Motherhood and Treatment Outcome in Female Patients with Compulsive Buying-Shopping Disorder

Motherhood has been proposed as an internal facilitating factor for the recovery of women with mental disorders. However, at the same time, there are significant barriers that may be interfering with the access and adherence to treatment for these women. The present longitudinal study aimed to deepen the sociodemographic and clinical profile of women with children and compulsive buying–shopping disorder (CBSD), and to explore the association between motherhood and response to treatment. The total sample included 77 women with a diagnosis of CBSD (n = 49 mothers) who received cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for 12 weeks. No association between psychopathology and motherhood was observed. The group of mothers reported an older age of onset of the CBSD, a lower amount of money spent per compulsive-buying episode, and a higher likelihood of family support for the CBSD. Moreover, this group showed lower risk of relapse. The findings support the theoretical proposal that considers motherhood as an internal facilitating factor for recovery and treatment adherence of mothers with addictions.

The amino-terminal domain of ORF149 of koi herpesvirus is preferentially targeted by IgM from carp populations surviving infection

Recombinantly expressed fragments of the protein encoded by ORF149 (pORF149), a structural protein from the common- and koi-carp-infecting cyprinid herpesvirus-3 (CyHV-3) that was previously shown to be antigenic, were used to obtain evidence that its amino-terminal part contains immunodominant epitopes in fish populations that survived the infection. To obtain such evidence, nonspecific binding of carp serum tetrameric IgM had to be overcome by a novel ELISA protocol (rec2-ELISA). Rec2-ELISA involved pre-adsorption of carp sera with a heterologous recombinant fragment before incubation with pORF149 fragments and detection with anti-carp IgM monoclonal antibodies. Only in this way was it possible to distinguish between sera from uninfected and survivor carp populations. Although IgM from survivors recognised pORF149 fragments to a lesser degree than whole virus, specificity was confirmed by correlation of rec2- and CyHV-3-ELISAs, inhibition of rec2-ELISA by an excess of frgIIORF149, ELISA using IgM-capture, Western blotting, and reduction of reactivity in CyHV-3-ELISA by pre-adsorption of sera with frgIIORF149. The similarity of IgM-binding profiles between frgIORF149 (amino acid residues 42-629) and frgIIORF149 (42-159) and their reactivities with previously described anti-CyHV-3 monoclonal antibodies confirmed that most pORF149 epitopes were localised in its amino-terminal part.

Morphological and morphometric changes in rat optic nerve microvessels in a glaucoma experimental model

AIM

To study the morphological and morphometric changes produced in the capillaries of the optic nerve (ON) head and initial portion after the experimental increase in intraocular pressure (IOP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Wistar rats underwent cauterization of three episcleral veins, which produced an immediate increase in the IOP, and was maintained for 3 months. Sagittal sections of the eyeball were studied with immunohistochemical techniques, using a primary antibody to GLUT-1. The GLUT-1 positive capillaries were counted, and measurements were made of the area, perimeter and mean diameter.

RESULTS

Microscopic examination of sections of the ON of control rats revealed a lower density and larger caliber of capillaries in the prelaminar region as compared with the other regions of the ON (P<.05). Comparison between the control and the experimental groups showed a reduction in capillary density (except in the prelaminar region) and a smaller size in all the areas of the ON studied, but less evident in the initial portion (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in IOP was associated with significant qualitative and quantitative changes in the capillaries of the laminar and poslaminar regions of the ON head. These changes appear to return towards parameters compatible with normality in the initial portion of the ON, an area where the vascular collapse was less evident. These findings might explain the significant reduction in ocular blood flow seen in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

Follow up of patients who start treatment with antidepressants: treatment satisfaction, treatment compliance, efficacy and safety

BACKGROUND

Measuring satisfaction with treatment has proved useful to ascertain the treatment features that are most important to the patients, and to explain increased treatment compliance. However, there are few studies that relate satisfaction to other clinical or self-perceived health status indicators. Recent studies have shown the close relationship between satisfaction with treatment, treatment compliance, and effectiveness. This study attempts to design and validate a scale to evaluate satisfaction with antidepressant drug therapy, assess treatment compliance (self-reported, validated questionnaire, drug accountability and electronic monitorization system), assess efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms and safety in patients who initiate antidepressant drug therapy, as well as to establish predictors of satisfaction, compliance and effectiveness with these drugs.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is an observational longitudinal study with a cohort of adults initiating treatment with antidepressant drugs. A multi-centre study will be performed in which 20 Primary Care practices from Castilla-La Mancha are expected to participate. An initial interview and follow-up visits at 15 days, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months will be conducted with all study participants. 706 subjects will be studied (95% confidence interval, precision ± 3%, expected rate of non-compliance 50%, expected non-responders and lost to follow up rate 15%). The following measurements will be performed: development and validation of a scale of satisfaction with antidepressant therapy, participant and antidepressant characteristics, treatment compliance evaluation (Haynes-Sackett Test, Morisky-Green Test, drug accountability and Medication Event Monitoring System), depression symptom reduction (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale), observation of adverse effects, and beliefs about treatment (The Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire).

DISCUSSION

Antidepressant drugs are an extraordinarily important therapeutic group in the pharmacy composition; economic repercussions and social impact associated to their use is clear. Despite their well-established efficacy in clinical trials, treatment non-compliance is a major obstacle to their effectiveness in clinical practice. The proposed study brings about useful conclusions to improve the results of these drugs. Additionally, devising a scale specifically designed to evaluate satisfaction with antidepressant treatment could be of interest in healthcare outcomes research.

Morphological and functional changes in experimental ocular hypertension and role of neuroprotective drugs

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cell axons and their cell bodies in the retina. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is considered to be the major risk factor associated with the development of this neuropathy. Randomized controlled clinical trials have demonstrated that in some patients the disease progresses, even after lowering the IOP. Several researchers have devised ways to induce elevated IOP in the rat eye with the aim of impeding the flow of aqueous humour out of the eye. Chronic ocular hypertension in rats induces morphofunctional changes in the optic nerve head and retina. Death of ganglion cells is thought to follow an apoptotic pathway. Changes have also been reported in neuronal and non-neuronal cells, levels of cyclooxygenase, and nitric oxide synthase, endothelin 1 and brain derived neurotrophic factor. Other mechanisms include intracellular electrolyte imbalance, microglial phagocytosis and elevated glutamate levels. Neuroprotection is the treatment strategy by preventing neuronal death. Hypotensive drugs (beta-blockers, alpha-agonists and prostaglandins), Ca++ channel blockers, NMDA antagonists and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors have been used as neuroprotective drugs in experimental models of glaucoma.

Effects of a non-selective beta-blocker on adult rat anterograde axonal transport and retinal ganglion layer after increased intraocular pressure

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of timolol in an experimental model of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Three episcleral veins of rats with normal IOP were cauterized. Three months later we examined the effects on anterograde axonal transport from the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to the superior colliculus (SC) as well as on the number of neurons in the retinal ganglion layer (RGL). These parameters were also studied in a group of rats submitted to treatment with timolol after confirming that their IOP was still raised after two weeks. After the surgical procedure, the mean IOP of the experimental eyes increased to 33.5+/-1.06 mmHg (1.25 fold compared to the control group) and three months later the IOP remained significantly elevated; however, after a long period of treatment with timolol the IOP was 14.05+/-0.81 mmHg, similar to that of the control group. In the group with normal IOP, labelling with horseradish rabbit peroxidase (HRP) at 120 minutes and 24 hours postinjection showed continuous staining from the retina to the SC. In the experimental group the optic nerve head (ONH) was completely negative, although in the group treated with timolol there was partial block of axonal transport in the ONH, in which the staining was slightly more intense. The number of neurons in the RGL, counted by immunohistochemical labelling with Neu-N, showed that in eyes with normal and elevated IOP there were 423+/-11 neurons/mm(2) and 283+/-10 neurons/mm(2), respectively. After treatment with timolol the number of neurons (331+/-10 cells/mm(2) increased compared with elevated IOP eyes, although the number did not reach that of the control group. These results indicate that treatment with timolol, started two weeks after the surgical procedure, was partially neuroprotective because the loss of neurons in the RGL was lower than in untreated animals, though not sufficient to re-establish normal axonal transport.

HLA genes in Lamas Peruvian-Amazonian Amerindians

The Lamas Amerindians are the Chancas descents who established before 1532 a.d. (Spanish conquest) at Lamas City, Wayku quarter in a Peruvian-Amazonian province (San Martin). The Lamas HLA profile shows significant differences with other Amerindians HLA profile, i.e.: (a) a higher number of newly found haplotypes compared to other studied Amerindian populations, particularly HLA-A*02-B*48-DRB1*0403-DQB1*0302, A*02-B*48-DRB1*0804-DQB1*0402 and A*02-B*40-DRB1*0407-DQB1*0302; (b) a relative high frequency of HLA-DRB1*0901 (a high frequency southern Asian allele) and HLA-B*48 (a Na-Dene, Siberian and Eskimo allele); both alleles are also found frequently in Quechuas and Aymaras, but not in many other (particularly Meso American) Amerindians and (c) correspondence and neighbor-joining dendrogram analyses show that Lamas (Chancas) may have an origin close to Amazonian Indians that later reached the Andean altiplano.

Potential use of a Yersinia ruckeri O1 auxotrophic aroA mutant as a live attenuated vaccine

The aroA gene of Yersinia ruckeri, which encodes 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate synthase, was insertionally inactivated with a DNA fragment containing a kanamycin resistance determinant and reintroduced by allelic exchange into the chromosome of Y. ruckeri 21102 O1 by means of the suicide vector pIVET8. The Y. ruckeri aroA::Kan(r) mutant was highly attenuated when inoculated intraperitoneally into rainbow trout, with a 50% lethal dose of >5 x 10(7) CFU. The mutants were not recoverable from the internal organs 48 h post-inoculation or later. The vaccination of rainbow trout with the AroA mutant as a live vaccine conferred significant protection (relative percentage survival = 90%) against the pathogenic wild-type strain of Y. ruckeri.

Ultrastructural and quantitative age-related changes in capillaries of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus

An ultrastructural and quantitative study of age-related changes in the capillaries of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus was carried out using male Wistar rats aged 3, 24, and 28 months. The most important structural changes were found in the basal lamina: thickenings either homogeneously distributed or in specific points; spurs towards the astrocyte sheath; and osmiophilic membrane-like inclusions located within the basal lamina. Endothelial cells and pericytes showed an increase in inclusions and dense bodies in the cytoplasm. The quantitative study showed that the most pronounced alteration was the thickening of the basal lamina, which existed at 24 months. Later, at 28 months, thinning of the endothelial cells was observed together with an increase in mitochondria size and the number of pinocytic vesicles. These changes could be an endothelial cell response to compensate for the increasing transport difficulties caused by the thickening of the basal lamina. The progressive age-related changes observed in the structure of the capillaries might have an effect on the regulation of blood and brain tissue exchanges, and thus might contribute to the development of degenerative alterations in surrounding aging neurones.

Correlation between production of acyl homoserine lactones and proteases in an Aeromonas hydrophila aroA live vaccine

Aeromonas hydrophila is a pathogen that causes disease in a wide range of homeothermic and poikilothermic hosts due to its multifactorial virulence. We have previously described the characterisation and use of an auxotrophic aroA mutant of the A. hydrophila AG2 strain as a live attenuated vaccine against A. hydrophila infections in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In this study we report the expression of extracellular proteolytic activities and of quorum-sensing molecules by this mutant grown under different culture conditions, and in vaccine inocula. The aroA strain expresses extracellular proteases efficiently during in vitro growth and this ability is retained in vaccine inocula that were prepared by washing the bacterial cultures and resuspending the cells in phosphate-buffered saline. Since proteases are considered to be major bacterial antigens, the expression of these enzymes in the live attenuated vaccine may contribute to the superior protection afforded by these kind of vaccines. On the other hand, the production of serine- and metalloprotease activities in A. hydrophila has been described as controlled in a cell density-dependent fashion, through a mechanism known as quorum sensing. A microtiter method was developed that allowed correlation of the production of quorum-sensing molecules and of proteases produced by the aroA strain during in vitro growth and in the vaccine inocula. The production of both products was related to the type of culture medium and conditions used to grow the aroA mutant, whereas there was no correlation between the concentration of acyl homoserine lactones and protease production.

Impression cytology of the conjunctival epithelium after antiglaucomatous treatment with latanoprost

PURPOSE

To study nongoblet and goblet epithelial conjunctival cells after several treatment periods with latanoprost, a prostaglandin analogue.

METHODS

Twelve patients (20 eyes) were studied before the onset of treatment and after 1, 3, and 6 months of latanoprost use. Impression cytology was carried out to analyze cellular density and morphologic parameters such as minimum and maximum diameter and area.

RESULTS

Nongoblet epithelium cell density did not change over the treatment period. The density of goblet cells increased after 1 month of use, but returned to initial cell density after longer treatment periods. Nongoblet epithelial cells underwent a significant reduction in size after 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment. In addition, the minimum/maximum diameter ratio suggested that after 1 month there were some changes in shape (a slight elongation) when compared to cells of untreated patients. Nevertheless, after longer treatment periods, the cells regained their original shape. No changes in size were observed in goblet cells, except for a slight decrease in maximum diameter after 6 months of treatment, which suggests that the cells became more rounded.

CONCLUSIONS

The density of nongoblet epithelial cells does not change after different treatment periods with latanoprost. However, their size decreases and after short treatment periods their shape also undergoes changes. The density of goblet cells increases after 1 month of treatment, but decreases again after longer periods. Their size does not undergo any modification, although there is a variation in shape after 6 months of treatment.

Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a root with aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing properties, on serum reproductive hormone levels in adult healthy men

Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a Peruvian hypocotyl that grows exclusively between 4000 and 4500 m in the central Andes. Maca is traditionally employed in the Andean region for its supposed aphrodisiac and/or fertility-enhancing properties. This study was a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel trial in which active treatment with different doses of Maca Gelatinizada was compared with a placebo. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that Maca has no effect on serum reproductive hormone levels in apparently healthy men when administered in doses used for aphrodisiac and/or fertility-enhancing properties. Men aged between 21 and 56 Years received 1500 mg or 3000 mg Maca. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone and 17-beta estradiol were measured before and at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment with placebo or Maca (1.5 g or 3.0 g per day). Data showed that compared with placebo Maca had no effect on any of the hormones studied nor did the hormones show any changes over time. Multiple regression analysis showed that serum testosterone levels were not affected by treatment with Maca at any of the times studied (P, not significant). In conclusion, treatment with Maca does not affect serum reproductive hormone levels.

Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men

This study was a 12-week double blind placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel trial in which active treatment with different doses of Maca Gelatinizada was compared with placebo. The study aimed to demonstrate if effect of Maca on subjective report of sexual desire was because of effect on mood or serum testosterone levels. Men aged 21-56 years received Maca in one of two doses: 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg or placebo. Self-perception on sexual desire, score for Hamilton test for depression, and Hamilton test for anxiety were measured at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. An improvement in sexual desire was observed with Maca since 8 weeks of treatment. Serum testosterone and oestradiol levels were not different in men treated with Maca and in those treated with placebo (P:NS). Logistic regression analysis showed that Maca has an independent effect on sexual desire at 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, and this effect is not because of changes in either Hamilton scores for depression or anxiety or serum testosterone and oestradiol levels. In conclusion, treatment with Maca improved sexual desire.

Adrenopause or decline of serum adrenal androgens with age in women living at sea level or at high altitude

The present study aimed to determine adrenopause or reduction of serum adrenal androgens with age at high altitude and at sea level. It was a cross-sectional study performed in 210 women resident at high altitude (4340 m) and 123 women living in Lima (150 m), aged 20-70 years. Fasting early morning blood samples were obtained. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulphate (DHEAS), androstenedione, testosterone and estradiol were measured by radioimmunoassay. Serum testosterone concentrations were greater in women living at high altitude than in those resident at sea level. Serum concentrations of DHEA, DHEAS and androstenedione were lower in women living at high altitude than in those living at sea level. The DHEAS/DHEA ratio was significantly greater, and the androstenedione/testosterone ratio was lower in samples from women living at high altitude. Among women older than 50 years of age, a greater decline in serum concentrations of DHEA was observed in those living at high altitude than in those living at sea level. Among women 60-70 years of age, serum concentrations of DHEA at high altitude were 46.9% of those in women of the same age living at sea level. Decay of DHEAS at sea level and at high altitude occurred from the age of 40 years. The decline was faster at high altitude than at sea level, and in women aged 60-70 years serum values of DHEAS at high altitude were 56% of those at sea level. In the same age group, serum concentrations of androstenedione among those native to high altitudes were 27.34% of the value at sea level. At sea level, serum testosterone concentrations did not change with age from 20 to 70 years. In women aged 20-39 years and 50-59 years, serum testosterone concentrations were greater at high altitude than at sea level (P<0.05). In those aged 60-70 years, the concentrations were similar in those living at sea level and at high altitude. At sea level and at high altitude, the serum testosterone/estradiol ratio increased with age (P<0.0034 and P<0.0001 respectively). This ratio increased at an earlier age among those living at high altitude (40-49 years) than among those living at sea level (50-59 years). Multivariate analysis showed that altitude (P<0.0001) and greater chronological age (P<0.001) were associated with lower serum DHEAS concentrations. DHEAS was related to chronological age (P<0.0001). Low serum androstenedione concentrations were related to living at high altitude at birth and greater chronological age (P<0.0001). In conclusion, adrenopause is attained earlier and is of greater magnitude at high altitude than at sea level.

Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved semen parameters in adult men

AIM

The present study was designed to determine the effect of a 4-month oral treatment with tablets of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on seminal analysis in nine adult normal men aged 24-44 years old.

METHODS

Nine men received tablets of Maca (1500 or 3000 mg/day) for 4 months. Seminal analysis was performed according to guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were measured before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Treatment with Maca resulted in increased seminal volume, sperm count per ejaculum, motile sperm count, and sperm motility. Serum hormone levels were not modified with Maca treatment. Increase of sperm count was not related to dose of Maca.

CONCLUSION

Maca improved sperm production and sperm motility by mechanisms not related to LH, FSH, PRL, T and E2.

True corrected seminal fructose level: a better marker of the function of seminal vesicles in infertile men

This study was designed to determine if the value obtained after multiplying motile sperm concentration by seminal fructose concentration, named "true corrected fructose", correlates with sperm motility in asthenozoospermic men. Forty-two male partners in infertile couples were studied. Men were treated with 100 mg daily of clomiphene citrate for 5 days. Blood and semen samples were collected before treatment and 24 h after the end of treatment. Serum testosterone, seminal fructose and sperm motility were measured in each subject. Corrected fructose (log. sperm concentration multiplied by seminal fructose), and true corrected fructose (log. motile sperm concentration multiplied by seminal fructose) values were calculated. Prevalence of asthenozoospermia was 42.85% (18 of 42). Prevalence of hypofunction of the seminal vesicles was 9.5% using seminal fructose as a marker; 40.5% using seminal corrected fructose as a marker and 47.6% using true corrected fructose as a marker of seminal vesicle function. Regression analysis showed a better coefficient of determination between true corrected fructose and motile sperm concentration (R2=0.20, p < 0.001) than with corrected fructose (R(2)=0.05, p < 0.1) or fructose concentration (R(2)=0.006, p < 0.5). Asthenozoospermia was observed in 22.7% of subjects with normal function of the seminal vesicles, and in 65% of men with low values of true corrected fructose (z=6.02, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that sperm motility grade 3 improved after treatment with clomiphene if true corrected fructose increased (p < 0.002). In those men whose seminal vesicle function improved after clomiphene treatment, a reduction in the prevalence of asthenozoospermia from 50 to 28.6% (z=3.10, p < 0.002) was observed whereas in those whose seminal vesicles did not respond to clomiphene the prevalence of asthenozoospermia was not reduced (z=1.05; p: NS). In conclusion, true corrected fructose measurement relates with sperm motility in cases of asthenozoospermia. Asthenozoospermia improves with clomiphene treatment if seminal vesicle function improves after treatment.

Low pulse oxygen saturation in post-menopausal women at high altitude is related to a high serum testosterone/estradiol ratio

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to determine if low pulse oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) in post-menopausal women at high altitude was related to high serum testosterone/estradiol (T/E(2)) ratio.

METHOD

Studies were carried out in 191 women living in Cerro de Pasco, Peru (4340 m above sea level) and in 56 women living in Lima (150 m asl). Body weight, height, SpO(2), hematocrit, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), T and E(2) levels were measured in all women. Body mass index (BMI), menopausal status and serum T/E(2) ratio were calculated from data.

RESULT

At high altitude, the values of SpO(2), serum T, and serum E(2) were significantly lower in post-menopausal than in pre-menopausal women. Hematocrit, serum FSH levels, and serum T/E(2) ratios were significantly higher in post-menopausal women. Serum T and E(2) levels, T/E(2) ratio, SpO(2), and hematocrit levels were not further changed with time after menopause. Women with SpO(2)<85% had lower serum E(2), a higher serum T/E(2) ratio, and higher hematocrit values than women with SpO(2)>90%. At high altitude, multiple regression analysis showed that low SpO(2) was related to menopausal status (-2.6+/-0.83; beta+/-S.E.; P<0.002) and not to chronological age (-0.06+/-0.04; P: NS). Further analysis showed that low SpO(2) was related to high basal serum FSH levels and a high serum T/E(2) ratio in the presence of an interaction between FSH and T/E(2).

CONCLUSION

Low values of SpO(2) in women at high altitude were related to a high T/E(2) ratio.

Spontaneous in vitro angiogenesis in a trout pronephric stromal cell line (TPS), and in TPS-haemopoietic co-cultures

This study describes angiogenic processes taking place in the in vitro micro-environment of a trout pronephric stroma cell line (TPS) under specific culture conditions, in which fetal calf serum, horse serum and hydrocortisone-sodium-21-hemisuccinate were used as supplements to the culture medium. When TPS cultures were kept in the same flask, i.e. without passages, for longer than 7 months, epithelioid cells differentiated into endothelial cells. Early stages of such differentiation were characterised by the presence of intracellular tubular vacuoles in clusters of neighbouring epithelioid cells. Subsequently, the endothelial cells reorganised and gave rise to microvascular structures, which branched over and into the TPS multilayers. The lining cells of the microvasculature showed typical characteristics of endothelial cells, such as ovoid or cubical shape, bundles of microfilaments and microtubules, and particularly numerous small vesicles at the apical pole, some of them fused to the plasma membrane. Similar angiogenic processes were also observed in long-term haemopoietic co-cultures formed by the TPS cell line and trout pronephric cell suspensions. Developing haemopoietic cells were observed at the basal pole of the vessels, and in the vascular lumen, where some immature cells appeared in close contact with the endothelium. These results indicate that the TPS cell line contains endothelial cell precursors, which are able to differentiate under certain culture conditions.

Stereological age-related changes in neurons of the rat dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus

Quantitative methods were used to compare the changes taking place in the volume of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) and corresponding neurons of young, adult and old rats. The study was carried out on male albino rats aged 3, 18, 24 and 28 months. In order to estimate the volume of the dLGN, neuronal volume density, numerical density and total number of neurons, we used serial sections stained according to the Klüver-Barrera technique and stereological methods. We found that dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus volume increases between 3 and 28 months, with a larger increase between 24 and 28 months. Neuronal volume density and numerical density of neurons are greater at 3 months and undergo a significant decrease between 24 and 28 months. Finally, the total number of neurons is shown to be smaller in adult and old animals than in younger ones, even though no significant variations are found between 18 and 28 months. Furthermore, this study confirms the need to analyze the total number of neurons and not just neuronal density if we want to correctly evaluate some of the microscopic changes occurring during senescence.

Use of clomiphene citrate in the treatment of men with high sperm chromatin stability

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether improvements of the seminal vesicle function after a 5-day course with clomiphene citrate (CC) may reduce the prevalence of men with high sperm chromatin stability under conditions of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

DESIGN

A prospective study.

SETTING

Andrology laboratory at the Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.

PATIENT(S)

Forty-one male partners of infertile couples attending the andrology laboratory.

INTERVENTION(S)

Clomiphene citrate was administered orally twice a day. Men were treated with CC at 100 mg daily for 5 days. Blood and semen samples were collected before treatment and 24 hours after the last administration.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Serum testosterone, seminal fructose, sperm motility, sperm chromatin stability after SDS and EDTA, and prevalence of high sperm chromatin stability.

RESULT(S)

The percentage of stable sperm after SDS-EDTA correlated inversely with the basal corrected concentration of seminal fructose (-1.77 +/- 0.89, beta +/- SE). High sperm chromatin stability was observed in 53.8% of the study population and in 66.7% of patients with hypofunction of the seminal vesicles. In those men whose seminal vesicle function improved after treatment with CC, the prevalence of high sperm chromatin stability was reduced from 67% to 25% (chi2 = 5.34). Logistic regression analysis showed that the higher the basal corrected seminal fructose levels and the higher the basal serum testosterone levels, the lower the probability of nonresponse of the sperm chromatin stability to treatment with CC (0.54 +/- 0.15, odds ratio +/- SE for corrected fructose; and 0.50 +/- 0.15, odds ratio +/- SE for serum testosterone).

CONCLUSION(S)

Hypofunction of the seminal vesicles was associated with high sperm chromatin stability, and this high sperm chromatin stability under SDS-EDTA conditions may be reduced by treatment with CC.

Relation between RNA content and ageing in neurons of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus

We carried out a study to establish ribonucleic acid (RNA) content in the nucleus and cytoplasm of single neuronal cells from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of 3-30 month-old rats. Mean RNA content was calculated as the product of RNA concentration and nuclear or cytoplasmic surface. The analysis of neuronal nuclei revealed no significant differences in RNA concentration, nuclear area, and RNA content from 3-18 months. However, a significant decrease in RNA concentration (18.73%) was found from the 18th-24th month, although no changes were observed in nuclear area and RNA content. The oldest rats, 24-30 months old, presented a significant increase in nuclear area and RNA content. As regards to the neuronal cytoplasm, no significant differences were found in any of the parameters at the ages from 3-18 months and 18-24 months. In contrast, a significant increase in RNA concentration (26.26%), cytoplasm area (18%), and RNA content (52%) takes place from the 24th-30th month. The increase in RNA content could be related to neuronal hypertrophy.

[Prevalence of anemia in pregnancy, Pucallpa Regional Hospital, Perú]

Population based health surveys in Peru show that the general fertility rates, proportion of pregnant adolescents, and maternal and child morbidity are higher in the jungle regions than in other parts of the country. Endemic intestinal parasitic diseases increase the risk of anemia in pregnant women already suffering from iron, folic acid, and other nutritional deficiencies. This is the most common complication of pregnancy in many Latin American countries and is often associated with premature labor, low birthweight, and perinatal mortality. There are very few studies on this subject based on jungle populations and no reliable estimates of the prevalence of anemia in local pregnant women. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women attending the Regional Hospital in Pucallpa, located in the Peruvian jungle, from January 1993 to June 1995. This cross-sectional study, which was based on the registries of prenatal and childbirth services encompassing 1,015 pregnant women, looked into the potential association between anemia and such variables as the mother's chronological age, schooling, previous pregnancies, and weight at the beginning of pregnancy. Maternal hemoglobin levels were compared with the newborns' weight at birth. The prevalence of anemia in this population sample was 70.1%. This value was not modified when adjusted for maternal age, schooling, or interval between births. Anemia prevalence was directly related to the number of previous pregnancies and inversely related to weight gain during pregnancy. The perinatal mortality rate was 37.7 per 1,000 births. Neither this rate nor the birthweights were associated with the mother's degree of anemia. A multivariate regression analysis showed that maternal body weight at the start of pregnancy (P = 0.0001), weight gain during pregnancy (P = 0.0001), and the number of pregnancies (P = 0.008) are predictors of birthweight. Results showed that the high prevalence of anemia in Pucallpa's pregnant women is not associated with low birthweight or a high perinatal mortality rate. Future studies should investigate the principal causes of anemia in the pregnant women of Pucallpa and how the disease affects the psychomotor development of their offspring.

The effect of ageing on RNA content in neurons from the thalamic reticular nucleus visual sector

In this paper we investigate nucleic acid content in neurons from the dorsocaudal region of the thalamic reticular nucleus in ageing Wistar rats. Nucleic acid per surface unit was analysed by calculating mean extinction using cytophotometric methods. Once the mean extinction and nuclear and cytoplasmic areas were known, nucleic acid total content was calculated. There was an increase in nucleic acid total content and in nuclear and cytoplasmic areas from the age of 3 months onwards. We interpreted these findings as a compensatory response, by 'neuronal hypertrophy', to the deterioration process occurring in the ageing rats. Between the 24th and 30th month, i.e. old age, nucleic acid per surface unit and total content in the cytoplasm exhibited a considerable decrease.

Quantitative morphological changes in neurons from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of young and old rats

BACKGROUND

We studied the morphological changes occurring in neurons from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) during aging by analysing the size and shape of cell bodies and nuclei.

METHODS

Male albino Wistar rats, aged 3, 18, 24, and 30 months, were used. After appropriate tissue preparation and following the usual histological procedure, the profiles of 1,920 neuronal bodies and nuclei were drawn using a camera lucida. Data was later recorded and processed with a semiautomatic image analyser.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

We observed that dLGN neurons do not change in size from the age of 3-24 months. Between 24 and 30 months, the soma and nucleus of the cell undergo hypertrophy, 32.8% and 35.6%, respectively, when compared to those from 3-month-old animals (P < 0.01). Furthermore, we found a high correlation between cell body size/nucleus size, which does not disappear with age. The r values (correlation coefficient) were 0.7998, 0.8662, 0.8433 and 0.7304, and R2 (determination coefficient) was equal to 0.6397, 0.7504, 0.7112, and 0.5335. These latter values show that in 63.97%, 75.04%, 71.12%, and 53.35% of cases, respectively, modifications in somata size were accompanied by similar changes in nucleus size, and vice-versa. The study of the shape of the soma and nucleus of the cell revealed that both structures have a rounded-oval configuration that does not change in a significant way from adulthood to old age.

Influence of low corrected seminal fructose levels on sperm chromatin stability in semen from men attending an infertility service

OBJECTIVE

To determine any correlation between sperm chromatin stability under sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and SDS-ethylendiamine tetraacetic acid (SDS and EDTA) conditions with levels of corrected seminal fructose, obtained multiplying logarithm of sperm count by seminal fructose concentration, in men attending an infertility service.

DESIGN

Cross sectional study to compare semen parameters of two groups (control and experimental), one with normal levels of corrected fructose (control) and the second with low levels of corrected fructose (experimental). Subjects were also grouped according to number, motility and morphology of sperm, and according to results of hypo-osmotic test.

SETTING

Andrology laboratory at the Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura, Lima, Perú.

PATIENT(S)

Two hundred and twenty five male partners in infertile couples attending the Andrology Laboratory.

INTERVENTION(S)

None

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

semen analysis, hypo-osmotic swelling test, sperm chromatin stability after SDS, and SDS and EDTA, and seminal fructose.

RESULT(S)

Seminal volume, sperm motility, and seminal fructose were significantly lower in samples from subjects with low levels of corrected fructose. Subjects with low levels of corrected fructose had also high sperm chromatin stability under SDS, and SDS and EDTA treatment. After SDS treatment, sperm chromatin stability was similar in normal samples and in those with oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, or abnormal hypo-osmotic swelling test. After SDS and EDTA treatment, a high sperm stability was observed in samples with asthenozoospermia. This hyper-stability is observed in asthenozoospermic samples with low corrected fructose levels, but not in asthenozoospermic samples with normal corrected fructose levels. The logistic regression analysis applied to asthenozoospermic data showed that chronological age, seminal volume, acid phosphatase per ejaculate and percent of stable sperm after SDS and EDTA treatment were significantly associated to levels of corrected fructose.

CONCLUSION(S)

Low levels of corrected fructose were associated to low seminal volume, low sperm motility, and high sperm chromatin stability under SDS and EDTA treatment.

Quantitative histochemical study of cytochrome oxidase in the dLGN of aging rats

We carried out a quantitative histochemical study of the enzyme cytochrome oxidase (CO) in neurons of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of male Wistar rats aged 3, 18, 24 and 28 months. The results show that the activity of cytochrome oxidase decreases significantly between 24 and 28 months. We also checked whether a correlation existed between neuronal size and enzymatic activity. Low correlation coefficients were obtained which were between 0.4139 at 3 months 0.2092 at 28 months. Nevertheless, we observed a certain relationship between both parameters, and therefore we classified the neurons as light, moderate and dark according to their optical density, which correlates with enzyme cytochrome oxidase activity, and as small, medium and large depending on their size. We found that light neurons were scarcely represented in the dLGN. At the age of 3 months, the most frequent neurons were moderate, medium-size ones, and dark, small ones. The population of moderate neurons increased with age, reaching 74.5% at the 28th month, 52.2% of which corresponded to medium-size neurons. In the same group dark neurons decreased, falling to a total of 15.3% made up of medium and large-size ones. These results could be interpreted as reflecting a decrease in the bioenergetic competence of the neurons of this nucleus in old age.

The effect of ageing on neurones in the visual sector of the thalamic reticular nucleus

This paper studies the quantitative morphological changes occurring during ageing in neurones of the dorsocaudal or visual sector of the thalamic reticular nucleus. Male Wistar rats aged 3, 6, 18, 24 and 30 months were used in this study which applied morphometric methods. We have observed an increase in the size of neurones from this sector between the 3rd and 24th month and a decrease between the 24th and 30th month. In all the ages studied the majority of neurones are fusiform.

Critical anthropometry for menarche

The objective of the study was to determine if any anthropometric measurements, including weight, height, and upper arm circumference, or the calculated body mass index observed at the time of menarche may be used as a threshold for menarche. The sample was randomly selected from 1133 girls aged 10-18 years from two groups, one residing in Lima, Peru, at 150 m above sea level, and the second in Cerro de Pasco, Peru, at 4340 m above sea level. For the purpose of this study, all girls who reached menarche at least 1 month before the study (n = 93) were considered as cases (girls at menarche); 88 girls without menarche at the time of the study were randomly matched by age and place of residence, and designated as controls. All subjects came from the same low socioeconomic status. Body weight at menarche was 44.6 +/- 5.09 kg (mean +/- SD; coefficient of variation [CV], 11.4%). Height at menarche was 151.6 +/- 5.5 cm (CV, 3.7%). Body mass index, defined as weight/height2.15, was 18.26 +/- 1.96 kg/m2.15 at menarche (CV, 10.7%). Upper arm circumference at menarche was 21.8 +/- 1.6 cm (CV, 7.3%). The logistic regression analysis showed that any of the four anthropometric measurements analyzed were critical for menarche; i.e., any of the four could be used as a threshold for menarche. Data from the present study do not support the hypothesis that there are anthropometric markers that are critical for menarche.

Tissue distribution and structure of barrier cells in the hematopoietic and lymphoid organs of salmonids

BACKGROUND

Barrier cells have been recognized as a discrete group of fibroblastic- or myofibroblastic-like cells located in the lymphoid and hematopoietic organs of mammals. This paper reports the results of a morphological study of the main lymphoid organs of three salmonid species, in which cells structurally similar to the mammalian barrier cells were observed in healthy animals.

METHODS

The spleen, kidney, and thymus of fingerlings of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and Coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, and of adult brown trout, Salmo trutta fario, were processed for electron microscopy study using various fixation methods. Semithin sections were used for the Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining technique, and for the demonstration of the endogenous peroxidase activity.

RESULTS

The kidney and spleen of all the species contained a variable, but usually low, number of electron-dense, elongated, and branched cells, ultrastructurally similar to the mammalian barrier cells. They also occurred in the thymus of some brown trout and Coho salmon, but not of rainbow trout. The electron density of this cell type was present after the various types of fixation procedures. They show numerous ribosomes, well-developed secretory organelles, electron-clear vesicles, large granules, and microfilaments. In all the salmonid species, barriers cells were positive for PAS staining and for endogenous peroxidase activity. A small number of barrier cells were in mitosis. In the different organs barrier cells appeared as isolated cells, or forming syncytial networks. They were found lining the blood sinusoids of the splenic red pulp and of the renal hematopoietic tissue, in the periellipsoidal sheaths, and closely associated with erythropoietic and plasmacytopoietic foci.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate the presence of cells closely resembling mammalian barrier cells in the hematopoietic and lymphoid organs of salmonids. The structure and tissue distribution of the salmonid barrier cells are discussed in relation to the functional roles described for this cell type in mammals.

Body mass index and age at menarche in Peruvian children living at high altitude and at sea level

The present study was designed to determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and age at menarche in girls (aged 10-19 years) living in Lima (150 m) and in Cerro de Pasco (4340 m above sea level). The purpose of the study was to determine whether the relationships between BMI and both age at menarche and chronological age differ between girls living at low and at high altitude. The ratio weight/height (the Benn index) was used in the present study as a variant of BMI because the exponent minimizes the relationship with height and maximizes the relationship with weight. From 10 to 16 years of age the Benn index of highlander girls was lower than that for girls at sea level, but at 17-19 years the differences disappeared. A later age at menarche was observed at high altitude than at sea level after controlling for socioeconomic status and for the Benn index. The value of the Benn index at the time of menarche, after controlling for chronological age in the analysis, was significantly higher at high altitude than at sea level. It was also observed that the higher the chronological age, the lower the value of the Benn index at the time of menarche. Using the median ages at menarche in Lima and in Cerro de Pasco, we found that a higher Benn index at the time of menarche is still observed at high altitude compared with girls from sea level. In Lima body weight and height were directly related to age at menarche (p < 0.001 and p < 0.005, respectively), whereas in Cerro de Pasco only weight was related to age at menarche (p < 0.001). The value of body weight at the time of menarche, after controlling for height in the analysis, was significantly higher at high altitude than at sea level. The stepwise multiple regression analysis of data from 93 girls having menarche at the time of or at most one month before the study showed that weight and altitude x height are predictors of age at menarche. These data suggest that age at menarche has an effect on both age and the Benn index acting independently and that later age at menarche in girls from Cerro de Pasco is an independent effect of altitude. Because the Benn index for menarche was different at sea level and at high altitude, we conclude that regression equations to predict age at menarche must include altitude as an independent variable.

Evolution of neuronal density in the ageing thalamic reticular nucleus

In this paper we present an analysis of the visual sector of the Thalamic Reticular Nucleus (TRN) from 3, 6, 18, 24 and 30 month old Wistar rats using stereological methods. The volume density (Vv), the number of neurones per surface unit (Na) and the neurone numerical density (Nv) showed a progressive decrease between the 3rd and the 24th months as the animals aged, whereas a significant increase was observed between the 24th and the 30th month, the period at which these rodents have fully entered old age.

Histopathology of the thymus in Saprolegnia-infected wild brown trout, Salmo trutta L

A comparative analysis was made of the thymic cytoarchitecture of healthy and Saprolegnia-infected wild brown trout. In Saprolegnia-infected fish, even when the thymus was not invaded by fungal hyphae, the thymic architecture was lost without signs of regionalization. Intercellular oedema, some thymocytes, hypertrophic and degenerated epithelial cells and increased phagocytic activity were also observed. In thymi invaded by the fungus, hyphae occurred isolated or in close apposition to epithelial cells, and the thymic disorganization was more noticeable. Most thymocytes were pyknotic and both epithelial cells and macrophages contained engulfed dead cells. However, no inflammatory response to the fungal invasion was observed. These results confirm the immunodepressed condition of Saprolegnia-infected wild brown trout previously observed in peripheral lymphoid organs. We discuss the secretion of fungal products and/or the high levels of corticosteroids observed in these fish as possible origins of the condition.

Two different subpopulations of Ig-bearing cells in lymphoid organs of rainbow trout

In a previous report we described the existence of two structural and antigenic variants of light chains in serum trout Igs, defined by mAbs 2H9 and 2A1. In this report, we analyse the cell distribution, the "in vitro" kinetics of production, and the ontogenic appearance of these two variants. Both variants were already present at day 8 before hatching and their kinetics of appearance correlated with that of total Ig, showing a peak around hatching. These mAbs stained two distinct lymphoid cell populations in the pronephros, mesonephros, spleen, and peripheral blood. Both mAbs reacted with approximately 1% of thymocytes. The ratio between these two cell populations (2A1+/2H9+) was about 2/1 in the lymphoid organs analysed. No differences were found between the profiles of the "in vitro" production of these variants in pronephric cell cultures stimulated with LPS. In these cultures, the 2A1 and 2H9 Igs together accounted for 10-70% of the total trout Ig produced, suggesting the existence of at least one additional L chain variant.

DNA determination of human hair bulbs in normal and androgenetic alopecia

We carried out a cytophotometric study of the DNA content of matrix cells from normal hair follicles and those affected by androgenetic alopecia (early and established baldness), using the Feulgen technique. We thereby obtained a 2C reference value from lymphocyte nuclei from normal skin, from which we established a 2C-4C and 4C DNA content. The results obtained showed 71.75% of matrix cells in normal scalp to have a 2C content, while the remaining 28.25% was distributed between the values of 2C-4C and 4C. However, in early baldness, the number of 2C cells dropped to 48%, with a notable increase in cell populations with a 2C-4C and 4C content, which varied from 29.45% and 22.55% respectively. Finally, in established baldness, the 2C values decreased to as low as 29.56%, with the percentage of cells with a 2C-4C content reaching 38.71% and those of 4C, 31.73%.

Relationship between body mass index, age, and serum adrenal androgen levels in Peruvian children living at high altitude and at sea level

We have determined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and serum adrenal androgen levels when age is controlled for in children, aged 7-12 years, living in Lima (150 m above sea level) and in Cusco (3400 m above sea level). The purpose of the study was to determine whether the relationship of serum adrenal androgen levels with both BMI and age differs between low and high altitude. The ratio weight/height2 is not an adequate marker of BMI because it correlates with height in children from Lima and Cusco. The ratio weight/height2.3 correlates with body weight but not with height and was used in the present study as the BMI. From age 7 to 12 years, the BMI increased significantly with age only in boys from sea level and in girls from high altitude. The study demonstrates that serum adrenal androgen levels are not related to BMI in either sea-level or high-altitude children when the effect of age is removed statistically. These data suggest that BMI in children is not related to serum levels of adrenal androgens and that delayed age of adrenarche observed in children at high altitude may be due to factors other than nutritional status.

Cytochrome oxidase activity in the lateral geniculate nucleus of postnatal rats

We have studied the cytochrome oxidase activity and its pattern of distribution in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the rat during postnatal development. Between the 1st and the 8th postnatal days, the geniculate nucleus is seen to have a homogeneous enzymatic pattern with high neuronal density and moderately reactive neuropil. On the 15th postnatal day, different levels of neuronal enzymatic activity are found, and adult morphology is attained as of the 21st. The densitometric study has revealed that moderate and lightly reactive neurons are predominant between the 1st and the 8th postnatal days, whereas dark neurons are more numerous and optical density maximum on the 15th postnatal day. No variation in the enzymatic pattern was observed between the 21st and the 42nd days.

Quantitative study of the human hair follicle in normal scalp and androgenetic alopecia

We carried out a quantitative study of the matrix and dermal papilla of the human hair follicle of the scalp, both normal and in various degrees of androgenetic alopecia. A stereological study showed the measured parameters to decrease with increase in the degree of alopecia, particularly as regards the total volume of the matrix and its papilla. The ratio of the two volumes increased by 30%, indicating a much more marked decrease in size of the papilla than in the matrix size. The number of cell nuclei in the matrix and the papilla of alopecic scalp was found to be 30% and 50% smaller, respectively, than those of normal scalp. Finally, a morphometric study revealed enlarged nuclei in the matrix and papilla, as shown by their increased areas, perimeters, and maximal diameters.

Long-term myelopoietic cultures from the renal hematopoietic tissue of the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss W.: phenotypic characterization of the stromal cells

This study describes the conditions for the long-term culture of the renal hematopoietic tissue of the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, the characterization of the stromal cells, and their relationships with myelopoietic cells. The long-term cultures consisted of stromal cells, which supported active myelopoiesis. Stromal cells were analyzed by enzyme-cytochemical techniques and electron microscopy. Major stromal cell types in long-term cultures consisted of fibroblastic reticular cells and epithelioid cells. Myelopoietic cells differentiated in close association with the fibroblastic reticular cells, and mature granulocytes were released into the culture medium.

Serum levels of adrenal androgens up to adrenarche in Peruvian children living at sea level and at high altitude

Serum levels of adrenal androgens were measured in children of both sexes living at sea level and at high altitude using a cross-sectional design. The levels were compared in relation to age at each altitude (150 m and 3400 m above sea level), and the first significant increase in mean levels compared with values at preceding ages was assessed and defined as adrenarche. A total of 118 boys and 95 girls aged 6-12 years living at low altitude and 95 boys and 104 girls aged 7-15 years living at high altitude, all of them attending public schools, were studied. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and androstenedione were measured by radioimmunoassay and height and weight by standard anthropometric techniques. There were two significant increases in serum levels of adrenal androgens, the first observed in children between 6 and 8 years at sea level, and between 7 and 9 years at high altitude, and the second in children between 10 and 12 years at sea level and between 12 and 15 years at high altitude. Serum adrenal androgen levels increased earlier in children at sea level than at high altitude. It is concluded that adrenarche occurs later at high altitude than at sea level.

Hematocrit levels in children at sea level and at high altitude: effect of adrenal androgens

Hematocrit values are normally higher in natives living at high altitude than in natives living at sea level. Here, we have determined the hematocrit levels in relation to adrenal androgens in children living at altitudes of 150 m and 3400 m above sea level. The data demonstrate no association between serum adrenal androgens levels and hematocrit values. For all ages studied, hematocrit levels were higher in children at high altitude than in children at low altitude. Higher hematocrit values (> or = 54%) were observed in 15% of native boys at 3400 m. These data suggest that the higher hematocrit levels observed normally in children at high altitude are mainly related to altitude hypoxia and not to adrenal androgens.

The in vitro infection of the hematopoietic stroma of trout kidney by hemorrhagic septicemia rhabdovirus

Viral hemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) infected the hematopoietic stromal cells (7,8) derived from pronephritic tissue of the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchuss mykiss, W., at their ninth passage in vitro. Viral infection resulted in the development of lytic cytopathic effects on confluent in vitro tridimensional network stromal cell cultures. Replication of VHSV in the stromal cell cultures was demonstrated by the increase in infectivity by epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cell culture assays and by the increase of the nucleoprotein antigen of VHSV by ELISA. By using anti-VHSV monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), flow cytometry studies demonstrated that only the infected stromal cells contained cytoplasmic viral antigens. The lytic infection of trout hematopoietic stromal cells in vitro could be relevant to the hemorrhagic pathology seen in the kidney of fish infected with VHSV.

Enzyme mechanisms for pyruvate-to-lactate flux attenuation: a study of Sherpas, Quechuas, and hummingbirds

During incremental exercise to fatigue under hypobaric hypoxia, Andean Quechua natives form and accumulate less plasma lactate than do lowlanders under similar conditions. This phenomenon of low lactate accumulation despite hypobaric hypoxia, first discovered some half century ago, is known in Quechuas to be largely unaffected by acute exposure to hypoxia or by acclimatization to sea level conditions. Earlier Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and metabolic biochemistry studies suggest that closer coupling of energy demand and energy supply in Quechuas allows given changes in work rate with relatively modest changes in muscle adenylate and phosphagen concentrations, thus tempering the activation of glycolytic flux to pyruvate--a coarse control mechanism operating at the level of overall pathway flux. Later studies of enzyme activities in skeletal muscles of Quechuas and of Sherpas have identified a finely-tuned control mechanism which by adaptive modifications of a few key enzymes apparently serves to specifically attenuate pyruvate flux to lactate.

Post-hatching development of the thymic epithelial cells in the rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri: an ultrastructural study

This study reports the ultrastructure of subpopulations of epithelial cells of the thymic parenchyma during the post-hatching development of the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdner, kept at 14 degrees C. At hatching, the thymus contained a small number of medium and large thymocytes interspersed among three different types of epithelial cells: (1) epithelial cells adjacent to the connective tissue capsule; (2) ramified dark epithelial cells with electron-dense cytoplasm; and (3) pale electron-lucent epithelial cells displaying secretory-like features. All these cells types were anchored to one another by desmosomes and had apparently differentiated from the pharyngeal epithelium. At 4 days after hatching, the thymus enlarged, and numerous gaps occurred between the cell processes of contiguous epithelial cells adjacent to the capsular connective tissue. In 21-day-old trout, thymic trabeculae developed carrying blood vessels, and a subcapsular zone became evident containing lymphoblasts and large subcapsular epithelial cells. In 30-day-old trout, an outer thymic zone developed consisting of spindle-shaped epithelial cells which formed a dense network. At this stage, scattered cystic cells, which apparently differentiated from the pale epithelial cells, were present.

Histochemical study of RNA content of neurones in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus during postnatal development

Nuclear and cytoplasmic dLGN neurons were investigated by cytophotometric measurements of RNA. This study has been carried out in rats from birth to adulthood. In order to quantify the RNA content a cytophotometer was used. Extinction mean values were obtained which indicated RNA concentrations per surface unit. The nuclear and cytoplasmic surface were calculated simultaneously and from the product of the mean extinction and the surface the RNA total content was calculated. Our results have suggested that the changes are age-related. From day 1 to day 21 the neuronal size and RNA content increase; this may somehow be involved with the differentiation process. Around post-natal day 21 neuronal maturation may begin, reaching its optimal phase around day 42, on which the RNA concentration per surface unit, surface neuronal content and RNA total content are stable.

Alterations in the peripheral lymphoid organs and differential leukocyte counts in Saprolegnia-infected brown trout, Salmo trutta fario

The number of circulating leukocytes and the structure of splenic and renal lymphoid tissue were comparatively analysed in healthy and Saprolegnia-infected wild brown trout, Salmo trutta fario. Sick trout showed lymphopenia, mainly due to decreased numbers of circulating small lymphocytes, and heterophilia. The splenic and renal lymphoid tissue of infected trout exhibited similar changes, consisting of cellular depletion, lymphoid cell degeneration, and vascular alterations with blood vessel enlargement and hypertrophy of sinusoidal endothelial cells. Furthermore, the endothelial cells in the spleen and kidney of the infected trout contained cytoplasmic vesicles filled with material of possible fungal origin. The absence of a reticular sheath was also evident in the splenic ellipsoids. These results suggest some immunodepression in Saprolegnia-infected trout which might favour the course of the disease.