Projects / Programmes
Uravnavanje funkcije celičnih membran - vloga pri degeneraciji, regeneraciji in reparaciji (Slovene)
Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
3.03.00 |
Medical sciences |
Neurobiology |
|
Code |
Science |
Field |
B470 |
Biomedical sciences |
Physiology |
B725 |
Biomedical sciences |
Diagnostics |
Degeneration, regeneration, reparation, MRI, EPR, confocal microscopy, eco-toxins, nervous system, endothelium, AChE, cardiotoxicity
Researchers (9)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The project deals with the processes of degeneration of neuromuscular system, cardiovascular system, and parenhymatous organs. In 1998 the main topics were the study of neuro-degeneration and the role of exogenous proteins and other substances affecting this process, the study of cardiotoxicity of actinoporins, and the study of degeneration of parenhymatous organs due to action of ecotoxins. The methodological approach was based on the use of electrophysiology, MRI/MRS, EPR, laser confocal microscopy and microspectrofluorimetry. The study of the effects of actinoporins gave an insight into the membrane processes in the node of Ranvier, and also the mechanisms of regulation of cell volume and intracellular calcium homeostasis. The study of neurotoxic effects of L-ammodytin isolated from Vipera ammod. results has shown that L-ammodytin is a potent miotoxin with presynaptic actions, as well. Investigation of the effects of an alkylpyridinium salt isolated from marine sponge Reniera sarai revealed that this substance is a potent AChE inhibitor. Investigation of cardiovascular effects of actinoporins revealed an important role of vasoconstriction in the cardiotoxic action of those substances, and the results allow the conclusion that release of endothelins due to the action of actinoporins is the probable mechanism of vasoconstrictory action. The MRI study of liver regeneration after a major surgical resection showed that the initial rapid increase of the mass of the regenerating liver tissue is associated with an increased water content of the regenerated tissue. Results of the MRI study of liver degeneration due to the acute and chronic exposure to microcystins has provided a non-invasive tool for monitoring of the acute toxicity and of carcinogenic effects of those substances.