Screening for antimicrobial residues in poultry eggs in Bangladesh using Charm II radio-receptor assay technique following validation.

The aim of the study was to screen for the presence of antimicrobial residues in poultry eggs from Bangladesh using the Charm II radio-receptor assay in the absence of expensive confirmatory instrumentation. This was based on cut-off values as set in the validation guidelines according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808. Fortified eggs spiked with fixed concentrations of doxycycline, erythromycin A, sulphamethazine, and benzylpenicillin were used to determine the cut-off values and detection capabilities (CCß). Other validation parameters included were applicability, ruggedness, and robustness. A total of 201 egg mix samples from native organic chicken, duck, and commercial farm-raised laying hens (both brown and white eggs) were tested and after analysis 13%, 10%, and 4.5% of the egg mix samples showed positive signals for sulphonamides, macrolides/lincosamides, and tetracyclines, respectively. Presence of multiple drug residues were also suspected in 11 out of 201 egg mix samples.

Association of Hyperbilirubinemia Requiring Phototherapy or Exchange Transfusion with Hearing Impairment among Admitted Term and Late Preterm Newborn in a NICU.

Hearing impairment is one of the deleterious ramifications of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, but its impact during the newborn period has not been well studied in Bangladesh. This prospective observational study was conducted during January 2016 to December 2017 in the Department of Neonatology and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh to identify the relationship between hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy or exchange transfusion with hearing impairment in term and late preterm neonates. Admitted term and late preterm neonates with hyperbilirubinemia requiring either phototherapy or exchange transfusion were taken as hyperbilirubinemia group. Neonates without hyperbilirubinemia from postnatal ward were taken as control. All newborn were screened with Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) prior to discharge from hospital. A second screen was done in referred newborn after one month of first screen. A diagnostic Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) was performed in both the ears prior to 3 months of postnatal age if referred in both 1st and 2nd screen. Total 264 neonates included in this study; 132 in the hyperbilirubinemia and 132 in the control group. In the hyperbilirubinemia group 74(56.06%) were male and 58(43.94) were female. Mean gestational ages in the hyperbilirubinemia group and control group were 36.95±1.60 weeks and 37.01±1.67 weeks respectively. Newborn in the hyperbilirubinemia group, 4(3.03%) had hearing impairment and none had hearing impairment in the control group. Peak Total Serum Bilirubin (TSB) 23mg/dl was found as best cut off value with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 93% for the development hearing impairment. Hearing impairment was significantly more frequent among newborn with TSB level >23mg/dl when compared to those having TSB level ≤23mg/dl (20% vs. 0.9%, p=0.009; OR=29, 95% CI 2.79, 301). Hearing impairment was associated with newborns with hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy or exchange transfusion. Peak TSB level >23mg/dl can be predictive for the development of hearing impairment.

Pyrolysis and co-composting of municipal organic waste in Bangladesh: A quantitative estimate of recyclable nutrients, greenhouse gas emissions, and economic benefits.

Waste causes environmental pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when it is not managed sustainably. In Bangladesh, municipal organic waste (MOW) is partially collected and landfilled. Thus, it causes deterioration of the environment urging a recycle-oriented waste management system. In this study, we propose a waste management system through pyrolysis of selective MOW for biochar production and composting of the remainder with biochar as an additive. We estimated the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) recycling potentials in the new techniques of waste management. Waste generation of a city was calculated using population density and per capita waste generation rate (PWGR). Two indicators of economic development, i.e., gross domestic product (GDP) and per capita gross national income (GNI) were used to adopt PWGR with a projected contribution of 5-20% to waste generation. The projected PWGR was then validated with a survey. The waste generation from urban areas of Bangladesh in 2016 was estimated between 15,507 and 15,888 t day-1 with a large share (∼75%) of organic waste. Adoption of the proposed system could produce 3936 t day-1 biochar blended compost with an annual return of US $210 million in 2016 while it could reduce GHG emission substantially (-503 CO2 e t-1 municipal waste). Moreover, the proposed system would able to recover ∼46%, 54%, 54% and 61% of total C, N, P and K content in the initial waste, respectively. We also provide a projection of waste generation and nutrient recycling potentials for the year 2035. The proposed method could be a self-sustaining policy option for waste management as it would generate ∼US$51 from each tonne of waste. Moreover, a significant amount of nutrients can be recycled to agriculture while contributing to the reduction in environmental pollution and GHG emission.

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener Granulomatosis) with Unusual Presentation.

We came across a 32 years old male admitted in our hospital with prolonged low-grade fever, haemoptysis, leg swelling, weight loss, purpuric rashes and malaena. He received anti-TB treatment at another hospital without any improvement. He was pale with bullous and purpuric lesions over legs and feet. He also had features of consolidation over both lung fields. His CRP was 312mg/L, Urine R/M/E showed 40-50 RBC/HPF, Chest X-ray showed features of bilateral consolidation, c-ANCA-10U/L (positive); Tracheal aspirate for AFB was found to be negative. We diagnosed the case as Granulomatosis with Polyangitis (WG) and started treatment with steroid and cyclophosphamide. But the patient could not be saved probably due to delay in starting management.

Out come of induction of remission in undernourished children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common childhood leukaemia. On the other hand under-nutrition is a common problem in our country. This prospective study was conducted to see the outcome of induction of remission in undernourished children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. This study was carried out in the department of Paediatric hematology and oncology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) during the period from November 2002 to October 2004. A total of sixty (60) children who were diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 1 to 15 years of age were included in this study. But the children with previous history of congenital disease and that of chemotherapy or steroid were excluded from this study. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of Z score of weight for age. Thirty (30) children those with Z score- 2 or less were classified as undernourished and was labeled as Group A and another thirty (30) patient those Z score above-2 were classified as well nourished and was placed in Group B, After inclusion into the study, completion of induction of remission was monitored by physical examination and laboratory investigations. The result showed that mean age in Group A was 77.16 ± 7.07 months and that in Group B was 74.13 ± 5.09 months with male preponderance in both the groups. Mean body weight in Group A was 14.55 ± 0.76 Kg and that in Group B was 21.40 ± 1.05 kg (p<0.001). Children in Group A required 39.06 ± 0.72 days to complete induction but in Group B it required 31.63 ± 0.17 days (p<0.04). Hospital stay in Group A children was 52.10 ± 1.08 days and in Group B 42.37 ± 0.50 (p<0.002). The result suggested that under nutrition has an influence on the out come of induction of remission in undernourished children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. So appropriate measures are essential to improve nutritional status of children for successful management of ALL in children.

Nutritional parameters in children with cancer.

The study was conducted in the Departments of Pediatric Haemato-Oncology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbagh, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2007 to May 2009. Total 44 children (34 males and 10 females) aged between 10 months and 12 years with newly diagnosed malignancy. Nutritional status of 44 children with newly diagnosed malignancy was evaluated by anthropometric, hematological results and biochemical parameters before initiating therapy and response to therapy was assessed during follow up. Malnutrition was seen in 56.8% children by weight for age criteria (WFA <-2z). Low hemoglobin was found in 82% children, 25% had low total proteins (<5.7g/dL), 20.5% low serum albumin (<3.2g/dL), 27.3% low serum transferrin (<210mg/dL) and 16.3% low serum iron (<60µg/dL). Mean anthropometric and biochemical parameters were higher among the survivors compared to non-survivors. Significant difference between the well nourished and the malnourished group was detected in the achievement of remission/response (69.5% vs. 38.1%), delays in therapy (8.7% vs. 38.1%) and mortality (30.5% vs. 61.9%). Complications like febrile neutropenia and bleeding were more in the malnourished group. A statistically significant higher incidence of infection was seen in children with serum iron <60µg/dL than those with higher values of serum iron (42.8% vs. 8%).

Augmented post-induction therapy for children with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia and a slow response to initial therapy.

BACKGROUND: Children with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who have a slow response to initial chemotherapy (more than 25 percent blasts in the bone marrow on day 7) have a poor outcome despite intensive therapy. We conducted a randomized trial in which such patients were treated with either an augmented intensive regimen of post-induction chemotherapy or a standard regimen of intensive post-induction chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of augmented therapy with standard intensive post induction therapy in children with high-risk ALL who entered remission after a slow response to initial therapy. METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2011, 311 children with newly diagnosed ALL who were either 1 to 9 years of age with white cell counts of at least 50,000 per cubic millimeter or 10 years of age or older, had a slow response to initial therapy, and entered remission at the end of induction chemotherapy were randomly assigned to receive standard therapy (156 children) or augmented therapy (155). Those with lymphomatous features were excluded. Event-free survival and overall survival were assessed from the end of induction treatment. RESULTS: The outcome at five years was significantly better in the augmented-therapy group than in the standard-therapy group. The difference between treatments was most pronounced among patients one to nine years of age, all of whom had white-cell counts of at least 50,000 per cubic millimeter (P<0.001). Risk factors for an adverse event in the entire cohort included a white-cell count of 200,000 per cubic millimeter or higher (P=0.004). The toxic effects of augmented therapy were considerable but manageable. CONCLUSION: Augmented post-induction chemotherapy results in an excellent outcome for most patients with high-risk ALL and a slow response to initial therapy.

Mineral homeostasis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia before and after chemotherapy.

A prospective study was carried out in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh to evaluate the pattern of mineral changes in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) before and after induction chemotherapy. A total number of 32 children aged 1-14 years of both sexes were evaluated. Serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, albumin and creatinine and urinary creatinine and calcium were estimated in cases and control. The mean calcium level at presentation and post induction was 9.50±1.48 mg/dl and 9.08±1.30 mg/dl. Serum phosphate was higher in preinduction mean of 4.83±2.71 mg/dl than post induction value of 4.75±1.38 mg/dl and it was statistically significant. Serum alkaline phosphatase was higher in the post induction period. It was 324.8±128.17 U/L in pre induction and 331.59±93.97 u/l in post induction period. It was not statistically significant. No statistically significant difference was found in pre and post induction urinary calcium and creatinine.

Escalated regimen of hepatitis B vaccine in childhood hematological malignancies while on chemotherapy.

This prospective study was conducted to find the effective vaccination schedule against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection for children with hematological malignancies. Sixty patients ages 2-15 years old with hematological malignancies on chemotherapy, negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and never vaccinated for HBV before, were vaccinated with 40 microg of vaccine at 0, 1 and 2 months. Antibody titers were measured 6 weeks after administration of last dose. Out of the 60 children enrolled, 5 died during the course of treatment and 4 dropped out before completion, leaving 51 for final analysis. More than 70% exhibited protective levels of antibodies (> 10 mIU/ml) against hepatitis B virus. There were no significant effects of age or sex on the antibody response, although antibodies were higher among girls (90.9%) than boys (65%). Patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were found to exhibit a better antibody response than leukemic children (p = 0.024). Children with hematological cancers should be vaccinated with an escalated regimen of the vaccine.

Ethical issues in surgical intervention in medical college hospitals.

The aim of this study was to investigate the ethical issues of the patients selected for surgical interventions. A total of 105 patients were selected consecutively on the basis of defined criteria at the Department of Surgery and the Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics of Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Dhaka from March 2007 to November 2007. Results showed that 76.19% of the patients were found to be literate and 23.81% were illiterate. In profession, 53.34% of the patients were found to be involved in household works, 16.19% were service holders, 12.38% were businessmen, 9.52% were cultivators, 5.71% were students and the rest were day laborers. Nearly 60.0% of the patients had no monthly income. Most of the patients were adults of age ranges from 16-70 years. Results about ethical issues showed that 52.38% of the patients had no knowledge about surgical treatment of their diseases prior to operation, 26.67% had poor knowledge and 20.95% had sufficient knowledge. Adequate counseling earlier to surgical intervention were ensured for 11.43% (n=12) patients only. Rest of the patients (88.57%) was not experienced counseling before operation. Nearly 81.0% of the patients did not understand about their treatment by surgical intervention. About 94.0% of the patients and their close relatives had no knowledge about informed consent and its importance as well as procedure of obtains but they sign it just before operation. Around 91.0% of the informed consents were not taken in presence of any witness. In postoperative counseling, 88.57% of the patients had not counseled. Nearly 66.0% of the patients did not satisfy about their treatment. In conclusion, truth-telling through counseling and informed consent were not found to be exercised properly in most of the patients undergoing surgical interventions in medical college hospitals.

Influence of infection on iron profile in severely malnourished children.

OBJECTIVE: To study the iron profile and find out an accurate diagnostic tool which reflects iron status in different types of infection in severely malnourished children aged 12 months to 71 months. METHODS: Hundred and Eight (108) children of whom 72 children were infected and 36 non infected severely malnourished children according to WHO criteria in the age group of 12-71 months were interrogated. 36 healthy control in the same age group were also interrogated. RESULTS: Mean serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin concentration in normal children were significantly higher (P<0.001) than non-infected severely malnourished children. On the other hand mean serum ferritin concentration was significantly higher (P<0.001) in infected group than non-infected group but still lower than normal. Mean serum TIBC concentration significantly reduced in severely malnourished children than normal children but no significant difference was observed between non-infected and infected group. Mean serum iron, and transferrin saturation were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in parasitic infestation. CONCLUSION: Severely malnourished children had reduced mean serum iron profile. Parasitic infestation influenced the marked reduction of mean serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation level. Mean serum iron concentration was reduced in acute respiratory infection(ARI) and parasitic infestation than other infections. Serum ferritin concentration was elevated in all types of infection as acute phase protein but still lower than normal. So Iron, TIBC and Transferin saturation <16% constitute good evidence for iron deficiency in both infected and non-infected severely malnourished children.

Nutritional status at initial presentation in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its effect on induction of remission.

This prospective study was aimed to evaluate the nutritional status at initial presentation in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and to ascertain the effects of nutrition on induction of remission. The study was carried out in the Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period of one year starting from July 2006 to June 2007 on 66 diagnosed case of ALL, age ranged from 01 to 15 year irrespective of sex. The study subjects were stratified into undernourished (35) and well-nourished (31) based on weight for age. Then, protocol based induction of remission was started. Completion of induction was monitored through physical, haematological and morphological examination of bone marrow aspirate. Infection was ruled out clinically and culture sensitivity. Demographic, anthropometric, haematological, clinical and outcome variables were considered in both groups. At initial presentation, 53.03% were undernourished and 46.97% were well-nourished. Male preponderance was found in both groups. Under-nourished children of ALL had significantly decreased weight (p<0.03) and low haemoglobin concentration (p<0.04) at initial presentation. The undernourished children at initial presentation and during induction had about 2 to 3 times more common of culture and clinically proved infection. Undernourished children of ALL required significantly longer duration of induction (p<0.001) and prolonged period of hospital stay (p<0.001). So, it is concluded that under-nutrition is very usual at initial presentation in childhood ALL, are more prone to suffer from infection and thus prolong the duration of induction, hospital stay, even can lead to death. Optimum nutritional support can play a vital role in the outcome of induction of remission in childhood ALL.

Influence of acute respiratory infection on iron profile in severely malnourished children.

Iron profile of 72 severely malnourished children of whom 36 children had acute respiratory infection and 36 without infection of 12-59 months of age was compared with 36 normal healthy children. Mean serum iron level in non-infected severely malnourished children was (35.91+/-0.70 microg/dl) significant lower level than normal healthy children (63.50+/-0.97 microg/dl) (p<0.001). On the other hand non-infected group had significant higher level than acute respiratory infection group (31.90+/-1.35 microg/dl) (p<0.05). In acute respiratory infection group of severely malnourished children, mean serum ferritin level (19.48+/-1.71 ng/ml) had significant higher level than non-infected malnourished children (7.02+/-0.30 ng/ml) (p<0.001). Mean serum total iron binding capacity level was reduced in severely malnourished children both in non-infected (230.00+/-1.16 microg/dl) and infected (224.64+/-3.05 microg/dl) than normal healthy children (330.86+/-2.43 microg/dl) (p<0.001). There was significant reduction of mean serum transferrin saturation level in non-infected (15.65%) and acute respiratory infection (14.53%) group of malnourished children than normal children (19.35%). It is concluded that acute respiratory infection influenced the reduction of mean serum iron, total iron binding capacity and transferring saturation level. But mean serum ferritin concentration was elevated in acute respiratory infection group as probably as acute phase protein but still lower than normal children.

Comparison between CRP and IL-6 as early markers of neonatal sepsis.

Infection in neonates is difficult to identify solely on the basis of physical findings, because signs are not specific. C reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase reactant which has been used in diagnosis of bacterial infection in neonates. IL-6 is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by monocytes and macrophages activated by bacterial infection. IL-6 can be detected in blood earlier than CRP during the course of bacterial infection. The objective of this study was to compare the usefulness of the level of interleukin-6 with CRP as early markers of neonatal sepsis. This was a queasy experimental study carried out in neonatal unit, Department of Pediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) during the period of September 2005 to February 2006. Forty five cases of suspected septicemia were enrolled in the study and thirty healthy newborns were taken for comparison. On the 1st day of symptoms and 1st day of admission, complete blood count, blood for culture and sensitivity and interleukin-6 (IL-6) estimation were done. After 48-72 hours CRP was estimated. In suspected septic babies with high leukocyte count, IL-6 level was found to be raised with high sensitivity (85.71%), negative predictive value (95%). IL-6 was found to have high sensitivity (76.9%), specificity (73.68%), positive predictive value (80%) and negative predictive value (70%) in CRP positive suspected sepsis cases. So, the conclusion was that IL-6 is a very early marker of neonatal infection. IL-6 was mostly positive within 24 hours of onset of sepsis in comparison with other tests. So IL-6 is more useful than other markers for early detection of neonatal sepsis.

Serum lactate dehydrogenase as a prognostic marker of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The estimation of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is easy, readily available and economic. We can assume the prognosis of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) through this measurement. This case control prospective study was aimed to evaluate that the level of serum LDH has the prognostic marker of childhood ALL. The study was carried out in the Paediatric Haematology and Oncology unit, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, during the period from January to December 2006 on 69 subjects with age ranging from birth to 15 years irrespective of sex. The study subjects were grouped into case (ALL-44) and control (healthy-25). Serum LDH level were performed in ALL patients on admission, day 14 and day 29 of induction and in healthy control when came for check up and found healthy. Haematological parameters were performed in ALL patients and in healthy control along with the measurement of serum LDH. On admission the level of serum LDH was significantly raised in ALL patients than healthy control (p<0.001). After induction, serum LDH level were significantly decreased at day 14 and day 29 of induction from admission (p<0.001). There was significant rise of platelet count were observed at day 29 of induction from admission (p<0.001). A significant decrease of peripheral and bone marrow blast cell percentages were observed at day 29 of induction from admission (p<0.001). The total WBC count was significantly decreased along with serum LDH at day 14 and day 29 of induction from admission (p<0.001). So, the measurement of serum LDH can be accepted as a good and reliable prognostic marker of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Acute and long-term neurological complications in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The pattern of acute and long-term neurological complications in 133 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with two treatment protocol was reviewed. Twenty patients developed neurological complications. Nine out of 20 patients received MRC UK ALL X and the remaining 11 received MRC UK ALL XI protocol. There was no difference of neurological complications between MRC UKALL X and UK ALL XI protocol groups. The numbers of patients who developed neurological complications during induction of remission period were 11 of 133 patients (8.2%). 122 patients were observed during the maintenance period of treatment (from 6 months to 36 months). Six out of 122 patients developed neurological complications during this period. 88 patients were followed for a period of up to 6 months after the cessation of chemotherapy, i.e., in the late period. Neurological complications were found in 3 during this period. Neurological complications rate was 4 times higher in the relapsed group than in the no relapsed group (p < 0.05). Systemic chemotherapy (including vincristine, high-dose methotrexate) and intrathecal chemotherapy seem to be the most common predisposing factors.

Serum lactate dehydrogenase level in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was estimated in 44 childhood (age range 1-15 years) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on admission, day 14 and day 29 of induction. Another 25 children without ALL were included as control. On admission, the level of serum LDH was significantly high in ALL cases than control (p < 0.001). Total WBC count was significantly decreased along with serum LDH level at day 14 and day 29 of induction (p < 0.001). A significant rise of platelet count was observed at day 29 of induction in relation to significant decrease of serum LDH level (p < 0.001). A significant decrease of peripheral and bone marrow blast cell percentages were also observed at day 29 of induction along with significant decrease level of serum LDH (p < 0.001). So, the measurement of serum LDH level can be accepted as an enzymatic tool for presumption of childhood ALL and the response to chemotherapy during induction of remission.

Obesity management in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Obesity infrequently associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and may cause insulin resistance, hypertension and other complications of obesity. So obesity management in Type 2 diabetes mellitus is essential. Prevention is a logical first step in the management of the obese Type 2 diabetic patient, such programs have had little long-term success. Diet, exercise and behavioral modification still form the cornerstones of treatment and relatively small weight loss results in improvement of all major obesity related co-morbidity's, including Type 2 diabetes. The obese diabetic patient faces extra impediments to weight loss, including the adverse effects of diabetic medication, poor glycaemic control and diabetes related complications. New drugs may offer some additional help, in general by providing the benefit associated with the weight loss as such, Bariatric surgery can produce major long-term weight loss in the severely obese subjects.

Accumulation of arsenic in tissues of iron-deficient rats.

Toxic concentration of arsenic (400 microg/kg body weight/day) was administered orally for 8 weeks to both iron-supplemented and iron-deficient rats. The results showed greater amount of arsenic in both the duodenum and liver of iron-deficient rats, compared to iron-supplemented ones. Duodenum containing high concentration of arsenic in iron-deficient rats showed significant reduction of ferrireductase (the enzyme responsible for the conversion of ferric iron to ferrous one) activity. Our results suggest that anemic rats are more prone to develop arsenic poisoning following chronic ingestion of high content of arsenic.

Development of cytochrome P450 aromatase mRNA levels and enzyme activity in ovaries of normal and hypogonadal (hpg) mice.

The cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) enzyme is required for bioconversion of androgen to oestrogen. In this study ovarian P450arom mRNA and enzyme activity have been measured during development in normal mice and hypogondal (hpg) mice which lack circulating gonadotrophins. A semi-quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) technique was used to measure cytochrome P450arom mRNA levels and aromatase enzyme activity was measured directly. Using RT-PCR, P450arom mRNA was detectable in the adult mouse ovary and also in the uterus, kidney, brain and skeletal muscle but not in cardiac smooth muscle. In the normal mouse, P450arom mRNA was detectable in the ovary on the day of birth (day 1) and levels increased significantly up to day 15 with the most marked changes seen between days 1 and 5. Aromatase activity was also detectable at all ages in the ovary and increased significantly between days 1 and 7. In ovaries from hpg mice, normal levels of P450arom mRNA were present on day 1 but there was no significant change in P450arom mRNA at later ages up to day 15. These results show that in the newborn mouse ovary, which contains only primordial follicles, there is a basal expression of P450arom mRNA which is not gonadotrophin-dependent. After 1 day, however, gonadotrophins are required for normal expression of ovarian P450arom and this coincides with development of primary and secondary follicles.