Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S Seiwerth

Publications and source records attributed to S Seiwerth.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Haloperidol-stomach lesions attenuation by pentadecapeptide BPC 157, omeprazole, bromocriptine, but not atropine, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, ranitidine, cimetidine and misoprostol in mice.

The focus was on haloperidol (central dopamine antagonist)-stomach lesion, a longly described suitable counterpart of dopamine blocker cysteamine-duodenal lesion. In this, the contribution of blockade of central/peripheral dopamine receptors and prostaglandins synthesis, along with influence of antiulcer agents was evaluated in mice. Male NMRI Hannnover mice were sacrificed 24 h after haloperidol (25 mg/kg b.w. i.p., given alone or with saline (haloperidol+saline) (i) or in combination (ii,iii)). Supporting central dopamine predominance for haloperidol stomach lesion induction, co-administration of peripheral dopamine receptor antagonist domperidone (5 mg/kg i.p.) (haloperidol+ domperidone) (ii), or prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor indomethacin (10 mg/kg s.c.) (haloperidol+ indomethacin) (iii) did not aggravate this lesion. (i) In haloperidol+saline challenged mice the lesions were inhibited by co-administration (/kg i.p.) of a gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, GlyGluProProProGlyLysProAlaAspAspAlaGlyLeuVal, M.W. 1419 (10 microg, 10 ng, 10 pg, but not 1 pg, 100 fg, 10 fg), bromocriptine (10 mg), omeprazole (10 mg, 100 mg, but not 1 mg). Atropine (10, 100, 200 mg), pirenzepine (10, 100, 200 mg), misoprostol (10, 100, 200 microg), pantoprazole (1, 10, 100 mg), lansoprazole (0.1, 1, 10 mg), cimetidine (10, 100, 200 mg) and ranitidine (10, 100, 200 mg) were not effective. (ii) Dopamine peripheral blockade influence: in haloperidol+domperidone mice, previously effective bromocriptine, pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (10 microg) or omeprazole (10 mg) did not attenuate stomach lesions. (iii) Prostaglandins synthesis blockade effect: in haloperidol+indomethacin mice, previously effective agents, bromocriptine or omeprazole were not active, while BPC 157 effect was only lessened.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗

DNA ploidy analysis and cell proliferation in congenital sacrococcygeal teratomas.

BACKGROUND: Congenital sacrococcygeal teratoma is the most common germ cell tumor in infants and children. It usually is diagnosed at birth, is benign, and consists of fully differentiated mature tissues. Congenital sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCTs) also may contain immature tissues, most commonly of neural origin. The proportion of malignant teratomas increases with advancing age, but the relation between mature and immature SCTs is not well understood. Thus, it is very important to determine proliferative activity, DNA ploidy, and DNA index to predict biologic behavior of these tumors. METHODS: DNA ploidy and cell proliferation were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67 were analyzed immunohistochemically on paraffin embedded tissue. RESULTS: All the tumors that were surgically treated within 3 months after birth, including immature teratoma, were diploid. Strongly positive PCNA immunostaining was found in both immature teratomas, and weakly positive PCNA was found in nine cases. Weak positivity for Ki-67 was observed in 2 cases, and moderate positivity was observed in 6 cases including immature teratomas. CONCLUSION: The value of flow cytometry in the prediction of biologic behavior of congenital SCT should be analyzed further. Our results suggest that Ki-67 and especially PCNA may reflect the proliferative activity of these tumors.

Cell Division↗

Increased activity of nm23-H1 gene in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is associated with advanced disease and poor prognosis.

The present study was undertaken to determine whether the nm23-H1 gene is expressed in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and whether the level of nm23-H1 protein or mRNA in cells vary as they progress to a more malignant phenotype. Of the 120 SCCHN studied 54 (45%) stained positively for nm23-H1 protein. Protein expression was significantly higher in more advanced stages of disease. Expression of nm23-H1 was significantly higher in cancer tissues than in normal, adjacent tissue, dysplasia, or carcinoma in situ. The nm23-H1 rate increased with progression of synchronous lesions from dysplasia to carcinoma in situ and finally to carcinoma (P<0.05). Northern blot analyses of tissues with various clinicopathological characteristics also revealed differences in nm23-H1 mRNA expression. When levels of nm23-H1 mRNA were compared to tumor stage, intensity of expression was found to be higher in stages 3 and 4 than stages 1 and 2 (P<0.01). Malignant tumors had a higher level of mRNA nm23-H1 expression than normal or premalignant tissues. The nm23-H1 negative patients survived significantly longer than nm23-H1 positive ones (P<0.05). To study the possible relationship between nm23-H1 gene expression and cell growth rate in tumor cells, the mRNA level in each tumor was compared to proliferative activity. The nm23-H1 gene expression levels were directly related to the [3H]thymidine labeling index in tumor cells (R=0.6681). Our results strongly indicate that the nm23-H1 gene is involved in progression of SCCHN. Together with results obtained on lung cancer, our observations suggest that increased expression of nm23-H1 in cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract may have different implications than elsewhere in the body.

Adult↗

Congenital oral gastrointestinal cyst: an immunohistochemical analysis.

Cystic lesions of the oral cavity are quite common. Mostly their morphology is that of simple cystic lesions lined by squamous epithelium. Rarely the epithelium may be of another type, e.g. that of gastrointestinal tract. In the English literature in English about 30 cases of oral cysts with gastrointestinal epithelium lining have been reported. This developmental lesion is very rare and is found more frequently in young males. The majority of lesions were reported to occur in the ventral surface of the anterior tongue and extend to the floor of the mouth. Heterotopic gastrointestinal epithelium has been more commonly described in the duodenum, gallbladder, jejunum, Meckel's diverticulum, ileum, appendix, colon and rectum. We report an oral heterotopic gastrointestinal cyst in a child. A healthy 2-month-old boy had an asymptomatic swelling in the sublingual area that had been present since birth. Under general anesthesia, the patient underwent conservative excision of the cyst. Gross examination of the excised tissue showed a monolocular cystic lesion in the bottom of the oral cavity. Microscopically, the cystic lining mostly resembled intestinal mucosa; in some places, stratified squamous and columnar epithelium was also present. The pathogenesis of this lesion remains uncertain. Several theories have been postulated; the most commonly held suggests that these cysts may be derived from misplacement of embryonic rests.

Child, Preschool↗

The telepathology and teleradiology network in Croatia.

Telepathology as a demanding branch of telemedicine poses a real challenge to experts. The introduction of telepathology in underprivileged countries with poor infrastructure and low health-care budget is a difficult task. On the other hand these countries would mostly benefit by introducing telemedicine/telepathology. In our experience it is possible to build an efficient telepathology/teleradiology network using analogue telephone links and still image transmission, and a store and forward mode of operation. This experience is based on the application of telepathology in Croatia for seven years leading to a national teleradiology network. In this paper the ideas, development and software solutions in the process of establishing a national telepathology and teleradiology network are highlighted.

Croatia↗

The effect of a novel pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on development of tolerance and physical dependence following repeated administration of diazepam.

A novel gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 with different beneficial activities and anticonvulsant effect interacting with GABAergic system could improve diazepam efficacy coadministered (10 microg/kg, 10 ng/kg i.p.) with diazepam (5.0 mg/kg i.p.) twice daily for 10 days, since diazepam chronic medication would otherwise predispose for diazepam- tolerance/withdrawal development (shorter latency to convulsion after convulsant). In diazepam chronically treated mice, it attenuated diazepam tolerance (provoked by later acute administration of diazepam together with convulsant) and postponed physical dependence/withdrawal effects (provoked by later administration of isoniazid). In tolerance assay, at 42 h after the end of conditioning regimen, shorter preconvulsive latencies than in healthy (non-diazepam conditioned) mice following isoniazid (800 mg/kg i.p.) (as hallmark of tolerance) were observed if diazepam (5.0 mg/kg i.p.) was again given acutely to mice previously conditioned with diazepam alone (use of picrotoxin 3.0 mg/kg i.p., as convulsant, with acute application of diazepam in previously diazepam conditioned mice did not lead to tolerance hallmark). This was completely avoided in diazepam+BPC 157 10 microg or diazepam+BPC 157 10 ng chronically treated animals. In physical dependence assay (isoniazid challenge assessed at 6, 14, 42 and 72 h after conditioning medication), when compared to diazepam non-conditioned healthy mice, in diazepam conditioned mice residual anticonvulsive activity was not present already at the earliest post-conditioning interval (i.e., not different latency to isoniazid-convulsions), whereas shorter preconvulsive latencies (as physical dependence/withdrawal hallmark) were noted in diazepam conditioned mice following isoniazid challenge at 42 h and at 72 h after end of conditioning treatment. In diazepam+BPC 157 10 microg- conditioned mice, a residual anticonvulsive activity (i.e., longer latency to isoniazid convulsion) was noted at 6 h post-conditioning, whereas shorter preconvulsive latencies appeared only at 72 h-post-conditioning period. In conclusion, taken together these data (lack of tolerance development (tolerance studies), prolonged residual anticonvulsive activity, and postponed physical dependence/withdrawal hallmark in diazepam+BPC 157 chronically treated mice) with common benzodiazepines tolerance/withdrawal knowledge, it could be speculated that BPC 157 acts favoring the natural homeostasis of the GABA receptor complex as well as enhancing the GABAergic transmission, and having a mechanism at least partly different from those involved in diazepam tolerance/withdrawal, it may be likely used in further therapy of diazepam tolerance and withdrawal.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 attenuates disturbances induced by neuroleptics: the effect on catalepsy and gastric ulcers in mice and rats.

A gastric pentadecapeptide, BPC 157, with the amino acid sequence, Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val, MW 1419, known to have a variety of protective effects in gastrointestinal tract and other organs, was recently shown to particularly affect dopamine systems. For instance, it blocks the stereotypy produced acutely by amphetamine in rats, and the development of haloperidol-induced supersensitivity to amphetamine in mice. Consequently, whether pentadecapeptide BPC 157, that by itself has no cataleptogenic effect in normal animals, may attenuate the immediate effects of neuroleptics application, particularly catalepsy, was the focus of the present report. Prominent catalepsy, otherwise consistently seen in the mice treated with haloperidol (0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) and fluphenazine (0.3125, 0.625, 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) after 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6 and 7.5 h following administration, was markedly attenuated when pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (10 microg or 10 ng/kg b.w., i.p.) was coadministered with the neuroleptic. The number of cataleptic mice was markedly lower throughout most of the experimental period. Moreover, on challenge with lower doses of neuroleptics, catalepsy appearance was postponed and the mice, otherwise cataleptic since the earliest period, became cataleptic later, not before 3 or 4.5 h after neuroleptic administration, especially if protected with higher pentadecapeptide dose. Besides catalepsy, coadministration of the pentadecapeptide BPC 157, given in the above mentioned doses, reduced not only catalepsy but somatosensory disorientation (for 7.5 h after administration of a neuroleptic, assessed at intervals of 1.5 h, by a simple scoring system [0-5]) in haloperidol- or fluphenazine-challenged mice as it did in mice treated with sulpiride (20, 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) or with clozapine (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w., i.p.), in which case catalepsy was absent. In other experiments, considering the gastric origin of this pentadecapeptide, the focus was shifted to the evidence that a dose of haloperidol, cataleptogenic due to dopamine receptors blockade, induces gastric ulcers in rats. Coadministration of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (10 microg, 10 ng, 1.0 ng, 100 pg/kg b.w., i.p.) to rats completely inhibited the lesions otherwise regularly evident 24 h after haloperidol (5.0 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) in control rats (18 of 20 rats had gastric lesions). This activity accompanied the antagonism of the haloperidol catalepsy in rats (assessed at 60-min intervals from I to 5 h after haloperidol), when 10-microg- or 10-ng regimens were given (lower doses could not influence catalepsy). Together, these findings indicate that pentadecapeptide BPC 157 fully interacts with the dopamine system, both centrally and peripherally, or at least, that BPC 157 interferes with some steps involved in catalepsy and/or ulcer formation.

Animals↗

New model of cytoprotection/adaptive cytoprotection in rats: endogenous small irritants, antiulcer agents and indomethacin.

Adaptive cytoprotection in the stomach was originally defined by applying the exogenous irritants only. The contribution of endogenous irritants as inductors of initial lesions was not specially evaluated. No attempt was made to either focus antiulcer agent activity on adaptive cytoprotection, or split their 'cytoprotection' into complex adaptive cytoprotective activity and simple cytoprotective effects. Agents had so far not been applied simultaneously with the second challenge with ethanol (or irritant), when differences between cytoprotection and adaptive cytoprotection appear. Gastrojejunal anastomosis for 24 h in rats was introduced as new model for analyzing cytoprotection/adaptive cytoprotection. The contribution of the up-normal level of endogenous irritants and the endogenous small irritant-induced minor lesions during the adaptive cytoprotection were studied. The effect of late challenge with 96% ethanol in the presence of an up-normal level of endogenous irritants and endogenous small irritant-induced minor lesions was compared with results of classic studies of ethanol-induced gastric lesions in normal rats (1 ml/rat i.g.). Antiulcer agents or a prostaglandins-synthesis inhibitor, indomethacin, given once only in classic studies, were given at several points during injury induction: (i) surgery, (ii) mild ethanol, (iii) strong ethanol, (iv) strong ethanol applied after a suitable period following either mild ethanol or surgery). Their effects were compared in rats treated as follows: exogenous irritant studies (96% or 20% ethanol), exogenous/exogenous irritant studies (20% ethanol 1 h before 96% ethanol), endogenous irritant studies (gastrojejunal anastomosis for 24 h), and endogenous/exogenous irritant studies (gastrojejunal anastomosis for 24 h before 96% ethanol). Characteristic of the various irritants differed: the (preceding) small irritants (exogenous (i.e., mild ethanol in healthy intact rats) (exogenous irritant studies) vs. endogenous (e.g., (increased) gastric acid secretion, duodenal reflux in gastric content in rats with termino-lateral gastrojejunal anastomosis) (endogenous irritant studies)). These factors caused modifications of agents' activities not, as initially thought, giving simple 'cytoprotection', but being only cytoprotective, or adaptive cytoprotective, or both cytoprotective and adaptive cytoprotective. Atropine (10 mg/kg i.p.) and ranitidine (10 mg) had only cytoprotective activity (exogenous irritant-studies), whereas pentadecapeptide BPC157 (10 microg or 10 ng), and omeprazole (10 mg) had mainly adaptive cytoprotective activity (endogenous/exogenous irritant studies) or both cytoprotective and adaptive cytoprotective activities (exogenous/exogenous irritant studies). Augmentation of the lesions by indomethacin (5 mg/kg s.c.), showed that only events preceding the late challenge with ethanol may be prostaglandin-dependent in both models. The second, adaptive cytoprotective part, seen after late ethanol challenge, may be either prostaglandin-dependent (exogenous/exogenous irritant studies) or non-dependent (endogenous/exogenous irritant studies). Both spontaneous lesion reduction, as an essential mechanism of adaptive cytoprotection, and the further lesion reduction by agents, such as pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and omeprazole, suggests that these agents function as an essential link between the various reactions in cytoprotection/adaptive cytoprotection.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A behavioural study of the effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in Parkinson's disease models in mice and gastric lesions induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophyridine.

The effect of a stomach pentadecapeptide, BPC 157, on Parkinson's disease in mice was investigated, along with its salutary activity on stomach lesions induced by parkinsongenic agents. Parkinsongenic agents, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) (30.0 mg x kg(-1)b.w. i.p. once daily for 6d, and after 4d once 50.0 mg x kg(-1)b.w. i.p.) or reserpine (5.0 mg x kg(-1)b.w. i.p.) were applied i.p. BPC 157 (1.50 microg or 15.0 ng x kg(-1)b.w. i.p.) was applied 15 min before or alternatively 15 min after each MPTP administration. In reserpine studies, BPC 157 (10.0 microg or 10.0 ng x kg(-1)b.w. i.p.) was given either 15 min before reserpine or in the already established complete catalepsy 24 h thereafter. BPC 157 strongly improved the MPTP-impaired somatosensory orientation and reduced the MPTP-induced hyperactivity, and most importantly, MPTP-motor abnormalities (tremor, akinesia, catalepsy -otherwise very prominent in saline control), leading to almost complete abolition of otherwise regularly lethal course of MPTP treatment in controls. Likewise, in reserpine experiments, BPC 157 strongly prevented the development of otherwise very prominent catalepsy and when applied 24 h thereafter reversed the established catalepsy. In addition, a reduction of reserpine-hypothermy (BPC 157 pre-treatment) and reversal of further prominent temperature fall (BPC 157 post-treatment) have been consistently observed. Taking together these data, as the two most suitable animal models were consistently used and since the high effectiveness was demonstrated in pre- and post-treatment, microg and ng regimens, BPC 157 as an organoprotector should be further therapeutically investigated. Additionally, given in either regimen, pentadecapeptide BPC 157 strongly attenuated the stomach lesions in mice that otherwise consistently appeared in mice treated with the parkinsogenic neurotoxin MPTP.

Animals↗

Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 attenuates gastric lesions induced by alloxan in rats and mice.

A diabetogenic alloxan regimen produced lesions in all stomachs of treated animals, either rats (200 mg x kg(-1) s.c.) or mice (400 mg x kg(-1) i.p.). In control animals, the lesions, when developed (i.e. 24 h following application), appear to be quite sustained, and consistently present also after 1 or 2 weeks. The application of the pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (10 microg or 10 ng x kg(-1) i.p. coadministered together with alloxan) would significantly attenuate these lesions' appearance. This beneficial effect seems to be present in either rats or mice and in either of the tested intervals. Importantly, the beneficial effect seems to be shared by both microgram and nanogram regimens.

Alloxan↗

The effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157, H2-blockers, omeprazole and sucralfate on new vessels and new granulation tissue formation.

A clear protection of the gastrointestinal tract and an evident anti-inflammatory effect were shown for a novel stomach pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (i.p./i.g.) in comparison with several reference standards in various ulcer models along with a protection of endothelium and particular interaction with the NO-system. Thus, we evaluated whether this pentadecapeptide along with other gastroprotective agents could affect angiogenesis and the healing process in vivo using a procedure initially described by Szabo and co-workers. In each rat, two sterile sponges (1 x 1 x 0.25 cm; V = 0.25 mL) with the same quantities of BPC 157 (10 ng x mL(-1), 10 microg x mL(-1), 50 microg x kg(-1)) or reference agents (cimetidine: 10, 100, 500 mg x mL(-1); ranitidine: 2.5, 25, 250 mg x mL(-1); famotidine: 10, 50, 100 mg x mL(-1); omeprazole: 10, 50, 100 mg x mL(-1); sucralfate: 1, 5, 10 mg x mL(-1) were implanted subcutaneously in the lumbar region. The sponges were removed after 3 or 7 d, fixed in formalin, and processed for histologic and histochemical evaluation and morphometry assessment. Compared with the control values, the number of newly formed endothelial spaces inside newly formed granulation tissue was markedly increased in all animals treated with BPC 157, cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, sucralfate and omeprazole, a consistent finding noted after either 3 or 7 d. Compared with control values, markedly more granulation tissue was noted in the rats in the groups of animals treated with BPC 157 (50 microg) and in the rats treated with sucralfate in all dosages used, euthanized after 3 d. In all groups treated with H2-blockers however, similar values to those of controls were noted. Thus, it could be concluded that an evident angiogenic property was consistently noted for the novel pentadecapeptide BPC 157, H2-blockers (cimetidine, famotidine and ranitidine) and omeprazole, besides the well known angiogenic effect of sucralfate. Furthermore, unlike H2-blockers and omeprazole, BPC 157 stimulates the formation of granulation tissue, suggesting a particular activity, similar to that previously noted for sucralfate.

Animals↗

Long-lasting cytoprotection after pentadecapeptide BPC 157, ranitidine, sucralfate or cholestyramine application in reflux oesophagitis in rats.

Recently, the effectiveness of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and other anti-ulcer agents, called 'direct cytoprotection', was evidenced in totally gastrectomized rats duodenum challenged with cysteamine 24 h after surgery, and sacrificed 24 h after ulcerogen application. The further focus was on the possibility that this effect could be seen over a more prolonged period (1, 2, 4 weeks), and in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract (i.e. oesophagus). After the removal of the stomach, the oesophagus and jejunum were joined by a termino-lateral anastomosis. The animals were euthanized 7, 14 or 28 d after surgery, when oesophagitis was blindly assessed both macroscopically (percentage of ulcerations areas) and microscopically (percentage of areas of ulcers, regeneration and hyperplasia; number of inflammatory cells - polymorphonuclear and mononuclear). Starting 24 h after surgery, the medication was continuously given in the drinking water, in a volume of 12.5 mL/rat daily, until euthanasia at the end of the observation period, i.e. 7, 14, 28 d following surgery. Based on previous experiments, the doses of agents were daily calculated per kg b.w. as follows: BPC 157 125 mg or 125 ng, cholestyramine 2.5 mg, ranitidine 125 mg, sucralfate 725 mg, whereas controls received 72.5 mL x kg(-1) water. In support of these initial findings, and considering gastrectomized acid-free rats as an ideal model for long-term cytoprotective studies as well, pentadecapeptide BPC 157 markedly attenuated termino-lateral oesophagojejunal anastomosis-reflux oesophagitis also over a quite prolonged period. This efficacy was only partly shared by other anti-ulcer agents. After 1-week-old oesophagitis (microscopical assessment), but not after 2 or 4 weeks, less damaged mucosa was noted in rats drinking ranitidine or sucralfate compared to controls. Similar effectiveness was noted for cholestyramine. The obtained results were supported also by inflammatory cell assessment. Compared with control values, BPC 157-treated groups consistently presented less polymorphonuclears and less mononuclears in all assessed periods. Interestingly, the values obtained in other treated groups showed no difference compared with control values. Thus, despite limitations, a generalization supporting a direct importance of a common cytoprotective approach, could be clearly provided. A useful, long-lasting cytoprotective activity (apparently more prominent in BPC 157 rats, than in reference agents, ranitidine, sucralfate, as well as cholestyramine) may be a likely suitable therapy in otherwise resistant reflux oesophagitis conditions.

Animals↗

Osteogenic effect of a gastric pentadecapeptide, BPC-157, on the healing of segmental bone defect in rabbits: a comparison with bone marrow and autologous cortical bone implantation.

Gastrectomy often results in increased likelihood of osteoporosis, metabolic aberration, and risk of fracture, and there is a need for a gastric peptide with osteogenic activity. A novel stomach pentadecapeptide, BPC-157, improves wound and fracture healing in rats in addition to having an angiogenic effect. Therefore, in the present study, using a segmental osteoperiosteal bone defect (0.8 cm, in the middle of the left radius) that remained incompletely healed in all control rabbits for 6 weeks (assessed in 2 week intervals), pentadecapeptide BPC-157 was further studied (either percutaneously given locally [10 microg/kg body weight] into the bone defect, or applied intramuscularly [intermittently, at postoperative days 7, 9, 14, and 16 at 10 microg/kg body weight] or continuously [once per day, postoperative days 7-21 at 10 microg or 10 ng/kg body weight]). For comparison, rabbits percutaneously received locally autologous bone marrow (2 mL, postoperative day 7). As standard treatment, immediately after its formation, the bone defect was filled with an autologous cortical graft. Saline-treated (2 mL intramuscularly [i.m.] and 2 mL locally into the bone defect), injured animals were used as controls. Pentadecapeptide BPC-157 significantly improved the healing of segmental bone defects. For instance, upon radiographic assessment, the callus surface, microphotodensitometry, quantitative histomorphometry (10 microg/kg body weight i.m. for 14 days), or quantitative histomorphometry (10 ng/kg body weight i.m. for 14 days) the effect of pentadecapeptide BPC-157 was shown to correspond to improvement after local application of bone marrow or autologous cortical graft. Moreover, a comparison of the number of animals with unhealed defects (all controls) or healed defects (complete bony continuity across the defect site) showed that besides pentadecapeptide intramuscular application for 14 days (i.e., local application of bone marrow or autologous cortical graft), also following other pentadecapeptide BPC-157 regimens (local application, or intermittent intramuscular administration), the number of animals with healed defect was increased. Hopefully, in the light of the suggested stomach significance for bone homeostasis, the possible relevance of this pentadecapeptide BPC-157 effect (local or intramuscular effectiveness, lack of unwanted effects) could be a basis for methods of choice in the future management of healing impairment in humans, and requires further investigation.

Animals↗

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor with extensive involvement of the bowel in a 7-year-Old child.

We present a case of unusual localization of inflammatory fibroblastic tumor in the terminal ileum, cecum, and ascending colon in a 7-year-old child. Segmental resection of the terminal ileum, cecum, and ascending colon with a tumor mass up to 6 cm in diameter was performed. Pathohistological examination of biopsy specimen was performed on routine hematoxylin-eosin sections, as well as immunohistochemically with primary antibodies to CD3, CD20, CD68, factor VIII, vimentin, smooth muscle actin, desmin, cytokeratin and S-100 protein, and k and l light chains. The tumor was composed of highly vascularized tissue with interlacing fascicles of elongated spindle cells admixed with plasma cells, histiocytes, lymphocytes, and eosinophils. The diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor cannot be distinguished clinically from highly malignant neoplasm or some other conditions. Surgical resection and careful pathohistological analysis are needed, and a long-term follow-up is recommended.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

A novel pentadecapeptide, BPC 157, blocks the stereotypy produced acutely by amphetamine and the development of haloperidol-induced supersensitivity to amphetamine.

BACKGROUND: A novel gastric pentadecapeptide, BPC 157, has been shown to attenuate different lesions (i.e., gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, somatosensory neurons). This suggests an interaction with the dopamine system. When used alone, BPC 157 does not affect gross behavior or induce stereotypy. METHODS: We first investigated the effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on stereotypy and acoustic startle response in rats, given as either a prophylactic (10 micrograms/kg i.p.) or therapeutic (10 ng/kg i.p.) regimen, with the dopamine indirect agonist amphetamine (10 mg/kg i.p.). RESULTS: There was a marked attenuation of stereotypic behavior and acoustic startle response. When the medication was given at the time of maximum amphetamine-induced excitability, there was a reversal of this behavior. A further focus was on the effect of this pentadecapeptide on increased climbing behavior in mice pretreated with the dopamine antagonist haloperidol (5.0 mg/kg i.p.), and subsequently treated with amphetamine (20 mg/kg i.p. challenge 1, 2, 4, and 10 days after haloperidol pretreatment). This protocol is usually used for the study of behavioral supersensitivity to the amphetamine stimulating effect. CONCLUSIONS: An almost complete reversal was noted when pentadecapeptide was coadministered with haloperidol. Together, these data provide compelling evidence for the interaction of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 with the dopamine system.

Amino Acid Sequence↗