bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of the Fetal Baroreceptor Reflex to the Low Frequency Component of Fetal Heart Rate Fluctuations
Authors: Suzuki Hisaya , Sugawara Junichi , Kimura Yoshitaka , Murakami Takashi , Okamura Kunihiro
Published: July 2003

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine whether the fetal baroreceptor reflex contributed to the low frequency component (LF: 0.025–0.125 cycles/beat) of fetal heart rate fluctuations. Methods: Sheep fetuses in late gestation with normoxemia were used. The baroreceptor function was expressed as the baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS) based on the change of the R-R interval in response to the elevation of blood pressure by noradrenaline (Nor-Ad). A frequency analysis was conducted by the autoregression method on heart rate fluctuations and blood pressure fluctuations in 300 stable heart beats immediately before the Nor-Ad test. The gain and the coherence from blood pressure LF to heart rate LF were calculated. The correlations between the BRS and the power values of heart rate LF, blood pressure LF, and the gain or the coherence were examined. Results: The BRS and the gain showed a positive correlation (p < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between the heart rate LF and the BRS, and between the blood pressure LF and the BRS (p < 0.01, p < 0.005). Conclusions: This study showed that fetal BRS was involved in the change of LF in fetal heart rate fluctuation. Baroreceptor function should be considered when examining the change of LF domain in fetal heart beat fluctuation.
Laparoscopy-Assisted Intrapelvic Sonography with a High-Frequency, Real-Time Miniature Transducer to Assess the Ovary: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Senoh Daisaku , Tanaka Hirokazu , Shiota Atsuko , Ohno Masayuki , Hata Toshiyuki
Published: July 2003

Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the normal and pathologic internal textures of the ovary using laparoscopy-assisted intrapelvic sonography (LAIPS) with a specially developed 20-MHz flexible catheter-based high-resolution real-time miniature (2.4 mm in outer diameter) ultrasound transducer in patients with gynecologic disorders and infertile women. Methods: 30 women (19 patients with gynecologic disorders and normal menstrual cycles (2 adenomyoses, 1 cervical cancer, 5 fibromyomas, 5 simple ovarian cysts, 1 endometriosis, 3 benign cystic teratomas, and 2 endometriomas), and 11 patients with infertility including 4 with polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOS) were studied by intrapelvic sonography using a high-frequency real-time miniature transducer with pelvic saline effusion and laparoscopy. Results: In the normal ovary in the mid-follicular phase, follicles were depicted more distinctly than with transvaginal sonography (TVS). In the late-follicular phase, cumulus oophorus formations were visualized in 6 of 9 patients (54.5%), but were not clear using TVS. In the luteal phase, the corpus luteum was noted in 9 of 12 patients (75%) by both TVS and LAIPS. In patients with PCOS, the thickened capsule of the ovary was distinguished clearly especially in the peripheral type, in which numerous small cysts were aligned in the subcapsular region of the ovary, whereas it could not be detected by TVS. In all 4 cases with PCOS (8 ovaries), the ovarian capsular thickness could be measured by means of LAIPS. In subjects with benign cystic teratoma, minimal high echoic lesions were depicted. In subjects with endometrioma, a diffuse coarse-granular internal texture was visualized. However, depiction of internal structures in large pathologic ovarian lesions was markedly limited because of the shallow scanning range of the high-frequency transducer. Conclusion: LAIPS with a high-frequency real-time miniature transducer might be a useful diagnostic modality to evaluate the normal physiologic textures of the ovary, as well as those with PCOS.
Long-Term Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Bone Mineral Density in Girls Oophorectomized in Adolescence
Authors: Kanaoka Y. , Honda K. , Ishiko O. , Hirai K. , Ogita S.
Published: July 2003

The object of this study was to examine the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on bone mineral density (BMD) and physical development in oophorectomized adolescent girls. Two adolescent girls had bilateral ovaries removed as the treatment of advanced ovarian neoplasms at 12 years of age, and have been receiving HRT for more than 10 years. The changes in BMD and physical development were recorded. Both patients entered puberty and developed mature female physiques, despite the 3 years’ absence of estrogen exposure immediately after oophorectomy. BMD recovered soon after the start of HRT and was kept within the normal range. Normal physical development, including bone mineral density, can be achieved with HRT in adolescent girls castrated before puberty.
Angiogenesis in Endometrial Carcinoma: Correlation with Survival and Clinicopathologic Risk Factors
Authors: Özuysal Sema , Bilgin Tufan , Ozan Hakan , Kara H. Filiz , Öztürk Hülya , Ercan İlker
Published: July 2003

Association among angiogenesis, survival and clinicopathologic parameters in endometrial carcinoma was evaluated. Sixty patients who had been diagnosed as endometrial carcinoma, from 1993 to 1998, were included in the study. All patients had been surgically staged with bilateral pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection. All hysterectomy specimens were stained immunohistologically for factor VIII-related antigen. The area with the most intensified microvasculature was determined under low-power (×100) magnification, and the microvessel count of this area under high-power (×200) magnification was determined as the microvessel density (MVD) of the tumor. The mean MVD was 26.2 ± 13.0 (range 6–68), and it was considered as high (n = 24; 40%), moderate (n = 19; 31.7%) and low (n = 17; 28.3%) when the MVD was >30, between 15–30 and <15, respectively. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman rank correlation tests. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the difference between angiogenesis and survival. Multivariate analysis with the Cox regression model was used in MVD values and different clinicopathological parameters. There was positive correlation between MVD increase and surgicopathological stage (p < 0.05). A significant difference was seen between MVD increase and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05). There were no differences between MVD and age, histological type, grade and lymphovascular invasion. MVD did not change in association with myometrial invasion depth. There was a significant difference in means of survival between the low and high MVD groups (p = 0.01). However, MVD was not an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis. Increased angiogenesis was found to be associated with advanced stage and decreased survival in endometrial carcinoma.
Scavenger Capacity of Follicular Fluid, Decidua and Culture Medium with Regard to Assisted Reproduction: An in vitro Study Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Török Attila , Belágyi József , Török Béla , Tinneberg Hans-Rudolf , Bódis József
Published: July 2003

The natural scavenger capacity of follicular fluid of women pre-treated for in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo transfer, Ham’s F10 nutrient mixture used for oocyte culture and endometrium samples were studied in a hydroxyl free radical generating system, using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The EPR signals appearing after the addition of samples to the reaction mixture show a diversely decreasing production of phenyl-tertier-butylnitrone spin adducts. Presumably, the follicular fluid and endometrium samples contain active factors which function as radical scavengers. The findings suggest that appropriate augmentative antioxidative therapy might be advised for IVF patients.
Septate Uterus with Cervical Duplication: Rethinking the Development of Müllerian Anomalies
Authors: Fatum Mohammad , Rojansky Nathan , Shushan Asher
Published: July 2003

We present a case of a septate uterus with duplication of the cervix and a vaginal septum, which challenges the embryologic concept of unidirectional caudad to cephalad müllerian ducts fusion. This unique case is, to the best of our knowledge, the seventh reported case of this müllerian anomaly. It challenges the classic theory of unidirectional caudad to cephalad fusion of the müllerian ducts, and might be additional evidence to support the hypothesis suggested by Musset et al. Accurate diagnosis and reports of such cases are important not only for the benefit of treatment, but to reflect the true incidence of this anomaly, and consolidate the embryologic concept.
Association between Chromosome 1p and 19q Loss and Outcome in Pediatric Malignant Gliomas: Results from the CCG-945 Cohort
Authors: Pollack Ian F. , Finkelstein Sydney D. , Burnham Judith , Hamilton Ronald L. , Yates Allan J. , Holmes Emiko J. , Boyett James M. , Finlay Jonathan L.
Published: July 2003

Background: Results of recent molecular studies on malignant gliomas in adults showed that deletions within the short arm of chromosome 1 and/or the long arm of chromosome 19 identified a prognostically favorable subgroup of tumors that often respond to conventional chemotherapy. To determine if this association applies to pediatric malignant gliomas, we examined the correlation between 1p and 19q deletions and outcome in the cohort derived from the Children’s Cancer Group study 945, the largest randomized trial of such tumors completed to date. Methods: Archival histopathologic material yielded tissue of sufficient quality and quantity for genotyping in 121 specimens. Sections were examined histologically and targets that contained malignant glioma were isolated by microdissection and subjected to polymerase-chain-reaction-based amplification of microsatellite loci using fluorochrome-labeled primers, followed by capillary electrophoresis, and fluorescent fragment analysis. One hundred and seven specimens had 2 alleles for at least 1 of the 3 1p loci examined, and were therefore informative for determining loss of heterozygosity, defined as at least a twofold difference in fluorescence intensity between the paired allelic bands; 99 were informative at 19q. Results: Thirty-two tumors (29.9%) had loss of heterozygosity involving 1p, 27 (28%) involving 19q, and 13 involving both, an incidence consistent with previous reports involving adult malignant gliomas. However, outcome analyses of the entire cohort found no favorable association between 1p loss, 19q loss, or the combination, and survival. Subset analysis disclosed no association with outcome in either arm of the study (which compared efficacy of 2 chemotherapeutic regimens) or in subgroups stratified by age, tumor location, or tumor histology. Conclusion: In contrast to recent observations of adult malignant gliomas, deletions involving chromosomes 1p or 19q did not predict a survival advantage in this series of pediatric high-grade gliomas, which might indicate that frequencies of various histologic and molecular subtypes of malignant gliomas differ between children and adults, and supports further efforts to identify prognostic indicators relevant to pediatric gliomas.
Infantile Traumatic Subdural Hematomas: Outcome after Five Years
Authors: Vinchon Matthieu , Defoort-Dhellemmes Sabine , Nzeyimana Claudine , Vallée Louis , Dhellemmes Patrick
Published: July 2003

Objective: Although subdural hematomas (SDH) are common in infants, their long-term outcome is poorly documented in the literature. Methods: Infants operated for SDH were followed prospectively and evaluated during their sixth year with systematic neurological evaluation and standard neuropsychological testing. Results: We studied 48 infants operated for SDH. At the last checkup, 39 were normal, 5 had mild deficits, 3 had severe deficits and 1 was in a vegetative state. IQ measurements did not differ significantly from normal values, but did not accurately reflect the outcome. The only independent factor significantly affecting the final outcome was initial clinical severity. Age at surgery, surgical complications and the nature of the trauma (inflicted or accidental) did not independently influence the outcome. Conclusion: Long-term follow-up is required after treatment of SDH, to evaluate the child’s changing needs in terms of medical and educational care.
Cortical Resection for Epilepsy in Children with Linear Sebaceous Nevus Syndrome
Authors: Maher Cormac O. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A. , Raffel Corey
Published: July 2003

Linear sebaceous nevus syndrome (LSNS) is a rare neurocutaneous syndrome that is associated with seizures and mental retardation. The cortical abnormalities that are associated with this syndrome include focal cortical dysplasia, partial hemimegalencephaly and holohemispheric hemimegalencephaly. Few reports have addressed the utility of cortical resections for epilepsy treatment in the setting of LSNS. We report 3 children with this syndrome who underwent extensive cortical resections and experienced significant improvement in seizure frequency. Our results support the utility of extensive cortical resections for children with this condition.
Ectopic Brain Tissue in a Neonate
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Kelly David R. , Wellons III John C. , Blount Jeffrey P. , Oakes W. Jerry , Georgeson Keith
Published: July 2003

We report a 2-week-old male with a large cystic mass in the left cervical and face region. No connection to the brain or spinal cord was discernable either at operation or on imaging. Histological study of this mass revealed central nervous tissue including neuroglia, ependymal cells, non-neuroblastic neurons, pigmented retinal epithelium, and choroid plexus. This case represents the rare ectopic ‘brain’. We review this case as well as the literature concerning these unusual masses.
Rapid Formation of a Multi-Compartment Neonatal Arachnoid Cyst
Authors: Peraud A. , Ryan G. , Drake J.M.
Published: July 2003

A 3-day-old term infant born via vaginal delivery presented with irritability and tachypnoea. Cranial ultrasound, CT and MRI demonstrated a massive left temporal arachnoid cyst extending into the anterior and posterior fossa as well as the suprasellar area. In utero ultrasounds at 9.5, 19 and 32 weeks of gestation had been normal. Endoscopic exploration revealed that all cyst components were communicating, and a cystoperitoneal shunt was inserted with rapid resolution of symptoms and cyst decompression. Arachnoid cysts may develop rapidly in utero and may not be associated with underlying brain hypoplasia. Attempts at rapid and maximum decompression may be reasonable in this setting.
Microfracture of a Baclofen Pump Catheter with Intermittent Under- and Overdose
Authors: Dawes William J. , Drake James M. , Fehlings Darcy
Published: July 2003

An 8-year-old boy with an implanted intrathecal baclofen pump presented with intermittent signs of baclofen under- and overdose. Pump interrogation, pump volumes, plain X-rays, catheter contrast fluoroscopy and CT of the intrathecal catheter tip were unremarkable. A microfracture of the extradural catheter was only seen at a magnification of ×20 and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Symptoms resolved following replacement. Microfracture of the intrathecal catheter of baclofen pump systems may present puzzling symptomatology and be difficult to diagnose by conventional means.
The Arnold-Chiari Type II Malformation at Midgestation
Authors: Beuls E. , Vanormelingen L. , van Aalst J. , Vandersteen M. , Adriaensen P. , Cornips E. , Vles H. , Temel Y. , Gelan J.
Published: July 2003

The Arnold-Chiari malformation type II (ACMII) is reported to be reversible after closure of a myelomeningocele at midgestation. To elucidate the developmental state of the ACMII malformation at the approximate time fetal surgery is performed, the ACMII of a 20-week human fetus was investigated in vitro using high-field magnetic resonance microscopy at 9.4 T and compared with the hindbrain of a neurologically intact fetus of the same gestational age. Up to 20 weeks of gestation, the developmental failures caused by the early embryonic herniation of the posterior fossa contents are the dominant feature of fetal ACMII, but after 20 weeks, the accelerated and disproportionate growth of the cerebellum dominates. As midgestational surgery stops the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, the posterior fossa will expand in time to allow further normal growth of both the cerebellum and brain stem. Some early developmental anomalies already present in the primitive rhombencephalon due to early embryonic hindbrain herniation as well as some intra-axial anomalies are probably not reversible.
Hypothalamic-Opticochiasmatic Gliomas Mimicking Craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Bisson Erica , Khoshyomn Sami , Braff Steven , Maugans Todd
Published: July 2003

The differential diagnosis of suprasellar masses in the pediatric age group includes craniopharyngiomas and hypothalamic-opticochiasmatic gliomas (HOCGs). These tumors frequently display unique features on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We review two cases of pediatric suprasellar HOCGs with preoperative imaging characteristics resembling those of craniopharyngioma. HOCGs mimicking craniopharyngiomas represent a diagnostic and operative challenge to the pediatric neurosurgeon. Although an accurate leading pathologic diagnosis can frequently be made with preoperative neuroimaging, the neurosurgeon must be prepared for discovery of another tumor type and have plans to proceed accordingly.
Pump Implantation for Intrathecal Baclofen Infusion after Laparotomy for Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Piatt Jr. Joseph H.
Published: July 2003

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and spastic cerebral palsy are both familiar complications of prematurity. Children who are otherwise candidates for intrathecal baclofen infusion occasionally have long, transverse, right midabdominal laparotomy incisions from past management of NEC, and these incisions may interfere with selection of a site for pump implantation. Successful pump implantation immediately beneath a laparotomy incision was accomplished using a modification of the popular subfascial technique.
Effect of Stress and Adrenalectomy on Urocortin II mRNA Expression in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus of the Rat
Authors: Tanaka Yasushi , Makino Shinya , Noguchi Tohru , Tamura Kanae , Kaneda Tadafumi , Hashimoto Kozo
Published: July 2003

Urocortin II (Ucn II) is a novel corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-related peptide discovered as a selective agonist for type-2 CRH receptor. In the rat or mouse brain, Ucn II mRNA shows weak expression mainly in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the locus coeruleus (LC). Understanding the regulation of Ucn II mRNA expression under varying conditions provides new insights into central stress response. We examined expression of Ucn II mRNA in the PVN and LC following immobilization stress, water deprivation, and adrenalectomy. Rats subjected to immobilization stress exhibited a dramatic induction of Ucn II mRNA expression in the parvocellular part of the PVN at the end of 2 h of immobilization. In contrast, water deprivation for 3 days induced Ucn II mRNA expression mainly in the magnocellular part of the PVN. Although water-deprived rats showed a marked decrease in their food intake, pair-fed rats failed to alter PVN Ucn II mRNA expression, suggesting that osmotic stimuli per se, but not reduced food consumption during water deprivation, caused Ucn II mRNA induction in the magnocellular part of the PVN. Adrenalectomized rats failed to show an increase in Ucn II mRNA in the PVN when compared to sham-operated rats. Double-label in situ hybridization revealed colocalization of Ucn II mRNA in approximately 45% of the CRH mRNA-expressing cells in the parvocellular part of the PVN following immobilization, or colocalization in most of the vasopressin mRNA-expressing cells in the magnocellular part of the PVN following water deprivation. In the LC, no induction of Ucn II mRNA was observed in any of the three experimental conditions, indicating that the regulation of Ucn II mRNA expression was site-specific. The results show a stressor-specific regulation of Ucn II mRNA expression in the PVN and raise the possibility that Ucn II mRNA plays a modulatory role in stress-induced alteration of anterior and posterior pituitary function, depending on the type of stress.
Antidepressants Differentially Influence the Transcriptional Activity of the Glucocorticoid Receptor in vitro
Authors: Herr Alexandra S. , Tsolakidou Amalia F. , Yassouridis Alexander , Holsboer Florian , Rein Theo
Published: July 2003

Functional normalization of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in depressive patients by successful treatment with antidepressants is associated with increased efficiency of corticosteroid signal transduction. Accordingly, some antidepressants have been shown to influence the activity of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in cultured cells. It is not clear, however, whether this is a common principle for all antidepressants throughout all classes. Therefore, we screened a range of 18 antidepressants of different classes for their effect on GR signaling in a reporter gene assay using the mouse hippocampal cell line HT22. We evaluated GR-mediated gene transcription after short-time incubation (24 h) with different concentrations of each antidepressant (1 or 10 µM) in the presence or absence of the synthetic steroid dexamethasone (0.01 or 1 µM). The majority of antidepressants had a tendency to enhance steroid-induced GR-mediated gene transcription at high concentrations of antidepressant and low concentrations of steroid. Some antidepressants reduced the steroid-independent background activity of GR. This reduction was not due to unspecific inhibition of GR by oxidative stress, since no induction of intracellular peroxides was detectable in the concentration range of antidepressants used in our study. Furthermore, no significant change in GR activity was observed by concomitant treatment of HT22 cells with the antioxidant α-tocopherol (vitamin E). In conclusion, we report that many antidepressants enhance GR signaling in an in vitro neuronal system at clinically relevant concentrations. Those not showing an effect in vitro apparently use different mechanisms to influence GR activity that require an in vivo setting.
Adrenal Glucocorticoids Do Not Mediate Impaired Reproductive Function Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Authors: Watanobe Hajime , Habu Satoshi
Published: July 2003

It has been reported that the impaired reproductive function found in endotoxemia is mediated by proinflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins, and opioid peptides in the brain and that the synthesis of all these molecules is stimulated by endotoxins. The role of glucocorticoids in the endotoxin-induced hypogonadism may also be important, because endotoxins are potent stimulators of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, and glucocorticoids are inhibitory to the reproductive system. However, no previous study examined directly whether glucocorticoids contribute to the endotoxin-induced suppression of the reproductive competence until a very recent study performed in sheep. To examine directly such a role of glucocorticoids in rats, we compared the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) release between adrenal-intact orchidectomized rats and adrenalectomized plus orchidectomized rats. The latter group received a constant subcutaneous infusion of corticosterone to maintain physiological plasma levels of the steroid. An intravenous injection of LPS promptly decreased both amplitude and frequency of the LH pulses in the orchidectomized rats, and the LPS effects were very similar in the double endocrinectomy group which did not show an increased corticosterone release after LPS. These results strongly suggest that glucocorticoids do not have a significant role in mediating the LPS-induced acute suppression of pulsatile LH secretion in orchidectomized rats.
The Luteinizing Hormone Surge Is Preceded by an Estrogen-Induced Increase of Hypothalamic Progesterone in Ovariectomized and Adrenalectomized Rats
Authors: Micevych Paul , Sinchak Kevin , Mills Richard H. , Tao Leslie , LaPolt Philip , Lu John K.H.
Published: July 2003

As circulating estrogen levels rise on the afternoon of proestrus, they stimulate the hypothalamo-pituitary axis. This estrogen positive feedback is pivotal to stimulate the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge required for ovulation and luteinization of ovarian follicles. In addition to estrogen, pre-LH surge progesterone is critical for an LH surge as was demonstrated by blocking progesterone synthesis. In ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with trilostane, a blocker of the enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) that catalyzes the conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone, estrogen did not induce an LH surge. Further, estrogen induced an LH surge in OVX and adrenalectomized (ADX) rats, indicating that the source of progesterone was neither the ovary nor adrenal gland. This estrogen-only LH surge was inhibited by pretreatment with trilostane, indicating that although the adrenal gland and ovary were not necessary for positive feedback, progesterone synthesis was critical for estrogen-induced positive feedback in an OVX/ADX rat. This suggested that the LH surge is dependent on the pre-LH surge synthesis of progesterone. Estrogen-induced progesterone receptors in the hypothalamus are vital for the LH surge, so a potential location for progesterone synthesis is the hypothalamus. OVX/ADX female rats were treated with 17β-estradiol (50 µg) and progesterone levels were assayed by RIA. Progesterone levels were elevated in hypothalamic tissue following estrogen treatment. No increases in tissue progesterone levels were found in parietal cortex, cerebellum, medulla, pituitary or plasma. Additionally, male rats that do not have an estrogen positive feedback-induced LH surge were examined. Castrated/ADX male rats had no increase in hypothalamic progesterone levels after estrogen treatment. Together, these data strongly suggest that estrogen enhances neuroprogesterone synthesis in the hypothalamus that is involved in the positive feedback regulating the LH surge.
Variation in Aromatase Activity in the Medial Preoptic Area and Plasma Progesterone Is Associated with the Onset of Paternal Behavior
Authors: Trainor Brian C. , Bird Ian M. , Alday Noel A. , Schlinger Barney A. , Marler Catherine A.
Published: July 2003

The effects of aromatase within the brain on sexual behavior have been studied in a wide variety of species. Relatively few non-mating behaviors have been considered, despite evidence that estrogen affects many social behaviors. Testosterone promotes paternal behavior in California mouse (Peromyscus californicus) fathers, acting primarily via aromatization to estradiol. Virgin male California mice rarely exhibit paternal behavior, so we investigated whether aromatase in the brain changed with the onset of paternal behavior in California mouse fathers. In the medial preoptic area (MPOA), a brain area known to regulate parental behavior in rodents, we found that fathers had significantly more aromatase activity than mated males without pups, suggesting that an increase in estrogen production in this brain area contributes to the onset of paternal behavior. We also found that progesterone (P4) levels were lower in fathers compared to sexually inexperienced males and that P4 was negatively correlated with aromatase activity in the MPOA. These P4 findings agree with a recent study that found an inhibitory effect of P4 on paternal behavior. Overall, we found that aromatase activity and P4 levels change in association with an important life history transition, and may provide a mechanistic basis for plasticity in paternal behavior.
Steroid Receptor Coactivator-1 Is Not Required for Androgen-Mediated Sexual Differentiation of Spinal Motoneurons
Authors: Monks Douglas A. , Xu Jianming , O’Malley Bert W. , Jordan Cynthia L.
Published: July 2003

Steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) amplifies genomic steroid hormone signal transduction and has been implicated in steroid-mediated sexual differentiation of the mammalian nervous system. We investigated the possible effect of an SRC-1 null mutation on 2 morphological endpoints of androgenic signaling: the number and size of motoneurons within the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB). In wild-type C57/BL6 mice, SRC-1 immunoreactive nuclei were observed within the SNB and one of its target muscles, the levator ani. However, SRC-1 null mice were indistinguishable from sex-matched wild-type littermates in both SNB number and cross-sectional area of SNB motoneurons. Similarly, we found no difference between SRC-1 null and wildtype littermates in the number or size of motoneurons in the retrodorsolateral nucleus, a motor pool that is not typically sexually differentiated in either number or size. These results demonstrate that SRC-1 is not essential for the development and maintenance of a sexually dimorphic neuromuscular system.
Neuroendocrine Response to the Serotonin Agonist M-Chlorophenylpiperazine in Women with Menstrual Status migrainosus
Authors: Nappi Rossella E. , Sances Grazia , Brundu Benedetta , Ghiotto Natascia , Detaddei Silvia , Biancardi Caterina , Polatti Franco , Nappi Giuseppe
Published: July 2003

To assess the neuroendocrine correlates of menstrual status migrainosus (MSM) and menstrual migraine (MM), we evaluated the prolactin (PRL) and cortisol responses to the direct central serotoninergic (5-HT) agonist meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP) administered orally (0.5 mg/kg) during the follicular (FP: +6, +8) and luteal phases (LP: –4, –6) of the same menstrual cycle. Ten women with MSM (migraine attacks occurring within 2 days of the onset of menstrual bleeding but lasting more than 72 h) and 9 women with MM (migraine occurring within 2 days of the onset of menstrual bleeding with a typical duration of attacks) were studied. Six healthy women served as controls. Blood samples were taken at times –30, 0 and every 30 min over 4 h. Statistical analysis was performed using MANOVA followed by Duncan’s post hoc comparisons. We found that the PRL response to the m-CPP test was significantly blunted in MSM compared with MM and controls in both phases of the menstrual cycle (F = 4.6; p < 0.001). Indeed, the PRL area under the curve (AUC) after m-CPP was higher in both MM and controls compared with MSM (F = 12.7; p < 0.001). The m-CPP-induced cortisol response was absent in MSM compared with MM and controls in both FP and LP (F = 4.1; p < 0.001). On the other hand, the pattern of the plasma cortisol response to m-CPP was similar in MM and controls throughout the menstrual cycle. In addition, the basal plasma cortisol levels were significantly higher in MSM compared with controls (p < 0.001) and MM (p < 0.001) during FP, but not in LP, and progressively decreased over time. Thus, no significant effect of the menstrual cycle phase and diagnosis on the cortisol AUC was found, while a significant diagnosis effect (F = 25.6; p < 0.001) on %Δmax plasma cortisol levels was evident and consistent with the lack of cortisol response to m-CPP in MSM during the FP and LP compared with MM and controls. A derangement in central 5-HT control of pituitary PRL, and even more so in cortisol release, is present in women with MSM, but not with MM, regardless of the phase of the menstrual cycle, suggesting the involvement of some 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptor subtypes in the occurrence of extremely severe migraine attacks triggered by menstruation.
Lower Corneal Temperature in Neuroleptic-Treated vs. Drug-Free Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Shiloh Roni , Bodinger Liron , Katz Nachum , Sigler Maianit , Stryjer Rafael , Hermesh Haggai , Munitz Hanan , Weizman Abraham
Published: July 2003

Antipsychotic drugs (APDs) can decrease core body temperature in schizophrenia patients. Core temperature may correlate with corneal temperature and thus, we hypothesized that neuroleptic-treated schizophrenia patients would display lower corneal temperature compared with drug-free patients. Corneal temperature of 12 typical APD-treated and 9 drug-free male schizophrenia patients was assessed using a FLIR thermal imaging camera. The APD-treated patients exhibited substantially and significantly lower corneal temperature compared with the drug-free patients (31.57 ± 0.98°C vs. 34.55 ± 1.65°C; p < 0.0001). Our results suggest that APDs may decrease corneal/core temperature in schizophrenia patients. The relevance of this finding to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia or to the antipsychotic effect of neuroleptics merit further investigation.
Association Study of Serotonin Transporter Gene VNTR Polymorphism and Mood Disorders, Onset Age and Suicide Attempts in a Chinese Sample
Authors: Yen Feng-Chang , Hong Chen-Jee , Hou Sheu-Jane , Wang Jiunn-Kae , Tsai Shih-Jen
Published: July 2003

The human serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene is an important candidate for the pathogenesis of mood disorders. Associations have been reported between a variable-number tandem-repeat polymorphism in intron 2 of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTVNTR) and mood disorders in a number of studies of Western and Chinese populations. However, no such relationships have been determined in other analogous research. To replicate these positive findings in a Chinese population and to determine the association between onset age of bipolar disorder and 5-HTTVNTR, we investigated the prevalence of this polymorphism in an independent Chinese population (83 bipolar disorder patients, 77 major depressive disorder patients and 169 controls), demonstrating no significant association between the 5-HTTVNTR polymorphism and mood disorders or age at onset. Further, no association was demonstrated between this polymorphism and suicidal history in mood disorder patients. These negative findings suggest that 5-HTTVNTR does not play a major role in the pathogenesis of mood disorder in Chinese populations.
Monoamine Oxidase A Gene Polymorphism, 5-HT2A Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Incidence of Nausea Induced by Fluvoxamine
Authors: Yoshida Keizo , Naito Shingo , Takahashi Hitoshi , Sato Kazuhiro , Ito Kenichi , Kamata Mitsuhiro , Higuchi Hisashi , Shimizu Tetsuo , Itoh Kunihiko , Inoue Kazuyuki , Suzuki Toshio , Ohkubo Tadashi
Published: July 2003

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors cause a side effect of nausea with high frequency, but there have been no accurate methods to predict its incidence. The authors first investigated whether a functional polymorphism in the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA-VNTR) and a –1438G/A polymorphism in the promoter region of the 5-HT2A gene were associated with the incidence of nausea induced by fluvoxamine. Fluvoxamine was administered for 6 weeks with a specific dosage plan (50–200 mg/day) in 66 Japanese major depressive patients. The frequency of MAOA-VNTR allele 1 was significantly higher in the patients without nausea than in ones with nausea in the statistical analysis including the patients whose plasma levels were below the average and who were considered to be pharmacodynamically more sensitive to nausea. This study showed that the genetic polymorphism of MAOA-VNTR might affect the incidence of nausea induced by SSRIs. If this finding is replicated in other studies with more subjects, MAOA-VNTR polymorphism would be of great clinical use to predict the incidence of nausea induced by SSRIs.
Decreased Plasma Prolactin Release in Euthymic Lithium-Treated Women with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: El Khoury Aram , Tham Anne , Mathé Aleksander A. , Åberg-Wistedt Anna , Stain-Malmgren Rigmor
Published: July 2003

In order to evaluate the effect of treatment with citalopram (CIT) and lithium (Li) on hormone levels in women with bipolar disorder, morning plasma prolactin (PRL) and cortisol (CORT) were measured in 14 nonmedicated depressed patients, 13 depressed patients responding to CIT treatment, 17 euthymic patients on long-term Li treatment, and 11 healthy controls. Plasma PRL values in the Li group were significantly lower than those of the three other groups, suggesting a net inhibitory impact of augmentative effects of Li on dopaminergic activity and serotonergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Plasma CORT values in nonmedicated depressed patients were significantly higher than those of healthy controls, indicating hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system in depression, which appears to be a state-dependent phenomenon, and is normalized upon successful treatment with Li and CIT.
Objective Assessment of the Degree of Dementia by Means of EEG
Authors: Brunovsky Martin , Matousek Milos , Edman Ake , Cervena Katerina , Krajca Vladimir
Published: July 2003

The aim of the study was to elaborate a method to estimate the degree of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease from the EEG quantitative indicators. We examined 38 unmedicated patients with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, with various stages (mild, moderate, and severe) of dementia. The EEG recordings were evaluated both visually and by means of computer analysis. The EEG spectra and coherences in 6 frequency bands were calculated in 16 EEG derivations. Among various EEG indicators, a decrease in the alpha coherence and an increase in the delta coherence was found to be most significantly correlated to the degree of dementia. Combining 6 variables from the spectrum and coherence analysis by means of the multiple regression model, a high correlation (r = 0.87) between a set of EEG variables and the Mini-Mental State Examination score could be obtained. The results suggest that the EEG can supplement the clinical examination by providing an independent assessment of the degree of dementia. The results also suggest that the EEG coherences are of particular interest in dementia, being an indicator of the signal transfer between various parts of the brain cortex.
Effect of Riluzole on MK-801 and Amphetamine-Induced Hyperlocomotion
Authors: Lourenço da Silva Adriana , Hoffmann Anselmo , Dietrich Marcelo O. , Dall’Igna Oscar P. , Souza Diogo O. , Lara Diogo R.
Published: July 2003

N-methyl-D aspartate (NMDA) antagonists, such as MK-801, and the dopamine indirect agonist amphetamine are pharmacological models used for the evaluation of putative new treatments for schizophrenia. Since the psychotomimetic effects of NMDA antagonists have recently been linked to their ability to increase glutamate release and since the glutamate release inhibitor riluzole prevented NMDA antagonist neurotoxicity, we evaluated the effect of riluzole on hyperlocomotion induced by MK-801 (0.25 mg/kg) and amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg). Mice pretreated with riluzole (3 mg/kg) did not influence baseline or MK-801-induced behavior, but 10 mg/kg produced moderate hypolocomotion alone and somewhat prolonged MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion. Pretreatment with riluzole 10 mg/kg, but not 3 mg/kg, had a moderately depressant effect both on spontaneous and amphetamine-induced locomotion. Taken together, these results suggest that riluzole would not be particularly effective as a treatment for schizophrenia and the neurotoxic and behavioral effect of NMDA antagonists do not clearly correlate.
Higher Plasma 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid Levels Are Associated with SSRI-Induced Nausea
Authors: Ueda Nobuhisa , Yoshimura Reiji , Shinkai Koji , Sakata Yumi , Nakamura Jun
Published: July 2003

We investigated the association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; paroxetine or fluvoxamine) and nausea with regard to plasma 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (p5-HIAA) levels. Forty-eight patients meeting the DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder and treated with paroxetine or fluvoxamine participated in this study. p5-HIAA levels after SSRI administration were significantly higher in the nausea group than those in the nonnausea group (nausea group: 8.0 ± 4.6 ng/ml; nonnausea group: 3.6 ± 2.2 ng/ml; p < 0.01). On the other hand, no significant difference was found between the nausea and nonnausea group in terms of p5-HIAA levels before each drug administration. These results suggest that SSRI-induced nausea is associated with serotonergic hyperactivity in the gastrointestinal tract.
The Combined Effects of Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol on Cognitive Performance in Young Adults
Authors: Puttonen Sampsa , Elovainio Marko , Kivimäki Mika , Lehtimäki Terho , Keltikangas-Järvinen Liisa
Published: July 2003

This study examined the relations of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype and the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level to cognitive performance of 57 randomly selected healthy young adults. From the ongoing population-based study of Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns, 25 men and 32 women were ApoE genotyped and participated in mental arithmetic and reaction time tasks. In contrast to findings obtained from studies with elderly subjects, ApoE4 polymorphism was associated with better cognitive performance. In addition, LDL cholesterol moderated this association. In the ApoE4 genotype group, low LDL cholesterol was associated with good performance in the mental arithmetic test, whereas for those without ApoE4 genotype, low LDL cholesterol was associated with poor performance. Performance in the reaction time task did not differ between the ApoE groups. In conclusion, assessment of the influence of ApoE on cognitive performance may require taking additional physiological factors, such as the level of cholesterol, into account.
Platelet-Associated Antibodies Mediate Protective Autoimmune Response in Schizophrenia
Authors: Sinyakov Michael S. , Kessler Bezalel , Karp Leon , Weizman Abraham , Kessler Abraham R.
Published: July 2003

The peripheral blood platelets of schizophrenic patients were isolated, and the level of the platelet-associated antibodies (SPAA) was correlated with the rating scores of discrete schizophrenic symptom clusters evaluated with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Irrespective of medication and gender, symptom-dependent correlations were established between the SPAA levels and the relevant psychometric scores. The results indicate a heterogeneous origin of schizophrenia and imply the involvement of an autoimmune arm as a predominantly protective immune response.
The Atypical Antipsychotics Risperidone, Clozapine and Olanzapine Differ Regarding Their Sedative Potency in Rats
Authors: Ahnaou A. , Megens A.A.H.P. , Drinkenburg W.H.I.M.
Published: July 2003

The atypical antipsychotics risperidone, clozapine and olanzapine were studied for their ability to antagonise apomorphine-induced stereotypy and to affect electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in rats. The compounds antagonised apomorphine-induced stereotypy with ED50s of 0.15 mg/kg s.c. for risperidone, 0.42 mg/kg s.c. for olanzapine and 1.3 mg/kg s.c. for clozapine. At a dose close to that required for apomorphine antagonism (0.16 mg/kg s.c.), risperidone induced only minor changes in EEG power spectral activity. At a higher dosage (0.63 mg/kg s.c.) it increased the power density in the high frequency range (9.8–18.6 Hz), characteristic of a sedative-like effect. Olanzapine and clozapine caused a dose-dependent increase in power density in all frequency bands. These effects were already present at doses (0.04 and 0.16 mg/kg s.c., respectively) 10 times below those required for apomorphine antagonism. The effects increased dose-dependently and were pronounced at the doses required for apomorphine antagonism. These results in rats are in agreement with the clinical observation that risperidone has less propensity for inducing sedation at therapeutic dose levels than olanzapine and clozapine.
Relook Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Simple Technique to Re-Enter the Pelvicalyceal System
Authors: Goel Apul , Aron Monish , Gupta N.P. , Hemal A.K.
Published: July 2003

We describe a simple technique of reentry into the pelvicalyceal system for removal of residual fragments that is simple, rapid and cheap.
Natural Killer T Cells in Patients with Prostatic Carcinoma
Authors: Schwemmer B.
Published: July 2003

Recent interest has focused on natural killer T (NKT) cells as effector cells in a possible new form of immunotherapy. NKT cells express T cell and natural killer cell receptors. They are CD1d-dependent and can be stimulated by α-galactosylceramide. We have studied peripheral blood levels of NKT cells simultaneously with CD8+ cells and natural killer cells in 54 patients with prostatic carcinoma. Levels of NKT cells in patients with androgen withdrawal and stable PSA levels were 211.8 ± 138.4 cells/µl and in patients with rising PSA levels were 27.0 ± 22.1 cells/µl. A similar but less pronounced difference in CD8+ cells between these groups was found (656.4 vs. 212.0 cells/µl). Comparing all 54 patients studied, a positive correlation was found between the levels of NKT cells and CD8+ cells (r = 0.83). Our results suggest an important and regulatory role of NKT cells in patients with prostatic carcinoma.
Detection of Prostate Cancer and Changes in Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Six Months after Surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Patients with Elevated PSA
Authors: Özden Cüneyt , İnal Gürdal , Adsan Öztug , Yazıcı Sertaç , Özturk Bulent , Çetinkaya Mesut
Published: July 2003

Objective: To evaluate early postoperative results of patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels who underwent surgery due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients and Methods: 64 patients who had lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), normal digital rectal examinations (DRE), elevated PSA levels and prostate biopsies reported as being benign pathologically in specimens obtained by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsies, were included in the study. Patients were assessed in accordance with PSA density, free/total PSA ratio and uroflowmetric studies. Patients had no cancer pre- and postoperatively (according to operative specimens). Six months postoperatively, 32 patients were accepted for re-evaluation for all PSA parameters, routine tests and prostatic biopsies. Results: 64 patients with a mean age of 66.8 (SD 6.72) were included in the study. Total PSA average value was 14.38 (SD 7.49) ng/ml. Free PSA average value was 2.11 (SD 1.43) ng/ml. Average PSA density and free/total PSA ratio were 25.19 SD (14.12) ng/ml/cm3 and 14.53% (SD 5.35%) respectively. 56 patients had BPH, 7 had chronic prostatitis and 1 had prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) preoperatively with biopsies. Re-biopsy of the patient with PIN was reported as BPH. In pathologic examination with resected tissues postoperatively, 49 patients had BPH, 14 had chronic prostatitis and 1 had PIN. In the sixth month, average values of free/total PSA were 0.45 (SD 0.26) and 3.71 (SD 4.96) ng/ml respectively. Average PSA density and free/total PSA ratio were 12.41 (SD 13.8) ng/ml/cm3 and 19.59% (SD 10.33%) respectively. There were significant decreases in PSA densities (p < 0.001) and increases in free/total PSA ratios (p = 0.004). Seven patients still had elevated PSA levels 6 months postoperatively. Three of 7 patients were reported as chronic prostatitis. One of them was indicated as prostatic carcinoma who was reported as PIN preoperatively. All other patients were stated as BPH at re-biopsies. Conclusion: If pretreatment biopsies are negative and operative specimens are also benign in patients with high PSA values, these patients can be followed up like usual BPH patients, but long-term follow-up is still unclear.