Testicular alterations in rats due to gestational and early lactational administration of lead.

A solution of lead acetate (300 mg/L) was administered via drinking water to pregnant Wistar rats from day 1 of pregnancy to delivery (Pb-treated day 0 group) or throughout gestation and early lactation (from day 1 to day 5 postnatal) (Pb-treated day 5 group). When the pups were born, four dams and their offspring in each group (control day 0, Pb-treated day 0, control day 5, and Pb-treated day 5) were sacrificed on day 0 (day 0 groups) or on day 5 (day 5 groups). Relative testicular weight and gross testicular structure were not altered by the treatment. The seminiferous tubule diameter and the number of prospermatogonia were reduced by the treatment. Determination of the n-ploidy stage of prospermatogonia indicates that these cells have more proliferative activity in Pb-treated rats than in control rats. On the other hand, the total DNA, RNA, and protein content of the testes in treated rats was significantly reduced, but the DNA: RNA ratio remained unaltered.

Effect of growth hormone, epidermal growth factor, and insulin on bacterial translocation in experimental short bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: An adaptive process starts in the remaining intestine after massive resection, and several trophic factors including growth hormone (GH), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and insulin (INS) have been shown to have a positive effect on it. Bacterial translocation (BT) is frequent after extensive small bowel resection, but the effects of GH, EGF, or INS have not been investigated in experimental short bowel syndrome (SBS). This study tests the hypothesis that GH, EGF, or INS decrease BT in SBS in rats with parenteral nutrition (PN). METHODS: Thirty-eight adult Wistar rats underwent central venous cannulation and were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 groups receiving for 10 days 4 treatment regimes: (1) PN group (n = 10): fasting, all-in-one PN solution (300 mL/kg/24 h, 280 kcal/kg/24 h), 80% gut resection including ileo-cecal valve; (2) GH group (n = 9): fasting, same PN regime and resection, GH (1 mg/kg/d, subcutaneously); (3) EGF group (n = 9): fasting, PN, resection, EGF (150 microg/24 h intravenously); (4) INS group (n = 9): fasting, PN, resection, INS (1 UI/100 g/24 h subcutaneously). At the end of the experiment they were killed, and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and peripheral and portal blood samples were recovered and cultured. Several fragments of intestine were taken to determine cell proliferation (PCNA index) and morphometric parameters (villous height, crypt depth). RESULTS: GH, EGF, and INS groups showed a 28%, 29%, and 30% increase in gut mucosal thickness, and PCNA index rose 21%, 20%, and 25%, respectively in comparison with PN controls. Bacterial translocation to peripheral blood was detected in 0% of PN animals and in 44%, 40%, and 28% of GH, EGF, or INS rats, respectively (P < .05). No differences were found in BT in MLN or portal blood among groups. CONCLUSION: Administration of GH, EGF, or INS improves gut mucosal structure in rats with SBS under PN, but, surprisingly, the incidence of BT detected in peripheral blood was increased rather than decreased in animals receiving these treatments.

Bacterial translocation is favored by the preservation of the ileocecal valve in experimental short bowel with total parenteral nutrition.

Sepsis in short-bowel syndrome (SBS) is in part due to bacterial translocation (BT). Parenteral nutrition (PN) is often necessary in SBS and promotes BT. The aim of this study was to asses the effect of the presence or absence of ileocecal valve (ICV) on BT in parenterally-fed rats with massive intestinal resection. Sixty-five adult Wistar rats underwent central venous cannulations and were randomly assigned to one of five groups receiving for ten days five treatment regimes: Sham (n = 17) standard rat chow + i.v. saline. PN (n = 17) fasting + PN. Res-Sham (n = 10) standard rat chow + i.v. saline + 80% gut resection. Res-PN (n = 11) fasting, PN + 80% gut resection. Res-ICV-PN (n = 10) fasting, PN + 80% gut resection including ICV. At the end of the experiment they were euthanized and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), spleen and peripheral and portal blood specimens were recovered and cultured. BT was found in 47% of PN animals, 91% of Res-PN rats, 100% of Res-Sham group and 60% of Res-ICV-PN animals, but not in Sham ones. 97% of BT+ animals had positive cultures in MLN and/or portal blood, whereas germs beyond liver were detected in 30% of Res-Sham, 37% of PN, 50% of Res-PN and 0% of Res-ICV-PN rats. The present study confirms that both massive intestinal resection and PN promote BT. In addition, it shows that animals deprived of ICV have lower incidence of BT in this setting than those with it and that the germs do not reach in them peripheral blood in the same proportions as in ICV-intact animals. These results suggest that the presence of an intact ICV favor BT in parenterally-fed rats with massive intestinal resection.

[Intestinal trophic effect of neurotensin after colectomy]. / Efecto trófico intestinal de la neurotensina tras colectomía.

Neurotensin is a trophic peptide for the intestinal mucosa. Intestinal resection is a well known adaptive process of mucosal growth. Our aim was to determine the effect of exogenous neurotensin administration on intestinal mucosal growth after colectomy in the rat. Two groups: colon resection (n = 15) and colon resection plus neurotensin (n = 15, 600 micrograms/kg/day, 13 days post-surgery) were studied. Intestinal growth was assessed by means of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) technique on the intestinal crypt. Our results showed that neurotensin increased (p < 0.0001) epithelial cell growth when compared to non treated animals. Body weight loss was found in the non treated group but not in neurotensin treated animals. In conclusion, neurotensin increases cell growth in rats with colectomy, and maintains body weight. Neurotensin may have beneficial effects in colectomized patients.

Comparative effect of growth hormone and plerocercoid growth factor in the intestinal resection in rat.

OBJECTIVE: After massive bowel resection, absorption depends on how fast the mucosal adaptation takes place. This work aims at assessing the trophic effect of growth hormone (GH) and its analogue, the plerocercoid growth factor (PGF), on the intestinal mucosa after 90% small bowel resection. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: 24 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of 6: Control (laparotomy), 90% small bowel resection (RID), resection and treatment with GH during 14 days (RID + GH) and resection and PGF treatment (RID + PGF). Intestinal mucosal adaptation was assessed by measuring mucosal weight and height, and evaluating the regenerative activity by measuring proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) labelling index. RESULTS: Bowel resection itself caused a significant increment of jejunal and ileal mucosal height in comparison with the control group. GH and PGF did not change this increase. Jejunal and ileal proliferation indexes were significantly higher than those in controls and they were significantly higher in both RID + GH and RID + PGF groups. CONCLUSIONS: GH and PGF cause a proliferative effect on the intestinal mucosa, even in hyperproliferative states such as the small bowel resection. This finding might have a clinic application.

[Patient satisfaction survey in emergency departments in acute care hospitals]. / Encuesta de satisfacción a pacientes de servicios de urgencias de hospitales agudos.

OBJECTIVE: To describe patient satisfaction with emergency care of different hospitals. METHODS: patients attended in emergency departments of nine acute hospitals. A patient satisfaction questionnaire was used which includes relevant areas for patients and emergency departments workers 1,940 patients were selected to be surveyed by phone, by previously trained interviewers. RESULTS: 1, 423 patients were interviewed. They reported that mean waiting time until were seeing by the physician ranged from 20 to 60 minutes and total time at the emergency room from 60 to 170 minutes. Interviewees negative ratings for both were of 38% and 36% respectively. Information given about the problem of the patient was negatively rated by 6 to 17%, and about the treatment to follow by 8 to 16% of them. 5% referred not getting information on the latest. Up to 30% of patients said not were clearly informed of the results of the test performed Interpersonal care was positively rated in 55% of cases in some hospitals. Global evaluation gave positive ratings of 58% and negatives of 14%. CONCLUSIONS: This survey detect significant differences among all the centers in the study. Waiting time area showed the greater differences among them. Also the worst qualifications, followed by information to patient. Patient satisfaction questionnaires may work as aid in detecting health care problems.

[Early or late orchidopexy? An evaluation of germ cell proliferation by PCNA immune expression]. / Orquidopexia precoz o tardía? Valoración de la proliferación de las células germinales mediante inmunoexpresión de PCNA.

A immunocytochemical study for detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in order to quantify the number of PCNA-positive spermatogonia, and cytophotometric determination of spermatogonial DNA were performed in cryptorchid and control testes. The number of PCNA-positive spermatogonia, and the average DNA content of spermatogonia in the cryptorchid testes were altered from first years of age. These precocious spermatogonial alterations suggest that the early surgical testicular descent doesn't prevent lesions of germ cells.

[Effect of various trophic factors on bacterial translocation in experimental short bowel syndrome]. / Efecto de diferentes factores tróficos sobre la traslocación bacteriana en el síndrome de intestino corto experimental.

Massive bowel resection triggers an adaptive process in the remaining intestine in spite of which, bacterial translocation (BT) is frequent under these conditions. Several trophic factors, including growth hormone (GH), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insuline (INS) are involved in the process of adaptation in short bowel syndrome (SBS). However, the effect of GH, EGF or INS on BT has not been investigated experimentally. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that GH, EGF or INS administration prevents BT in rats with SBS receiving only parenteral nutrition (PN). Thirty-seven adult Wistar rats underwent central venous cannulation and were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving for ten days four treatment regimes: PN group (N = 10) fasting, all-in-one PN solution (300 mL/kg/24 h, 280 kcal/kg/24 h), 80% gut resection including ileo-cecal valve. GH group (N = 9) fasting, same PN regime and resection plus GH (1 mg/kg/d, s.c.). EGF group (N = 9): same PN regime and resection plus EGF (150 microgr/24 h, e.v.) INS group(N = 9): same PN regime and resection plus INS (1 U.I./100 g/24 h s.c.) At the end of the experiment the rats were exanguinated and mesenteric lymph nodes and samples of systemic and portal blood were obtained and cultured. Several samples of full-thickness jejunal wall were taken for measuring cell proliferation index (PCNA) and mucosal thickness. Jejunal mucosal thickness increased by 30%, 28% and 29% and PCNA index by 21%, 20% and 25% in GH, EGF and INS, treated rats respectively in comparison with those treated with PN alone. However, contrary to our expectations, BT expressed by positive culture of intestinal germs in systemic blood was demonstrated respectively in 44%, 40% and 28% of GH, EGF and INS animals, respectively, and in 0% of PN-only rats. Although exogenous GH, EGF or INS improves gut mucosal structure in rats with SBS treated with PN, it seems to increase rather than decrease mucosal permeability to intestinal germs in them.

Effect of growth hormone on bacterial translocation in experimental short-bowel syndrome.

Despite the adaptive process triggered in the remaining intestine by massive bowel resection, bacterial translocation (BT) is frequent under these conditions. Several trophic factors, including growth hormone (GH), are involved in the process of adaptation in short-bowel syndrome (SBS). However, the effect of GH on BT has not been investigated experimentally. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that GH administration prevents BT in rats with SBS receiving only parental nutrition (PN). Nineteen adult Wistar rats underwent central venous cannulation and were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving for 10 days two treatment regimes: PN group (n = 10): fasting, all-in-one PN solution (300 ml. kg. 24 h, 280 kcal/kg. 24 h), 80% gut section including ileocecal valve; GH group (n = 9): fasting, same PN regime and resection plus GH 1 mg/kg s.c). At the end of the experiment, the rats were killed and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and samples of systemic and portal blood were obtained and cultured. Several samples of full-thickness jejunal wall were taken for determining cell proliferation index (PCNA) and mucosal thickness. Jejunal mucosal thickness increased by 30% and PCNA index by 35% in GH-treated rats in comparison with those treated with PN alone. However, contrary to our expectations, BT expressed by positive culture of intestinal flora in portal blood, MLN, or systemic blood was found in 60% of PN and 87% of GH animals (P = 0.1). Translocation to the general circulation expressed by the presence of organisms in systemic blood was detected in 0% of PN and 44% of GH rats (P < 0.05). Although exogenous GH improves gut mucosal structure in rats with SBS treated with PN, it seems to increase rather than decrease mucosal permeability to intestinal bacteria.

Efecto de diferentes factores tróficos sobre la traslocación bacteriana en el síndrome de intestino corto experimental / Effect of trophic factors on bacterial translocation in experimental short bowel syndrome

La traslocación bacteriana (TB) es frecuente tras la resección intestinal masiva, y una de las causas de mortalidad por sepsis en niños con síndrome de intestino corto (SIC). Aunque diversos factores tróficos han demostrado tener una acción positiva en el proceso de adaptación intestinal, su efecto sobre la TB en el intestino corto experimental no ha sitio aún investigado.El objeto de este estudio es poner a prueba la hipótesis de que la administración de hormona de crecimiento (GH), factor de crecimiento epidérmico ( EGF) o insulina (INS) disminuyen la TB en el intestino corto en ratas bojo nutrición parenteral (NP).A 37 ratas Wistar adultas se les colocó un catéter venoso central seguido de resección del 80 por ciento del intestino delgado incluyendo ciego y válvula ileocecal con anastomosis ileo-cólica término-terminal y se les asignó aleatoriamente a uno de los cuatro grupos siguientes: •Grupo NP (N=10): NP (300mL/kb/24h, 28() kcal/kg/24h), •Grupo GH (N=9): NP y 1 mg/kg/d subcutáneo de GH.•Grupo EGF (N=9): NP y EGF ( 150 microgr/24h, e.v.) •Grupo INS (N=9) : NI) e insulina S.C. (I U.I/100/kg/ 24h) Los animales fueron sacrificados mediante sangría tras diez días de evolución y se obtuvieron y cultivaron muestras de los ganglios linfáticos mesentéricos, sangre portal y sangre periférica. Se procesaron asimismo varios cortes de intestino para estudiar la proliferación celular (antígeno de proliferación celular nuclear, PCNA) y parámetros morfométricos (altura de las vellosidades, profundidad de las criptas).Los grupos GH, EGF e INS mostraron un aumento del 30 por ciento, 28 por ciento y 29 por ciento en el espesor de la mucosa y el índice de PCNA creció un 21 por ciento, 20 por ciento y 25 por ciento en relación al grupo NP. Crecieron gérmenes entéricos aerobios (E. Coli. Proteus o Klebsiella) en ganglios mesentéricos o sangre portal en el 60 por ciento de los animales del grupo NP, EGF e INS, y en 8/9 (89 por ciento) del grupo GH (p=0,07). Sin embargo, en sangre periférica no hubo TB en el grupo NP, mientras que en los demás fue del 44 por ciento, 40 por ciento y 28 por ciento, respectivamente (P<0,05 vS grupo NP).Estos resultados confirman que la administración de factores tráficos como GH, EGF o insulina mejoran la estructura de la pared intestinal en ratas con SIC bajo NP, pero, sorprendentemente, la incidencia de TB aumentó en los animales que fueron tratados con GH, EGF o insulina (AU)