The targeted delivery of polymers to neurons is a challenging yet important goal for polymer based drug delivery. We prepared a fentanyl based atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator to target the Mu opioid receptor (MOR) for neuronal targeting. We incorporated our recently discovered rigid acrylate linking group into the initiator to retain a high degree of binding to the MOR and grafted random or block copolymers of poly(oligo(ethylene oxide) methacrylate)-block-(glycidyl methacrylate). Trifluoroethanol promoted amine ring opening of the glycidyl methacrylate was used for post-polymerization modification of the fentanyl initiated polymers to attach a near-infrared fluorescent dye (ADS790WS) or to build a targeted siRNA delivery system via modification with secondary amines. We examined the biocompatibility, cellular internalization, and siRNA binding properties of our polymer library in a green fluorescent protein expressing SY SH5Y neuroblastoma cell-line.
BACKGROUND
Pseudogout, or calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) disease, is an inflammatory joint disease that most commonly involves the joints of the knees, ankles, and wrists. Pseudogout has also been known to involve the spine, especially the atlanto-occipital joint of the cervical spine, but there is limited documentation of its involvement in the lumbar spine. Though the atypical presentation of spinal pseudogout with findings consistent with discitis and epidural abscess has been documented, its presentation with associated chronic spinal epidural hematoma is a rare entity.
OBSERVATIONS
The authors present two separate cases of pseudogout involvement of the lumbar spine, one case presenting with a clinical and radiographic picture consistent with discitis and epidural abscess and the other with radiographic and operative findings consistent with a chronic epidural hematoma.
LESSONS
This case series demonstrates rare and atypical presentations of pseudogout within the lumbosacral spine.
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