[Noise: neuro-endocrine aspects].

Experimental study of neuro-endocrinological effects of noise stress shows neuro-mediator modifications. Exposure to stress induces a marked stimulation of the adrenergic structures which increases plasma concentrations of ACTH and glucosteroids. The increased secretion of the cortico-releasing factor (CRT) from the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system mediates a complex cascade in which other neuro-modulators also participate.

Effects of alcohol dependence on shock-induced fighting: action of muscimol and homotaurine.

We have applied the electroshock-induced fighting behavior to the study of experimental alcohol dependence. Adult Wistar rats were intoxicated chronically with ethanol (10 g/kg/24 h) for 13 days. Electroshock-induced fighting behavior was studied during chronic intoxication and withdrawal in comparison with normal rats receiving a water-carbohydrate solution isocaloric to ethanol.

Circadian variations in vigilance states in the alcohol-dependent rat.

Waking and sleep states were studied in the alcohol-dependent rat after administration of ethanol (416 mg/kg/hr) by indwelling intragastric catheter (IGC) for 13 days. Electropolygraphic recordings performed for a total of 24 hr from the start of withdrawal were compared with those of control rats receiving water by IGC and showed 1) that rapid eye movement sleep was the most sensitive of the four vigilance states studied. A decrease was noted both for the total duration of recording and for the light period; 2) that nonactive wakefulness was the only vigilance state to show an inversion of percentages between the light and dark period; 3) that the light period was the best time for studying changes in vigilance states.

[Prostaglandins E1 and psychopathogeny of schizophrenia].

The authors assess the results of several studies, fundamental or clinical with therapeutic tests, to demonstrate a possible role of prostaglandins--specially of a possible lack of PGE1--in the pathogeny of certain forms of schizophrenia. The heterogeneousness of the results leads one to think there's heterogeneousness of the illness. Meanwhile, in certain cases, the contribution of a direct precursor of PGE1 the GLA, has given possible noticeable clinical results, mainly with deficiency symptoms.