Graded motor imagery and the impact on pain processing in a case of CRPS.

Objective: Graded motor imagery (GMI) shows promising results for patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Methods: In a case with chronic unilateral CRPS type I, we applied GMI for 6 weeks and recorded clinical parameters and cerebral activation using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI; pre-GMI, after each GMI block, and after 6 mo). Changes in fMRI activity were mapped during movement execution in areas associated with pain processing.

Distinct responses of human granulosa lutein cells after hCG or LH stimulation in a spheroidal cell culture system.

The growth and development of the corpus luteum (CL) is regulated by gonadotropic hormones. It is formed by granulosa cells (GCs), theca cells, and endothelial cells, and is the primary source of circulating progesterone. During early pregnancy only human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) but not luteinizing hormone (LH) extends the life span of the CL, although hCG and LH interact with the same receptor and have similar actions on the CL.