Browsing by Subject "Neurons"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Apoptosis of the cerebellar neurons
    (Murcia : F. Hernández, 2008) Lossi, Laura; Gambino, Graziana
    Naturally occurring neuronal death (NOND) is an essential phenomenon during the course of normal development of the nervous system. Studies in vivo and on organotypic cultures have helped to elucidate the basic histological and ultrastructural features, as well as the main cellular mechanisms of NOND in several areas of the brain. This review examines the existing evidence about the two waves of apoptotic cell death that affect the different types of cerebellar neurons in normal development and certain pathological conditions. The first wave regards neuronal progenitors and premigratory neuroblasts, the second post-migratory neuroblasts and mature neurons. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are discussed critically also in the light of their relevance to neurodegenerative diseases.
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    Structural and ultrastructural study of the Meissner plexus in amphibians, Rana temporaria
    (Murcia : F. Hernández, 1993) Fernández Alvarez, B.E.
    A study of the submucous, periglandular and intravillous plexus of the frog has been carried out with light microscopy and conventional electron microscopy. The existence of a true Meissner plexus, with light microscopy, as well as the existence of sensitive-like structures, with light and electron microscopy have been demonstrated in the frog.
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    The Golgi method. A historical through contemporary view
    (Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Histiologia, 2025) González Burgos, Ignacio
    Knowledge regarding the biology of the nervous system and its functions has gone through various theoretical, methodological, and interpretative stages throughout history, depending largely on technical advances that have allowed us not only to approach old questions from new perspectives but also to address new ones. One advance that constituted a watershed in the history of neuroscience was the appearance of a chrome-silver staining technique called the Golgi method that allowed the complete, three-dimensional observation of nerve cells. Discovered by Camilo Golgi and, later, modified significantly and employed by Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Golgi’s method was crucial in demonstrating the veracity of the Neuronal Theory over the earlier Reticular Theory, and in revealing numerous findings related to the human brain and those of many other animal species, which continue to be analyzed today. Despite a period of scientific recession in the first half of the 20th century, the use of the Golgi method prevailed and even expanded in the second half of that century and into the 21st, as researchers continued to use it in its original or modified form and in combination with emerging methodologies. Currently, there are no signs of any decline in its use.
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    Winding through the WNT pathway during cellular development and demise
    (Murcia : F. Hernández, 2006) Li, F.; Chong, Z.Z.; Maiese, K.
    In slightly over a period of twenty years, our comprehension of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern the Wnt signaling pathway continue to unfold. The Wnt proteins were initially implicated in viral carcinogenesis experiments associated with mammary tumors, but since this period investigations focusing on the Wnt pathways and their transmembrane receptors termed Frizzled have been advanced to demonstrate the critical nature of Wnt for the development of a variety of cell populations as well as the potential of the Wnt pathway to avert apoptotic injury. In particular, Wnt signaling plays a significant role in both the cardiovascular and nervous systems during embryonic cell patterning, proliferation, differentiation, and orientation. Furthermore, modulation of Wnt signaling under specific cellular influences can either promote or prevent the early and late stages of apoptotic cellular injury in neurons, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and cardiomyocytes. A number of downstream signal transduction pathways can mediate the biological response of the Wnt proteins that include Dishevelled, ß-catenin, intracellular calcium, protein kinase C, Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase-3ß. Interestingly, these cellular cascades of the Wnt-Frizzled pathways can participate in several neurodegenerative, vascular, and cardiac disorders and may be closely integrated with the function of trophic factors. Identification of the critical elements that modulate the Wnt-Frizzled signaling pathway should continue to unlock the potential of Wnt pathway for the development of new therapeutic options against neurodegenerative and vascular diseases.