Serotonin regulates osteoblast proliferation and function in vitro

The monoamine serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), a well-known neurotransmitter, also has important functions outside the central nervous system. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of 5-HT in the proliferation, differentiation, and function of osteoblasts in vitro. We treated rat primary calvarial osteoblasts with various concentrations of 5-HT (1 nM to 10 µM) and assessed the rate of osteoblast proliferation, expression levels of osteoblast-specific proteins and genes, and the ability to form mineralized nodules. Next, we detected which 5-HT receptor subtypes were expressed in rat osteoblasts at different stages of osteoblast differentiation. We found that 5-HT could inhibit osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization at low concentrations, but this inhibitory effect was mitigated at relatively high concentrations. Six of the 5-HT receptor subtypes (5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT1D, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C) were found to exist in rat osteoblasts. Of these, 5-HT2A and 5-HT1B receptors had the highest expression levels, at both early and late stages of differentiation. Our results indicated that 5-HT can regulate osteoblast proliferation and function in vitro.

Amenorrhee secondaire a la Clinique Bon Secours a Lome : etude de 63 cas

L'amenorrhee secondaire (A.S.) chez les femmes est tres frequente. Mais l'etiologie reste inconnue. Les auteurs ont pris 63 cas de femmes presentant l'A.S. et ont fait le dosage en oestrogene de l'epithelium exofoliatif du vagin. L'utilisation d'oestrogene et du progesterone reste donc tres importante dans le traitement de l'amenorrhee secondaire; l'apport du calcium et de la vitamine D peut prevenir ou diminuer le risque d'une osteoporose

La pelvite dans les affections gynecologiques a la Clinique Bon Secours : Frequence de l'affection chez les Togolaises

La Mission Medicale Chinoise travaille a la Clinique Bon Secours; annexe du C.H.U. Tokoin de Lome depuis 21 ans. Une statistique des consultations dans le service de Gynecologie sur la periode allant de janvier 1988 a janvier 1995 donne un nombre total de malades consultees egal a 31.102. Parmi les affections frequemment diagnostiquees; la pelvite vient en tete avec 9.984 cas; soit 32.10 pour cent. La sterilite essentiellement provoquee par l'obstruction des trompes dues a la pelvite; vient en seconde position avec 6.784 cas (soit 27;83 pour cent) dont 6.140 cas (19;74 pour cent) sont dus a l'obstruction des trompes consecutive a la pelvite. La pelvite et les maladies resultant d'elle representent ainsi 51;84 pour cent du total sus mentionne. C'est donc une maladie frequente; menacant gravement la sante des Togolaises

A 5-year surveillance of sensitivity in vivo of Plasmodium falciparum to pyronaridine/sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine in Diaoluo area, Hainan Province.

The surveillance of sensitivity of P. falciparum to pyronaridine/sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine has been carried out in Diaoluo area in Hainan Province where chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria is endemic, covering an area of 406 square kilometers, with a population of 3745 in 1986. From 1986 all outpatients diagnosed as falciparum malaria were administered with PND/S/P as the only antimalarial. In vivo sensitivity of P. falciparum was measured in some patients who were treated in hospital. It was demonstrated that P. falciparum in the Diaoluo area has retained its sensitivity to a single oral dose of PND/S/P of 500/1,000/50 mg with 100% cure rate for at least 5 years.

Antimalarial and toxic effect of triple combination of pyronaridine, sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine.

The triple combination of pyronaridine, sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine which has been proven to be efficient in delaying emergence of drug resistance of rodent malarial parasites was further studied for potential application to malaria control. The antimalarial effect of the triple combination on Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected mice and the toxic effects in mice and rats were additive. A single dose of pyronaridine 500 mg in combination with sulfadoxine, 1000 or 1500 mg, and pyrimethamine, 50 or 75 mg, given to 72 acute falciparum malaria patients resulted in a 100% cure rate with nil or mild side effects, and no recrudescence of asexual parasite over 4-week follow-up. Preliminary experiments on the drug effect on sporogony showed that the drug combination at the dose used could not completely interrupt the sporozoite formation although many retarded oocysts were found.