Prostate response to prolactin in sexually active male rats

BACKGROUND: The prostate is a key gland in the sexual physiology of male mammals. Its sensitivity to steroid hormones is widely known, but its response to prolactin is still poorly known. Previous studies have shown a correlation between sexual behaviour, prolactin release and prostate physiology. Thus, here we used the sexual behaviour of male rats as a model for studying this correlation. Hence, we developed experimental paradigms to determine the influence of prolactin on sexual behaviour and prostate organization of male rats. METHODS: In addition to sexual behaviour recordings, we developed the ELISA procedure to quantify the serum level of prolactin, and the hematoxilin-eosin technique for analysis of the histological organization of the prostate. Also, different experimental manipulations were carried out; they included pituitary grafts, and haloperidol and ovine prolactin treatments. Data were analyzed with a One way ANOVA followed by post hoc Dunnet test if required. RESULTS: Data showed that male prolactin has a basal level with two peaks at the light-dark-light transitions. Consecutive ejaculations increased serum prolactin after the first ejaculation, which reached the highest level after the second, and started to decrease after the third ejaculation. These normal levels of prolactin did not induce any change at the prostate tissue. However, treatments for constant elevations of serum prolactin decreased sexual potency and increased the weight of the gland, the alveoli area and the epithelial cell height. Treatments for transient elevation of serum prolactin did not affect the sexual behaviour of males, but triggered these significant effects mainly at the ventral prostate. CONCLUSION: The prostate is a sexual gland that responds to prolactin. Mating-induced prolactin release is required during sexual encounters to activate the epithelial cells in the gland. Here we saw a precise mechanism controlling the release of prolactin during ejaculations that avoid the detrimental effects produced by constant levels. However, we showed that minor elevations of prolactin which do not affect the sexual behaviour of males, produced significant changes at the prostate epithelium that could account for triggering the development of hyperplasia or cancer. Thus, it is suggested that minute elevations of serum prolactin in healthy subjects are at the etiology of prostate abnormal growth

A922 Sequential measurement of 1 hour creatinine clearance (1-CRCL) in critically ill patients at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI)

Meeting abstrac

Transition of patients with mucopolysaccharidosis from paediatric to adult care

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are rare disorders associated with enzyme deficiencies, resulting in glycosaminoglycan (GAG) accumulation in multiple organ systems. As patients increasingly survive to adulthood, the need for a smooth transition into adult care is essential. Using case studies, we outline strategies and highlight the challenges of transition, illustrating practical solutions that may be used to optimise the transition process for patients with MPS disorders. Seven MPS case studies were provided by four European inherited metabolic disease centres; six of these patients transferred to an adult care setting and the final patient remained under paediatric care. Of the patients who transferred, age at the start of transition ranged between 14 and 18 years (age at transfer ranged from 16 to 19 years). While there were some shared features of transition strategies, they varied in duration, the healthcare professionals involved and the management of adult patients with MPS. Challenges included complex symptoms, patients' unwillingness to attend appointments with unfamiliar team members and attachment to paediatricians. Challenges were resolved by starting transition at an early age, educating patients and families, and providing regular communication with and reassurance to the patient and family. Sufficient time should be provided to allow patients to understand their responsibilities in the adult care setting while feeling assured of continued support from healthcare professionals. The involvement of a coordinated multidisciplinary team with expertise in MPS is also key. Overall, transition strategies must be comprehensive and individualised to patients' needs.Appendix A. Supplementary dataBioMarin Europe Ltd.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/ymgmram2020Industrial and Systems Engineerin

Rectus Femoris Cross-Sectional Area and Muscle Layer Thickness: Comparative Markers of Muscle Wasting and Weakness

Supported by the U.K. National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) (Z.A.P.), the Batchworth Charitable Trust, the Moulton Charitable Foundation, and the NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (UCLH BRC) (A.S.M.), the Research Councils UK (S.D.H.), the NIHR Clinical Research Facility and BRC at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust (GSST) and King’s College London (N.H. and B.C.), and by University College London and UCLH BRC (H.E.M., Z.A.P., and A.S.M.). The NIHR doctorate fellowship (2010–2014) underpinned the core patient population study on which this follow-up was built, as did funding from the Batchworth Charitable Trust, Moulton Foundation, and European Society of intensive Care Medicine. Additional funding was received from the Whittington Hospital NHS Trust and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine