Adaptive down-regulation of the serotonin transporter in the 6-hydroxydopamine-induced rat model of preclinical stages of Parkinson's disease and after chronic pramipexole treatment.

Our recent study has indicated that a moderate lesion induced by bilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injections into the ventrolateral region of the caudate-putamen (CP) in rats, modeling preclinical stages of Parkinson's disease, induces a "depressive-like" behavior which is reversed by chronic treatment with pramipexole (PRA). The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of the above lesion and chronic PRA treatment on binding to the serotonin transporter (SERT) in different brain regions. As before, 6-OHDA (15 µg/2.5 µl) was administered bilaterally into the CP. PRA (1mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously twice a day for 2 weeks. Serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons of the dorsal raphe (DR) were immunostained for tryptophan hydroxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase, respectively, and were counted stereologically. Binding of [(3)H]GBR 12,935 to the dopamine transporter (DAT) and [(3)H]citalopram to SERT was analyzed autoradiographically. Intrastriatal 6-OHDA injections decreased the number of dopaminergic, but not serotonergic neurons in the DR. 6-OHDA reduced the DAT binding in the CP, and SERT binding in the nigrostriatal system (CP, substantia nigra (SN)), limbic system (ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAC), amygdala, prefrontal cortex (PFCX), habenula, hippocampus) and DR. A significant positive correlation was found between DAT and SERT binding in the CP. Chronic PRA did not influence DAT binding but reduced SERT binding in the above structures, and deepened the lesion-induced losses in the core region of the NAC, SN, VTA and PFCX. The present study indicates that both the lesion of dopaminergic neurons and chronic PRA administration induce adaptive down-regulation of SERT binding. Moreover, although involvement of stimulation of dopaminergic transmission by chronic PRA in its "antidepressant" effect seems to be prevalent, additional contribution of SERT inhibition cannot be excluded.

FSH and LH serum/tumor fluid ratios and malignant tumors of the ovary.

The aim of this work was to compare mean concentrations of gonadotropins in serum and fluid from malignant and benign ovarian tumors. We enrolled 126 patients diagnosed with malignant epithelial tumors (n=40), borderline epithelial tumors (n=14), benign cystadenomas (n=28) and simple cysts (n=44) of the ovary. Premenopausal and postmenopausal subgroups were formed in each group. The concentration of FSH and LH was measured in serum and tumor fluid and the serum/tumor fluid ratio was calculated. The results in each group were compared and the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were determined. Mean concentrations of both gonadotropins in ovarian cancer fluid were significantly higher than in the remaining groups (P ranged from <0.005 to <0.0001). Mean serum/fluid ratios were lowest in ovarian cancer (FSH=2.91, LH=4.19). Our findings support the hypothesis that gonadotropins are involved in ovarian carcinogenesis and suggest that gonadotropin serum/tumor fluid ratios could be of value in the differential diagnosis of functional and organic cysts of the ovary.

Leptin, neuropeptide Y, beta-endorphin, gonadotropin, and estradiol levels in girls before menarche.

More than two decades of clinical studies have provided us with the opportunity to develop and implement criteria that distinguish three phases during pre-menarche, paralleling rising levels of estrogens, namely 'pre-estrogenization', 'onset of estrogenization' and 'full estrogenization'. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between somatic features and levels of leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), beta-endorphin, gonadotropin and estradiol in pubertal girls before menarche. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), tertiary sex features, estrogen-related changes in hymen, fat and lean body mass were studied on a quarterly basis in 45 girls. At the same time, ovarian and uterine dimensions were established sonographically and serum was obtained for the determination of leptin, NPY, beta-endorphin, gonadotropin, and estradiol levels. Onset of estrogenization in girls was marked by weight loss, followed by an increase in total, fat and lean body mass, and pubertal acceleration of growth. At the time of full estrogenization, lower NPY and beta-endorphin levels were observed, accompanied by an increase in gonadotropin secretion. Changes in leptin levels are consistent with a role of this hormone in metabolic signaling.

[The comparison of CA-125 and CEA levels in serum and ovarian cyst fluid in girls and young women]. / Porównanie poziomu markerów nowotworowych CEA i CA-125 w surowicy krwi oraz w plynie z torbieli jajnika u dziewczat i mlodych kobiet.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the CA-125 and CEA levels in serum and ovarian cyst fluid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Concentration of the CA-125 and CEA were measured at 12 girls and young women with benign, low malignant potential and functional cysts hospitalized in our teaching department. Concentrations were measured using immunoenzymatic method. RESULTS: We did not observe any difference in serum levels of CA-125 and CEA between neoplastic and functional cysts. On the contrary we found very high levels of the markers in the neoplastic cyst fluid in comparison with the functional ovarian cyst fluid. CONCLUSION: It seems that high levels of the CA-125 and CEA in neoplastic cyst fluid in comparison with functional may be useful in differential diagnosis.

[The levels of selected hormones in serum and ovarian cyst fluid in girls and young women]. / Zachowanie sie wybranych hormonów w surowicy krwi i plynie z torbieli jajnika u dziewczat i mlodych kobiet.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determinate levels of the FSH, LH and E2 in serum and ovarian cyst fluid in neoplastic tumors (7 benign, 1 of low malignant potential) and functional cysts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We measured the concentrations of the FSH, LH and E2 at 12 girls and young women hospitalized in our teaching department using immunoenzymatic method. RESULTS: We found higher levels of gonadotropins in serum and particular in ovarian cyst fluid at neoplastic tumors in comparison with functional cysts. There were also high levels of estradiol and low of gonadotropins in functional ovarian cyst fluid. CONCLUSION: The differences of FSH, LH and E2 levels in ovarian cyst fluid in neoplastic and functional cyst have cognitive character and need more investigations.

[Age at menarche and the investigation of selected biophysical parameters in the course of menarche]. / Wiek menarche i analiza wybranych parametrów biofizycznych w terminie menarche.

DESIGN: The aim of our study was a currently clinical analysis of menarche. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mean age of menarche was investigated in 4497 girls between 1975-1997 69 girls were examined throughly in the course of menarche. Age at menarche, body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), some of the hormones and ultrasonography of sexual organs were investigated. RESULTS: We demonstrated that mean age of menarche was 13.1 year, height 159.2 cm, weight 48 kg, body mass index (BMI) 18.9. Mean size a mucous membrane was 5.7 mm. Ratio of uterus to cervix indicated dominance of the uterus. Mean levels of hormones were: E2--89.4 pg/ml, FSH--6.2 UI/ml, LH--5.7 UI/ml. Relation LH to FSH was nearly 1.

[Most common neoplasms of female genital organs and hypo-thalamic-hypophysial-ovarian regulation in the postmenopausal period]. / Najczestsze nowotwory narzadów plciowych kobiety a czynnosc osi podwzgórzowo--przysadkowo-jajnikowej w okresie pomenopauzalnym.

Levels of FSH, LH and E2 were evaluated by means of EIA methods in 62 post-menopausal women qualified for operation treatment. In 46 cases neoplasms of uterus body and in 16 cases neoplasms of uterus cervix and an ovary were stated. Higher level of estradiol and lower levels of gonadotrophins were shown in cases with uterus body neoplasms and opposite, lower estradiol levels and higher gonadotrophins values in cases with cervix and ovarian neoplasms. The outcome suggests possibility of function of hypothalamic-hypophysial-ovarian axis in post-menopausal period. Level of estradiol can be also used as a diagnostic marker to uterus body neoplasms.

[Behavior of SCC antigen in girls with a high risk of developing cervical carcinoma]. / Zachowanie sie markera SCC u dziewczat z grupy zwiekszonego ryzyka rozwoju raka szyjki macicy.

The work presents the results of studies on level of SCC antigen in 28 patients of 14 girls, sexual clinical active with cervical erosion type II, among which in 10 cases HPV virus were founded. The second group consists of 14 women from normal environments, treated for CIN. The antigen SCC was determined in patients blood serum by immunoenzymatic method. The conducted studies revealed statistically significant differences. Levels of SCC antigen were lower in the first group, compared to second group.

[Ultrasonography, laparoscopy, neoplastic markers--new possibilities of conservative operative treatment for ovarian neoplasms in girls and young women]. / Ultrasonografia, laparoskopia, markery nowotworowe--nowe mozliwosci oszczedzajacego leczenia operacyjnego nowotworów jajnika u dziewczat i mlodych kobiet.

The knowledge of ovarian physiopathology and the employing of modern diagnostic methods (ultrasonography, laparoscopy) allow to avoid to operate patients with functional cysts. Girls and young women should be evaluated individually for ovarian surgical procedures. The operative treatment should be so conservative as possible employing all diagnostic and monitoring methods including specific markers assays.

[Activity of b-endorphin in patients with premature ovarian failure]. / Zachowanie sie B-endorfiny w przedwczesnym wygasaniu czynnosci jajników.

Examination of B-endorphin blood serum levels of 27 girls and young women with premature ovarian function depression was performed Patients were not pregnant before. The 54 young, regularly menstruating, healthy women composed the control group, who were divided into two groups according to the menstrual phase. Levels of B-endorphin were lower in examined group than in control one. High levels of B-endorphin were found at the patients with secondary diagnosed insensitive ovary syndrome. This fact suggest that examination of B-endorphin levels can be useful for clinical differentiation of insensitive ovary syndrome and premature ovarian function depression.

[Behavior of SCC marker level in cervix erosion, cervix dysplasia and cervical pre-invasive carcinoma]. / Zachowanie sie poziomu markera SCC w nadzerkach, stanach przednowotworowych oraz w raku szyjki macicy.

The work presents the results of studies on the behaviour of SCC antigen in 52 patients aged 21-70 years, with pathologic changes involving the uterine cervix and classified to the groups of erosion, dysplasia and carcinoma in different stage of advancement. The SCC antigen was determined in patients blood sera by radioimmunologic method, on the basis of Abbott Firm testes. An increase in concentration was observed exceed the norm (2 ng/ml) in cases of CIN and CIS. The rise of marker depended on the stage of the neoplastic process advancement in the uterine cervix.