Carrier detection of phenylketonuria in Iranian families by variable number tandem-repeat polymorphism analysis

This study of Iranian families assessed the usefulness of carrier detection of phenylketonuria by variable number tandem-repeat [VNTR] polymorphism analysis. We studied 171 people [45 unrelated PKU subjects, and their parents and unaffected siblings]. Of 342 chromosomes [131 non-PKU and 211 PKU], 5 VNTR alleles were identified. This VNTR system would yield a polymorphism information content of 66%, comparable to that in Europeans and higher than in Chinese. Carrier detection by segregation analysis of VNTR was informative in 89.5% of siblings. We conclude that this polymorphism is highly informative in carrier detection of PKU in the Iranian population

Effect of xylazine and yohimbine on the phasic pain during the estrous cycle in the rat

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of alpha2-adrenergic agonist [xylazine] and antagonist [yohimbine] on phasic pain during estrous cycle in female rats. Adult female rats weighing 180-220 g were kept under controlled temperature [21-24[degree]C] and light/dark conditions [light on at 6:00 a.m. and light off at 6:00 p.m.]. Animals were divided into four groups: 1] control group which received 0.3 ml of normal saline by intraperitoneal [IP] route; 2] IP experimental group which received 0.3 ml xylazine 3, 4.5 and 6 mg/kg and yohimbine 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg by IP route; 3] sham group which received 2 micro l of artificial cerebrospinal fluid by intra cerebral ventricle [ICV] route and 4] ICV experimental which received 2 micro l xylazine 10 and 20 micro g/rat and yohimbine 5 and 10 micro g/rat by ICV route. Cannulae were implanted into the left lateral ventricle using stereotaxic method. Pain sensitivity was measured by tail flick test, which was performed before injection, 15 and 30 min after injection in all groups. Xylazine decreased pain sensitivity significantly [P<0.05] during the estrous cycle; while higher analgesia was observed in the proestrus phase for IP and ICV routes. Yohimbine increased pain sensitivity significantly [P<0.05] during the estrous cycle; while higher hyperalgesia was observed in the metestrus phase for IP and ICV route groups. There was interaction [P<0.05] between endogenous steroids and the alpha2-adrenergic system in the modulation of phasic pain sensitivity