Intracranial haemorrhage in patients on antithrombotics: clinical presentation and determinants of outcome in a prospective multicentric study in Italian emergency departments.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) is the type of stroke associated with the highest death rate, and about 30% of ICH occurs in patients on antithrombotic treatment. This study relates clinical presentations and outcome of ICH patients on oral anticoagulant (OA) or antiplatelet (AP) therapy admitted to 33 Italian emergency departments (ED). METHODS: Consecutive patients were enrolled after cranial computed tomography (CT). Primary outcome was the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) score at 3 months of follow-up. Common descriptive statistics were computed after stratification for traumatic or spontaneous ICH and identification of the anatomical location of bleeding. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess predictors of death. RESULTS: We recruited 434 patients on AP therapy and 232 on OA. There were 432 spontaneous and 234 traumatic ICH patients. The proportions of AP and OA patients undergoing neurosurgery were 21.8 and 19.4%, respectively, while < 30% underwent procoagulant medical treatment. At the 3-month follow-up, the case fatality rate was 42.0%, while disability or death (MRS 3-6) was 68.1%. The odds ratio for death in OA versus AP patients was 2.63 (95% CI 1.73-4.00) in the whole population and 2.80 (95% CI 1.77-4.41) in intraparenchymal event patients. Glasgow Coma Scale, age, spontaneous event and anticoagulant use were found to be predictors of death both in traumatic and spontaneous events. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the high prevalence of death or disability in OA and AP patients with ICH. As far as the determinants of mortality and disability are concerned, the results of this study might be useful in the clinical management and allocation of resources in the ED setting. The observed low use of procoagulant therapy highlights the need for ED educational programmes to heighten the awareness of available and effective haemostatic treatments.

Experimental study of the participation of the vertebral endplate in the integration of bone grafts.

The surgical technique of anterior vertebral arthrodesis has been modified by the introduction of cages in spinal surgery. The classical technique recommends removal of the vertebral endplate and exposure of bleeding cancellous bone. However, after the observation of cage subsidence during postoperative follow-up, the vertebral endplate is no longer removed, due to its greater mechanical resistance which can prevent cage subsidence. The mechanical characteristics of the vertebral endplate are well known, in contrast to its osteogenic potential, which was investigated in the present experimental study. The study was conducted on mongrel dogs of both sexes, which were submitted to anterior corpectomy at the cervical spine level. A cortico-cancellous bone graft removed from the tibia was used for the reconstruction of the vertebral segment, which was used with osteosynthesis plates. At the site of contact between the surface of the vertebral body and the bone graft, the vertebral endplate was completely removed and cancellous bone was exposed in the inferior vertebra, whereas in the superior vertebra of the arthrodesed vertebral segment only curettage was performed, and the vertebral endplate was preserved, as recommended for cage implantation. Twenty adult dogs of both sexes were divided into four experimental groups according to time of sacrifice (15, 30, 90, and 180 days). The consolidation of the bone graft with the vertebral body was evaluated by histology using hematoxilin-eosin and Gomori trichrome staining. In the interface between the bone graft and the vertebral body surface in which the vertebral endplate was not removed, graft consolidation was not observed in any of the group I animals (sacrificed after 15 days), and was observed in 1/5 animals of group II (30 days), in 2/5 animals of group III (90 days), and in 4/5 animals of group IV (180 days). In the interface between the graft and the vertebral body in which the vertebral endplate was removed, bone-graft consolidation was observed in all animals of all experimental groups (15, 30, 90, and 180 days). Bone-graft consolidation with the surface of the vertebral body was influenced by the removal or maintenance of the vertebral endplate. Due to the importance of this structure in current surgical procedures, this phenomenon deserves to be studied in more detail in order to understand the basic events involved in this process.

Alpha-SM actin expression as prognostic indicator in IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease).

Recent studies have demonstrated that alpha-Smooth Muscle actin expression in glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments of renal tissue could represent a prognostic marker in several renal diseases. Our objective was to identify the prognostic value of alpha-SM actin actin expression on the evolution of renal damage in Primary IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease). 43 patients followed up from 1988 to 1999 at the University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, was studied. Clinical-laboratory data were obtained from the medical records of the patients using a protocol containing name, race, gender, origin, profession, age at clinical presentation of the disease and personal and family history. The parameters assessed in the approach to IgA nephropathy were serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, serum albumin, total serum protein, 24 hours proteinuria, glycaemia, serum sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus ions, analysis of urinary sediment, serum complement profile, blood count, and renal biopsy. Morphological evaluation was performed by renal biopsy using common light and immunofluorescence microscopy. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using a murine monoclonal antibody to alpha-SM actin. Our data showed that alpha-SM actin expression in the glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments are not correlated with unfavorable clinical course of primary IgA nephropathy.

La Oxitocina media la natriuresis inducida por la angiotensina II administrada centralmente / The half oxitocin the induce natriuresis by the angiotensin II centrally administered

El sistema renina-angiotensina cerebral es uno de los sistemas más importantes que participan en la regulación del balance hidromineral. La administración central de renina o angiotensina II (Ang II) induce dipsogenia, apetito por la sal, aumento de presión arterial, natriuresis, liberación de oxitocina y vasopresina desde el núcleo paraventricular hipotalámico. La evidencia indica que la oxitocina es una hormona natriurética. Por ello, estudiamos el papel de la oxitocina como posible efector humoral de la natriuresis inducida por la administración intracerebroventricular (ICV) de Ang II en ratas euvolémicas, mediante el uso del atosiban (AT), un antagonista selectivo de los receptores de oxitocina. La administración central de renina o Ang II produjo un efecto antidiurético a la primera hora y un aumento en la excreción urinaria de sodio, de potasio y de GMPc a las 1, 3 y 6 horas. El AT potenció el efecto antidiurético e inhibió completamente la natriuresis, kaliuresis y aumento de la excreción de GMPc, inducidos por la Ang II. Los efectos renales de renina fueron independientes del óxido nítrico ya que el pretratamiento con L-NAME, un inhibidor de la sintasa del óxido nítrico, no alteró la respuesta renal inducida por la administración de renina-ICV. Nuestros resultados apoyan el papel de la oxitocina como efector de la acción natriurética mediada por el sistema renina angiotensina cerebral

El Sistema Nervioso Simpático Cerebral y la natriuresis inducida por la administración central de endotelinas

Se evaluó el papel de los receptores alfa1- alfa2- y beta-adrenérgicos cerebrales en la acción renal de las endotelinas (ETs). La administración intracerebroventricular (ICV) de ETs a ratas macho conscientes resultó en un incremento en la excreción urinaria de sodio a la 1, 3 y 6 horas del período de recolección de orina. La administración ICV de prazosin, un antagonista selectivo del receptor alfa1-adrenérgico, inhibió la respuesta natriurética de las ETs-ICV. Por el contrario, el pretratamiento central con yohimbina (un antagonista del receptor alfa2-adrenérgico) o con atenolol (un antagonista del receptor beta1-adrenérgico) no alteró significativamente la respuesta urinaria a la ET-ICV. Nuestros resultados demuestran que las endotelinas cerebrales se encuentran involucradas en los procesos que regulan el balance electrolítico e indican que el sistema nervioso simpático cerebral, a través del receptor alfa1-adrenérgico, participa en la acción natriurética de las ETs.

Experiments were conducted to investigate the role of brain the alpha1- alpha2 and beta-adrenergic receptors on the renal effects elicited by central injection of ETs. Cerebroventricular administration of endothelins (ETs) to conscious male hydrated rats resulted in an increase in urinary sodium excretion at 1, 3 and 6 hr period of urine collection. Central administration of prazosin (an alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonist) inhibited the increase in sodium and urine excretion induced by ICV-ETs. Yohimbine (an alpha2-adrenergic receptor antagonist) or atenolol (an beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist) did not altered the urinary response to ET-IVT. Our results demonstrate a role for brain endothelin in the regulation of electrolyte balance and indicate that the sympathetic nervous system, through the alpha1-adrenergic receptor subtype, is involved in the natriuretic action of ETs.

Classes, activity and chronicity indices, and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression as prognostic parameters in lupus nephritis outcome.

Renal biopsies of 86 patients with lupus nephritis were assessed according to the WHO classification, and according to activity and chronicity indices. The aim of the present study was to correlate clinical, and histological features (WHO class, activity and chronicity indices, and alpha-SM actin expression) with the progression of lupus nephritis, and identify the pathological role of alpha-SM actin in lupus nephritis. The median follow-up time was 75.5 +/- 57.3 months. Two patients were grouped as WHO class IIa lupus nephritis, eight patients as class IIb, 16 patients as class III, 25 patients as class IV, 15 patients as class V, and 19 patients as mixed pattern lupus nephritis. Sex, age, race, and the alpha-SM actin expression in glomeruli and tubulo-interstitial area in WHO class III and IV showed no correlation with clinical follow-up outcome of lupus nephritis. Unfavorable clinical outcome of lupus nephritis was correlated with WHO class IV compared to the other classes, and with the chronicity index in WHO class III patients.

Buttock placement of the implantable pulse generator: a new implantation technique for sacral neuromodulation--a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: In the standard operation procedure for sacral neuromodulation, the implantable pulse generator (IPG) is implanted in a subcutaneous pocket at the lower part of the anterior abdominal wall. This procedure requires a long operation time and three incisions. With the IPG in the abdominal wall, some patients complain of displacement or pain at the IPG site postoperatively. By modifying the technique of placement of the IPG, these disadvantages are overcome. METHODS: Between August 1999 and July 2000, 39 patients underwent a buttock implant of the IPG. In 2 of these patients the position of the IPG was changed from abdominal region to the buttock. During follow-up, complications concerning the operation and location of the IPG were compared to the published literature. RESULTS: Operation time is reduced in all patients by approximately 1 h. No repositioning of the patient is required during surgery. Only a short subcutaneous tunnel is required to connect the lead to the IPG. Pain at the level of the IPG was noted in 10% of the patients, which needed no further treatment. No infections were seen and the IPG did not displace postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Buttock placement of the IPG in sacral nerve stimulation leads to shorter operation time; only two incisions are needed instead of three and a shorter subcutaneous tunnel is needed. Using this technique there are less complications and a lower re-operation rate.

Expressão imunohistoquímica do mib-1 em carcinoma de células transicionais de bexiga

We investigate the immunoexpression of MIB-1 antigen on the outcome of the transitional carcinoma of the bladder. We revised 90 patients with a mean follow-up of 55 (2-231) months. Forty five (50%) tumors were grade I, 29 (32.2%), grade II and 16 (17.8%) grade III. The tumors were staged in pTa-1: 62 (68.9%) and pT2-4: 28 (31.1%). We considered positive the tumors with more than 10% imunostained cells. Sixty three patients (70%) expressed MIB-1, with significant difference (P 0,05) between invasive tumors (pT2-4) and non-invasive (pTA-1) and between pTA and pT1 tumors (P=0,01). There was also a significant association of MIB-1 immunostaining with tumor grade: G1 versus G2 (p 0,001) and G1 versus G3 (p 0,001). But such difference did not occur with G2 and G3 tumors ( p = 0,2). The relationship of MIB-1 expression with the size of the lesion was significant (p 0,02). The recurrence was not predicted by the MIB-1 labeling pattern (p=0,86), though, the MIB-1-positive patients had significant smaller metastasis free intervals (p = 0.04), and lower survival rates, both among superficial tumors (p=0.009) and in total sample (p = 0.0002).

A expressão do MIB-1 é um excelente marcador da atividade proliferativa e correlaciona-se com a agressividade biológica do carcinoma de células transicionais da bexiga.Correlacionamos a expressão do MIB-1 com a evolução dos pacientes. Revisamos 90 pacientes do HC-FMRP-USP entre 1980-2000, com idade entre 29 a 93 anos (média 71 anos);sendo 70 (77,8%) homens e 20 (22,2%) mulheres; e seguidos em média por 55 (2-231) meses. 45 (50%) tumores tinham grau I, 29 (32,2%) grau II e 16 (17,8%) grau III. Os tumores foram estadiados em pTA: 54 (60%), pT1: 8 (8,9%) e pT2-4: 28 (31,1%). Foi utilizado o anticorpo monoclonal anti-MIB-1 (Immunotech). Emprega-se o limite de 10% de núcleos corados como nível de corte para o MIB-1. Utilizamos para análise estatística os testes Mann-Whitney, Kaplan-Meier, e log rank, e nível de significância 5%. Expressaram MIB-1, 63 pacientes (70%) variando de 0 a 80%(mediana 5%, média 22,8%), com diferença significativa (P 0,05) entre tumores invasivos (pT2-4) e não invasivos (pT A-1) e entre os estádios pT A e pT1 (P=0,01). Houve associação com o grau dos tumores: significativa entre G1 e G2 (P 0,001) e G1 e G3 (P 0,001), e sem significância entre G2 e G3 (P=0,2). A relação do MIB-1 com o tamanho da lesão foi significante (P 0,02). As recidivas não foram preditas pelo índice MIB-1 (P=0,86), entretanto em pacientes MIB-1 positivos foi significantemente menor o intervalo livre de metástase (P=0.04), e a sobrevida entre tumores não invasivos (P=0.009) e na população total (P=0.0002), Há correlação entre a alta expressão do MIB-1 e os estádios invasivos, os graus avançados e os tumores maiores, contudo, não há diferença em tumores recidivados. O índice de positividade do MIB-1 não distinguiu os pacientes com menor tempo livre da doença, foi, contudo, significante para apontar aqueles com menor sobrevida e tempo livre de metástase.

Expressäo imunohistoquímica do MIB-1 em carcinoma de células transicionais de bexiga / Immunohistochemical expression of MIB-1 in transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder

A expressäo do MIB-1 é um excelente marcador da atividade proliferativa e correlaciona-se com a agressividade biológica do carcinoma de células transicionais da bexiga.Correlacionamos a expressäo do MIB-1 com a evoluçäo dos pacientes. Revisamos 90 pacientes do HC-FMRP-USP entre 1980-2000, com idade entre 29 a 93 anos (média 71 anos);sendo 70 (77,8 por cento) homens e 20 (22,2 por cento) mulheres; e seguidos em média por 55 (2-231) meses. 45 (50 por cento) tumores tinham grau I, 29 (32,2 por cento) grau II e 16 (17,8 por cento) grau III. Os tumores foram estadiados em pTA: 54 (60 por cento), pT1: 8 (8,9 por cento) e pT2-4: 28 (31,1 por cento). Foi utilizado o anticorpo monoclonal anti-MIB-1 (Immunotech). Emprega-se o limite de 10 por cento de núcleos corados como nível de corte para o MIB-1. Utilizamos para análise estatística os testes Mann-Whitney, Kaplan-Meier, e log rank, e nível de significância 5 por cento. Expressaram MIB-1, 63 pacientes (70 por cento) variando de 0 a 80 por cento (mediana 5 por cento, média 22,8 por cento), com diferença significativa (P<0,05) entre tumores invasivos (pT2-4) e näo invasivos (pTA-1) e entre os estádios pTA e pT1 (P=0,01). Houve associaçäo com o grau dos tumores: significativa entre G1 e G2 (P<0,001) e G1 e G3 (P<0,001), e sem significância entre G2 e G3 (P=0,2). A relaçäo do MIB-1 com o tamanho da lesäo foi significante (P<0,02). As recidivas näo foram preditas pelo índice MIB-1 (P=0,86), entretanto em pacientes MIB-1 positivos foi significantemente menor o intervalo livre de metástase (P=0.04), e a sobrevida entre tumores näo invasivos (P=0.009) e na populaçäo total (P=0.0002), Há correlaçäo entre a alta expressäo do MIB-1 e os estádios invasivos, os graus avançados e os tumores maiores, contudo, näo há diferença em tumores recidivados. O índice de positividade do MIB-1 näo distinguiu os pacientes com menor tempo livre da doença, foi, contudo, significante para apontar aqueles com menor sobrevida e tempo livre de metástase.

Electrocardiographic findings in obese subjects.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is often associated with cardiovascular pathology. Cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death are reported for obese subjects during severe caloric restriction and weight loss. Also obese patients without dieting are at increased risk of arrhythmias and sudden death in the absence of cardiac dysfunction. This is probably due to a delayed cardiac repolarization and prolongation of heart rate corrected electrocardiographic QT interval (QTc). METHODS: This paper examined the electro-cardiographic findings of a group of obese young males compared with normal patients and whether QTc interval duration was associated with relative body mass index. All patients were free of cardiovascular diseases and came to the First Aid Department for other pathology than cardiac. We studied 109 subjects (50 obese males and 59 normal males; aged 43.4+/-14.8 and 42.8+/-9.8 years respectively). RESULTS: Obese patients presented a shorter PQ, a prevalence of left cardiac axis, a higher heart rate, a longer QT, but not QTc compared with normal males. There was no correlation between QTc and obesity. CONCLUSIONS: This study noticed that obese patients present some differences in electrocardiographic findings compared with normal subjects and that these alterations are not ascribed to cardiac repolarization. This is probably due to the young age of the studied groups.

[Chronobiology of acute pulmonary edema in an emergency service]. / Cronobiologia dell'edema polmonare acuto in un Dipartimento di Emergenza.

Some diseases like acute myocardial infarction, sudden death and stroke have been reported to disclose daily, weekly or annual incidence fluctuations. We analyzed the rhythm of pulmonary edema occurrence. We considered 105 consecutive subjects (mean age 73.7 +/- 9.7 years) who came to an Emergency Department because of acute pulmonary edema during a solar year. Chronobiologic analysis was performed using Halberg single cosinor test. Pulmonary edema incidence was higher during the night with an acrophase at 2:14 a.m. (p < 0.001). No significant weekly or circannual rhythms were detected. We discuss the possible relations with diminished heart output, increase in sympathetic tone or partial baroceptor desensitization, occurring at night.

[Short term changes in risk factors of cerebrovascular diseases. A failure of preventive measures?]. / Modificazioni nel breve termine dei fattori di rischio delle malattie cerebrovascolari. Un insuccesso degli interventi di prevenzione?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Stroke is the third main cause of death in western countries. To evaluate its ever-changing characteristics and the impact of recent public campaigns on cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) in stroke morbidity and mortality, we carried out a retrospective investigation on subjects with cerebrovascular disease in different periods. METHODS: All clinical data of patients with acute cerebrovascular disease (TIA or stroke) admitted to a regional hospital (Padua, Italy) during two distinct years (1985 and 1992) were examined (381 in 1985 and 440 in 1992). In every case the characteristics of the episode, clinical course, concomitant CRFs and relevant biochemical and instrumental examinations were recorded. RESULTS: Altogether Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) represented almost half the records; remaining cases could be classified as ischemic stroke (66% vs 55%), Intracerebral Haemorrhage (17% vs 26%) and subarachnoideal haemorrhage (17% vs 19%) (1985 vs 1992, respectively). The mean hospitalization period was longer in the most recent year, particularly in haemorrhagic patients (H-P, subarachnoid + intracerebral haemorrhage); the in-hospital case fatality rate was reduced in HP while it was significantly increased in those with Cerebral Ischemia (CI-P, TIA + ischemic stroke). The prevalence of blood hypertension, atrial fibrillation and dyslipidaemias rose significantly in 1992 compared to 1985. High plasma lipids were more frequently present in CI-P than in H-P; their 7-year increase was particularly related to combined forms, rather then isolated hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglyceridemia. CONCLUSIONS: These results do not agree with an hypothetical improvement in the prognosis of stroke in the period we considered. Besides the efforts aiming at reducing CRFs in the short term have not shown to be successful.

[Comparative characteristics of electrocardiographic tracing in young subjects of various ethnic groups]. / Caratteristiche comparative del tracciato elettrocardiografico in soggetti giovani appartenenti a razze diverse.

In this study we evaluated the potential differences in normal electrocardiographic parameters between two groups of young patients belonging to different races (Caucasians and Blacks). For this purpose 100 electrocardiograms had been taken, coded and compared in 50 Italian males and 50 north-Africans who came to an Emergency Department because of minor condition. On the whole we could not find significant differences between the two groups, except for a small increase in P-wave duration in black people. We conclude that the same parameters used to evaluate normal electrocardiograms in white people, may be satisfactory applied also for black individuals. This fact is worthy of attention since more and more extracomunitarian patients are addressing the Italian Health Service.

[Conservative surgical treatment of renal carcinoma. Personal experience with 29 surgical excisions of tumors]. / Terapia chirurgica conservativa del carcinoma renale. Esperienza personale su 29 tumorectomie.

From 1980 to 1988, elective conservative surgery (tumorectomy by enucleo-resection) was performed for renal cell carcinoma at stage I in 29 patients. An accurate preoperative renal investigation was carried out to identify the exact extension of the tumor and to study all the parenchimal situation, through IVP, ultrasound, CT scanning and, particularly, conventional selective angiography. The operative technique employed was: lymphadenectomy, peri-pararenal fat extirpation, in situ tumor enucleation by circular incision of the renal capsule and blunt dissection of the renal parenchyma with 2 cm safety margin to the tumor; multiple biopsies in the "bed" of resection for histopathologic peroperative evaluation; careful examination of the pseudocapsule and surrounding renal tissue; hemostasis. Follow-up was 10-113 months (mean 40,34 months). 2 of 29 patients died for progression of disease (at 52nd and 16yh month from surgery, 2/29 died for non-neoplastic reasons; 25/29 pts are living without local recurrences or distant metastases. In the same period (1980-1988), radical nephrectomy was performed for renal tumors at stage I in 34 patients. In an average observation period of 49,67 months, 2/34 patients died for progression of disease; 3/34 pts died for non-neoplastic reasons. 1/34 patient is living with pulmonar metastases and 28/34 are living without evidence of cancer. From this study we have got the conclusion that elective renal-sparing excision of the tumor (with macro-micro examination of the abscission surfaces) should be considered as a curative treatment in the case of low stage single tumors smaller than 7 cm, peripherally located in renal cortex, with unbroken pseudocapsule.

Actinomycosis of bladder and intrauterine devices.

PIP: Vesical actinomycosis, though rare, is being discovered more among women who use IUDs. The case study is presented of a 32 year old woman with actinomycosis of the bladder. An analysis of the disease reveals that human actinomycosis is caused primarily by actinomyces israeli. It grows anaerobically and a number of strains are micro-aerophilic. Infection can begin principally in 3 ways: 1) when endogenous actinomyces penetrate damaged tissues following trauma, 2) other infections of foreign bodies, or 3) surgical manipulation. Pelvic actinomycosis is now being seen in women with IUDs. Urinary tract infection seldom occurs, and kidneys are affected more than ureters or the bladder. In appearance, vesical actinomycosis resembles a retropubic mass. It is possible that female organs, when confronted by a foreign body, may make it possible for the development of a undetectable actinomycotic pelvic infection. Treatment for actinomycosis is extensive antibiotic therapy with penicillin, tetracycline, clindamycin, or erythromycin. Surgery may be necessary when the disease produces a large mass and there's a need to drain abscesses, or to extirpate sinus tracts.^ieng

Use of psychotropic drugs in general medical geriatric inpatients. Relationship with various parameters of psychological distress (evaluated 'in blind').

The authors have evaluated the psychotropic drug use patterns and psychological distress (with the Symptom Distress Checklist, SCL-90) amongst 331 elderly medical inpatients. Forty-two percent of the sample took psychotropic drugs during their hospitalization period. The drugs most commonly used were anxiolytics and hypnotics of the benzodiazepine class. Subjects to whom psychotropic drugs were prescribed reported higher psychological distress compared to those not receiving them; however, a score of moderate distress in the depression and sleep disturbances subscales was reported by a relatively high percentage of subjects not receiving psychotropics. Patients taking antidepressants reported scores of psychological suffering higher than those under benzodiazepine treatment: such a difference not only related to the depression subscale, but to the majority of the symptom areas investigated by the SCL-90.

Convulsions induced by lindane and the involvement of the GABAergic system.

The neurochemical changes underlying the convulsant effects of Lindane, an organochlorinated insecticide, are not known. Since electrophysiological and pharmacological data suggest the view that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays an important role in controlling convulsive seizures, the effect of lindane on the GABAergic system, on different areas of the rat brain, has been evaluated. Lindane (100 mg/kg i.p.) induces a selective increase of GABA levels in the cerebellum after the onset of seizures. Non-significant increases were observed in the cortex and hippocampus. GABA turnover, as measured by the accumulation rate of GABA after blockade of its catabolism, was increased in all the brain areas examined. On the other hand, lindane does not significantly displace from their binding sites in vitro either 3H-GABA or 3H-Flunitrazepam. These findings show that convulsions elicited by lindane are not due to an impairment of the GABAergic system. Moreover, an increase of GABA functional activity takes place, in all brain areas examined, probably as a protective mechanism to counteract the seizures.