The influence of pentoxifylline on motility and viability of spermatozoa from normozoospermic semen samples

In order to evaluate the effects of pentoxifylline on sperm motility and longevity, a controlled in-vitro study was conducted on normozoospermic donor semen samples using the Cellsoft automated system for sperm motility analysis. After incubation and selection, pentoxifylline was found to improve the recovery of spermatozoa and to increase their velocity. In the subgroup of progressively motile spermatozoa, curvilinear velocity was also enhanced. It is concluded that pentoxifylline has an effect on the vigour, but not on the pattern, of sperm motion. Pentoxifylline did not improve the motility characteristics of senescent spermatozoa in normozoospermic sperm samples. Sperm survival, as shown by supra-vital staining, and motility longevity both decreased with time after pentoxifylline treatment.     

Propofol Increases Contractility during α1a-Adrenoreceptor Activation in Adult Rat Cardiomyocytes

Background: The objective of this study was to identify the extent to which propofol alters intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity, and contraction of individual cardiomyocytes during activation of [alpha]1a adrenoreceptors and to determine the cellular mechanism of action.

Methods: Freshly isolated ventricular myocytes were obtained from adult rat hearts. Myocyte shortening and [Ca2+]i were simultaneously monitored in individual cardiomyocytes exposed to phenylephrine after treatment with chloroethylclonidine ([alpha]1b-adrenoreceptor antagonist) and BMY 7378 ([alpha]1d-adrenoreceptor antagonist). Data are reported as mean +/- SD.

Results: Phenylephrine increased myocyte shortening by 124 +/- 9% (P = 0.002), whereas peak [Ca2+]i only increased by 8 +/- 3% (P = 0.110). Inhibition of phospholipase A2 and phospholipase C attenuated the phenylephrine-induced increase in shortening by 84 +/- 11% (P = 0.004) and 15 +/- 6% (P = 0.010), respectively. Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) and Rho kinase attenuated the phenylephrine-induced increase in shortening by 17 +/- 8% (P = 0.010) and 74 +/- 13% (P = 0.006), respectively. In the presence of phenylephrine, propofol increased shortening by 40 +/- 6% (P = 0.002), with no concomitant increase in [Ca2+]i. PKC inhibition prevented the propofol-induced increase in shortening. Selective inhibition of PKC[alpha], PKC[delta], PKC[varepsilon], and PKC[zeta] reduced the propofol-induced increase in shortening by 12 +/- 5% (P = 0.011), 36 +/- 8% (P = 0.001), 32 +/- 9% (P = 0.007), and 19 +/- 5% (P = 0.008), respectively. Na+-H+ exchange inhibition reduced the propofol-induced increase in shortening by 56 +/- 7% (P = 0.001).     

Autoimmune reactions in patients with M-component and peripheral neuropathy.

A study of 17 patients with autoimmune axonal or demyelinating peripheral neuropathy in combination with M-component is described. The M-component was associated with MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) in 12 patients, CLL in one patient, WaldenstrÖm's disease in one patient, and myeloma in three patients. Immunohistological examination with direct and indirect fluorescence showed binding of antibodies to nerve structures of the same class and light chain as seen in the M-component. In five cases of IgM M-component, the demyelinating neuropathy was caused by binding of the IgM M-protein and complement C3b to myelin-associated glycoproteins (MAG). In 12 cases with axonal neuropathy, binding of IgG to the connective tissue of the peri- and endoneurium was found in 50% of cases, IgM in five cases, and IgD in one case. None of the patients had central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. The clinical and therapeutic difficulties are discussed; only two patients with an acute course responded to immunosuppression. A marked co-expression of other autoimmune phenomena is interpreted in the light of cross-reactions between the autoantibody and similar tissue autoantigens.     

Bilateral ovarian fibromas in children

The case of bilateral ovarian fibromas occurring in an 8-year-old black girl is reported. These lesions occur rarely in premenarchal females and may be a manifestation of Nevoid Basal Cell Syndrome. Calcifications are reported to occur rarely in ovarian fibromas but seem to occur frequently in fibromas in children. Management is guided by the benignity of the lesion and consists of surgical excision of the fibroma. Preservation of normal ovarian tissue is recommended with the acknowledged risk of recurrence of the fibroma.     

Ocular manifestations of Donohue's syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Donohue's syndrome, also known as Leprechaunism, is a rare autosomal recessive disease that manifests at birth with symptoms of endocrine dysfunction. Metabolic characteristics of the disease include postprandial hyperglycemia, fasting hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and failure to thrive. The physical features most often associated with this condition include hypertrichosis, pachyderma, acanthosis nigricans, prominent genitalia, and elfin-like facial characteristics of prominent eyes, wide nostrils, thick lips, and large, low-set ears. Not only is this syndrome rare, but it often results in infant and early childhood mortality. The literature regarding ocular manifestations is limited. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 29-year-old male with Donohue's syndrome and significant ocular findings including a subluxated mature cataract, retinal detachment, high myopia, and optic atrophy. DISCUSSION: These ocular sequelae are discussed with regard to the noted endocrine dysfunction and its effects on tissue development and growth.