ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Metallothionein (MT) may play a preventive role in various carcinogenic process. 4NQO is an alkaline compound and potent mutagen that causes the formation of DNA adducts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression of MT in palatal cells of mice submitted to the carcinogen 4NQO. STUDY DESIGN: C57BL/6 mice received applications of 4NQO to palate for periods of 8, 16, 20 and 24 weeks (experimental group). A control group received only applications of propylene glycol for the same periods. Subsequently animals of experimental and control groups were sacrificed and the palate was histologically analysed and MT immunohistochemistry performed. RESULTS: Although morphological atypical features were scant, the expression of MT was higher in the experimental group in comparison to controls. There was an amplified induction of MT expression in oral epithelium of mice treated by 4NQO. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that MT may act as an endogenous defensive factor against 4NQO in early phases of oral carcinogenesis.
Subject(s)
Metallothionein/biosynthesis , Mouth Mucosa/cytology , Mouth Mucosa/metabolism , Palate, Soft/cytology , Palate, Soft/metabolism , 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide/pharmacology , Animals , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mouth Mucosa/drug effects , Palate, Soft/drug effects , Quinolones/pharmacologyABSTRACT
We describe two cases of palatal myoclonus (PM), one essential and another secondary to a stroke. Case 1: a 64 years old female who developed clicking sounds in both ears after a stroke and three years later on noticed a progressive involuntary movement of the throat associated with rhythmic contractions of the soft palate, muscles of tongue and throat. MRI showed an ischemic area in brainstem. The patient had a partial response to the use of sumatriptan 6 mg subcutaneously. Case 2: a 66 years old female who began with ear clicking at left ear that worsed slowly associated with tinnitus and arrhythmic movements of soft palate and an audible click at left ear. Brain MRI was normal; audiometry showed bilateral neurosensory loss. She was prescribed clonazepan 1 mg daily with complete recovery. Primary and secondary palatal myoclonus share the same clinical features but probably have different pathophysiological underlying mechanisms.
Subject(s)
Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use , Clonazepam/therapeutic use , Myoclonus/drug therapy , Serotonin Receptor Agonists/therapeutic use , Sumatriptan/therapeutic use , Aged , Electromyography , Female , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Middle Aged , Myoclonus/diagnosis , Palate, Soft/drug effectsABSTRACT
We describe two cases of palatal myoclonus (PM), one essential and another secondary to a stroke. Case 1: a 64 years old female who developed clicking sounds in both ears after a stroke and three years later on noticed a progressive involuntary movement of the throat associated with rhythmic contractions of the soft palate, muscles of tongue and throat. MRI showed an ischemic area in brainstem. The patient had a partial response to the use of sumatriptan 6 mg subcutaneously. Case 2: a 66 years old female who began with ear clicking at left ear that worsed slowly associated with tinnitus and arrhythmic movements of soft palate and an audible click at left ear. Brain MRI was normal; audiometry showed bilateral neurosensory loss. She was prescribed clonazepan 1 mg daily with complete recovery. Primary and secondary palatal myoclonus share the same clinical features but probably have different pathophysiological underlying mechanisms
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Middle Aged , Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use , Clonazepam/pharmacology , Myoclonus/drug therapy , Serotonin Receptor Agonists/pharmacology , Sumatriptan/pharmacology , Electromyography , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Myoclonus/diagnosis , Palate, Soft/drug effectsABSTRACT
Five pregnant rats were treated during organogenesis with sc injections of acyclovir (50 mg/kg body weight) on days 9, 10 and 11 of pregnancy. The fetuses (N=62) were evaluated on day 20 of gestation and presented decreased body weight as well as delayed differentiation of fetal rat palate epithelium, with increased nuclear volume, decreased cytoplasmic and cellular volumes, decreased epithelial and keratin thicknesses, and increased cellular numerical density.