Colocalization of oxytocin and phosphorylated form of elongation factor 2 in the rat hypothalamus.

Oxytocin (OT) is one of the neuropituitary hormones and is synthesized in the neurons of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON). Previous studies have shown that the mRNAs encoding OT are delivered from the soma to both dendrites and axons of the neurons in the PVN and SON. However, it has not been elucidated whether a translational regulation mechanism to enable local synthesis of the hormone exists in the axons of the neurons of PVN and SON. Elongation factor 2 (EF2) is essential for polypeptide synthesis during protein translation. Moreover, phosphorylation of EF2 by EF2 kinase enhances the translation of certain mRNA species. In the present study, in order to shed light on the mechanisms involved in the translational regulation of OT synthesis, we investigated the localization of phosphorylated EF2. Phospho-EF2 was localized in the soma of the neurons in PVN and SON, and in the swellings of the median eminence where axonal tracts of the neurons in the PVN and SON exist. The phosphorylated form was also observed in the rat hypophysis. Moreover, phospho-EF2 and OT were colocalized in a part of the neurons in the PVN and SON. These results suggest that OT may be partially translated in the axons of neurons in the PVN and SON, and then secreted from the pituitary.

Vonoprazan-Based Regimen Is More Useful than PPI-Based One as a First-Line Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background. A new agent, potassium-competitive acid blocker vonoprazan (VPZ) has potent acid-inhibitory effects and may offer advantages over conventional H. pylori eradication therapies. We aimed to compare the eradication rate between VPZ-based treatment and PPI-based one. Methods. This randomized controlled trial was designed to assign 141 patients with H. pylori-positive gastritis to VPZ group (VPZ 20 mg, amoxicillin 750 mg, and clarithromycin 200 or 400 mg twice daily for 7 days) or PPI group (rabeprazole 20 mg or lansoprazole 30 mg, amoxicillin 750 mg, and clarithromycin 200 or 400 mg twice daily for 7 days). Primary endpoints were eradication rates and adverse events. Results. Seventy of 72 patients in VPZ group and 63 of 69 patients in PPI group completed the treatment after 7 days. The eradication rate was significantly higher in VPZ group than PPI group by intention-to-treat analysis (95.8% versus 69.6%, P = 0.00003, 95% confidence interval [CI] 88.3-99.1% versus 57.3-80.1%) and per-protocol analysis (95.7% versus 71.4%, P = 0.0002, 95% CI 88.0-99.1% versus 58.7-82.1%). The incidence of adverse events was not different between the groups (26.3% in VPZ group versus 37.7% in PPI group, P = 0.15). Conclusion. VPZ-based regimen is more useful than that PPI-based regimen as a first-line H. pylori eradication therapy.

Hemorrhagic rectal ulcer caused by a deformity of the coccyx complicated by normal delivery.

A 25-year-old woman delivered her first-born child weighing 3400 g by full-term normal delivery. Bloody stool developed 3 days after delivery. Colonoscopic examination revealed two linear ulcers parallel to the anal column on the posterior side of the rectal ampulla about 5 cm from the anal ring. Coagulated blood was detected at the ulcer bottom, suggesting the site of hemorrhage. Bowel rest in the absence of oral intake resulted in the disappearance of bloody stool. Three days later colonoscopic examination revealed improvement in the ulcer. There was no sign of constipation. A lateral pelvic radiograph showed that the apex of the coccyx was flexed anteriorly. The parturient canal may have physically pressed the rectum against the apex of the coccyx during delivery, causing mucosal injury. Only a few studies have reported the complication of a rectal ulcer due to injury during delivery. Furthermore, none of the previous studies has reported a rectal ulcer caused by deformity of the coccyx.