Role of luteinizing hormone in follicle deviation based on manipulating progesterone concentrations in mares

The effects of several doses of progesterone on FSH and LH concentrations were used to study the role of the gonadotropins on deviation in growth rates of the two largest follicles during the establishment of follicle dominance. Progesterone was given to pony mares at a daily dose rate of 0 mg (controls), 30 mg (low dose), 100 mg (intermediate dose), and 300 mg (high dose). All follicles ≥ 6 mm were ablated at Day 10 (Day 0 = ovulation) to initiate a new follicular wave; prostaglandin F(2α) was given to induce luteolysis, and progesterone was given from Days 10 to 24. The low dose did not significantly alter any of the ovarian or gonadotropin end points. The high dose reduced (P < 0.05) the ablation-induced FSH concentrations on Day 11. Maximum diameter of the largest follicle (17.2 ± 0.6 mm) and the second- largest follicle (15.5 ± 0.9 mm) in the high-dose group was less (P < 0.04) than the diameter of the second-largest follicle in the controls (20.0 ± 1.0 mm) at the beginning of deviation (Day 16.7 ± 0.4). Thus, the growth of the two largest follicles was reduced by the high dose, presumably through depression of FSH, so that the follicles did not attain a diameter characteristic of deviation in the controls. The intermediate dose did not affect FSH concentrations. However, the LH concentrations increased in the control, low, and intermediate groups, but then decreased (P < 0.05) in the intermediate group to pretreatment levels. The LH decrease in the intermediate group occurred 2 days before deviation in the controls. The maximum diameter of the largest follicle was less (P < 0.0001) in the intermediate group (27.3 ± 1.8 mm) than in the controls (38.9 ± 1.5 mm), but the maximum diameter of the second-largest follicle was not different between the two groups (19.0 ± 1.1 vs. 20.3 ± 1.0 mm). Thus, the onset of deviation, as assessed by the second-largest follicle, was not delayed by the decrease in LH. Diameter of the largest follicle by Day 18 in the intermediate group (23.1 ± 1.6 mm) was less (P < 0.05) than in the controls (28.0 ± 1.0 mm). These results suggest that circulating LH was not involved in the initiation of dominance (inhibition of other follicles by the largest follicle) but was required for the continued growth of the largest follicle after or concurrently with its initial expression of dominance.

Temporal interrelationships among luteolysis, FSH and LH concentrations and follicle deviation in mares

The effect of altered LH concentrations on the deviation in growth rates between the 2 largest follicles was studied in pony mares. The progestational phase was shortened by administration of PGF2α on Day 10 (Day 0=ovulation; n=9) or lengthened by daily administration of 100 mg of progesterone on Days 10 to 30 (n=11; controls, n=10). All follicles ≥5 mm were ablated on Day 10 in all groups to initiate a new follicular wave. The interovulatory interval was not altered by the PGF2α treatment despite a 4-day earlier decrease in progesterone concentrations. Time required for growth of the follicles of the new wave apparently delayed the interval to ovulation after luteolysis. The FSH concentrations of the first post-ablation FSH surge were not different among groups. A second FSH surge with an associated follicular wave began by Day 22 in 7 of 11 mares in the progesterone group and in 0 of 19 mares in the other groups, indicating reduced functional competence of the largest follicle. A prolonged elevation in LH concentrations began on the mean day of wave emergence (Day 11) in the prostaglandin group (19.2 ± 2.2 vs 9.0 ± 0.7 ng/mL in controls; P<0.05), an average of 4 d before an increase in the controls. Concentrations of LH in the progesterone group initially increased until Day 14 and then decreased so that by Day 18 the concentrations were lower (P<0.05) than in the control group (12.9 ± 1.6 vs 20.2 ± 2.6 ng/mL). Neither the early and prolonged increase nor the early decrease in LH concentrations altered the growth profile of the second-largest follicle, suggesting that LH was not involved in the initiation of deviation. However, the early decrease in LH concentrations in the progesterone group was followed by a smaller (P<0.05) diameter of the largest follicle by Day 20 (26.9 ± 1.7 mm) than the controls (30.3 ± 1.7 mm), suggesting that LH was necessary for continued growth of the largest follicle after deviation. (C) 2000 by Elsevier B.V.

Variation in mandible shape in Thrichomys apereoides (Mammalia: Rodentia): Geometric analysis of a complex morphological structure

The model of development and evolution of complex morphological structures conceived by Atchley and Hall in 1991 (Biol. Rev. 66:101-157), which establishes that changes at the macroscopic, morphogenetic level can be statistically detected as variation in skeletal units at distinct scales, was applied in combination with the formalism of geometric morphometrics to study variation in mandible shape among populations of the rodent species Thrichomys apereoides. The thin-plate spline technique produced geometric descriptors of shape derived from anatomical landmarks in the mandible, which we used with graphical and inferential approaches to partition the contribution of global and localized components to the observed differentiation in mandible shape. A major pattern of morphological differentiation in T. apereoides is attributable to localized components of shape at smaller geometric scales associated with specific morphogenetic units of the mandible. On the other hand, a clinal trend of variation is associated primarily with localized components of shape at larger geometric scales. Morphogenetic mechanisms assumed to be operating to produce the observed differentiation in the specific units of the mandible include mesenchymal condensation differentiation, muscle hypertrophy, and tooth growth. Perspectives for the application of models of morphological evolution and geometric morphometrics to morphologically based systematic biology are considered.

Associated and independent comparisons between the two largest follicles preceding follicle deviation in cattle

Follicle diameters and concentrations of follicular fluid factors were studied in the two largest follicles (F1 and F2) using F1 diameters in increments of 0.2 mm (equivalent to 4 h intervals) and extending from 7.4 to 8.4 mm (12 heifers in each of 6 groups). Changes were compared between follicles using the F2 associated with each F1-diameter group. Diameter deviation began in the 8.2-mm group as indicated by a greater (P < 0.05) diameter difference between F1 and F2 in the 8.4-mm group than in the 8.2-mm group. In the 8.0-mm group, estradiol concentrations began to increase (P < 0.05) differentially in F1 versus F2, and free insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) began to decrease differentially in F2 (P < 0.06). Combined for F1 and the associated F2, activin-A concentrations increased (P < 0.05) between the 7.6- and 8.2-mm groups and then decreased (P < 0.05). Results supported the hypothesis that estradiol and free IGF-1 concentrations simultaneously become higher in F1 than in the associated F2 by the beginning of diameter deviation. Results did not support the hypothesis that a transient elevation in activin-A is present in F1 but not in the associated F2 at the beginning of the estradiol and IGF-1 changes; instead, a mean transient elevation in activin-A occurred at this time only when data for the two follicles were combined. Comparisons between F1 and F2 also were made by independently grouping F2 and using diameter groups at 0.2-mm increments for F2 as well as for F1. In the diameter groups common to F1 and F2 (7.4, 7.6, 7.8, and 8.0 mm) there was a group effect (P < 0.003) for estradiol involving an increase (P < 0.05) beginning at the 7.6-mm group averaged over F1 and F2. For free IGF-1 concentrations, a fluctuation (a significant increase followed by a significant decrease) occurred independently in F1 between the 7.4-to 7.8-mm groups and independently in F2 between the 7.0- to 7.4-mm groups.

Skull and mandible formation in the cuckoo (Aves, Cuculidae): Contributions to the nomenclature in avian osteology and systematics

The study of the contributions of different bones to the formation of the skeleton in birds is necessary: (1) to establish homologies in comparative anatomy; (2) to delimit each bone structure correctly, mainly in relation to the skull and mandible where the bones are fused to each other in adults; and (3) to standardize nomenclature in avian osteology. In this paper at least one young specimen belonging to each sub-family of Cuculidae was examined in order to identify each bone in terms of boundaries and contributions to skull and mandible formation. These cuckoos specimens were also compared with adults and young of turacos and hoatzin. The results show little variation of skull and jaw among the young cuckoos studied compared with the variations among adult specimens. However, it provides new suggestions for the boundaries and nomenclature of certain osseous structures in the skull and mandible of birds, specifically fissura zona flexoria craniofacialis, prominetia frontoparietalis, crista temporalis transversa, processus squamosalis, fossa laterosphenoidalis, tuberculum laterosphenoidale and processus retroangularis. This study also provides more reliable homologies for use in cladistic analysis and above all it contributes to the phylogenetic position of Cuculidae within Neognathae, specifically the skull formation suggest that turacos and hoatzin are more similar to each other than either is to the cuckoos. © 2005 Taylor & Francis.

A new device in immediately loaded implant treatment in the edentulous mandible

Purpose: This article reports preliminary clinical results of the Speed Master system, a method for immediate loading of implants for the treatment of mandibular edentulism. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients with edentulous mandibles were consecutively included in the study. Each received 4 implants between the mental foramina placed using the system's surgical guides. Permanent fixed prostheses fabricated over premanufactured titanium bars were attached to the implants on the day of implant placement. The patients were followed for 15 to 27 months (mean, 19 months). Peri-implant tissues were periodically evaluated. Marginal bone loss was monitored with periapical radiographs using a computerized technique. Satisfaction was assessed by means of a questionnaire. Results: The overall implant and prosthetic survival rates were 100%. At the time of the final follow-up visit, mean marginal bone loss was 1.11 mm, and bleeding on probing was not observed. Only 6.7% of the patients reported any discomfort during treatment, and all patients would recommend the procedure to others. Discussion: The immediate loading of implants placed in the edentulous mandible with the Speed Master surgical and prosthetic protocol reduces treatment time and number of surgical procedures in comparison to classic delayed loading protocols. Conclusion: The rehabilitation of the mandible with an immediately delivered occlusally loaded hybrid prosthesis supported by 4 implants does not appear to jeopardize the success of the osseointegration and represents a viable treatment option.

Follicular dynamics and plasma FSH and progesterone concentrations during follicular deviation in the first post-ovulatory wave in Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers

The objective of the present study was to characterize ovarian follicular dynamics and hormone concentrations during follicular deviation in the first wave after ovulation in Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers. Ultrasonographic exams were performed and blood samples were collected every 12 h from the day of estrus until 120-144 h after ovulation in seven females. Deviation was defined as the point at which the growth rate of the dominant follicle became greater than the growth rate of the largest subordinate follicle. Deviation occurred approximately 65 h after ovulation. Growth rate of the dominant follicle increased (P < 0.05) after deviation, while growth rate of the subordinate follicle decreased (P < 0.05). Diameter of the dominant follicle did not differ from the subordinate follicle at deviation (approximately 5.4 mm). The dominant follicle (7.6 mm) was larger (P < 0.05) than the subordinate follicle (5.3 mm) 96 h after ovulation or 24 h after deviation. Plasma FSH concentrations did not change significantly during the post-ovulatory period. The first significant increase in mean plasma progesterone concentration occurred on the day of follicular deviation. In conclusion, the interval from ovulation to follicular deviation (2.7 days) was similar to that previously reported in B. taurus females, but follicles were smaller. Diameters of the dominant follicle and subordinate follicle did not differ before deviation and deviation was characterized by an increase in dominant follicle and decrease in subordinate follicle growth rate. Variations in FSH concentrations within 12-h intervals were not involved in follicular deviation in Nelore heifers. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mandible metastasis as the first sign from primary adenocarcinoma of the lung

Adenocarcinoma of the lung that metastasizes to the mandible is very uncommon; only a few cases have been described in the English-language literature. This article presents a metastasis from adenocarcinoma of the lung affecting the mandible of a 64-year-old woman, in which the first discovered metastatic lesion was detected before the primary tumor. The immunoreactivity for human thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) in the oral lesion was essential for determining the site and type of the primary tumor, as the patient showed no clinical or radiographic evidence of a tumor in the thyroid gland. After the primary tumor in the lung was diagnosed, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were initiated; unfortunately, the patient died two months after the start of treatment. This article emphasizes the importance of a well-conducted examination for diagnosing metastatic oral lesions.

The influence of ovariectomy, simvastatin and sodium alendronate on alveolar bone in rats

Bisphosphonates are currently used in the treatment of many diseases involving increased bone resorption such as osteoporosis. Statins have been widely used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and recent studies have shown that these drugs are also capable of stimulating bone formation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate thel influence of an estrogen deficient state and the effects of simvastatin and sodium alendronate therapies on alveolar bone in female rats. Fifty-four rats were either ovariectomized (OVX) or sham operated. A month later, the animals began to receive a daily dose of simvastatin (SIN - 25 mg/kg), sodium alendronate (ALN - 2 mg/kg) or water (control) orally. Thirty-five days after the beginning of the treatment, the rats were sacrificed and their left hemimandibles were removed and radiographed using digital X-ray equipment. The alveolar radiographic density under the first molar was determined with gray-level scaling and the values were submitted to analysis of variance (α = 5%). Ovariectomized rats gained more weight (mean ± standard deviation: 20.06 ± 6.68%) than did the sham operated animals (12.13 ± 5.63%). Alveolar radiographic density values, expressed as gray levels, were lowest in the OVX-water group (183.49 ± 6.47), and differed significantly from those observed for the groups receiving alendronate (sham-ALN: 193.85 ± 3.81; OVX-ALN: 196.06 ± 5.11) and from those of the sham-water group (193.66 ± 4.36). Other comparisons between groups did not show significant differences. It was concluded that the ovariectomy reduced alveolar bone density and that alendronate was efficient for the treatment of this condition.

Mandible protrusion and decrease of TMJ sounds: An electrovibratographic examination

This study quantified by, electrovibratography, the amount of mandible protrusion required to decrease significantly temporomandibular joint (TMJ) vibratory energy as an aid in the diagnosis of the recapture of anteriorly displaced disk. Eighteen patients diagnosed as having anterior disk displacement with reduction and TMJ clicking were submitted to electrovibratographic examination at the first appointment and treated with a stabilizing appliance and anterior positioning appliance with 1 to 5 mm protrusion. Vibratory energy was checked in each of these positions. Baseline data were used as control. At the first appointment, the patients had vibrations with more elevated intensities at the middle and late phases of the mouth opening cycle. At only one clinical step, mandible protrusion was obtained with the anterior repositioning appliance, ranging from 1 to 5 mm protusion. At each new position, a new electrovibratographic exam was made. After the 5-mm mandibular projection, only 2 patients presented vibration, with means between 0.6 and 2.8 Hz. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The outcomes of this study indicate that 3 mm is the minimum amount of mandible protrusion to significantly decrease the TMJ vibratory energy and to recapture the displaced articular disk.

Repair of bone cavities in dog's mandible filled with inorganic bovine bone and bioactive glass associated with platelet rich plasma

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of platelet rich plasma (PRP) associated to bovine inorganic bone (Bio-Oss®; Geistlich) or bioactive glass (Bio-Gran®; Orthovita, Implant Innovations) on bone healing. Bone cavities were prepared in both sides of the mandible of 4 adult male dogs. The cavities were divided into 4 groups according to the filling material as follows: control, PRP, PRP/Bio-Oss, PRP/Bio-Gran. The animals were sacrificed after 120 days and histological and histomorphometrical analysis was performed. The control group showed 80.6% of bone formation in the longitudinal sections at 6 mm depth and 83.7% at 13 mm depth. The transverse sections displayed 74.2% at both 6 and 13 mm depths. The PRP group showed 21.1% of bone formation in the longitudinal sections at 6 mm depth, and 23.1% at 13 mm depth. The transverse sections presented 28.98% of bone formation at 6 mm depth and 41.2% at 13 mm depth. The PRP/Bio-Gran group showed 25.1% of bone formation in the longitudinal sections at 6 mm depth and 30.4% at 13 mm depth. In the transverse sections, the bone formation was 43.0% at 6 mm depth and 39.7% at 13 mm depth. The PRP/Bio-Oss group showed 35.5% of bone formation in the longitudinal sections at 6 mm depth and 42% at 13 mm depth. In the transversal sections, the bone formation was 26.8% and 31.2% at the depths of 6 and 13 mm, respectively. PRP alone or associated with bovine inorganic bone or bioglass had no significant effect in bone healing.

Unusually rapid growth of brown tumour in the mandible after parathyroidectomy associated with the presence of a supernumerary parathyroid gland

The aim of this study is to report the case of a quick growing brown tumour in the jaw after a parathyroidectomy due to the presence of a rare fifth parathyroid gland. The patient had chronic renal disease and the diagnosis was tertiary hyperparathyroidism. Thirty days after the parathyroidectomy, the patient returned with a significant increase in the tumour size. The suspicion of a supernumerary gland was confirmed by parathyroid scintigraphy. The treatment of brown tumour is dependent on the treatment of the hyperparathyroidism. However, curettage should be considered if a large lesion is disturbing mastication. In conclusion, this case should attract the attention of general practitioner dentists, since they may be the first professionals who have contact with the patient with a brown tumour in the jaws. Likewise, this case emphasises the importance of knowing the type of hyperparathyroidism involved to allow for effective treatment planning. © 2011 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery.

Implant osseointegration in circumferential bone defects treated with latex-derived proteins or autogenous bone in dog's mandible

Background: In sites with diminished bone volume, the osseointegration of dental implants can be compromised. Innovative biomaterials have been developed to aid successful osseointegration outcomes. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the osteogenic potential of angiogenic latex proteins for improved bone formation and osseointegration of dental implants. Materials and Methods: Ten dogs were submitted to bilateral circumferential defects (5.0×6.3mm) in the mandible. Dental implant (3.3×10.0mm, TiUnite MK3™, Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) was installed in the center of the defects. The gap was filled either with coagulum (Cg), autogenous bone graft (BG), or latex angiogenic proteins pool (LPP). Five animals were sacrificed after 4 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively. Implant stability was evaluated using resonance frequency analysis (Osstell Mentor™, Osstell AB, Göteborg, Sweden), and bone formation was analyzed by histological and histometric analysis. Results: LPP showed bone regeneration similar to BG and Cg at 4 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively (p≥.05). Bone formation, osseointegration, and implant stability improved significantly from 4 to 12 weeks (p≤.05). Conclusion: Based on methodological limitations of this study, Cg alone delivers higher bone formation in the defect as compared with BG at 12 weeks; compared with Cg and BG, the treatment with LPP exhibits no advantage in terms of osteogenic potential in this experimental model, although overall osseointegration was not affected by the treatments employed in this study. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparisons between Bio-Oss® and Straumann® Bone Ceramic in immediate and staged implant placement in dogs mandible bone defects

Objective: To compare immediate and staged approach implant placement in circumferential defects treated with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM); hidroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TP); autogenous bone (Ab); and coagulum (Cg); upon implant stability, osseointegration and alveolar crest maintenance. Materials and methods: Six dogs underwent extractions of lower premolars, bilaterally. Twelve weeks later four bone defects (6 mm wide/4 mm long) were drilled at one side and randomly filled with DBBM; HA/TP; Ab; and Cg, respectively, and left to heal (staged approach). Eight weeks later one implant (Osseospeed™, AstraTech) was placed in experimental sites. At the same session four defects were drilled on contra-lateral side and implants were inserted immediately after biomaterials grafting (immediate approach). Animals were euthanized 8 weeks later. Implant stability was measured by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) at installation and after sacrifice. Ground sections were prepared for bone contact (BIC); bone area (BA); distance implant shoulder-bone crest (IS-C); distance implant shoulder first bone contact (IS-B); and areas occupied by soft tissue. Results: The BA and BIC were superior in the staged approach. The Cg exhibited higher BIC and BA as compared with other materials at the total implant body (P = 0.004 and 0.012, respectively). The DBBM, HA/TP and Ab groups rendered similar BA and BIC. The immediate approach resulted in less crest resorption compared to staged approach. The biomaterials did not affect the IS-C and IS-B measurements. Particles area tended to be higher in DBBM group than HA/TP (P = 0.15), while soft tissue infiltrate was higher in DBBM group when used in the immediate approach (P = 0.04). The RFA indicated gain in stability in the staged approach (P = 0.002). The correlation test between RFA vs. BIC and BA demonstrated inferior stability for DBBM group in immediate approach (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Implants placed in healed defects resulted in better stability as a consequence of higher BIC and BA. The Cg alone rendered increased BIC compared to other materials in both approaches. Immediate approach should be preferable to staged approach in terms of alveolar crest maintenance. The BIC and BA values did not vary between micro and macro-threads in this experimental model. Implants installed in sites filled with DBBM in immediate approach were less stable. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.