F Fornai

Summary

Affiliation: University of Pisa
Country: Italy

Publications

  1. ncbi Convergent roles of alpha-synuclein, DA metabolism, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system in nigrostriatal toxicity
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55, I 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1074:84-9. 2006
  2. ncbi Methamphetamine produces neuronal inclusions in the nigrostriatal system and in PC12 cells
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    J Neurochem 88:114-23. 2004
  3. ncbi DNA damage and ubiquitinated neuronal inclusions in the substantia nigra and striatum of mice following MDMA (ecstasy)
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Psychopharmacology (Berl) 173:353-63. 2004
  4. ncbi Fine structure and biochemical mechanisms underlying nigrostriatal inclusions and cell death after proteasome inhibition
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, I 56100 Pisa, Italy
    J Neurosci 23:8955-66. 2003
  5. ncbi Noradrenaline in Parkinson's disease: from disease progression to current therapeutics
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Curr Med Chem 14:2330-4. 2007
  6. ncbi Lithium delays progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa 56100 Pisa, Italy
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 105:2052-7. 2008
  7. ncbi Recent knowledge on molecular components of Lewy bodies discloses future therapeutic strategies in Parkinson's disease
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Curr Drug Targets CNS Neurol Disord 2:149-52. 2003
  8. ncbi Striatal postsynaptic ultrastructural alterations following methylenedioxymethamphetamine administration
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 965:381-98. 2002
  9. ncbi Autophagy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The multiple roles of lithium
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
    Autophagy 4:527-30. 2008
  10. ncbi Is there a role for uridine and pyrimidine nucleosides in the treatment of vascular dementia?
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
    Funct Neurol 17:93-9. 2002

Collaborators

Detail Information

Publications103 found, 100 shown here

  1. ncbi Convergent roles of alpha-synuclein, DA metabolism, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system in nigrostriatal toxicity
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55, I 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1074:84-9. 2006
    ....
  2. ncbi Methamphetamine produces neuronal inclusions in the nigrostriatal system and in PC12 cells
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    J Neurochem 88:114-23. 2004
    ..Inclusions were again observed when alphaMpT-treated cells were loaded with l-DOPA, which restored intracellular dopamine levels...
  3. ncbi DNA damage and ubiquitinated neuronal inclusions in the substantia nigra and striatum of mice following MDMA (ecstasy)
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Psychopharmacology (Berl) 173:353-63. 2004
    ..Previous reports, carried out in rodents and non-human primates, demonstrated neurotoxicity to monoamine axon terminals, although no study has analyzed nigral and striatal cell bodies at the sub-cellular level...
  4. ncbi Fine structure and biochemical mechanisms underlying nigrostriatal inclusions and cell death after proteasome inhibition
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, I 56100 Pisa, Italy
    J Neurosci 23:8955-66. 2003
    ..These findings demonstrate that impairment of the UP system produces cell death and neuronal inclusions selectively for DA-containing neurons that depend on the occurrence of endogenous DA...
  5. ncbi Noradrenaline in Parkinson's disease: from disease progression to current therapeutics
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Curr Med Chem 14:2330-4. 2007
    ..In the last part, we overview novel therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring the activation of noradrenaline receptors to reduce the dyskinesia occurring in the treatment of Parkinson's disease...
  6. ncbi Lithium delays progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa 56100 Pisa, Italy
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 105:2052-7. 2008
    ..All these mechanisms may contribute to the effects of lithium, and these results offer a promising perspective for the treatment of human patients affected by ALS...
  7. ncbi Recent knowledge on molecular components of Lewy bodies discloses future therapeutic strategies in Parkinson's disease
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Curr Drug Targets CNS Neurol Disord 2:149-52. 2003
    ..The aim of the present paper is to review briefly, recent advances on Lewy body research to achieve new insight into the etiology of PD and the molecular events leading to neurodegeneration...
  8. ncbi Striatal postsynaptic ultrastructural alterations following methylenedioxymethamphetamine administration
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 965:381-98. 2002
    ..These whorls stained for ubiquitin but not for synuclein and represent the first morphologic correlate of striatal postsynaptic effects induced by MDMA...
  9. ncbi Autophagy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The multiple roles of lithium
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
    Autophagy 4:527-30. 2008
    ..In particular, the biogenesis of mitochondria and the increase of calbindin D 28K-positive neurons, which are likely to support powerful neuroprotection towards autophagy failure, mitochondriopathy and neuronal loss in the spinal cord...
  10. ncbi Is there a role for uridine and pyrimidine nucleosides in the treatment of vascular dementia?
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
    Funct Neurol 17:93-9. 2002
    ..Pyrimidine nucleosides might be useful in the chronic treatment of cognitive deficits resulting from vascular dementia...
  11. ncbi Immunohistochemical evidence and ultrastructural compartmentalization of a new antioxidant enzyme in the rat substantia nigra
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, I 56100, Pisa, Italy
    J Neurocytol 30:97-105. 2001
    ..This localization suggests new roles for dehydroascorbate reductase (eg. prevention of DNA oxidative damage and regulation of gene transcription)...
  12. ncbi Similarities between methamphetamine toxicity and proteasome inhibition
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1025:162-70. 2004
    ..Moreover, using a multifaceted pharmacological approach, we could demonstrate the need for endogenous DA in order to form neuronal inclusions...
  13. ncbi Effects of methamphetamine on the cerebellar cortex: a preliminary study
    Michela Ferrucci
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55, I 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1074:149-53. 2006
    ..Further investigations are needed in order to determine the time course, the cerebellar regions, the cellular (and subcellular) compartments, and the functional role related to these effects...
  14. ncbi A hypothesis on prion disorders: are infectious, inherited, and sporadic causes so distinct?
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Brain Res Bull 69:95-100. 2006
    ....
  15. ncbi Occurrence of neuronal inclusions combined with increased nigral expression of alpha-synuclein within dopaminergic neurons following treatment with amphetamine derivatives in mice
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Brain Res Bull 65:405-13. 2005
    ..This lends substance to the hypothesis that increased amounts of native alpha-synuclein may be per se a detrimental factor for the dopamine neurons...
  16. ncbi Overexpression of alpha-synuclein following methamphetamine: is it good or bad?
    Giuseppe Mauceli
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55, I 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1074:191-7. 2006
    ....
  17. ncbi Parkinson-like syndrome induced by continuous MPTP infusion: convergent roles of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and alpha-synuclein
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 102:3413-8. 2005
    ..These data suggest that continuous low-level exposure of mice to MPTP causes a Parkinson-like syndrome in an alpha-synuclein-dependent manner...
  18. ncbi Neuronal inclusions in degenerative disorders Do they represent static features or a key to understand the dynamics of the disease?
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Brain Res Bull 65:275-90. 2005
    ....
  19. ncbi Fine ultrastructure and biochemistry of PC12 cells: a comparative approach to understand neurotoxicity
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa I 56126, Italy
    Brain Res 1129:174-90. 2007
    ..This contrasts markedly with dopamine-containing neurons in vivo lending substance to opposite findings between these compartments concerning the sensitivity to a number of neurotoxins...
  20. ncbi Dose-dependent protective effects of apomorphine against methamphetamine-induced nigrostriatal damage
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
    Brain Res 898:27-35. 2001
    ....
  21. ncbi Effects of repeated low doses of MDMA on EEG activity and fluoro-jade B histochemistry
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1025:181-8. 2004
    ..Behavioral data showed a sensitization as measured by locomotor activity, which related to progressive and long-lasting EEG changes and neuronal degeneration within the hippocampus...
  22. ncbi Lithium in ALS: from the bench to the bedside
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
    Amyotroph Lateral Scler 9:123-4. 2008
  23. ncbi Amphetamines induce ubiquitin-positive inclusions within striatal cells
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, Italy
    Neurol Sci 24:182-3. 2003
    ..This is in line with a recent hypothesis connecting striatal DA release with degeneration of striatal GABA neurons...
  24. ncbi Abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) following pulsatile dopaminergic stimulation: severe deterioration and morphological correlates following the loss of locus coeruleus neurons
    F Fulceri
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
    Brain Res 1135:219-29. 2007
    ....
  25. ncbi Noradrenergic loss enhances MDMA toxicity and induces ubiquitin-positive striatal whorls
    M Ferrucci
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
    Neurol Sci 23:S75-6. 2002
    ..These morphological alterations were enhanced in locus coeruleus-lesioned mice...
  26. ncbi Methamphetamine induces ectopic expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and increases noradrenaline levels within the cerebellar cortex
    M Ferrucci
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Neuroscience 149:871-84. 2007
    ..In line with this, inherited cerebellar movement disorders in various animal species including humans are associated with increased TH immunoreactivity within intrinsic neurons of the same lobules of the cerebellar cortex...
  27. ncbi Central and peripheral benzodiazepine ligands prevent mitochondrial damage induced by noise exposure in the rat myocardium: an ultrastructural study
    M Gesi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
    Anat Rec 255:334-41. 1999
    ..Differences in the amount and in the duration of the protective effect might depend on variability in the potency and in the pharmacokinetics of the specific drugs...
  28. ncbi Time-course and dose-response study on the effects of chronic L-DOPA administration on striatal dopamine levels and dopamine transporter following MPTP toxicity
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, I 56100, Pisa, Italy
    Brain Res 887:110-7. 2000
    ..Moreover, administration of L-DOPA does not change the recovery process which takes place after a nigrostriatal lesion...
  29. ncbi Noradrenergic modulation of methamphetamine-induced striatal dopamine depletion
    F Fornai
    Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 844:166-77. 1998
    ..By contrast, exacerbation of methamphetamine toxicity in NE-depleted animals was accompanied by increased extracellular DA levels measured with brain dialysis and by a more severe acute DA depletion measured in striatal homogenates...
  30. ncbi Modulation of dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde extracellular levels in vivo in the rat striatum after different kinds of pharmacological treatment
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
    Brain Res 861:126-34. 2000
    ..As recent studies have shown that microinfusions of exogenous DOPALD might induce cell death, pharmacological modulation of DOPALD levels might also be relevant for an understanding of the mechanisms involved in DA neurotoxicity...
  31. ncbi Subcellular localization of a glutathione-dependent dehydroascorbate reductase within specific rat brain regions
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
    Neuroscience 104:15-31. 2001
    ....
  32. ncbi Biochemical effects of the monoamine neurotoxins DSP-4 and MDMA in specific brain regions of MAO-B-deficient mice
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
    Synapse 39:213-21. 2001
    ..The present findings, together with previous data obtained using selective enzyme inhibitors, suggest that MAO-B is not involved in the mechanism of action of DSP-4, whereas it plays opposite roles in MDMA-induced DA and 5HT depletions...
  33. ncbi Parkinson's disease and the gut: a well known clinical association in need of an effective cure and explanation
    G Natale
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
    Neurogastroenterol Motil 20:741-9. 2008
    ..In the last part of the manuscript, we suggest potential therapeutic targets...
  34. ncbi Novel aspects of dopamine oxidative metabolism (confounding outcomes take place of certainties)
    M Gesi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
    Pharmacol Toxicol 89:217-24. 2001
    ....
  35. ncbi Ultrastructural localization of calcium deposits in rat myocardium after loud noise exposure
    M Gesi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
    J Submicrosc Cytol Pathol 32:585-90. 2000
    ..Moreover, the present results joined with previous evidence indicate that calcium accumulation is the final common pathway responsible for noise-induced myocardial morphological alterations...
  36. ncbi Mechanisms involved in the formation of dopamine-induced intracellular bodies within striatal neurons
    Gloria Lazzeri
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    J Neurochem 101:1414-27. 2007
    ..In line with this, we produced subcellular alterations by administering dopamine agonists...
  37. ncbi Parallel manifestations of neuropathologies in the enteric and central nervous systems
    G Natale
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy Clinical Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Pisa, Italy Laboratory of Neurobiology of Movement Disorders, I R C C S, I N M Neuromed, Pozzilli Is, Italy
    Neurogastroenterol Motil 23:1056-65. 2011
    ..We discuss the potential mechanisms that lead to the onset and spread of neurodegeneration within the gut, from the gut to the brain, and vice versa...
  38. ncbi Previous exposure to (+/-) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine produces long-lasting alteration in limbic brain excitability measured by electroencephalogram spectrum analysis, brain metabolism and seizure susceptibility
    F S Giorgi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Neuroscience 136:43-53. 2005
    ..Persistent changes produced by (+/-) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in limbic brain excitability might be responsible for seizures and limbic-related disorders in chronic (+/-) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine abusers...
  39. ncbi Similar increases in extracellular lactic acid in the limbic system during epileptic and/or olfactory stimulation
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Neuroscience 97:447-58. 2000
    ....
  40. ncbi Time-dependent changes in adrenal cortex ultrastructure and corticosterone levels after noise exposure in male rats
    M Gesi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
    Eur J Morphol 39:129-35. 2001
    ..The significance of these changes, in relation to phenomena like sensitization to repetitive stress, are discussed. Furthermore, the present data suggest that chronic loud noise exposure might potentially lead to endocrine dysfunctions...
  41. ncbi Loud noise enhances nigrostriatal dopamine toxicity induced by MDMA in mice
    Marco Gesi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, 55-56126 Pisa, Italy
    Microsc Res Tech 64:297-303. 2004
    ..Since loud noise often accompanies ecstasy intake, the present findings call for more in-depth studies aimed at disclosing the fine mechanisms underlying this enhancement...
  42. ncbi Pathways of methamphetamine toxicity
    Michela Ferrucci
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1139:177-85. 2008
    ..We hypothesize that in mutant SOD1 transgenic mice, a defective autophagy might be responsible for the neurotoxic effects seen with in nigral neurons during METH toxicity...
  43. ncbi Clinical trials for neuroprotection in ALS
    G Siciliano
    Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets 9:305-13. 2010
    ..This knowledge is expected to improve our understanding of the pathogenetic mechanism in ALS and developing more effective therapies...
  44. ncbi Striatal dopamine metabolism in monoamine oxidase B-deficient mice: a brain dialysis study
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
    J Neurochem 73:2434-40. 1999
    ..This is in contrast to the rat, where DA is always metabolized by MAO A regardless of concentration...
  45. ncbi Nigrostriatal damage with 6-OHDA: validation of routinely applied procedures
    Federica Fulceri
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1074:344-8. 2006
    ..These results suggest that the flow rate and the volume of 6-OHDA infusion are critical to prevent the occurrence of nonspecific mechanical effects...
  46. ncbi Methamphetamine fails to alter the noradrenergic integrity of the heart
    Riccardo Ruffoli
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1139:337-44. 2008
    ....
  47. ncbi In PC12 cells neurotoxicity induced by methamphetamine is related to proteasome inhibition
    Gloria Lazzeri
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1074:174-7. 2006
    ..The conclusions of the present article suggest that the onset of inclusion bodies represents a slight consequence of toxicity, which requires a prolonged cell viability to take place...
  48. ncbi Resistance to striatal dopamine depletion induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in mice expressing human mutant Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Neurosci Lett 325:124-8. 2002
    ..Our results indicate that overexpression of both wild-type and human mutant SOD1 induces comparable neuroprotective effects against striatal dopaminergic depletion...
  49. ncbi MPTP- but not methamphetamine-induced parkinsonism extends to catecholamine neurons in the gut
    Gianfranco Natale
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1139:345-9. 2008
    ..These data indicate that METH did not alter the catecholamine-containing axons and autonomic neurons, while MPTP markedly reduced these components...
  50. ncbi Role of autophagy during methamphetamine neurotoxicity
    Livia Pasquali
    Department of Neuroscience, Section of Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1139:191-6. 2008
    ..Our preliminary findings rule out a detrimental role for autophagy; this represents the first step in understanding the consequence of activation of autophagy in methamphetamine toxicity...
  51. ncbi DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress in the hippocampal formation: a bridge between 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) intake and long-lasting behavioral alterations
    Giada Frenzilli
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Behav Pharmacol 18:471-81. 2007
    ..The present data indicate that the intake of very low doses of MDMA, comparable to those consumed by humans, produces selective hippocampal alterations which may underlie cognitive impairment and seizure susceptibility...
  52. ncbi A systematic study of brainstem motor nuclei in a mouse model of ALS, the effects of lithium
    Michela Ferrucci
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Neurobiol Dis 37:370-83. 2010
    ..Moreover, in the hypoglossal nucleus, we found that recurrent collaterals were markedly lost in G93A mice while they were rescued by chronic lithium administration...
  53. ncbi DNA damage associated with ultrastructural alterations in rat myocardium after loud noise exposure
    Paola Lenzi
    Dipartimento di Morfologia Umana e Biologia Applicata, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Environ Health Perspect 111:467-71. 2003
    ..An elevated oxyradical generation, possibly related to altered sympathetic innervation, is hypothesized as responsible for the induction and persistence of noise-induced cellular damage...
  54. ncbi Morphological evidence that xenon neuroprotects against N-methyl-DL-aspartic acid-induced damage in the rat arcuate nucleus: a time-dependent study
    Gianfranco Natale
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, I 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1074:650-8. 2006
    ..Xenon significantly reduced the neuronal damage at all times and can be then regarded as a promising neuroprotectant agent...
  55. ncbi Autophagy, lithium, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
    Livia Pasquali
    Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Muscle Nerve 40:173-94. 2009
    ..Again, lithium has been reported to decrease glial proliferation in the ALS spinal cord and induces sprouting in corticospinal fibers. Muscle Nerve 40: 173-194, 2009...
  56. ncbi Brief and repeated noise exposure produces different morphological and biochemical effects in noradrenaline and adrenaline cells of adrenal medulla
    Marco Gesi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
    J Anat 200:159-68. 2002
    ..In addition, adrenaline cells also exhibited ultrastructural alterations consisting of wide homogeneous cytoplasmic areas and large, pale vesicles...
  57. ncbi Morphological effects in the mouse myocardium after methylenedioxymethamphetamine administration combined with loud noise exposure
    Marco Gesi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Anat Rec 267:37-46. 2002
    ..Remarkably, this enhancement was evident both as a decrease in the threshold dose of MDMA necessary to alter the myocardial ultrastructure, and as an increase in myocardial alterations produced by a higher dose of MDMA...
  58. ncbi Effects of loud noise exposure on DNA integrity in rat adrenal gland
    Giada Frenzilli
    Dipartimento di Morfologia Umana e Biologia Applicata, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Environ Health Perspect 112:1671-2. 2004
    ..Genetic alterations did not decrease 24 hr after the cessation of the stimulus. We hypothesize that an imbalance of redox cell status is responsible for the induction and persistence of noise-induced cellular damage...
  59. ncbi MPTP-induced Parkinsonism is associated with damage to Leydig cells and testosterone loss
    Riccardo Ruffoli
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa Via Roma, 55 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Brain Res 1229:218-23. 2008
    ..These effects shed novel light to understand genital dysfunction and testosterone deficiency in Parkinsonism, while offering a new experimental model to reproduce genital dysfunction in Parkinson's disease...
  60. ncbi A damage to locus coeruleus neurons converts sporadic seizures into self-sustaining limbic status epilepticus
    Filippo S Giorgi
    Department of Neurosciences, Section of Neurology, University of Pisa, Italy
    Eur J Neurosci 17:2593-601. 2003
    ..This study demonstrates a powerful effect of noradrenergic terminals in regulating the onset of limbic status epilepticus and its sensitivity to specific glutamate antagonists...
  61. ncbi Effects of loud noise exposure on mouse myocardium: a comparison with the rat
    Marco Gesi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pisa Via Roma, 55 56126 Pisa Italy
    Microsc Res Tech 59:131-5. 2002
    ....
  62. ncbi Morphological alterations induced by loud noise in the myocardium: the role of benzodiazepine receptors
    Marco Gesi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Microsc Res Tech 59:136-46. 2002
    ....
  63. ncbi Increased prevalence of pervasive developmental disorders in children with slight arylsulfatase A deficiency
    Maria Grazia Alessandri
    Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Stella Maris, Via dei Giacinti 2, I 56018 Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
    Brain Dev 24:688-92. 2002
    ..This suggests that arylsulfatase A slight deficiency could be a marker of a subclass of pervasive developmental disorders...
  64. ncbi Expression of 3-nitrotyrosine, a marker for peroxynitrite, in nasal polyps of nonatopic patients
    Francesco Giannessi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Med Sci Monit 16:CR172-179. 2010
    ..This study aimed to assess the distribution of peroxynitrite in nasal polyps from nonatopic patients. Occurrence of peroxynitrite also was analyzed in relation with eosinophil infiltration and epithelial alterations...
  65. ncbi Dopamine stimulation via infusion in the lateral ventricle
    Francesca Biagioni
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1074:337-43. 2006
    ..These results offer a more reliable and safe therapeutic approach to deliver continuous DA selectively in the brain...
  66. ncbi The comet assay as a method of assessment of neurotoxicity: usefulness for drugs of abuse
    Giada Frenzilli
    Dipartimento di Morfologia Umana, E Biologia Applicata, Universita di Pisa, Via Volta, 4, I 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1074:478-81. 2006
    ..The present article summarizes some data from our and other groups underlining the suitability of the Comet assay in assessing neurotoxicity and its potential in evaluating drugs of abuse-related genotoxicity...
  67. ncbi Future therapeutical strategies dictated by pre-clinical evidence in ALS
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology University of Pisa, Italy
    Arch Ital Biol 149:169-74. 2011
    ..On this basis the present manuscript describes which future strategies need to be pursued in order to design optimal therapeutic trial in ALS...
  68. ncbi Introducing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
    Vincenzo Silani
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology University of Pisa, Italy
    Arch Ital Biol 149:1-4. 2011
    ..Similarly, novel investigations based on altered cell to cell communication are needed to further progress in understanding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis...
  69. ncbi Autophagy activation in glutamate-induced motor neuron loss
    Federica Fulceri
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology University of Pisa, Italy
    Arch Ital Biol 149:101-11. 2011
    ..In this experimental conditions, pharmacological activation of autophagy rescues the loss of motor neurons...
  70. ncbi Ecstasy during loud noise exposure induces dramatic ultrastructural changes in the heart
    Marco Gesi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
    Pharmacol Toxicol 91:29-33. 2002
    ..In contrast, alterations were visible at the ultrastructural level as mitochondrial changes. In particular, we found a marked enhancement in the number of altered mitochondria when MDMA was administered during exposure to loud noise...
  71. ncbi Strategies for clinical approach to neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
    Cecilia Carlesi
    Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Arch Ital Biol 149:151-67. 2011
    ..Here we review some of the recent progress in promoting therapeutic strategies for neurodegeneration...
  72. ncbi Protein clearing pathways in ALS
    Michela Ferrucci
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology University of Pisa, Italy
    Arch Ital Biol 149:121-49. 2011
    ..Conversely stimulation of autophagy alleviates motor neuron degeneration.Therefore, autophagy represents an important target when developing novel treatments in ALS...
  73. ncbi Involvement of dopamine receptors and beta-arrestin in metamphetamine-induced inclusions formation in PC12 cells
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    J Neurochem 105:1939-47. 2008
    ..In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the involvement of beta-arrestin in MA-induced intracellular bodies and the participation of dopamine receptors in this process...
  74. ncbi Analysis of single, purified inclusions as a novel approach to understand methamphetamine neurotoxicity
    Paola Lenzi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1139:186-90. 2008
    ....
  75. ncbi Intermittent Dopaminergic stimulation causes behavioral sensitization in the addicted brain and parkinsonism
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Int Rev Neurobiol 88:371-98. 2009
    ..In line with this view is the growing evidence of addictive behaviors in PD patients during the course of DA-replacement therapy...
  76. ncbi Locus coeruleus and neuronal plasticity in a model of focal limbic epilepsy
    Filippo S Giorgi
    Department of Neurosciences, Section of Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Epilepsia 47:21-5. 2006
    ..CONCLUSIONS: Noradrenergic loss converts focally induced sporadic seizures into an epileptogenic SE, which is accompanied by mossy fiber sprouting within the dentate gyrus...
  77. ncbi Sexual pheromone or conventional odors increase extracellular lactate without changing glucose utilization in specific brain areas of the rat
    F Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
    Neuroreport 12:63-9. 2001
    ....
  78. ncbi Activation of brain metabolism and fos during limbic seizures: the role of locus coeruleus
    Filippo S Giorgi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Neurobiol Dis 30:388-99. 2008
    ..This might have relevant effects in the plastic mechanisms related with epileptogenesis...
  79. ncbi Does autophagy worsen or improve the survival of dopaminergic neurons?
    Livia Pasquali
    Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Parkinsonism Relat Disord 15:S24-7. 2009
    ..Taken together, this evidence suggests that autophagy improves the survival of dopaminergic cells...
  80. ncbi Intracellular pathways underlying the effects of lithium
    Livia Pasquali
    Department of Neuroscience, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    Behav Pharmacol 21:473-92. 2010
    ..This review is an attempt to elucidate the primary effects of lithium to interconnect the simpler targets to the most complex pharmacological effects...
  81. ncbi Inclusion dynamics in PC12 is comparable between amphetamines and MPTP
    Marco Gesi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1074:315-9. 2006
    ..This suggests that formation of inclusions is a multi-step process that might be elicited by different stimuli and, once triggered, leads to the same final effect...
  82. ncbi The "Parkinsonian heart": from novel vistas to advanced therapeutic approaches in Parkinson's disease
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Curr Med Chem 14:2421-8. 2007
    ..Therefore, we suggest that binding to these receptor subtypes, joined with the lack of endogenous noradrenergic innervation, might synergize to produce the cardiac fibrosis...
  83. ncbi Comparison between heroin and heroin-cocaine polyabusers: a psychopathological study
    Adolfo Bandettini di Poggio
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1074:438-45. 2006
    ..Results show a direct relationship between cocaine abuse and a higher rate of psychiatric disorders, but a negative correlation with the severity of self-rated psychopathology...
  84. ncbi The role of autophagy: what can be learned from the genetic forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
    Livia Pasquali
    Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
    CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets 9:268-78. 2010
    ..These novel insights into the pathogenesis of ALS may lead to the identification of novel strategies to promote motor neuron survival...
  85. ncbi MDMA induces caspase-3 activation in the limbic system but not in striatum
    Ilaria Tamburini
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, Univerity of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1074:377-81. 2006
    ..Potential implications and pitfalls of such an experimental observation are reported...
  86. ncbi MDMA and seizures: a dangerous liaison?
    Filippo S Giorgi
    M.D. Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
    Ann N Y Acad Sci 1074:357-64. 2006
    ..In the present article, we reviewed these studies and we report our preliminary experimental data documenting the lack of mossy fiber sprouting at short time intervals following MDMA, when seizure susceptibility is already present...
  87. ncbi The role of norepinephrine in epilepsy: from the bench to the bedside
    Filippo S Giorgi
    Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56100 Pisa, Italy
    Neurosci Biobehav Rev 28:507-24. 2004
    ..Finally, recent data demonstrate that NE loss increases neuronal damage following focally induced limbic status epilepticus, confirming a protective effect of brain NE, which has already been shown in other neurological disorders...
  88. ncbi Lack of alpha 1b-adrenergic receptor protects against epileptic seizures
    Chiara Pizzanelli
    Unit of Neurophysiopathology, Hospital F Lotti, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
    Epilepsia 50:59-64. 2009
    ..Therefore, one should expect that the blockade of alpha 1b-AR leads to anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects. However, the lack of alpha 1b-AR antagonists does not allow testing of this hypothesis...
  89. ncbi CAPS1 regulates catecholamine loading of large dense-core vesicles
    Dina Speidel
    Max Planck Institut fur experimentelle Medizin, Abteilung Molekulare Neurobiologie, D 37075 Gottingen, Germany
    Neuron 46:75-88. 2005
    ..We conclude that CAPS1 is required for an essential step in the uptake or storage of catecholamines in LDCVs...
  90. ncbi Protection by apomorphine in two independent models of acute inhibition of oxidative metabolism in rodents
    Paola Castri
    Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Roma, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
    Clin Exp Hypertens 28:387-94. 2006
    ..These data suggest that apomorphine is neuroprotective, probably by means of an antioxidant effect, at doses that are clinically used. The finding may be relevant to brain ischemia as well to chronic neurodegeneration...
  91. ncbi Double-knockout mice for alpha- and beta-synucleins: effect on synaptic functions
    Sreeganga Chandra
    Center for Basic Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 101:14966-71. 2004
    ..These results show that synucleins are not essential components of the basic machinery for neurotransmitter release but may contribute to the long-term regulation and/or maintenance of presynaptic function...
  92. ncbi Induction of the Wnt inhibitor, Dickkopf-1, is associated with neurodegeneration related to temporal lobe epilepsy
    Carla Letizia Busceti
    I N M Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
    Epilepsia 48:694-705. 2007
    ....
  93. ncbi Suppression of autophagy precipitates neuronal cell death following low doses of methamphetamine
    Roberta Castino
    Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università A Avogadro, Novara, Italy
    J Neurochem 106:1426-39. 2008
    ....
  94. ncbi Enhanced tau phosphorylation in the hippocampus of mice treated with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("Ecstasy")
    Carla L Busceti
    Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
    J Neurosci 28:3234-45. 2008
    ..We conclude that tau hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampus may contribute to the impairment of learning and memory associated with MDMA abuse...
  95. ncbi Genetic or pharmacological blockade of noradrenaline synthesis enhances the neurochemical, behavioral, and neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine
    David Weinshenker
    Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
    J Neurochem 105:471-83. 2008
    ..We conclude that NA itself is neuroprotective and plays a fundamental role in the sensitivity of striatal DA terminals to the neurochemical, behavioral, and neurotoxic effects of METH...
  96. ncbi The neurotoxicity of amphetamines: bridging drugs of abuse and neurodegenerative disorders
    Luisa Iacovelli
    Lab of Neurobiology of Movement Disorders, I.R.C.C.S. I.N.M Neuromed; Loc. Camerelle, Pozzilli (IS, Italy
    Exp Neurol 201:24-31. 2006
    ....
  97. ncbi Alpha-1B adrenergic receptor knockout mice are protected against methamphetamine toxicity
    Giuseppe Battaglia
    IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
    J Neurochem 86:413-21. 2003
    ..Pharmacological blockade of alpha-adrenergic receptors with prazosin also protected wild-type mice against MA toxicity. These results suggests that alpha1b-ARs may play a role in the toxicity of MA on nigro-striatal DA neurons...
  98. ncbi Selective blockade of mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors is protective against methamphetamine neurotoxicity
    Giuseppe Battaglia
    Instituto Neuromed Mediterraneo, Pozzilli (Isernia) 86077, Italy
    J Neurosci 22:2135-41. 2002
    ..We conclude that endogenous activation of mGlu5 receptors enables the development of MA neurotoxicity and that mGlu5 receptor antagonists are neuroprotective without interfering with the primary mechanism of action of MA...
  99. ncbi Endogenous activation of mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors contributes to the development of nigro-striatal damage induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in mice
    Giuseppe Battaglia
    Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
    J Neurosci 24:828-35. 2004
    ..We conclude that mGlu5 receptors act as amplifiers of MPTP toxicity and that mGlu5 receptor antagonists may limit the extent of nigro-striatal damage in experimental models of parkinsonism...
  100. ncbi AMPA receptor desensitization as a determinant of vulnerability to focally evoked status epilepticus
    Francesco Fornai
    Department of Pharmacology, W215 Research Bldg, 3970 Reservoir Road NW, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
    Eur J Neurosci 21:455-63. 2005
    ....
  101. ncbi Induction of Dickkopf-1, a negative modulator of the Wnt pathway, is required for the development of ischemic neuronal death
    Irene Cappuccio
    Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
    J Neurosci 25:2647-57. 2005
    ..We conclude that induction of Dkk-1 with the ensuing inhibition of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway is required for the development of ischemic and excitotoxic neuronal death...