[Stereotactic biopsy and brachytherapy in the diagnostics and treatment of brain tumors--preliminary report]. / Wczesne wyniki zastosowania biopsji stereotaktycznej i brachyterapii w diagnostyce i leczeniu guzów mózgu.

Promising results have been obtained using brachytherapy in the treatment of brain tumors. Between November 99 and August 2000, 28 patients with brain tumors (15 newly diagnosed gliomas, 11 recurrent gliomas, 2 metastases) underwent implantation of temporary iridium 192 sources with stereotactic technique. This group received external beam radiation therapy (45 Gy) following implantation. Patients were followed-up with CT scans every 3 months. Serious complications occurred in two patients (postradiation brain oedema). Median survival has not been assessed due to short follow-up period and small number of patients. Further clinical assessment is required especially long-term follow-up. Brachytherapy appears to be a useful technique for the treatment of selected brain tumors.

The effect of somatostatin analog octreotide on diethylstilbestrol-induced prolactin secretion, cell proliferation and vascular changes in the rat anterior pituitary gland.

The effects of diethylstilbestrol (DES) and of long-acting somatostatin analog, octreotide (SMS) on the rat anterior pituitary microvasculature have been studied by means of computer-assisted image analysis. Additionally, the effects of DES and SMS on prolactin secretion and anterior pituitary cell proliferation have been studied, as well. The vascularization was visualized using Selye's method modified by Poely et al. (1964). The prolactin serum levels were estimated by radio-immunoassay. The proliferation indices were assessed using bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay. As expected, it was found that DES sharply increased serum prolactin levels and enhanced cell proliferation in the anterior pituitary gland. DES also induced changes in parameters of vascularization. Simultaneous treatment of rats with SMS inhibited the DES-induced elevation of prolactin levels and pituitary cell proliferation. It also suppressed some but not all DES-induced changes in the anterior pituitary vascularization. These data suggest that the angio-inhibitory activity of SMS might be involved in its anti-tumor action on pituitary adenomas, but not as a sole or principal mechanism.

[Pathological changes of frontal sinus in the materials of the Otolaryngological Clinic of Medical Academy in Lódz (1986-1996)]. / Zmiany patologiczne zatok czolowych na materiale Kliniki Otolaryngologii AM w Lodzi (1986-1996).

Authors report 25 cases of frontal sinus diseases treated surgically at the ENT Department Medical University of Lodz. There were three groups of pathologies: 13 cases of inflammatory disease, 9 osteoma cases and 3 trauma cases. The total number of 30 surgical procedures has been performed (13 Beck's method, 6 radical method, 6 classical method, 2 Ogston-Luc method and 3 reconstructions of anterior wall of the frontal sinus using bone sutures). In each group the type of surgical method and the causes of the possible postoperative pitfalls and recurrence of the disease were analyzed.

The effect of angiotensin II receptor antagonists on diethylstilbestrol-induced vascular changes in the rat anterior pituitary gland: a quantitative evaluation.

The effects if diethylstilbestrol (DES) and of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonists, such as losartan (selective AT1 receptor antagonist) or PD 123319 (selective AT2 receptor antagonist) on the anterior pituitary microvasculature were studied by means of computer-assisted image analysis. The vascularization was visualized using Selye's method modified by Poely et al. (1964). It was found that DES induced a sharp increase in vessel area, mean vessel diameter and perimeter, whereas mean vessel number was reduced. These DES-induced changes were inhibited by simultaneous administration of losartan. On the other hand, PD 123319 was less effective. These findings suggest an involvement of Ang II, acting mainly via AT1 receptors, in the mechanism of estrogen-induced vascular changes in the rat anterior pituitary gland.

Inhibitory effects of fumagillin and its analogue TNP-470 on the function, morphology and angiogenesis of an oestrogen-induced prolactinoma in Fischer 344 rats.

The process of angiogenesis occurs in many physiological states, but it is also essential for the growth of solid tumours and metastasis formation. An abnormal arterial vascularization has been shown in prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas induced by prolonged treatment with oestrogens in Fischer 344 (F344) rats. It is thought that anti-angiogenic agents might be useful in therapy for these tumours. Fumagillin and its analogue TNP-470 are known to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation selectively, but their effect on lactotroph cell secretory function and prolactinoma formation has not yet been described. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of fumagillin and TNP-470 on prolactin secretion, and morphological and vascular changes within the anterior pituitary in long-term oestrogen-treated male F344 rats in vivo and in vitro. As expected, 7 weeks after s.c. implantation of Silastic tubes containing 10 mg diethyl-stilboestrol (DES), a very high rise in serum prolactin levels was found. Both angiogenesis inhibitors injected s.c. at doses of 10 mg/kg body weight for 24 days attenuated the stimulatory effect of DES on prolactin production and release. They also diminished prolactin cell density and inhibited cell proliferation expressed as the number of anterior pituitary cells labelled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), but the effect of TNP-470 was minor compared with fumagillin. Both angioinhibitors suppressed neo-vascularization within the anterior pituitary with similar potency but, on the other hand, they did not affect DES-induced increases in prolactin secretion from cultured rat pituitary cells and cell proliferation in vitro. In conclusion, our results provide strong evidence for the anti-tumour and anti-prolactin activity of angiogenesis inhibitors in the experimentally oestrogen-induced pituitary adenoma; this might be mediated indirectly through the inhibition of angiogenesis.

[Thoracic outlet syndrome: results of surgical treatment]. / Zespól górnego otworu klatki piersiowej--wyniki leczenia chirurgicznego.

21 patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (t.o.s.) were operated on in the Department of Neurosurgery of MMA in Lódz between 1982-1991. Early and long-term results of treatment were analyzed in the group of 13 cases. In early postoperative period 5 patients were free of pain and neurologic or vascular disturbances in the upper limb. In other 6 cases pain disappeared partially and mild neurological or vascular syndromes persisted. Altogether satisfactory results of treatment were obtained in 8 patients (85%). There was some improvement in 2 patients but pain and neurological or vascular disorders were still significant after surgery. Long-term results were assessed at least 1 year after operative treatment. Recurrent pain with or without mild neurological (vascular) syndromes appeared in 6 patients (46%). Recurrent t.o.s. occurred mainly in cases of young women with low position of shoulder girdle and poorly developed musculature of this region. Only 2 patients still remained free of preoperative syndromes. Altogether only 8 patients (61%) had acceptable results of surgical treatment at long-term follow-up. The remaining 5 patients (39%) had unsatisfactory long-term results.

[Ultrasonography of cervical lymphatic metastasis in patients with laryngeal neoplasms]. / Ultrasonografia wezlów chlonnych szyi u chorych z rakiem krtani.

112 patients with larynx cancer underwent ultrasonography of neck lymph nodes to asses their metastatic involvement before surgical treatment. Evaluation of the nodes was also performed by means of simple palpation. Results of palpation and ultrasonographic examination were compared in terms of efficacy in detecting and recognition of metastatic spread within lymphatic system of neck. The final assessment was based on results of intraoperative exploration and histological examination. Results indicate that ultrasonographic evaluation is more efficient in recognition of metastases to nodes of neck then physical examination based on palpation. The authors concluded that ultrasonography as a simple and available method can be effective in detection of metastases of ca larynx to lymphatic system of neck.

Effect of Venoruton on the factor XIII activity in rat plasma.

The effect of Venoruton [O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutoside] on the activity of factor XIII in rat plasma was studied in vivo. The drug was administered to the animals intragastrically 6 times a week during 90 days in doses of 5 mg/100 g body weight. An about twofold increase in factor XIII activity beginning after several days of treatment and lasting for several weeks was observed. Then an attenuation of factor XIII activity down to the control level took place in spite of systematic Venoruton administration. Spectrofluorimetric determinations of factor XIII activity were confirmed by thromboelastrographic studies.