Biochemical effects of two promoters of hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

The effects of two promoters of hepatocarcinogenesis--phenobarbital and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)--on five hepatic biochemical parameters were examined in adult female rats. Phenobarbital given orally in two doses each of 110 mg/kg 21 and 4 hr before the rats were killed caused large increases in hepatic ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and cytochrome P-450 content. Extending the number of phenobarbital treatments to five increased the hepatic enzyme induction and also caused a minor decrease in hepatic glutathione and a small increase in serum alanine aminotransferase activity. Two oral doses of 700 mg BHT/kg (20% of the LD50) caused hepatic DNA damage and induction of both ODC activity and cytochrome P-450 content. When the dose of BHT was reduced from 700 to 140 mg/kg no significant effects on the biochemical parameters were found. Both promoters of hepatocarcinogenesis were identified by their induction of ODC, a marker for promotional potential, but only BHT showed a potential for carcinogenic initiation. The biochemical parameters examined, particularly the alkaline elution technique for DNA damage, ornithine decarboxylase activity and serum alanine aminotransferase, may constitute a useful assay system for examining a compound's potential for carcinogenic initiation, carcinogenic promotion and cellular toxicity.     

Food deprivation and hypothalamic neuropeptide gene expression: effects of strain background and the diabetes mutation.

We have used a novel method to identify genes expressed in the hypothalamus which may be potentially involved in controlling food intake and energy metabolism. We assumed that food deprivation, a powerful stimulus of food intake, would stimulate the activity of neural pathways involved in feeding behavior which should be reflected in an increase in the synthesis of any relevant neuropeptide and its messenger RNA. A study of 5 neuropeptides in 5 strains of mice has identified neuropeptide Y (NPY) as a gene whose expression in the hypothalamus is controlled by nutritional status, suggesting that hypothalamic NPY neurons are a link in the neural network regulating feeding behavior and energy metabolism. In addition, we have studied the effect of the diabetes mutation on neuropeptide gene expression during fasting and refeeding. Our findings suggest that abnormal NPY and enkephalin gene expression in the hypothalamus may be two important determinants of the expression of the diabetes mutation.     

A comparison of Nd:YAG laser damage thresholds for PMMA and silicone intraocular lenses

Power density producing damage at a probability of 0.5 (ie, damage threshold, DT-50) was determined for PMMA (with/without UV absorber) and Silicone intraocular lenses. Scattered light from a collinear diagnostic He:Ne beam was one of four damage monitors deployed to enhance the sensitivity of the system. In order of increasing laser resistance the following results were obtained: injection molded PMMA (1.9/GW/cm2) Silicone (2.63 GW/cm2) Lathe-cut PMMA (4.47 GW/cm2), Lathe-cut PMMA with UV absorber (8.32 GW/cm2), Cast-molded PMMA (12.30 GW/cm2). An analysis of variance revealed interclass differences significant at the .01 level. Cast-molded PMMA was the most laser-resistant IOL material.     

Breast pump adverse events: reports to the food and drug administration.

Breast pumps are medical devices used to express milk and maintain the milk supply. The purpose of this study was to characterize adverse events reported to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on breast pumps. Thirty-seven adverse event reports on breast pumps were identified from the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database between 1992 and 2003. Four additional reports were found in the Device Experience Network database from 1992 to 1996. The most commonly reported adverse events for electric breast pumps were pain, soreness, or discomfort; the need for medical intervention; and breast tissue damage. Most frequently reported problems for manual breast pumps were breast tissue damage and infection. Contamination of breast milk during pumping was also reported. Breast pump adverse events are likely underreported to the FDA. Reporting adverse events is important for improving the design and manufacture of breast pumps and subsequently decreasing adverse events.