors --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Ca2+ --- p.25 / Chapter 1.5.3 --- MAPK --- p.26 / Chapter 1.5.4 --- PICA --- p.27 / Chapter 1.5.5 --- NFkB --- p.29 / Chapter 1.6 --- Glucose Metabolism in the Brain and Glucose Transporters --- p.31 / Chapter 1.6.1 --- Glucose Transporters in the Brain --- p.32 / Chapter 1.6.2 --- Glucose Transporters in Brain Damage --- p.34 / Chapter 1.7 --- Ascorbic Acid Metabolism in the Brain --- p.36 / Chapter 1.8 --- Aim and Scope of this Project --- p.39 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Materials and Methods / Chapter 2.1 --- Materials / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Neonatal Sprawley 一Dawley Rats --- p.43 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Plain Dulbecco Modified Eagle Medium ´ؤ Formula 12 (pDF12) --- p.43 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Complete DF-12(cDF12) --- p.43 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) --- p.44 / Chapter 2.1.5 --- Hank's Buffer (HSB) --- p.44 / Chapter 2.1.6 --- D/L-Homocysteine Buffer --- p.44 / Chapter 2.1.7 --- "LPS, Cytokines and Pentoxifylline" --- p.45 / Chapter 2.1.8 --- Specific TNF Receptor Agonist: TNF antibodies --- p.45 / Chapter 2.1.9 --- Calcium Modulators --- p.45 / Chapter 2.1.10 --- PKA Modulators --- p.46 / Chapter 2.1.11 --- NFkB Inhibitors --- p.47 / Chapter 2.1.12 --- MAPK Inhibitors --- p.47 / Chapter 2.1.13 --- β-Adrenergic Receptor Modulators --- p.47 / Chapter 2.1.14 --- Reagents for RNA and Protein Isolation --- p.48 / Chapter 2.1.15 --- Reagents for Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.48 / Chapter 2.1.16 --- Reagents for DNA Electrophoresis --- p.49 / Chapter 2.1.17 --- Reagents for Real-time PCR --- p.51 / Chapter 2.1.18 --- Reagents for Western Blotting --- p.51 / Chapter 2.1.19 --- Reagents for MTT Assay --- p.51 / Chapter 2.1.20 --- Reagents for 3H-Thymidine Incorporation Assay --- p.52 / Chapter 2.1.21 --- Reagents for Glucose Uptake Assay --- p.52 / Chapter 2.1.22 --- Reagents for Ascorbic Acid Accumulation Assay --- p.53 / Chapter 2.1.23 --- Reagents for Immunostammg --- p.53 / Chapter 2.1.24 --- Other Chemicals and Reagents --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2 --- Methods / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Preparation of Primary Cultured Rat Astrocytes --- p.55 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Measuring Cell Viability: MTT Assay --- p.56 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Measuring Cell Proliferation: 3H Thymidine Incorporation Assay --- p.57 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Measuring Glucose Uptake: Zero-trans Glucose Uptake Assay --- p.58 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Measuring Ascorbic Acid Accumulation --- p.60 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Total Protein Extraction --- p.61 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Western Blotting --- p.62 / Chapter 2.2.8 --- Immunostaining --- p.64 / Chapter 2.2.9 --- Isolation of RNA --- p.64 / Chapter 2.2.10 --- Measurement of RNA Yield --- p.65 / Chapter 2.2.11 --- RNA Gel Electrophoresis --- p.66 / Chapter 2.2.12 --- Reverse Transcription (RT) --- p.66 / Chapter 2.2.13 --- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) --- p.67 / Chapter 2.2.14 --- Separation of PCR Products by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis --- p.67 / Chapter 2.2.15 --- Quantization of PCR Products and Western Blotting --- p.68 / Chapter 2.2.16 --- Real-time PCR --- p.68 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Results / Chapter 3.1 --- Role of Calcium Ions (Ca2+) in TNF-α-induced Astrocyte Proliferation --- p.70 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Effects of Changes of Extracellular Ca2+ on Astrocyte Viability --- p.72 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Effects of Other Divalent Ions on Astrocyte Viability --- p.74 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Effects of Changes of Intracellular Ca2+ on Astrocyte Viability --- p.78 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Role of Ca2+ on TNF-α-mduced Proliferation in Astrocytes --- p.85 / Chapter 3.1.5 --- Role of Other Divalent Ions on tnf-α-mduced Proliferation in Astrocytes --- p.90 / Chapter 3.2 --- Effect of Cytokines on Glucose Uptake in Rat Astrocytes --- p.95 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Basal level of Glucose Uptake in Astrocytes and Effects of Cytokines on Glucose Uptake in Astrocytes --- p.95 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Signaling Cascade of LPS- and TNF-α-induced Glucose Uptake in Astrocytes --- p.120 / Chapter (A) --- TNFR Subtypes Mediating TNF-a-induced Glucose Uptake --- p.121 / Chapter (B) --- MAPK --- p.125 / Chapter (C) --- PKA --- p.133 / Chapter (D) --- NFkB --- p.139 / Chapter (E) --- Other Mechanisms / Signalling molecules --- p.150 / Chapter (1) --- Interaction with β-Adrenegic Mechanism / Chapter (2) --- Role of cGMP --- p.154 / Chapter (3) --- Effect of Mg2+ on LPS- / TNF-α- induced Glucose Uptake in Astrocytes --- p.156 / Chapter (4) --- Possible Involvement of IGF-1 System --- p.160 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Summary --- p.163 / Chapter 3.3 --- Effects of LPS and Cytokines on AA Accumulation in Astrocytes --- p.164 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Discussion / Chapter 4.1 --- Role of Calcium ions (Ca2+) in TNF-α-induced Astrocyte Proliferation --- p.177 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Drastic Changes in Extracellular Ca2+ Caused Astrocyte Death --- p.178 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Extraordinary Role of Ca2+ in Astrocytes Survival --- p.178 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Elevation of [Ca2+]i Reduced Astrocyte Viability --- p.180 / Chapter 4.1.4 --- Failure of Verapamil to Block TNF-α-induced Astrocyte Proliferation --- p.182 / Chapter 4.2 --- Hypothesis for the Relationship between Cytokines and Energy Metabolism --- p.185 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Mechanism and Signaling Cascade of the Elevated Glucose Uptake --- p.186 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Increased Glucose Uptake by Cytokines: Friend or Foe? --- p.191 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Depletion of AA Pool by LPS --- p.194 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Possible Bedside Application of the Findings --- p.195 / Chapter 4.3 --- Prospects of This Study and Concluding Remarks --- p.197 / Appendix --- p.201 / References --- p.202

Glial cells represent the most abundant cell population in the central nervous system (CNS), and yet, have historically been thought of as merely support cells for neurons. Over the past few decades, however, the number of identified roles that glial cells play in the CNS has expanded at an exponential rate, revealing new and exciting functions in neuron-glial communication. At synapses, astrocytes are now recognized as part of a "tripartite" complex with pre- and postsynaptic structures and can modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity. Accumulating evidence has also revealed new roles for oligodendrocytes in regulating axon diameter and integrity, and ion channel clustering. Despite our knowledge of the physiological connections between neurons and glia, relatively little is known about the morphological interplay of these cells during development and in the mature brain. The results presented in this thesis reveal the extent and time-course of rapid remodelling of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in close proximity to dendritic spines and axons respectively. These findings provide further evidence that glia play an important role in regulating the structural plasticity of the brain. The methodology developed also provides a powerful system for the study of neuron-glial structural dynamics and may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for diseases affecting the central nervous system.

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