Modulation of beta-adrenergic receptors in the pituitary gland following adrenalectomy in rats

The effects of adrenalectomy on beta-adrenergic receptors in the rat pituitary were examined using quantitative in vitro autoradiography with 125I-iodocyanopindolol (125ICYP). 125ICYP binding in the anterior, intermediate and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland was significantly increased in chronically adrenalectomized rats. The increase in 125ICYP binding sites in the rat pituitary following adrenalectomy was not reversed by glucocorticoid replacement with dexamethasone. These data indicate that catecholamines of adrenomedullary origin are capable of modulating beta-adrenergic receptors in the pituitary gland and suggest that peripheral epinephrine may be important in regulating pituitary hormone secretion.     

Endocytosis of gold-labeled proteins and LDL byTrypanosoma cruzi

Endocytosis was studied at the ultrastructural level in different developmental forms ofTrypanosoma cruzi after incubation of the parasites in the presence of gold-labeled proteins (albumin-Au, peroxidase-Au and transferrin-Au) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-Au). Epimastigote (culture) forms actively ingested LDL and proteins. Initially, gold particles were seen adhering only to the cytostome and inside the flagellar pocket. In parasites incubated at 4°C with transferrin-Au or peroxidase-Au, labeling was found only at these two sites, showing that receptor-mediated endocytosis occurs in both regions. In the cytoplasm, gold particles were seen only inside two different compartments: membrane-bound vesicles and reservosomes. Incubation of epimastigotes with acridine orange followed by fluorescence microscopy revealed intense orange staining, indicating that the reservosomes have an acidic pH. This staining was abolished after incubation of the parasites in the presence of ammonium chloride. These data confirm that this compartment is the site of accumulation of ingested lipids and proteins. Little intracellular labeling with transferrin-Au was found in in vitro — derived amastigotes and trypomastigotes (both lack reservosomes). However, although in amastigotes very few gold particles were seen bound to the cells, in trypomastigotes they were observed bound to the membrane that encloses the cell body, the flagellar pocket, and the flagellum, suggesting that the receptors are more abundant in this form.     

Early gamma interferon responses in lethal and nonlethal murine blood-stage malaria.

This study was undertaken to explore early differences in cytokine production during nonlethal and lethal blood-stage murine malaria infections. Cytokine analysis of spleens during these infections showed that the principal difference between two nonlethal and two lethal Plasmodium species was the production of gamma interferon 24 h after infection with nonlethal parasites. In contrast, no increases in interleukin-4 production were observed in the first 24 h and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels increased equally in both nonlethal and lethal infections. During the later phase of infection with nonlethal parasites, both gamma interferon and interleukin-4 levels increased markedly a few days before parasite clearance. Early increases in gamma interferon production in nonlethal infections of Plasmodium yoelii and Plasmodium chabaudi were dose related and increased significantly with the size of the inoculum. Studies with the nonlethal P. yoelii suggest that the early gamma interferon response is mediated by T cells and natural killer cells, as it was reduced in athymic mice and in mice depleted of their natural killer cells by treatment with specific antiserum. Infecting mice with increasing numbers of lethal P. yoelii and Plasmodium berghei parasites did not increase the amount of gamma interferon, interleukin-4, and tumor necrosis factor alpha produced in a dose-dependent fashion. We conclude that one consequence of the early production of gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, particularly after nonlethal P. yoelii infection, may be to adjust the balance of T-helper cell subset activation, and probably that of other immune responses, so as to enhance the mechanisms that are essential for elimination of the parasites. This suggests that a successful vaccine should contain antigens capable of inducing such responses.     

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: Medical or surgical treatment? Report of an interactive workshop

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common disease of the upper gastrointestinal tract. With the introduction of proton pump inhibitors medical treatment of GERD has been significantly improved. However, the development of laparoscopic antireflux surgery resulted in an increasing interest of surgeons in this disease. An interactive meeting was organized in order to develop an agreement between gastoenterologists and surgeons regarding therapeutic decisions and this is the main topic of this paper.     

Cystic spinal dysraphism of the cervical and upper thoracic region

Background Cystic dysraphic lesions of the cervical and upper thoracic region are rare and only a few series have been published about the topic. These malformations can be divided into categories that include both myelocystoceles and the so-called cervical meningoceles or myelomeningoceles.Methods A retrospective study of 18 patients was conducted.Results In 17 patients a squamous or a cicatricial epithelium of variable thickness covered the dome of the lesions, while the base was covered with full-thickness skin. In one case the skin was entirely normal. Four patients displayed associated CNS malformations and three more had systemic congenital anomalies. All patients underwent surgical exploration and the length of time between birth and surgery ranged from 6 h to 9 months. The most frequent surgical finding, seen in 14 patients, was a stalk connecting the dorsal surface of the spinal cord to the cyst. In three patients the findings were consistent with myelocystocele. Only in one case was a true meningocele found. Hydrocephalus and Chiari II malformation were not as consistently associated as in myelomeningoceles. Neurological signs and symptoms were not so marked as in myelomeningoceles and were found in the follow-up of four patients. In two of them there was a non-progressive deficit, probably expressing an imperceptible involvement of the nervous system in the first year of life. The histopathological findings were of three types: neuroglial stalks, fibrovascular stalks and myelocystoceles.Conclusions Cystic dysraphisms of the cervical and upper thoracic region differ clinically and structurally from meningomyelocele and have a more favorable outcome. We believe that these malformations have not been properly labeled and propose a classification based on the structures found inside the cyst.     

Neuro-endocrine carcinoma of the nose and paranasal sinuses

The literature on Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses contains a plethora of contradictions concerning their nomenclature, classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy and prognosis. The term neuroendocrine carcinoma is used for malignant epithelial tumours showing a characteristic microscopic pattern and cytologic features. The idea of presenting this case of neuroendocrine malignancy, which itself is a very rare entity is to emphasise the role of electron microscopy in arriving at a diagnosis and the necessity of adequate surgical excision followed by radiotherapy for a longer tumour free survival.