We investigated the comparative effects of electroacupuncture (EA) with different frequency on the spinal c-fos and inotropic glutamate receptor expression in carrageenan-injected rats. Bilateral EA stimulation with 2, 15 and 120 Hz were delivered at those acupoints corresponding to Zusanli and Sanyinjiao in man via the needles. The inhibitory effects of the EA on the inflammatory process were investigated in the central nociceptive sites by immunohistochemical analysis. Three hours after carrageenan injection, the number of c-fos-like immunoreactive (LI) neurons was significantly increased in all layers of the ipsilateral spinal cord at L4-5 segment. But these immunoreactive neurons were markedly reduced in the spinal gray matter, especially in the superficial laminae, by all kinds of EA stimulation. The number of NMDA (NR-1 and NR-2A) and AMPA receptors (GluR-1, GluR-2/3) -LI neurons was also increased by carrageenan injection. But NR-2A-LI neuron was significantly reduced in superficial laminae of dorsal horn by 2 Hz EA stimulation. While GluR-1-LI neuron of 15 Hz and 120 Hz EA was increased in the nucleus proprius compared with carrageenan-injected group, GluR-2/3-LI neuron of these EA stimulated groups significantly reduced in superficial laminae of dorsal horn. In conclusion, EA treatment can attenuate spinal c-fos expression in carrageenan injected rats and regulates spinal inotropic glutamate receptor expression.
Acupuncture Points ; alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid ; Animals ; Carrageenan ; Electroacupuncture* ; Glutamic Acid* ; Horns ; N-Methylaspartate ; Needles ; Neurons ; Rats* ; Receptors, AMPA ; Receptors, Glutamate* ; Spinal Cord

We investigated the comparative effects of electroacupuncture (EA) with different frequency on the spinal c-fos and inotropic glutamate receptor expression in carrageenan-injected rats. Bilateral EA stimulation with 2, 15 and 120 Hz were delivered at those acupoints corresponding to Zusanli and Sanyinjiao in man via the needles. The inhibitory effects of the EA on the inflammatory process were investigated in the central nociceptive sites by immunohistochemical analysis. Three hours after carrageenan injection, the number of c-fos-like immunoreactive (LI) neurons was significantly increased in all layers of the ipsilateral spinal cord at L4-5 segment. But these immunoreactive neurons were markedly reduced in the spinal gray matter, especially in the superficial laminae, by all kinds of EA stimulation. The number of NMDA (NR-1 and NR-2A) and AMPA receptors (GluR-1, GluR-2/3) -LI neurons was also increased by carrageenan injection. But NR-2A-LI neuron was significantly reduced in superficial laminae of dorsal horn by 2 Hz EA stimulation. While GluR-1-LI neuron of 15 Hz and 120 Hz EA was increased in the nucleus proprius compared with carrageenan-injected group, GluR-2/3-LI neuron of these EA stimulated groups significantly reduced in superficial laminae of dorsal horn. In conclusion, EA treatment can attenuate spinal c-fos expression in carrageenan injected rats and regulates spinal inotropic glutamate receptor expression.
Acupuncture Points ; alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid ; Animals ; Carrageenan ; Electroacupuncture* ; Glutamic Acid* ; Horns ; N-Methylaspartate ; Needles ; Neurons ; Rats* ; Receptors, AMPA ; Receptors, Glutamate* ; Spinal Cord

OBJECTIVES: Significant progress has been made in understanding psychosocial, psychological, and environmental factors associated with suicide. However it is only recently that attention has been paid to the understanding of the neurobiology of suicide. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between platelet serotonin level and suicidal behavior and psychological features of the suicidal attempters. METHODS: After a suicidal attempt platelet serotonin level was measured from 21 patients and compared it with those from depression patients and normal controls. Also MMPI, HAM-D, Barratt impulsiveness scale(BIS) were done to evaluate their psychological features. RESULTS: 1) There was no significant difference in sex ratio of the suicidal attempters. 2) There was no significant difference in platelet serotonin levels among three groups. 3) The analysis of MMPI revealed that the scores of D, Hs, Pt in clinical scales were significantly higher in suicide patients and scores of D, Pa, Si were in depression patients. 4)The HAM-D score was significantly higher in depression and suicide patients, especially in depression patients. 5) The analysis of Barratt impulsiveness scale revealed that the scores of nonplanning, motor and cognitive impulsiveness scale were significantly higher in suicide patients. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in platelet serotonin levels among three groups. However the analysis of psychological features revealed significant differences. Therefore we concluded that psychological examinations are benefit to evaluate the suicidal tendency.
Blood Platelets* ; Depression ; Humans ; MMPI ; Neurobiology ; Serotonin* ; Sex Ratio ; Suicide ; Weights and Measures

To investigate changes of glycoconjugates (GC) on the duodenal mucosa of Korean chipmunks (Tamias sibiricus) after cold-treatment, chipmunks were maintained in cold conditions (6 C) for 3, 5 or 9 months in an attempt to mimic conditions occurring during seasonal hibernation. Most chipmunks were active as before until 3 months in the cold room and since then were hibernated. Although there was significant decrease in neutral GC in cold-treated chipmunks compared with warm chipmunks, acid GC changed little. As for histochemical properties of acid GC in the duodenum, the cold-treated chipmunk showed some differences, such as appearance of villus goblet cells which contained the mixture of sulfated and nonsulfated GC. The affinities for all lectins used in this study were shown in the columnar cells of the duodenal villus and crypt, more intensive DBA, SBA, PNA, BSL-1, RCA-1 and sWGA affinities were demonstrated in the Golgi zone of columnar cells. These affinities decreased in the cold-treated groups, especially in the Golgi zone of columnar cells. The affinities with DBA, RCA-1, sWGA and BSL-1 was demonstrated in the goblet cells of the duodenum, but these affinities except DBA decreased in the cold-treated chipmunks. All lectin affinities except UEA-1 detected in duodenal gland, but cold-treatment induced a decrease of these affinities. The changes in amount and properties of GC in the present experimental model for hibernation may be due to the different intestinal environment associated with food intake. However, the present experimental model for hibernation, especially 9 months cold-treated chipmunks, stills need to be demonstrated during seasonal hibernation in the wild.
Duodenum ; Eating ; Glycoconjugates* ; Goblet Cells ; Hibernation ; Lectins ; Models, Theoretical ; Mucous Membrane* ; Sciuridae* ; Seasons

BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE: Neck manipulation or trauma uncommonly be associated with serious and even fatal vascular complications. We presented the clinical and radiologic findings in 3 patients of brainstem and/or cerebellar infarct with basilar artery occlusion and extracranial vertebral artery stenosis or occlusion,. Cases : In the patient 1, the infarction of pons and lsft cerebellar hemisphere outbroke just after being seized by the collar. The angiographic findings were complete occlusion of basilar artery and left vertebral artery on C1 level and vertebrobasilar junctional occlusion of right vertebral artery. In the patient 2, extensive infarction of pons and left cerebellar hemisphere developed just after chiropractic manipulation of the neck. The angiographic findings were occlusions of left vertebral artery and distal portion of the basilar artery. In the patient 3, right cerebellar and medullary infarction of posteroinferior cerebellar artery territory occurred just after autobicycle accident. The angiographic finding was complete occlusion of left vertebral artery on C1 lever. They had not another risk factor of the stroke. CONCLUSIONS: We experienced and presented 3 cases of posterior circulation infarctio with vertebrobasilar stenoocclusion just following cervical manipulation or neck trauma.
Arteries ; Basilar Artery ; Brain Stem ; Humans ; Infarction* ; Manipulation, Chiropractic ; Manipulation, Spinal* ; Neck ; Pons ; Risk Factors ; Stroke ; Vertebral Artery ; Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency

PURPOSE: Ganglioneuromas are well-differentiated tumors derived from neuroectodermal neural crest cells. Although these tumors can occur anywhere along the sympathetic chain from the base of the skull to the pelvic cavity, they usually develop in the posterior mediastinum and retroperitoneum these tumors are rarely found in the cervical region. METHODS: We report the case of a 16-year-old male patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 who was admitted because of a palpable mass centrally located on the left side of the neck. A preoperative contrast-enhanced neck computed tomography image showed a low-density homogeneous mass on the parapharyngeal space along with marked displacement of the trachea and carotid vessels. Round and soft masses were also detected on both axillae. RESULTS: The patient subsequently underwent complete excision of the neck mass via the transcervical approach. The mass was smooth and well encapsulated between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the trachea. Further, the mass appeared to arise from the cervical sympathetic chain, which was preserved during surgery. Both the axillary masses were also excised. The histopathological findings were ganglioneuroma for the neck mass and neurofibroma for both the axillary masses. CONCLUSION: Cervical ganglioneuromas are rare tumors that present as enlarging parapharyngeal cervical masses in the oropharynx or neck. To our knowledge, a case of cervical ganglioneuroma associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 has never been reported. In patients with neurofibromatosis, multiple tumors may develop, and therefore periodic clinical and radiological follow-up is recommended. Further, repeated imaging analysis should be performed if the presence of another tumor is suspected.
Adolescent ; Axilla ; Displacement (Psychology) ; Follow-Up Studies ; Ganglioneuroma ; Humans ; Male ; Mediastinum ; Muscles ; Neck ; Neural Crest ; Neural Plate ; Neurofibroma ; Neurofibromatoses ; Neurofibromatosis 1 ; Oropharynx ; Skull ; Trachea

PURPOSE: The radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flap is currently considered as the ideal free flap for reconstruction of mucosal and soft tissue defects of the palate. But the availability of stably attached oral and nasal mucosal lining is needed. In addition to this, for better operation field, operating convenience and esthetics, we planned a prelaminated radial forearm free flap. METHODS: A 64-year-old male patient was admitted due to a 4x4.5cm full through defect in the middle of the hard palate caused by peripheral T cell lymphoma with actinomycosis. In the first stage, the radial forearm flap was elevated, tailored to fit the hard palate defect, and then it positioned up-side down with split thickness skin graft. Two weeks later, the prelaminated radial forearm free flap was re-elevated and transferred to the palatal defect. One side covered with grafted skin was used to line the nasal cavity, and the other side(the cutaneous portion of the radial forearm flap) was used to line the oral cavity. RESULTS: The prelamination procedure was relatively easy and useful. The skin graft was well taken to the flap. After 2nd stage operation, the flap survived uneventfully. There was no prolapse of the inset flap into the oral cavity and the cutaneous portion of the flap was mucosalized. The procedure was very successful and the patient can enjoy normal rigid diet and speech. CONCLUSION: The use of prelaminated radial forearm free flap for hard palate reconstruction is an excellent method to restore oral function. Based upon the result of this case, microvascular free flap transfer with prelaminated procedure is a valid alternative to the prosthetic obturator for palatal defect that provides an improved quality of life. It should be considered as an integral component of head and neck cancer therapy and rehabilitation.
Actinomycosis ; Diet ; Esthetics ; Forearm ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; Humans ; Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mouth ; Nasal Cavity ; Palate ; Palate, Hard ; Prolapse ; Quality of Life ; Skin ; Transplants

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression of several organs on the lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-injected rats and on excisional wound was observed by immunohistochemical methods to investigate iNOS-positive cells during inflammation. iNOS expression was induced in response to LPS in the brain and these reactions were observed in the choroidal epithelium, ependymal cells and a few of nerve cells and fiber. A more intensive reaction of nerve cell and fiber was mainly observed in the corpus callosum and hypothalamus. Induction of iNOS of the lung was observed in alveolar macrophage, smooth muscle, pneumocytes and inflammatory cells infilterated in the alveolar septum. iNOS expression of the liver was detected in Kupffer cells, hepatocytes, bile duct and inflammatory cells of spotty necrosis. The cardiac muscle and endothelial cell of the heart showed positive iNOS expression. In the excisional wound, inflammatory cells including macrophages, neutrophil and fibrobast showed iNOS expression and mainly detected necrobiotic layer. Collectively, iNOS expression was induced in the several cell types during inflammatory process. So for better understanding the function of iNOS, more research should be done in relation to each cell type of organ.
Animals ; Bile Ducts ; Brain ; Choroid ; Corpus Callosum ; Endothelial Cells ; Epithelium ; Heart ; Hepatocytes ; Hypothalamus ; Inflammation ; Kupffer Cells ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Liver ; Lung ; Macrophages ; Macrophages, Alveolar ; Muscle, Smooth ; Myocardium ; Necrosis ; Neurons ; Neutrophils ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II* ; Pneumocytes ; Rats* ; Shock* ; Wound Healing* ; Wounds and Injuries*

PURPOSE: Longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy is a treatment option for selected patients with chronic obstructive pancreatitis that is rarely performed laparoscopically. METHODS: A 54-year-old man presented with chronic postprandial abdominal pain. A computed tomography scan revealed multiple calcified stones at the pancreatic head and tail with marked dilation of the pancreatic duct (0.8 cm in diameter). The patient underwent laparoscopic longitudinal pancreticojejunostomy. Impacted stones were removed and Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy was performed using an intracorporeal suture technique in a longitudinal side-to-side manner. RESULTS: The total operation time and estimated blood loss were 150 min and 50 ml, respectively. The patient tolerated a regular diet without postprandial abdominal pain. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 in good condition. He returned to work on postoperative day 9. CONCLUSION: Longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy might be an effective option for relief of chronic pain in treating chronic obstructive pancreatitis.
Abdominal Pain ; Chronic Pain ; Diet ; Head ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Pancreaticojejunostomy* ; Pancreatitis* ; Pancreatitis, Chronic ; Suture Techniques ; Tail

Robotic central pancreatectomy has not been widely performed because of its rare indications, technical difficulties, and concern about the high complication rate. We reviewed six robotic central pancreatectomy cases between May 2016 and June 2021 at a single institution. This multimedia article aims to introduce our technique of robotic central pancreatectomy with perioperative and follow-up outcomes. All patients experienced biochemical leakage of postoperative pancreatic fistula, except in one with a grade B pancreatic fistula, which resulted in a pseudocyst formation and was successfully managed by endoscopic internal drainage. All patients achieved completely negative resection margins. There was no new-onset diabetes mellitus or recurrence during the median follow-up period of 13.5 months (range, 10–74 months). With an acceptable complication rate and the preservation of pancreatic function, robotic central pancreatectomy could be a good surgical option for patients with benign and borderline malignant tumors of the pancreatic neck or proximal body.