Datasets:

YBXL

/

pubmed

like 0

8221136

CCK-8 excites oxytocin-secreting neurons in the paraventricular nucleus in rats--possible involvement of noradrenergic pathway.

Systemic administration of CCK-8 increased plasma oxytocin (OXT) level in rats anesthetized with a mixture of urethane and alpha-chloralose. Extracellular recordings were made from magnocellular neurosecretory neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus in anesthetized rats to examine the effects of CCK-8 on the firing of PVN neurons. Thirteen out of 16 nonphasic neurons (putative OXT-secreting neurons) were excited by intravenous and/or intraperitoneal administration of CCK-8. By contrast, 8 out of 10 phasic cells, vasopressin(AVP)-secreting cells, were inhibited by systemic administration of CCK-8. Four out of five nonneurosecretory neurons in the PVN were excited by the administration of CCK-8. Moreover, microiontophoretically applied phentolamine blocked the excitatory responses induced by CCK-8 in nonphasic neurons. We measured extracellular noradrenaline (NA) level in the PVN, using in vivo microdialysis. Intravenous administration of CCK-8 induced NA release in the PVN. These results suggest that CCK-8 activates the excitatory afferent pathway to putative OXT-secreting neurons in the PVN which may, at least in part, be involved in the central noradrenergic projection.

Adrenergic Antagonists,Animals,Iontophoresis,Male,Microdialysis,Neurons,Norepinephrine,Oxytocin,Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Sincalide

17859,26585,221081,479726,626920,988183,1371708,1791926,1822561,2027516,2087513,2231433,2458397,2537039,2621594,2748428,2988698,3008940,3017374,3192902,3661761,3715453,3998651,4080609,4395231,5135552,6087990,6089965,6197715,6323145,6331571,6348597,6436476,6514236,6713189,6756545,7248792,7292008,19215514

8221137

Visceroendocrine responses elicited by neuropeptide Y in the nucleus tractus solitarius.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has been shown to be localized in a number of CNS regions, including the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). In this meeting report, a brief overview is presented of recent studies from our laboratory examining the role of NPY in NTS-mediated mechanisms of cardiorespiratory and visceroendocrine regulation. Microinjections of NPY, NPY analogs, or C-terminal NPY fragments were made into the subpostremal NTS of anesthetized spontaneously breathing rats. NPY elicited pronounced dose-related depressor responses, bradycardia, and reductions in respiratory minute volume. The overall cardiorespiratory response pattern elicited by NPY was mimicked by NPY, a fragment of NPY exhibiting selective agonist properties at presynaptic Y2 receptors, whereas the Y1 receptor-selective analog, [Leu31,Pro34]NPY, and the C-terminal inactive fragment, NPY, were found to be ineffective. In an effort to further characterize intrinsic NTS mechanisms mediating the NPY-evoked response pattern, NPY microinjections were similarly made in a group of rats with bilateral glossopharyngeovagotomy (G-vagotomy) and in a group of rats decerebrated at the supracollicular level. The results showed that whereas decerebration did not appreciably affect the NTS-mediated cardiorespiratory responses elicited by NPY, G-vagotomy enhanced the NPY-evoked hypotension while at the same time abolishing the NPY-evoked bradycardia and reductions in tidal volume. Taken together, these observations with G-vagotomized animals, along with the results from microinjection studies using selective ligands for NPY receptors, suggest that NPY may modulate primary visceral afferent information via activation of Y2 receptors distributed at presynaptic sites in the subpostremal NTS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals,Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena,Cardiovascular System,Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental,Hormones,Neuropeptide Y,Respiratory Physiological Phenomena,Respiratory System,Solitary Nucleus,Visceral Afferents

1374537,1473009,1577398,1590479,1611506,1664944,1676143,1708726,1720228,1720691,1967914,2015518,2136723,2146512,2153286,2159475,2178454,2180575,2260724,2271953,2337824,2455156,2537374,2563712,2854244,2885349,3026859,3070587,3224284,3360988,3374840,3542576,3766169,3840810,3914635,6147174,6715573

8221138

Olfactory bulb neurons respond to cervicovaginal distension.

Mitral cell layer neuronal activity in the olfactory bulb (OB) of the anesthetized rat is modulated by cervicovaginal distension. Data are reported on 22 cells that decreased and 6 that increased in response to the distension. These results provide support for the existence of a functional interaction between the reproductive tract and the olfactory system.

Animals,Cervix Uteri,Estrus,Female,Neurons,Olfactory Bulb,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Vagina

679038,1161824,1959044,2292033,2594200,3347371,3737720,3978442,4811553,5102095,7375534,7443807,7451682,13805126

8221139

Effect of chronic antidepressant treatment on responses to apomorphine in selectively bred rat strains.

The purpose of this study was to verify the dopamine-sensitizing behavioral effect of chronic antidepressant treatment in two selectively bred rat strains: the hypercholinergic Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) and control Flinders Resistant Line (FRL). Two antidepressants, desipramine HCl (DMI) and sertraline HCl, were injected IP in separate groups of FSL and FRL rats in a dose of 16.5 mumol/kg twice daily for 16 days. Twenty-four hours after withdrawal, locomotor and hypothermic responses to 0.2 mg/kg of apomorphine, SC, were examined. Attenuation of the effect of apomorphine was observed in the open field: FRLs withdrawn from sertraline were significantly less mobile than control FRLs, and the same trend was found in FSL rats. Chronic DMI resulted in similar changes in the locomotor activity. Sertraline treatment decreased apomorphine-induced hypothermia by almost half in FSLs, whereas slight hyperthermia was induced in FRL rats instead. The present results suggest that in these selectively bred strains, a serotonergic antidepressant such as sertraline may have sensitized dopaminergic autoreceptors and/or desensitized postsynaptic receptors. Apomorphine-induced hypothermia could be mediated by serotonergic neuron function that may have been altered by chronic sertraline but not DMI treatment.

1-Naphthylamine,Animals,Apomorphine,Body Temperature Regulation,Breeding,Depressive Disorder,Desipramine,Disease Models, Animal,Male,Motor Activity,Parasympathetic Nervous System,Rats,Sertraline,Time Factors

358806,481130,575199,1617465,1978645,2017438,2132639,2184043,2243891,2533356,2567521,2623026,2675193,2901020,3022322,3059924,3059925,3127840,3288493,3328472,3535999,3582500,3866221,3942800,4040217,6146181,6241227,6318882,6418553,7198991,7431248,8455816

8221140

Locomotion of aged rats: relationship to neurochemical but not morphological changes in nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons.

Spontaneous locomotion and motor coordination was evaluated in young (5-6 month old) and aged (24-25 month old) rats. Animals were tested for spontaneous locomotor activity in Digiscan Animal Activity Monitors during the nocturnal cycle. Aged animals exhibited a significant hypoactivity compared to their young counterparts. Evaluation of the time course of activity revealed that the young animals had a cyclical pattern of activity during the 12-hour testing period with clear peaks at 2-4 hours after the initiation of testing and at 8- to 10-hour intervals thereafter. In contrast, the aged animals exhibited a blunted initial activity peak. During the remainder of the test period the aged animals activity was stable with no further peaks in activity. Compared to the young animals the aged animals also (a) remained suspended from a horizontal wire for less time, (b) were unable to descend a wooden pole covered with wire mesh in a coordinated manner, (c) fell more rapidly from a rotating rod and (d) were unable to maintain their balance on a series of wooden beams with either a square or rounded top of varying widths. Histological analysis demonstrated that there was no reduction in the number, area, or length of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons within the A8, A9, or A10 region of the aged animals. Neurochemical analysis revealed that while DA and HVA levels were not decreased in the aged rats, DOPAC levels, as well as the ratios of DA/DOPAC and DA/HVA, were decreased. These results indicate that neurochemical but not morphological changes within the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system underlie the deficits in motor behavior observed in aged rats.

Aging,Animals,Corpus Striatum,Darkness,Dopamine,Male,Motor Activity,Neurons,Rats,Rats, Sprague-Dawley,Substantia Nigra

12731,189140,202373,381583,457523,504992,671005,870310,923678,956813,1830509,1837593,2437473,2526948,2529020,2532056,2570627,2628781,2895004,2946969,2951609,2999830,3145463,3251581,3284425,3364887,3364893,3364899,3493827,3561665,3683720,3828051,3839052,3964406,4000382,4059304,4272516,6087370,6109264,6111765,6116140,6149143,6155174,6334363,6482680,6687001,6738785,6823561,6879196,7002994,7046051,7075956,7142992,7168730,7199364,7262251,7378778,7388694,7410787

8221141

Behavioral effects of fetal neural transplants: relevance to Huntington's disease.

Animal models of Huntington's disease (HD) and other neurological disorders have proven useful for examining the anatomical, neurochemical, and behavioral alterations in these diseases. Investigators have taken advantage of new excitotoxic models that appear to successfully simulate the neurobiological and behavioral characteristics of HD with remarkable homology. Selective excitotoxic compounds allow for a more precise and controlled lesion with which to examine the relationship between striatal damage and behavioral abnormalities. In addition, these models provide new approaches for developing and testing various treatments for HD. Fetal neural tissue transplanted into the excitotoxin-lesioned animal can integrate with the host brain and promote neurochemical and functional recovery. Neural grafting paradigms may be viewed as potential therapies for treating neurodegenerative diseases and as aids in deciphering the regenerative mechanisms of the central nervous system. Further research is necessary, however, to determine the negative and positive effects of neural transplantation. In addition, existing behavioral models need to be refined to allow for better evaluation of the subtle topographic changes in behavior resulting from fetal tissue transplantation.

Animals,Behavior, Animal,Brain Tissue Transplantation,Clinical Trials as Topic,Disease Models, Animal,Fetal Tissue Transplantation,Humans,Huntington Disease,Neurotoxins

3629,8731,25442,28812,38864,214805,659663,692281,1480340,1589583,1699131,1721733,2105529,2139853,2422561,2461437,2525824,2535266,2563916,2653567,2892568,2942223,2970591,3142637,3420529,3441309,3772455,3798095,3947993,4054276,4412538,6100835,6225037,6280927,6316146,6482962,13533397

8221142

Angiotensin II(3-8) (ANG IV) hippocampal binding: potential role in the facilitation of memory.

The present research characterizes a newly discovered ANG II(3-8) (ANG IV) binding site localized in structures associated with memory function (hippocampus, neocortex, cerebellum), as well as other brain stem structures (thalamus, inferior olivary nucleus). This site is not the AT1 or AT2 site that binds angiotensins II (ANG II) and III (ANG III) nor does it bind the nonpeptide AT1 or AT2 receptor antagonists DuP753 and PD123177, respectively. The intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of ANG IV was ineffective at inducing drinking in rats as compared with equivalent doses of ANG II and III. Although not as effective as ANG II or ANG III, ICV infusion of ANG IV did provoke a pressor response at the highest dose (100 pmol/min), which appeared to be mediated by ANG II (AT1)-type receptors and not the specific AIV binding site described here. By contrast, the ICV infusion of ANG IV resulted in greater effects upon retention and retrieval of a passive avoidance task as compared with ANG II. Specifically, ANG II was not different from the ICV infusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid, while ANG IV improved retention and retrieval of this task.

Angiotensin II,Animals,Avoidance Learning,Conditioning, Operant,Guinea Pigs,Hippocampus,Memory,Rats,Rats, Sprague-Dawley,Receptors, Angiotensin

189877,684101,1361394,1438983,1504842,1515929,1568766,1868325,1937677,2024289,2054657,2073578,2179532,2194459,2282487,2289535,2292036,2331601,2407490,2590220,2604011,2612561,2775266,2836110,3244565,3252173,3300368,3551809,3567601,3762929,4041782,4061676,4323125,4325462,6099555,6258713,6269440,6324205,6330067,7039765,14330744

8221143

Long-term habituation to spatial novelty modifies posttrial synchronized sleep in rats.

To assess the role of posttrial synchronized sleep in the processing of a nonassociative task, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with chronically implanted cortical electrodes for EEG recording were exposed to a Làt-maze, and horizontal (HA; corner crossing) and vertical (VA; rearings) activities were monitored during two 10-min test trials made at a 3-h (experiment 1) or 24-h (experiment 2) interval. EEG conventional recording was taken during 3 h under baseline conditions (day 1), and following exposure to the maze (day 2), and analyzed as to the amount (a), number (n), and mean duration (d) of synchronized sleep (SS) episodes followed by wakefulness (SS-->W) or by paradoxical sleep (SS-->PS). In both experiments there was a significant intertrial decrement (long-term habituation: LTH) for horizontal activity (LTH-HA), vertical activity (LTH-VA), and emotionality (LTH-E). In experiment 1, in comparison to baseline values, the posttrial SS-->PS(a) increased, mainly for the appearance of SS-->PS episodes in the 1st h. SS-->W(a) also increased in the first h. Correlative analyses among behavioral and sleep parameters showed that SS-->PS(n) and (d) covaried positively with LTH-HA relative to the entire test, and with LTH-VA relative to the second part of the test in the third h. Negative correlations were present between SS-->PS(n) and (d), and LTH-E. In experiment 2, exposed rats showed a lower SS-->PS(n) in the first hour and an increased SS-->PS(d) in the second hour. No change was observed as to SS-->W episodes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals,Habituation, Psychophysiologic,Male,Rats,Rats, Sprague-Dawley,Sleep,Spatial Behavior,Time Factors

162800,203966,1553104,1557433,1557434,2167694,3174845,3174846,3892377,4034717,4183562,4327135,4350255,4473013,5527374,6395910,6878457,7005946,7196593,7325952,8221144,8415951

8221144

Distributed changes in c-Fos and c-Jun immunoreactivity in the rat brain associated with arousal and habituation to novelty.

The effects of exposure to spatial novelty on expression of the immediate early gene (IEG) products c-Fos and c-Jun were mapped in the rat brain by immunohistochemistry. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were tested for 10 min in a Làt-maze, and corner-crossings, rearings, and fecal boli were recorded. Rats were sacrificed at different time intervals after exposure to the maze (0.5, 2, 6, or 24 h). Unexposed rats or rats repeatedly exposed for 3 days at 24 h interval served as controls. Nonperfused brains were processed for immunocytochemistry for c-Fos and c-Jun on adjacent slices using the avidin-biotin method and diaminobenzidine as chromogen. In unexposed control rats the constitutive expression of the two IEGs products was low and scattered. In contrast, rats that had been exposed for the first time to the maze (spatial novelty) showed an extensive c-Fos- and c-Jun-like immunoreactivity in the reticular formation, the caudate-putamen complex, the hippocampus (granular and pyramidal neurons), the cerebellum (granular neurons), and all layers of somatosensory cortex. The positivity was stronger in rats exposed for the first time to the box than in repeatedly exposed or unexposed control rats. A maximal IEG expression was found in animals with postexposure survival times of 2 and 6 h. IEG expression in repeatedly exposed rats was still above baseline expression of unexposed rats but still lower than that of rats having been exposed only once to the maze.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals,Arousal,Exploratory Behavior,Habituation, Psychophysiologic,Immunohistochemistry,In Vitro Techniques,Male,N-Methylaspartate,Nerve Tissue Proteins,Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos,Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun,Rats,Rats, Sprague-Dawley

1678499,1708074,1720578,1903243,1906769,2122879,2167694,2176705,2505198,2509287,2512584,2512642,2515410,2570339,2570340,2723651,2725196,2805329,2882014,3037702,3112583,3116433,3119222,3124834,3131879,3427445,3593523,4337924,4715622,5547375,7196593,8272284,8415951,12106214

8221145

Striatal grafts in the ischemic striatum improve pallidal GABA release and passive avoidance.

Fetal striatal cells were grafted into the ischemic striatum of rats and pallidal GABA release, and behavioral improvement were investigated. Intraluminal occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) for 1 h induced ischemic infarcts in the lateral striatum and the adjacent cortex. In ischemic rats, the performance of a passive avoidance task was disturbed, and the pallidal GABA level detected by microdialysis decreased to about a half of control. After the graft, the deficit in the passive avoidance was partially alleviated and the GABA level recovered moderately and increased further by the infusion of an uptake blocker. The data indicate that fetal striatal cell grafts in the ischemic striatum partially restored both chemical and behavioral deficits.

Animals,Avoidance Learning,Behavior, Animal,Brain Ischemia,Cerebral Infarction,Corpus Striatum,Dialysis,Globus Pallidus,Male,Rats,Rats, Wistar,gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

43486,571147,574053,1981488,2105529,2433142,2747920,2897530,2939457,3008591,3336384,3380300,3401738,3418350,3947993,6482962,13575600

8221146

Protective effect of under-reinforcement of passive avoidance against scopolamine-induced amnesia.

Administration of antimuscarinic drugs induces amnesia of aversively motivated behaviors. However, when relatively high intensities of footshock are used during training (over-reinforcement), animals become protected against such amnesic state. Moreover, the protective effect is established in a none-or-all fashion, i.e., within a series of increasing intensities a minute augmentation of footshock intensity is sufficient to reach the protective threshold. In the present experiment it was found that very low intensities of aversive stimulation (under-reinforcement), sufficient to produce learning, also protected animals from scopolamine-induced amnesia. These results suggest that acetylcholine is critically involved in memory consolidation of passive avoidance, but only within a limited range of training intensities.

Amnesia,Animals,Avoidance Learning,Male,Muscarinic Antagonists,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Reinforcement Schedule,Scopolamine

589468,1616458,1716012,2372689,2990293,3202811,3448611,3714784,5064483,5064951,5853734,6090974,6129605,6328577

8221147

Convergence of gastric and hepatic information in brain stem neurons of the rat.

Convergence of gastric and hepatic information in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) was investigated by single-pulse electrical stimulation of the hepatic and the gastric branches of the vagus. Facilitation induced by both stimuli occurred most often in responses of neurons in the NTS, indicating convergence of information there. In a second experiment using gastric distension and portal infusion of glucose to analyze such convergence, activation by gastric distension and suppression by portal glucose was the most prominent combination of responses to both stimuli. This confirmed the results of electrical stimulation, because distension increases the firing rate of gastric afferents and glucose infusion decreases the firing rate of hepatic afferents. Analysis of the responses to varying degrees of gastric distension revealed that some NTS neurons are activated by weak distension, but inhibited by strong distensions.

Animals,Brain Stem,Chemoreceptor Cells,Electric Stimulation,Glucose,Infusions, Intravenous,Liver,Male,Mechanoreceptors,Neurons,Rats,Rats, Sprague-Dawley,Receptors, Cell Surface,Stomach

663655,731576,2510096,2678269,3017121,3389415,3417902,4031985,4041813,5524502,6090522,6090526,6363505,6470405,6738915,7266935,13222282

8221148

Glucose-responsive neurons exist within the area postrema of the rat: in vitro study on the isolated slice preparation.

Responses to glucose of spontaneously active neurons were investigated by extracellular recording in the rat area postrema slice preparations (in vitro). Among 67 spontaneously active neurons, 16 neurons displayed a marked increase or decrease in discharge rate in response to increases or decreases of the glucose concentration in perfusate. These results confirm the existence of glucose-responsive neurons within the area postrema suggested in prior in vivo experiments. Response to CCK or dopamine was also examined on the isolated area postrema slices. The neuron that showed a marked increase in discharge rate responding to glucose elicited a marked increase of discharge rate in response to 2.1 microM CCK, suggesting that glucose and CCK affect the same neurons. Some neurons showed a marked increase or decrease in the discharge rate in response to 20 microM dopamine, but these neurons showed neither response to CCK nor to glucose. It is likely that different neuronal networks in the area postrema contribute to control of ingestion and to initiation of nausea.

Animals,Cerebral Ventricles,Glucose,In Vitro Techniques,Male,Neurons,Rats,Rats, Sprague-Dawley

1965047,2015509,2146002,2572001,2660187,3007746,3187046,3749526,3755245,3766771,3988989,4000542,5778398,6147174,6301631,6494309,6500066,6542029,7139339,7237155,7248778,7327206

8221149

Food intake, sympathetic activity, and adrenal steroids.

Food Intake is reciprocally related to the activity of sympathetic nerves to brown adipose tissue. This reciprocal or feedback relation is shown for hypothalamic lesions, drugs, and many peptides. These peptides also modulate intake of specific nutrients. Galanin and opioids increase fat intake, whereas enterostatin decreases fat intake. NPY increases carbohydrate intake and growth hormone releasing hormone decreases protein intake. The activity of the sympathetic nervous system is low in obesity and adrenalectomy reverses this decrease in sympathetic activity and reverses or stops the progression of obesity. One mechanism for this effect of adrenal steroids is through a transacting substance which is involved in steroid actions and the production of obesity.

Adrenal Glands,Amino Acid Sequence,Animals,Eating,Molecular Sequence Data,Norepinephrine,Nutritional Status,Peptides,Steroids,Sympathetic Nervous System

212061,218794,643077,733799,747998,863380,867049,917110,1473000,1621865,1728838,1855133,1861165,1996720,2221147,2331599,2352652,2549315,2555029,2683717,2688303,2752301,2784291,2813537,2869977,2933348,2957297,3045841,3064881,3119312,3137829,3147717,3187077,3198309,3292586,3298914,3306732,3308444,3353430,3364610,3457537,3525360,3550538,3550804,3786335,3786496,4773196,6278959,6421174,6421176,6500191,6708740,6804218,6886011,7051020,7070201,7165736,7202335,8430870

8221150

Macronutrient choice following food deprivation: effect of dietary fat dilution.

Under standard laboratory conditions rats given access to three separate macronutrient sources compose a diet yielding 31% of their total daily calories as protein, 34% as carbohydrate, and 34% as fat. This selection pattern is dramatically altered with restored access following a 48 h fast. During the first hour of refeeding, rats composed a diet that was low in protein and high in carbohydrates and fat. By the end of 24 h, no difference in selection pattern was found, though intake of all three macronutrients was higher than baseline. A separate group given access to three macronutrient sources of equal caloric density specifically increased fat intake during the period of restored access. Another group, familiarized with a concentrated fat source, was given access to a diluted fat source during refeeding. Similarly, a fourth group, familiarized with a diluted fat source during the baseline condition was given access to a concentrated fat source during refeeding. Results from these experiments suggest that prior experience with a diluted fat source promotes a significant increase in fat intake and a suppression of carbohydrate intake during initial refeeding following a 48 h fast. In a second experiment, rats that were given a choice of both fat sources preferred the concentrated source; 72% of all fat (g) and 82% of all fat calories were consumed from the concentrated fat source. These results suggest that fat intake increases following deprivation not solely due to its inherent relatively increased caloric density but also possibly due to its role in energy metabolism.

Animals,Dietary Fats,Food Deprivation,Food Preferences,Male,Nutrition Assessment,Rats,Rats, Sprague-Dawley

1734669,1959040,2267247,2611695,2780878,3344832,3777220,5668303,6064433,6505047,8248349

8221151

Liver denervation, 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, and intake of imbalanced amino acid diet.

The serotonin3 receptor antagonist ICS 205-930 (ICS) may act peripherally to attenuate the anorectic response of rats given an imbalanced amino acid (IMB) diet. Rats were divided into four groups: SHAM+saline (sal); SHAM+ICS; total liver denervation (TLD) + sal; and TLD+ICS. Rats were then given a purified basal diet for 16 days. Next, the groups were injected with sal or 9 mg/kg BW of ICS at 0800 h and at 0900 h (lights out) an isoleucine IMB diet was presented. By 12 h postinjection, the food intake (FI) of TLD and SHAM rats receiving ICS was similarly higher (p < 0.02) than sal-injected counterparts whose FI was also similar; BW followed FI. By day 3, the SHAM groups had similar low FI, whereas the FI of the TLD groups was increasing. The above study was repeated with similar results. Liver innervation is not required for ICS attenuation of IMB diet-induced hypophagia. Also, while sal-injected TLD rats show a normal attenuation of consumption of the IMB diet on the first day of exposure, they subsequently consume more of the IMB diet than SHAM rats. The reason for this difference in TLD rats is not clear but may be related to metabolism of the IMB diet or possibly learning.

Amino Acids,Animals,Body Weight,Denervation,Eating,Indoles,Liver,Male,Rats,Rats, Sprague-Dawley,Serotonin Antagonists,Tropisetron

427565,430232,1373445,1550237,1653437,1780351,1959036,1983714,2015513,2077016,2118734,2121052,2121053,2205480,2262665,2262807,2310176,2334408,2380797,2446514,2516331,2602493,2656935,2664098,2777208,2863298,2913235,3088622,3191410,3194475,3310660,3543749,3673710,3740318,3808463,3842801,3970961,4396847,4710879,4810987,4912906,5779842,5807321,5964188,6349992,6522486,7039505,7267753,14135456

8221152

Food consistency modulates eating volume and speed through brain histamine in rat.

Changes in meal parameters of rats fed with different consistency of food were examined using hard and soft pellets. Meal size and eating speed of the first meal after 1800 h increased significantly in rats fed with soft pellets compared to those fed with hard pellets. Effects of histamine depletion on meals treated with hard or soft pellets were investigated after an intraperitoneal injection of 0.11 mmol/kg alpha-fluoromethylhistidine (FMH), a specific suicide inhibitor of the histamine synthesizing decarboxylase enzyme. When rats were fed with hard pellets, FMH significantly decreased eating speed and prolonged meal duration without affecting meal size. When rats were fed with soft pellets, FMH increased meal size and duration, but not eating speed. The meal parameter of eating speed was significantly decreased and meal size and duration were increased in obese Zuckers, a hereditary histamine-depleted animal model, when compared to their lean littermates. These results indicate that proprioceptive sensation from the oral cavity may regulate meal parameters through histaminergic neurons in the brain.

Animals,Eating,Feeding Behavior,Food,Histamine,Hypothalamus,Male,Mouth,Obesity,Proprioception,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Rats, Zucker

1330211,1481923,1719044,1881601,2085781,2564258,2565348,2765863,2895015,3062046,3235267,3359243,4086533,5950056,6090526,6371818,6388520,6713171,7043509,8415942

8221153

The effects of amygdaloid stimulation on amphetamine-elicited locomotor sensitization.

Systemic injection of d-amphetamine (1.0 mg/kg) resulted in a progressive increase in locomotor activity as a function of repeated daily drug administration. The magnitude of the stimulant-induced sensitization effect was enhanced by low-current electrical stimulation of the central nucleus of the amygdala during open-field testing. Amygdaloid stimulation in the absence of amphetamine treatment did not influence spontaneous locomotor activity, and there was no behavioral evidence of epileptogenesis following amygdaloid stimulation over the course of the experiment. However, with continued stimulation of the amygdala, early-stage convulsive activity was apparent in animals after approximately 40 days of testing, signifying the advancement of kindling evolution. These results suggest that the processes responsible for kindling acquisition, prior to the behavioral expression of epileptiform events, interact with the underlying substrates of amphetamine sensitization.

Amygdala,Animals,Dextroamphetamine,Electric Stimulation,Male,Motor Activity,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Reference Values,Seizures

570934,996151,1786555,1839240,2558330,2649208,2664556,2671566,2691934,2696980,2875470,2884240,2907617,2927262,2962647,3107759,3154511,3385638,3527341,3971150,4110397,4981856,5323395,5459137,6134302,6640361,6683106,6782610,6816390,6860719,6991841,14201838

8221154

The role of serotonergic neurons in intravenous hypertonic saline-induced secretion of vasopressin, oxytocin, and ACTH.

This study tested the effect of brain serotonin (5-HT) depletion on the secretion of oxytocin (OT), vasopressin (VP), and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) due to an osmotic load. The 5-HT neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) was used to deplete brain 5-HT. The OT, VP, and ACTH osmotic sensitivity (slope of delta[OT]/delta[Osm]) and the osmotic threshold (X intercept of delta[OT]/delta[Osm]) were evaluated. Depletion of brain 5-HT decreased the OT osmotic sensitivity by > 80% (p < 0.001) without changing the OT osmotic threshold. Brain 5-HT depletion had no effect on the VP osmotic sensitivity and increased the VP osmotic threshold from 287.8 +/- 1.5 to 293.1 +/- 2.0 mOsm/kg (p < 0.05). The plasma ACTH increase due to infusion of hypertonic saline was not affected by brain 5-HT depletion. Brain 5-HT depletion significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the pituitary content of OT and VP by 38 and 32%, respectively, without changing ACTH content. These results provide evidence for a functional role of serotonergic neurons in osmoregulation of plasma and pituitary concentration of OT and VP, but not ACTH.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine,Adrenocorticotropic Hormone,Animals,Brain,Hypothalamus,Infusions, Intravenous,Male,Neurons,Oxytocin,Pituitary Gland,Rats,Rats, Sprague-Dawley,Reference Values,Saline Solution, Hypertonic,Serotonin,Vasopressins

181396,500827,565370,1130532,1182546,1535317,1847854,1850481,1971712,2148061,2156670,2156671,2158377,2309938,2331582,2422252,2432203,2449477,2523382,2549155,2551661,2897981,2931284,3035309,3041098,3096489,3259955,3374754,3380307,3386052,3476800,3505373,3605376,3696493,4463815,4750450,6163932,6283286,6293810,6357352,6478269,6657001,7158228,7230026,7377372,19210480

8221155

Cardiac, neuroendocrine, and behavioral effects of central amygdaloid vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic mechanisms under stress-free conditions in rats.

The central nucleus of the amygdala (CEA) is considered to play a major role in the expression of behavioral, autonomic, and neuroendocrine components of the stress response. The present study was designed to examine possible modulating effects of the neuropeptides arginine-8-vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT) on functioning of the CEA in male Wistar rats. Heart rate, neuroendocrine parameters, and behavioral activity were repeatedly measured before, during, and after local administration of several doses of AVP and OXT under stress-free resting conditions. In comparison with control artificial-CSF infusion, AVP infusion in the lowest dose (20 pg) caused in a part of the animals a long-lasting decrease in heart rate, i.e., bradycardia, without affecting behavioral activity. In contrast, local infusion with high doses of AVP and OXT (2 ng) induced a transient cardioacceleration concomitant with an increase in behavioral activity. Moreover, these latter effects of AVP could effectively be blocked by pretreatment with a selective OXT receptor antagonist. These findings suggest that higher doses of AVP are effective via agonistic action on OXT receptors in the CEA. A strong correlation existed between the magnitudes of the tachycardiac response and behavioral activation. Thus, heart rate increase by OXT receptor stimulation is possibly due to somatic-autonomic coupling rather than genuine autonomic activation. Additionally, plasma corticosterone, but not epinephrine and norepinephrine, concentrations were elevated in response to AVP and OXT infusions. In conclusion, these results suggest that vasopressinergic influences on CEA function involve two receptor mechanisms possibly related to differential output systems.

Amygdala,Analysis of Variance,Animals,Arginine Vasopressin,Corticosterone,Dose-Response Relationship, Drug,Electrocardiography,Epinephrine,Heart,Heart Rate,Infusions, Parenteral,Male,Motor Activity,Norepinephrine,Oxytocin,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Reference Values,Stress, Physiological

342106,369820,487159,542522,627625,689127,699026,1766554,1775552,1775553,1981174,2073354,2422231,2427805,2554178,2623134,2719134,2736396,2785662,2827511,2834008,2834014,2854842,2868027,2960918,2992930,3140144,3393697,3401322,3668162,3768689,4469158,6169392,6189032,6197699,6311351,6312319,6339062,6489929,6657510,7119063,7130477,7349976,8097395,21554633

8221156

Differential induction of c-Fos immunoreactivity in hypothalamus and brain stem nuclei following central and peripheral administration of endotoxin.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin associated with gram-negative bacteria, is a potent activator of the immune system. We have tested the effects of ICV infusions of LPS (10 ng) or Ringer's solution on the induction of the proto-oncogene protein c-Fos in the brain as well as plasma levels of corticosterone and splenic concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) and VIP. At 3 h post-ICV infusion of LPS, numerous labeled neurons were observed in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and the nucleus tractus solitarius (A2) region of the brain stem. Also, corticosterone and splenic NE and VIP levels were all elevated post-ICV LPS. Analysis of the time course for the induction of c-Fos protein in the brain following IP injections of LPS indicated that, relative to control injections, increased numbers of c-Fos-positive cells were detected in the PVN 0.5 h following IP injections (100 micrograms), peaked at 2-3 h postinjection, and then returned to control levels at later intervals. Additional dose-response data for IP LPS indicated a small increase in the number of labeled cells at a dose of 4.0 micrograms, and the number and staining intensity increased up to a dose of 100 micrograms. Corticosterone levels followed a similar pattern and were elevated at the 4.0 micrograms IP dose of LPS and increased to peak levels at 40 micrograms and higher. In contrast to ICV injections, splenic NE levels were unaltered by IP injections of LPS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals,Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus,Brain Stem,Cerebral Ventricles,Corticosterone,Hypothalamus,Immunohistochemistry,Injections, Intraperitoneal,Injections, Intraventricular,Lipopolysaccharides,Neurons,Norepinephrine,Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus,Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos,Rats,Rats, Sprague-Dawley,Solitary Nucleus,Spleen,Supraoptic Nucleus,Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

389444,679038,1319800,1648453,1903243,1916089,1967907,1969743,2156188,2161737,2230954,2236587,2316725,2448800,2479148,2542010,2548213,2784766,2820704,2835796,2872608,3014662,3023761,3037702,3049617,3052281,3112583,3116433,3260987,3266560,3317066,3501249,3555304,3881755,3895437,4038440,6111572,6348576,6349387,6369481,6583447,6750704,6756545,6809224,7240744,8384045,8420618,14319769

8221157

Effects of choline-free plasma induced by choline oxidase on regional levels of choline and acetylcholine in rat brain.

Choline-free plasma (CFP) was induced in rats by intravenous (IV) injection of 56.0 x 10(2) units kg-1 of choline oxidase (ChO) which completely metabolized the free Ch circulating in the plasma for at least 15.0 h and caused subsequent significant decrease in the concentration of free Ch in the three brain regions examined, the striatum, hippocampus, and cortex. However, the treatment did not affect concentrations of acetylcholine (ACh) in these regions. By contrast, intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 1.0 mmol kg-1 Ch chloride resulted in a maximum concentration of free Ch in plasma in 5 min, after which tissue Ch in all regions examined increased (p < 0.001). Concomitant increases were observed in cortical and hippocampal ACh (p < 0.05) 20 min after the injection. It is thus suggested that the brain may possess compensative mechanisms to prevent the supply of free Ch from circulating to the brain during synthesis of ACh in the brain. It is also suggested that the CFP rat would be a useful and readily available animal model for future study.

Acetylcholine,Alcohol Oxidoreductases,Animals,Brain,Cerebral Cortex,Choline,Corpus Striatum,Hippocampus,Injections, Intravenous,Kinetics,Male,Organ Specificity,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Time Factors

394816,509240,599154,624938,723454,792606,833603,953731,1003204,1134185,1195991,1251187,1517299,1737995,2403710,3392542,3708441,3988850,5129269,5950056,6338589,6491676,6503038,6549170,6867732,7046051,7142996,7191517,7381471,8376514,17569493,20492936

8221158

GABAergic neurons of the rat dorsal hippocampus express muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

The expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)-positive cells in the different strata of CA1, CA3, and the dentate gyrus (DG) of the dorsal hippocampus is examined by way of quantitative immunofluorescent double labeling employing M35, the monoclonal antibody raised against purified mAChR protein. Of all GAD-positive neurons, 97.5% express mAChRs. Conversely, 92.9% of the muscarinic cholinoceptive nonpyramidal neurons express GAD. These results indicate that the vast majority of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons express mAChRs. In addition to GAD, parvalbumin (PARV) and somatostatin (SOM) are two neurochemical substances notably expressed in GABAergic neurons. In order to examine whether the entire muscarinic cholinoceptive nonpyramidal cell group can be characterized by these three GABAergic markers, a cocktail of GAD, PARV, and SOM was used in a fluorescent double-labeling experiment with M35. These results show that 97.2% of all muscarinic cholinoceptive nonpyramidal neurons can be neurochemically characterized by the content of GAD, PARV, and SOM. In conclusion, nearly all GABAergic cells express mAChRs and, conversely, virtually the entire muscarinic cholinoceptive nonpyramidal cell group belongs to the GABAergic cell population. This study, therefore, provides anatomical evidence for an extensive neuronal connectivity of the hippocampal muscarinic cholinoceptive nonpyramidal system and the inhibitory GABAergic circuitry.

Animals,Fluorescent Antibody Technique,Glutamate Decarboxylase,Hippocampus,Immunohistochemistry,Male,Neurons,Parvalbumins,Pyramidal Tracts,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Receptors, Muscarinic,gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

1279455,1358450,1359121,1422860,1446223,1528522,1675593,1676925,1679311,1693232,1720814,1721075,1756388,1780024,1980225,2196836,2358049,2375986,2419367,2723736,2807994,2887594,2925892,2938571,3040987,3066634,3169171,3185735,3194458,3315112,3537840,3567594,3607523,3819038,3907756,4044938,6109264,6149275,6200320,6605245,7215500,8509163,8589798

8221159

Thalamic- and cerebellar-projecting interpolaris neuron responses to afferent inputs.

Thalamic- and cerebellar-projecting interpolaris neuron responses to afferent inputs from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and/or the masseter muscle (Mm) were examined in rats. Of 230 neurons tested, 24 could be antidromically stimulated from the contralateral ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus (VPM), and 27 of 91 neurons tested were stimulated from the ipsilateral posteromedial part of crus II of the cerebellar cortex. None had dual projections. The thalamic-projecting neurons were recorded in the dorsomedial region of the interpolaris; most cerebellar-projecting neurons were at the medial border of the interpolaris. Ten of 24 thalamic- and 17 of 27 cerebellar-projecting neurons received nociceptive information. Afferent inputs from the TMJ and the Mm converged on 6 of 24 thalamic-projecting neurons and on 16 of 27 cerebellar-projecting neurons. In both the thalamic- and cerebellar-projecting neurons, there was no difference between the non-nociceptive and nociceptive neurons in mean antidromic latency. The results suggest that the interpolaris integrates and relays afferent inputs from deep oral structures.

Afferent Pathways,Animals,Cerebellar Cortex,Cerebellum,Electric Stimulation,Evoked Potentials,Female,Masseter Muscle,Neurons,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Skin,Temporomandibular Joint,Thalamus,Trachea

68039,105782,422757,758332,824411,1093862,1102064,1473011,2357593,2708593,3944280,4100672,4698320,5337728,6132587,6158530,6288885,6628631,6643723,6726316,6747677,7121824,7127091,7287928,7299426,7351228,7407607,7432628,7463102,14004639,19605068,19605260

8221160

Circadian rhythms differ between selected mouse lines: a model to study the role of vasopressin neurons in the suprachiasmatic nuclei.

Mice selected for differences in nest-building behavior differ in the number of arginine-vasopressin (AVP)-immunoreactive neurons in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). Although previous efforts to link AVP-immunoreactive neurons in the SCN to clock function have failed, we show that differences in several circadian parameters are associated with differences in the number of AVP-immunoreactive neurons between the selected lines. Although an alternative interpretation is discussed, we hypothesize that these neurons may relay timing information from the circadian pacemaker in the SCN for wheel-running activity. In addition, phase-response curves (PRCs) to 15-min light pulses in constant darkness also differ between the selected lines. However, these differences are not associated with the number of the AVP-immunoreactive neurons in the SCN, but are associated with the level of nest-building behavior. Compared to the Brattleboro rat, in which homozygous rats are deficient for AVP in the entire brain, our system, exhibiting a wide range of variability, has more specific utility for studying the role of the output pathways of the SCN in circadian rhythm control.

Analysis of Variance,Animals,Arginine Vasopressin,Circadian Rhythm,Darkness,Light,Mice,Mice, Inbred Strains,Motor Activity,Neurons,Rats,Rats, Brattleboro,Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

1421139,1511285,1663409,1887954,1896511,1933388,2029643,2212101,2230953,2305266,2664825,2807994,2878014,3368120,3413487,3470750,3651837,3961487,4045552,6135628,7196362,7387592,7470957

8221161

Bombesin-induced hypothermia in VMH-lesioned rats.

Microinfusion of bombesin into the lateral ventricles (LV) of rats pretreated with insulin or acutely deprived of food has been demonstrated to reduce core body temperature. Lesions of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) have been shown to produce hyperphagia, hyperinsulinemia, and to alter serum metabolic fuels. The present study examines VMH lesions as a permissive event in bombesin-induced hypothermia in rats tested at normal ambient temperature. A between-group design was used to evaluate the effect of microinjections of bombesin (1, 10, 100 ng) into the LV of rats with bilateral VMH lesions or sham lesions. Core body temperature was recorded over a 240-min period. In animals with lesions of the VMH, hypothermia was demonstrated by 30 min after injection of the 10 ng and 100 ng doses; the hypothermia persisted for 120 min. The 1 ng dose had no effect on body temperature in VMH-lesioned animals. Animals that received sham lesions of the VMH did not demonstrate a reduction in core body temperature at the maximum effective dose (100 ng) of bombesin. These results suggest that some event(s) associated with bilateral VMH lesions acts as a permissive factor in the production of bombesin-induced hypothermia at normal ambient temperature.

Analysis of Variance,Animals,Body Temperature,Body Temperature Regulation,Bombesin,Female,Microinjections,Rats,Rats, Sprague-Dawley,Time Factors,Ventromedial Hypothalamic Nucleus

496973,860130,1319589,2049613,2217515,2289166,2623011,2664543,2998209,3023766,3071216,3071218,3071223,3081333,3239895,3768743,3966547,4258778,4869625,4980946,5046756,5544731,6247029,6289674,6349383,6387732,6395185,6521854,6527740,7048155,7051866,7178535,7202335,7219679,7366342,7370772,7442940,7443826,13281498,13661401,13907995

8221162

Functional relationships between mesencephalic central gray and septum in regulating lordosis in female rats: effect of dual lesions.

In order to clarify the functional relationships between the lateral septum (LS) and the mesencephalic central gray (MCG) in regulating lordosis behavior, ovariectomized female rats received dual lesions in these two areas. In the first experiment, females with unilateral (right or left, R-MCGL or L-MCGL) or bilateral MCG (B-MCG) lesions were subjected to behavioral tests after the implantation of a Silastic tube containing estradiol. Lordosis was observed in only one B-MCGL female. In the R-MCGL and L-MCGL groups, most females displayed lordosis, but lordosis quotients (LQ) were significantly lower than that of the control group. These results suggest the importance of the MCG in lordosis regulation, and that there is no functional laterality in the MCG. In the second experiment, B-MCGL or R-MCGL females received bilateral LS lesions (LSL). The lordotic activity in the LSL + B-MCGL group was extremely low, being comparable to that of B-MCGL alone. On the other hand, in the LSL + R-MCGL females, the LQ was significantly higher than that of females with R-MCGL alone and was comparable to that of controls. Thus, the lateral septum plays an inhibitory role in regulating lordosis, but the influence of the lateral septum is not stronger than the facilitatory influence of the mesencephalic central gray, because the LSL could not recover the suppressive effect of the MCGL.

Animals,Drug Implants,Estradiol,Female,Functional Laterality,Mesencephalon,Periaqueductal Gray,Posture,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Sexual Behavior, Animal

338289,469715,469716,477618,487204,487205,495775,495776,607234,607243,861762,1086667,1120605,1135323,2149832,2227853,2255743,2354041,4095188,4831692,6255501,7379896,7384253,7407632,15116692

8221163

Distribution of parvalbumin immunoreactivity in the cat brain stem.

We studied the distribution of parvalbumin-immunoreactive cell bodies and fibers in the cat brain stem. A high or moderate density of perikarya containing parvalbumin was observed in the periaqueductal gray, interpeduncular nucleus, nucleus of the trapezoid body, superior and inferior colliculi, and in the substantia nigra. The nucleus ruber, cuneiform nucleus, preolivary nucleus, retrorubral nucleus, paracentral division of the tegmental reticular nucleus, central and lateral tegmental fields, and the pericentral division of the dorsal tegmental nucleus had the lowest density of immunoreactive cell bodies. Moreover, a high or moderate density of parvalbumin immunoreactive processes was visualized in the nucleus ruber, substantia nigra, superior and inferior colliculi, periaqueductal gray, nucleus sagulum, cuneiform nucleus, Kölliker-Fuse nucleus, nucleus of the trapezoid body, vestibular nuclei, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, and in the lateral reticular nucleus. Finally, a few immunoreactive fibers were observed in the pontine gray, nucleus coeruleus, marginal nucleus of the brachium conjunctivum, nucleus of the solitary tract, inferior olive, and in the tegmental fields.

Animals,Antibodies, Monoclonal,Brain Stem,Cats,Immunohistochemistry,Male,Nerve Fibers,Neurons,Parvalbumins,Pyramidal Tracts,Stereotaxic Techniques

78969,1080466,1346714,1815208,1929705,2026194,2199841,2289155,2582091,2604505,2748019,3346382,3512774,3667965,3711911,6122506,6205895,6295752,7278987,12106154

8221164

Modulation of 35S-TBPS binding by GABAergic drugs in the cerebral cortex of newborn and adult rats.

The present study was designed to compare the allosteric modulatory effects of GABAergic drugs on 35S-t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (35S-TBPS) binding in the cerebral cortex of newborn (5-day-old) and adult (90-day-old) rats. To examine the influence of GABA on the modulation of 35S-TBPS binding, the assays were performed in unwashed membranes (in which the concentration of GABA was dependent on the content of this neurotransmitter in vivo), and in extensively washed membranes in the presence of defined concentrations of exogenous GABA (3 microM). In unwashed membranes, the GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline, and the inverse agonist for benzodiazepine receptors, 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid-methyl ester (DMCM) increased 35S-TBPS binding in a concentration-dependent manner in adult rats, but not in newborn rats. By contrast, in extensively washed membranes (plus 3 microM GABA) both bicuculline and DMCM were able to stimulate 35S-TBPS binding either in newborn or in adult rats. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of diazepam on 35S-TBPS binding was observed in both unwashed and extensively washed membranes from newborn and adult rats. These results reflect the early development of the allosteric interaction between the different components of the GABAA receptor complex. In addition, the age-dependent changes in the concentration of endogenous GABA play a critical role in the modulation of 35S-TBPS binding by GABAergic drugs.

Aging,Animals,Animals, Newborn,Bicuculline,Bridged Bicyclo Compounds,Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic,Carbolines,Cell Membrane,Cerebral Cortex,Convulsants,Diazepam,Kinetics,Rats,Rats, Sprague-Dawley,Receptors, GABA-A,Sulfur Radioisotopes,gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

41617,209854,656913,686171,953691,1322978,1656319,1697889,1706433,1848661,2157817,2166924,2425378,2443645,2457408,2551039,2791269,2843785,2845220,2862645,2903223,3004673,3012598,3016172,3018479,3762521,4154971,4398801,6104310,6254391,6300642,6324801,6657729,7070714,14907713

8221165

An excitatory amino acid synapse in the thoracic spinal cord is involved in the pressor response to muscular contraction.

The increase in arterial pressure and heart rate elicited during exercise are produced by descending central command and by feedback from contracting limb muscles. Previous studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that neurons in the ventrolateral medulla (VLM) that project to the intermediolateral (IML) columns of the thoracic spinal cord are involved in the mediation of the pressor response to contraction of hind limb muscles. This study determines if these VLM neurons utilize excitatory amino acids (EAA) as the neurotransmitter at the synapse on IML neurons. The arterial pressure and heart rate responses to static muscular contraction, elicited by stimulation of the L7 and S1 ventral roots, and to electrical stimulation in the caudal hypothalamus were examined in anesthetized cats. Both muscular contraction and hypothalamic stimulation elicited significant increases in arterial pressure and heart rate. Intrathecal administration of the broad spectrum, postsynaptic EAA antagonist, kynurenic acid, greatly reduced (-77%) the pressor response to muscular contraction. A smaller (-27%) decrease in the magnitude of pressor response elicited by muscular contraction was produced by intrathecal administration of 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid which acts on a presynaptic EAA receptor. Neither antagonist affected the heart rate responses associated with muscular contraction or the cardiovascular responses to hypothalamic stimulation. These results indicate that the pressor response elicited by feedback from contracting hind limb muscles is mediated through an excitatory amino acid synapse in the spinal cord.

Amino Acids,Aminobutyrates,Animals,Blood Pressure,Cats,Electric Stimulation,Heart Rate,Injections, Spinal,Kynurenic Acid,Medulla Oblongata,Muscle Contraction,Spinal Cord,Synapses

1372115,1596739,1651141,1724740,1825153,2253025,2396718,2565136,2575775,2830636,2896370,2908430,2989448,3129141,3357020,3971510,3985177,3993548,5039977,6139148,6145492,6363504

8221166

Regulation of central muscarinic receptors after cholinesterase inhibition: effect of clonidine.

In rats, the injection of soman (70 micrograms/kg, SC) resulted in a 90% inhibition of the cholinesterase (ChE) activities in three brain regions. The density (Bmax) for muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) following a single injection of soman was significantly reduced at 2 h after injection in the cortex and hindbrain. Bmax values, however, returned to baseline within 24 h. Subacute (repeated injection every 15 min) treatment with a sublethal dose of soman over 2 h also decreased the density of mAChRs. In both cases the density of mAChRs was reduced by about 15% for the cortex and 17% for the hindbrain (the midbrain was also reduced by 18% for subacute injections). Chronic administration (once daily for 7 days) of soman (20 micrograms/kg, SC) produced maximal inhibition of ChE activity but did not significantly downregulate mAChRs. Clonidine pretreatment reversed the soman-induced mAChR downregulation in cortex and hindbrain produced by acute soman administration. Thus, marked reduction in the levels of brain ChE is not the only factor involved in the production of mAChR downregulation to cholinesterase inhibitors.

Animals,Brain,Cerebral Cortex,Cholinesterase Inhibitors,Clonidine,Kinetics,Male,Mesencephalon,N-Methylscopolamine,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Receptors, Muscarinic,Rhombencephalon,Scopolamine Derivatives,Soman,Time Factors

449615,642705,755675,1003212,1190924,2413409,3018226,3614769,3748273,3761196,3784771,4943596,5257404,6286926,6493352,6636179,6817374,6852245,6875862,7107608,7322295,7351626,7383017,7430087,8331566,13726518

8221167

Long-term effects of neonatal capsaicin on C-fiber excitability and dorsal horn C-input processing in the rat.

The effects of neonatal capsaicin treatment (50 mg/kg, SC, at day 2 of postnatal life) on C-fiber excitability and dorsal horn C-input processing were studied through recording of a C-fiber-evoked spinal flexor reflex in 55-60-day-old rats, anesthetized with urethane (1.1 g/kg, IP) and spinalized at Th9-10. Neonatal capsaicin resulted in decreased C-fiber excitability, as revealed by increased chronaxie values determined in a strength-duration paradigm. Besides, capsaicin-treated rats exhibited a reduced potentiation of the C-reflex discharge in response to repetitive stimulation. The results indicate that capsaicin given to rats early in life leads to both functional disturbances of surviving C-fibers and altered temporal synaptic processing of the C-input in the spinal cord.

Afferent Pathways,Animals,Animals, Newborn,Capsaicin,Electric Stimulation,Female,Hindlimb,Male,Nerve Fibers,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Reflex,Regression Analysis,Spinal Cord,Sural Nerve

832686,1102064,1697886,1717103,1852779,2823998,2986763,6107372,6174698,6190103,6200807,6320234,6329447,6520786,6709491,7057927,7071078,7093683,7203818,7400386,12106298

8221168

Treatment with alpha-helical-CRF(9-41) prevents the anorectic effect of 17-beta-estradiol.

The role of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the anorexia induced by 17-beta-estradiol (E2) has been assessed in castrated female rats that were trained to eat their daily food ration in three separate meals. Each rat was implanted with a permanent guide cannula that was aimed at the right lateral ventricle of the brain. Seven days after the brain surgery each rat was also subcutaneously implanted with an osmotic minipump containing Buserelin, a potent GnRH agonist that induces reversible castration in rats. Eight rats were used in the study, and each of them underwent four experimental treatments that consisted of a) a subcutaneous (SC) injection of oil combined with an intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of saline, b) a SC injection of E2 combined with an ICV infusion of saline c) a SC injection of oil combined with an ICV infusion of alpha-helical CRF(9-41), and d) a SC injection of E2 combined with an ICV injection of alpha-helical CRF(9-41). Subcutaneous injections of E2 or oil were carried out the day before the ICV infusions of alpha-helical CRF(9-41) or saline. Intracerebroventricular infusions were performed 30 min before the meal for which the interaction effect of E2 and alpha-helical CRF(9-41) on food intake was determined. E2 and alpha-helical CRF(9-41) interacted on food intake; E2 brought about a 33% reduction in food intake in rats when infused with saline, whereas it was without effect when infused with alpha-helical-CRF(9-41)-treated rats. The present results provide evidence that CRF is involved in the anorectic effect of E2.

Analysis of Variance,Animals,Anorexia,Cerebral Ventricles,Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone,Estradiol,Feeding Behavior,Female,Infusions, Parenteral,Injections, Subcutaneous,Peptide Fragments,Protein Structure, Secondary,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Reference Values

213520,379889,816725,1278845,1324155,1515922,1732478,1904053,1933333,2170804,2207704,2604001,2663699,2689787,2765887,2784291,2787915,2902502,3069267,3098259,3307460,3490298,3789203,3946640,4066126,4681745,5167385,6983018

8221169

[Cardio-respiratory complications of sleep apnea in obese patients].

The cardio-respiratory complications of sleep apnea syndrome have been prospectively assessed in 60 patients with massive obesity and free of chronic obstructive lung disease while the associated cardiovascular diseases and the alterations of pulmonary function were taken into account. These cardio-respiratory complications were observed only in patients with a number of apneas per hour of sleep greater than 20. The sleep apneas induced nocturnal hypoxemia that is frequently severe and independently correlated to the apnea index, diurnal hypoxemia and hypercapnia that are usually moderate, and presumably left ventricular hypertrophy that is not related to the development of daytime hypertension. However the nocturnal apneas were not associated with the development of an impairment of right or left ventricular function, or with the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias or conduction disturbances. The absence of severe cardiac complications in this study may be related to the fact that the patients were relatively young and that the sleep apnea syndrome was diagnosed at an early stage of evolution. The findings of this study could help to define a more rationale approach in several therapeutic indications of sleep apnea syndrome.

Adult,Cardiovascular Diseases,Female,Humans,Male,Middle Aged,Obesity,Respiratory Tract Diseases,Sleep Apnea Syndromes

8221170

[Forensic medicine in the hospital].

The reform of teaching hospitals which integrates all the hospital disciplines has been responsible for the creation of forensic medicine units in hospitals. Several solutions have been proposed; in Lyon this organisation has been set up within the framework of medical emergency units as that is effectively where there are the most forensic problems to solve. This integration is beneficial for our discipline: it is thus possible to set up a permanent service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at the disposal of the justice department and the police, and it opens the possibility of doing extra examinations like X-rays or getting the opinion of a specialist such as an ophthalmologist. But the forensic pathologist in hospital can help his colleagues to draw up a difficult certificate or give advice concerning medical law: it must be remembered that forensic medicine is not only a link between medicine and law in matters of experts' reports or certificates, it also establishes the same link between the legal world and medicine. This integration has allowed the development of clinical forensic medicine and a better understanding of the needs of the general practitioner in this area. This national experience has been broadcast in periodicals such as Journal de médecine légale et Droit médical (Journal of forensic medicine and Medical Law) and books published by Editions A. Lacassagne of which I am in charge.

Forensic Medicine,France,Hospital Units,Hospitals, University

8221172

[Nosocomial infection: clinical aspects].

Nosocomial infections develop within a hospital or are produced by microorganisms acquired during hospitalization. They may involve not only patients (2 to 10 percent) but also hospital personnel. They arise from complex interactions of multiple causal factors. Patients risk factors are these that reduce the patient's capacity for resisting the injurious effects of the microorganisms and impair natural host defense mechanisms: patients with malignant disorders or immunosuppressive therapy, poor nutritional status, extensive burn wounds ... The young and the elderly are generally more susceptible to infection. Other infections are preventable. Disease causation is often multifactorial. Nosocomial urinary tract infections had the highest rate, followed by lower respiratory tract infections, surgical infections and bacteremias. The emergence of other nosocomial infections, caused by bacteria (tuberculosis), virus (HIV, hepatitis B and C virus, cytomegalovirus...), Aspergillus species or Pneumocystis carinii appears to be recent in origin and is of importance to immunocompromised hosts, other patients and hospital personnel. Nosocomial infections and their social and economic impacts require for their prevention vigorous organized hospital-wide surveillance and control programs.

Cross Infection,France,Humans,Incidence

8221173

[Microbiology of nosocomial infections].

The microorganisms causing nosocomial infections belong either to the patient himself (endogenous infections) or to hospital flora. New epidemiological tools, using molecular technologies, have renewed the body of knowledge on this flora. The commonest pathogens producing nosocomial infections include coagulase positive or negative staphylococci, enterococci, enterobacteriaceae, pseudomonas and candida. A recent trend has been shown, indicating the emergence of Gram positive cocci and fungi, when E. coli and Klebsiella tend to decrease. Bacterial resistance to antimicrobials is a growing concern, with the appearance of new resistance mechanisms such as broad-spectrum beta-lactamases in Gram negative rods, vancomycin resistance in several Gram positive species, or multiply resistance in enterococci, staphylococci, pseudomonas or mycobacteria. Some pathogens create new concerns nowadays, such as M. tuberculosis, M. avium intracellulare, Gram positive bacilli (exemplified by Corynebacterium JK), water bacteria, non-albicans Candida and other fungi. Increasing therapeutic challenge underlines the prominent role of infection control programs.

Cross Infection,Drug Resistance, Microbial,Humans

8221174

[Critical study of surveillance of nosocomial infections].

The institution of a continuous surveillance program is a compulsory prerequisite to the effective control of nosocomial infections. This is actually the main task of the Committee for Nosocomial Infection Control as ruled by the decree of 8 May 1988. The methodology of this surveillance relies on the continuous collection of data. It must apply to hospitals of any size and lead to practical actions, at the general or local level according to circumstances. Data concern patients and staff as well. They must be collected from different sources among which the bacteriology and hygiene laboratories play an important role. However infection records from wards constitute the cornerstones for the surveillance program: the personnel involved in the filling of the forms must be clearly identified. The scope of the surveillance and analytical methods are also discussed: a comprehensive control of the whole hospital associated with incidence measurement appears to be the best approach. Prevalence surveys are also performed. They allow a better control of continuous surveillance processes. However these processes will only be profitable if the data to be recorded have been previously specified. It is of importance to get the most comprehensive data about infectious hazards. One might rely not on global infection rates per hospital, as they have no significance, but on specific infection rates in correlation with body sites or risk factors.

Cross Infection,France,Humans,Population Surveillance,Prevalence

8221175

[Resources for the campaign against nosocomial infection in hospitals].

Since 1973, the Ministry of Health has recommended to set up Infection Control Committees which became statutory in 1988. They have many responsibilities including the survey of nosocomial infection rate, the implementation of appropriate control strategies, the control of "antibiotic resistance", the training of staff, the production and the evaluation of written procedures for patients care, isolation, sterilization..., as well as they are in charge of the protection of health care workers against occupational risk of infection. Although, such committees have been appointed in more than 85% of hospitals, their true activity and the rate of nosocomial infection remain much less well known. The very low proportion of beds actually involved in a "surveillance" program, the scarcity of specific personnel, the insufficiency of institutional program of training, and the height prevalence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics are all of concern. Recently, the Ministry of Health has intensified its requirements and recommendations. However, resources allocated to nosocomial infection control remain unsatisfactory and it makes mandatory that each hospital generate a program which should be recognized as a priority. It is obvious that willingness is not sufficient and that the appointment of nosocomial infection control teams is warranted with appropriately trained personnel. However it is fair te recognize that the cost-effectiveness evaluation of various strategies remains to be done.

Cross Infection,France,Hospital Administration,Humans,Prevalence

8221176

[Socio-economic and juridical aspects of nosocomial infections].

The medical and paramedical personnel shows concern about clinical and epidemiological aspects of nosocomial infections, but pays also attention to their economical and legal aspects. The acquired infections in hospital bring about economic and social consequences. It is logical to study the ratio cost/efficiency insofar as the social and human dimension of illness and suffering are taken into account and the struggle and the prevention are not only seen from their economical aspect. The legal liability of hospital or State health personnel is now well-know et the number of instituted proceedings is in continuous increase. The penal jurisdiction is the most common way. No negligence is permitted and nobody can be safe. The clarity and the dialog with the patients and their families are the best means to avoid a conflict prejudicial for everybody.

Cost-Benefit Analysis,Cross Infection,France,Hospital Costs,Humans,Liability, Legal,Patient Advocacy,Socioeconomic Factors

8221177

[Prevention of nosocomial infections].

The nosocomial infections prevention have to be subject to a concerted and multidisciplinary policy including the formation development, the specifics resources attribution, a rigorous evaluation reinforcement, and a quality research promotion. The prevention have to be done within tree nosocomial infection, transmissions classical ways: transmission by the health care workers, prevented by the hand washin up, a rigorous "hygienic care" and the isolation of infections patient, transmission by the material, involving to use valid disinfection procedure, transmission within the environment witch control have to grow within an implementation of "prosthetic" material always more used. Two other aspects have to be taken in the nosocomial infection prevention: prophylactic antibiotic use with let to prevent operative site infections, the health employee infection, bacterial or viral, have to be analysed by hygienic strategy in hospital.

Cross Infection,France,Humans

8221179

[Reconsideration of the role of aflatoxins in public health].

The pathogenicity of aflatoxins for human has been largely demonstrated. Although aflatoxin contamination of some foodstuffs has been unquestionably established, stress should be laid upon a certain lack of information: some of the affected foodstuffs have been "forgotten" in the enumeration of contaminated products (especially soybeans); relations between mycotoxins and food balance have not yet been taken into account: for instance, the influence of some vitamins, of various compounds (carotenoids, methionine, ...), influence of deficiency in proteins (often very important in Africa) etc... aflatoxin bioavailability has not sufficiently been examined (particularly that of milk aflatoxin M1.); concerning aflatoxin evaluation in contaminated products, it should be known that their distribution is very irregular. Sampling and following analysis should thus be carried out most carefully; for these motives, some conditions and likewise regulations would can again scrutinized.

Aflatoxins,Food Contamination,Public Health

8221180

[Plastic surgery and the treatment of breast cancer].

For many patients conservative treatments are available at the present time in case of breast cancer. Nevertheless, radical mastectomy is to be performed in a few cases. Breast reconstruction is then able, when required by the patient, to improve her quality of life. This present study aims to discuss both the technical modalities and the indications of this type of reconstructive surgery.

Breast,Breast Neoplasms,Female,Humans,Mastectomy, Radical,Surgery, Plastic

8221181

[Arcus juvenilis and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase functions. Report of a case of familial fish-eye-disease].

A Fish-Eye Disease family has been recently discovered in Bordeaux, being made up 3 homozygous and 3 heterozygous patients for a recessive hereditary anomaly of LCAT. The influence of the enzyme on the plasma lipoprotein composition and its role in cholesterol efflux explain, at least for a part, the pathophysiology of the lipidic corneal clouding which is the single symptom in the homozygous patients. The comparison of the molecular biology data resulting from the analysis of the patient's LCAT gene with those which have been obtained in other FED patients as in patients with classic LCAT deficiency allows to differenciate biochemically both pathologies. It allows too the differentiation between primary and secondary (Tangier disease, apo A-I deficiency, A-I and C-III deficiency) LCAT deficiencies, which may be all associated with a Corneal arcus. The profile of the lipidic parameters most often measured in plasma (Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, cholesterol esterification rate, lipidogramme, apo A-I, apo A-II, LCAT mass and activity) is practically pathognomonic of this affection and consequently authorizes its differential diagnosis. In spite of the striking deficiency of HDL as of their atherogenesis preventing markers these patients do not show any sign of early cardio vascular disease.

Arcus Senilis,Corneal Opacity,Humans,Lecithin Cholesterol Acyltransferase Deficiency,Male,Middle Aged

8221182

[Role of intercellular communications in hepatic differentiation and carcinogenesis].

The liver epoch like other tissue epochs, occurs after that different events have induced heterogeneity in embryonic cells which result in distinct evolutionary processes. These events and those of organogenesis like "induction", are deeply dependent on cell-cell communications. Cell-cell interactions involve either soluble factors (hormones, growth factors), extracellular matrix or plasma membrane proteins responsible for cell-cell recognition and/or adhesion. All these plasma membrane signals are transduced to the nucleus and modulate the expression of groups of genes. To be functionally stable along the adult stage the liver has to maintain an ordered activity of cell renewal. This balance between proliferation and differentiation is at least in part, controlled by cell-cell communications. Therefore, it is not surprising that intercellular communications are altered during hepatocarcinogenesis. They involve changes in the distribution of junctions, in the amounts of extracellular matrix components and/or growth factors which all result in modifying the differentiation/proliferation balance. Cell culture models have been used for these different studies; new in vitro systems should be set up in the near future by taking advantage of the targeted hepatocarcinogenesis in transgenic mouse.

Cell Communication,Cell Differentiation,Cells, Cultured,Humans,Liver,Liver Neoplasms

8221183

[Conservation of tap water in metallo-plastic bags: observed modifications and possible health risks].

Conservation of tap water kept in soft plastic bags and stocked at different temperatures (20, 37 and 55 degrees C) and its health incidences were studied over one year by samples taken at regular intervals. Pollutants generated were studied by investigating the consequences of the choice of the plastic and of the aseptic agent used at different temperatures versus the length of the period of contact. Microbiological, chemical, and physico-chemical characteristics reported here showed the existence of an exchange between the contents and the container. The presence of two toxic substances indicates that one should be careful when using inadequate material. This is a matter to think about without further speculation.

Environmental Health,Fresh Water,Humans,Metals,Plastics,Risk Factors,Water Pollutants, Chemical

8221186

[Portrait of Jean Martin Charcot].

Throughout paintings, engravings, and photography, Charcot's face and his life at the Salepêtrière have become widely known. More importantly, his biographers and those who wrote about their firsthand experiences with Charcot have brought to life his authority and his penetrating eye. Charcot held his students, his patients, and all those in close contact with him under a despotic rule. His shyness and emotions hid behind a cold and impenetrable mask. Much has been written about Charcot's life at the Salpêtrière. He transformed the old hospice into an institute of neurology considered internationally as a model, and its fame attracted visitors and patients from around the world. He formed a school at the Salpêtrière composed of his many students. These young men gathered each Tuesday evening in the luxurious reception halls of his mansion on Boulevard Saint-Germain. There they mixed with writers, artists, and politicians who were firmly republican and anticlerical. There is only information on Charcot's early years other than the major dates of his career and a few legends. Arriving at the Salpêtrière in 1862, he created the foundations of neurology over the next decade by applying the anatomoclinical method. Built on the traditions of the French anamatopathological method, his system was adapted by Charcot to incorporate the new advances in microscopy and cellular pathology. Later in his career, he also directed a scientific effort towards psychophysiologic explorations of hysteria and hypnosis, some inciting severe criticism. This judgement has been revised and in its place there remains the boldness of an innovative mind. His neurological achievement remains undisputed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

France,History, 19th Century,Neurology

8221188

[Imitation and utilization behavior in major depressive states].

Imitation and utilization behaviour (IB ; UB) have been described in lesions or deafferentations of the frontal lobes. Both reflect a loss of the patients' autonomy. IB and UB having been encountered in a case of melancholia, a systematic study has been undertaken in psychiatric departments. Sixty patients have been examined among whom 18 had a major depressive episode and 19 a dysthymic episode. IB or UB or both were present in every case of the first group, in 3 cases of the second one. Such data show first an unexpected focal specific neurological sign in a psychiatric disease. Second, they suggest a relationship with the frontal hypoactivity shown by PET studies in major depressive episodes. Such frontal hypoactivity should not be viewed as the cause of major depression but as a concomitant disorder. Its role in the awareness and expression of the thymic disturbance is discussed.

Behavior,Depressive Disorder,Female,Frontal Lobe,Humans,Imitative Behavior,Male,Middle Aged,Pilot Projects,Retrospective Studies

8221189

[The campaign against tuberculosis in 1993. Imperatives and current perceptions].

The continuing presence of tuberculosis in the world and its reappearance in industrialized countries again emphasizes the need to maintain and reinforce tuberculosis control. Despite the existence of effective drugs, there are still, deplorably, nearly 20 million cases of active tuberculosis throughout the world, with at least 3 million deaths annually. Almost 1.7 billion people are infected with the Koch bacillus. These figures are approximate and probably underestimate the real situation, as precise epidemiological data are not available. The rules of tuberculosis control are reviewed in this article, with distinctions drawn between low prevalence countries, where the objective is to eradicate the disease, and high prevalence countries, where it must be contained and reduced as quickly as possible the interruption of the claim of transmission of tuberculosis and the necessary collective measures are described in turn. The role of new techniques, particularly those based on molecular biology, is discussed. The importance of case finding and treatment in groups at risk in France is underlined, as are the role of BCG and the importance of protective measures, particularly in hospitals and in vulnerable subjects. The association between tuberculosis and HIV is well-known, but the HIV epidemic does not seem to be the only reason for the current resurgence of the tuberculosis problem in France in particular.

France,Global Health,Humans,Prevalence,Tuberculosis

8221190

[Plasticity of myocardial phenotype during cardiac hypertrophy and failure].

Cardiac hypertrophy and failure frequently cause complications in some cardiovascular diseases. Both conditions are associated with important modifications of the heart's contractile and endocrine functions, induced by various changes in gene expression, which in turn are attributable to chronic hemodynamic overload. Differential expression of the myosin heavy chain family leads to a disproportionate accumulation of the alpha form relative to the beta, which in turn causes slower but more efficient myocardial contraction. This transition occurs in the rodent ventricle and human atrium. In the sarcomeric actin family, both the alpha-cardiac and alpha-skeletal isoforms are expressed in the mammalian ventricle in utero. After birth, the latter transiently accumulates in the rodent ventricle at the acute phase of an experimental overload. In humans, alpha-skeletal actin accounts for over half of total actin; this ratio remains the same during heart failure. In experimental models of hemodynamic overload, and during heart failure in humans, expression of Ca(2+)-ATPase in the sarcoplasmic reticulum is reduced. This decrease may partly account for the changes in cardiac relaxation observed in these circumstances. The atrial natriuretic factor gene in the ventricular myocardium is also activated, permitting the ventricle to participate in the regulation of its loading conditions. Several mechanical and neurohumoral factors have been proposed as triggers for this gene reprogramming. Research is currently focussed on signal transduction mechanisms, and in particular identification of the transcription factors involved.

Animals,Cardiomegaly,Heart,Heart Failure,Humans,Phenotype

8221191

[Lacteal and placental excretion of Coxiella burnetti, agent of Q fever, in the cow. Importance and prevention].

Q Fever, a true zoonosis, comes always from an animal contamination. The causes of human infection are mainly the pulmonary route and at a less degree the oral route. We describe, from a mouse model, a method of quantitative evaluation of the excretion of Coxiella in the milk. Our experiments done on 400 samples of milk of clinically infected cows, show that the mammal excretion is low and irregular. Moreover it needs 10,000 times more of Coxiella to the mouse by oral route than by the intraperitoneal route. These facts seem to minimize the importance of the digestive route in the human infection. The most important cause remains the inhalation of infected dusts. The prevention of this animal excretion goes through classical steps of sanitary prophylaxis. Moreover vaccination, antibiotherapy, or association of both reduce but do not stop the excretion in the environment. The application of all or of a part of these measures will strongly reduce the human contamination.

Animals,Cattle,Coxiella burnetii,Female,Humans,Milk,Placenta,Q Fever

8221193

[Qualification in general surgery. Experience of the National Commission with the first action by the Counsel of licensure of physicians].

The french board of qualification in general surgery examines requests from physicians who have neither a University French diplome of surgery, nor a similar diplome of a country of the European Community. From 1989 to 1991, 184 requests were submitted to the board, coming from military surgeons (n = 18), residents of university hospitals (n = 37) or general hospitals (n = 10) or from other physicians (n = 119). These latters originate mainly from non European foreign countries, and are naturalized as French citizens afterwards. The board gave 54 favourable recommendations (29%), ranging from 100% for military surgeons, to 8% for other physicians who had not been resident. Out of these requests, 18 were applied by physicians who were appointed as staff surgeon, usually in small public hospitals. Rather to appoint physicians without any surgical qualification to artificially provide jobs it would be cheaper for the care insurance system, and more secure for the patients, to close or transform hospitals which cannot find qualified surgeons. However, it is a difficult political challenge as, in France, mayors are systematically President of the administrative board of the public hospital.

France,General Surgery,Licensure, Medical

8221195

[Penitentiary medicine and the Rights of Man].

Penitentiary medicine combines preventive medicine and treatment which are for the most part carried out in renovated structures. Other than the usual illnesses, these services and their personal are confronted with specific pathologies due to stress, tobacco consumption, insomnia, inactivity, distress, but also hunger strikes and self-mutilation. One particular concern is AIDS and its formidable complications, notably tuberculosis. The important role played by psychiatry and psychotherapeutic support in penitentiary medicine cannot be emphasized enough. Not only are many of the inmates alcoholics or drugs users, many of them are also starved for communication. The Ahens statement (1987), a true codicil of Human Rights, developed by the International Council of Penitentiary Medical Services, formally prohibits doctors to practice any form of torture or experimental medical operations on inmates, and puts medical priority above and beyond any administrative or judiciary considerations. This message is applicable to all prisons, regardless of countries: Europe, the Americas, Africa, Pacific or other. As President of the Council, we have distributed this message throughout the world, to all the various United Nations Agencies, thus teaching Human Rights, including prisoners' rights, in a concrete fashion.

France,Health Services,Human Rights,Humans,Prisoners

8221196

The accuracy of the histological classification of lung carcinoma and its reproducibility: a study of 75 archival cases of adenosquamous carcinoma.

The classification of lung carcinoma into a small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), is highly reproducible. There are few studies on the reproducibility of subtyping NSCLC, with anecdotal reports on the subtype of adenosquamous carcinoma. We undertook a study of 75 cases archived as adenosquamous carcinoma. All cases were accepted as NSCLC on independent review by three pathologists utilizing the 1982 World Health Organization (WHO) classification criteria. The acceptance rate of adenosquamous carcinoma by the three pathologists was 65%, 28%, and 65%. Cases not accepted as adenosquamous fell into the different subtypes of NSCLC, with a concordance rate between each pair of pathologists of 49%, 61% and 43%, indicating poor agreement between pathologists. The study confirms the high reproducibility of the classification into SCLC and NSCLC; it shows poor concordance for all subtypes of NSCLC with poor reproducibility of diagnosis of adenosquamous carcinoma as specified by the 1982 WHO classification. Physicians dealing with lung carcinoma should be aware of this limitation of classification.

Carcinoma, Adenosquamous,Humans,Lung Neoplasms,Reproducibility of Results

163133,843571,1702493,1848917,1957838,2199829,2368969,2541746,2550590,2887832,3793271,3988274,4354043,4910640,6050290,6264196,6286092,7064914,7370873,14287901

8221197

Alterations in erythrocyte glutathione metabolism associated with cervical dysplasias and carcinoma in situ.

The study was designed to test the hypothesis whether cervical dysplasias of the more severe grades are associated with elevated erythrocyte glutathione levels. Subjects were women who obtained Pap tests and were subsequently found (1) not to have any cervical lesions or (2) to have colposcopically visualized, biopsy-confirmed cervical abnormalities histopathologically diagnosed as mild, moderate, severe dysplasias, or carcinoma in situ (CIS). The erythrocyte levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), glutathione reductase (GR), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) were analyzed from coded peripheral venous blood samples. GSH and GR concentrations increased with increasing severity of dysplasia. Exploratory data analysis and multiple pairwise comparisons suggested comparable levels of the glutathione-related variables between these histopathological pairs: (1) mild and moderate dysplasias or (2) severe dysplasia and CIS. We suggest that the changes in erythrocyte glutathione-related indices in conjunction with histopathological diagnosis may have the potential to distinguish between low- and high-grade cervical dysplastic lesions.

Carcinoma in Situ,Erythrocytes,Female,Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase,Glutathione,Glutathione Disulfide,Glutathione Reductase,Humans,NADP,Oxidation-Reduction,Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenase,Uterine Cervical Dysplasia,Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

42630,912655,1008604,2227613,2849881,2852116,3007326,3010725,3786246,3817860,4994272,6470034,7037858,7277035

8221198

Inhibition of murine sarcoma cell adherence to polystyrene substrata by bacillus Calmette-Guérin: evidence for fibronectin-mediated direct antitumor activity of BCG.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) inhibited adherence of S180 mouse sarcoma cells and WI38 human diploid fibroblasts to the polystyrene substratum of 24-well cluster dishes in a dose-dependent manner. This property was retained by washed or heat-killed bacilli, but not by the vaccine filtrate or by the spent bacterial culture medium. Adhesion of bacilli to nonadherent S180 cells was demonstrated by light and scanning electron microscopy, but was not seen after trypsinization of adherent cells, indicating that bacilli bind to cell-surface adhesins. Preincubation of bacilli with human fibronectin abolished their ability to inhibit S180 adherence, suggesting that the phenomenon may be mediated by interaction of bacilli with cell-surface fibronectin. Fibronectin pretreatment of the bacteria also decreased their inhibition of S180 tumor growth in vivo, indicating that this mechanism may be at least partly responsible for BCG vaccine's observed antineoplastic activity.

Adsorption,Animals,Antineoplastic Agents,BCG Vaccine,Cell Adhesion,Cell Division,Cell Survival,Fibronectins,Humans,Mice,Polystyrenes,Sarcoma 180,Trypsin,Tumor Cells, Cultured

181041,305966,808641,1768040,1998942,2191767,2197448,2198062,2404029,2992766,3143807,3596043,4471640,4568964,4595313,4686177,6999605

8221199

A phase II study of merbarone in patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

Merbarone, a nonsedating derivative of thiobarbituric acid that has demonstrated antineoplastic activity against a variety of murine tumors, was evaluated in a phase II trial in patients with advanced, measurable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Seventeen patients were treated at a starting dose of 1000 mg/m2/day for 5 days by continuous intravenous infusion; the dose was escalated in accordance with the toxicity experienced, and no dosage reductions owing to toxicity were required. No complete or partial responses were observed, and only one minor response was documented, suggesting that merbarone is ineffective against pancreatic cancer at the doses and schedule in which it was administered in this trial.

Adenocarcinoma,Adult,Aged,Aged, 80 and over,Antineoplastic Agents,Female,Humans,Male,Middle Aged,Nausea,Pancreatic Neoplasms,Thiobarbiturates,Vomiting

139219,786455,1104163,2297763,3308762,3839128

8221201

Gene therapy of cancer.

Retroviral-mediated gene transfer has permitted the development of clinical protocols for the study and treatment of cancer. These protocols can be divided into gene-labeling and gene therapy proposals. Labeling studies include the tracking of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) following the administration of those cells, and the detection, at the time of relapse, of tumor cells from transplanted autologous bone marrow. Most gene therapy protocols are designed to induce an immune attack against the tumor by inserting genes into tumor cells themselves. Although uncertainty about the safety of the procedure still exists, gene therapy of cancer holds much promise as an effective treatment modality.

Clinical Trials as Topic,Gene Transfer Techniques,Genetic Therapy,Humans,Neoplasms

69483,214430,1309273,1311268,1317968,1335091,1352414,1370472,1391032,1562641,1657596,1665350,1690918,1751592,1904013,1911928,1948050,1964092,1964093,1964096,1964393,2007247,2078575,2078579,2078586,2081189,2081190,2081192,2081198,2085408,2119055,2123742,2129047,2137372,2208003,2212951,2299679,2374175,2486280,2573068,2631796,2642282,2644399,2679456,2785562,2785693,2831375,2893284,2999985,3016551,3099292,3137573,3223411,3264384,3266610,3289570,3298525,3413107,3458176,3467798,3489233,3493432,3500265,3903518,3929070,4016956,4925356,6023270,6093246,6203897,6245517,6377498,6871827,8093407

8221202

Nursing salaries and practice patterns: a nationwide evaluation by the Oncology Nursing Society.

This article summarizes the results of a national survey of salary, staffing, and professional practice patterns in oncology nursing conducted by the Oncology Nursing Society. The respondents represent a wide geographic distribution, and data were analyzed in the aggregate, as well as by American Hospital Association (AHA) regions, to allow for predictions of regional as well as national trends. This article reports on national and regional trends in salaries for entry-level and experienced practitioners; salary patterns for agency and float pool nurses; and the methods for awarding salary increases to nursing personnel in the past year. National trends in a variety of personnel practices affecting oncology nursing (e.g., shifts, self-scheduling, tuition reimbursement, and certification) are also presented. The data in this study come from a broad-based and geographically well-distributed sample that allows for meaningful national comparisons.

Economics, Nursing,Evaluation Studies as Topic,Oncology Nursing,Professional Practice,Salaries and Fringe Benefits,Societies, Nursing,United States

2466353,2716863,2771188

8221214

How teachers define and respond to child abuse: the distinction between theoretical and reportable cases.

Teachers are considered to be among those who are well-placed for the detection and prevention of child abuse. Yet little attention has been given to the definitions teachers use in deciding which cases to process. The paper draws on a larger study of Ontario women teachers. Information from 264 elementary teachers and 47 principals was collected in three phases: exploratory interviews, a survey, and focused interviews. A key part of the survey involved 10 vignettes designed to determine how teachers define abuse, how much experience they have had in dealing with such situations, and what action they took in each case. The findings demonstrated that teachers included a broad range of behaviors in their own "theoretical" definitions, but preferred informal intervention over formal reporting. Although there is no statistical relationship between definitions and reporting, it seems clear that the decision to report involves the interplay of definitions, institutional response, and teachers' experiences with a range of reactions and personal trials. Reporting is also complicated by teachers' disciplinary role, by their concerns for establishing reasonable grounds, and by the perception that some cases can be handled more effectively by the school, without the intervention of Child Protection Services (CPS).

Adult,Child,Child Abuse,Child Advocacy,Data Collection,Female,Humans,Interviews as Topic,Perception,Teaching

1559171,3828867

8221213

Maltreatment and the school-aged child: school performance consequences.

Studies of the impact of abuse or neglect on children have focused largely on maltreated infants, toddlers, or preschool children. In this study a total of 139 school-age and adolescent children participated in a multi-model, multi-source assessment; 22 of the children had been physically abused, 47 had been neglected, and the remainder served as comparison subjects. Parent and child interviews, teacher ratings, and data from school records were used to comprehensively assess children's school performance; social and emotional development in school, at home, in the community, and with peers; and adaptive behavior in areas such as motor skills, personal care skills, and community orientation. With the effects of socioeconomic status covaried out, results showed that the abused children displayed pervasive and severe academic and socioemotional problems. Neglected children differed little from children who were neither abused nor neglected on measures of socioemotional development, but they displayed severe academic delays. Both groups of maltreated children showed unexpected strengths on measures of adaptive behavior.

Achievement,Adaptation, Psychological,Adolescent,Child,Child Abuse,Child Behavior,Child Development,Educational Measurement,Female,Humans,Interviews as Topic,Male,Socioeconomic Factors

1962537,3398477,6541081,6734318,7264033

8221215

Physicians and medical neglect: variables that affect reporting.

Variables that affect the propensity to report medical neglect were surveyed among 52 physicians on the staff of a pediatric hospital. Death was one of the 52 potential consequences of neglect listed for 7 of the 46 diseases analyzed. The time allotted before neglect would be considered varied with the stage and seriousness of the disease. Caretakers were less likely to be considered neglectful if the symptoms of the disease were minor, not obvious, or required technical sophistication for recognition. The number of acceptable reasons for missing appointments varied. The natural course of the disease process, efficacy and safety of treatment, parents' religion, intellectual level, and economic situation affected neglect reporting propensity. Definitions of medical neglect for common diseases must be standardized. Training of lay caretakers of ill children and communication of clear and reasonable expectations are necessary to help prevent medical neglect.

Caregivers,Child,Child Abuse,Child Advocacy,Child Health Services,Hospitals, Pediatric,Humans,Medical Staff, Hospital,Parents,Patient Compliance,Physician's Role

1496937,2199922,2305740,2528392,2575251,2663119,3167626,3233515,3260810,3565327,3791026,3939948,3976592,6562284,7079009

8221219

Preschoolers' cognitions of authority, and its relationship to sexual abuse education.

This study investigated preschoolers' perceptions of authority in sexual and benign situations and how these might influence acquisition of concepts presented in a sexual abuse prevention program. Participants were 117 children, ages 36-84 months, at four day-care centers. Children were randomly assigned to either an experimental or delayed treatment control group. Measures of authority and prevention skills were administered prior to and following the first administration of the curriculum. Preschoolers reasoned at a higher level of authority in sexually abusive encounters as compared to benign ones. For experimental children, this capability increased after participating in the prevention program. At pretest, sexual abuse authority scores predicted scores on one of two prevention skills; pretest authority scores did not predict either posttest prevention skill. Results are discussed in relation to children's understanding of moral versus social-conventional rules, and future directions for research are indicated.

Child,Child Abuse, Sexual,Child, Preschool,Cognition,Female,Humans,Male,Perception,Power, Psychological,Psychological Tests,Sex Education,Social Dominance

1486515,1544024,2310970,2310971,2679254,2743186,2768611,3624618,3708428,3723285,4052837,6605793,6705629

8221216

Children's testimony and their perceptions of stress in and out of the courtroom.

Modifications of the courtroom environment have been proposed to reduce stress and enhance truth-telling of child witnesses. The present study examines the premise that courtroom environment affects the quality of children's evidence and children's perceptions of their own stress. Thirty-four 8- to 10-year-olds participated in an activity and 2 weeks later, their memory for the activity was tested. Half the children were questioned in a mock courtroom in the law school of a major university, and half at their school, both by the same interviewer. Children questioned at court showed impaired memory performance when compared with agemates questioned at school. They also rated certain court-related experiences as more stressful than peers interviewed at school. Furthermore, children's perceptions of courtroom stress were negatively correlated with completeness of accurate free recall, suggesting a relation between court-related stress and eyewitness memory worthy of further study.

Anxiety,Child,Child Abuse,Female,Humans,Interviews as Topic,Male,Memory,Perception,Stress, Psychological

8221220

Normal versus abnormal genital findings in children: how well do examiners agree?

In order to determine how well medical examiners agree on the significance of certain anogenital findings in children, preselected colposcopic photographs of the anogenital area of 16 patients were shown to 170 medical examiners (82% pediatricians) who were blinded as to the history on each patient. Findings rated most frequently as being suggestive or indicative of penetrating injury included immediate anal dilatation with no stool present (85%), hymenal transection (84%), marked narrowing of the hymenal rim with notching (81%), and a posterior fourchette scar (75%). The agreement between the participants and the experts on the abnormal cases (mean 81%) was significantly higher than on the normal cases (mean 71%, p < .001) and on genital findings (78%) than on anal findings (63%, p = .000). Higher experience level (more cases seen per month) was associated with significantly higher agreement between the participants and the experts on five of eight normal cases and two of four abnormal cases. Use of a colposcope was also associated with higher overall agreement with the experts (74% vs. 44%, p < .0001).

Anal Canal,Child,Child Abuse, Sexual,Child, Preschool,Coroners and Medical Examiners,Female,Genitalia,Humans,Infant,Male,Observer Variation

1734401,1881730,2011421,2029674,2296505,2388791,2743179,2743180,2743181,2916615,3565327,3575037

8221226

[Fetal thymus and thymuline stimulate in vitro proliferation of gonocytes in the fetal testis in rats].

Testes from 13.5-day-old rat foetuses were cultured in vitro for 1 or 2 days: 1) in synthetic medium; 2) in thymulin- or corticosterone supplemented medium; 3) in co-culture with fragments of foetal thymus; 4) in co-culture with fragments of foetal thymus in corticosterone-supplemented medium. The numbers of germ cells were about 2-fold greater in testes cultured with fragments of thymus, or in thymulin-supplemented medium than in all the other experimental conditions. These results indicated that thymulin can stimulate foetal gonocytes proliferation and that corticosterone inhibits thymulin-stimulated gonocytes proliferation. The data suggest a functional relationship between corticosterone, thymulin and the foetal gonocytes in vivo.

Animals,Cell Division,Cells, Cultured,Corticosterone,In Vitro Techniques,Male,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Testis,Thymic Factor, Circulating,Thymus Gland,Thymus Hormones

1151233,1756414,1913250,3989802,4290307,14081991

8221227

[Immunoreactivity to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the retina of the lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis].

This study is the first demonstration of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactivity in the retina of the lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis. This immunoreactivity is expressed on one hand, in radial processes and somata which belong to Müller cells and, on the other hand, in horizontal fibers in the intermediate plexus between horizontal cells. The tracing of these fibers to Müller cells or horizontal cells is discussed.

Animals,Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein,Lampreys,Methods,Retina

376324,2186920,2467883,2863290,3429713,3874934,3891781,3942891,4204125,5113526,6408144,14058443

8221217

The combined effects of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse during childhood: long-term health consequences for women.

The long-term health effects of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse during childhood were studied in a sample of 668 middle class females in a gynecologic practice who responded to a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire covering demographic information, family history, physical and psychological health, as well as stressful events and abusive experiences as a child. Half (53%) of the sample reported childhood abuse, with 28.9% recounting exposure to one type of abuse, 18.7% to two types of abuse, and 5.4% to all three types of abuse. In comparison to women not abused during childhood, the abused reported significantly more hospitalizations for illnesses, a greater number of physical and psychological problems, and lower ratings of their overall health. The greater the number of childhood abuses, the poorer one's adult health and the more likely one was to have experienced abuse as an adult. Thus, in addition to the deleterious psychological consequences of abuse described in the literature, physical health also appears to be adversely affected in women abused as children.

Adaptation, Psychological,Adolescent,Adult,Aged,Child,Child Abuse,Child Abuse, Sexual,Emotions,Female,Health Status,Hospitalization,Humans,Middle Aged,Self Concept,Socioeconomic Factors,Surveys and Questionnaires,Women's Health

479463,2029672,2043974,2199916,2207804,2289181,2304712,2310970,2340430,2359571,2642565,2784993,2965326,3058285,3062593,3071155,3167621,3260809,3281078,3284612,3285697,3337296,3578993,3578994,3704036,3740231,4052838,4073225,6605793,6605795,6686797,6715743,6863704,6890316,7054766,7097788,13389623,13649716,14455086

8221221

Dissociative experiences and disorders among women who identify themselves as sexual abuse survivors.

The purpose of the study was to identify dissociative experiences and disorders among women who are survivors of sexual abuse. Fifty-one women from two different centers who identified themselves as abuse survivors participated in the research interviews. The Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) and the Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule (DDIS) were used to collect data. The results indicated that 88.2% of the 51 women had a dissociative disorder of some type. Twenty-eight (54.9%) of the women had a DDIS diagnosis of multiple personality disorder (MPD). The women had high DES scores, a high number of secondary features of MPD, high rates of depression, borderline personality, substance abuse, somatic symptoms, Schneiderian symptoms, ESP/supernatural experiences, suicide attempts, and conversion symptoms. The vast majority of sexual abuse survivors in this sample have extensive dissociative symptomatology and related features. Therapists working with adult sexual abuse survivors should be knowledgeable about dissociation, should thoroughly assess a client's dissociative abilities, and should incorporate these findings into the therapy process.

Adaptation, Psychological,Adolescent,Adult,Aged,Child,Child Abuse,Child Abuse, Sexual,Dissociative Disorders,Dissociative Identity Disorder,Female,Humans,Middle Aged,Ontario,Psychological Tests,Regression Analysis,Socioeconomic Factors,Surveys and Questionnaires

2044042,2104510,2183634,2231257,2311378,2312084,2589554,2618947,2710914,2760600,2766193,2819531,2912820,3178302,3354722,3365583,3367145,3411535,3676892,3711025,3742283,3783140,3826426,5479324,6332590,6605796

8221218

Differential understanding of sexual abuse prevention concepts among preschoolers.

Most evaluations of sexual abuse prevention programs employ composite knowledge scores that may mask whether individual skills are differentially understood. The few studies examining separate skills have provided no statistical justification for doing so. This study attempted to validate empirically distinct prevention skills and whether children comprehend these skills in the order taught by prevention programs: RECOGNITION (of good and bad touch), SAY-NO (refuse the perpetrator), GO (leave the situation), TELL-WHO (find an adult), and TELL-WHAT (accurately disclose the abuse). Subjects were 117 preschoolers who were individually administered the "What If Situations Test" (WIST). Analyses confirmed that the WIST was composed of six skills. The hypothesized sequence of skills produced a high coefficient of reproducibility, but an even higher coefficient was obtained when three common sequence reversals were added to the existing logical sequences. We discuss explanations for these cognitive sequence reversals and applications of this information for teaching preschoolers prevention concepts.

Child,Child Abuse, Sexual,Child, Preschool,Cluster Analysis,Curriculum,Female,Humans,Learning,Male,Sex Education,Teaching

1544024,2679254,2768611,3624618,3723285,4017710,4052837

8221228

Imaging by fluorescence videomicroscopy of individual single stranded DNA molecules in solution.

We demonstrate that the observation by fluorescence video-microscopy of individual single stranded DNA molecules is now possible owing to the use of an asymmetric cyanine (YOYO-1) belonging to a new class of fluorescent dyes complexing the DNA. The fluorescence of labelled DNA persists in denaturing conditions showing that the dye does not attach simply to the possible secondary structures. Furthermore it is stable under electrophoresis and enables the imaging of stretched molecules.

DNA, Single-Stranded,Humans,Image Processing, Computer-Assisted,In Vitro Techniques,Microscopy, Fluorescence,Solutions,Television

1436062,1614866,1862931,2334700,2911733,2927511

8221229

[A second gene involved in the formation of disulfide bonds in proteins localized in Escherichia coli periplasmic space].

A novel mutant of Escherichia coli was isolated whose phenotype is similar to those of dsbA strains. For instance, it is unable to express pH 2.5 acid phosphatase, glucose-1-phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase in the periplasmic space. The mutation lies at min 26.2 of the linkage map, and does not affect expression of DsbA. Addition of oxidized glutathione to the growth medium restores the wild-type phenotype in the mutant while this is not the case in a dsbA strain. The product of this new gene dsbX is thus actually involved in the formation of disulfide bridges in the periplasmic space but can only operate if DsbA is functional.

Acid Phosphatase,Disulfides,Escherichia coli,Genes,In Vitro Techniques,Phenotype,Protein Disulfide Reductase (Glutathione)

1429594,1740115,1779754,1934062,2153660,2168385,2194094,2542226,2619767,3031017,4284300,5432063,6099322,6282821

8221230

Exclusion of genes coding for proteins of the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix in familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using a candidate gene approach.

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC), a primary cardiac pathology, is a genetically heterogeneous disease, with autosomal dominant inheritance. The first gene identified as responsible for FHC codes for beta-myosin heavy chain (beta-MHC). To find a second locus, a candidate gene approach was applied on two families for which the beta-MHC locus was excluded. Selection of candidate genes is based on the observation of tissular and cellular disorganisation in FHC, and included genes coding for proteins involved in human myocardium architecture: the extracellular matrix components and cytoskeleton proteins. Chromosomal areas containing the candidate genes were examined by linkage analysis with microsatellite markers. The genes coding for different types of collagens, laminins, fibronectin, fibrillins, desmin, titin, alpha-actinin, vinculin, cardiac and skeletal alpha-actins, ankyrin and spectrin were excluded as responsible for FHC.

Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic,Chromosome Mapping,Cytoskeletal Proteins,Extracellular Matrix Proteins,Genetic Code,Genetic Linkage,Genetic Markers,Humans

1339456,1436057,1606666,1672129,1735158,1886794,1975475,1975517,1975599,2022018,2037294,2563634,2683045,2811944,4335705,6538384,6538431,6585139

8221231

Localization of 15 cosmids on human chromosome 22 by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization has been used in a cytogenetic analysis to map 15 cosmids on human chromosome 22. Thirteen cosmids were localized on the long arm of chromosome 22 (22q) while two other probes displayed a hybridization signal on 22p and the short arm of the acrocentric chromosomes of groups D and G. The regional assignment of these new chromosome markers will improve the mapping of chromosome 22; they can be used to detect numerical and structural aberrations of this chromosome involved in numerous pathologies.

Chromosome Mapping,Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22,Cosmids,DNA Probes,Genetic Markers,Humans,In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence

1544332,1648958,1729886,1959921,2068787,2307053,2395867,2973607,3568763,7019347

8221232

Inhibition of interleukin-2 receptor alpha-subunit gene expression by oligonucleotide-directed triple helix formation.

Oligonucleotide-directed triple helix formation represents a promising approach to block gene expression at the transcriptional level. We have previously shown [10] that a triple-helix-forming oligonucleotide was able to inhibit promoter function of reporter constructs in live cells, provided that the oligonucleotide was covalently linked to an intercalating agent which stabilizes triple-helical complexes. In order to demonstrate that this inhibitory effect was due to triple helix formation, we have mutated the oligonucleotide target site in the promoter of the interleukin-2 receptor alpha-chain gene. The mutated version of the promoter does not bind, and is not inhibited by the oligonucleotide, demonstrating that the observed inhibition of the wild-type promoter is indeed due to triple helix formation within cells.

Gene Expression,In Vitro Techniques,NF-kappa B,Nucleic Acid Conformation,Oligonucleotides,Promoter Regions, Genetic,Receptors, Interleukin-2

1731320,1731886,1737792,1772570,1896473,1946419,2068079,2497520,2549631,2836068,2838755,3045756,3118463,3293213,3490693

8221233

Two factors, IRF1 and KBF1/NF-kappa B, cooperate during induction of MHC class I gene expression by interferon alpha beta or Newcastle disease virus.

The expression of class I genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex is stimulated by IFN. The promoter of these genes contains an interferon response sequence (IRS) which overlaps the major enhancer. These elements are recognized by several protein factors, including IRF-1, which binds the IRS, and KBF1/NF-kappa B, which binds the enhancer. We demonstrate here that infection by Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) results in an increased expression of class I genes, by a mechanism partially different from that of IFN, but that in both cases the cooperative action of IRF1 and KBF1/NF-kappa B is required. In F9 embryonal carcinoma cells, where KBF1/NF-kappa B activity cannot be detected, both types of stimuli are ineffective.

Animals,DNA-Binding Proteins,Gene Expression Regulation,Genes, MHC Class I,Interferon Regulatory Factor-1,Interferon-alpha,Interferon-beta,Mice,NF-kappa B,Newcastle disease virus,Phosphoproteins,Teratoma

627035,1371248,1675604,1698378,2014233,2111015,2164225,2196446,2203531,2203532,2208287,2370859,2457903,2495183,2501084,2555174,2557635,2574206,2581247,2663471,2668878,2911367,2964277,3125612,3409321,3510743,3554244,3748155,6298749

8221234

[The corticorubral projection in rats: topographic distribution of fibers arising from areas of the sensorimotor cortex functionally identified by microstimulation].

The combination of microstimulation and anterograde tracing techniques reveals that different regions of the sensorimotor cortex project to different sectors of the red nucleus (NR). V-FEF projects to the dorsolateral sector, JLT to the dorsal sector, RFL and CFL to the dorsomedial and medial sectors, respectively, and HL to the ventral and ventrolateral sectors. Moreover, the NR receives fibers from the 2 somatosensory cortical areas examined in this study. The vibrissae area projects to the dorsolateral sector and the hand area to the dorsomedial sector.

Animals,Brain Mapping,Cerebral Cortex,Electric Stimulation,Lysine,Male,Motor Cortex,Nerve Fibers,Phytohemagglutinins,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Red Nucleus,Somatosensory Cortex

915038,1268737,1380687,2411584,2479450,3024065,3173690,3427407,3431757,3708387,4022330,4817905,4826092,13974010

8221235

[Early effects of neutron-gamma or gamma irradiation on the group toxicity induced by (+) amphetamine in mice].

To better understand the mechanism of action of gamma and neutron radiation on the dopaminergic system, the influence of the two irradiation modalities on the group toxicity of (+) amphetamine was studied in mice. Neutron-gamma irradiation (3.6-4.95 Gy) leads to an early toxicity reduction, while gamma-exposure (7-12 Gy) induces an increase in toxicity. This suggests that these two types of radiation induce different early effects on central dopaminergic system. Possible mechanisms are discussed.

Actuarial Analysis,Amphetamine,Animals,Dopamine,Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation,Gamma Rays,Male,Mice,Neutrons

42108,216794,1123621,1525396,1555808,2305034,2742725,2957025,4693342,5911844,6251945,6716134,13522269

8221236

Maturation and integration of purified foetal neurons transplanted into the adult brain.

Fetal neural transplants presently developed as a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases include both the neurons of interest and their cellular environment. These glial and vascular cells may be detrimental by, for instance, expressing foreign MHC antigens. This study was undertaken to determine whether purified neurons would survive transplantation into an adult host brain. Embryonic rat spinal neurons were purified by panning and transplanted into adult hosts' brain. During the first three weeks post-transplantation the grafts contained essentially packed immature neurons. Later transplants contained large, multipolar neurons, demonstrating the ability of transplanted neurons to mature in the adult environment. The adult host appears actively involved in the integration of such a transplant by complementing it with microglial and vascular cells.

Animals,Brain,Fetal Organ Maturity,Fetal Tissue Transplantation,Neurons,Rats,Spinal Cord

1385013,1434751,1488117,1602051,2273098,2358510,2447134,2476260,2495977,2845023,3220970,3474945,3543687,3584539,3587363,21551593,21551631,21551684

8221237

[Implication of melatonin in the control of the interdigestive ileocecal-colic electromyographic profile in rats].

In the interdigestive period, intestinal motility displays myoelectrical complexes occurring cyclically at a constant rhythm. Since it is established that the pineal gland plays an important role in the control of circadian rhythms via its melatonin secretion, we decided to study the effects of pinealectomy and melatonin on the organization of the ileo-ceco-colic electromyogram of the rat. Pinealectomy resulted in the disappearance of ileal myoelectrical complexes and, concurrently, an excitomotor effect on the cecocolic tract. In pinealectomized rats a single intravenous injection of melatonin during lighting period induced an immediate recovery of the ileal myoelectrical complexes and a progressive return to the control electromyographic pattern of the ceco-colic tract. The melatonin action was definitive.

Animals,Cecum,Colon,Electromyography,Gastrointestinal Motility,Ileum,Male,Melatonin,Pineal Gland,Rats,Rats, Wistar

1731167,3021949,3958893,4373126,5353053,7104286

8221238

[Effect of the mutation muscular dysgenesis on the mitochondrial metabolism of fibroblasts in vitro].

Muscular dysgenesis is a lethal mutation characterized by an absence of striated muscle contraction. This abnormality of function caused by a defect in excitation-contraction coupling is due to the lack of the alpha 1 subunit from the dihydropyridine receptor in the transverse tubule membrane. A phenotypical reversion is obtained in vitro by addition of normal cells, as fibroblasts, in dysgenic muscle culture. Perisynaptic fibroblasts from denervated muscle have been shown to synthetize molecules which are usually concentrated at the synapses suggesting that signal arising after denervation may influence fibroblasts synthesis ability. We show here that the energetic metabolism level from dysgenic fibroblast is lower than that from normal fibroblasts. The synthesis or the release of muscular signals that are involved in fibroblast differentiation could be disturbed in mdg/mdg myotubes.

Electron Transport,Fibroblasts,In Vitro Techniques,Mitochondria, Muscle,Muscle Contraction,Muscles,Muscular Diseases,Mutation,Oxygen Consumption

137961,1281468,1904446,2446145,2469680,2507925,2541396,2560638,2620167,2903448,3949876,4738109,5019134,5041196,6617998,7104666,7106378

8221239

Metal identification in human anti-hemophilia A factor (factor VIII).

Anti-hemophilia A factor (FVIII) consists in different heterodimers of heavy and light chains associated by a metallic ion. The integrity of this complex is indispensable for procoagulant activity. Atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman effect has been applied to determine the nature of this metal. For this purpose, the different active forms of FVIII were separated by FPLC and characterized by SDS-PAGE. Two peaks were observed, the first corresponding to different FVIII complexes of high molecular mass (ranging from 210-80 kDa to 110-80 kDa) and the second to the heavy-light chain dimer of 90-80 kDa. In all these active fractions, copper atom was identified and a proportionality was measured between the metal concentration and the coagulant activity. Furthermore, the determination of copper and FVIII concentrations indicated that only one copper atom is implicated in the 90-80 kDa association.

Chromatography, Liquid,Copper,Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel,Factor VIIIa,Humans,Spectrophotometry, Atomic

942051,2404764,2509202,3125864,3129993,5432063,6424437,6438527,6438625,6490642,13045017

8221240

[The production and significance of interleukin-4 in patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome].

Samples of serum and PBMC were collected at the same time from 42 pediatric patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) and 28 age-matched healthy individuals. The level of IgE in serum was detected and IL4 in supernatant of PHA-activated PBMC assayed by sandwich ELISA. The level of IL4 and IgE in healthy individuals was 400-500 pg/ml and 50-100 U/ml respectively, and that of IL4 and IgE in the INS patients was on the average 1,080-4,000 pg/ml and 380-1,000 U/ml. Positive correlations were noted between the levels of IL4 and IgE, IL4, and quantity of proteinuria in 24 hours in the INS patients. It is suggested that the elevated IgE in the INS patients was induced by the elevated IL4, and that the imbalanced function of T cells and IL4 was contributable to INS.

Adolescent,Child,Child, Preschool,Humans,Immunoglobulin E,Infant,Interleukin-4,Nephrotic Syndrome,Recurrence

8221241

[The association of Graves' disease with serum soluble interleukin 2 receptor].

The serum soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL2R) was measured in 38 first visited patients with Graves' disease and 29 normal controls. The serum sIL2R in 17 patients with Graves' disease was determined after treatment with antithyroid drugs (propylthiouracil) for a short period (1.2 +/- 0.5 months). The serum sIL2R was measured by sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The sIL2R was significantly higher in patients before (3.04 +/- 0.19 U/ml) and after treatment (2.56 +/- 0.41 U/ml) than in normal controls (2.20 +/- 0.27 U/ml, P < 0.01). The mean value of serum sIL2R in 17 patients after treatment (2.56 +/- 0.41 U/ml) was substantially decreased as compared with that before treatment (2.99 +/- 0.14 U/ml, P < 0.01). The serum level of sIL2R in pretreatment patients was correlated significantly with T3(r = 0.5032, P < 0.05), but was not obviously related to T4 or rT3. These findings suggest that the human lymphocytes in patients with Graves' disease were activated in vivo and that sIL2R may be an useful immunological indicator of disease activity.

Adolescent,Adult,Biomarkers,Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay,Female,Graves Disease,Humans,Male,Middle Aged,Propylthiouracil,Receptors, Interleukin-2,Thyroxine,Triiodothyronine

8221242

[The precursors and effectors of human lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells].

Natural killer cells were enriched in the second fraction (F2) of discontinuous Percoll density gradients from human PBL after centrifugation, whereas T lymphocytes were enriched in F4. The cytotoxicity against K562 by F2 LAK (F2 cells activated by rIL2) was higher than that of F2 cells. F2 LAK also acquired the ability to lyse NK-resistant tumor cell lines and noncultured lung cancer cells (6 out of 9 cases). All these activities of F2 LAK cells were significantly higher than those of F4 LAK cells. Besides, F2 LAK exhibited higher level of lysis against noncultured lung cancer cells than did LAK derived from PBL. Enzyme-labeled immunocytochemistry staining showed that the number of CD16+ and CD8+ cells in F2 was much more than that in F4. So the higher lytic ability of F2 LAK might come from two kinds of precursors: CD16+ typical NK cells and MHC unrestricted CD8+, NK-like' cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The number of CD4+ cells in F4 was much more than that in F2. They shouldn't be the precursors of LAK cells, otherwise the lytic ability of F4 LAK should be higher than that of F2 LAK. After being cultured with rIL2 for 3 days, F2 cells exhibited proliferative response. But the percentage of CD16+ and CD8+ cells in F2 LAK did not change much, and remained much higher than that in F4 LAK. So the effector cells of short-term cultured LAK might be the activated CD16+ NK cells and CD8+, NK-like' cytotoxic T lymphocytes as well.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antibodies, Monoclonal,CD8 Antigens,Cells, Cultured,Humans,Interleukin-2,Killer Cells, Lymphokine-Activated,Killer Cells, Natural,Receptors, IgG,Recombinant Proteins,T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory,Tumor Cells, Cultured

8221243

[Types of anticellular structure antisera in scleroderma patients].

The sera of 338 scleroderma patients were cytologically examined with indirect immunofluorescence method. The sera were classified according to the cellular structure, to which they were against respectively. Among these sera, six main types of cellular structure antiserum were found: antikinetochore, antinucleolus, antichromatin, antiheterochromatin, antichromosome and anticentrosome. Some of these main types can further be subtyped with respect to the substructure or the chemical components (antigens) of a particular cellular structure. These types of antiserum may possibly be correlated with the clinical signs of scleroderma patients. For exploring the possibility to use for diagnosis.

Adolescent,Adult,Aged,Aged, 80 and over,Antibodies, Antinuclear,Autoantibodies,Autoantigens,Child,Female,Humans,Immune Sera,Male,Middle Aged,Scleroderma, Localized,Scleroderma, Systemic

8221244

[Synthetic oligopeptide of hepatitis D virus antigen and its clinical application].

A 27-peptide fragment derived from natural HDAg sequence was selected, identified and synthesized. It was used to develop an EIA method for detection of anti-HD. The 27-peptide possessed the similar antigenicity with the corresponding fragment of natural HDAg, and could also compete with natural HDAg for serum anti-HD. High specificity and no cross-reaction were found among the peptide and normal human sera, normal mice sera and sera positive with HAV, HBV or HCV antibody alone. 36 serum samples were identified previously, with Abbott kits with a coincident rate of 97.2%. Anti-HD was also detected in serum samples of some blood donors and patients with liver diseases and HBV infection from 1990-1992. One (0.33%) of 300 blood donors was positive (two times higher than normal ALT level in serum). 62 patients with hepatitis A and 58 patients with non-hepatitis B were anti-HD negative. 100 (11.64%) of 859 patients with HBV infection were positive: ASC 13/410 (3.17%), AH 7/63 (10.29%), CPH 1/9 (11.11%), CAH 22/121 (18.18%), SH 15/75 (20.00%), LC 23/78 (29.49%), PHC 19/89 (19.39%). The results are consistent with our previous reports.

Animals,Antibodies, Viral,Antigens, Viral,Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay,Hepatitis Delta Virus,Humans,Mice,Oligopeptides,Peptide Fragments

8221245

[Protective action of taurine on ischemia-reperfusion liver injury in rats and its mechanism].

The protective effect of taurine on ischemia-reperfusion damages of rat perfused liver and its possible mechanism were investigated. Reflow with 20 mmol/L taurine markedly ameliorated reperfusion injury of post-ischemic liver as evidenced by reduction of lipid peroxidation (LPO), mitochondrial calcium overload in hepatocytes, as well as leakage of intracellular LDH and protein. Furthermore, taurine could significantly suppress in vitro LPO formation of hepatocyte plasma membrane induced by generating system of free radicals, inhibit calcium uptake and promote calcium release by mitochondria in addition to a membrane stabilizing action on rat isolated hepatic lysosome. The results demonstrated that taurine possesses significant protective efficacy on ischemia-reperfusion liver damage, and that the mechanism of its anti-hepatic injury may be mainly related to inhibiting LPO formation, regulating cellular calcium homeostasis and stabilizing biological membrane.

Animals,Calcium,Ischemia,L-Lactate Dehydrogenase,Lipid Peroxides,Liver,Male,Malondialdehyde,Mitochondria, Liver,Rats,Rats, Wistar,Reperfusion Injury,Taurine

8221246

[Electrochemical analysis in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant oral maxillofacial tumors].

A bioelectrochemical-sensor device was designed according to the principles of galvanic cell reaction. Modified bioelectrochemically, the device was used to measure the current of samples from benign and malignant tumor tissues. Statistical analysis and clinical test showed that the current values (426 microA) of the malignant tissue were higher than those (216 microA) of the benign tissue. The sensitivity and specificity were 95% and 90% respectively. This method provided important information about benignancy or malignancy of the tumor and its involvement and metastasis.

Adenocarcinoma,Adolescent,Adult,Aged,Child,Cystadenocarcinoma,Diagnosis, Differential,Electrochemistry,Fibroma,Humans,Maxillary Neoplasms,Middle Aged,Mouth Neoplasms,Papilloma,Sensitivity and Specificity,Tongue Neoplasms

8221247

[Lectins in gastric carcinoma and precancerous lesions].

Three lectins (PNA, PHA, dBA) were used to study gastric carcinoma (66 cases), lymph node metastatic tumors (32), normal gastric mucosa (10), dysplasia (30), and intestinal metaplasia with gastritis (43). The intestinal metaplasia with quite abundant PHA and DBA receptors was closely related to gastric carcinoma. The positive rate of PHA receptors increased progressively in order of mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia, severe dysplasia and gastric carcinoma. The distribution of PHA and PNA receptors was correlated with the histologic type and the degree of differentiation. 81.3% lymph node metastatic tumors produced cellular glycoconjugates, which differed in lectin binding profiles from those made by the cells in the respectively primary carcinoma. More PHA receptors were produced by the lymph node metastatic tumors than primary carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma, Papillary,Carcinoma,Humans,Lymphatic Metastasis,Precancerous Conditions,Receptors, Mitogen,Stomach Neoplasms

8221248

[The relation between the volume of gastric mucosal blood flow and acid secretion in patients with gastric and duodenal ulcer].

The relationship between gastric mucosal blood flow and acid secretion was studied in 39 patients. In the active stage of gastric ulcer, the volume of gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) was decreased, and that of GMBF at the ulcer margin was decreased significantly and increased markedly at the healing stage. The volume of gastric acid output showed no significant difference between the patients with gastric ulcer and controls. The volume of GMBF was slightly increased at all stages of duodenal ulcer. The volume of gastric acid output was increased in the patients with duodenal ulcer. A positive relationship was noted between the volume of maximal acid output and GMBF in the patients with duodenal ulcer. The results indicated that there is a great difference between gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer in the functions of mucosal microcirculation and acid secretion cells. The reduction of mucosal protective function may be attributable to the pathogenesis of gastric ulcer. The strengthening of the injury factors plays an important role in causing duodenal ulcer. Increased mucosal blood supply may promote the healing of the ulcer.

Adult,Aged,Blood Volume,Duodenal Ulcer,Female,Gastric Acid,Gastric Mucosa,Humans,Male,Middle Aged,Regional Blood Flow,Stomach Ulcer

8221249

[Effects of anisodamine and ampicillin on cerebrospinal fluid in experimental E coli meningitis].

24 hr and 27 hr after K1-positive E coli suspended in 0.25 ml of saline (E coli 8 x 10(7)/ml) was injected into the cisterna magna of Chinese rabbits, the levels of bacterial titer, endotoxin, malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were increased significantly. After ampicillin therapy alone for 3 hr, the level of CSF bacterial titer was decreased and that of LDH increased, but the others didn't change significantly. After anisodamine and ampicillin therapy for 3 hr, the levels of CSF endotoxin and lactate concentrations were decreased from 3.2 +/- 0.6 to 2.1 +/- 0.9 log 10 IU/ml and from 8.6 +/- 2.0 to 6.5 +/- 1.8 mmol/L respectively. The CSF MDA concentration (0.31 +/- 0.07) was lower than that of the nontreatment group (0.59 +/- 0.25) or the ampicillin treatment group (0.59 +/- 0.21 nmol/ml) (P < 0.01 or 0.05). These results suggest that anisodamine combined with antibacterial therapy for experimental E coli meningitis is superior to antibacterial treatment in efficacy.

Ampicillin,Animals,Drug Therapy, Combination,Endotoxins,Escherichia coli Infections,Female,L-Lactate Dehydrogenase,Male,Malondialdehyde,Meningitis, Bacterial,Rabbits,Solanaceous Alkaloids,Vasodilator Agents

8221250

[Hyperselective posterior rhizotomy in the treatment of spasticity of paralytic limbs].

108 cases of spasticity of paralytic limbs were treated successfully with hyperselective posterior rhizotomy (SPR). Among them, 100 had cerebral palsy, 2 hemiplegia, 2 paraplegia, 3 sequelae of cerebral injury, and 1 multiple sclerosis. Cervical SPR was performed in 12 cases and lumbosacral SPR in 96 cases. After laminectomy, the posterior nerve roots were split into some rootlets, and the lower threshold rootlets were divided after electrical stimulation. Follow up for 6-30 months showed an effective rate of 95% and an improvement rate of 81%.

Adolescent,Adult,Cerebral Palsy,Child,Child, Preschool,Female,Humans,Male,Middle Aged,Muscle Spasticity,Paralysis,Spinal Nerve Roots

8221251

[X-ray computed tomography in the diagnosis of peritoneal and retroperitoneal neoplasms].

CT findings of peritoneal and retroperitoneal neoplasms were evaluated in 24 patients. The accuracy of CT in locating peritoneal and retroperitoneal tumors was 87% and in differentiating benign from malignant ones 96%. It is difficult to evaluate the tumors histopathologically. We suggest that CT scan be preferable in diagnosis of tumors in that area.

Adolescent,Adult,Aged,Child,Child, Preschool,Female,Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous,Humans,Leiomyoma,Liposarcoma,Male,Middle Aged,Peritoneal Neoplasms,Retroperitoneal Neoplasms,Tomography, X-Ray Computed

8221257

Total blood eosinophils, serum eosinophil cationic protein and eosinophil protein X in childhood asthma: relation to disease status and therapy.

Blood eosinophils, and serum levels of the eosinophil proteins, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil protein X (EPX) were measured in childhood asthma. Seventeen patients mean age 11.9 years who were symptomatic with asthma, were enrolled in a study examining the eosinophil counts and eosinophil proteins at the onset of study and after treatment in relation to changes in their baseline forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1) and % predicted FEV1. The patients with symptomatic asthma were compared with 17 patients mean age 12.0 years with asymptomatic asthma maintained on daily inhaled steroid and 13 patients, mean age 12.0 years, without asthma but with urticaria who served as non-asthma controls. Patients with symptomatic asthma did not have significantly higher initial eosinophil counts compared with those with asymptomatic asthma (0.43 x 10(9)/l vs 0.26 x 10(9)/l, P = 0.09) but had higher serum ECP levels (28.9 micrograms/l vs 18.5 micrograms/l). Both asthma patient groups had significantly higher serum ECP levels (P < 0.01) than the controls (9.8 micrograms/l). After therapy consisting of increased dose of inhaled steroids and/or oral steroids, patients in the symptomatic asthma group demonstrated a significant rise in FEV1 (1.67 l/sec at Visit 1 vs 2.08 l/sec at Visit 2, P < 0.001). A similar rise was seen for % predicted FEV1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Inhalation,Administration, Oral,Adolescent,Asthma,Blood Proteins,Bronchodilator Agents,Child,Eosinophil Granule Proteins,Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin,Eosinophils,Female,Forced Expiratory Volume,Humans,Leukocyte Count,Male,Prednisone,Ribonucleases,Spirometry

479997,1742647,1846890,2195937,2221594,2258848,2298052,2355155,2447813,2645349,2693367,2729749,2805870,3144513,3202400,3339192,3905092,6177986

8221258

Nodules, eosinophilia, rheumatism, dermatitis and swelling (NERDS): a novel eosinophilic disorder.

This study presents the clinical and laboratory findings of a novel syndrome associated with eosinophilia. Two young women presented with marked eosinophilia, and large, non-tender compressible articular nodules arising from the tenosynovium of extensor tendons, dermatitis, episodic swelling of the hands and/or feet and pain in adjacent muscles and joints. Tissue specimens were examined by routine haematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescent staining for eosinophil granule major basic protein (MBP) and rhodamine-avidin or tryptase staining for mast cells. Plasma levels of MBP and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) were quantitated by immunoassay. The first patient presented in 1967 at the age of 20 and had, in addition to nodules and eosinophilia, dermographism, recurrent episcleritis and axillary urticaria. Biopsy of a nodule showed tenosynovitis with necrotizing granulomas, non-specific vasculitis, eosinophils and eosinophil degranulation as shown by extracellular deposition of eosinophil granule MBP. Her symptoms responded to low-dose, alternate-day prednisone and have remained quiescent over the past 15 yr. The second patient presented in 1990 at the age of 28 with generalized pruritic dermatitis for 15 yr, eosinophilia for 2 yr, subcutaneous nodules and non-limiting pain in several joints. Biopsy of a nodule showed chronic mild tenosynovitis, numerous eosinophils and extracellular deposition of MBP. She remains untreated. Serum IgE values and plasma levels of MBP and EDN were elevated in both patients; mast cells were numerous in their synovial tissue. Based on their clinical courses, these patients reveal the existence of a distinctive, relatively benign eosinophilic disorder with good long-term prognosis.

Adult,Dermatitis,Edema,Eosinophilia,Eosinophils,Female,Humans,Leukocyte Count,Prognosis,Rheumatic Diseases,Rheumatoid Nodule,Syndrome,Vasculitis

843098,889290,1090795,1434854,1517920,1696954,1726708,1994137,1999546,2110591,2281680,2461103,2462048,2578142,2678504,2926137,3599008,3700770,3753540,3907887,3934084,3940502,4008683,4207506,4328684,4739736,6084372,6241858,6345685,6380504,6417030,6466393,6470526,6526558,6644025,6727934,6887171,7033389,7046556,7092970,7204553,7373622,7417355,7435517,14315274

8221259

Gastrointestinal stability of baker's yeast allergens: an in vitro study.

An in vitro model was established to study the stability of baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) allergens in conditions simulating the gastrointestinal tract. The protocol consisted of 2 hr incubation under gastric conditions (pH 1.2, +37 degrees C and gastric enzymes) and 2 hr incubation under duodenal conditions (pH 6.8, +37 degrees C and duodenal enzymes). These were studied together and separately, as well as under pure acidic conditions without gastric enzymes. The yeast extracts contained equal amounts of allergen and were analyzed by IgE-immunoblotting. The acidic conditions had partly an enhancing and slightly degrading effect on the yeast allergens, whereas the gastric enzymes destroyed several allergens, including the important intermediate allergens of 31 and 45 kD. After treatment under both gastric and duodenal conditions most of the yeast allergens were destroyed, except mannan and a 10 kD protein component. The findings suggest that the allergen exposure caused by baker's yeast takes place mainly on the mucosal surfaces orally and oesophageally and through viable baker's yeast organisms that manage to pass the stomach and duodenum and possibly lead to intestinal growth of the organism. Patients with IgE production against the 10 kD allergen and mannan are, however, moderately exposed to allergens consisting of soluble antigenic material only.

Allergens,Digestive System,Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel,Gastric Juice,Humans,Immunoblotting,Immunoglobulin E,In Vitro Techniques,Models, Biological,Molecular Weight,Protein Denaturation,Saccharomyces cerevisiae

378042,388439,2228224,2253086,3189726,3207612,3745938,3899946,4028388,4075516,4114295,5432063,6546534,6775564,6988461,7067068,8472187,13022217,13824666,14405925

8221260

Sensitization to four common inhalant allergens within 302 nuclear families.

The coincidence of allergic sensitization was investigated in 302 school-aged children and their parents. Specific sensitization to four common inhalant allergens (grass and birch pollens, cat dander, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) was ascertained by means of skin-prick tests (SPT) carried out on the complete family unit at the beginning of a 22-month follow-up period. The same test procedure was then repeated on the children twice at 11-month intervals to provide cumulative prevalences of sensitization. A clinical history of atopy in the children (hay fever or asthma; n = 47), which was derived from an interview, is associated with sensitization (positive SPT in 89%). For three allergens (grass and birch pollens, cat dander) sensitization occurs significantly more frequently in the children of mothers who are sensitized to the same allergen (odds-ratios (ORs), 2.5-4.1). Additionally, in three of the four explanatory models related to a single antigen, maternal sensitization to one of the complementary allergens is of importance (ORs, 2.7-3.7). In contrast to this finding, none of the paternal sensitizations has statistical significance. Based on a reaction to at least one of the four allergens, the child's relative risk to be sensitized is increased in case of maternal (OR, 2.88; P = 0.001) but not of paternal (OR, 1.06; P = 0.83) sensitization. In conclusion, our data indicate that the maternal status is more predictive than that of the father with regard to the child's risk of sensitization.

Administration, Inhalation,Adolescent,Adult,Allergens,Animals,Asthma,Cats,Child,Female,Humans,Incidence,Male,Mites,Poaceae,Prevalence,Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal,Risk Factors,Skin Tests

623102,986746,1422941,1571813,1867012,1995475,2353830,2566826,3389491,4139719,5016350,6538209,6796882,6951003,7076324

8221261

Mite allergen content in mattress dust of Dermatophagoides-allergic asthmatics/rhinitics and matched controls.

It has been suggested that the mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae are important indoor environmental factors facilitating both the sensitization of atopic subjects and asthmatic attacks of house dust-sensitive patients. Contradictory results have been reported about the current exposure to mites or their allergens among patients and control groups of atopic or non-atopic subjects. In order to determine whether there is a difference in mite exposure levels between D. pteronyssinus-sensitized asthmatics and/or rhinitis and control subjects we considered a case-control study of 70 patients with asthma and/or rhinitis and positive skin test reactions to D. pteronyssinus and twice as many control subjects who were matched as to age and sex. The first control subject for each patient was an immediate neighbour of the patient and the second was patient arbitrarily chosen among hospitalized patients. Mite allergen exposure was measured in mattress dust collected under standardized conditions, by measuring Der p I+Der fI content and by performing a semiquantitative guanine determination (Acarex-test). The content of Der p I and Der fI was very high both in the homes of patients and those of healthy individuals: 69% of the total samples contained more than 10 micrograms Der pI+Der fI/g of dust. There was no significant difference between cases and controls with respect to Der p I, Der fI, Der p I+Der fI content and Acare class distributions. The calculated odds-ratios associated with the Acarex test and the mite allergens did not differ significantly from the level 1.0.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent,Adult,Allergens,Animals,Antigens, Dermatophagoides,Asthma,Beds,Case-Control Studies,Child,Child, Preschool,Dust,Female,Glycoproteins,Humans,Immunologic Techniques,Male,Middle Aged,Mites,Rhinitis,Skin Tests

1349902,1571813,1918733,2024854,2357619,2364312,2377175,2478606,2645343,2715551,2926155,2926776,3258228,3341627,3416416,3441719,4008796,4037856,5539181,6126624,6154726,6881682,7305119

8221262

CD23 expression on B-lymphocytes and its modulation by cytokines in allergic patients.

The aim of this study was to assess the expression of CD23 on peripheral blood B-cells, and its in vitro modulation by recombinant human interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in phytohaemagglutinin-(PHA) or recombinant human interleukin-4 (IL-4)-stimulated cultures in atopic patients with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus hypersensitivity and in healthy non-atopic subjects. Atopic patients with asthma not receiving allergen-specific immunotherapy (n = 21) were studied and further compared with a group of atopic subjects with asthma under allergen-specific immunotherapy (n = 21). They were age-(+/- 5 yr) and sex-matched. The results were also compared with those obtained in the non-atopic group (n = 11). CD23 expression on B-lymphocytes and its modulation were analyzed by flow cytometry using conjugated monoclonal antibodies with a double immunofluorescence method. Atopic patients had an increase in the percentage of B-cells expressing CD23 in peripheral blood. Phytohaemagglutinin and IL-4 induced a rise in the percentage of CD23-positive B-cells in both atopic groups and non-atopic subjects. Phytohaemagglutinin provoked an increase in the intensity of CD23 expression on B-cells from stimulated cultures in all groups, while IL-4 only produced a significant increase in atopic patients. The presence of IFN-gamma decreased the CD23 expression on B-cells in PHA-stimulated culture of atopic patients, whereas it caused an increase in CD23 expression in the non-atopic group. Furthermore, the presence of IFN-gamma in IL-4-stimulated cultures induced a decrease in CD23 expression on B-cells in all cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent,Adult,Allergens,Animals,Antigens, Dermatophagoides,Asthma,B-Lymphocytes,Cells, Cultured,Child,Cytokines,Desensitization, Immunologic,Female,Glucocorticoids,Glycoproteins,Humans,Male,Middle Aged,Mites,Receptors, IgE

1380783,1386409,1714394,2138708,2140616,2149121,2172383,2198086,2496134,2523859,2526738,2528112,2530155,2945890,2951441,2953844,2971721,2972386,3033649,3069238,3260186,5637478