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Biomedical subjects

S J Watson

Publications and source records attributed to S J Watson.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
PubMed1980

Interaction of opiate peptide and noradrenalin systems: light microscopic studies.

In this light microscopic immunocytochemical study beta-Endorphin (beta-END), leu-enkephalin and dopamine-beta hydroxylase (DBH) antisera are used to obtain an overview of the interaction of the noradrenergic and opiate peptide systems in brain. Serial brain areas were analyzed for DBH and then for beta-END or leu-enkephalin. Several areas were evaluated for cell and fiber interactions between these systems. The areas of richest possible contact between beta-END and DBH positive systems include the rostral locus coeruleus region, the periaqueductal grey, possibly the dorsal thalamus, the paraventricular hypothalamus and the arcuate nucleus. Enkephalin cells and fibers were seen surrounding the locus coeruleus throughout its length with a few fibers in the nucleus itself.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Some observations on the opiate peptides and schizophrenia.

With the discovery of the opiate peptides, several major avenues of research became apparent. These peptides produced a great deal of focused attention on their anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology. In this article, we present an overview of some of the main research issues and recent findings in the field of opiate peptides. The possible relationship of the opiate peptide neuronal systems to schizophrenia is discussed in light of attempts to alter schizophrenic symptoms with opiate antagonists, beta-endorphin, and dialysis. It is hypothesized that if the opiate peptides are involved in schizophrenia, then their involvement with dopamine systems and/or with stress responses may be critical.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1978

Effects of naloxone on schizophrenia: reduction in hallucinations in a subpopulation of subjects.

Endogenous opiate-like peptides (endorphins) are putative neuroregulators located throughout the mammalian brainstem. There is some evidence for their role in pain, stress, and affect. We report that the opiate antagonist, naloxone, alters some schizophrenic symptoms. In a double-blind, cross-over study, naloxone produced decreases in auditory hallucinations in some schizophrenic patients. This finding supports the hypothesis that the endorphins may play a roll in modulating hallucinations in a highly selected subgroup of chronically hallucinating schizophrenic patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Adrenocorticotropin in rat brain: immunocytochemical localization in cells and axons.

By means of antiserum (purified by affinity chromatography) directed against adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) 11-24, cell bodies and beaded axons were visualized in rat brain. The ACTH-like immunoreactivity (ACTH-LI) was primarily located in the hypothalamus (cells and axons). Fibers were scattered throughout thalamus, amygdala, periaqueductal gray area, and reticular formation. There was no change in the distribution of ACTH-LI in rats that had been subjected to hypophysectomy. This distribution of ACTH-LI parallels that of beta-lipotropin and is altered by specific lesions in a similar fashion. The presence of ACTH-LI in cells and beaded axons in brain raises the possibility that it is a neuroregulator functioning as a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, or neurohormone.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1978

Behavioral neurochemistry: neuroregulators and behavioral states.

There is compelling evidence that behavioral events after neurochemical function and that altered neurochemical function can change behavior. Such processes have been related both to neurotransmitters and to neuromodulators, together termed neuroregulators. Available research tools and theoretical constructs have begun to permit studies of certain types of behavior, primarily those related to emotional states and drives. This work is changing long-held concepts about severe mental disorders and the treatment of them.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Platelet methylene reductase activity in schizophrenia.

A case of a folate-responsive psychosis that was associated with a defect in N5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (methylene reductase) suggested the need to examine whether abnormally low activity of this enzyme might be of etiological importance in schizophrenia. We now report that there were no statistically significant differences in the platelet methylene reductase activity of chronic schizophrenics, compared with either hospitalized or nonhospitalized age-matched control subjects. Although it is possible that a larger survey might reveal a subpopulation of schizophrenics who are characterized by abnormal methylene reductase activity, this study suggests that chronic schizophrenia is not generally associated with such changes.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Catecholamine histofluorescence using cryostat sectioning and glyoxylic acid in unperfused frozen brain: a detailed description of the technique.

This paper presents a technique for glyoxylic acid-induced monoamine histofluorescence in the central nervous system. Unperfused rat brains are sectioned in a cryostat, immersed in 2% glyoxylic acid solution, warm-air dried and gassed at 100 degrees C. Intense, well-localized catecholamine fluorescence is produced and all known catecholamine-containing structures are demonstrated. The fluorescence obtained by this method was evaluated by a variety of agents and was shown to be catecholaminergic in origin. In contrast to the Vibratome-glyoxylic acid technique, this procedure reliably produces thin, whole-brain sections of even thickness and allows protracted use of the tissue block. Because unperfused tissue is used, the technique can be applied to a broad variety of material, such as post-mortem tissue or invertebrate preparations. Alternate sections can be prepared for a variety of techniques requiring unperfused tissue (e.g., enzymatic localization, chemical assay, anatomical techniques). The reasons for choosing each of the parameters in the technique are discussed.

Animals↗