Low propensity of conventional antiepileptic drugs for interaction with felbamate against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice.

The objective of this study was to evaluate an interaction of the novel antiepileptic drug felbamate (2-phenyl-1,3-propanediol dicarbamate) with conventional antiepileptic drugs against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in mice. Electroconvulsions were produced by means of an alternating current (ear-clip electrodes, 0.2-s stimulus duration, tonic hindlimb extension taken as the endpoint). Adverse effects were evaluated in the chimney test (motor performance) and passive avoidance task (long-term memory). Brain and plasma levels of antiepileptic drugs were measured by immunofluorescence. Felbamate (7.5-30 mg/kg) significantly increased the electroconvulsive threshold. Felbamate at the subprotective dose of 5 mg/kg did not affect the anticonvulsive action of antiepileptics studied. On the other hand, this drug used at the lowest protective dose of 7.5mg/kg remained without effect upon the activity of valproate, carbamazepine or phenobarbital, but significantly potentiated the protective potential of diphenylhydantoin. No adverse effects were observed with combinations of felbamate with these antiepileptics. Neither brain nor free plasma levels of antiepileptic drugs were changed by felbamate. The results indicate that the combination of felbamate with conventional antiepileptic drugs is not promising from the experimental point of view.

[Mastopathy and endometrial hyperplasia--coexistence, relationships]. / Mastopatia i rozrost gruczolowy endometrium--wspólistnienie, powiazania.

Samples of endometrium were examined histologically in 161 female patients with endometrial hyperplasia or mastopathy. Moreover, LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels were assayed in 51 patients. Mastopathy was found in 36.8% of patients with endometrial hyperplasia. An estimate risk of mastopathy within 13 years following a diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia is 33%. Endometrial hyperplasia accompanied mastopathy in 24.8% of cases, and an estimated risk of endometrial hyperplasia within 21 years following a diagnosis of mastopathy is 37%. Hormonal status of patients with endometrial hyperplasia-mastopathy is similar to that in patients with endometrial and breast cancer. The authors suggest that both endometrial hyperplasia and mastopathy should be considered markers of the risk of uterine and breast cancer.

Neuromyopathy in venous insufficiency.

Since July, 1985, the authors have studied 23 patients with history and physical findings of venous insufficiency syndrome (VIS) confirmed by venous pressure, muscle biopsy, ascending and descending venography, electromyography, and nerve conduction velocity studies. Clinically, swelling appears to be the most important symptom, along with high venous pressure, particularly ambulatory venous pressure, correlated with venography findings. Muscle atrophy was present in 18 cases. Electromyography and nerve conduction velocity studies yielded abnormal findings in 20 of 23 cases. The authors suggest that nerve conduction velocity and EMG studies could perhaps be used as noninvasive tests for diagnosis and follow-up of cases with VIS.