[Analysis of pulmonary venous blood flow in growth retarded fetuses above 30 weeks of gestation]. / Ocena przeplywu krwi w zylach plucnych plodu po 30 tygodniu ciazy powiklanej wewnatrzmacicznym ograniczeniem wzrostu plodu.

Abnormal spectra of blood flow are observed in many fetal vessels in pregnancy complicated by intrauterine growth restriction. Redistribution of blood flow to the most important organs causes a diminished perfusion of the others. The disturbances of lung perfusion in utero are related to abnormal growth and development of the fetal lung. The aim of this study was to describe blood flow velocity waveforms in fetal pulmonary veins in normally grown and growth restricted fetuses above 30 weeks of gestation. Doppler studies were performed in 53 normally grown and 39 growth restricted fetuses. The subjects of analysis were: peak systolic (VS), peak diastolic (VD), end-diastolic (VA), and pulsatility index for veins (PIV). Analysis was performed for two gestational intervals: 31-36, 37-41 wks. The pulmonary venous flow in growth retarded fetuses demonstrates the similar pattern to that observed in normally grown fetuses above 30 weeks of gestation. There were no statistically significant differences between normally grown and growth restricted fetuses in all analyzed indices in both gestational intervals.

Evidence for a functional role of cholecystokinin receptors in the rat thyroid gland.

The aim of the present study was to examine the role of cholecystokinin (CCK) and/or cholecystokinin receptors subtypes (CCK1R and CCK2R) in the regulation of the thyroid gland structure and function. Animals were autopsied after 6 days of treatment with CCK or CCK receptor-specific antagonists (CCK1a--PD 140,548 or CCK2a--PD 135,158) solely or in combination with CCK. Results suggest that CCK exerts a stimulatory effect on follicular thyroid cells manifested by increased epithelium/colloid volume fraction ratio (E/C). Application of selective antagonists of CCK receptor subtypes has demonstrated that CCK acts through the CCK1 receptor subtype at the level of pituitary TSH. The model of endogenous hormone action reveals that thyroid CCK1 is responsible for the thyroid growth. It can be concluded that the physiological activity of CCK1 receptor plays a significant role in a complex interrelationship between TSH, vagal system and CCK1-dependent function of the thyroid gland.

Decrease of TSH levels and epithelium/colloid ratio in rat thyroid glands following administration of proadrenomedullin N-terminal peptide (12-20).

Adrenomedullin (AM) exerts a potent and long-lasting hypotensive effect and is considered to be an important hormone in blood pressure control. AM is a 52-amino-acid peptide synthesized as part of a 185-amino-acid preprohormone that also contains 20-amino-acid residues in the N-terminus, which has similar biological activity. This sequence is named a proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP). Also, proadrenomedullin N-terminal peptide (PAMP)(12-20) exerts vasodepressor response, however this response is 3-fold less potent than the effect evoked by full-sequence peptide. Both AM and PAMP controls secretory activity of the pituitary gland and adrenal cortex, however, their action on the other endocrine glands is not recognized. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine whether PAMP(12-20) is able to affect the structure and function of the rat thyroid gland. In adult female rats, subcutaneous PAMP(12-20) administration (1 or 4 nmol/rat/day for 6 days, autopsy 60 min after the last injection) had no effect on the weight of the thyroid gland. Peptide administration however, resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the volume of thyroid colloid, and lowered epithelium/colloid ratio in the gland (3.76 +/- 0.49, 2.66 +/- 0.27, 2.38 +/- 0.26, means +/- SE, n = 6, control, 1 and 4nmol PAMP/rat, respectively). PAMP administration changed neither the length of thyroid capillaries per unit area of surface nor their diameter. Lower dose of PAMP(12-20) significantly lowered blood TSH concentration (p < 0.01) while total and free T3 and T4 concentrations remained unchanged. Collectively, these findings suggest that PAMP(12-20) exerts a mild inhibitory effect on secretory activity of the rat thyroid gland.

Effects of bilateral splanchnic-nerve section and chemical sympathectomy on PACAP38 content in the rat adrenals.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a basic 38-amino acid regulatory peptide contained in the adrenal gland and involved in the control of its secretory activity. Bilateral splanchnic-nerve section caused in the rat a significant decrease in PACAP38 adrenal content and concentration, as measured by RIA. In contrast, chemical sympathectomy, obtained by administering newborn rats with 6-hydroxydopamine, was ineffective. Our findings support the view that splanchnic nerves play an important role in the control of rat adrenal function.

[Compensatory mechanisms of food transmission and lower respiratory tract protection after classical and extended supraglottic laryngectomies. Computerized topokinetic analysis of roentgen-cinematographic images]. / Mechanizmy kompensacyjne przewodzenia pokarmów i ochrony dolnych dróg oddechowych po klasycznych i poszerzonych laryngektomiach nadglosniowych. Komputerowa analiza topokinetyczna obrazów rentgenokinematograficznych.

Studies were performed on 22 patients, aged from 17 to 78 years, in whom, owing to laryngeal cancers, partly classical or extended supraglottic laryngectomy was carried out. The evaluation involving the pharyngeal deglutition course was accomplished by resorting to computerized topokinetic analysis of the roentgen-cinematographic images. The completed observation revealed good mobility of the anatomical structures participating in deglutition, small volume and number of glossolaryngeal recesses. There were few patients in whom the contrast medium passed to the trachea. Better passage of food as well as protection of lower respiratory tract were associated with the improvement of parameters facilitating the deglutition.

Effects of bilateral splanchnic-nerve section and chemical sympathectomy on PACAP38 content in the rat adrenals.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a basic 38-amino acid regulatory peptide contained in the adrenal gland and involved in the control of its secretory activity. Bilateral splanchnic-nerve section caused in the rat a significant decrease in PACAP38 adrenal content and concentration, as measured by RIA. In contrast, chemical sympathectomy, obtained by administering newborn rats with 6-hydroxydopamine, was ineffective. Our findings support the view that splanchnic nerves play an important role in the control of rat adrenal function.

[The course of the oropharyngeal stage of deglutition in physiological condition. Computer topokinetic analysis of videofluoroscopic images]. / Przebieg fazy gardlowej aktu polykania w warunkach fizjologicznych. Komputerowa analiza topokinetyczna obrazów rentgenokinematograficznych.

The performed analysis covers the physiology of the pharyngeal phase of deglutition in 11 patients aged 45-65 years. The studies were carried out with the aid of roentgenocinematographic examinations (RTGC) and after preparing an adequate computer program, a computer topokinetic analysis was accomplished (CTA). The measurement of parameters established in CTA make it possible to obtain the image of the pathway passed by the anatomical structures, the dynamics, the shape and the relative distances of two anatomical structures, with the duration of the deglutition act being taken into consideration. The use of RTGC images in CTA allows for better understanding of the mechanism acting in the pharyngeal phase of deglutition act in physiological conditions.

[Disorders of the pharyngeal stage of deglutition after classical and extended supraglottic laryngectomies. Computerized tomographic analysis of x-ray images]. / Zaburzenia fazy gardlowej aktu polykania po laryngektomiach nadglosniowych klasycznych i poszerzonych. Komputerowa analiza topokinetyczna obrazów rentgenokinematograficznych.

In 20 patients with laryngeal cancers, of both sexes and aged from 17 to 76 years, a partly classical or extended supraglottic laryngectomy was performed. The accomplished roentgenocinematographic analysis dealt with the disorders of the pharyngeal phase of deglutition act (RTGC). Next, by selecting characteristic schemas of frames for individual phases of deglutition, a computerized topokinetic analysis was carried out (CTA). The deglutition disorders were estimated in relation to the spared anatomical structures, formation of glosso-laryngeal recesses after this type of operations as well as leakage of contrast medium into the trachea.

Ultrasound in the diagnosis of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome--a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to show the diagnostic possibilities of ultrasound in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), to demonstrate its usefulness in cases of hemoglobin difference < 5 g/dL in neonates as well as in cases complicated by intrauterine death of one or both twins. STUDY DESIGN: The study included 4 pairs of twins. In two cases 3 fetuses died in utero. In the other two the hemoglobin difference in newborn infants was < 5 g/dL. The ultrasound examination, evaluating the fetal anatomy and biometry, amniotic fluid volume, placentation, was performed. The special attention was paid to polyhydramnios/oligohydramnios, discordant fetal growth (fetal weight, abdominal circumference), the presence of fetal hydrops, ascites, pericardial effusion. Doppler blood flow velocimetry has been done in umbilical vessels, middle cerebral artery. The data was compared with normal reference values for singleton pregnancies. The waveforms from both uterine arteries were also evaluated to exclude placental insufficiency. Additionally the blood flow through the AV valves was measured to exclude or confirm its regurgitation. Postnatally the hemoglobin difference was evaluated if available and compared with sonographic findings. RESULTS: In all cases inter-twin difference in abdominal circumference was greater than 18 mm and inter-twin weight difference of more than 15%. We observed polyhydramnios/oligohydramnios in all twin pregnancies. It has been found decreased PI in middle cerebral artery in larger fetus (recipient) in all our cases (comparing to single pregnancy). PI values for this vessel in smaller fetuses were within normal range (for single pregnancy). PI values in umbilical arteries of recipients were abnormal (increased PI or absent end-diastolic flow). COMMENTS: The sonographic criteria seem to be very useful in diagnosis of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, especially in cases where the measurement of hemoglobin level is impossible. Doppler blood flow velocimetry in fetal vessels helps to explain the changes in fetal hemodynamics in TTTS.

Stereology of human fetal adrenal medulla.

Stereological studies were performed on 27 pairs of adrenal glands of human fetuses (9-38 weeks of intra-uterine development). Medullary chromaffin cells were identified by immunostaining for chromogranin-A. The volume of adrenal medulla, average cell volume, and the number of chromaffin cells were calculated. The volume of adrenal medulla increased slowly up to the 20th week and afterwards it enlarged rapidly to the 31 st week of the fetal period. A gradual, linear increase in the number of chromaffin cells of developing adrenal medulla was observed during the studied period. On the contrary, the average volume of the adrenal medullary cells remained quite constant until the 17th week of the development. Afterwards, a gradual, linear increase in the cell volume was observed until the 31 st week, reaching a plateau by the end of intra-uterine development.

Chromogranin A immunoreactivity in epithelial cells of the thymus.

We have examined the localisation of chromogranin A (CGA) in rat thymus using immunocytochemistry. In the adult female animals we found CGA-like immunoreactivity in the epithelial cells in the subcapsular zone, the outer part of medullary region and associated with Hassall bodies. In pregnant rats more epithelial cells were immunolabelled, suggesting an increase in CGA synthesis during pregnancy. Our results indicate that CGA may be colocalised with the thymic hormones in the epithelial cells of some regions of the thymus.

Three dimensional analysis of thymic medulla.

In consecutive serial paraffin sections centers of gravity were defined for individual cross-sections of thymic medulla of the rat. Coordinates of the centers provided grounds for a three-dimensional reconstruction of thymic medulla using for the purpose computer techniques. In all cases the medulla exhibited continuity throughout the organ and showed dendritic character with up to IVth order branching. Moreover, analysis of thymic medulla structure allowed to exclude existence of a structure which would correspond to thymic lobuli. Apart from volume and area of the cortex and the medulla, lengths of the medulla and of its branches were determined. Statistical analysis of the results demonstrated that length of individual types of medulla branches was the least variable character of the thymus while the most variable one included area of the cortex and the medulla and their volume. All parameters describing volume and area of the thymic cortex/thymic medulla were found to correlate with each other. No significant relation was observed between the parameters on one hand and length of the medulla on the other.

Distribution of dividing thymocytes in rat thymic cortex during daily cycle.

In the present study, frequency of thymocyte divisions was analyzed in the rat thymic cortex, as related to (1) distance from thymic capsule and (2) the daily cycle. Frequency of thymocyte divisions was estimated in successive 10 micron(s) thick layers of the cortex. An evident daily cycle was detected in the thymic cortex with increase in the number of cell divisions around 8 pm.

ACTH-induced ultrastructural changes in the zona fasciculata of the hamster adrenal cortex. Are intraadrenal thrombi regulators of corticosteroid secretion?

Correlated stereological and functional studies were performed on the effect of massive ACTH doses on adrenal cortex of the female hamster. ACTH resulted in a marked increase in adrenal gland weight at day 6 of treatment followed by a drop at day 9. Stereology showed significant enlargement of the zona fasciculata (ZF) cells with the highest value at day 6 and subsequent drop at day 9 of treatment. This hypertrophy was due to a notable increase in the volume of mitochondrial, SER, Golgi apparatus and lipid droplet compartments. Cortisol secretion by adrenal slices and homogenates was also highest at day 6 of ACTH administration and notably lower at day 9. At day 6 of ACTH treatment in outer ZF thrombi were seen. In their vicinity the subendothelial space was dilated and endothelial cells dissociated from the basal lamina. Numerous erythrocytes were also visible among dissociated ZF cells. At day 9 of experiment in outer part of ZF numerous spaces devoid of parenchymal cells appeared. The earlier authors considered the "empty spaces" or "holes" in hyperstimulated adrenal cortex as a sign of holocrine secretion of steroid hormones. The present findings enable us to introduce a new hypothesis on the development of these spaces. In our opinion in hyperstimulated adrenal cortex numerous thrombi may be formed leading thus to the degeneration of adrenocortical cells. Thus, the appearance of the "empty spaces" or "holes" in the gland is not connected with the holocrine secretion but with the regulation of the number of secretory cells in adrenal cortex by the thrombi-dependent mechanism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Autoradiographic studies on glucose utilization in individual zones of the rat thymus.

Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with 2-(14C)deoxyglucose and their thymuses were processed for thaw-mount autoradiography after 5, 10 or 35 min. Highest levels of radioactivity were demonstrated in the thymic medulla (5-fold higher than in the cortex). Scanning of autoradiograms for regional differences in grain densities indicated particularly intense glucose utilization in the cortico-medullary zone. Differences in glucose utilization between individual thymic zones seem to reflect differences in cellular composition, i.e., ratio of stroma cells to thymocytes.