Neuropeptide Y inhibits 3[H]noradrenaline release in the rat vas deferens independently of cAMP levels.

The purpose of the present investigation was to ascertain the functional significance of the reduction in cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in the inhibitory action of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on [3H]noradrenaline ([3H]NA) release, as well as to further characterize the subtype(s) of NPY receptors involved in the peptide's actions in the rat vas deferens. We studied the effects of NPY, carboxyterminal fragments of this peptide and the NPY analog (Leu31,Pro34)-NPY on three functional responses, namely, the release of [3H]NA and the associated muscle contractions evoked by electrical stimulation, and the accumulation of cAMP stimulated by forskolin. NPY, a known inhibitor of the electrically-evoked [3H]NA release and neurogenic contractions is also a potent inhibitor of the forskolin-stimulated cAMP synthesis in the prostatic portion of the rat vas deferens.

Cystic masses of the spleen: radiologic-pathologic correlation.

Many focal splenic lesions may appear to be cystic at cross-sectional imaging. In this article, the following types of cystic splenic masses are discussed: congenital (true cyst), inflammatory (abscesses, hydatid cyst), vascular (infarction, peliosis), posttraumatic (hematoma, false cyst), and neoplastic (hemangioma, lymphangioma, lymphoma, metastasis). The key findings at ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging can be correlated with underlying gross and microscopic pathologic findings.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) as an oral contrast agent in gastrointestinal (GI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): comparison with state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT).

This study was conducted to compare the sensitivity and specificity of abdominal magnetic resonance imaging using oral superparamagnetic iron oxide with oral contrast-enhanced computed tomography in the detection of GI pathology. Overall sensitivity was calculated to be 83% for OECT compared to 67% by SPIO MRI. Specificity for OECT was 68% compared to 89% for SPIO MRI.

Iliopsoas compartment: normal anatomy and pathologic processes.

The iliopsoas compartment is an extraperitoneal space that contains the greater psoas, smaller psoas, and iliac muscles. Many pathologic processes may involve the iliopsoas compartment, including inflammatory, hemorrhagic, and neoplastic conditions. Psoas muscle infection is usually due to direct extension from contiguous structures.

Indium-111-antimyosin and iodine-123-MIBG studies in early assessment of doxorubicin cardiotoxicity.

Unlabelled: Detection of myocyte cell damage with 111In-antimyosin and impairment of adrenergic neuron function with [123I]MIBG during doxorubicin administration may provide easy identification of patients at risk of significant functional impairment.

Methods: We studied 36 cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy, including doxorubicin, to assess [123I]MIBG and 111In-antimyosin uptake in the course of doxorubicin administration. MIBG scans, antimyosin scans and ejection fraction measurements were performed before chemotherapy, at intermediate cumulative doses and at maximal cumulative doses of doxorubicin.

Comparison of outcomes and complications for open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Mexico.

A retrospective analysis of the outcome and surgical complications of two groups of patients undergoing cholecystectomy was performed. Group I consisted of 253 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 1991 and 1994, and group II was formed by 292 patients who met the same preoperative criteria than patients of group I and underwent open cholecystectomy between 1986 and 1990, prior to the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our hospital. General characteristics and associated clinical conditions were similar for both groups.

Bone pain palliation with strontium-89 in breast cancer patients with bone metastases and refractory bone pain.

Fifteen patients with breast cancer and skeletal metastases who had bone pain refractory to opioid analgesics and who were not eligible for or had not responded to local field radiotherapy, were treated with strontium-89. All patients had received previous treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for bone metastases. Severity of bone pain, sleeping pattern, mobility and dependency on analgesics were evaluated before and 4, 8 and 12 weeks after 89Sr administration.

Fenfluramine-induced c-fos in the striatum and hypothalamus: a tract-tracing study.

Systemic administration of DL-fenfluramine (20 mg kg-1), an indirect serotonergic agonist, induced widespread FOS-like protein in the rat caudate putamen (CPu), paraventricular nucleus (PVn) of the hypothalamus and several intralaminar thalamic nuclei. To ascertain whether the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system coordinated transcriptional effects on the CPu, discrete microinjections of dextran into the substantia nigra (cell group A9) were evaluated for retrograde axonal transport. The protein product was induced preferentially in medium-sized spiny nerve cells of the CPu.

Salivary amylase promotes adhesion of oral streptococci to hydroxyapatite.

Recent studies have demonstrated that several species of oral streptococci, such as Streptococcus gordonii, bind soluble salivary alpha-amylase. The goal of the present study was to determine if amylase immobilized onto a surface such as hydroxyapatite can serve as an adhesion receptor for S. gordonii.