Primary Cutaneous Lymphoma Registry of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV): Data for the First 5 Years. / Registro de linfomas cutáneos primarios (RELCP) de la AEDV: datos tras 5 años de funcionamiento.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCL) are uncommon. Observations based on the first year of data from the Spanish Registry of Primary Cutaneous Lymphomas (RELCP, in its Spanish abbreviation) of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) were published in February 2018. This report covers RELCP data for the first 5 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: RELCP data were collected prospectively and included diagnosis, treatments, tests, and the current status of patients. We compiled descriptive statistics of the data registered during the first 5 years. RESULTS: Information on 2020 patients treated at 33 Spanish hospitals had been included in the RELCP by December 2021. Fifty-nine percent of the patients were men; the mean age was 62.2 years. The lymphomas were grouped into 4 large diagnostic categories: mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome, 1112 patients (55%); primary B-cell cutaneous lymphoma, 547 patients (27.1%); primary CD30+lymphoproliferative disorders, 222 patients (11%), and other T-cell lymphomas, 116 patients (5.8%). Nearly 75% of the tumors were registered in stage I. After treatment, 43.5% achieved complete remission and 27% were stable at the time of writing. Treatments prescribed were topical corticosteroids (1369 [67.8%]), phototherapy (890 patients [44.1%]), surgery (412 patients [20.4%]), and radiotherapy (384 patients [19%]). CONCLUSION: The characteristics of cutaneous lymphomas in Spain are similar to those reported for other series. The large size of the RELCP registry at 5 years has allowed us to give more precise descriptive statistics than in the first year. This registry facilitates the clinical research of the AEDV's lymphoma interest group, which has already published articles based on the RELCP data.

Vitamin D deficiency in solid-organ transplant recipients from a Spanish Mediterranean population.

BACKGROUND: Solid-organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency, mainly caused by reduced sunlight exposure with subsequent low vitamin D synthesis in the skin. AIM: To analyse whether SOTRs from a Spanish Mediterranean region were vitamin D-deficient. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and observational study in a transplantation-specialized Dermatological Unit from a Mediterranean area to determine the calcidiol levels of a cohort of 78 consecutively attending patients not receiving vitamin D supplements. Serum 25(OH)D3 levels were determined and clinical characteristics were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse variables associated with dichotomized 25(OH)D3 levels (≤ or > 10 ng/mL). RESULTS: The cohort comprised 30 lung, 29 kidney and 19 liver transplant recipients. Mean calcidiol was 18 ± 9 ng/mL. Deficiency of 25(OH)D3 was present in 19% of patients, while 68% had insufficient levels and 13% had sufficient levels. Following multivariate logistic regression analysis, the season of blood sampling remained the only predictor of deficient 25(OH)D3 levels. CONCLUSION: Despite living in a mid-latitude country with sunny weather, our SOTR population was at high risk of developing hypovitaminosis D, especially in autumn/winter. Avoiding sun exposure is important to prevent skin cancer, but careful monitoring of vitamin D status is recommended, with supplementation if hypovitaminosis D is detected.

[Inpatient candiduria: etiology, susceptibility to antifungal drugs and risk factors]. / Candiduria en pacientes hospitalizados: etiología, sensibilidad a los fármacos antifúngicos y factores de riesgo.

OBJECTIVE: Candida could become the second most frequent cause of nosocomial urinary tract infection. Although Candida albicans is the most important species, others have arisen as emerging pathogens. The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of candiduria in inpatients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of Candida isolates from adult inpatient urocultures over five years, gathering and tabulating data on: the species; susceptibility to fluconazole, amphotericin B, and voriconazole (Vitek2, BioMerieux); presence of catheter; hospital department of origin; and patient age and sex. RESULTS: We detected 289 yeast episodes, observing an annual increase: 134 (46.4%) were non-C. albicans yeasts, with 57 (19.7%) being Candida glabrata, 37 (12.8%) Candida tropicalis, 25 (8.6%) Candida parapsilosis, and 10 (3.5%) Candida lusitaniae. Most isolates derived from catheterized (240, 83.0%) and Internal Medicine Department (118, 40.8%) patients, observing an annual increase; 152 (52.6%) isolates were from males, and the mean age was >65 years. Susceptibility to antifungals was >85%. CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient urocultures should include data on the presence of Candida, which is more prevalent in Internal Medicine Department inpatients, in those with urinary catheter, and in over 65-year-olds. Almost half of the isolates were non-C. albicans yeasts, and we recommend complete identification of the species involved.

Repeated transcranial direct current stimulation reduces food craving in Wistar rats.

It has been suggested that food craving-an intense desire to consume a specific food (particularly foods high in sugar and fat)-can lead to obesity. This behavior has also been associated with abuse of other substances, such as drugs. Both drugs and food cause dependence by acting on brain circuitry involved in reward, motivation, and decision-making processes. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) can be activated following evocation and is implicated in alterations in food behavior and craving. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a noninvasive brain stimulation technique capable of modulates brain activity significantly, has emerged as a promising treatment to inhibit craving. This technique is considered safe and inexpensive; however, there is scant research using animal models. Such studies could help elucidate the behavioral and molecular mechanisms of eating disorders, including food craving. The aim of our study was to evaluate palatable food consumption in rats receiving tDCS treatment (anode right/cathode left). Eighteen adult male Wistar rats were randomized by weight and divided into three groups (n = 6/group): control, with no stimulation; sham, receiving daily 30 s tDCS (500 µA) sessions for 8 consecutive days; and tDCS, receiving daily 20 min tDCS (500 µA) sessions for 8 consecutive days. All rats were evaluated for locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior. A palatable food consumption test was performed at baseline and on treatment completion (24 h after the last tDCS session) under fasting and feeding conditions and showed that tDCS decreased food craving, thus corroborating human studies. This result confirms the important role of the prefrontal cortex in food behavior, which can be modulated by noninvasive brain stimulation.

Ethanolic extract of Casearia sylvestris Sw exhibits in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and in vivo hypolipidemic effect in rats / Extrato etanólico de Casearia sylvestris Sw apresenta atividade antioxidante e antimicrobiana in vitro e efeito hipolipemiante em ratos

ABSTRACT: The Casearia sylvestris Sw (Flacourtiaceae) is a shrub that occurs in forests of Southern Brazil; its leaves are widely used in folk medicine as a depurative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic agent. The objective of this study was to perform the phytochemical description and to evaluate the pharmacological activities (antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant and toxicity) of the ethanolic extract (EE) of C. sylvestris Sw. In addition, we also evaluated the effect of the EE of C. sylvestris Sw on the glucose levels and lipid profile in blood serum of rats submitted to a model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Material and Methods: In vitro assay: the detection of chemical groups was done through chemical reactions with the development of color or precipitate and by chromatographic profile; the antioxidant activity was measured by the method of reduction of DPPH free radical (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl); the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was evaluated by the broth microdilution method, and the Minimum Bactericide Concentration and the Minimum Fungicide Concentration were performed in Petri dishes; the cytotoxic activity was measured by the Artemia salina test. In vivo assay: diabetic and non-diabetic rats were treated with EE of C. sylvestris Sw (300 mg/kg) for 45 days, and the glycaemia and lipid profile were analyzed. Results: The EE showed a Lethal Dose50 of 724.76 μg.mL-1 and important antioxidant, fungicide and fungistatic activities. The EE showed better antimicrobial activity regarding the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella setubal. Conclusion: The EE of C. sylvestris Sw produces a significant decrease in triglycerides, total cholesterol and VLDL levels without any significant alteration in the glycaemia. The EE of C. sylvestris Sw presents antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and it exhibits a potent hypolipidemic effect.

RESUMO: Casearia sylvestris Sw (Flacourtiaceae) é uma planta comumente encontrada em florestas do sul do Brasil; suas folhas são amplamente utilizadas na medicina popular como depurativa, analgésica, anti-inflamatória e anti ulcerogênica. O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar uma descrição fitoquímica e da atividade farmacológica (antimicrobiana, antifúngica, antioxidante e toxicidade) do extrato etanólico (EE) da C. Sylvestris Sw. Adicionalmente, procurou-se avaliar o efeito do EE da C. Sylvestris Sw sobre os níveis séricos de glicose e perfil lipídico de ratos submetidos a um modelo de diabetes induzida por estreptozotocina. A detecção de grupos químicos foi realizada por reações químicas de coloração ou precipitação, e também por cromatografia; a atividade antioxidante foi mensurada pelo método de redução do DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazil); a concentração mínima inibitória foi realizada pela técnica de micro-diluição, e concentração mínima bactericida e concentração mínima fungicida foram realizadas em placa de Petri; enquanto a atividade citotóxica foi conduzida pelo teste da Artemia salina. Nos ensaios in vivo, ratos diabéticos e não-diabéticos foram tratado com EE da C. Sylvestris Sw (300mg/kg) por 45 dias, e os níveis glicêmico e perfil lipídico foram medidos. A dose Letal50 do EE foi de 724.76 μg.mL-1; mostrando importante atividades antioxidante, fungicida e fungistática e melhor atividade antimicrobiana contra Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli e Salmonella setubal. O EE da C. Sylvestris Sw promoveu diminuição significativa nos níveis de triglicerídeos, colesterol total e VLDL; porém sem efeito significativo nos níveis glicêmicos. O EE da C. Sylvestris Sw, além de apresentar atividade antioxidante e antimicrobiana; possui também potente efeito hipolipidêmico.

Medicinal agents and metabolic syndrome.

The definition of the Metabolic Syndrome (MS) has encountered difficulty in reaching a universal consensus although there exists an agreement of its main pathologies which are hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, inflammation and renal damage. The prevalent opinion is that three of those alterations may define the syndrome. The incidence of the MS has increased globally, particularly in the last few years, to the point of being regarded as an epidemic. The treatment of the MS can be approached from different angles, since it may be a multifaceted health problem. A healthy lifestyle, which means the practice of regular exercise is suggested to MS patients. Increasing physical activity has anti-inflammatory effects since there is an inverse association of physical activity and inflammatory biomarker concentrations. An adequate diet is recommended, such as the Mediterranean, which contains fish, tomatoes, garlic, red peppers, olive oil and includes red wine, that is, antioxidants and non-saturated oils. There are also the traditional herbal preparations, used in the alternative medicine. Several therapeutic tools can be used; the most common are the pharmaceutical products to deal with obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemias, diabetes and inflammation. In addition several pharmacological therapies such as non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended. Recently new mechanisms of action of statins, fibrates, metformin and thiazolidinediones have demonstrated their anti-inflammatory effect and potential use to treat MS.

Calidad de la información sobre ejercicios en las páginas de Internet dirigida a sobrevivientes de cáncer de seno / Quality of the information on exercise found on websites aimed at breast cancer survivors

Objetivo. Describir la calidad de la información acerca de ejercicios en Internet dirigida a sobrevivientes de cáncer de seno. Método. El diseño del estudio es exploratorio descriptivo. Se evaluó la calidad de la información acerca de ejercicios en un total de 40 páginas de Internet: se utilizaron 3 instrumentos para evaluar la calidad de la información: Discern, InEje (calidad de la información de ejercicios) y FRES/Huertas. Resultados. Los porcentajes de los promedios obtenidos con respecto a la puntuación máxima posible para cada instrumento fueron: Discern 62,67%, InEje 15,23%, y FRES/Huertas 56,51%. Conclusión. La evidencia sugiere que es necesario mejorar la calidad de la información sobre ejercicios de las páginas de Internet en inglés y español para sobrevivientes de cáncer de seno (AU)

Goal: To analyze the changes produced by therapeutic massage on systemic autonomic activity by analyzing the modification of cardiac autonomic activity. Material and methods: A comparative study was performed on 15 women on the variability of heart rate variability (HRV) (RR interval) obtained by photoplethysmography for 2 20-minute sessions: control and massage. HRV was measured at 4 different times for periods of 5 minutes each. The massage session consisted of effleurage massage and wide-ranging sliding pressure. In addition, the participants had to fill out the well-being visual analogue scale (Well Being VAS) questionnaire immediately after the control and massage session. Results: The paired Student’s t-test was used to compare the results obtained. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to quantify the relationship existing between the different times in each one of the parameters. A statistically significant increase was observed in HRV (total power) as well as an increase in parasympathetic activity in the massage session during the last 5 minutes (relative to baseline) compared to control session. However, this response tends to decrease 5 minutes after its interruption/timeout. Finally, the Well Being VAS score shows a significant increase after the massage. However, its gain is not correlated to the changes in the physiological variables. Conclusions: The massage applied on healthy subjects affects the autonomic nervous system (AU)

Tratamiento insulínico en régimen basal-bolos con insulina glargina en pacientes con diabetes tipo 1 con inadecuado control metabólico / Insulin treatment in basal-bolus regimen using a insulin glargine in patients with type 1 diabetes and inadequate metabolic control

El objetivo de este trabajo era evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento con múltiples dosis de insulina (MDI) utilizando insulina glargina como insulina basal y lispro como insulina prandial. Cuarenta y cinco pacientes con diabetes tipo 1 (DM1) y un control metabólico inadecuado con terapia intensiva con insulina protamina neutra de Hagedorn (NPH) e insulina rápida, fueron tratados con una dosis de insulina glargina asociada a 3 o más dosis de insulina lispro preprandial durante 5 meses. Antes y después del tratamiento, se analizaron variables clínicas, analíticas y grado de satisfacción con el tratamiento, y se efectuó una monitorización continua de glucosa durante 48 horas al final del estudio. Los resultados fueron los siguientes: con la terapia basal-bolos se observó un aumento del índice de masa corporal (24,0 ± 3,5 frente a 24,4 ± 3,4 kg/m2; p <0,05), una reducción de las necesidades de insulina (0,86 ± 0,28 frente a 0,72 ± 0,20 UI/kg/día; p <0,001) y una disminución de los episodios de hipoglucemia grave. Al mismo tiempo, un descenso significativo tanto de la glucemia basal (189 ± 78 frente a 145 ± 58 mg/dL; p= 0,005) como de los niveles de hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c) (8,5 ± 1,1 frente a 7,8 ± 0,8%; p= 0,001), así como una evidente mejora en el grado de satisfacción con el tratamiento. En conclusión, el tratamiento con MDI en régimen bolos-basal con insulina glargina como insulina basal reduce la glucemia basal y el nivel de HbA1c, con menores requerimientos de insulina, e induce un ligero incremento ponderal. Además, esta terapia consigue una reducción significativa de los episodios de hipoglucemia grave, con una mejora importante en el grado de satisfacción del paciente con el tratamiento (AU)

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with multiple daily injections (MDI) using insulin glargine as basal insulin and insulin lispro as prandial insulin. Forty-five patients with type 1 diabetes and inadequate metabolic control with intensive therapy based on NPH insulin and rapid-acting insulin were treated with insulin glargine once daily associated with 3 or more doses of preprandial lispro insulin during 5 months. Clinical and analytical variables and satisfaction with treatment were analyzed before and after treatment, and a continuous glucose monitoring was performed during 48 hours at the end of the study. An increase in body mass index (24.01 ± 3.55 versus 24.42 ± 3.38 kg/m2, p <0.05), a reduction in insulin requirements (0.86 ± 0.28 versus 0.72 ± 0.20 IU/kg/day, p <0.001) and diminution of severe hypoglycemia episodes were observed with the basal-bolus therapy. At the same time, a significant decrease of fasting plasma glucose levels (189 ± 78 versus 145 ± 58 mg/dl, p= 0.005) and HbA1c levels (8.5 ± 1.1 versus 7.8 ± 0.8%, p= 0001), as well as an improvement in the degree of satisfaction with treatment were observed. In conclusion, treatment with MDI in basalbolus regimen with insulin glargine as basal insulin reduces fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels, with lower insulin requirements and a slight weight increase. Furthermore, this therapy achieves a significant reduction of episodes of severe hypoglycemia with an important improvement in the degree of treatment patient satisfaction (AU)

Mielitis transversa asociada a lupus eritematoso sistémico / Transverse myelitis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

No disponible

Antioxidant activities of Ptychopetalum olacoides ("muirapuama") in mice brain.

Ptychopetalum olacoides (PO) roots are used by Amazonian peoples to prepare traditional remedies for treating various central nervous system conditions in which free radicals are likely to be implicated. Following the identification of PO ethanol extract (POEE) free-radical scavenging properties in vitro, the aim of this study was to verify the in vivo antioxidant effect of POEE. Aging mice (14 months) were treated (i.p.) with saline, DMSO (20%) or POEE (100mg/kg body wt.), and the hippocampi, cerebral cortex, striata, hypothalamus and cerebellum dissected out 60 min later to measure antioxidant enzyme activities, free-radical production and damage to macromolecules. POEE administration reduced free-radical production in the hypothalamus, lead to significant decrease in lipid peroxidation in the cerebral cortex, striatum and hypothalamus, as well as in the carbonyl content in cerebellum and striatum. In terms of antioxidant enzymes, catalase activity was increased in the cortex, striatum, cerebellum and hippocampus, while glutathione peroxidase activity was increased in the hippocampus. This study suggests that POEE contains compounds able to improve the cellular antioxidant network efficacy in the brain, ultimately reducing the damage caused by oxidative stress.

Reduced anterior hippocampal formation volume in hyponatremic schizophrenic patients.

Diminished hippocampal volume occurs in the anterior segment of some schizophrenic patients, and in the posterior segment in others. The significance of hippocampal pathology in general and these segmental differences in specific is not known. Several lines of evidence suggest anterior hippocampal pathology underlies the life-threatening hyponatremia seen in a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia; therefore our goal was to determine if this region was preferentially diminished in hyponatremic patients. We studied seven polydipsic hyponatremic, ten polydipsic normonatremic, and nine nonpolydipsic normonatremic schizophrenic inpatients, as well as 12 healthy controls. All underwent structural scanning on a high resolution (3.0 T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Hippocampal formation, amygdala, and third ventricle volumes were manually traced in each subject. The hippocampus was divided at the posterior extent of the uncus, and all structural volumes were corrected for whole brain volume and other significant recognized factors (i.e., age, gender, height, parental education). Despite being overhydrated, anterior hippocampal formation volume was diminished in those with polydipsia and hyponatremia relative to each of the other three groups. Third ventricle volume was larger in this group than in healthy controls but similar to the two patient groups. Posterior hippocampal and amygdala volumes did not differ between groups. Other potential confounds (e.g., water imbalance) either had no effect or accentuated these differences. We conclude the anterior hippocampal formation is smaller in hyponatremic schizophrenic patients, thereby linking an important and objective clinical feature of schizophrenia to a neural pathway that can be investigated in animal models. The findings strengthen the hypothesis that anterior hippocampal formation pathology disrupts functional connectivity with other limbic structures in schizophrenia.

Congenital anomalies of the small intestine, colon, and rectum.

Congenital anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract are a significant cause of morbidity in children and, less frequently, in adults. These abnormalities include developmental obstructive defects of the small intestine, anomalies of the colon, anomalies of rotation and fixation, anorectal anomalies, and intestinal duplications. Neonates with complete high intestinal obstruction do not usually require further radiologic evaluation following radiography, whereas those with complete low obstruction should undergo a contrast material enema examination. An upper gastrointestinal series must be performed in all patients with incomplete intestinal obstruction because management is different in each case. In low intestinal obstruction, ultrasonography (US) may help differentiate between small bowel obstruction and colonic obstruction. In addition, US can help correctly identify meconium ileus and meconium peritonitis and is useful in the diagnosis of enteric duplication cysts. In malrotation and anorectal anomalies, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can provide superb anatomic detail and added diagnostic specificity. Intestinal duplications manifest as an abdominal mass at radiography, contrast enema examination, or US. At CT, most duplications manifest as smoothly rounded, fluid-filled cysts or tubular structures with thin, slightly enhancing walls. At MR imaging, the intracystic fluid has heterogeneous signal intensity on T1-weighted images and homogeneous high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Familiarity with these gastrointestinal abnormalities is essential for correct diagnosis and appropriate management.

Modifications induced by dietary lipid source in adipose tissue phospholipid fatty acids and their consequences in lipid mobilization.

The aim of the present work was to assess the influence of dietary lipid source on fatty acid phospholipid profiles and on lipid mobilization. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups and fed on high-fat diets which provided olive oil, sunflower oil, palm oil or beef tallow. All rats received the same amount of energy to avoid hyperphagia and differences in energy intake among groups. Phospholipid fatty acids were determined by GC. Lipolysis was stimulated in subcutaneous and perirenal isolated adipocytes by several lipolytic agents, and assessed by the determination of released glycerol. After 4 weeks of feeding, differences in body and adipose tissue weights were not observed. Dietary regimens caused great changes in adipose tissue phospholipid composition: rats fed on palm oil and beef tallow had higher concentrations of saturated fatty acids and animals fed on olive oil or sunflower oil had greater amounts of oleic and linoleic acids, respectively. These modifications did not lead to important changes in adipocyte lipolysis. Significant differences were only observed between palm-oil- and beef-tallow-fed groups when lipolysis was stimulated by isoproterenol in subcutaneous adipocytes. The fact that our feeding protocol did not induce differences in fat accumulation among groups avoids misinterpretations due to adiposity changes. The differences observed between both saturated-fat-fed groups, therefore, should only be attributable to dietary lipids. Despite this effect, the data from this work indicate that some diet-induced changes in adipose tissue fatty acid composition may have little effect on overall function.

The Latino Health Advocacy Program: a collaborative lay health advisor approach.

There have been numerous calls in the literature for health educators to develop programs to improve access to and utilization of health and human services by traditionally underserved communities, including Latinos. While the literature suggests several principles that can guide the development of these programs, it is important to address the needs, and build on the strengths, of the specific community of interest. It is, therefore, important to use collaborative approaches in which community members take an active role in the initiation, design, implementation, and evaluation of program activities. Lay health advisor programs are particularly well suited to this approach as they are designed to build on the strength of already existing community relationships to improve community health. This article describes a collaborative, culturally appropriate, holistic, and ecological lay health advisor program--the Latino Health Advocacy Program. Lessons learned and implications for future program development are discussed.

Influence of administration of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on process of histological recovery in liver cirrhosis produced by oral intake of thioacetamide.

Patients with liver cirrhosis frequently show some degree of protein-energy malnutrition and obviously require nutritional support. In this study, the treatment of rats consisted of the ad libitum oral intake of a 300 mg/liter thioacetamide solution, used as drinking water for four months. Thioacetamide treatment produced a severe alteration in the plasma fatty acid profile with significant decreases of these, which mimicked changes described in human cirrhosis. This hepatotoxic agent causes nodular cirrhosis, with loss of the normal architecture of the liver and disruption of the vascular pattern. The goal of the study was to evaluate the influence of n-3 and n-6 series long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid dietary supplementation in experimental animals and to assess the effects of those dietary components on structural recovery in the liver. Significant increases of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids as well as n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids were seen only in the animals given the n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplemented diet. However, only rats given the standard diet exhibited some degree of histological regeneration.

Evidence for a modulatory role of catecholamines on hypothalamic somatostatin in the rat.

The influence of catecholamines (CA) on hypothalamic somatostatin (HPT-SRIF) was investigated in rats by using several drugs which interfere with brain CA metabolism. Depletion of brain CA stores by alpha-methyl-rho-tyrosine (AMT) increased HPT-SRIF, while augmented brain CA levels following L-dopa administration decreased HPT-SRIF content. Blockade of dopamine beta-hydroxylase activity by disulfiram depleted brain noradrenaline (NA) and decreased HPT-SRIF. The selective increase in brain NA stores caused by threo-dihydroxyphenylserine (DOPS) also produced an increase in HPT-SRIF. Increased dopamine (DA) and decreased NA levels after disulfiram + L-dopa (1 h) treatment did not modify HPT-SRIF, whereas unaltered NA and greatly increased DA levels following disulfiram + L-dopa (2 h) treatment produced a drastic reduction of HPT-SRIF. The results suggest that DA and NA exert an influence on HPT-SRIF, supporting previous observations.

A preliminary study of hypoglycemic activity of Lythrum salicaria.

A study of the hypoglycemic activity of several extracts of Lythrum salicaria was made in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rabbits. Circulating insulin variations were studied as well. The results of this study prove a hypoglycemic activity of the plant.