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Biomedical subjects

F Patti

Publications and source records attributed to F Patti.

99 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparative effects of estradiol benzoate, the antiestrogen clomiphene citrate, and the progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate on kainic acid-induced seizures in male and female rats.

We have investigated the comparative effects of estradiol benzoate (EB), the antiestrogen clomiphene citrate (CC), and the progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on seizures induced by systemic injection of kainic acid (15 mg/kg i.p.) in male and female rats. Subcutaneous administration for 10 days of EB (10 micrograms/kg) or high doses of CC (50 mg/kg) significantly potentiated kainate-induced seizures, with this effect being more pronounced in male animals. Doses of 2.5 mg/kg of CC potentiated kainate-induced seizures in male rats but were ineffective in female rats. Low doses of CC (0.5 mg/kg) exhibited a mild anticonvulsant effect in both sexes. Repeated administration of MPA (2.5 mg/kg) partially protected female animals against kainate-induced seizures; in male animals, MPA induced a 30% increase in the seizure severity score, although the difference from the score of control male rats was not significant. These data suggest that sex steroids influence kainate-induced seizures in a sex-dependent manner and that the effects of the antiestrogen CC are dose dependent. This should be taken into account in view of a possible use of CC and MPA in hormonal therapy for seizure disorders.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: a door-to-door survey in a Sicilian municipality.

INTRODUCTION: Because of the limited information on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, we conducted a door-to-door two-phase survey in a Sicilian municipality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We first screened for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy among the inhabitants of the municipality: (N = 7653, as of the prevalence day, November 1, 1987). Study neurologists then investigated those subjects suspected to have had a cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Diagnoses were bases on specified criteria. RESULTS: We found 27 subjects affected by CSR (17 definite, 10 possible). Prevalence (cases per 1000 population) was 3.5 in the total population; it increased to a peak at age 50-59 years, and decreased thereafter. The age-specific prevalence was consistently higher in women. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison with other prevalence studies shows similar age-specific patterns, but different magnitudes, which may partly reflect methodologic differences across studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Neurogenic dysphagia: physiology, physiopathology and rehabilitative treatment].

Swallowing is both a voluntary than a reflex function. It consist in transporting feeding from mouth to the stomach. Swallowing function occurs with very frequency during the day and needs complex neuromuscular coordination. Several neurologic diseases determine swallowing disorders. Dysphagia, is the difficulty in swallowing. In slight disorders, swallowing function is sufficiently compensated, symptoms are few or absent. Sometimes the patient is able to compensate and obtains a safe deglutition. Rehabilitation of swallowing disorders is based on the assessment of all symptoms and troubles causing dysphagia and on the improvement of the specific disabilities. Rehabilitation is aimed to make patient able for a safe oral feeding. We can use classic specific physiotherapy, compensatory movements of head and neck, electrostimulation, and the chemical myotomia by botulinum toxin injection.

Botulinum Toxins↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Neuroprotective effects of topiramate].

Topiramate (TPM) is a new anti-convulsant drug, prescribed in epileptic seizure. Pharmacological actions of TPM are: a) a positive modulation of GABA receptors; b) inhibition of the kainite and aminohydroxymethylisoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptor sub-types; c) a use-dependent Na+ channel blocker. Recent studies suggest that TPM can have anti-excitotoxic properties, because it protects against motor neuron degeneration. Moreover, TPM enhances neuroprotection and reduces hemorrhagic incidence in focal cerebral ischemia.

Anticonvulsants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Symptomatic management in multiple sclerosis].

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, characyerized by demylinization of white matter of Central Nervous System (CNS). Its etiology is still unknown. In the world, about 2.000.000 of people are affected by MS, with higher prevalence in North-America and North-Europe. Two are the essential features of the therapeutical management in MS: 1) immunomodulating therapy, which consists of "disease modifing drugs"; 2) symptomatic treatment. Only some patients can benefit of immunomodulating therapy, whereas symptomatic treatment can be helpfull to everbody. In the following pages the authors will review the medical options used in the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic management of MS.

Deglutition Disorders↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of short-term reserpine treatment on generalized and focal dystonic-dyskinetic syndromes.

We report that low dose reserpine treatment (0.25 mg/day for 7 days) improves the dystonic-dyskinetic disability score in patients affected by idiopathic dystonias, iatrogenic dystonic-dyskinetic syndromes and Sydenham's chorea. The results support the idea that the particular antidopaminergic activity exerted by reserpine or other dopamine-depleting agents may produce good therapeutical efficacy, although reserpine can precipitate Parkinsonism and induce dopamine-receptor supersensitivity.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

May there exist specific MRI findings predictive of dementia in multiple sclerosis patients?

Cognitive deficits are present in a substantial number of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients, particularly in those with the chronic-progressive type of the disorder. We assessed cognitive decline and its relationship with T2-weighted images on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We submitted a group of 26 patients with progressive MS to both MRI and a battery of neuropsychological tests. Cognitive impairment did not correlate with duration of illness or severity of neurological disability, but rather with the presence of extensive periventricular demyelination on MRI, evaluated as area of confluent lesions. These results suggest that cognitive deficits in MS represent a symptom of disease and not a parallel occurrence.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Cerebrovascular accidents. II. Neurologic bases and therapeutic aspects of neurorehabilitation].

The correct treatment of patients with cerebrovascular accident should be established after understanding the phenomena that affect the cerebral tissue from the beginning of the stroke up to its healing. The cerebral edema pathophysiology, the role played by glutamate and calcium in the brain toxicity, and by neurotrophic factors and neuroplasticity in recovery, are treated. Moreover, changes in mood after a stroke, are related to the side of the lesion. A comment on the different techniques of rehabilitation as part of treatment of patient with brain injury, is given.

Activities of Daily Living↗