Immunocytochemical detection of effects of TRH and T4 on prolactin- and TSH-producing cells in the pituitary gland of Rana ridibunda

Effects of synthetic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and various doses of thyroxin (T4) on prolactin (PRL)-producing cells and thyrotropic cells in the pituitary were investigated in adult male and female Rana ridibunda frogs. Animals were given 200 microg TRH once a week for 4 weeks and 0.2-0.5 mg T4 during 3 days per week for a period of 2 weeks by injections in the groin. PRL-producing cells and thyrotropic cells were identified with light microscopical and electron microscopical immunocytochemical methods, using rabbit anti-PRL and rabbit anti-thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) as primary antibodies. TRH caused cytological changes in both cell types, which were consistent with increased synthesis and release of both PRL and TSH. Treatment with 0.5 mg T4 activated both cell types less than TRH treatment did, whereas 0.2 and 0.4 mg T4 caused inactivation of both cell types. In conclusion, mammalian TRH is effective on both types of frog pituitary cells. Our study suggests that T4 has a positive rather than a negative effect when concentrations above a certain threshold are given.     

Detection and genotyping of Epstein-Barr virus by polymerase chain reaction in tissues obtained from cases with Hodgkin's disease in Turkey.

In order to determine the positivity rate and genotype of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in cases with Hodgkin's disease (HD) in Turkey, 40 tissue specimens from HD patients were analysed. Ten non-lymphoid tissue samples from individuals without any evidence for lymphoma were used as controls. The cases with HD included 33 males and 7 females with a mean age of 28 years. Nodular sclerosis was the most prevalent histological subtype (16/40) followed by mixed cellularity (10/40), lymphocyte predominance (9/40), and lymphocyte depletion (5/40). After histopathological evaluation, deparafinisation and lysis of the specimens, one-stage polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and two-stage (nested) PCR assays were performed with the primers common for both EBV genotypes and the primers specific for EBV types 1 and 2, respectively. EBV DNA was detected in 22 of 40 (55%) cases with HD and in 1 of 10 (10%) control specimens. The distribution of EBV DNA positivity according to the histological subtypes was as follows: 10 of 16 (62.5%) for nodular sclerosis, 3 of 5 (60%) for lymphocyte depletion, 5 of 9 (55.6%) for lymphocyte predominance, and 4 of 10 (40%) for mixed cellularity. Although most of the HD patients were males of 15-34 years of age, there were no significant differences between EBV positivities obtained from different sex and age groups. The rates of EBV genotypes were 82% for type 1, 9% for type 2, and 9% for both types, respectively.     

Retinal tears associated with panuveitis and Behçet's disease

To report retinal tears formation in 3 eyes of 2 patients with active panuveitis and Beh?et's disease. We describe 2 patients that were diagnosed and treated for Beh?et's disease with active panuveitis. Retinal tears developed while the inflammation was active. The patients were treated with topical, oral steroids, and cyclosporine therapy for bilateral panuveitis. One patient presented with a retinal tear located at the periphery of the active retinal lesion. The other had multiple tears associated with active retinal lesions in both eyes. Argon laser photocoagulation was performed in both patients as soon as the tears were detected. Ocular inflammation was controlled with this therapy, and only a few mild flare-ups occurred. The patients have been followed up for 8 and 16 months, respectively. During this period no new retinal tears have developed. Although retinal tear formation is rarely associated with Beh?et's panuveitis, the clinician should be aware of this as a possible complication. When structural changes are present in the vitreous, detailed ophthalmoscopy is indicated to assess for retinal tears. If a tear is detected in a patient with panuveitis and Beh?et's disease, laser photocoagulation therapy should be performed immediately to prevent retinal detachment.     

Lipoprotein levels in patients with pregnancy induced hypertension

The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the levels of Lp(a), Apo(a), VLDL, LDL and HDL in 23 patients with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and in 20 control. The Mann-Whitney U tests was used for comparisons between the two groups. Serum Lp(a) and Apo(a) levels were sigificantly raise in the PIH group (p < 0.05 andp < 0.05 respectively) and no significant correlations could be demonstrated for other lipoproteins.     

The Efficacy of Fluoxetine in the Treatment of Premature Ejaculation: A Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Study

Purpose

The efficacy of the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor fluoxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation was examined.

Materials and Methods

The study comprised 17 patients with premature ejaculation who presented to the urology clinic of our medical school. In this double-blind study the patients were randomized into treatment groups receiving 20 mg. fluoxetine daily for 1 week and 40 mg. daily afterward (group 1) or 1 capsule placebo daily for 1 week and 2 capsules daily afterward (group 2). The groups were evaluated according to the latent period of intravaginal ejaculation.

Results

The latent period of intravaginal ejaculation in group 1 was significantly longer than that in group 2. Nausea, headache and insomnia were reported side effects.

Conclusions

Fluoxetine may be regarded as a safe and effective alternative in the treatment of premature ejaculation.     

The effect of combined spinal‐epidural (CSE) anaesthesia and size of spinal needle on postoperative hearing loss after elective caesarean section

The effect of combined spinal epidural (CSE) anaesthesia and size of spinal needle on postoperative hearing loss after elective caesarean section The exact aetiology of vestibulocochlear dysfunction after spinal anaesthesia is unknown. Low‐frequency hearing loss occurs after spinal anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of combined spinal–epidural (CSE) anaesthesia and size of spinal needle on vestibulocochlear dysfunction, using pure tone audiometry performed pre‐ and on the first and the second day postoperatively. Forty‐five patients who were to undergo elective caesarean section were evaluated. In group I, CSE anaesthesia (18 G Tuohy, 25 G Whitacre pencil‐point‐design spinal needles) was performed in 15 patients. In group II, spinal anaesthesia was performed in 15 patients with 25 G Whitacre pencil‐point‐design spinal needles and, in group III, spinal anaesthesia was performed in 15 patients with 22 G Whitacre pencil‐point‐design spinal needles. In the pre‐ and on the first and the second day postoperatively, the pure tone audiogram was performed in the audiology laboratory of our hospital, using a calibrated Kamplex Diagnostic Audiometer AC 40 in a noise‐free room. When the CSE anaesthesia group and 22 G spinal group were compared for change in hearing between the pre‐ and postoperative periods, a statistically significant difference was observed at R‐right ear 125 Hz (P < 0.025) and at L‐left ear 125 Hz (P < 0.023), and at L‐left ear 1000 Hz (P < 0.036) and at R‐right ear 1500 Hz (P < 0.006), and at L‐left ear 1500 Hz (P < 0.022). At other frequencies, the difference was insignificant. When the CSE anaesthesia group and 25 G spinal group were compared for change in hearing between the pre‐ and postoperative periods, no statistically significant difference was detected at any frequency tested. When 22 G spinal group and 25 G spinal group were compared for change in hearing between the pre‐ and postoperative periods, there was some hearing loss at low frequency, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. The positive correlation of low‐frequency hearing loss and increased pressure in the epidural space (which decrease the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage through the dura) suggests that cerebrospinal fluid leakage via the spinal puncture hole is not the only factor involved. Perioperative fluid replacement alone may not prevent hearing loss but CSF loss through the dural puncture site should also be prevented.     

The effect on the middle-ear cavity of an absorbable gelatine sponge alone and with corticosteroids

The objectives of this study were to establish whether there is an obvious difference between intact mucosa and abraded mucosa of the middle-ear cavity in respect to the potential side effects from the application of absorbable gelatine sponge (Gelfoam) and to investigate if Gelfoam combined with corticosteroid ointment (cortimycine, sterile 1% hydrocortisone acetate) can reduce the occurrence of these effects. Twenty Albino rats were used in the study. These animals were divided into four groups, with ten ears in each group. In group A, the middle-ear mucosa was kept intact, and Gelfoam was inserted into the middle-ear cavity. In group B, the middle-ear mucosa was abraded, and Gelfoam was inserted. In group C, Gelfoam with corticosteroid was implanted over the intact mucosa, and in group D, the mucosa was abraded prior to the insertion of Gelfoam with corticosteroid. The changes were evaluated 8 weeks postoperatively. In group A, there was a minimal increase in fibroblastic activity, vascular proliferation with mild to moderate fibrosis and all but two tympanic membranes were perfectly normal. However, in group B, we encountered a significant increase in fibroblastic activity, vascular proliferation and fibrosis, and we observed that all tympanic membranes were moderately to severely thickened. These histopathologic changes related to Gelfoam were noted to be decreased in group C and especially in group D. As previously reported in the literature, Gelfoam was found to promote the formation of connective tissue in the middle-ear cavity regardless of the status of the mucosa. The unwanted effects of this material may be decreased if it is combined with corticosteroids in the middle-ear cavity.     

Augmentation of Shoulder Contour Using a Calf Implant

Sprengel deformity is a rare orthopedic condition that is associated with functional and cosmetic impairment. Results of orthopedic procedures are usually inconsistent and cosmetic results are far from satisfactory in these patients. A silicone-gel-filled calf prosthesis was used to correct the shoulder contour in a patient with Sprengel deformity. Cosmetically the deformity can be restored by using a calf implant for patients in whom orthopedic procedures are not likely to yield a satisfactory outcome.