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Journal Article 2001; 22(5): 309-321 PubMed PMID: 11600881 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Behavior:physiology, Ethology, Female, Humans, Male, Neurosecretory Systems:physiology, Odorants, Pheromones:physiology, Sexual Behavior, Smell, Vomeronasal Organ,.   

: The effect of sensory input on hormones is essential to any explanation of mammalian behavior, including aspects of physical attraction. The chemical signals we send have direct and developmental effects on hormone levels in other people. Since we don t know either if, or how, visual cues might have direct and developmental effects on hormone levels in other people, the biological basis for the development of visually perceived human physical attraction is currently somewhat questionable. In contrast, the biological basis for the development of physical attraction based on chemical signals is well detailed....

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Journal Article 2001; 22(5): 356-358 PubMed PMID: 11600878 Citation  Keywords:  Adolescent, Adult, Anorexia Nervosa:blood, Body Mass Index, Bulimia:blood, Female, Galanin:blood, Humans, Leptin:blood, Neuropeptide Y:blood, Reference Values,.   

OBJECTIVES: It has been reported that leptin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) play a role in the control of appetite and in the regulation of hormonal secretion.

METHODS: Plasma leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and galanin concentrations were estimated in 13 women with bulimia nervosa (BN) 19 women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and in 19 healthy women of the control group (CG).

RESULTS: Plasma leptin concentration in BN was significantly higher than that in AN and it was lower as compared with the control group, despite the same BMI (body mass index) in both the groups. Plasma leptin level in AN was significantly lower as compared with the controls. Plasma galanin concentrations in AN and BN did not differ significantly from the control group. Plasma NPY concentration in AN was lower than that in the control group. However, plasma NPY level in BN was significantly higher as compared with AN and with the control group (CG). The observed increase of NPY in BN was independent of BMI because BMI in bulimia nervosa was normal.

CONCLUSIONS: The data may suggest that other factors than body weight changes may be involved in the modulation of leptin and NPY release in BN. The pathological behaviour of patients with bulimia nervosa may result from disturbed NPY release which is the strongest orexigenic factor....

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Journal Article 2001; 22(5): 349-355 PubMed PMID: 11600877 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Appetite Regulation:drug effects, Energy Metabolism:drug effects, Estradiol:blood, Female, Follicle Stimulating Hormone:blood, Galanin:blood, Hormones:blood, Leptin:analysis, Luteinizing Hormone:blood, Neuropeptide Y:blood, Neuropeptides:blood, P.   

OBJECTIVES: Some hormonal disturbances were demonstrated in starvation. Leptin, NPY and galanin play an important role in the control of appetite and in the mechanism of hormone release.

METHODS: In order to evaluate the effect of starvation on the relationship between leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY) galanin and pituitary and gonadal hormones release, plasma leptin, NPY and galanin as well as serum LH, FSH, prolactin (PRL), estradiol, progesterone levels in non-starved female rats (in diestrus) and after 72 hrs of starvation were measured with RIA methods. Effects of leptin, NPY and galanin administration on pituitary and gonadal hormones were investigated in vivo and in vitro experiments.

RESULTS: Plasma leptin, NPY and galanin as well as serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations were significantly lower in starved rats as compared with non-starved rats. However serum prolactin level was significantly higher in starved rats. Opposite effects after leptin and NPY administration on hormone release in vivo and in vitro experiments were observed in non-starved rats. However, in starved rats we did not find changes in pituitary and gonadal hormones release after leptin, NPY and galanin injection or the hormonal response was blunted.

CONCLUSIONS: 1) The disturbances in neuropeptides activity and in hormones release were observed in starvation. 2) Leptin, NPY and galanin have direct and indirect effects on pituitary and gonadal hormones release. 3) In starvation the hormonal response to leptin, NPY and galanin is impaired....

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Letter 2001; 22(5): 330-331 PubMed PMID: 11600874 Citation  Keywords:  Adolescent, Adult, Animals, Child, Child, Preschool, Cytokines:secretion, Epilepsy:physiopathology, Female, Humans, Infant, Interleukin-1:secretion, Male, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha:secretion,.   

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Case Reports 2001; 22(4): 263-269 PubMed PMID: 11524634 Citation  Keywords:  Adolescent, Adult, Child, Choristoma:diagnostic imaging, Female, Hormones:therapeutic use, Humans, Hyoid Bone, Mandibular Diseases:drug therapy, Middle Aged, Thyroid Gland, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Tongue Diseases:diagnostic imaging,.   

OBJECTIVES: The authors describe the classification of heterotopic thyroid tissue. A survey of more than 600 literature cases is provided. Different therapy approaches for these anomalies are discussed. Data from seven subsequent cases have been added to the existing literature data. The authors present an alternative approach to the therapy of heterotopic thyroid tissue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of seven patients treated for a heterotopy of the thyroid tissue as the Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery of First Medical school of the Charles University of Prague since 1.1.1991 to 1.1.2001 have been analyzed.

RESULTS: The first group: No surgery. This approach was used for children. In these patients the heterotopic thyroid tissue is the only thyroid tissue they have, but its function is not damaged and there are no mechanical symptoms (no airway obstruction and dysphagia). TSH substitution-suppression therapy is necessary for this group. Cooperation and follow up by the endocrinology, otolaryngology and pediatric departments is necessary. At a later age these patients can be treated as in the second group. The second group: Surgery. All patients in this group had heterotopic thyroid tissue. The total removal of thyroid tissue has been preferred. Carcinomatous change or the development of mechanical syndrome, dysphagia or airway obstruction is possible. Total removal is the best surgical approach. Various surgical methods are described in the literature (CO2 laser, intraoral, mandibulotomy, middle hyotomy etc.). These patients are treated as after total thyroidectomy and substitution therapy with synthetic thyroid hormones is necessary. The authors describe and add seven cases to the literature data. The authors describe radical removal of aberrant and accessory tissue [corrected]....

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Journal Article 2001; 22(4): 251-254 PubMed PMID: 11524632 Citation  Keywords:  Aging:physiology, Animals, Circadian Rhythm, Endocrine System Diseases:drug therapy, Female, Macaca mulatta, Melatonin:blood, Nervous System Diseases:drug therapy, Oligopeptides:therapeutic use, Osmolar Concentration,.   

UNLABELLED: The OBJECTIVE of this research was to investigate the regulatory effect of Epitalon on the production of melatonin and cortisol in senescent monkeys.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated the character of melatonin and cortisol secretion by immunoferment assay in Epitalon-administered female Macaca mulatta in different age periods.

RESULTS: Epitalon was proven to significantly stimulate melatonin synthesis in senescent monkeys in the evening, thereby normalising the circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion....

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Journal Article 2001; 22(4): 248-250 PubMed PMID: 11524631 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Contraceptives, Oral:pharmacology, Female, Humans, Hyperandrogenism:complications, Incidence, Italy, Menstruation Disturbances:complications, Multiple Sclerosis:complications, Reference Values,.   

: A mild prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is present in females (2:1). To elucidate the pathogenetic role of sex steroids on the disease, we studied 76 women affected by MS, compared to 50 healthy women (mean age +/- SD, 34.9 +/- 0.9 vs. 33.4 +/- 1.7 years). The menarche was at mean age of 12.3 +/- 0.2 vs. 12.4 +/- 0.2. Interval between menses was 28.0 +/- 0.3 vs 27.8 +/- 0.3 days, with duration of menstrual flow of 5.0 +/- 0.2 vs. 5.0 +/- 0.2 days. Oligo- or amenorrhea was present in 20% of patients and in 16% of controls. Oral contraceptives were assumed by 21% of patients and 34% of controls (n.s.). Premenstrual symptoms were found in 43% of patients and in 46% of controls (n.s.). The incidence of hyperandrogenism (greasy skin, acne and hirsutism), evaluated by a specific questionnaire, was higher and statistically significant in MS patients than in controls (28% vs. 10%, p<0.05). Further studies, including a complete clinical and laboratory evaluation of gonadal function, are necessary in order to clarify whether hyperandrogenism may influence MS disease activity....

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Comparative Study 2001; 22(4): 229-237 PubMed PMID: 11524628 Citation  Keywords:  1,2-Dimethylhydrazine:administration & dosage, Animals, Biogenic Monoamines:metabolism, Carcinogens:administration & dosage, Circadian Rhythm:drug effects, Dopamine:metabolism, Drug Administration Schedule, Female, Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid:metabolism, Inj.   

OBJECTIVES: Our data on the contents of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and the metabolite of serotonin 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) measured in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), preoptic area (PA) and median eminence (ME) of hypothalamus of rats after single subcutaneous injection of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) as well as the effect of this carcinogen on formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the PA are presented in this paper.

RESULTS: Diurnal changes of DA in all studied brain structures and of NE in the PA have been observed in the control group. Their morning levels were higher than evening ones. Rhythms of 5-HIAA in the SCN and diurnal changes of ROS formation have been shown to have contrary changes in control. Both the morning (11 a.m.) and evening (11 p.m.) subcutaneous administration of DMH at the dose of 21 mg/kg of body weight resulted in changes of all rhythms observed in control. In some cases a phase shift was found, in others the rhythms of neurotransmitters and ROS formation disappeared entirely.

CONCLUSION: The data obtained confirm the idea of dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems taking part in mechanisms of a response of the hypothalamic nuclei to non-photic stimuli. It is suggested that the effect of DMH on the content and diurnal rhythms of neurotransmitters in the hypothalamic structures under study is due to its affecting activities of the enzymes of biogenic amines synthesis, synaptic transmission, melatonin synthesis and secretion rhythms. The change in ROS formation that is caused by administration of DMH is likely to be due to a disturbance of diurnal rhythms of neurotransmitters that are one of the sources of formation of free radicals in the brain....

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