ALS-causing SOD1 mutants generate vascular changes prior to motor neuron degeneration
We report here that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?linked superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutants with different biochemical characteristics disrupted the blood?spinal cord barrier in mice by reducing the levels of the tight junction proteins ZO-1, occludin and claudin-5 between endothelial cells. This resulted in microhemorrhages with release of neurotoxic hemoglobin-derived products, reductions in microcirculation and hypoperfusion. SOD1 mutant?mediated endothelial damage accumulated before motor neuron degeneration and the neurovascular inflammatory response occurred, indicating that it was a central contributor to disease initiation.
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain has chosen Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate. She would be the first woman to serve on a Republican presidential ticket.
AFP - Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua's anti-corruption drive has claimed another scalp with news Friday of the arrest of an ex-governor who allegedly embezzled millions of dollars of state funds.
AP - The NBA officially handed over the Seattle franchise to Oklahoma City about two months ago, and three trucks arrived downtown at headquarters on Friday.
