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Biomedical subjects

L Farina

Publications and source records attributed to L Farina.

51 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Configuration and optimization of a common two-site immunoassay for human prolactin using a chemiluminescent tracer and an enzymatic tracer.

We have developed a two-site immunoassay for human prolactin using two monoclonal antibodies: one of them immobilized on the solid phase and the other labelled with biotin. The serum is incubated simultaneously with the antibody-coated bead, the biotinylated antibody and the tracer (streptavidin-isoluminol or avidin-peroxidase complex). Our experimental work has been directed towards a common set of reagents to capture the prolactin and then, with different tracers, towards obtaining on the calibration curve the same results for unknown samples. On the basis of the positive results we obtained, we have developed a kit that can be used by the customer or as an enzyme-immunoassay or as a chemiluminescent immunoassay, depending on instrumentation available, spectrophotometer or luminometer.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Distribution of somatostatin and glucagon immunoreactive cells in the gastric mucosa of some cartilaginous fishes.

The comparative distribution of somatostatin- and glucagon-like-containing cells in the histomorphologically different gastric mucosae of the cartilaginous fishes Heptranchias perlo, Raja asterias, Scyliorhinus canicula, Squatina aculeata, and Torpedo marmorata was immunocytochemically studied to demonstrate a possible interrelationship between these endocrine cells and/or other endocrine or nonendocrine cells. In the gastric mucosa, these open-type glucagon and somatostatin immunoreactive cells show a double localization with different morphology and interrelationships. At the bottom of gastric pits, which corresponds to a proliferative zone, spindle or pear-shaped immunopositive cells appear rather numerously and are often in close proximity to each other. In gastric glands, triangular or oval immunopositive cells never in contact with each other were detected; their numeric ratio seems to be rather constant even if their numeric frequency and distribution vary according to the histomorphological aspect of selachian gastric glands. Glucagon immunoreactive cells seem to be more related to pepsinogenic cells, while somatostatin immunoreactive cells seem to be more ubiquitous. Both cell types can present basal cytoplasmic processes. From our results we can suggest a possible regulative role exerted by these two peptides on gastric secretion and cell proliferation.

Animals↗

Distribution and ontogeny of VIP-like immunoreactivity in the gastro-entero-pancreatic system of a cartilaginous fish Scyliorhinus stellaris.

The presence, distribution and development of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-like immunoreactivity in the gastro-entero-pancreatic system of a cartilaginous fish Scyliorhinus stellaris (L.) was investigated by immunohistochemical methods utilizing mammalian VIP antisera. In the gut VIP-like immunoreactivity was observed in both nerves and endocrine cells. Endocrine cells with VIP-like material were only detected in the intestinal epithelium while nerve fibres containing VIP-like material were noted along the whole gastro-entero-pancreatic system, being more numerous in the pyloric sphincter and in the intestinal portion. Immunoreactive nerve cell bodies were encountered in the stomach and intestinal portions localized in the submucosa and in the myenteric plexus. Intestinal immunoreactive endocrine cells were already present in the first developmental stage considered (embryos aged 4 months). They grow in number and before birth reach a frequency higher than in adults. Nerves and cell bodies showing VIP-like immunoreactivity, appear later, before birth, as a few elements in the smooth muscular layer, but only after birth their distribution and frequency are similar to those found in adults. The faint immunofluorescence shown by the immunoreactive endocrine cells and their developmental pattern, which is always different from that observed in nervous elements, suggest the presence of at least two VIP-like substances in the gastro-entero-pancreatic system of S. stellaris.

Animals↗

Distribution and ontogeny of glucagon-like cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the cartilaginous fish Scyliorhinus stellaris (L.).

The ontogeny and distribution of glucagon-like cells were studied in the gastrointestinal tract of embryos, neonates, and adults of the cartilaginous fish Scyliorhinus stellaris (L.) by immunocytochemistry. The results indicate that they appear early during embryonic development, and, in some portion of the gastrointestinal tract, even before the mucosa morphological differentiation. Immunoreactive glucagon-like cells were observed both in gastric and intestinal epithelium, being present in the pyloric portion only at a particular period of its differentiation. Some differences were observed between the embryonic and adult distributive pattern. They were more numerous in proliferative zone and sometimes were situated near other endocrine epithelial cells. These findings together with available information on trophic effects of some gastrointestinal hormonal peptides suggest a possible regulatory role of this peptide on the growth and differentiation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Animals↗

Duodenitis in children: clinical, endoscopic, and pathological aspects.

In a retrospective study of 320 gastroduodenoscopies performed on children in the last 2 years, 32 cases of duodenal damage, either isolated or associated with esophagitis, gastritis, or both, were selected. Twenty matched children with dyspeptic symptoms but an endoscopically normal duodenum were chosen as controls. Histological sections of fiberoptic biopsy specimens were submitted to double-blind examination by two observers: only four fulfilled accepted criteria for histological duodenitis. The concordance between endoscopic and histological results in our patients was 13.8%. No changes of duodenal endoscopic appearance predictive of duodenitis were identified. In 8 more cases (6 patients and 2 controls) the histological examination showed an isolated lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration of the lamina propria without any additional damage. We called this picture "minimal change duodenitis" and considered it as a variation of normal. In 17 patients and 11 controls, basal and maximal acid outputs were calculated and no significant differences were found. We concluded that duodenitis in children may be present, although rare, and its diagnosis requires histological examination of duodenal mucosa.

Adolescent↗

Effect of metergoline on prolactin, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone response to TRH and LHRH in normal men and women.

Metergoline, a prolactin (PRL)-lowering drug with an antiserotoninergic activity, is known to restore menstruations and fertility in hyper-PRL patients even when PRL levels are not normalized. This suggests that metergoline might also affect gonadotropins release. In a double-blind cross-over study in 8 normal males, repeated administration of metergoline enhanced the LH response to LHRH and reduced the PRL response to TRH; for females, three different tests were performed on days 5, 8 and 21 of two different menstrual cycles, each test being preceded by metergoline or by placebo administration. Metergoline always reduced the PRL response to TRH; on the 5th day, metergoline reduced the FSH response to LHRH and on the 21st day enhanced the LH response to LHRH. Basal levels of LH, FSH, T3, T4, Testosterone, 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone as well as the FSH response to LHRH (in males) and the TSH response to TRH (in both males and females) were not modified by metergoline. The data suggest that tests with TRH and LHRH can yield different results when performed during metergoline administration and that metergoline, acting through an unknown mechanism, can modify gonadotropins release.

Adult↗

Leprechaunism with mosaicism 46, XX/47, XX extra ring chromosome.

A case of leprechaunism with a chromosomal abnormality is reported. The patient was a female infant, born to healthy, consanguineous young parents. Her course was one of extreme marasmus, with death at 3 months of age. She presented the classical features of the syndrome and chromosome mosaicism 46, XX/47, XX, +r(?). It was not possible to identify the origin of the extra ring chromosome. It is difficult to establish the role of such a cytogenetic finding in the aetiology of the syndrome.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

A case of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism with anosmia (Kallmann's syndrome) in a male, with familial incidence of a small metacentric chromosome (47,XX, mat?+).

A case of Kallmann's syndrome in a male is reported. Besides the classical picture of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (demonstrated both by endocrine investigation and a testicular biopsy) with anosmia, a number of other unusual features are present including gynaecomastia, agencies of the anterior brachial muscles, some dental abnormalities, and dyschromatopsy. The karyotype, studied on peripheral lymphocytes, shows, in the propositus as well as in his mother, the presence in all mitoses of an extra small metacentric chromosome; its derivation is uncertain.

Adult↗

Ataxia-telangiectasia: MR and CT findings.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to describe the neuroradiologic features of 12 patients with ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), a degenerative multisystemic autosomal recessive hereditary disorder with onset in childhood. Clinical features include cerebellar ataxia, oculocutaneous telangiectasias, and recurrent bronchopulmonary infections. Patients present varying states of immunodeficiency and a high incidence of neoplasms. Chromosomal instability with a rearrangement of chromosomes 7 and 14 is always present. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We describe the neuroradiological findings (10 MR and 2 CT) in 12 subjects: 11 with A-T and 1 heterozygote parent. RESULTS: The images revealed a diffuse cerebellar atrophy, with marked involvement of the vermis and unusual decreased thickness of the superior cortex of the cerebellar hemispheres. Hypoplasia of the inferior vermis and a large cisterna magna were also frequent signs. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance is the technique of choice in this type of disorder since it permits better visualization of the posterior fossa structures.

Adolescent↗

[The world of health care and the directives 626/94-242/96 on safety and health in the workplace. Prevention of risks for workers. Who cares for the caregivers? 2].

While the Manual Handling Task is an important source of risk, it is often disregarded by the nurse profession The data collected both in the scientific literature and in the research we are presenting here, agree on the belief that a higher degree of INFORMATION and EDUCATION--as established in the Dlg 626 94) would reduce the pathologies due to an erroneous manual handling and to the lack of mechanical facilities.

Accidents, Occupational↗