Search

Sarcoglycan subcomplex is a transmembrane glycoprotein system which connects extracellular matrix to cytoskeleton. Although this complex has been found in several non-muscular tissues, no data exist about a sarcoglycan subcomplex in brain. Only the presence of ε-sarcoglycan in brain has been described in detail because its mutation determines Myoclonus Dystonia Syndrome. Also ζ-, β- and δ-sarcoglycans have been found in brain but only at mRNA level and their distribution in brain is still unknown. Here, we have searched for the expression of all sarcoglycans in specific brain regions of rat as hippocampus, cerebral and cerebellar cortex. Since a correlation between dystrophin glycoprotein complex and γ-amino butyric acid A (GABAA) receptor was demonstrated, we have investigated also a possible colocalization between sarcoglycans and GABAA receptor. Results have shown that all sarcoglycans are expressed in neurons of all observed regions; these proteins show a spot-like pattern of fluorescence and are mainly localized at soma level. Moreover, each sarcoglycan colocalizes with GABAA receptor. The present study shows, for the first time, the expression of all sarcoglycans in brain; moreover, the prevalent localization of sarcoglycans at post-synaptic level and the colocalization of these glycoproteins with GABAA receptor suggests that sarcoglycans play a key role in central nervous system, regulating post-synaptic receptors assembly., Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology, Vol 120, No 2 (2015)

The sarcoglycan-sub-complex is made up of six glycoproteins which play mechanosignaling functions, connecting the extracellular matrix to cytoskeleton. This protein complex has been identified in different kind of tissues; in central nervous system, instead, only the ζ-sarcoglycans and the ε-sarcoglycans are considered to be present, where they seem to play a different role from the role played in muscle. Although that, previous our study have shown the expression of the entire sarcoglycan sub-complex in some region of the rat brain and the colocalization of this complex with post-synaptic receptors as GABA and DOPA receptors. Since we found that each sarcoglycan changes in staining pattern level among the brain regions, in the present study we performed, for the first time, a map of sarcoglycans expression in whole brain of rat and we examined which kind of post-synaptic receptor colocalizes with sarcoglycans in each part of brain. Results have shown that in rat brain the staining pattern level for each sarcoglycan and the different kind of colocalization between sarcoglycans and post-synaptic receptors, sarcoglycan/GABA or sarcoglycan/ DOPA, are characteristic of each brain region. These results support a role of the sarcoglycan sub-complex in post-synaptic neurotransmission, maybe modulating post-synaptic receptor assembly and stabilization., Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology, Vol 118, No 2 (Supplement) 2013

The dystrophin glycoprotein complex and the vinculin-talin-integrin system are two costameric protein systems which play several and important roles in muscle tissue. In particular, sarcoglycans and integrins, by a bidirectional signaling, seem to cooperate in lateral transmission of contraction forces. These protein systems have been well described in human muscle tissue and also in primates, as chimpanzee. Our previous study performed on masseter muscle of baboon, have shown interesting results about the presence of negative fibers for sarcoglycans and integrins in low dominance baboons, a social group characterized by a major aggressiveness than high dominance. These results suggested as that in low dominance baboons alternative isoforms of sarcoglycans and integrins could be exist. In the present study we continued the investigation of the entire protein complexes, not only sarcoglycans and integrins, in another type of skeletal muscle of baboons, the sternocleidomastoid both in high and in low dominance. Results have shown that also in sternocleidomastoid of low dominance baboons fibers negative for the tested proteins exist. These results confirm our previous findings on masseter of baboon and support our hypothesis about the presence of alternative protein systems which could be correlated with the aggressiveness degree and which could be involved in evolution of the species., Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology, Vol 118, No 2 (Supplement) 2013

Purpose In an attempt to evaluate the exposure level of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) workers to static magnetic fields, the isotropic magnetic flux density values were integrated over time to produce the cumulative exposure. To protect occupational staff a further precautionary step is proposed by introducing a weighting function incorporating the limits imposed by the Italian legislation. The results obtained should be reported, at the end of each working day, on a special dose card, in order to record each worker's exposure to the static magnetic field. Moreover, this dose card could be an important tool if long-term effects occur because it provides a complete history of the occupational exposure in an MRI site. Materials and methods To conduct measurements, three Hall-sensor probes were used. The consistency of experimental data, tools and methodologies used was evaluated by performing the Kruskal-Wallis test. Finally, the weighted magnitude of the magnetic flux density was integrated over time to obtain global exposure. Results Measurements were performed on different MRI scanners ranging from 0.25 up to 3.0 T. The results obtained were compared with the 200 mTh, which represents the upper limit of the Italian regulation. In no case was the 200 mTh per day exposure exceeded: however, when the strength of the magnetic field was[200 mT the weighted function overestimated the exposure, so that it represents a highly precautionary measure taking into account possible acute and long-term effects. In addition, from the data recorded during patient positioning operations by MRI staff the dB/dt curve was obtained. Conclusions The areas obtained from the integral of the weighted static magnetic field strength over time can be indicative of the global exposure of the occupational staff. These values should be reported on a special dose card that could be considered as an important tool if long-term effects occur because it provides a complete history of the occupational exposure in an MRI site.

Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology, Vol 115, No 1/2 (Supplement) 2010