Novel insights into GnRH receptor activity: role in the control of human glioblastoma cell proliferation.

Malignant glioblastoma is one of the highest proliferative and invasive tumors within the central nervous system (CNS); the therapeutical options for this disease are still very poor. Receptors for gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) have been reported to be present in glioblastoma tissues. This study aimed to determine the role of these receptors in the control of glioma growth.

Inhibitory activity of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone on tumor growth and progression.

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) is the key hormone in the control of reproductive functions. In recent years, it has become evident that LHRH might act as a growth modulatory factor in tumors of the reproductive system. We have shown that in prostate cancer cells LHRH is expressed, together with its receptors, to negatively regulate cell proliferation.

Locally expressed LHRH receptors mediate the oncostatic and antimetastatic activity of LHRH agonists on melanoma cells.

Malignant melanoma is a tumor known for its uncontrollable growth and aggressive metastatic behavior. The mean survival time for patients with a metastatic melanoma is estimated to be less than 6 months, tumor cells being refractory to the conventional chemotherapy. A better understanding of the mechanisms regulating melanoma growth and progression might help increase the number of therapeutic options for this pathology.

An acardiac acephalic monster.

A case of an acardiac acephalic monster is described, and the literature concerning the incidence, classification and etiology of acardia is reviewed. Acardia is a very rare congenital anomaly occurring in less than 1 in 34600 deliveries. The acardiac monster has been reported only in multiple, monochorionic pregnancies.

A case of acardiac anomaly in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis): a complication of monozygotic monochorial twinning.

A case of acardius acephalus in a Macaca fascicularis is reported. This congenital anomaly occurs only in multiple-birth gestations (most commonly monozygotic twins). Artery-to-artery and vein-to-vein anastomoses appear to be a constant feature.

Radioimmunoassay (RIA) for prostatic acid phosphatase in patients with prostatic carcinoma.

In recent years radioimmunological measurements of prostatic acid phosphatase have been proposed for the diagnosis, follow-up and prognosis of prostatic carcinoma. The possibility of screening male populations at risk has even been suggested. The present paper deals with the current position of this method.