Differential expression of vasopressin receptor binding in the hypothalamus during lactation in golden hamsters

Vasopressin (AVP) receptor binding within hypothalamic sites was compared between cycling and lactating female golden hamsters. The density of AVP receptor binding was analyzed by quantitative autoradiography within the ventrolateral hypothalamus and dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus. Lactation was correlated with a disappearance of AVP receptor binding within the ventrolateral hypothalamus. In contrast, lactation was associated with a two- to three-fold increase in the density of AVP receptor binding within the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus. These results suggest that AVP receptor binding within the ventrolateral hypothalamus is responsive to gonadal hormones in female golden hamsters. However, the increase in binding observed within the dorsomedial hypothalamus may be related to other neurobiological changes associated with lactation.     

Hypertrophic smooth muscle in the partially obstructed opossum esophagus. Excitability and electrophysiological properties

Partial obstruction of the opossum esophagus leads to thickening of the circular muscle, hypertrophy of smooth muscle cells, and diminution of the extracellular space. The pharmacological and electrophysiological properties of this hypertrophied muscle were studied. Carbachol produced phasic and tonic contractions of the circular muscle. The EC50 for tonic contractions was greater for hypertrophied than for normal muscle (21.1 +/- 3.9 mumol/L vs. 4.8 +/- 2.2 mumol/L; P less than 0.05). The resting membrane potential difference of hypertrophied muscle (-50.8 +/- 0.2 mV) was similar to that of normal muscle (-50.0 +/- 0.2 mV). Electrical stimulation of intrinsic nerves in the normal muscle produced a hyperpolarization followed by a depolarization of smooth muscle membrane potential. Hypertrophied muscle responded either with an attenuated hyperpolarization or no hyperpolarization, both of which were followed by a depolarization. The space constant in the long axes of the hypertrophied circular muscle cells was greater than normal (4.4 +/- 0.2 mm vs. 3.4 +/- 0.1 mm; P less than 0.001). The threshold potential for initiation of action potentials was more negative for hypertrophied (-43.2 +/- 0.4 mV) than for normal circular muscle (-41.6 +/- 0.2 mV; P less than 0.005). These data indicate that alterations in neuromuscular function accompany the hypertrophy of esophageal smooth muscle.     

Penetrating keratoplasty for corneal perforation in an obtunded patient.

A ventilator-dependent patient obtunded from severe head trauma suffered a spontaneous corneal perforation with lens extrusion secondary to nosocomial Pseudomonas keratitis. Despite the patient's guarded condition, a successful tectonic penetrating keratoplasty with lens removal was performed for restoration of the globe. Upon recovery, the patient's only useful vision was in her operated eye. Preventative measures against prolonged corneal exposure in an obtunded patient include copious artificial tears and lubricants, use of scleral lenses, moisture chambers, bandage contact lenses, or tarsorrhaphies.     

Regional differences in oesophageal motor function

Abstract  We tested the hypotheses that oesophageal bolus transit and motor function vary regionally, with bolus viscosity and with body position. In healthy volunteers, we measured the bolus head advance time, bolus presence time and bolus transit time in the proximal and distal oesophagus using water and viscous materials. We compared concurrent manometric responses. Bolus head advance time, bolus presence time and bolus transit time were longer in the distal oesophagus during water and viscous swallows in the upright and supine positions. The total bolus head advance time and transit time, measured across the entire oesophageal body, were shorter for water than viscous swallows. The amplitudes of peristaltic pressure waves were lower for viscous swallows, and varied as a function of region. These studies demonstrated true functional differences between the proximal and distal oesophagus using multichannel intraluminal impedance and that the viscosity of the bolus is a determinant of oesophageal function.     

Actinomycosis: an unusual complication following appendicitis

We present a report of a case of retroperitoneal actinomycosis 3 years after appendectomy for a ruptured appendix. Actinomycosis is an unusual infectious disease that occasionally occurs after enteric perforation. The literature is reviewed, and the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed.     

Induced luteolysis in the primate: rapid loss of luteinizing hormone receptors

The molecular mechanisms involved in luteolysis are still unclear in the primate. This study aimed to investigate the effect of induced luteolysis on the ovarian luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor and the steroidogenic enzyme, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) in the marmoset monkey. Luteolysis was induced in the mid-luteal phase either directly by systemic prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), or indirectly by LH withdrawal using systemic gonadotrophin releasing hormone antagonist (GnRHant) treatment. The LH receptor was studied by isotopic mRNA in-situ hybridization and in-situ ligand binding and 3beta-HSD expression was studied using isotopic mRNA in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Induced luteolysis was associated with a reduction in the expression of LH receptor (P < 0.0001) and 3beta-HSD mRNA, closely followed by a reduction in the LH receptor (P < 0.05) and 3beta-HSD protein concentrations within 24 h. There were no differences in the findings whether luteolysis was induced with PGF2alpha or GnRHant. This study shows that disparate mechanisms to induce luteolysis in the primate result in an identical rapid loss of the LH receptor and 3beta-HSD. In conclusion, induced luteolysis leads to rapid loss of the steroidogenic pathway in luteal cells.