Development of Parafollicular Cells and their Relationship with Developing Thyroid Follicles in Human Foetuses.

INTRODUCTION: The parafollicular cells or clear (C) cells in man are part of neuroendocrine system under Amine Precursor Uptake and Decarboxylation (APUD) cells. Their role in adults has been reputable but in foetus is still unclear. AIM: The present study was a baseline study endeavouring to describe the chronological development of the parafollicular cells with particular focus on its correlation with developing human thyroid follicles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 10 aborted foetuses (14-28 weeks), procured from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India. Serial sections of foetal thyroid gland were generated, stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and immunohistochemistry using the anticalcitonin antibody and examined qualitatively. RESULTS: In our study, the parafollicular cells were seen as earlier as by 14th week. They became morphologically and functionally mature by 16th week of gestation. The parafollicular cells were getting organized from scattering to parafollicular location then to a more localized area, i.e., intrafollicular along with the follicular development. As the follicles were enlarging, the intrafollicularly located parafollicular cells which was initially present in groups was getting displaced singly between the follicular cells in the same follicle. CONCLUSION: The sequential development pattern of the parafollicular cells in relation to developing thyroid follicles was established. This immunohistochemical study also concluded that the parafollicular cells might have higher character to play in the early gestational age such as regulation of ossification in the human foetus.

Morphometrical Analysis of Developing Cochlear Ganglion Neurons: A Light Microscopic Fetal Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The cochlear or spiral ganglion neurons are the initial bridge between the external world of sound and its discernment in the brain. As the developing human fetal cochlea is known to start functioning in mid gestational period, its anatomical details when compared with adults could vary with each gestational age. The aim of current study was to assess morphometrical parameter of developing human fetal cochlear ganglion neurons and comparison of data in each gestational period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten aborted human fetuses from 14th to 28th weeks of gestation were procured from Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of associated hospital, after obtaining ethical clearance and were processed for studying under light microscope. Area of neurons from each gestational age was measured on histophotomicrographs using image Proplus software. Standard statistical method was used to calculate area range and percentage of small and large ganglion neurons. RESULTS: The neuronal area increased progressively in successively higher gestation age fetuses. In the fetus belonging to lowest gestational age the area ranged from 4-37µm2 while in highest gestational age fetus its range was 10-58.3µm2. The small ganglion neurons were higher in 14 weeks (65.5%) fetuses and 16-20 weeks (81.03%) fetuses, while in higher gestational age fetuses' large ganglion neuronal population was higher (62-66%). CONCLUSION: A baseline morphometrical representation of fetal cochlear ganglion neurons could be of relevance in advanced human experimental studies on effect of neurotrophic factors in human fetuses with congenital deafness. It has been found that these factors directly influence neuronal maturation assessed by progressive increase in soma size and survival.

A rare constellation of multiple upper limb anomalies.

We describe an unusual combination of unilateral upper limb variations, including an axillary arch, absence of a "typical" musculocutaneous nerve, direct lateral cord innervation of the muscles usually supplied by the musculocutaneous nerve, variant superficial brachial artery, a high anomalous origin of the common interosseous artery and a superficial ulnar artery noted during routine cadaver dissection. The embryological basis, recent molecular insights concerning such a constellation of anomalies and its clinical relevance are discussed.

Aberrant attachment of orbicularis oculi: case report.

A morphological peculiarity was observed in the form of an aberrant lateral bony attachment of the orbital part of the Orbicularis oculi muscle on the zygomatic bone, during routine dissection of a cadaver of an adult male of Indian origin. Fibers of this part of the muscle are not known to show any lateral attachment on bone. This paper discusses the presentation, probable embryological cause and clinical implications of this unusual finding.

Study of Sphenoid Sinus Anatomy in Relation to Endoscopic Surgery / Estudio Anatómico del Seno Esfenoidal en Relación con la Cirugía Endoscópica

For radical surgery of the past, the precise definition of the clefts of the paranasal sinuses was of limited significance. In the recent years, the transsphenoidal approach to the pituitary gland has come into practice and the study of the surgical anatomy and relationships of the sphenoid sinus has gained increased significance. To better define this anatomy, 20 sphenoid sinuses in cadavers were dissected to reveal important anatomical relationships, dimensions, volume and pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus. The results of the study are discussed with particular reference to the important surgical anatomical features of the sphenoid sinus. The results also point towards the possibility of racial variations in terms of relationships of the sphenoid sinus to internal carotid artery and optic nerve in the Indian population.

En las cirugías radicales del pasado, la definición precisa de las hendiduras de los senos paranasales fueron de importancia limitada. En los últimos años, el abordaje transesfenoidal de la hipófisis y las relaciones del seno esfenoidal han tenido en la práctica y en el estudio de la anatomía quirúrgica, un significativo incremento. Para definir mejor esta anatomía, 20 senos esfenoidales fueron disecados en cadáveres para revelar importantes relaciones anatómicas, dimensiones, volumen y neumatización del seno esfenoidal. Los resultados de este estudio son discutidos con referencia particular para la anatomía quirúrgica del seno esfenoidal. Los resultados también apuntan hacia la posibilidad de variaciones raciales, en términos de relaciones del seno esfenoidal con la arteria carótida interna y el nervio óptico, en la población de la India.

Evaluating the parent-of-origin effect in bipolar affective disorder. Is a more penetrant subtype transmitted paternally?

BACKGROUND: Numerous genetic mechanisms and modes of transmission underlying bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) have been postulated. Recently, the discovery of genomic imprinting and mitochondrial transmission of illness in humans has stimulated study of parent-of-origin effects in the transmission of BPAD. METHODS: We examined a large sample of families from an associated linkage study to search for a possible parent-of-origin effect. Selecting for unilineal families with at least one offspring and/or parent diagnosed with BPAD after structured interview, we conducted three analyses: (1) the rates of illness among mothers and fathers of offspring affected with BPAD; (2) the observed frequency of transmission and rates of illness among maternal and paternal lineages; and (3) the rates of affective illness among offspring of parents affected with BPAD. RESULTS: Our results indicate no significant differences in the rates of illness among mothers and fathers of offspring affected with BPAD. Also, the frequency of transmission and rates of illness among maternal and paternal lineages did not differ significantly. However, the rate of BPAD among the offspring of fathers affected with BPAD was significantly higher than for mothers with the illness. LIMITATIONS: Substantially more women than men, and maternal than paternal relatives were studied - introducing possible gender biases. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a possible paternal parent-of-origin effect.

In vitro transdermal delivery of atenolol using mouse and guinea pig.

In vitro percutaneous absorption of atenolol was done in order to assess its feasibility for transdermal development across mouse and guinea pig skins using Keshary-Chien type of diffusion cell. Values of diffusion rate (J) and permeability coefficient (Kp) across guinea pig skin were lowered as compared to those in mouse skin. When the concentration of drug in donor compartment was increased a decrease in Kp and increase in J value were observed with both the skins. Under the same conditions, values of J and Kp were lowered for dorsal skin compared to abdominal skin both for mouse and guinea pig. The results suggest that atenolol can be pursued further for transdermal system development.

Hemiplegia as a manifestation of acute mountain sickness.

A young mountaineer who developed right sided hemiplegia with aphasia at high altitude is reported. This is an uncommon nervous system manifestation in acute mountain sickness.

Toxicity studies with potassium embelate, a new analgesic compound.

Potassium embelate, 2,5-dihydroxy, 3-undecyl-1, 4-benzoquinone, from Embelia ribes Burm. was subjected to toxicity evaluation which included subacute, chronic, reproductive toxicity testing and teratological investigations in laboratory animals (mice, rats and monkeys). The results did not indicate adverse effects suggesting that potassium embelate is a safe compound.

Kinetic fate of potassium embelate, a non-narcotic centrally acting analgesic after oral and intravenous administration.

The pharmacokinetics of oral and intravenous potassium embelate (20 mg/kg) was studied in rats. The results revealed that this compound follows a biexponential kinetic pattern. Absorption was complete (bioavailability 97%) and fast. The disposition half-life is 9.5 h on intravenous and 11 h on oral administration. High concentrations of the drug were found in brain between 0.25 and 2 h, which is in agreement with its pharmacological action. The kidney plays a major role in the excretion of the drug.