The clinical performance of dental resin composite repeatedly preheated: A randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical performance of class II restorations performed by repeatedly preheated resin composite "RC" at 68 °C up to ten times.

METHODS

105 patients were selected and randomized into three groups, each comprising 35 patients. Each patient was provided with a single class II Bulk-fill resin composite "BF-RC" posterior restoration based on the number of preheating cycles; group I (H0): The BF-RC was packed non-heated, group II (H1): BF-RC preheated once, and group III(H10): BF-RC preheated ten cycles. These restorations were evaluated at 1, 3,6, and 12 months, using the modified United States Public Health Service "USPHS". Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann Whitney U test, and Friedmann test, where p = 0.05.

RESULTS

All the 105 restorations did not suffer from any clinical situation that recommended replacement regarding retention, fracture, secondary caries, or anatomical form. Although all performed restorations did have Alpha and Bravo scores with good clinical performance, the non-preheated RC restorations"" suffered from relatively inferior clinical performance through the follow-up period regarding marginal adaptation, marginal discoloration, and color matching when compared to preheated groups. One and ten times of preheating conducted better clinical performance.

CONCLUSIONS

After 12-months follow-up, although no restoration needed replacement or repair in the 3 tested groups, restorations with single and ten times of preheating aided in better clinical performance of RC restorations compared to the non-preheated restorations. Preheating of RC for 10 times could be used safely with good clinical performance of restorations.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

By continually preheating RC syringe up to ten times, the dentist will not only benefit from the enhanced clinical performance and easiness of application but also will use preheated RC syringes without hesitation, relying on the absence of drawbacks related to multiple preheating cycles.

Impact of repeated preheating of bulk-fill resin composite on postoperative hypersensitivity; a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This clinical study was conducted aiming to evaluate the impact of repeated preheating of bulk-fill resin composite on postoperative hypersensitivity.

METHODS

A total of 105 eligible, consenting adults were recruited. Patients had posterior teeth suffering from proximal decay with no signs of irreversible pulpitis. Patients were prepared for Class II restorations and restored with bulk-fill resin composite. Patients were randomized into three groups of 35 patients according to the number of preheating cycles for the resin composite syringe used; group I: no preheating; control group at room temperature, group II: Resin composite preheated once, and group III: Resin composite preheated ten cycles. Patients were assessed for postoperative dentin hypersensitivity using the visual analogue scale (VAS) at three-time intervals: day one, one week and by the end of one month after restorative treatment. Statistical analysis was performed; ANOVA with a single factor was used to test for significance at a p value ≤ 0.05. For nonparametric data, the Kruskal‒Wallis test was used to compare the three testing groups. Friedman's test was used to study the changes within each group. Dunn's test was used for pairwise comparisons when the Kruskal‒Wallis test or Friedman's test was significant.

RESULTS

The scores of the three groups through the three time intervals were almost zero except for the first day where VAS scores were recorded with maximum score of 3 for groups I and II. Groups II and III; there was no statistically significant change in hypersensitivity scores by time with P-values 0.135 and 0.368, respectively. However, for group I there was a significant difference from VAS score recorded on first day and the two following time intervals.

CONCLUSION

The repeated preheating cycles of bulk-fill resin composite prior to curing had no adverse effect on the patients regarding postoperative dentin hypersensitivity. This information could be of utmost significance, as the same resin composite syringe can undergo numerous preheating cycles clinically before it is completely consumed with the advantage of improvement on the handling properties.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The protocol of the current study was registered at www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov , with the identification number NCT05289479 on 21/03/2022. All procedures involving human participants were performed in accordance with the ethical standards of the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Dentistry, Minia University, Egypt, under the approval number 73/440 on 11/09/2020.

Optical behavior and marginal discoloration of a single shade resin composite with a chameleon effect: a randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE/AIM

Evaluating the optical behavior and marginal discoloration of a Single-shade universal resin composite over 12 months. To achieve this, a split-mouth with a double-blinded randomized strategy was employed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty adult patients, each presenting with at least two caries lesions in their posterior teeth, were selected and randomly subdivided into two identical groups: Group I received Single-shade universal resin composite (Omnichroma), and Group II received multi-shade nanohybrid resin composite (Tetric®N-Ceram). Color measurements and marginal discoloration were assessed visually by three blinded operators at baseline followed after 1,3,6,9, and 12‑month periods utilizing the Modified United States Public Health Services (USPHS) criteria. Statistical analysis was adopted utilizing the Wilcoxon test with a 0.05 significance level.

RESULTS

The two groups revealed non-statistically significant differences up to 6 months regarding color match and color stability. After 9 and 12 months, the multi-shade group demonstrated a statistically significant higher prevalence of color match (Alpha) scores than the single-shade universal group. Regarding marginal discoloration, all restorations in the two groups had no discoloration (Alpha scores).

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Since the percentage of Alpha and Bravo scores was considered clinical success, both the single-shade universal and the multi-shade nanohybrid resin composites demonstrated satisfactory optical performance and marginal discoloration as posterior restorations after a 12-month follow-up period.

The optical behavior of nano filled resin composite loaded with graphene oxide nanoparticles

OBJECTIVES

Assessment of the effect of incorporation of graphene oxide nanoparticles (GONPs), different concentrations into resin composite with different thicknesses on its color modulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

GONPs were prepared using the chemical reduction method and characterized using a transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. The minimum concentrations of GONPs that provided the most effective antibacterial action (0.05 wt% and 0.2 wt%.) were prepared to be the concentration added to the tested resin composite. Calculations were done to find the required volume of the GONPs solution needed according to the mass of the resin composite. 70 nano-filled resin composite discs were prepared with 10 mm diameter × 3 mm height. 10 resin composite discs were prepared without GONPs incorporation and served as a control (G0). The other 60 resin composite specimens were divided into 2 equal groups (G1& G2) according to the concentration of the loaded nanoparticles in the specimens. Each group was divided into 3 equal subgroups according to the thickness of the resin composite containing GONPs; [T1: GONPs dispersed in the bottom 1 mm of the disc, while the top 2 mm of the disc was of resin composite only. T2: GONPs dispersed only in the bottom 2 mm of the disc and T3: GONPs dispersed in the total thickness of the disc (3 mm)]. ∆E values were calculated using a Vita Easy shade Spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

Incorporation of GONPs into resin composite induced significant color change and among all the 6 experimental groups, G1T1 group (of 0.05 wt% concentration GONPs dispersed only in the bottom 1 mm of the disc) showed a non-significant color change.

CONCLUSION

Dispersion of GONPs has a detectable effect on the color change of resin composite. Meanwhile, dispersion in low concentration for only the bottom 1 mm thickness of resin composite has an undetectable effect on its color.

The impact of Bis-GMA free and Bis-GMA containing resin composite as posterior restoration on marginal integrity: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

There have been concerns surrounding the utilization of Bis-GMA, a type of bisphenol A (BPA) derivative, within the dental industry. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of bulk fill Bis-GMA-free resin composite class II restorations in respect of its marginal integrity in comparison to bulk fill Bis-GMA-containing resin composite class II restorations over a 12-month period in a parallel clinical trial utilizing a split-mouth, double-blind, randomized strategy.

METHODS

20 patients participated in this study. Each patient has received one pair of class II posterior restorations, Bis-GMA-free (Admira fusion x-tra), and Bis-GMA containing (x-tra fil) on each side of the mouth (split-mouth strategy), (n = 40). The restorations' marginal integrity was evaluated based on Ryge's criteria (modified USPHS) at baseline (after 1 week), as well as 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and after 12 months of follow-up by two calibrated examiners. The statistical analyses utilizing the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests, the significance level was adjusted to 0.05.

RESULTS

Following the 12-month period, all patients attended the recall visits to evaluate the restorations. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and Friedman tests, revealed that both types of bulk fill had 100% of Alpha (A) scores at baseline and after 1 month with no significant statistical differences. After 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, both tested bulk fill restorations showed Bravo (B) score with Bis-GMA free 10% and 5% for Bis-GMA containing with no statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) for clinical marginal integrity parameter in USPHS criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Bis-GMA-free resin composites demonstrated satisfactory, marginal integrity compared with Bis-GMA-containing resin composites within 12 months.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The protocol of the current study was registered at www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov , with the identification number NCT05480852 on 29/07/2022. All procedures involving human participants were performed in accordance with the ethical standards of the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Dentistry, Minia University, Egypt, under the approval number 419 on 27/06/2020.

A THOROUGH STUDY AND META-ANALYSIS OF THE PROGNOSTIC RELEVANCE OF THE C-REACTIVE-ALBUMIN RATIO IN ACUTE PANCREATITIS

Although most cases of acute pancreatitis (AP) are minor, severe cases are associated with a substantial risk of death. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common illness. Therefore, it is critical to assess AP severity as soon as possible. This review aimed to ascertain the predictive significance of the CRP to albumin ratio in individuals with AP. We searched PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library electronic databases Until January 2023. Studies that reported the CRP/alb ratio at admission and its relationship to the severity or death of patients with AP were included. Using a random-effects model, we computed the pooled mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. This meta-analysis combined data from six trials with a total of 2244 patients. Upon admission, the CRP/alb ratio was higher in patients with severe AP than in those with mild to moderate AP (pooled MD:3.59; 95% CI:2.51-4.68; p<0.00001). Additionally, non-survivor AP patients had a substantially higher CRP/alb ratio than survivor AP patients (pooled MD:2.12; 95% CI:0.43-3.8; p<0.01). Individuals with AP may benefit from a high CRP/ALB ratio as a preliminary indicator of poor prognosis.

Novel Vanadia/meso-Co3O4 catalysts for the conversion of benzene-toluene-xylene to environmental friendly components via catalytic oxidation

Three - dimensional meso-porous Co₃O₄ was prepared by nanocasting pathway based on the use of mesoporous silica (KIT-6) as hard template with different Cobalt concentrations (0.5-2.5 mol ratio based on mesoporous silica KIT-6). The prepared samples was used as supports for preparing V₂O₅/Co₃O₄ (1, 6 wt% of V₂O₅) catalysts. The prepared samples were characterized by different techniques. The catalytic activity of the prepared samples were evaluated in the complete oxidation reaction of toluene, benzene, and/or p-xylene; (as model reactants of volatile organic compounds) in terms of CO₂. The catalytic reaction was carried out in a fixed-bed micro-reactor operated under atmospheric pressure and within the reaction temperature range of 200-400 °C. The data confirmed that the three dimensional-mesoporous Co₃O₄ (1.0 mole ratio) replicated sample possessed improved different parameters compared to those of the Co₃O₄ sample with other mole ratios. The data reflected the yield of Co2 is decreased upon the increase in reaction temperature to 400°C. 1 wt.% V₂O₅/m-Co₃O₄ catalyst shows a reverse direction, the CO₂ yield slowly increased in the range 150-250 °C, then jumped at 300 °C until maximum yield (100%) is observed at 400 °C. 1 wt.% V₂O₅/m-Co₃O₄ catalyst was found to be the active and selective promised catalyst for the complete oxidation of either individual aromatic volatile organic compounds (benzene, toluene, and/or xylene) and/or their mixtures to 100% CO₂.

664 Superior Mesenteric Vein and Portal Vein Thrombosis in a Patient With COVID-19: A Rare Case

A 68-year-old man was referred to the general surgeons on account of his abdominal pain of unknown cause. He had contracted COVID-19, 9 days prior. CT chest abdomen and pelvis revealed an extensive thrombus extending from the portal vein to the superior mesenteric vein. Further investigation ruled out haematological causes, and COVID-19 was determined to be the cause. He was treated with an extended course of therapeutic dose low molecular weight heparin under the guidance of the haematology team. He was discharged once he was clinically stable and pain-free, with a plan to be followed up by both the surgeons and haematologists. This case highlights the different ways in which COVID-19 presents, and the need for clearer guidance on the treatment and prevention of thromboembolism in COVID-19.

998 Improving Accuracy of Tumour Site Identification During Colonoscopy; a Retrospective Analysis

Aim

Colonoscopy is essential for accurate pre-operative colorectal tumour localisation. Due to variable colonic length and lack of internal landmarks, tumour site identification can be difficult, posing risks of inappropriate operations being offered. To avoid this, we must correctly identify the tumour site on endoscopy in &gt;95% of patients as per BSG guidelines. In 2019, accuracy levels compared to radiology and histology fell significantly short of this standard. We therefore made improvements to our endoscopy database and displayed relevant guidelines in endoscopy rooms. Here, we evaluate improvement in accuracy of endoscopic tumour localisation after implementation of these initiatives.

Method

Retrospective study of results of all colonoscopies (214) showing suspicious lesions at our trust in 2020, compared to results of counterpart radiology and histology tests, and audited against the BSG standard of &gt;95% accurate identification of tumour position by colonic segment.

Results

Accuracy of endoscopic tumour localisation was 92.2% and 92.3% compared to histology and radiology respectively. Although this does not meet the national standard of &gt;95%, it is a significant improvement from the year prior - 80.2% and 78.8% compared to histology and radiology respectively. The greatest degree of error appears in the rectum, often being confused with recto-sigmoid and sigmoid.

Conclusions

Guideline reminders and database improvements were crucial to increased accuracy. However, clearer definition of colonic territories is required to avoid confusion when attributing localisation. We recommend following the American guidelines in which the term ‘recto-sigmoid’ is abolished in favour of a boundary 15cm from the anal verge that represents the division between rectum and sigmoid.

Treatment and comorbidities of patients with erectile dysfunction before and during COVID-19 in the United States: A real-world data analysis

Introduction

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Disclosure

37 Risk Documentation in the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Consent Form

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common elective operations performed with a significant risk of complications. GMC guidance on consent clearly emphasises the process of informed consent and shared decision making. Failure to warn patients of a significant complication can lead to potential medico-legal implications. The effectiveness of the consent process is evidenced in fully completed consent form.

Aim

We aim to access the quality of the consent forms for Laparoscopic cholecystectomy at our institution with emphasis on the documented risks.

Objectives

Re-audit of quality of records of consent form documentation over one month period for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. To measure the compliance of Trust consent forms with GMC guidelines.

Method

Consent forms for all elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedures done between July and September 2020 were obtained and retrospectively analysed. The data was collected specifically from the consent forms. A total of 39 consent forms were audited.

Results

A total of 39 consent forms were audited. The majority of the consenting was done by registrars. As with the first phase, bleeding (100%), CBD injury (97.4%), bile leak (69.2%), infection (100%), damage to local structures (79.5%), VTE (94.9%) remained well documented in the written consent. Open conversion was present on 97.4% consent forms.

8 out of 16 risks audited showed a increase in compliance whereas 8 showed an decrease compared to the previous round of the audit phase. In particular, scarring, retained stones, pancreatitis, respiratory complications, diarrhoea, and cardiac complications showed a particularly low rate.

Conclusions

Risk documentation on the consent forms remains quite varied. Education combined with a standardised consent form and patient information leaflet will improve the overall quality of consent forms.

Enhanced glutamatergic phenotype of mesencephalic dopamine neurons after neonatal 6-hydroxydopamine lesion

There is increasing evidence that a subset of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons uses glutamate as a co-transmitter and expresses vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT) 2, one of the three vesicular glutamate transporters. In the present study, double in situ hybridization was used to examine tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and VGLUT2 mRNA expression during the embryonic development of these neurons, and postnatally, in normal rats and rats injected with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) at P4 to destroy partially DA neurons. At embryonic days 15 and 16, there was a regional overlap in the labeling of TH and VGLUT2 mRNA in the ventral mesencephalon, which was no longer found at late embryonic stages (E18-E21) and postnatally. In normal pups from P5 to P15, only 1-2% of neurons containing TH mRNA in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra, pars compacta, also displayed VGLUT2 mRNA. In contrast, after the cerebroventricular administration of 6-OHDA at P4, 26% of surviving DA neurons in the VTA of P15 rats expressed VGLUT2. To search for a colocalization of TH and VGLUT2 protein in axon terminals of these neurons, the nucleus accumbens of normal and 6-OHDA-lesioned P15 rats was examined by electron microscopy after dual immunocytochemical labeling. In normal rats, VGLUT2 protein was found in 28% of TH positive axon terminals in the core of nucleus accumbens. In 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, the total number of TH positive terminals was considerably reduced, and yet the proportion also displaying VGLUT2 immunoreactivity was modestly but significantly increased (37%). These results lead to the suggestion that the glutamatergic phenotype of a VTA DA neurons is highly plastic, repressed toward the end of normal embryonic development, and derepressed postnatally following injury. They also support the hypothesis of co-release of glutamate and DA by mesencephalic neurons in vivo, at least in the developing brain.

Unchanged density of 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors on the plasma membrane of nucleus raphe dorsalis neurons in rats chronically treated with fluoxetine

5-HT(1A) autoreceptors regulate the firing of 5-HT neurons and their release of 5-HT. In previous immuno-electron microscopic studies, we have demonstrated an internalization of 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors in the nucleus raphe dorsalis (NRD) of rats, after the acute administration of a single dose of the specific agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamine)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) or of the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine. Twenty-four hours after either treatment, the receptors were back in normal density on the plasma membrane of NRD neurons. Here, we examined the subcellular localization of these receptors and the in vivo binding of the 5-HT(1A) radioligand 4,2-(methoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(N-2-pyridinyl)-p-fluorobenzamido]ethylpiperazine labeled with [(18)F]fluorine ([(18)F]MPPF) after chronic fluoxetine treatment (10 mg/kg daily for 3 weeks, by minipump). Unexpectedly, after such a treatment, there were no more differences between treated and control rats in either the density of plasma membrane labeling of NRD dendrites, or in the in vivo binding of [(18)F]MPPF, as measured with beta-microprobes. This was in keeping with earlier reports of an unchanged density of 5-HT(1A) receptor binding sites after chronic fluoxetine treatment, but quite unexpected from the strong electrophysiological and biochemical evidence for a desensitization of 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors under such conditions. Indeed, when the fluoxetine-treated rats were challenged with a single dose of 8-OH-DPAT, there was no internalization of the 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors, at variance with the controls. Interestingly, several laboratories have reported an uncoupling of 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors from their G protein in the NRD of rats chronically treated with fluoxetine. Therefore, the best explanation for our results is that, after repeated internalization and retargeting, functional 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors are replaced by receptors uncoupled from their G protein on the plasma membrane of NRD 5-HT neurons. Thus, the regulatory function of these autoreceptors may depend on a dynamic balance among their production, activation, internalization and recycling to the plasma membrane in inactivated (desensitized) form.

[Diagnostic lumbar puncture performed in the outpatient setting of a memory clinic. Frequency and risk factors of post-lumbar puncture headache]

Lumbar puncture (LP) is growing in relevance for the diagnosis of cognitive impairment in the elderly. Due to the expected risk of post-lumbar puncture syndrome or other complications LPs have rarely been performed in the outpatient setting. Using a questionnaire, the post-lumbar puncture symptoms of 100 patients (54-84 years old; mean: 68.87 years; SD: 7.9) have been prospectively gathered after consecutively performed LPs in the Memory Clinic of the Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn. Some of these patients were included in the early diagnosis program of the German Dementia Competence Network. Of the patients 9% developed a post-lumbar puncture syndrome of mild or middle intensity. The influence of gender, age, cognitive status, as well as a supplementary diagnosis of depression and needle size (G20 or G22 atraumatic Sprotte needle) on the incidence of the post-LP syndrome was evaluated by means of logistic regression. Only the patients' age was identified as a significant risk factor as with increasing age a diminishing risk of developing a post-lumbar puncture syndrome was found (OR=0.83; CI=0.71-0.97 per year). None of the other factors evaluated proved to be of significant influence. The post-LP symptoms did not necessitate supplementary consultations in any of the cases.

Toward brain imaging of serotonin 5-HT1A autoreceptor internalization

Enhancing cerebral serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) neurotransmission is a common property of antidepressant treatments and the basis for their efficacy. 5-HT1A receptors located on the cell body and dendrites of 5-HT neurons (autoreceptors) play a key role in this regard. Because they normally mediate an inhibition of neuronal firing, their desensitization is a prerequisite to the delayed enhancement of 5-HT neurotransmission upon treatment with monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors or specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Using beta-sensitive microprobes in vivo, we measured a significant decrease (-30%) in binding sites for the 5-HT1A PET radioligand [18F]MPPF associated with an equivalent reduction (-34%) in the cell surface density of 5-HT1A receptor immunoreactivity (internalization), in the nucleus raphe dorsalis (autoreceptors), but not hippocampus (heteroreceptors), of rats given a single dose of the specific 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT (0.5 mg/kg, iv). This effect was completely blocked by pretreatment with the selective 5-HT1A antagonist WAY 100635. Having ruled out that this decreased density of [18F]MPPF binding in the nucleus raphe dorsalis of 8-OH-DPAT-treated rats resulted from a local blood flow effect, we obtained autoradiographic evidence indicating that the total amount of specific binding of [18F]MPPF in tissue sections was unaffected by the 8-OH-DPAT treatment in either NRD or hippocampus. It was therefore concluded that the internalization of 5-HT1A autoreceptors accounted for the decreased binding in vivo of [18F]MPPF in the nucleus raphe dorsalis of rats treated with 8-OH-DPAT. Thus, PET imaging might provide a mean to measure 5-HT1A receptor internalization in human brain and thus assess responsiveness to antidepressant treatment.

Agonist-induced internalization of serotonin-1a receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus (autoreceptors) but not hippocampus (heteroreceptors)

Serotonin-1A (5-HT(1A)) receptors in the CNS are a major target for psychotropic drugs. In nucleus raphe dorsalis (NRD) and hippocampus (CA3), the selective 5-HT(1A) agonist (+)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) reduces the firing activity of serotoninergic (5-HT) and pyramidal neurons, respectively. When located on 5-HT (autoreceptors), but not on non-5-HT (heteroreceptors) neurons, 5-HT(1A) receptors are known to be subject to desensitization. Using quantitative electron microscopy after pre-embedding immunogold labeling with specific antibodies, we examined the subcellular distribution of these receptors after acute administration of 8-OH-DPAT (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.). Silver-intensified immunogold particles associated with the plasma membrane or the cytoplasm were counted in somata and dendrites within the NRD, 15 min, 1 hr and 24 hr after 8-OH-DPAT injection, and in hippocampal dendrites 1 hr after the same treatment. Significant decrease in the density of membrane labeling and concomitant increase of cytoplasmic labeling were demonstrated in the NRD, 15 min and 1 hr after 8-OH-DPAT administration, with a return to baseline level at 24 hr. Internalization was blocked by previous administration of the 5-HT(1A) antagonist N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl) cyclohexane-carboxamide (WAY 100635), which, by itself, was without apparent effect. In hippocampus (CA3), there were no apparent changes in the distribution of the receptor after 8-OH-DPAT administration. These findings are in line with earlier results showing a desensitization of 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors but not heteroreceptors after treatment with 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist. They suggest that this desensitization is the result of autoreceptor internalization.

Aggressive fibromatosis of the head and neck (desmoid tumours)

Desmoid tumours are histologically benign fibrous neoplasms arising from the musculoaponeurotic structures throughout the body. They are characterized as infiltrative, usually well-differentiated firm overgrowth of fibrous tissue and are locally aggressive. An aggressive clinical behaviour with tendency for recurrence makes the treatment of these relatively rare fibrous tumours difficult. Local recurrence rates are reported as high as 70 per cent of cases, the recurrence of desmoid fibromatosis in the head and neck is difficult to ascertain because of the different classification schemes used by different authors. A review of cases of desmoid tumours of the head and neck presented in the last 10 years is reported in this paper. Complete surgical excision of desmoid tumours is considered to be the only effective method of cure by most authorities.

Regional changes in density of serotonin transporter in the brain of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B knockout mice, and of serotonin innervation in the 5-HT1B knockout

5-HT1A knockout (KO) mice display an anxious-like phenotype, whereas 5-HT1B KOs are over-aggressive. To identify serotoninergic correlates of these altered behaviors, autoradiographic measurements of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B serotonin (5-HT) receptors and transporter (5-HTT) were obtained using the radioligands [3H]8-OH-DPAT, [125I]cyanopindolol and [3H]citalopram, respectively. By comparison to wild-type, density of 5-HT1B receptors was unchanged throughout brain in 5-HT1A KOs, and that of 5-HT1A receptors in 5-HT1B KOs. In contrast, decreases in density of 5-HTT binding were measured in several brain regions of both genotypes. Moreover, 5-HTT binding density was significantly increased in the amygdalo-hippocampal nucleus and ventral hippocampus of the 5-HT1B KOs. Measurements of 5-HT axon length and number of axon varicosities by quantitative 5-HT immunocytochemistry revealed proportional increases in the density of 5-HT innervation in these two regions of 5-HT1B KOs, whereas none of the decreases in 5-HTT binding sites were associated with any such changes. Several conclusions could be drawn from these results: (i) 5-HT1B receptors do not adapt in 5-HT1A KOs, nor do 5-HT1A receptors in 5-HT1B KOs. (ii) 5-HTT is down-regulated in several brain regions of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B KO mice. (iii) This down-regulation could contribute to the anxious-like phenotype of the 5-HT1A KOs, by reducing 5-HT clearance in several territories of 5-HT innervation. (iv) The 5-HT hyperinnervation in the amygdalo-hippocampal nucleus and ventral hippocampus of 5-HT1B KOs could play a role in their increased aggressiveness, and might also explain their better performance in some cognitive tests. (v) These increases in density of 5-HT innervation provide the first evidence for a negative control of 5-HT neuron growth mediated by 5-HT1B receptors.

Transcriptional mechanisms for induction of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA and protein in activated B and T lymphocytes

Serotonin (5-HT) up-regulates B and T lymphocyte proliferation by activating mitogen-induced cell surface 5-HT(1A) receptors. The mechanism of 5-HT(1A) receptor induction by B and T cell mitogens at the mRNA and protein levels in mouse splenocytes was addressed. Quantitation by RNase protection assay showed maximal increases of 3.4-, 3.0-, 3.8-, and 4.9-fold in relative 5-HT(1A) mRNA levels after 48 h of stimulation of splenocytes with lipopolysaccharide, phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus ionomycin, respectively, as compared with unstimulated cells. Mitogens did not alter 5-HT(1A) mRNA stability (t(12) = 26 h), but induction of 5-HT(1A) mRNA was blocked by the transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D (10 microgram/ml) and by inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB signaling. Additionally, mitogenic stimulation of transcription was paralleled by increased cell surface 5-HT(1A) receptor immunoreactivity in splenocytes. Thus, mitogen-induced 5-HT(1A) receptor expression appears to involve transcriptional regulation by the nuclear factor-kappaB signaling cascade. Increased expression of the 5-HT(1A) receptor in activated B and T lymphocytes may enhance the immune response and provide therapeutic target for tissue inflammation and immune stimulation.

Altered serotonin and dopamine metabolism in the CNS of serotonin 5-HT(1A) or 5-HT(1B) receptor knockout mice

Measurements of serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and noradrenaline, and of 5-HT and DA metabolites, were obtained by HPLC from 16 brain regions and the spinal cord of 5-HT(1A) or 5-HT(1B) knockout and wild-type mice of the 129/Sv strain. In 5-HT(1A) knockouts, 5-HT concentrations were unchanged throughout, but levels of 5-HT metabolites were higher than those of the wild type in dorsal/medial raphe nuclei, olfactory bulb, substantia nigra, and locus coeruleus. This was taken as an indication of increased 5-HT turnover, reflecting an augmented basal activity of midbrain raphe neurons and consequent increase in their somatodendritic and axon terminal release of 5-HT. It provided a likely explanation for the increased anxious-like behavior observed in 5-HT(1A) knockout mice. Concomitant increases in DA content and/or DA turnover were interpreted as the result of a disinhibition of DA, whereas increases in noradrenaline concentration in some territories of projection of the locus coeruleus could reflect a diminished activity of its neurons. In 5-HT(1B) knockouts, 5-HT concentrations were lower than those of the wild type in nucleus accumbens, locus coeruleus, spinal cord, and probably also several other territories of 5-HT innervation. A decrease in DA, associated with increased DA turnover, was measured in nucleus accumbens. These changes in 5-HT and DA metabolism were consistent with the increased aggressiveness and the supersensitivity to cocaine reported in 5-HT(1B) knockout mice. Thus, markedly different alterations in CNS monoamine metabolism may contribute to the opposite behavioral phenotypes of these two knockouts.

Somatodendritic localization of 5-HT1A and preterminal axonal localization of 5-HT1B serotonin receptors in adult rat brain

The 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors of serotonin play important roles as auto- and heteroreceptors controlling the release of serotonin itself and of other neurotransmitters/modulators in the central nervous system (CNS). To determine the precise localization of these receptors, we examined their respective cellular and subcellular distributions in the nucleus raphe dorsalis and hippocampal formation (5-HT1A) and in the globus pallidus and substantia nigra (5-HT1B), using light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry with specific antibodies. Both immunogold and immunoperoxidase preembedding labelings were achieved. In the nucleus raphe dorsalis, 5-HT1A immunoreactivity was found exclusively on neuronal cell bodies and dendrites, and mostly along extrasynaptic portions of their plasma membrane. After immunogold labeling, the density of membrane-associated 5-HT1A receptors could be estimated to be at least 30-40 times that in the cytoplasm. In the hippocampal formation, the somata as well as dendrites of pyramidal and granule cells displayed 5-HT1A immunoreactivity, which was also prominent on the dendritic spines of pyramidal cells. In both substantia nigra and globus pallidus, 5-HT1B receptors were preferentially associated with the membrane of fine, unmyelinated, preterminal axons, and were not found on axon terminals. A selective localization to the cytoplasm of endothelial cells of microvessels was also observed. Because the 5-HT1A receptors are somatodendritic, they are ideally situated to mediate serotonin effects on neuronal firing, both as auto- and as heteroreceptors. The localization of 5-HT1B receptors to the membrane of preterminal axons suggests that they control transmitter release from nonserotonin as well as serotonin neurons by mediating serotonin effects on axonal conduction. The fact that these two receptor subtypes predominate at extrasynaptic and nonsynaptic sites provides further evidence for diffuse serotonin transmission in the CNS.

Cellular and subcellular distribution of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor in the central nervous system of adult rat

Light and electron microscope immunocytochemistry with a monoclonal antibody against the N-terminal domain of the human protein was used to determine the cellular and subcellular localization of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the central nervous system of adult rat. Following immunoperoxidase or silver-intensified immunogold labeling, neuronal, somatodendritic, and/or axonal immunoreactivity was detected in numerous brain regions, including all those in which ligand binding sites and 5-HT2A mRNA had previously been reported. The distribution of 5-HT2A-immunolabeled soma/dendrites was characterized in cerebral cortex, olfactory system, septum, hippocampal formation, basal ganglia, amygdala, diencephalon, cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord. Labeled axons were visible in every myelinated tract known to arise from immunoreactive cell body groups. In immunopositive soma/dendrites as well as axons, the 5-HT2A receptor appeared mainly cytoplasmic rather than membrane bound. Even though the dendritic labeling was generally stronger than the somatic, it did not extend to dendritic spines in such regions as the cerebral and piriform cortex, the neostriatum, or the molecular layer of the cerebellum. Similarly, there were no labeled axon terminals in numerous regions known to be strongly innervated by the immunoreactive somata and their axons (e.g., molecular layer of piriform cortex). It was concluded that the 5-HT2A receptor is mostly intracellular and transported in dendrites and axons, but does not reach into dendritic spines or axon terminals. Because it has previously been shown that this serotonin receptor is transported retrogradely as well as anterogradely, activates intracellular transduction pathways and intervenes in the regulation of the expression of many genes, it is suggested that one of its main functions is to participate in retrograde signaling systems activated by serotonin.

Unexpected localization of the Na+/Cl--dependent-like orphan transporter, Rxt1, on synaptic vesicles in the rat central nervous system

Numerous features of its primary structure demonstrate that the orphan transporter Rxt1 belongs to the Na+/Cl--dependent neurotransmitter plasma membrane transporter superfamily, which includes the dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporters. Initial immunocytochemical investigations with affinity-purified antibodies have established that Rxt1 is localized, almost exclusively, in axon terminals of glutamatergic neurons and subsets of GABAergic neurons in the CNS. Further studies were carried out to determine its subcellular distribution. In a first series of experiments, PC-12 cells were transfected with plasmids encoding either the dopamine transporter or Rxt1. Immunofluorescence experiments showed that the dopamine transporter was expressed in these cells, and, as expected, addressed to their plasma membrane. Surprisingly, this was never the case with Rxt1, which was targeted to the same subcellular compartment as synaptophysin, a vesicular protein. In a second set of experiments, subcellular fractionation of rat striatum showed that Rxt1, but not the dopamine transporter, was relatively abundant in the purified synaptic vesicle fraction. Finally, electron microscopic immunocytochemistry with anti-Rxt1 antibodies showed peroxidase as well as pre- and post-embedding immunogold labelling confined to the intracellular compartment in various brain regions. Moreover, quantitative analysis of post-embedding experiments demonstrated that the immunogold particles corresponding to Rxt1 immunoreactivity were mostly localized to small synaptic vesicles. These data indicate that, in contrast with the other members of the Na+/Cl--dependent neurotransmitter transporter superfamily, which are targeted to the plasma membrane, Rxt1 is distributed as a vesicular protein in the CNS.

Endothelial expression of the 5-hydroxytryptamine1B antimigraine drug receptor in rat and human brain microvessels

In addition to triggering vasoconstriction of peripheral blood vessels, which led to its discovery as a circulating neurohormone 50 years ago, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) acts as a neurotransmitter/ modulator in the central nervous system and regulates local cerebral blood flow and vascular permeability through direct and indirect effects on intraparenchymal microvessels. Among the various 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors which mediate these effects, particular attention has been paid to the 5-hydroxytryptamine1B and 5-hydroxytryptamine1D subtypes, as the preferred targets of modern antimigraine agents. Immunoelectron microscopic labeling of the 5-hydroxytryptamine1B receptor in rat brain parenchyma has revealed a distinct localization to the endothelium of microvessels, which was predominantly cytoplasmic as opposed to membrane-bound, contrary to that on preterminal unmyelinated axons [Riad et al. (1997) Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 23, 1214]. Similar observations have now been made in human cortical tissue, in which the expected localization of the vascular 5-hydroxytryptamine1B receptor to periarteriolar myocytes was also confirmed. Such a dual localization in human brain microvessels suggests that the 5-hydroxytryptamine1B receptor might mediate opposite effects, vasodilatory and contractile, depending upon its activation by circulating or centrally released 5-hydroxytryptamine. It raises new possibilities as regards 5-hydroxytryptamine effects on human brain microvessels in health and disease, and notably the triggering of migraine headache.

Immunocytochemical localization of serotonin1A receptors in the rat central nervous system

Specific anti-rat 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (serotonin1A) receptor antibodies raised in a rabbit injected with a synthetic peptide corresponding to a highly selective portion of the third intracellular loop of the receptor protein (El Mestikawy et al. [1990] Neurosci. Lett. 118:189-192) were used for immunohistochemical mapping of serotonin1A receptors in the brain and spinal cord of adult rats. The highest density of immunostaining was found in limbic areas (lateral septum, CA1 area of Ammon's horn and dentate gyrus in the hippocampus, and frontal and entorhinal cortices), in the anterior raphe nuclei, and in the interpeduncular nucleus, in agreement with previous autoradiographic studies with selective radioligands showing the enrichment of these regions in serotonin1A receptor binding sites. Serotonin1A receptor-like immunoreactivity was also present, but at a moderate level, in the neocortex, in some thalamic and hypothalamic nuclei, in the nucleus of the solitary tract, in the dorsal tegmentum, in the nucleus of the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve, and in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn in the spinal cord. In contrast, extrapyramidal areas, including the caudate putamen, the globus pallidus, and the substantia nigra as well as the cerebellum, exhibited very low to no immunostaining by antiserotonin1A receptor antibodies. At the cellular level, both the plasma membrane of neuronal perikarya and fine neuronal processes probably corresponding to dendritic fields were found to bind antiserotonin1A receptor antibodies. Regional differences were noted regarding these two types of immunostaining, because only dendrites bound antibodies within the hippocampus and the lateral septum, whereas both dendrites and neuronal cell bodies were immunoreactive in the medial septum, in the diagonal band of Broca, and in the dorsal and median raphe nuclei. Therefore, differential addressing of serotonin1A receptors could occur from one neuron to another. In general, the distribution and density of serotonin1A receptor-like immunoreactivity in the whole brain and in spinal cord were consistent with the mapping of serotonin1A receptor binding sites and serotonin1A receptor mRNA previously established by immunoautoradiographic and in situ hybridization procedures.

Neurotrophic effects of ipsapirone and other 5-HT1A receptor agonists on septal cholinergic neurons in culture

Repeated treatment of primary cultures of fetal rat septal neurons with 5-HT1A receptor agonists (8-OH-DPAT, ipsapirone, gepirone and buspirone) increased choline acetyltransferase activity after 6-7 days in culture. This effect was optimal with ipsapirone (+ 50-80% at 1 microM of the agonist), and could be prevented by potent 5-HT1A receptor antagonists such as (-)-tertatolol and (+)-WAY 100135. Under conditions where they completely suppressed the stimulatory effect of NGF on choline acetyltransferase in these cultures, specific anti-NGF antibodies did not alter the stimulatory effect of ipsapirone, suggesting that a possible release of NGF from some septal cells did not account for the effect of 5-HT1A receptor stimulation. Autoradiographic investigations with [3H]8-OH-DPAT as radioligand and immunocytochemistry with specific anti-choline acetyltransferase antibodies and anti-rat 5-HT1A receptor antibodies showed that 5-HT1A receptors were expressed on septal neurons in culture, notably on the cholinergic neurons identified by their positive staining with anti-choline acetyltransferase antibodies. Detailed morphometrical analysis by computer-assisted imaging revealed that repeated exposure to ipsapirone (1 microM for 7 days) did not influence the survival of cholinergic as well as non-cholinergic neurons, but specifically altered the neuritic tree (i.e. the total length of neurites and the number of branching points) of cholinergic neurons only. These data suggest that under in vitro conditions ipsapirone and other 5-HT1A receptor agonists may exert a direct trophic action on septal cholinergic neurons.

Pharmacological evidence for the involvement of calcium/calmodulin in serotonin 5-HT3 receptor-mediated cation permeability in NG 108-15 cells

In NG 108-15 clonal cells, extracellular application of micromolar concentrations of serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] and substance P induces the opening of a cation permeability monitored by the influx of [14C]-guanidinium. The serotoninergic component of this cation permeability is linked to 5-HT3 receptor activation, whereas the substance P component probably involves an "N-terminal-dependent substance P receptor." In this study, [14C]guanidinium influx triggered by 1 microM 5-HT plus 10 microM substance P was shown to be insensitive to tetrodotoxin, verapamil, diltiazem, nimodipine, and omega-conotoxin, as expected from a process independent of voltage-sensitive sodium and calcium channels. In contrast, [14C]guanidinium influx was inhibited by millimolar concentrations of extracellular calcium and by the chelation of intracellular calcium by bis-O-aminophenoxyethanetetraacetic acid. The inhibition by extracellular calcium apparently involved a competition between the divalent cation and [14C]guanidinium for the same channel. When NG 108-15 cells were exposed to X537A, an ionophore that specifically induces release of calcium from intracellular stores, [14C]guanidinium uptake was markedly increased even in the absence of 5-HT and/or substance P. Conversely, [14C]guanidinium influx due to the latter substances could be reversibly and dose-dependently blocked by various drugs that possess calmodulin-antagonizing properties. These results strongly suggest that the cation permeability opened by 5-HT and substance P in NG 108-15 cells involves a calcium/calmodulin-dependent process.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characteristics of [14C]guanidinium accumulation in NG 108-15 cells exposed to serotonin 5-HT3 receptor ligands and substance P

In the presence of substance P (SP; 10 microM), serotonin (5-HT; 1 microM) triggered a cation permeability in cells of the hybridoma (mouse neuroblastoma x rat glioma) clone NG 108-15 that could be assessed by measuring the cell capacity to accumulate [14C]guanidinium for 10-15 min at 37 degrees C. In addition to 5-HT (EC50 0.33 microM), the potent 5-HT3 receptor agonists 2-methyl-serotonin, phenylbiguanide, and m-chlorophenylbiguanide, and quipazine, markedly increased [14C]guanidinium uptake in NG 108-15 cells exposed to 10 microM SP. In contrast, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists prevented the effect of 5-HT. The correlation (r = 0.97) between the potencies of 16 different ligands to mimic or prevent the effects of 5-HT on [14C]guanidinium uptake, on the one hand, and to displace [3H]zacopride specifically bound to 5-HT3 receptors on NG 108-15 cells, on the other hand, clearly demonstrated that [14C]guanidinium uptake was directly controlled by 5-HT3 receptors. Various compounds such as inorganic cations (La3+, Mn2+, Ba2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+), D-tubocurarine, and memantine inhibited [14C]guanidinium uptake in NG 108-15 cells exposed to 5-HT and SP, as expected from their noncompetitive antagonistic properties at 5-HT3 receptors. However, ethanol (100 nM), which has been reported to potentiate the electrophysiological response to 5-HT3 receptor stimulation, prevented the effects of 5-HT plus SP on [14C]guanidinium uptake. The cooperative effect of SP on this 5-HT3-evoked response resulted neither from an interaction of the peptide with the 5-HT3 receptor binding site nor from a possible direct activation of G proteins in NG 108-15 cells. Among SP derivatives, [D-Pro9]SP, a compound inactive at the various neurokinin receptor classes, was the most potent to mimic the stimulatory effect of SP on [14C]guanidinium uptake in NG 108-15 cells exposed to 5-HT. Although the cellular mechanisms involved deserve further investigations, the 5-HT-evoked [14C]guanidinium uptake appears to be a rapid and reliable response for assessing the functional state of 5-HT3 receptors in NG 108-15 cells.

Immunocytochemical localization of 5-HT1A receptors in the rat immature cerebellum

The serotonin 5-HT1A receptors were visualized in the cerebellar vermis of 8-day-old and adult rats by immunocytochemistry using anti-5-HT1A receptor antibodies raised against a synthetic peptide corresponding to a highly selective portion of the receptor amino acid sequence (El Mestikawy et al, Neurosci Lett 118, 189-192, 1990). The 5-HT1A receptor-like immunoreactivity was particularly abundant in the posterior lobules (IXB-X) of the immature vermis where it was found in the molecular-Purkinje cell layers. Immunostaining was confined to the plasmic membrane of the Purkinje cell somas, dendrites and perhaps axons (at their somatic emergence) suggesting that 5-HT receptors might participate in non-junctional 5-HT neurotransmission in the immature cerebellum.

Trophic effects of neurotransmitters during brain maturation

Besides their neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulatory roles, many neuroactive substances synthesized and released during brain development can also directly influence neuronal differentiation. Transitory expression of neurotransmitters, their metabolic enzymes and their receptors is only one aspect of this trophic role. The most considerable progress in neurotrophic factor research has been made with the use of primary cultures of neuronal cells, and numerous studies have focused on the effects of neurotransmitters on the differentiation of cells at various stages of development. Thus, several neuropeptides like VIP, substance P, enkephalins, somatostatin, and monoamines, can modulate neuronal differentiation, but only during a limited period of fetal life. Among the monoamines, it was shown that, depending on the target, 5-HT stimulates the development of the neuropile, the myelinization of axons, the differentiation of the synaptic contacts, induces markers of monoaminergic neuron differentiation, inhibits the development of the growth cone, decreases the branching of neurites, and influences the survival, cell body size, and neurite outgrowth in several neuronal cultures. 5-HT can also indirectly influence the differentiation of serotonergic neurons by the intermediate of astrocytes, and it was shown in our laboratory that 5-HT1A agonists can stimulate the cholinergic parameters of primary cultures of rat fetal septal neurons. At the molecular level, the events triggered by neurotransmitters that underlie their neurotrophic action probably involve the transmembrane influx of calcium. To date, calcium regulation of cellular processes is one of the most rapidly expanding areas of research in developmental neurobiology.

Effect of the selective lesion of serotoninergic neurons on the regional distribution of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA in the rat brain

The effects of the selective lesion of serotoninergic neurons by an intra-raphe administration of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine on the 5-HT1A receptor protein and the 5-HT1A receptor mRNA were examined in various regions of the rat brain using specific antibodies and an antisense riboprobe, respectively. Twenty one days after the treatment, the 5-HT1A receptor protein was no longer detected within the dorsal raphe nucleus but was still present in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. Quantitative in situ hybridization showed an 85% decrease in the levels of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA within the dorsal raphe nucleus, but no significant change in the hippocampus, interpeduncular nucleus and entorhinal cortex of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine-treated rats. These data demonstrate that 5-HT1A receptors are synthesized by serotoninergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus, and by neurons located postsynaptically with regard to serotoninergic projections in other areas. The unchanged levels of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA in the hippocampus, interpeduncular nucleus and entorhinal cortex three weeks after the extensive lesion of serotoninergic neurons are consistent with the absence of 5-HT1A receptor up regulation already reported under this condition.

Combined study to assess the role of calcium alginate swabs and ligation of the inferior tonsillar pole in the control of intra-operative blood loss during tonsillectomy

Bleeding is the major source of morbidity and mortality of tonsillectomy and most operative time is spent securing haemostasis. Calcium alginate reduces experimental wound blood loss. This study assessed the efficacy of alginate swabs during tonsillectomy and inferior tonsillar pole ligation in the control of blood loss during tonsillectomy. Ninety-nine tonsillectomy patients were randomized to gauze or alginate swab use. A haemoglobinometer measured blood losses collected by suction during dissection and by swab until haemostasis was secured. Operative time, complications and healing were also assessed. Mean total blood losses and operative times were similar for the two groups. Swab blood loss was significantly lower for surgeons who ligated the lower tonsillar pole, compared with surgeons who used a snare. This finding was independent of swab type. Independent assessment showed no difference in the healing rate. Alginate swabs offer no advantage over gauze in terms of blood loss, operative time or complications of tonsillectomy. The results show that routine lower pole ligation significantly reduces post-dissection blood loss. We suggest that this technique should be more widely adopted.

Parotid salivary secretory pattern in bulimia nervosa

Parotid gland enlargement occurs in about 25% of patients with the binge eating syndrome of bulimia nervosa. The parotid salivary secretory patterns in 28 bulimics were determined in order to investigate the functional abnormality in the glands. Bulimia patients had a reduced resting flow rate. Bulimics who developed sialadenosis (4 patients) had reduced resting and stimulated flow rates. The salivary amylase activity was increased in both the resting and stimulated states in bulimics and the sialadenosis group. The resting total protein levels were greater in the bulimics. The electrolyte and immunoglobulin levels were within normal limits. The possibility of protein and enzymatic secretory disturbances due to autonomic nerve disorders as an explanation for the development of sialadenosis in bulimia nervosa is discussed.

Production of specific anti-rat 5-HT1A receptor antibodies in rabbits injected with a synthetic peptide

Polyclonal antibodies were raised by the repeated injection of rabbits with a synthetic peptide corresponding to a highly selective portion (amino acid residues 243 to 268) of the amino acid sequence of the rat 5-HT1A receptor. The anti-peptide antiserum allowed the immunoprecipitation of 5-HT1A receptors but not of other 5-HT1 sites solubilized from rat hippocampal membranes. Immunoautoradiographic labelling of rat brain sections with the anti-peptide antiserum was superimposed with the autoradiographic distribution of 5-HT1A sites labelled by the selective radioligand [3H]8-OH-DPAT.