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Cell Derived Nanovesicles (CDNs) have been developed from the rapidly expanding field of exosomes, representing a class of bioinspired Drug Delivery Systems (DDS). However, translation to clinical applications is limited by the low yield and multi-step approach in isolating naturally secreted exosomes. Here, we show the first demonstration of a simple and rapid production method of CDNs using spin cups via a cell shearing approach, which offers clear advantages in terms of yield and cost-effectiveness over both traditional exosomes isolation, and also existing CDNs fabrication techniques. The CDNs obtained were of a higher protein yield and showed similarities in terms of physical characterization, protein and lipid analysis to both exosomes and CDNs previously reported in the literature. In addition, we investigated the mechanisms of cellular uptake of CDNs in vitro and their biodistribution in an in vivo mouse tumour model. Colocalization of the CDNs at the tumour site in a cancer mouse model was demonstrated, highlighting the potential for CDNs as anti-cancer strategy. Taken together, the results suggest that CDNs could provide a cost-effective alternative to exosomes as an ideal drug nanocarrier.

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The expression of P-glycoprotein (PGP) was studied by immunocytochemistry and light and electron microscopy, in normal rats and after intracerebroventricular kainate injections. Two antibodies to PGP, mdr (Ab-1) and c-219, were used. As in previous studies (Thiebault et al. and Jette et al.), labelled capillaries were observed in normal rats. Kainate injections resulted in death of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus, and a proliferation of glial cells in the affected cornu ammonis fields. An increase in PGP expression was observed in reactive astrocytes as early as 1 day postinjection. Immunoreactivity peaked at 2 weeks postinjection, but was still visible as late as 10 weeks postinjection. Similar results were observed using the two antibodies. Double immunolabelling and confocal microscopy also showed that PGP was colocalised with GFAP, a marker for astrocytes. The expression of PGP in astrocytes was confirmed by electron microscopy, which showed immunoreaction product in cells containing dense bundles of glial filaments and features of reactive astrocytes. The increased PGP expression in reactive astrocytes could be part of a cellular stress response program in these cells.

Abstract. Progress is being made in identifying possible pathogenic factors and novel genes in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Many of these could contribute to 'slow excitotoxicity', defined as neuronal loss due to overexcitation as a consequence of decreased energy production due, for instance, to changes in insulin receptor signaling; or receptor abnormalities, such as tau-induced alterations in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor phosphorylation. As a result, glutamate becomes neurotoxic at concentrations that normally show no toxicity. In AD, NMDA receptors are overexcited by glutamate in a tonic, rather than a phasic manner. Moreover, in prodromal AD subjects, functional MRI reveals an increase in neural network activities relative to baseline, rather than loss of activity. This may be an attempt to compensate for reduced number of neurons, or reflect ongoing slow excitotoxicity. This article reviews possible links between AD pathogenic factors such as A␤PP/A␤ and tau; novel risk genes including clusterin, phosphatidylinositol-binding clathrin assembly protein, complement receptor 1, bridging integrator 1, ATP-binding cassette transporter 7, membrane-spanning 4-domains subfamily A, CD2-associated protein, sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin, and ephrin receptor A1; metabolic changes including insulin resistance and hypercholesterolemia; lipid changes including alterations in brain phospholipids, cholesterol and ceramides; glial changes affecting microglia and astrocytes; alterations in brain iron metallome and oxidative stress; and slow excitotoxicity. Better understanding of the possible molecular links between pathogenic factors and slow excitotoxicity could inform our understanding of the disease, and pave the way towards new therapeutic strategies for AD.