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Biomedical subjects

E Hauser

Publications and source records attributed to E Hauser.

32 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Increased hypothalamic [3H]flunitrazepam binding in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyporesponsive Lewis rats.

We have previously demonstrated that susceptibility of Lewis (LEW/N) rats to inflammatory disease, compared to relatively resistant Fischer (F344/N) rats, is related to deficient glucocorticoid counter-regulation of the immune response resulting from deficient corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) responsiveness to inflammatory and other stress mediators. The GABA/benzodiazepine receptor complex is an important negative modulator of CRH secretion and responsiveness to excitatory stimuli. In this study, we have examined in vitro binding of [3H]flunitrazepam to hypothalamic membrane preparations from LEW/N and F344/N rats. LEW/N rats had significantly more hypothalamic benzodiazepine binding sites (Bmax) than F344/N rats, but there were no differences in benzodiazepine binding affinities (Kd) between these two strains. The differences in benzodiazepine receptor number were consistent with the respective plasma corticosterone levels in the two strains, and with previous work indicating a negative correlation between corticosterone levels and benzodiazepine binding site number. Adrenalectomy of F344/N rats increased benzodiazepine binding to levels comparable to LEW/N animals and treatment of adrenalectomized F344/N rats with DEX resulted in lowering of benzodiazepine Bmax to levels that did not differ significantly from those of intact F344/N rats. There was no significant change in receptor number in either adrenalectomized or DEX-treated LEW/N rats. These findings suggest that basal benzodiazepine receptor differences between these strains may be partially related to strain differences in corticosterone levels, however that additional factors may contribute to maintenance of these differences in LEW/N rats. Since benzodiazepines attenuate hypothalamic CRH secretion through GABAergic inhibition, we suggest that strain differences in receptor number could also augment strain differences in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function through differential sensitivity to GABA-mediated feedback.

Adrenalectomy

[Computerized tomography in epilepsy in children].

We present a retrospective study of 160 children attending our epilepsy out-patient department. Computed tomography (CT) was performed on 123 (77%) patients, namely all children with the exception of those with febrile seizures, typical absence seizures, and benign Rolandic epilepsy. Incidence of CT abnormalities and their correlation with clinical features were evaluated. The CT scan was normal in 84 and abnormal in 39 patients. Although in general, the detection of abnormality on CT will not alter the management of the child, in a small percentage (2%) of our cases a lesion treatable by surgery was discovered. The indications for CT are summarized.

Anticonvulsants

[Circulatory distribution of intravenously injected metallic mercury].

The mode of distribution and sites of deposition of mercury are discussed on the basis of the example of a 21-year old female nurse who had injected 4.5 ml of metallic mercury into her left cubital vein with suicidal intent, the findings being compared with the reports by 11 other authors. In particular, the influence of gravity on the distribution in the organism is emphasised. The proof of the decrease of an intrapulmonarily deposited amount of mercury within the observation period of 14 months furnishes ample evidence of the importance of a chronic absorptive mercury intoxication.

Adult

[On the occurrence of fatty acids in animal fats. 1st communication (author's transl)].

The fats of a number of organs, and of sausages made from these organs, were examined regarding their composition of fatty acids. The main emphasis was placed on determining the contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The values were expressed as "arachidonic acid equivalents", on the effects of lowering the level of lipids in the blood. In the tested organs the fat contained 9-19% arachidonic acid equivalent. In the sausages that fat contained 5.9-8.9% arachidonic acid equivalent (i.e. 2.1-2.5 g arachidonic acid equivalent per 100 g of sausage). High contents of arachidonic acid were found particularly in fat from livers.

Animals

Hematologic manifestations and impaired liver synthetic function during valproate monotherapy.

In a prospective study 50 children with new onset epilepsy were investigated. Routine screening for complete blood count, serum protein, albumin, gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, and coagulation studies before, 3, 6 and 9 weeks after commencement of antiepileptic therapy with valproate were carried out. Serum B12 and folate levels were also determined in 29 patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of VPA on these laboratory findings. We found a significant reduction of red blood count and platelet count, whereas MCV showed a significant upward trend. Vitamin B12 levels were elevated after starting VPA therapy. We found no elevations of liver enzymes, but a significant transient reduction of ALT after 3 and 6 weeks and significantly reduced serum protein and albumin after 3, 6 and 9 weeks. Coagulation studies revealed a significant downward trend in serum fibrinogen and upward trend in thrombin time. The other parameters showed no significant changes after onset of VPA treatment. We think that reduced red blood cell and platelet counts, and elevated MCV indicate a direct toxic effect on a hematopoietic precursor or stem cell in patients treated with VPA. Furthermore, reduced protein, albumin and fibrinogen indicate an impaired liver synthetic function in asymptomatic children treated with VPA monotherapy.

Adolescent