Chronic lip edema and pain secondary to lip augmentation procedure: histological, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis evaluation.

BACKGROUND: In parallel with the increase in requests for filler injections, reported complications (immediate or delayed and transient or permanent) increased too. CASE REPORT: In the presented case report, a patient reported a delayed complication of filler injection. The complaints of the patient and the objective evaluation revealed the presence of multiple lip nodules, that were painful both spontaneously and at the touch, after 10 years from a lip filler injection. The surgical excision of the neoformations permitted the complete healing of the lesions. The histological analysis showed a not specific pattern, showing a material encapsulated by a tissue reaction, confirming that the possible cause of the multiple injuries could be attributable to the injection received years earlier. CONCLUSIONS: The professional who intends to perform filler injections needs a complete training process, both from a theoretical and practical point of view. Also, the patients must be informed of the possible risks associated with each product.

Experience on biocompatible artificial hair implant.

OBJECTIVE: In Europe, a great number of investigations and studies followed up to develop safer techniques performed by physicians only. Successful dedicated medical protocols included the implant of single fibers with extractable root. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of biocompatible artificial hair implants in patients with androgenetic alopecia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 682 patients (488 males and 184 females) aged between 25 and 70 years old, with diagnosed AGA, requiring no invasive nor surgical hair restoration, with problems of baldness and refusing surgical options appealed to the Second Opinion Medical Consulting (Modena, Italy), and were included in the present protocol. Before the treatment, all patients underwent a test implant to rule out hypersensitivity by implanting 100 fibers on a selected skin spot. If no reaction was detected, five weeks later 500-1,200 fibers were further implanted per session at a minimum interval of 5 weeks until the required aesthetic result was achieved. RESULTS: The average number of sessions for each patient was 5. The average number of implanted fibers was 2,100 (ranging from 800 to 12,000). The treated scalp area returned to normal appearance and tenderness in 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: The socio-phycological benefit and the life quality improvement of our patients have been the focus of the study. On our side, the accurate selection, small hair units for each implant session, customized dermatological consultation and the use of highly biocompatible fibers have been the proper strategy to achieve the goal.

Use of adipose derived stem cells in Treacher Collins syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is a rare congenital disorder of craniofacial development. TCS occurs with an incidence of 1:50,000, and more than 60% of TCS cases have no previous family history and arise as the result of de novo mutations. The high rate of de novo mutations, together with the extreme variability in the degree to which individuals can be affected, makes the provision of genetic counseling extremely complicated. Consequently, every case of TCS is unique and needs to be assessed individually. Patients with TCS frequently undergo multiple reconstructive surgeries from birth through adulthood, which rarely are fully corrective in the long-term. The nascent field of regenerative medicine offers the promise to improve some of these treatments. In particular, structural fat grafting (SFG) seems to be a good strategy not only to restore the normal volume and contour of the face, but also to provide a source of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) with a multilineage differentiation potential. In this work, we present genetical analyses of ADSC affected by TCS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ADSCs from were analyzed for their stemness properties and shared many characteristics with those of a healthy subject. Screening of the genome of the TCS patient using array-Comparative Genomic Hybridization allowed us to identify some chromosomal imbalances that are probably associated with TCS. RESULTS: We found that some alterations, involving the TIMELESS gene, were usually associated with embryonic stem cells. CONCLUSIONS: With the aim to improve the final results, we need to consider combining knowledge of genetic alterations and expression profiles as a fundamental step before starting with surgical procedures.

Clinical and histopathological profile of oral cancer: a quadrennial analysis of Regional Cancer Centre of Odisha, India.

OBJECTIVE: To contribute toward the identification of population-based clinical and histopathological profile of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), this study was undertaken at the Regional Cancer Centre of Odisha (AHRCC), India. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients diagnosed with OSCC registered at AHRCC, Odisha from 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2018. Demographic, clinical, and pathological data of each patient were retrieved from patient records. Patients with incomplete records were excluded. No postoperative treatment details were collected. RESULTS: The study included 851 cases of OSCC with the mean age of the population found to be 53.8±14.2 years. Male to female ratio was found to be 2.18:1. Gingivobuccal complex was the most common site of OSCC. While 679 patients were reported to undergo incision biopsy only 172 patients underwent excision biopsy in four years. Well differentiation (n=782) is the most common histological grading. The median clinical size of the tumour was 4 cm. Upon analyzing histological parameters in excision specimens lymphovascular and perineural invasion were seen in 38 and 26 cases, respectively. Cervical lymph node metastasis was seen in 42 cases out of 172 excision specimens (24%). 63.23% of cases presented with a depth of invasion between 5 to 10 mm. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest comprehensive data from the regional cancer center of Odisha population which highlights the demographic, clinical, and histopathological data reported to date.

Observational studies on the efficacy of carbamazepine and ascorbyl palmitate in managing trigeminal neuralgia.

OBJECTIVE: Ascorbyl palmitate is a fat-soluble ester of vitamin C and is used as an antioxidant food additive. While literature reports that ascorbyl palmitate can prevent exacerbation of pain and improve the quality of life of patients suffering from pain, this is not yet supported by clinical trial data. Our study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of ascorbyl palmitate in managing trigeminal neuralgia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was carried out in a single-centre clinical trial in which subjects suffering from trigeminal neuralgia (N=11) were included. All patients were on carbamazepine when first included and, after washout period, received Ascorbyl palmitate. Eligible patients had the most severe trigeminal neuralgia pain in the oral cavity or pain on touching trigger zones, aged 20 years or older, were capable of proper assessment of the severity of pain and their condition, and had experienced multiple episodes of intraoral pain for at least 3 months with a pain intensity of more than 4 points on the numerical rating scale. The Brief Pain Questionnaire was used to evaluate patient's quality of life. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients were included with a mean age 55.36±10.67 years (7 males, 4 females). Most patients had compression by the superior cerebellar artery and vascular loops upon magnetic resonance examination. The mean numerical rating scale score for carbamazepine after one month was 7.9±0.56 (95% CI 7.49, 8.30). Similarly, for ascorbyl palmitate was 5.5±1.50 (95% CI 4.42, 6.57) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ascorbyl palmitate can be used as an adjunct intervention in managing trigeminal neuralgia pain. According to the results, ascorbyl palmitate prevents frequent exacerbation of pain and improves patient quality of life.

In vitro comparative study on the mechanical behavior of Zirconia and Polyetheretherketone in applied dental sciences.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, Zirconia and polyaryletherketone (PEEK) have attracted increasing interest as reliable and safe materials in dental applications, mainly because of their good biomechanical characteristics. The aim of this study was to investigate the response to different loads by prosthetic frameworks for supported fixed partial dentures (FPDs), thus simulating osseointegrated implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens were divided into two groups (n= 5 each). Group A: FDPs in zirconia-ceramic; Group B: FDPs in PEEK-composite. These 2 groups were subjected to vertical loads so to evaluate structural deformation; then, they have been analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at different magnifications. RESULTS: In tested samples, different types of mechanical failures have been observed. In Zirconia-specimens, chipping is the main failure noticed in this study, mostly in distal margins of the structure. Also, peek-specimens show failure and fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Zirconia and PEEK could be considered both good materials, but several investigations are needed to use these materials as an alternative to metals for fixed partial dentures.

Management of large perforations of the sinus mucosa with PRGF-Endoret® platelet concentrate.

The aim of the present study is to describe a new technique through which it is possible to complete the maxillary sinus lift procedure even in case of severe damage or complete removal of the sinus mucosa using the PRGF-Endoret® platelet concentrate. Eighteen patients (ratio F:M=4:5; average age: 58.2 years; DS: 8.85 years) with severe perforation (more than 10 millimetres of diameter) of the sinus mucosa during the maxillary sinus lift procedure were selected. Normally the procedure is interrupted due to impossible stabilization of the graft material inside the subantral cavity. On the contrary, our protocol foreseen the sealing of the perforation using the PRGF autologous gel membranes or the creation of a new sinus pseudomembrane through which the graft material was covered. The PRGF-Endoret were obtained according to the protocol developed by BTI (Biotechnology Institute - Vitoria, Spain). In 14 cases out of 18 implant fixtures were concurrently inserted while in 4 cases the fixture insertion was postponed after 6 months: 37 fixtures were inserted (27 at the same time and 10 after 6 months). 2 months after surgery the CBCT showed a correct pneumatization of the maxillary sinus in 16 patients out of 18 (89% of cases), while after 12 months the radiological normalization of the maxillary sinus was present in 17 patients out of 18, bringing the healing rate to 94% of cases. Regarding implant healing, 2 out of 37 implants inserted were lost in the first month after the surgical phase, whereas 12 months after prosthesis application the other 35 implants were perfectly osteointegrated with a healing rate equal to 94.6% of the fixtures. 36 months after the surgery all the fixtures were osteointegrated (35 of 37 implants with a percentage of 94.6% of success). We may conclude that the use of PRGF allowed to complete the sinus lift even in case of severe perforation of the sinus mucosa or its total removal thanks to its capability to stabilize the graft, its antibacterial and antifungal activity and its anabolic effect and favouring bone regeneration.

Analysis of the foot load in subjects with prevalent unilateral chewing.

The relationship between occlusion and posture has been and is still strongly debated. This study examines 40 male and female healthy subjects, (11 males and 29 females, average age: 26.27 years, st dv: 3.03) aged between 21 and 32. The baropodometric evaluation was performed with the subject in rest position and in usual centric occlusion. The results obtained were analyzed using a baropodometric platform and Freesteps software (Sensor Medica srl, Rome - Italy) analyzing the podalic load, the foot axis and the foot angles. The values reported show that 80% of subjects in rest position (p-value 0.01) and 70% of subjects in centric occlusion (p-value 0.05) have a greater foot load in the contralateral foot compared to the chewing side; moreover, the foot axis values are statistically significant because 77% of subjects in rest position and 72% in centric occlusion have a foot axis more open on the same side than the chewing one. The foot angles values are not significant. These results could be understood analyzing the activation of the body muscular chains: on the chewing side there is an increase of the activity of the flexion chain with side bending of the trunk. This induces a change of the body barycenter compensated by an outer rotation of the homolateral leg and foot; moreover, the body bending creates a false short leg on the same side, explaining the excess of podalic load on the other side. These values show that the hypothesis of a correlation appears to be likely, although obviously it still needs confirmation and further analysis.

Long-term clinical outcome of dental implants: A retrospective clinical study with a minimum follow-up between 9.5 and 17.7 years.

The aim of this retrospective case series was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the patients that underwent implant surgery in all indication classes, with a follow-up of at least 9 years. 121 healthy patients in need for oral rehabilitation with dental implants were included in this study. 196 implants (160 conical, 73 cylindric design implants) were inserted. The implant survival rate was the primary outcome. Intra- and postoperative complications were additional criteria for success. The mean follow-up of the patients was 12.29 years (SD 1.39). Mean age of the study population was 51.0 years (SD 12.7). The mean bone loss around implants after at least 9 years of loading was measured as 2.0 mm (SD 0.73 mm). Intra-operative complications were seen in 5 patients. Post-operative complications included: 5 mucositis,1 dehiscence, 2 screw loosening, 1 infection at site and 1 nonintegrated implant. Two implants were lost in two patients. The overall implant survival rate was 99.1%. As a conclusion, oral rehabilitation with dental implant-supported prostheses can be accepted as a safe procedure with relevantly high survival rates of oral implants and successful aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Dental implant survival rate in irradiated and non-radiated patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Radiotherapy to head and neck has always been considered as a risk factor for rehabilitation with dental implants. Nevertheless, recent data suggest that overall, 5-year implant survival in irradiated patients can be greater than 90%. The purpose of this review was to compare the implant survival rates of irradiated and non-radiated head and neck cancer sites, and discuss the outcomes, through a systematic review approach of prospective and retrospective studies. Electronic searches were performed in the EMBASE, Cochrane, and PubMed/Medline databases up to 2019 Dec, to identify retrospective and prospective clinical studies addressing the subject. This systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The primary variables collected from the studies were the site of tumor, age and sex of the patient, site of implant placement, radiation dosage, frequency and duration of radiotherapy, follow-up duration, implant survival and stability, hard and soft tissue changes after implant placement, any type of biological and mechanical complication, and oral health quality of life (QOL). Fifteen studies including 1097 patients and a total of 4637 implants placed in irradiated and non-irradiated sites, with a follow up duration varying from 6 to 120 months, were selected for the systematic review. The results of the quantitative synthesis suggested statistically significantly better survival rate of implants placed in nonradiated sites, as compared to irradiated sites (p<0.00001). However, the cumulative survival rates over a period of 7-10 years were reported to be comparable. Quality of life (QOL) after implant rehabilitation was not found to be significantly different between the compared groups. Due to the limited number of information, insufficient data was available to draw conclusion on peri-implant complication rate. No relationship was found between age, gender, and implant survival rates. Implant placement in irradiated sites is challenging and often warrants protocol modifications. Although statistically the survival rates at irradiated sites were lower in comparison to non-radiated sites, a strict inclusion criterion in patient selection, timing of implant placement after radiotherapy, radiation dosage and regular oral hygiene maintenance could minimize the chances of implant failure in irradiated patients.

Clinical effectiveness of Lactobacillus reuteri in the treatment of peri-implant diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

In the last decades, the presence of peri-implant diseases (PD) has increased. One of the therapies currently used is probiotics with Lactobacillus reuteri (LR). The aim of this article is to determinate, through a systematic review and meta-analysis, the clinical effectiveness of LR in the treatment of PD. We searched the literature until January 2021, in the biomedical databases: Pubmed, Embase, Scielo, Science Direct, Scopus, SIGLE, LILACS, Google Scholar and Cochrane Central Registry of Clinical Trials. The selection criteria of the studies were: randomized controlled clinical trials, without language and time restriction, reporting the clinical effects (depth to probing, plaque index and bleeding index) of the LR in the PD treatment. The risk of study bias was analyzed through the Cochrane tool for randomized studies using Review Manager software. The search strategy resulted in 6 articles of which four investigated peri-implantitis and three peri-implant mucositis. All studies reported that there was a difference in the depth of the probing in the treatment of PD, in favor of the group using LR, though not always achieving significance. The use of LR can be clinically effective in terms of pocket depth reduction in the treatment of PD.

Role of probiotics in adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this study was to establish the significance of probiotic usage, both as a preventive as well as a therapeutic strategy for the management of periodontal disease. It also substantiates the existing studies of single/combined bacterial strain for exhibiting variable ecological impact on oral bacteria. Data sources included literature searches of PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Embase, CENTRAL and Web of science databases for placebo controlled randomized clinical trials of SRP with orally administered probiotics in any form as an adjunct. Data extraction was conducted and information from the included studies was tabulated according to the study designs, form of drug delivery, main outcomes, and clinical parameters. Data collected were based on the focused question outlined for the present systematic review. The reviewers cross-checked all extracted data. CAL and PD were assessed as the primary outcome to compare the effectiveness of adjunctive probiotic therapy in addition to SRP. Fourteen clinical studies were included and demonstrated efficacy in reducing periodontal probing depth (PPD) and gaining clinical attachment level (CAL), between probiotics and SRP/placebo. Adjunctive probiotic therapy in addition to SRP leads to decrease in probing depth and clinical attachment gain in chronic periodontitis patients. However, further high-quality randomized clinical trials with microbiological outcomes are required to fortify the conclusion.

Clinical efficacy of grape seed extract as an adjuvant to scaling and root planing in treatment of periodontal pockets.

Grape seed extract (GSE), a naturally producing polyphenolic compound, is found to be a potent hostmodulatory agent and considered for management of periodontal disease. Its anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory property may aid in achieving periodontal health. To assess the clinical efficacy of GSE in adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in healing of periodontal pockets. The present study was a longitudinal, parallel design, randomized clinical trial. Seventy-two patients (mean age 39.2±8.6 years) with periodontal pockets were randomly divided into two groups; Test group received intra-pocket delivery of GSE with SRP and Control group received SRP alone. The clinical parameters like Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Probing Depth (PD) and Relative Attachment Level (RAL) were recorded at baseline and 3 months. 64 patients completed the study. Test group at the end of 3 months had statistically significant reduced PD (p=0.002) and RAL (p=0.01). No significant difference was observed for PI and GI at the end of 3 months. Intra-pocket application of GSE with SRP could be beneficial in management of periodontal pockets.

Contribution of Indian researchers in high impact periodontal journals: a bibliometric analysis of last three years.

Bibliometric Analysis researches and analyses the quantitative data derived from scientific publications through the empirical evidence of scientific activity generated by collaborating authors through the final product of their research: the scientific article. In scientific society, the concept of impact factor is probably the most widely used in bibliometric construction. To assess the scientometrics of three high-impact factor periodontal journals and identify the contribution of India in these most productive journals over three years (Jan 2018 - Dec 2020) and to know the most influential topics researched. A retrospective observational study was conducted for the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, Journal of Periodontology, and Journal of Periodontal Research. All issues of 2018, 2019, and 2020 were electronically and hand searched for the following parameters: Number of papers, affiliated organizations, and countries, topics reported, and contribution of Indian authors. The data were organized and analyzed with descriptive statistics using SPSS software (version 21.0). In total 469 articles were published by Journal of Periodontology, followed by 454 articles in Journal of Clinical Periodontology and 287 articles in Journal of Periodontal Research. In all the three journals, China had the maximum contributions, succeeded by USA. India has published maximum number of articles in the Journal of Periodontal Research. When analysed, although less as compared to the western counterparts, an increasing trend in the publications is seen in case of India.

Facial Mask and Plexiglass Box: a critical overview on the current strategies to protect patients from COVID-19 infection.

The route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been understood thanks to the knowledge of previously identified human coronaviruses. According to these studies, the transmission of the virus occurs mainly between humans at close range, through respiratory droplets produced during conversation or coughing, as well as through direct contact of the hands then placed on the mucous membranes or mouth. From the final analysis of studies carried out on protective systems, the validity of plexiglass as a material to be used for the construction of protective devices could be affirmed. The plexiglass, in fact, would seem able to isolate the diffusion of aerosol particles dispersed by infected subjects and in different environments.

Knowledge, practices and perceptions regarding oral health preventive measures among Mexican dental students: a cross-sectional survey study.

Although oral diseases are mostly preventable, they remain a global public health problem. Thus, there is a need for trained personnel to actively intervene in promoting oral health, to prevent and timeously detect oral diseases, and, in turn, to provide comprehensive quality healthcare. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the knowledge, practices and perceptions regarding oral health preventive measures amongst undergraduate dental students. This cross-sectional study was conducted between the period October 2017 and January 2018. The subjects included were undergraduate students of the dental science program at the School of Dentistry, in Leon Guanajuato, Mexico. A validated questionnaire was used to identify knowledge of preventive dentistry and the frequency of oral health preventive actions in the dental school clinics. Besides, perception towards prevention in dentistry was assessed. A total of N=232 undergraduate students participated of whom 65.9% (N=153) were women. More than half of the students 59.5%, (N=138) rated their knowledge on the prevention of oral diseases as good, followed by 32.8% (N=75) of students who rated it as regular. 49% (N=97) of the students performed frequently preventive treatments in their daily clinical practice. 90% (N=217) think that the main reason of low practice of prevention in dentistry is the lack of commitment of the dentist. 72.8% (N=169) mention that there should be professionals dedicated exclusively to preventive dentistry. Students of second grade demonstrated better prevention knowledge and tended to engage more frequently in preventive activities (p<0.05). In conclusion, our study found that, second-year students perform preventive practices more frequently and these practices decrease as their studies progress. It should be sought to create positive attitudes towards prevention not only in the year in preventive dentistry, but also throughout the entire career. This enables students to become trained professionals that can deliver preventive services to their patients.

Debris production in bovine bone during implant site preparation. A comparative in vitro study: ultrasonic and drilling procedures.

The aim of this study was to compare the size and shape of bone fragments produced by the ultrasonic and drilling procedures in implant site preparation. Six pieces of rib selected as experimental animal model of 15 cm in length and at least 13 mm of thickness were used. The samples were treated and divided into 2 groups as follows: group A (GA) ultrasonic implant site preparation technique; group B (GB) traditional surgical drill technique. Ultrasonic implant site preparation (GA) was carried out using a sequence of progressive diameter (1.00 mm, 2.00 mm and 3.00 mm) conical inserts at a depth of 10 mm. Standard drill implant site procedure (GB) was carried out with a sequence of 1.00 mm, 2.00 mm, and 3.00 mm cylindrical twist drills, for preparing an implant site at a depth of 10 mm. From each group bone fragments (0.1 gr) were collected from both cortical and cancellous bone preparation and their dimensions were evaluated by optic microscope analysis. The bone debris dimensions procured by cortical bone of Group A and Group B were, respectively, 0.14×0.16 mm (±0.13) and 1.15 ×0.92 mm (±0.68). The bone debris dimensions procured by cancellous bone of Group A and Group B were, respectively, 0.15×0.10 mm (±0.10) and 1.98×1.27 mm (±0.94). Ultrasonic implant site preparation technique was able to micronize bone and to remove all debris with cooling system. Surgical drills tend to fracture bone, creating a weaker structure and fragments of larger size, which remain in considerable quantity over bone walls during site preparation. Within the limits of the present study, the ultrasonic implant preparation was able to produce reduced bone sediments and a clear bed implant favoring osseointegration.

PRGF® endoret injections for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis treatment: a one-year follow-up.

This clinical trial investigates the efficacy of PRGF-Endoret® injections for the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis by providing patient evaluations at a one-year follow-up. Fifty-two patients with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis according to the American Society of Temporomandibular Joint Surgeons' guidelines underwent a cycle of 3 injections (1 per month) of platelet-derived growth factors (PRFG). Two clinical parameters, pain at rest and maximum non-assisted mouth opening, were assessed by the same blinded operator at the time of the diagnosis (baseline), at each appointment during the treatment and at a 1-year follow-up visit. Both the parameters showed improvements that were maintained over time. Statistical analyses evidenced significant changes within the first two injections. Data from the present investigation support findings from studies on other joints, which show the efficacy of PRGF-Endoret injections to reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and to maintain improvements over time.

The coming of age of the mitochondria-ER contact: a matter of thickness.

The sites of near-contact between the mitochondrion and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) have earned a lot of attention due to their key role in the maintenance of lipid and calcium (Ca(2+)) homeostasis, in the initiation of autophagy and mitochondrial division, and in sensing metabolic shifts. At these sites, typically called MAMs (mitochondria-associated ER membranes) or MERCs (mitochondria-ER contacts), the organelles juxtapose at a distance that can range from ~10 to ~50 nm. The multifunctional role of this subcellular compartment is puzzling; further, recent studies have shown that mitochondria-ER contacts are highly plastic structures that remodel upon metabolic transitions and that their activity in controlling lipid homeostasis could be involved in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. This review aims at integrating the functions of this subcellular compartment to its most characterizing and unexplored structural parameter, their 'thickness': that is, the width of the cleft that separates the cytosolic face of the outer mitochondrial membrane from that of the ER. We describe and discuss the reasons why the thickness of a MERC should be considered a regulated structural parameter of the cell that defines and controls its function. Further, we propose a MERC classification that will help organize the expanding field of MERCs biology and of their role in cell physiology and human disease.

Expression profile of the pore-forming subunits α1A and α1D in the foetal bovine hypothalamus: a mammal with a long gestation.

This study describes the expression of the voltage operated calcium channels (VOCCs) subunits α1A (typical of the P/Q family) and α1D (of the L family) in the bovine hypothalamus. The expression of both P/Q and L families has been characterized in the brain of adult mammals. However, their distribution and expression during foetal neuronal differentiation have not yet been determined. The expression profile of the α1A and α1D pore-forming subunits was investigated during four embryonic stages in bovine foetuses. Our data suggest that the expressions of α1A and α1D are correlated during development, with an increase only in males that peaks on the last period of gestation. Bovine male hypothalami showed significantly higher α1A and α1D expression values in comparison to female ones during the whole developmental period. In the females, the expression profiles of both genes were constant during all the developmental time. Immunohistochemical studies confirmed the presence of the α1A and α1D protein subunits in foetal hypothalamic neurones starting from the third foetal stage. Our data provide new information on the hypothalamic expression of α1A and α1D subunits during development in a mammal with a long gestation period and a large and convoluted brain.