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Biomedical subjects

C Pasqualini

Publications and source records attributed to C Pasqualini.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Therapy and follow-up of breast cancer. Experiences in 11 years of observation].

Out of 1260 biopsies performed on neoplasias of the breast in 11 years' surgical practice, 463 (36,7%) malignant tumours were encountered. The surgical strategy in the latter cases was based on two basic parameters: a) the histological report on the intraoperative biopsy; b) the clinical stage (TNM). After surgery oncological treatment followed the now universal standard practice: --T1, T2, T3, N+, M0 and T4 independent of N or M: multiple chemotherapy for 6-12 months then periodic check ups as in N- cases. --M1: multiple chemotherapy, hormone and radiation treatment combined in various ways. The results obtained in terms of trouble free periods and survival are in line with reports in the literature including those describing a larger number of cases.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Anterior pituitary dopamine receptors during the rat estrous cycle. A detailed analysis of proestrus changes.

The binding of [3H]-spiperone to partially purified rat anterior pituitary plasma membranes was quantified throughout the estrous cycle in relation with the serum prolactin (PRL) levels. Receptor affinity remained unchanged throughout the cycle (Kd:0.08-0.16 nM). The number of receptors was constantly high from diestrus I 10.30 h to proestrus 10.30 h, as long as serum PRL remained low. Between 10.30 and 17.30 h on proestrus, there was a rapid and marked decrease in receptor numbers (Bmax, from 180 +/- 50 to 48 +/- 10 fmol/mg protein: means +/- SEM of three independent determinations), which coincided with the preovulatory PRL surge. Subsequently, [3H]-spiperone binding gradually increased (from 48 +/- 10 to 110 +/- 21 fmol/mg protein, at 21.30 h), while PRL returned to basal levels. On the afternoon of estrus, the number of dopamine receptors was also negatively correlated with the increase in serum PRL. These results show that, while receptor affinity is constant, the number of dopamine binding sites changes significantly and rapidly on the afternoon of proestrus. A rapid decrease in receptor content is temporally correlated with the onset of the preovulatory PRL surge. Therefore, the number of [3H]-spiperone binding sites may be regulated during the estrous cycle. In addition, the proestrus decrease in the number of these receptors might be a decisive component in the initiation or maintenance of the preovulatory PRL surge in the rat.

Animals↗

Biochemical and functional alterations of central GABA receptors during chronic estradiol treatment.

The characteristics of GABA and benzodiazepine receptors were examined in the hippocampus, striatum and cerebral cortex of female rats at various times (up to 9 months) after the subcutaneous implantation of an estradiol pellet (10 mg). A significant decrease in the Bmax of the high-affinity binding of [3H]muscimol to membranes from these 3 regions was detected as soon as one week after the implantation. Although the characteristics of the high-affinity binding of [3H]flunitrazepam remained unaffected during the whole treatment, the stimulatory effect of GABA (and muscimol) on this binding was significantly reduced by estrogenization. The changes in GABA receptor binding appeared functionally relevant since the elevation of striatal acetylcholine levels normally induced by the peripheral administration of muscimol (5 mg/kg) was significantly lower in estradiol-treated than in control female rats. In contrast to that observed in intact female rats, the implantation of estradiol in hypophysectomized animals did not affect the characteristics of [3H]muscimol binding to hippocampal, striatal and cortical membranes. [3H]muscimol binding was also unchanged in female rats implanted with estradiol and treated chronically with bromocriptine for 3 weeks. Since both hypophysectomy and the chronic administration of bromocriptine suppressed the hyperprolactinemia normally induced by estrogenization, the down-regulation of central GABA receptors very likely involved prolactin in intact animals implanted with 17-beta-estradiol.

Acetylcholine↗

Circadian variations in beta-endorphin concentrations in pituitary and in some brain nuclei of the adult male rat.

Using both the 'punch' microdissection and a radioimmunological technique, circadian variations in beta-endorphin concentrations can be observed in the pituitary and in some discrete brain regions of the male rat (Wistar CFY). Animals were synchronized with light from 06.00 to 18.00 h, then darkness. Water and food were available ad libitum. Very well marked circadian rhythms were in evidence in the anterior lobe of the pituitary, the septum, the pons, the medulla oblongata and the cerebellum. There crest time locations were situated between 20.00 and 24.00 h. No significant circadian rhythms but biphasic variations were observed in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary, the POA, the thalamus, the central gray and the caudatus. There crest time locations were synchronized around 08.00 and 20.00 h. The most striking finding was that, regardless of the brain area investigated so far, maximal values were observed a short time after the beginning of the activity period of rats. This fact is identical with the one which has been observed for substance P and LH-RH contents in brain areas where these peptides are mostly present in nerve terminals in high concentrations.

Animals↗

Presence and distribution of radioimmunoassayable LHRH in the European eel, Anguilla anguilla.

Eel brain contains a factor which exhibited a complete cross-reaction in a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for mammalian luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) and which exhibited a behavior similar to that of synthetic mammalian LHRH on Sephadex G-25. Eel brains contained 920 +/- 135 pg of this LHRH-like immunoreactive factor (IR-LHRH); 75% of immunoreactivity was present in the di- and mes-encephalon, 21% in the telencephalon and 4% in the hind-brain. Thus, IR-LHRH in eel brain exhibited a much wider distribution than in mammalian brain. Pituitary also contained a large amount of IR-LHRH (304 +/- 69 pg) at a concentration even higher than in median hypothalamic lobe; this result is probably related to the fact that, in teleost, median eminence is included into the pituitary. An immunoreactive substance was also present in the blood. In conclusion, the lack of sexual development and the low gonadotropic function in the eel, are apparently not related to an absence of LHRH.

Anguilla↗

[Inhibition of the preovulatory secretion of gonadotropins by prolactin in rats seems to depend on the strain used].

Intraperitoneal injection of Rat Prolactin to cyclic female Rats results in preovulatory changes which depend on the strain of animals. Specifically, preovulatory surges of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were suppressed in Sprague-Dawley Rats while delayed but enhanced preovulatory surges of both gonadotropins were observed in Wistar strain.

Animals↗