Mast Cell Changes the Phenotype of Microglia via Histamine and ATP.

Background/aims: Microglia are the dynamic motile phagocytes of the brain considered the first line of defense against threats or disturbances to the Central Nervous System (CNS). Microglia help orchestrate the immunological response by interacting with others immune cells. Mast cells (MCs) are effector cells of the innate immune system distributed in all organs and vascularized tissues, brain included.

Utero-ovarian anastomoses and their influence on uterine fibroid embolization.

Purpose: To correlate clinical outcomes after uterine artery embolization (UAE) performed to treat uterine fibroids with the presence of varying types of utero-ovarian anastomoses (UOA).

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of all uterine angiograms from 202 patients (mean age 42 y, range 28-54 y) who underwent UAE because of heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea, or anemia or a combination of these symptoms. UOA were classified as absent or present, unilateral or bilateral.

Melatonin as pharmacologic support in burn patients: a proposed solution to thermal injury-related lymphocytopenia and oxidative damage.

Objective: To review the data that support the clinical use of melatonin in the treatment of burn patients, with special emphasis on the stimulation of the oxidative defense system, the immune system, circadian rhythm of sleep/wakefulness, and the reduction in the toxicity of therapeutic agents used in the treatment of burn victims.

Data Source: A MEDLINE/PubMed search from 1975 to July 2006 was conducted.

Study Selection: The screening of the literature was examined using the key words: burn patients, lymphocytopenia, skin oxidative stress, antioxidant, melatonin, and free radicals.

Pharmacological utility of melatonin in the treatment of septic shock: experimental and clinical evidence.

Sepsis is a major cause of mortality in critically ill patients and develops as a result of the host response to infection. In recent years, important advances have been made in understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of sepsis. Mitochondria play a central role in the intracellular events associated with inflammation and septic shock.