Regulation of male sex hormones strongly heightens copulation behavior indices in rat's model administered Cocos nucifera husks extract

BackgroundCocos nucifera (Coconut, Arecaceae family) is consumed as dietary fruit but little is known of it as sex enhancer.ObjectiveTo investigate male sex hormones and copulation behavior indices in male Wistar rats administered husks extract.Materials and MethodsRats were grouped into control A, and treatment B to E (n=4); and administered husks extract at varying doses: 125mg/kg, 250mg/kg, 375mg/kg and 500mg/kg for 48days by oral intubation. Copulation behavior was assessed by introducing female rats to males (1:1) in a rectangular Plexiglas chamber and monitored by veterinary Anatomists. Blood samples for male sex hormones were collected and assayed by ELISA method.ResultsCopulation behavior (500mg/kg treatment): mounting (9.66±0.79 to 29.08±2.16), ejaculation (7.66±0.38 to 16.93±0.76), intromission (22.01±1.67 to 38.11±3.35) frequencies, and ejaculation latency (7.92±0.43 to 12.28±0.41) increased remarkably (Group E). Correspondingly, mounting (133.31±1.18 to 93.39±0.43) and, intromission (88.13±3.12 to 74.55±1.19) latencies; post-ejaculation (3.16±0.14 to 2.18±0.34), inter-intromission (19.48±0.26 to 14.32±1.65) intervals reduced significantly (P≤0.05). Testosterone levels (Group E) increased: 3.82±0.6ng/dL to 5.14±0.3ng/dL while, LH and FSH values reduced: 2.92±0.6IU/L to 2.13±0.3IU/L and 2.28±0.7IU/L to 1.58±0.3IU/L significantly (p ≤ 0.05) while changes were dose-related.ConclusionC. nucifera husks extract improves sexuality indices by regulating male sex hormones in male Wistar rats.     

Evidence that catecholamine-synthesizing perikarya in rat medulla oblongata do not contribute axons to the vagus nerve

We attempted to confirm reports that medullary catecholamine-synthesizing neurons in the rat contribute axons to the vagus nerve. Vagal preganglionic neurons in the medulla were identified by the retrograde intra-axonal transport of Fast Blue from the cervical vagus. Catecholamine-synthesizing neurons were identified using a specific antibody against tyrosine hydroxylase. A rhodamine-labelled second antibody was used to ensure that Fast Blue and tyrosine hydroxylase could be viewed entirely independently. We did not find any medullary neurons which contained both tyrosine hydroxylase and Fast Blue. Although further investigations by other laboratories are necessary, we believe that previous studies, using punctate versus diffuse horseradish peroxidase staining to doubly label neurons may have produced false positive results.     

Adrenoceptors in the preoptic-anterior hypothalamic area stimulate secretion of prolactin but not growth hormone in the male rat

Plasma growth hormone (GH) and prolactin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in unanesthetized male rats after stereotaxic microinjection of adrenergic agents and 6-hydroxydopamine into the preoptic-anterior hypothalamic area (PO/AHA). Norepinephrine, epinephrine, isoprenaline and clonidine failed to stimulate GH, moreover, 16 nanomoles norepinephrine produced a decrease. However, these agents stimulated prolactin secretion and the mixed alpha antagonist phentolamine, administered systemically, inhibited the stimulatory action of epinephrine on prolactin secretion. GH and prolactin secretory patterns were not affected by 6-hydroxydopamine disruption of catecholamine terminals in the PO/AHA. GH responses to adrenergic agonists and the failure of 6-hydroxydopamine to affect GH secretory patterns indicate that PO/AHA norepinephrine afferents do not facilitate GH secretion. Taken in conjunction with previous studies, the results suggest that there must be an extra-hypothalamic site at which norepinephrine is stimulatory for GH. Prolactin responses suggest that alpha adrenoceptors in the PO/AHA may participate in prolactin secretion.     

Single-dose actinomycin-D treatment for nonmetastatic gestational trophoblastic disease. A prospective phase II trial of the Gynecologic Oncology Group

The Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) conducted a prospective trial of single-dose Actinomycin-D (ACT-D) given intravenously (IV) at 1.25 mg/m2 every 2 weeks to patients with nonmetastatic gestational trophoblastic disease (NMGTD) in order to determine the efficacy of pulse scheduling and the frequency and severity of associated toxicity. Of 31 evaluable patients, 29 (94%) achieved remission after receiving a median of four courses of therapy. Two patients who failed to respond to pulse therapy were subsequently cured by alternative treatment. There were 93 toxic events in 133 cycles of therapy. Ninety-two percent of adverse effects were graded as mild or moderate, and 8% were graded as severe. No life-threatening toxicity occurred. Although single-dose ACT-D efficacy and toxicity is comparable to conventional therapy for NMGTD, the advantages of easier administration, greater patient convenience, and improved cost-effectiveness make it superior to other alternatives. On this basis it is recommended as the treatment of choice for NMGTD.     

Investigation and management of pulmonary infiltrates following bone marrow transplantation: an eight year review.

BACKGROUND--Although pulmonary infiltrates are common in bone marrow transplant recipients and add significantly to the morbidity and mortality of this group of patients, there is uncertainty as to the most appropriate investigation and a lack of information on the effects of investigations on management and outcome. METHODS--All bone marrow transplant recipients from one institution referred for respiratory investigation between 1982 and 1990 were reviewed. RESULTS--Of 204 bone marrow transplant recipients 27 developed pulmonary infiltrates which failed to respond to broad spectrum antibiotics. All were examined by bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage. A specific diagnosis was made in 20 cases, 17 with an infective cause and three with a non-infective aetiology. In 17 of the 27 episodes these investigations led to a positive change in treatment, but in only five did these changes result in patient survival beyond one month. Eighteen of the 20 deaths were due to progressive respiratory failure of an infective aetiology in 14 and non-infective in four. CONCLUSIONS--Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage are effective in establishing a diagnosis, but the impact on overall survival is disappointingly poor.     

Phase II evaluation of dianhydrogalactitol in the treatment of advanced non-squamous cervical carcinoma

Summary In an on-going Phase II evaluation, dianhydrogalactitol (NSC 132313) was administered intravenously to 28 patients with advanced or recurrent non-squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. The initial dosage was 60 mg/m²/wk with escalation to 75 mg/m²/wk if there were no adverse effects. Twenty-seven patients were evaluable for toxicity and response. There was one complete response and one partial response. Adverse effects were not infrequent but tolerable.     

Distribution of monoamine-synthesizing neurons in the human medulla oblongata

We have employed immunohistochemical and morphometric procedures to study the distribution of monoamine-synthesizing neurons in the medulla oblongata of the adult human, utilizing antibodies to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), and phenylalanine hydroxylase (PH8). In the human brain, the antigen with which PH8 reacts occurs within neurons that presumably synthesize serotonin (Haan et al., '87). Neurons containing these antigens were mapped and counted in successive coronal sections with the aid of a computer-assisted procedure. The results indicate that monoamine-synthesizing neurons are distributed in the human brain in patterns broadly similar to those described for other species. TH-immunoreactive cells extended caudorostrally for approximately 32 mm commencing at the spinomedullary junction and ending 8 mm caudal to the pontomedullary junction. In coronal sections these TH-immunoreactive neurons were seen in the lateral medulla dorsal to the inferior olive extending in a continuous band to the dorsomedial medulla. Above the obex the majority of these cells apparently synthesize adrenaline since many PNMT-immunoreactive cells were also found in this region. There were few or no PNMT-immunoreactive cells caudal to the obex, indicating that the TH-immunoreactive cells in this region synthesize either noradrenaline or dopamine. Approximately 65% of these TH-immunoreactive neurons contained melanin pigment, whereas few or no PNMT-immunoreactive cells contained melanin pigment. PH8-immunoreactive cells extended throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the medulla oblongata (approximately 40 mm). In coronal sections the majority were found in the medullary raphe nuclei. However, many cells throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the medulla were found laterally intermingled with catecholamine-synthesizing neurons. Occasional neurons in the lateral medulla appeared to contain both PH8- and TH-immunoreactivity.     

Polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine and arginase: effect on corneal regeneration and its antiviral effect

PVP-iodine was found to be virucidal for adenoviruses and herpes simplex virus in a concentration of 0.5%, i.e., a 1:20 dilution of Betaisodona. Similar concentrations did not delay the healing of corneal epithelium of the rabbit after experimental lesions (Ullerich and Durchschlag, 1953), although the eyes were slightly irritated. However, a higher concentration (1.25%) caused considerable ocular irritation, and healing of the cornea was delayed or completely inhibited. Arginase, which inhibited the multiplication of adenoviruses and herpes simplex virus in cell culture, did not impair corneal healing in solutions of up to 5%.     

Acupuncture and hypnosis: Effects on induced pain

The reactions of 14 volunteers to electrical stimulation near the supraorbital nerve were studied under acupuncture, placebo-acupuncture, and hypnosis. As the intensity of stimulation increased, a minimum sensation, a minimum pain, and then a maximum or intolerable pain sensation were produced. Under hypnosis the average intensity of the stimulus for producing these sensations was higher than before the trance induction. Under acupuncture and placebo-acupuncture no clear increase in current intensity was observed. Acupuncture, as well as hypnosis, did not consistently change the blood, blood pressure, pulse rate, EKG, respiratory rate, or EEG.