The role of androgen in the sexual dimorphism in hypothalamic growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin (SS) gene expression was examined in rats. In the first study, the SS and GHRH mRNA levels were measured in both male and female rats at 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks of age. A significant sex-related difference in the SS and GHRH mRNA levels was observed after 8 weeks of age, when sexual maturation is fully attained. Male rats had higher SS and GHRH mRNA levels than the female rats. In the second study, adult ovariectomized rats received daily injection of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), nonaromatizable testosterone, at a dose of 2 mg/rat for 21 days. The DHT treatment masculinized the GH secretory pattern, which was indistinguishable from that of intact male rats, and simultaneously augmented the SS and GHRH mRNA levels. The DHT treatment of ovariectomized rats after hypophysectomy significantly raised the level of SS mRNA, but not that of GHRH mRNA compared to the control animals. These findings suggest that the activation of the SS gene expression through androgen receptor plays an important role in the maintenance of sexual dimorphism in GH secretion in rats.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Nontraumatic spinal intramedullary hemorrhage in an infant.

After an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery, this female child suddenly became quadriplegic on the fifth day of life. She gradually regained movement in her upper extremities. At 2 months of age, she exhibited paraplegia with exaggerated deep tendon reflexes in the lower extremities. Babinski reflex was present bilaterally and sensory disturbances below the trunk were suspected. Somatosensory evoked potentials after median and ulnar nerve stimulation revealed preserved conduction from the upper extremities through the cervical spinal cord to the cortex. Somatosensory evoked potentials after posterior tibial nerve stimulation suggested disturbed conduction in the upper thoracic spinal cord. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a hypodense area in the thoracic cord between T1 and T4 on both the T1-weighted and gradient echo images consonant with an old hematoma cavity. Digital subtraction angiography failed to demonstrate any vascular malformation.

Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Hepatic abscess secondary to a fishbone penetrating the gastric wall: CT demonstration.

Preoperative diagnosis of hepatic abscess due to foreign bodies penetrating the gastrointestinal tract is uncommon with conventional imaging methods. This report describes and illustrates a case of hepatic abscess secondary to a fishbone penetrating the gastric antrum wall which was diagnosed preoperatively by CT and confirmed at surgery. The value of CT in the preoperative diagnosis of cases of this kind is emphasized.

Female↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 inhibits prolactin secretion and lactotropic cell proliferation in the pituitary of oestrogen-treated Fischer 344 rats.

Recently it has been shown that lactotropic cells in the anterior pituitary gland produce and secrete transforming growth factor-beta 1-(TGF-beta 1) like peptide. The in vivo action(s) of this peptide growth factor on lactotropic cells have not been studied. In this study we determined the effects of TGF-beta 1 on lactotropic cell function in estradiol-17 beta-treated ovariectomized rats. Intrapituitary administration of TGF-beta 1 significantly inhibited plasma levels of prolactin (PRL). In addition, TGF-beta 1 decreased pituitary weight and the DNA synthesis in lactotropes and reduced the PRL levels in the pituitary. These results suggest that TGF-beta 1 may be a physiological regulator of PRL secretion and lactotropic cell proliferation.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Posterior lobe of the pituitary in diabetes insipidus: MR findings.

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland was evaluated by 1.5 T magnetic resonance (MR) in five cases of diabetes insipidus (DI), including one primary (idiopathic) and four secondary DI cases due to germinomas (two), teratoma (one), and histiocytosis X (one). The normal posterior lobe displays high signal indistinguishable from fatty tissue on T1-weighted images (T1WI) (short T1 value). In all five DI cases the normal high signal of the posterior lobe was not detected in the pituitary fossa on T1WI. Hence, because of this characteristic finding, MR may greatly assist in the diagnosis of DI. We may speculate that the short T1 value of the posterior lobe is closely related to its functional integrity and may be due to the neurosecretory materials in the axons of the hypothalamohypophyseal tract.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Fatty filum terminale: assessment with MR imaging.

Five cases of fatty filum terminale were encountered in a retrospective analysis of 332 routine lumbosacral magnetic resonance studies. The T1-weighted and GRASS images were particularly useful in evaluating the filum. An irregularly thickened fatty filum, especially if associated with a low conus, is likely to be pathologic and responsible for a patient's symptoms and signs.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

MR and CT appearance of urethral clear cell adenocarcinoma in a woman.

We present a case of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the female urethra that has been evaluated with CT and MRI. The lesion was a well-demarcated mass surrounded with peripheral enhancement on CT. On MRI a sharply marginated mass was located in the midurethra, giving rise to a smooth elevation of the bladder base. On T2-weighted imaging, the lesion was hyperintense, being surrounded by a ring of lower signal intensity at the periphery. A central urethral dot of lower signal intensity traversed the anterior one-third of the mass but was preserved in its entire length.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Chylous ascites following operation for para-aortic lymph node dissection in a patient with cervical cancer.

This is a case report of chylous ascites caused by performing para-aortic lymph node dissection for a patient with cervical cancer. Postoperative chylous ascites is a rare condition that usually develops as a result of operative trauma to the thoracic duct, cisterna chyli, or their major tributaries. It has mainly occurred in thoracic operations, and chylous ascites has rarely been reported in gynecologic surgery. It is associated with serious nutritional and immunologic consequences due to the constant loss of protein and lymphocytes. Treatment that comprises conservative and surgical procedures is selected based on disease severity. We experienced massive chylous ascites after para-aortic surgery and successfully managed it conservatively with dietary intervention and parenteral nutrition.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗