bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Induces Leukocyte Apoptosis, Modulates Nuclear Factor-Kappa B and Suppresses Acute Inflammation
Authors: Orban Zsolt , Mitsiades Nicholas , Burke Jr. Terrence R. , Tsokos Maria , Chrousos George P.
Published: April 2003

Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) is a heterodimeric transcription factor with a pivotal role in orchestrating immune and inflammatory processes. Inflammatory cytokines and prostanoids activate NF-κB, which, in turn, stimulates expression of cytokines, proteases, adhesion molecules and other inflammatory mediators. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a compound that modulates nuclear binding of the NF-κB p65 subunit (RelA). To determine whether CAPE decreases the viability of cells participating in host defense, we first tested its in vitro effect on a glucocorticoid-sensitive and -resistant cell line of lymphoid origin. CAPE induced apoptotic cell death in a dose-dependent fashion and to a similar extent in both cell lines. Furthermore, a low concentration of CAPE decreased the LD50 of dexamethasone by 3- to 5-fold. Since therapeutic induction of apoptosis of activated inflammatory cells holds the attraction of destroying effector cells safely without secondary tissue damage, we examined the effects of CAPE in a rat model of carrageenin-induced subcutaneous inflammation. Local administration of CAPE resulted in increased leukocyte apoptosis and marked reduction in exudate leukocyte, neutrophil and monocyte concentrations at the inflammatory site. CAPE decreased expression of cytosolic IκBα and increased nuclear translocation of p65. These findings may suggest that novel anti-inflammatory therapies can be based upon activation of NF-κB-mediated transcription of genes curbing the inflammatory response and that CAPE or its analogs hold therapeutic promise.
Local Application of Capsaicin into the Draining Lymph Nodes Attenuates Expression of Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Lorton Dianne , Lubahn Cheri , Engan Chad , Schaller Jill , Felten David L. , Bellinger Denise L.
Published: April 2003

Adjuvant-induced experimental arthritis (AA) was examined in adult male Lewis rats after isolated capsaicin (CAPS)-induced loss of small, nonmyelinated, afferent fibers in lymph nodes draining the site of adjuvant challenge. AA was induced by intradermal injection of Freund’s complete adjuvant (CFA) into the subplantar area of the right hind paw. Controls received similar injections of mineral oil, the vehicle for CFA. One day later, half of the CFA-treated rats and half of the mineral oil-treated rats received injections of CAPS bilaterally into the draining lymph nodes (DLN). The DLN of remaining rats were injected with 50:50 ethanol/sterile physiological saline, the vehicle for CAPS. This paradigm resulted in four groups designated: CFA/CAPS, CFA/vehicle, vehicle/CAPS and vehicle/vehicle. Since substance P (SP) is present in small, nonmyelinated, afferent fibers, the target of the neurotoxin, CAPS, a radioimmunoassay specific for SP was used to verify the loss of these nerve fibers. CAPS injections into the DLN resulted in a loss in SP concentration in the DLN, with no depletion of SP in the spleen or sciatic nerve. These findings support the destruction of SP-containing nerves, which we interpret as verification of the selective loss of small, non-myelinated afferent nerves in the DLN with no significant spread of the neurotoxin to the nearby sciatic nerves which supply small, nonmyelinated, afferent fibers to the hind limb joints. Also, preservation of SP content in spleen indicates CAPS did not circulate via the lymphatic drainage. No chronic inflammation was observed in the fore or hind limbs from rats treated with the vehicle for CFA (vehicle/vehicle, vehicle/CAPS) at any time during the study. In CFA/vehicle-treated rats, bilateral, symmetrical inflammation of the hind limbs was apparent 14 days after challenge with CFA, and became progressively more inflamed through day 20. In contrast, hind limb inflammation in arthritic rats treated with CAPS was not symmetrical. On days 14 and 20 after challenge with CFA, the inflammatory response in the left hind limb, contralateral to the site of CFA injection, was significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated compared with the response seen on the right side of CFA/CAPS-treated rats, and with the response seen in left hind limb of CFA/vehicle-treated animals. In fact, the mean dorsoplantar width of contralateral hind limbs from CFA/CAPS-treated animals was not different from that measured in non-AA control groups. These findings support a role for small, nonmyelinated, sensory nerves that modulate immune responses in DLN in the development and progression of AA in Lewis rats.
Stress-Induced Reactivation of Epstein-Barr Virus in Astronauts
Authors: Stowe Raymond P. , Pierson Duane L. , Feeback Daniel L. , Barrett Alan D.T.
Published: April 2003

Herpesviruses are leading causes of infectious blindness and death in immunocompromised individuals. Impaired cellular immunity, which is known to result in increased frequency and severity of herpesvirus infections, has been demonstrated both during and after spaceflight. Therefore, we examined whether Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a well-characterized latent herpesvirus, undergoes reactivation in astronauts. Sera from Shuttle astronauts, taken before and after spaceflight, were examined for evidence of EBV reactivation. The geometric mean antibody titer to EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) was significantly increased prior to flight compared to baseline (p = 0.0001). After spaceflight, evidence of acute lytic replication was found in which 8- to 64-fold increases in EBV early antigen (EA) antibodies occurred without significant increases in antibodies to measles virus. Additionally, stress-induced shifts in circulating leukocytes and elevated levels of urinary cortisol and epinephrine were found. Overall, significant increases in EA or high VCA/EA antibody titers were found in 8 of 23 (35%) male astronauts and 3 of 5 (60%) female astronauts. These results indicate that stress reactivates EBV prior to flight and suggest that acute lytic replication of EBV occurs during spaceflight.
Scopolamine-Induced Impairment of Delayed Recognition of Abstract Visual Shapes
Authors: Rosier Annemie , Cornette Luc , Orban Guy A.
Published: April 2003

Since the limbic system, whose involvement in cognitive processes is well documented, constitutes a major central cholinergic area, the effect of cholinergic drugs on cognitive tasks has been studied extensively. In the present study, we used a long-term visual recognition task to evaluate the persistence of the scopolamine-induced anterograde amnesia beyond drug clearance intervals. Following memorization of a list of abstract shapes, subjects were evaluated on recognition performance immediately after encoding, and after a 3-day interval. Administration of scopolamine (0.4–0.8 mg) 70 min prior to encoding induced a significant (8–16%) deficit in delayed recognition performance. In contrast, a scopolamine challenge on delayed recognition following a drug-free encoding did not influence memory performance. In contrast, even at peak levels, scopolamine did not alter immediate recognition, detection or visual discriminative performances. Hence, the presence of scopolamine during the encoding of the shapes induced a significant long-term memory deficit that persisted after scopolamine clearance. Therefore, this paradigm is useful for imaging regional brain activation during impaired recognition without the confounding direct effects of scopolamine on cerebral blood flow or metabolism, two physiological variables underlying the indirect measurement of brain activation.
Decreased Blood Levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha in Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Monteleone Palmiero , Catapano Francesco , Fabrazzo Michele , Tortorella Alfonso , Maj Mario
Published: April 2003

To investigate immune system function in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) we measured plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in 14 drug-free obsessive-compulsive patients and 14 matched healthy controls. No significant differences were observed between patients and controls in plasma levels of IL-1β and IL-6, whereas plasma levels of TNF-α were significantly lower (p = 0.001) in the former. Blood levels of prolactin did not differ between the two groups, whereas plasma cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in patients than in healthy subjects (p = 0.02). No significant correlation was found between immune parameters, on the one hand, and endocrine or psychopathological measures on the other. These results suggest that OCD is associated with a decreased production in TNF-α, but normal synthesis of IL-1β and IL-6.
Pathological Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Opiate-Dependent Patients during Withdrawal: A HMPAO-SPECT Study
Authors: Danos P. , Kasper S. , Grünwald F. , Klemm E. , Krappel C. , Broich K. , Höflich G. , Overbeck B. , Biersack H.J. , Möller H.J.
Published: April 2003

The aims of the present study were to investigate regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in heroin-dependent patients during withdrawal and to assess the relation between these changes and duration of heroin consumption and withdrawal data. The rCBF was measured using brain SPECT with 99mTc-HMPAO in 16 heroin-dependent patients during heroin withdrawal. Thirteen patients received levomethadone at the time of the SPECT scans. The images were analyzed both visually and quantitatively. A total of 21 hypoperfused brain regions were observed in 11 of the 16 patients. The temporal lobes were the most affected area, hypoperfusions of the right and left temporal lobe were observed in 5 and 5 patients, respectively. Three of the patients had a hypoperfusion of the right frontal lobe, 2 patients showed perfusion defects in the left frontal lobe, right parietal lobe and left parietal lobe. The results of the quantitative assessments of the rCBF were consistent with the results of the qualitative findings. The stepwise regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.54) between the dose of levomethadone at the time of the SPECT scan and the rCBF of the right parietal lobe. Other significant correlations between clinical data and rCBF were not found. The present results suggest brain perfusion abnormalities during heroin withdrawal in heroin-dependent patients, which are not due to the conditions of withdrawal.
Prefrontal Hypooxygenation during Language Processing Assessed with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Fallgatter A.J. , Müller T.J. , Strik W.K.
Published: April 2003

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive optical method which allows in vivo measurements of relative concentrations of oxygenated (O2Hb) and desoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb). It has been successfully applied to assess the blood oxygenation changes during cerebral ischemia in man. An interesting application of NIRS is the investigation of regional cerebral blood oxygenation during physiological brain functions. In the present study, left and right anterior prefrontal brain areas of 10 healthy subjects were investigated with 2-channel NIRS during language processing (reading aloud). Nonverbal visual perception (picture observation) was performed as a control condition. Compared to the respective baseline conditions, a significant HHb increase and an O2Hb decrease as a trend were found during language processing but not during the nonverbal perceptual task, and no hemispheric differences were found. The metabolic activation patterns differed significantly between the tasks indicating the changes due to the language-related efforts but not to visual perception. Based on previous findings of metabolic brain imaging studies the results are best explained as a complementary phenomenon consisting in relative anterior prefrontal hypoperfusion due to a blood volume redistribution which favors language-related temporal areas.
Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in Thyroid Diseased Patients
Authors: Placidi G.P.A. , Boldrini M. , Patronelli A. , Fiore E. , Chiovato L. , Perugi G. , Marazziti D.
Published: April 2003

Several studies have underlined the high prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and disorders in thyroid diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in 93 inpatients affected by different thyroid diseases during their lifetimes, by means of a standardized instrument, i.e., the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-III-Revised, Upjohn Version (SCID-UP-R). The results showed higher rates of panic disorder, simple phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and cyclothymia in thyroid patients than in the general population. These findings would suggest that the co-occurrence of psychiatric and thyroid diseases may be the result of common biochemical abnormalities.
The Effects of Psychological Stress on Leukocyte Subset Distribution in Humans: Evidence of Immune Activation
Authors: Maes Michael , van Bockstaele Dirk R. , Gastel Ann Van , Song Cai , Schotte Chris , Neels Hugo , DeMeester Ingrid , Scharpe Simon , Janca Aleksander
Published: April 2003

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of academic examination stress on leukocyte subset distribution in university students. Thirty-eight university students had repeated blood collections for white blood cell differentiation and flow cytometric assay of lymphocytic subsets a few weeks before and after (i.e. two baseline conditions) as well as the day before a difficult academic examination (i.e. stress condition). Flow cytometry was used to determine the number of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In students, who were reactors to psychological stress (criterion based on changes in the Perceived Stress Scale, PSS), but not in stress non-reactors, a significant increase in the number of neutrophils, monocytes, CD8+, CD2+CD26+, and CD2+HLA-DR+ T cells and CD19+ B cells, and significant reductions in the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio were observed in the stress condition. There were significant and positive relationships between the stress-induced changes in perceived stress (PSS scale) and number of leukocytes, neutrophils, CD2+, CD2+CD26+ and CD2+HLADR+ T cells, and CD19+ B cells. There were significant and negative relationships between the stress-induced changes in the CD4+/CD8+ ratio and the stress-induced changes in the PSS scale. Female students taking oral contraceptives showed significantly higher stress-induced responses in number of leukocytes, neutrophils and CD19+ B cells than male and female students without use of oral contraceptives. The results suggest that academic examination stress induces changes in the distribution of PBMC, which indicate immune activation and which are probably orchestrated by a stress-induced production of cytokines.
Electroencephalographic Characterization of Brain Dopaminergic Stimulation by Apomorphine in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Luthringer Rémy , Rinaudo Gilbert , Toussaint Michel , Bailey Paul , Muller Gérald , Muzet Alain , Macher Jean-Paul
Published: April 2003

Apomorphine, a dopamine receptor agonist (given in a dose of 0.75 mg s.c.), was administered to 8 healthy volunteers; electroencephalograph (EEG) and event-related potential (ERP) mapping were performed before dosing and 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 h after dosing. Apomorphine caused an overall increase in beta activity at time 0.5 h in both absolute and relative energy; P300 and CNV ERPs were not significantly altered, although a tendency towards increased P300 latency was seen. The results confirm that the EEG mapping technique is sufficiently sensitive to monitor dopaminergic neurochemical stimulation by means of apomorphine. This could lead to a new, non-invasive and repeatable method for monitoring central neuronal systems which is more convenient to apply repeatedly than for example positron emission tomography techniques. Furthermore, electrophysiological techniques undoubtedly constitute an alternative to classical neuroendocrinological methods, allowing a more direct assessment of central nervous system neurotransmission. Finally, these EEG approaches could lead to better characterization of drugs acting on dopaminergic pathways, such as antipsychotics.
Suicidal Behavior in Depression: Relationship to Platelet Serotonin Transporter
Authors: Roy Alec
Published: April 2003

Objective: Suicidal behavior in depressed patients is associated with low central serotonin. Thus, platelet serotonin uptake in relation to suicidal behavior in depression was examined. Methods: Depressed patients who had never attempted suicide (n = 23) were compared with depressed patients who had never attempted suicide (n = 26) and normal controls (n = 71) for platelet serotonin uptake. Results: Depressed patients who had a lifetime history of a suicide attempt had a significantly greater apparent Michaelis constant (Km) of platelet serotonin uptake than either depressed patients who had never attempted suicide or controls. Patients rated high for current suicidal ideation at the index admission had significantly higher Km values than patients rated low. Also, patients who reattempted or committed suicide during a 5-year follow-up period had significantly higher Km values than controls. Among women patients who had attempted suicide there was a significant correlation between extrapunitive hostility scores and Km values. Conclusion: The serotonin transporter warrants further study in relation to suicidal behavior in depression.
Chronic Oral Haloperidol and Clozapine in Rats: A Behavioral Evaluation
Authors: Schmitt Ulrich , Dahmen Norbert , Fischer Viola , Weigmann Harald , Rao Marie Luise , Reuss Stefan , Hiemke Christoph
Published: April 2003

The present study evaluated chronic oral treatment of rats with haloperidol or clozapine. Drugs were given in the drinking water for a 23-day period . Rat behavior was analyzed once a week in an open field. Rats ingested either 1.7 mg/kg haloperidol or 40 mg/kg clozapine daily. Blood serum analysis revealed concentrations of 6 ng/ml for haloperidol and 22 ng/ml for clozapine at the end of the treatment. Haloperidol decreased overall activity from the onset of treatment. Clozapine showed similar effects only on the last test day. Control animals showed a slight habituation in exploration-related parameters. In conclusion, these results indicate that oral drug administration through the drinking water is a suitable mode of noninvasive chronic treatment that led to sufficiently high drug levels to induce specific pharmacological effects in rats.
Immunoendocrine Findings in Patients with Eating Disorders
Authors: Monteleone P. , Maes M. , Fabrazzo M. , Tortorella A. , Lin A. , Bosmans E. , Kenis G. , Maj M.
Published: April 2003

Immune changes may occur in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN), and a role for proinflammatory cytokines has been proposed in the pathogenesis of both disorders. We measured plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), soluble forms of the cytokine receptor proteins gp130 and leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIF-R), the anti-inflammatory Clara cell 16-kD protein (CC16), prolactin (PRL), cortisol and 17β-estradiol in 21 anorexic women, 21 bulimic women and 21 healthy females. As compared to healthy subjects, anorexics exhibited significantly increased plasma levels of gp130 and LIF-R, whereas bulimics had significantly decreased blood concentrations of CC16. No significant differences emerged in the blood levels of the remaining immune parameters. Both patient groups manifested higher plasma levels of cortisol and reduced plasma concentrations of PRL and 17β-estradiol. In anorexics, a significant negative correlation was found between plasma levels of gp130 or LIF-R and the body mass index. These findings do not support the hypothesis that proinflammatory cytokines may play a pathogenetic role in eating disorders.
Artifact Processing in Computerized Analysis of Sleep EEG – A Review
Authors: Anderer Peter , Roberts Stephen , Schlögl Alois , Gruber Georg , Klösch Gerhard , Herrmann Werner , Rappelsberger Peter , Filz Oliver , Barbanoj Manel J. , Dorffner Georg , Saletu Bernd
Published: April 2003

Quantitative analysis of sleep EEG data can provide valuable additional information in sleep research. However, analysis of data contaminated by artifacts can lead to spurious results. Thus, the first step in realizing an automatic sleep analysis system is the implementation of a reliable and valid artifact processing strategy. This strategy should include: (1) high-quality recording techniques in order to minimize the occurrence of avoidable artifacts (e.g. technical artifacts); (2) artifact minimization procedures in order to minimize the loss of data by estimating the contribution of different artifacts in the EEG recordings, thus allowing the calculation of the ‘corrected’ EEG (e.g. ocular and ECG interference), and finally (3) artifact identification procedures in order to define epochs contaminated by remaining artifacts (e.g. movement and muscle artifacts). Therefore, after a short description of the types of artifacts in the sleep EEG and some typical examples obtained in different sleep stages, artifact minimization and identification procedures will be reviewed.
Lateralized Cognitive Visuospatial Processing: Is It Primarily Gender-Related or Due to Quality of Performance?
Authors: Unterrainer Josef , Wranek Ursula , Staffen Wolfgang , Gruber Thomas , Ladurner Gunther
Published: April 2003

The brain activity of 13 right-handed students (6 men and 7 women) was determined using high resolution 99mTc-HMPAO brain SPECT images during visuospatial tasks. The results showed that there was no significant gender-specific difference in solving the visuospatial tasks and that no meaningful statistical difference in brain activity between the two sexes could be found. When the sample was split into groups of good and poor performers, the results showed that there was a relatively symmetrical brain activity both frontal and parietal in subjects with poor test results. The results for those who performed the tests well, on the other hand, showed increased left frontal and right parietal brain activity. These results would suggest an asymmetric type of processing for better visuospatial brain performance independent of gender.
(±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’)-Induced Serotonin Neurotoxicity: Studies in Animals
Authors: Ricaurte George A. , Yuan Jie , McCann Una D.
Published: April 2003

The popular recreational drug, (±)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ‘Ecstasy’) is a potent and selective brain serotonin (5-HT) neurotoxin in animals. MDMA-induced 5-HT neurotoxicity can be demonstrated using a variety of neurochemical, neuroanatomical and, more recently, functional measures of 5-HT neurons. Although the neurotoxic effects of MDMA in animals are widely accepted, the relevance of the animal data to human MDMA users has been questioned, largely because dosages of drugs used in animals are perceived as being much higher than those used by humans. In the present paper, we review the extensive body of data demonstrating that MDMA produced toxic effects on brain 5-HT neurons in animals and present new data indicating that levels of the type 2 vesicular monoamine transporter are reduced in MDMA-treated animals, providing further indication of MDMA’s 5-HT neurotoxic potential. Further, we demonstrate, using principles of interspecies scaling, that dosages of MDMA known to be neurotoxic in animals fall squarely in the range of dosages used typically by recreational MDMA users.
No Evidence for Association of Alpha 1a Adrenoceptor Gene Polymorphism and Clozapine-Induced Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Hsu Ju-Wei , Wang Ying-Chieh , Lin Chao-Cheng , Bai Ya-Mei , Chen Jen-Yeu , Chiu Hsien-Jane , Tsai Shih-Jen , Hong Chen-Jee
Published: April 2003

Clozapine is an effective atypical antipsychotic that has high affinity for many neurotransmitter receptors. Among the adverse effects of clozapine, urinary incontinence is commonly found and is suggested to be caused by α-adrenergic blockade. We tested the hypothesis that clozapine-induced urinary incontinence is related to a genetic variant of the α1a-adrenoceptor. We also tested whether the α1a-receptor gene confers susceptibility to schizophrenic disorders. Our result indicated that the α1a-adrenoceptor gene polymorphism investigated plays no major role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia or in clozapine-induced urinary incontinence. Considering the superior effects of clozapine and its potent adrenergic antagonistic effects, it is of interest to investigate the association between this polymorphism and the treatment response.
Depression and Sleep Disorders: Clinical Relevance, Economic Burden and Pharmacological Treatment
Authors: Brunello Nicoletta , Armitage Roseanne , Feinberg Irwin , Holsboer-Trachsler Edith , Léger Damien , Linkowski Paul , Mendelson Wallace B. , Racagni Giorgio , Saletu Bernd , Sharpley Ann L. , Turek Fred , van Cauter Eve , Mendlewicz Julien
Published: April 2003

A wide range of studies have been published over the past two decades that involve the intersection of sleep EEG, insomnia, psychiatric illness (especially depressive disorders) and psychopharmacology. Much of value has been discovered, but there have also been false starts and contradictory results. There is in fact strong evidence that insomnia is associated with medical and psychiatric illness and that the sleepiness associated with insomnia is the cause of many accidents. Thus, the direct (visits to doctors, cost of sleeping medication, complications from use of these medications) and indirect (accidents, quality of life) costs of insomnia are enormous and constitute a major public health problem in the industrialized countries. Believing that it is now timely to assess the state of this important research area, a consensus conference was convened on June 26–28, 1998, in Porto Cervo (Italy) to attempt to clarify the important issues and findings on the clinical effect of the different classes of antidepressant drugs on sleep quality in depression. The participants’ consensus on some of the main topics is presented with the hope that this discussion and analysis will contribute to productive research in this important field.
Effect of Paroxetine on Thyroid Hormone Levels in Severely Depressed Patients
Authors: König Frank , Hauger Barbara , von Hippel Christoph , Wolfersdorf Manfred , Kaschka Wolfgang P.
Published: April 2003

There are very divergent appraisals of the effect of antidepressants on thyroid parameters and their possible correlation with the response. Whereas there are numerous investigations of tricyclic antidepressants, so far, there are only limited data on the possible effect of serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitors on neuroendocrine parameters. The present study showed a significant reduction of 11.2% in thyroxine during treatment with 20 mg paroxetine in 25 severely depressed patients.
Evaluation of Serotonin Levels in Human Aqueous Humor
Authors: Veglio Franco , De Sanctis Ugo , Schiavone Domenica , Cavallone Simonetta , Mulatero Paolo , Grignolo Federico Maria , Chiandussi Livio
Published: April 2003

Purpose: Serotonin is biochemically present in the iris and ciliary body of animals and humans. Controversial findings are reported about the concentrations of serotonin in aqueous humor with respect to plasma in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of serotonin both in aqueous humor and plasma in human subjects. Methods: In 50 patients with glaucoma or cataract, plasma and aqueous humor serotonin levels were measured by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Serotonin plasma levels were also measured in 25 healthy subjects as controls. Results: In all patients with cataract or glaucoma, the aqueous humor serotonin concentration is significantly lower than that in plasma [1.14±0.29 (SEM) vs. 5.33±1.03 ng/ml, p < 0.01]. Furthermore, in the same patients and in 25 healthy controls, serotonin plasma levels were similar. Conclusion: Our study shows that serotonin is present in human aqueous humor and its concentration is 4 times lower than in plasma.
Choristoma of the Optic Nerve: Neuroimaging Characteristics and Association with Spinal Cord Lipoma
Authors: Daxer Albert , Sailer Ulrike , Ettl Armin , Bleckenwegner Gerald , Felber Stephan
Published: April 2003

A 54-year-old patient presented with amaurosis of the right eye that resulted from a dysontogenetic tumor of the right optic nerve. The tumor involved the intraorbital, intracanalicular and intracerebral portion of the right optic nerve, without involvement of the chiasm. Although the patient had refused further diagnostic surgical exploration, we show that it is possible to establish the diagnosis of choristoma of the optic nerve by means of modern neuroimaging techniques based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. It appears from neuroimaging that choristomata of the optic nerve and spinal cord lipomas represent different manifestations of the same type of tumor. The neuroimaging characteristics of both kinds of tumors are discussed.
Homonymous Hemianopsia as the Initial Manifestation of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Gündüz Kaan , Cansu Kemal , Bulduklar Suat , Saatçi Isil
Published: April 2003

A 28-year-old male patient in good health with no previous neurologic or ophthalmoscopic abnormalities developed right homonymous hemianopsia. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated bilateral high-signal suprageniculate lesions. The lesion located in the left parieto-occipital area was compatible with the field defect observed. Oligoclonal bands were present in the cerebrospinal fluid. Testing of visual-evoked potentials revealed increased latencies in both eyes. The patient was given 1 g/day intravenous methylprednisolone for 3 days. The visual fields, as determined by automated static perimetry, recovered completely in 2 weeks. Follow-up MR imaging at 1 month showed no change compared to baseline. Seven months after the initial attack he suffered right internuclear ophthalmoplegia, which resolved spontaneously within 1 week. Based on the clinical and radiologic findings, the final diagnosis was made as clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS). This patient represents a rare case of MS presenting first with homonymous hemianopsia.
Measurement of Intraocular Pressure with a Modern Noncontact Tonometer
Authors: Koçak Inci , Orgül Selim , Saruhan Ayhan , Haefliger Ivan , Hendrickson Phillip , Flammer Josef
Published: April 2003

Purpose: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) in a population without known glaucoma as measured by means of a noncontact tonometer (NCT). Methods: IOP values of 842 persons, measured by means of a Pulsair 2000 NCT ® (Keeler Instruments, Inc., Broomhall, Pennsylvania) by 5 investigators were evaluated. Three consecutive measurements were taken first on the right eye and then on the left eye in each subject. Topical anesthesia was not used. Results: The distribution of the measured IOP values was significantly different from a normal distribution. The median IOP was 15.0 mm Hg (lower quartile/upper quartile 12.5/17.2). There were no differences in IOP values between male and female subjects or between right and left eyes. There was no correlation between age and IOP values. Ninety percent of the subjects had an IOP within a range of 9–24 mm Hg in both eyes. Among the examined subjects, the IOP was above 24 and 21 mm Hg in 4,6 and 11%, respectively, in at least one eye. The median range of consecutive IOP measurements in one eye was 3 mm Hg (lower quartile/upper quartile 2.0/4.0). The median interocular IOP difference was 1.7 mm Hg (0.7/2.7). The median individual coefficient of variation (CV) values were 10.0% for the right eyes, –10.8% for the left eyes. Among the 5 different examiners, the IOP values, range of 3 consecutive IOP readings in one eye, interocular asymmetry and CV values were statistically comparable. Conclusion: The Pulsair 2000 NCT is very simple to use and its handling is mostly independent of the operator. The results of the present investigation might be of some value for future screening programs.
Clinical Application of Digital Indocyanine Green Angiography in Choroidal Neurofibromatosis
Authors: Rescaldani C. , Nicolini P. , Fatigati G. , Bottoni F.G.
Published: April 2003

Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) was used to investigate 2 cases of type 1 systemic neurofibromatosis that had appeared at birth with café-au-lait skin spots, gradually developing into multiple cutaneous neurofibromas. Patients underwent periodical visual acuity examinations, the fundus was checked and fluorescein angiography (FA) was done; all findings appeared extremely stable. In 1995 these 2 patients underwent ICGA to check for pathological choroidal involvement. In both cases the initial examination stages showed multiple extensive areas of hypofluorescence, their morphology and extension coinciding with the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) lesions shown by FA and by ophthalmoscopic examination. In later stages the hypofluorescent areas became smaller, generally shrinking to small isolated dots in the middle of the original areas. These initially hypofluorescent areas appeared to be due to slow focal choroidal filling caused by deep alterations to the walls of the choroidal arterioles induced by the disease. Chronic hypoperfusion of the choriocapillaris results in impairment of the overlying RPE, causing it to atrophy. The late hypofluorescent areas could be either persistent nonperfused lobules of choriocapillaris or neurofibromatose choroidal nodules. ICGA examination showed that the FA lesions described in the literature as choroidal nodules are in fact alterations to the RPE secondary to areas of hypoperfusion in the choriocapillaris.
Treatment of Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage with Tissue Plasminogen Activator
Authors: Kwon Oh W. , Kang Shin J. , Lee Jae B. , Lee Sung C. , Yoon Young D. , Oh Jung H.
Published: April 2003

We evaluated the efficacy of tissue plasminogen activator in treating experimental suprachoroidal hemorrhage. Suprachoroidal hemorrhage was created in 30 white rabbit eyes by implanting four pieces of small, exogenously formed blood coagula into the suprachoroidal space. Animals were randomized for treatment with a surgical sponge soaked in 25, 50, or 75 μg of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or balanced salt solution (BSS®) as a control. The time when initiation and completion of clot dissolution occurred was established, and histological examination was performed to assess damage. Clot dissolution started within 30 min in the 50- and 75-μg tPA group, whereas it took 2.75 days in the control group; complete dissolution of blood clots took 4.5 h in the 75-μg tPA group and 14 days in the control group. Histological examination revealed a minimal change in photoreceptors within 6 h after treatment with 75 μg tPA. Treatment of suprachoroidal hemorrhage with tPA seems to be effective, but further investigations for determining the effective and nontoxic dose are required.
Effect of Pre-Enucleation Irradiation on the Survival of Patients with Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Günalp I·lhan , Batioğlu Figen
Published: April 2003

The effect of pre-enucleation irradiation on the survival of patients with uveal melanoma was investigated in 140 patients. Of the patients, 42 received pre-enucleation cobalt external radiotherapy 2,000 cGy, in five fractions between 1981–1991. The control group consisted of 98 patients with uveal melanoma treated by enucleation alone between 1964 and 1994. The great majority of tumors in each group were confined to the choroid. The mean follow-up period was 58.3 months in the irradiated group and 61.6 months in the enucleation group. A comparison of the Kaplan-Meier survival curves of the patients managed by pre-enucleation irradiation and enucleation indicated no significant difference in survival between the groups. After 5 years of follow-up, the survival rates for the preoperatively irradiated group and the control group were, 86.5 and 86.8%, respectively. In both groups, women had a significantly better survival than men. It is more likely that pre-enucleation irradiation does not appear to improve survival in patients with uveal melanoma. The reason for this may be the micrometastases that occur before treatment.
Molecular Variant of the Human Paraoxonase/Arylesterase Gene Is Associated with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in the Japanese Population
Authors: Murata Masatoshi , Nakagawa Michihiro , Takahashi Shigeki
Published: April 2003

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a complex trait caused by a number of local and systemic factors. Among the latter, atherosclerosis has been attributed a major pathogenic role. Recently, the paraoxonase/arylesterase (PONA) enzyme has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. There is a 10- to 40-fold variability in the activity of this enzyme among individuals. This variability is due to the presence of an A/G polymorphism in the coding region of the gene. The A and G alleles code for glutamine (A genotype) and arginine (B genotype), respectively. We determined the PONA genotypes and alleles in 42 patients with CRVO and in 45 control subjects of the Japanese population. The distribution of AA, AB and BB genotypes were 9.6, 45.2 and 45.2%, respectively, in the patients and 26.7, 53.3 and 20.0% in the control subjects, respectively (p < 0.05). The A allele frequency was 0.32 in patients and 0.53 in controls (p < 0.01). In conclusion, molecular variants of the PONA gene are involved in the predisposition to CRVO. Further studies are needed to characterize the molecular mechanism by which the PONA enzyme is involved in atherosclerosis.
Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome: A Cohort Study on Intraoperative Complications in Cataract Surgery
Authors: Scorolli Lucia , Scorolli Luigi , Campos Emilio C. , Bassein Leona , Meduri Renato A.
Published: April 2003

Our aim was to determine the rate of intraoperative complications induced by pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PSX) in cataract surgery. We report our experience regarding 1,052 consecutive patients who underwent phacoemulsification. Exact logistic regression was used to examine the role of PSX in intraoperative complications. Odds ratio for intraoperative complications (vitreous loss, capsular break, zonular break) was estimated to be 5.1 for PSX present as compared to when it is absent. PSX was associated with a statistically significant increase in intraoperative complications during cataract surgery (p < 0.0001).
Corneal and Lens Autofluorescence in Young Insulin-Dependent Diabetic Patients
Authors: Ishiko Satoshi , Yoshida Akitoshi , Mori Fumihiko , Abiko Tohru , Kitaya Norihiko , Konno Suguru , Kato Yuji
Published: April 2003

To study the early ocular abnormalities in young diabetic patients, corneal and lens autofluorescence was measured by fluorophotometry in 30 eyes of 30 insulin-dependent diabetic patients without retinopathy. The lens [f(l)] and the corneal [f(c)] autofluorescence values in diabetic patients were significantly higher than in controls. In diabetic patients, f(l) was significantly correlated with the duration of diabetes, the f(c) was significantly correlated with the duration of diabetes and the indices of metabolic control, i.e. HbA1c and fructosamine. Our study demonstrated that young diabetic patients clearly had corneal and lens abnormalities before the appearance of overt diabetic retinopathy. The f(c) value might be a good indicator of metabolic control in diabetic patients.
Subconjunctival Injection of Low Doses of Mitomycin C: Effects on Fibroblast Proliferation
Authors: Pinilla I. , Larrosa J.M. , Polo V. , Honrubia F.M.
Published: April 2003

We evaluated the effect of low doses of mitomycin C (MMC) in subconjunctival injection on fibroblast viability. Eighteen rabbits received subconjunctival injections: group 1 was injected with balanced salt solution (BSS), group 2 received MMC 0.025 mg, and group 3 MMC 0.005 mg. Tissue samples were taken 1 h after the injection (conjunctiva, sclera and cornea at 0 and 90 °) and cultured. The average scleral and conjunctival outgrowth in the MMC-treated groups was significantly inferior to the outgrowth of the samples treated with BSS. Subconjunctival injections of MMC (0.025 and 0.005 mg) have an inhibitory effect on conjunctiva at 0 ° and on scleral fibroblast populations.
Cell-Biological Analysis of Atopic Cataractous Lenses
Authors: Majima Kiyoyuki , Majima Yoshinao , Kousaka Masashi
Published: April 2003

The number of people suffering from atopic dermatitis, a recent social problem believed to have arisen from environmental pollution and changes, continues to increase today, and these patients often encounter complications such as cataract and retinal detachment. In this study, I have conducted (1) a comparative study on the rate of cell proliferation between lens epithelial cells (LECs) obtained from 7 atopic cataractous lenses and from 1 normal lens, (2) a comparative study on cell density and alignment between LECs obtained from 5 nonatopic cataractous lenses and from 5 atopic cataractous lenses and (3) transmission electron microscopy of LECs obtained from 3 atopic cataractous lenses. My findings were as follows: (1) except for 1 case disclosing increased proliferative activity of the cells to become multilayered, LECs of atopic cataractous lenses showed diminished proliferative activity; (2) LECs of atopic cataractous lenses had decreased in cell density and revealed irregular cell alignment; (3) transmission electron microscopy of LECs of atopic cataractous lenses demonstrated multilayered cells, increased intercellular spaces, and degeneration and disappearance of some cells. A longer follow-up period and further studies using cells from additional atopic cataractous lenses are necessary before any conclusions can be drawn. However, obtaining human LECs especially of atopic cataract patients is not easy, and I do feel that my present study, although its number of patients may not be large enough, provides significant findings for further studies on the mechanism of atopic cataract formation.
Decreased Visual Acuity and Diplopia in a Patient with Münchausen Syndrome
Authors: Numata-Watanabe Konomi , Hayasaka Seiji , Kadoi Chiharu , Ikeda Nariko
Published: April 2003

A 20-year-old woman complained of decreased visual acuity in her left eye and diplopia. She had visited several hospitals previously. On examination, her left visual acuity varied, and her squint angle also changed. No organic disorders that could have caused the symptoms were noted. She complained of edema of her left arm. On admission to another hospital, her arm was found bound tightly with tape. She wanted surgery to correct her esotropia but did not expect to improve her quality of life by having it done. We believe that our patient may have Münchausen syndrome and that the decreased visual acuity and diplopia may be a rare association with the syndrome.
A Case of a Combination of Oguchi’s Disease and Congenital Retinoschisis
Authors: Ohguro Hiroshi , Suzuki Jun-ichi , Nakagawa Takashi
Published: April 2003

We report here a rare case of a combination of Oguchi’s disease and congenital retinoschisis. A 36-year-old male patient presented with a decrease in vision in both eyes and night blindness. Indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed bilateral macular stellate striations and golden-gray discoloration of the retina outside the vascular arcades. This discoloration turned to a normal retina after complete adaptation to darkness (Mizuo-Nakamura phenomenon).
Unilateral Retinitis pigmentosa: Clinical and Electrophysiological Report of Four Cases
Authors: Spadea Leopoldo , Magni Roberto , Rinaldi Giorgio , Dragani Tommaso , Bianco Guido
Published: April 2003

Unilateral retinitis pigmentosa (URP) is a rare tapetoretinal dystrophy affecting only one eye. The François and Verriest criteria are necessary to make a correct diagnosis of URP: exclude all infective etiologies, check that the clinical signs of retinitis are present in the affected eye and ensure the total absence of any signs or symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa in the fellow eye. The standard electroretinogram and standard electro-oculogram are very useful for the correct diagnosis. Other pigmentary retinopathies simulating retinitis pigmentosa have to be excluded, such as previous retinal inflammatory diseases like syphilis, rubeola, other viral diseases and onchocerciasis. In this paper, 4 cases of URP are reported.
Electrophysiologic and Echographic Findings with Choroidal Osteoma
Authors: Tost Frank , Schmidt Ulrich
Published: April 2003

The explanation by differential diagnosis of pathological changes of the fundus may be particularly difficult in case of diseases of sporadic occurrence. The examination findings in a 19-year-old patient with a choroidal osteoma are presented. Large arciform, atrophic areas with distinct boundaries and star-shaped vascular structures were dominant in the fundus on both sides. With peripapillar manifestation, the optic nerve head was ophthalmoscopically noncontributory. A submacular bleeding had caused sudden reduction of visual acuity and caused the patient to visit the ophthalmologist. The most important diagnostic key was supplied by echography, which established peripapillar scleral calcification. The posterior eye segment was highly reflective in ultrasonic echography (B mode), showing concave deformation and causing the sound shadow. Visually evoked potentials indicated the onset of the compression of the optic nerve by the choroidal osteoma. Diagnostic and treatment possibilities are discussed.
An Ultrasonographic Study of Stage-5 Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Tamburrelli Ciro , Ricci Benedetto , Dicembrino Matteo , Santo Alessandro
Published: April 2003

Background: In preterm infants with severe retinopathy of prematurity, there is often a discrepancy between ophthalmic ultrasound findings and the ophthalmoscopic and/or intraoperative aspect of the eye. Methods: Six preterm infants (8 eyes) with stage-5 retinopathy of prematurity were examined with standardized ophthalmic echography (A and B scans) shortly before undergoing open-sky vitrectomies. Sonographic findings were evaluated according to four A-scan and four B-scan criteria used to diagnose retinal detachment in adults and compared to intraoperative findings. Results: Although the retinal detachments and vitreal proliferation found in all 8 eyes at surgery were almost identical, the sonographic aspects varied widely: 3/8 satisfied most of the criteria used in adults, 3/8 presented two criteria only and the remaining 2 were negative for all criteria used. Conclusion: The variability in the ultrasonographic aspects of these preterm eyes may depend on the degree of maturity of the preterm retina at the time of examination, with more mature retinas presenting greater reflectivity and therefore greater visibility in the sonographic exam.
Problems of Chorioretinal Venous Anastomosis by Laser for Treatment of Nonischemic Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Aktan S. Gülderen , Subaşı Mahmut , Akbatur Haluk , Or Meral
Published: April 2003

Objectives: Evaluate the efficacy of chorioretinal venous anastomosis in patients with nonischemic retinal vein occlusions with progressive visual loss and to concentrate on complications. Design: Case series of 6 patients, retrospective study. Six patients with nonischemic central retinal vein occlusions and progressive visual loss. Laser photocoagulation was performed to create a chorioretinal venous anastomosis to be able to supply venous blood to the choroid, bypassing the occlusion. Visual acuity, funduscopic appearance and fluorescein angiographic appearance were determined. Results: Two patients showed a chorioretinal anastomosis (33%), whereas in the other 4 patients the anastomosis could not be created. Yet 1 patient consequently had a neovascular tuft under the laser site. These new vessels caused minor vitreous hemorrhage and a tractional membrane which regressed after 10 months. Conclusion: The utilization of a chorioretinal venous anastomosis by laser as a therapeutic modality should be further questioned and thoroughly evaluated and caution must be exercised to avoid vision-threatening complications.