[Bergmann glia receptors and transporters: possible roles in cerebellum physiology]. / Receptores y transportadores en la glia de Bergmann: posibles funciones en la fisiologia del cerebelo.

INTRODUCTION: Bergmann glia is a specialized astrocyte of the vertebrate cerebellar cortex. By its localization and morphology, this glial cell type is tightly related with Purkinje cell, which is the neuron that integrates the different inputs signals in the cerebellum cortex and the unique output of this system. DEVELOPMENT AND CONCLUSIONS: This review makes a description of plasma membrane transporters and receptors in Bergmann glia, which interact with the major neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, glutamate and gamma-aminobutiric acid (GABA). Activity of these proteins is analyzed with respect to their possible role in the regulation of Purkinje cell synaptic activity.

Receptores y transportadores en la glía de Bergmann: posibles funciones en la fisiología del cerebelo / Bergamann glia receptors and transporters: Possible roles in cerebellum physiology

Introducción. La glía de Bergmann es un tipo de astrocito especializado de la corteza del cerebelo de los vertebrados. Por su localización y morfología, este tipo de célula glial se relaciona estrechamente con las sinapsis que establece la célula de Purkinje, la cual es la neurona encargada de integrar las diferentes señales de la corteza del cerebelo y emitir la única respuesta de este sistema. Desarrollo y conclusiones. En la presente revisión se hace una descripción de los transportadoresy de los receptores presentes en la membrana de la glía de Bergmann, que interactúan con los principales neurotransmisores del sistema nervioso central, el glutamato y el ácido gamma-aminobutírico (GABA). La actividad de estas proteínas se analiza con un enfoque sobre su posible repercusión en la regulación de la actividad sináptica de la célula de Purkinje

Introduction. Bergmann glia is a specialized astrocyte of the vertebrate cerebellar cortex. By its localization and morphology, this glial cell type is tightly related with Purkinje cell, which is the neuron that integrates the different inputs signals in the cerebellum cortex and the unique output of this system. Development and conclusions. This review makes adescription of plasma membrane transporters and receptors in Bergmann glia, which interact with the major neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, glutamate and gamma-aminobutiric acid (GABA). Activity of these proteins is analyzed with respect to their possible role in the regulation of Purkinje cell synaptic activity

Gente Joven: meeting needs.

PIP: To meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of adolescents, the Mexican family planning association MEXFAM established the Gente Joven (young people) project in 1986. Rather than expending scarce resources on setting up youth centers, Gente Joven was introduced at sites where young people are already assembled--schools, recreation centers, meeting points for street gangs. To date, the program has reached hundreds of thousands of young people in every state and large town in Mexico; in addition, thousands of teachers have been trained to take sexuality education to schools throughout the country. Preliminary surveys of adolescents identified 5 major subjects about which sex education was most in demand: communication within the family, anatomy and the physiology of the reproductive organs, premarital sex decision making, sexually transmitted diseases, and family planning and pregnancy. The sex education module is implemented in 4 2-hour sessions. Young people have been involved not only in designing the curriculum, but also in preparing the print materials, films, and videos used in the schools. Emphasized is the importance of overcoming gender inequalities and promoting reciprocal relationships between the sexes. Despite some attempts by pro-life groups to close down the program, Gente Joven has become one of the most popular, effective MEXFAM activities and is at the cutting edge of social change in Mexico.^ieng

Gente Joven: a community program for Mexico's young people.

PIP: Mexfam, the Mexican Foundation for Family Planning, came to the conclusion that for family planning programs to succeed, the emphasis had to be shifted from adults to young people. The 1st community youth program, Gente Joven, began operations in 1985 in San Berabe, a very poor community south of Mexico City. Mexfam established the age group of 11-20 as the target group and adopted the slogan "It is not safe for you to have children before the age of 20." This message was aimed at the poor sector, about 70% of the population of Mexico. A long-term goal is for the sex education program to reach every young boy and girl between the ages of 11 and 12. It should cover the topics of 1) communication between family members, 2) whether or not to have sex before marriage, 3) the anatomy and physiology of female and male sex organs, 4) sexually transmitted diseases, and 5) contraceptive methods. Films on communication between family members, early sexual relations, male and female sex roles, and juvenile drug addiction were produced. Case studies on Mexfam's programs in Colima and Armeria are described, as are educational materials including drama and rock. A brief history of Mexfam is also include.^ieng

The facts of life on video for young Mexicans.

PIP: Mexico,s family planning programs have been directed towards women of childbearing age. However, Mexico's family planning movement is now mature enough to set more ambitious goals. This paper deals exclusively with the programs for young people. MEXFAM's basic strategy has been to create, not a separate structure, but rather a movement that infiltrates all the other youth organizations. In general terms, the objectives of MEXFAM's young people's movement are to promote knowledgeable participants among those who do not have sexual relations yet, obtain active users of birth control among those who already have sexual relations, and retard the 1st pregnancy until after the woman is 20 years old. For a better chance to reach these goals, the young people's movement is using a series of untraditional methods so as to avoid the authoritarian options dictated by adult criteria. One of these educational mediums that awaken the consciousness and sense of responsibility in the youth is the video. MEXFAM's youth films are directed to different aspects of sexuality. "Dream of Reality" and "With Hands in the Pockets," deal with adolescent pregnancy; "Like Buddies" with parent-child relationships; "Escape," with drug addiction and sexual responsibility, and "The Last Train" with myths and taboos that go with 1st sexual relations. 4 of these films were produced with the help of JOICFP. 5 films planned for this year are on: the adolescent mother and communication with her own mother, communication in the adolescent couple, prostitution, the media and sexuality, and contagious sexual illness.^ieng

IEC activities in Mexfam's programs: an application of the integrated project's philosophy.

PIP: An organized effort to promote family planning in Mexico began in 1965. The Mexican Foundation for Family Planning (MEXFAM), was pioneering organization in this social effort. Since 1974, the Mexican Government has taken an active role in family planning and promoting its practive through the mass media. Success has been achieved because of the existing cultural and socioeconomic conditions which made birth control acceptable. Today, over 50% of Mexican women of reproductive age practice family planning. Those who do not practice family planning have adverse or indifferent attitudes toward it. The MEXFAM has successfully developed an integrated project which associates family planning with the control of parasite infection, nutrition and maternal and child care through community health education. MEXFAM emphasizes the importance of education. The IEC activities are based on the concept that communication among human beings is a dynamic process. Messages are developed in light of the changes which are likely to be produced in the consciences of different social groups. 3 basic types of messages will be formed: those dealing with the integrated concept of family planning; those dealing with the desired child; and those dealing with the life plan. MEXFAM directs its IEC activities towards the following groups: community leaders and leaders of other situations; professionals and technicians in family planning; poor families in both urban and rural areas; urban youth; and men. The MEXFAM uses intergroup educational media and local mass media. Family planning today tries to illustrate, motivate, and raise the consciousness of people and achieve humanist ideals of well-being.^ieng