Juventude e o Sistema Socioeducativo em uma Delegacia Especializada: (re)pensando diálogos

Este artigo consiste em um relato de experiência de um estágio obrigatório em uma Delegacia de Proteção à Criança, Adolescente, Mulher e Idoso (DPCAMI), onde foi constituído um grupo operativo-reflexivo com 8 adolescentes do sexo masculino, em conflito com a lei. Os grupos eram de caráter aberto, recebendo participantes ao longo do semestre, sendo a presença destes obrigatória. Para a elaboração deste estudo, traçamos um esboço teórico que problematiza as violações de direitos que fazem da violência um efeito normativo na vida desses adolescentes, provenientes da mesma classe social. Objetiva-se com este artigo descrever e discutir as possibilidades de trabalho desenvolvidas no grupo de medidas socioeducativas de liberdade assistida. Os resultados mostraram que antes mesmo da infração, esses adolescentes estão expostos a múltiplas violências, seja pela família, pelo Estado, ou pela privação de direitos. Concluímos com este estudo que apesar de os grupos terem um importante potencial de reformular os significados, o fato de ser realizado em uma delegacia, dificulta aos adolescentes a vinculação com as propostas das oficinas.

Violência Íntima entre Homens que se Relacionam com Homens - Revisão da Literatura

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a literatura sobre a violência por parceiro íntimo nas relações entre homens que se relacionam com homens. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa. Foram analisados 66 artigos publicados entre 2012-2019 em língua inglesa, espanhola e portuguesa nas bases SCIELO, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, Redalyc, Dialnet e no Portal Periódicos CAPES. Os dados foram analisados de maneira descritiva, a partir da elaboração de um instrumento chamado de "Protocolo". Os dados possibilitaram a construção de quatro categorias: 1) Masculinidades; 2) Estresse social minoritário; 3) O uso de álcool e outras drogas; 4) Mecanismos utilizados pela vítima para lidar com a VPI, que demonstraram as principais formas de violência íntima entre esse público, fatores socioculturais relacionados às mesmas e os mecanismos que as vítimas utilizaram para lidar com elas. A teoria do estresse social minoritário é aceita como forma de explicar a violência íntima entre homens que se relacionam com homens e isso alia-se a categorias de gênero que denotam como aceitável o uso da violência por homens. A principal forma para lidar com a violência relatada na literatura foi a informal, através de amigos, mostrando uma lacuna nas políticas públicas sobre o tema para pessoas não-heterossexuais.

Men, masculinity and the new coronavirus: sharing gender issues in the first phase of the pandemic

This article presents reflections on masculinity and the social construction of gender - based on the global phenomenon of the new coronavirus pandemic - produced by researchers who are part of the national research team on comprehensive health care policy for men in Brazil. From a gender-based standpoint, the article contends that it is necessary to note that cis heteronormative male socialization is guided by three core issues: 1) the submission to practices of care of self and others; 2) the rejection of preventive health practices, due to a distorted matrix of risk perception (and a certain sense of "invulnerability"); 3) the domestic dynamics marked by postures of command, order, and honor. These dimensions of everyday life were profoundly upset in this first phase of the epidemic, in which confinement became the most recommended alternative. These issues are configured as recurring (though not recent) repertoires that glorify the central model of a male order that needs to become an object of reflection, insofar as they endanger the health of men and women and, more broadly, of the status quo of the accepted tenets of domestic and social order.

Grupos reflexivos de gênero para homens no ambiente virtual - primeiras adaptações, desafios metodológicos e potencialidades

Este artigo tem por objetivo problematizar a adaptação de metodologias grupais reflexivas sobre gênero ao sistema de encontros online mediados por programas que permitem reuniões no espaço virtual.  Relata-se o desafio de manter uma postura teórico-filosófica e metodológica alinhada a processos reflexivos, coconstrução de espaços relacionais de discussão, respeito à diversidade e problematização das relações de gênero, atentos a um novo contexto social e a produção de novas desigualdades. Busca-se trazer à reflexão aspectos adaptativos iniciais, desafios e potencialidades a partir da experiência dos autores na realização destes grupos nos meses iniciais de pandemia e isolamento social. Considerando a experiência de utilização da metodologia de grupos reflexivos do Instituto Noos e da organização MEMOH, foca-se especialmente no público de homens interessados na reflexão coletiva sobre gênero e masculinidades.  Desenvolve-se uma nova organização de convivência e etiqueta relacional que permite avanços, porém também alinha em seu torno perdas, em comparação ao formato presencial. 

Long-term outcomes with new generation prostheses in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is today the first option for older patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS) at intermediate or high risk for surgery. Constant development of bioprosthetic valves and delivery systems have reduced complications and improved outcomes over the years. The 3rd generation Edwards Sapien 3 Valve (S3) and the 2nd generation Medtronic Evolut R Valve (ER) are currently the most frequently used worldwide. There is a paucity of published data regarding long term outcomes in these new generation TAVI patients.

Methods and results

In our retrospective, single-center analysis we included patients with severe Aortic Stenosis who underwent transfemoral TAVI with a new generation prosthesis between 2014 and 2016. Peri- and postprocedural outcomes of these patients were analyzed according to the VARC-2 criteria.

The study population consisted of 359 patients (mean patient age 82±7 years, 47% male, mean EuroSCORE II 8.0±8). The S3 group included 215 patients, the ER group 144 patients. Median follow-up period was 3.8 years (IQR 3.3 to 4.4 years, maximum follow-up in living patients 5.1 years).

Device Success rates where equal in both groups (93.0% vs. 92.4%, p=0.812). We report a 30-day mortality of 2.8% in the S3 group, 2.1% in the ER group, respectively (p=0.674). There was no difference in stroke rate, conversion to open heart surgery, major vascular complications, life-threatening or disabling bleeding or myocardial infarction. Implantation of a new permanent pacemaker was lower in the S3 group (S3: 27.4% vs. ER: 44.5%, p=0.002). While prosthesis mean gradients where higher in the S3 group (12.0 mmHg vs. 8.2 mmHg, p<0.001), there was a tendency to less paravalvular leaks (PVL ≥2: 1% vs. 3.6%, p=0.088).

All-Cause Mortality up to 5 years did not show a difference between both patient groups (mean survival S3 3.5 years, ER 3.3 years, p=0.895). Independent predictors of death where impaired left ventricular function (HR 1.61, p=0.007), chronic kidney injury (HR 1.55, p=0.032), peripheral artery disease (HR 2.10, p=0.003), malignant tumor (HR 2.40, p<0.001) and periprocedural stroke (HR 3.95, p=0.007).

Discussion

We present a comparison of the new-generation aortic valve prostheses Edwards Sapien 3 and Medtronic Evolut R concerning long-term as well as periprocedural outcomes. The analyzed cohort consisted of patients at intermediate to high surgical risk. Yet, 30-day mortality was very low both in S3 and ER patients. Device success and periprocedural outcomes in both groups were comparable and are in line with previous studies using VARC-2 definitions.

Conclusion

New generation TAVI valves offer an excellent implant and outcome success rate compared to early transcatheter Aortic valve replacement. Long-term survival was independent of prostheses choice and mainly attributed to pre- and intraprocedural comorbidities and complications.

All-Cause Mortality (Kaplan-Meier)

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

O conceito de Ressonâncias no processo de formação do terapeuta: descobrindo potencialidades e limitações na prática terapêutica

O conceito de ressonância utilizado pela Teoria Sistêmica no âmbito clínico compreende sentimentos mobilizados diante do que é abordado no espaço terapêutico. Tais sensações podem tanto contribuir para imobilizar o sistema (cliente e terapeuta), quanto servir como um potente recurso ao terapeuta, dependendo, portanto, da implicação e postura do psicólogo frente às ressonâncias. Desse modo, buscou-se trazer questões relacionadas ao seu uso como recurso, além de tratar da importância das ressonâncias na formação do terapeuta. Por fim, alguns casos foram expostos a fim de elucidar como as ressonâncias surgiram na prática clínica da autora e do grupo do qual faz parte, assim como entre os indivíduos que foram atendidos.http://dx.doi.org/10.21452/2594-43632019v28n64a07

Programas de atenção a homens autores de violência contra as mulheres: um panorama das intervenções no Brasil

Resumo A violência contra mulheres é considerada um grave problema de saúde pública, uma violação dos direitos em todo o mundo. Como parte das políticas de enfrentamento a esse tipo de violência, a Lei Maria da Penha prevê a participação de homens autores de violência (HAV) em programas de atenção cuja atuação principal é a realização de grupos reflexivos. Este artigo apresenta um mapeamento de programas para HAV no Brasil realizado entre 2015 e 2016. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, exploratória e descritiva realizada em dois momentos. No primeiro, foram localizados 41 programas das cinco regiões do país, dos quais 26 responderam um questionário com perguntas abertas e fechadas. Os dados foram analisados segundo quatro categorias: estrutura do programa, metodologia empregada, monitoramento e avaliação e resultados e desafios. No segundo momento, foram analisados outros mapeamentos de programas brasileiros e internacionais com HAV, além de documentos nacionais e internacionais que sugerem diretrizes para sua execução. Notou-se semelhanças entre os programas encontrados e os documentos analisados, como o vínculo das iniciativas com instâncias governamentais, fundamentação nas teorias de gênero e modalidade de intervenções em grupo. A partir do diálogo entre outros mapeamentos, estudos apresentados e resultados encontrados, sugere-se diretrizes mínimas para a realização de grupos reflexivos.

A Psicologia Social no Estudo de Justificativas e Narrativas de Homens Autores de Violência

Resumo Considerando que a Psicologia Social auxilia para que práticas e ações sociais sejam problematizadas, este estudo tem como objetivo evidenciar como os sentidos de si e do Outro identificados em narrativas de homens autores de violência sustentam e justificam a ação violenta cometida. Para tal, quatro narrativas de homens participantes de um grupo reflexivo de autores de violência em uma cidade do sul do Brasil foram utilizadas e analisadas por meio da análise temática das narrativas. Os resultados revelaram que os homens, depositaram a justificativa da sua “agressividade” em um Outro. E este Outro, por muitas vezes, pôde ser identificado como uma referência aos vínculos sociais e aos sentidos do ser homem. Foi possível constatar que o modo como os sujeitos percebem suas trajetórias de vida, permeadas pelas experiências de resistência e construção frente a um contexto onde, segundo eles, havia falta de carinho, agressividade e ausência, sobretudo, paterna, parece construir um cenário propício para a emersão da violência. A partir disso, ressalta-se a importância que os participantes dão aos vínculos significativos sociais e à dicotomia do ser homem/ser mulher, bem como à forma pela qual essa dinâmica relacional mergulha em preceitos e valores éticos e morais. Isto, por sua vez, leva-nos a pensar como o olhar da Psicologia Social Crítica auxilia para que problemáticas sociais sejam identificadas e postas à tona, assim como outros modos de existência tanto para homens como mulheres possam emergir e ser visibilizados. Desta forma, problematizando gênero, seja possível a reconstrução e transformação social.

O que sabemos sobre intervenções com autores de violência doméstica e familiar?

Resumo: Internacionalmente, tem crescido o entendimento de que, para prevenir as violências de gênero, é necessário trabalhar e envolver os homens. Após a promulgação da Lei 11.340/06, que trouxe previsão legal para as intervenções com autores de violência doméstica e familiar no Brasil, o debate acadêmico tem avançado significativamente. Contudo, o tema carece de revisão crítica com vistas a articular os estudos nacionais. Diante desse quadro, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar a produção acadêmica nacional sobre o tema a partir da literatura especializada e relatórios nacionais. A sistematização da produção acadêmica nacional sugere a possibilidade de transformações nas relações, entretanto, traz à tona fragilidades na estruturação das políticas de enfrentamento à violência como um todo.

Violência de Estado, Juventudes e Subjetividades: Experiências em uma Delegacia Especializada

Resumo Partindo do pressuposto de que subjetividades são produzidas a partir das dimensões histórica, política e social e baseados nas discussões de Judith Butler acerca da violência normativa, pretendemos neste artigo, diante de recortes da violência de Estado, refletir sobre os processos de subjetivação de jovens considerados em conflito com a lei. Sustentada nas práticas experienciadas na (des)construção e (des)continuidade de um ano de estágio obrigatório em uma Delegacia Especializada, a discussão articula os recortes da experiência com conceitos como enquadramento, segurança pública e polícia cidadã. Para a Psicologia é importante não só olhar para esses processos de subjetivação da juventude, mas também levantar a discussão da implicação tanto a partir da posição de representantes do Estado, quanto da posição como sujeitos e cidadãos. Concluímos, portanto, que o(a) psicólogo(a) que atua(m) na polícia deve(m) assumir um papel político de deslocar o enquadramento e legitimar uma polícia que também se implique nesse emaranhado de questões.

Ultrastructure of pheochromocytoma: undescribed morphologic features

We examined samples of human pheochromocytoma from 11 patients aged 30-70 years including one case of malignant pheochromocytoma with a view to identifying previously unreported ultrastructural details.We identified two types of nuclear inclusions consisting of irregularly shaped singular or multiple granulofibrillar formations with a typical concentric halo, on the one hand, and accumulations of egg-shaped structures consisting of granules and microfilaments, on the other. In some of the tumor cells, membrane-covered inclusions containing parallel laminar elements arranged in a paracrystalline, periodic fashion, or mega-mitrochondriae characterized by increased electrodensity of their matrix, and fibrillary material in the spaces between the cristae were present. A frequent finding consisted of typical ciliary formations, while rough/smooth tubular aggregates of different size occurred less frequently. Finally, we were able to demonstrate the uptake of norepinephrine by smooth muscle fibers in the periphery of arterial vessels as evidenced by linear accumulations of membrane-covered granules separating bands of contractile smooth muscle components in the peripheral layers of arterial vessels close to norepinephrine producing neoplastic cells.These findings represent ultrastructural features that contribute to further elucidating the ultrastructural characteristics of the human pheochromocytoma.

A CATEGORIA HOMEM NAS POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS E LEIS BRASILEIRAS

Este artigo apresenta uma discussão acerca da visão do homem enquanto categoria de gênero nas políticas públicas e leis nacionais, especialmente as voltadas para a violência contra mulheres. Para isso, introduz brevemente os feminismos e o estudo de masculinidades como teorias e epistemologias que norteiam a análise de 17 documentos oficiais brasileiros, selecionados para este estudo. Esta análise objetiva clarificar como o homem genderificado é entendido nos textos de diferentes documentos ao longo dos anos. Discute como a elaboração de leis pode possibilitar um novo discurso de responsabilização para além da punição desses homens. Também investiga a normatização de alguns grupos existentes com homens autores de violência contra mulheres em território nacional. Conclui defendendo a importância dessas reflexões para as discussões sobre gênero e masculinidades, em busca de um sistema mais efetivo de prevenção e erradicação da violência contra mulheres. Argumenta e problematiza a favor tanto da modificação da maneira como essa categoria é abordada nos documentos oficiais, quanto da formalização de espaços de responsabilização e reflexão para os homens autores de violência contra mulheres.

I am a bull! The construction of masculinities in a group of men permasculinities, violence, bull, domination, subjectivity

La relación entre violencia y masculinidades merece especial atención en el trabajo de intervención con hombres que ejercen violencia contra sus parejas. En este artículo buscamos explorar esta conexión a partir de la metáfora de “ser como un toro” utilizada por un integrante de un grupo de hombres tuvo lugar en España. En este texto pretendemos reflexionar sobre el sistema patriarcal que legitima que el “toro” tenga que constantemente ofrecer pruebas de su masculinidad ante una “arena” constituida por la mirada de espectadores que refuerzan la imagen masculina tradicional. En conclusión, destacamos la importancia de intervenciones psicosociales en este sector con línea más política comprometida y con perspectiva de género, atenta a aspectos culturales y macro sociales en las intervenciones con autores de violencia.

Stereotypes of Intimate Partner Violence: Do Sex and Sexual Orientation Matter?

Abstract This study analyzed stereotypes on intimate partner violence (IPV) of heterosexual and same-sex couples. The participants, 232 Mexican college students, evaluated physical and psychological IPV exerted by men and women with different sexual orientations. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. The results indicate that men evaluated women and gay men as having a similar IPV, while men´s perceptions of IPV for these groups were higher than those of women. Women viewed heterosexual men as the most violent and evaluated the other groups with different degrees of IPV. Physical violence is regarded as natural in men, both gay and heterosexual. To conclude, the results suggest that IPV stereotypes are affected by the sex of the evaluators and by their sexual orientation. It is relevant to expand the scope of prevention programs.

Políticas e leis sobre violência de gênero - reflexões críticas

Leis e políticas públicas dirigidas a assuntos relacionados à violência de gênero merecem reflexão no momento de aplicação e análise. Enquadradas em uma sociedade heterocentrista e patriarcal, sua aplicação não está isenta de dificuldades, armadilhas e lacunas. Este texto, tendo como base de análise a psicologia crítica, estudos de gênero pós-estruturalistas, teoria queer e criminologia crítica, pretende ser um convite a reflexão sobre como estas leis e políticas tem contribuído para construção e permanência de um estereótipo e antinomia homem-maltratador versus vítima-mulher. Para este fim, vemos necessária a ênfase aos processos desde onde os sujeitos produzem gênero. Nossa motivação é contribuir com ferramentas de análise que permitam abrir novas perspectivas para a intervenção jurídica e assistencial. Como reflexões conclusivas, ressaltamos a importância de liberar-se de um discurso dicotômico e linear, de estar atento a relações de poder e considerar diferenças e particularidades descentradas do normativo e de posicionamentos fixos heterocentrados.

New insights into thyroglobulin pathophysiology revealed by the study of a family with congenital goiter

CONTEXT

Thyroglobulin (TG) gene mutations cause congenital hypothyroidism (CH) with goiter. A founder effect has been proposed for some frequent mutations. Mutated proteins have a defect in intracellular transport causing intracellular retention with ultrastructural changes that resemble an endoplasmic reticulum storage disease.

OBJECTIVE

To reveal new aspects of thyroglobulin pathophysiology through clinical, cellular, molecular, and genetic studies in a family presenting with CH due to TG mutations from Galicia, an iodine-deficient area of Spain.

DESIGN

The included clinical evaluation of family members, DNA sequencing for TG gene mutation and haplotyping analysis, ultrastructural analysis of thyroid tissue specimens from affected subjects, analysis of effects of mutations found on TG gene transcription, and in vitro studies of cellular production and secretion of mutated proteins.

SETTING

Locations included primary care and university hospitals.

RESULTS

Family members with CH, mental retardation, and goiter were compound heterozygous for c.886C-->T (p.R277X) and g.IVS35+1delG. For c.886C-->T, a founder effect cannot be excluded, and its transcription was hardly detectable. g.IVS35+1delG caused an in-frame deletion in exon 35 and produced a protein that, although synthesized, could not be secreted. Ultrastructural analyses showed morphological changes consistent with an endoplasmic reticulum storage disease.

CONCLUSION

The shorter thyroglobulin resulting from the novel g.IVS35+1delG was retained within the endoplasmic reticulum of thyrocytes, and together with p.R227X caused severe hypothyroidism with goiter. p.R277X, the most commonly described TG mutation, is caused by a TG exon-7 highly mutation-prone region, and the possibility that some cases were introduced to South America from Galicia cannot be excluded.

Gênero e super-heróis: o traçado do corpo masculino pela norma

As Histórias em Quadrinhos de super-heróis ganham vida na imaginação dos leitores, estabelecendo fortes ligações com seu cotidiano. Um corpo musculoso e viril vem historicamente se tornando o referencial de corporeidade masculina, enquanto corpos que desviam desse modelo são comumente satirizados ou excluídos da mídia. Este ensaio objetiva discutir as formas de representação do corpo masculino nas HQs da DC Comics, especificamente nas histórias de Superman e de Batman, conforme a caracterização de personagens como "heróis", "vilões" ou "coadjuvantes". Nossa premissa é a de que estas caracterizações remetem a tendências distintas de representação dos corpos, (re)produzindo normas sociais e valores de estética sobre as corporeidades.

Ghrelin localization in the medulla of rat and human adrenal gland and in pheochromocytomas

OBJECTIVE

Ghrelin is predominantly produced by neuroendocrine cells of stomach and has been expressed in several normal and tumour endocrine tissues. It has been reported that the localization of ghrelin is exclusively in the cortex of human and rat adrenal gland and in adrenocortical tumours. This prompted us to analyze the expression of this peptide in medulla of human and rat adrenal glands and in human pheochromocytomas.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Analysis of ghrelin mRNA expression in rat adrenal gland was conducted by means of semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Ghrelin localization was studied in medulla of human and rat adrenal gland by immunohistochemistry. In addition, we have carried out a double immunofluorescence with chromogranin A to determine the specific cell type expressing ghrelin immunoreactivity. Ghrelin expression was also analyzed in five cases of pheochromocytoma by immunohistochemistry. Finally, Western blotting analysis was performed with goat ghrelin antibody in the cortex and in the medulla of rat adrenal gland.

RESULTS

RT-PCR demonstrated expression of ghrelin mRNA in rat adrenal gland. We also detected ghrelin expression in virtually all rat pheochromocytes by immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence. Furthermore, we showed ghrelin immunoreactivity in the medulla of human adrenal gland and in pheochromocytomas. By Western blotting, we found the expression of ghrelin precursor, proghrelin and mature ghrelin in the medulla of rat adrenals. However, the cortex of rat adrenal gland only expressed ghrelin precursor.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study is the first to demonstrate a medullar expression of ghrelin in human and rat adrenal gland; we also showed ghrelin expression in pheochromocytomas.

Cellular distribution of growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor in human reproductive system and breast and prostate cancers

Growth hormone releasing hormone receptor (GHRH-R) mRNA and protein was first localized to the anterior pituitary gland, consequent with the action of its ligand on GH synthesis and release. Subsequent studies found GHRH-R also expressed in the hypothalamus and in systemic tissues including those of the reproductive system. In the present work, we studied the distribution of GHRH-R in human reproductive system of males and females by immunohistochemical method. GHRH-R immunostaining was localized in male reproductive system: Leydig cells, Sertoli and basal germ cells of the seminiferous tubules and prostate secretory cells. GHRH-R immunostaining was also demonstrated in the ovary: oocytes, follicular cells, granulosa, thecal and corpus luteum cells. Endometrial glands, placenta and normal mammary glands also showed GHRH-R immunostaining. Our results demonstrate the localization of GHRH-R in the reproductive system, which may mediate the direct action of GHRH in these tissues. Moreover, GHRH-R was demonstrated in prostate and breast carcinomas, opening a variety of possibilities for the use of GHRH antagonists in the treatment of prostatic and mammary tumors.

Novos caminhos, cooperação e solidariedade: a Psicologia em empreendimentos solidários

Cada vez mais se buscam alternativas para garantir a sobrevivência das camadas mais atingidas da população. Dentre as estratégias já realizadas, cabe destacar a ampliação e o desenvolvimento de organizações populares, fundadas nos princípios da solidariedade, constituindo, assim, alternativas de trabalho e geração de renda para trabalhadores excluídos do mercado de trabalho formal ou informal. Dentro deste contexto, este trabalho buscou evidenciar novas possibilidades de atuação da psicologia social e do trabalho junto a estas organizações fundadas nos princípios gerais da autogestão. Para isso propôs-se a realização de uma discussão sobre a economia solidária hoje e a delimitação do papel da psicologia neste setor. Assim, efetuou-se um breve levantamento sobre o significado e os conceitos de economia solidária, autogestão, cooperativas e associativismo, e sua historia no Brasil de forma a integrar este conhecimento com a psicologia visando evidenciar possibilidades de um novo campo de atuação.

MOC-31/Ep-CAM immunoreactivity in Merkel cells and Merkel cell carcinomas

AIMS

To evaluate the monoclonal antibody MOC-31 in Merkel cell carcinomas and normal Merkel cells. Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive tumour that occurs mainly in elderly individuals. The histological diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma can be difficult because it looks similar to other small blue cell tumours, particularly skin metastases of small-cell lung carcinomas. This antibody recognizes the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (Ep-CAM), that has been assigned to the small cell lung cancer cluster 2 of antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, immunostaining for MOC-31/Ep-CAM has not been previously described in Merkel cells or Merkel cell carcinomas.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty-one cases of Merkel cell carcinoma and three samples of normal human fingertip were selected to analyse the expression of MOC-31/Ep-CAM by immunohistochemistry. A high number of Merkel cell carcinomas (21/31, 67.7%) showed intense and readily interpretable positivity. Immunostaining was diffuse or focal and always localized to the plasma membrane. Normal Merkel cells of human fingertip also showed plasma membrane immunoreactivity for MOC-31/Ep-CAM.

CONCLUSION

The demonstration of positivity for MOC-31/Ep-CAM in Merkel cell carcinomas precludes the use of this immunohistochemical marker to distinguish between tumours and skin metastases of small-cell lung carcinoma.

Localization of growth hormone receptors in rat and human thyroid cells

Growth hormone (GH) exerts its multiple actions by binding to a specific receptor (GHR) widely distributed in the organism. It is well established that, in acromegaly, the thyroid gland is larger than normal and that GH increases triiodothyronin concentrations and decreases those of tetraiodothyronin (thyroxine). The aim of the present study was to analyze the presence of GHR and its mRNA in rat and human thyroid gland by Western blot, in situ hybridization techniques, and immunohistochemistry. A band of the expected size for GHR was shown in rat and human thyroid by Western blot. GHR immunoreactivity was found in virtually all follicles. The signal was mainly localized in the cytoplasm, although a nuclear positivity was also found. In situ hybridization techniques demonstrated the presence of GHR messenger RNA in the thyroid gland (cytoplasm of the follicular cells). These results provide direct morphological evidence that GHR is localized in the thyroid gland of mammals and opens up the possibility that GH regulates thyroid cell function directly or via local autocrine or paracrine production of insulin-like growth factor I.

Cellular localization of orexin receptors in human pituitary

Orexins-A and -B are hypothalamic peptides derived from a precursor called prepro-orexin and relationated with the stimulation of food intake. They act on G protein receptors named orexin receptor 1 (OX(1)R) and orexin receptor 2 (OX(2)R), respectively. In the present study, we used RT-PCR and immunohistochemical techniques to detect the presence of OX(1)R and OX(2)R in human pituitary. A band of the expected size for both OX(1)R and OX(2)R was shown in human pituitary by RT-PCR. The cellular localization of OX(1)R and OX(2)R was carried out using histological techniques. By consecutive sections we demonstrated that OX(1)R was present in acidophil, diffusely distributed cells, which represent the half of the total adenohypophysis cell population. As was expected, these cells were shown to coexpress GH. OX(2)R was found in the pars intermedia and in clusters of basophil cells of the anterior pituitary, which coexpress ACTH. These results were confirmed by double immunofluorescence techniques. We also found focal positivity in axon terminals of neurohypophysis, more intense for OX(2)R than for OX(1)R. In conclusion, these results demonstrated for the first time that OX(1)R and OX(2)R were expressed by somatotrope and corticotrope cells, respectively.

Cellular localization of orexin receptors in human pituitary

Orexins-A and -B are hypothalamic peptides derived from a precursor called prepro-orexin and relationated with the stimulation of food intake. They act on G protein receptors named orexin receptor 1 (OX(1)R) and orexin receptor 2 (OX(2)R), respectively. In the present study, we used RT-PCR and immunohistochemical techniques to detect the presence of OX(1)R and OX(2)R in human pituitary. A band of the expected size for both OX(1)R and OX(2)R was shown in human pituitary by RT-PCR. The cellular localization of OX(1)R and OX(2)R was carried out using histological techniques. By consecutive sections we demonstrated that OX(1)R was present in acidophil, diffusely distributed cells, which represent the half of the total adenohypophysis cell population. As was expected, these cells were shown to coexpress GH. OX(2)R was found in the pars intermedia and in clusters of basophil cells of the anterior pituitary, which coexpress ACTH. These results were confirmed by double immunofluorescence techniques. We also found focal positivity in axon terminals of neurohypophysis, more intense for OX(2)R than for OX(1)R. In conclusion, these results demonstrated for the first time that OX(1)R and OX(2)R were expressed by somatotrope and corticotrope cells, respectively.

Expression of growth hormone receptor in benign and malignant cutaneous proliferative entities

The skin has the necessary elements to respond to growth hormone (GH) and suffers clinical changes in the pathological circumstances of excess and deficiency of GH. The GH has been involved in the development of different types of human neoplasms. Based on these data, we have studied the GH receptor (GHR) expression in acrochordons, seborrheic keratosis, melanocytic nevi, histiocytomas, squamous cell carcinomas, basal cell carcinomas, and malignant melanomas by means of the immunohistochemistry with the monoclonal antibody MAb 263. All the entities showed immunoreactivity for GHR. In the histiocytomas, the expression of GHR in the keratinocytes of the hyperplastic epidermis coating the lesion showed a strong nuclear pattern, but the non-hyperplastic epidermis of the edges of the histiocytomas expressed GHR with a cytoplasmic pattern. In the basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the immunoreactivity was weaker than in normal skin. In the squamous cell carcinoma, the intensity of immunostaining correlated directly with the grade of cellular differentiation. In conclusion, the GH may be involved in the development of different kinds of cutaneous neoplasms, and the intracellular localization of GHR may imply a functional significance, at least in the histiocytomas.

Increased expression of growth hormone and prolactin receptors in hepatocellular carcinomas

The liver is an essential target tissue for growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL). The aim of this study was to determine the in situ expression of growth hormone receptor (GHR) and prolactin receptor (PRLR) in hepatocellular carcinomas and to compare the results with normal liver. For this purpose, in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemical techniques were performed and several tests were conducted to validate the results. By radioactive ISH, all the hepatocellular carcinomas studied showed labeling for GHR and PRLR mRNAs. Relative expression levels, determined by computer-assisted microdensity, were higher in hepatocellular carcinomas than in normal liver. Immunohistochemistry led us to confirm the constant expression of both receptor proteins in hepatocellular carcinomas and normal liver and to demonstrate their localization not only in the cytoplasm but also in the nucleus. These results confirm that the liver is a major GH and PRL target tissue and suggest that in hepatocellular carcinomas the proliferative effects of these hormones may be increased by a higher expression of their receptors.

Cis-unsaturated free fatty acids block VIP-mediated GH and PRL secretion by perturbing the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway

Cis-unsaturated free fatty acids (FFA) like oleic acid are strong blockers of both basal and stimulated GH secretion in vivo by acting directly on the somatotroph cell. Several lines of evidence suggest that this inhibitory action is the result of a perturbation of the function of several plasma membrane integral proteins. It has been reported recently that cis-FFA are able to block several steps in the inositolphosphates/phospholipase C/Ca2+ (InsPs/PLC/Ca2+) signal transduction pathway triggered by the activation of the TRH receptor. In this paper we present evidence showing that the inhibition of growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) secretion by cis-FFA in vitro is also exerted at several different levels on the cAMP-protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) pathway triggered by the stimulation of the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptor in pituitary clonal cells. By means of a sequential analysis of signal transduction events, we observed that cis-unsaturated FFA; (1) reduce the activity of adenylate cyclase; (2) perturb the activity of protein kinase A; (3) suppress the VIP-triggered Ca2+ influx, and (4) do not perturb VIP binding or the homologous desensitization of the VIP receptor.

Cellular and subcellular distribution of 7B2 in porcine Merkel cells

BACKGROUND

Merkel cells are neuroendocrine cells located in the skin and oral mucosa of various mammalian species. These cells express multiple peptides as well as serotonin. Although the precise function of Merkel cells is still unknown, different studies support its role as mechano-electric transducer. 7B2 granin (secretogranin V) is a polypeptide isolated from the pituitary gland and present in the dense-cored granules of neuronal and paraneuronal cells.

METHODS

The expression of the 7B2 in Merkel cells of pig snout skin was analysed by immunohistochemical techniques. The streptavidin-biotin peroxidase complex procedure was employed for light microscopy. A postembedding method using immunoglobulin-colloidal gold complexes was employed for the ultrastructural studies.

RESULTS

Immunoreactivity for 7B2 was observed in virtually all Merkel cells, both in epidermis and vibrissae. The immunostaining was shown in the basal side of cytoplasms where neuroendocrine granules were accumulated. Immunoelectron microscopy allowed us to demonstrate that 7B2 labelling was located on the electrondense granules. Nuclei and epidermal nerve terminals associated with merkel cells did not show immunoreactivity.

CONCLUSIONS

The polypeptide 7B2 is present in the dense-cored granules of Merkel cells. This result is consistent with the possible role for 7B2 in secretory granules' processing. To our knowledge this is the first evidence of 7B2 protein in Merkel cells.

Cellular distribution of prolactin receptors in human digestive tissues

In the present study we analyzed the expression of prolactin receptors (PRLR) in human digestive tissues by immunohistochemistry. PRLR immunoreactivity was primarily localized in the cytoplasm. However, in some organs (liver and salivary glands) a nuclear positivity was also found. The liver was used as control and showed a diffuse immunostaining in the parenchymal cells. In the gastrointestinal tract, PRLR immunoreactivity was observed in the mucosa, muscularis layer, and nervous plexuses. The more intense immunostaining in the mucosa of the different segments was as follows: esophagus, superficial layers of the stratified squamous epithelium and mucous glands; stomach, parietal cells; small intestine, absorptive and Paneth cells; and colon, surface epithelium and superficial half of the crypts of Lieberkühn. In the salivary glands, immunoreactivity was strong in the mucous tubules, moderate in the ducts, and weak in the serous cells. Endocrine pancreas showed a more intense immunoreactivity than the pancreatic acini. By serial sections of the islets of Langerhans we showed that immunostaining was confined to B cells. These findings demonstrate the widespread distribution of PRLR in human digestive tissues and its localization both in cytoplasms and nuclei.

Pretreatment with oleic acid accelerates the entrance into the mitotic cycle of EGF-stimulated fibroblasts

We have previously demonstrated that pretreatment of several cell lines with cis-unsaturated fatty acids, like oleic acid, blocks epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced early ionic signals, and in particular the [Ca2+]i rise. In the present work we show that this blockade does not alter EGF-stimulated cellular proliferation evaluated by direct cell counting, but induces a powerful enhancement in the pulsed thymidine incorporation assay. The lack of effect of oleic acid on EGF-stimulated cellular proliferation was confirmed by repeated cell counts, cumulative thymidine incorporation, and protein synthesis, but a clear synergistic effect between oleic acid and EGF was again obtained by means of time course experiments with pulsed thymidine. Combined flow cytometry analysis and cell counts at earlier times in EGF-stimulated cells showed that oleic acids accelerates the entrance of cells into the replicative cycle leading to an earlier cell division. Afterward, these oleic acid-pretreated cells became delayed by an unknown compensatory mechanism in such a way that at 48 h post-EGF, the cell count in control and oleic acid-pretreated cells was equal. In conclusion (a) oleic acid accelerates or enhances the EGF mitogenic action and (b) in the long term cells compensate the initial perturbation with respect to untreated cells. As a side observation, the widely employed pulsed thymidine incorporation method as a measure of cell division could be extremely misleading unless experimental conditions are well controlled.