Topics:

• The EAE model of MS
• The IGF-1 network
• funny science cartoons
• Cell cycle control (noch  in deutsch)
• Heat shock and cell cycle (noch in deutsch)

The EAE model:
Multiple sclerosis is an exclusively human disease. In order to estimate the therapeutic action of drugs scientists need to use model systems in which a disease resembling MS at least in some respects is generated by viruses, myelinotoxic agents, immunogenis spinal cord homogenates or direct T-cell transfer. One of the most well known models is the experimental allergic encephalomyelitis induced in suceptible strains of rats or mice as depicted below.

Each model has draw backs. The EAE model for example, only comprises auto-immune symptoms and EAE usually is a reversible disease while MS is not. Furthermore, today many groups believe that the positive effects of IGF-1 in the EAE model (Yao et al., 1996) arise indirectly through effects on the immune system rather then effects on oligodendrocytes.

The IGF network
IGF-binding proteins 1 through 6 (IGFBP-1 to -6) are secreted proteins that regulate IGF-1 and -2 bioavailability in the circulation, cerebrospinal fluid (liquor), and the extracellular space. They can bind to the extracellular matrix (ECM) or to putative receptors (which are mostly still unknown). IGFBPs might also exert IGF-independent actions some of which seem to depend on IGFBP uptake.

IGFBP expression is regulated by a diverse pattern of growth factors and/or hormones depending on the cell type investigated. An important cellular mechanism to escape IGFBP action is to secrete proteases that degrade specific IGFBPs. In some cases however, fragments have functions of their own.

I made this scheme in 1999. It does not intend to be complete but to summarize possible IGFBP action in an understandable and (of course because I made it) colorful way.

If you are interested in IGFBPs start reading with the very comprehensive, well-structured review by Jones and Clemmons, 1995.

The blood brain barrier:

During daily life, most people succeed to perform something that scientists fail to acchieve in their laboratories: drug delivery to the brain

I hope Joachim Czichos will apologize that I took one of his fantastic cartoons in "What's so funny about Microbiology" and changed it to this transfection cartoon. If you want to learn something about microbiology in a very entertaining way this book is an absolute MUST.

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