This study shows that expandable human neural stem/progenitor cells survive transplantation, and migrate, differentiate, and proliferate in the injured brain. These cells could potentially be developed for transplantation therapy in cases of traumatic brain injury.

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Experimental brain trauma and to some degree even sham surgery lead to an individually variable pattern of specific anti-brain reactive B-cells, while a T-cell response did not seem to be a consequence of moderate experimental contusion. The mere presence of anti brain-antibodies may be epiphenomenal, but could also be pathogenic for delayed degeneration. It is reasonable to regard the presence of an actual anti-brain reactivity as a potential threat to brain tissue integrity.

Human neural stem cells survive and improve motor function after transplantation to the contused brain. However, the transplants might be rejected and that depends on the graft immunogenicity, the host immunological status and the immunosuppression strategy. We transplanted human neural stem cells to rats with brain contusion and analyzed the donor and host MHC antigen expression and the effect of a short-term immunosuppression with cyclosporine. In vitro human neural stem cells expressed only MHC-II antigens. This expression was down-regulated 6 weeks after transplantation. The host response was characterized by an increased MHC-II expression which was down-regulated by a longer term of immunosuppression. These findings are novel and necessary in order to understand the immunogenicity of human neural stem cell grafts.

Purpose: For primary health care (PHC), hypertension is the number one diagnosis for planned health care visits. The treatment of high blood pressure (BP) and its consequences constitutes a substantial economic burden. In spite of efficient antihypertensive medications, a low percentage of patients reach a well-controlled BP. The PERson-centredness in Hypertension management using Information Technology (PERHIT) Study is a multicentre randomised controlled trial. PERHIT is designed to evaluate the effect of supporting self-management on systolic blood pressure by the use of information technology in Swedish primary health care. Materials and Methods: After inclusion, 900 patients from 36 PHC centres are randomised to two groups. In the intervention group, patients are provided with a self-management support system including a home-BP monitor and further requested to perform self-reports and measure BP every evening for eight consecutive weeks. In the control group, patients receive treatment as usual. Results: The primary outcome will be the change in systolic blood pressure in patients with hypertension. In addition, person-centredness, daily life activities, awareness of risk and health care costs will also be evaluated. Conclusion: The results of this randomised controlled trial with assessment of blood pressure and same-day self-reports will provide patients a tool to understand the interplay between blood pressure and lifestyle applicable to primary health care. The self-management support system may be of importance for improved adherence to treatment and persistence to treatment recommendations.

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