The gastric mucosa in portal hypertension: structural and ultrastructural observations.

The gastric mucosal lesions represent a frequent cause of hemorrhage in the portal hypertension (PHG) and in the hepatic cirrhosis. This study was undertaken to assess the structural and ultra structural modifications in the intimal lamina of the stomach in this pathology. The cells of mucosa show graded alterative transformations. In the gastric mucosa, some of the chief (enzymatic) cells present a quasi-normal histological organization; others increased alterations such as irregular and heterochromatic nuclei, fewer cytoplasm organelles, numerous clear vesicles and heterogeneous lysosomes. The parietal (oxyntic) cells show in their apical cytoplasm wide dilatations of the intracellular canalicles, vesicles, a reduced number of organelles and irregular nuclei. The enteroendocrine cells (APUD) present an increased number of granules and organelles in the cytoplasm. The connective inter-glandular tissue contains active fibroblasts, micro inflammatory zones, blood vessels with hypertrophied endothelium, irregular and dilated lumen. Subsequent to these alterations in the structures of the gastric mucosa in portal hypertension, the function of synthesis/excretion of the pepsinogen, lipase, hydrochloric acid, intrinsic factor, serotonin, etc. are affected.

VEGF-induced corneal neovascularisation in a rabbit experimental model.

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE: Various conditions may cause vascularization of the normally avascular cornea. The aim of the present study was to create a reproducible experimental model that could enable the investigation of the phenomena leading to corneal vascularization. This involved creating a software to record the experimental data, enabling a subsequent digital analysis based on the growth models. The VEGF-induced pattern of neovascularization was also investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-seven rabbits divided in groups were used for the purposes of the present study. Some of them underwent intracorneal implants with or without vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pellets, using an original microsurgical technique. Central and peripheral corneal burns were induced to other groups of animals in order to mimic the neovascularization process induced by inflammation. Finally, Dexamethasone (Maxidex) was given intraocularly, on days 1 and 3 after the onset of neovascularisation, in rabbit groups with both corneal burns and VEGF-implants. Video recording and data analysis of the corneal vascularization were made with an advanced biomicroscope, a computerized imaging system and a special software. A histochemical study of the animals' eyes was also carried out. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The recorded data showed the simplicity and reproducibility of the present experimental model. The results showed the importance of VEGF as an initiator and promoter of corneal vascularization through a non-inflammatory mechanism, quite different from the inflammation illustrated by the corneal burn. At the same time, Dexamethasone therapy proved its effectiveness in corneal angiogenesis induced by thermal burn, but not by VEGF-implant.

Giant wing sphenoid meningioma with principal manifestation depression.

UNLABELLED: A 68-year-old woman with no previous mental illness presented with a three-month history of decreased energy, fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, difficulty concentrating, and persistent feelings of "emptiness", worthlessness, insomnia, appetite loss, diminished functionality. The patient's neurological examination was normal. She was diagnosis with major depressive disorder (MDD) by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) IV criteria and received psychiatric treatment. Resistance at therapy leaded at cerebral axial computed tomography (CT) indication. Cerebral CT-scan revealed an intracranial expansive mass (EPIC) located in frontal-temporal (F-T) right lobe, size 42/45/66 mm, hyperdense lesion, without peri-lesional edema, inserted on the great sphenoid wing, image suggestive for meningioma. MRI confirmed the presence of tumor and angiography showed the arterial source of the meningioma. The neurosurgical intervention removed successfully the tumor. Grossly examination revealed a giant tumor with a maximal diameter of 7 cm. The histological aspect of the tumor was highly representative for the diagnosis of meningioma. Patient mental status was evaluated at baseline, in preoperative period and postoperative period and had been using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) - 17 items version, Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). After neurosurgical intervention, functioning was improving with completed remission of depression symptoms at six-month postoperative evaluation. CONCLUSION: Most meningiomas are slow growing and many are found incidentally. The decision to perform a cerebral CT-scan depends on the clinician's degree of suspicion that a tumor is present. A first depressive episode is a clinical condition with principal indication for cerebral CT-scan.