Neoadjuvant Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Radiation therapy improves locoregional control and increases breast cancer patient's survival. Its neoadjuvant setting is a rarely used alternative that favors tumor resectability and, in addition, allows immediate breast reconstruction. This study aims to characterize locally advanced breast cancer patients that were treated with neoadjuvant radiotherapy (naRT), its indications and results.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Medical records were reviewed retrospectively. All patients diagnosed with breast cancer treated with curative-intent naRT in a Chilean oncologic hospital between January 2017 and 2019 were included. Inflammatory breast cancer cases and sarcomas were excluded. We described demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics, naRT indications and outcomes.

RESULTS

Information was collected from 112 patients (98% women) referred from 7 public hospitals. The median age was 57 years [28-85 years]. At diagnosis, 78% corresponded to clinical stage cT4b, and 83% had cN+ axilla (axillary biopsy was performed in 44 cases, 35 were positive). 53% were classified as luminal B, 19% as triple negative, 17% as luminal A, and 11% as HER2 enriched. 98% of patients began treatment with neoadjuvant systemic therapy (91 patients received chemotherapy and 19 patients hormone therapy). naRT indications were: immediate breast reconstruction in 23% and contraindication or unsatisfactory response to systemic therapy in 77%. In 99% of naRT the dose was 45-50 Gy to the breast/chest wall and peripheral lymphatics. 86% of patients underwent surgery (14 patients did not undergo surgery due to disease progression or because they refused surgery and 2 patients were on the waiting list at the time of follow up). Immediate breast reconstruction was performed in 31 patients with a median age of 45 years, all of them were derived from 2 referral centers that suggest this altered sequence of treatments. Surgical biopsies of 96 patients were reviewed: 13% had pathological complete response in the breast/chest wall, 55% in the axilla, and 12% at both levels. 30% of post-surgical complications were reported in the subgroup of patients who continued follow-up in our institution (total of 47 patients). With a median follow-up of 29 months, 18% of the patients had died from breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

naRT is not only an option when systemic therapy is not a good alternative, but also favors resectability of locally advanced tumors making pathological complete response and immediate breast reconstruction possible in selected cases, obtaining an oncological and reconstructive objective in the same surgery.

The mediating effect of self-esteem on the relationship between perceived discrimination and psychological well-being in immigrants

The aim of the study is to analyze the mediating effect of self-esteem on the relationship between perceived discrimination and psychological well-being in South American immigrants in Chile. An analytical, cross sectional, non-experimental design was used. We evaluated 853 Peruvians and Colombians living in the northern cities of Arica, Antofagasta, and Santiago de Chile, the capital located in the center of the country. The instruments used were the Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Perceived Discrimination Scale by Basabe, Paez, Aierdi and Jiménez-Aristizabal. We used the estimation method (RWLS) and polychoric correlation matrices, to estimate the effect size and overall fit of the direct effect models of discrimination and self-esteem on psychological well-being, and indirect and total effects of discrimination mediated by self-esteem. While both populations reported similar levels of perceived discrimination, it was found that the means in psychological well-being and self-esteem of the Colombian population were significantly higher than that of the Peruvian population. Regarding self-esteem, the results provided evidence for the possible mediating effect on the relationship between perceived discrimination and psychological well-being. This research aims to contribute to the development of interventions seeking to strengthen self-esteem in order to circumvent possible negative consequences of perceived discrimination, as a consequent, improving immigrants´ personal resources to successfully cope with the diverse demands of their new context.

Comprehensive Database of Carotenoid Contents in Ibero-American Foods. A Valuable Tool in the Context of Functional Foods and the Establishment of Recommended Intakes of Bioactives

Foods that are commonly consumed in the diet are considered to provide more than 40 different carotenoids. However, the content in carotenoids varies considerably in both qualitative and quantitative terms as a consequence of different genotypes, climatic conditions of the production area, and agronomic factors, among others. In this paper, analytical data, obtained by HPLC or UHPLC, of carotenoids in fruits and vegetables produced in Ibero-America have been compiled from peer-reviewed journals, organized in food categories, and documented in relation to the sampling and analytical quality system used. In addition to common products of the diet of the Ibero-American countries, other wild or little used fruit and vegetables have been included with the aim of contributing to promote and to value species and local varieties. The importance of the commodities containing carotenoids in food, health, agriculture, and biodiversity, and the need of their preservation, was evidenced in this work namely by the large differences in carotenoid content related to the locals of production and varieties, and the high levels of carotenoids in native fruits and vegetables. The contribution of these compounds to meet the needs of vitamin A as well as the necessity of establishing recommendation for the daily intakes of theses bioactive compounds were also discussed.

112 HORMONAL SUPPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF PREGNANCY RATES IN EMBRYO TRANSFER IN ALPACAS

The aim was to improve the pregnancy rate in recipient alpacas following embryo transfer. Two experiments were carried out, Experiment 1 in the southern highlands (4,100 m elevation) and Experiment 2 (E2) in the central highlands (3,200 m elevation) of the Peruvian Andes. In both experiments, a group of alpaca donors was subjected to superovulation and embryo flushing as per procedures already described (Vivanco 2013 29th Annu. Mtg. European Embryo Transfer Association, 43–74). The synchronization of the recipient alpacas and ovulation induction in both experiments was made by ultrasonography selection of the alpacas with follicles greater than 8 mm and their exposure to vasectomized males followed by an injection of GnRH (0.0042 mg of acetate of buserelin, Buserelina Zoovet®, Laboratorio Zoovet, Santa Fe, Argentina). The embryo transfers in both locations were made by laparoscopically aided laparotomy 6.5 days after ovulation induction. In Experiment 1, 29 recipient alpacas were distributed in 2 treatments: treatment 1 (n = 14) was the control (no hormonal supplementation); alpacas in treatment 2 (n = 15) received an injection of 300 IU of eCG (Novormon®, Partnar Animal Health, Port Huron, MI, USA) and the insertion of an intravaginal sponge containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (Progespon®, Syntex SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina) 72 h after the injection of the GnRH applied at ovulation induction, the sponges remained in the vagina of the recipients up until Day 21 post-transfer. In Experiment 2, ten recipient alpacas were distributed into 2 treatments, treatment 1 as the control (n = 5, no hormonal supplementation) and treatment 2 (n = 5) in which the recipient alpacas received a dose of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (2 mg/kg of tolfenamic acid, Tolfén L.A. 8%®, Agrovet Market Animal Health, Lima, Peru) 12 h before the embryo transfer with the aim of blocking PGF2α secretion and preventing corpus luteum (CL) regression. At time of transfer, control recipients in Experiment 1 showed in average 0.71 ± 0.71 follicles and 1.14 ± 0.53 CL and the treatment 2 recipients showed 2.73 ± 2.52 follicles and 1.20 ± 0.56 CL, respectively, and there was no significant differences (P > 0.05) between treatment groups in the pregnancy rates 60 days post-transfer, being 35.7% (5/14) and 26.7% (4/15) for treatment 1 (control) and 2 (hormonally supplemented), respectively. In Experiment 2, the number of follicles and CL were not recorded; the differences between treatments for pregnancy rates were also nonsignificant (P > 0.05), the pregnancy rates were 20% (1/5) and 40% (2/5) for treatment 1 (control) and treatment 2 (injected with anti-inflammatory) respectively. In the first experiment, the hormonal treatment increased the number of non-ovulatory follicles; this could have negatively influenced its effectivity on increasing pregnancy rates. In the second experiment, a tendency can be observed for better holding rates in alpacas receiving the anti-inflammatory treatment; it will be necessary to increase the number of observations in a new experiment in order to determine if this will have a significant effect on improving holding rates in alpacas. These studies were funded by INNOVATE PERU and by the FONDECYT of the Peruvian government.

H2 O2 activates matrix metalloproteinases through the nuclear factor kappa B pathway and Ca(2+) signals in human periodontal fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms involved in reactive oxygen species and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated periodontal tissue breakdown are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of H2 O2 in MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, and the involvement of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and Ca(2+) -mediated signals in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Primary cultures were characterized for their phenotype and exposed for 24 h to sublethal doses (2.5-10 μm) of H2 O2 or control media. NFκB involvement was evaluated through immunofluorescence of p65 subunit, using the NFκB blocking peptide SN50 and catalase. Ca(2+) signals were analyzed by loading the cells with Fluo4-AM and recording the fluorescence changes in a confocal microscope before and after the addition of H2 O2 . 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl was used to chelate intracellular Ca(2+) . The activity and levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were analyzed by gelatin zymogram and densitometric scanning, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed with stata V11.1 software using the ANOVA test.

RESULTS

H2 O2 at concentrations of 2.5-5 μm induced Ca(2+) signaling and NFκB subunit p65 nuclear translocation, whereas catalase, SN50 and BAPTA-AM prevented p65 nuclear translocation. H2 O2 at 2.5-5 μm significantly increased MMP-9 and MMP-2 activity, while SN50 resulted in lower MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity rates compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

Sublethal H2 O2 induces Ca(2+) -dependent NFκB signaling with an increase in MMP gelatinolytic activity in human periodontal ligament.

Effects of disulfide bridges in domain I of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Aa delta-endotoxin on ion-channel formation in biological membranes

The delta-endotoxin family of toxic proteins represents the major component of the insecticidal capability of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. Domain I of the toxins, which is largely alpha-helical, has been proposed to unfold at protein entry into the membrane of a target insect, following models known as the penknife and umbrella models. We extended the analysis of a previous work in which four disulfide bridges were constructed in domain I of the Cry1Aa delta-endotoxin that putatively prevented unfolding during membrane partitioning. Using bioassays and voltage clamping of whole insect midgut instead of artificial lipid bilayers, it was found that, while toxicity and inhibition of the short-circuit current were reduced, only one of the disulfide bridges eliminated the activity of the toxins in the insect midgut membrane, and in that case, the loss of toxicity was due to the single amino acid substitution, R99C. It is proposed that at least alpha helices 4, 5, 6, and 7 and domain II partition in the midgut membranes of target insects, in support of an insertion model in which the whole protein translocates into the midgut membrane.

High prevalence of folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies in infants, children, adolescents and pregnant women in Venezuela

BACKGROUND

There is increased worldwide concern about the consequences of folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies on health, which include megaloblastic anemia, neural tube defects and cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE

This study intended to determine the prevalence of folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies in vulnerable groups in labor and poor socioeconomic strata of the Venezuelan population.

METHODS

A total of 5658 serum samples were processed to determine folic acid and vitamin B12 concentrations. The study involved three surveys performed during 2001-2002 and included infants, children, adolescents and pregnant women from labor and poor socioeconomic strata of the population. The method used was a radio immunoassay designed for the simultaneous measurement of serum folic acid and vitamin B12.

RESULTS

The prevalence of folic acid deficiency was higher than 30% for all groups studied, reaching 81.79% in adolescents. Vitamin B12 deficiency was 11.4% in samples collected nationwide, but there was also a similar prevalence of high serum levels. The prevalence of folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies in pregnant women reached 36.32 and 61.34%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This work shows that there is a high prevalence of folic acid deficiency, especially in women of reproductive age, pregnant adolescents and in the whole population studied in Vargas state. This situation requires immediate intervention as supplementation or food fortification programs.

Oxygenated monoterpenoids from badea (Passiflora quadrangularis) fruit pulp

The new monoterpenoids (2E)-2,6-dimethyl-2,5-heptadienoic acid, (2E)-2,6-dimethyl-2,5-heptadienoic acid beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester, (5E)-2,6-dimethyl-5,7-octadiene-2,3-diol, and (3E)-3,7-dimethyl-3-octene-1,2,6,7-tetrol were isolated from the fruit pulp of Passiflora quadrangularis along with the known 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone beta-D-glucopyranoside.

C(13)-Norisoprenoid glucoconjugates from lulo (Solanum quitoense L.) leaves

With the aid of multilayer coil countercurrent chromatography, subsequent acetylation, and liquid chromatographic purification of a glycosidic mixture obtained from lulo (Solanum quitoense L.) leaves, three C(13)-norisoprenoid glucoconjugates were isolated in pure form. Their structures were elucidated by NMR, MS, and CD analyses to be the novel (6R,9R)-13-hydroxy-3-oxo-alpha-ionol 9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4a), the uncommon (3S,5R,8R)-3, 5-dihydroxy-6,7-megastigmadien-9-one 5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (citroside A) (5a), and the known (6S,9R)-vomifoliol 9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6a). Enzymatic treatment of compound 5a showed the formation of 3-hydroxy-7,8-didehydro-beta-ionone (7), an important lulo peeling volatile, which in its turn after chemical reduction and heated acid catalyzed rearrangement generates beta-damascenone (9) and 3-hydroxy-beta-damascone (10).

Renal failure in temporal arteritis

We report a case of biopsy-proven temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica with improved clinical symptoms with steroid treatment but with subsequent renal failure while on steroids. Kidney biopsy showed focal segmental necrotizing glomerulonephritis with crescents and small-vessel vasculitis. Treatment with methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide achieved normalization of renal function. We emphasize the importance of kidney biopsy because of its therapeutic implications. The previous literature concerning renal disease in temporal arteritis is discussed.

Analysis of immune response in oral tumors

Currently, there is widespread disagreement over the role of the immune system in controlling, via the major histocompatibility complex, the organism's response to cells in the process of tumoral degeneration. One possible mechanism by which tumoral cells escape detection by the antitumoral surveillance system is the lack of expression of HLA class I molecules. The APAAP technique was used to study the levels of expression of these molecules and other cell markers on 27 oral cavity tumors. Heterogenous class I expression was recorded, some tumors completely lacking class I antigens. Similar patterns of expression were found for beta-2 microglobulin and ABC molecules (different class I chains encoded in different chromosomes). The number of DR/DP positive cells was similar to the number of immune cells infiltrating the tumors. Statistical analyses failed to show any significant relationship between class I antigen expression and the anatomoclinical parameters of tumoral aggressivity considered.

Activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary ovarian axis in hypothyroid rats with or without triiodothyronine replacement

The hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis in adult female rats with 131-I induced hypothyroidism was studied before and after triiodothyronine (T3) replacement. Forty days after 131-I, hypothyroid (H) rats showed irregular cycles with predominantly diestrous vaginal smears, atrophied and underweight ovaries, and decreased serum T3, T4, LH and estradiol (E2). T3 replacement restored normal cycles and ovary weight and increased serum E2 levels above control values, while LH levels remained below the limit of detection of the RIA. The GnRH stimulation test performed on the day that the rats exhibited diestrous vaginal smears elicited a greater increase in FSH than in LH in H rats and a greater increase in LH than in FSH in both H-T3 treated and control rats. The data suggest that the lack of thyroid hormones in adult female rats seems to produce a reversion of sexual hormones to a prepubertal pattern, while T3 treatment restored normal estrous cycles and ovarian function.

Studies on thyroid activity in deoxycorticosterone-salt and Goldblatt two-kidney, one-clip hypertensive rats

In this paper we studied the role of thyroid gland function in two experimental hypertension models with different pathophysiological mechanisms: deoxycorticosterone-salt (DOCA-salt, volume dependent) and Goldblatt 2-kidney, 1-clip (2K1C, renin dependent). DOCA-salt hypertensive rats showed lower T3 and T4 serum levels by the third week of induced hypertension. Goldblatt 2K1C hypertensive rats, however, exhibited normal values for both hormones. Treatment with thyroxine accelerated the evolution of hypertension and did not affect the PRA of DOCA-salt rats. Radiothyroidectomy inhibited DOCA-salt and Goldblatt 2K1C hypertension, and prevented the suppression of PRA in DOCA-salt rats, without altering PRA or serum aldosterone in Goldblatt 2K1C rats. These results suggest that: a) a thyroid depressing factor is not activated in Goldblatt 2K1C rats; b) thyroidectomy interferes with the suppressor effect of mineralocorticoid on renin secretion; and c) normal thyroid activity is required for the hypertensive effect of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in Goldblatt 2K1C rats.

[Effects of different methods of ovarian stimulation in adult rats]

The in vitro fecundation programs normally use different ovarian stimulation agents. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of some of these agents on indices of ovulation and serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, and FSH. Treatments studied consisted of clomiphene citrate, PMSG alone and in combination with clomiphene citrate, pure human FSH and epimestrol. The data obtained show PMSG alone and PMSG plus clomiphene citrate to be the most effective treatments, in terms of number of oocytes harvested. No differences were noted between serum levels of oestradiol, progesterone and FSH.

[Effects of age and obesity on the conversion of androstenedione to estrone in postmenopausal women]

The effects of aging as well as body weight on conversion of circulating Androstendione (A) to Estrone (E1) in 21 postmenopausal women of different ages and body weights have been studied. Serum concentration of A and E1 were measured by RIA. The E1/A ratio was correlated with total body weight, body mass index, excessive body weight, age and years after cessation of menstruation. The results show that the E1/A ratio was significantly correlated with total body weight, body mass index and excessive body weight. In contrast the E1/A ratio is not significantly correlated with age or years after cessation of menstruation.

[Influence of body weight on gonadotrophins and steroid hormone levels in menstruating women]

In order to study the effect of obesity or underweight on gonadotropins and steroid hormone levels, serum concentrations of FSH, LH. Testosterone, Estradiol, Estrone, 17-OH-Progesterone and SHBG were measured by RIA in obese, underweight and control women, all menstruating in the follicular phase. Serum concentrations of all parameters measured did not differ significantly in the underweight and control groups. All obese women had higher levels of estrone than the control group, and only obese patients with a body mass index above 39 showed a lower SHBG level than that of the control group. The data suggest that the increased levels of estrone could play a role in the amenorrhea of obese women.

Cephalic phase of insulin secretion in obese women

The cephalic phase of reflex insulin secretion was studied in normoglycemic and normoinsulinemic female patients, obese (more than 30% over IBW) and normal subjects. After an overnight fasting, at the sight of breakfast food, the obese group did not present a cephalic response. Their glycemia and insulinemia levels remained at base levels. One minute after visual and olfactory stimulation, a statistically significant rise in immunoreactive insulin levels which was maintained throughout the test, was observed in the control group.

Asymmetrical distribution of aminopeptidase activity in the cortex of rat brain

The levels of soluble aminopeptidase (AP) activity were measured in the right and left frontal (FC), parietotemporal (PTC) and occipital (OC) cortex of male albino rat brains. The results showed more AP activity in the left cortex than in the right. Analyzing these results further, we found that the differences are significant for frontal cortex but not for parietotemporal nor occipital cortex. However, 76% of the rats were left-predominant for AP activity in the 3 cortical areas studied.

Influence of inorganic phosphate on glucose-induced insulin release in vitro

The effect of various extracellular phosphate concentrations on glucose induced insulin secretion has been investigated in two experimental systems the isolated perfused rat pancreas and the isolated rat pancreatic islets incubated in vitro. In both systems, total insulin secretion in response to 16.7 mmol/l glucose increased as extracellular phosphate concentration increased from 0 to 3.6 mmol/l. In perfusion experiments insulin secretion was significantly reduced at 4.8 mmol/l phosphate. In incubation experiments insulin secretion was inhibited only at 9.6 mmol/l phosphate concentration. When IBMX 1 mmol/l was used in incubation experiments glucose induced insulin secretion increased as extracellular phosphate increased from 0 to 3.6 mmol/l, but was also inhibited at 4.8 mmol/l.

Calcium metabolism in post-menopausal women

To investigate some parameters involved in postmenopausal calcium metabolism we have measured FSH, LH, estradiol (E2), parathyroid hormone (PTH) calcitonin (CT), 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25-OH-D3), total calcium (CaT) and ionic calcium (Ca++) serum levels in 20 healthy postmenopausal women and 20 premenopausal women. The results reported show that the decrease of estradiol levels are associated with a significant decrease in 25-OH-D3 serum levels, possibly as result of a lower concentration of vitamin D binding protein, which is extremely sensitive to changes in oestrogen levels. The PTH levels were similar in both groups studied, which might be explained together with increased ionic calcium levels in postmenopausal women, by decreased parathyroid sensitivity to the blocking action of Ca++.

[Hypothalamo-hypophyseo-gonadal axis in individuals with chronic renal insufficiency subjected to hemodialysis]

The role of pituitary and sexual hormones in 21 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and related impotence and loss of libido who were being treated by hemodialysis and in 15 normal male controls has been studied. In both groups the serum levels of FSH, LH and TSH, PRL before and after injection of both LHRH and TRH were measured as well as the basal levels of Testosterone (T) and Estradiol (E2). The results show similar values for testosterone in both groups and statistically significant higher basal values for FSH, LH, TSH and PRL and lower basal values for E2 in CRF patients.

Effects of changes in circulating volume and in arterial pressure on plasma renin activity in the intact rat

The effects of changes in arterial pressure and in circulating volume on Plasma Renin Activity (PRA) in the intact rat were compared by two experimental procedures. Gradual volume depletion was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a hyperoncotic polyethyleneglycol solution (PEG) in absence of acute changes in Systolic Arterial Pressure (SAP). SAP was measured in the conscious state by the tail cuff technique. Plasma Protein Concentration (PPC) and Hematocrit (Hct) increases after PEG injection were compared as the index for measuring the Plasma Volume Reduction (PVR). PRA showed a significant (p less than 0.001) linear relationship with PPC, suggesting a direct dependence of renin secretion on volume depletion. Acute changes in the circulating volume were induced by controlled hemorrhages of 5.0, 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0 ml of blood/kg body weight. The increase in PRA showed a significant relationship with the changes in circulating volume, but it did not show any dependence on the changes in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP). Our results suggest that, in the intact and conscious rat, renin secretion responds to the information from the cardiopulmonary volume receptors rather than to that from the high pressure receptors.

Role of pineal gland in kidney-adrenal homeostasis

The effects of pineal gland on kidney-adrenal axis have been studied in male rats. Rats were pinealectomized and exposed to a photoperiod of 12 h light: 12 h dark. Plasma renin activity (PRA), corticosterone and corticotropin (ACTH) levels were measured at 10, 20 and 35 days postpinealectomy. Pinealectomy increased corticosterone and ACTH levels and decreased PRA in all age groups. A significant negative correlation was found between corticosterone and PRA, which suggest that changes in PRA were due to changes in circulating corticosterone, via feedback mechanism on renin secretion. On the other hand, melatonin administration prevents these effects of pinealectomy. It is suggested that the lack of this pineal indol is responsible for the pinealectomy-induced alterations in male rats.

Role of the septum on LH, FSH and prolactin secretion in male rats

Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL) and testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay in male Wistar rats: (a) Four days after a septal lesion (n = 19) and (b) Just following electrical stimulation of the septum (n = 15). Septal lesions induced a significant decrease in serum LH (16.37 +/- 2.01 vs. 30.27 +/- 2.08 ng/ml; p less than 0.001) and testosterone concentrations (0.53 +/- 0.05 vs. 1.01 +/- 0.14 ng/ml; p less than 0.02). No significant changes were observed for FSH or PRL levels. Electrical septal stimulation induced an increase in serum levels of LH (211.5 +/- 46.4 vs. 29.6 +/- 11.5 ng/ml; p less than 0.01) and FSH (703 +/- 83 vs. 378 +/- 57 ng/ml; p less than 0.01), without changes in PRL or testosterone concentrations. From these data we conclude that in male rats the septum may play a role in the mechanisms controlling gonadotropins release by the anterior pituitary gland.

Effects of sulpiride on levels of FSH, LH and steroid hormones

In order to study the effects of prolactin upon the gonadotrophins and steroid hormones, hyperprolactinaemia was induced by the administration of sulpiride. 12 men between the ages of 18 and 20 were given 3 capsules of 50 mg of sulpiride daily for a period of 15 days, and the following parameters being measured before and after the treatment: (prolactine, FSH, LH, testosterone, estradiol, ACTH and DHEA-S) by RIA, (cortisol) by fluorimetry and (etiocholanone, androsterone, pregnandiol, pregnantriol, pregnantriolone, 11-keto etiocholanone and 11-OH androsterone) by gas chromatography. Our results show that on termination of the treatment there was a significant rise in the prolactin and DHEA-S serum levels and a drop in the FSH serum levels but not of LH. In addition there was a marked increase in all the androgen levels studied, (etiocholanone, androsterone and 11-keto etiocholanone) with the exception of testosterone.

Monoamines and self-stimulation of the medial prefrontal cortex in the rat

The participation of noradrenaline (NE) and serotonine (5-HT) in self-stimulation (SS) of the medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) in the rat has been studied. Three groups of rats with bilateral electrodes implanted into the MPC were used in these experiments. In one of the groups, electrodes were also implanted into the locus coeruleus. In the first group, the rats received systemic injections of the following drugs: clonidine (alpha-agonist), phenoxybenzamine (alpha-antagonist), isoproterenol (beta-agonist) and propranolol (beta-antagonist). In the second group, p-chlorophenylalanine (a 5-HT synthesis inhibitor) was administered intragastrically and SS measured during the following 16 days. In these two groups of rats and previous to every SS session, spontaneous motor activity (SM) was measured as control for non specific effects of the drugs. In a third group of rats, lesions of the locus coeruleus were performed unilaterally and SS measured in both prefrontal cortex during the following 16 days post-lesion. SS contralateral to the lesioned side served as control for non-specific effects of the lesions. After all these treatments, SS of the MPC was not specifically affected. Our results suggest the non participation of NE and 5-HT terminals in the neural substrates underlying SS of the MPC.

LHRH test in ovariectomized women with and without treatment of sex hormones

The modulatory effect of sex hormones on the LHRH test, has been studied on ovariectomized women, randomly divided into groups which received estrogen (E2), progesterone (P) and E2 + P respectively. One group was left untreated. Menstruating women in follicular phase were also studied. The LHRH test was performed on all women and FSH, LH levels were measured in the blood. The LH levels in the blood following the LHRH test showed an increase in all the groups under investigation, including the ovariectomized untreated one. This suggests that, after ovariectomy, the hypophysis does not reach its maximum capacity for gonadotrophin release. The FSH response to the LHRH test was very low in all the groups studied, including the ovariectomized without treatment. It thus could be suggested that FSH needs other stimuli besides LHRH for its physiological release.

Anapsos, an antipsoriatic drug which increases the proportion of suppressor cells in human peripheral blood

Anapsos, an antipsoriatic drug, was administered to normal volunteers in order to study its possible activity on the immune system. After three days of treatment, the drug decreased the lymphoblastic response to PWM and very slightly reduced the serum levels of immunoglobulins. After five days of treatment, however, both values were normal. The response to ConA decreased, and there was an increase in the suppressor index and in the proportion of OKT 8+. The drug did not vary the proportion of OKT 4+ and OKT 3+ cells. These results suggest that anapsos acts by increasing the number of suppressor cells. Such anapsos-induced suppressor cells are probably responsible for the diminished response to ConA, but did not seem to significantly affect response to PWM and serum levels of Ig after five days of treatment.

Putative amino acid neurotransmitters and the nucleus dorsomedialis thalamus-prefrontal cortex pathway in the rat

Endogenous levels of putative amino acid neurotransmitters (glycine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and GABA) in medial and sulcal prefrontal cortex of the rat were analyzed using gas liquid chromatography. No changes were found in the levels of these amino acids in medial and sulcal prefrontal cortex after lesion of the nucleus dorsomedialis of the thalamus suggesting, therefore, that the NDMT-prefrontal cortex pathway is not mediated by these amino acids.

Afferent pathways to points of self-stimulation in the medial prefrontal cortex of the rat as revealed by the horseradish peroxidase technique

Afferent projections to points of self-stimulation (SS) in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) of the rat were studied using the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) technique. Intracranial microinjections of HRP (30%) were delivered at the same stereotaxic points at which the electrodes eliciting SS were located. Retrogradely transported HRP labeled neurons in different thalamic, hypothalamic, mesencephalic and pontine areas. In the thalamus, labeled neurons were found in the dorsomedial, anteromedial, anteroventral, ventral, ventromedial, posteromedial, paratenial, parafascicular nuclei and n. reuniens. Labeled neurons in mesencephalic areas were found in the n. interpeduncularis, ventral tegmental area (AVT) and substantia nigra (SN). In the pons, labeled neurons were found in the locus coeruleus and in the periaqueductal gray. Other nuclei in which labeled neurons were also found were: lateral hypothalamus (LH), periventricular gray and zona incerta (ZI). Theoretically it is possible that all these afferent areas contribute to SS of MPC. This assumption is discussed and criticized in connection with previous literature on SS. It is suggested that only specific areas and their projections are good candidates for the neural mechanisms involved in the reward produced by electrical stimulation of the prefrontal cortex.

Inorganic phosphate-insulin relationships in normal subjects and in patients with moderate glucose intolerance

The relationship between serum insulin and serum inorganic phosphate levels was investigated in normal subjects (NGT) and in patients with moderate impairment of glucose tolerance (IGT1 with subnormal and IGT2 with excessive insulin secretion) fasting and after oral glucose. Insulin and phosphate fasting levels were similar in all groups. In NGT subjects, a significant correlation between fasting insulin and inorganic phosphate levels are observed. In NGT and in IGT1 subjects, oral glucose administration was followed by a fall in serum phosphate level that was well correlated with the total insulin released. The phosphate fall was severely impaired in IGT2 patients, despite the increased insulin secretion. The plasma ionized calcium levels remain unchanged throughout the OGTT. The present results support the hypothesis that in IGT1 patients a reduced glucose-induced insulin release and in IGT2 patients, a peripheral resistance to insulin action could be the determinant of impaired glucose tolerance.

Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system by pinealectomy in female rats

The influence of the pineal gland on the renin-angiotensin system has been studied in female rats. Pinealectomy produces a decreased plasma renin activity (PRA) concomitant with an increased corticosterone level, and with no changes in plasma aldosterone. Administration of indol melatonin reverses the effects of pinealectomy. On the other hand ovariectomy induces an increased PRA while decreasing corticosterone and aldosterone levels. However when pinealectomy and ovariectomy are both performed, neither PRA nor corticosterone changes. These results suggest that the pineal gland may exert an influence on the renin-angiotensin system via adrenal and/or ovarian pathways.

Effect of phosphate omission on the glucose-induced insulin release in vitro in fed and fasted rats

Isolated perfused rat pancreases from fed and 20-h fasted rats were used to investigate the effect of phosphate omission on the insulin response to 16.7 mmol/l glucose. The insulin response to continuous glucose stimulation was biphasic. Both phases were significantly reduced when pancreases were perfused in the absence of extracellular phosphate in fasted, but not in fed rats.

Calcium and renin release: inhibition of low sodium-induced renin secretion by high calcium concentration in rat kidney perfusion

The effects of changes in calcium on renin secretion have been studied in the isolated perfused rat kidney. Perfusion with free calcium buffer significantly decreases renin secretion as compared with control experiments (Ca++: 2.5 mM/l). Other calcium concentrations (1.25 mM/l) and 5 mM/l) do not affect basal renin secretion. When the renin release is previously increased by low sodium concentration (Na+: 110 mM/l) however, perfusion with high calcium buffer (Ca++: 5 mM/l) significantly inhibits this stimulation.

Increased activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system during the perinatal period

Plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma renin substrate (PRS), plasma renin concentration (PRC), and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) were measured in normal full-term newborn infants and infants up to 22 days after birth (36 in all). As compared to the control, PRA and PAC levels were significantly higher (p less than 0.001) in cord blood, and in 2 to 6 and 12 to 22 day old infants. The high values of PRA in 2 to 6 day old infants were due to the high PRS values. In cord blood and in 12 to 22 day old infants, however, the high levels of PRA reflect elevation of PRC. No correlation was found between PRA, PAC and serum potassium in cord blood and in 2 to 6 day old infants, but there was a significant correlation between the parameters (r = 0.72 and p less than 0.02) in 12 to 22 day old infants, indicating that at this age, as in healthy adults, the renin-angiotensin system and serum potassium seem to be the major stimuli for aldosterone secretion.

Relationship between foreign H-2-like antigens on MCG4 sarcoma and the in vivo rejection of this tumor by syngeneic and semisyngeneic mice

MCG4, a BALB/c sarcoma (H-2d), that abnormally expresses H-2k and h-2b-like antigens, regressed spontaneously when inoculated in BALB/c and in BALB/c hybrids F1. A relationship was found between the anti-H-2k and/or anti-H-2b activity detected in the sera and spleen cells of the regressor mice and their capacity to reject the tumor.