Pancreatic hormone amylin and integrity of the gastric mucosa

The paper presents experimental findings of some possible mechanisms of protective antiulcerous action of amyline. Amyline is the second beta-cell pancreatic hormone, which has been just recently discovered. The authors have studied the effects of amyline on gastric secretion, mast cell functions, mesenteric lymphatic microvascular contractility, i.e. on individual aggressive and protective factors of the gastric mucosa. Amyline has been found to inhibit basal acid gastric secretion and the secretion stimulated by vagal irritation. The peptide reduces the secretory activities of mast cells. Amyline given to animals increases the heparin saturation index of mast cells and decreases the degranulation index. Amyline-induced stabilization of mast cells appears to followed by the decreased release of histamine and other damaging substances. The stimulating effect of amyline on the contractile activity of mesenteric lymphatic vessels was recorded in rats. Amyline increases both the frequency and amplitude of their contractions. The increased lymph flow that is closely associated with microcirculation promotes the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Therefore, the protective antiulcerous properties of amyline reduce the action of aggressive agents on the gastric mucosa and stimulate protective ones.     

Endometrial fluid collection in women with hydrosalpinx after human chorionic gonadotrophin administration: a report of two cases and implications for management

The impact of hydrosalpinx (HSPX) on in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome has recently been the subject of intense debate. Most, but not all, studies have reported decreased implantation and pregnancy rates and increased early pregnancy loss in HSPX patients. This has led to prophylactic salpingectomies prior to IVF in HSPX patients despite the lack of any prospective studies to suggest that any improvement will occur. Women with HSPX constitute a heterogeneous population because some conceive easily with IVF while others do not until after surgical correction. HSPX also increases in size with ovarian stimulation, and can cause implantation failure by fluid reflux into the uterine cavity. Careful assessment of the endometrial lining is mandatory in HSPX to rule out fluid reflux from the HSPX. We present two case reports of patients whose HSPX enlarged with ovarian stimulation, causing fluid reflux into the uterine cavity which was only noted after human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration.