Results: Fetal plasma levels of doxorubicin and vinblastine reached respectively 5.0 +/- 0.2% and 13.9 +/- 2.4% of the maternal plasma levels. In the immediate phase, pathological examination revealed endothelial and perivascular parenchymal damage to the neocortical subventricular zone and a less constant thickening of

the leptomeninx, in some cases also cortical lamination defects were noted. Brain histology was within normal limits in the mice of the residual phase group. Behavioural testing revealed subtle differences between drug-exposed and control mice. Grip strength was reduced in drug-exposed mice, but other tests for motor performance were normal. Several exploratory measures were altered, and there were some indications of increased anxiety in the drug-exposed mice. In the passive avoidance task, 1 step-through latency was shorter in the drug-exposed mice, but their normal performance in the Morris water maze indicated that this was probably not due

to impaired memory.

Conclusion: The current preclinical data reveal subtle changes in behaviour and transiently also in brain morphology in the mice that were prenatally exposed to vinblastine or doxorubicin. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“To develop a defined medium for Clostridium scatologenes ATCC 25775, which produces the malodorants 3-methylindole (skatole) and 4-methylphenol (p-cresol).

Clostridium scatologenes was cultured in anaerobic broth medium (pH 6.3) at 37 degrees C containing ammonia, minerals and a commercial vitamin solution. Data indicate alpha-ketoglutarate, l-glutamate or l-glutamine is a required nutrient that can also serve as a primary

carbon and energy source. When cultured in defined medium containing glutamate; glucose, fructose and betaine served as primary carbon and energy sources. l-Tryptophan, l-tyrosine, sorbitol and indole acetic acid did not enhance growth. In the absence of tryptophan, cells produced indole when grown using glucose or fructose. 4-Methylphenol was produced when growing cells were supplied with tyrosine. When supplied with tryptophan, 3-methylindole was produced by glucose- or fructose-growing cells but not from glutamate-growing cells. Cells grown in the presence of pyruvate produced indole, 3-methylindole and 4-methylphenol.

Clostridium scatologenes requires alpha-ketoglutarate, l-glutamate, or l-glutamine for growth in defined medium. Cells produce indole when glucose or fructose is included in defined medium.

The development of a defined medium will assist in physiology studies and genetic analysis of this strain.”
“Dopamine at 100-500 mu M has toxic effects on human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, manifested as apoptotic cell loss and strong autophagy. The molecular mechanisms and types of dopamine-induced cell death are not yet well known.