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Biomedical subjects

G Pesce

Publications and source records attributed to G Pesce.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Occurrence of overt celiac disease in the elderly following total thyroidectomy.

We report the case of a female patient in whom gluten-induced entheropathy was revealed at the age of 71 yr by resistance to treatment with levothyroxine (L-T4), calcium carbonate and alfacalcidol. Hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism were the consequence of a total thyroidectomy performed at the age of 65 yr for a large multinodular goiter. Six months after thyroid ablation the patient started to complain of abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. Following, anemia and osteopenia were documented. A progressive increase of replacement therapy for hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism was necessary. The clinical presentation suggested a malabsorption syndrome: celiac disease (CD) was diagnosed by serological markers and duodenal biopsy. Following gluten-free diet a normalization of clinical and serological findings was observed, bone mass density improved and a reduction of L-T4, calcium and vitamin D requirements was observed.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Neuroendoscopic management of a solitary pineal region tumor. Case report of an adenocarcinoma metastasis.

The present case describes a two-step endoscopic management of hydrocephalus and diagnosis of a single pineal region metastasis arising from a gastric adenocarcinoma. A 62-year-old man presenting with signs of subacute obstructive hydrocephalus from a pineal region mass had at first been treated with an endoscopic third ventriculostomy. As cerebrospinal fluid tumor markers (alpha-fetoprotein, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin) were negative, an endoscopic biopsy of the pineal region tumor was performed through a more anterior frontal burr hole. Pathology showed an adenocarcinoma and primary tumor work-up revealed an unsuspected gastric tumor, the pathology of which matched with the intracranial metastasis. The present report emphasizes the role of neuroendoscopy in pineal region tumors and reports a rare case of a solitary gastric adenocarcinoma metastasis in this location.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2005

Neoadjuvant phase II multicentre study of new agents in patients with malignant glioma after minimal surgery. Report of a cohort of 187 patients treated with temozolomide.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of new agents in patients with malignant glioma in a neoadjuvant setting not confounded by surgery. The first study of neoadjuvant temozolomide aimed to provide a benchmark for future evaluation of new treatments. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a multicentre phase II study of chemotherapy in patients with histologically verified glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) who had undergone biopsy alone. Patients were planned to receive two cycles of temozolomide at 200 mg/m(2) orally daily for 5 days at a 28-day interval prior to radiotherapy. Response was assessed by two central observers on pre- and post-chemotherapy enhanced scans using bi-dimensional criteria and as progression-free survival (PFS) at the time of second assessment prior to radiotherapy. Withdrawal from the study due to worsening clinical condition was, in the absence of second imaging, assessed as progressive disease. Survival and quality of life (QOL) were secondary endpoints. RESULTS: Between August 1999 and June 2002, 188 patients from 15 UK and two Italian centres were entered into the study and 187 were analysed. Overall, 162 patients were assessable for response; seven had partial and 25 had minimal response. The objective response rate was 20% [95% confidence interval (CI) 14-26%] and PFS prior to commencing radiotherapy was 64% (95% CI 57-72%). The median survival was 10 months, and 1-year survival 41%. The median survival of responders was 16 months compared to 3 months in patients with progressive disease (P <0.001 on multivariate analysis). CONCLUSION: The phase II study design of primary chemotherapy in patients with malignant glioma following biopsy alone is feasible and provides as objective a method of assessment of efficacy as is currently available. The baseline data on temozolomide provide a benchmark for assessment of efficacy of other agents and combinations.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Use of an artificial neural network to predict Graves' disease outcome within 2 years of drug withdrawal.

BACKGROUND: Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by hyperthyroidism, which can relapse in many patients after antithyroid drug treatment withdrawal. Several studies have been performed to predict the clinical course of GD in patients treated with antithyroid drugs, without conclusive results. The aim of this study was to define a set of easily achievable variables able to predict, as early as possible, the clinical outcome of GD after antithyroid therapy. METHODS: We studied 71 patients with GD treated with methimazole for 18 months: 27 of them achieved stable remission for at least 2 years after methimazole therapy withdrawal, whereas 44 patients relapsed. We used for the first time a perceptron-like artificial neural network (ANN) approach to predict remission or relapse after methimazole withdrawal. Twenty-seven variables obtained at diagnosis or during treatment were considered. RESULTS: Among different combinations, we identified an optimal set of seven variables available at the time of diagnosis, whose combination was useful to efficiently predict the outcome of the disease following therapy withdrawal in approximately 80% of cases. This set consists of the following variables: heart rate, presence of thyroid bruits, psycological symptoms requiring psychotropic drugs, serum TGAb and fT4 levels at presentation, thyroid-ultrasonography findings and cigarette smoking. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that perceptron-like ANN is potentially a useful approach for GD-management in choosing the most appropriate therapy schedule at the time of diagnosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Analytical and diagnostic accuracy of "second generation" assays for thyrotrophin receptor antibodies with radioactive and chemiluminescent tracers.

AIMS: To investigate the analytical and diagnostic accuracy of thyrotrophin (TSH) receptor antibody assays using recombinant human TSH receptors. METHODS: Sera from 68 patients with Graves' disease, 23 patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, and 119 healthy controls were evaluated in four different laboratories using both radioactive and chemiluminescent tracers. Functional sensitivity, interlaboratory precision, optimal cutoff values for Graves' disease, and the correlation between the two methods were evaluated. RESULTS: Functional sensitivity was 0.98 IU/litre for both assays. Interlaboratory precision, expressed as per cent coefficient of variation over a wide range of antibody concentrations, varied from 5.7% to 15.1% for the radioligand, and from 6.6% to 19.9% for the chemiluminescence assay. The two methods (radioactive and chemiluminescent) were closely correlated. All the sera from untreated or relapsing patients with Graves' disease gave TSH receptor antibody values above 2.1 IU/litre, whereas in none of the healthy controls did values exceed 2.5 IU/litre. Receiver operating curve analysis allowed an optimal cutoff point to be defined at 1.99 IU/litre, according to a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 99.1%. CONCLUSIONS: These data show the high analytical and diagnostic accuracy of the human TSH receptor assays, both with radioactive and chemiluminescent tracers, when both functional sensitivity and interlaboratory reproducibility are considered. These two methods could be proposed as first line diagnostic markers for Graves' disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Sensitization to food or inhalant allergens in pediatric patients. Clinical usefulness of first-level panel tests for specific IgE.

First-level in vitro diagnostic tests for specific IgE against common inhalant or food allergens have been used to identify allergic patients. We evaluated the performance of Phadiatop and Fx5 (mixed food allergens) serological tests (Pharmacia Diagnostics AB, Uppsala, Sweden) in different groups of pediatric patients. We studied two groups of pediatric patients: 61 children recruited from an Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit (Group 1); 136 children from a Pediatric Unit not specifically devoted to allergic diseases (Group 2); the two groups comprised patients with (A) or without (B) clinical suspicion of allergic disease. Sera were collected from routine blood analysis. Frequencies of positivities for Phadiatop and/or Fx5 were very high (68.8%) in Group 1, however, as many as 35.5% of Group 2 children were positive, as well. All the patients of Group 1 with clinical suspicion of allergic disease (1A), confirmed by allergologic diagnostic tests, had a positive first-level test; 42.8% only of the patients in Group 2 with suspicion of allergic disease (2A) had a positive first-level test. None of the Phadiatop/Fx5-negative children of Group 2A had specific-IgE with conventional tests. In 30% of children not suspected for allergic diseases (1B and 2B), positive first-level tests were observed. Such unexpected positivities were confirmed by single specific-IgE assays in 94.7% (for inhalants) or 71% (for foods) of cases. In conclusion, altogether the sensitivity and overall performance of first-level tests in pediatric populations (especially for inhalant allergens) may suggest their use, under appropriate circumstances, both as a first diagnostic approach (to rule out negative patients) and for screening purposes.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed2002

Different intrathyroid expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease: analysis at mRNA level and association with B7.1 costimulatory molecule.

Cultured thyroid epithelial cells can be induced to express intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, or CD54). However, constitutive follicular expression of ICAM-1 has been reported only in thyroid autoimmunity. We evaluated the expression of ICAM-1 mRNA and protein on thyroid tissue from different autoimmune thyroid diseases, and its relationship with other immunologically relevant surface markers, namely costimulatory molecules of B7 family. Thyroid tissue sections were obtained by surgically removed thyroid glands from 6 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), 6 with Graves' disease (GD) and 3 with multinodular nontoxic goiter. We used in situ hybridization to localize ICAM-1 mRNA, and immunohistochemical analysis by alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) method. We showed a clear hybridization pattern, localized in follicular cells, in sections of glands with HT. The hybridization pattern was far less pronounced in GD: no staining was apparent on follicular cells. These results were strictly consistent with those obtained by means of immunohistochemistry. Moreover, double-staining experiments demonstrated colocalization of ICAM-1 and B7.1 molecules in HT, whereas no B7.1 expression was observed in Graves' or in non-autoimmune thyroid diseases. These data agree with the hypothesis of distinct immunoregulatory phenomena and effector mechanisms in the 2 main autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Detection and spectroscopy of the v1 + v3 band of N2O by difference-frequency spectrometer at 3 microm.

We report the realisation of a laser spectrometer in the mid-infrared spectral region based on difference-frequency generation in a periodically poled LiNbO3 crystal. Tunable coherent radiation around 3 microm was produced by mixing a diode-pumped monolithic cw Nd-YAG laser and an injection-locked diode laser at 0.785 microm. High sensitivity N2O detection was demonstrated by observing pure absorption spectra of lines in the v1 + v3 combination band. We estimate a minimum detectable pressure of pure N2O of 1 x 10(-2) Pa with 0.9 m absorption path-length, corresponding to an absorbance of 3 x 10(-4). Nitrous oxide was also detected in presence of O2, N2 and air. Collisional broadening coefficients for the P(33) line at 3447.678 per cm are reported for N2O-N2 and N2O-O2 mixtures.

Nitrous Oxide↗
PubMed2002

Regulation of apoptosis in endocrine autoimmunity: insights from Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.

Dysregulation of apoptosis is associated with the pathogenesis of organ-specific autoimmune diseases, through altered target organ susceptibility. Apoptosis signaling pathways can be initiated through activation of death receptors such as Fas. A comparative analysis of the expression of Fas and FasL, the antiapoptotic molecule Bcl-2, and apoptosis in both thyrocytes and thyroid-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from patients with either Graves' disease (GD) or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) was performed. GD thyrocytes expressed less Fas than HT thyrocytes, whereas GD TILs had higher levels of Fas and FasL than HT TILs. GD thyrocytes expressed higher levels of Bcl-2 compared with HT thyrocytes. The opposite pattern was observed in GD (low Bcl-2) and HT (high Bcl-2) TILs. Consistently, thyrocyte apoptosis was marked in HT and poor in GD thyroids, and TIL apoptosis was marked in GD and poor in HT. Our findings suggest that in GD thyroid the regulation of Fas/FasL/Bcl-2 favors apoptosis of infiltrating lymphocytes. Moreover, the reduced levels of Fas/FasL and increased levels of Bcl-2 should favor thyrocyte survival and hypertrophy associated with stimulatory thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies. In contrast, the regulation of Fas/FasL/Bcl-2 expression in HT can promote thyrocyte apoptosis via homophylic Fas-FasL interactions, and a gradual reduction in thyrocyte numbers leading to hypothyroidism. Fas-mediated apoptosis may be a general mechanism of cell damage in destructive organ-specific autoimmunity.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2001

Comparison of ELISA for tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies with antiendomysium antibodies in pediatric and adult patients with celiac disease.

BACKGROUND: Tissue transglutaminase (t-TG) is the main autoantigen recognized by the endomysium antibodies (EMA) observed in patients with celiac disease (CD). The aim of the study was to assess an ELISA method for t-TG antibodies (t-TGA) with respect to EMA IF assay in pediatric and adult patients. METHODS: t-TGA were analyzed by ELISA in 220 sera samples: 82 patients with biopsy-proven untreated CD (23 adults and 59 children), 14 CD children on gluten-free diet, 18 asymptomatic relatives of CD patients, and 106 age-matched control patients with gluten-unrelated gastrointestinal diseases (58 adults and 48 children). Serum IgA EMA were tested on umbilical cord sections in all patients. RESULTS: The great majority (92.7%) of untreated CD patients (both adults and children) were t-TGA positive (values ranging from 20.1 to > 300 AU). None of the child control patients and only two out of 58 (3.4%) of the adults with unrelated gastrointestinal diseases had serum t-TGA positivity; two out of 18 first-degree relatives with biopsy-proved silent CD were t-TGA (as well as EMA) positive. Finally, two out of 14 CD children, assuming a gluten-free diet, had serum t-TGA (as well as EMA). A highly significant correlation (P < 0.001) was observed between t-TGA concentrations and EMA. t-TGA showed a sensitivity of 87% and 95%, a specificity of 97% and 100% for adults and children, respectively. CONCLUSION: The method is highly sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of CD and is promising as a tool for routine diagnostic use and population screening, especially in children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Differential regulation of Fas-mediated apoptosis in both thyrocyte and lymphocyte cellular compartments correlates with opposite phenotypic manifestations of autoimmune thyroid disease.

Several mechanisms are probably involved in determining the evolution of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) towards either hypothyroidism and the clinical syndrome known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) or toward hyperthyroidism and the symptoms of Graves' disease (GD). To gain further insight into such mechanisms we performed an exhaustive comparative analysis of the expression of key molecules regulating cell death (Fas, Fas ligand [FasL], Bcl-2) and apoptosis in both thyrocytes and thyroid infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from patients with either GD or HT. GD thyrocytes expressed less Fas/FasL than HT thyrocytes, whereas GD TILs had higher levels of Fas/FasL than HT TILs. GD thyrocytes expressed increased levels of the antiapoptotic molecule Bcl-2 compared to the low levels detected in HT thyrocytes. The opposite pattern was observed in GD (low Bcl-2) and HT (high Bcl-2) TILs. The patterns of apoptosis observed were consistent with the regulation of Fas, FasL, and Bcl-2 described above. Our findings suggest that in GD thyroid the regulation of Fas/FasL/Bcl2 favors apoptosis of infiltrating lymphocytes, possibly limiting their autoreactive potential and impairing their ability to mediate tissue damage. Moreover, the reduced levels of Fas/FasL and increased levels of Bcl-2 should favor thyrocyte survival and favor the thyrocyte hypertrophy associated with immunoglobulins stimulating the thyrotropin (TSH) receptor. In contrast, the regulation of Fas/FasL/Bcl2 expression in HT promotes thyrocyte apoptosis, tissue damage, and a gradual reduction in thyrocyte numbers leading to hypothyroidism. These findings help define key molecular mechanisms contributing to the clinical outcome of thyroid autoimmunity.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Preliminary evidence for 'aberrant' expression of the leukocyte integrin LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) on conjunctival epithelial cells of patients with mite allergy.

BACKGROUND: We have previously shown aberrant expression of the 'leukocyte' integrin LFA-1 on epithelial cells in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. In the present study we investigated whether conjunctival epithelial cells, which bear the adhesion molecule ICAM-1 on their surface during allergic inflammation, may also aberrantly express its natural ligand, the 'leukocyte' integrin LFA-1. METHODS: We studied 13 patients with rhinoconjunctivitis allergic to mites, chronically exposed to the allergen, 11 patients allergic to pollen tested out of the pollen season and 8 normal volunteers. Single and double immunocytochemical staining of conjunctival smears was employed. RESULTS: LFA-1 staining on epithelial cells was demonstrated in 12/13 patients allergic to mites and not in normal controls or in patients allergic to pollen tested out of the pollen season. The epithelial localization of LFA-1 was confirmed by double staining with anti-LFA-1 and anti-cytokeratin antibodies (both immunocytochemical and immunofluorescence). CONCLUSIONS: Coexpression of LFA-1 and ICAM-1 during persistent allergen stimulation may be relevant for interaction between epithelial cells and activated effector cells, such as eosinophils, which bear on their surface both ICAM-1 and its beta2 integrin ligands.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Tc-99m dicarboxypropane diphosphonate uptake in ovarian fibrothecoma.

A 76-year-old woman had a palpable mass in the lower abdomen. Computed tomography showed an abnormal pelvic mass with necrotic areas, probably of ovarian origin. A Tc-99m dicarboxypropane diphosphonate whole-body scan performed to evaluate the extent of the disease (i.e., the presence of bone metastases) revealed only diffuse uptake of the tracer in the pelvis. Histopathologic analysis after surgical excision of the mass revealed a fibrothecoma of the right ovary, which is a benign tumor composed of cells derived from the ovarian stroma and, in some instances, resembles the thecal element of the follicle.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Possible pathogenetic relevance of interleukin-1 beta in "destructive" organ-specific autoimmune disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis).

Thyroid follicular cells (TFC) abundantly express a variety of immunologically relevant surface molecules in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), for example, MHC antigens and adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1. Cytokines produced by infiltrating type 1 helper and cytotoxic T cells are importantly involved in de novo expression or up-regulation of such molecules. We recently demonstrated that TFC from HT patients almost invariably bear on their surface two additive functional molecules: Fas/Apo1/CD95, an important participant in apoptosis, and B7.1, a member of a family of "co-stimulatory" molecules that are crucial for efficient antigen presentation. To date, 12 out of 14 surgical HT thyroid specimens that we studied by immunohistochemistry showed B7.1-positive TFC, and all showed Fas-positive TFC, different from Graves' disease (GD) or nonautoimmune specimens. We have investigated the role of a number of cytokines (IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TGF-beta 1, IFN-gamma) in regulating B7.1 and Fas expression. The experiments were performed by immunofluorescence flow cytometry on TFC purified from nontoxic goiter specimens which were Fas- and B7.1-negative at baseline, and one B7.1/Fas-positive HT specimen. IFN-gamma (500 U/mL) and TNF-alpha (200 ng/mL) were unable to induce de novo expression of B7.1 or Fas on cultured TFC. At higher doses (2000 U/mL and 800 ng/mL, respectively), they were unable to induce B7.1, but potentiated the spontaneous expression of Fas. Type 2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) were unable to induce Fas or B7.1 on TFC at all, or to down-regulate Fas or B7.1 when expressed. On the other hand, IL-1 beta was the only cytokine able to induce Fas expression on Fas-negative TFC at doses ranging from 100 to 1000 pg/mL. Moreover, at a dose of 400 pg/mL, it was also able to induce B7.1. We demonstrated by immunohistochemistry that IL-1 beta is abundantly present on HT thyroids, including follicular structures. It is conceivable that IFN-gamma, or other cytokines secreted by infiltrating T-lymphocytes, are able to promote IL-1 beta secretion by TFC. In conclusion, a crucial role of IL-1 beta in "destructive" organ-specific autoimmunity may be suggested both for the perpetuation of the autoimmune reaction (induction of efficient autoantigen presentation by TFC, via co-stimulatory molecules) and in induction of tissue damage via "suicide" Fas/FasL-mediated TFC interaction.

B7-1 Antigen↗
PubMed1999

Mutation analysis of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes results in the identification of novel and recurrent mutations in 6/16 flemish families with breast and/or ovarian cancer but not in 12 sporadic patients with early-onset disease. Mutations in brief no. 224. Online.

Since the identification of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (MIM#s 113705 and 600185), more than hundred different mutations throughout both genes have been reported. Recurrent mutations are rare and mainly due to founder effects. We analyzed 12 sporadic female patients with breast cancer before age 35, as well as 16 unrelated families, presenting with either (i) at least 3 first degree relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancer diagnosed at any age, or (ii) at least 2 first and/or second degree relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancer before age 45 years. We performed a protein truncation test for BRCA1 exon 11 and BRCA2 exons 10 and 11 and heteroduplex analysis for all the remaining exons of BRCA1 and 2. Presence of genomic deletions encompassing exons 13 or 22 of BRCA1, known to be Dutch founder mutations, was investigated by PCR. In 6/16 (37.5%) unrelated families the causal mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene was identified. Four different mutations were found in the BRCA1 gene: IVS5+3A>G (intron 5), 1191delC (exon 11), R1443X (exon 13), IVS22+5G>A (intron 22) and two in the BRCA2 gene: 6503delTT (exon 11), 6831delTG (exon 11). 1191delC (BRCA1) and 6831delTG (BRCA2) are novel mutations. IVS5+3A>G in exon 5 of BRCA1 published by Peelen et al. (1997) as a novel Belgian mutation, was identified in one additional family, not fulfilling our inclusion criteria. In the group of 12 sporadic female patients no mutations were found.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

B7.1 costimulatory molecule is expressed on thyroid follicular cells in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but not in Graves' disease.

The molecules of the B7 family play a major role in T-lymphocyte costimulation through interaction with their counterreceptors CD28 and CTLA4. In the present study, we analyzed the possible expression of B7 molecules on surgically removed thyroid tissue of patients with autoimmune [Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) or Graves' disease (GD)] or nonautoimmune [nontoxic goiter (NTG) or papillary cancer (PC)] thyroid diseases. We found clear positivity of thyroid follicular cells for B7.1 in HT but not in GD, nor in nonautoimmune specimens (NTG, PC) using in situ analysis by alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) technique. Double immunostaining experiments in combination with an anti-human thyroglobulin antibody confirmed follicular B7.1 localization. On the contrary, no follicular B7.2 expression was observed in any specimen analyzed. These findings were confirmed by immunofluorescence flow cytometry on isolated follicular cells. The cytokines IL1beta and LPS were able to induce de novo B7.1 expression on cultured thyroid follicular cells. Intrathyroid T cells proved responsive to stimulation via the B7 ligand CD28, even in the absence of IL2. Moreover preliminary evidence was obtained for an inhibitory effect of anti-B7.1 mAb on T-cell proliferation in coculture with isolated thyroid follicular cells. It is conceivable that in HT, expression of B7.1 on follicular cells, together with MHC class II antigens and ICAM1, could provide a local costimulatory signal for T-lymphocyte differentiation toward the type 1 cytokine secretion pattern and maintenance of the autoimmune process.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Neurosteroid modulation of GABAA receptors in the developing rat brain cortex.

The allosteric modulation of GABAA receptors in the rat brain cortex by neurosteroids was studied at different developmental stages. GABAA receptors were identified using [3H]muscimol binding to membrane preparations obtained from embryos and neonates (postnatal day 0-PN0; postnatal day 5-PN5). Data analysis disclosed a unique population of binding sites at all ages tested. An increase in the number of receptors was observed during development reaching almost adult levels at PN5. The neurosteroids pregnanolone and allopregnanolone failed to modulate [3H]muscimol specific binding in embryos and neonates, but a positive modulation was obtained in 5-day old animals. The addition of 1 microM pregnanolone induced a 3-6-fold increase [3H]muscimol affinity in PN5 (n = 3; P < 0.03), and a 2-fold increase in receptors number in adults (n = 3; P < 0.03). The differences observed in allosteric modulation during development suggest that a change occurred during the first week of life, and this change might affect GABAA receptor function.

Aging↗