Histopathological and immunohistochemical study of antiosteoporotic efficacy of the earthworm Allolobophora caliginosa extract in orchiectomized rats / Estudio histopatológico e inmunohistoquímico de la eficacia antiosteoporótica del extracto de lombriz de tierra Allolobophora caliginosa en ratas orquiectomizadas

SUMMARY: Osteoporosis is a bone condition marked by a loss of bone mass and a disruption of bone microarchitecture. Men lose bone density as they age, resulting in brittle bones. The loss of free testosterone is one of the key factors. The objective of present study was to evaluate Allolobophora caliginosa extract (AcE) for its anti-osteoporotic and antiapoptotic activity in orchiotomized rat model at two different dose levels. Twenty eight male rats were divided into two groups. The first group represented sham operated rats while the second group underwent bilateral orchidectomy (OCX). After one week of recovery from orchidectomy surgery, the second group was randomly subdivided into 3 subgroups. The first OCX subgroup was administered orally distilled water daily for 10 weeks. The other two OCX subgroups were administered AcE (100 or200 mg/kg body weight/day) orally for 10 weeks. Orchiectomy induces remarkable loss of the cortical as well as trabecular bone loss; which, could be counterbalanced by Allolobophora caliginosa extract (AcE) that prevented cortical as well as trabecular bone loss. Allolobophora caliginosa extract (AcE) at Dose 200 mg/kg/day was found to be effective at a highly significant level in osteoporotic bone, as determined by histological images and immunohistochemical study, where Dose (100 mg/kg/day) was found to be moderately significant.In the present study, it is suggested that AcE may inhibit steroid-induced osteoblasts apoptosis, potentially via upregulation of Bcl-2 and downregulation of caspase-3. Allolobophora caliginosa extract demonstrates anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant properties. Therefore, AcE may be used for the prevention of steroid-induced bone damage.

RESUMEN: La osteoporosis es una afección ósea caracterizada por una pérdida de masa ósea y una alteración de la microarquitectura ósea. Los hombres pierden densidad ósea a medida que envejecen, lo que resulta en huesos quebradizos. La pérdida de testosterona libre es factor clave en este proceso. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el extracto de Allolobophora caliginosa (AcE) debido a su actividad antiosteoporótica y antiapoptótica en un modelo de rata orquiectomizadas con dos niveles de dosis diferentes. Se dividieron veintiocho ratas macho en dos grupos. El primer grupo incluyó ratas con operación simulada, mientras que el segundo grupo se sometió a orquidectomía bilateral (OCX). Después de una semana de recuperación de la orquidectomía, el segundo grupo fue subdividido en 3 subgrupos. Al primer subgrupo de OCX se administró diariamente agua destilada por vía oral durante 10 semanas. Los otros dos subgrupos de OCX se administraron por vía oral AcE (100 o 200 mg / kg de peso corporal / día) durante 10 semanas. La orquidectomía induce una pérdida notable del hueso cortical y trabecular; el cual podría ser contrarrestado por el extracto de Allolobophora caliginosa (AcE) que previno la pérdida de hueso tanto cortical como trabecular visualizado en imágenes histológicas y estudio inmuno- histoquímico, donde se encontró que la dosis (100 mg / kg / día) era moderadamente significativa. En el presente estudio, se sugiere que la AcE puede inhibir la apoptosis de los osteoblastos inducida por esteroides, potencialmente a través de la regulación al alza de Bcl 2 y la regulación a la baja de caspasa 3. El extracto de Allolobophora caliginosa demuestra propiedades anti apoptóticas y antioxidantes. Por lo tanto, AcE puede usarse para la prevención del daño óseo inducido por esteroides.

Influence of orchiectomy of seven month old bulls on bronchoalveolar immune function / Influência da orquiectomia na função imune broncoalveolar de garrotes de sete meses de idade

The present study evaluated the impact that orchiectomy, a routine but painful intervention in bovine husbandry, can cause on pulmonary immunity. To identify whether orchiectomy can impair lung defense, analyses of serum cortisol concentration and of alveolar macrophage and their function (phagocytosis and respiratory burst) were evaluated. Sixteen Holstein bulls (7 mo old, 250±50kg of body weight BW) were divided in two homogeneous groups - the castrated group and the sham group - and the sample were collected on Days -7, 1 and 7 relative to the day of the procedure. Serum cortisol concentration statistically increased on Days 1 and 7 (D-7: 4,97±1,28ng/ml; D1: 6,35 ±1,10ng/ml; D7: 8,28±1,94ng/ml) after castration and these variables seem to impact the alveolar macrophage percentage on D1 (D-7: 76,86±3,44%; D1: 60,92±2,44%; D7: 74,17±2,56%) and their respective function of phagocytosis (P) and the oxidative burst (OB) on Days 1 and 7 for the castrated group (P D-7: 56,25±15,63 arbitrary values; D1: 54,75±14,07 arbitrary values; D7: 31,77±8,44 arbitrary values; and OB D-7: 222,34±39,52 arbitrary values; D1: 135,25±37,68 arbitrary values; D7: 117,73±18,17 arbitrary values). These results indicate that surgical castration affected lung defense until seven days after the practice, so the pulmonary cell function was impaired for a period higher than that reported in the literature.(AU)

O presente estudo avaliou o impacto que a orquiectomia, uma intervenção dolorosa comumente realizada durante a criação de bovinos, pode causar na imunidade pulmonar. Para tanto, foram realizadas dosagens de cortisol sérico, bem como a análise de macrófagos alveolares e suas funções (fagocitose e metabolismo oxidativo) de 16 bovinos da raça Holandesa preto e branco (sete meses de idade, 250±50kg de peso vivo). Esses animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos homogêneos - grupo castrado e grupo controle - e foram avaliados nos dias -7, 1 e 7, relativos ao dia do procedimento cirúrgico, que foi realizado no dia 0. A concentração de cortisol sérico aumentou estatisticamente nos dias 1 e 7 em relação ao grupo controle (D-7: 4,97±1,28ng/mL; D1: 6,35 ±1,10ng/mL; D7: 8,28±1,94ng/mL). Notou-se diminuição de macrófagos alveolares no D1 (D-7: 76,86±3,44%; D1: 60,92±2,44%; D7: 74,17±2,56%) e de suas funções de fagocitose (F) e metabolismo oxidativo (MO) nos dias 1 e 7 (F D-7: 56,25±15,63 valores arbitrários; D1: 54,75±14,07 valores arbitrários; D7: 31,77±8,44 valores arbitrários; e MO D-7: 222,34±39,52 valores arbitrários; D1: 135,25±37,68 valores arbitrários, D7: 117,73±18,17 valores arbitrários) para o grupo castrado. Esses resultados demonstram que a orquiectomia afeta as defesas pulmonares por até sete dias após a prática, período superior ao relatado pela literatura.(AU)

Suture granuloma after orchiectomy: sonography, doppler and elastography features

ABSTRACTSuture granuloma is a mass forming benign lesion that develops at the site of surgery as a foreign body reaction to non-absorbable suture material. We present a case of suture granuloma that developed at the inguinal region after orchiectomy, and define the sonography, color Doppler sonography and real-time ultrasound elastography findings in correlation with the histopathological findings.

Impact of castration with or without alpha-tocopherol supplementation on the urethral sphincter of rats

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of low levels of testosterone induced by orchiectomy and the effect of alpha-tocopherol supplementation on oxidative stress in the urethral sphincter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats weighing 250-300g were divided into four groups with 10 each: Sham group; Orchiectomy group: bilateral orchiectomy; Orchiectomy-pre-Tocopherol group: bilateral orchiectomy preceded by alpha-tocopherol supplementation for four weeks; Orchiectomy-full-Tocopherol group: bilateral orchiectomy with alpha-tocopherol supplementation for four weeks preceding the procedure and for eight weeks afterwards. At the protocol end, animals were euthanized and had the sphincter analyzed stereologically focusing on collagen and muscle fibers percentage. Oxidative stress levels were determined using 8-epi-PGF2. RESULTS: The 8-epi-PGF2 levels were statistically higher (p < 0.0003) in the Orchiectomy group compared to others groups while Sham and Orchiectomy-full-Tocopherol groups presented statistically similar values (p = 0.52). Collagen volumetric densities were significantly lower in Sham and Orchiectomy-full-Tocopherol groups (p < 0.022). Sham group presented statistically greater muscle fiber percent. CONCLUSION: Castration caused oxidative stress in the urethral sphincter complex, with increased collagen deposition. Alpha-tocopherol had a protective effect and its supplementation for twelve weeks provided the greatest protection.

Clamp ablation of the testes compared to bilateral orchiectomy as androgen deprivation therapy for advanced prostate cancer

PURPOSE: Burdizzo clamp ablation of the testes (CAT) may provide an incisionless, cost-effective form of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with adenocarcinoma of the prostate (ACP) who find bilateral orchiectomy (BO) unacceptable or can not afford medical ADT. The aim of this study was to compare CAT with BO as primary ADT in men with ACP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Written, informed consent was obtained from men with locally advanced or metastatic ACP. Patients were prospectively randomized to BO (n = 9) or CAT (n = 10) under local anaesthesia, and were evaluated 3 and 7 days, 6 weeks and 3 months post-procedure. The protocol was approved by the local institutional ethics committee. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's, Mann-Whitney's and Fisher's tests. RESULTS: Mean duration of the procedure was significantly longer for BO than CAT (16.9 vs. 10.9 minutes). Mean pain scores during and after the procedure did not differ significantly. Serum testosterone decreased significantly on days 3 and 7 after CAT, but increased at 6 weeks, and was significantly higher than after BO. Serum luteinizing hormone increased significantly from day 3 after BO and from day 7 after CAT. Serum prostate specific antigen decreased significantly after BO, but not after CAT. Minor complications were more common after BO (89 percent) than CAT (40 percent). In the 9 men who did not achieve castrate levels of testosterone after CAT, BO was performed. CONCLUSIONS: CAT was quicker to perform and had a lower complication rate, but was not as effective as BO in achieving castrate serum testosterone levels.

Análise de complicações em pacientes portadores de câncer de próstata metastático submetidos à orquiectomia bilateral / Analysis of complications in metastatic prostate cancer patients submitted to bilateral orchiectomy

OBJETIVO: Analisar as possíveis complicações que a ablação hormonal cirúrgica possa causar aos pacientes a ela submetidos. Estudo transversal analítico com uma amostra de 25 pacientes, de 58 a 82 anos, portadores de câncer de próstata metastático, submetidos à orquiectomia bilateral, no período de janeiro de 2003 a dezembro de 2008. Foi realizada avaliação por meio de questionário objetivo para aqueles que ainda encontravam-se vivos. RESULTADOS: Dos 25 pacientes avaliados, 56 por cento encontravam-se vivos, com média de idade atual de 71 anos, tendo apresentado como complicações mais frequentes: diminuição da libido e impotência sexual (100 por cento), fragilidade óssea (64 por cento), problemas de memória e variações de humor (57 por cento), fogacho e ganho de peso (50 por cento); 86 por cento dos entrevistados referiram estarem satisfeitos com os resultados do procedimento e afirmaram que conseguem ter uma vida cotidiana normal, com melhora significativa do quadro clínico. E quanto a tratamentos adjuvantes, apenas 36 por cento realizaram, sendo os mais comuns, quimioterapia (36 por cento) e radioterapia (29 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: A orquiectomia bilateral constitui-se em boa alternativa para pacientes portadores de câncer de próstata metastático, uma vez que foi observada satisfação da maioria dos pacientes em relação à melhora dos sintomas. As complicações apresentadas não tiveram grande impacto na vida cotidiana dos pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the possible complications that the surgical hormonal ablation can cause to the submitted patients. METHODS: That's an analytical transversal study with a sample of 25 patients, between 58 to 82 years, carriers of metastatic prostate câncer, submitted to the bilateral orchiectomy in the Professor Alberto Antunes University Hospital 's (HUPAA - UFAL), in the period of January of 2003 to December of 2008. It was maked an evaluation by an objective questionnaire for those who were still alive. RESULTS: Of the 25 evaluated patients, 56 percent were still alive, with average of current age of 71 years, having presented as more frequent complications: reduction of the libido and sexual impotence (100 percent), bone fragility (64 percent), problems of memory and variations of mood (57 percent), hot waves and gain of weight (50 percent). 86 percent of the interviewed ones had related to be satisfied with the results of the procedure and had affirmed that they can have a normal daily life, with significant improvement of the clinical stage. About the adjuvant treatments, only 36 percent had carried through, being most common, chemotherapy (36 percent) and x-ray (29 percent). CONCLUSION: The bilateral orchiectomy constitutes in a good alternative for metastatic prostate cancer patients, in a way that it is observed satisfaction of the majority of the patients in relation to the improvement of the symptoms and the presented complications had not great impact in the daily life of the same ones.

Influência do grupo genético, condição sexual e tratamento antiparasitário nas medidas de área de olho do lombo e espessura de gordura in vivo e na carcaça de bovinos de corte / Influence of breed, gender condition, and anti-parasitic treatment on the measurements of in vivo rib eye area and fat thickness and on the carcass of beef cattle

Foram estudados 48 bovinos machos oriundos de inseminação artificial, criados em pasto, sendo 24 (12 Nelore e 12 F1 ½ Red Angus-Nelore ) tratados com antiparasitários alopáticos e 24 (mesmo número de puros e cruzados) tratados com o antiparasitário bioterápico Fator C&MC. Os animais foram desmamados aos oito meses, metade de cada subgrupo genético (6) foi castrado aos 13 meses e todos abatidos aos 32 meses, com o objetivo de verificar a influência do tratamento antiparasitário, do grupo genético e da condição sexual sobre as medidas de área de olho de lombo (AOL) e espessura de gordura de lombo (EGL). Usaram-se medidas de ultrassonografia no animal vivo (AOLU e EGLU) e na carcaça, plástico quadriculado e paquímetro (AOLC e EGLC). Os animais F1, os inteiros e os tratados com alopatia apresentaram peso vivo maior quando comparados aos Nelores, castrados e tratados com bioterápicos. Não houve diferença da AOLU e AOLC entre os grupos genéticos. EGLC foi mais alta nos cruzados. Os animais inteiros apresentaram AOLU e AOLC maiores que os castrados, e EGLU e EGLC menores. Foram altamente significativos os coeficientes de correlação entre as medidas por ultrassom e na carcaça para área de olho de lombo (0,87) e espessura de gordura do lombo (0,95).

Forty-eight male bovines, products of artificial insemination and raised on pasture, were studied, being 24 (12 Nelore, 12 F1 ½ Nelore ½ Red Angus) treated with allopathic antiparasitic drugs and 24 (same number of pure and crossbred) treated with a biotherapic antiparasitic drug Factor C&MC. Animals were weaned at eight months of age and half of each genetic subgroup (six) was castrated at 13 months of age. All animals were slaughtered at 32 months of age, in an attempt to evaluate the influence of antiparasitic treatment, genetic group, and gender condition in the measurements of rib eye area (AOL) and fat thickness (EGL) of loin. Measurements of ultrasonography were used for live animals (AOLU and EGLU), whereas a direct plastic grid reading of the eye muscle and a pachymeter (AOLC and EGLC) were used for carcasses. F1 animals, non-castrated, and those treated with allopathic drugs showed higher live weight when compared with Nelore, castrated, and biotherapic treated animals. There were no differences between genetic groups of AOLU and AOLC. EGLC was higher in crossbred animals. Non-castrated animals showed higher AOLU and AOLC when compared with castrated animals, and lower EGLU and EGLC. Correlation coefficients for ultrasound and carcass measurements were highly significant for rib eye area (0.87) and fat thickness (0.95).

Aspectos histológicos e morfométricos dos testículos de gatos domésticos (Felis catus) / Histological and morphometric evaluation of the testes of cats (Felis catus)

Nesta pesquisa foram obtidos dados histológicos e morfométricos comparativos sobre os testículos de gatos, pós-orquiectomia, divididos em dois grupos: Grupo 1, gatos com até 1 ano de idade e Grupo 2, animais acima de 1 ano. Verificou-se que: (1) aos 4 meses de idade os túbulos seminíferos apresentaram-se pouco desenvolvidos e com ausência de luz, epitélio seminífero baixo, células de Sertoli indiferenciadas e tecido intersticial escasso; (2) aos 5 meses os túbulos seminíferos começaram a se diferenciar com aumento do diâmetro e luz tubulares e as demais estruturas permaneceram semelhantes à observação anterior; (3) aos 6-7 meses ocorreu o início da espermatogênese e espermiogênese; as células de Leydig apareceram maiores, poliédricas com citoplasma vacuolizado e núcleo claro, e tecido intersticial esparso com poucos vasos sangüíneos; (4) os animais com 1 ano de idade apresentaram morfologia testicular igual à do animal adulto, com túbulos seminíferos de maior diâmetro, epitélio germinativo alto e luz tubular pequena, as células de Leydig aparecendo poliédricas, com dimensões variadas, citoplasma vacuolizado, núcleo claro e nucléolo evidente, e espaço intertubular seminífero variado com vasos sanguíneos, predominantemente evidentes; (5) no Grupo 1 o diâmetro médio dos túbulos seminíferos foi de 160,58µm e no Grupo 2 foi de 185,94µm, sendo os valores médios significantes entre si; (6) a altura média do epitélio seminífero foi de 49,51µm para o Grupo 1 e de 63,29µm para o Grupo 2, estaticamente significantes; (7) os maiores valores mensurados foram obtidos para os gatos do Grupo 2, por serem gatos adultos e portanto com os órgãos reprodutores funcionais.

This paper deals with a comparative histologic and morphometric study of the testes of domestic cats distributed into two groups: Group 1, cats until 1 year of age, and Group 2, cats over 1 year. It was found that: (1) at 4 months of age the seminiferous tubules were poorly developed, appeared as seminiferous cords without lumen, lined by a low epithelium, and showed undifferentiated Sertoli cells and scarce interstitial tissue; (2) at 5 months the seminiferous tubules began to differentiate with increase in tubular diameter and lumen, the other tubular structures remaining similar to those previous referred; (3) at 6 and 7 months of age spermatocytogenesis began to appear, Leydig cells were large, polyhedral in shape, with vacuolated cytoplasm and clear nuclei, resting on a sparse interstitial tissue with few blood vessels; (4) 1-year-old cats showed testicular histological features of an adult animal, had seminiferous tubules of large diameter and high seminiferous epithelium with small lumen, and Leydig cells of different sizes, with polyhedral shape, vacuolated cytoplasm, clear nuclei and evident nucleoli resting in a sparse interstitial tissue with some blood vessels; (5) in Group 1 the average diameter of the seminiferous tubules was 160.58µm, and 185.94µm in Group 2; (6) the height of the seminiferous epithelium was 49.51µm for Group 1 and 63.29µm for Group 2; (7) the largest measures of the analyzed parameters were found in animals of Group 2, with functional reproductive organs.

Parâmetros mecânicos, físicos e químicos na avaliação de mandíbulas de ratos deficientes em esteróides sexuais / Mechanical, physical and chemical parameters in evaluation of mandibles of rats deficient in sex steroids

O aumento da expectativa de vida vem elevando a ocorrência das alterações degenerativas comuns à terceira idade, como a osteoporose. Essa doença sistêmica também frequente no hipogonadismo, afeta o metabolismo ósseo comprometendo inclusive a mandíbula. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar de que forma a deficiência de esteróides sexuais, induzida por orquiectomia ou ovariectomia, influencia o processo de remodelação óssea da mandíbula de ratos por períodos experimentais crônicos. Ratos Wistar, com 3 meses, foram divididos em três grupos experimentais: controles (C), castrados (ORQ; OVX) e castrados com tratamento hormonal (ORQ + PT - propionato de testosterona, 0,4 mg/100g PC/dia; OVX + BE - benzoato de estradiol, 0,7 ug/100g PC/dia). As fêmeas foram previamente avaliadas por citologia vaginal e somente as que apresentaram o ciclo estral regular foram utilizadas. A massa corporal foi verificada semanalmente e ao final dos períodos experimentais (90, 120 e 150 dias) os animais foram sacrificados. O sangue foi coletado e o soro armazenado para posterior análise. As mandíbulas, fêmures e colunas foram excisados, medidos e preparados para análises da densidade mineral óssea e das propriedades físicas e biomecânicas. Observamos que com a castração, machos apresentaram baixo ganho de massa corporal (90d: 12%, 120d: 24% e 150d: 13% a menos que C, p<0,05), ao contrário das fêmeas (90d: 38% e 120d: 41% a mais que C, p<0,05). As medidas de todos os ossos foram menores tanto em machos como em fêmeas (♂ - 90d: vértebra 11.8%, fêmur 4.4%, côndilo MD 9.4%, côndilo VL 16.6%; 120d: vértebra 13.6%, fêmur 4%, côndilo mandibular MD 9%, côndilo mandibular VL 22.2%; 150d: vértebra 16.8%, fêmur 6%, côndilo mandibular MD 21.6%, côndilo mandibular VL 29.1% e ♀ - 90d: vértebra 7.7, fêmur 5.6%, côndilo mandibular MD 29.1%, côndilo mandibular VL 11.8%; 120d: vértebra 15.9%, fêmur 6.1%, côndilo mandibular MD 33.6%, côndilo mandibular VL 14.8%; 150d: vértebra 21.6%, fêmur 5.42%...

The increase in the life expectancy has been raising the occurrence of common degenerative alterations in aging population, as osteoporosis. This systemic disease is also frequent in hypogonadism and affects the bone metabolism, included mandibular bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate how sex steroid deficiency, induced by orchiectomy (ORX) or ovariectomy (OVX), influences on mandible bone remodeling of rats, in groups of chronic experimental periods. Wistar rats, 3 mouths, had been divided in three groups: controls (C), castrated (ORX; OVX) and castrated with hormonal treatment (ORX+TP - testosterone propionate, 0,4 mg/100g BW/day; OVX+EB - estradiol benzoate, 0.7 ug/100g BW/day). Females were previously evaluated by vaginal cytology and only rats with regular estrous cycle were used. The corporal mass was weekly verified and after experimental periods (90, 120 and 150 days), the animals were sacrificed. The blood was collected and serum stored for posterior analysis. Mandibles, femurs and columns were excised, measured and prepared to analyses of bone mineral density and physical and biomechanical properties. After castration, males presented low gain in body mass (90d: 12%, 120d: 24% and 150d: 13% lower than C, p<0,05), in contrast of females (90d: 38% and 120d: 41% upper than C, p<0,05). The measures of all bones were lower in males and in females (♂ - 90d: vertebrae 11.8%, femur 4.4%, mandibular condyle MD 9.4%, mandibular condyle VL 16.6%; 120d: vertebrae 13.6%, femur 4%, mandibular condyle MD 9%, mandibular condyle VL 22.2%; 150d: vertebrae 16.8%, femur 6%, mandibular condyle MD 21.6%, mandibular condyle VL 29.1% and ♀ - 90d: vertebrae 7.7%, femur 5.6%, mandibular condyle MD29.1%, mandibular condyle VL11.8%; 120d: vertebrae 15.9%, femur 6.1%, mandibular condyle MD 33.6%, mandibular condyle VL 14.8% and 150d: vertebrae 21.6%, femur 5.42%, mandibular condyle MD 29.1%, mandibular condyle VL 15.1% lower than C, p<0,05), in all experimental periods...

Evaluation of core and surface body temperatures, prevalence, onset, duration and severity of hot flashes in men after bilateral orchidectomy for prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence, onset, duration and severity of hot flashes in men after bilateral orchidectomies (BO) for prostate cancer, to evaluate body temperature changes during hot flashes and to determine whether an elevated temperature within a few days after BO can be caused by deprivation of androgen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 101) were questioned about the characteristics of their hot flashes after BO for prostate cancer. A subgroup of these men (n = 17) were instructed to record their oral and forehead temperatures during and at fixed intervals between hot flashes daily for 4 weeks. RESULTS: The mean age was 71.6 years, mean follow-up after BO was 33.2 months. Hot flashes were reported by 87 men (86 percent) with previous spontaneous remission in 9 (10 percent). The median time between BO and the onset of hot flashes was 21 days (range 1-730), median number of hot flashes 3 per day (range 1-20), and median duration was 120 seconds (range 5 to 1800). There was no significant difference between median oral (36.4º C) and forehead (36.0º C) temperature in the normal state, but during hot flashes the median forehead temperature (37.0º C) was higher than the oral temperature (36.5º C) (p = 0.0004). Both median oral and forehead temperatures were higher during hot flashes (36.5º C and 37.0º C) than in the normal state (36.4º C and 36.0º C, respectively) (p < 0.0001). During hot flashes, the oral temperature was 38º C to 40º C in only 3.2 percent of 593 readings in 17 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The median oral and forehead temperatures are higher during hot flashes than in normal periods. Oral temperature elevation > 38º C within days after a BO is unlikely to be the result of androgen deprivation alone.

Need for measurement of bone mineral density in patients of prostate cancer before and after orchidectomy: role of quantitative computer tomography.

BACKGROUND: Androgen deprivation therapy is the first-line systemic treatment of prostate cancer, orchidectomy remaining the most common mode in view of cost-effectiveness and better compliance. Accelerated bone loss is common after orchidectomy, which exacerbates osteoporosis already common in this patient-population. We studied the need of periodic measurement of bone mineral density after orchidectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty five patients of adenocarcinoma prostate opting for orchidectomy were prospectively studied. Follow up ranged from 6 to 18 months. Lumbar spinal (L1-L3) trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with quantitative computed tomography (QCT) at baseline and every 6 months after orchidectomy, and compared with preoperative values. RESULTS: Mean (+/- SD) age of the patients was 69.9 +/- 7.9 years and BMD 115.7 +/- 35.7 mg/cm2 with T-score -1.89 +/- 1.26 and Z-score 0.30 +/- 1.30. Thirty three percent patients were osteoporotic at baseline, as defined by a T-score <-- 2.5. Fall of BMD six months after orchidectomy was statistically significant (12.1%, p = 0.0001) increasing the proportion of osteoporotics to 49%. Twenty four patients completing 12 months follow up, were separately analyzed and showed similar fall in BMD in first 6 months of follow up (13%) and further 8% loss in next six months. Ten patients were followed up for 18 months, and these did not show significant loss of BMD beyond 12 months (p = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis is common in hormone-naive population affected by prostate cancer and orchidectomy leads to accelerated exacerbation of this bone loss. Periodic measurement of BMD using QCT after ADT would help in early detection of osteoporosis.

Morphologic and biochemical changes in male rat lung after surgical and pharmacological castration

The morphology of the rat lung was studied by light microscopy in different situations: after surgical and pharmacological castration and after administration of testosterone to the castrated rat to determine if the androgen is required to maintain the normal morphology of the lung. We also determined the effect of flutamide on the phospholipid composition of both the surfactant and microsomes of the lung. Rats were separated into five groups: I - control non-castrated rats, II - castrated rats sacrificed 21 days after castration, III - castrated rats that received testosterone daily from day 2 to day 21 after castration, IV - castrated rats that received testosterone from day 15 to day 21 after castration, and V - control rats injected with flutamide for 7 days. The amount of different phospholipids in the surfactant and microsomes of the lung was measured in group I and V rats. At the light microscopy level, the surgical and pharmacological castration provoked alterations in the morphology of the lung, similar to that observed in human lung emphysema. The compositions of surfactant and microsomes of the lung were similar to those previously reported by us for the surgically castrated rats. These results indicate that androgens are necessary for the normal morphology as well as for some metabolic aspects of the lung.

The effects of castration on the dense-core vesicles and lysosomes of pinelacoytes in male adult mice: a quantitative study

The dense-core vesicles and lysosomes of the adult mice pinealocytes has been studied during normal and experimental (castrated) conditions. Twelve male animals were studied and divided into two groups of six animals: a control group and a castrated one. In all the specimens the dense-core vesicles and lysosomes were counted in a total area of 2,764.80 µm2 of pineal tissue. In adult mice the pineal gland shows dense clusters of light and dark pinealocytes in a distinct rosette-like arrangement. The perinuclear region and cytoplasmic processes of these cells have a moderate distribution of lysosomes and dense-core vesicles. The castrated animals showed a decrease in the number of lysosomes and an increase in the number of dense-core vesicles. Thus, it appears from the present results that the testicular androgens play an inhibitory function on the secretory activity of pinealocytes.

Effect of different gonadal states on the forskolin stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in rat brain

Forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity, measured in the hypothalamus and cerebral cortex differs in male and female rats. The gonadal steroid treatment performed induced changes in the studied adenylate cyclase activity probably in relation to the sex of the animals. The stimulated-forskolin adenylate cyclase activity in the hypothalamus from orchidectomized males showed more sensitivity than ovariectomized females. Finally, in male rats, the effects of castration on the hypothalamic enzymatic activity were partially restored by the administration of testosterone dipropionate. On the other hand, estradiol decreased the forskolin-adenylate cyclase activity in the female hypothalamus and cerebral cortex. The results show that the forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity may be related with the sex and/or the gonadal state of experimental animals.