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Biomedical subjects

P. Pollak

Publications and source records attributed to P. Pollak.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

[Psychic disorders]

Parkinson's disease is a neuropsychiatric disease with multiple psychic disorders. They mainly result from a combination between neuropathogical lesions and antiparkinsonian drugs. The most frequent psychic disorders are depression and psychosis. So far, pharmacological treatments of depression has been poorly evaluated. It is suggested that the first-line treatment of depression in Parkinson's disease is the class of the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. The occurrence of worsening in parkinsonism and agitation in rare cases necessitates a meticulous clinical follow-up. The treatment of psychosis is based on the reduction of antiparkinsonian medications, by tapering and stopping, if necessary, the drugs with the highest risk-to-benefit ratio first. When psychosis persists despite a simple levodopa monotherapy, then an antipsychotic drug is added. Clozapine is the only officially approved drug for psychosis in Parkinson's disease. Two double blind studies showed a clear antipsychotic effect without worsening of parkinsonism. Quetiapine, another atypical neuroleptic drug without risk of blood dyscrasia may prove to be as effective than clozapine. Olanzapine and risperidone can aggravate parkinsonism and should be used only as a last resort. Future studies will precise the place of anticholinesterases in the treatment of psychosis associated with dementia.

Journal Article↗

Pollination- or Wound-Induced Kaempferol Accumulation in Petunia Stigmas Enhances Seed Production.

Flavonols are essential for pollen germination and tube growth in petunia and can be supplied by either the pollen or stigma at pollination. HPLC analysis and a sensitive bioassay demonstrated that both pollination and wounding induce flavonol accumulation, especially kaempferol, in the outer cell layers and exudate of the stigma. Pollination and wounding induced nearly identical flavonol kinetics and patterns of accumulation in the same target tissue, suggesting that they share elements of a common signal transduction pathway. The wound response was systemic, because kaempferol accumulated in the stigma when distal tissues, such as the corolla, stamens, or sepals, were wounded. We have exploited the germination requirement for flavonols and the high level of kaempferol that accumulates after wounding to enhance plant fecundity. Seed set was significantly increased by mechanically wounding the corolla and stamens prior to the application of pollen to the stigma. A reproductive role for a plant secondary metabolite and the specific function of stigmatic kaempferol are discussed from an evolutionary perspective.

Journal Article↗