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Various studies reported beneficial effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate (DHEAS), the neurosteroids involved in various brain functions, on synaptic plasticity, neuronal survival, memory, learning and behavior. This study aimed to investigate the behavioral profile of acute DHEA treatment by using active avoidance (AA) task, primarily predictive of the effects on the retrieval- based learning, and by applying forced swim test (FST), for assessment of antidepressant- like potential. Adult male Wistar rats received intraperitoneal injections of either DHEA (2, 10, 20 mg/kg) or solvent, 30 min prior to testing. DHEA, in a manner resembling an inverted U shape, influenced the retrieval imposed to rats in AA paradigm. The significant improvement of the performance in the retention session was observed following 10 mg/kg DHEA treatment and it was not due to the changes in the motor activity, as indicated by unaltered locomotor parameters (inter-trial crossing). Moreover, 10 mg/kg of DHEA significantly decreased the duration of immobility in FST, demonstrating antidepressant-like effects. The capability of bicuculline (2 mg/kg) to antagonize the effects of DHEA has been evaluated simultaneously. The retrieval- facilitating as well as antidepressant-like effects of 10 mg/kg DHEA were counteracted by bicuculline, a competitive antagonist of GABAA receptors, suggesting involvement of GABAergic system. These results support administration of DHEA as potential therapeutic strategy for treating depression and related cognitive impairments, but emphasized the importance of adequate dosing, as DHEA levels that are too high or too low may not be beneficial.

It has been shown in electrophysiological studies that the ligand L-655,708 possesses a binding selectivity and a moderate inverse agonist functional selectivity for α5-containing GABA-A receptors. The present study is aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of the ligand L-655,708 in the forced swim test (FST) and its impact on locomotor activity in rats. The behavior of the animals was recorded with a digital camera, and the data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Dunnett’s test. In FST, L-655,708 significantly decreased immobility time at a dose of 3 mg/kg after a single and repeated administration (p0.05). These data suggest that negative modulation at GABA-A receptors containing the α5 subunit may produce antidepressant effects in rats. These effects were not confounded by locomotor influences. U elektrofi ziološkim ispitivanjima pokazano je da ligand L-655,708 poseduje selektivnost u vezivanju i umerenu inverznu agonističku aktivnost za GABA-A receptore koji sadrže α5 podjedinicu. Ova studija ima za cilj ispitivanje antidepresivnih efekata liganda L-655,708 u testu forsiranog plivanja (FST) i njegov uticaj na lokomotornu aktivnost kod pacova. Ponašanje životinja je praćeno pomoću digitalne kamere, a podaci su analizirani primenom jednostepene analize varijanse (ANOVA) i Dunett-ovim testom. U testu forsiranog plivanja L-655,708 statistički značajno smanjuje vreme imobilnosti pri dozi od 3 mg/kg, nakon jednokratne i ponavljane primene (p0,05). Ovi podaci ukazuju da negativna modulacija GABA-A receptora koji sadrže α5 podjedinicu može ispoljiti antidepresivne efekte kod pacova. Ovi efekti su bez izraženih lokomotornih uticaja.

Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy is a neuro-ophthalmological entity characterized by acute or subacute bilateral, not simultaneous visual loss with centro cekal scotoma and occasional further visual improvement. This rare ophthalmological disease can be accompanied with dyschromatopsia. It is associated with a matrilineal inheritance pattern. Its diagnosis used to be solely clini¬cal, aided by imaging and neuro-physiological studies, until the advent of descriptions of mitochondrial biochemical abnormalities and genetic testing. We describe a case of 24 year old male with progressive painless deterioration of visual acuity and positive family history.

Classical benzodiazepines (BZs) exert anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsive, and amnesic effects through potentiation of neurotransmission at GABA(A) receptors containing alpha(1), alpha(2), alpha(3) or alpha(5) subunits. Genetic studies suggest that modulation at the alpha(1) subunit contributes to much of the adverse effects of BZs, most notably sedation, ataxia, and amnesia. Hence, BZ site ligands functionally inactive at GABA(A) receptors containing the alpha(1) subunit are considered to be promising leads for novel, anxioselective anxiolytics devoid of sedative properties. In pursuing this approach, we used two-electrode voltage clamp experiments in Xenopus oocytes expressing recombinant GABA(A) receptor subtypes to investigate functional selectivity of three newly synthesized BZ site ligands and also compared their in vivo behavioral profiles. The compounds were functionally selective for alpha(2)-, alpha(3)-, and alpha(5)-containing subtypes of GABA(A) receptors (SH-053-S-CH3 and SH-053-S-CH3-2'F) or essentially selective for alpha(5) subtypes (SH-053-R-CH3). Possible influences on behavioral measures were tested in the elevated plus maze, spontaneous locomotor activity, and rotarod test, which are considered primarily predictive of the anxiolytic, sedative, and ataxic influence of BZs, respectively. The results confirmed the substantially diminished ataxic potential of BZ site agonists devoid of alpha(1) subunit-mediated effects, with preserved anti-anxiety effects at 30 mg/kg of SH-053-S-CH3 and SH-053-S-CH3-2'F. However, all three ligands, dosed at 30 mg/kg, decreased spontaneous locomotor activity, suggesting that sedation may be partly dependent on activity mediated by alpha(5)-containing GABA(A) receptors. Hence, it could be of importance to avoid substantial agonist activity at alpha(5) receptors by candidate anxioselective anxiolytics, if clinical sedation is to be avoided.

Recent research on genetically modified mice has attributed the amnesic effect of benzodiazepines mainly to the alpha1-containing GABA(A) receptor subtypes. The pharmacological approach, using subtype selective ligands, is needed to complement genetic studies. We tested the effects of the non-selective antagonist flumazenil (0-20.0 mg/kg), the preferential alpha1-subunit selective antagonist beta-carboline-3-carboxylate-t-butyl ester (beta-CCt) (0-30.0 mg/kg), the non-selective agonist midazolam (0-2.0 mg/kg), the preferential alpha1-subunit selective agonist zolpidem (0-3.0 mg/kg), and the non-selective inverse agonist methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM) (0-2.0 mg/kg) in the one-trial step-through passive avoidance task in rats. The compounds were administered intraperitoneally, before the acquisition test. Flumazenil and beta-CCt did not affect retention performance. Midazolam and zolpidem induced amnesia in a dose-dependent manner. The complete reversal of amnesia was unattainable. The effects of zolpidem were significantly attenuated by the both, flumazenil (10.0 mg/kg) and beta-CCt (30.0 mg/kg); by contrast, only flumazenil was considerably effective when combined with midazolam. DMCM exerted promnesic effects at 0.2mg/kg, in an inverted U-shape manner. Both antagonists tended to abolish this action. The results indicate that some other alpha-subunit(s), in addition to the alpha1-subunit, contribute to the amnesic actions of non-selective benzodiazepine site agonists in the passive avoidance task. On the other hand, a significant part of the DMCM-induced promnesic effect could involve the alpha1-subunit and/or other putative beta-CCt-sensitive binding site(s).

Benzodiazepines are well established as inhibitory modulators of memory processing. This effect is especially prominent when applied before the acquisition phase of a memory task. This minireview concentrates on the putative subtype selectivity of the acquisition-impairing action of benzodiazepines. Namely, recent genetic studies and standard behavioral tests employing subtype-selective ligands pointed to the predominant involvement of two subtypes of benzodiazepine binding sites in memory modulation. Explicit memory learning seems to be affected through theGABAAreceptors containing theα1andα5subunits, whereas the effects on procedural memory can be mainly mediated by theα1subunit. The pervading involvement of theα1subunit in memory modulation is not at all unexpected because this subunit is the major subtype, present in 60% of allGABAAreceptors. On the other hand, the role ofα5subunits, mainly expressed in the hippocampus, in modulating distinct forms of memory gives promise of selective pharmacological coping with certain memory deficit states.

This study investigated the impact of benzodiazepine receptor agonist, midazolam and antagonist, flumazenil, on the rat frontal cortex slices oxygen consumption (QO(2)), in presence and absence of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). QO(2) was polarographically determined, using the biological oxygen monitor. As it was previously shown, GABA on its own decreases QO(2) moderately. Midazolam decreased QO(2) at 1.0mg/kg, whereas flumazenil had no effect. In combination with per se ineffective GABA (10(-6)mol/l), flumazenil showed respiratory depressant action, presumably revealing partial agonistic activity at some of GABA(A) receptor subtypes. However, it completely antagonized effects of midazolam on QO(2), on its own and in presence of GABA. Our results show that in vivo well-established effects of midazolam on cerebral metabolic activity could be reproduced in in vitro settings. Moreover, flumazenil antagonized this action, indicating the role of GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor complex activation in QO(2) regulation.

The aim of the study was to investigate the morphology of mesothelial cells of the peritoneum of patients with terminal renal failure (TRF), taken by the biopsy immediately before the onset of peritoneal dialysis (PD), and to compare it with the findings in patients with PD. The samples were prepared in the way standard for light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In patients with TRF intracytoplasmatic inclusions could be observed, unusual protrusions of mesothelial apical surfaces, deformation of mesothelial cells and their detachment from the basal membrane, as well as the dilatated cisternae of granulated endoplasmatic reticulum with filamentous structures in some of them. In patients on PD cytoplasmic protrusions of different shapes and contents were observed at the surface of mesothelial cells, multiplication of basal membrane, occurrence of young forms of mesothelial cells as well as the detachment of those cells from the basal lamina.

The cavernous hemangiomas are the most common intra orbital tumors found in adults of the middle age. Although histological benign, they can encroach on intra orbital or the adjacent structures (optic nerve) and be considered anatomically or positional malignant. We present a case report of orbital cavernous hemangioma of right orbit in young women after pregnancy, from Topola near Kragujevac (Central Serbia) with visual compromise and it's by trans-nasal endoscopic surgical management. Our patient was controlled and treated with the symptomatic therapy, topical therapy with artificial tears and surgical treatment. Our patient has optimal visual acuity of affected right eye after surgical treatment of orbital tumor. Surgical treatment of symptomatic orbital cavernous hemangioma is safe and effective, so that the cosmetic results are the important parameter to evaluate the clinical outcome.

♦ Objective Uremia is known to be followed by changes in the serous membranes of pleura, pericardium, and peritoneum. During continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), the peritoneum is exposed to altered body conditions as well as to the influence of dialysate. The aim of the present study was to examine the ultrastructure of the mesothelial cells in CAPD patients, and to compare the findings with those from studies of the peritoneum in uremic controls. Paracrystalline intracytoplasmic inclusions in mesothelial cells were objects of special interest. ♦ Methods Biopsies of human parietal peritoneum were studied. These were taken from 12 uremic patients during catheter implantation before the start of CAPD, and from 7 CAPD patients during catheter removal for infection or malfunction. The samples were prepared in the standard way to be studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ♦ Results Paracrystalline intracytoplasmic inclusions were seen in mesothelial cells only by TEM. They appear as filamentous structures at the outer part of the inclusions, and as pearl-like structures at the core of the inclusions. Sacculate dilatations of rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae with partly destroyed membranes and only few ribosomes were also seen, with and without densely osmiophilic filaments within the cisternae. We have found paracrystalline intracytoplasmic inclusions in mesothelial cells from uremic and CAPD patients both. According to the literature, these changes are present in one third of biopsies from uremic patients. Until now, however, they have not been mentioned in CAPD patients.

Introduction. The trans-isomer of resveratrol is the active ingredient of Poligonum cuspidatum, known for its medicinal properties and traditionally used in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. It is also found abundantly in the skin of red grapes and red wine. Previous studies have suggested that trans-resveratrol demonstrates a variety of pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, as well as neuroprotective properties and procognitive effects. Objective. The goal of the present study was to examine the influence of trans-resveratrol on behavior in rats and its antidepressant properties. Methods. Male Wistar rats were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with the increasing doses of trans-resveratrol (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) or vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide - DMSO), 30 minutes before testing of the spontaneous locomotor activity or forced swimming. For the experiments, the behavior of the animals was recorded by a digital camera, and the data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey post-hoc test. Results. Testing of spontaneous locomotor activity, after the application of vehicle or increasing doses of trans-resveratrol, showed no statistically significant difference between groups (p>0.05). In the forced swim test, one-way ANOVA indicated statistically significant effects of trans-resveratrol (p0.05). Conclusion. The results from our study suggest that trans-resveratrol produces significant effects in the central nervous system. After single application, it has acute antidepressant effects, but without influence on locomotor activity.

Background There are three kinds of allosteric modulators acting through the benzodiazepine (BZ) binding site of the GABAA receptor: positive (agonist), neutral (antagonist), and negative (inverse agonist) modulators. Agonists and inverse agonists commonly exert bidirectional influences on observed behavioral parameters. In the present study we have investigated the modulation of behavioral responses to environmental novelty in two unconditioned paradigms: spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA) and forced swim test (FST), elicited by DMCM (methyl-6,7dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate), a nonselective inverse agonist, in the dose range that previously did not produce anxiogenic effects and convulsions.

Kardiovaskularne bolesti (KVB) su vodeca grupa bolesti, narocito u razvijenom svetu sa vise od milijardu obolelih i preko 40% svih uzroka smrti radno aktivnog stanovnistva. U toj grupi arterijska hipertenzija (HTA) zauzima prvo mesto kao najmasovnija nezarazna bolest covecanstva (World Hypertension League) . Arterijska hipertenzija jedno je od najopasnijih masovnih oboljenja modernog doba, sa znacajnim mortalitetom i invaliditetom i nemerljivim socijalnim posledicama u svetu i kod nas. U populaciji iznad 20 godina starosti ona je zastupljena cak kod 10–20% slucajeva. Cesto HTA protice decenijama asimptomatski, neotkrivena klinicki („tihi ubica“) koju demaskira neka od cesto fatalnih komplikacija: moždani udar, infarkt miokarda, akutna srcana insuficijencija, iznenadna smrt itd. . Veliki je broj etioloskih faktora koji uticu na pojavu esencijalne arterijske hipertenzije. U savremenom dobu nezaobilazni pratilac svih tokova razvoja civilizacije je stres i on postaje sve bitniji faktor uticaja na zdravstveno stanje stanovnistva. Tesko je proceniti koliki je stepen uticaja stresa pre svega zbog njegove kvantitativne, ali i kvalitativne nemerljivosti. Međutim, mnoge nedoumice na pocetku 21. veka možda ce izbaciti pitanje uticaja stresa i pitanje njegove kontrole u prvi plan. Esencijalna HTA definitivno je kompleksan metabolickohipertenzivnoarteriosklerotski sindrom sa visokim intraarterijskim pritiskom kao osnovnom karakteristikom. U njemu se preplicu razni metabolicki poremecaji, a udruženi sa određenim strukturnim promenama rezultiraju ubrzanom aterosklerozom i disfunkcijom ciljnih organa . Evropske (Europen Society of Hypertension – ESH i Europen Society of Cardiology – ESC) i americke preporuke (Joint National Committee – JNC VII) razlikuju se u vezi definicije i klasifikacije hipertenzije (tabele 1 i 2). Stres se može opisati kao fizicka i psihicka reakcija organizma na svaki potencijalno stetan faktor. Stres je stanje dugotrajne napetosti usled koje se javljaju fizioloske, psihosomatske reakcije cija je posledica pogorsavanje zdravstvenog stanja, osecaj frustracije, mentalna i fizicka iscrpljenost . Reakcija stresa je opsta, nespecificna, stereotipna i odvija se preko hipotalamohipofiznoadrenalne osovine sa porastom kortikosteroida u plazmi i kao takav stres je celovit biopsihosocijalni odgovor organizma na ugrožavanje i narusavanje njegove homeostaze . Na osnovu ukrstanja navedenih patofizioloskih mehanizama nastanka hipertenzije i stresa nije tesko zakljuciti da između ova dva stanja postoji izvesna uzrocno-posledicna veza. Shodno navedenom, u poslednje vreme sve cesce se u anglosaksonskoj medicini srecemo sa hipertenzijom uzrokovanom stresom (stress induced hypertension) kao posebnim klinickim entitetom.

The pharmacological approach, using subtype selective ligands, complements genetic studies on the specific contribution of individual receptor subtypes to the various effects of benzodiazepines.The aim of this study was to examine the relative significance of alpha1-containing GABA(A) receptors in the effects of modulators at the benzodiazepine site on anxiety and memory processes.We tested the effects of the nonselective antagonist flumazenil, the preferential alpha1-subunit selective antagonist beta-carboline-3-carboxylate-t-butyl ester (beta-CCt), the nonselective agonist midazolam, the preferential alpha1-subunit selective agonist zolpidem, and the nonselective inverse agonist methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM) in a two-way active avoidance task in rats. The influence of flumazenil (10.0 mg/kg) and beta-CCt (30.0 mg/kg) on the effects of the two agonists were also examined. In the schedule 2 x 30 trials, drugs were administered i.p. 20 min before the training session. Avoidance responses in the training session are an anxiety-mediated behavior, whereas performance in the retention session relates to the effects on memory.Flumazenil and beta-CCt did not affect behavior. Midazolam (2.0 mg/kg) facilitated acquisition performance, while DMCM (1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg) induced the opposite effect. Flumazenil antagonized both effects. Beta-CCt potentiated the effect of midazolam, and partly antagonized the effect of DMCM. Midazolam (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) and zolpidem (1.0-3.0 mg/kg) impaired, while DMCM (0.1 mg/kg) facilitated the subjects' performance in the retention test. The amnesic effects were attenuated but not fully reversed, while the effect of DMCM was counteracted by both antagonists.The results indicate the alpha1-subunit interferes with the anxiolytic effect of a benzodiazepine site agonist and may contribute to the DMCM-induced anxiogenic effect. It is also substantially involved in the bidirectional memory processing in the active avoidance paradigm.

Recent research using genetically modified mice has pointed to the specific contribution of individual receptor subtypes to the various effects of benzodiazepines. The aim of this study was to examine the relative significance of alpha(1)-containing GABA(A) receptors in the effects of modulators at the benzodiazepine site in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) under dim red light in rats. We tested the effects of the non-selective antagonist flumazenil (0-20.0 mg/kg), the preferential alpha(1)-subunit selective antagonist beta-carboline-3-carboxylate-t-butyl ester (beta-CCt, 0-30.0 mg/kg), the non-selective agonist midazolam (0-2.0 mg/kg), the preferential alpha(1)-subunit selective agonist zolpidem (0-2.0 mg/kg) and the non-selective inverse agonist methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM, 0-2.0 mg/kg). The influence of flumazenil (10.0 mg/kg) and beta-CCt (30.0 mg/kg) on the effects of both kinds of agonists were also examined. The standard spatio-temporal parameters reflecting anxiety (percentage of open arm entries and time) and locomotion (closed and total arm entries) were analyzed. beta-CCt did not affect behavior, while flumazenil at the highest dose (20.0 mg/kg) decreased indices of open arm activity and total arm entries. Midazolam at the dose of 1.0 mg/kg significantly increased the percentage of open arm time, whereas at 2.0 mg/kg both anxiety-related parameters were increased. In contrast to the open arm entries, the open arm time was independent of the decreased closed arm entries, observed at 2.0 mg/kg. Flumazenil abolished these effects, whereas beta-CCt partially potentiated the anxiolytic actions of midazolam. Zolpidem significantly increased both open-arm indices at 1.0 mg/kg, but the effect was dependent on the decreased closed arm entries. The selectivity of the anxiolytic-like effects of zolpidem was further checked under brighter white illumination. In these settings, the influence on anxiety-related, but not activity-related parameters, was absent. All of the activity-related effects of midazolam and zolpidem were mainly counteracted by both antagonists. DMCM produced significant anxiogenic effects at 1.0 mg/kg (open arm time) and 2.0 mg/kg (both parameters). beta-CCt (30.0 mg/kg) and flumazenil at higher dose (20.0 mg/kg) antagonized the effects of DMCM. The results indicate the anxiolytic effects of a non-selective benzodiazepine site agonist involve a predominant role of subunits other than alpha(1), whereas the behavioral indices of the anxiolytic-like properties of an alpha(1)-selective ligand, if observed, depend on the experimental settings and the changes in locomotor activity, and hence were behaviorally non-specific. The present results generally correspond well to the behavioral findings with the genetically modified mice. On the other hand, the relative significance of the alpha(1)-subunit in the anxiogenic effects of DMCM could not be clearly deduced.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of midazolam on the retrieval and acquisition rate of two-way active avoidance in rats. In the schedule 2 x 100 trials, the effects of midazolam (0.5-5.0 mg/kg), benzodiazepine binding site antagonist flumazenil (2.5-10.0 mg/kg), specific antagonist of GABA(A) receptor, bicuculline (0.5-4.0 mg/kg), and the blocker of GABA(A) receptor containing Cl(-) channels, picrotoxin (1.0-5.0 mg/kg), on the second day retrieval of avoidance performance were investigated, as well as the influence of the used blockers of GABA(A) receptor function on midazolam effects. Furthermore, the effect of midazolam (1.0 mg/kg) on acquisition rate in the 5 x 50 schedule, as well as the effects of third day treatment changing in that paradigm, was examined. Throughout the study, drugs were given intraperitoneally, 30 min before testing. Midazolam at the dose of 1.0 mg/kg facilitated avoidance retrieval, whereas flumazenil and bicuculline did not significantly change behavior. Picrotoxin (5.0 mg/kg) diminished performance. All three kinds of blockers used abolished facilitatory action of midazolam, confirming GABAergic mediation of the effect of benzodiazepine. Midazolam (1.0 mg/kg) increased acquisition rate during five consecutive days relative to saline, but without significant effect on the first day acquisition. In the case of third day changing of treatments, the intersection of regression rate lines was detected. Results from active avoidance paradigm experimentally support the findings from human studies that in certain circumstances, benzodiazepines, potentiating GABAergic neurotransmission, could produce retrieval-enhancing effects in memory tasks.

This study investigated the impact of modulating the γ -aminobutyric acid A (GABA) A –benzodiazepine receptor complex activity on the rat frontal cortex slices oxygen consumption (QO 2 ), polarographically determined using the biological oxygen monitor. Throughout the study, diazepam, flumazenil and picrotoxin were administered i.p. 30 min before sacrificing animals and obtaining slice preparations, while GABA was added directly into the medium in the reaction chamber. GABA decreased QO 2 in concentrations of 5×10 −4 , 10 −2 and 5×10 −2 mol l −1 , while 10 −5 and 10 −6 mol l −1 GABA had no effect, as well as diazepam, flumazenil and picrotoxin. All diazepam doses (1, 2.5 and 5 mg kg −1 ) increased action of 5×10 −4 mol l −1 GABA, whereas 2.5 mg kg −1 dose amplified the effect of 10 −6 mol l −1 GABA. Flumazenil and picrotoxin (5 mg kg −1 both) blocked diazepam’s effects. Flumazenil augmented 10 −6 mol l −1 GABA effects, while picrotoxin and flumazenil abolished the effects of 5×10 −4 mol l −1 GABA. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the influence of modulation of GABA A –benzodiazepine receptor function on cerebral metabolism of oxygen in in vitro settings. The results are in accordance with those obtained in numerous in vivo studies, pointing to the moderate level of influence of GABA A –benzodiazepine receptor complex on QO 2 regulation.

Introduction Neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been associated to various functions in the central nervous system, including modulation of memory and behavior. It has been suggested that the effects of DHEA are mediated through several neurotransmitter systems; however its mechanisms of action are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the behavioral profile of DHEA in the forced swim test (FST), and also its impact on locomotor activity. Methods FST was performed in a glass cylinder, 45 cm high, 20 cm diameter filled with water up to a height of 30 cm. On the first day, male Wistar rats were forced to swim for 15 min. Rats were re-exposed to the FST for a single 5 min session, after the acute and chronic challenge with saline or DHEA. The measurement of locomotor activity was performed in a clear Plexiglas box (40×25×35 cm) for 30 min without any habituation period. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Dunnett's test. Results In FST, ANOVA indicated statistically significant effects of DHEA. Dunnett's analysis showed that DHEA significantly decreased the duration of immobility at the dose of 10 mg/kg, exerting acute, but also chronic antidepressant-like effects. However, DHEA did not induce significant differences in time of struggling behavior. ANOVA did not show a significant effect of treatment on locomotor activity. Conclusions These data experimentally support the findings that under certain circumstances, DHEA might have triggered the antidepressantlike effects in rats. Furthermore, these effects were not confounded by change in motor function.

Supernumerary diaphragm is a rare congenital abnormality. This paper describes a neonate with respiratory distress caused by an overdistended left upper lobe and atelectasis of the left lower lobe entrapped below the accessory hemidiaphragm. Excision of the membrane dividing the hemithorax led to an uneventful recovery.

Objective: Phospholipase A2 activation triggers the release of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids, and this mechanism is reportedly involved in a variety of physiological processes, including dopaminergic neurotransmission, insulin secretion, and the skin flush response to the water- soluble B vitamin niacin. Individuals with schizophrenia frequently exhibit abnormal dopaminergic signaling, attenuated niacin-induced skin flushing, and disturbances of glucose and lipid metabolism. We previously demonstrated an attenuated skin flush response to niacin in patients with schizophrenia. In this study, we investigated whether this attenuated niacin flush response might be associated with plasma lipid and glucose concentrations in schizophrenia. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the possible association between niacin skin flush response and plasma lipid and glucose concentrations. Patients and methods: Forearm skin response to patches containing niacin of 0.1M, 0.01M, 0.001M and 0.0001M concentrations in 78 patients was rated using the method of volumetric niacin response (VNR). Results: Niacin skin flush response did not significantly predict total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, or glucose levels (P > 0.05). We found that higher plasma triglyceride levels were associated with higher total VNR values (P < 0.05) and that total VNR accounted for approximately 10.4% of the triglyceride levels variability (R2 change = 0.104). We also observed higher triglyceride levels in patients with positive niacin skin flush responses (visual score ≥ 2) compared to in patients without niacin skin flushing reactions (visual score < 2) at the 5-minute interval at niacin concentrations of 0.1 and 0.01M, and at the 10- and 15-minute intervals at niacin concentration of 0.001M (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our finding supports the link between niacin sensitivity and lipid metabolism in schizophrenia.