Origin of adenohypophysial lobes and cells from Rathke's pouch in chicken (Gallus gallus) and Japanese quail (Coturniz coturniz japonica). Expression of calcium-binding proteins

A histological and immunochemical study of adenohypophysis development in two bird species: chicken (Gallus gallus) and Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) was carried out, focussing firstly morphologically on the origin of its different lobes, then secondly on the differentiation of hormone-producing cells from the adenohypophysial anlage and their involvement in the differentiation of three calcium-binding proteins. The results of the morphological development study show how the origin of the adenohypophysis in chicken is totally ectodermic, whilst in Japanese quail the endoderm, in the form of Sessel's pouch, participates in forming the rostral zone of the anterior lobe. After studying the organogenesis and spatio/temporal differentiation of the hormone-producing cells proceeding from the adenohypophysial anlage, a regionalization model is proposed for the origin of the different lobes and cell types as well as time sequence, fundamentally the origin of cell regionalization in the adult adenohypophysis. In this process, at least in the two bird species studied, the results obtained from expressing the calcium-binding proteins, calbindin D 28K, calretinin and parvalbumin show a characteristic distribution pattern for each, suggesting distinct functions.

A multi-centre, randomised, double-blind 14-week extension study examining the long-term safety and efficacy profile of the ezetimibe/simvastatin combination tablet

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety profile of ezetimibe/simvastatin (EZE/SIMVA) tablet and SIMVA monotherapy. This was an extension study of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia. Protocol-compliant patients who completed the 12-week base study were eligible to enter a randomised, double-blind, 14-week extension study and were administered 1 of 8 daily treatments: EZE/SIMVA 10/10-, 10/20-, 10/40- or 10/80-mg, or SIMVA 10-, 20-, 40- or 80-mg. Patients receiving these treatments during the base study remained on the same treatment in the extension. Patients administered placebo or EZE 10-mg monotherapy during the base study were re-randomised to EZE/SIMVA 10/10 mg or SIMVA 80 mg. The primary analysis was mean per cent change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from baseline to extension study end-point. Mean changes from baseline in LDL-C of -38.8% and -53.7% were observed for pooled SIMVA and pooled EZE/SIMVA respectively. The between treatment difference of -14.9% (95% confidence interval: -16.4, -13.3) was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The incremental LDL-C lowering effect of EZE/SIMVA compared with the corresponding dose of SIMVA alone was consistent across the dose range (p < 0.001 for each between-group comparison). More patients receiving EZE/SIMVA than SIMVA achieved LDL-C concentrations < 100 mg/dl and < 70 mg/dl (p < 0.001 for both goals). EZE/SIMVA was generally well tolerated with a safety profile similar to SIMVA monotherapy. There were no significant between-group differences in the incidences of clinically significant elevations in liver transaminase or creatine kinase levels. In conclusion, EZE/SIMVA had a comparable safety and tolerability profile and was more efficacious than SIMVA monotherapy for up to 6 months.

Vaccination with a neural-derived peptide plus administration of glutathione improves the performance of paraplegic rats

After damage to the central nervous system (CNS) the body is protected by an adaptive immune response which is directed against myelin-associated proteins. Active immunization with nonpathogenic derivatives of CNS-associated peptides (DCAP) reduces the degeneration of neurons and promotes motor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. In order to improve even more the neurological outcome obtained with this therapy, either a combination of DCAP immunization plus glutathione monoethyl ester (GSHE) or a double DCAP immunization were performed. GSHE is a cell-permeant derivative of glutathione, a potent antioxidant agent that significantly inhibits lipid peroxidation after SCI. After a contusive or compressive SCI, the combination of GSHE + DCAP immunization, induced better motor recovery, a higher number of myelinated axons and better rubrospinal neuron survival than immunization alone. On the other hand, double-DCAP immunization counteracted the protective effect of DCAP therapy. Motor recovery and neuronal survival of double-immunized rats were similar to those observed in control animals (PBS-treated). Further studies revealed that double immunization was not encephalitogenic but inhibited the proliferative response of T-cells specific to the DCAP-immunized peptide. This clonal dysfunction was probably secondary to anergy. GSHE improves the protective effect induced by DCAP immunization while double immunization, reverts it.

Isolation and characterization of the laure olfactory behavioral mutant in the zebrafish, Danio rerio

To initiate a genetic analysis of olfactory development and function in the zebrafish, Danio rerio, we developed a behavioral genetic screen for mutations affecting the olfactory sensory system. First, we characterized olfactory responses of wild-type zebrafish to various odors. We found that 3-day-old juvenile zebrafish reacted to the amino acid L-cysteine with an aversive behavioral response. We isolated one mutant, laure (lre), which showed no aversive behavioral response to L-cysteine at 3 days of development, and carried out a preliminary characterization of this mutant's defects. We found that lre mutant fish were also defective in their response to L-serine and L-alanine, but not to taurocholic acid, as young adults. In addition, lre mutant fish had significantly fewer primary olfactory sensory neurons than normal, and the axons of these neurons did not form the characteristic axon termination pattern in the developing olfactory bulb. Nevertheless, the olfactory epithelium of lre mutant fish showed normal or near normal electrophysiological responses to several odorants. Our data suggest that the behavioral defects observed in the lre mutant result from the disruption of the developing olfactory sensory neurons and their axonal connections within the olfactory bulb. The isolation of the lre mutant shows that our behavior-based screen represents a viable approach for carrying out a genetic dissection of olfactory behaviors in this vertebrate model system.

Immunohistochemical localization of hormones and peptides in the human pituitary cells in a case of hypercortisolism by ACTH secreting microadenoma

This study assesses the action of hypercortisolism on the hormone and peptide periadenoma region of removed ACTH-producing microadenoma. Our findings show that cortisol excess affects both ACTH and GH production, with no immunoreaction for these hormones. The remaining pituitary hormones (TSH, FSH and PRL) and POMC-derived peptides (betaEnd, alphaMSH and betaMSH) were not modified. Likewise, we observed pituitary immunoreactive cells for Neurotensin (NT), Intestinal vasoactive peptide (VIP), Substance P (SP) and Angiotensin-II (Ang-II). The colocalization demonstrated that NT was expressed in thyrotrope and gonadotrope cells, VIP in gonadotrope cells and SP in corticotrope cells. The results about Ang-II were inconclusive. On the other hand, immunoreaction for the NPY and Gal peptides were not present. In the adenomatous cells, the peptide NT is present in ACTH cells as well as SP. These results suggest a peptide regulation of pituitary cells in the pathological state that can differ between normal and tumoural cells of the same pituitary.

[Eucaloric substitution of medium chain triglycerides for dietary long chain fatty acids improves body composition and lipid profile in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus lipodystrophy]

BACKGROUND

Lipodystrophy is a frequent disorder among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, characterized by a loss of adipose tissue from the extremities, gluteal region and face, with excess fat in the neck and abdominal region. Metabolic abnormalities such as hyperlipidaemia and diabetes mellitus frequently coexist, posing these patients to an increased cardiovascular risk. Drug therapy may improve some of these metabolic disturbances, but to date there are no treatments for lipodystrophy with proven benefit.

CASE REPORT

A 42-year-old man with HIV lipodystrophy was started on a standard low caloric diet with <30% of total fat and <10% of saturated fat, together with rosiglitazone 8 mg daily. After five months of treatment, given that lipodystrophic features and dyslipidaemia were still present in our patient, we tried to further improve therapeutic results by eucaloric substitution of medium chain triglycerides for dietary long chain fatty acids. Three months later, a dramatic change in body composition was shown with an increase in lean mass and a decrease in fat mass, together with an improvement in lipid profile.

CONCLUSION

Eucaloric substitution of medium chain triglycerides for dietary long chain fatty acids may produce therapeutic benefits in HIV lipodystrophy.

Implementation of a direct patient callback system improves compliance for additional breast imaging and early breast cancer detection

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Background: Existing patient recall systems usually involve contacting the referring physician who then notifies the patient to schedule a return visit for further imaging. We set out to determine whether a direct patient callback system would improve patient compliance in returning for additional imaging including magnification, spot compression, and ultrasound, and whether that would translate to an improvement in early breast cancer detection. Methods: Beginning on 4/1/2004, we prospectively identified all patients whose screening mammograms were read as having an incomplete assessment that required additional imaging (ACR BIRADS 0). Those patients were contacted directly via telephone to return for additional views. Results: Between 11/1/2002 and 3/31/3004, 1142 patients with incomplete screening mammography were identified and the referring physicians were contacted. 956 of 1142 (84%) patients returned and underwent additional breast imaging. Between 4/1/2004 and 12/31/2005, 1,336 patients with incomplete screening mammography were contacted directly to return for additional imaging. 1,307 of 1,336 (98%) patients returned and underwent additional breast imaging. (p < 0.0001, Fisher’s exact test). 125 of the 1,307 (8.5%) of the subsequent exams were found to be suspicious and biopsy was recommended (ACR BIRADS 4 or 5). Conclusions: Our new system of contacting patients with incomplete mammography has significantly increased our recall rate. Implementation of this system has enabled us to identify those patients whose mammograms are suspicious and ultimately diagnose breast cancer earlier. Direct patient callback has become standard policy and we are recommending this system for all radiology recall examinations.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Morphine, haloperidol and hyoscine N-butyl bromide combined in s.c. infusion solutions: Compatibility and stability

The administration of drugs by subcutaneous infusion is routinely practiced in palliative medicine for the management of patients who are no longer able to take oral medication. It is common for two or more drugs to be combined in subcutaneous solutions. The combination of an opioid with other drugs (haloperiol lactate and hyoscine N-butyl bromide) can be very valuable. Unfortunately, the compatibility and stability of morphine hydrochloride, haloperidol lactate and hyoscine N-butyl bromide combined in the same solution has not yet been determined. Therefore, this study examined the stability of ternary solutions containing morphine HCl, haloperidol lactate and hyoscine N-butyl bromide at different dose ranges. Twelve different solutions were assessed for 15 days after preparation in polypropylene syringes using 0.9% saline as diluent. Triplicate syringes were stored at 25 degrees C. HPLC was the analytical technique used to measure morphine HCl, haloperidol lactate and hyoscine N-butyl bromide. Initial concentration ranges were 1.67-10.0 mg/ml for morphine HCl, 0.417-0.625 mg/ml for haloperidol lactate and, 5.0-6.67 mg/ml for hyoscine N-butyl bromide. All three drugs were very stable (>92.5%) when stored at 25 degrees C. The clinical performance of the admixture was retrospectively assessed in 21 terminal oncology patients. Total symptom control was achieved in 17 out of 21 patients with very good local tolerance.

Synthesis and spectroscopic behavior of highly luminescent Eu(3+)-dibenzoylmethanate (DBM) complexes with sulfoxide ligands

In this paper the synthesis, characterization and photoluminescent behavior of the [RE(DBM)3L2] complexes (RE=Gd and Eu) with a variety of sulfoxide ligands; L=benzyl sulfoxide (DBSO), methyl sulfoxide (DMSO), phenyl sulfoxide (DPSO) and p-tolyl sulfoxide (PTSO) have been investigated in solid state. The emission spectra of the Eu(3+)-beta-diketonate complexes show characteristics narrow bands arising from the 5D0-->7F(J) (J=0-4) transitions, which are split according to the selection rule for C(n), C(nv) or C(s) site symmetries. The experimental Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters (Omega2 and Omega4), radiative (A(rad)) and non-radiative (A(nrad)) decay rates, and R02 for the europium complexes have been determined and compared. The highest value of Omega2 (61.9x10(-20)cm2) was obtained to the complex with PTSO ligand, indicating that Eu3+ ion is in the highly polarizable chemical environment. The higher values of the experimental quantum yield (q) and emission quantum efficiency of the emitter 5D0 level (eta) for the Eu-complexes with DMSO, DBSO and PTSO sulfoxides suggest that these complexes are promising Light Conversion Molecular Devices (LCMDs). The lower value of quantum yield (q=1%), for the hydrated complex [Eu(DBM)3H2O], indicates that the luminescence quenching occurs via multiphonon relaxation by coupling with the OH-oscillators from water molecule coordinated to rare earth ion. The pure red emission of the Eu-complexes has been confirmed by (x, y) color coordinates.

Influence of inflammatory nociception on the anxiolytic-like effect of diazepam and buspirone in rats

RATIONALE

The effect of anxiety on nociception has been evaluated but not that of nociception on anxiety.

OBJECTIVE

The study was conducted to analyse the influence of nociception on basal levels of anxiety-like behaviour and on the action of anxiolytic drugs.

METHODS

Nociception was induced by an intra-articular injection of uric acid at 3.75 or 7.5%. Experimental anxiety was determined in the rat burying behaviour and the elevated plus maze tests. To separate specific anxiety-related drug actions, a spontaneous ambulatory test was included. The anxiolytics, buspirone (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg, i.p.), were used.

RESULTS

In the nociception test, the pain-induced functional impairment rat model, uric acid at 3.75 and 7.5% had an effect of around 35 and 75%, respectively. Uric acid (UA) at the lower dose (3.75%) lacked an effect on burying behaviour but significantly increased the time spent and number of entries to the open arms; the higher UA dose (7.5%) produced a significant increase in the time spent and number of entries to the open arms and a statistically significant reduction in cumulative burying. Diazepam and buspirone produced a clear dose-dependent reduction in cumulative burying. In the plus maze, diazepam also induced an increase in the time spent and number of entries to the open arms. In the burying behaviour test, rats with a mild level of nociception (uric acid at 7.5%) were insensitive to the anxiolytic-like effect of these anxiolytic drugs. In the plus maze test, the anxiolytic-like effect of diazepam (1.0 mg/kg) was blocked under both levels of nociception.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that nociception modifies the response to anxiolytic drugs. The role of factors with anxiogenic properties produced during inflammation, which may modify diazepam and buspirone effects, is discussed.

Detection and bioimaging of nitric oxide in bovine oocytes and sperm cells

Mammalian gametes contain constitutive nitric oxide synthases (NOS) to synthesize nitric oxide (NO). The detection and bioimaging of NO in bovine gametes is important to determine the regulatory roles of NO during the different events of fertilization. Diaminofluoresceins, new fluorescence indicators for NO, were applied to detect the release of NO from bovine gametes. These compounds yield green fluorescent triazolofluoresceins, which provide the advantages of high specificity, sensitivity, and simplicity for the detection of NO. In this study, we mapped the expression of NOS in the bovine sperm and ova. NOS activity in sperm first appeared in the acrosome, then 60 min later in the head, middle piece, cytoplasmic droplet, and tail. Cow ova had high NO activity in the cytoplasm and in the surrounding corona cells, but not in the zona pellucida. These results show that for bovine gametes, the synthesis NO by the NOS system presents clear patterns of time and spatial distribution that may be important for the different events of fertilization.