Procto-Glyvenol© accelerates the natural healing process of wounds: a pre-clinical study

OBJECTIVE

Hemorrhoids are a common anorectal disease that causes pain, itching, and burning. The prevalence of hemorrhoids is estimated to be as high as 36% in the general population, with approximately 50% of individuals experiencing symptomatic hemorrhoids at least once in their life. Middle age, obesity, and pregnancy are risk factors. The combination of tribenoside and lidocaine (Procto-Glyvenol©, Recordati) has been used for decades to treat low-grade hemorrhoids, and its efficacy and safety are well supported by clinical experience. Tribenoside has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect, ameliorate the local microcirculation and vascular tone, and promote the healing of basement membrane. However, the molecular mechanism behind its wound-healing properties is still unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human dermal fibroblasts were used to test the effect of tribenoside on cell proliferation, cell migration, and production of reactive oxygen species in vitro. Full-thickness excisional wound model in rats was used to test the wound-healing properties of Procto-Glyvenol© in vivo.

RESULTS

Tribenoside has been found to increase the migration rate of fibroblasts in vitro and to improve the wound healing process by promoting re-epithelialization in rats. Furthermore, novel antioxidant activity of tribenoside has been reported, which may represent a further mechanism of action in wound healing.

CONCLUSIONS

Procto-Glyvenol© improves the natural healing process of wounds by stimulating cell migration and protecting against the toxic effects of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, it may represent a first-line treatment for hemorrhoids, which are a significant medical and socioeconomic problem that can deteriorate the quality of life.

Associations of risk factors obesity and occupational airborne exposures with CDKN2A/p16 aberrant DNA methylation in esophageal cancer patients

It is known that obesity and occupational airborne exposure such as dust are among risk factors of esophageal cancer development, in particular squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of esophagus. Here, we tested whether these factors could also affect aberrant DNA methylation. DNAs from 44 fresh tumor tissues and 19 non-tumor adjacent normal tissues, obtained from 44 patients affected by SCC of esophagus (SCCE), were studied for methylation at the CDKN2A/p16 gene promoter by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assay. Statistical methods were used to assess association of promoter methylation with biopathological, clinical, and personal information data, including obesity and airborne exposures. Methylation at the CDKN2A/p16 gene promoter was detected in 12 out of 44 tumor samples. None of the non-tumor tissues exhibited the aberrant methylation. Our results confirmed previously described significant association with low tumor stage (P= 0.002); in addition, we found that obesity (P= 0.001) and occupational exposure (P= 0.008) were both significantly associated with CDKN2A/p16 promoter methylation. This study provides evidence that obesity and occupational exposure increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer through an enhancement of CDKN2A/p16 promoter methylation.

β-catenin interacts with heat shock protein Hsp27 and heat shock transcription factor 1 and it is a useful prognostic marker in breast cancer patients

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Background: We examined in breast cancer the possible interactions between heat shock proteins (Hsps) and the cadherin- catenin cell adhesion proteins, which have important roles in signaling pathways and tumor cell invasion. The cadherin-catenin proteins, like Hsps, have the capacity to bind other proteins. Moreover, there are common molecular pathways for the Hsp response and for the cadherin- catenin protein system. Methods: β-catenin was immunoprecipitated from breast cancer biopsies and the resulting product was probed with antibodies against Hsp members. LC-ESI-MSMS analysis was performed. Immunohistochemistry was used on paraffin sections. Statistical analyses were performed (Prism computer program): Kaplan-Meier, difference between curves evaluated with the log-rank test for censored survival or event observations, contingency tables analyzed by the Fisher`s exact test and Chi-square. Results: β- catenin interacted with Hsp27 and HSF1 (heat shock transcription factor 1), this is the first demonstration of these specific interactions, β- catenin did not interact with Hsp60, Hsp70, Hsp90, gp96 and CHOP. To confirm this finding, the 27 kDa band was excised and submitted to LC- ESI-MSMS, the band was identified as Hsp27. In addition, β-catenin interacted with P-cadherin and caveolin-1. In the co-localization studies, β- catenin was observed in the same tumor areas and cells that expressed Hsp27. This association was strong when β-catenin was expressed in the cytoplasm, not when β-catenin was expressed at the cell membrane. In addition, β-catenin co-localized with HSF1. Finally, the prognostic significance of cadherin-catenin proteins was examined in breast cancer patients (n=215, follow-up: >10 years). Conclusions: We found that cytoplasmic β-catenin interacted with Hsp27 and HSF1, and that the survival (disease free and overall) was significantly shorter for patients with P-cadherin + and cytoplasmic β-catenin + tumors. The interactions of β-catenin with Hsp27 and with HSF1 may explain some of the molecular pathways that influence tumor cell survival and the clinical significance in the prognosis of the breast cancer patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Anticancer activity of an adenoviral vector expressing short hairpin RNA against BK virus T-ag

The human polyomavirus BK (BKV) is oncogenic in rodents and induces malignant transformation of rodent cells in vitro. Although its role in human tumorigenesis is still debated, BKV represents an excellent model to evaluate molecularly targeted antineoplastic approaches. Here, we have tested whether stable suppression of the T antigen (T-ag) oncogene expression could inhibit the in vitro and in vivo malignant phenotype of BKV-transformed mouse cells. An adenovirus vector system that expresses small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), which are converted into active small interfering RNAs (siRNA) molecules against the BKV T-ag, was developed. This vector was able to inhibit the expression of BKV T-ag through a highly efficient in vitro and in vivo delivery of the siRNA molecule. In addition, it allowed a stable expression of siRNA for a period of time sufficient to elicit a biological effect. Inhibition of T-ag expression results in reduction of the in vitro growth rate of BKV-transformed cells, which is, at least in part, caused by restoration of p53 activity and induction of apoptosis. In vivo studies proved that adenovirus vectors expressing anti-T-ag siRNA were able to suppress tumorigenicity of BKV-transformed cells. Moreover, adenovirus vector direct treatment of growing tumors resulted in a significant reduction of tumor growth. This study indicates that siRNAs delivery via a viral vector have a potential usefulness as in vivo anticancer tool against viral and cellular oncogenes.

Use of herpes simplex virus type 1-based amplicon vector for delivery of small interfering RNA

Silencing of gene expression by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) is rapidly becoming a powerful tool for genetic analysis of mammalian cells. The use of DNA-based plasmid vectors to achieve transient and stable expression of siRNA has been developed to avoid the problems of double-stranded oligonucleotides transfection. These vectors direct the transcription of small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) from a polymerase-III (H1 or U6)-RNA gene promoter. However, numerous disadvantages remain, including low transfection efficiency and difficulty in transfecting primary cells. To overcome some of these problems, the use of viral vectors for siRNA delivery has been described. Retroviral, adenoviral, adeno-associated and herpes viral shRNAs delivery systems have been successfully used to silence genes, in vitro and in vivo. The use of a herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-based amplicon vector for siRNA delivery into mammalian cells, using human polyomavirus BK (BKV)-transformed cells as a model system is described. The results demonstrate the ability of amplicon vectors to inhibit the expression of BKV T-Ag and tumorigenicity of BKV-transformed cells. We show that the use of the amplicon vector is highly efficient for the delivery of siRNA molecules. The unique ability of these vectors to deliver multiple copies of siRNA may provide a useful tool in the development of novel anticancer therapy.

HDL 3 Induces Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression and Prostacyclin Release in Human Endothelial Cells Via a p38 MAPK/CRE-Dependent Pathway: Effects on COX-2/PGI-Synthase Coupling

Objective— In endothelial cells, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 both contribute to prostacyclin production. Recent findings suggest that COX-2 contributes significantly to systemic prostacyclin synthesis in humans; whether COX-2 inhibition is related to an increased cardiovascular risk is undergoing debate. HDLs have been shown to increase prostacyclin synthesis, thus in the present study we investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in this effect in endothelial cells.

Methods and Results— HDL 3 (30 μg/mL) induced COX-2 expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. COX-2 was found mainly in the perinuclear area where it co-localizes with PGI synthase. Transient transfection experiments showed that CRE is required for HDL-induced COX-2 transcription, and we demonstrated that p38 MAPK activation by HDL 3 is involved in COX-2 mRNA transcription and stabilization. As a consequence of COX-2-induction by HDL 3 prostacyclin production increased, incubation with a COX-2 selective inhibitor blocked this effect. Moreover, HDL 3 increased caveolin-1 phosphorylation, thus promoting PGI-synthase shuttling from the membrane to the perinuclear area.

Conclusion— We conclude that in endothelial cells, HDL modulates COX-2/PGI-S activity via both p38 MAPK-dependent COX-2 mRNA stability and transcription and both caveolin-1–dependent PGI-synthase shuttling and COX-2 coupling. The understanding of these mechanisms may provide new insights into the antiatherogenic role of HDL.

Gene expression and intracellular pathways involved in endothelial dysfunction induced by VLDL and oxidised VLDL

OBJECTIVES

The molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between elevated plasma concentrations of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and coronary artery disease remain uncertain. In the present work, we investigated the gene expression pattern and intracellular pathways in human endothelial cells incubated with very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). Moreover, as VLDL can enter the arterial wall and undergo oxidative modification, we compared the VLDL-induced expression pattern with the one of oxidised VLDL (Ox-VLDL).

METHODS

Total RNA from endothelial cells incubated with 75 microg/ml VLDL or Ox-VLDL and total RNA from endothelial cells under basal conditions were hybridised to identical microarrays containing 8411 genes. Seven clusters of expression profiles were identified. This pattern was validated by quantitative real-time PCR of selected genes. The intracellular pathway involved in VLDL or Ox-VLDL mediated endothelial responses were also investigated.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

VLDL predominantly activated the ERK1/2 pathway while P38 MAPK was the main target of Ox-VLDL. CREB and NF-kappa B were activated by both VLDL and Ox-VLDL. Real-time PCR demonstrated that VLDL induced matrix metalloproteinase-2 (5.47+/-1.74 fold), CD38 (2.38+/-0.23) and transforming growth factor-alpha (2.51+/-0.30) expression. Ox-VLDL was found to induce interleukin-15 (2.10+/-0.48) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (3.19+/-0.07) expression. In addition, several genes implicated in endothelial cell activation and damage/proliferation were identified by the array analysis. Ox-VLDL was found to promote the generation of reactive oxygen species and exert a cytotoxic effect, while VLDL lacks these effects. These findings confirm the involvement of VLDL and Ox-VLDL in endothelial dysfunction and suggest new genes and molecular mechanisms involved in these actions.

Opposite effect of prolactin and prostaglandin F(2 alpha) on the expression of luteal genes as revealed by rat cDNA expression array

It is well established that prolactin (PRL) sustains, while prostaglandin F(2 alpha) (PGF(2 alpha)) curtails, progesterone production by the rat corpus luteum (CL). We have previously shown that the actions of both molecules converge on the 20 alpha-HSD gene and control its expression in a dramatically opposed manner. In this investigation, we have found twelve more genes that are inversely regulated by PRL and PGF(2 alpha). In addition to 20 alpha-HSD, PGF(2 alpha) stimulated and PRL inhibited PGF(2 alpha)-receptor, phospholipase C delta(1) and TGF beta(1) expression. In contrast PRL stimulated and PGF(2 alpha) inhibited the LH receptor, 11 beta-HSD2, sterol carrier protein 2, mitochondrial glutathione S-transferase (GST), GST mu(2), inhibitory DNA-binding proteins 1, 2, and 3, and calcium binding protein 2. We have also identified new target genes for PRL and PGF(2 alpha). PGF(2 alpha) stimulated the expression of genes involved in cell signaling such as cell adhesion kinase-beta, ERK3, FRA2, IL-2 receptor, and 14-3-3 proteins. PGF(2 alpha) also up-regulated the expression of the sodium channel beta(1), Na/K ATPase, annexin IV, GST7pi, and P450 reductase. In contrast PGF(2 alpha) inhibited the expression of two genes involved in cell cycle: cyclin D2 and retinoblastoma related protein (Rb2/p130). It also inhibited genes involved in estradiol (P-450(AROM)) and cholesterol biosynthesis (HMG-CoA synthase), as well as genes involved in tissue remodeling: VEGF and TIMP3. PRL had a profound inhibitory effect on the expression of genes encoding the ADP-ribosylation factor 3, annexin V and c-jun, yet increased the expression of P450scc, 3beta-HSD, and SR-B1 (HDL-receptor), all genes involved in steroidogenesis. PRL also stimulated the expression of beta(2)-microglobulin, TIMP2, cytochrome c oxidase IV, cathepsin H and L, and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase as well as elongation factor SIII, heat shock protein-60 and mitochondrial ATP synthase-D. In conclusion, this investigation has revealed a "yin-yang" relationship between PRL and PGF(2 alpha) in regulating certain critical genes in the rodent CL, and has demonstrated novel regulation by these factors of other important genes involved in luteal function.

Cerebellar and spinal projections of the coeruleus complex in the duck: a fluorescent retrograde double-labeling study

The double fluorescent retrograde tracing technique was used to identify, within the coeruleus complex (Co complex) of the duck, the nerve cells projecting to the cerebellar cortex and to the spinal cord. This technique was also used to investigate the possibility that the cerebellar and spinal projections of the Co complex are collaterals of the same axons. In the same animal, nuclear Diamidino yellow dihydrochloride (DY) fluorescent tracer was placed into the cerebellar cortex of folia V-VII, and cytoplasmic fluorescent Fast blue (FB) dye was injected into C3-C4 spinal cord segments. FB labeled multipolar somata and DY fluorescent nuclei were intermingled within the dorsal caudal region of the locus coeruleus (LCo) and within the dorsal division of the nucleus subcoeruleus (dSCo). Moreover, in the LCo, a low proportion of double-labeled neurons (about 3-4% of labelings) was evidenced among single-labeled neurons. In the ventral division of the nucleus subcoeruleus (vSCo), occasional DY labeled nuclei were found, whereas FB-labeled cells were frequently present. The present findings reveal the location of the coeruleocerebellar and coeruleospinal projecting neurons within the Co complex of the duck. They are intermingled in the caudal portion of the LCo and along the rostrocaudal extent of the subjacent dSco. The LCo and the dSCo are the major source of the projections to the folia V-VII, whereas the vSCo contributes very slightly to the innervation of the cerebellar injected areas. Moreover, the double-labeling study demonstrates that in the duck a low percentage of neurons within the ventrolateral portion of the caudal region of the LCo projects both to the cerebellar cortex of folia V-VII and to C3-C4 spinal cord segments via collaterals. Therefore, these neurons simultaneously influence the cerebellar cortex and spinal cord. The possibility that the projections studied are noradrenergic and that they play a role in feeding is discussed.

Effect of sucrose feeding on glucose tolerance and their relationship with lipid metabolism in maternal and fetal livers in rat

This study was carried out to determine a possible relationship between hepatic acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase EC 6.4.1.2 (ACC) activity in dam and fetus at 15-day and 19-day of gestation and the glucose tolerance in pregnant rats fed on the sucrose diet compared with the rats feed on the dextrin diet. Sucrose feeding increases ACC activity in livers of dam and fetus and the level of circulating LDL + VLDL cholesterol in the dam. Those findings are correlated with the high serum glucose and insulin concentrations observed in the sucrose-fed rats following oral glucose challenge in both 15-day and 19-day pregnant rats compared with the dextrin-fed rats. These results suggest that sucrose feeding to pregnant rats modified the hepatic lipid metabolism in them and in their fetus, associated with the changes in serum glucose and insulin levels.

Motoneuron organisation of the muscles of the spinal accessory complex of the sheep investigated with the fluorescent retrograde tracer technique

Retrograde transport of the fluorescent tracers Diamidino Yellow dihydrochloride and Fast Blue was used to determine the location of the spinal nucleus of the accessory nerve in the sheep. We also considered whether in this species the sternocephalic, brachiocephalic, omotransversarius and trapezius muscles, i.e. the muscles of the spinal accessory complex, are supplied by more than one population of motoneurons. The spinal accessory nucleus extends as a single column of neurons from C1 to C7 spinal cord segments and occupies a lateral position within the ventral horn. The most rostral portion of this column is located dorsolaterally, whereas the remaining portion from C2 to C7 occupies a ventrolateral position. At C1 and C4 levels the nucleus also possesses some cells with a medial location. All the muscles of the spinal accessory complex receive their motor innervation both from the spinal accessory nucleus and from motoneurons forming the cervical spinal nerves. A double motor innervation of these muscles is thus present in the sheep.

Localization of motoneurons innervating the extraocular muscles of the sheep by retrograde fluorescent tracers

Retrograde transport of the fluorescent tracers Fast blue, Evans blue, Diamidino yellow dihydrochloride, and Propidium iodide was used to determine the location of the motoneurons innervating the extraocular muscles of the sheep. An extensive superposition among the motor pools of the oculomotor nucleus (ON) has been observed. In the rostral third of the ON, a considerable merging occurs between obliquus ventralis and rectus medialis motoneurons and also between rectus ventralis and rectus medialis motoneurons. In the middle third of the ON, rectus dorsalis and levator palpebrae superioris motoneurons are intermingled with each other, and also with obliquus ventralis motoneurons dorsally and with rectus medialis motoneurons ventrally. The rostral portion of the trochlear nucleus overlaps with the caudal pole of the ON. The motoneurons innervating the obliquus dorsalis muscle are mainly contralateral with few ipsilateral exceptions. The retractor bulbi muscle receive the innervation by both the abducens and accessory abducens nuclei.

Orbital pain and unruptured carotid-posterior communicating artery aneurysms: the role of sensory fibers of the third cranial nerve

Intact aneurysms of the carotid siphon at the point of take-off of the posterior communicating artery may exhibit orbital pain, whether associated with oculomotor palsy or not as a warning symptom prior to rupture. In order to explain this symptom the hypothesis of a sensory pathway within the third cranial nerve, which is liable to compression by the enlarging aneurysm sac, has been investigated. Data from human autopsy material show evidence of sensory ganglion cells within the rootlets of the oculomotor nerve; furthermore, studies in animals prove that the third nerve contains sensory fibers which run proximally along the nerve bundles, enter the brainstem and reach the spinal trigeminal nucleus. These fibers come from the ophthalmic division of the fifth nerve and join the third nerve at the level of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. Although a number of questions remain to be solved, the presence of a sensory pattern within the third nerve could account for fronto-orbital pain from enlarging aneurysms impinging on the third nerve itself.

High incidence of multiple-bag fiber muscle spindles in the articularis humeri muscle of the horse

The articularis humeri (AH) muscle of the horse is a small muscle composed of histochemically identified type I and IIA extrafusal fibers and a large number of muscle spindles. A total of 150 complete spindles with both spindle poles available were examined in serial transverse sections. On the basis of myosin ATPase-staining reactions after alkaline and acid preincubations, four types of intrafusal fibers, namely, bag1, bag2, "mixed" bag, and chain fibers, were identified. A high proportion of the spindle population (62.6%) consisted of multiple-bag spindles containing three or more (up to six) bag fibers. Also one-bag-fiber spindles were observed. The one-bag-fiber spindles containing a bag2 fiber could be traced into tandem linkages. "Mixed" bag intrafusal fibers, differing in their ATPase staining profile at the two poles, were found in spindles containing also at least one bag1 and one bag2 fiber. An unusually long extracapsular tract (up to 5,500 microns) of the bag intrafusal fibers was observed.

Peripheral territory and neuropeptides of the trigeminal ganglion neurons centrally projecting through the oculomotor nerve demonstrated by fluorescent retrograde double-labeling combined with immunocytochemistry

The peripheral territories of sheep trigeminal neurons which send their central process to the brainstem through the oculomotor nerve were investigated by the use of fluorescent tracers in double-labeling experiments. For this purpose Diamidino yellow (DY) injection into the oculomotor nerve was combined with Fast blue (FB) injection either into the extraocular muscles (EOMs), or the cornea, or the superior eyelid. Double-labeled DY + FB cells were found in the ophthalmic region of the trigeminal ganglion in addition to single-labeled DY or FB cells. The DY and DY + FB-labeled trigeminal cells were analysed immunocytochemically for their content of substance P (SP)-, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-, and cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8)-like. All single-labeled DY cells showed SP-, CGRP- or CCK-8-like immunoreactivity. Double-labeled DY + FB neurons innervating the EOMs were immunoreactive for each of the three peptides, whereas double-labeled neurons supplying the cornea were only CGRP-like positive. The findings suggest that, in the sheep, trigeminal neurons which send their process centrally through the oculomotor nerve supply the EOMs, the cornea, and the superior eyelid and contain neuropeptides which are usually associated with pain sensation.

Histochemical profile of articularis humeri muscle in the horse

In this study the histochemical fiber type analysis of the articularis humeri muscle of the horse was performed. This muscle is composed of type I and type IIA fibers. A large number of spindles has been observed and the presence of these receptors could help to understand the role played by this muscle.

Simultaneous cell death in the trigeminal ganglion and in ganglion neurons present in the oculomotor nerve of the bovine fetus

A well-developed ganglion and scattered ganglion cells are present in the intracranial portion of the oculomotor nerve during the first half of fetal life in the ox. In the second half of fetal life a dramatic reduction of the ganglion cells associated with the oculomotor nerve occurs because of spontaneous cell death. Concomitantly, the same phenomenon of cell death is found in the trigeminal ganglion, especially in its rostromedial portion. Free degenerating perikarya can be found in the cavernous sinus.

[Acute rickettsial myocarditis. Description of a clinical case and review of the literature]

A case of acute rickettsial myocarditis in a young patient is described. The Authors analyze the clinical features, discuss epidemiologic features and the necessity of treatment with tetracycline.

Influence of oculomotor nerve afferents on central endings of primary trigeminal fibers

Painful fibers running in the third nerve and originating from the ophthalmic trigeminal area send their central projections at level of substantia gelatinosa of nucleus caudalis trigemini. The central endings of these fibers form axoaxonic synapses with trigeminal fibers entering the brain stem through the trigeminal root. The effect of electrical stimulation of the third nerve central stump on the central endings of trigeminal afferent fibers consists in an increased excitability, possibly resulting in a presynaptic inhibition. This inhibitory influence is due to both direct and indirect connections of the third nerve afferent fibers with the trigeminal ones.

Localization and somatotopy of sensory cells innervating the extraocular muscles of lamb, pig and cat. Histochemical and electrophysiological investigation

The localization of sensory cells innervating the extraocular muscles (EOMs) was studied in the lamb, pig and cat in which horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was injected into each EOM. Electrophysiological techniques were also used to search for EOM stretch sensitive units in the semilunar ganglion. In lamb and pig labeling was observed in the semilunar ganglion only, while in cat labeled neurons were present in both the semilunar ganglion and mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus. In the semilunar ganglion of all these species a clear somatotopic organization of EOM afferents was observed. The histochemical somatotopic pattern of EOM afferents in the semilunar ganglion of lamb and pig was substantially in agreement with the electrophysiological arrangement. The responses recorded to EOM stretch in the semilunar ganglion of the pig were characterized by a low threshold and a slow adaptation as previously found in the lamb; on the contrary, in the semilunar ganglion of the cat only a few units were found, which showed high stretch threshold and quick adaptation.

[Intrinsic function of the sinus node in patients with syncope and positive vagal maneuvers]

This study was undertaken to establish the nature (intrinsic or extrinsic) of sinus node dysfunction in patients presenting with syncope and abnormal response (sinus pause greater than 3'') to vagal manoeuvres (carotid sinus massage and/or eye-ball compression). To this purpose 29 patients (20 males, 9 females, aged 18-79 yrs, mean = 60) underwent an electrophysiologic study. In all we measured before and after autonomic blockade with Propranolol (0.2 mg/kg) and Atropine sulfate (0.04 mg/kg) the following parameters: sinus rate, corrected sinus node recovery time and sino-atrial conduction time. According to the presence or absence of electrocardiographic signs of sinus node dysfunction the patients were divided into three groups: Group A: 11 patients without electrocardiographic signs of sinus node dysfunction; Group B: 13 patients with borderline electrocardiographic signs of sinus node dysfunction (sinus bradycardia between 40 and 60 beats/min); Group C: 5 patients with definite electrocardiographic signs of sinus node dysfunction (sinus bradycardia less than or equal to 39 beats/min and/or sinoatrial block and/or sinus arrest). Fifteen patients (52%) had signs of organic heart disease. The main results obtained were: At least one electrophysiological test (sinus rate, corrected sinus node recovery time or sino-atrial conduction time) was abnormal in 10 patients (34,5%) before autonomic blockade and in 8 patients (27%) after autonomic blockade. Two of these 8 patients belonged to Group A (18%), 1 to Group B (8%) and 5 to Group C (100%). Six of these 8 patients were suffering from an organic heart disease and 2 were not.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Labelled trigeminal ganglion cells after injection of horseradish peroxidase in the extraocular muscles and IIIrd nerve of the lamb

After injection of HRP in the oculomotor nerve labelled cells were found in the dorsal most part of the ophthalmo-maxillary area of the semilunar ganglion. Below this area a labelled cellular pool was detected following the injection of the enzyme in the extrinsic eye muscles. A clear somatotopic arrangement of these muscles was noticeable.

Spontaneous cell death in the semilunar ganglion during fetal and postnatal life in the ox, sheep, goat and guinea pig

A massive cell loss occurs in the semilunar ganglion. It is the result of either a casting-off of the semilunar ganglion cells into the cavernous sinus or a transformation of several cells into polyhedral cells with an epithelial-like organization, a process which immediately precedes their further degeneration.

The development of the rods in the tapetal cells of the cat

The development of tapetal rods in the cat was studied ultrastructurally and cytochemically (DOPA reaction). The tapetum lucidum of fetuses, newborns, 3 weeks and 1 month old kittens was considered. The DOPA reaction showed that rod formation involved similar enzymic mechanisms to those concerned in the construction of melanosomes.

Afferent fibers and sensory ganglion cells within the oculomotor nerve in some mammals and man. II. Electrophysiological investigations

The main aim of the present study was to localize with electrophysiological techniques the central projections and terminations of the aberrant trigeminal fibres contained in the oculomotor nerve of the lamb. After severing a trigeminal root, single-shock electrical stimulation of the trigeminal axons present in the central stump of the ipsilateral oculomotor nerve evoked field potentials in the area of, i) the subnucleus gelatinosus of the nucleus caudalis trigemini at the level of C1-C2; ii) the main sensory trigeminal nucleus; iii) the descending trigeminal nucleus and tract; iv) the adjacent reticular formation. Units whose discharge rate was influenced by such a stimulation were also found in the same territories. These regions actually exhibited degenerations after cutting an oculomotor nerve. We conclude, therefore, that the trigeminal fibres which leave the Vth nerve at the level of the cavernous sinus and enter the brain stem through the IIIrd nerve, end in the same structures which receive the terminations of the afferent fibres entering the brain stem through the sensory trigeminal root.

Afferent fibers and sensory ganglion cells within the oculomotor nerve in some mammals and man. I. Anatomical investigations

The present research shows that sensory ganglion cells are located within the oculomotor nerve of monkeys and man. Furthermore, afferent fibers have been found in the IIIrd nerve of all the animals examined (lamb, pig, cat, dog and monkey). These fibers have their perikarya prevalently in the semilunar ganglion. Their pathway could be studied after section of either the trigeminal ophthalmic branch or of the intracranial portion of the IIIrd nerve. Following these operations, degenerating fibers were found entering the brain stem through the oculomotor nerve. In the brain stem, they were traced through the pons and the medulla and were seen to end in the spinal cord, within the subnucleus gelatinosus of the nucleus caudalis trigemini. Their degenerating endings found in the neuropil of the SG Rolandi, represented peripheral axonal endings of the glomeruli, rather than central axonal endings, as was the case after trigeminal rhizotomy. On the basis of these different degenerating patterns, the conclusion can be reached that the perikarya of the afferent fibers located in the semilunar ganglion represent, in reality, a ganglion of the IIIrd nerve.

Reflex and reticular modulation of first-order proprioceptive neurons of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus

Several investigations have shown that the vagus nerve and the reticular formation can affect the reflex responses of the masticatory muscles. The present research has been devoted to analyze the mechanism of such modulations of the masseteric reflex in the lamb. Extracellular records of the electrical activity of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (MTN) was carried out in immobilized lambs by means of tungsten microelectrodes. Units were found which responded to lowering the jaw and to stretching the masseter muscle: they were identified as the first-order neurons of the masticatory proprioception on the basis of their electrophysiological properties. Single-shock or repetitive electrical stimulations of the cervical vagus nerve and of the bulbo-pontine reticular formation could affect the unitary discharge of the MTN: different patterns of activation and inhibition of the MTN units were seen; however, the activation was the most prominent effect. The responses did not depend upon the circulatory effects of the vagal stimulation. Thus the conclusion can be reached that the vagus and the reticular substance can modulate the masseteric reflex at level of the perikarya of the afferent pathway. Such a statement is supported also by the presence of synaptic boutons on the soma of the MTN neurons.