An orchestrated gene expression component of neuronal programmed cell death revealed by cDNA array analysis.

Programmed cell death (PCD) during neuronal development and disease has been shown to require de novo RNA synthesis. However, the time course and regulation of target genes is poorly understood. By using a brain-biased array of over 7,500 cDNAs, we profiled this gene expression component of PCD in cerebellar granule neurons challenged separately by potassium withdrawal, combined potassium and serum withdrawal, and kainic acid administration. We found that hundreds of genes were significantly regulated in discreet waves including known genes whose protein products are involved in PCD. A restricted set of genes was regulated by all models, providing evidence that signals inducing PCD can regulate large assemblages of genes (of which a restricted subset may be shared in multiple pathways).

[Malignant transformation of leg ulcers]. / Transformation maligne des ulcères des membres inférieurs.

The authors report a case of malignant transformation (carcinoma cuniculatum) of a venous leg ulcer developed since 60 years. They draw the principal lessons from the review of literature.

[Amineptin dependence and iatrogenic acne. Review of the literature apropos of a case]. / Dépendance au survector et acné iatrogène. Revue de la littérature à propos d'une observation.

We relate the case of a drug addict of 31 years old whose dependence to the amineptine got complicated with severe acne-like lesions, as it sometimes happens. Compared, with teenage acne, severe acne can be distinguished by its late out break, its monstrous nature and its larger surface area. Amineptine has been found (or its metabolites) in the plasma, the urine. The treatment consists in the stopping of the drug addiction, combined with the prescription of isotretinoin.