A classification of NOergic neurons in the inferior colliculus of rat according to co-existence with classical amino acid transmitters.

Since the localization of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) can be identified by enzyme histochemistry for NADPH-diaphorse (NADPH-d), this method has been used widely for mapping NOS-containing (presumably NOergic) neurons in the central nervous system. So far several studies suggest that NADPH-d is present in distinct neuronal populations in the inferior colliculus (IC), a major processing center for both the ascending and descending auditory pathway, and NO may play an important role in audition. On one hand, there is evidence from several lines of research that the IC makes extensive use of the neuroactive amino acids, in particular the inhibitory transmitter g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the excitatory amino acid glutamate (GLU).

Topical ofloxacin for chronic suppurative otitis media and acute exacerbation of chronic otitis media: optimum duration of treatment.

Objective: To assess the optimum duration of topical ofloxacin therapy for chronic otitis media and to compare the response between patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and acute exacerbation of chronic otitis media (AE).

Study Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Five university hospitals and 30 affiliated institutions.