COX2 Effects on endometrial carcinomas progression

Uterine corpus cancer is one of the most prevalent gynecologic malignancies, among which endometrial cancers (EC) represent about 90 %. Despite the proven predictive value of several immunohistochemical markers, there remains a need to identify new indicators of EC progression and exploit them for therapeutic purposes. Potential candidates with diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy include cyclooxygenases (COXs). We studied 50 EC cases: 30 endometrioid (EEC), 10 serous (SEC), 10 clear-cell endometrial carcinomas (CCEC) and 10 cases of normal endometrial tissues. We investigated the expression of COX2, ER, PR, Ki-67, EGFR, p53, Bcl-2, VEGF, MMP1, CD31, and CD163 immunohistochemically. COX2 levels in EC tissue are elevated compared to the normal endometrium and depend on tumour histological features and differentiation. Elevated COX2 leads to increased tumour cell proliferation, apoptosis inhibition, increased VEGF expression, microvessel density, and M2 macrophage infiltration, and inhibition of PR expression. ER, EGFR, and MMP1 levels are unaffected by COX2, whose levels are independent of patient age and FIGO stage.

Tattoos: the relationship of diagnostic and semantic meaning

This article investigates a tattoo as a component of non-verbal semiotics of medical discourse in pathological anatomy. The purpose is to estimate the diagnostic value of tattoos on the body of patients as semiotic and symbolic aspect of medical communication. Tattoos are classified into three types: image tattoos, feature tattoos, and conventional tattoos (symbolic tattoos). Conventional tattoos are the most informative component of medical discourse symbolics because of their diagnostic value. During the investigation it has been found out that criminal tattoos have the greatest value because of their structuring, clear connection with certain diseases (tuberculosis, liver cirrhosis), and also valuable are tattoos related to drug and alcohol addiction, which are characteristic for patients with viral hepatitis, osteomyelitis.

Prevalence of prostate cancer among the population of Sumy region

In soils and surface waters in the Sumy region increased content of heavy metals (copper, manganese, iron, chromium, lead and zinc) according to Novomoskovskaya geological expedition (1991) and the report of the State Administration of Environmental Protection in the Sumy region "On state of the environment in the Sumy region " for 2012. Therefore, in this region is extremely important to study the possible impact of adverse environmental factors on the occurrence of pathological processes, especially cancer in the population. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible factors influencing the prostate cancer morbidity among the general population in different areas of Sumy region. Screening analysis of prostate cancer morbidity among the population of Sumy region was conducted and the data of the Sumy Regional Oncology Center on the prevalence of cancer among the population of the Sumy region in the last 10 years were studied. The environmental situation of the Sumy region in recent years was studied; areas with the highest pollution of surface waters and soils were identified. Comparison of pollution of Sumy regions and prostate cancer morbidity were conducted The study of the ecological situation in Sumy region and analysis of the level of environmental pollution in some areas showed that the highest incidence of prostate cancer observed in areas with poor ecological state of water resources and soil. Significant fluctuations in the level of breast cancer morbidity in different areas of Sumy region were also found. The study showed that the incidence of prostate cancer among the population of Sumy region associated with adverse environmental factors.

Characterization of edible oils using total luminescence spectroscopy

Total luminescence spectroscopy was used to characterise and differentiate edible oils and additionally, to control one of the major problems in the oil quality--the effect of thermal and photo-oxidation. We studied several vegetable oils available on the Polish market, including soybean, rapeseed, corn, sunflower, linseed and olive oils. Total luminescence spectroscopy measurements were performed using two different sample geometries: front-face for pure oil samples and right-angle for transparent samples, diluted in n-hexane. All the samples studied as n-hexane solutions exhibit an intense peak, which appears at 320 nm in emission and 290 nm in excitation, attributed to tocopherols. Some of the oils exhibit a second long-wavelength peak, appearing at 670 nm in emission and 405 nm in excitation, belonging to pigments of the chlorophyll group. Additional bands were present in the intermediate range of excitation and emission wavelengths; however, the compounds responsible for this emission were not identified. The front-face spectra for pure oils included chlorophyll peaks for most samples, and some additional peaks in the intermediate range, while the tocopherol peaks were comparatively less intense. The results presented demonstrate the capability of the total luminescence techniques to characterise and differentiate vegetable oil products, and additionally, to characterize the effect of thermal and photo-oxidation on such products. In the photo-oxidation experiments, special attention was paid to possible involvement of singlet oxygen. Experiments were done to monitor the highly specific O2(1delta(g)) --> O2(3sigma(g)-) singlet oxygen emission at 1270 nm. Thus, total luminescence spectroscopy presents an interesting alternative to time-consuming and expensive techniques such as gas or liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and other methods requiring wet chemistry steps.

Effects of 8-OHDPAT administration into the dorsal raphe nucleus and dorsal hippocampus on fear behavior and regional brain monoamines distribution in rats

The effects of R(+)-8-hydroxy-dipropylaminotetralin (8-OHDPAT) administration into the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) or bilaterally into the dorsal hippocampus (HIP) on fear behavior in a modified version of the light-dark transitions test and regional brain monoamines (NA, DA, 5-HT) and their metabolites (MHPG, DOPAC, 5-HIAA) in the hypothalamus, midbrain central gray matter, amygdala, hippocampus and pons were examined. The experiments were performed on 36 male, 3-month old Wistar rats. Administration of 8-OHDPAT (200 ng) into the DRN reduced time out from the illuminated part of the chamber and time of motionless behavior in the illuminated part, increased the number of returns from the dark to illuminated part and number of head dipping from the dark to illuminated part without effect on time of motionless behavior in the dark part and on time of locomotor activity in the illuminated as well as in dark part of the chamber. HPLC analysis showed reduction of 5-HT content in the midbrain and amygdala, reduction of 5-HIAA content in pons, increased 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio in the hippocampus and increased DOPAC/DA ratio in the hypothalamus, midbrain, hippocampus and pons without affecting the MHPG/NA ratio and NA content. The administration of 8-OHDPAT (100 ng per site) into the HIP reduced time out from the illuminated part of chamber, time of locomotor activity in the illuminated part and head dipping from the dark to illuminated part without effect on the number of returns from the dark to illuminated part, time of locomotor activity in the dark part and time of motionless in the illuminated as well as in the dark part of chamber. HPLC analysis showed reduction of NA content in the hypothalamus, amygdala and pons, increased the MHPG content in all the investigated structures, increased MHPG/NA ratio in all the investigated structures except the hypothalamus. Dopamine content decreased in the hypothalamus and amygdala, and DOPAC/DA ratio increased in the amygdala and hippocampus. Concentrations of 5-HT, 5-HIAA and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio were unchanged. The results obtained indicate that 8-OHDPAT acting on the pre-synaptic 5-HT1A receptors decreases fear behavior and acting on 5-HT1A post-synaptic receptors increases fear behavior in the light-dark transitions test. The neurochemical base of anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects evoked by 8-OHDPAT is being discussed.

Bicuculline administration into ventromedial hypothalamus: effects on fear and regional brain monoamines and GABA concentrations in rats

The effects of bicuculline methiodide administration into ventromedial hypothalamus (15 ng per site, bilaterally) on fear behavior and monoamines (NA, DA, 5-HT) and GABA in structures of the brain defensive system (hypothalamus, midbrain gray matter, amygdala, hippocampus and frontal cortex) were studied. Fear behavior was examined in the modified version of light-dark transition test. The time out from the illuminated compartment of chamber, the time spent there and number of returns to the illuminated compartment was measured. Additionally motor activity, i.e., number of crossings and rearings in dark as well as in the illuminated part of compartment, was registered. Blockade of GABAA receptors in the ventromedial hypothalamus resulted in increased fear behavior, i.e. decrease of time out from illuminated compartment and decrease of the time spent there. Motor behavior remained unchanged. HPLC analysis showed reduction of GABA concentration in all investigated brain structures. An increase of NA concentration in all examined structures with exception of the hypothalamus without effect on MHPG/NA was observed as well. Dopamine level remained unchanged, but DOPAC/DA ratio increased in all structures, except frontal cortex. Also HVA/DA ratio increased in the hypothalamus and midbrain. 5-HT concentration increased only in midbrain, 5-HIAA increased in midbrain and in frontal cortex, and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio increased only in frontal cortex. These results indicate that GABA-ergic and monoaminergic systems remain in functional interactions and that these interactions may play an important role in the neurochemical regulation of fear behavior. The possible mechanism of GABA--monoaminergic interactions is discussed.

Behavioral and neurochemical alterations evoked by p-Chlorophenylalanine application in rats examined in the light-dark crossing test

The aim of the present study is to examine the effects of serotonin synthesis inhibition with p-Chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA) in rats on (1) anxiety behavior examined in the light-dark crossing test and, (2) regional brain concentration of monoamines (NA, DA and 5-HT) and their metabolites (MHPG, DOPAC, HVA and 5-HIAA) as well as GABA in the hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, midbrain central gray matter and the frontal cortex. Treatment of animals with p-CPA produced a significant increase in time out from the illuminated part of the chamber and in time of locomotor activity in the illuminated part of the chamber. HPLC analysis showed a significant reduction of 5-HT and 5-HIAA concentration in all examined brain regions with the exception of the frontal cortex. Additionally, a significant decrease in DA and its metabolites, DOPAC and HVA occurred in the hypothalamus and amygdala. Moreover, we observed a significant decrease in frontal cortex NA concentration after p-CPA administration. The results of our study suggest that administration of p-CPA is effective in reduction of anxiety through depletion of 5-HT accompanied by diminution of catecholamines, especially DA and its metabolites in the main emotional brain regions.

Social interactions, brain monoamines, and GABA alterations in MFB-lesioned cats

The effects of denervation of central noradrenergic system on the interpartner relationships of adult cats were examined in a predatory test in the competitive situation for paired animals. Direct administration of the noradrenaline neurotoxin, N-2-chloroethyl-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP-4 12 microg) into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) of submissive cats changed previously established dominant-submissive relationship. Biochemical analysis demonstrated a significant reduction of noradrenaline (NA) concentration in the hypothalamus (AH), amygdala (AM), hippocampus (HC), and frontal cortex (CTX), and elevation of NA content in the midbrain central gray matter (CG) in MFB-lesioned cats. Simultaneously, DSP-4-induced lesions exerted significant decrease of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylene glycol (MHPG) content in AH, CG, HC and CTX, and increased GABA level in AH, CG, AM, and HC. These results suggest that a coincident decrease of NA metabolism and increase of GABA metabolism led to fear drive reduction.

Behavioral and biochemical alterations in median and dorsal raphe nuclei lesioned cats

Ten days after 5, 7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) administration into the median (MRN) and dorsal (DRN) raphe nuclei, preceded by nomifensine IP, an increase of post-carbachol growling response occurred. There were no differences in the amount of locomotor activity on any post-lesion day. In predatory test in a competitive situation for paired cats ten and fifteen days after 5,7-DHT administration into the MRN and DRN of submissive cats, formerly submissive animals, engage in the fight for domination after lesions. HPLC analysis showed in all lesioned groups a significant reduction of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the hypothalamus, midbrain, amygdala and hippocampus after the MRN lesion and in the hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus and frontal cortex after the DRN lesion. After the MRN and DRN lesion no spontaneous aggressive behavior occurred in any cat. The results indicate that both raphe nuclei participate in the central regulation of affective and predatory aggression in the cat.

Changes in Canada pension plan disability rules hold implications for physicians

Recent legislative changes to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) have significantly altered eligibility requirements for disability pensions. A CPP medical adviser explains how the changes affect physicians and examines the federal government's definition of "disability."

Fear induced by the blockade of GABAA-ergic transmission in the hypothalamus of the cat: behavioral and neurochemical study

Intrahypothalamic injections of d-Tubocurarine (DT) and bicuculline (BM) in the cat produced a fear reaction characterized by terrific mewing, increased locomotor activity, jumps and attempt to escape from the chamber, pupillary dilatation, increased respiratory rate, and sometimes urination and defecation. HPLC analysis showed a significant increase in the noradrenergic system activity in the emotional brain areas (hypothalamus, midbrain, amygdala) and frontal cortex at the time of the fear drive. No changes in the cat's behavior and in the monoaminergic systems activity occurred after muscimol+d-Tubocurarine injections into the hypothalamus. Similar behavioral and neurochemical effects evoked by DT and BM suggest that the fear response evoked by DT does not result from the blockade of N-cholinergic transmission but rather from their action on GABAA receptor complex. The results obtained indicate that the central triggering mechanism for fear drive depends on the blockade of GABAA-ergic transmission.

Rejection of cartilage formed by transplanted allogeneic chondrocytes: evaluation with monoclonal antibodies

Cellular infiltrates participating in rejection of cartilage formed by transplanted allogeneic rat epiphyseal chondrocytes were evaluated immunohistochemically using a panel of different monoclonal antibodies. One week after transplantation, the grafts were surrounded by numerous class II MHC+ (OX6+, OX17+), CD4+ (W3/25+), and W3/13+ cells as well as some ED1+ monocytes/macrophages. Only a few T (OX19+) and B (HIS14+) cells were present. The number of class II MHC+ cells and ED1+ monocytes/macrophages did not change significantly in the course of rejection whereas the number of CD4+ and W3/13+ cells gradually decreased. On the other hand, there was a significant increase in the number of CD8+ (OX8+) cells. CD8+ cells accumulated close to the transplants and some of them penetrated cartilage matrix suggesting that they might be involved in chondrocyte killing. After 3 months, cartilage was almost completely destroyed and the intensity of infiltrations was markedly decreased. Fibrous connective tissue predominated, however, some class II+ as well as few ED1+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells were still present adjacent to the cartilage remnants. At the time of transplantation, chondrocytes were endowed with RT1.D class II antigen (OX17+), but they did not react with OX6 mAb (monoclonal antibody) recognizing the RT1.B class II molecule. However, after 1 week, some chondrocytes reacted with OX6 mAb and the number of RT1.B positive chondrocytes increased in the course of cartilage rejection.

Social interactions in cats: regional brain monoamine distribution in dominant and submissive cats

Regional brain concentration of monoamines (NA, DA and 5-HT) and their metabolites (MHPG, DOPAC, HVA and 5-HIAA) were measured in dominant and submissive cats in a predatory competition test and in predatory behaviour of single cats. A submissive position in predatory hierarchy produced an increase in concentration of NA in the hypothalamus, a decrease of DA, 5-HT, MHPG and MHPG/NA ratio in the hippocampus and a decrease of 5-HT in the prefrontal cortex in comparison with dominant cats. In the predatory test the social situation increased the concentration of DA and its metabolites in the hypothalamus of the submissive and dominant cats as compared to single cats. Additionally, a diminution of NA and MHPG concentration in the midbrain in dominant cats compared to single animals in the predatory situation was observed. The data obtained demonstrate a considerable differentiation in the effects of predatory aggression and predatory behaviour in a social situation on brain distribution of monoamines. The results indicate that predatory behaviour in single and paired cats is regulated by different catecholamine mechanisms.

Social interactions in rats: behavioral and neurochemical alterations in DSP-4-treated rats

Noradrenergic neurotoxin DSP-4, preceded by zimelidine to prevent serotonin depletion, was administered IP to rats behaving in a defensive-submissive manner in a resident-intruder paradigm. Computer-based ethological analysis revealed the decrease of frequency and duration of defensive episodes and marked increase of offensive aggression. This might suggest an increase of aggressiveness and therefore support the notion of an inhibitory role of the noradrenergic system in aggressive behavior independently of the model used. Dramatically changed attitude toward the partner might also result from fear reduction or inadequate responsiveness to environmental factors because DSP-4-treated rats explored more than controls in stressogenic, highly illuminated area. HPLC analysis showed significant reduction of noradrenaline (NA) concentration in amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and frontal cortex. Simultaneously there occurred a considerable decrease in dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT), and their metabolite levels. This suggests an attenuated activity of the DA and 5-HT systems that we consider as an effect secondary to NA depletion, which reflects the functional interactions between DA, 5-HT, and NA systems.

The effects of dorsal and ventral noradrenergic system lesions with DSP-4 on emotional-defensive behavior and regional brain monoamines content in the cat

As a result of selective lesions of dorsal (DB) and ventral (VB) noradrenergic system (DSP-4 i.c.) it was observed that these two systems are functionally differentiated and only DB participates in the regulation of post-carbachol emotional-defensive behavior in the cat. Following DB lesion an increase in emotional-defensive excitation occurred and HPLC analysis showed a significant reduction of NA concentration in the posterior hypothalamus, midbrain central gray matter and frontal cortex and decreased turnover of 5-HT in all "emotional brain areas" (hypothalamus, midbrain, amygdala, hippocampus) and frontal cortex. Following VB lesion there were no significant changes of post-carbachol defensive behavior and HPLC analysis showed a significant reduction of NA in the anterior and posterior hypothalamus, midbrain central gray matter and amygdala and an increased turnover of 5-HT in the posterior hypothalamus and midbrain central gray matter. The results obtained can be interpreted in relation to functional interactions between the NA and 5-HT systems.

Immune cells in peripheral lymph and skin of patients with obstructive lymphedema

Lymph stasis in the extremities caused by interruption of lymphatics or insufficient lymph propulsion is often complicated by recurrent skin infections. To shed further light on this subject, we studied the phenotypical and functional characteristics of cells in peripheral lymph and skin of patients with obstructive lymphedema. Compared with controls, patients with secondary lymphedema displayed a high concentration of lymphocytes and erythrocytes in peripheral lymph, sometimes increased numbers of B cells, increased density of Langerhans cells in the epidermis and occasionally in the skin papillary layer, strong expression of class II antigens on skin endothelial cells and mononuclear infiltration around blood vessels, and margination of granulocytes in skin blood vessels. Reactivity of lymph cells to mitogens was augmented. Taken together these findings indicate that ongoing chronic inflammatory processes persist in skin with lymph stasis, and, moreover, with impaired lymphocyte and Langerhans cell trafficking from skin to regional lymph nodes and inefficient clearance of foreign antigens, these lymphedematous limbs become susceptible to infection.

Interleukin 2 receptor in rat heart allograft rejection

Soluble interleukin 2 receptors (S-R-IL-2) of truncated Tac chain, produced in vitro during T lymphocyte activation, may represent an in vivo marker of an alloimmune reaction. We analyzed serum S-R-IL-2 production during acute heart allograft rejection and compared soluble and membranous Tac chain (blood lymphocytes and graft invading cells) regulation during rejection. Serum S-R-IL-2 was tested in an immunoradiometric assay, with a combination of two mouse IgG1 anti-IL2-R mAbs (ART18 and OX39). Membranous Tac chain was analyzed by immunochemistry in graft tissue, and by immunofluorescence on blood and spleen leukocytes. Four experimental groups were used: untreated allogeneic, untreated syngeneic, CsA-treated (10 mg/kg/day for 15 days) allogeneic and CsA-treated syngeneic graft recipients. In the untreated allogeneic group, S-R-IL-2, tested every day until rejection (9.14 +/- 1.6 days), increased as early as day 3 after transplantation, peaked at day 6, and plateaued thereafter. The allograft was infiltrated at day 5 by Tac chain-positive cells (10% of OX1 cells and 84% of OX19 cells). A small percentage of mononucleated cells was labeled in blood, but not in spleen, by ART18 and OX39 at day 7 only. In contrast, in untreated syngeneic and CsA-treated allogeneic combinations, there was no increase of baseline S-R-IL-2 level (P less than 0.001), and graft infiltrate did not contain IL-2-R positive cells. CsA treatment prolonged heart allograft survival (41.3 +/- 2.8 days). Baseline S-R-IL-2 levels during treatment were lower than those observed in untreated animals. In the CsA-treated allogeneic group, after CsA treatment interruption, S-R-IL-2 levels significantly increased, reaching a plateau at day 37. Results suggest that S-R-IL-2 measurement can be useful for clinical diagnosis of allograft rejection.

Reactivity of normal rat epiphyseal chondrocytes with monoclonal antibodies recognizing different leucocyte markers

The aim of the study was to test whether normal rat epiphyseal chondrocytes react with monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) detecting different markers of lymphoid cells. For this purpose, isolated chondrocyte and, for comparison, splenocyte cytosmears were exposed to a battery of different MoAbs followed by indirect immunoperoxidase staining. As we were able to show, all chondrocytes reacted with OX17 MoAb detecting Class II (Ia) antigen encoded by the RT1.D subregion of rat major histocompatibility complex (MHC). However, unlike splenocytes they did not react with OX6 MoAb detecting the RT1.B encoded Class II molecule. Moreover, all chondrocytes were stained with W3/25 MoAb specific for the rat equivalent of human CD4 (T4) antigen and with W3/13 MoAb specific for rat leucocyte sialoglycoprotein. A positive reaction was also obtained with the antibody against the S-100 protein. By contrast, chondrocytes did not react with antibodies specific for all T (OX19) or B (HIS14) cells, rat CD8 (T8) equivalent, monocytes/macrophages (ED1, ED2), factor VIII (M616), or glial fibrillary acidic protein (Z334).

Expression of class II major histocompatibility complex antigens by bronchial epithelium in rat lung allografts

Variations in expression of class II major histocompatibility complex antigens on bronchial epithelial cells and vascular endothelium were investigated in normal rat lungs and allografted lungs during acute rejection and after cyclosporine (CsA) treatment. BN (RT1n) left lungs were transplanted into LEW (RT1l) recipients. Lungs were excised during acute rejection in untreated rats on postoperative days 1 through 5, and after CsA treatment (25 mg/kg on days 2 and 3) on days 5 and 100. Cryostat sections were examined for class II antigen expression with an immunoperoxidase technique, using various monoclonal antibodies. In the normal lung, class II antigens were not expressed by epithelial or endothelial cells. In the allografts, induction of class II antigens closely correlated with the rejection process: on day 2, the ciliated bronchial epithelium was locally positive; it became uniformly positive with increasing cellular peribronchial infiltration on days 3 and 4. CsA treatment prevented class II antigen expression to a certain extent, leaving the bronchial epithelium weakly positive at 100 days. Endothelial cells were invariably negative for class II antigens in all allografted lungs. The class II antigens expressed on the bronchial epithelial cells were of graft origin, except for recipient-type class II molecules found on the ciliated surface in CsA-treated animals. We conclude that expression of class II antigens by bronchial epithelium is the result of a bronchus-directed rejection process, and hypothesize that such a rejection process may have caused bronchiolitis obliterans in several of the patients with combined heart-lung transplants. Important is the observation that class II molecules can be present on the membranes of cells that do not themselves produce these antigens.

The influence of injection of 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine to the dorsal raphe nucleus on carbachol-induced defensive behavior and regional brain amine content in the cat

The 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine-induced lesions of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus of the cat resulted in an increase in the carbachol-induced growling response, a decrease in the concentrations of noradrenaline, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the hypothalamus, midbrain and amygdala, and an increase in the hypothalamic dopamine level. Those changes were observed 6, but not 23, days after the lesion. The results suggest a close correlation between the state of the emotional-defensive arousal and neurochemical changes in the "emotional regions" of the brain. The role of the reduced activity of the serotonergic system in augmenting the emotional-defensive behavior was discussed.

Increased expression of class II major histocompatibility complex antigens in untreated and cyclosporine-treated rat lung allografts

Expression of class II antigens was investigated in the normal rat lung and in lung allografts during acute rejection and after cyclosporine treatment. Therefore cryostat sections were stained with an immunoperoxidase technique that used anti-class II antigen monoclonal antibodies. In normal lungs only cells of the lymphoid tissue expressed class II antigens. During acute rejection, class II antigens were expressed by infiltrating recipient lymphocytes and were also induced on the graft's bronchial epithelium. After cyclosporine treatment, signs of rejection in the lung were restricted to the bronchial epithelium, again expressing class II antigens. These results suggest that the class II antigen positivity of bronchial epithelium may be used as a specific index for pulmonary rejection when infection as an inducing factor can be excluded. Furthermore, the epithelium, once it has become class II antigen positive, is likely to be a target for acute or low-grade rejection, resulting in the development of bronchiolitis obliterans.

The correlation between hypothalamic and midbrain biogenic amine content and the intensity of the emotional-defensive arousal in cats

Changes in levels of noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the medial hypothalamus and the midbrain central grey matter were determined and correlated with various levels of an emotional-defensive arousal in cats, evoked by an intrahypothalamic injection of carbachol. At the initial stage of excitation, 3 min after the injection of carbachol, the levels of NA, DA, and 5-HIAA in the medial hypothalamus increased, whereas in the central grey matter only the 5-HIAA level was elevated. During the maximum excitation (when the vocalization attained the peak level) the level of amines and 5-HIAA decreased in the medial hypothalamus; in the central grey matter only the levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA declined. In the final phase of response, 5 min after the disappearance of vocalization, the 5-HT level in both structures increased. These results confirm the notion that the noradrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic systems participate in the central regulation of the emotional-defensive behavior, and show that the hypothalamus and midbrain play different roles in this regulation. The results also indicate that neurochemical mechanisms are similar in different types of emotional-defensive behavior. It seems that catecholaminergic systems play a stimulating role, while the serotonergic system inhibits the carbachol-induced defensive response.

The effects of external stimuli on the emotional-aversive response evoked by intrahypothalamic carbachol injections

The aim of this investigation was to examine the effects of threatening (the sight and barking of the dog) or "Neutral" (flash and tone) stimuli on the emotional-aversive response evoked by direct intracerebral application of carbachol in cats. Unilateral microinjections of carbachol in 10 microgram doses and 2 mu1 volume into anterior hypothalamic/preoptic area caused a full-blown emotional response with marked vocalization. All stimuli which might be threatening for cats caused a significant increase of vocalization. "Neutral" stimuli of comparable intensity were without effect. To investigate the effects of stimulation intensity two clocks: low and loud (difference of 27 dB), were used. The loud click significantly increased vocalization level while the low click of the same intensity as a dog's barking had no significant influence on the carbachol-induced response. Cholinergic stimulation of the anterior hypothalamic/preoptic area seems to be specifically responsible for the obtained change of perception towards increased sensitivity to any potentially threatening alteration of the environment.

Increase in Natural Fertility During the Early Stages of Modernization: Canadian Indians Case Study

It has been hypothesized that populations may experience an increase in their natural fertility during the early stages of modernization as a result of the relaxation of various fertility-inhibiting practices and customs prevalent in traditional societies. This article offers evidence of such an increase in natural fertility among Canadian Indians. The main underlying cause is found to be in the massive, almost abrupt, shift from prolonged breastfeeding to bottle feeding which took place prior to the onset of large-scale birth control practices among Canadian Indians.

Increase in natural fertility during the early stages of modernization: Canadian Indians case study

It has been hypothesized that populations may experience an increase in their natural fertility during the early stages of modernization as a result of the relaxation of various fertility-inhibiting practices and customs prevalent in traditional societies. This article offers evidence of such an increase in natural fertility among Canadian Indians. The main underlying cause is found to be in the massive, almost abrupt, shift from prolonged breastfeeding to bottlefeeding ;which took place prior to the onset of large-scale birth control practices among Canadian Indians.

An analysis of the carbachol-induced emotional-defensive response in cats: dependence of the response on different solvents of carbachol

The effect of intrahypothalamic injections of carbachol (25.1 nmole into each hemisphere) dissolved in three different solvents (artificial cerebrospinal fluid, physiological saline and bidistilled water) was investigated. The purpose of this study was to find out whether the qualitative and/or quantitative character of the carbachol-induced emotional-defensive behavior depended on the sort of the solvent used. The analysis was performed on the basis of behavioral and electroencephalographic changes. Apart from routine EEG recordings, integrated measurements of the amplitude of alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves recorded rom the posterior hypothalamus, the midbrain central gray matter and from the dorsal hippocampus were performed as well as quantitative measurements of the characteristic growling. Intrahypothalamic injections of carbachol, independently of the solvent used, evoked similar vegetative, behavioral and electroencephalographic changes (in the routine recordings). The number of growls and the total duration of growling did not differ significantly either. Some statistically significant changes were found in the integrated amplitudes of EEG waves. They concerned, however, only alpha and theta rhythms and appeared in the midbrain central gray matter. Moreover, they did not affect the time course and the quantitative and qualitative features of the evoked emotional-defensive response. All used solvents are equivalent and may be applied interchangeably in experiments of this type.

Comparison of defensive behavior evoked by chemical and electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus in cats

Comparison of defensive behavior evoked by chemical anf electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus in cats. Acta Physiol. Pol. 1975, 26 (1) 23--31. An injection of 5 mug of carbachol, as well as electrostimulation of the same hypothalamic area evoked in cats the same type of defensive behavior -- rage reaction. Experiments with carbachol injection and electrostimulation after blockade of the hypothalamic muscarinic receptors (10 mug of atropine) indicate that rage reaction is evoked in a different way by the two methods. Controversial data regarding localization of the hypothalamic "centres" responsible for particular type of defensive reactions are discussed.

Pearsonian Type I curve and its fertility projection potentials

New procedures are developed in this article for estimating parameters of the Pearsonian Type I curve which are particularly adaptive to factors influencing the pattern of age-specific fertility rates. It is shown that with this model the number of parameters required for the graduation and simulation of these rates can be reduced to only three—total fertility rate, mean and modal ages of fertility. The reduction in the number of fertility parameters offers considerable operational and analytical advantages, and makes the Pearsonian Type I curve particularly appropriate for the construction of a parametric model for fertility projections. In light of the results of empirical tests based on fertility data for Canada, the model’s potential for birth projections appears quite promising.