The acute release of maternal prolactin by instrumental cervical dilatation simulates the second stage of labor.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that artificial stimulation of the cervix causes an acute secretion of maternal prolactin (PRL) that mimics PRL secretion during the second stage of human labor. METHODS: Eighteen women scheduled for first-trimester therapeutic abortion had a blood sample drawn at the following times: before and after laminaria tent (LT) insertion for cervical ripening, 18-24 hours later upon entry in the procedure room, after LT removal, during instrumental cervical dilatation and uterine evacuation by suction curretage, soon after evacuation, and 1/2 hour and 1 hour after evacuation. Local cervical anesthesia, intravenous analgesics, and sedation were administered before the procedure. Blood serum was assayed for PRL, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and estradiol. RESULTS: The initial PRL levels were 34 ng/mL +/- 4.2 standard error of the mean (SEM) and did not change after 18-24 hours of LT placement nor after LT removal. However, PRL increased significantly (t = 5.8; P = .00001) over basal levels by 204% +/- 15 at the time of instrumental dilatation and rose to 378% +/- 33 at 1/2 hour postevacuation. After 1 hour, PRL had declined to 173% +/- 10%. Serum levels of estradiol and hCG changed only after evacuation. CONCLUSION: Artificial stimulation of the cervix causes an immediate surge in PRL levels. We suggest that the acute increase in pituitary PRL secretion that occurs during the second stage of labor results from a neural signal from the cervix and not from endocrine changes associated with labor.

Protective ability of the standard U.S. Military Personal Armor System, Ground Troops (PASGT) fragmentation vest against common small arms projectiles.

This study analyzes the ballistic protection provided by the standard U.S. Military Personal Armor System, Ground Troops fragmentation vest against threats from handgun and shotgun projectiles. Damage assessment was conducted using 10% ordnance gelatin, a tissue simulant which has been proven to have a close correlation with living tissue. The standard fragmentation vest was shown to provide protection from commonly encountered handgun bullets and shotgun pellets, but not from shotgun slugs or center-fire rifle bullets.

An idiopathic febrile necrotizing arteritis syndrome in the dog: beagle pain syndrome.

The clinical, laboratory, and pathologic features of a syndrome in dogs characterized by intermittent pain, fever, neutrophilia, and necrotizing arteritis are described to alert others involved in toxicity testing to the existence of this disorder. It is considered that this idiopathic syndrome is a latent condition, the expression of which can be precipitated in predisposed dogs by experimental treatment, and thus, its occurrence could complicate interpretation of toxicity studies. We have observed the disorder in 14 beagle dogs. The syndrome is rare and most cases for study were supplied by the breeder. Typical clinical signs observed included evidence of pain when the mouth was opened, grunting when lifted, and standing with an arched back and lowered head. Appetite was usually reduced. Body temperature was elevated (e.g., 104-106 degrees F). There was progressive, bilateral atrophy of temporal and cervical musculature. Such signs have been observed to persist unremittingly or, more commonly, with periods of expression and remission. Neutrophilic leukocytosis and thrombocytosis were present. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were usually slightly decreased. Serum total protein was usually normal but albumin was reduced and alpha-2 globulins were markedly increased. Rheumatoid factor was elevated in several dogs. Arteritis was observed histologically and was characterized by necrosis, intimal proliferation, neutrophil and mononuclear cell infiltration in the media and periarterial tissues, and hemorrhage. Amyloidosis was observed in several dogs. The cause of this disorder is unknown. Knowledge of the distinct features of this syndrome should obviate complication of interpretation of results in toxicity studies and hopefully will lead to studies of this syndrome to provide an understanding of its etiopathogenesis.