Fyn kinase is involved in oligodendroglial cell differentiation induced by apotransferrin.

Mechanisms that regulate oligodendroglial cell (OLGc) differentiation are the focus of intensive research in the field of cellular and molecular neurobiology. We have previously shown that the addition of apotransferrin (aTf) to primary OLGc cultures accelerates their differentiation and induces an increase in the expression of different components of the myelin cytoskeleton (CSK) such as actin, tubulin, and some of the microtubule-associated proteins, particularly the stable tubulin only peptide (STOP). Fyn protein-tyrosine kinase (Fyn kinase), a member of the Src family, participates in signalling pathways that regulate OLGs/myelin cytoskeletal reorganization. It is essential for myelin development in the central nervous system (CNS), and its absence results in hypomyelination. In the present study, we used both primary cell and N19 cell line cultures to investigate further the mechanisms of action involved in the accelerated differentiation of OLGcs induced by aTf. In particular, we were interested in studying the participation of Fyn kinase in the different pathways involved in the reorganization of the OLGc/myelin cytoskeleton. In agreement with results already published, we found that in OLGcs, Fyn kinase is associated with Tau and tubulin. Using a dominant-negative of Tau in which the Fyn-Tau-microtubules (MTs) interaction is blocked, we found that aTf was unable to induce OLGc morphological differentiation. It was also observed that aTf decreases the activated RhoA content in coincidence with a redistribution of actin immunoreactivity. These results give support to our hypothesis that Fyn kinase plays a key role in the differentiation process of OLGcs promoted by aTf.

An investigation of the feasibility of predicting outcome indices in the treatment of heroid addiction.

An exploratory study employing multiple linear regression techniques was conducted to investigate the feasibility of predicting outcome indices in the treatment of heroin addiction. Demographic and biographic intake variables were obtained for heroin addicts prior to treatment in one of two different types of residential treatment programs. Length of treatment, further categorized into "split-stay" categories, was chosen as the criterion because of its importance from the standpoint of program management. Subsequent stepwise regression procedures resulted in 11 variables of sufficient predictability to account for approximately 30% of the variability in the split-stay criterion. The employment of the derived equation resulted in correct classification in approximately 75% of the cases. This was beyond what could have been predicted by chance alone or from the knowledge of the observed split-stay ratio. A clear demonstration of the feasibility of the model was obtained; however, as to its utility, implementation in the actual treatment setting would be required. Implications for the use of this type of prediction model were discussed.