Levels of maternal serum corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) at midpregnancy in relation to maternal characteristics.

Background: Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in maternal blood originates primarily from gestational tissues and elevated levels in midpregnancy have been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Investigators have hypothesized that high levels of maternal stress might lead to elevated CRH levels in pregnancy. Yet a few studies have measured maternal CRH levels among subgroups of women who experience disproportionate socioeconomic disadvantage, such as African-American and Hispanic women, and found that these groups have lower CRH levels in pregnancy.

Sparganosis in wild-caught baboons (Papio cynocephalus anubis).

Background: Sparganosis is the infection of a paratenic host with the plerocercoid metacestode of Spirometra spp. A 12-year-old captive, pregnant, wild-caught baboon from Tanzania had multiple subcutaneous nodules.

Methods: Examination of the biopsied nodules revealed the presence of viable metacestodes.

Dose-related actions of GnRH II analog in the cycling rhesus monkey.

Introduction: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) II expression, specific high-affinity receptors for GnRH II and its potent bioactivity in human and baboon tissues led us to hypothesize that GnRH II is a bioactive peptide in primates. We recently demonstrated the contraceptive activity of GnRH II analog in rhesus monkeys. In the present experiment, we extended those studies to the dose-related action of this analog on parameters of luteal function and conception.

Primary amenorrhea associated with ovarian leiomyoma in a baboon (Papio hamadryas).

A 6-y-old female baboon was examined due to absence of menstrual cycling and secondary sex characteristics and failure to reproduce. The mammary glands and vaginal introitus were hypoplastic, the clitoris was prominent, and the perineal skin was immature with lack of cyclic color alterations and sexual swelling. Evaluation of the reproductive tract revealed a hypoplastic uterus and rudimentary ovaries with the presence of an ovarian leiomyoma within the right ovary.

Effect of ductus ligation on cardiopulmonary function in premature baboons.

Rationale: The role of the patent ductus arteriosus in the development of chronic lung disease in surfactant-treated premature newborns remains unclear.

Objective: To examine the effects of ductus ligation on cardiopulmonary function and lung histopathology in premature primates.

Methods: Baboons were delivered at 125 d, (term = 185 d) treated with surfactant, and ventilated for 14 d.