Striatal adenosine A2A receptor involvement in normal and large nest building deer mice: Perspectives on compulsivity and anxiety.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurring obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that are often associated with anxiety and perturbations in cortico-striatal signaling. Given the suboptimal response of OCD to current serotonergic interventions, there is a need to better understand the psychobiological mechanisms that may underlie the disorder. In this regard, investigations into adenosinergic processes might be fruitful. Indeed, adenosine modulates both anxiety- and motor behavioral output. Thus, we aimed to explore the potential associations between compulsive-like large nest building (LNB) behavior in deer mice, anxiety and adenosinergic processes. From an initial pool of 120 adult deer mice, 34 normal nest building (NNB)- and 32 LNB-expressing mice of both sexes were selected and exposed to either a normal water (wCTRL) or vehicle control (vCTRL), lorazepam (LOR) or istradefylline (ISTRA) for 7- (LOR) or 28 days after which nesting assessment was repeated and animals screened for anxiety-like behavior in an anxiogenic open field. Mice were then euthanized, the striatal tissue removed on ice and the adenosine A2A receptor expression quantified. Our findings indicate that NNB and LNB behavior are not distinctly associated with measures of generalized anxiety and that ISTRA-induced changes in nesting expression are dissociated from changes in anxiety scores. Further, data from this investigation show that nesting in deer mice is directly related to striatal adenosine signaling, and that LNB is founded upon a lower degree of adenosinergic A2A stimulation.

The association between the renin-angiotensin system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in anxiety disorders: A systematic review of animal studies.

Anxiety is characterized as the emotional response in anticipation of a future threat. This hypervigilant state comprehends a cascade of neuroendocrine and physiological processes, involving the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). Excessive and chronic anxiety may ultimately lead to the development of anxiety disorders. This systematic review aimed to investigate experimental studies using animal models that explored the relationship between RAS and the HPA axis in anxiety disorders. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, and was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria was mainly the mention of RAS, HPA axis, and an anxiety disorder in the same study. Quality of studies was evaluated according to the table of risk of bias from SYRCLE. From 12 eligible studies, 7 were included. Research in rats and mice shows that the overactivation of the RAS and HPA axis triggers several neuroendocrine reactions, mainly mediated by AT1 receptors, which promote anxiety-like behaviors and positive feedback for its hyperactivation. On the contrary, the administration of antihypertensive drugs, such as angiotensin AT1 receptor blocker, propitiated the regulation of the RAS and HPA axis, maintaining homeostasis even amid aversive situations. Assessment of risk of bias revealed a pronounced unclear to high risk in several categories, which thus jeopardize the comparability and reproducibility of the results. Nonetheless, the preclinical evidence indicates that the hyperactivation of both RAS and HPA axis during stress exerts deleterious consequences, inducing anxiogenic responses. Moreover, the compiled results show that the modulation of both systems by the administration of AT1 receptor blockers produce anxiolytic effects in animal models and may constitute a new venue for the treatment of anxiety-like disorders.

Effect of chronic unpredictable mild stress on the expression profile of serotonin receptors in rats and mice: a meta-analysis.

Chronic-stress-induced depression is recognized as a widespread public health concern. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been the most common treatment for this illness. However, the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor subtypes in stress-induced depression remains unclear. Evidence from Animal studies has reported a variety of results regarding the effects of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) on serotonin signaling pathways and 5-HT receptor subtypes. This divergence may rely on differences in protocols, methods, and studied pathways. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to weigh the currently available findings regarding serotonin receptor changes in animal models of CUMS. Overall, our meta-analysis results showed the association of altered expression of 5-HT1A receptors in the frontal cortex and 5-HT2A receptors both in the whole cortex and the hypothalamus of rats following CUMS. Moreover, by using a qualitative-structured analysis and the application of risk-of-bias tools, we identified possible sources of data variation between the studied literature, which should be taken into account in future animal studies of chronic-stress induced depression.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in patients with anosmia and hypothalamic hypogonadism (Kallmann's syndrome).

Kallmann's syndrome is characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia. Postmortem studies have revealed either hypoplasia or aplasia of the rhinencephalon, respectively, in patients with hyposmia and anosmia. This anatomical defect has now been demonstrated in vivo in four patients with Kallmann's syndrome by magnetic resonance imaging.

The effects of hand preference and gender on finger tapping performance asymmetry by the use of an infra-red light measurement device.

We used an infra-red device to study the effects of gender and handwriting preference on manual asymmetry in tapping rate and intertap variability. Our sample (n=102) consisted of approximately equal number of subjects with respect to gender (52 women and 50 men) and handedness (52 right-handers and 50 left-handers). Data on overall performance indicated that men performed more quickly and regularly than women. The index used for measuring manual asymmetry was the difference between the hands as a proportion of the total. Therefore, the asymmetry index was adjusted to remove the influence of overall performance. The analyses based on asymmetry scores indicated a significant handedness effect: right-handers showed greater manual asymmetries than left-handers for both tapping rate and intertap variability. In addition, right handers exhibited a significant greater asymmetry for intertap variability than tapping rate. Taken together, these data may reflect greater hemispheric differences in right-handers, specially for intertap variability.

Detection of focal hepatic lesions: effects of superparamagnetic iron oxide (AMI-25) on magnetic resonance imaging of the liver using T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequences and gradient-and-spin-echo sequences at 1.0 tesla.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors evaluate the value of two fast spin-echo sequences (FSE) with different T2-weighting (repetition time [TR]/echo time [TE] = 2000/90 mseconds and TR/TE = 2000/40 mseconds) and combined gradient-and-spin-echo sequences (TR/TE = 2000/90 mseconds) for contrast-enhanced liver imaging with superparamagnetic iron oxide (AMI-25). METHODS: Forty-seven patients with focal liver lesions underwent magnetic resonance imaging at 1.0 tesla. AMI-25 was administered intravenously at a dose of 15 micromol iron/kg. RESULTS: Administration of AMI-25 resulted in a significant increase of lesion/liver contrast-to-noise ratio (C/N) for all T2-weighted sequences (P < 0.001). On the precontrast images, the FSE sequence with a TE of 90 mseconds had the highest C/N (16.0 +/- 4.5) whereas the best postcontrast C/N (27.9 +/- 7.6) was obtained with the mild T2-weighted FSE sequence with a TE of 40 mseconds. CONCLUSIONS: Fast spin-echo sequences are valuable sequences for imaging of the liver at 1.0 tesla. For AMI-25-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, a mild T2-weighted FSE sequence is recommended.

Effects of sex and laterality on the rotatory swimming behavior of normal mice.

Clockwise and counterclockwise full turns are commonly used to assess lateralization in circling behavior. Although previous studies have reported that the rotatory swimming (ROSW) test is simple and reliable, little is known about lateralization of turns lower than 360 degrees and the amount of turning close to the wall, and even less is known about alternation of direction during a session. Here we investigated the effects of consistency of laterality and sex on 30 degree turns in center and in periphery of the swimming apparatus, and on alternation of direction upon three sessions. Approximately 80% of the turns occurred when mice swam along the wall. In side-consistent turners, this suggests the existence of an intrinsic sensorimotor asymmetry that determines the adhesion to the preferred side. Regarding categorization of side preferences, there was a high percentage of agreement between center and periphery, as well as between full turns and extra 30 degree turns (30 degree turns that do not contribute to full turns). Therefore, behavioral asymmetry in the ROSW can be assessed using 30 degree turns. There was no significant directional bias in the population, and side preference was found to be independent of sex. By contrast, after the second minute of each session, males exhibited a significantly higher number of reversal of direction (RD) as well as a higher number of RD per turn than females. The amount of RD presented by each animal is not predicted by the animal's side preference. Thus, RD is independent of preferred side of turning and depends on sex.

Influence of the hepatobiliary contrast agent mangafodipir trisodium (MN-DPDP) on the imaging properties of abdominal organs.

To assess the influence of Mangafodipir Trisodium on the imaging properties of abdominal organs when using T1-weighted gradient-echo (GE) and T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE) sequences, thirty patients with focal lesions in the liver were examined at a field strength of 1.5 T before and after intravenous administration of Mangafodipir Trisodium (dose: 5 micromol/kg of body weight). Administration of Mangafodipir Trisodium led to a significant increase in the signal intensity of the liver tissue (p < 0.001), the spleen (p < 0.01), the pancreas (p < 0.001), and the kidneys (p < 0.001) in the T1-weighted GE sequence, while there was no relevant enhancement in fatty tissue and the musculature. In the T2-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence, there was no relevant change in the signal following administration of a contrast agent. The contrast-to-noise ratio (C/N) between the lesions and the liver tissue increased significantly in the post-contrast T1-weighted GE sequence (p < 0.001), while there was no change in the contrast-to-noise ratio in the post-contrast T2-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence. The contrast-to-noise ratio of the plain T2-weighted TSE sequence was significantly higher than that in the post-contrast T1-weighted GE sequence (p < 0.001). Although Mangafodipir Trisodium was primarily developed as a hepatobiliary contrast agent for demonstration and differentiation of liver lesions, it also affects the signal levels in the pancreas, spleen, and kidneys in the T1-weighted image. Awareness of this effect on the extrahepatic tissue makes it easier to interpret pathological findings in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen.

[High-resolution MR tomography of the hand: normal anatomy]. / Hochauflösende MR-Tomographie der Hand: Normalanatomie.

By using surface coils and a high resolution matrix, the images from MR tomography of small objects can be greatly improved. Normal subjects have been examined in order to demonstrate the usefulness of MR tomography for the examination of bones and soft tissues in the normal hand.

[Echo morphology of testicular tumors]. / Echomorphologie der Hodentumoren.

The ultrasound and histological findings of 130 testicular tumours were compared; these included 56 seminomas, 49 teratomas, 16 mixed tumours, five Leydig cell tumours, three lymphomas and one metastasis. There was only a slight tendency to low echo homogeneous structure with seminomas and low echo irregular structure with teratomas and mixed tumours. Cystic components, or strongly echogenic structures, were found in 20 to 30% of primary testicular malignant tumours, but these findings were non-specific. Cystic lesions were found at histology to be due to necroses, haemorrhage or specific tumour cysts. Strongly echogenic appearances correlated with calcification, fibrosis or bone or cartilage development. There were no specific sonographic criteria suitable for the identification of specific tumour types.

[Serial computed tomography. Value of densitometric measurements in the diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions of the liver, pancreas and kidney]. / Seriencomputertomographie. Wertigkeit densitometrischer Messungen in der Diagnostik benigner und maligner Läsionen von Leber, Pankreas und Niere.

By means of serial computer tomography it is possible to show changes in normal and abnormal tissues in the liver, pancreas, and kidney with characteristic contrast kinetics. Diagnosis can be improved by evaluating intra-vascular parenchymal contrast within the first minute after an intravenous bolus injection. A tissue diagnosis is not possible in the majority of lesions in the liver, but can usually be made in lesions of the pancreas and kidneys.

[Magnetic resonance tomography of children with surgically treated anal and rectal atresia]. / Kernspintomographie (KST) bei Kindern mit operierten Anal- und Rektumatresien.

MRI of the pelvis was performed in 17 children following surgical correction of anal and rectal atresias and in five children without ano-rectal malformations. A muscle score was used to characterize the muscles of the pelvic floor and their relationship to the rectum. There was close agreement between the MRI muscle score and clinical continence. MRI provided additional information that should improve continence following conservative and surgical treatment.

[Imaging properties of digital image-intensifier radiography compared to the conventional x-ray technic for chest pictures]. / Abbildungseigenschaften der Digitalen BV-Radiographie im Vergleich zur konventionellen Röntgentechnik für Thoraxaufnahmen.

Projection properties of a digital fluorographic system for chest examinations are examined using varying test phantoms. A maximal geometric distortion of +14% between the centre and the periphery of the image intensifier and a maximal spatial resolution of 2.6 LP/mm is found. Contrast detail diagrams are used to show the combination of spatial and contrast resolution of the system. Compared with diagrams for conventional radiographic systems there is a significant loss of resolution.

[Digital image intensifier radiography and film-screen combinations in pulmonary nodules]. / Digitale BV-Radiographie und Film-Folien-Kombination bei Lungenrundherden.

30 patients with known or suspected pulmonary nodules were examined using a digital image intensifier radiography system, a conventional radiography system and a tomography of the whole lung. 73.8% of the pulmonary nodules detected with tomography were also detected with the digital system, 69.1% with the conventional system. There was no significant difference between the two systems comparing false positive and false negative diagnoses. Regarding the dose reduction to nearly 25% of that of a conventional examination the digital technique should be preferred to the conventional technique, if pulmonary nodules are suspected.

[Indications for cardio-MRT]. / Indikationen für die Kardio-MRT.

Cardio-MRT provides complex diagnostic information (morphology, function, biochemistry) with little stress for the patient and is therefore used increasingly for clinical diagnosis. There is great need for interdisciplinary studies concerning function, the use of contrast media and spectroscopy.

[The determination of myocardial mass by cardiac magnetic resonance tomography. The effect of section alignment and section distance]. / Myokardmassenbestimmung mit der Kardio-Magnetresonanztomographie. Einfluss von Schichtorientierung und Schichtabstand.

The effect of section alignment and distance in volumetric determination of myocardial mass by means of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was studied in 19 isolated pig hearts. Double angulated views taken through the short axis of the heart with a slice thickness of 10 mm and slices at a distance of 0 mm, 1 mm, 3 mm and 5 mm produced accurate left ventricular measurements with cardiac MRI. Measurements in the long axis of the heart resulted in a marked underestimation of myocardial mass; depending on slice intervals, there was an error between 13% and 20%. In vivo measurements in 35 subjects confirmed the effect of section alignment. Measurements in the long axis of the heart produced results of 139.9 +/- 31.7 g, significantly less than measurements in the short axis of the heart of 157.8 +/- 32.3 g.

[MR tomographic volumetry of the subarachnoid space in HIV-associated brain atrophy]. / MR-tomographische Volumetrie der Liquorräume bei HIV-assoziierter Hirnatrophie.

The CSF volume of 45 patients with HIV infection was measured at various clinical stages and the results compared with 24 normals. 60% of all patients showed increased CSF spaces as an indication of cerebral atrophy. Serial measurements were particularly valuable during the early stages of atrophy since there is marked variation in the normal CSF volume. Conventional measurements, with the exception of the width of the third ventricle, were much less sensitive than these quantitative measurements. Classification of HIV infection according to the clinical stage was useful since CSF volume and volume increase correlated with the stage of HIV infection.

[The value of digital subtraction sialography compared to conventional sialography, salivary gland sonography and surgical findings]. / Wertigkeit der digitalen Subtraktionssialographie im Vergleich mit konventioneller Sialographie, Speicheldrüsensonographie und Operationsbefund.

In a prospective study DSA sialography, conventional sialography (100mm technique) and sonography of the salivary glands were performed in 124 patients. The results of imaging could be correlated with those of operation and/or histology in 70 patients. Performing sialography in only one projection DSA sialography is superior to the conventional technique. The results of DSA are equivalent to those of conventional sialography in more than one projection. DSA sialography is the method of choice demonstrating salivary calculi, whereas sonography is superior to DSA sialography in the detection of tumors. In the diagnosis of chronic inflammation of the salivary glands DSA is slightly superior to the other imaging modalities.

[MR tomography of the temporomandibular joint using T1-weighted multislice-gradient echo-sequences]. / MR-Tomographie des Kiefergelenkes unter Anwendung T1-gewichteter Multislice-Gradientenecho-Sequenzen.

31 examinations of temporo-mandibular joints, using T1-weighted multislice gradient echo sequences have been performed. The short scan time of one minute and 50 seconds ensured that there were no movement artefacts in 28 cases. The position of the disc was visible in more than 90% of examinations. Degenerative changes in the cartilage and arthroses of the joint cannot be demonstrated adequately by the rapid sequences.

[Follow-up study in chronic polyarthritis as represented in roentgen image]. / Verlaufskontrolle der chronischen Polyarthritis im Röntgenbild.

Thirty-one patients with chronic polyarthritis under medical treatment had x-rays of their hands performed at the beginning of the illness and after seven years, on average. The findings were compared with clinical and biochemical data. Despite treatment, there was marked progression in the periarticular destructive changes, although the clinical features had improved. The extent of periarticular destruction was significantly greater amongst seropositive than amongst seronegative patients, both at the beginning and the end of the study, but there was no significant difference in the rate at which this progressed. It was not possible to demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between the radiological appearance of the joints and the clinical and laboratory findings.