Chemical Anatomy of the Hypothalamus

In situ hybridization in human and rodent tissue by the use of a new and simplified method

In situ hybridization (ISH) is a method that detects and localizes DNA or RNA in morphologically preserved tissue and cell preparations. The method is based on the principle that DNA or RNA will undergo hydrogen binding to complimentary sequences. Selective probes are labeled and used in order to detect specific sequences in tissues or cell preparations. Even though the method has improved over the past decades, there are still issues with sensitivity and specificity. The protocols are nonstandardized, and often time consuming due to multiple steps. In this paper, we have used a new and commercially available ISH kit for the detection of mRNA in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. We have used both human and Mongolian gerbil tissue, and we evaluated mRNA expression of the neuroendocrine markers chromogranin A and histidine decarboxylase in both normal tissue and poorly differentiated tumor. In our experience, this method offers excellent sensitivity and specificity. The protocol is more standardized, and our results have been consistent. It is also less time consuming than conventional ISH protocols.

Metoclopramide aborts cough-induced headache and ameliorates cough--a pilot study

Metoclopramide (MTCL) can abort attacks of migraine headache. I report swift resolution of cough-induced headache as well as suppression of cough in six male patients following parenteral administration of MTCL. A similar unexpected rapid antitussive action of MTCL was also observed in 12 of 14 other patients (13 male and 1 female) with severe paroxysmal cough without headache. Use of MTCL primarily for analgesia is reviewed, and the pharmacological basis for its antinociceptive action is proposed. As a nonopiate agent with potential to stimulate endogenous opiate-mediated mechanisms, MTCL appears to have additional valuable roles in clinical practice. This is the first report of an antitussive action of MTCL. Further controlled studies are required to confirm the therapeutic role of MTCL in cough-induced headache as well as its potential antitussive and general analgesic actions.

A clinical review of the adaptive role of vasopressin in migraine

Vasopressin is a naturally available neuropeptide that subserves important vasomotor, antinociceptive, behavior control, fluid and electrolyte balance, platelet aggregation and blood coagulation functions. This review focuses on the clinical phenomena of migraine that are likely to influence vasopressin bioavailability or efficacy as well as the modulating influence of vasopressin itself. As part of a complex homeostatic adjustment to stress and pain, the intricacies of vasopressin metabolism may have particular relevance to the pathophysiology of migraine.

Neuroendocrinology and limbic epilepsy: relationships to psychopathology, seizure variables, and neuropsychological function

Correlations were sought among neuroendocrine, psychopathologic, neuropsychological, and seizure variables in 16 male patients with limbic epilepsy. Plasma prolactin and luteinizing hormone levels were directly correlated with seizure frequency. Plasma prolactin was inversely correlated with thought disorder. Post hoc findings included a strong direct correlation between total plasma testosterone levels and aggression. These relationships may help to elucidate mechanisms related to interictal symptomatology in patients with limbic epilepsy.