Chronic exposure to constant light affects morphology and secretion of adrenal zona fasciculata cells in female rats

The effect of chronic exposure to light of adult Wistar rats on growth and function of adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG) and zona fasciculata (ZF) were examined. The females were exposed to continuous light of 600 lux for 95 days, starting on day 30 of age. The controls were kept under a 12:12 h light-dark cycle, at ambient temperature. The rats were sacrificed by decapitation and the left adrenal gland of each animal was dissected out and prepared for morphometric analyses. In animals exposed to chronic lighting, the absolute and relative volume of ZG were insignificantly increased by 5% (p>0.05) compared to controls. The volume of ZG cells and their nuclei were insignificantly changed by 1% (p>0.05) in comparison with corresponding controls. The absolute and relative volume of ZF were significantly increased (by 14 and 9%, respectively; p<0.05), as compared to controls. The volume of ZF cells and their nuclei were significantly increased (by 12 and 9%, respectively; p<0.05). Serum concentration of corticosterone was also significantly (p<0.05) increased by 13% in light-exposed group in comparison with control rats. These findings suggest that continuous exposure of female rats to constant light increased growth and secretory activity of ZF cells.

Effect of centrally administered somatostatin on pituitary thyrotropes in male rats

The effects of intracerebroventricularly administered somatostatin (SRIH-14 or -28) on growth and function of pituitary thyrotropes (TSH-cells) were examined in adult male Wistar rats. The animals were implanted with an intracerebroventricular cannula and after a recovery period, administered three 1 microg doses of SRIH-14 or -28 dissolved in 5 microl saline every second day. Controls were treated in the same way with the same volume of saline only. TSH-producing cells were studied using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical procedure. Blood samples were collected for hormone (TSH) analyses 5 days after the last injection. Both SRIH-treatments significantly decreased (p < 0.05) all morphometric parameters obtained for TSH-cells in comparison with controls. The volume of TSH-cells decreased by 27%, nuclei by 44% and volume density by 33% in animals treated with SRIH-14. In animals treated with SRIH-28, these parameters were also significantly decreased (p < 0.05) (22%, 31%, and 25% respectively) compared to control rats. Serum concentrations of TSH were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) by 15% in SRIH-14- and by 12% in SRIH-28-treated animals in comparison with the controls. These observations suggest that centrally administered SRIH- 14 or -28 is specifically involved in the control of growth and secretory activity of TSH cells.

Effects of centrally applied somatostatin on pituitary adrenocorticotropes in female rats

Effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) application of somatostatin (SRIH-14 or SRIH-28) on growth and function of pituitary adrenocorticotropes (ACTH cells) were examined in adult female Wistar rats. Animals were subjected to i.c.v. administration of three 1-microg doses of SRIH-14 or SRIH-28 dissolved in 5 microl saline every second day. Controls were treated in the same way with the same volume of saline only. ACTH-producing cells were studied using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) immunohistochemical procedure; blood samples were collected for hormone analyses 5 days after the last injection. SRIH-28 treatment decreased (p < 0.05) all morphometric parameters compared to control rats. Volume of ACTH cells decreased by 10%, nuclei by 36% and volume density by 13%. No significant changes (p > 0.05) in these parameters occurred after SRIH-14 treatment. Plasma concentration of ACTH in SRIH-28-treated rats was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in control rats by 35%. In SRIH-14-treated rats, plasma concentration of ACTH was slightly, but not significantly (p > 0.05) increased by 13% compared to saline treatment. These observations suggest that centrally administered somatostatin-28, but not somatostatin-14, is specifically involved in the control of growth and secretory activity of ACTH cells in female rats. Thus, selective pharmacological manipulation of SRIH-28 receptors reached from CSF may affect ACTH activity without altering actions usually attributed to receptors sensitive to SRIF-14.

Influence of hyperglycemia on early embryonal growth in IDDM pregnant women

The association between maternal diabetes mellitus and congenital anomalies is well established. Congenital malformations in the offspring of diabetic mothers account for approximately forty percent of perinatal deaths. The aim of the study was to identify incidence of early embryonal delay in diabetic and normal pregnancies, and to examine relationship between the HbA1c values and early embryonal growth delay. One hundred twenty IDDM and fifty and four healthy women enrolled into the study. Pregnancy duration was confirmed by beta-HCG measurements within a fortnight from the missed menstrual period. No statistical difference was detected between the studied groups for gestational age, prepregnancy weight, newborns' birthweight and sex. The risk of spontaneous abortion in IDDM pregnancy with delayed embryonal growth was eight times higher than in IDDM pregnancies with normal growth pattern. No fetal malformations were determined in fetuses or newborns of either groups. The mean value and standard deviation of HbA1c in the IDDM patients with normal embryonic growth was 7.3 +/- 1.5%, and in the group of early embryonic growth, delay 9.39 +/- 2.37% respectively (F = 7.79; p = 0.006). This study confirmed the relationship between embryonal growth, spontaneous abortions and abnormal metabolic control of IDDM pregnancies.

Morphometric and functional changes of rat pituitary somatotropes and lactotropes after central administration of somatostatin

This study examined effects of intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered somatostatin (SRIH-14 and SRIH-28) on growth and function of pituitary somatotropes (GH cells) and lactotropes (PRL cells). Male rats received three i.c.v. injections (1 microgram/5 microliters) of SRIH-14 or SRIH-28 every second day. Blood samples were collected for hormone assays and pituitaries were removed for histological and morphometric evaluation 5 days after the last i.c.v. treatment. Compared to control animals, SRIH treatment decreased (p < 0.05) pituitary weight and all morphometric measurements obtained in GH and PRL cells. Concentrations of serum growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) in both SRIH-treated groups were also lower (p < 0.05) than in control rats. These findings suggest that centrally administered somatostatin is specifically involved in the control of growth and secretory activity of GH and PRL cells. Thus, pharmacological manipulation of SRIH receptors reached from cerebrospinal fluid may alter systemic effects of GH and PRL.

[Smoking in secondary school students in Zagreb]

Prevalence of smoking was studied in two secondary schools in Zagreb. Data were collected from 637 pupils by questionnaires. Depending on school, between 31 to 45% pupils smoke. Different trends were observed in boys and girls. In boys from the families of a higher parental education prevalence is 28%; in those from lower 42% (p < 0.02). Smoking in girls still increases: in both populations girls surpassed boys (p < 0.001): observed frequencies are 47% in lower and 40% in a group with higher parental education. Higher frequency of smoking was observed in smoking families (p < 0.001). A majority of smokers begin smoking in the last grade of primary school, mostly because of peer group pressure and curiosity. Approximately 50% of regular smokers smoke more than half a pack daily. They comprise 12% of the surveyed population. Smokers do not assign low risk to smoking any more, but knowledge about diseases connected with smoking is insufficient. To reduce smoking among adolescents it is necessary to create negative attitude toward smoking and social-resistance skills during primary school education.

Inhibitory effects of centrally administered somatostatin on the adrenal zona glomerulosa in male rats

This study examined the effects of intracerebroventricularly administered somatostatin (SRIF-28 and SRIF-14) on growth and steroidogenic capacity of the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa. Male adult Wistar rats were subjected to intracerebroventricular administration of three 1 microgram doses of SRIF-28 or SRIF-14 every other day. Five days after the last dose, the rats were sacrificed by decapitation. Blood samples were collected for hormonal analyses, and left adrenal glands were taken for histological and morphometric evaluation. In comparison with control animals, the SRIF-treated rats had decreased (p < 0.05) adrenal gland weight and volume. Stereological and morphometric analyses showed decreased (p < 0.05) absolute and relative volumes of the cells and nuclei only in the zona glomerulosa. The plasma levels of aldosterone, growth hormone, and prolactin in both SRIF-treated groups were lower (p < 0.05) than in the control group. The levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone after SRIF treatment did not differ significantly from those in control rats. These findings suggest that centrally administered somatostatin is specifically involved in the control of zona glomerulosa growth and secretion; this effect is probably mediated by inhibiting the secretion of the corresponding pituitary hormones.

Study of the mechanism of prostacyclin (PgI2) action on myocardial contractility

The experiments done on the isolated right ventricle of rat heart suspended in the bath for isolated organs with oxygenated Tyrode's solution showed the PgI2 (2.3 x 10-6 mmol) produced its positive inotropic effect indirectly by promoting both beta-adrenoreceptors and calcium entry through slow calcium channels because this effect could be blocked by propranolol (2.3 x 10-2 mmol - beta-adrenoreceptor blocker) or verapamil (4.3 x 10-3 mmol - slow calcium channel blocker).

Neurasthenia: a paradigm of social psychopathology in a transitional society

A particular social aspect of an illness is reflected in an emphasis on those symptoms that the society considers socially detrimental and/or destabilizing. Thus, in the work- and production-oriented society, chronic fatigue, which affects one's productivity and ability to work, becomes a hallmark of neurasthenia or neurasthenia-like syndrome. In a society based on rigid social structures and severely limited possibilities for social change, excessive irritability and outbursts of anger are perceived as a greater threat to the stability of the existing social order, and therefore they come to dominate the concept of neurasthenia. In Yugoslavia, neurasthenia has been primarily conceived of as a manifestation of an accumulated social frustration and anger; neurasthenia has then been constructed as a mental disorder because anger was expressed in a way that the society considered inappropriate, maladaptive, and pathological. A far-reaching, underlying purpose of this conceptualization of neurasthenia has been a preservation of the social status quo. While neurasthenia as a distinct mental disorder remains controversial, its dependence on the social context cannot be denied. Although the designation of neurasthenia so often seems provisional, because it symbolizes limitations and failures of our diagnostic and nosological systems, it serves a definite social purpose, which varies from time to time, and from one culture to another.

Reassurance and treatment of hypochondriasis

This article critically examines views that reassurance is ineffective or antitherapeutic in the management of hypochondriasis. It presents a comprehensive definition of medical reassurance, and describes a therapeutic approach to hypochondriasis based on repeated and consistent provision of reassurance within a framework of psychodynamic psychotherapy. "Relational" aspects of reassurance-giving are emphasized over the sheer explanatory power of reassurance, so that this treatment is most suitable for those hypochondriacal patients who primarily seek a "sheltering" or soothing therapeutic relationship, along with acceptance from the reassurance-giving figure.

Role of reassurance and psychopathology in hypochondriasis

Patients with hypochondriasis are usually considered unresponsive to medical reassurance, so that a possible therapeutic use of reassurance in hypochondriasis is too often overlooked. This paper examines medical reassurance as an important aspect of an interaction between the patient and physician, and presents specific features of the relationship between the hypochondriacal patient and his psychiatrist in the light of the patient's reactions to attempted reassurance. Response to medical reassurance may provide important clues for the more precise diagnostic assessment of patients with hypochondriasis; it is particularly important to identify those patients who have a strong underlying need for acceptance, because adequate and repeated reassurance has a therapeutic value for them.

Relationship between hypochondriasis and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: close relatives separated by nosological schemes?

It has been proposed that the relationship between obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and hypochondriasis can basically be conceptualized along the severity continuum, so that hypochondriasis would be conceived of as a more pervasive and more incapacitating form of the same or closely related underlying psychopathology. Clinically, this relationship is manifested through emergence of hypochondriasis as a complication of the obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. The principal components of the psychopathology common to both disorders, are perception of excessive threat to oneself with the consequent experience of vulnerability and insecurity, mistrust in oneself and others, greatly increased need for control, inordinate search for security, poor tolerance and fear of uncertainty and ambiguity, and specific cognitive style, mainly developed to support a struggle for control. In view of the most striking phenomenological characteristic of both disorders being an excessive need for control, displayed in a repetitious manner, the essence of hypochondriasis and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder could be captured by the term "chronic disorders of the measure of control." The main phenomenological differences between hypochondriasis and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder have been interpreted as expressive of the lower and higher levels of intrapsychic integration respectively. In this regard, the manner in which the bodily self has been formed and the degree to which it has been incorporated into the self as a whole have been considered particularly important.

Contrasting patterns in the relationship between hypochondriasis and narcissism

This paper investigates the relationship of hypochondriasis to narcissism, starting from the theoretical exposition of hypochondriasis as a disorder, which mainly results from a pervasive sense of 'inner badness' and the associated mistrust in one's own worth, and in bodily worth in particular. Narcissistic personality organization is regarded as one of the modes of adjustment to the primary and 'undifferentiated' hypochondriacal experiences, and aspects of narcissistic development are described along the contrasting patterns that lead to clinical hypochondriasis. The main differences between the patterns can be found in the features and the outcome of the premorbid (pre-hypochondriacal) narcissistic functioning, presence of the accompanying emotional disturbances (anxiety, dysphoria, anger), and the 'purposive background' of hypochondriasis in relation to the narcissistic personality organization.

Pathological fear of death, panic attacks, and hypochondriasis

The article has presented a concept of the pathological fear of death as a categorically defined phenomenon and outlined its distinguishing features. In an attempt to account for the origin of the pathological fear of death, most weight has been given to developmental and structural abnormalities in the regulation and control of the primary and disruptive forms of anxiety. The additional contributing factors have also been taken into consideration: a defect in the defensive and symbolic representation of death, and a general collapse of defensive functioning, with regression to a state of infantile helplessness and revival of the infantile death cognitions. A role of the cognitive abnormalities in the genesis of the pathological fear of death has been examined in the panic attacks and hypochondriasis, while a developmentally determined, pervasive mistrust in the bodily functioning and bodily worth has been stressed as a factor that crucially predisposes to the pathological fear of death in hypochondriasis, and to the respective type of hypochondriasis as well. A relationship between panic disorder and hypochondriasis has been examined in the light of the pathological fear of death that they often share. Finally, the article has briefly dealt with the relevance of the pathological fear of death for diagnostic assessment and psychotherapy of patients with panic disorder and hypochondriasis. The concept of the pathological fear of death requires further study and refinement in the area of its descriptive demarcation, psychogenesis, and clinical application.

Diagnosis of hypochondriasis: a promenade through the psychiatric nosology

A new approach to the diagnosis of hypochondriasis is proposed. The hypochondriacal syndrome is first defined as a cluster of features that can be found in various mental disorders, and its differential diagnosis is then presented. Hypochondriasis is demonstrated to arise from the hypochondriacal syndrome as a distinct psychiatric entity that may for the sake of classification either belong to Anxiety Disorders and/or reflect an underlying depression, or it may be diagnosed in conjunction with one of the personality disorders or with major depression.