Abstract: The c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) group of MAP kinases are activated by exposure of cells to environmental stress. The role of JNK in the brain was examined by targeted disruption of the gene that encodes the neuronal isoform JNK3. It was found that JNK3 is required for the normal response to seizure activity. Methods of screening for molecules and compounds that decrease JNK3 expression or activity are described. Such molecules or compounds are useful for treating disorders involving excitotoxicity such as seizure disorders, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington disease, Parkinson's disease, and ischaemia.

Abstract: The c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) group of MAP kinases are activated by exposure of cells to environmental stress. The role of JNK in the brain was examined by targeted disruption of the gene that encodes the neuronal isoform JNK3. It was found that JNK3 is required for the normal response to seizure activity. Methods of screening for molecules and compounds that decrease JNK3 expression or activity are described. Such molecules or compounds are useful for treating disorders involving excitotoxicity such as seizure disorders, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington disease, Parkinson's disease, and ischaemia.

Abstract: The c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) group of MAP kinases are activated by exposure of cells to environmental stress. The role of JNK in the brain was examined by targeted disruption of the gene that encodes the neuronal isoform JNK3. It was found that JNK3 is required for the normal response to seizure activity. Methods of screening for molecules and compounds that decrease JNK3 expression or activity are described. Such molecules or compounds are useful for treating disorders involving excitotoxicity such as seizure disorders, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington disease, Parkinson's disease, and ischaemia.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for counting particles/cells within a counting box of precisely known volume that is completely inside a transparent section or sample. The box has a chosen height with defined upper and lower limits and appropriately selected width and depth dimensions. It resides completely within the sample and has no surface in common with an exterior surface of the sample. The system includes a compound light microscope that has a depth of focus which is small in relation to the thickness dimension of the counting box. The microscope includes adjustment means for moving the focal plane through a range which is greater than the height of the counting box. Display means are provided which show the portion of the sample that is within the depth of focus and user-operated means is provided to enable the user to mark the cells so displayed.