An Unusual Dermoid Cyst of the Pineal Region: Case Report in a Child

Introduction The pineal gland is a common location for intracranial germ cells, but dermoids are not commonly observed in this area. In the present paper, we discuss the clinical and radiological features as well as the treatment and outcome of this cyst in a 6-year- old child with a pineal dermoid cyst. Case Presentation The patient presented with chronic headache 6 months before admission in 2018. On the first admission, an enhanced lesion with a small cyst was detected in brain imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain at follow-up (2 months after the first presentation) showed enlargement of the cyst size with compression on the adjacent structures. Radical excision of the tumor was performed after the endoscopic biopsy due to pressure exerted on the adjacent structures. Conclusion Dermoid cyst should be considered as a differential diagnosis for enhanced lesions of the pineal region.

Co-Occurrence of Pineal-Region and Pituitary-Stalk Hemangioblastomas in a Patient Presenting with Von Hippel-Lindau Disease ­ A Case Report

Introduction Hemangioblastomas of the pineal region or pituitary stalk are extremely rare. Only two cases of hemangioblastomas involving the pineal region have been reported, and four involving the pituitary stalk. The purpose of the present manuscript is to describe an unusual case of supposed hemangioblastoma found concomitantly in the pineal region and pituitary stalk of a patient diagnosed with Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. Case Report A 35-year-old female patient with a previous diagnosis of VHL complaining of occipital headaches and balance disturbances for three weeks, who previously had a cerebellar hemangioblastoma resected. The visual characteristics of the tumor suggested a friable vascular lesion with a reddish-brown surface, and an incisional biopsy was performed. The tumor consisted of a dense vascular network surrounded by fibrous stroma abundant in reticulin and composed by both fusiform and dispersed xanthomatous cells; the immunohistochemistry was immunopositive for neuronspecific enolase and immunonegative for epithelial membranous antigen. The patient has been monitored closely for 2 years, and the supratentorial masses have not presented any volume alteration. Conclusion This rare association must be taken into account in patients with VHL disease, or at least be suspected in patients who present a thickening of the pituitary stalk and a pineal-region mass. We believe a biopsy of our asymptomatic patient could have been dangerous due to inherent complications like intraoperative bleeding. We recommend close observation of asymptomatic lesions with MRIs every six months or until the lesions become symptomatic. If the pineal-region tumor does become symptomatic, gross resection via a transcallosal approach would be ideal.

Surgical Treatment of Cavernous Angiomas in the Pineal Gland ­ Case Report

Pineal cavernous angioma is a vascular malformation that has a prevalence lower than 1%. The etiology is debated. It is believed that it is originated from an autosomal dominant inheritance or from radiotherapeutic treatment. Complete resection enables the cure and prevents complications of the natural evolution of the lesion, mainly hemorrhagic events. A female patient, with 67 years of age, presented mental confusion and visual acuity deficit, which evolved to periods of psychomotor agitation. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the head showed a lobulated mass lesion in the pineal region with hypersignal on T1 and hyposignal on the susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) sequence. Hydrocephalus was also noticed. The patient underwent a microsurgery for complete lesion resection though a supracerebellar/ supratentorial access. The anatomopathology revealed an arteriovenous malformation compatible with cavernous angioma. The pineal cavernous angioma is a rare malformation that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of expansive lesions of the pineal gland.

Papillary Tumor of the Pineal Region: Case Report and Literature Review

Papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR) is a neuroectodermal tumor thought to originate from cells of the subcommissural organ. Its oncologic properties are still under investigation, as well as the most suitable therapeutic measures for this type of neoplasm.We report the case of a 36-year-old woman with a 1-year history of headache and intermittent diplopia. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a heterogeneously enhancing mass in the pineal region that caused an acute hydrocephalus, and an emergency shunt derivation was necessary. One week later, the patient was submitted to subtotal tumor resection, and remained asymptomatic in the post-operative period. In the follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic; in the imaging control 3.5 years after the surgical resection, local recurrence was identified, and the patient was submitted to a local radiation protocol. Our literature review showed an early clinical onset due to intracranial hypertension signs. Definitive clinical onset might be reached only through a histopathological examination. Gross total resection followed by radiotherapy is the current standard of care. Local recurrence is often observed, with rare dissemination to the cerebral spinal fluid. The natural history of the PTPR remains unknown, as well as the best treatment strategy. Large case series with longer follow-ups are necessary for further conclusions.

Daily melatonin administration improves osseointegration in pinealectomized rats

Abstract The hypothesis of this study was that the peri-implant bone healing of the group of pinealectomized rats would differ from the control group. The samples were subjected to immunohistochemical, microtomographic (total porosity and connectivity density), and fluorochrome (mineralized surface) analyses. Objectives The goal of this study was to investigate the cellular changes and bone remodeling dynamics along the bone/implant interface in pinealectomized rats. Material and Methods The total of 18 adult male rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar) was divided into three groups (n=6): control (CO), pinealectomized without melatonin (PNX) and pinealectomized with melatonin (PNXm). All animals were submitted to the first surgery (pinealectomy), except the CO group. Thirty days after the pinealectomy without melatonin, the second surgery was conducted, in which all animals received an implant in each tibia (36 titanium implants with surface treatment were installed - Implalife® São Paulo, SP, Brazil). By gavage, the rats of the PNX group received the vehicle solution, and the procedure. Results Immunohistochemical analysis for runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (OP) and osteocalcin (OC) showed that the bone repair process in the PNXm group was similar to that of the CO group, whereas the PNX group showed a delay. The microtomographic parameters of total porosity [Po(tot)] and bone surface (BS) showed no statistically significant differences, whereas for the connective density (Conn.Dn) a statistical difference was found between the CO and PNXm groups. Fluorochrome analysis of the active mineralized surface showed statistically significant difference between the CO and PNX and between the CO and PNXm groups. Conclusion The absence of the pineal gland impaired the bone repair process during osseointegration, however the daily melatonin replacement was able to restore this response.

Gamma knife surgery for pineal region tumors: an alternative strategy for negative pathology / Cirurgia com gamma knife como tratamento experimental para tumores da região da pineal: uma estratégia alternativa quando os dados anatomopatológicos são negativos

Objective : Pineal region tumors (PRTs) are uncommon, and treatments vary among neoplasm types. The authors report their experience with gamma knife surgery (GKS) as an initial treatment in a series of PRT patients with unclear pathological diagnoses. Method : Seventeen PRT patients with negative pathology who underwent GKS were retrospectively studied. Nine patients had further whole-brain and spinal cord radiotherapy and chemotherapy 6–9 months after GKS. Results : Sixteen of 17 cases were followed up over a mean of 33.3 months. The total response rate was 75%, and the control rate was 81.3%. No obvious neurological deficits or complications were attributable to GKS. Conclusion : The findings indicate that GKS may be an alternative strategy in selected PRT patients who have negative pathological diagnoses, and that good outcomes and quality of life can be obtained with few complications. .

Tumores da região da pineal (TRP) são pouco frequentes e as propostas de tratamento são bastante variadas. Os autores relatam sua experiência em cirurgias com uso gamma knife (CGK) como tratamento experimental inicial em séries de TRP que não têm diagnóstico anatomopatológico ou nos quais o diagnóstico não ficou claro. Foram estudados retrospectivamente 17 pacientes com TRP nestas condições e que foram submetidos a CGK. Destes, 9 pacientes foram submetidos posteriormente a radioterapia de todo o encéfalo e medula espinhal entre 6 e 9 meses depois da CGK. Dezesseis dos 17 pacientes foram acompanhados por um período médio de 33,3 meses. A taxa total de resposta nos pacientes foi de 75% e a taxa dos controles, 81,3%. Não houve nenhum déficit neurológico evidente que pudesse ser atribuído à CGK. A CGK como tratamento experimental pode ser uma estratégia alternativa no grupo específico de pacientes com TRP em que não há diagnóstico anatomopatológico, podendo ser obtida uma boa qualidade de vida com poucas complicações para esse grupo de pacientes.

Effect of photoperiod and melatonin on volume and cellular parameters of testis in pinealectomized rats / Efecto del fotoperiodo y la melatonina sobre el volumen y parámetros celulares de los testículos en ratas pinealectomizadas

Mammalian reproductive axis is regulated by the combination of three fundamental tissues of neuroendocrine system including hypothalamus, hypophysis and gonads. In recent years, pineal gland has been included in this axis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 12L (Light):12D (Dark) photoperiod and melatonin administration (0.5 mg/kg/day; subcutaneously) on testicular volume and cellular parameters of testis at the pinealectomized (PE) rats. For this aim, twelve adult rats were firstly pinealectomized and then divided into two groups as GI and GII randomly. The GI rats served as control group and received only normal saline, whereas GII rats were the melatonin administered group. It was found that the total testicular volume, diameter and epithelial height of seminiferous tubules and number and nuclear diameter of the interstitial cells of the testes were increased in the GII. However, increase in the interstitial cell number was not found statistically significant among groups. In conclusion, it was observed that the 12L:12D photoperiod and doses of melatonin given increased the investigated parameters in PE rats.

El eje reproductivo de los mamíferos está regulado por la combinación de tres tejidos fundamentales del sistema neuroendocrino, incluyendo el hipotálamo, hipófisis y las gónadas. En los últimos años, la glándula pineal se ha incluido en este eje. El objetivo fue investigar el efecto del fotoperíodo 12L (Luz):12O (oscuridad) y la administración de melatonina (0,5 mg/kg/día, vía subcutánea) sobre el volumen testicular y los parámetros celulares del testículo en ratas pinealectomizadas (RP). Doce ratas adultas fueron pinealectomizadas y divididas en dos grupos, GI y GII de manera aleatoria. Las ratas del GI sirvieron como grupo de control y recibieron sólo solución salina normal, mientras que a las ratas del GII se les administró melatonina. Se encontró que el volumen total, diámetro y altura del epitelio de los túbulos seminíferos de los testículos, y el número y diámetro nuclear de las células intersticiales se incrementaron en el GII. Sin embargo, el aumento en el número de las células intersticiales no fue significativo entre los grupos. En conclusión, se observó que el fotoperíodo 12L:12O y la dosis administrada de melatonina aumentan los parámetros investigados en RP.

Ação da melatonina sobre a apoptose e fator de crescimento endotelial vascular no córtex da adrenal de ratas pinealectomizadas / Melatonin action in apoptosis and vascular endothelial growth factor in adrenal cortex of pinealectomized female rats

OBJETIVO: avaliar os efeitos da melatonina na apoptose e atividade celular no córtex da adrenal de ratas pinealectomizadas. MÉTODOS: foram utilizadas 40 ratas adultas, divididas randomicamente em 4 grupos com 10 animais cada: GCont - sem intervenção cirúrgica e com ministração do veículo; GSham - sem retirar a pineal com ministração do veículo; GExpV - pinealectomizado e tratado com veículo; GExpM - pinealectomizado e tratado com melatonina (10 µg/animal, por dia) durante a noite. Após 60 dias de tratamento, todos os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia, as adrenais retiradas, fixadas em formol a 10 por cento e processadas para inclusão em parafina. Nos cortes histológicos com 5 µm de espessura, foram realizados métodos imunoistoquímicos para detecção da apoptose (Caspase-3-clivada) e da atividade celular (fator de crescimento endotelial vascular, VEGF-A). Para avaliar a percentagem de apoptose foram contadas as células reativas em 1.000 células de cada zona da região cortical da adrenal em cada animal; já o VEGF-A foi expresso em escores. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados pela análise de variância (ANOVA) e pelo teste de comparações múltiplas de Tukey-Kramer (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: na avaliação do índice apoptótico, não foram encontradas diferenças significantes na zona glomerulosa entre os vários grupos estudados. Na zona fasciculada (GExpV=15,51±3,12*, p<0,05) e na reticulada (GExpV=8,11±1,90*, p<0,05) houve redução no índice apoptótico no grupo GExpV em relação aos demais grupos de estudo. Na reatividade ao VEGF-A, houve maior positividade, indicando maior atividade celular na zona na fasciculada do GExpV em relação aos outros grupos. CONCLUSÕES: a melatonina atua na região cortical da adrenal, em especial nas zonas fasciculada e reticulada, que estão relacionadas com a produção de esteroides sexuais.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the reactivity of VEGF-A and cleaved caspase-3 in the adrenal gland cortex of female pinealectomized rats treated with melatonin. METHODS: forty adult female rats were divided into 4 groups (G) of 10 animals: GI - no surgical intervention, with vehicle administration; GII - sham pinealectomized with vehicle administration; GIII - pinealectomized with vehicle administration; GIV - pinealectomized with melatonin administration (10 µg/animal) during the night. After 60 days of treatment, all animals were anesthetized, and the adrenal glands were removed and fixed in 10 percent formaldehyde (phosphate buffered) for histological processing and paraffin embedding. Sections (5 µm thick) were collected on silanized slides and submitted to imunnohistochemical methods for the detection of cleaved caspase-3 (apoptosis) and of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) in the adrenal cortex. The data obtained were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) complemented by the Tukey-Kramer test (p<0.05). RESULTS: reactivity to cleaved Caspase-3 was noted in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal glands in all studied groups. There were no significant differences in the zona glomerulosa; however, the zona fasciculata (15.51±3.12*, p<0.05) and the zona reticularis (8.11±1.90*, p<0.05) presented the smallest percentage of apoptosis in the pinealectomized group (GIII). The reactivity to the VEGF-A was stronger in the zona glomerulosa and weaker in the zona reticularis in all groups. We found a stronger VEGF-A reactivity in the zona fasciculata in the pinealectomized group (GIII). CONCLUSIONS: the pineal gland affects the arrangement of the zona glomerulosa and reticularis of the adrenal glands, which are related to the production of sex hormones.

Rat pinealectomy: a modified direct visual approach / Pinealectomia em ratos: técnica modificada com visualização direta

PURPOSE: To report a new, direct visual approach for rat pinealectomy. METHODS: Eighty adult female rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus EPM-1 strain) were weighted and anesthetized intraperitoneally with 15 mg/kg xylazine and 30 mg/kg ketamine. The animal was fastened to a dissection table, an incision was made in the skin and the subcutaneous tissue, bringing the lambda into view. The skullcap was opened with a dental drill, bringing the cerebral hemispheres and the superior sagittal sinus into view. The pineal gland, located under the venous sinus, was removed in a single piece using tweezers. Next, the bone fragment was returned to its place and the surgical layers were sutured. RESULTS: This new technique is easy to be done, avoids bleedings and removes only the pineal gland without damage to the remaining encephalon. In addition it makes possible the achievement of a sham surgery, allowing the pineal gland to remain intact. CONCLUSION: The proposed technique intends to facilitate studies aiming to better understanding the complexity and importance of the pineal gland on reproductive and other body systems.

OBJETIVO: Apresentar nova técnica para pinealectomia em ratos. MÉTODOS: 80 ratos adultos fêmeas (Rattus norvegicus albinus) foram pesados e em seguida anestesiados por via intraperitoneal com xilazina e cetamina. Em seguida os animais foram fixados em uma prancha de cortiça e feita uma incisão na pele e no tecido subcutâneo, na região superior da cabeça, evidenciando a junção dos ossos parietais e occipital. Na região do lambda, realizou-se uma perfuração circular, na calota craniana, com o auxilio de uma broca (4 mm) acoplada a um micromotor. Nesse orifício, após a dissecação da dura-mater visibiliza-se a confluência dos seios venosos longitudinal e transverso. Com o auxilio de uma pinça curva esses seios são deslocados, ligados e identificada a glândula pineal, que pode ser removida em peça única. Em seguida, o fragmento ósseo é devolvido ao seu lugar e as camadas cirúrgicas suturadas. RESULTADOS: Esta nova técnica é fácil de ser feita, evita hemorragias e só remove a glândula pineal, sem prejuízos para o restante do encéfalo. Além disso, possibilita a realização de uma cirurgia sham, visto que a glândula pineal permanece sem alterações. CONCLUSÃO: Espera-se que a técnica proposta facilite estudos visando a uma melhor compreensão da complexidade e importância da glândula pineal sobre a reprodução e outros sistemas do organismo.

Meningiomas of pineal region in children

Meningiomas are uncommon tumors in children and either more rarely encountered in the pineal region. We report two cases of meningioma of the pineal region in children. One of these cases was a five years-old girl and the other a one year-old boy. No specific clinical presentation or tomographic examinations findings was identified before treatment, suggestive of a diagnosis of menigioma. The clinical and laboratory features were very similar to the most common tumors of the pineal region. Prior to the surgery, the histology of these tumors was not suspected. Both patients underwent direct surgery and complete removal was achieved by a suboccipital transtentorial approach. The tumors originated from velum interpositum in both cases. At the follow up, one case presented with recurrence six years later, and she underwent a reoperation with total resection without morbidity. Long-term follow up presented no other recurrences.

Meningiomas são tumores poucos frequentes em crianças, e mais raramente encontrados na região da pineal. Relatamos dois casos de meningioma da região da pineal em crianças, uma menina de cinco anos e um menino de um ano de idade. Não foi identificada nenhuma forma de apresentação clinica ou caracteristica tomográfica, antes do tratamento, que sugerisse o diagnóstico de meningioma. As características clinicas e laboratoriais encontradas foram similares às de tumores mais frequentes da região da pineal. Ambos os pacientes foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico e a remoção completa foi obtida por abordagem suboccipital transtentorial. Durante o seguimento, um dos pacientes foi reoperado por recorrencia do tumor seis anos após o tratamento inicial. Atualmente, os pacientes encontram-se livres de recorrência tumoral.

Occipital bi-transtentorial/falcine approach for falcotentorial meningioma: case report

Grandes lesões que ocupam bilateralmente o espaço incisural posterior são de difícil abordagem cirúrgica pelos acessos clássicos. Recentemente, Kawashima et al. descreveram, em peças anatômicas, uma modificação do acesso occipital transtentorial, o acesso occipital bitranstentorial-falcino, para abordagem de grandes lesões que ocupam bilateralmente o espaço incisural posterior. Retata-se um caso de grande meningioma falco-tentorial que ocupava o espaço incisural posterior bilateralmente. O acesso occipital bitranstentorial-falcino permitiu exérese completa da lesão sem déficit no pós-operatório.

A study of the effects of pinealectomy on intestinal cell proliferation in infant newborn rats

OBJETIVO: Estudar a taxa de proliferação celular no jejuno e nas células epiteliais das criptas do intestino grosso em ratos pinealectomizados imediatamente após o nascimento. MÉTODOS: 24 ratos machos Wistar foram divididos em dois grupos. Grupo agudo (n=12) e Grupo Crônico (n=12). Seis animais de cada grupo foram operados para remover-se a glândula pineal (Pinealectomia-PnX), e outros seis animais foram controle (sham pinealectomia-C). Os animais de ambos os grupos foram sacrificados 15 e 90 dias após a cirurgia, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: No grupo agudo, a pinealectomia dos ratos não causou alterações significativas na proliferação celular (PnX=58,77±1,77 e C=60,88±1,10 no cólon descendente / PnX=31,56±0,45 e C=31,73±0,47 no jejuno proximal) e na população celular de criptas (PnX=24,92±4,82 e C=23,60±2,48 no cólon descendente / PnX=39,92±3,49 e C=44,32±5,56 no jejuno proximal). Contudo, no grupo crônico houve aumento na proliferação celular das criptas no jejuno proximal (PnX=57,54±2,19 e C=47,19±7,3), e no cólon descendente (PnX=37,78±2,22 e C=17,92±2,28). CONCLUSAO: Como o aumento epitelial celular das criptas intestinais no grupo crônico pode ser avaliado como fator predeterminante da carcinogênese, faz-se necessário o conhecimento da interação entre esta glândula e este evento.

Morphometric analysis of the development of the ovarian follicles in pinealectomized rats

El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar morfometricamente el area ocupada por los foliculos ováricos en ovarios de ratas pinealectomizadas. Para ello, 24 ratas albinas (Rattus norvegicus albinus), fueron divididas igualmente en los siguientes grupos: Grupo I - Ratas falsamente pinealectomizadas y mantenidas en el ciclo claro/oscuro (12/12 horas), por tres meses; Grupo II - ratas pinealectomizadas y mantenidas en el ciclo claro/oscuro (12/12 horas), por tres meses; Grupo III - ratas pinealectomizadas y mantenidas en la ausencia de luz durante tres meses; Grupo IV í ratas falsamente pinealectomizadas, y mantenidas en la ausencia de luz por tres meses. Los resultados mostraron que los grupos I y IV presentaban, respectivamente, medias de 19,00 y 25,00, mientras que los grupos II y III presentaron las mayores medias, 28,25 y 27,25, respectivamente, indicando mayor área ocupada por los folículos. Fue observada una peque¤a cantidad de cuerpos lúteos en los grupos pinealectomizados. De esta manera, concluimos que la pinealectomía puede ejercer, con el tiempo, alguna influencia en la función gonadal, lo que podrá inducir la formación de un cuadro clinico anovulatorio, y consecuentemente, el desarrollo de ovarios policísticos.

Evaluation of the implantation in pinealectomized and/or submitted to the constant illumination rats

En este trabajo evaluamos los aspectos morfológicos y cuantitativos de los sitios de implantaciones en úteros de ratas pinealectomizadas y/o sometidas a iluminación constante. Los grupos experimentales fueron: I í ratas normales mantenidas en ciclo claro / oscuro de 12/12 horas, durante dos meses, cruzadas y sacrificadass en el 60 día de pre¤ez (control); II í ratas sham-pinealectomizadas mantenidas en ciclo claro/oscuro de 12/12 horas, durante dos meses, cruzadas y sacrificadas en el 60 día de pre¤ez (control); III í ratas pinealectomizadas mantenidas en ciclo claro/oscuro de 12/12 horas, durante dos meses, cruzadas y sacrificadas en el 60 día de pre¤ez; IV í ratas normales mantenidas en constante iluminación durante dos meses acasaladas y sacrificadas en el 60 día de pre¤ez; V í ratas sham-pinealectomiazadas mantenidas en constante iluminación durante dos meses, cruzadas y sacrificadas en el 60 día de pre¤ez; VI í ratas pinealectomizadas, mantenidas en constante iluminación durante dos meses, cruzadas y sacrificadas en el 60 día de pre¤ez. El análisis estadístico de las medias de los sitios de implantaciones mostró que hubo diferencia significativa, donde los grupos III, IV, V y VI diferían de los grupos I y II, los cuales presentaron las mayores medias. Los grupos III, IV, V y VI no son diferentes entre sí. El análisis morfológico de los sitios en los grupos controles reveló la presencia de peque¤as lagunas conteniendo sangre, además de células trofoblásticas y algunos citrofoblastos poliploides. En los grupos III, IV, V y VI se evidenció lagunas muy desarrolladas en los sitios, con trofoblastos, citrofoblastos con alto grado de poliploidia y sinciciotrofoblastos. Concluimos que la pinealectomía y/o constante iluminación llevan a una reducción del número de blastocistos implantados en ratas, además estimula el desarrollo de los sitios de implantación, indicando así; que la melatonina puede tener importante función en la viabilidad de implantación del blastocisto.

C cells in the thyroid of pinealectomized rats

PURPOSE: To study quantitatively C cells in the thyroids of non-isogenic rats to determine the possible effects of pinealectomy on the number of these cells, and consequently on the synthesis and secretion of calcitonin. METHODS: Twenty male rats of an outbred strain (200-300 g) were used in the present study. One group of 10 animals was pinealectomized 50 days prior to sacrifice. Thyroid tissue was stained for calcitonin (Dako Corporation) at a 1:1500 dilution. The number of C cells observed was expressed as number of cells/cm². Data were analyzed statistically by Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The number of C cells in pinealectomized and normal animals ranged from 489 to 2084 per cm² and 227 to 1584 per cm², respectively, a difference that was statistically significant (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results showed consistent differences in the number of C cells after pinealectomy when compared to controls. We believe that pinealectomy increases the number of C cells in the rat thyroid

Morphologic aspects of the endometrium, in the estrus phase, of pinealectomized rats

In this paper, it was analyzed morphologically the endometrium of pinealectomized rats, treated or not with melatonin, besides luteinizing hormones levels (LH), stimulating follicle (FSH) and prolactin (PRL). The experimental groups were: I ¡ normal rats, during three months; II ¡ normal rats, during six months; III ¡ pinelalectomized rats evaluated after three months; IV ¡ pinealectomized rats treated with melatonin for three months; V ¡ pinealectomized rats evaluated after six months; VI ¡ pinealectomized rats for three months, and after treated with melatonin for more three months. In the animals from groups III and V, the estrous ciclicity was modified, because beyond the increase in the incidence of the estrus phase, some animals developed a persistent estrus condition. In the other groups the estrous cycle was normal. The hormonal dosage showed that there was an increase in the LH levels in groups III and V, and a small reduction in group IV. There weren't changes between groups VI and II. The levels of FSH and PRL showed themselves reduced in all animals from the pinealectomized group. However, these results didn't show statistically meaningful differences. In groups III, V and VI the endometrium presented a normal aspect except by the presence of several endometrial glands, in most cases, dilated. In the animals that developed persistent estrus, it was observed a very fibrous stroma and rare endometrial glands, some of them presenting non-keratinazed pavement stratified epithelium. The animals in group IV showed a similar endometrium to the control groups. It was concluded that the pinealectomy can draw to the condition of persistent estrus, not producing great variation in the serumal levels of the gonadotrophic hormones, and inducing more effective changes in the glandular epithelium.

Ganglioglioma da regiäo da pineal: relato de caso / Ganglioglioma of the pineal region: case report

Os gangliogliomas são neoplasias mistas, compostas de elementos gliais e neuronais, extremamente raros na região da glândula pineal. Na presente revisão da literatura foram encontrados oito casos publicados. Apresentamos o caso de paciente de 14 anos, masculino, com ganglioglioma da região da pineal, tratado cirurgicamente, com exérese total da lesão por via suboccipital transtentorial. O estudo histológico mostrou tratar-se de ganglioglioma grau I, confirmado por imuno-histoquímica. Conclui-se que tais tumores são raros e que se deve optar pela cirurgia, objetivando a exérese total. Quando isso não for possível, ou no caso de recorrência, o paciente deve ser acompanhado clínica e radiograficamente, considerando-se a radioterapia como tratamento complementar.

Influence of the pineal gland on the physiology, morphometry and morphology of pancreatic islets in rats

To investigate the influence of the pineal gland through melatonin secretion on the physiological and morphological parameters of pancreatic islets, we studied the plasma biochemistry and morphological and morphometric characteristics of the endocrine pancreas of male Wistar rats. The animals were distributed into five groups of ten rats each: NC - normal control group; NS - sham-operated group; Px (25) - pinealectomised group, studied 15-25 days after surgery; Px (70) - pinealectomised group, studied 60-70 days after surgery; ALX - alloxan monohydrate-treated group. Data are analyzed statistically by ANOVA and by the Kruskal-Wallis test. Although there was no significant difference in plasma glucose or insulin levels between the Px (25), Px (70) and NC groups, Px (25) animals showed a tendency to increased glucose and reduced insulin levels. The ALX group showed a clear elevation of plasma glucose and a reduction of plasma insulin compared to the other groups. Morphometric analysis showed a larger pancreatic islet area and a lower pancreatic islet density in the pancreas of Px (70) animals and an increase in degenerative pathological processes in the pancreatic islets of the Px (25) and ALX groups. The present results suggest that melatonin, in addition to acting on tissue sensitivity to insulin (as reported in other studies), affects the secretory action of beta cells, as demonstrated by the morphological and morphometric changes observed in pinealectomised animals

Análise quantitativa das células das ilhotas pancreáticas de ratos pinealectomizados / Quantitative analysis of pancreatic islet cells of pinealectomised rats

Foi verificada a influência da glândula pineal em relação à análise quantitativa das células α, β e δ através de estudo imuno-histoquímico. Vinte ratos Wistar foram distribuídos em 2 grupos (grupo controle - grupo pinealectomizados). Os animais foram sacrificados 70 dias após a cirurgia. Amostras de pâncreas foram coradas com anticorpos monoclonais antiinsulina, antiglucagon e antisomatostatina. Foram contadas as células de cinco ilhotas de cada segmento. O número de células positivas para insulina nos ratos normais variou de 91 a 777 (312,5 ± 203,8) e nos pinealectomizados de 81 a 903 (524,4 ± 300,3); em relação ao glucagon variou nos normais de 83 a 326 (164,6 ± 95,4) e nos pinealectomizados de 95 a 287 (188,8 ± 78,4); em relação à somatostatina variou nos normais de 13 a 65 (35,4 ± 20,9) e nos pinealectomizados de 11 a 65 (29,7 ± 18,4). O número médio de células positivas para insulina nos animais pinealectomizados apresentou-se superior ao dos normais, mas essa superioridade não foi estatisticamente significante (p = 0,08). Estes resultados demonstram que a pineal parece exercer influência no pâncreas endócrino e corroboram estudos prévios.

The influence of the pineal gland on pancreatic islet with respect to a quantitative analysis of α, β and δ cells by immunohistochemistry was verified. Twenty Wistar rats was divided in two groups (control group - pinealectomysed group). The animals were sacrificed 70 days after surgery. Fragments of pancreas segments were stained with anti-insulin, anti-glucagon and antisomatostatin monoclonal antibodies. The cells of five islets were counted in each segments. The number of insulin-positive cells ranged from 91 to 777 (312,5 ± 203,8) in normal rats and from 81to 903 (524,4 ± 300,3) in pinealectomysed rats; glucagon-positive cells ranged from 83 to 326 - 164,6 ± 95,4 - (normals) and from 95 to 287 - 188,8 ± 78,4 - (pinealectomysed); somatostatin-positive cells ranged from 13 to 65 - 35,4 ± 20,9 - (normals) and from 11 to 65 - 29,7 ± 18,4 - (pinealectomysed). The mean number of insulin-positive cells was higher in pinealectomysed animals than in normal animals but not significantly (p = 0.08). These results indicate that the pineal gland seems to have an influence on endocrine pancreas and support previous studies.

Efeitos da melatonina sobre as alteraçöes do perfil lipídico e glicêmico em ratas expostas à luz contínua / Effects of melatonin on the alterations of the glicemic and lipidic profiles in rats exposed to continuous light

A melatonina, (MLT) um hormônio produzido pela pineal, em sua síntese obedecida por ritmo circadiano que é coordenado pelo sistema retino-hipotálamo-pineal, sendo ativado pela escuridäo. Estudos recentes relacionam a pinealectomia cirúrgica à induçäo de estado pré-diabético e simulaçäo de síndrome dos ovários policísticos. Aferir alteraçöes no perfil bioquímico do colesterol, triglicérides, glicose e progesterona em ratas expostas à luz contínua (LC). Foram utilizadas 42 ratas mantidas em gaiolas individuais e divididas em 3 grupos. Grupo de Estudo - GE (n=22) animais expostos a LC por 8 meses. No 4§ mês realizou-se Ooforectomia à direita e iniciou-se a administraçäo de MLT (200 mg IM) diariamente por 4 meses. Grupo controle I - (GCI) (n=10) animais expostos à LC por 8 meses. Grupo Controle II - GCII (n=10) animais expostos a LC por 8 meses, no 4§ mês realizou-se Ooforectomia à direita e administrou-se etanol por 4 meses. Ao final do experimento foi realizada Ooforectomia à esquerda nos 3 grupos. Coletou-se 1 ml de sangue no início, no 4§ e 8§ mês de experimento para dosagem bioquímica. A análise estatística foi realizada segundo a análise de variância por postos de Friedmann e teste de Mann Whitney. Näo observou-se relaçäo ou variaçäo entre os valores bioquímicos estudados. Os valores de progesterona sugeriram a presença de estado anovulatório crônico nos animais estudados. Em ratas, os níveis de glicemia, colesterol e triglicérides näo se alteraram frente à pinealectomia física. Estes resultados podem ter sofrido forte influência pelo estresse induzido pela luz. Outros estudos precisam confirmar a associaçäo de melatonina, diabete mellitus e síndrome dos ovários policísticos