Possible involvement of orphan receptors GPR88 and GPR124 in the development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rat

Hypertension (HBP) is a chronic disease characterized by increased blood pressure, which despite several treatments maintains a high morbi-mortality, which suggests that there are other mechanisms involved in this pathology, within which the orphan receptors could be candidates for the treatment of the HBP; these receptors are called orphan receptors because their ligand is unknown. These receptors have been suggested to participate in some pathologies because they are associated with various systems such as GPR88, which has been linked to the dopaminergic system, and GPR124 with angiogenesis, suggesting that these receptors could take part in HBP. Hence, the aim of this work was to study the expression of orphan receptors GPR88 and GPR124 in various tissues of normotensive and hypertensive rats. We used Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) of 6-8 and 10-12 weeks of age and we determined systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate, as well as mRNA of GPR88 and GPR124 receptors by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the aorta, heart, kidney, and brain. Our results showed that GPR88 and GPR124 were expressed in all analyzed tissues, but their expression is dependent on the age and development of HBP because their expression tends to be modified as HBP is established. Therefore, we conclude that GPR88 and GPR124 receptors may be involved in the development or maintenance of high blood pressure.

Successful treatment of intracranial ependymoma with leptomeningeal spread with systemic chemotherapy and intrathecal liposomal cytarabine in a two-year-old child

Ependymoma is the third most common CNS tumor in children. Neuraxis dissemination at the time of diagnosis is rare and occurs in fewer than 10% of patients. Recent advances in neuroimaging, neurosurgery, and radiation therapy have improved disease control and functional outcomes for children with ependymoma. However, children under the age of 3 years with ependymoma and leptomeningeal spread historically have had worse outcomes. It is not clear if age alone, or a combination of risk factors such us unfavorable location, which may prevent gross total resection, and withholding radiation therapy may have contributed to poor outcomes in younger age groups. The reason for attempting GTR is based on results from retrospective and prospective studies, where the most important prognostic factor is extent of resection. These patients are not candidates for craniospinal irradiation. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches must be attempted. This is a case report of a posterior fossa ependymoma with leptomeningeal dissemination in a two-year-old child, successfully treated with dose intensive chemotherapy and intrathecal liposomal cytarabine.