ATP elicits inward currents in isolated vasopressinergic neurohypophysial terminals via P2X2 and P2X3 receptors

Effects of extracellular adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) on ionic currents were investigated using the perforated-patch whole-cell recording technique on isolated terminals of the Hypothalamic Neurohypophysial System (HNS). ATP induced a current response in 70% of these isolated terminals. This inwardly-rectifying, inactivating current had an apparent reversal near 0 mV and was dose-dependent on ATP with an EC₅₀=9.6±1.0 M. In addition, current amplitudes measured at maximal ATP concentrations and optimum holding potentials had a current density of 70.8 pA pF^–1 and were greatly inhibited by suramin and PPADS. Different purinergic receptor agonists were tested, with the following efficacy: ATP 2-methylthioATP > ATP--S > Bz-Bz-ATP > ,-methylene-ATP > ,-methylene-ATP. However, UTP and ADP were ineffective. These data suggest the involvement of a P2X purinergic receptor in the ATP-induced responses. Immunocytochemical labeling in vasopressinergic terminals indicates the existence of P2X_{2,3,4, and 7}, but not P2X₆ receptors. Additionally, P2X_{2 and 3} were not found in terminals which labeled for oxytocin. In summary, the EC₅₀, decay, inactivation, and pharmacology indicate that a functional mixture of P2X_{2 and 3} homomeric receptors mediate the majority of the ATP responses in vasopressinergic HNS terminals. We speculate that the characteristics of these types of receptors reflect the function of co-released ATP in the terminal compartment of these and other CNS neurons.     

Insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 and 3 in the follicular fluid of infertile patients submitted to in vitro fertilization

Purpose: In the present article we propose to evaluate IGF-1, IGFBP-1 and 3 in the follicular fluid of infertile patients submitted to in vitro fertilization.Methods: We performed a case-control study with 53 infertile patients submitted to the first in vitro fertilization attempt. We compared their follicular fluid concentration of IGF-1, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 between the patients who became pregnant (n = 11) versus those nonpregnant (n = 42).Results: The clinical characteristics of patients from the two groups were similar in terms of age and body mass index. Data related to the analysis of ovulation induction was not different regarding length of induction in days, number of retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, and number of transferred embryos. Furthermore, the number of FSH units required for ovarian induction was also similar between the studied groups.IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). However, those patients that became pregnant presented a lower follicular fluid concentration of IGFBP-3, 2237.10 ± 582.73 pg/ml and 2657.64 ± 584.15 ng/ml, respectively (p = 0.038).Conclusions: We demonstrated an association of a lower follicular fluid IGFBP-3 in individuals that became pregnant compared to subjects that did not after in vitro fertilization.     

A comparison of physical activity in men and women with cardiac disease: do gender roles complicate recovery?

Fifty-four male and twenty-six female married cardiac patients were studied for five months post-hospital discharge. Participants completed activity diaries for three days at 5, 10, 15, and 20 weeks. Reported activities were converted to METs. Patients increased activity across the five-month study period. Patients also tended to engage in higher levels of activity in the morning hours. Men and women did not differ in average total METs expended. Comparisons for specific activities indicated that women consistently expended more energy on domestic responsibilities, such as cleaning and laundry. Men engaged more in repairs, yardwork and carrying, but these activities were performed sporadically and involved low METs requirements. The concentrated domestic activity assumed by women early in recovery may pose a risk of complications.     

Leiomyosarcoma of the renal vein

Leiomyosarcoma of the renal vein is a rare tumor of complex diagnosis. We presented a case of renal vein leiomyosarcoma detected in a routine study. The primary treatment was complete surgical removal of the mass. In cases where surgical removal is not possible the prognosis is poor, with high rates of local recurrence and distant spread.     

Restenosis rates following bifurcation stenting with sirolimus-eluting stents for de novo narrowings

The percutaneous treatment of coronary bifurcation stenoses is hampered by an increased rate of subsequent restenosis. The present study reports on the outcomes of a consecutive series of 58 patients with 65 de novo bifurcation stenoses treated with sirolimus-eluting stent implantation in both the main vessel and side branch. At 6 months, the incidence of major adverse cardiac events was 10.3% (1 death and 5 target lesion revascularizations) with no episodes of acute myocardial infarction or stent thrombosis.     

Caring for children and adolescents with cancer: the intrathecal chemotherapy phase

This study aims to explore the experiences of children and adolescents with cancer during the intrathecal chemotherapy phase, by means of a qualitative approach. Empirical data were collected on the basis of semi-structured interviews. Study participants were eleven children/adolescents who received intrathecal chemotherapy, between 07 and 16 years old, from both genders, attended at a hospital school in the interior of S?o Paulo State, Brazil. Results converged towards the following issues: intrathecal routine; fear, pain and relief fantasies and strategies. This study gave access to important information with a view to caring for children/adolescents during the intrathecal chemotherapy phase, which is considered as one of the most stressing situations. With respect to nursing implications, we identified the vital nature of information for children/adolescents with cancer since this makes it possible to minimize uncertainties and negative feelings and makes them collaborate and participate in treatment.