Differential effects of cannabis extracts and pure plant cannabinoids on hippocampal neurones and glia

We have shown previously that the plant cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) elevates intracellular calcium levels in both cultured hippocampal neurones and glia. Here, we investigated whether the main psychotropic constituent of cannabis, Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alone or in combination with other cannabis constituents can cause similar responses, and whether THC affects the responses induced by CBD. Our experiments were performed with 1 μM pure THC (pTHC), with 1 μM pure CBD (pCBD), with a high-THC, low CBD cannabis extract (eTHC), with a high-CBD, low THC cannabis extract (eCBD), with a mixture of eTHC and eCBD (THC:CBD = 1:1) or with corresponding ‘mock extracts’ that contained only pTHC and pCBD mixed in the same proportion as in eTHC, eCBD or the 1:1 mixture of eTHC and eCBD.     

The effect of autogenous costochondral grafts on temporomandibular joint fibrous and bony ankylosis: A preliminary experimental study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the functional and histologic fate of costochondral grafts (CG) in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction for unilateral ankylosis in the sheep. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five pure-bred adult Merino sheep were used. Ankylosis was induced by articular damage, disc removal, and placement of a bone graft. At 3 months, a gap arthroplasty was performed with a CG from the thirteenth rib. The sheep were sacrificed 3 months after CG reconstruction. The range of jaw movements were recorded at first operation, at lysis of ankylosis, and at sacrifice. The joints were examined radiologically, macroscopically, and histologically. RESULTS: All sheep showed a decrease in masticatory function, as shown by weight loss and decreased jaw opening, during the ankylosis period. On release, they regained weight and increased the range of jaw movement. Histologically, the joint space was filled with fibrous tissue. However, the partial spaces around the CG head were covered by fibrous tissue and/or fibrous cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that, when CGs are used with a gap arthroplasty in a fibrous and bony ankylosed TMJ, masticatory function is restored.     

Age-dependent phagocytosis of erythrocytes by the isolated perfused rat liver after galactosamine hepatitis and alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate cholestasis

Isolated rat livers were perfused with an immunoglobulin-free fluid containing homologous rat erythrocytes suspended in an isotonic saline solution. Galactosamine hepatitis and alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate cholestasis were induced as experimental liver diseases. The glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) and guanosine triphosphate (GPT) activities, the potassium level as well as the redox quotients of lactate/pyruvate and beta-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate were determined as liver function parameters. Results: The same dose of galactosamine led to two different types of reaction. The group suffering more damage (rendering maximum GOT activities) phagocytosed significantly (p less than or equal to 0.05) more erythrocytes than the other group. Galactosamine hepatitis significantly slows down the phagocytosis of erythrocytes. The function of the mononuclear phagocytosing cells in the liver is intact. The alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) cholestasis significantly reduces the capacity of the mononuclear phagocytosing cells in the liver. Young erythrocytes were phagocytosed significantly better than old ones in either type of liver damage, in galactosamine hepatitis and in ANIT cholestasis as well as by healthy livers.     

Endothelial cell antigens recognized by xenoreactive human natural antibodies.

Hyperacute rejection of vascularized, discordant xenografts is generally though to be initiated when natural antibodies of the recipient bind to endothelial cells of the donor organ. While rejection of such xenografts always occurs, the molecular targets of natural antibodies have not been elucidated. The aim of the experiments reported herein was to identify the molecules on porcine endothelial cells that would be recognized by human natural antibodies if a porcine organ were to be transplanted into a human (or rhesus). Toward the end, it was shown that the major components recognized by human serum on porcine endothelial cells are glycoproteins of 115kDa, 125kDa, and 135kDa (gp115/135). Reactivity with these glycoproteins was abrogated by enzymatic cleavage of N-linked oligosaccharides or of subterminal beta-D-gal residues suggesting that the determinants are located on oligosaccharides rather than on the polypeptide cores. The biological relevance of gp115/135 was suggested by experiments in which a similar series of components was shown to be recognized by rhesus natural antibodies and by the absorption of such antibodies by perfusion of porcine kidneys. The gp115/135 antigens were present on porcine platelets but not porcine RBC or lymphocytes. Nevertheless, purified RBC and lymphocytes absorbed human anti-gp115/135, suggesting that human natural antibodies recognize the same or crossreactive carbohydrate determinants expressed on the surface of a variety of cells.     

Sinusoidal heart rate pattern and face presentation in a fetus from a postterm pregnancy. A case report

A case of sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern occurred in association with postdate pregnancy and face presentation. The case met the criteria for sinusoidal pattern established by Modanlou and Freeman except for a prior period of reactivity. Prompt recognition and action precluded the potential adverse outcome associated with this tracing.     

Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized, Parallel-Group, Dose-Ranging Study of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Men with Glabellar Rhytids

BACKGROUND: The effective dose for treating glabellar lines with botulinum toxin type A in men has not been studied adequately. OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety, efficacy, and duration of response of four doses of botulinum toxin type A on glabellar rhytids in men. METHODS: Eighty men were randomized to receive a total dose of either 20, 40, 60, or 80 U of botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX, BOTOX Cosmetic, or Vistabel, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) in the glabellar area. Glabellar lines were assessed at rest and maximum frown by a trained observer at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks, and monthly thereafter. Patients provided self-evaluations at the same visits. Adverse events were monitored throughout. RESULTS: The 40, 60, and 80 U doses of botulinum toxin type A were consistently more effective in reducing glabellar lines than the 20 U dose (duration, peak response rate, improvement from baseline). There was a dose-dependent increase in both the response rate at maximum frown and the duration of effect assessed by the trained observer. In addition, the participants reported a dose-dependent reduction in the ability to frown, improvement in their global assessment, and increased feelings of attractiveness, self-confidence, and satisfaction. The incidence of adverse events was not increased with higher doses. CONCLUSION: Male participants with glabellar rhytids benefit from starting doses of at least 40 U of botulinum toxin type A.