Growth assessment of diabetic rat fetuses under the influence of insulin and melatonin: a morphologic study.

Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress makes an important contribution to the etiology of diabetic teratogenicity namely fetal growth and congenital dysmorphogenesis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the protective roles of melatonin and insulin against diabetic's embryolethality and teratogenicity. Diabetes was induced to virgin Sprague Dawley albino rats by a single peritoneal injection of alloxan.

Synthesis of 2-(aminocarbonylmethylthio)-1H-imidazoles as novel Capravirine analogues.

Different analogues of Capravirine (AG-1549) or S-1153 were prepared by synthesis of 2-(5-benzyl-4-isopropyl-1-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-ylthio)acetamide (3a-c), ethyl [5-benzyl-1-(ethoxymethyl)-4-ethyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylthio]acetate (10), 2-[5-alkyl-4-substituted 1-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1H-imidazol-2-ylthio]acetamides (12a-f), and 2-[5-benzyl-1-(benzyloxymethyl)-4-isopropyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylthio]acetamides (14a-l) from their corresponding amino acids through a sequence of reactions: Dakin-West reaction, hydrolysis, condensation with thiocyanate derivatives, alkylation with 2-iodoacetamide and ethyl chloroacetate, and coupling with 4-pyridylmethyl chloride, ethoxymethyl chloride and benzyloxymethyl chloride. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their activity against HIV-1 (wild type) and some of them (especially Capravirine like structures) were found active.

Synthesis of 2-methylsulfanyl-1H-imidazoles as novel non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).

alpha-Aminoketone hydrochlorides 2a-d were synthesized by Dakin-West reaction from L-phenylalanine and L-cyclohexylalanine followed by hydrolysis in acidic medium. Treatment of 2a-d with aqueous potassium thiocyanate afforded 1, 3-imidazole-2-thiones 3a-d which were alkylated with methyl iodide to give 2-methylsulfanyl-1H-imidazoles 4a-d with 4-benzyl/4-cyclohexylmethyl and 5-ethyl/5-isopropyl substituents. Coupling of 4a-d with ethoxymethyl chloride or benzyloxymethyl chloride furnished N-1 5a-d and N-3 6a-h alkylated products.

Nephrotoxicity of low-dose methotrexate in guinea pigs: an ultrastructural study.

The nephrotoxicity of low-dose methotrexate (MTX) and the rescue effect of leucovorin were studied by electron-microscopic examination of the kidney of guinea pigs. One group received MTX as a single weekly dose of 10 mg/kg, i.p.

Extensor tendons of the fingers: arrangement and variations--II.

One hundred eighty-one dissected hands were examined to study the pattern of extensor tendons on the dorsum of the hand. Extensor digitorum often had multiple tendons for the middle and ring fingers. Its contribution to the little finger was usually by a bifurcating tendon common with that of the ring finger.

Anomalous origins of colic arteries.

The topography of the celiac trunk and superior and inferior mesenteric arteries was studied by dissection in 27 embalmed cadavers. Variant vascular patterns were noted in four subjects. These consisted of: (1) an accessory right hepatic artery from the superior mesenteric artery, (2) an anomalous middle colic artery from the proximal segment of the splenic artery, and (3) two instances of an accessory left colic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery.

Light and electron microscopic observations on the cerebellum of guinea pigs following low-dose methotrexate.

The neurotoxicity of single and divided low-dose methotrexate (MTX) and the rescue effect of leucovorin (folic acid) were investigated by light and electron microscopic examination of the cerebellum of Guinea pigs. One group of animals received a single weekly intraperitoneal MTX in a dose of 10 mg/kg, a second received a similar dose divided into three equal fractions, and the third group received MTX rescued with an equal dose of leucovorin. The results showed degeneration of Purkinje cells indicated by shrinkage and distortion of perikarya, dissolution of mitochondrial cristae, and nuclear and nucleolar changes in all groups which received MTX.

Foetal hepatic calcification.

Thirty-three cases of 1,500 spontaneously-aborted foetuses showed hepatic calcifications. The exact location of these calcifications were confirmed by contrast studies, anatomic dissection, and further histology when necessary. Of them, 18 were calcified hepatic vein thrombi (CHVT), 12 were calcified portal vein thrombi (CPVT), 2 were parenchymal calcifications, and one was mixed.

Ligaments associated with lumbar intervertebral foramina. 2. The fifth lumbar level.

The lumbosacral spines of two fetal and twelve adult cadavers have been studied by dissection. Evidence shows that the fifth lumbar intervertebral foramen is crossed on its external aspect by a strong, cord-like corporotransverse ligament passing obliquely downwards, forwards and medially from the inferior aspect of the accessory process of the fifth lumbar vertebra to the lateral surface of the intervertebral disc and the adjacent parts of the bodies of the fifth and first sacral vertebrae. Superficially, the ligament is related to another flat band--the lumbosacral hood.

Ligaments associated with lumbar intervertebral foramina. 1. L1 to L4.

Lumbar intervertebral foramina have been studied by dissection of fetal and adult cadaveric spines. The results show that these foramina are crossed by ligaments which subdivide the opening into smaller compartments for the structures traversing it. At L1-L4, there appears to be a basic pattern of arrangement of the ligaments.

Partial degeneration of autonomic nerves of the heart of methotrexate-treated guinea pigs.

In the present investigation partial degeneration of adrenergic and cholinergic nerves of the heart of guinea pigs following methotrexate treatment has been reported. No appreciable change was observed in the autonomic nerve fibres after 3 days of treatment. However, after prolonged treatment some nerve fibres showed signs of degeneration and a few adrenergic and cholinergic nerve fibres had disappeared.

Intrathoracic kidneys: report of 6 cases and a review of the literature.

Six cases of intrathoracic kidneys are reported: 1 bilateral; 1 on the right and associated with dextrocardia and possible right lung hypoplasia; the other 3 cases being on the left. Only 1 case on the left presented with symptoms that could be attributed to the intrathoracic kidney. The clinical features, associated anomalies, and diagnostic methods are discussed.

Myelographic study of the spinal cord ascent during fetal development.

To assess the length of the spinal cord relative to the vertebral column during fetal development, we performed translumbar myelograms on 340 spontaneously aborted fetuses. Of these, 146 were selected for study. There were 76 males and 70 females, with fetal age ranging from 7 to 33 weeks.

Methotrexate neuroenteropathy--a histochemical study.

10 mg/kg Methotrexate was injected daily for 5 d a week for a total period of 3 weeks and its effect on autonomic nerve profiles of jejunum was studied using histochemical methods. Initially (after 5 doses in a week) partial degeneration of adrenergic and cholinergic nerve supply was observed. Prolonged treatment (15 does in 3 weeks) was responsible for disappearance of about 30% of adrenergic and 50% of cholinergic nerve profiles.

Histological changes following high-dose methotrexate and cisplatinum administration and the influence of dosage scheduling.

Histological changes were studied in experimental animals following the intraperitoneal administration of high-dose cisplatin with or without high-dose methotrexate and citrovorum factor. There were pronounced renal toxicities with high-dose (10 mg/kg) cisplatin, particularly involving distal tubules with glomerular congestion. However, lower toxicities were noted with reduced dosage of cisplatin (5 mg/kg) and especially if given once as a single bolus injection instead of a 5-day regimen.

An anomalous bifurcation of the sartorius muscle.

The sartorius muscle on one side of the body of an 60 years old man was found to be divided into 2 parts at its distal end. The lateral part was inserted into the medial condyle of the femur. The medial part was inserted as the classically described insertion of the muscle into the medial surface of the tibia.

Intrinsic innervation of the uterus in guinea pig and rat.

The pattern of distribution of cholinergic and adrenergic nerves in the uterus of albino rats and guinea pigs was examined histochemically. In the albino rat, the uterus was found well-innervated by both adrenergic and cholinergic nerves with a clear regional variation. Dense innervation was demonstrated at the tubal and cervical ends of the uterus and in the cervix.