Parametrial hydatid cyst with cystovesical fistula: a rare presentation

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation by a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus. Theoretically, echinococcosis can involve any organ. The liver is the most common organ involved, followed by the lungs. However, uterus and and adnexa have an incidence of 0.5-1%. Till date, three cases have been reported in which a parametrial hydatid cyst formed a bladder fistula. A 57 year old female was admitted with complaint of burning micturition along with white coloured urine for the last 15-20 days with no other significant history. On examination and evaluation, it was suspected to a neoplastic pelvic mass causing gross right sided hydronephrosis. All biochemical markers were within normal limits. The patient was explored surgically on which a thick-walled lesion was found in right parametrium. The cavity of the lesion was filled with daughter hydatid cyst, along with communication into the bladder via a fistula. Open cystectomy was done after evacuation of daughter cysts and irrigation with scolicidal agents. The fistula was repaired. The patient recovered uneventfully and was doing well on follow-up. The incidence of hydatid cysts in the female reproductive system is very low and constitutes less than 0.5% of all hydatid cysts. However, rare cases have been reported, thus the clinician must be aware of this rare disease and should take precautions while operating, as any spillage may lead to anaphylactic shock.

Establishment of an in vitro plantlet regeneration protocol for unique varieties of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) var. Mattu Gulla and Perampalli Gulla.

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) var. Mattu Gulla (MG) and var. Perampalli Gulla (PG) are unique varieties with distinct flavour cultivated in Udupi, Karnataka State, and are exposed to several biotic and abiotic stresses. An efficient and reproducible in vitro regeneration method is required to expedite the manipulation of these brinjal varieties to cope up with stress by tissue culture and gene transfer methods. The present study, reports a rapid and efficient in vitro regeneration protocol for these two varieties. The in vitro growth response was studied on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2, 4-D, BAP and IAA, and the plantlets were regenerated efficiently from callus cultures of leaf, cotyledon and hypocotyl explants. Among the three explants, the hypocotyl explants were found to have better callus induction and multiple shoot regeneration. High frequency of shoot initiation was achieved from hypocotyl derived calluses in MS media with 2.0 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L IAA in MG and PG. Efficient and rapid shoot proliferation, and elongation were noted in MS medium with 1.0 mg/L BAP and 0.3 mg/L GA3. The in vitro regenerated shoots produced healthy roots when they were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L IBA. A significant difference was observed in percentage of callus induction, number of shoots per callus, shoot elongation and number of hardened plantlets of MG and PG. MG showed maximum response in all stages of culture than PG. Hardening of plantlets in tissue culture was achieved in three weeks. The hardened plantlets were grown in pots for further acclimatization in green house and finally transplanted to experimental garden where they developed into flowering plants and produced mature fruits with viable seeds.

Effect of pinealectomy and testosterone on gonadal regression and accessory sex organs in Indian palm squirrel, Funambulus pennanti.

Indian palm squirrel (Funambulus pennanti), is a tropical seasonal breeder presents a short gonadal regression period (October-November), concomitant with declining plasma testosterone level. If pinealectomized (Px), however, squirrels maintain full gonadal activity and plasma testosterone levels. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to determine if the Px and exogenous testosterone in intact and Px squirrels would prevent natural gonadal regression. Experiment was performed during testicular regression phase (i.e. August end to November) revealed that both the Px (60 days) and exogenous testosterone (100 micrograms/day/squirrel/30 days) prevented gonadal and accessory sex organ regression. This could be due to negative feedback by testosterone treatment which was more obvious in intact than the Px squirrels. A decline in day time plasma melatonin level after testosterone treatment was also indicative of inverse relationship between the gonadal and pineal hormones which in turn did not allow the collapse of accessory sex organs. Further, the pineal gland is under direct control of steroid hormones since receptors and aromatizing enzymes are noted in the same. Therefore, a pineal secreted melatonin stimulation of hypothalamic negative feedback centers for gonadal regression could be suggested in this tropical rodent as receptors for melatonin have been detected in above areas.