Moyamoya disease: Diagnostic imaging

Moyamoya disease is a progressive vasculopathy leading to stenosis of the main intracranial arteries. The incidence of moyamoya disease is high in Asian countries; in Europe and North America, the prevalence of the disease is considerably lower. Clinically, the disease may be of ischaemic, haemorrhagic and epileptic type. Cognitive dysfunction and behavioral disturbance are atypical symptoms of moyamoya disease.Characteristic angiographic features of the disease include stenosis or occlusion of the arteries of the circle of Willis, as well as the development of collateral vasculature. Currently, magnetic resonance angiography and CT angiography with multi-row systems are the main imaging methods of diagnostics of the entire range of vascular changes in moyamoya disease.The most common surgical treatment combines the direct arterial anastomosis between the superficial temporal artery and middle cerebral, and the indirect synangiosis involving placement of vascularised tissue in the brain cortex, in order to promote neoangiogenesis. Due to progressive changes, correct and early diagnosis is of basic significance in selecting patients for surgery, which is the only effective treatment of the disease. An appropriate qualification to surgery should be based on a comprehensive angiographic and imaging evaluation of brain structures.Despite the rare occurrence of moyamoya disease in European population, it should be considered as one of causes of ischaemic or haemorrhagic strokes, especially in young patients.

Hypogelsolinemia, a disorder of the extracellular actin scavenger system, in patients with multiple sclerosis

Background

Extracellular gelsolin (GSN) and GC-globulin/Vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) appear to play an important role in clearing the actin from extracellular fluids and in modulating cellular responses to anionic bioactive lipids. In this study we hypothesized that cellular actin release and/or increase in bioactive lipids associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) development will translate into alteration of the actin scavenger system protein concentrations in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with MS.

Methods

We measured GSN and DBP concentrations in blood and CSF obtained from patients diagnosed with MS (n = 56) in comparison to a control group (n = 20) that includes patients diagnosed with conditions such as idiopathic cephalgia (n = 11), idiopathic (Bell's) facial nerve palsy (n = 7) and ischialgia due to discopathy (n = 2). GSN and DBP levels were measured by Western blot and ELISA, respectively.

Results

We found that the GSN concentration in the blood of the MS group (115 ± 78 μg/ml) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) compared to the control group (244 ± 96 μg/ml). In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference between blood DBP concentrations in patients with MS (310 ± 68 μg/ml) and the control group (314 ± 82 μg/ml). GSN and DBP concentrations in CSF also did not significantly differ between those two groups.

Conclusions

The decrease of GSN concentration in blood and CSF of MS subjects suggests that this protein may be involved in chronic inflammation associated with neurodegeneration. Additionally, the results presented here suggest the possible utility of GSN evaluation for diagnostic purposes. Reversing plasma GSN deficiency might represent a new strategy in MS treatment.

[Rehabilitation in patients with Parkinson's disease living in the region of Bialystok]

Parkinson's disease is one of the most common progressive neurodegenerative diseases of the brain, usually leading to significant disability. Rehabilitation, in addition to symptomatic pharmacotherapy, should be the mainstay of treatment for each patient. The aim of this study was to collect data on the use of different methods of rehabilitation treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease living in the area of Bialystok (before 1998 the province of Bialystok) and evaluation of environmental, social and health factors, which affect the use of this form of treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We evaluated patients with Parkinson's disease treated in neurological departments in Bialystok and Choroszcz near Bialystok over the next 12 months. It was conducted using a specially constructed for this purpose questionnaire. The course of Parkinson's disease was also assessed in the Hoehn and Yahr and the Schwab and England scale.

RESULTS

We have studied 88 patients with clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (48 women and 40 men), mean age 68.7 years. It was found that only 73% of those surveyed had ever been rehabilitated. In 27% of patients had never been used any rehabilitation treatment. It was shown that the level of education positively influences the use of rehabilitation, while the coexistence of additional diseases, living in the country and the older age impede the use of physiotherapy. The stage of disease and sex of patients did not affect the use of rehabilitation. Patients were primarily rehabilitated in a hospital. Among the most commonly used treatments were kinesis therapy, massage and hydrotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicates too low access of patients with Parkinson's disease to rehabilitation and confirms purposefulness of initiating information and education action about the need for physiotherapy treatment in these group of patients.

[Peripheral neuropathies in Lyme borreliosis]

Lyme borreliosis is a multisystem disease and when involves the nervous system it is termed neuroborreliosis. The symptomatology of peripheral neuroborreliosis is rich and varied. The early symptoms are asymmetric polyradiculopathies and paralysis of the cranial nerves (most commonly facial nerve). Thereafter, there are multifocal mononeuropathies and sensory-motorpolyneuropathies. Difficulties in making a correct diagnosis can result from the long time lag between tick bite and the occurrence of neurological symptoms. In the treatment the most important role play antibiotics.

CASE REPORTS

We report the cases of three patients with symptoms of damage to various structures of the peripheral nervous system in the course of Borrelia burgdorferi infection. In all cases, clinical improvement was obtained after treatment with antibiotics, which further confirms the diagnosis of neuroborreliosis.

CONCLUSIONS

About neuroborreliosis as a cause of peripheral neuropathy we should always think in the case of vague symptoms of peripheral nervous system lesions in patients with potential exposure to tick bites. Peripheral neuropathies may occur a long interval from the tick bite and are not always preceded by other forms of the disease.

[Moyamoya disease as a rare cause of ischaemic stroke--case report]

Moyamoya disease is a rare, progressive disease of the vessels diagnosed according to characteristic abnormalities of brain arteries in the angiography. The incidence of moyamoya disease in Europe is lower than in Asia and its clinical course in European population is probably different from Asiatic (older age of onset and rare incidence of hemorrhagic strokes).

CASE REPORTS

Two young patients were diagnosed as moyamoya disease on the basis of clinical symptoms (ischaemic stroke) and results of brain vessels' angiography, which documented an occlusion of both internal carotid arteries above branching-off the ocular arteries in the first patient and stenosis of distal internal carotid arteries and proximal medial and anterior cerebral arteries in the second one. Both patients are under control of the Neurological Outpatient Department and their neurological state is stable.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite that moyamoya disease is a rare cause of ischaemic stroke, it should be always considered as one of etiologic factors, especially in young patients.

[The significance of Gc-globulin in clinical practice]

Gc-globulin is a multifunctional glycoprotein with a molecular mass of 51-58 kDa. It is also called vitamin D-binding protein (DBP). The main function of Gc-globulin is to bind vitamin D and actin, which is released into the extracellular environment upon cell and tissue lysis. Gc-globulin appears to have important clinical significance. Some investigation have shown that a low concentration of Gc-globulin may be used as a prognostic factor in patients with fulminant hepatic failure, acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose, multiple trauma or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), or sepsis. Many studies suggest an association between Gc-globulin phenotypes and resistance or susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), thyroid diseases, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and sarcoidosis.

[A case of Pompe disease treated with acid alpha-glucosidase]

Pompe disease (type II glycogenosis--GSD II) is a progressive metabolic myopathy caused by lysosomal storage of glycogen due to deficiency of acid alpha-glucosidase. We present the case of a 32-year-old patient with Pompe disease diagnosed 14 years ago in whom enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase (rhGAA) (20 mg/kg i.v. every 2 weeks) has been administered for about 18 months. Despite the fact that therapy was started in the advanced phase of Pompe disease we observed clinical improvement (increased muscle bulk and muscle strength as well as increased range of movements in the distal parts of limbs). In addition, we noticed less effort dyspnoea and use of a respirator during the day shortened to 2-3 hours (previously 5 hours). According to the observation of our patient, we suggest that enzyme replacement therapy causes clinical improvement.

[Transient cortical blindness--a complication after coronary angiography--case report]

Transient cortical blindness is a very rare complication of cardiovascular and cerebral angiography procedures. We present a case of 63-years-old woman, who developed cortical blindness after coronary angiography. Computed tomography (CT) done immediately after blindness appearance showed bilateral hyperintensive areas (probably due to a leakage of contrast medium) in the occipital and parietal cerebral lobes. All visual symptoms disappeared during 48 hours and CT scan repeated after sight recovery did not show any focal lesions in the brain. A breakdown of the blood-brain barrier with direct contrast neurotoxicity seems to be the causal factor of neurological changes observed in our patient after coronary angiography.

[Sleep disturbances and their effect on the sustained attention in patients with Parkinson's disease]

Aim of the study was to compare prevalence of sleep disturbances in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and in subjects with ischaemic stroke of the right cerebral hemispher and to estimate an effect of daytime sleepiness on sustained attention in patients with PD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty eight patients with PD were included. The mean age was 65.9 (44-80) years, mean disease duration and mean Hoehn and Yahr Staging Scale were 6.6 (0.8-18) years and 2.5 (1.0-4.0), respectively. Control group consists of forty seven patients (mean age 66.2 years) with ischaemic stroke of the right cerebral hemisphere, without any language problems (mean Rankin Scale: 2.0). Both, PD and control patients were evaluated with: Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). PD patients were also assessed with Visual Continuous Attention Test (DAUF).

RESULTS

PD patients obtained significantly lower (p < 0.05) scores on PDSS and significantly higher (p < 0.01) scores on ESS than patients with stroke. There were no significant differences within PD and control subjects on BDI. On the basis of ESS results PD patients were divided into two subgroups: PD1--patients with daytime sleepiness (ESS score > 10.0) and PD2--patients without daytime sleepiness. PD1 patients obtained significantly worse scores than PD2 ones on DAUF (significantly decreased number of correct reactions: p < 0.05 and significantly increased number of incorrect reactions: p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Nighttime sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness are more pronounced in PD patients than in subjects with ischaemic stroke of the right cerebral hemisphere. PD subjects with daytime sleepiness show disturbances in the sustained attention.

[Primary central nervous system lymphoma with initial symptoms suggesting herpes encephalitis]

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is rare neoplasm, affecting both immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients. It is usually seen as intracranial tumor, but it can often involve cerebrospinal meninges, eyeballs and spinal cord. Although PCNSL is sensitive both to radiotheraphy and chemotheraphy, it's recurrences are very frequent. Mean survival time does not exceed several months. We described a case of 43 year old patient with diagnosed PCNSL and discussed clinical signs, diagnostics and treatment of the neoplasm. In our case report we emphasized transient remission after treatment with corticosteroids, which delayed a correct diagnosis and worsened final prognosis.

[Effect of methylprednisolone on the attention in patients with multiple sclerosis]

The aim of the study was to examine effects of high doses of intravenous methylprednisolone (MP, 1 g daily, for 5 days) on the sustained attention and attention focusing in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with clinical relapse.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty four relapsing-remitting patients were included. The mean age was 39.4 (20-56) years, mean disease duration and mean Expanded Disability Status Scale scores were 6.6 (0.8-18) years and 4.1 (2.0-6.0), respectively. MS patients underwent psychological testing three times: before and immediately after MP treatment, and 6 months later. The trials: "100-7" and "months of year backwards", The Brickenkamp d2 test, and The Visual Continuous Attention Test (DAUF) were used. Thirty two control subjects (mean age 37.2 years) with ischialgia, not receiving steroids, underwent the same testing procedure two times: at admission and on 6th day of hospitalization.

RESULTS

Before and immediately after MP treatment MS patient obtained significantly worse scores than controls on the DAUF test (significantly decreased number of correct reactions (p<0.05), significantly increased number of incorrect reactions (p<0.05), and significantly increased mean value of reaction times (p<0.05)). There were no significant differences within MS and control subjects on other tests. Therapy with MP did not markedly change an ability to focus attention and keep the concentration over long period of time in MS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

MS subjects show disturbances in the sustained attention. Therapy with MP does not significantly change the sustained attention and attention focusing in MS patients.

[Behcet's disease: a rare cause of multifocal lesions in the central nervous system]

Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic multisystem inflammatory disease characterized mainly by recurrent episodes of orogenital aphthae and uveitis. In 10-30% of cases relapsing multifocal neurological symptoms occur. The authors present a 54-year-old female patient with the central nervous system manifestation of clinically diagnosed BD. Based on the reported case diagnostic (in particular differential diagnosis with multiple sclerosis) and therapeutic problems of BD are discussed.

[Neurological disorders after carbon monoxide intoxication]

Carbon monoxide (CO) intoxications still remain an important clinical problem. Under an influence of CO the cellular respiration is inhibited. Structures of the central nervous system (CNS), extremely vulnerable to hypoxia, are usually considerably damaged. In result, a variety of pathologic neurological symptoms may appear and characteristic biphasic course of complaints is often observed. The modern methods of neuroimaging (CT, MRI, SPECT, PET) enable to show a connection between found structural injury and clinical symptoms, and when repeatedly performed allow us to evaluate the dynamics of the CNS dysfunction. Because of late complications, which may occur after the period of latency, the authors stress the value of the prolonged (for up to few years) ambulatory observation of subjects after CO intoxication.

Effects of angiotensin II and its receptor antagonists on motor activity and anxiety in rats

The neuropeptide angiotensin II (Ang II) has been recently found to be involved in cognitive processes. Both AT1 and AT2 angiotensin receptors seem to mediate this action. However, unspecific behavioural effects of the peptide, particularly motor and emotional, appear to influence the interpretation of cognition-oriented tests and contribute to considerable differences in opinions of various authors on the subject. In this study, aimed specifically at the assessment of these effects, we found small and insignificant changes in motor performance measured in open field after intracebroventricular injections of Ang II and its receptor subtype-specific antagonists; losartan (AT1) and PD 123319 (AT2). However, Ang II was found to increase substantially anxiety measured in elevated 'plus' maze and impair motor coordination measured in 'chimney test'. Interestingly, both antagonists abolished Ang II generated anxiety and only losartan counteracted impaired motor coordination caused by the peptide. The AT2 receptor antagonist PD 123319 impairing motor coordination on its own, nonetheless partly diminished that caused by Ang II. Therefore it appears safe to conclude that mood but not motor effects of AT1 and AT2 receptor affecting drugs may significantly bias interpretation of the cognition-oriented tests on these drugs.

[Stiff man syndrome successfully controlled with glucocorticoids and GABA-ergic drug administration: case report]

The stiff man syndrome is a rare CNS disease of a probably autoimmunologic etiology. The paper presents a case of a 45-year-old man hospitalized in our department of neurology because of trunk muscles rigidity and painful, paroxysmal, immobilizing muscle spasms with excessive sweating. On the neurological examination he presented with a restricted range of active movements of the trunk, increased muscle tone in the shoulder girdle, abdominal and paraspinal muscles, as well as lumbar hyperlordosis. The electromyographic needle examination revealed in all his trunk muscles an excess, continuous motor unit activity at rest, diminishing after benzodiazepine administration. This confirmed our initial diagnosis based on clinical symptoms and signs. No abnormalities were found in other examinations, including the cerebrospinal fluid analysis, CT of the brain, and the spinal cord MRI. The patient was treated with glucocorticoids and GABA-ergic drugs (vigabatrin, diazepam and baclofen) with good results, i.e. a considerable amelioration of his complaints. His motor ability has increased so much that he was fully self-dependent. No deterioration in his clinical status has been noted over three years since his discharge.

[Cognitive deficits in progressive supranuclear palsy]

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is one of the most frequent causes of an atypical parkinsonism. The cognitive disturbances in PSP gave rise to the term "subcortical dementia". Cognitive impairment is independent of depression, which is also common in PSP. There is no correlation between cognitive impairment and either disease duration or a level of physical disability. We present a clinical picture and difficulties in PSP diagnosis in three patients--63 to 74 years old, who were hospitalized in the Department of Neurology, Medical Academy in Bialystok. A neuropsychological evaluation revealed significant differences among those patients. The patients presented with: 1. depressive and dementive syndrome, 2. executive dysfunction, 3. slowed information processing with no signs of dementia. Our findings are similar with data presented in literature and confirm the observations that: 1. there is a difference in a degree of cognitive impairment in between the patients with PSP, 2. the most frequent cognitive disturbances in PSP patients are: slowness of thought process and executive dysfunction.

[Wearing off phenomenon presenting with features of paroxysmal abdominal pain]

Degenerative process in Parkinson's disease affects substantia nigra and other central structures of an extrapyramidal system but it can also affect central and peripheral autonomic centres. One of the most frequent late complications in levodopa therapy is a wearing off phenomenon. We present a patient treated for Parkinson's disease in whom during the period of levodopa wearing off we observed a paroxysmal abdominalgia apart from other features of a typical movement disorders like: increasing rigidity, gait disturbances and tremor. Abdominalgia consisted of stomach cramps, with variable localization in epi-, meso- and hypogastrium. Rectal tenesmus was also present. The patient was treated with analgesics, spasmolytics and carminative drugs with no effect. Abdominal pains regressed after an intake of the next levodopa dose. The patient presented with other features of a gastrointestinal tract autonomic system dysfunction like: chronic constipation, preterm satiety resulting in food intake reduction and a decrease in body weight. There was no organic lesions of the gastrointestinal system that could explain such disturbances. Pharmacologic treatment modification (more frequent levodopa dosage, additional dopamine agonist) resulted in some improvement.

CONCLUSION

It is possible that the abdominal pains could be a clinical manifestation of a digestive tract dyskinesias, occurring during

[Effect of methylprednisolone on emotional functioning of patients with multiple sclerosis]

The effects were examined of high doses of intravenous methylprednisolone (MP; 1 g daily, administered for 5 days) on emotional functions in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with clinical relapse. Thirty two patients with relapsing-remitting disease were included. The mean age was 39.4 (20-56) years, mean disease duration and mean Expanded Disability Status Scale scores were 6.6 (0.8-28) years and 4.1 (2-6.5), respectively. MS patients were subjected twice to psychological tests: immediately after MP treatment and 6 months later. Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) and Hopkins Symptom Check List (HSCL) were used. Thirty two control subjects (mean age 37.2 years) with ischialgia, not receiving steroids, underwent the same testing procedure. On the basis of their results in learning tests (Nonverbal Learning Test and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test) upon admission, MS subjects were allocated into 2 different subgroups: 20 patients were included into cognitively preserved group (cpMS) and 12 patient into the group with cognitive decline (cdMS). Immediately after MP treatment, MS patients (total group) achieved significantly higher scores than controls on the HRSD and two subclasses of the HSCL: depression with inhibition and phobic anxiety. There were no significant differences between cpMS and control subjects in HRSD and HSCL tests. CdMS patients, as compared with controls and cpMS subjects upon admission showed depressed mood, obsessive-compulsive disorder, increased anxiety and interpersonal hypersensitivity. Therapy with MP did not markedly change emotional functions in all MS patients (total group, cpMS, cdMS).

CONCLUSIONS

1. Only cdMS patients show emotional disturbances. 2. Therapy with MP does not significantly change the emotional profile of MS patients.

[Empty sella syndrome--diagnostic difficulties]

The authors present three middle-aged patients (1 male, 2 females) presenting with empty sella on magnetic resonance or computed tomography imaging. Their main complaints were severe headache and dizziness. Neurological examination showed no abnormalities, except for local tenderness on palpation and percussion in the fronto-parietal or fronto-temporal regions. Endocrine evaluation showed no functional deficit of the pituitary gland. Visual fields, fundi and EEG records were normal as were the CSF composition and pressure, a skull X-ray radiograms showed an enlarged sella with thinned floor and blurred posterior oblique processes. MRI revealed a liquid space below the plane of the sellar diaphragm which pressed on the pituitary gland. The diagnostic and therapeutic problems of empty sella syndrome are briefly discussed.

[Emotional disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, especially young adults. Although MS is usually looked on as a disorder of the sensory and motor systems it can also be associated with emotional dysfunctions and changes in personality. The depression, bipolar disorders, euphoria, and pathological laughing and crying are most frequently associated with the disease. Authors present a review of current opinions on pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria and treatment of emotional problems in MS patients.

[Neurologic and psychiatric sequelae of carbon monoxide poisoning]

Carbon monoxide intoxication may result in neuropsychiatric abnormalities that can be overlooked or not fully appreciated. The authors describe two female patients who developed troublesome cognitive and emotional problems following carbon monoxide poisoning and stress the value of the precise neuropsychological testing and prolonged clinical observation in such cases.

[Seasonal variations in stroke incidence in North-Eastern Poland]

The authors analysed seasonal and monthly incidence of and mortality from ischaemic stroke (IS) in the region of Białystok (North-Eastern Poland). 839 cases of IS (437 men and 402 women), aged 22 to 94 years, were hospitalised in the Department of Neurology, Medical Academy in Białystok during the analysed period (1990-1997). Significant seasonality in IS incidence was observed in both sex groups, with a nadir in summer. The lowest occurrence of infarcts was observed in August in women, and in June in men. The peak month for IS, independently of sex, was January. 240 patients (28.6%) died of stroke or its complications during the analysed period. The occurrence of fatal IS followed also a clear seasonal pattern with peak in autumn. The authors attempt to explain this seasonal incidence and mortality pattern of IS in relation to variation in temperature, diet, way of life (holidays in summer), and biochemical blood changes, which occur in different seasons of the year.

[Empty sella syndrome]

The authors present two middle-aged female patients with empty sella revealed at imaging studies (CT, MRI). Their main complaint was severe fronto-parietal and fronto-temporal headache. Physical examination showed obesity, hypertension, and local hypersensitivity on deep palpation and percussion in the above-mentioned regions, in both cases. Endocrine function of pituitary gland, visual fields and fundi were normal as was EEG. The CSF composition and pressure also showed no abnormalities. The diagnostic and therapeutic problems of empty sella syndrome are discussed.

CGP 42112A antagonism of the angiotensin II and angiotensin II(3-7) facilitation of recall in rats

An involvement of the angiotensin AT2 receptors in some behavioural effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) and its 3-7 fragment [Ang II(3-7)] in rats was studied. To inhibit AT2 receptors we used their selective antagonist CGP 42112A (nicotinic acid-Tyr-N-benzoxyl-carbonyl-Arg-Lys-His-Pro-Ile-OH). Ang II and Ang II(3-7), given intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) at the dose of 1 nmol each, significantly enhanced recall of the passive avoidance behaviour and learning of the conditioned avoidance responses (CARs). CGP 42112A (2 micrograms i.c.v.), inactive on its own in all tests, significantly attenuated facilitation of recall of passive avoidance caused by Ang II and Ang II(3-7). Also, CGP 42112A diminished Ang II improvement of CARs acquisition but not that caused by Ang II(3-7). None of the treatments produced significant anxiolysis in an elevated 'plus' maze. Likewise, in an open field no statistically significant differences were recorded except for the abolishment of the Ang II(3-7)-induced increase of rearings and bar approaches by CGP 42112A. It appears that the cognition improving activity of Ang II and Ang II(3-7) is mediated by similar mechanisms and angiotensin AT2 receptors are engaged in these processes.

Losartan influences behavioural effects of angiotensin II(3-7) in rats

We have previously shown that angiotensin II(3-7) [Ang II(3-7)] stimulates behavioural activity of rats similar to angiotensin II (Ang II). The involvement of AT1 angiotensin receptors in stimulating the behavioural activity of rats, using their selective ligand losartan (DUP 753), was examined. Ang II(3-7), given intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) at a dose of 1 nmol, significantly enhanced recall of a passive avoidance behaviour, object recognition, learning of conditioned avoidance responses (CARs) and apomorphine (1 mg kg-1, i.p.) stereotypy. Losartan (1 microgram, i.c.v.) did not alter any of the behaviours except for that measuring anxiety which was diminished both, in peptide treated and in control rats. On the other hand, losartan abolished Ang II(3-7) facilitation of recall of the passive avoidance, object recognition and the increase in apomorphine stereotypy. Losartan did not influence the increased rate of CARs acquisition after the peptide. None of the treatments significantly changed locomotor activity estimated in an open field. These data point to some involvement of AT1 angiotensin receptors in the behavioural activity of Ang II(3-7).