Effects of testosterone and estradiol on anxiety and depressive-like behavior via a non-genomic pathway.

Besides their known slow genomic effects, testosterone and estradiol have rapid effects in the brain. However, their impact on mood-related behavior is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the non-genomic pathway of testosterone and estradiol in the amygdala in relation to anxiety and depressive-like behavior. Sham-operated and gonadectomized male rats (GDX) supplemented with testosterone propionate, estradiol, or olive oil were used. Five minutes after administration, anxiety and depression-like behavior were tested. Estradiol increased anxiolytic behavior in the open-field test compared to the GDX group, but administration of testosterone had no significant effect. Besides, c-Fos expression in the medial nucleus of the amygdala significantly increased after testosterone treatment compared to the GDX group, while no significant difference was observed in the central and the basolateral nuclei of the amygdala in the testosterone-treated group compared to the GDX group. In conclusion, estradiol had an anxiolytic effect via a rapid pathway, but no rapid effect of testosterone on anxiety was found. Further studies elucidating whether the rapid effect is mediated by a non-genomic pathway are needed.

A case of TRAP sequence with immense acardiac twin.

Twin-reversed arterial perfusion sequence is a rare complication of monochorionic twin pregnancy in which an anomalous acardiac fetus is hemodynamically dependent on its structurally normal "pump" twin. Early diagnosis is essential for improving perinatal prognosis for the normal twin. In this case report we present a case of TRAP sequence with immense acardiac twin with favorable outcome, emphasizing the importance of ultrasound imaging, follow-up and timing of delivery in this complicated pregnancy.

The anxiolytic effect of testosterone in the rat is mediated via the androgen receptor.

Endogenous and exogenous testosterone affects several behavioural traits as shown in human and animal studies. The effects of testosterone can be mediated via androgen or oestrogen receptors, but also via rapid non-genomic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a single testosterone injection has effects, mediated via the androgen receptor, on anxiety in intact male rats. We hypothesised that administration of testosterone will have an anxiolytic effect, mediated by the androgen receptor. Intact adult male Wistar rats were divided into groups: control, flutamide, testosterone and testosterone with flutamide. Testosterone and flutamide (as an androgen receptor blocker) were applied once, intramuscularly, at a dose of 5mg/kg. Twenty four hours later, rats underwent the following behavioural tests to analyse anxiety: open field test, elevated plus maze and light-dark box. Testosterone was measured in plasma to confirm elevated levels in groups that received testosterone. The levels of testosterone were 2.5-3 fold higher amongst rats administered with testosterone compared to controls. Flutamide did not affect plasma testosterone concentrations. Testosterone administration had no effect on anxiety in the open field and elevated plus maze. In the light-dark transition task, testosterone increased the time spent in the light part of the maze by 80%, an effect which was blocked by flutamide, and which was in support of our hypothesis. Flutamide-treated rats spent more time in the central square of the open field. Using the light-dark box we have shown that a single injection of testosterone decreases anxiety in adult male rats. This effect of increased testosterone was mediated via the androgen receptor as flutamide blocked the anxiolytic effect of exogenous testosterone. Treatment with flutamide blocked the effects of endogenous testosterone and had anxiolytic effects in the open field, suggesting a non-linear relationship between genomic effects of T and anxiety.

Bilateral simultaneous isthmic ectopic pregnancy after clomiphene induction.

A rare case of a 32-year-old patient with simultaneous bilateral isthmic tubal pregnancy. A 32-year-old woman with a 3-year history of primary infertility was admitted with light vaginal bleeding and mild abdominal pain. She was 41 days after her last menstruation and 23 day after intrauterine insemination with her husband's sperm. Clomiphene citrate (CC) was used for the induction of ovulation. In cases of ectopic pregnancy with ovulation induced by CC, doctors must be aware of the possibility of bilaterality.