Biomedical subjects

R Burgin

Publications and source records attributed to R Burgin.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1996

Repeated swim stress and peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors.

The effect of daily forced swimming (15 min) of rats for 21 consecutive days on peripheral-type bentodiazepine receptors (PBR) was investigated. A significant reduction (-17%; p < 0.05) was observed in renal PBR in the stressed animals. A nonsignificant reduction of -18% was detected in adrenal PBR. The maximal binding capacity of [3H]PK 11195 was unaltered in the liver, heart, testis and thymus. It seems that the kidney is especially sensitive to repeated stress. The renal PBR reduction may be related to habituation to stress, and may reflect an adaptatory mechanism aimed at preventing long-term stress-induced overactivity of the renin-angiotensin system.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Platelet peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor in major depression.

The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) plays a major role in steroidogenesis. This receptor is sensitive to endocrine changes and stress. Antidepressants have been demonstrated to modulate adrenal and hepatic PBR in rats. To evaluate the relationship between depression and PBR, we measured platelet PBR in untreated depressed patients (n = 14) in comparison to normal controls (n = 13). Platelet PBR density (Bmax) and the dissociation constant (kd) of the receptor did not differ in the patients when compared with normal controls. Furthermore, no correlation was found between Bmax values and the severity of the depression (as measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Beck Depression Inventory) as well as with the severity of the anxiety (as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale). It seems that major depression, in contrast to stress and some anxiety disorders, is not associated with alteration of PBR.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Modulatory effect of antidepressants on peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors.

The effect of 21 days of imipramine hydrochloride (10 mg/kg) and phenelzine sulfate (10 mg/kg) administration followed by a 7-day period of withdrawal on peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors was studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Both imipramine and phenelzine down-regulated adrenal peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors (-18% P < 0.05; and -32%, P < 0.01, respectively) and up-regulated hepatic peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors (+27%, P < 0.05; and +76%, P < 0.0001, respectively), while no alteration was observed in the kidney. Adrenal peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors decreased further (-30% versus controls) after withdrawal from imipramine, while full restoration to normal values occurred following phenelzine withdrawal. [3H]PK 11195 binding to the liver did not differ significantly from the control values after withdrawal from either drug. The observed changes can be explained as adaptive responses to antidepressant-induced hormonal and cellular alterations.

Adrenal Glands↗

PubMed1992

[Microcephalic children without mental retardation].

8 microcephalic children, mean age 3.06 years, with head circumferences -3.5 SD to -6 SD, achieved IQ scores of 79-115 on the Thermann, WPPSI, WISC-R, and/or Columbia tests. They had no dysmorphic features nor congenital anomalies, and their fundi were normal. 7 had congenital microcephaly, associated with proven autosomal dominant heritage in 3, 1 had suspected autosomal recessive heritage, 1 had intrauterine growth retardation (overall smallness), 1 had cerebral palsy, and in 1 there was an unknown prenatal cause. 6 of these children had 1 or 2 developmental disabilities, including neurosensory deafness, cerebral palsy, short attention span, perceptual dysfunctions, and learning disability. Microcephaly, most probably secondary to malnutrition in early infancy, was diagnosed in 1 child without developmental disabilities. However, our data support the concept that some microcephalic children with significantly small head circumference, who function without mental retardation, have a high incidence of other developmental disabilities.

Child↗