Subdose of human chorionic gonadotropin applied at the Hou Hai acupoint on follicular dynamics and luteal development in donkeys

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an hCG subdose applied at the Hou Hai acupoint as an ovulation inducer in donkeys. Eleven donkeys were distributed in randomized blocks in T1 = application of 1,500 IU of hCG intravenous (IV); T2 = 450 IU of hCG applied at the false acupoint (IV), and T3 = 450 IU of hCG applied at the Hou Hai acupoint. There was no difference (P > 0.05) between the treatments regarding the mean diameter of the pre-ovulatory follicle (34.5 ± 1.3 mm), the ovulation rate (96.97%), the interval between induction and ovulation (58.07 ± 16.82 h), the mean diameter of the CL (D0 = 23.0 ± 0.6; D2 = 27.7 ± 1.9 and D8 = 28.2 ± 0.8mm), and serum P₄ concentrations (10.50 ± 2.99 ng.mL^-1). The application of 450 IU of hCG at the Hou Hai acupoint increased ovulation rate (72.73%) more than 48 h after induction (P = 0.03) and a larger diameter of the CL on D4 (30.7 ± 5.1 mm) (P = 0.04). The vascularization area of the CL on D8, obtained by minimum number of colored pixel (NCP), was greater (P < 0.05) in the donkeys that received 1,500 IU of IV hCG (T1, 41.91 ± 1.17), and we found a positive correlation (P < 0.05) between mean NCP and P₄ concentration in the donkeys that received 450 IU of hCG IV at the false acupoint (T2) or at the Hou Hai acupoint (T3). The application of 450 IU of hCG by IV route at the false acupoint or the Hou Hai acupoint was sufficient to induce ovulation in donkeys, demonstrating that the average dosage commonly used for this species is too high.

The anatomic basis for glaucoma

The greatest bulk of aqueous passes through a sieve-like trabecular wall to reach Schlemm's canal. The vacuoles of the endothelial lining of the trabecular wall are pressure-dependent one-way valves, adapted morphologically to provide for adequate aqueous transfer. Resistance to aqueous outflow seems to be most concentrated in the juxtacanalicular tissue which is also the site of the greatest mucopolysaccharide concentration and phagocytic activity. Normal intraocular pressure may be maintained through a balance between hydrophilic polymerized MPS and hydrophobic depolymerized MPS. It may be effected also by a phagocyte-induced, self-cleaning biologic filter mechanism of the trabecular wall. The use of electron microscopy and improved biochemical techniques have led recently to a greater understanding of the anatomy of the structures concerned with the outflow of aqueous from the anterior chamber. Despite these advances, no clear-cut differences between normal and glaucomatous eyes have emerged thus far. However, the future should bring more knolwedge as the stimulus of conflicting theories leads to progress.

The electron microscopy of Schlemm's canal and adjacent structures in patients with glaucoma

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