Type II sodium channels in spinal cord astrocytes in situ: Immunocytochemical observations

The expression of sodium channel α-subunit isoforms in astrocytes in adult rat spinal cord and optic nerve was examined utilizing immunocytochemical methods with antibodies generated against conserved and subtype-specific sequences of the sodium channel. In adult rat spinal cord, astrocytes within the dorsal and ventral funiculi were immunolabelled with antibody SP20, which recognizes a conserved sequence within sodium channel types I, II, and III. In addition, astrocytes within these spinal cord white matter tracts were immunostained with antibody SP11-II, which recognizes sodium channel type II. Antibodies SP11-I and SP32-III, which are directed against subtype-specific sequences in sodium channel types I and III, respectively, did not label astrocytes in the dorsal and ventral funiculi of the spinal cord. In optic nerves, astrocytes were immunostained with antibody SP20. However, no detectable labelling of cells within the optic nerve was observed with antibodies SP11-I, SP11-II, and SP32-III. These observations demonstrate that sodium channel II is expressed by astrocytes in spinal cord white matter. Moreover, these data suggest that regional factors regulate the level of sodium channel isoform expression in astrocytes.     

BioMEMS Education at Louisiana Tech University

A course in BioMEMS was recently taught at the senior undergraduate and graduate level at Louisiana Tech University and the Institute for Micromanufacturing. The course focused on the basic principles and applications of MEMS technology in the area of biomedical microsystems. The course was well received and had an enrollment well above that expected. Student feedback and a review of the course evaluations indicated that the course was effective in achieving its aims. A poster session involving the presentation of student design projects at the end of the course proved to be a highlight and a valuable experience for all involved. While the course proved successful, suggestions for improvement of the course are outlined and a summary of student responses is presented. An overview of a BioMEMS short course based on the University course is also presented.