Machine Learning Method and Hyperspectral Imaging for Precise Determination of Glucose and Silicon Levels.

This article introduces an algorithm for detecting glucose and silicon levels in solution. The research focuses on addressing the critical need for accurate and efficient glucose monitoring, particularly in the context of diabetic management. Understanding and monitoring silicon levels in the body is crucial due to its significant role in various physiological processes. Silicon, while often overshadowed by other minerals, plays a vital role in bone health, collagen formation, and connective tissue integrity. Moreover, recent research suggests its potential involvement in neurological health and the prevention of certain degenerative diseases. Investigating silicon levels becomes essential for a comprehensive understanding of its impact on overall health and well-being and paves the way for targeted interventions and personalized healthcare strategies. The approach presented in this paper is based on the integration of hyperspectral data and artificial intelligence techniques. The algorithm investigates the effectiveness of two distinct models utilizing SVMR and a perceptron independently. SVMR is employed to establish a robust regression model that maps input features to continuous glucose and silicon values. The study outlines the methodology, including feature selection, model training, and evaluation metrics. Experimental results demonstrate the algorithm's effectiveness at accurately predicting glucose and silicon concentrations and showcases its potential for real-world application in continuous glucose and silicon monitoring systems.

Adiposity, fat depots and the prediction of stroke.

BACKGROUND: Despite the progress in research, the utility of clinical assessment for the prediction of stroke is limited. The aim herein, was to evaluate the predictive values of major ultrasound indexes of carotid artery and fat depots for stroke in patients with high and very high cardiovascular (CV) risk. METHODS: The study group included 364 patients (age: 61.3 ± 7.2 years old) with typical CV risk factors scheduled for elective coronary angiography (2012-2013). A comprehensive baseline assessment included the following ultrasound indexes: carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), extra-media thickness (EMT), epicardial (EFT) and pericardial fat thickness (PFT), abdominal subcutaneous (ASF) and visceral fat (AVF) and combined periarterial adipose tissue intima-media adventitia (PATIMA) index. Afterwards, all patients were followed for 80.9 ± 7.1 months. RESULTS: There were 23 strokes and 25 cases with new-onset atrial fibrillation during follow-up. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis showed, that selected clinical parameters (age, waist circumference [WC], waist-hip ratio [WHR]) and ultrasound indexes (EFT: area under curve [AUC] 0.672, p < 0.01 and PATIMA index: AUC 0.658, p < 0.01) were predictive for stroke. However, their predictive values showed no significant differences (p = NS). The baseline body mass index (BMI) was the only parameter, which showed a prediction for new-onset atrial fibrillation (BMI > 33 kg/m2: sensitivity 65%, specificity 76%). CONCLUSIONS: It was found that age, WC and echocardiographic EFT revealed significant predictive values for stroke. Both WC and EFT showed a very high NPV suggesting that they should be implemented into the clinical practice as a tool affirming a very low risk of stroke.

Vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus status in children with short stature - effect of growth hormone therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the level of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D in the blood of patients treated for short stature (SS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study encompassed 110 children treated for somatotropin hypopituitarism (SHP) in the Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology at the Medical University of Lublin. The levels of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D were marked for both groups in the peripheral blood collected on a routine basis for diagnostic examinations. The parameters were compared within the group of children with SHP, both the patients who were about to start the therapy and those in the course of the therapy as well as between the research group (110 children) and the control group. RESULTS: The results obtained were compared with the results in the control group that comprised 41 children with a general good health status, although with nasal septum deviation treated in the Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology at the Medical University of Lublin. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the research performed, the following conclusions were drawn: 1) children with SHP were characterised with calcium-phosphorus imbalance. The level of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D was diminished. The values did not change due to a several-year hormone growth treatment (HGT). 2) the level of calcium and phosphorus was appropriate in the control group children, but the vitamin D level was considerably lowered. This shows the necessity for vitamin D control and supplementation, not only in children with SS.

Obesity, visceral adiposity and carotid atherosclerosis.

Carotid artery atherosclerosis is a complex and multifactorial chronic disease. Our aim was to assess the associations between obesity, fat depots and carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in patients with high cardiovascular (CV) risk. METHODS: The study group included 391 patients (F/M: 136/255 pts.; age: 61.8 ±â€¯8 years) scheduled for elective coronary angiography. A comprehensive clinical assessment included a carotid artery and abdominal ultrasound involving the following fat depots: (1) carotid extra-media thickness (EMT) indexed to the body mass index (perivascular adipose tissue [PVAT]), and (2) abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat. RESULTS: Patients with a ≥50% stenosis of internal carotid artery (ICA) were older (65.9 ±â€¯7 vs 60.3 ±â€¯7 years, p < 0.0001) and had increased PVAT (836 ±â€¯120 vs 779 ±â€¯127 µm, p < 0.01) compared to individuals with <50% internal carotid artery stenosis. None of the CAS parameters were associated with any measures of obesity. Multivariable regression model showed that age (p < 0.0001), PVAT (p < 0.0001) and smoking (p = 0.04) were independently associated with the severity of ICA stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that carotid extra-media thickness, an index measure of PVAT, is associated with CAS severity. It is a strong and independent predictor of significant ICA stenosis. None of the obesity measurements revealed associations with carotid atherosclerosis.

Obesity, Visceral Fat, and Hypertension-Related Complications.

Background: Hypertension and obesity are very common and complex cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Our aim was to provide a comprehensive assessment of associations between visceral fat depots and vascular or cardiac complications of hypertension. Methods: All the consecutive patients (age: 45-80 years old) scheduled for elective coronary angiography in the Department of Cardiology were screened, and 400 patients were included into the study group. All the patients had a comprehensive clinical assessment focused on hypertension and obesity, risk factors, fat depots, and several hypertension-related vascular or cardiac complications. Results: The study group (n = 400; F/M: 140/260; age: 61 ± 7 years) included patients with hypertension (n = 354; 88.5%) and normal blood pressure (n = 46; 11.5%) and individuals with obesity (n = 192; 48%), diabetes (n = 139; 35%), metabolic syndrome (n = 240; 60%), and coronary artery disease (n = 286; 71%). Patients with higher degrees of hypertension (grade 3 vs. 2 vs. 1) showed increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference and ultrasound indexes of perivascular, epicardial, and abdominal visceral fat with no differences in age, waist-hip ratio, and subcutaneous fat. Both visceral fat depots: perivascular fat (carotid extra-media thickness) and abdominal visceral fat (intra-abdominal thickness) assessed as single measures and ratios were significantly increased in hypertensive patients with high versus low global CV risk in a hypertension-focused risk model (differences more pronounced in patients ≤60 years old). Visceral fat parameters were not independent, but rather additive to general obesity (BMI), except for visceral abdominal fat depot. Conclusions: Visceral abdominal and perivascular fat depots assessed as ultrasound indexes are associated with complications of hypertension and CV risk indicators, especially in patients with a mild-to-moderate hypertension and in younger patients.

Influence of growth hormone therapy on selected dental and skeletal system parameters.

INTRODUCTION: Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is one of the main indications for growth hormone therapy. One characteristic of this disease is bone age delay in relation to the chronological age. Pituitary dysfunction negatively affects the growth and development of the jaws and teeth of the child. The secretion of endocrine glands regulates growth, development, and gender differentiation. It also controls the growth of bones and teeth, regulates metabolism of calcium and phosphate, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. The primary role in the endocrine system is played by the pituitary gland which is responsible for the production of somatotropin [1]. Dysfunction of the pituitary gland has a negative effect on the growth and development of long bones in the body, and may have an adverse effect on the development of maxilla, mandible and dentition of a child. There is some information in the literature that dental age is delayed in short stature children; the replacement of deciduous teeth by permanent teeth is also delayed, and newly erupted permanent teeth often require orthodontic treatment. Applying hormonal therapy positively affects the process of replacement of dentition [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess bone and dental age, as well as analyze the state of dentition in children diagnosed with GH deficiency treated with growth hormone, depending on the duration of treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study material consisted of 110 children (27 males, 83 females), hospitalized for somatotropin hypopituitarism in the Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology at the Medical University of Lublin, Poland. The mean birth age was 13 years (156 months) with a standard deviation of 2 years and 6 months (30 months). 47 children (43%) started treatment with the growth hormone (group starting treatment) and 63 children (57%) whose treatment was started 2-3 years previously (group in the course of treatment). The control group consisted of 41 generally healthy children (15males, 25 females) with ENT problems, such as hypoacusis and a condition after nasal injury, hospitalized in the Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology at the Medical University of Lublin, Poland. The mean age was 11 years and 5 months (137 months) with standard deviation of 2 years and 5 months (29 months). Informed consent was obtained from the parents. The study was approved by the Bioethical Committee at the Medical University of Lublin (Resolution No. KE-0254 /216 /2012).

Assessment of mitochondrial function following short- and long-term exposure of human bronchial epithelial cells to total particulate matter from a candidate modified-risk tobacco product and reference cigarettes.

Mitochondrial dysfunction caused by cigarette smoke is involved in the oxidative stress-induced pathology of airway diseases. Reducing the levels of harmful and potentially harmful constituents by heating rather than combusting tobacco may reduce mitochondrial changes that contribute to oxidative stress and cell damage. We evaluated mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS 2B) following 1- and 12-week exposures to total particulate matter (TPM) from the aerosol of a candidate modified-risk tobacco product, the Tobacco Heating System 2.2 (THS2.2), in comparison with TPM from the 3R4F reference cigarette. After 1-week exposure, 3R4F TPM had a strong inhibitory effect on mitochondrial basal and maximal oxygen consumption rates compared to TPM from THS2.2. Alterations in oxidative phosphorylation were accompanied by increased mitochondrial superoxide levels and increased levels of oxidatively damaged proteins in cells exposed to 7.5 µg/mL of 3R4F TPM or 150 µg/mL of THS2.2 TPM, while cytosolic levels of reactive oxygen species were not affected. In contrast, the 12-week exposure indicated adaptation of BEAS-2B cells to long-term stress. Together, the findings indicate that 3R4F TPM had a stronger effect on oxidative phosphorylation, gene expression and proteins involved in oxidative stress than TPM from the candidate modified-risk tobacco product THS2.2.

The significance of lumican expression in ovarian cancer drug-resistant cell lines.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to determine the expression of LUM in drug-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines. METHODS: Doxorubicin- (DOX), topotecan- (TOP) and vincristine- (VIN) resistant variants of the W1 ovarian cancer cell line were used in this study. We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions to determine LUM mRNA levels. Protein expression was detected using Western blot and immunocytochemistry assays. Protein glycosylation was investigated using PGNase F digestion. Immunohistochemistry assays were used to determine protein expression in ovarian cancer patients. RESULTS: We observed increased expression of LUM in drug-resistant cell lines at both the mRNA and the protein level. The most abundant LUM expression was observed in TOP-resistant cell line. We observed LUM bands that corresponded to different molecular masses, and the most abundant LUM form was the secreted form, which had a mass of 50 kDa. Double immunofluorescence analysis showed co-expression of LUM and COL3A1 as well as the presence of extracellular COL3A1 in the TOP-resistant cell line. Finally, we detected the LUM protein in ovarian cancer tissue. CONCLUSION: The expression of LUM in cytostatic-resistant cell lines suggests its role in drug resistance. The co-expression of LUM and COL3A1 indicates the significance of LUM in collagen fibre assembly. Expression in ovarian cancer tissue suggests that LUM can play a role in ovarian cancer pathogenesis in ways similar to other cancers.

Implications of mitochondrial network organization in mitochondrial stress signalling in NARP cybrid and Rho0 cells.

Mitochondrial dysfunctions lead to the generation of signalling mediators that influence the fate of that organelle. Mitochondrial dynamics and their positioning within the cell are important elements of mitochondria-nucleus communication. The aim of this project was to examine whether mitochondrial shape, distribution and fusion/fission proteins are involved in the mitochondrial stress response in a cellular model subjected to specifically designed chronic mitochondrial stress: WT human osteosarcoma cells as controls, NARP cybrid cells as mild chronic stress and Rho0 as severe chronic stress. We characterized mitochondrial distribution in these cells using confocal microscopy and evaluated the level of proteins directly involved in the mitochondrial dynamics and their regulation. We found that the organization of mitochondria within the cell is correlated with changes in the levels of proteins involved in mitochondrial dynamics and proteins responsible for regulation of this process. Induction of the autophagy/mitophagy process, which is crucial for cellular homeostasis under stress conditions was also shown. It seems that mitochondrial shape and organization within the cell are implicated in retrograde signalling in chronic mitochondrial stress.

Microarray-based detection and expression analysis of new genes associated with drug resistance in ovarian cancer cell lines.

PURPOSE: The present study is to discover a new genes associated with drug resistance development in ovarian cancer. METHODS: We used microarray analysis to determine alterations in the level of expression of genes in cisplatin- (CisPt), doxorubicin- (Dox), topotecan- (Top), and paclitaxel- (Pac) resistant variants of W1 and A2780 ovarian cancer cell lines. Immunohistochemistry assay was used to determine protein expression in ovarian cancer patients. RESULTS: We observed alterations in the expression of 22 genes that were common to all three cell lines that were resistant to the same cytostatic drug. The level of expression of 13 genes was upregulated and that of nine genes was downregulated. In the CisPt-resistant cell line, we observed downregulated expression of ABCC6, BST2, ERAP2 and MCTP1; in the Pac-resistant cell line, we observe upregulated expression of ABCB1, EPHA7 and RUNDC3B and downregulated expression of LIPG, MCTP1, NSBP1, PCDH9, PTPRK and SEMA3A. The expression levels of three genes, ABCB1, ABCB4 and IFI16, were upregulated in the Dox-resistant cell lines. In the Top-resistant cell lines, we observed increased expression levels of ABCG2, HERC5, IFIH1, MYOT, S100A3, SAMD4A, SPP1 and TGFBI and decreased expression levels of MCTP1 and PTPRK. The expression of EPHA7, IFI16, SPP1 and TGFBI was confirmed at protein level in analyzed ovarian cancer patients.. CONCLUSIONS: The expression profiles of the investigated cell lines indicated that new candidate genes are related to the development of resistance to the cytostatic drugs that are used in first- and second-line chemotherapy of ovarian cancer.

[Changes of mitochondrial dynamics as a response to mitochondrial stress in models of sporadic Parkinson's disease]. / Zmiany dynamiki mitochondriów w odpowiedzi na stres mitochondrialny w modelach sporadycznej formy Choroby Parkinsona.

Sporadic Parkinson's disease (sPD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the stratium, are the hallmarks of the disease. Numerous studies have shown that dysfunctions of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I and oxidative stress are associated with sPD development. Mitochondria are dynamic organelles, constantly undergoing processes of fusion and fission. Shape of mitochondrial network is modified in accordance to cellular needs and external stimuli. Growing number of evidence show the presence of disturbances of mitochondrial dynamics in sPD. The aim of this article is to summarize recent data concerning role of mitochondrial dynamics in sPD pathogenesis.

Concentration of Selected Metals in Whole Blood, Plasma, and Urine in Short Stature and Healthy Children.

The short stature in children is defined as height below the third percentile from the mean for age and gender. This problem affects about 3% of young people. More than 20,000 children in Poland have problems with short stature. There is not much information available in the literature on the study of metals in blood, plasma, and urine in children with short stature. The study was conducted on a group of 56 short stature Polish children and 35 healthy children. The content of metals was determined using high-performance ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry methods. The study revealed significant differences between the content of selected metals in body fluids between a short stature group and healthy children. There were significant differences in the Fe, Cu, and Ni concentrations between the groups with respect to the hormonal therapy. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the area where the children lived. The results showed no statistically significant differences between metal concentration and age, body weight, and height. The study demonstrated statistically significant differences between the content of metals in body fluids in short stature children compared with the healthy children. It seems that the difference in the concentration of certain elements may also be the result of growth hormone therapy and the interaction between various metals. Both the alterations in the content of metals and their mutual interactions may play an important role in the pathogenesis of short stature children.

[Disorders of the stomatognathic system in patients with short stature]. / Zaburzenia ukladu stomatognatycznego u osób z niskorosloscia.

Growth hormone (GH) is a polypeptide hormone produced by the cells of pituitary. Production of growth hormone is carried out in a pulsating manner, and the frequency and intensity of the pulses is dependent on age and gender. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is characterized by, among others, slow growth process often from early childhood, delayed bone age. The aim of the study was to describe dental problems of children with short stature with a special attention on disorders at the craniofacial region such as decreased growth of maxilla and mandible, gnathic and bite dysfunctions, delayed teeth eruption, tooth caries susceptibility. Growth hormone treatment undertaken at the right time significantly influences on correct development of cranial bones and dentition, and supports orthodontic treatment.

Th17 and Treg cells in adolescents with Graves' disease. Impact of treatment with methimazole on these cell subsets.

The role of T helper 17 (Th17) and T regulatory cells (Treg) in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease (GD) remains uncertain. The influence of methimazole (MMI) on the human immune system is still poorly understood. The aim of the present research was to assess changes in the frequencies of peripheral blood Th17 and Treg cells during GD treatment in the group of teenagers. The frequencies of Th17 and Treg were measured by flow cytometry in 60 adolescents at the time of GD diagnosis and after achieving MMI-induced euthyreosis. The control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers. Lower percentages and absolute counts of Treg cells were found in the study group before the treatment in comparison with healthy controls (p = 0.032 and p = 0.006, respectively). Treatment with MMI caused an increase in the percentages and absolute counts of Treg lymphocytes (p = 0.037 and p = 0.007). After the treatment, no clinically significant differences in Treg cells between GD patients and controls were found. Higher absolute counts of Th17 lymphocytes were found in hyperthyroid adolescents before the treatment initiation and after achieving euthyreosis than in healthy individuals (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.047). Treatment with MMI caused a significant decrease in the percentages and absolute counts of Th17 lymphocytes (p = 0.047 and p = 0.043). The present study demonstrates that both Th17 and Treg cells might play a role in the pathogenesis of GD. Increased percentage of Treg after MMI therapy seems a predictor of response to anti-hypertensive treatment as it is associated with the normalization of thyroid hormone levels.

Differences in trace metal concentrations (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, And Ni) in whole blood, plasma, and urine of obese and nonobese children.

High-performance ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry methods have been applied to estimate the content of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Ni in whole blood, plasma, and urine of obese and nonobese children. The study was conducted on a group of 81 Polish children of age 6-17 years (37 males, 44 females). Obese children were defined as those with body mass index (BMI) >95th percentile in each age-gender-specific group. Statistical testing was done by the use of nonparametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis's and Mann-Whitney's U) and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Significant correlations appeared for control group in plasma (Mn-Cd, Ni-Co), urine (Cu-Co), and blood (Fe-Cu), while for obese patients in plasma (Cd-Mn, Ni-Cu, Ni-Zn) and urine (Fe-Cd, Co-Mn). Sex criteria did not influence correlations between metals' content in plasma and urine of obese patients. Metals' abundance was correlated in non-corresponding combinations of body fluids. Rare significant differences between content of metals according to sex and the type of body fluids were discovered: Zn in plasma from obese patients of both sexes, and Zn, Co, and Mn in blood, Mn in plasma from healthy subjects. Negative correlations between BMI and Zn in blood, Cu in plasma, and Fe in urine were discovered for girls (control group). Positive correlation between Co content in plasma and BMI was discovered for obese boys. The changes in metals' content in body fluids may be indicators of obesity. Content of zinc, copper, and cobalt should be monitored in children with elevated BMI to avoid deficiency problems.

Impact of methimazole treatment on magnesium concentration and lymphocytes activation in adolescents with Graves' disease.

The aim of this research was to assess plasma magnesium (Mg) concentration, the frequencies of activated T CD4+ and T CD8+ lymphocytes and B lymphocytes in adolescents with hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease (GD), and to assess changes in the above-mentioned parameters during methimazole (MMI) treatment. The frequencies of activated T and B cells were measured by flow cytometry method and plasma Mg concentration was determined by spectrophotometry method in 60 adolescents at the time of GD diagnosis and after receiving the normalisation of the thyroid hormones levels. The control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers. We observed lower plasma Mg concentration, and higher frequencies of activated T and B lymphocytes in the study group before the treatment in comparison with healthy controls, and with study group in MMI-induced euthyreosis (p < 0.01).Statistically significant negative correlations between the percentages of activated T CD3+, T CD4+, T CD8+ and B CD19+ lymphocytes, and plasma Mg concentration before the treatment were found (r < -0.335, p < 0.002). After the treatment no vital differences in plasma Mg concentration, and in percentages of activated cells between GD patients and controls were found, except CD8+CD25+ cells (p = 0.03). The present study demonstrates that both activated T and B cells might play an important role in the pathogenesis of GD, and activation is related to Mg plasma level. The use of MMI in treatment of hyperthyroidism due to GD leads to decrease the frequencies of activated lymphocytes and normalisation of Mg levels.

Expression of galectin-3 in nephrotic syndrome glomerulopaties in children.

BACKGROUND: Galectins are a family of ancient animal carbohydrate binding proteins; the name is from their description as beta-galactoside-specific lectins. They have been strongly implicated in inflammation and cancer. Studies of the association of galectins with various aspects of kidney disease in humans are still at an early stage. In line with the above, the aim of the present report was to analyse the immunohistochemical expression of galectin-3 (the only chimera galectin currently identified) in renal biopsy specimens of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen children with minimal change disease (MCD), 30 with diffuse mesangial proliferation (DMP) and 11 with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) treated between 2003 and 2006 in the Department of Paediatric Cardiology and Nephrology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences. An indirect immunohistochemical protocol using a polyclonal rabbit antibody against human galectin-3 was employed. RESULTS: In the control, MCD and DMP children who responded to steroid therapy anti-galectin-3 reactivity was present both in renal cortex and medulla. It was the strongest within cortical collecting ducts and subjectively less expressed in distal tubules. The total number of galectin-3 positive cortical and medullary segments of collecting ducts was significantly higher in the subjects who did not respond to steroid therapy These patients revealed also immunohistochemical reactivity of galectin-3 within nuclei of individual glomerular mesangial cells (p<0,001). CONCLUSIONS: A suggested galectin-3 authority in mature human glomeruli during proteinuric glomerulopathies may indicate, on the one hand, its anti-inflammatory effect, but on the other can prognosticate a further glomerular reconstruction leading to FSGS. Taken together, both glomerular and extraglomerular galectin-3 immunoreactivity in certain DMP individuals could be regarded as the factor of unfavourable prognosis.

Immunohistochemical studies on brain nitric oxide synthase (bNOS) in the male genital accessory glands of the rat during postnatal development.

The aim of the study was to investigate the presence, localisation and function of brain nitric oxide synthase (bNOS) in the male genital accessory glands of rats in the course of their postnatal development. Localisation of the bNOS was immunocytochemically investigated in the epididymis, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate of male Wistar strain rats at 1, 5, 10, 20, 28, 35, 45 and 59 days of age. The method employed involved mouse monoclonal antibodies against rat bNOS in combination with tyramide signal amplification (CSA). The intensity of the reaction in the organs studied was determined using computer software to demonstrate the optical density of the reaction product obtained. In the epididymis a weak reaction was observed in the connective tissue/muscular sublayer on the 28th and 45th days of life. In the seminal vesicle and ventral prostate a positive reaction appeared in the epinuclear portions of glandular epithelial cells on the 20th day of life, reaching a maximum intensity on the 28th day and thus before the rats reached maturity. The results obtained allow the conclusion to be drawn that nitric oxide resulting from bNOS-activity participates in the processes of differentiation and of function in the epididymis, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate.