Eye pathology other than diseases that affect the cornea and lens are numerous and some of the leading causes are diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and retinal vascular occlusions.

The visual prosthesis can be divided into non-retinal and retinal approaches. Non-retinal approaches include cortical and optic nerve prosthesis. Retinal approaches are aimed at eye pathologies in which at least part of the optic nerve remains intact whereas when the optic nerve is nearly completely damaged and/or the eye itself

is disfigured or degenerated then a non-retinal approach is warranted. The retinal prosthesis can be placed on the surface of the retina, in the subretinal space or in the suprachoroidal E7080 space.

Results: Several independent groups related variable degrees of success in promoting visual sensations through electrical stimulation of the visual system.

Every technique, equipment and anatomical target has its advantages and disadvantages, and the

biological/electrical-mechanical interface is still the aspect of the research towards a chronic, long term, reliable biomimetic implant.

Conclusions: The visual prostheses have achieved significant developments in recent years. We see continued improvement in selleck chemical visual acuity with increasing number and density of electrodes. Even though the visual acuity is still poor relative to normal vision, these subjects can read letters using their implants. Perhaps more importantly, blind patients can use these devices for mobility and orientation. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Since their identification in 2005, T helper (Th)17 cells have been proposed to play important roles in several human diseases, including various

autoimmune conditions, allergy, the development and progression of tumors, and the acceptance or rejection of transplanted organs and bone marrow. Ribonuclease Focusing on human studies, here we review recent developments regarding Th17 biology and function in each of these fields. Th17 cells actively participate in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease, allergy and transplantation rejection. Th17 cells contribute to protective antitumor immunity in human epithelial malignancy, whereas Th17-associated cytokines may also be associated with tumor initiation and growth in the context of chronic inflammation and infection. Also discussed is how the in vivo plasticity of Th17 cells may be an important feature of Th17 cell biology in human disease.”
“The use of animal models (particularly rats) in research for developing drugs for central nervous system diseases is well validated. However a range of strains are often utilised in these models. The Lister-Hooded (LH) strain is beginning to be increasingly used in preclinical investigations.