Changes in cytoskeletal and tight junctional proteins correlate with decreased permeability induced by dexamethasone in cultured rat brain endothelial cells.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays an important role in controlling the passage of molecules from the blood to the extracellular fluid environment of the brain. An immortalised rat brain endothelial cell line (GPNT) was used to investigate the mechanisms underlying dexamethasone-induced decrease in paracellular permeability. Following treatment with 1 microM dexamethasone there was a decrease in transmonolayer paracellular permeability mainly to sucrose, fluorescein and dextrans of up to 20 KDa.

[Intramural hematoma of the duodenum as complication in anticoagulant therapy. Diagnosis and therapy].

We report the history of a 68-year-old man who has been hospitalized for an aortic valve endocarditis. The patient was under full anticoagulation therapy because of an artificial aortic valve (Omnicarbon 23 mm). During hospitalization the patient developed a subacute abdomen accompanied by upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage.

[ERCP in bile duct dilatation with jaundice due to spontaneous hydatid cyst rupture. Diagnosis, differential diagnosis, therapy and result].

We report the case of a 17 years old Turkish patient hospitalized for colics and jaundice. Ultrasound, computer tomography and ERC showed enlarged intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts. The further investigations documented the rupture of a hepatic hydatid cyst into the biliary tract with obstructive jaundice.