Single-cell adhesivity distribution of glycocalyx digested cancer cells from high spatial resolution label-free biosensor measurements

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A high spatial resolution label-free biosensor monitors the adhesivity of cancer cells.

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Chondroitinase ABC was added to the adhering cells to digest their glycocalyx.

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Population level distributions of single-cell adhesivity were first recorded and analyzed.

At relatively low and high concentration subpopulations were identified.

The found subpopulations have remarkably large and weak adhesivities.

The glycocalyx is a cell surface sugar layer of most cell types that greatly influences the interaction of cells with their environment. Its components are glycolipids, glycoproteins, and oligosaccharides. Interestingly, cancer cells have a thicker glycocalyx layer compared to healthy cells, but to date, there has been no consensus in the literature on the exact role of cell surface polysaccharides and their derivatives in cellular adhesion and signaling. In our previous work we discovered that specific glycocalyx components of cancer cells regulate the kinetics and strength of adhesion on RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) peptide-coated surfaces [1]. Depending on the employed enzyme concentration digesting specific components both adhesion strengthening and weakening could be observed by monitoring the averaged behavior of thousands of cells. The enzyme chondroitinase ABC (ChrABC) was used to digest the chondroitin-4-sulfate, chondroitin-6-sulfate, and dermatan sulfate components in the glycocalyx of cancer cells. In the present work, a high spatial resolution label-free optical biosensor was employed to monitor the adhesivity of cancer cells both at the single-cell and population level. Population-level distributions of single-cell adhesivity were first recorded and analyzed when ChrABC was added to the adhering cells. At relatively low and high ChrABC concentrations subpopulations with remarkably large and weak adhesivity were identified. The changes in the adhesivity distribution due to the enzyme treatment were analyzed and the subpopulations most affected by the enzyme treatment were highlighted. The presented results open up new directions in glycocalyx related cell adhesion research and in the development of more meaningful targeted cancer treatments affecting adhesion.

Influence of ionizing radiation on the antimicrobial activity of the antibiotics sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim

The response of the antimicrobial compounds sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and trimethoprim (TMP) - individually and in mixtures - to ionizing radiation was investigated using laboratory prepared mixtures and a commercial pharmaceutical formulation. The residual antibacterial activity of the solutions was monitored using Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli test strains. Based on antibacterial activity, SMX was more susceptible to ionizing radiation as compared to TMP. The antibacterial activity of SMX and TMP was completely eliminated at 0.2 kGy and 0.8 kGy, respectively. However, when SMX and TMP were in a mixture, the dose required to eliminate the antibacterial activity was 10 kGy, implying a synergistic antibacterial activity when these are present in mixtures. Only when the antibiotic concentration was below the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of TMP (i.e., 2 µmol dm^-3) did the antibacterial activity of the SMX and TMP mixture disappear. These results imply that the synergistic antimicrobial activity of antimicrobial compounds in pharmaceutical waste streams is a strong possibility. Therefore, antimicrobial activity assays should be included when evaluating the use of ionizing radiation technology for the remediation of pharmaceutical or municipal waste streams.

Estimating the upper limit of prehistoric peak ground acceleration using an in situ, intact and vulnerable stalagmite from Plavecká priepast cave (Detrekői-zsomboly), Little Carpathians, Slovakia-first results

Earthquakes hit urban centres in Europe infrequently, but occasionally with disastrous effects. Obtaining an unbiased view of seismic hazard (and risk) is therefore very important. In principle, the best way to test probabilistic seismic hazard assessments (PSHAs) is to compare them with observations that are entirely independent of the procedure used to produce PSHA models. Arguably, the most valuable information in this context should be information on long-term hazard, namely maximum intensities (or magnitudes) occurring over time intervals that are at least as long as a seismic cycle. The new observations can provide information of maximum intensity (or magnitude) for long timescale as an input data for PSHA studies as well. Long-term information can be gained from intact stalagmites in natural caves. These formations survived all earthquakes that have occurred over thousands of years, depending on the age of the stalagmite. Their 'survival' requires that the horizontal ground acceleration (HGA) has never exceeded a certain critical value within that time period. Here, we present such a stalagmite-based case study from the Little Carpathians of Slovakia. A specially shaped, intact and vulnerable stalagmite in the Plavecká priepast cave was examined in 2013. This stalagmite is suitable for estimating the upper limit of horizontal peak ground acceleration generated by prehistoric earthquakes. The critical HGA values as a function of time going back into the past determined from the stalagmite that we investigated are presented. For example, at the time of Jókő event (1906), the critical HGA value cannot have been higher than 1 and 1.3 m/s2 at the time of the assumed Carnuntum event (∼340 AD), and 3000 years ago, it must have been lower than 1.7 m/s2. We claimed that the effect of Jókő earthquake (1906) on the location of the Plavecká priepast cave is consistent with the critical HGA value provided by the stalagmite we investigated. The approach used in this study yields significant new constraints on the seismic hazard, as tectonic structures close to Plavecká priepast cave did not generate strong earthquakes in the last few thousand years. The results of this study are highly relevant given that the two capitals, Vienna and Bratislava, are located within 40 and 70 km of the cave, respectively.

Contribution of smoking to socioeconomic inequalities in mortality: a study of 14 European countries, 1990-2004

BACKGROUND

Smoking contributes to socioeconomic inequalities in mortality, but the extent to which this contribution has changed over time and driven widening or narrowing inequalities in total mortality remains unknown. We studied socioeconomic inequalities in smoking-attributable mortality and their contribution to inequalities in total mortality in 1990-1994 and 2000-2004 in 14 European countries.

METHODS

We collected, harmonised and standardised population-wide data on all-cause and lung-cancer mortality by age, gender, educational and occupational level in 14 European populations in 1990-1994 and 2000-2004. Smoking-attributable mortality was indirectly estimated using the Preston-Glei-Wilmoth method.

RESULTS

In 2000-2004, smoking-attributable mortality was higher in lower socioeconomic groups in all countries among men, and in all countries except Spain, Italy and Slovenia, among women, and the contribution of smoking to socioeconomic inequalities in mortality varied between 19% and 55% among men, and between -1% and 56% among women. Since 1990-1994, absolute inequalities in smoking-attributable mortality and the contribution of smoking to inequalities in total mortality have decreased in most countries among men, but increased among women.

CONCLUSIONS

In many European countries, smoking has become less important as a determinant of socioeconomic inequalities in mortality among men, but not among women. Inequalities in smoking remain one of the most important entry points for reducing inequalities in mortality.

Emergence of VIM-4 metallo-β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST15 clone in the Clinical Centre University of Pécs, Hungary

Since November 2009 carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates have been detected in increasing numbers at the Clinical Centre University of Pécs. Molecular typing was performed for 102 clinical isolates originating from different time periods and various departments of the Clinical Centre. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed the predominance of a single clone (101/102), identified as sequence type ST15. PCR and sequencing showed the presence of blaCTX-M-15 and blaVIM-4 genes. The blaVIM-4 was located on a class 1 integron designated In238b. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a blaVIM-4 gene in the predominant CTX-M-15 extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Hungarian Epidemic Clone/ST15.

Effect of <i>DGAT1, leptin</i> and <i>TG</i> gene polymorphisms on some milk production traits in different dairy cattle breeds in Hungary

Abstract. The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of acylCoA-diacylglycerol-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), leptin and thyroglobulin (TG) loci on the milk fat, milk protein and milk yield in Holstein Friesian, Jersey and Hungarian Simmental cows. Leptin and DGAT1 genotypes were determined by qPCR assay, while TG genotypes were identified using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP). DGAT1 GC/GC cows had the highest 305-day milk yield values. Difference between AA/AA and GC/GC genotypes was significant (P<0.05). Leptin CC animals produced significantly higher 305-day milk protein percent values (P<0.05) than other genotypes in Hungarian Simmental breed. At TG locus TT cows showed the highest 305-day milk fat percent values, although differences between genotypes proved to be significant (P<0.05) only in Jersey breed.

Nesfatin-1 exerts long-term effect on food intake and body temperature

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the anorexigenic peptide, nesfatin-1 affects energy expenditure, and to follow the time course of its effects.

DESIGN

Food intake duration, core body temperature, locomotor activity and heart rate of rats were measured by telemetry for 48 h after a single intracerebroventricular injection of 25 or 100 pmol nesfatin-1 applied in the dark or the light phase of the day. Body weight, food and water intake changes were measured daily. Furthermore, cold-responsive nesfatin-1/NUCB2 neurons were mapped in the brain.

RESULTS

Nesfatin-1 reduced duration of nocturnal food intake for 2 days independently of circadian time injected, and raised body temperature immediately, or with little delay depending on the dose and circadian time applied. The body temperature remained higher during the next light phases of the 48 h observation period, and the circadian curve of temperature flattened. After light phase application, the heart rate was elevated transiently. Locomotion did not change. Daily food and water intake, as well as body weight measurements point to a potential decrease in all parameters on the first day and some degree of compensation on the second day. Cold-activated (Fos positive) nesfatin-1/NUCB2 neurones have been revealed in several brain nuclei involved in cold adaptation. Nesfatin-1 co-localised with prepro-thyrotropin-releasing hormone in cold responsive neurones of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, and in neurones of the nucleus raphe pallidus and obscurus that are premotor neurones regulating brown adipose tissue thermogenesis and skin blood flow.

CONCLUSION

Nesfatin-1 has a remarkably prolonged effect on food intake and body temperature. Time course of nesfatin-1's effects may be varied depending on the time applied. Many of the nesfatin-1/NUCB2 neurones are cold sensitive, and are positioned in key centres of thermoregulation. Nesfatin-1 regulates energy expenditure a far more potent way than it was recognised before making it a preferable candidate anti-obesity drug.

Comparison of humic substances isolated from thermal water and surface water by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Characterization of humic substances isolated from thermal water and surface water was carried out by elemental analysis and electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Atomic ratios derived from elemental analysis represented compositional differences of humic substances. Hydrogen-to-carbon and oxygen-to-carbon atomic ratios were also calculated from molecular formulae determined by ultra high-resolution mass spectrometry. The van Krevelen diagram was used to illustrate the bias between the atomic ratios from elemental analysis and mass spectrometry.

Avalanche dynamics of fiber bundle models

We present a detailed analytical and numerical study of the avalanche distributions of the continuous damage fiber bundle model (CDFBM). Linearly elastic fibers undergo a series of partial failure events which give rise to a gradual degradation of their stiffness. We show that the model reproduces a wide range of mechanical behaviors. We find that macroscopic hardening and plastic responses are characterized by avalanche distributions, which exhibit an algebraic decay with exponents between 5/2 and 2 different from those observed in mean-field fiber bundle models. We also derive analytically the phase diagram of a family of CDFBM which covers a large variety of potential avalanche size distributions. Our results provide a unified view of the statistics of breaking avalanches in fiber bundle models.

Critical ruptures in a bundle of slowly relaxing fibers

We study the damage enhanced creep rupture of disordered materials by means of a fiber bundle model. Broken fibers undergo a slow stress relaxation modeled by a Maxwell element whose stress exponent m can vary in a broad range. Under global load sharing we show that due to the strength disorder of fibers, the lifetime t(f) of the bundle has sample-to-sample fluctuations characterized by a log-normal distribution independent of the type of disorder. We determine the Monkman-Grant relation of the model and establish a relation between the rupture life t(f) and the characteristic time t(m) of the intermediate creep regime of the bundle where the minimum strain rate is reached, making possible reliable estimates of t(f) from short term measurements. Approaching macroscopic failure, the deformation rate has a finite time power law singularity whose exponent is a decreasing function of m. On the microlevel the distribution of waiting times is found to have a power law behavior with m-dependent exponents different below and above the critical load of the bundle. Approaching the critical load from above, the cutoff value of the distributions has a power law divergence whose exponent coincides with the stress exponent of Maxwell elements.

The functional neuroanatomy of corticotropin-releasing factor

Descriptions of the central distribution of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) have been taken as generally supporting the proposition that this neuropeptide is involved in the mediation of complementary neuroendocrine, autonomic and behavioural responses to stress. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is recognized as the principal source of CRF in hypophysial portal plasma; CRF mRNA and peptide expression in parvocellular neurosecretory neurons are regulated negatively by adrenal steroids and positively by many stressors. Consistent with the latter, the hypophysiotropic zone of the PVN receives a rich, and biochemically differentiated, afferent supply that provides visceral, somatic and special sensory systems with access to the 'CRF neuron'. Within the PVN, CRF is also expressed, and differentially regulated, in oxytocinergic magnocellular neurosecretory neurons and in autonomic-related projection neurons. CRF expression in at least some extrahypothalamic cell groups (olfactory bulb, Barrington's nucleus) is responsive to certain stressful stimuli, but not to perturbations of the steroid environment. Refinement of our understanding of the central distribution of CRF has been provided by the recognition that most CRF antisera cross-react with an amidated dipeptide encoded by the melanin-concentrating hormone precursor, and by the likelihood that some central sites of CRF peptide expression may be muted or masked by the presence of a CRF-binding protein (CRF-BP). The CRF-BP is expressed prominently in the telencephalon, where it is co-localized with CRF in some neurons, and in anterior pituitary corticotrophs.

Associations between the AluI polymorphism of growth hormone gene and production and reproduction traits in a Hungarian Holstein-Friesian bull dam population

Abstract. The aim of this paper was to study the polymorphisms of bovine growth hormone gene. The authors genotyped 363 Hungarian Holstein-Friesian bull dams from 6 farms all over the country. Two variants (L and V) of the bovine growth hormone gene digested with AluI enzyme were identified in the experiment. Genotyping was carried out by PCR-RFLP method. The frequency data of L and V allele was 0.93 and 0.07 respectively. Distribution of the three genotypes were 87.05% (LL), 12.40% (LV) and 0.55% (VV). The studied population was in H-W equilibrium considering the genotype distribution. SPSS 11.0 for Windows was used to reveal the possible correlations between GH genotypes and production and reproduction traits and further statistical analyses. On the basis of statistical analyses it can be found that VV genotype cows had the longest milking period and LL had the shortest dry period. Both differences were significant. Cows with LV genotype had significantly higher test milking data than LL cows. Furthermore, LV genotype seemed to be advantageous for 305 days lactation milk yield. While milk composition traits, as 305 days milk fat and protein percent showed the opposite tendency, since LL genotyped dams produced significantly higher values in these traits.

Rare sellar region tumors

We present three cases of rare intracranial midline tumor in the sellar region, often mimicking pituitary adenomas clinically. We describe their symptoms, radiological and pathomorphological features. The first case is a pituitary adenoma producing growth hormone with ganglion cell differentiation. In addition, a rare intracranial granular cell tumor of sellar region and germinoma of pituitary fossa are also presented. All tumors were resected and histologically analyzed. Their biological behaviour was favorable with a 10-year follow-up demonstrating no recurrent tumor mass.

Lack of association between calcium-sensing receptor gene "A986S" polymorphism and bone mineral density in Hungarian postmenopausal women

Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is an attractive candidate gene for osteoporosis susceptibility. The CaSR "A986S" genotype has been shown to have an effect on serum calcium. Recently, an association has been reported between the CaSR gene A986S polymorphism and bone mineral density in healthy white girls. In this study, we examined whether CaSR gene A986S polymorphism is associated with decreased bone mass in 230 Hungarian postmenopausal women. From this cohort, 108 osteoporotic patients were compared with 122 healthy control women. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine (L2-4) and femoral neck using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Allele-specific polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify A986S polymorphisms of the CaSR gene. We found no difference in the distribution of different alleles or genotypes between groups (p = 0.762). No significant effect of CaSR genotype on BMD was observed either in the whole population or in the subgroups. Our data do not support the idea that CaSR gene A986S polymorphism has an impact on bone mass.

[Haemodialysed, hemiparetic patient operated on for aortic aneurysm followed by successful renal transplantation]

The authors present the case of a 58 years old male patient. According to his preceding record in 1991 he suffered speech disturbance and left-side hemiparesis due to multiplex vascular lesions. A fresh cerebral ictus caused a right side hemiparesis mainly in the upper limb in 1993 and sensomotororic aphasia has also been developed. In 1995 the patient was begun acute haemodialysis treatment due to his gravis uremic state, then his dialysis was continued 3 times 4 hours weekly. In 1997 the then 56 years old inveterate right-sided hemiparetic patient, treated with chronic haemodialysis requested to be put on the transplantation waiting list. The first thing that had to be done in case of this high-risk patient was the resection of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (38 mm x 67 mm x 115 mm in size) noticed at the ultrasound examination which was carried out in January 1997. The continuity of the vessel was secured by graft-interposition where the arteria mesenterica was also implanted. Following the successful operation, the patient was qualified for the transplantation list and in the February of 1998 a successful kidney-transplantation was carried out. Following the temporary, post-transplantation difficulties (post-operative 5th day acute rejection well-reacting to 3 steroid-shots; the two re-operations due to partial necrosis in the uretero-ureteralis anastomosis and successfully overcoming the Pseudomonas aeruginosa uroinfection) the patient is currently doing well and has no complaint.

The effects of medium-strength electric impulses on human blood

Leukocyte subsets, total leukocyte isolates or full blood samples were subjected to medium-strength square-wave electric impulses (100 V/cm field force, 5 ms duration). On the surface of the leukocytes, the expressions of several markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD11a, CD11b and ICAM-1) were determined in order to study the influence of pulsed ionic currents on different aspects of the cellular immune response. Large individual differences were observed among randomly chosen healthy donors, both in the initial expression rate and in the response patterns of different antigens. As a general conclusion, it can be stated that electric impulses with the above parameters activate the state of immune response alertness of human leukocytes. Changes in the activities of several enzymes in the serum in response to electric impulses were also tested in order to examine the feasibility of ex vivo electric treatment of human blood for the establishment of an antiviral and immune activated condition. Slightly elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels point to a possibility of enhanced haemolysis, while the lack of an elevation in the membrane-bound peroxidase activity indicates the absence of haemolysis. Significant rises were detected in the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Since most ex vivo blood manipulations are characterised by the appearance of superoxide radicals in the serum, a SOD activity enhancement is considered beneficial in these cases. A mild, but significant reduction in the blood clotting time indicates that electric treatment of human blood should be performed with special attention to thrombosis-prone conditions, and adequate precautions and countermeasures should be introduced. Although wider examinations are required before this method can be fully recommended, ex vivo blood treatment with medium-strength electric impulses seems to be a promising adjuvant course for the establishment of acute immune potentiation and an antiviral state in patients undergoing dialysis treatment.

[Tin compounds in pharmacy and nutrition]

The occurrence of tin in plants, animals and humans is discussed, in relation to its abundance in the lithosphere and hydrosphere and the range of the different tin(II) and tin(IV) complexes formed. A reasoned consideration of its essentiality for living species is provided. It is concluded that tin is beneficial, even if not yet proved to be an essential element. After reference to the chemistry of tin compounds, there is a detailed discussion of their toxicity in animals and humans. Feasible routes for tin intake and uptake into humans are described. The past and current use of tin pharmaceuticals is reviewed and the areas for which they are currently permitted for use in humans as dentifrices and mouth washes, as radio-pharmaceuticals and for the treatment of jaundiced newborns are described. A detailed review of tin-containing antitumour agents as representative tin pharmaceuticals is also given. Finally, a list of tin-containing drugs and drug candidates is also shown.

[Ovulation induction therapy and malignant ovarian cancer]

In the authors' institute 1097 patients received treatment for ovarian cancer between the 1st of January, 1960 and the 31st of December, 1997. 92 of them had malignant granulosa cell tumor. In this study the link between ovulation induction therapy and ovarian cancer was analyzed with retrospective questionnaire. 236 questionnaires were shared out among patients with malignant ovarian tumor, who were treated between 1990 and 1997. 7 of 113 patients, who gave correct answers to the questions (6.2%) received ovulation induction therapy. Epithelial ovarian cancer developed in 2 of the cases during, and in 5 cases just 6-16 years after the clomiphene-citrate treatment. None of the 45 patients with granulosa cell tumors received induction therapy. The number of patients admitted because of malignant ovarian tumor before and after the induction therapy was also compared. There was no significant increase in the occurrence of the malignancy. Since 1986 in the in vitro fertilization program of the clinic nearly 1,500 patients were treated with effected ovulation induction drugs causing superovulation. The authors don't know of any development of malignant ovarian tumor, and 732 woman have confirmed this fact. The number of patients deceased in consequence of ovarian cancer in different age groups, and the distribution of the women population in every age group in Hungary, from the year of 1979 was also analyzed. There was no significant increase found in the number of deceased among the studied age groups, moreover a significant decrease among them could be observed. The link between ovulation induction therapy and ovarian cancer can neither be strengthen, nor deny by the result of the study, however the close relationship which seemed to be logical can be queried. To give an exact answer for the question a vast, long-term, prospective of retrospective follow-up case-control study is needed.

[Therapeutic results in patients with malignant granulosa cell tumors at the Gynecologic Clinic of the city of Pécs]

In the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical School of Pecs, Hungary 92 patients had been treated with malignant human granulosa cell tumor between 1960-1997. The youngest patient was 14 years old, the oldest 77. The average age was 52.5 years. The disease occurred mostly in 50-60 year old women, and most of them have never given birth before. In 64 cases (69%) metrorrhagia and low abdominal pain were the leading symptoms. 61% of cases the disease was diagnosed in the 1st stage, 14% in the 2nd, 18.5% in the 3rd, and 6.5% in the 4th stage. According to the endometrial histologic examination, data of increased estradiol production was found in 75% of the patients. Along with granulosa cell tumor breast cancer occurred in 2 cases, endometrial carcinoma was diagnosed in 4 cases, and atypical endometrial hyperplasia in 6 cases. After the operation 67 patients received radiation therapy, 5 chemotherapy and 16 combined radiation and chemotherapy. The 2 year survival rate of the 87 patients treated between 1960-1994 was 87.4% the 5 year survival rate was 64.4%. In the stage 1 had 92.4% of patients lived 2 years tumor free, 83.0% lived 5 years without recurrence of tumor. The cleaned 5 year survival rate was found in 88%. With the survey of the youngest patient's case the authors pointed out the highly malignant, rapid course, and the changing of the sera hormones during the therapy.

[Chylothorax after blunt chest trauma]

An unusually lately discovered and successfully treated case with right sided chylothorax after blunt chest trauma is presented. Pathogenesis of chylothorax, diagnostic and treatment modalities are summarised.

Alterations in corticotropin-releasing hormone gene expression of central amygdaloid neurons following long-term paraventricular lesions and adrenalectomy

Corticotropin-releasing hormone messenger RNA expression in the amygdala of rats after adrenalectomy and bilateral lesions of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus was examined by in situ hybridization histochemistry. Corticotropin-releasing hormone messenger RNA-containing cells are abundant in the intermediate subdivision of the central amygdaloid nucleus. Some corticotropin-releasing hormone-labeled cells are scattered in other subdivisions of the central nucleus and throughout the anterior amygdaloid area. Five days after bilateral adrenalectomy, the number of corticotropin-releasing hormone messenger RNA-containing cells was reduced both in the central nucleus and the anterior area of the amygdala. This reduction was prevented by corticosterone replacement and contrasts sharply with the known rise of corticotropin-releasing hormone messenger RNA in the paraventricular nucleus after adrenalectomy. Corticotropin-releasing hormone messenger RNA expression in the amygdala was up-regulated in rats with six-week bilateral lesions of the paraventricular nucleus. This elevation in corticotropin-releasing hormone messenger RNA was not influenced by adrenalectomy or corticosterone, and it did not correlate with plasma levels of adrenocorticotrophic hormone or corticosterone. The possible direct innervation of the amygdala by the paraventricular nucleus is supported by the demonstration of labeled axons from the paraventricular nucleus to the amygdala after injection of an anterograde tracer, Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin, into the paraventricular nucleus. Labeled fibers take two courses: through the lateral hypothalamus ventral amygdalofugal path and through the stria terminalis. Data presented here suggest that the paraventricular nucleus-amygdala connection is likely to be inhibitory to corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the central amygdala. These neurons may participate in behavioral responses to stress effected through brainstem autonomic centers rather than directly through the hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal axis.

[Langerhans cell granulomatosis of the lung (morphological studies of lung biopsy specimens from patient with histiocytosis X]

Morphologic studies, including conventional histology, electronmicroscopy and immunohistochemistry were performed on biopsies from 5 patients with pulmonary Langerhans's cell granulomatosis (LCG). In all cases we were able to identify the CD la antigen on paraffin section supporting the diagnosis of LCG.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone expression in supraoptic neurons after bilateral lesioning of the paraventricular nucleus in rats

In situ hybridization histochemistry was used to demonstrate corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA expression in the supraoptic nucleus of rats. Labeled cells with a range of grain densities were located mainly in the dorsal area of the nucleus. Long-term (6-weeks) lesioning of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, which eliminates the major CRH pool from the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system resulted in an increased CRH mRNA density within supraoptic neurons compared to within sham-operated rats. Adrenalectomy failed to effect CRH mRNA content either in sham-operated or paraventricular-lesioned animals. CRH gene expression in supraoptic neurons of long-term paraventricular lesioned rats may exhibit a compensatory mechanism in the hypothalamus by which supraoptic neurons can take over some of the functions of the lesioned paraventricular CRH cells.

Compression of the pituitary stalk elicits chronic increases in CSF vasopressin, oxytocin as well as in social investigation and aggressiveness

The neurochemical and behavioural effects of a novel stereotaxic surgical method developed for interrupting the nerve fibres running through the rat pituitary stalk to the posterior pituitary gland was studied. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) content as well as changes in aggressiveness were measured in rats one week and one month after the surgical intervention. The main results are as follows: (1) the compression of the pituitary stalk elicits a chronic increase in water consumption, as well as in CSF vasopressin and oxytocin content; (2) the surgical intervention increased the frequency of clinch fighting after one week. The increase in aggressiveness accentuated after one month and, in addition, operated animals showed reduced scores of resting while exploratory and social behaviours increased; (3) there was a strong positive correlation between water consumption, vasopressin, and aggressiveness; (4) oxytocin changes showed a positive correlation with variation in social behaviour. The surgical intervention may serve as a model for lesions of the pituitary stalk and formation of ectopic neurohypophyses in humans.

The diurnal rhythm in vasopressin V1a receptor expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus is not dependent on vasopressin

The mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus is the site of the circadian rhythm generator. The degrees of expression there of several neuropeptides, including vasopressin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, follow a diurnal rhythm. The vasopressin V1a receptor, whose activation results in phosphoinositol hydrolysis and mobilization of intracellular calcium, is expressed in this nucleus. This study used double simultaneous hybridization histochemistry to show that V1a receptor transcripts are present in both vasopressin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide neurons and that their levels follow a diurnal rhythm. Furthermore, the expression of the V1a receptor is 12 h out of phase from that of vasopressin. However, the receptor's diurnal rhythm is still maintained in the vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rat, indicating that the V1a receptor's rhythm is independent of any vasopressin feedback.

Presynaptic inhibitory effect of TNF-alpha on the release of noradrenaline in isolated median eminence

The effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on the stimulation-evoked release of noradrenaline (NA) from isolated rat median eminence (ME) was investigated, using a low-volume perfusion system. Median eminence, loaded with [3H]noradrenaline, was superfused with Krebs solution and stimulated electrically (2 Hz, 120 shocks). The effect of TNF-alpha was studied on the S2/S1 ratio. It was found that stimulation-evoked release of NA from noradrenergic axon terminals in the isolated rat ME was inhibited by TNF-alpha and this effect was concentration-dependent. In contrast, TNF-alpha had no effect on the release of [3H]NA from the spleen. Since NA released in the ME might be involved in the modulation of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) production, it is suggested that TNF-alpha, through presynaptic modulation of NA release from noradrenergic nerve terminals in the ME, might regulate CRF and other neurohormone release in this hypothalamic structure.

Suboccipital cerebrospinal fluid and plasma concentrations of somatostatin, neuropeptide Y and beta-endorphin in patients with common migraine

The somatostatin-like (SLI), the neuropeptide Y-like (NPY-LI), and the beta-endorphin-like (BE-LI) immunoreactivities of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained by suboccipital puncture, or plasma from patients suffering from common migraine or other neuropsychiatric disorders were analysed. The SLI concentration was tendentiously decreased in the migraine patients during the attack-free period compared to that of a 'mixed neuropsychiatric group'. During the migraine attack the level of SLI was further decreased. Similar alteration was found in the CSF BE-LI, while the BE-LI in the plasma showed only a tendentious decrease in common migraine patients. The NPY-LI did not change during the attack period in the CSF or plasma. These findings may indicate the possible role of somatostatin in the pathogenesis of common migraine, and support earlier observations that beta-endorphin is involved in the development in this disorder.

Lipopolysaccharide is able to bypass corticotrophin-releasing factor in affecting plasma ACTH and corticosterone levels: evidence from rats with lesions of the paraventricular nucleus

Stimulation of the immune system or experimental conditions (bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment) provoke a broad spectrum of physiological responses. It was recently shown that one of them is the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The mechanism and the site or sites through which LPS stimulates the HPA axis are not well understood. To establish whether the effect of bacterial LPS is related in vivo to the presence of hypothalamic hypophysiotrophic peptides (corticotrophin-releasing factor-41, arginine vasopressin, etc.), plasma ACTH and corticosterone levels were monitored in intact and sham-operated rats, and in rats with paraventricular nucleus lesions in order to remove the main source of these neuropeptides. Evidence was obtained that 4 h after treatment, LPS was able to activate the hypophysial-adrenal system in the absence of hypophysiotrophic neuropeptides of paraventricular origin. It is suggested that, in vivo, LPS could have a direct effect on the pituitary gland or that it acts through an extrapituitary, non-paraventricular pathway to activate the HPA axis.