Trends in analgesic self-poisoning in West-Fife, 1971-1985

All admissions for analgesic self-poisoning to a district poisons unit over a 15-year period have been reviewed. During this time overdose with analgesic drugs increased to represent almost half of all admissions for self-poisoning. The types of analgesics taken in overdose also changed significantly during the period of this review. Aspirin and Distalgesic poisoning declined in incidence and more cases of self-poisoning by paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents were seen. The impact of these changes on the medical management and outcome of deliberate self-poisoning is analysed. The reasons behind the trends described in this paper are assessed and their implications for future prevention and treatment are discussed.     

Melatonin Receptors on Ovine Pars Tuberalis: Characterization and Autoradiographicai Localization

The functional significance of the pars tuberalis (PT) of the mammalian adenohypophysis has remained an enigma (1, 2). One view of its function is that it acts as an auxiliary gland to support the endocrine role of the pars distalis (PD) (2), as it has been shown to contain immunocytochemically identifiable thyrotrophs and gonadotrophs (1). Many of the cells of the PT are, however, ultrastructurally unique suggesting an independent function for this tissue. Our recent demonstration that the PT of the rat is a major binding site for the ligand iodomelatonin lends further support to this idea (3). We have utilized the highly specific ligand [¹²⁵l]melatonin, and have demonstrated that it binds exclusively, with very high affinity, to the PT but not the PD of the adult sheep adenohypophysis. These findings support the conclusion that the PT has a distinct role in relation to melatonin action and seasonal reproduction.     

The CT findings of acute thyroiditis and acute suppurative thyroiditis

Although acute thyroiditis often has a distinctive clinical presentation, this relatively uncommon entity can occasionally be confused with other inflammatory processes. In general, the earlier the diagnosis of acute thyroiditis is established, the lower is the frequency and severity of its attendant complications. Computed tomography (CT) is an extremely useful modality in establishing the diagnosis early because it can evaluate iodine content of the thyroid gland and provides more accurate mapping than ultrasound and nuclear medicine techniques. Three patients with acute thyroiditis--two with suppuration--are presented and the CT findings and clinical aspects of this disease are reviewed.