Recruitment of fat cell precursors during high fat diet in C57BL/6J mice is fat depot specific.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to explore long-term dietary effects on increases in body mass and fat depot enlargement through the recruitment of early in life labeled progenitor cells to the adipolineage. METHODS: Neonate male C57BL/6J (B6) mice were injected intraperitoneally with BrdU. From 4 until 30 weeks of age they were fed either low fat diet (LFD) or high fat diet (HFD). BrdU-labeled cells were analyzed by flow cytometric and immunohistochemical assays after 10 days and 4, 8, 16, and 30 weeks. RESULTS: Mice fed HFD were heavier than mice fed LFD with the most dramatic disparity recorded between week 16 and 30. BrdU-bearing cells showed the decrease in the percentage content of labeled cells in inguinal (iWAT), epididymal (eWAT) and bone marrow (BM) tissues, regardless diets. However, iWAT collected from animals on HFD showed significant increase in labeled-cells at week 16th, which coincides with robust increase in inguinal but not epididymal fat weight between 16 and 30 weeks age. CONCLUSIONS: Cells labeled with BrdU during neonate life of B6 mice persist in fat tissues for long period of time and are recruited to the adipocyte lineage in a favorable (obesogenic) environment in iWAT but not in eWAT.

The expression of genes coding for opioid precursors, opioid receptors, beta-LH subunit and GnRH receptor in the anterior pituitary of cyclic gilts.

In previous studies the effect of endogenous opioid peptides (EOP) on LH secretion was mainly considered at the hypothalamic level, while opioid involvement in the modulation of LH secretion at the pituitary level remains insufficiently elucidated. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the expression of genes encoding opioid precursors--proopiomelanocortin (POMC), proenkephalin (PENK), prodynorphin (PDYN) and opioid receptors--mu, delta, kappa in the porcine anterior pituitary throughout the estrous cycle. Additionally, the mRNA content of beta-LH subunit and GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) was estimated. Pituitaries (5xN = 7) were collected from sows on days 3-5, 8-10, 13-15, 16-17 and 19-20 of the cycle and gene expression was determined using a semi-quantitative RT-PCR assay. The expression of POMC, PDYN, delta and kappa receptor genes was variable across the cycle, whereas the expression of PENK and mu receptor genes remained relatively stable. The POMC mRNA content was the lowest on days 19-20 of the cycle and the PDYN content was reduced on days 8-10. The delta receptor mRNA content was elevated on days 3-5, while the kappa receptor mRNA content was decreasing over the luteal phase. Changes in the expression of genes encoding beta-LH and GnRH-R were also demonstrated. These results indicate variable activity of pituitary opioid systems in cyclic pigs and suggest implication of EOP in the modulation of LH secretion at the pituitary level.

Expression of proopiomelanocortin, proenkephalin and prodynorphin genes in porcine luteal cells.

The objective of the study was to examine the expression of the genes coding for proopiomelanocortin (POMC), proenkephalin (PENK) and prodynorphin (PDYN) in porcine luteal cells isolated from corpora lutea (CL) collected on days 3-6, 8-10 and 13-16 of the oestrous cycle. Total RNA was purified from non-incubated cells and from cells incubated for 48 h in the absence or presence of luteinising hormone (LH). The semi-quantitative RT-PCR technique, involving coamplification of the target and control cDNA (beta-actin or 18S rRNA), was used to examine gene expression. It was found that the genes coding for opioid precursors are expressed in both non-incubated and incubated porcine luteal cells representing the early, mid- and late luteal phase. In non-incubated cells, only POMC mRNA content changed during CL development, whereas the expression of PENK and PDYN genes remained relatively constant. Additionally, the treatment of cells with LH markedly affected the expression of POMC and PENK, but no influence on PDYN expression was observed. The present study indicates that porcine luteal cells may produce opioid peptides and that gene expression of their precursors (except for PDYN) may be modulated in these cells by LH. Moreover, the present results support the involvement of opioid peptides in local regulation within the CL of the pig.

Secretion of estradiol-17beta by porcine mammary gland of ovariectomized steroid-treated sows.

Although the mammary gland of many species secretes estradiol (E(2)), nothing is known of E(2) secretion in the porcine gland. The present study was designed to investigate whether porcine mammary gland was a source of E(2), and to test the influence of individual and combined effects of exogenous progesterone and estradiol benzoate (EB) on the secretion of E(2). Immature crossbred gilts were ovariectomized at 7 months of age followed by 4 weeks later by steroid hormone replacement therapy to produce estradiol and progesterone (P(4)) blood concentrations similar to those observed during a normal estrous cycle. Arterial and venous blood plasma (from carotid artery and anterior mammary vein, respectively) were sampled for 2h at 10 min intervals. Plasma concentrations of progesterone, androstenedione (A(4)), testosterone (T), estrone (E(1)) and estradiol were determined by RIA. In all gilts treated with progesterone alone or in combination with EB, concentrations of P(4), A(4) and E(1) in blood collected from venous outflow were lower compared to concentrations in arterial blood, whereas concentrations of E(2) were higher in blood plasma from the anterior mammary vein compared to plasma from the carotid artery. The results indicated that the porcine mammary gland secreted E(2). Increased concentrations of plasma E(2) collected only from P(4)-treated animals suggested that progesterone activated enzymes involved in steroidogenesis in porcine mammary gland, or those utilized in its metabolism.

[The influence of 0.85% RS-timolol and 0.5% S-timolol on intraocular pressure and systemic arterial blood pressure, heart rate, ECG, expiratory capacity in patients with ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma]. / Wplyw 0,85% RS-timololu i 0,5% S-timololu na wysokosc cisnienia sródgalkowego oraz na cisnienie ogólne krwi, tetno, EKG i pojemnosc oddechowa pluc u chorych z nadcisnieniem ocznym i z jaskra pierwotna otwartego kata.

PURPOSE: Analysis of local and systemic effects of RS-timolol enantiomer and S-timolol in patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma: evaluation of Risk/Benefit Ratio. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 19 patients (38 eyes) receiving 0.85% RS-timolol and 10 patients (20 eyes) receiving 0.5% S-timolol were evaluated using a double-blank test. Intraocular pressure, heart rate, systemic arterial blood pressure, ECG and spirometry were recorded before and 2 hours after drugs administration and after 7 days of treatment. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between intraocular pressure-lowering effects of RS-timolol and S-timolol. In patients receiving both medicines bradycardia was detected 2 hours after drugs administration. Patients receiving RS-timolol showed increased expiratory capacity in comparison to those receiving S-timolol. There was no detectable influence of both medicines on ECG and systemic arterial blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: 0.85% RS-timolol and 0.5% S-timolol produced comparable intraocular pressure-lowering effects. 0.85% RS-timolol exerted less severe influence on respiratory system.

[The influence of RS-Timolol in comparison with R-Timolol and S-Timolol on the intraocular pressure in water-loaded rabbits]. / Wplyw racematu RS-timololu w porównaniu z enancjomerami S-timololu i R-timololu na cisnienie sródgalkowe królików w modelu obciazenia wodnego.

PURPOSE: It is assumed that S-timolol can produce more severe systemic adverse reactions than R-timolol. The aim of this study was to estimate the intraocular pressure-lowering effect of RS-timolol in comparison to R-timolol and S-timolol in water-loaded rabbits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ocular hypertension was provoked in rabbits by orogastric water loading. Topical administration of one of three timolol solutions: 0.85%, RS-timolol, or 3% R-timolol, or 0.5% S-timolol was performed to the right eyes 40 min before starting the water loading procedure. Left eyes served as a control group. Intraocular pressure was measured before and 30, 60, 90, 120 min after the water loading. RESULTS: Intraocular pressure-lowering effect of all three timolol solutions was comparable. CONCLUSION: RS-timolol can be effective for lowering intraocular pressure in rabbits.

[Use of 0.1% dipivefrine chloride for treatment of patients with open angle glaucoma]. / Zastosowanie preparatu 0.1% dipivefrine chloride do leczenia chorych na jaskre z szerokim, otwartym katem przesaczania.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of eye drops Dipivefrine chloride 0.1% produced by WZF "Polfa". MATERIAL AND METHODS: Drug influence on the level of intraocular pressure and outflow facility coefficient was examined, as well as general blood pressure and pulse in patients with open angle glaucoma. Effectiveness of the drug was compared with its analogue produced abroad. The drug was tested in 2 groups of patients, 30 eyes in each. Statistic analysis of examined parametres we done after 2 weeks administration. RESULTS: Significant decrease of intraocular pressure was found after the administration of 0.1% Dipivefrine Chloride, especially in combined treatment with 0.5% Oftensin. No significant differences were found in outflow facility, and in comparison with the foreign analogue of the drug.

A cluster of pseudofungemia associated with hospital renovation adjacent to the microbiology laboratory.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical significance and source of fungemia following a cluster of positive blood cultures during a 3-day period. DESIGN: Chart review was used to determine the clinical significance of positive blood cultures. Microbiologic sampling of the laboratory environment was used to determine potential sources of fungal contamination. SETTING: A large, tertiary care, community teaching hospital. PATIENTS: All patients with blood cultures positive for Aspergillus species, Penicillium species, or both during the outbreak period. RESULTS: Thirteen patients, all children, were reported to have positive blood cultures for fungus during a 3-day period in early 1990. None had clinical features consistent with fungemia. Investigation of specimen processing procedures revealed that microbiologic plates were not processed--as per protocol--under the biologic hood but inadvertently were left open to air on the work bench by laboratory technicians. Settling plates left at the workbench, at door entry sites, and at sites of renovation immediately adjacent to the laboratory were positive for Aspergillus and/or Penicillium; control plates placed elsewhere were negative. Airflow patterns suggested spread into the microbiologic laboratory through an open door located near the implicated workbench station and a false ceiling above the workbench area. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation demonstrates that faulty technique in the laboratory coupled with a change in environmental conditions can result in false-positive cultures and an outbreak of pseudofungemia.

[Glaucoma attacks in Weill-Marchesani syndrome]. / Napady jaskry w zespole Weilla-Marchesaniego.

Presented is a case of Weill-Marchesani syndrome complicated by acute attacks not responding to conservative treatment. The authors discuss a correct procedure in these cases and indications for a surgical intervention.

Outbreak of Brucella melitensis among microbiology laboratory workers in a community hospital.

From May to September 1988, eight employees of a microbiology laboratory developed acute brucellosis (attack rate, 31%). Seven of the eight affected employees had clinical illness ranging from a nonspecific, flulike illness to severe hepatitis. Blood cultures obtained from five of the affected employees (63%) were positive for Brucella melitensis, biotype 3. Comparison of cases and controls showed that there were no risk factors besides employment in the laboratory. Based on work locations, assignments, and interviews, it was found that person-to-person, droplet, food-borne, and waterborne spread were unlikely. Our investigation disclosed that 6 weeks before the outbreak began, a frozen brucella isolate from a patient hospitalized 3 years earlier had been thawed and subcultured without the use of a biologic safety cabinet. This clinical isolate was subsequently identified as B. melitensis, biotype 3, identical to the employee isolates. It is presumed that transmission occurred via the airborne route. This outbreak reemphasized that all work on Brucella species, an established biosafety level 3 organism, must be conducted under a biologic safety hood. Furthermore, it might be prudent to perform all clinical "setups" under a safety hood since aerosolization commonly occurs during the initial processing of specimens and the majority of these specimens are from patients with uncertain diagnoses.

[Vision disorders as the first symptom of cerebrovascular insufficiencycaused by the changes in the carotid arteries. Studies using the transcranial Doppler ultrasonic apparatus TC2-64B]. / Zaburzenia widzenia jako pierwszy objaw niedostatecznosci ukrwienia mózgu spowodowanego zmianami w tetnicach szyjnych. Badania przy zastosowaniu transcranial Doppler TC2-64-B.

Investigations were carried out in 25 patients with carotid arteries changes. A 2 MHz head was used. Direction of the flow, the average speed and index of pulsation were determined. The results were compared with examinations in 13 healthy subjects. Disturbances of vision were shown by 11 patients (44 p.c.). A normal direction of blood perfusion was observed in 8 arteries (25 p.c.), a reversed one in 22 (69 p.c.), in 2 patients no Doppler's signal could be obtained. In arteries with a reversal flow of blood the authors observed the maximal mean speed and the lowest pulsation index. In neither case did the ophthalmological examinations reveal any embolic material. It seems that visual disturbances in patients with carotid arteries changes may be caused by a change of direction of the blood flow from a normal to a reversed one.