GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators modify the abuse-related behavioral and neurochemical effects of methamphetamine in rhesus monkeys.

GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators (GABAA receptor modulators) are commonly used for the treatment of insomnia. Nevertheless, the effects of these compounds on psychostimulant-induced sleep impairment are poorly understood. Because GABAA receptor modulators have been shown to decrease the abuse-related effects of psychostimulants, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of temazepam (0.3, 1.0 or 3.0 mg/kg) and eszopiclone (0.3, 1.0 or 3.0 mg/kg), two GABAA receptor modulators, on the behavioral neuropharmacology of methamphetamine in adult rhesus macaques (n = 5). Sleep-like measures and general daytime activity were evaluated with Actiwatch monitors. Methamphetamine self-administration (0.03 mg/kg/inf) was evaluated during morning sessions. Methamphetamine-induced dopamine overflow was assessed through in vivo microdialysis targeting the nucleus accumbens. Nighttime treatment with either temazepam or eszopiclone was ineffective in improving sleep-like measures disrupted by methamphetamine self-administration. Acute pretreatment with a low dose of temazepam before self-administration sessions increased methamphetamine self-administration without affecting normal daytime home-cage activity. At a high dose, acute temazepam pretreatment decreased methamphetamine self-administration and attenuated methamphetamine-induced increases in dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, without decreasing general daytime activity. Acute eszopiclone treatment exerted no effects on methamphetamine intake or drug-induced increases in dopamine. Our study suggests that treatments based on GABAA receptor modulators are not effective for the treatment of sleep disruption in the context of psychostimulant use. In addition, distinct GABAA receptor modulators differentially modulated the abuse-related effects of methamphetamine, with acute treatment with the high efficacy GABAA receptor modulator temazepam decreasing the behavioral and neurochemical effects of methamphetamine.

Maus tratos e provação na infância: assassinato da alma

Assassinato da alma envolve a deliberada traumatização ou privação por parte de uma autoridade (parental) de quem esta é encarregada (criança). A vítima é roubada de sua identidade e da habilidade de manter sentimentos autênticos. O assassinato da alma permanece eficiente se a capacidade de pensar e de conhecer sofreu interferência suficiente, por meio de lavagem cerebral. São colocadas questões sobre patogênese. Algumas sugestões são feitas sobre tratamento daqueles cuja vida de fantasia patogênica foi tão influenciada pela realidade traumática. A necessidade de identificar-se (com) e de manter a ilusão de um bom progenitor aumenta a difícil resistência da negação (a lavagem cerebral torna-se auto-imposta). Paradoxalmante, a fim de sobreviver e de se ajustar, algumas destas tão traumatizadas quando crianças desenvolvem forças e talentos incomuns (AU)

Long-term growth and development in children after home parental nutrition.

Growth and development after the cessation of prolonged parenteral nutrition (PN) has not been fully evaluated. Growth, body composition, and nutritional and developmental status were documented in nine children (five boys, four girls) 2 to 6 years old (mean 4.9 +/- 1.0 years) who had previously received long-term PN (mean 14.6 +/- 11.4 months). PN had been discontinued in all subjects for at least 6 months (mean 3.4 +/- 1.4 years); they were receiving oral feedings only. One subject had a significantly low height-for-age, and another had a low percent ideal body weight; five subjects had low total body fat. Serum vitamin A was low in six subjects. Seventy-two-hour fecal fat analysis was abnormal in two of eight subjects. Abnormal bone mineral density was present in four of nine subjects. Psychomotor development was normal in all nine subjects. Two had functional difficulties in swallowing. One or more abnormalities were present in all nine subjects. These findings suggest that children who require prolonged PN in early life are at risk for abnormalities in growth and nutritional status in later childhood; they require long-term dietary, growth, and nutritional monitoring.

Test simultáneo de función ventricular y perfusión miocárdica, durante el ejercicio, mediante un nuevo agente marcado con Tc99m / Simultaneous test of ventricular function and myocardial perfusion, during exercise, by a new agent labilled with Tc99m

Utilizar un radiocompuesto marcado con Tc99m para estudiar la perfusión miocárdica, permite, debido a las características del isótopo utilizado, determinar la función ventricular en la misma inyección, mediante la técnica de primer pasaje. Fueron estudiados 4 voluntarios normales 14 pacientes con angina de esfuerzo y 2 portadores de miocardiopatía con coronarias normales. Tres pacientes fueron inyectados con 8-10 mci. de Tc99m carbometoxi-Isopropil-Isonitrilo (CPI-Tc99m) y el resto con 25-30 mci. de metoxy-Isobutil-Isonitrilo (Rp-30-Tc99M) en el pico del ejercicio ergométrico y luego en reposo. Fué registrado el primer pasaje del bolo radiactivo en imágenes de 30/ms/freme. Se adquirieron luego a los 60' las imágenes de perfusión correspondientes al esfuerzo, en las proyecciones anterior, OAI 45§ y OAI 70§. Todos los pacientes tenían realizado un estudio de perfusión de ejercicio con Talio 201 con similares niveles de esfuerzo. La fracción de eyección (FE) de ejercicio incrementó de 69-76% en los normales; la perfusión miocárdica (PM) fué normal en todos ellos. En los portadores de miocardiopatía con coronarias normales, se observó disminución de la FE. En los pacientes isquémicos la perfusión fué anormal en los 14 pacientes y la correlación con el Talio 201 fué excelente. Estos resultados sugieren la posibilidad de utilizar el "test simultáneo" de perfusión y función ventricular con un só ejercicio y radiocompuesto. La información de estos dos estudios mejoraría considerablemente la eficiencia del método el cual podría convertirse en el test-radioisotópico estandar en el futuro