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A Guastalla

Publications and source records attributed to A Guastalla.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Relationships between CB1 cannabinoid receptors and pituitary endocrine cells in Xenopus laevis: an immunohistochemical study.

The distribution of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor and its relationships with individual endocrine cell types were investigated by immunohistochemistry in the anterior lobe of the Xenopus adenohypophysis. By use of a specific primary antibody raised in rabbit against the amino terminus of the rat CB1, we have found numerous CB1-like-immunoreactive cells distributed throughout all of the pituitary anterior lobe with the exception of the ventrocranial area adjacent to the median eminence of the neurohypophysis. Aided by both double-immunostaining on consecutive serial sections and double-simultaneous immunofluorescence on the same section of the gland, the CB1-like immunoreactivity was compared to some specific hormone immunoreactive cells. CB1 labelings were mainly codistributed, and even colocalized, with lactotrophs and thyrotrophs. Gonadotrophs containing CB1 receptors were also observed. In contrast, corticotrophs, which are located mainly in the ventrocranial pole of the anterior lobe, were generally devoid of CB1. Since nerve terminals immunoreactive to the CB1 antibody were observed within the vascular zone of the median eminence, the possibility that endocannabinoids are involved in the control of some secretory activities of Xenopus pituitary, either indirectly via hypothalamic neurosecretory mechanisms or directly on the pituitary cells, was envisaged. In particular, the present study suggests the occurrence of a direct cannabinergic modulation of the prolactin, gonadotrophin, and thyrotrophin secretions through the CB1 receptor.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1993

Immunocytochemical and ultrastructural study of Rana dalmatina PRL and GH pituitary cells during larval development.

Single and double simultaneous indirect immunogold methods and ultrathin sagittal sections of Rana dalmatina tadpole heads were used to follow cytodifferentiation of PRL and GH cells in the adenohypophysial primordium from developmental stage 26 to the end of metamorphosis. Rabbit anti-frog (Rana catesbeiana) PRL and rabbit anti-frog GH were employed in the single method, and rabbit anti-frog PRL and monkey anti-rat GH were used in the double simultaneous technique as primary antisera. At stage 27, a couple of cells with few small secretory granules immunoreactive with anti-frog GH are first identifiable. At stage 28, some cells with few membrane-bound secretory granules, 70-90 nm in diameter, and immunoreactive with anti-frog PRL and other cells with few secretory granules, 80-110 nm in diameter, and immunoreactive with anti-frog GH are present. As development progresses, differentiation in both cell types is shown by an increase in the cytoplasmic volume and in the number, size, and immunoreactivity of secretory granules. Neither comparison of adjacent ultrathin sections stained with the single labeling technique nor results of double simultaneous labeling showed the coexistence of PRL and GH within the same cell.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Immunocytochemical identification of growth hormone- and prolactin-producing cells in the hypophysis of the newt Triturus cristatus carnifex Laur.

Single indirect immunocytochemical methods (immunofluorescence, PAP, and ABC) and double sequential staining (ABC followed by immunofluorescence) were used to localize GH- and PRL-producing cells in the pituitary distal lobe from Triturus cristatus. The following antisera were employed: rabbit anti-ovine PRL, anti-Rana catesbeiana PRL, anti-ovine GH, anti-bovine GH, and monkey anti-rat GH. A cell population corresponding to type-2 acidophils localized in the dorsal and central region, under the intermediate lobe, immunoreacted with GH antisera. Both ovine and bullfrog PRL antisera labeled a large cell population, corresponding to type-1 acidophils, predominantly localized in the ventral anterior two-thirds of the gland. The pattern of localization shown by the two cell types, although consistent with the majority of data on adult amphibians, disproves the findings obtained on the same species by other authors.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Identification by immunofluorescence of prolactin- and somatotrophin-producing cells in the pituitary gland of the tree frog Hyla arborea.

The indirect immunofluorescence procedure was used to localize prolactin (PRL)- and somatotrophin (STH)- producing cells in the pituitary distal lobe from Hyla arborea adult specimens. The following mammalian antisera were employed: rabbit anti-ovine PRL, antibovine PRL, anti-human PRL, anti-rat PRL, anti-ovine STH, anti-bovine STH, anti-human STH; monkey anti-rat STH. Immunocytochemical staining was suppressed by solid phase absorption of both anti-PRL and anti-STH with the specific antigen. Absorption of anti-PRL with STH and of anti-STH with PRL did not appreciably affect immunocytochemical staining. Treatment with the two antisera revealed two different reactive cell types, both acidophils. Using PRL antisera a strong fluorescence was found in the large acidophils located chiefly in the rostro-central and ventral areas of the distal lobe sagittal sections. A somewhat weaker fluorescence was observed using STH antisera in the fewer, small acidophils mostly concentrated in the dorso-caudal region and only sparsely scattered in the other areas of the pars distalis. Strikingly, the overall pattern of localization shown by the two cell types is similar to their already known distribution in the pituitary distal lobe of some other species of urodele and anuran amphibians.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Identification by immunofluorescence of ACTH-producing cells in the pituitary gland of the tree frog Hyla arborea.

The indirect immunofluorescence procedure was used to localize ACTH-producing cells in the pituitary distal lobe from Hyla arborea adult specimens; the antiserum employed was rabbit anti-synthetic ACTH (1-24) conjugated with BSA. Immunohistochemical staining was suppressed by solid-phase absorption of the anti-ACTH with the specific antigen. In the distal lobe one cell population is immunoreactive; these cells are predominantly localized in the anterior half, both ventrally and dorsally; they exclusively correspond to type-3 basophils. In the intermediate lobe the total cell population is immunoreactive. Parallel inspections carried out on the pituitary of Xenopus laevis specimens gave results fully consistent with those reported by other authors.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1979

Catecholaminergic drugs in chronic schizophrenia.

The effect of dopaminergic-related and stimulatory drugs have been studied in chronic hebephrenic schizophrenics untreated with neuroleptic drugs. 6 patients received therapy of 2 g L-dopa + 200 mg carbodopa per day orally for 30 days, then placebo for 30 days. Following that 3 of the same patients received therapy of 2 g L-dopa + 200 mg carbodopa + 300 mg imipramine orally for 30 days, then placebo for 30 days. Following that the same 3 patients received 1 mg apomorphine s.c. for 15 days, then placebo for 15 days, then 1 mg apomorphine s.c. + 2 g L-dopa + 200 mg carbodopa per os daily for 15 days, then placebo for 15 days. The patients were examined psychologically by the Wittenborn Rating Scale, the Weigl Object-Sorting Test, and tests for verbal learning and verbal association, before and after each therapeutic trial. Levels of FSH, LH, testosterone and GH were assayed radioimmunologically before, in the middle of and after each course of therapy. 2 patients showed improvement in the affective-behavioural symptomatology during therapy, while the other 4, who had a more severe degree of mental deterioration and destruction, were unchanged. FSH and LH levels, very low under basal conditions, did not change under therapy. Testosterone was very low before therapy and increased in only 1 subject. Normal basal GH levels increased during therapy in some of the patients, but not constantly. The results obtained are discussed in relation to the catecholamine hypotheses of schizophrenia.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Effects of clomiphene citrate administraiton on the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis of male chronic schizophrenics.

The clomiphene citrate stimulation test was performed in 16 adult male chronic hebephrenic schizophrenics (10 off therapy from 3 months to 1 year and six on therapy with phenothiazines or haloperidol) and in five normal controls, matched for age. Clomiphene citrate was given orally at a daily dose of 150 mg, divided into three doses, for 8 days. FSH, LH and testosterone levels were assayed before the administration of clomiphene citrate and after 4 and 8 days of treatment. Schizophrenics showed normal increase of FSH levels during the clomiphene administration, while LH and testosterone responses were blunted. Phenothiazines or haloperiodol had no effect on the test.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Gonadotropin response to synthetic gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (GnRH) in chronic schizophrenia.

GnRH stimulation tests were performed in 15 adult male chronic hebephrenic schizophrenics and 15 oligophrenic controls, matched for age and length of hospitalization. GnRH was given at doses of 50, 100 and 150 gamma to five subjects of each type, and FSH and LH levels in the blood were assayed at 0, 10, 20, 30, 60, and 90 minutes. The tests were performed twice in schizophrenics off therapy and after 10, 20 and 30 days of chlorpromazine therapy (4 mg/kg body weight/day, per os). The controls were not given chlorpromazine and were tested only twice. Schizophrenics showed relative increases in both FSH and LH which were greater than those of the controls, and the response persisted longer. Chlorpromazine had no effect on the test.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Prolactin secretion in chronic schizophrenia.

Basal prolactin secretion and its response to various stimuli have been studied in 20 chronic hebephrenic schizophrenics, 10 males and 10 females, aged 20-54 years. The duration of the disease varied between 4 and 30 years. Eight normal subjects from the hospital staff, four males and four females, matched for age, were used as controls. The patients had been off medication for 10 days in 17 cases, for 3 months in one case and for 1 year in two cases. The TRH stimulation test was done by giving 500 mug of TRH i.v., both to schizophrenics and controls. Schizophrenics and controls. Schizophrenics only were subjected to a 2-day therapy with chlorpromazine (4 mg/kg body weight per day orally), and therafter for 8 days to a combined therapy with chlorpromazine at the same dose plus 2-BRalpha-ergokryptine-mesilate (500 mg per day orally). Prolactin levels were assayed radioimmunologically in the basal condition, during the TRH stimulation test, after 2 days of chlorpromazine alone, and after 4 and 8 days of combined therapy with chlorpromazine plus 2-Br-alpha-ergokryptine-mesilate. The results obtained showed normal basal prolactin levels, significantly enhanced responses to TRH, normal increases after chlorpromazine alone, and substantial decreases after 2-Br-alpha-ergokryptine-mesilate. A possible relative catecholamine deficiency, related to the mental disease, is suggested to explain the results.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Glucose-insulin metabolism in herion addicts.

The insulinemic and glycemic response to a glucose load (100 g per os) was studied in 21 heroin addicts, 16 males and 5 females, age 16-28 years, history of addiction lasting from 6 months to 4 years with heroin alone (from 0.5 to 1.5 g/day i.v.). Nine normal sujects, from the hospital staff, 4 females and 5 males matched for age were use as control. The insulinemic and glycemic response to a glucose load was examined immediately after hospitalization, while the patients were still on heroin, 48 h later off drugs, and in 10 of the 21 cases 5 days later still off drugs. From the results obtained, it appears that in heroin addicts the glycemic response to the glucose load shows a delayed peak time. The insulin curves show increased insulin peaks, delayed peak time and prolonged hyperinsulinemia. The pathomechanism of heroin in inducing the above-metioned impairments is discussed, taking also in cosideration the possible influence of the drug on the neurotransmitter regulation of insulin.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

Glucose-insulin metabolism in chronic schizophrenia.

The present study deals with possible connections between the schizophrenic syndrome and alterations of the glucose-insulin metabolism. Data have been obtained in 18 patients, 9 males and 9 females, aged 22-62 years, suffering from chronic schizophrenia of 5-29 years duration. The patients were treated with Haloperidol for 30 days, 6 mg, i.m.p.d. to a total dose of 180 mg. The glucose metabolism was examined through a GTT (with a glucose load of 100 gr. per os), and an Insulin Tolerance Test (with 0.1 U/kg body weight). The insulin levels were examined under glucose load by the radioimmunological assay of Hales and Randle. The glycemic levels were examined under glucose load by an oxidative method. The psychopathological features were controlled by a Wittenborn Rating Scale. The metabolic and psychological examinations were done twice before the beginning of therapy, at 46 hrs. interval, then at 10-20-30 days of therapy. The results are probative for the presence of a chemical diabetes in a significantly high percent of patients. The significance of possible neurotransmitter impairments acting at both the biochemical and psychological levels is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Neuroendocrine effects of haloperidol therapy in chronic schizophrenia.

The neuroendocrine effects of haloperidol therapy have been examined in 62 male chronic schizophrenic patients, aged 16-62 years. The duration of the disease varied between 2 and 29 years. The patients were divided into 48 hebephrenics with onset of the disease at puberty, or immediately after puberty, and 14 paranoids with onset of the disease in adulthood. They received 6 mg i.m.p.d. of haloperidol, for 30 days, up to a total dose of 180 mg. The following hormonal variables were examined before therapy and at 10-20 and 30 days of treatment: total urinary gonadotropins, serum FSH and LH, GH response to insulin stimulation, ACTH reserve (Metyrapone test), total urinary 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticoids before and after an ACTH stimulation test, serum testosterone, insulin response to glucose load, plasma thyroxine before and after a TSH stimulation test. The basic hormonal values revealed decreased secretion of total gonadotropins, FSH, LH, ACTH and testosterone, and increased insulin secretion. The haloperidol therapy seemed to stimulate the secretion of FSH, LH, total gonadotropins, ACTH and testosterone, up to normal or low-normal levels. No modifications were observed in the other hormonal variables. The significance of these results is discussed.

17-Hydroxycorticosteroids↗
PubMed1975

Growth hormone secretion in chronic schizophrenia.

The GH response to insulin hypoglycemia (insulin 0.1 IU/kg i.v.) was studied under basal conditions and during a course of haloperidol therapy in 19 chronic schizophrenics, 15 hebephrenics and four paranoids (ten men and nine women, age 16--53 years). Haloperidol was given for 30 days, at a daily dose of 6 mg i.m., and the GH response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia was tested twice, before, and 10, 20, 30 days following the initiation of the treatment. The psychopathological features were controlled daily by two psychiatrists and by the ward staff and by the use of a Wittenborn rating scale, rated at the same intervals as the hormonal assays. From the results obtained it appears that in schizophrenic patients, GH secretion and response to insulin stimulus are extremely variable and are unaffected by haloperidol treatment. On the basis of the results obtained, the neurotransmitter-neurohormone regulation of GH secretion in schizophrenics is discussed.

Adolescent↗