Contribution to Knowledge on Bioapatites: Does Mg Level Reflect the Organic Matter and Water Contents of Enamel?

The matter constituting the enamels of four types of organisms was studied. The variability of the ions was presented in molar units. It was proven that the changes in water contents of the enamel are significantly positively related to changes in Mg; inversely, there is also a strong connection with changes in Ca and P, the main components of bioapatite. The variability in the organic matter has the same strong and positive characteristics and is also coupled with changes in Mg contents. Amelogenins in organic matter, which synthesize enamel rods, likely have a role in adjusting the amount of Mg, thus establishing the amount of organic matter and water in the whole enamel; this adjustment occurs through an unknown mechanism. Ca, P, Mg, and Cl ions, as well as organic matter and water, participate in the main circulation cycle of bioapatites. The selection of variations in the composition of bioapatite occurs only along particular trajectories, where the energy of transformation linearly depends on the following factors: changes in the crystallographic d parameter; the increase in the volume, V, of the crystallographic cell; the momentum transfer, which is indirectly expressed by ΔsinΘ value. To our knowledge, these findings are novel in the literature. The obtained results indicate the different chemical and crystallographic affinities of the enamels of selected animals to the human ones. This is essential when animal bioapatites are transformed into dentistic or medical substitutes for the hard tissues. Moreover, the role of Mg is shown to control the amount of water in the apatite and in detecting organic matter in the enamels.

Quantitative Description of Isomorphism in the Series of Simple Compounds

The introduction of the notion of energy change resulting from the ion exchange in apatites leads to the question: how can some simple isomorphic series be described using the mentioned idea? We concentrated on the simple isomorphic series of compounds: apatite, bioapatite, calcite, aragonite, celestine, K-, Zn- and Cu-Tutton's salts. It was demonstrated in all the series, except Tutton's salts, that the change in energy and the change in the crystal cell volume are, in a simple way, dependent on the change in the ionic radii of the introduced ions. The linear relationships between the variations in energy and in the universal crystallographic dimension d were derived from the earlier equations and proven based on available data. In many cases, except the Tutton's salts, linear dependence was discovered between the change in energy and the sinus of universal angle Θ, corresponding to the change in momentum transfer. In the same cases, linear dependencies were observed between the energy changes and the changes in the volumes of crystallographic cells, and mutually between changes in the crystallographic cell volume V, crystallographic dimension d, and diffraction angle Θ.

Microscopic Droplet Size Analysis (MDSA) of "Five Thieves' Oil" (Olejek Pięciu Złodziei) Essential Oil after the Nebulization Process

Nowadays, due to a higher resistance to drugs, antibiotics, and antiviral medicaments, new ways of fighting pathogens are intensively studied. The alternatives for synthesized compositions are natural products, most of which have been known in natural medicine for a long time. One of the best-known and intensively investigated groups are essential oils (EOs) and their compositions. However, it is worth noting that the method of application can play a second crucial part in the effectiveness of the antimicrobial activity. EOs possess various natural compounds which exhibit antimicrobial activity. One of the compositions which is based on the five main ingredients of eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and lemon is named "five thieves' oil" (Polish name: olejek pięciu złodziei) (5TO) and is used in natural medicine. In this study, we focused on the droplet size distribution of 5TO during the nebulization process, evaluated by the microscopic droplet size analysis (MDSA) method. Furthermore, viscosity studies, as well as UV-Vis of the 5TO suspensions in medical solvents such as physiological salt and hyaluronic acid, were presented, along with measurements of refractive index, turbidity, pH, contact angle, and surface tension. Additional studies on the biological activity of 5TO solutions were made on the P. aeruginosa strain NFT3. This study opens a way for the possible use of 5TO solutions or emulsion systems for active antimicrobial applications, i.e., for surface spraying.

Studies on Chemical Composition, Structure and Potential Applications of Keratoisis Corals

The chemical composition and structure of bamboo octocoral Keratoisis spp. skeletons were investigated by using: Scanning Electron Microscopy SEM, Raman Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction XRD, Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma LA-ICP, and amino acid analyzers. Elements discovered in the nodes (mainly organic parts of the skeleton) of bamboo corals showed a very interesting arrangement in the growth ring areas, most probably enabling the application of bamboo corals as palaeochronometers and palaeothermometers. LA-ICP results showed that these gorgonian corals had an unusually large content of bromine, larger than any other organism yet studied. The local concentration of bromine in the organic part of the growth rings of one of the studied corals grew up to 29,000 ppm of bromine. That is over 440 times more than is contained in marine water and 35 times more than Murex contains, the species which was used to make Tyrian purple in ancient times. The organic matter of corals is called gorgonin, the specific substance that both from the XRD and Raman studies seem to be very similar to the reptile and bird keratins and less similar to the mammalian keratins. The missing cross-linking by S-S bridges, absence of aromatic rings, and significant participation of β-turn organization of peptides differs gorgonin from keratins. Perhaps, the gorgonin belongs to the affined but still different substances concerning reptile and bird keratin and in relation to the more advanced version-the mammalian one. Chemical components of bamboo corals seem to have great medical potential, with the internodes as material substituting the hard tissues and the nodes as the components of medicines.

Hierarchy of Bioapatites

Apatites are one of the most intensively studied materials for possible biomedical applications. New perspectives of possible application of apatites correspond with the development of nanomaterials and nanocompounds. Here, an effort to systematize different kinds of human bioapatites forming bones, dentin, and enamel was undertaken. The precursors of bioapatites and hydroxyapatite were also considered. The rigorous consideration of compositions and stoichiometry of bioapatites allowed us to establish an order in their mutual sequence. The chemical reactions describing potential transformations of biomaterials from octacalcium phosphate into hydroxyapatite via all intermediate stages were postulated. Regardless of whether the reactions occur in reality, all apatite biomaterials behave as if they participate in them. To conserve the charge, additional free charges were introduced, with an assumed meaning to be joined with the defects. The distribution of defects was coupled with the values of crystallographic parameters “a” and “c”. The energetic balances of bioapatite transformations were calculated. The apatite biomaterials are surprisingly regular structures with non-integer stoichiometric coefficients. The results presented here will be helpful for the further design and development of nanomaterials.

Psoriatic arthritis - new perspectives

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a seronegative arthropathy with many clinical manifestations, and it may affect nearly a half of patients with psoriasis. PsA should be diagnosed as early as possible to slow down joint damage and progression of disability. To improve the diagnosis of PsA, physicians should look for peripheral inflammatory pain, axial inflammatory pain, dactylitis, and buttock and sciatic pain. In most patients with PsA, pharmacologic treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and biologic agents is effective. However, when pharmacological treatment fails, patients with PsA may benefit from orthopedic surgery, which can improve both joint function and quality of life. Total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty, and arthroscopic synovectomy of the knee are the most common surgical procedures offered to patients with PsA. The management of PsA requires the care of a multidisciplinary team, which should include dermatologists, rheumatologists, physiotherapists, and orthopedic surgeons.

Histological changes in the epiphyseal plate of growing young adult male rats after long-term hydrocortisone and salmon calcitonin administration

INTRODUCTION

Glucocorticosteroids decrease the longitudinal growth of bones. It has been reported that skeletally immature rats on calcitonin treatment grow longer and slimmer. The aim of this study was to assess whether concomitant treatment with calcitonin would influence longitudinal growth and histology of epiphyseal plate in hydrocortisone-treated rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty six growing male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two control and four experimental groups. Rats in the first two experimental groups were treated i.p. b.i.d. with hydrocortisone, while to the other experimental animals salmon calcitonin s.c. was administered concomitantly. The controls received appropriate vehicula. The rats were kept under standardised conditions. The first phase of the experiment was completed after 28 days and right femora and tibiae were harvested from groups and preserved in 4% buffered formalin. Lengths of the fresh femora were measured with an electronic caliper. After preservation, tibial bones were decalcified in 5% EDTA at room temperature. Paraffin-embedded coronal slices 10 μm thick from proximal tibia were taken and stained with hematoxylin/ eosin and alcian blue for histological assessment of the epiphyseal plate. A similar procedure was repeated after 56 days in the second phase of the experiment.

RESULTS

The femora of hydrocortisone-treated rats were significantly shorter than those of controls, but after concomitant administration of salmon calcitonin the difference was insignificant. The histological assessment showed that depressed function of growth plate in hydrocortisone-treated animals after both phases of the experiment was partially reversed by salmon calcitonin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged concomitant treatment with high-doses of salmon calcitonin partially reverses glucocorticoid-induced depression of rat growth plate.

Postoperative limb lengthening following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) through a posterior approach--a challenge for the orthopaedist or physiotherapist?

BACKGROUND

As coxarthrosis progresses, pain and mobility limitation exacerbate, usually presenting as a progressive flexion-abduction contracture. This, combined with the degradation of articular ends of bones, is responsible for anatomical and functional shortening of the limb. The sensation of postoperative leg length difference is a significant problem both for the patient and the operator. A sense of the operated limb being longer may be due to excessive length of the femoral segment following total hip arthroplasty. It may also result from a postoperative abduction or flexion-abduction contracture. The aim of the study was to review the clinical course of total hip replacement surgeries. The focus was on complaints of leg length discrepancy persisting for more than two weeks after ambulation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We investigated a series of 210 unilateral THA procedures. Swanson's technique through a posterolateral approach was used in all cases. Twelve patients, including 8 women and 4 men (out of the total of 210 patients - 169 women and 41 men), reported a sensation of operated limb lengthening for more than two weeks after ambulation. We reviewed the process of rehabilitation in this group of patients.

RESULTS

The rehabilitation procedure presented in this paper eliminated the sensation of limb length discrepancy in all patients who had reported this problem.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Complaints of leg lengthening following total hip arthroplasty were reported by approx. 5% of the THA patients. 2. Consistent physiotherapy involving muscle energy techniques (MET) helped to eliminate the sensation of limb length inequality.

[Modified Swanson's hip replacement--intraoperative complications and learning curve of the procedure]

Our study aimed at analysis and presentation of intraoperative complications during total hip replacements with the use of limited posterior approach according to T.V. Swanson. Consecutive 210 hip arthroplasies (79 males, 131 females, aged 20-87 years, mean age 61 +/- 12,) were analyzed according to intraoperative complications. Left hip was operated in 117 cases, right in 93, bilateral procedure was performed in 27 cases (9 men, 18 women). Idiopathic disease occurred in 196 hips, 8 were result of rheumatoid arthritis, in 5 was of dysplastic origin and one occurred due to idiopathic necrosis of femoral head. In 120 cases concomitant arthrosis of the lumbosacral spine and the other joints of the lower limbs was recorded. Preoperative Harris Hip Score (HSS) was 30 +/- 5 points and Body Mass Index (BMI) ranged from 23 to 36. Our clinical material was divided into three equeal series of consecutive hip replacements (n = 70). Each of the series represented different intraoperative complications. In the first series five intraoperative notorious bleedings, four transient sciatic nerve palsies, two injuries to piriforimis muscle and one spiral fracture of the proximal femur were noted. In the second series no important adverse intraoperative findings occurred. In the third series two perforations of the acetabulum and one fracture of the femur were observed. Differences of frequencies of vascular and neural complications between these three series appeared statistically significant. The authors suggested that these observations represent the "learning curve" of the new surgical procedure--the first phase reflects difficulties and technical errors, the second without complications--maturity of the procedure and the third one carelessness due to having false sense of "perfection" by the operators.

[Problem and tolerance of leg lengthening after total hip replacement]

Inevitable sequaelae of predominant number of hip arthritis is shortening of the upper end of the femur due to the destruction of the femoral cartilage and head which is usually accompanied by increasing flexion contracture. The main goal of hip replacement is to restore normal hip biomechanics and appropriate femoral neck lever. As the number of hip arthroplasties increases the patients dissatisfied with the early postoperative result related to the apparent lengthening of the operated limb are becoming more numerous. The authors retrospectively analyzed group of 10 patients complaining of postoperative lengthening limb derived from series of 210 hip replacements. In this group a rehabilitation programme comprising of repeated maneuvers of manipulation aiming at reduction of abduction contracture and obtaining adduction was performed. After a period of one week to six months in all the cases the perception of leg length discrepancy disappeared.

[Asymptomatic thrombo-embolic venous disease before total hip replacement--when the risk is important?]

In spite of widely applied prophylaxis against thrombo-embolic venous disease its future complications still present important clinical issue. According to rough statistics this disease occurs in 71/100 000 persons per year and reveals in 1/3 as pulmonary embolism and in 2/3 as a pure thrombotic venous disease. Massive pulmonary embolism is at present a major cause of death in hospitalized subjects. In the USA mortality due to diagnosed pulmonary embolism is reported as approximately 25 000 cases per year. The aim of this paper is to draw attention to the asymptomatic cases of the thrombotic venous disease in the patients before hip arthroplasty. A retrospective clinical analysis of 210 total hip replacements (years 2005-2008) was performed. Standard perioperative routine antithrombotic prophylaxis with low-molecule heparins was introduced in each case. Special attention was paid to the occurrence of the risk factors or the presence of venous thrombosis in the lower extremities perioperatively. In the analyzed group preoperative ultrasound revealed in 5 (2.38%) cases asymptomatic venous thrombi reaching above the knee region and this was the cause of postponing of the procedure. In the early postoperative period pulmonary embolism was evidenced in 4 cases (1.9%). The authors suggested that preoperative ultrasound investigation of lower extremities venous system is important issue together with the assessment of d-dimers in the blood in all patients admitted to total hip arthroplasty. In any suspicion of the pulmonary embolism in these patients an angio-CT should be performed as an emergency.

[Orthopedic complications of antiphospholipid syndrome: presentation of two cases]

The authors describe 2 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome in whom aseptic necrosis of hips during low dose corticosteroids treatment were observed.

Less invasive posterior surgical approach for hip joint replacement--complications and limitations

BACKGROUND

We attempted to analyse the difficulties and risk of complications associated with total hip replacement using a limited posterior approach and standard instrumentation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A series of 85 consecutive cases (47 females and 38 males; age range 22-87 years; mean age: 65.6 +/- 10.4) of total hip replacement using a modified Gibson approach were analyzed prospectively. Bilateral surgery was performed in 7 patients. There were 44 non-cemented arthroplasties. Body mass index varied from 22 to 36 (body weight 78-104 kg) and the length of the operative wound varied from 6.5 to 14 cm (mean 9.8 +/- 1.3 cm). The wound was 14 centimeters long in six subjects with a BMI of 35-36. The procedure was performed in a lateral decubitus position using an appropriately limited posterior approach. After careful coagulation of blood vessels surrounding the base of the femoral head posteriorly, the obturator and gemelli tendons and the posterior part of the joint capsule were cut through as close to the femoral attachment (T) as possible. This made it possible to dislocate the joint posteriorly. Further stages of the procedure were performed in a typical manner, with special attention paid to the preservation of the tendon of the piriformis muscle. Continuity of the muscle was re-examined following the reposition of the artificial joint.

RESULTS

Two injuries to the piriform tendon were observed. Persistent bleeding from vessels surrounding the femoral neck base occurred in 5 patients while in four others there was transient paresis of the peroneal muscles and dorsal extensors of the ipsilateral foot, probably caused by extension of the sciatic nerve. There was one oblique fracture of the proximal femoral shaft. We did not observe significant errors in postoperative joint geometry. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 400 ml. We did not note postoperative dislocations or infections.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of our observations of a series of 85 patients, minimizing the extent of the posterior surgical approach for hip joint replacement seems an attractive alternative to the classical extensive technique. Our material reveals a relatively high incidence of transient paresis of the peroneal part of the sciatic nerve. The introduction of appropriate instrumentation and the accumulation of experience will certainly decrease the risk of extension of the sciatic nerve in the operative wound.

Relationships between characteristics of interfacial water and human bone tissues

Water bound in human bone tissues healthy (sample S1) and affected by osteoporosis (sample S2) was investigated by using 1H NMR spectroscopy with layer-by-layer freezing-out of bulk and interfacial waters at T< 273 K. The 1H NMR spectra of the bound water include two signals which can be assigned to strongly associated typical water (chemical shift of the proton resonance at delta(H) approximately 5 ppm) and weakly associated water at delta(H) approximately 1.4 ppm. Approximately, half of the bound water is in the weakly associated state in S1. A fraction of similar water in S2 is smaller because of the structural difference of the studied samples. The pore size distribution of S2 (in aqueous medium) calculated using the cryoporometry method is characterized by much larger intensity of mesopores and macropores in comparison with that of S1. The total porosity and the surface area of the biostructures (accessible for water molecules and estimated on the basis of the cryoporometry data using a model of cylindrical pores) are larger for S2. Weakly polar chloroform-d has a significant influence on the organization of water in a spongy component of bone tissue. This effect depends on the porosity of the bone matrix and the amounts of CDCl3.

Rationale for bisphosphonate use in patients with endoprosthesis

Total joint replacement is accompanied by dramatic changes in the biomechanics of the adjacent bone. Under these conditions the phenomenon of stress-shielding is responsible for localized but significant bone atrophy. Another important and inevitable result of total joint arthroplasty is the production of wear debris particles, which recruit macrophages. These cells are present in abundance in osteolytic lacunae filled with pseudo-membranes, which are the cause of aseptic loosening of the implants. Bisphosphonates are an osteotrophic class of drugs that have been demonstrated to inhibit osteoclast-induced osteolysis. They are widely applied in bone pathologies in which osteoclastosis plays an important role, e. g. osteoporosis, Sudeck's bone dystrophy, Paget's bone disease, and many others. The routine administration of bisphosphonates in patients recovering from joint replacements seems to be fully justified. There is considerable evidence from both animal and human studies supporting the view that the suppression of osteoclastic activity is beneficial for the bone adjacent to metal implants. We have observed decreased joint pain in the early stages of aseptic loosening and stabilization of the x-ray picture of the bone adjacent to joint replacements after prolonged bisphosphonate treatment.

Weakly and strongly associated nonfreezable water bound in bones

Water bound in bone of rat tail vertebrae was investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy at 210-300 K and by the thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) method at 190-265 K. The 1H NMR spectra of water clusters were calculated by the GIAO method with the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) basis set, and the solvent effects were analyzed by the HF/SM5.45/6-31G(d) method. The 1H NMR spectra of water in bone tissue include two signals that can be assigned to typical water (chemical shift of proton resonance deltaH=4-5 ppm) and unusual water (deltaH=1.2-1.7 ppm). According to the quantum chemical calculations, the latter can be attributed to water molecules without the hydrogen bonds through the hydrogen atoms, e.g., interacting with hydrophobic environment. An increase in the amount of water in bone leads to an increase in the amount of typical water, which is characterized by higher associativity (i.e., a larger average number of hydrogen bonds per molecule) and fills larger pores, cavities and pockets in bone tissue.

Growth and membrane polarization in Pseudomonas aeruginosa UG2 grown in randomized microgravity in a high aspect ratio vessel

Growth and membrane polarization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa UG2 cells grown under randomized microgravity (RMG) and 1xg were measured in a high aspect ratio vessel (HARV) and also in batch cultures mixed at 12 and 150 rpm in Erlenmeyer shake flasks. Membrane polarization was measured using the fluorescent probe, 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH). No differences were observed in the growth curves or membrane polarization values (about 0.300) under all three culture conditions. However, the net effect of RMG at the single cell level may be still unknown. It may be possible that RMG effects are species-dependent or bacterial cells with a small mass and volume may be near the threshold where RMG exerts a minimal effect.

Multiple myxoid cysts of both hands in a cashier--a case report

We describe an unusual case of mucous cysts in 3 fingers of both hands in a 52-year old woman, working as a cashier. The cysts were localized over the joints, between distal interphalangeal joint and the proximal nail fold. It is possible that the job of the patient (i. e. counting money with both hands, repeated straightening and bending of distal phalanxes in the palms) could have influenced the development of numerous lesions. Radiological examination revealed no symptoms of osteopathic changes, only the growth of soft tissue, without any abnormalities in the bone structure. Contact tests showed no allergy to nickel. The cryotherapy and removing mucus form the DMCs caused complete recovery of our patient.

The concentrations of osteocalcin and degradation products of type I collagen in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the concentrations of osteocalcin and collagen type I C-terminal telopeptides in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia.

STUDY DESIGN

26 patients with severe pre-eclampsia and 24 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. Serum concentrations of osteocalcin and C-telopeptides--degradation products of type I collagen were determined using the ELISA method. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U-test.

RESULTS

In pre-eclamptic patients, the concentrations of osteocalcin and degradation products of collagen type I were significantly higher (P<0.005) when compared to healthy pregnant women.

CONCLUSION

These results could suggest that there are alterations in bone metabolism in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia.

Intermittent three-month treatment with Ukrain in intact and ovariectomized rats. Part II: Effect on bone mineral density of the femur

Ukrain, an acid alkaloid derivative of Chelidonium majus L., was administered intraperitoneally to ovariectomized and control sexually mature female rats at doses of 7, 14 and 28 mg/kg once daily for 10 days, followed by 10-day break. This procedure was repeated five times. At the end of the Ukrain treatment (24 h after the last dose of the drug) the right femora of the rats were harvested and the bone densitometric parameters of the whole bone and distal metaphysial and intertrochanteric subregions were assessed using the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry densitometric method. The results showed no apparent decrease in bone mineral density in groups of rats studied. A nearly significant (p = 0.08) decrease of bone mineral content was observed in ovariectomized rats treated with 14 mg/kg of Ukrain.

Intermittent three-month treatment with Ukrain in intact and ovariectomized rats. Part III: Effect on the native electron paramagnetic resonance signal intensity of the femur

Ukrain, an acid alkaloid derivative of Chelidonium majus L., was administered intraperitoneally to ovariectomized and sexually mature female control rats at doses of 7, 14 and 28 mg/kg once daily for 10 days, followed by a 10-day break. This procedure was repeated five times. At the end of the long-term treatment with Ukrain (24 h after the last dose of the drug) the left femora of the rats were harvested. Dried bones were studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) method. Significant changes in the intensity of the native signal were observed within the groups (ANOVA, p = 0.0001); the lowest value was observed in the ovariectomized rats treated with 28 mg/kg of Ukrain (decrease of 40.8% compared to the ovariectomized group, p = 0.005). A significant increase in the intensity of the signal was observed in the intact 7 mg/kg Ukrain-treated group (34.7% compared to controls, p = 0.004).

Disturbed nitric oxide/endothelin-1 equilibrium in cultured human placental endotheliocytes in preeclampsia

Several observations suggest that endothelial cell dysfunction is a central pathophysiologic event of preeclampsia. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a vasoconstrictor peptide of the endotheliocyte and is increased in the sera of preeclamptic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible regulatory mechanisms between ET-1 and nitric oxide (NO) production in cultured placental endotheliocytes. We report that endothelial cells of arterial placental blood vessels show a dysfunctional mechanism of negative feedback regulation of ET-1 production by cGMP or insufficient NO release in response to a stimulus in the form of an increasing ET-1 concentration.

Intermittent three-month treatment with Ukrain in intact and ovariectomized rats. Part I: Effect on selected biomechanical parameters of the femur

Ukrain, an acid alkaloid derivative from Chelidonium majus L., was administered intraperitoneally to intact and ovariectomized sexually mature female rats at doses of 7, 14 and 28 mg/kg once daily for 10 days, followed by 10-day break. This procedure was repeated five times. At the end of this Ukrain treatment (24 h after the last dose of the drug), the right femora of the rats were harvested and a three-point bending test until shaft failure was performed under standard conditions. Assembled data, including ultimate strength, ultimate energy at failure and ultimate displacement, were assessed. Strength and energy were adjusted to accommodate differences between groups in the end body weight. These results showed a decrease in adjusted bone strength of ovariectomized rats as compared to sham-operated animals. None of the three long-term doses of Ukrain (i.e., 7 mg/kg, 14 mg/kg and 28 mg/kg) significantly altered the bone strength when it was adjusted to the end body weight of the ovariectomized animals. Intact rats that received a 28 mg/kg dose of Ukrain demonstrated decrease of bone strength of 13.5% when it was adjusted to the end body weight.

Enterochromaffin cells in the stomach of the rat after prolonged administration of cortisol and both cortisol and salmon calcitonin

Young adult male Wistar rats (eight controls and ten experimental animals per group) were injected parenterally for 28 days: 1) cortisol or 2) cortisol and salmon calcitonin. Morphological changes of the stomach wall and enterochromaffin cells, stained immunocytochemically for serotonin, were assessed. In the group treated with cortisol superficial desquamation and erosions of the gastral mucosa were found. In this group the number of enterochromaffin cells was significantly decreased and low intensity of the immunocytochemical reaction of these cells was observed. In the cortisol-calcitonin-treated group there were no apparent changes of the gastral mucosa and the enterochromaffin cells presented a normal picture comparable to that of controls.

Effect of intermittent three-month treatment with different doses of Ukrain on subregional femoral bone mineral density of sexually mature female rats

Sexually mature but still growing female Wistar rats received i.p. injections of Ukrain (7, 14 or 28 mg/kg in a volume of 0.5 ml/100g) every other day for 10 days, followed by a 10-day break, and this procedure was performed five times. The control animals received the same volume of injected water. At the end of the experiment the rat right femora were harvested and the bone densitometric parameters of the entire bone, distal metaphyseal and basicervical subregions were assessed using the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) densitometric method. No significant changes were observed in the bone mineral density in experimental groups in comparison with control animals that received the vehicle. A slight decrease in the bone mineral content value was observed in the distal metaphyseal region in animals that were treated with the highest dose of Ukrain.

Effect of intermittent three-month treatment with different doses of Ukrain on subregional bone mineral density of the femur of ovariectomized rats

Ukrain, thiophosphoric acid alkaloid derivative from Chelidonium majus L., was administered i.p. to ovariectomized rats in doses of 7, 14 and 28 mg/kg every other day for 10 days, followed by a 10-day break, and the procedure was performed five times. At the end of long-term treatment with Ukrain (24 h after the last dose of the drug) the rats' right femora were harvested and the bone densitometric parameters of the whole bone and distal metaphyseal and basicervical subregions were assessed using the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) densitometric method. The present results show a decrease in bone mineral density in groups of ovariectomized rats that received 7 mg/kg and 14 mg/kg of Ukrain versus untreated ovariectomized animals. Administration of Ukrain at a dose of 28 mg/kg did not significantly alter bone parameters of ovariectomized rats.

Hypoplasia of G cells in long term steroid-treated rats after ultra-high dose of salmon calcitonin

Male young adult Wistar rats were treated parenterally with cortisol and cortisol combined with salmon calcitonin for 28 and 56 days and the stomach was investigated histologically as well as the G cells using immunohistochemistry. After 28 days of cortisol administration desquamation of the superficial layers of gastric mucosa was found and after 56 days ulcer-like changes developed and increased gastrin immunoreactivity was observed. Administration of high doses of salmon calcitonin together with cortisol resulted in a significant hypoplasia of G cells and prevented the pathological changes in the gastric mucosa.