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Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily and acts as a neurotrophic factor for the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system. GDNF was injected stereotaxically into the striatum of young (2 months old) and aged (12 months old) C57BL/6 mice that were treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) 1 week earlier. Immunocytochemical and neurochemical analyses showed significant recovery of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system both in young and in aged mice. Since Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder mainly affecting elderly people, this result demonstrates the potential usefulness of GDNF in treating Parkinson's disease.

A 74-year-old female presented with a 3-month history of compression neuropathy of the right ulnar nerve in Guyon's canal. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography revealed the location of the mass lesion. Surgical exploration discovered a lipoma pressing against both the ulnar nerve and the ulnar artery. The mass was extirpated. The postoperative course was uneventful with good function recovery.

No abstract