Phosphorylation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase at Ser847 in the nucleus intermediolateralis after spinal cord injury in mice.

We previously demonstrated that Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase IIalpha (CaM-KIIalpha) can phosphorylate neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) at Ser847 and attenuate NOS activity in neuronal cells. In the present study we focused on chronological alteration in levels and cellular location of nNOS, phosphorylated (p)-Ser847-nNOS (NP847), CaM-KII and p-Thr286-CaM-KIIalpha following spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice. Western blot analysis showed nNOS to be significantly phosphorylated at Ser847 from 3 h after SCI, peaking at 24 h and gradually decreasing thereafter, and CaM-KII to be colocalized with nNOS after SCI. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that SCI causes an increase in both NP847 and p-Thr286-CaM-KIIalpha in the nucleus intermediolateralis. These findings suggest that SCI induces p-Thr286-CaM-KIIalpha, which phosphorylates the nNOS at Ser847 in the nucleus intermediolateralis where NO is thought to play a role as a neurotransmitter in autonomic preganglionic neurons. Thus, the NP847 signaling pathway might be involved in the autonomic failure which occurs immediately after SCI.

New microsurgical technique for intraparenchymal lesions of the brain: transcylinder approach.

BACKGROUND: Although various minimally invasive approaches, including endoscopic, stereotaxic, and ultrasound-guided surgery, have been introduced to minimize damage to healthy brain tissue, the microsurgical technique has retained a significant role in contemporary neurosurgery. A new microsurgical approach to intraparenchymal brain lesions, namely, the transcylinder approach, was developed to realize both minimal surgical access and sufficient microsurgical technique. METHOD: A 0.1-mm transparent polyester film was used to create a cylindrical surgical route. The film was rolled into a thin stick and used to penetrate the brain, and a computer-aided navigation system was used from inside the stick to access the lesion accurately. After the stick gained access to the lesion, it was dilated to 2 cm, and this diameter was maintained during surgery. FINDINGS: The transcylinder approach was used in 11 cases, including intraparenchymal tumours and haematomas, and the usual microsurgical procedure was performed without difficulty. The film avoided unnecessary enlargement of the surgical field and minimized injury to the brain. Intra-operative ultrasonography also can be used to identify the lesion through the cylinder because the polyester film does not reflect the ultrasound beam. The surgical route was observed to recover to almost the same size as the initial cortical incision after removal of the cylinder. CONCLUSIONS: The transcylinder approach could be advantageous for removing tumours or haematomas in the intraventricular or intraparenchymal regions. By avoiding unnecessary retraction, it significantly reduces the risk of injury to surrounding brain tissue while facilitating precise microsurgical technique. The accuracy of this minimally invasive technique can be enhanced when used in conjunction with frameless stereotaxy and intra-operative ultrasound guidance.