Behavioral retardation in a macaque with autosomal trisomy and aging mother

The social development of a female rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) was followed from the day of birth until her death, at age 32 months. The subject, born to an older mother, had an extra autosome (karyotype: 43, XX, +18), an affliction that came about spontaneously. MRI scans revealed that she was also hydrocephalic. Compared to 23 female monkeys growing up under identical conditions, the subject showed serious motor deficiencies, a dramatic delay in the development of social behavior, poorly established dominance relationships, and greater than usual dependency on mother and kin. The subject was well-integrated into the social group, however.

Effects of hypertrichotic agents on follicular and nonfollicular cells in vitro

Our previous studies revealed that topical minoxidil induced an increased rate of DNA synthesis in both dermal papilla and follicular germinal cells in early anagen and bulbar matrix as well as outer root sheath and perifollicular fibrocytic cells in mid and late anagen follicles in the bald scalp of the stump-tailed macaque. However, the epidermis and dermal fibrocytes showed no response. To determine the specific action of hypertrichotic agents on follicular cells, we examined the effects of two potent hypertrichotic agents, minoxidil and cyclosporin, on the DNA synthesis of cultured cells derived from either follicular cells (dermal papillar, perifollicular fibrocytic and outer root sheath cells) obtained from human and macaque scalps or nonfollicular cells (fibrocytes and epidermal keratinocytes) from human and macaque foreskin, palm and sole regions and the 3T3 cell line. Cultured subconfluent cells from the above follicular and nonfollicular specimens were incubated with either minoxidil (0.01-2 mM) or cyclosporin (0.01-100 mM) in medium (serum-free DMEM) for 48 h, then 3H-thymidine was added for the final 6 h. Minoxidil induced a significant increase in DNA synthesis in all follicular cells in a dose-specific manner (maximum rate at 0.5 mM for dermal papilla and perifollicular fibrocytic cells and 0.1 mM for outer root sheath cells). The perifollicular fibrocytic cells appeared to have a potentiality similar to that of the dermal papilla cells. Nonfollicular cells showed no response to minoxidil; 3T3 cells were rather suppressed. Cyclosporin appeared to have rather suppressive effects on both follicular and nonfollicular cells. These results suggest that minoxidil has a specific affinity to hair follicular cells and induced their cell proliferation. Although cyclosporin is known as a potent hypertrichotic agent, our studies on cultured follicular cells showed no direct proliferative effect. The hypertrichotic mechanism of cyclosporin appeared to be different from that of minoxidil.

Beneficial effects of a novel anti-hypoxemic agent, TEI-7322, on bleomycin-induced experimental hypoxemia in rats

Almitrine bismesylate is known to be an anti-hypoxemic agent that acts via the enhancement of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. However, screening for this class of compounds has been minimal, owing, in part, to a lack of convenient hypoxemic models in small animals. The present study was designed to establish a convenient model of hypoxemia induced by bleomycin and to evaluate anti-hypoxemic agents including a newly synthesized compound. TEI-7322, 2-allylamino-4-tert-butyl-amino-7-methyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3- d]pyrimidine hydrochloride by using this model. Bleomycin was intratracheally instilled into rats. After 3 weeks, the arterial blood gas pressures were monitored in the animals in the conscious state. Then, prednisolone, doxapram, almitrine or TEI-7322 was administered to the bleomycin-treated rats to monitor changes in arterial blood gas pressures. Bleomycin-treated rats showed a decrease in the arterial blood O2 pressure (PaO2). The blood CO2 pressure (PaCO2) increased, along with an increase in the alveolar-arterial oxygen difference (AaDO2). These blood gas pressures in bleomycin-treated rats were not affected by treatment with prednisolone. Doxapram decreased the PaCO2 but did not change the PaO2. However, administration of almitrine or TEI-7322 significantly improved the PaO2 of bleomycin-treated rats with a decrease in the PaCO2. In conclusion, (1) bleomycin-induced lung injury causes hypoxemia in rats, probably resulting from ventilation-perfusion inequality; thus this model may be useful for evaluating anti-hypoxemic agents; and (2) TEI-7322, as well as almitrine, showed anti-hypoxemic effects in this model with different properties from those of doxapram, possibly due to improvement of ventilation-perfusion inequality, indicating that TEI-7322 may be a potent candidate for the treatment of hypoxemia.

[Clinical significance of PSA-density in differential diagnosis between BPH and early stages prostate cancer]

OBJECT

In differential diagnosis of BPH and early stages prostate cancer (PC), PSA-density (PSAD) was evaluated in 63 cases with BPH and 82 cases of PC (stage A: 8, B: 17, C: 17, D: 40).

METHODS

Serum PSA values were determined by MARKIT-F PA, and prostate volume was calculated by transabdominal ultrasonography, in which every glands including peripheral zone was visualized in the transverse and sagittal planes, and predicted prostate volume was calculated by three dimension (a x b x c x 0.52). PSAD was determined by serum PSA divided by prostate volume.

RESULTS

PSAD values were 0.106 +/- 0.006 (mean +/- SD) in BPH, 0.538 +/- 0.094 in stage A and B of PC, and 2.973 +/- 0.764 in all PC cases. There was a statistical significance (p < 0.005) between BPH and each other groups of PC by student's t-test. In using 0.208 (mean +/- 2 SD of PSAD in BPH group) as a cut-off value, the detection sensitivity was 84% in stage A and B of PC and the specificity was 97% using BPH groups as a control, therefore the efficacy was 93%. In 18 out of 19 cases with BPH having PSA values more than 3.6 ng/ml (false positive group), PSAD values were less than 0.208.

CONCLUSION

PSAD is suggested to be a useful tool for differential diagnosis of BPH and early stages of PC.

Localization of Fas antigen mRNA induced in postischemic murine forebrain by in situ hybridization

The expression of mRNA for the Fas antigen, a membrane-associated protein mediating apoptosis, was localized by in situ hybridization histochemistry in murine brains following 30 min of global cerebral ischemia. Six hours following the ischemia, many labeled cells were detected anew throughout the brain. The hybridization was seen in the small neural cells and in the cells along the walls of the ventricles and vessels, and became undetectable 24 h following the ischemia. These results suggest that the Fas antigen is expressed in the neuron, glia and periventricular cells of the post-ischemic brain.

[Evaluation of gastric adaptive relaxation in isolated stomach from the guinea-pig]

To evaluate the mechanism of gastric adaptive relaxation (GAR), we designed and established the experimental system for the measurement of GAR in isolated stomach from the guinea-pig by modifying the method of Desai. We also investigated the roles of non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) nerves and endogenous nitric oxide (NO) in GAR by using this system. The rapid increase in the capacity of isolated stomach was observed over a certain pressure as GAR. GAR was abolished by tetrodotoxin (10(-6) M) in the presence of atropine (3 x 10(-6) M) and guanethidine (5 x 10(-6) M). NG-nitro L-arginine (LNNA) (10(-4) M), a NO synthesis inhibitor, also abolished GAR. L-arginine (10(-3) M), a precursor for NO synthesis, reversed LNNA-induced impairment of GAR. Sodium nitroprusside (10(-6)-10(-4) M), a NO-donor, induced the gastric relaxation. These results suggest that GAR is mediated by NANC nerves, possibly via endogenous NO.

[Antitumor effect of MX2, a new morpholino anthracycline against C6 glioma cells and its combination effect with photodynamic therapy in vitro]

MX2, a new lipophilic morpholino anthracycline, has been reported to have superior chemotherapeutic effects to adriamycin against murine and human tumor cells. In this study the chemotherapeutic effect of MX2 against C6 glioma cells was examined as well as the photocytotoxicity of MX2 and the combination effect of MX2 and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in vitro. Colony formation is inhibited even with only 2 hour treatment with MX2 in a dose-dependent manner. In this colony forming efficiency assay the drug concentration required for 50% inhibition of colony formation for C6 glioma cells was 24.0 +/- 4.5 ng/ml. Mild photocytotoxicity of MX2 against C6 glioma cells was observed at a high concentration (100 ng/ml) of MX2 following exposure to white light but not red light. In combination, MX2 and the photosensitizer haematoporphyrin derivative (HpD) exhibited an additive cytotoxic effect against C6 glioma cells when the cells were treated with MX2 either immediately after red light illumination following incubation with HpD or at an interval of 24 hours before incubation with HpD. We conclude that MX2 may be clinically useful against malignant glioma alone, and in combination with other therapies such as PDT.

Collaborative work to determine the optimal administration period and parameters to detect drug effects on male rat fertility--study on estradiol benzoate effects

In order to examine the optimal administration period and parameters for male fertility assessment, male rats were subcutaneously administered 0.2, 2 or 20 micrograms/kg of estradiol benzoate (E2B), a known testicular toxicant, for 4 weeks or 9 weeks before mating. After 4 weeks administration, suppression of body weight gain and food consumption, decreases in prostate and seminal vesicle weights, atrophy of Leydig cells, and mature spermatid retention at stages IX, X and XI were observed in the 2 and 20 micrograms/kg groups. In the 20, micrograms/kg group, decreases in epididymides weight and copulation index were also found but the number of sperm and sperm motility were not affected. In the 0.2 micrograms/kg group, no changes were noted in any parameters. After 9 weeks administration, decreases in testis weight and the number and motility of sperm were observed in the 20, micrograms/kg group, in addition to the changes found after 4 weeks administration. These results suggest that detailed histopathological evaluation and determination of accessory sex organ weights are sensitive for evaluating the effects of E2B on male fertility. Results with the 4-weeks treatment were comparable to those with the 9-weeks treatment in terms of these parameters.

Removal of LDL from plasma by adsorption reduces adhesion molecules on mononuclear cells in patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence that immune processes are important in the development of atherosclerosis. We investigated whether low density lipoprotein (LDL) adsorption therapy affected serum cytokine levels and the expression of adhesion molecules on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (lymphocytes and monocytes) in patients with arteriosclerotic obliterance (ASO).

METHODS AND RESULTS

LDL adsorption therapy was repeated ten times over a period of three months in ten ASO patients. The total serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly reduced at the end of therapy. This was associated with a significant improvement in Fontaine's classification and ankle pressure index. We also measured serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-6 and tissue necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)) and expression of adhesion molecules (lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 alpha (LFA-1 alpha), LFA-1 beta, CD2, very late antigen (VLA)-4, VLA-5 and CD44) on mononuclear cells in the same patients and a group of healthy subjects. Serum levels of all inflammatory cytokines were markedly higher in ASO patients compared with healthy subjects, but there was no significant difference in the level before and after LDL adsorption. VLA-4 expression on CD3+ cells, but not of other adhesion molecules, was markedly higher in ASO patients compared with healthy subjects. LDL adsorption caused a significant reduction in CD2, VLA4 and VLA-5 expression on CD3+ cells. Furthermore, VLA-4 and VLA-5 expression on monocytes diminished significantly after LDL adsorption.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that LDL adsorption-induced immunoregulation is mediated by an indirect stimulatory effect on the immune system. The results suggests that improved peripheral circulation produced by LDL adsorption may reflect improved immune dysfunctions of atherosclerotic lesions in ASO patients.

Altered expression of class I HLA antigen on peripheral mononuclear cells in patients with adult T-cell leukemia: inverse relationship with natural killer susceptibility

Patients with adult T-cell leukemia showed altered expression of class I HLA antigen in their peripheral blood lymphocytes. Acute type adult T-cell leukemia showed increased levels of the antigen expression compared to those of control group and smoldering type (P < 0.001 and 0.01, respectively). Natural killer sensitivity of infected cell lines with different levels of class I HLA expression showed an inverse relationship with the antigen expression. Further, various cell lines including human T-cell leukemia virus type I-infected cell lines treated with acid buffer, which selectively eliminated the surface class I HLA molecules from cell membrane, became more sensitive to natural killer-mediated lysis. These data suggested that the enhanced expression of class I HLA on peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with acute type adult T-cell leukemia may contribute to escaping from the immunosurveillance system of natural killer cells in vivo.

Lipidosis of the dorsal root ganglia in rats treated with an almitrine metabolite

Toxic effects of a detriazinyl metabolite of almitrine (DTMA) were evaluated in rats and on cultured rat macrophages. In rats daily treated with DTMA for 16 weeks, spastic gaits with heel-lifting appeared, and lamellated and/or crystalloid bodies formed in sensory neurons, satellite cells, Schwann cells, and vascular endothelial cells of the dorsal root ganglia. The lysosomal lamellated bodies, which were not induced by almitrine, were produced also in cultured rat macrophages exposed to over 1 x 10(-5) M DTMA.

Chronic psychosocial stress induces morphological alterations in hippocampal pyramidal neurons of the tree shrew

The effect of sustained psychosocial stress on the morphology of hippocampal pyramidal neurons was analysed in male tree shrews after 14, 20, and 28 days of social confrontation. A variety of physiological changes such as constantly elevated levels of urinary cortisol and norepinephrine and reduced body weight, which are indicative of chronic stress were observed in the subordinate, but not in the dominant males. Light microscopic analysis of Nissl-stained hippocampal sections showed that the staining intensity of the nucleoplasm in the CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons was increased after prolonged psychosocial stress, indicating a change in the nuclear chromatin structure. These alterations were observed only in subordinate animals and increased in a time dependent manner in accordance with the length of the stress period. There was, however, neither a reduction in density nor a degeneration of pyramidal neurons in chronically stressed animals. Mechanisms which may possibly account for the observed alterations are discussed.

Brain metastasis from malignant mesothelioma--case report

A 62-year-old male presented with a rare brain metastasis from malignant mesothelioma manifesting as headache and progressive left hemiparesis. He had previously undergone pleurectomy for malignant mesothelioma. Chest x-ray films showed no recurrence of mesothelioma. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a homogeneously enhanced nodular mass adjacent to the falx in the right frontal lobe. The tumor was totally removed and diagnosed histologically as brain metastasis from malignant mesothelioma. Following surgery, left hemiparesis improved gradually. Brain metastasis from malignant mesothelioma is usually discovered in the terminal stage or at autopsy. Surgical removal and radiotherapy should be considered for isolated lesions.

Smoldering adult T-cell leukemia with B-cell lymphoma and early gastric cancer

We report a case of smoldering adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) with B-cell lymphoma and early gastric cancer. A 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of proteinuria and hypergammaglobulinemia. Systemic lymphadenopathy, "flower cells" in peripheral white blood cells, and hypergammaglobulinemia with monoclonal gammopathy (IgA, lambda type) were found. As Southern blot analysis revealed monoclonal integration of human T-lymphotrophic virus type I proviral DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, he was diagnosed as having smoldering ATL. The tissue specimen of an inguinal lymph node showed proliferation of abnormal lymphocytes which were stained with anti-lambda antibody, indicating B-cell lymphoma. A polypoid lesion in the stomach was histologically diagnosed as early gastric cancer.

[Acute necrotizing gastritis associated with adult T-cell leukemia in the course of chemotherapy]

A 63-year-old man with smoldering adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) which became acute was admitted. During chemotherapy, he experienced epigastric pain and fever due to neutropenia. The combination therapy of antimicrobials and rhG-CSF was ineffective and he died. Autopsy revealed systemic invasion of ATL cells. The stomach findings resembled those of phlegmonous gastritis, a rare form of bacterial gastritis, along with diffuse, mucosal necrosis with hemorrhage. The pathogenesis of necrotizing gastritis remains to be elucidated. The patient had also received histamine H2 antagonist for gastric ulceration, which might have influenced the gastric bacterial flora.

Effect of clenbuterol on sulfur dioxide-induced acute bronchitis in guinea pigs

When guinea pigs were exposed to sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas (800 ppm, 2 h), they showed hyperresponsiveness to intravenously administered serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)). This hyperresponsiveness continued for over 24 h after the exposure to the gas. The degeneration, desquamation of epithelium, and edema of the lamina propria of the trachea and bronchi were observed in animals after a 2-h exposure of SO2 histopathologically. These changes seemed to be the early phase of acute bronchitis. Then, we examined the effect of clenbuterol, a selective beta-2 adrenoceptor agonist, on the SO2-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness in these animals. Orally administered clenbuterol (1-10 micrograms/kg) suppressed the hyperresponsiveness to 5-HT in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that clenbuterol might inhibit the hyperresponsiveness that accompanies acute bronchitis and that this agent may be useful for remission of broncho-spasm.

[Study on prognostic factors in twenty-five patients with myelodysplastic syndrome]

Twenty-five consecutive patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) were followed in the Second Department of Internal Medicine, Miyazaki Medical School from 1984 to 1993. The diagnosis of MDS was morphologically based on the criteria of FAB. At the time of diagnosis, 9 patients had refractory anemia (RA), 1 had RA with ring sideroblasts (RARS), 6 had RA with excess blasts (RAEB), 6 had RAEB in transformation (RAEB-t), and 3 had chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMMoL). Prognostic factors involved in survival times and progression to leukemia were analyzed in these patients; FAB classification of MDS, age, sex, peripheral blood cell counts, bone marrow examination, karyotype, numbers of blasts. None of these prognostic factors had a significant effect on the prognosis of MDS patients. Study of the therapeutic effects on MDS patients revealed no significant increase of survival time in treated MDS patients compared to non-treated patients. Further, no significant difference in survival time was found between MDS patients treated with or without anticancer drugs. These results indicated that MDS patients were pathologically and therapeutically heterogeneous.

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors in infant rhesus monkey brain and pituitary gland: biochemical characterization and autoradiographic localization

A large body of data suggests that the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system serves to coordinate the autonomic, endocrine, immune and behavioral aspects of the stress response. In rats, the distribution of CRF receptors in brain and pituitary has been well characterized, however, little information is available in primates. In this study, CRF receptors were characterized by radioligand binding and localized using autoradiography with [125I]-oCRF in the pituitary gland and in discrete brain regions of 2-week-old, 12-week-old and adult rhesus monkeys. Autoradiographic localization studies in slide-mounted tissue sections in the 2- and 12-week-old monkeys demonstrated high CRF receptor densities in both anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary as well as in discrete regions of the brain. The distribution of CRF receptors in the anterior pituitary demonstrated a 'cluster-like' appearance reminiscent of corticotrope distribution. In contrast, receptors in the intermediate lobe were more uniformly distributed. No significant differences were evident in the pattern of localization or the number of CRF receptors in the pituitaries of 2- compared to 12-week-old animals. However, marked differences were observed in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Receptors in this region were absent in 1- to 2-week old animals but quite dense by 11-12 weeks of age. Conversely, in the lateral and medial geniculate nuclei, high levels of CRF receptors were identified early in life that virtually disappeared by 11-12 weeks of age. Thus, there is considerable correspondence in the development of the CRF system between the rat and rhesus monkey and this presents further evidence for the functional role of this peptide in brain development.

Observation of T cell surface antigens in the clinical course of adult T-cell leukemia: case report of a spontaneous remission

A patient with acute adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) in whom spontaneous remission was observed without any specific treatment having been given is described. The abnormal cell phenotype was CD4+, CD45RO+ and CD8-. As the number of abnormal cells decreased, CD4+ cell count decreased and CD8+ cells and CD45RA+ cells increased to normal levels (45 and 77%, respectively). Further, the number of cells with CD45RO antigen of intermediate fluorescence intensity increased. Five months after admission, we assessed the patient as being in a state of complete clinical remission; no abnormal cells were detected in peripheral blood, lymph node enlargement had disappeared and the serum chemistry was normal. When the abnormal cells in peripheral blood had disappeared, Southern blot analysis for HTLV-I proviral DNA still revealed a weak monoclonal band with EcoRI digestion, and HTLV-I proviral DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction analysis. Thus, it appeared that very few abnormal cells persisted although the laboratory findings for ATL were normal. Our case could contribute to the understanding of the mechanism that underlies spontaneous remission in ATL.

Prostate cancer-induced oncogenic hypophosphatemic osteomalacia

A 65-year-old male with prostate carcinoma showed mild hypocalcemia of 7.9 mg/dl, marked hypophosphatemia of 1.7 mg/dl, hyperphosphaturia (tubular reabsorption of phosphorus 43% and tubular threshold for phosphorus of 0.6 mg/dl), low serum 1,25 (OH)2D level of less than 5 pg/ml and osteomalacia indicated by a marked increase of relative osteoid volume and fractional formation rate in the undecalcified section. Oncogenic osteomalacia due to prostatic carcinoma with suppression of 1,25 (OH)2D production and phosphaturia was suggested.

[Pharyngeal metastasis and arteriovenous fistula of renal cell carcinoma--report of a case]

A 76-year-old Japanese male consulted our hospital complaining of dysphagia. He also complained of dyspnea, and a cardiovascular disorder was detected. Otolaryngological examination revealed dysphagia due to pharyngeal tumor. Further examination detected left renal cell carcinoma with multiple pulmonary metastasis, and selective angiography revealed arteriovenous fistula in the primary tumor. After resection of the pharyngeal tumor and left nephrectomy, pharyngeal tumor was pathologically confirmed as metastasis of renal cell carcinoma. Furthermore, after left nephrectomy, the cardiovascular disorder gradually improved. Thus, the cardiovascular disorder was considered to have developed based upon the arteriovenous fistulae. Pharyngeal metastasis of renal cell carcinoma is extremely rare, and the cardiovascular disorder in this case was also an extrarenal manifestation.

A case report of serologically diagnosed pulmonary anisakiasis with pleural effusion and multiple lesions

The second known human case of pulmonary anisakiasis is reported. A 22-years-old man living in Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, developed high fever, respiratory distress, and pleural effusion after consumption of raw fish. Although his total white blood cell count increased to approximately 10,000-20,000/mm3, eosinophilia was not observed. The total IgE level in his serum markedly increased up to 3,599 IU/ml. Since the patient was suspected to have a parasitic disease, immunoserologic tests were carried out. Screening tests using a multiple dot-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an Ouchterlony double-diffusion test showed that his serum and pleural effusion had the strongest reactivity against crude antigen of Anisakis type I larvae, together with weak cross-reactivity against several other nematode antigens. Since extragastrointestinal anisakiasis was strongly suspected, this diagnosis was confirmed by a microplate-ELISA and Western blot analysis using a monoclonal antibody.

Neurotoxicity of glucocorticoids in the primate brain

Severe and prolonged physical and psychological stress is known to cause brain damage; long-term torture victims in prison have later developed psychiatric disorders and cerebral cortical atrophy observed in CT scans (Jensen, Genefke, Hyldebrandt, Pedersen, Petersen, and Weile, 1982). In nonhuman primates, we observed degeneration and depletion of the hippocampal neurons in African green monkeys that had been severely abused by cagemates and died with complications of multiple gastric ulcers and adrenal cortical hyperplasia (Uno, Tarara, Else, Suleman and Sapolsky, 1989). In our previous studies the administration of dexamethasone (DEX) (5 mg/kg) to pregnant rhesus monkeys at 132 to 133 days of gestation induced degeneration and depletion of the hippocampal pyramidal and dentate granular neurons in the brains of 135-gestation-day fetuses, and these changes were retained in the brains of fetuses at near term, 165 days of gestation (Uno, Lohmiller, Thieme, Kemnitz, Engle, Roecker, and Farrell, 1990). We also found that implantation of a cortisol pellet in the vicinity of the hippocampus in adult vervet monkeys induced degeneration of the CA3 pyramidal neurons and their dendritic branches (Sapolsky, Uno, Rebert, and Finch, 1990). Thus, hippocampal pyramidal neurons containing a high concentration of glucocorticoid receptors appear to be highly vulnerable to either hypercortisolemia caused by severe stress or to exposure to exogenous glucocorticoids. To study the long-term postnatal sequelae of prenatal brain damage, eight rhesus monkeys were treated with either DEX (5 mg/kg), 5 animals, or vehicle, 3 animals, at 132 to 133 days of gestation. After natural birth, all animals lived with their mothers for 1 year. At 9 months of age, we found that DEX-treated animals had significantly high plasma cortisol at both base and post-stress (isolation) levels compared to age-matched vehicle-treated animals. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the brain at 20 months of age showed an approximately 30% reduction in size and segmental volumes of the hippocampus in DEX-treated compared to vehicle-treated animals. Measurements of whole brain volume by MRI showed no significant differences between DEX and vehicle groups. Prenatal administration of a potent glucocorticoid (DEX) induced an irreversible deficiency of the hippocampal neurons and high plasma cortisol at the circadian baseline and post-stress levels in juvenile rhesus monkeys. These results suggest that the hippocampus mediates negative feedback of cortisol release; a lack or deficiency of the hippocampal neurons attenuates this feedback resulting in hypercortisolemia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The effects of finasteride (Proscar) on hair growth, hair cycle stage, and serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in adult male and female stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides)

Finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, was administered orally (1 mg/kg.day) for 6 months to six male and five female stumptail macaques. Vehicle was given to five male and five female animals over the same period of time. Hair weights in a defined 1-in.2 area of frontal scalp were measured periodically every 1-2 months, and serum was collected for measurement of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. In addition, scalp biopsies were taken before and 6 months after treatment to evaluate the micromorphometry of hair follicles. Results showed that both male and female serum dihydrotestosterone levels were significantly reduced (60-70%) by finasteride treatment. Both males and females showed statistically significant increases in mean hair weight over the treatment period compared to controls (P = 0.034). In addition, there was a statistically significant increase in mean follicle length (measured histologically in scalp biopsies) compared to baseline in the finasteride-treated animals (P = 0.028). These data show that an inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase in the stumptail macaque can reverse the balding seen with age in both the male and female animals.