Tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme in the human placenta throughout gestation

Ectodomain shedding of epidermal growth factor receptor ligands such as transforming growth factor- alpha (TGF-alpha), heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HBEGF), and amphiregulin (AREG) is considered to be important during implantation. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme (TACE) has been suggested as the major sheddase for these molecules. The objectives of this study are (1) to characterize the expression of TACE in the human placenta throughout gestation; (2) to determine the association between the expression of TACE with TGF-alpha, HBEGF, and AREG; (3) to ascertain whether TACE mediates TGF-alpha, HBEGF, and AREG shedding; and (4) to examine the effect of hypoxia on the expression of TACE. By analyzing a total of 55 villous samples representing different gestational ages, the authors found that TACE was continuously expressed in the placentas throughout gestation and that the levels of TACE were positively correlated with the levels of TGF-alpha, HBEGF, and AREG. Preadministration of a TACE inhibitor in villous explant cultures or transfection of cytotrophoblastic cells with TACE-specific small interference RNA decreased the shedding of HBEGF and AREG. Moreover, hypoxia (2% O(2)) caused an increase in the levels of TACE mRNA and protein in villous explants and primary cytotrophoblastic cells in vitro. These results indicate that oxygen regulates the expression of TACE and that TACE may be important for placental development during human pregnancy.     

Abnormally low expression of connexin 37 and connexin 43 in subcutaneously transplanted cryopreserved mouse ovarian tissue

Purpose

To analyze the gap junction proteins connexin 37 (Cx37) and connexin 43 (Cx43) after subcutaneous transplantation of cryopreserved mouse ovarian tissue.

Methods

Expression of gap junction genes was assessed by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in transplanted cryopreserved ovarian tissue compared with that of normal ovarian tissue. Apoptosis of ovarian cells was evaluated by using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated deoxyuridine triphosphates nick end-labeling method.

Results

After subcutaneous transplantation, Cx37 and Cx43 mRNA and protein expression were significantly lower in cryopreserved than in normal ovarian tissue. Apoptosis was increased in granulosa cells from antral follicles of the cryopreserved tissue.

Conclusion

After cryopreservation and subcutaneous transplantation of ovarian tissue, proteins forming gap junctions between oocytes and granulosa cells are under-expressed compared with normal controls.     

The effect of antihistaminic drugs on pentazocine antinociception in the rat

The antinociception produced by pentazocine, diphenhydramine, promethazine, chlorpheniramine, cyclizine and chlorcyclizine in the rat has been measured with a low-temperature (51.5 degrees C) hot-plate from 15 to 75 min following drug administration. The mean reaction times measured at 15 min and the area under the antinociception curves following administration of pentazocine (5 to 30 mg/kg) were linear. Diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, promethazine, cyclizine, and chlorcyclizine showed mild antinociceptive potency. The antinociception produced by SC pentazocine (5 and 10 mg/kg) was potentiated, rather than in a simple additive manner, by simultaneous IP administration of 20 mg/kg of diphenhydramine, promethazine, cyclizine, or chlorpheniramine, but not by chlorcyclizine. After concurrent administration of pentazocine and diphenhydramine, diphenhydramine did not alter pentazocine concentrations in the brain and plasma 15 to 75 min following drug administration, nor did pentazocine change diphenhydramine concentrations. Results of this study demonstrate that pentazocine antinociception can be potentiated by several antihistamines and that the potentiation was not due to a mutual effect on metabolism but rather through an as yet undefined mechanism.     

Erratum to: Inflammation in Patients with Schizophrenia: The Therapeutic Benefits of Risperidone Plus Add-On Dextromethorphan

Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology -     

Dextromethorphan Attenuated Inflammation and Combined Opioid Use in Humans Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology - Recent studies show that proinflammatory cytokines might be related to the development of opioid dependence (physiological, psychological, or both). In a...     

Anterior ilioinguinal incision for drainage of high-located perianal abscess

Most perianal abscesses originate from infected anal glands at the base of the anal crypts. Most abscesses below are usually drained through perianal incision and can be treated successfully. However, when perianal abscesses extend to the high intrapelvic cavity, it may be inadequate treatment through a single route incision through a perianal approach. The aim of this technical note is to show that combined anterior ilioinguinal and perianal incisions may provide optimal surgical field and multiple drainages. Here, we report a 56-year-old male patient with perianal-originating parapsoas abscesses. Residual abscess still remained after initial perianal incision and drainage after 1-month treatment. We presented combined anterior ilioinguinal and perianal incision technique methods for proper drainage in this complicated case. No recurrent or residual abscess remained after 2 weeks of operation. So, combined anterior ilioinguinal incision is feasible for high-located perianal abscess.