P-574 Ovarian Revitalisation using Platelet Rich Plasma

Study question

Can we rejuvinate ovaries (with low ovarian reserve) by injecting fresh platelet rich plasma ?

Summary answer

With ovarian PRP injections, Ovarian reserve will increase and number of follicles increases in treated ovaries .

What is known already

Till date no definitive treatment is available to restore function of ovaries. Few drugs e.g. granulocyte colony stimulating factor etc tried for the same but no satisfactory result was achieved. Oral ovulogens and gonadotropins cannot produce satisfactory number of ova in these patients. So they were forced to go for donar ova. By using ovarian PRP injections couple can have a chance of their own biological child.

Study design, size, duration

we conducted the pilot study involving injection of autologous fresh platelet rich plasma injection into the ovaries of subfertile females by comparison of their fertility parameters viz. hormonal profile involving measurements of blood levels of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), prostaglandin E2 levels (PGE2); antral follicular count (AFC); number of mature follicles (NMF) and number of retrieved oocytes (NRO) in both pre-PRP and post-PRP states.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Forty-five subfertile females of more than 20 years were included in our study . All the patients underwent fresh autologous PRP injection under transvaginal ultrasonographic guidance. Besides the demographic data, each patient’s hormonal profile (including blood levels of AMH, FSH, LH, PGE2), AFC, NMF and NRO in both pre-PRP and post-PRP state were recorded in a predesigned proforma. Statistical evaluation of the recorded data was done using appropriate methods and tools.

Main results and the role of chance

Mean age, weight, height, body mass index and years of subfertility of the patients in our study was 31.27yrs, 58.38kg, 154.84cm, 24.37kg/m2 and 8.44years respectively. The mean blood levels of AMH increased significantly in post-PRP state (1.6 vs 2.4pg/ml) in contrast to significant decrease in blood level of FSH (21.4 vs 12.5mIU/ml), LH (15.1 vs 5.9mIU/ml) & PGE2 (162.7 vs 66pg/ml). The AFC, NMF & NRO also increased in post-PRP state relative to pre-PRP state. The differences in above levels and numbers were statistically significant.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Autologous PRP injection into ovaries improves hormonal profile, AFC and number of mature follicles as well as retrieved oocytes. Furthur followup is needed to know weather our patients concieve spontaneously or they will need some kind of assisted tecniques to concieve a pregnency.

Wider implications of the findings

Autologous PRP injection into ovaries improves hormonal profile, AFC and number of mature follicles as well as retrieved oocytes, it can be utilized as a revitalisation tool to boost fertility. Our study results reinforce the above concept. However, outcome-based studies are needed to further validate the results of our study.

Trial registration number

TMU/IEC/19-20/0113

Hypercapnia-induced vasodilation in the cerebral circulation is reduced in older adults with sleep-disordered breathing

The prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is higher in older adults compared with younger individuals. The increased propensity for ventilatory control instability in older adults may contribute to the increased prevalence of central apneas. Reductions in the cerebral vascular response to CO₂ may exacerbate ventilatory overshoots and undershoots during sleep. Thus, we hypothesized that hypercapnia-induced cerebral vasodilation (HCVD) will be reduced in older compared with younger adults. In 11 older and 10 younger adults with SDB, blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCAV) was measured using Doppler transcranial ultrasonography during multiple steady-state hyperoxic hypercapnic breathing trials while awake, interspersed with room air breathing. Changes in ventilation, MCAV, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) via finger plethysmography during the trials were compared with baseline eupneic values. For each hyperoxic hypercapnic trial, the change (Δ) in MCAV for a corresponding change in end-tidal CO₂ and the HCVD or the change in cerebral vascular conductance (MCAV divided by MAP) for a corresponding change in end-tidal CO₂ was determined. The hypercapnic ventilatory response was similar between the age groups, as was ΔMCAV/Δ[Formula: see text]. However, compared with young, older adults had a significantly smaller HCVD (1.3 ± 0.7 vs. 2.1 ± 0.6 units/mmHg, P = 0.004). Multivariable analyses demonstrated that age and nadir oxygen saturation during nocturnal polysomnography were significant predictors of HCVD. Thus, our data indicate that older age and SDB-related hypoxia are associated with diminished HCVD. We hypothesize that this impairment in vascular function may contribute to breathing instability during sleep in these individuals.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates, for the first time, in individuals with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) that aging is associated with decreased hypercapnia-induced cerebral vasodilation (HCVD). In addition to advanced age, the magnitude of nocturnal oxygen desaturation due to SDB is an equal independent predictor of HCVD.

Anatomical variation of the ulnar artery: clinical and developmental significance

Introduction: Variation of the ulnar artery in the upper limb is uncommon. The existence of such a variant is of particular clinical significance, as these arteries are more susceptible to trauma, and can be easily confused with superficial veins during medical and surgical procedures, potentially leading to iatrogenic distal limb ischemia. Case report: During routine dissection we observed a unilateral case of superficial ulnar artery in a 60-year-old male cadaver. It originated from the left brachial artery in the middle of the arm, near to insertion of coracobrachialis muscle. From its origin, it passed downwards in the medial part of arm behind the median nerve and forearm in a supericial plane compared to normal ulnar artery. In the hand, the supericial ulnar artery anastomosed with the palmar branch of the radial artery, creating the supericial palmar arch. Brachial artery divided into the radial and common interosseous arteries in the cubital fossa. The normal ulnar artery was absent. The existence of superficial ulnar artery is undeniably of interest to the clinicians as well as to the anatomists.

Evolution of ramucirumab in the treatment of cancer - A review of literature

Ramucirumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody and is used in the treatment of advanced malignancies. Its mechanism of action is by inhibiting angiogenesis in tumor cells by targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it initially in 2014 for the treatment of advanced gastric or gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma and metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma. It was approved by FDA in 2015 for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. This manuscript consolidates pre-clinical trials to phase I, II, and III trial data indicating the effects of ramucirumab on different cancer types, which led to its approval. By comparing these clinical trials alongside each other, we can more easily examine the studies that have already been completed, along with currently ongoing studies and potential further areas of interest for this newly approved treatment. This approach makes it convenient to compare dosages, overall survival, adverse events, as well as possible routes for combination therapy with ramucirumab. By compiling results for various oncological malignancies, we can differentiate between treatments that are effective and have the highest incidence of stable disease, and those that do not seem promising. Ramucirumab has been effective in the treatment of various carcinomas and this article outlines other tumors in which this treatment option may be successful.

Evaluation of biliary complications on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and comparison with direct cholangiography after living-donor liver transplantation

AIM

To evaluate the imaging characteristics of biliary complications following liver transplantation on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and its diagnostic accuracy in comparison with direct cholangiography.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this prospective study, 34 patients being evaluated for possible biliary complications after living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with abnormal MRCP findings were followed up for information regarding direct cholangiography either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) within 7 days of MRCP. Twenty-nine patients underwent ERCP and five patients underwent PTC.

RESULTS

Compared to findings at direct cholangiography, MRCP presented 96.9% sensitivity, 96.9% positive predictive value, and 94.1% accuracy for the detection of biliary complications. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for detection of anastomotic strictures, biliary leak, and biliary stone or sludge on MRCP was found to be 100%, 84.6%, 91.3%, 100% and 94.1%; 72.7%, 95.7%, 88.9%, 88% and 88.2%; 80%, 100%, 100%, 96.7% and 97.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MRCP is a reliable non-invasive technique to evaluate the biliary complications following LDLT. MRCP should be the imaging method of choice for diagnosis in this setting and direct cholangiography should be reserved for cases that need therapeutic interventions.

Adjuvant therapies using normobaric oxygen with hypothermia or ethanol for reducing hyperglycolysis in thromboembolic cerebral ischemia

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Normobaric oxygen (NBO), ethanol (EtOH), and therapeutic hypothermia (TH) delivered alone or in combination have neuroprotective properties after acute stroke. We used an autologous thromboembolic rat stroke model to assess the additive effects of these treatments for reducing the deleterious effects of hyperglycolysis post-stroke in which reperfusion is induced with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA).

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion with an autologous embolus. One hour after occlusion, rt-PA was administered alone or with NBO (60%), EtOH (1.0 g/kg), TH (33 °C), either singly or in combination. Infarct volume and neurological deficit were assessed at 24h after rt-PA-induced reperfusion with or without other treatments. The extent of hyperglycolysis, as determined by cerebral glucose and lactate levels was evaluated at 3 and 24h after rt-PA administration. At the same time points, expressions of glucose transporter 1 (Glut1), glucose transporter 3 (Glut3), phosphofructokinase1 (PFK-1), and lactate dehydrogenase were (LDH) measured by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Following rt-PA in rats with thromboembolic stroke, NBO combined with TH or EtOH most effectively decreased infarct volume and neurological deficit. As compared to rt-PA alone, EtOH or TH but not NBO monotherapies significantly reduced post-stroke hyperglycolysis. The increased utilization of glucose and production of lactate post-stroke was prevented most effectively when NBO was combined with either EtOH or TH after reperfusion with rt-PA, as shown by the significantly decreased Glut1, Glut3, PFK-1, and LDH levels.

CONCLUSIONS

In a rat thromboembolic stroke model, both EtOH and TH used individually offer neuroprotection after the administration of rt-PA. While NBO monotherapy does not appear to be effective, it significantly potentiates the efficacy of EtOH and TH. The similar neuroprotection and underlying mechanisms pertaining to the attenuation of hyperglycolysis provided by EtOH or TH in combination with NBO suggest a possibility of substituting EtOH for TH. Thus a combination of NBO and EtOH, which are widely available and easily used, could become a novel and effective neuroprotective strategy in the clinical setting.

Comparison of measurement properties of the P4 pain scale and disease specific pain measures in patients with knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To compare measurement properties of the P4 pain scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index pain subscale (WOMAC-pain), and Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) measure in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

DESIGN

A secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial included participants (n = 156) with knee OA that were consulting with a surgeon regarding knee arthroplasty. They completed pain measures (P4, WOMAC-pain, ICOAP) and WOMAC-function subscale (WOMAC-function) at baseline and 2 weeks. Measurement properties assessed in various subgroups included floor/ceiling effects, test-retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1), internal consistency using Cronbach's ɑ, factorial structure of each pain measure combined with WOMAC-function using principal component analysis, and responsiveness using standardized response mean (SRM).

RESULTS

P4 had low floor and ceiling effects (<1%). P4 test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.72), internal consistency (Chronbach's ɑ = 0.91), and responsiveness (SRM = 0.56) were similar to the values for WOMAC-pain and ICOAP. Factorial structure of P4 and ICOAP were separate from WOMAC-function items. WOMAC-pain and WOMAC-function items loaded on similar factors. ICOAP-constant subscale had a large floor effect (33%).

CONCLUSIONS

P4 should be used to measure pain in patients with knee OA. It had acceptable measurement properties which is comparable to more widely used pain measures. WOMAC-pain shared a factorial structure with WOMAC-function indicating these measures might be capturing the same construct, questioning its validity to measure pain separately from function. ICOAP had acceptable properties. More work should compare pain measures in less severely affected OA populations.

The etiology of uterine sarcomas: a pooled analysis of the epidemiology of endometrial cancer consortium

BACKGROUND

Uterine sarcomas are characterised by early age at diagnosis, poor prognosis, and higher incidence among Black compared with White women, but their aetiology is poorly understood. Therefore, we performed a pooled analysis of data collected in the Epidemiology of Endometrial Cancer Consortium. We also examined risk factor associations for malignant mixed mullerian tumours (MMMTs) and endometrioid endometrial carcinomas (EECs) for comparison purposes.

METHODS

We pooled data on 229 uterine sarcomas, 244 MMMTs, 7623 EEC cases, and 28,829 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk factors associated with uterine sarcoma, MMMT, and EEC were estimated with polytomous logistic regression. We also examined associations between epidemiological factors and histological subtypes of uterine sarcoma.

RESULTS

Significant risk factors for uterine sarcoma included obesity (body mass index (BMI)≥30 vs BMI<25 kg m(-2) (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.22-2.46), P-trend=0.008) and history of diabetes (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.41-3.83). Older age at menarche was inversely associated with uterine sarcoma risk (≥15 years vs <11 years (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.34-1.44), P-trend: 0.04). BMI was significantly, but less strongly related to uterine sarcomas compared with EECs (OR: 3.03, 95% CI: 2.82-3.26) or MMMTs (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.60-3.15, P-heterogeneity=0.01).

CONCLUSION

In the largest aetiological study of uterine sarcomas, associations between menstrual, hormonal, and anthropometric risk factors and uterine sarcoma were similar to those identified for EEC. Further exploration of factors that might explain patterns of age- and race-specific incidence rates for uterine sarcoma are needed.

Variations in the formation of the median nerve and its clinical correlation

Variations in the formation of the median nerve are of interest to anatomists, radiologists, and surgeons. These variations may be vulnerable to damage in surgical operations, but their knowledge also helps in the interpretation of a nervous compression having unexplained clinical symptoms. We studied the variation in the formation of the median nerve in 87 cadavers, i.e. 174 upper limbs of formalin preserved cadavers at the department of Anatomy, Subharti medical college. We observed an additional root taking part in the formation of the median nerve in 26.4% of upper limbs, unusual low formation of the median nerve in the arm in front of the brachial artery in 18.4% of upper limbs, and median nerve formation medial to the axillary artery in 10.3% of upper limbs. Knowledge of such anatomical variations is of interest to the anatomist and clinician alike. Surgeons who perform procedures involving neoplasm or trauma repair need to be aware of these variations.

Interstitial ectopic pregnancy: A rare and difficult clinicosonographic diagnosis

Ectopic pregnancy in the interstitial part of the fallopian tube is a rare event. This condition presents a challenge for clinical as well as radiological diagnosis. Although routine two-dimensional ultrasound can be suggestive, three-dimensional ultrasound is highly accurate in diagnosis. Hence, the authors report a rare case of interstitial ectopic pregnancy diagnosed preoperatively by three-dimensional ultrasound and managed laparoscopically.

Variant origin of superior polar artery and unusual hilar branching pattern of renal artery with clinical correlation

Classically, a single renal artery arising from the abdominal aorta supplies the respective kidney on each side. Near the hilum of the kidney each renal artery divides into anterior and posterior branchs, which in turn divide into segmental arteries supplying the different renal segments. A total of 84 formalin fixed cadavers (73 male and 11 female, 168 kidneys in total) constituted the material for the study. During routine abdominal dissection conducted for medical undergraduates, the kidneys and their arteries were explored and variations in morphological patterns of renal arteries were noted. We observed superior polar renal artery in 22.6% cases. Superior polar renal arteries had different sources of origin. In 10.7% of cases it came directly from the abdominal aorta as an accessory renal artery; in 5.4% of cases as a direct branch from the main renal artery; in 3.6% of cases from the superior hilar renal artery (from one of the duplicated renal arteries); and in 3.0% of cases from a segmental branch of the renal artery. We also observed unusual hilar branching patterns of renal arteries, which included a fork pattern in 11.3% of cases, ladder pattern in 7.7% of cases, net pattern in 5.9% of cases, and triplicate in 3.0% of cases. Understanding the anatomy of vascular variations of the kidney is essential for the clinician to be able to perform procedures such as renal transplantation, interventional radiological procedures, and renal vascular operations more safely and efficiently.

Mediastinal pseudocysts in chronic pancreatitis with spontaneous resolution

A 39 year old male, chronic alcoholic for 12 years, presented with recurrent abdominal pain for last 3 years. He was admitted in our hospital with history of breathlessness, chest pain and abdominal pain for last 20 days. On investigation he had raised total leukocyte count with elevated serum amylase and lipase. Chest radiograph showed mediastinal widening and ultrasound of abdomen revealed chronic pancreatitis with peripancreatic pseudocysts. CT scan revealed extensive phlegmonous collections with cyst formation in the mediastinum which extended from the level of thoracic inlet to below the level of the diaphragm. There were in addition multiple pancreatic and lesser sac pseudocysts. Patient was stable and was hence closely observed on conservative treatment with complete abstinence from alcohol. We performed no surgical, endoscopic or radiological interventions. A repeat CT performed after 14 weeks showed almost complete resolution of the mediastinal pseudocyst. Overall adequate conservative management and timely imaging follow-up before planning any intervention helped us to see that there can be spontaneous resolution of mediastinal pseudocysts.

Alginate microspheres of isoniazid for oral sustained drug delivery

In the present study, spherical microspheres able to prolong the release of INH were produced by a modified emulsification method, using sodium alginate as the hydrophilic carrier. The shape and surface characteristics were determined by scanning electron microscopy using gold sputter technique. Particle sizes of both placebo and drug-loaded formulations were measured by SEM and the particle size distribution was determined by an optical microscope. The physical state of the drug in the formulation was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The release profiles of INH from microspheres were examined in simulated gastric fluid (SGF pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF pH 7.4). Gamma-scintigraphic studies were carried out to determine the location of microspheres on oral administration and the extent of transit through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The microspheres had a smoother surface and were found to be discreet and spherical in shape. The particles were heterogeneous with the maximum particles of an average size of 3.719mum. Results indicated that the mean particle size of the microspheres increased with an increase in the concentration of polymer and the cross-linker as well as the cross-linking time. The entrapment efficiency was found to be in the range of 40-91%. Concentration of the cross-linker up to 7.5% caused increase in the entrapment efficiency and the extent of drug release. Optimized isoniazid-alginate microspheres were found to possess good bioadhesion (72.25+/-1.015%). The bioadhesive property of the particles resulted in prolonged retention in the small intestine. Microspheres could be observed in the intestinal lumen at 4h and were detectable in the intestine 24h post-oral administration, although the percent radioactivity had significantly decreased (t(1/2) of (99m)Tc=4-5h). Increased drug loading (91%) was observed for the optimized formulation suggesting the efficiency of the method. Nearly 26% of INH was released in SGF pH 1.2 in 6h and 71.25% in SIF pH 7.4 in 30h. No significant drug-polymer interactions were observed in FT-IR studies. Dissolution and gamma-scintigraphy studies have shown promising results proving the utility of the formulation for enteric drug delivery.

Removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater using rice bran

The novel biosorbent rice bran has been successfully utilized for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater. The maximum removal of Cr(VI) was found to be 99.4% at pH 2.0, initial Cr(VI) concentration of 200 mg l(-1), and temperature 20 degrees C. The effect of different parameters such as contact time, adsorbate concentration, pH of the medium, and temperature was investigated. The adsorption kinetics was tested for first-order reversible, pseudo-first-order, and pseudo-second-order; reaction and the rate constants of kinetic models were calculated. Mass transfer of Cr(VI) from the bulk to the solid phase (rice bran) was studied at different temperatures. Different thermodynamic parameters, viz., changes in standard free energy, enthalpy, and entropy, have also been evaluated and it has been found that the reaction was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The Langmuir and Freundlich equations for describing adsorption equilibrium were applied to data. The constants and correlation coefficients of these isotherm models were calculated and compared. Desorption studies was also carried out and found that complete desorption of Cr(VI) took place at pH of 9.5. The data were also subjected to multiple regression analysis and a model was developed to predict the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater.

Removal of cadmium from wastewater using agricultural waste 'rice polish'

A novel biosorbent rice polish has been successfully utilized for the removal of cadmium(II) from wastewater. The maximum removal of cadmium(II) was found to be 9.72 mg g(-1) at pH 8.6, initial Cd(II) concentration of 125 mg l(-1) and temperature of 20 degrees C. The effect of different parameters such as contact time, adsorbate concentration, pH of the medium and temperature were investigated. Dynamics of the sorption process were studied and the values of rate constant of adsorption, rate constant of intraparticle diffusion and mass transfer coefficient were calculated. Different thermodynamic parameters, viz., changes in standard free energy, enthalpy and entropy have also been evaluated and it has been found that the reaction was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The applicability of Langmuir isotherm showed monolayer coverage of the adsorbate on the surface of adsorbents. A generalised empirical model was proposed for the kinetics at different initial concentrations. The data were subjected to multiple regression analysis and a model was developed to predict the removal of Cd(II) from wastewater.

Mekong malaria. II. Update of malaria, multi-drug resistance and economic development in the Mekong region of Southeast Asia

In an expansion of the first Mekong Malaria monograph published in 1999, this second monograph updates the malaria database in the countries comprising the Mekong region of Southeast Asia. The update adds another 3 years' information to cover cumulative data from the 6 Mekong countries (Cambodia, China/Yunnan, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam) for the six-year period 1999-2001. The objective is to generate a more comprehensive regional perspective in what is a global epicenter of drug resistant falciparum malaria, in order to improve malaria control on a regional basis in the context of social and economic change. The further application of geographical information systems (GIS) to the analysis has underscored the overall asymmetry of disease patterns in the region, with increased emphasis on population mobility in disease spread. Of great importance is the continuing expansion of resistance of P. falciparum to antimalarial drugs in common use and the increasing employment of differing drug combinations as a result. The variation in drug policy among the 6 countries still represents a major obstacle to the institution of region-wide restrictions on drug misuse. An important step forward has been the establishment of 36 sentinel sites throughout the 6 countries, with the objective of standardizing the drug monitoring process; while not all sentinel sites are fully operational yet, the initial implementation has already given encouraging results in relation to disease monitoring. Some decreases in malaria mortality have been recorded. The disease patterns delineated by GIS are particularly instructive when focused on inter-country distribution, which is where more local collaborative effort can be made to rationalize resource utilization and policy development. Placing disease data in the context of socio-economic trends within and between countries serves to further identify the needs and the potential for placing emphasis on resource rationalization on a regional basis. Despite the difficulties, the 6-year time frame represented in this monograph gives confidence that the now well established collaboration is becoming a major factor in improving malaria control on a regional basis and hopefully redressing to a substantial degree the key problem of spread of drug resistance regionally and eventually globally.

Long term effect of aflatoxin B(1) on lipid peroxidation in rat liver and kidney: effect of picroliv and silymarin

Aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) is a potent hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic mycotoxin. The mechanism of cellular damage caused by AFB(1) has not been fully elucidated. Lipid peroxidation is one of the main manifestations of oxidative damage and has been found to play an important role in the toxicity and carcinogenesis of many carcinogens. The present investigation aims at assessing the comparative antioxidant effect of picroliv, a standardized iridoid glycoside fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa and silymarin, a well known standard hepatoprotective, on aflatoxin B(1) induced lipid-peroxidation in rat liver and kidney. Marked increases in lipid peroxide levels and a concomitant decrease in enzymic antioxidant levels were observed in aflatoxin B(1) (2 mg/kg, i.p) -toxicated rats, while drug (picroliv and silymarin both) treatment reversed the condition to near normal levels. The effects of picroliv and silymarin were comparable.

Biochemical changes induced in liver and serum of aflatoxin B1-treated male wistar rats: preventive effect of picroliv

Administration of aflatoxin B1 to rats (2 mg/kg intraperitoneally) caused significant increase in the activities of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, 5'-nucleotidase, acid phosphatase, acid ribonuclease as well as content of lipid peroxides in liver after six weeks. However, the activities of succinate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphatase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in liver were decreased. The levels of glycogen and reduced glutathione were also decreased. There were significant elevations in the levels of serum transaminases, phosphatases (acid and alkaline), dehydrogenases (sorbitol, lactate and glutamate) and bilirubin following aflatoxin B1 administration. Picroliv (25 mg/kg/day orally for six weeks), an iridoid glycoside isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa, significantly prevented the biochemical changes induced by aflatoxin B1.

Hepatocurative effect of picroliv and silymarin against aflatoxin B1 induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Single doses of aflatoxin B1 (2 mg/kg, i.p.) caused significant increases in the activities of tau-glutamyl transpeptidase, 5'-nucleotidase, acid phosphatase and acid ribonuclease, and decreases in the activities of succinate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphatase in liver, after 8 weeks. The level of lipid peroxides, DNA, RNA, and cholesterol increased while glycogen decreased. It also increased the serum level of transaminases, sorbitol dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. Oral administration of picroliv (25 mg/kg/day for 15 days), a standardised iridoid glycoside fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa, 6 weeks after aflatoxin B1 toxication, significantly prevented the biochemical changes induced in liver and serum of aflatoxin B1 treated rats. The hepatocurative effect of picroliv and silymarin, a plant based standard hepatoprotective are comparable.

Relations among indexes of memory disturbance and depression in patients with Lyme borreliosis

This study examined the relation between complaints of memory disturbance and measures of mood and memory functioning in 55 patients with serological evidence of late-stage Lyme Borreliosis (LB). Patients completed the Self-Ratings of Memory Questionnaire (SRMQ) and the Beck Depression Inventory. Memory functioning was assessed with the California Verbal Learning Test. Depressed patients exhibited more frequent complaints of memory disturbance on the SRMQ, although their pattern of responses did not differ from nondepressed patients. There was a significant correlation between subjective memory ratings and self-reported depression (Spearman rho = -.57, p < .001). No relation was observed between subjective memory ratings and objective memory performance. The results indicate subjective complaints of more severe memory disturbance in patients with LB and depression. Particular attention should be paid to the assessment of depression and subjective symptoms of memory disturbance when administering neuropsychological tests of memory functioning in patients with LB.

The neuropsychological examination of naming in Lyme borreliosis

Although subjective complaints of word finding and naming deficits are commonly reported by patients with Lyme Borreliosis (LB), the existence of these disturbances has not been thoroughly investigated. Forty-four patients with LB and 43 healthy controls were administered a symptom questionnaire, the Boston Naming Test (BNT), the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), and a series of category naming tasks. LB patients had a higher rate of complaints of word-finding disturbance (55% vs. 14%). Lower mean scores were observed on the BNT, but not on the COWAT, nor on category naming tasks. Thirty-six percent of the LB sample exhibited BNT scores in the impaired range. BNT scores in this group were correlated with a measure of memory retrieval, but not with verbal fluency indexes. There was no relation between naming scores and depression. LB patients exhibit impairments in word finding that appear to be secondary to a generalized retrieval deficit.

The maize glutamine synthetase GS1-2 gene is preferentially expressed in kernel pedicels and is developmentally-regulated

The pedicel region of Zea mays kernels contains a unique form of maize glutamine synthetase (GS), GSp1. RNA blot analysis using GS gene-specific probes revealed that the expression of the GS1-2 gene was specific to the pedicel and that it increased in the kernels during development. This pattern of the maize GS1-2 gene expression is consistent with the tissue specificity of the GSp1 protein and suggests that it encodes the GSp1 isoform of maize GS.

A phase II and pharmacokinetic study of enloplatin in patients with platinum refractory advanced ovarian carcinoma

This was a study of enloplatin in 18 evaluable patients with platinum refractory ovarian cancer. They received an i.v. infusion of enloplatin over 1.5 h without prehydration every 21 days. One patient had a partial response (6%; 95% CI 0-26%) lasting 2.8 months. The median survival was 9.4 months (95%; CI 5.1-19.7%). Neutropenia was the dose-limiting toxicity. Nephrotoxicity was manageable. Enloplatin is the major form of the free drug in plasma. However, 13.5 h after initiation of treatment, 85% of the drug in plasma is protein bound. Elimination of the drug is mainly renal. Enloplatin pharmacokinetics is similar to that of carboplatin. Thus, the plasma pharmacokinetics of enloplatin is dictated by the cyclobutanedicarboxylato (CBDCA) ligand and not the novel amino ligand.

Footprinting of the spinach nitrite reductase gene promoter reveals the preservation of nitrate regulatory elements between fungi and higher plants

Nitrite reductase (NiR) is the second enzyme in the nitrate assimilatory pathway reducing nitrite to ammonium. The expression of the NiR gene is induced upon the addition of nitrate. In an earlier study, a 130 bp upstream region of the spinach NiR gene promoter, located between -330 to - 200, was shown to be necessary for nitrate induction of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) expression in tissue-specific manner in transgenic tobacco plant [28]. To further delineate the cis-acting elements involved in nitrate regulation of NiR gene expression, transgenic tobacco plants were generated with 5' deletions in the -330 to -200 region of the spinach NiR gene promoter fused to the GUS gene. Plants with the NiR promoter deleted to -230 showed a considerable increase in GUS activity in the presence of nitrate, indicating that the 30 bp region between -230 to -200 is crucial for nitrate-regulated expression of NiR. In vivo DMS footprinting of the -300 to -130 region of the NiR promoter in leaf tissues from two independent transgenic lines revealed several nitrate-inducible footprints. Footprinting within the -230 to -181 region revealed factor binding to two adjacent GATA elements separated by 24 bp. This arrangement of GATA elements is analogous to cis-regulatory sequences found in the promoters of nitrate-inducible genes of Neurospora crassa, regulated by the NIT2 Zn-finger protein. The -240 to -110 fragment of the NiR promoter, which contains two NIT2 consensus core elements, bound in vitro to a fusion protein comprising the zinc finger domain of the N. crassa NIT2 protein. The data presented here show that nitrate-inducible expression of the NiR gene is mediated by nitrate-specific binding of trans-acting factors to sequences preserved between fungi and higher plants.

Zeniplatin in advanced malignant melanoma and renal cancer: phase II studies with unexpected nephrotoxicity

The antitumor activity of zeniplatin, a third-generation, water-soluble platinum compound that has shown broad preclinical antitumor activity and no significant nephrotoxicity in phase I trials, was tested in patients with advanced malignant melanoma and advanced renal cancer. Patients who had not previously been treated, except with local limb perfusion and immunotherapy, were given zeniplatin as bolus injections at 125 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. The main hematological toxicity was leukopenia (7/30 patients, WHO grade > or = 3) and the main nonhematological toxicity was nausea and vomiting (21/30 patients, WHO grade > or = 2). Serious nephrotoxicity was observed early in the renal cancer study and, later, also in the melanoma study. Hyperhydration did not prevent the nephrotoxicity, and the studies were stopped after 6 renal cancer patients and 24 malignant melanoma patients had been included. Zeniplatin gave objective responses in 3 of the 21 evaluable malignant melanoma patients [2 complete responses (CRs) in patients with lymph-node metastases lasted 5 and 14 months, respectively; 1 partial response (PR) in a patient with lymph-node and liver metastases lasted 6 months]. In the renal cancer study, only four patients were evaluable for response and none responded. The results show that zeniplatin has some activity (14%) in patients with advanced malignant melanoma, but no conclusion can be drawn regarding the activity of zeniplatin in renal cancer as the number of patients was too low. The main toxicities were leukopenia and nausea and vomiting. Unexpected and serious nephrotoxicity was observed, and for this reason the studies were terminated before the planned number of patients had been included. A possible explanation for the nephrotoxicity may be drug interactions, but no firm conclusion can yet be drawn.

Picroliv protects against alcohol-induced chronic hepatotoxicity in rats

Daily administration of ethyl alcohol (3.76 g/kg, p.o.) for 45 days resulted in significant changes in several biochemical parameters of the liver and serum of albino rats. After exposure to alcohol for 30 days when Picroliv (12 mg/kg, p.o.), an iridoid glycoside fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa, was administered for 15 days along with alcohol, the degree of change in most of the parameters was reduced.

A phase II trial of zeniplatin in metastatic melanoma

A third-generation platinum analogue, zeniplatin, was administered at a dose of 145 mg/m2 intravenously over 60-90 minutes every 21 days as the initial chemotherapy to 21 patients with metastatic melanoma. Prehydration and mannitol diuresis was introduced after the first 7 patients. There were 17 males and 4 females. The median age was 52 (range: 29-81). ECOG performance status was 0 in 10 patients, 1 in 8 patients and 2 in 3 patients. Major disease sites were lymph nodes, skin, lung, liver, and bone. Patients received a median of 2 cycles (range: 1-7). Two patients achieved partial responses. One with nodal disease progressed after 166 days and the other with buccal mucosal disease after 142 days. A third patient showed partial regression of nodal disease but developed cerebral metastases. Gastrointestinal toxicity included WHO grade 3 vomiting in 8 patients and nausea in 2. Antiemetics were used, but ondansetron was not available. WHO grade 3 hematologic toxicities included neutropenia in 8 patients and anemia and thrombocytopenia in 1 patient. Thrombocytosis was seen in 35% of courses. Dosage reduction was required in 15% of courses and escalation in 5% of courses. Three patients developed phlebitis related to the infusion. One patient developed a reversible rise in serum creatinine, but, unlike other studies, no severe nephrotoxicity was reported. Zeniplatin demonstrated only modest activity in melanoma with significant gastrointestinal and hematologic toxicity.

Pneumothorax after thoracentesis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the frequency of pneumothorax is increased after thoracentesis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

DESIGN

Prospective.

SETTING

Northeastern community hospital.

PATIENTS

One-hundred-six patients underwent multiple thoracentesis; 36 patients had co-existent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (mean age, 68.2 years). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was identified by radiologic findings consistent with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and as forced expiratory volume in one second less than 70% of predicted.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Identification of pneumothorax on chest roentgenogram after thoracentesis.

INTERVENTION

Patients had diagnostic or therapeutic thoracentesis with follow-up chest radiography within 2 hours, or sooner if clinically indicated.

RESULTS

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had a higher incidence of pneumothorax (15 of 36 patients; 41.7%) than those patients without underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (13 of 70 patients; 18.5%; p = 0.005). The frequency of pneumothorax was no different according to who performed the procedure (house staff or pulmonologist), whether it was for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons, and whether a small (< 500 ml) or large (> 500 ml) amount of fluid is removed.

CONCLUSION

Pneumothorax may frequently occur in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease undergoing thoracentesis. The reason may be related to the altered architecture of the lung parenchyma and the change in mechanical forces in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Sonography-guided thoracentesis may offer a safer means of performing thoracentesis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Cloning of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) arginine decarboxylase gene and its expression during fruit ripening

Arginine decarboxylase (ADC) is the first enzyme in one of the two pathways of putrescine biosynthesis in plants. The genes encoding ADC have previously been cloned from oat and Escherichia coli. Degenerate oligonucleotides corresponding to two conserved regions of ADC were used as primers in polymerase chain reaction amplification of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) genomic DNA, and a 1.05-kb fragment was obtained. This genomic DNA fragment encodes an open reading frame of 350 amino acids showing about 50% identity with the oat ADC protein. Using this fragment as a probe, we isolated several partial ADC cDNA clones from a tomato pericarp cDNA library. The 5' end of the coding region was subsequently obtained from a genomic clone containing the entire ADC gene. The tomato ADC gene contains an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 502 amino acids and a predicted molecular mass of about 55 kD. The predicted amino acid sequence exhibits 47 and 38% identify with oat and E. coli ADCs, respectively. Gel blot hybridization experiments show that, in tomato, ADC is encoded by a single gene and is expressed as a transcript of approximately 2.2 kb in the fruit pericarp and leaf tissues. During fruit ripening the amount of ADC transcript appeared to peak at the breaker stage. No significant differences were seen when steady-state ADC mRNA levels were compared between normal versus long-keeping Alcobaca (alc) fruit, although alc fruit contain elevated putrescine levels and ADC activity at the ripe stage. The lack of correlation between ADC activity and steady-state mRNA levels in alc fruit suggests a translational and/or posttranslational regulation of ADC gene expression during tomato fruit ripening.

Perfusion with picroliv reverses biochemical changes induced in livers of rats toxicated with galactosamine or thioacetamide

Perfusion of liver of rats toxicated with galactosamine or thioacetamide with a 0.02% solution of picroliv (glycoside fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa) for 30 min (1 ml/min; 6 mg/rat), significantly reversed toxicant-induced changes in the activities of several enzymes. Galactosamine induced increases in the activities of alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, acid ribonuclease, acid phosphatase, succinate dehydrogenase and decreases in the activities of Na(+)-K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and glucose-6-phosphatase (reversed by 40-87%). Similarly, thioacetamide-induced inhibitions of the activities of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, Ca(++)-ATPase, Mg(++)-ATPase, succinate dehydrogenase and elevations in the activities of alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and acid ribonuclease were also significantly reversed. A significant reversal of the toxicants-induced decrease in [14C]-leucine incorporation was also observed. These results indicate that picroliv can also reverse D-galactosamine- or thioacetamide-induced hepatic damage in rats.

Picroliv protects against aflatoxin B1 acute hepatotoxicity in rats

The hepatoprotective activity of Picroliv, a standardized iridoid glycoside fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa, has been investigated by studying the protection of biochemical and histological changes induced in livers of rats given single oral doses (7 mg/kg) of aflatoxin B1. Administration of aflatoxin B1 resulted in a significant increase in 5'-nucleotidase, r-glutamyl transpeptidase, acid ribonuclease, total lipids, cholesterol and lipid peroxides in liver and transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin in serum. However, the activity of glucose 6-phosphatase and levels of cytochrome P450, cytochrome b5, DNA, RNA, proteins and glycogen in liver and total proteins in serum decreased. The liver histology showed ballooned hepatocytes, degeneration, microvesicular fat, focal necrosis, bile duct hyperplasia and proliferation of oval and spindle cells in portal tracts. When Picroliv (25 mg/kg x 7 days) was given to aflatoxin B1 toxicated rats, the majority of the biochemical and histological changes were significantly protected. The findings indicate a hepatoprotective activity of Picroliv against aflatoxin B1 toxicity in rats.

Picroliv and its components kutkoside and picroside I protect liver against galactosamine-induced damage in rats

D-Galactosamine (800 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) caused significant decrease in the activities of 5'-nucleotidase, glucose-6-phosphatase and cytochrome P450 and increase in activities of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, succinate dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and acid ribonuclease in liver after 24 hr. The levels of RNA, protein and glycogen decreased while total lipids, phospholipids, cholesterol and lipid peroxides increased. It also increased the serum levels of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin while protein concentration decreased significantly. Oral administration of Picroliv (12 mg/kg/day for 7 days), a standardised iridoid glycoside fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa, significantly prevented the biochemical changes in liver and serum of galactosamine-toxicated rats. Kutkoside (12 mg/kg/day for 7 days) also protected against changes in most of the hepatic and serum constituents studied. Another iridoid glycoside from Picroliv, Picroside I, at the same dose level could only prevent toxicant-induced changes in acid phosphatase, phospholipids and lipid peroxides in liver and alkaline phosphatase in serum. Mixture of Picroside I and Kutkoside in the ratio of 1:1.5 at 12 mg/kg dose elicited lesser response than Picroliv.

Effects of picroliv, the active principle of Picrorhiza kurroa, on biochemical changes in rat liver poisoned by Amanita phalloides

The efficacy of Picroliv, a standardized iridoid glycoside fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa, was studied against the Amanita phalloides-induced biochemical changes in rat liver. A phalloides (50 mg.kg-1) caused significant increases in the activities of hepatic 5'-nucleotidase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, acid ribonuclease, and succinate dehydrogenase, but a decrease in glucose-6-phosphatase. The level of cytochrome P-450 in microsomal fraction and content of glycogen in liver showed significant depletions. Picroliv (25 mg.kg-1.d-1 x 10 d) provided significant restorations of all the biochemical changes poisoned by A phalloides except cytochrome P-450 and glycogen. These results demonstrated the protective effect of Picroliv against A phalloides-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Isolation of the spinach nitrite reductase gene promoter which confers nitrate inducibility on GUS gene expression in transgenic tobacco

Nitrite reductase is the second enzyme in the nitrate assimilatory pathway. The transcription of this gene is regulated by nitrate as well as a variety of other environmental and developmental factors. Genomic clones containing the entire nitrite reductase gene have been isolated from a spinach genomic library and sequenced. The sequence is identical in the transcribed region to a previously isolated spinach NiR cDNA clone (Back et al., 1988) except for the presence of three introns. The analysis of the genomic clones and DNA blot hybridization demonstrates that there is a single NiR gene per haploid genome in spinach. This is in contrast to what has been found for other plant species. The transcription initiation site has been determined by S1 mapping and the 5' upstream region has been used to regulate the GUS reporter gene in transgenic tobacco plants. This gene was found to be regulated by the addition of nitrate in the transgenic plants.

Picroliv protects against monocrotaline-induced hepatic damage in rats

Monocrotaline, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, caused changes in most of the biochemical parameters in rats 12 days after a single dose of 120 mg/kg. These included significantly increased activities of hepatic succinate dehydrogenase, acid ribonuclease, acid phosphatase, gammaglutamyl transpeptidase and 5'-nucleotidase and decreased in the activities of glucose-6-phosphatase and cytochrome P450. The levels of DNA, RNA and glycogen in liver and albumin and protein in serum decreased while serum bilirubin increased. The histopathological changes in liver were characterized by diffused hepatocyte alterations in the form of ballooning, granular cytoplasm, indistinct cell outlines, nuclear changes, focal necrosis, and vascular damage. When picroliv, a standardized iridoid glycoside fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa, was administered orally in a dose of 25 mg/kg simultaneously with monocrotaline, alterations in most of the biochemical parameters along with the histopathological changes in liver caused by monocrotaline were prevented.

Polyamine Metabolism in Ripening Tomato Fruit : II. Polyamine Metabolism and Synthesis in Relation to Enhanced Putrescine Content and Storage Life of a/c Tomato Fruit

The fruit of the Alcobaca landrace of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) have prolonged keeping qualities (determined by the allele a/c) and contain three times as much putrescine as the standard Rutgers variety (A/c) at the ripe stage (ARG Dibble, PJ Davies, MA Mutschler [1988] Plant Physiol 86: 338-340). Polyamine metabolism and biosynthesis were compared in fruit from Rutgers and Rutgers-a/c-a near isogenic line possessing the allele a/c, at four different stages of ripening. The levels of soluble polyamine conjugates as well as wall bound polyamines in the pericarp tissue and jelly were very low or nondetectable in both genotypes. The increase in putrescine content in a/c pericarp is not related to normal ripening as it occurred with time and whether or not the fruit ripened. Pericarp discs of both normal and a/c fruit showed a decrease in the metabolism of [1,4-(14)C]putrescine and [terminal labeled-(3)H]spermidine with ripening, but there were no significant differences between the two genotypes. The activity of ornithine decarboxylase was similar in the fruit pericarp of the two lines. Arginine decarboxylase activity decreased during ripening in Rutgers but decreased and rose again in Rutgers-a/c fruit, and as a result it was significantly higher in a/c fruit than in the normal fruit at the ripe stage. The elevated putrescine levels in a/c fruit appear, therefore, to be due to an increase in the activity of arginine decarboxylase.

Polyamine metabolism in ripening tomato fruit : I. Identification of metabolites of putrescine and spermidine

The metabolism of [1,4-(14)C]putrescine and [terminal methylene-(3)H]spermidine was studied in the fruit pericarp (breaker stage) discs of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cv Rutgers, and the metabolites identified by high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The metabolism of both putrescine and spermidine was relatively slow; in 24 hours about 25% of each amine was metabolized. The (14)C label from putrescine was incorporated into spermidine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid, and a polar fraction eluting with sugars and organic acids. In the presence of gabaculine, a specific inhibitor of GABA:pyruvate transaminase, the label going into glutamic acid, sugars and organic acids decreased by 80% while that in GABA increased about twofold, indicating that the transamination reaction is probably a major fate of GABA produced from putrescine in vivo. [(3)H]Spermidine was catabolized into putrescine and beta-alanine. The conversion of putrescine into GABA, and that of spermidine into putrescine, suggests the presence of polyamine oxidizing enzymes in tomato pericarp tissues. The possible pathways of putrescine and spermidine metabolism are discussed.

Polyamines and Flower Development in the Male Sterile Stamenless-2 Mutant of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) : II. Effects of Polyamines and Their Biosynthetic Inhibitors on the Development of Normal and Mutant Floral Buds Cultured in Vitro

The floral organs of the male sterile stamenless-2 (sl-2/sl-2) mutant of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) contain significantly higher level of polyamines than those of the normal (R Rastogi, VK Sawhney [1990] Plant Physiol 93: 439-445). The effects of putrescine, spermidine and spermine, and three different inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis on the in vitro development of floral buds of the normal and sl-2/sl-2 mutant were studied. The polyamines were inhibitory to the in vitro growth and development of both the normal and mutant floral buds and they induced abnormal stamen development in normal flowers. The inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis also inhibited the growth and development of floral organs of the two genotypes, but the normal flowers showed greater sensitivity than the mutant. The inhibitors also promoted the formation of normal-looking pollen in stamens of some mutant flowers. The effect of the inhibitors on polyamine levels was not determined. The polyamine-induced abnormal stamen development in the normal, and the inhibitor-induced production of normal-looking pollen in mutant flowers support the suggestion that the elevated polyamine levels contribute to abnormal stamen development in the sl-2/sl-2 mutant of tomato.

Hepatoprotective activity of picroliv against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats

Administration of carbon tetrachloride to normal rats increased activities of hepatic 5(1)-nucleotidase, acid phosphatase, acid ribonuclease while the activities of succinate dehydrogenase, glucose 6-phosphatase, superoxide dismutase and cytochrome P450 were decreased. Levels of lipid peroxides, total lipids and cholesterol of liver were also increased. The activities of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were increased. Other serum parameters showing changes after carbon tetrachloride were: bilirubin, proteins, cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein-X. Picroliv (from the plant Picrorhiza kurroa) in doses of 6 and 12 mg/kg provided a significant protection against most of the biochemical alterations produced by carbon tetrachloride. The degree of protection afforded by picroliv, when administered simultaneously or as a pretreatment was almost equal.

Polyamines and Flower Development in the Male Sterile Stamenless-2 Mutant of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) : I. Level of Polyamines and Their Biosynthesis in Normal and Mutant Flowers

The levels of free putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, and the activities of ornithine decarboxylase and s-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase were determined in the floral organs of the normal and a male sterile stamenless-2 (sl-2/sl-2) mutant of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Under the intermediate temperature regime, all mutant floral organs possessed significantly higher levels of polyamines and enzyme activities than their normal counterparts. In the low temperature-reverted mutant stamens, the polyamine levels and the activity of PA biosynthetic enzymes were not significantly different from the normal. It is suggested that the abnormal stamen development in the sl-2/sl-2 mutant is, in part, related to elevated levels of endogenous PAs.