1
|
Grappasonni I, Petrelli F, Scuri S, Mahdi SS, Sibilio F, Amenta F. Knowledge and Attitudes on Food Hygiene among Food Services Staff on Board Ships. ANNALI DI IGIENE : MEDICINA PREVENTIVA E DI COMUNITA 2019; 30:162-172. [PMID: 29465153 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2018.2207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ships have long been sites for outbreaks of infectious diseases, particularly gastrointestinal diseases. The ship environment has the potential to facilitate the spread of such diseases, infecting susceptible cohorts of embarked passengers and crew. Gastrointestinal disorders among seafarers are fairly common and usually represent the first or second cause of requests for medical assistance aboard ships in international waters. STUDY DESIGN The purpose of this study was to evaluate food safety and the level of knowledge among food service personnel on board merchant ships, where food handlers could be a cause of health problems for all crew members. METHODS An anonymous self-administered questionnaire containing specific questions about food hygiene and safety knowledge was administered. RESULTS The overall score of correct answers for the food safety aspects tested was 51.77 (SD 3.87) out of 76 points, corresponding to 68.12% of questions answered correctly. Food workers who followed a training course showed higher mean knowledge score (p < 0.05) compared to not-trained workers. The most relevant significant differences (p < 0.05) were noticeable in the personal hygiene, cross-contamination, safe storage, and knowledge of foodborne pathogens sections. CONCLUSION Food services staff on board cargo ships should be adequately trained and should understand basic and fundamental aspects of food hygiene, related pathologies and sanitation, as they are responsible for the health and wellbeing of many seafarers.
Collapse
|
2
|
Nittari G, Pallotta G, Pirillo I, Ricci G, Amenta F. Evaluation of medical prescriptions and off-label use on board ships to improve healthcare quality. EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2019; 22:4392-4400. [PMID: 30024631 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201807_15439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study analyzed the appropriateness of drug therapies prescribed for a particular category of patients: the seafarers. We investigated an important problem of this area: the off-label use of drugs, which resulted to be a consequence of major shortcomings in the on-board pharmacies of ships. The off-label use of drugs is allowed, but can lead to some not negligible ethical and health problems, compromising the quality of provided healthcare. MATERIALS AND METHODS The analysis was performed on electronic health records of patients onboard ships without physicians, and assisted by the CIRM from 2011 to 2015. This work is divided into two phases: in the first one, we classified the diagnoses registered onboard on the basis of the ICD-10 classification proposed by the WHO. In the second phase, we evaluated the congruence of the pharmacological therapies prescribed by CIRM physicians, according to the MICROMEDEX Database, which provides comprehensive information about drugs and their use. RESULTS From the analysis emerged that prescribed drugs were not always corresponded to their primary indication of use. In particular, in 2011 off-label drug use was widely spread (more than 30%) in some ICD-10 classes. In the following years (2012-2015) a decrease of off-label use of drugs was noticed. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that a standardization of onboard pharmacies is crucial, in order to have a complete on-board pharmacy that will allow preventing and counteracting any situation of health danger, which may occur onboard, ensuring high quality healthcare to seafarers all over the world.
Collapse
|
3
|
Tayebati S, Marucci G, Santinelli C, Buccioni M, Amenta F. Choline-Containing Phospholipids: Structure-Activity Relationships Versus Therapeutic Applications. Curr Med Chem 2015; 22:4328-40. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867322666151029104152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
4
|
Degli Angioli R, Saturnino A, Sibilio F, Amenta F. Healthy ship: An innovative approach for improving medical care of sailing seafarers. ARCH MAL PROF ENVIRO 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.admp.2013.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
5
|
Carotenuto, Molino I, Fasanaro A, Degli Angioli R, Saturnino A, Sibilio F, Amenta F. Assessment of stress of seafarers on board merchant ships. ARCH MAL PROF ENVIRO 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.admp.2013.07.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
6
|
Ziello A, Degli Angioli R, Amenta F. Psychological consequences in victims of maritime piracy: Evaluation of experiences of kidnapped seafarers and their families. ARCH MAL PROF ENVIRO 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.admp.2013.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
7
|
Grappasonni I, bergamini E, D’Amico S, Mazzucchi F, Samad M, Soldo S, Taiano D, Amenta F. Tobacco smoking habits on board merchant ships. ARCH MAL PROF ENVIRO 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.admp.2013.07.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
8
|
Grasso S, Bramanti V, Tomassoni D, Bronzi D, Malfa G, Traini E, Napoli M, Renis M, Amenta F, Avola R. Effect of lipoic acid and α-glyceryl-phosphoryl-choline on astroglial cell proliferation and differentiation in primary culture. J Neurosci Res 2013; 92:86-94. [PMID: 24166560 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Lipoic acid plays a crucial role as antioxidant and metabolic component of enzymes involved in glucose metabolism of different cell types. Choline alphoscerate (α-glyceryl-phosphoryl-choline [αGPC]) is a semisynthetic derivative of phosphatidylcholines representing, among acetilcholine precursors, a cholinergic drug. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of some proliferation and differentiation markers in 15 or 21 DIV astrocyte cultures treated with 50 μM (+)lipoic acid or (+/-)lipoic acid and/or 10 mM αGPC for 24 hr. In addition, we evaluated the possible genoprotective effect by analysis of DNA status detected by alkaline comet assay. The addition of single drugs [(+)lipoic acid, (+/-)lipoic acid, or αGPC] induced an "upward modulation" of the expression of biomarkers used in our study. On the contrary, the cotreatment with either (+)lipoic acid + αGPC or (+/-)lipoic + αGPC surprisingly showed no significant modification or even a downregulation of the above-mentioned biomarkers. This latter finding demonstrated no additional effect after the cotreatment with both drugs with respect to the single treatments alone. Further studies are necessary to clarify the specific mechanism evoked by the processing of these neuroprotective agents in our in vitro models. Finally, these preliminary findings may represent a good tool with which to clarify the antioxidant and metabolic roles played by lipoic acid in proliferating and differentiating astroglial cell cultures, during an interactive cross-talk between glial and neuronal cells, after brain lesions or damage correlated with oxidative stress that may occur in some degenerative diseases.
Collapse
|
9
|
Sossai P, Sudano M, Caniglia C, Amenta F. Effect of Nordic walking in type 2 diabetes mellitus: some considerations. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2013; 53:336-337. [PMID: 23715259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
|
10
|
Bramanti V, Tomassoni D, Grasso S, Bronzi D, Napoli M, Campisi A, Li Volti G, Ientile R, Amenta F, Avola R. Cholinergic precursors modulate the expression of heme oxigenase-1, p21 during astroglial cell proliferation and differentiation in culture. Neurochem Res 2012; 37:2795-804. [PMID: 22956150 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-012-0873-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Revised: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) plays a crucial role in oxidative stress processes, apoptosis and cell differentiation. Further, some proteins related to cell cycle including cyclins and p21 are important markers of astrocyte cultures. Aim of investigation was to study the effects of cholinergic precursors (choline, CDP-choline, Acetylcholine and α-Glyceril-Phosphorylcholine) on HO-1 and p21 expression during astroglial cell proliferation and differentiation in primary cultures at 14 and 35 days in vitro (DIV) treated for 24 h with choline metabolites. Our results showed a slight reduction of HO-1 expression (data not statistical significant) in astroglial cell cultures treated with CDP-choline at 14 DIV and 35 DIV. On the contrary, ACh and choline induced a significant increase of HO-1 expression in 14 DIV astrocyte cultures. Surprisingly, choline and ACh dramatically reduced HO-1 expression at 35 DIV. A slight decrease not statistical significant was detectable for α-GPC at 14 DIV and particularly significant at 35 DIV. Data concerning p21 expression, a well known protein inhibiting cell cycle, evidenced a significant increase at 14 and 35 DIV after α-GPC treatment. CDP-choline treatment caused a high increase of p21 expression in 14 DIV astrocyte cultures, but no modification at 35 DIV. Instead, ACh treatment induced a marked increment of p21 expression at 35 DIV. Our data suggest that cholinergic precursors modulate HO-1 and p21 expression during astroglial cell proliferation and differentiation in culture and could be considered a tool to study the induced effects of ischemia and hypoxia diseases in some in vitro models to prevent and reduce its effects after treatment with cholinergic drugs.
Collapse
|
11
|
Verhovez A, Williams TA, Morello F, Monticone S, Brizzi MF, Dentelli P, Fallo F, Fabris B, Amenta F, Gomez-Sanchez C, Veglio F, Mulatero P. Aldosterone does not modify gene expression in human endothelial cells. Horm Metab Res 2012; 44:234-8. [PMID: 22068811 DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1291272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
The toxic effects of aldosterone on the vasculature, and in particular on the endothelial layer, have been proposed as having an important role in the cardiovascular pathology observed in mineralocorticoid-excess states. In order to characterize the genomic molecular mechanisms driving the aldosterone-induced endothelial dysfunction, we performed an expression microarray on transcripts obtained from both human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human coronary artery endothelial cells stimulated with 10 - 7 M aldosterone for 18 h. The results were then subjected to qRT-PCR confirmation, also including a group of genes known to be involved in the control of the endothelial function or previously described as regulated by aldosterone. The state of activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor was investigated by means of a luciferase-reporter assay using a plasmid encoding a mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid-sensitive promoter. Aldosterone did not determine any significant change in gene expression in either cell type both in the microarray and in the qRT-PCR analysis. The luciferase-reporter assay showed no activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor following aldosterone stimulation. The status of nonfunctionality of the mineralocorticoid receptor expressed in cultured human umbilical and coronary artery endothelial cells does not allow aldosterone to modify gene expression and provides evidence against either a beneficial or harmful genomic effect of aldosterone on healthy endothelial cells.
Collapse
|
12
|
Grappasonni I, Paci P, Mazzucchi F, De Longis S, Amenta F. Awareness of health risks at the workplace and of risks of contracting communicable diseases including those related to food hygiene, among seafarers. Int Marit Health 2012; 63:24-31. [PMID: 22669809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The awareness of health risks on board ships in terms of knowledge of dangers and discomfort at the workplace, and of risks of contracting communicable diseases including those related to food hygiene was assessed in a sample of workers of an Italian shipping company. Analysis was performed on crew members and on ashore personnel of the same firm to assess possible differences in risk perception. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted by proposing an anonymous questionnaire to the crew members of 9 tankers and to the office staff of the shipping company Finaval S.p.A., which has its headquarters in Rome. RESULTS People living ashore have a better knowledge of infectious risks than seafarers. Both ashore workers and seafarers have a reasonable awareness of blood-borne and sexually-transmitted diseases. Seafarers are more concerned about the risks of psychological problems due to isolation than are office personnel. The risk of not being adequately cared for in case of disease or injury on board is also perceived as a major problem by seafarers. Ashore personnel, eating raw fish more than their mates on board, are at a greater risk of communicable gastrointestinal diseases. CONCLUSIONS Seafarers should be the target of specific informative campaigns about health risks, possible consequences, and how to minimize exposure to them during travel/life at sea.
Collapse
|
13
|
Grappasonni I, Paci P, Mazzucchi F, Amenta F. Survey on HIV risk perception and sexual behaviours among seafarers. Int Marit Health 2011; 62:131-137. [PMID: 21910117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Because the nature of their work seafarers spend long periods of time away from their families and therefore represent a group at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection. This paper reports the results of a survey to evaluate awareness and knowledge of the risk of HIV infection among seafarers. Risky behaviours for HIV transmission were also assessed. The survey was conducted using anonymous questionnaires on 197 workers of 9 vessels and 26 office employees of an Italian shipping company (FINAVAL S.p.A., Rome). The respondents considered HIV/AIDS as one of the diseases with a high risk of transmission. Most respondents had a good general knowledge of HIV/AIDS and on the ways of its transmission. However, there is still lack of knowledge on the basics of this disease. On the other hand, in spite of knowledge and awareness about the risks of the disease, only 56.35% of the interviewed crewmembers used protection in sexual intercourse with occasional partners. Compared to data available in literature, the percentage of self-protecting people is increasing, but the number of seafarers exposing themselves to risky behaviours is still high. As expected, condoms are used with regular partners with lower frequency compared to occasional intercourse. The results of this survey indicate that adequate prevention campaigns and major attention paid to seafarers health is useful for stimulating responsible conduct for the prevention of infectious diseases, including HIV infection. Nevertheless, it is still necessary to increase information about the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and how to reduce it.
Collapse
|
14
|
Bramanti V, Tomassoni D, Bronzi D, Grasso S, Currò M, Avitabile M, Li Volsi G, Renis M, Ientile R, Amenta F, Avola R. Alpha-Lipoic Acid Modulates GFAP, Vimentin, Nestin, Cyclin D1 and MAP-Kinase Espression in Astroglial Cell Cultures. Neurochem Res 2010; 35:2070-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-010-0256-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|
15
|
Mancini M, Grappasonni I, Scuri S, Amenta F. Oral Health in Alzheimers Disease: A Review. Curr Alzheimer Res 2010; 7:368-73. [DOI: 10.2174/156720510791162359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2009] [Accepted: 11/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
16
|
Tayebati S, Tomassoni D, Di Stefano A, Sozio P, Amenta F. Influence of treatment with CDP-choline or choline alphoscerate on brain dopamine and acetylcholine transporters. J Neurol Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2009.02.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
17
|
Tomassoni D, Tayebati S, Amenta F. Neuroprotective effect of treatment with galantamine and choline alphoscerate on brain microanatomy in spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Neurol Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2009.02.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
18
|
Sossai P, Amenta F, Porcellati C. Observational Study of Hypertension in Matelica, Italy (Matelica Hypertension Study). Clin Exp Hypertens 2009; 29:531-7. [DOI: 10.1080/10641960701744012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
19
|
Tayebati S, Di Tullio M, Amenta F. Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter (VAChT) in the Brain of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR): Effect of Treatment with an Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor. Clin Exp Hypertens 2009; 30:732-43. [DOI: 10.1080/10641960802580216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
20
|
Campisi A, Bramanti V, Caccamo D, Li Volti G, Cannavò G, Currò M, Raciti G, Galvano F, Amenta F, Vanella A, Ientile R, Avola R. Effect of growth factors and steroids on transglutaminase activity and expression in primary astroglial cell cultures. J Neurosci Res 2008; 86:1297-305. [PMID: 18041095 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.21579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Type-2 transglutaminase (TG-2) is a multifunctional enzyme involved in the regulation of cell differentiation and survival that recently has been shown to play an emerging role in astrocytes, where it is involved in both proliferation and differentiation processes. Growth factors (GFs) such as EGF, basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and insulin (INS) are trophic and mitogenic peptides that participate in neuron-glia interactions and stimulate neuronal and astroglial proliferation and differentiation. Steroid hormones such as glucocorticoids and estrogens also play a pivotal role in neuronal and astroglial proliferation and differentiation and are key hormones in neurodegenerative and neuroprotective processes. We investigated the effects of the interaction of GFs with dexamethasone (DEX) or 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) on TG-2 activity and their expression in cultured astrocytes. We observed a significant increase in TG-2 activity and expression in astroglial cells treated for 24 hr with IGF-I, EGF, or INS. Priming of the cells with DEX or E(2), for 48 hr also led to an increase in TG-2 levels. When growth factors were present in the last 24 hr of the steroid treatment, a reduction in TG-2 expression and activity and a different subcellular TG-2 distribution were found. Our data indicate that steroid hormone-GF interaction may play an important role in astroglial function. The effect on TG-2 could be part of the regulation of intracellular pathways associated with the astrocyte response observed in physiological conditions and, possibly, also in neuropathological diseases.
Collapse
|
21
|
Amenta F, Tayebati SK. Pathways of acetylcholine synthesis, transport and release as targets for treatment of adult-onset cognitive dysfunction. Curr Med Chem 2008; 15:488-98. [PMID: 18289004 DOI: 10.2174/092986708783503203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter widely diffused in central, peripheral, autonomic and enteric nervous system. This paper has reviewed the main mechanisms of ACh synthesis, storage, and release. Presynaptic choline transport supports ACh production and release, and cholinergic terminals express a unique transporter critical for neurotransmitter release. Neurons cannot synthesize choline, which is ultimately derived from the diet and is delivered through the blood stream. ACh released from cholinergic synapses is hydrolyzed by acetylcholinesterase into choline and acetyl coenzyme A and almost 50% of choline derived from ACh hydrolysis is recovered by a high-affinity choline transporter. Parallel with the development of cholinergic hypothesis of geriatric memory dysfunction, cholinergic precursor loading strategy was tried for treating cognitive impairment occurring in Alzheimer's disease. Controlled clinical studies denied clinical usefulness of choline and lecithin (phosphatidylcholine), whereas for other phospholipids involved in choline biosynthetic pathways such as cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline) or alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine (choline alphoscerate) a modest improvement of cognitive dysfunction in adult-onset dementia disorders is documented. These inconsistencies have probably a metabolic explanation. Free choline administration increases brain choline availability but it does not increase ACh synthesis/or release. Cholinergic precursors to serve for ACh biosynthesis should be incorporate and stored into phospholipids in brain. It is probable that appropriate ACh precursors and other correlated molecules (natural or synthesized) could represent a tool for developing therapeutic strategies by revisiting and updating treatments/supplementations coming out from this therapeutic stalemate.
Collapse
|
22
|
Ricci A, Mignini F, Tomassoni D, Amenta F. Dopamine receptor subtypes in the human pulmonary arterial tree. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 26:361-9. [PMID: 16968475 DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-8673.2006.00376.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine induces vasorelaxation of pulmonary artery primarily through an endothelium-dependent mechanism, but dopamine receptor subtypes involved in these mechanisms have not been identified yet. The expression and localization of dopamine D1-like (D1 and D5) and D2-like (D2, D3 and D4) receptors were investigated in hilar, lobar and intrapulmonary branches of human pulmonary artery by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Pulmonary artery expresses dopamine D1, D2, D4 and D5 receptor subtypes, but not the D3 receptor subtype. Dopamine D1 and to a lesser extent D5 receptors were accumulated primarily in the endothelium of extrapulmonary branches of pulmonary artery. A faint dopamine D1 and D5 receptor immunoreactivity was found in the inner media of extrapulmonary and of large sized intrapulmonary branches of pulmonary artery, but not in medium- or small-sized intrapulmonary artery branches. Dopamine D2 and to a lesser extent D4 receptor immunoreactivity co-localized with the tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive sympathetic plexus supplying pulmonary artery was found in the adventitia and in the adventitia-media of both extra- and different-sized intrapulmonary branches of pulmonary artery. These findings suggest the possible role of dopamine receptors in the pulmonary endothelium-dependent vasorelaxing activity. The D1 receptor subtype seems to be the most involved in this mechanism. Dopamine D2-like receptors are prejunctional and are located at the level of sympathetic neuroeffector plexus. The heterogeneous distribution and density of dopamine receptor subtypes along the human pulmonary arterial tree may be related to the different functional roles of dopamine at various levels of the pulmonary circulation.
Collapse
|
23
|
Mignini F, Traini E, Tomassoni D, Amenta F. Dopamine plasma membrane transporter (DAT) in rat thymus and spleen: an immunochemical and immunohistochemical study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 26:183-9. [PMID: 16553646 DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-8673.2006.00370.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The expression of the dopamine plasma membrane transporter (DAT) was investigated in rat thymus and spleen by immunochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. Antibodies raised against a peptide mapping near the amino terminus of DAT were bound to a single band of approximately 76 kDa in thymus and spleen membranes as well as in striatal and kidney membranes which were used as dopaminergic reference tissues. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that both thymus and spleen expressed DAT mRNA. Immunohistochemistry revealed in rat thymus a DAT immune reaction in the wall of arteries located in septa of connective tissue as well as in the medulla, with a reticular localization and an apparent negative reaction of thymocytes. In the spleen, DAT immunoreactivity was located primarily in the red-white pulp marginal zone, within small cells, likely corresponding to lymphocytes and in the wall of white pulp arteries. The presence of a dopamine transporter suggests that dopamine released in the lymphoid microenvironment may contribute to neuroimmune modulation. It cannot be excluded a different activity of dopamine in primary and secondary immune organs, such as maturation and selection of lymphocytes and activation of immune responses in the spleen.
Collapse
|
24
|
Polidori C, Zeng YC, Zaccheo D, Amenta F. Age-related changes in the visual cortex: a review. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2005; 17:145-64. [PMID: 15374315 DOI: 10.1016/0167-4943(93)90047-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/1993] [Revised: 09/16/1993] [Accepted: 09/17/1993] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The main age related changes in visual cortex are reviewed. The visual cortex (occipital cortex, areas 17-19) undergoes a variety of anatomical, biochemical and functional changes with aging. From a morphological point of view the visual cortex loses nerve cells mainly in the last period of life. From a biochemical point of view cholinergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic neurotransmissions seem to be the most remarkably affected. In terms of functional correlates, a decline of several activities of the visual cortex has been documented in the elderly. Due to the importance of visual cortex in the realization of visual function, the influence of aging on this cerebrocortical area requires a more detailed analysis.
Collapse
|
25
|
Ciriaco E, Bronzetti E, Caporali MG, Germana' GP, Niglio T, Piccolo G, Ricci A, Scotti De Carolis A, Amenta F. Effect of choline alfoscerate treatment on changes in rat hippocampus mossy fibres induced by monolateral lesioning of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2005; 14:203-13. [PMID: 15374385 DOI: 10.1016/0167-4943(92)90021-u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/1991] [Revised: 11/28/1991] [Accepted: 12/03/1991] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We have recently demonstrated that monolateral lesions of the Nucleus Basalis Magnocellularis (NBM), which is a nucleus sending cholinergic projections to the fronto-parietal cortex, cause a loss in the intensity of Timm staining in the intrahippocampal pathway of mossy fibres (MF). Moreover, these lesions induce ultrastructural changes consistent with the occurrence of degeneration of presynaptic buttons of MF. The present study was designed to quantify the effects of NBM lesioning on the morphology of the presynaptic buttons of MF. Moreover the effects of 4-week choline alfoscerate (alphaGFC) treatment on the density of Timm staining and on the ultrastructure of presynaptic buttons of MF were assessed, alphaGFC, which was given at an oral daily dose of 100 mg/kg, is a precursor in the biosynthesis of several brain phospholipids which increases the availability of choline in the nervous tissue. Monolateral lesions of NBM cause, 4 weeks after lesioning, a significant decrease in the intensity of Timm staining in the MF area accompanied by a loss of about 23% of presynaptic buttons of MF. Moreover about 40% of presynaptic buttons of MF show an impaired morphology. alphaGFC administration restored the intensity of Timm staining in the MF area. In alphaGFC-treated rats, the loss of presynaptic buttons and the number of impaired buttons were reduced to about 12% and 27%, respectively in comparison with non-treated animals. These results confirm and extend our previous observations indicative of the occurrence of transneuronal degenerations in the MF of the hippocampus after monolateral NBM lesioning. Moreover these findings show that alphaGFC treatment is able to counter in part these degenerative changes.
Collapse
|