Neuropeptides and enzymes are targets for the action of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the vertebrate brain.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) are molecules that interfere with endocrine signaling pathways and produce adverse consequences on animal and human physiology, such as infertility or behavioral alterations. Some EDC act through binding to androgen or/and estrogen receptors primarily operating through a genomic mechanism regulating gene expression. This mechanism of action may induce profound developmental adverse effects, and the major targets of the EDC action are the gene products, i.e., mRNAs inducing the synthesis of various peptidic molecules, which include neuropeptides and enzymes related to neurotransmitters syntheses. Available immunohistochemical data on some of the systems that are affected by EDC in lower and higher vertebrates are detailed in this review.

Effects of xenoestrogens on the differentiation of behaviorally relevant neural circuits in higher vertebrates.

Several environmental chemicals have the capability of impacting endocrine function (endocrine disrupting chemicals [EDCs]), and therefore they may have long-term consequences, especially if exposure occurs during embryonic development. In this study we present data relative to two widely used animal models: the Japanese quail and the mouse. These two species have been used to understand neural, neuroendocrine, and behavioral components of reproduction and are optimal models to understand how these components are altered by precocious exposure to EDCs. In particular, we discuss the effects of embryonic exposure to diethylstilbestrol, genistein, or ethylene,1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) on the sexually dimorphic parvocellular vasotocin system and male copulatory behavior in quail and the effects of bisphenol A on the nitrinergic and kisspeptin systems and their behavioral impact in the mouse. In both models the exposure to EDCs during the critical period (early embryonic period in birds, perinatal period in rodents) alters the differentiation of relevant sexually dimorphic pathways, often inducing the appearance of a sex-reversed neurochemical phenotype that is the most probable cause of the final alteration of sexually differentiated behaviors in the adult animal. In conclusion, the data presented here should stimulate a critical reanalysis of the way to determine the "safe" exposure levels to EDCs for wild species and humans, considering behavior and related neural circuits among the factors to be analyzed.

Blunt traumatic injuries to the colon and rectum.

BACKGROUND: Experience in the treatment of patients with blunt colonic injuries is based on isolated case reports, and it is unclear whether the principles that guide the management of penetrating colonic injuries should be applied to these patients. Reviews of patients with these injuries suggest that such injuries present unique problems for diagnosis and treatment and are accompanied by excessive morbidity and mortality. STUDY DESIGN: A 42-month retrospective case series was analyzed. RESULTS: Data from 27 patients were analyzed, accounting for 8.5 percent of all colon and rectal injuries and for 0.5 percent of total blunt trauma admissions. Automobile crashes were the cause of injuries in 20 patients (74 percent). The mean Injury Severity Score was 28. All but 2 patients were operated on within 3 hours after admission. No significant difference was found in the morbidity and mortality rates based on the operation performed to manage the colonic injury. Indications for early exploration included a positive diagnostic peritoneal lavage in 23 patients, abnormal radiologic findings in 2, and positive clinical abdominal findings in the remaining 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Blunt colonic and rectal injuries are uncommon and pose problems for diagnosis and treatment. Associated injuries are common, and steering wheel compression of the upper abdomen as well as lap belts seem to predispose to colonic injuries. Initial diagnosis is made at the time of operation, and a thorough exploration of the abdominal cavity is important to diagnose associated injuries. Treatment must be individualized; however, based on our observations, the creation of ostomies is not mandatory for the treatment of these injuries.