Rat brain regional preproenkephalin A messenger RNA levels are altered in genetic hypertension

Considerable neuroanatomical and pharmacological evidence suggests that preproenkephalin A-derived peptides, particularly methionine-enkephalin, are involved in regulation of the cardiovascular system in both physiological and pathological states. In this study, we used a rat preproenkephalin A complementary DNA to determine whether proenkephalin A-derived peptides participate in the pathogenesis of hypertension as reflected by brain regional messenger RNA levels. Complementary DNA clones of the rat preproenkephalin A mRNA and rat small myelin basic protein mRNA were hybridized to total RNA extracted from hypothalamus, pons-medulla, thoracic cord, midbrain, and cerebellum of 3 1/2-week-old and 12-week-old Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats. In 3 1/2-week and 12-week animals there were no differences in the levels of myelin basic protein messenger RNA between the two groups in any brain region. At 3 1/2 weeks, preproenkephalin A mRNA levels did not differ between normotensive and hypertensive strains. In contrast, at 12 weeks preproenkephalin A mRNA levels were increased in hypothalamus, midbrain, thoracic cord, and cerebellum of SHR relative to WKY. Preproenkephalin A mRNA was significantly reduced in the pons-medulla of SHR relative to WKY. Our findings provide evidence that alterations in brain regional preproenkephalin A mRNA levels are associated with the development of spontaneous hypertension in the rat.     

Detection of antibodies in cats infected with filarial parasites by the indirect immunofluorescence technique

The indirect immunofluorescence technique in cats infected with filarial parasites, Brugia malayi, B. pahangi and D. repens were studied. The antibody level in infected microfilaraemic cats was higher than that in infected amicrofilaraemic cats and uninfected cats. Papain-treated whole microfilariae appeared to be more sensitive than the sonicated antigen. The comparative IFA titres using papain-treated and sonicated microfilarial antigen, in the serodiagnosis of filariasis is presented.     

Systemic autonomic function in subjects with primary angle-closure glaucoma: a comparative study of symptomatic and asymptomatic disease presentation

BACKGROUND: Autonomic dysfunction is thought to be a contributory factor in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) by precipitating pupil block in anatomically predisposed eyes. This study aimed to compare systemic autonomic function between subjects who had suffered a previous episode of acute angle closure (symptomatic PACG), those who had asymptomatic PACG, and age and sex-matched controls. METHODS: Tests for systemic parasympathetic function included the heart-rate response to standing (30:15 ratio), heart-rate variation during deep breathing, and the ratio of the heart rate at phases IV and II of the Valsalva manoeuvre (Valsalva ratio). For assessment of the sympathetic nervous system, blood pressure was recorded supine and then after 2 and 5 min of standing. A modified sweat test, the sympathetic skin response, was recorded on the palm and sole. RESULTS: A total of 30 subjects were examined: eight previous symptomatic PACG, eight asymptomatic PACG and 14 control subjects. The mean ages were similar, and all except one subject were Chinese. None of the subjects had evidence of systemic dysautonomia. There was no significant difference found between the groups for the 30:15 ratio, heart-rate variation during deep respiration and the Valsalva ratio. No significant orthostatic hypotension was detected in subjects with PACG. Abnormal sympathetic skin response was not more common in PACG subjects compared to control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified no systemic autonomic dysfunction in people with PACG.     

Differentiation between Cancerous and Normal Hyperplastic Lobules in Breast Lesions

Determining the risk that a particular area of hyperplastic breast tissue will progress to cancer is difficult and is currently expressed only as a general risk factor within the population. Using an antibody against the apoptotic purinergic receptor P2X7, we examined 40 cases each of the following histological categories: normal, moderate, florid and atypical hyperplasia, lobular carcinoma in situ, ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive lobular and invasive ductal carcinoma. These were previously diagnosed by H&E and supplied by clinical laboratories as tissue sections. Normal and mildly hyperplastic epithelium was devoid of the cytolytic P2X7 receptors whereas all epithelial cells in all cases of in situ or invasive lobular or ductal carcinoma labelled intensely. The lobular and ductal in situ cases labelled intracellularly while the invasive epithelial cancer cells showed intense cell surface label indicating an attempt was being made to induce apoptosis. All these receptors however are non-functional and thus unable to induce apoptosis. Approximately 10% of all hyperplastic lobules examined in the biopsied tissue, regardless of H&E classification, labelled for P2X7, which is suggestive of early metabolic cancerous change. The acini within lobules were either completely labelled with P2X7 or were completely devoid of the receptor. A potential advantage of this method lies in identifying early cancerous change in hyperplastic lobules and in establishing the true extent of cancerous spread in infiltrating lesions, thus facilitating the task of reporting clear surgical margins.     

Thrombocytopenia in the parturient

Thrombocytopenia in pregnant women can be associated with substantial maternal and neonatal morbidity. It may result from a range of conditions and early implementation of some specific treatment may improve both maternal and neonatal outcome. In this review we discuss the clinical features of the more common causes of thrombocytopenia associated with pregnancy, and provide an overview of the anaesthetic considerations.     

Role of interleukin 15 and interleukin 18 in inflammatory response

Interleukin 15 (IL15) and interleukin 18 (IL18) are cytokines produced principally by macrophages during innate immune response and subsequently profoundly influence adaptive immunity. Recent studies have shown that IL15 and IL18 play an influential part in inflammatory response. Here we present recent data mainly from our own laboratories illustrating the importance of IL15 and IL18 in the induction and perpetuation of chronic inflammation during experimental and clinical rheumatoid synovitis.