PolyGR and polyPR knock-in mice reveal a conserved neuroprotective extracellular matrix signature in C9orf72 ALS/FTD neurons

Dipeptide repeat proteins are a major pathogenic feature of C9orf72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (C9ALS)/frontotemporal dementia (FTD) pathology, but their physiological impact has yet to be fully determined. Here we generated C9orf72 dipeptide repeat knock-in mouse models characterized by expression of 400 codon-optimized polyGR or polyPR repeats, and heterozygous C9orf72 reduction. (GR)400 and (PR)400 knock-in mice recapitulate key features of C9ALS/FTD, including cortical neuronal hyperexcitability, age-dependent spinal motor neuron loss and progressive motor dysfunction. Quantitative proteomics revealed an increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in (GR)400 and (PR)400 spinal cord, with the collagen COL6A1 the most increased protein. TGF-β1 was one of the top predicted regulators of this ECM signature and polyGR expression in human induced pluripotent stem cell neurons was sufficient to induce TGF-β1 followed by COL6A1. Knockdown of TGF-β1 or COL6A1 orthologues in polyGR model Drosophila exacerbated neurodegeneration, while expression of TGF-β1 or COL6A1 in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons of patients with C9ALS/FTD protected against glutamate-induced cell death. Altogether, our findings reveal a neuroprotective and conserved ECM signature in C9ALS/FTD.

Neutron source reconstruction using a generalized expectation-maximization algorithm on one-dimensional neutron images from the Z facility

Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion experiments have been performed at the Z facility at Sandia National Laboratories. These experiments use deuterium fuel, which produces 2.45 MeV neutrons on reaching thermonuclear conditions. To study the spatial structure of neutron production, the one-dimensional imager of neutrons diagnostic was fielded to record axial resolved neutron images. In this diagnostic, neutrons passing through a rolled edge aperture form an image on a CR-39-based solid state nuclear track detector. Here, we present a modified generalized expectation-maximization algorithm to reconstruct an axial neutron emission profile of the stagnated fusion plasma. We validate the approach by comparing the reconstructed neutron emission profile to an x-ray emission profile provided by a time-integrated pinhole camera.

Autophagic dysfunction and gut microbiota dysbiosis cause chronic immune activation in a Drosophila model of Gaucher disease

Mutations in the GBA1 gene cause the lysosomal storage disorder Gaucher disease (GD) and are the greatest known genetic risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD). Communication between the gut and brain and immune dysregulation are increasingly being implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as PD. Here, we show that flies lacking the Gba1b gene, the main fly orthologue of GBA1, display widespread NF-kB signalling activation, including gut inflammation, and brain glial activation. We also demonstrate intestinal autophagic defects, gut dysfunction, and microbiome dysbiosis. Remarkably, modulating the microbiome of Gba1b knockout flies, by raising them under germ-free conditions, partially ameliorates lifespan, locomotor and immune phenotypes. Moreover, we show that modulation of the immune deficiency (IMD) pathway is detrimental to the survival of Gba1 deficient flies. We also reveal that direct stimulation of autophagy by rapamycin treatment achieves similar benefits to germ-free conditions independent of gut bacterial load. Consistent with this, we show that pharmacologically blocking autophagosomal-lysosomal fusion, mimicking the autophagy defects of Gba1 depleted cells, is sufficient to stimulate intestinal immune activation. Overall, our data elucidate a mechanism whereby an altered microbiome, coupled with defects in autophagy, drive chronic activation of NF-kB signaling in a Gba1 loss-of-function model. It also highlights that elimination of the microbiota or stimulation of autophagy to remove immune mediators, rather than prolonged immunosuppression, may represent effective therapeutic avenues for GBA1-associated disorders.

Chloroform-Methanol Extraction Method for Determination of Fat in Foods: Collaborative Study

Achloroform-methanol extraction method (complete extraction of fat in 3 min) for determining fat in processed and prepared foods has been studied collaboratively. Fourteen collaborators reported single replicate fat results on 7 samples representative of various food types and 2 spiked samples by the proposed method. Each sample was accompanied by a blind duplicate. For statistical purposes, the blind duplicates were treated as paired observations, and there were 2 laboratory outliers. There was a 97.9% agreement among the results from the remaining 12 collaborators and the Associate Referee for the unfortified samples. Recoveries of 93.8 and 98.3% were obtained on fortified samples, based on results obtained from 11 collaborators. The statistical analysis of the results indicate (ranges for standard deviations were Sr = 0.083-0.528, Sb = 0.101-0.379, Sd = 8.130-0.631, for fat values ranging from 1.58 to 26.91%) that this method is adequate for quantitating the fat content in a wide variety of processed foods for nutritional labeling. The method has been adopted official first action.

Sex-Dependent Modulation of Acute Stress Reactivity After Early Life Stress in Mice: Relevance of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Expression

Early life stress (ELS) is considered a major risk factor for developing psychopathology. Increasing evidence points towards sex-dependent dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis as a contributing mechanism. Additionally, clinical studies suggest that the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) may further confer genetic vulnerability/resilience on a background of ELS. The link between ELS, sex and the HPA axis and how this interacts with MR genotype is understudied, yet important to understand vulnerability/resilience to stress. We used the early life-limited nesting and bedding model to test the effect of ELS on HPA properties in adult female and male mice carrying a forebrain-specific heterozygous knockout for MR. Basal HPA axis activity was measured by circadian peak and nadir corticosterone levels, in addition to body weight and weight of stress-sensitive tissues. HPA axis reactivity was assessed by mapping corticosterone levels after 10 min immobilization. Additionally, we measured the effects of ELS on steroid receptor [MR and glucocorticoid receptor (GR)] levels in the dorsal hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) with western blot. Finally, behavioral reactivity towards a novel environment was measured as a proxy for anxiety-like behavior. Results show that HPA axis activity under rest conditions was not affected by ELS. HPA axis reactivity after immobilization was decreased by ELS in females and increased, at trend-level in males. This effect in females was further exacerbated by low expression of the MR. We also observed a sex*ELS interaction regarding MR and GR expression in the dorsal hippocampus, with a significant upregulation of MR in males only. The sex-dependent interaction with ELS was not reflected in the behavioral response to novel environment and time spent in a sheltered compartment. We did find increased locomotor activity in all groups after a history of ELS, which attenuated after 4 h in males but not females regardless of condition. Our findings support that ELS alters HPA axis functioning sex-dependently. Genetic predisposition to low MR function may render females more susceptible to the harmful effect of ELS whereas in males low MR function promotes resilience. We propose that this model may be a useful tool to investigate the underlying mechanisms of sex-dependent and genetic vulnerability/resilience to stress-related psychopathology.

Genetic Diversity, Fungicide Sensitivity, and Host Resistance to Ceratocystis fimbriata Infecting Sweetpotato in North Carolina

Black rot of sweetpotato, caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata, has recently reemerged as a significant threat to sweetpotato production in North Carolina and other states across the United States. This disease has historically been controlled largely through cultural management strategies and, in some cases, fungicide application. The sudden and destructive reemergence of this disease in 2015 created the need for rapidly evaluating disease control strategies. Genetic diversity of current C. fimbriata isolates infecting sweetpotato in North Carolina was assessed using ITS, TEF, and MAT-2 sequences. All 50 tested isolates were confirmed to be of a single mating type, MAT-2, based on PCR amplification. Alignment of ITS, TEF, and MAT-2 sequences revealed all isolates were identical at each locus. Fourteen common sweetpotato cultivars and advanced breeding lines were screened for black rot resistance using two isolates. None of the cultivars were completely resistant to the disease and most were equally susceptible. 'Stokes Purple' and 'Covington' were the least susceptible, but significantly (P < 0.05) differed only from 'Bellevue', the most susceptible cultivar. Sensitivity of 50 C. fimbriata isolates to difenoconazole, fludioxonil, thiabendazole, dicloran, azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, fenamidone, and fluazinam was evaluated in vitro. Difenoconazole, thiabendazole, and fluazinam were most effective in reducing mycelia growth. Postharvest fungicide application on black rot-infected roots provided similar results. Low efficacy of dicloran, as well as a range of EC₅₀ values among isolates, suggests potential resistance to this commonly applied fungicide. Results obtained in this study provide current and useful information so that improved recommendations can be made to reduce losses in sweetpotato to black rot.

Locus of Control and Attribution of Responsibility for Academic Performance

This study tested Phares, Wilson, and Klyver's (1971) hypothesis that locus of control differences are unimportant in a situation which provides very explicit cues arousing specific expectancies regarding the locus of blame for poor performance. Two hundred and seventeen undergraduate students (134 men and 83 women) completed Rotter's I-E Scale as part of classwork in midsemester. During the last week of the semester they were routinely administered a questionnaire containing items on course evaluation, instructor evaluation, and expected grade. Expected grade was significantly correlated with ratings on several course evaluation and instructor evaluation items for internals and externals in the male, female, and total samples. However, these correlations were not significantly different for internals and externals in each sample. These results provided strong empirical support for the tested hypothesis.

Factors affecting the concentrations of lead in British wheat and barley grain

The entry of Pb into the food chain is of concern as it can cause chronic health problems. The concentration of Pb was determined in cereal grain samples collected representatively from British Cereal Quality Surveys in 1982 and 1998 (n = 176, 250 and 233 for wheat collected in 1982 and 1998, and barley in 1998, respectively). In addition, paired soil and grain samples were collected from 377 sites harvested across Britain in 1998-2000. Wheat grain Pb ranged from below the analytical detection limit (0.02 mg kg(-1) dry weight, DW) to 1.63 mg kg(-1) DW, and barley grain Pb from <0.02 to 0.48 mg kg(-1) DW. The vast majority of samples (>99% for both wheat and barley, excluding Scottish barley samples collected in 2000) were well below the newly introduced EU limit for the maximum permissible concentration of Pb in cereals (0.2 mg kg(-1) fresh weight, equivalent to 0.235 mg kg(-1) DW). There was a significant reduction in wheat grain Pb in the 1998 survey compared with the 1982 survey. However, 40 barley samples collected from Scotland in 2000 in the paired soil and crop survey showed anomalously high concentrations of Pb, with 10 samples exceeding the EU limit. Washing experiments demonstrated that surface contamination, introduced during grain harvest and/or storage, was the main reason for the high concentrations in these samples. In the paired soil and crop surveys, there were no significant correlations between grain Pb concentrations with total soil Pb and other soil properties, indicating low bioavailability of Pb in the soils and limited uptake and transport of Pb to grain. The Pb in cereal grain is likely to originate mainly from atmospheric deposition and other routes of surface contamination during harvest and storage.

Predicting cadmium concentrations in wheat and barley grain using soil properties

The entry of Cd into the food chain is of concern as it can cause chronic health problems. To investigate the relationship between soil properties and the concentration of Cd in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and harley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain, we analyzed 162 wheat and 215 barley grain samples collected from paired soil and crop surveys in Britain, and wheat and barley samples from two long-term sewage sludge experiments. Cadmium concentrations were much lower in barley grain than in wheat grain under comparable soil conditions. Multiple regression analysis showed that soil total Cd and pH were the significant factors influencing grain Cd concentrations. Significant cultivar differences in Cd uptake were observed for both wheat and barley. Wheat grain Cd concentrations could be predicted reasonably well from soil total Cd and pH using the following model: log(grain Cd) = a + b log(soil Cd) - c(soil pH), with 53% of the variance being accounted for. The coefficients obtained from the data sets of the paired soil and crop surveys and from long-term sewage sludge experiments were similar, suggesting similar controlling factors of Cd bioavailability in sludge-amended or unamended soils. For barley, the model was less satisfactory for predicting grain Cd concentration (22% of variance accounted for). The model can be used to predict the likelihood of wheat grain Cd exceeding the new European Union (EU) foodstuff regulations on the maximum permissible concentration of Cd under different soil conditions, particularly in relation to the existing Directive and the proposed new Directive on land applications of sewage sludge.

Complex atomic spectral line shapes in the presence of an external magnetic field

Both the theoretical basis and the computational approach for extending the capabilities of an established spectral line broadening code are presented. By following standard line broadening theory, the effects of an external magnetic field are incorporated into the plasma average and atomic Hamiltonian. An external magnetic field introduces a preferential axis that destroys the symmetry of the quasistatic electric ion microfield. An external magnetic field also modifies the angular properties of the atomic Hamiltonian-atomic energy levels are perturbed and the spectral emission line is polarized. These extensions have been incorporated in an atomic line shape code for complex atoms and applied to several problems of importance to the understanding of tokamak edge plasmas. Applications fall into two broad categories: (1) determination of local plasma properties, such as the magnetic field strength, from distinct line shape features; and (2) consideration of global plasma phenomenon, such as radiation transport. Observable features of the Zeeman effect make H(alpha) a good line for diagnosing the magnetic field. H(beta) does not make a good electron density diagnostic since the Zeeman effect is comparable to the Stark effect for a majority of tokamak edge plasma conditions. For optically thick lines, the details of the spectral line shapes are shown to significantly influence the transport of radiation throughout the system.

African-American women's perceptions of mammography screening

While mammography has been shown to decrease breast cancer mortality, many African-American women are not receiving annual screenings. African-American women's reasons for not having mammograms are not well understood. This study therefore surveyed 164 African-American women concerning barriers to mammography screening. Outreach coordinators in two urban and one rural site in Texas asked African-American women to complete a checklist about the barriers to mammography screening. The 23-item Mammography Barriers Checklist, which was developed based upon one of the author's clinical experience and the research literature, included both internal and external barriers to screening. Women in all three geographic areas identified fear of finding cancer and mammography cost as the most important reasons for not having mammograms. These results suggest that outreach strategies that address fears related to mammography screening and help women find low-cost mammography resources may be more effective than those focusing strictly on providing information.

Enhanced acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in transgenic mice overexpressing BCL-2

Mitochondria play an important role in the cell death induced by many drugs, including hepatotoxicity from overdose of the popular analgesic, acetaminophen (APAP). To investigate mitochondrial alterations associated with APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, the subcellular distribution of proapoptotic BAX was determined. Based on the antiapoptotic characteristics of BCL-2, we further hypothesized that if a BAX component was evident then BCL-2 overexpression may be hepatoprotective. Mice, either with a human bcl-2 transgene (-/+) or wild-type mice (WT; -/-), were dosed with 500 or 600 mg/kg (i.p.) APAP or a nonhepatotoxic isomer, N-acetyl-m-aminophenol (AMAP). Immunoblot analyses indicated increased mitochondrial BAX-beta content very early after APAP or AMAP treatment. This was paralleled by disappearance of BAX-alpha from the cytosol of APAP treated animals and, to a lesser extent, with AMAP treatment. Early pathological evidence of APAP-induced zone 3 necrosis was seen in bcl-2 (-/+) mice, which progressed to massive panlobular necrosis with hemorrhage by 24 h. In contrast, WT mice dosed with APAP showed a more typical, and less severe, centrilobular necrosis. AMAP-treated bcl-2 (-/+) mice displayed only early microvesicular steatosis without progression to extensive necrosis. Decreased complex III activity, evident as early as 6 h after treatment, correlated well with plasma enzyme activities at 24 h (AST r(2) = 0.89, ALT r(2) = 0.87) thereby confirming a role for mitochondria in APAP-mediated hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, these data suggest for the first time that BAX may be an early determinant of APAP-mediated hepatotoxicity and that BCL-2 overexpression unexpectedly enhances APAP hepatotoxicity.

Cadmium content of wheat grain from a long-term field experiment with sewage sludge

Grain Cd concentrations were determined in the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars Soissons, Brigadier, and Hereward grown in 1994,1996, and 1999, respectively, in soils of a long-term field experiment to which sewage sludges contaminated with Zn, Cu, Ni, or Cr had previously been added. Soil pore water soluble Cd and free Cd2+ increased linearly with increasing total soil Cd (R2=0.82 and 0.84, respectively; P<0.001). Similarly, soil pore water free Cd2+ increased linearly with increasing soil pore water soluble Cd (R2=0.98; P<0.001). There was no evidence of a plateau in soil pore water Cd concentrations with increasing soil Cd concentrations. Grain Cd concentrations were significantly correlated with total soil Cd (P<0.001), soil pore water Cd (P<0.001), and free Cd2+ (P<0.001). A slight curvilinear relationship between grain Cd and soil Cd was apparent, but there was no plateau, even at the maximum soil Cd concentration of about 2.7 mg kg(-1). The relationship between soil pore water Cd and grain Cd was linear for all three cultivars. The slopes were in the order 1994 > 1996 > 1999, with more Cd being taken up into the grain by Soissons grown in 1994, and least by Hereward grown in 1999. For Soissons, Cd concentration in the grain greater than the EU limit (0.24 mg kg(-1) dry wt.) occurred at soil Cd less than the current UK limit of 3 mg kg(-1) for soils receiving sewage sludge. In contrast, for Brigadier and Hereward, grain Cd concentrations were near to and less than the EU limit, respectively, at soil Cd concentrations of 3 mg kg(-1).

Physician-patient interactions regarding diet, exercise, and smoking

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to determine the rate of physician/patient discussions regarding diet, exercise, and smoking and to assess the effect of such discussions on behavior change.

METHODS

In a telephone survey of Connecticut adults, respondents who had a routine checkup in the past year (n = 433) were asked whether their physicians had asked them about their dietary habits, exercise, or smoking, and about any efforts to modify these behaviors during the preceding year.

RESULTS

Diet was addressed with 50% of the subjects, exercise with 56%, and smoking status with 77%. Respondents who were asked about their diet were more likely to have changed their fat or fiber intake in the past year than those not asked (64 vs. 48%, P = 0.002) and were somewhat more likely to have lost weight (46 vs. 37%; P = 0.061); the differences were even greater among 94 overweight subjects (64 vs. 47%; P = 0.099). No behavior change was associated with discussions of exercise or smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians have the potential to impact health behaviors, especially those related to diet, through simple discussions during routine checkups, but only about half are using this opportunity.

Experimental carpal reverse-flow pedicle vascularized bone grafts. Part II: bone blood flow measurement by radioactive-labeled microspheres in a canine model

Reverse-flow pedicle vascularized bone grafts (VBGs) from the radius, commonly used for carpal nonunion and avascular necrosis, provide superior clinical results. In this experimental study bone blood flow in canine distal radius VBGs was measured to determine the status of the bone circulation immediately after elevation (group 1) and 2 weeks later (group 2). Immediate VBG flow (group 1) was substantial, but significantly less than the contralateral undisturbed distal radius (8.42 mL/min/100 g and 16.53 mL/min/100 g, respectively). At 2 weeks after surgery (group 2) VBG flow was compared with nonvascularized control grafts. Vascularized bone graft flow was significantly higher than group 1 (mean, 33.72 mL/min/100 g). Minimal flow was seen in the conventional graft control (0.62 mL/min/100 g). This study demonstrates that reverse-flow pedicle radius VBG maintain enhanced bone circulation long-term. Given the similarity of human and canine distal radius vascular anatomy, these data support the clinical use of reverse-flow VBG for carpal pathology. (J Hand Surg 2000; 25A:46-54.

Experimental carpal reverse-flow pedicle vascularized bone grafts. Part I: the anatomical basis of vascularized pedicle bone grafts based on the canine distal radius and ulna

We investigated the detailed extraosseous and intraosseous vascular anatomy of the distal radius and ulna in 55 pairs of canine forelimbs. Ten specimens were used for compartment identification. One hundred specimens were investigated after intra-arterial injection with red latex or Batson's compound. The extraosseous vascular network, including the nutrient artery location, was studied by delicate dissection and soft tissue digestion. Two superficial and 4 deep arteries were found on the dorsal aspect, with constant relationships to the retinaculum. On the palmar aspect, bony nutrient vessels rose from the branches of the radial artery (descriptive anatomy). The vascular supply of the canine distal forelimb was very consistent and enabled the design of 5 vascularized pedicle bone grafts similar to those described in humans (applied anatomy). These reverse-flow pedicle grafts may be placed in the carpus, allowing the canine forelimb to serve as an experimental model for the study of vascularized carpal bone grafting. (J Hand Surg 2000; 25A:34-45.

Weight loss counseling by health care providers

OBJECTIVES

This study explores the pattern of weight loss counseling by health care providers in Connecticut and the associated weight loss efforts by patients.

METHODS

Data from the 1994 Connecticut Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey were analyzed to determine (1) the frequency of weight management counseling by health care providers of overweight adults with and without additional cardiovascular risk factors and (2) the current weight loss practices of overweight subjects.

RESULTS

Only 29% of all overweight respondents and fewer than half with additional cardiovascular risk factors, reported that they had been counseled to lose weight.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest a need for more counseling of overweight persons, especially those with cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Alcohol intoxication and withdrawal: the role of nitric oxide

Nitric oxide is an important messenger in the central nervous system and several types of evidence suggest that it mediates various alcohol effects. Treatment with a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor enhances the acute central depressant or anesthetic effect of alcohol and decreases some stimulatory effects of alcohol withdrawal after chronic alcohol treatment. Conversely, treatment with a nitric oxide donor inhibits the anesthetic effect of alcohol, blocks the effect of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor on alcohol anesthesia, and enhances the severity of some alcohol withdrawal signs. These results indicate that changes in nitric oxide synthesis mediate some aspects of alcohol intoxication and withdrawal and that nitric oxide systems represent an important therapeutic target for the development of agents to treat alcoholism and alcohol intoxication.

Imidazoles suppress rat testosterone secretion and testicular interstitial fluid formation In vivo

The aim of these studies was to examine the effects of imidazoles on testosterone secretion and testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) formation through measurement of serum LH, serum testosterone, TIF testosterone, and TIF volumes. Imidazole, 1-methylimidazole, 4-methylimidazole (4-MI), and ketoconazole, an oral imidazole antifungal agent, caused dose-dependent decreases in testosterone secretion and TIF formation. Imidazole, 2-methylimidazole, and 4-MI decreased LH secretion. 4-MI decreased testosterone secretion 1-6 h after injection, increased testosterone at 8-16 h, decreased LH secretion at 4 h, decreased TIF volumes at 1-8 h, and slightly increased TIF volumes at 24 h. 4-MI blocked the stimulatory effects of hCG on testosterone secretion and prevented an expected increase in LH secretion after the 4-MI-induced decrease in testosterone secretion. 4-MI also reversed the effects of three other stimulants of testosterone secretion that presumably act through three different testicular regulatory systems: N-methyl-D,L-aspartate, an excitatory amino acid; NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor; and naltrexone, an opioid antagonist. These results support the hypothesis that imidazoles inhibit testicular function and male reproductive function through inhibition of testosterone secretion, TIF formation, and LH secretion regulatory systems.

Public awareness of rabies and compliance with pet vaccination laws in Connecticut, 1993

OBJECTIVE

To determine the degree of public awareness of rabies and compliance with cat and dog vaccination laws in Connecticut in 1993.

DESIGN

Monthly telephone surveys.

SAMPLE POPULATION

1,810 households.

PROCEDURE

A telephone interview was conducted, using rables-related questions contained in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, with an adult member from households randomly selected statewide by telephone number. Results of the surveys for the year were aggregated, and weighted data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Ninety percent of respondents had heard about rabies during the preceding year, and 84% considered it a problem in Connecticut. Forty-seven percent of households surveyed owned dogs or cats. Ninety-three percent of dogs and 80% of cats were reported to be vaccinated against rabies. Twenty-two percent of households with cats had at least 1 cat that was not current on rabies vaccination.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In Connecticut, an epizootic of rabies in raccoons was accompanied by a high degree of awareness of rabies and rate of reported vaccination of dogs and cats. However, vaccination of cats was less common than that of dogs. Public education efforts should emphasize the necessity to vaccinate cats and to avoid contact with unknown cats in rabies epizootic or enzootic areas. A surveillance system can be used to help evaluate public health programs.

Nitric oxide mediates mecamylamine- and naloxone-precipitated nicotine withdrawal

A nitric oxide synthase inhibitor blocked nicotine abstinence signs and increased weight loss in male, nicotine-dependent rats during withdrawal precipitated by the nicotinic receptor antagonist mecamylamine or the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. These results indicate that nitric oxide systems mediate important aspects of the expression of nicotine physical dependence and suggest the potential use of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors as aids in tobacco smoking cessation.

Interactions between alcohol- and opioid-induced suppression of rat testicular steroidogenesis in vivo

To examine interactions between alcohol and endogenous opioids in their suppressive effects on rat testicular function, the opioid antagonist naltrexone or the opioid agonist morphine was administered to adult male rats alone or in combination with alcohol. Serum testosterone, testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) testosterone, and TIF volumes were measured to assess testicular function. Naltrexone induced dose-dependent increases in serum and TIF testosterone levels without changes in TIF volume. Alcohol (0.5 g/kg) inhibited naltrexone-induced stimulation of testosterone secretion and shifted the naltrexone dose-response curve to the right. Conversely, naltrexone (0.05 mg/kg) inhibited alcohol-induced suppression of testosterone secretion and shifted the alcohol dose-response curve to the right. Relatively high doses of naltrexone (5 to 30 mg/kg) were needed to stimulate testosterone secretion maximally in rats treated with a low dose of alcohol (0.5 g/kg) and to stimulate normal levels of testosterone secretion in rats treated with a high dose of alcohol (2 g/kg). In addition, combined treatment with 1 and 30 mg/kg of naltrexone and 0.5 to 2 g/kg of alcohol did not alter blood alcohol concentrations significantly, suggesting that the interactions between alcohol and naltrexone were unrelated to gross changes in alcohol metabolism or bioavailability factors. Simultaneous treatments with a low dose of alcohol (0.3 g/kg), near the threshold of efficacy, and low-moderate doses of morphine (0.3 to 3 mg/kg) were not additive in suppressing testosterone secretion, compared with either agent alone. These results support the hypothesis that opioid antagonists can reverse the suppressive effect of alcohol on testicular steroidogenesis, but the results also suggest that endogenous opioids do not exclusively mediate alcohol's effects on testosterone secretion.

A survey of sunbathing practices on three Connecticut State beaches

In order to analyze sunbathing practices, a survey was conducted during the summer of 1995 on three Connecticut state beaches, with 1,003 interviews completed. The majority (65.8%) of respondents were women. Almost 70% of respondents were visiting the beach to get or maintain a tan. While the intended beach stay averaged four hours, only 55.7% of respondents were using sunscreen, 6.9% were sitting under shade, 12.7% were wearing hats, and 17.1% were wearing clothes other than a bathing suit. More than half (55%) of the sunscreen used had a sun protection factor of less than 15. Children were provided with greater protection than adults. The survey indicates the need for greater educational efforts to motivate protective behavior. Primary-care physicians could have an important role in these efforts.

Is phototherapy safe for HIV-infected individuals?

Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a high prevalence of UV radiation-responsive skin diseases including psoriasis, pruritus, eosinophilic folliculitis and eczemas. On the other hand, UV has been shown to suppress T cell-mediated immune responses and to induce activation and replication of HIV. These developments have prompted clinicians and investigators to question whether phototherapy is safe for HIV-infected individuals. We have reviewed these issues and hereby provide a summary and critique of relevant laboratory and clinical evidence.

Effects of nitric oxide-related agents on opioid regulation of rat testicular steroidogenesis

These studies examined whether nitric oxide (NO) mediates opioid suppression of testicular steroidogenesis. Adult male rats were treated with various combinations of a NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester; NAME), a NO donor (isosorbide dinitrate; ISDN), an opioid agonist (morphine, and an opioid antagonist (naltrexone). Serum LH and testosterone and testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) testosterone concentrations were then measured. Inhibition of NO production by NAME reversed morphine-suppressed testosterone secretion; treatment with the NO donor, ISDN, reversed naltrexone-stimulated testosterone secretion. NAME did not alter morphine's effects on LH secretion and attenuated morphine's suppression of hCG-stimulated testosterone secretion, indicating that these effects occur directly in the testes and are not dependent on LH secretion. Even though these effects suggested possible interactions between NO and opioid systems, no additive or synergistic effects were found with suppressive combinations of morphine and ISDN, or with stimulatory combinations of naltrexone and NAME at does that had little effect on testosterone secretion when given alone. These results indicate that opioid and NO exert independent effects on testicular steroidogenesis through separate pathways or mechanisms and that NO does not mediate opioid-induced testicular suppression.

Effect of human adrenomedullin on vascular resistance of the canine tibia

An ex vivo model of a perfused canine tibia was used to investigate the effect of human adrenomedullin, a novel peptide with known vasodilator properties, on the vascular resistance of bone. Human adrenomedullin has a potent and long-lasting vasodilator effect in the canine tibia following precontraction of vascular smooth muscle by infusion of prostaglandin F2 alpha. A 0.1 ml bolus injection of 10(-5) M human adrenomedullin suppressed the pressor response of the canine tibia preparation to an infusion of norepinephrine by 43-52% for a duration of 100 minutes. An injection of 10(-6) adrenomedullin suppressed the pressor response to an infusion of norepinephrine by 22-23% for a duration of 40 minutes. These data suggest that human adrenomedullin may be a potent and long-acting vascular smooth-muscle relaxant in bone.

ADA is changing the way physicians practice medicine

Although 5 years old, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is still considered a relatively new law. Physicians' practices are influenced daily by the Act--from office hiring practices to treating disabled patients. This article is in response to several questions that have been raised concerning the scope of the Act as it applies to a physician's office when treating hearing impaired patients.

Evaluation of influence of 24-hour cold preservation on endothelin production and on endothelin receptors in the bone vasculature

Endothelin-1 is a vasoactive peptide produced by the vascular endothelium. It is one of the most potent endogenous vascular smooth muscle constrictors. Two subtypes of the endothelin receptor have been cloned and sequenced and denoted endothelin-A and endothelin-B. The aim of this study was to define the influence of cold ischemia on the production of endothelin-1 and on the endothelin receptors. Two different preservation techniques (cold storage only and cold storage with microperfusion with University of Wisconsin solution) also were compared. The study was performed in an in vitro bone perfusion model to isolate the vascular endothelium from blood components. The production of endothelin-1 by the bone vasculature was not altered after 24 hours of cold ischemia. No contractions were observed with S6c, a selective endothelin-B agonist, and this effect was not influenced by cold ischemia. The response mediated by the endothelin-A receptor was increased significantly, an effect that was not influenced by preservation with University of Wisconsin solution. This latter finding was the only significant alteration in the vascular function detected in the in vitro model after 24 hours of cold ischemia. With regard to the pharmacologic properties of endothelin-1, this mediated response could be implicated in the pathogenesis of vasospasm.

Nitric oxide-related agents alter alcohol withdrawal in male rats

Evidence has been reported supporting the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) partially mediates the expression of morphine dependence. To examine whether NO-related agents also affect the expression of alcohol dependence, adult male rats were treated chronically with alcohol. Upon withdrawal of alcohol administration, abstinence signs were observed after treatment with a NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NAME), or a NO donor, isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN). Withdrawal severity was based primarily on the presence and intensity of tremors, rigidity, hyperactivity, and spontaneous and audiogenic convulsions. The NOS inhibitor, NAME (10-100 mg/kg), injected during alcohol withdrawal significantly inhibited withdrawal severity decreasing the intensity of signs of hyperactivity, tremors, and rigidity, but not affecting the occurrence of convulsions. The NO donor, ISDN (30 mg/kg), administered during alcohol withdrawal significantly increased the severity of most withdrawal signs. These results suggest that NO mediates some aspects of the expression of alcohol dependence.

Effects of nitric oxide-related agents on alcohol narcosis

To examine whether nitric oxide (NO) affects alcohol (ethanol) narcosis, adult male rats were pretreated with a NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (NAME); a NOS substrate, l-arginine methyl ester (AME); or a NO donor, isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN); then treated with anesthetic doses (3-5 g/kg, ip) of alcohol. Pretreatment with NAME (30-100 mg/kg, sc) 40 min before alcohol treatment delayed the onset of alcohol-induced loss of the righting reflex (LORR) and increased the duration of the LORR. NAME (100 mg/kg) pretreatment combined with high doses of alcohol (4-5 g/kg) exerted significant lethal effects, even though treatment with either agent alone or NAME combined with lower doses of alcohol (3-3.5 g/kg) was not lethal. Simultaneous treatment with the NOS substrate AME (100 mg/kg, subcutaneous) blocked the effects of NAME on LORR duration times, but did not alter LORR onset times. The NO donor ISDN (30 mg/kg) given by oral gavage 2 hr before alcohol decreased LORR duration times without affecting the onset of LORR. In addition, ISDN dose-dependently inhibited NAME-induced LORR duration increases during alcohol narcosis without significantly altering LORR onset times. Neither ISDN nor NAME significantly altered blood alcohol concentrations. These results suggest that NOS inhibition and subsequent decreases in NO production enhance alcohol-induced narcosis and that increases in NO concentrations inhibit alcohol narcosis, supporting the hypothesis that inhibition of arginine-NOS-NO systems mediates part of the sedative-hypnotic effect of alcohol.

Outcome of carpal tunnel surgery in Washington State workers' compensation

All cases of occupational carpal tunnel syndrome (OCTS) who received surgery for this condition in the Washington State workers' compensation system were identified using claim and physician billing databases. One hundred ninety-one incident surgical cases were identified between July 1, 1987 and December 31, 1987, and were followed up a mean of 3 years postoperatively for clinical, disability, and return to work outcomes. Medical record and claim file review was required for clinical and employment information. The mean age of all patients was 36.6 years, 48% were female, and 40% received bilateral surgery. The mean time from claim filing to surgery was 187 days. Ninety-eight percent of cases met the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) case definition for OCTS. Relief of pain was complete or modest in 86% (124/145) and only 14% of cases reported no improvement in symptoms. Mean duration of disability (time loss) postoperatively was nearly 4 months, and 8% of cases exceeded 1 year of time loss. The majority of cases returned to their same job (67%) or to a different job (15%). Workers in high risk occupations were less likely to return to the same job after CTS surgery compared to those in lower risk occupations (61% vs. 75%, p = 0.08). In this population, no association was seen between any outcome and age, gender, marital status, or baseline wage. Duration of disability was not significantly related to preoperative severity of OCTS or to more specific case criteria for this condition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of nitric oxide-related agents on rat testicular function

The effects of nitric oxide (NO)-related agents on testicular function were examined in male rats with measurements of serum luteinizing hormone, serum testosterone, testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) testosterone, and TIF volumes. Serum and TIF testosterone levels and luteinizing hormone secretion were significantly decreased by the NO donor, isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), and the NO synthase (NOS) substrate, L-arginine methyl ester, a source for the endogenous production of NO. The effects of ISDN on TIF volumes were inconsistent, but L-arginine methyl ester decreased TIF formation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, ISDN dose dependently suppressed testosterone secretion stimulated by human chorionic gonadotropin treatment, suggesting that the effects on testosterone secretion were independent of changes in secretion of the endogenous gonadotropin luteinizing hormone. ISDN, L-arginine methyl ester, and the endogenous NOS substrate L-arginine completely blocked testosterone secretion stimulated by the NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NAME), whereas the relatively inactive NOS substrate, D-arginine, only partially blocked NAME-stimulated testosterone secretion. Hydralazine and nicardipine, two vasodilators that do not exhibit prominent NO-related effects, also blocked basal testosterone secretion and testosterone secretion stimulated by the vasoconstrictor NAME.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The public health impact and economic cost of smoking in Connecticut--1989

Estimates of the smoking-attributable morbidity, mortality, and economic costs for Connecticut for 1989 were made using software distributed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The software calculations are based on relative risks for smoking-related diseases from major prospective studies. Using smoking prevalence, mortality, population, and health-care expenditure data for the state, 19.3% of all deaths in Connecticut in 1989 were estimated to be related to smoking. Cardiovascular disease and cancer accounted for the largest number of these estimated deaths. Men who died from smoking-related deaths lost an estimated 11.6 years of life while women died an estimated 12.8 years prematurely from smoking-related causes. The total cost, including direct and indirect smoking-related costs, was estimated to be $944 million, or $287 for each man, woman, and child in the state.

Acute paternal alcohol exposure impairs fertility and fetal outcome

An acute injection of an intoxicating dose of alcohol to male rats 24 hours prior to breeding with drug-naive females produced no discernible effect on copulatory activity, as reflected in vaginal plugs, but resulted in markedly (> 50%) reduced pregnancy rates. Fetal outcome was also markedly affected in offspring sired by alcohol-treated males: litter sizes were appreciably smaller (30%) and fetal mortality was more than 2 times higher than in controls. These results suggest that paternal alcohol use, like maternal alcohol abuse, may adversely affect fertility and fetal outcome.

Acute alcohol exposure markedly influences male fertility and fetal outcome in the male rat

Although it is recognized that drugs ingested by pregnant females produce marked cognitive and physiological deficits in their offspring, the possibility that paternal exposure to drugs prior to mating may have adverse effects on fertility and fetal outcome has not received much attention. The purpose of the present studies was to examine whether a single, acute exposure to alcohol influences the subsequent ability of adult male rats to mate and produce healthy and viable litters. Our results showed that a relatively large dose of alcohol 24 hours prior to breeding had little effect on the mating behavior of male rats, but there were markedly fewer pregnancies in females mated with alcohol-exposed male rats than in controls. Of equal importance, we found that, even when conception occurred and live births were produced, there were striking differences in fetal outcome. Alcohol-treated males sired many fewer pups than control males and there was a markedly enhanced mortality rate in their offspring. Collectively, these data suggest that acute paternal alcohol administration 24 hours prior to breeding does not affect mating behavior, but results in a greatly diminished fertility rate and fewer and less viable offspring. These studies suggest that paternal alcohol use may be as important as maternal alcohol abuse as a negative variable in pregnancy and fetal outcome.

Preservation of bone graft vascularity with the University of Wisconsin cold storage solution

The preservation of the microcirculation of bone has been evaluated with use of an in vitro canine tibia perfusion model. The production of relaxing factors by the osseous vascular endothelium was used as a metabolic marker for viability. This endothelial eccrine function was preserved for 5 days (120 h) by cold storage without continuous perfusion after a washout with the University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. This synthetic perfusate was superior to Krebs Ringer solution (p < 0.05), but storage without perfusion failed to prevent a significant rise in vascular resistance. Two techniques were effective for the preservation of bone vascularity for 24 h: washout with UW solution followed by nonperfusion cold (4 degrees C) storage, and vascular washout with mannitol solution followed by continuous hypothermic (5 degrees C) microperfusion (0.03 ml/min) with UW solution. The most consistent, and lowest, vascular resistance was produced by the microperfusion technique. However, UW solution does not consistently prevent an increase in vascular resistance with hypothermic ischemia. This technique may prove useful for the preservation of vascularized bone grafts, but it needs to be evaluated in a transplantation model.

Opioid-induced suppression of rat testicular function

The effects of opioids on testicular function were assessed in the rat through measurements of serum testosterone levels, testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) formation and TIF testosterone levels after morphine and opioid antagonist (naloxone, naltrexone) treatment. Serum and TIF levels of testosterone were significantly decreased 1 to 6 h after morphine (10 mg/kg) injection, and TIF volumes were decreased 2-3 h after injection morphine. Each of these decreases was dose-related. In contrast to the effects of morphine, the opioid antagonist naloxone increased TIF testosterone but did not alter TIF volumes. Moreover, the opioid antagonist naltrexone totally blocked morphine's effects on both testosterone secretion and TIF volume, suggesting that morphine's testicular effects were mediated by naltrexone-sensitive opioid receptors in the testes. The possible role of morphine-induced reductions in gonadotropin secretion in morphine's testicular effects was also examined. Morphine suppressed testosterone secretion and TIF volumes after pretreatment with human chorionic gonadotropin, which reverses morphine's suppression of luteinizing hormone (LH). Our results, therefore, indicate that morphine exerts effects on testicular function that are independent of its effects on LH. They furthermore support the hypothesis that both endogenous and exogenous opioids disrupt two major aspects of testicular function: Testosterone secretion and TIF formation. Because of the role of TIF in maintaining testicular function, our results suggest that opioid-induced changes in testosterone secretion into TIF and TIF formation may, at least in part, explain the well-established effects of opioids on reproductive endocrinology and function in the male.

Antagonism of alcohol-induced suppression of rat testosterone secretion by an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase

To examine whether nitric oxide (NO) mediates the suppression of testosterone secretion by alcohol (ethanol), adult male rats were pretreated with a NO synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NAME), then treated with alcohol. Serum and testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) testosterone concentrations, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations, blood alcohol concentrations (BAC), and TIF volumes were measured 2 hr after alcohol treatment at a time of peak effects of alcohol and NAME on testosterone secretion. Pretreatment with NAME (30 or 100 mg/kg, subcutaneous) 30 min before alcohol treatment (0.5-3 g/kg, intraperitoneal) completely blocked the alcohol-induced suppression of testosterone secretion into the general circulation and into TIF without significantly altering blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) or TIF volumes. These results support the hypotheses that NO synthase inhibitors can antagonize alcohol-induced suppression of testicular steroidogenesis, that alcohol interacts with arginine-NO synthase systems that regulate testicular steroidogenesis, and that NO is involved in mediating alcohol's testicular and reproductive effects.

Reducing antipsychotic drug use in nursing homes. A controlled trial of provider education

OBJECTIVE

In the United States, 20% or more of nursing home residents receive antipsychotic drugs, primarily for the behavioral manifestations of dementia. This high level of use of drugs with substantial toxicity has engendered a strong and persistent controversy and recently has led to explicit regulatory measures to curtail use (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987). We developed and tested a comprehensive program to reduce antipsychotic use through education of physicians, nurses, and other nursing home staff. The primary elements of the program were instruction in use of behavioral techniques to manage behavior problems and encouragement of a trial of gradual antipsychotic withdrawal.

DESIGN

In a nonrandomized controlled trial, the program was implemented (beginning in August 1990) in two rural Tennessee community nursing homes with elevated antipsychotic use; two other comparable homes were selected as concurrent controls.

PATIENTS

Throughout the study 194 residents were in the education homes and 184 were in the control homes. Residents in both groups of homes had comparable demographic characteristics and functional status, and each group had a baseline rate of 29 days of antipsychotic use per 100 days of nursing home residence.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary end points were postintervention changes in administration of antipsychotics and other psychotropic drugs, use of physical restraints, and frequency of behavior problems.

RESULTS

Days of antipsychotic use decreased by 72% in the education homes vs 13% in the control homes (P < .001). No significant changes were noted in the use of other psychotropic drugs in either group. Days of physical restraint use decreased 36% in the education homes vs 5% in the control homes (P < .001). Behavior problem frequency did not increase in either group, even among the 48% of baseline antipsychotic users in the education homes who had antipsychotic drug regimens discontinued for 3 or more months.

CONCLUSIONS

The educational program led to a substantial reduction in antipsychotic use with no increase in the frequency of behavior problems. This suggests that for many antipsychotic drug users benefits may be marginal and that programs to reduce such drug use among the 250,000 US nursing home residents receiving these drugs should have high priority.

Inhibition of the morphine withdrawal syndrome by a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester

The hypothesis that an arginine-nitric oxide (NO) synthase-NO system mediates the morphine abstinence syndrome was tested in adult male rats implanted subcutaneously for 3 days with one morphine (75 mg) pellet followed by naloxone-precipitated withdrawal (0.5 mg/kg). Injection with a NO synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NAME, 100 mg/kg subcutaneous), shortly before naloxone-induced withdrawal significantly inhibited abstinence signs by 25-80%. Continuous infusion of NAME via subcutaneous osmotic pumps during the development of morphine physical dependence and during naloxone-precipitated withdrawal also inhibited morphine abstinence signs. In addition, treatment with isosorbide dinitrate, a NO donor, induced a quasi morphine-abstinence syndrome (QMAS) that was significantly suppressed by implantation of a morphine pellet 3 days before isosorbide dinitrate treatment. These results indicate that NO mediates part of the expression of the morphine abstinence syndrome.

Effects of alcohol on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the developing male rat

The ontogeny of the effects of alcohol on serum testosterone levels was examined in male rats throughout sexual maturation (25-70 days). Alcohol decreased serum testosterone levels in rats 45 days or older as expected. In contrast to these results, we found precisely the opposite effects in prepubescent male rats (25-30 days old): namely, a marked stimulation of serum testosterone. Alcohol produced dose-dependent increases in serum testosterone levels in the prepubescent animal with increases of over 300% observed. In contrast to the biphasic effects of alcohol on serum testosterone levels in the developing animal, we found either no changes or modest decreases in serum luteinizing hormone levels at all ages tested. These data indicate that the increase in testosterone occurred independently of changes in luteinizing hormone in the prepubescent animal. Thus, it appears that the primary site of action of alcohol on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in prepubescent male rats is the testes and that alcohol acts to directly stimulate testosterone's biosynthesis. In contrast, alcohol appears to act at both central and testicular sites in rats 45 days or older to depress the synthesis and release of testosterone. The mechanisms underlying these age-dependent, biphasic effects of alcohol on serum testosterone levels are unknown at the present time, but it seems unlikely that differences in the biodisposition of alcohol were involved.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Identification of fractures from computerized Medicare files

Study of non-hip fractures, which are a serious public health problem for persons greater than or equal to 65 years of age, has been hindered by the absence of an economical method for case identification. We assessed the utility of computerized Medicare inpatient, emergency room, hospital outpatient department and physician claims for identifying fractures in an elderly Tennessee Medicaid population. We used these files for 1987 to identify 3086 possible fractures and reviewed medical records for a sample of 1440. Using this sample, we developed a definition of probable fractures that excluded claims unlikely to represent newly diagnosed fractures. For all fractures, this definition had a positive predictive value of 94%, which for individual fracture sites, ranged from 79% (tibia/fibula) to 98% (hip). Of fractures in the reviewed sample, 91% were identified as probable fractures; this upper bound for sensitivity varied between 75% (femoral shaft) and 100% (patella). These data suggest that computerized Medicare files can be used for rapid and economical fracture ascertainment among persons greater than or equal to 65 years of age. However, further work is needed to obtain better estimates of sensitivity.

Nitric oxide control of steroidogenesis: endocrine effects of NG-nitro-L-arginine and comparisons to alcohol

Recent studies suggest that nitric oxide (NO) may regulate hormone biosynthesis and secretion. This was tested by treating male rats with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NAME), a NO synthase inhibitor, and measuring serum and testicular interstitial fluid testosterone and serum corticosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL). The effect of NG-nitro-L-arginine (NA), a less-soluble form of the same NO synthase inhibitor, on the reproductive suppressant actions of alcohol was also examined. NAME increased testosterone and corticosterone secretion dose-dependently without affecting LH and PRL secretion. The alcohol-induced suppression of testosterone or LH secretion was not altered by treatment with NA. Although effects of NAME and NA on other systems may be involved, these results indicate that testicular and adrenal steroidogenesis are negatively regulated by endogenous NO and that NO does not regulate LH and PRL secretion or inhibit the testicular steroidogenic pathway in the same way as alcohol.

Alcohol affects rat testicular interstitial fluid volume and testicular secretion of testosterone and beta-endorphin

The effects of alcohol on testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) volume and the secretion of testosterone and beta-endorphin (beta E) into this important testicular compartment were assessed in the rat. Alcohol time- and dose-response curves were constructed for changes in TIF volume and the bioactive concentrations of testosterone and immunoreactive beta E (i-beta E). Alcohol (3 g/kg) decreased TIF volumes and increased TIF i-beta E secretion 0.5 to 6 hr after injection and decreased TIF testosterone 1 to 6 hr after injection. These effects were dose-related at 2 hr postinjection. The possible role of alcohol-induced reductions in serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels in mediating the effects of alcohol on TIF volume was also examined. We found that pretreating rats with human chorionic gonadotropin, which reversed alcohol-induced suppression in levels of serum gonadotropins and testosterone, failed to reverse the effects of alcohol on TIF volume and the secretion of testosterone and i-beta E. These results indicate that alcohol decreases TIF volume, inhibits TIF testosterone secretion and stimulates TIF i-beta E secretion and, furthermore, suggest that these effects are not indirectly mediated by decreased levels of gonadotropins or testosterone, but by direct effects of alcohol on gonadal function. The strong inverse correlation between TIF i-beta E and testosterone secretion after alcohol administration and previous evidence that testicular opioids inhibit the biosynthesis of testosterone suggest that alcohol may act through testicular beta E to suppress the synthesis and release of testosterone in the testes.

Effects of alcohol on beta-endorphin and reproductive hormones in the male rat

In an attempt to examine the relationship between alcohol-induced alterations in immunoreactive beta-endorphin (i-beta E) levels in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the synthesis and release of reproductive hormones, male rats were treated with either an acute intraperitoneal injection of alcohol or were chronically exposed to an alcohol-containing liquid diet. Hypothalamic, pituitary, serum, and testicular levels of immunoreactive beta-endorphin (i-beta E) and serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were measured at various times after initiation of these treatments. Testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) volumes and levels of TIF i-beta E and testosterone were also measured 4 hr after acute treatment as an index of testicular release of these substances. Acute alcohol decreased pituitary levels of i-beta E and increased serum levels of the peptide for up to 1 hr after its injection, but did not alter hypothalamic or testicular levels. Acute alcohol markedly increased TIF i-beta E and decreased TIF testosterone and TIF volume. Sharp decreases in serum LH and testosterone were observed in association with these acute changes in i-beta E levels in the pituitary, blood, and testes. During chronic alcohol exposure serum testosterone levels were substantially depressed, but tolerance appeared to develop quickly to the chronic effects of alcohol on serum LH. Similarly, tolerance to alcohol's effects on i-beta E levels in the pituitary and serum also appeared to develop during chronic alcohol administration. However, hypothalamic and testicular i-beta E levels were markedly suppressed by chronic alcohol administration in contrast to the lack of effect observed after acute alcohol administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Influence of morphine exposure during adolescence on the sexual maturation of male rats and the development of their offspring

The effects of adolescent morphine exposure on the sexual maturation of male rats, their reproductive capacity and the development of their progeny were examined. Groups of prepubescent male rates (25-27 days of age) were implanted with morphine- or placebo-pellets (one on Day 1, then two pellets on Days 4, 7 and 10); the pellets were not removed to assure the sustained release of morphine for 3 to 4 weeks and to avoid the confounding effects of a precipitated withdrawal syndrome. Groups of animals were sacrificed at weekly intervals through adulthood for an assessment of reproductive endocrine function. A large group, however, was also bred with drug-naive primiparous females at 85 days of age (8 weeks after morphine or placebo pellet implantation), when the acute and chronic effects of morphine on reproductive endocrine parameters had dissipated; their fertility and the development of the male and female progeny was characterized. Our results indicated that morphine exposure during adolescence led to a pronounced inhibition of a number of indices of sexual maturation (e.g., serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels and reduced weights of the testes and seminal vesicles). Breeding morphine- and placebo-implanted male rats with drug-naive females resulted in smaller liters derived from morphine-treated fathers when compared to controls, but in all other respects the development of the offspring in the two groups were equivalent. However, upon reaching adulthood, a number of selective endocrine differences were detected in morphine-derived offspring when compared to controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Suicidal behaviors among Connecticut youth

In the United States, youth (15-24 years) suicide rates increased 191% between 1950 and 1986. This paper presents data regarding suicidal ideation and attempts, suicide-related hospitalizations, and completed suicides among Connecticut youth, comparing them with data from other states and the United States. Girls have higher rates of attempts and hospitalization, boys of completed suicide. Firearms are the suicidal method of choice for both sexes. Nonmetropolitan areas had higher rates than metropolitan. Reported suicidal ideation among students ranged from 10% to as high as 66%, while attempts range from 3% to 15%. The authors stress that caution is necessary when comparing rates, pointing to the need for standardized data collection and analysis. Reported rates of suicidal behavior are lower among Connecticut youth compared to their counterparts in other states, but suicide is increasing among young males in Connecticut and remains a major issue for health care providers.

Stereoselective effect of morphine on antinociception and endogenous opioid peptide levels in plasma but not cerebrospinal fluid of dogs

Morphine releases endogenous opioids into the circulation of dogs. To test the stereospecificity of this effect, as well as to determine whether morphine also releases endogenous opioids centrally, which might be involved in its antinociceptive action, the effects of (-)-morphine sulfate (10 mg/kg, sc) or (+)-morphine hydrobromide on antinociception in a dog tail-flick test, on semi-quantified morphine-induced signs of salivation, emesis, defecation and ataxia, and on the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of endogenous opioid peptides were studied. Plasma and CSF levels of immunoreactive beta-endorphin (i-BE), met-enkephalin (i-ME), leu-enkephalin (i-LE), and dynorphin (i-DY) were quantified by radioimmunoassay in octadecylsilyl-silica cartridge extracts. Immunoreactive morphine (i-M) levels were measured in unextracted samples. (-)-Morphine treatment significantly increased antinociception, morphine-induced signs, i-M levels in plasma and CSF, and i-BE, i-ME, and i-LE levels in plasma, but not CSF. Levels of i-DY remained constant in plasma and CSF. (+)-Morphine treatment did not alter any of these parameters, indicating that the effects of morphine on nociception, behavioral signs, and plasma endogenous opioids in dogs were stereoselective. It is concluded that morphine does not cause an increase in immunoreactive endogenous opioid peptides in the CSF at the time of its peak antinociceptive effect.