G. Cuny

Subcellular localization of cytochrome P450, and activities of several enzymes responsible for drug metabolism in the human brain

We studied the subcellular distribution of cytochrome P450 and related monooxygenase activities in six regions of human brains removed at autopsy. The content of total cytochrome P450 was found to be at least nine times higher in the mitochondrial fraction than in the microsomes in all the regions studied. However, cytochrome P450-dependent enzymatic activities which are representative of different isoforms metabolizing exogenous molecules exhibited a microsomal prevalence, a situation previously observed in rat brain. The other drug-metabolizing enzymes catalysing functionalization and conjugation reactions, presented the following characteristics in human brain: (i) a low activity of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, which also catalyses the reduction of some xenobiotics; (ii) a high specific activity of the membrane-bound epoxide hydrolase; (iii) among the enzymes catalysing conjugation reactions, 1-naphthol-UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity was barely or not detectable, whereas the mean glutathione-S-transferase activity was 15 times higher than the activity measured in rat brain. The presence of several drug-metabolizing enzyme activities in human brain microvessels, and particularly the high activity of epoxide hydrolase, suggests a participation of these enzymes in the metabolic blood-brain barrier.

Modalités du dépistage des dyshormonémies thyroïdiennes chez le sujet âgé hospitalisé

In a continuous series of 3836 patients over 60 years old, 24.1 % have abnormal tests, 1.28% present hyperthyroidism and 1.98% hypothyroidism. Screening with TSH alone and T4 if abnormality, appears as the most helpful and costless method in order to detect thyroid dysfunction in hospitalised elderly patients.

Encéphalite herpétique du sujet âgé: 13 observations

Herpes simplex encephalitis can rarely occured in the elderly. Clinical and paraclinical manifestations are the same as in young people. Prognosis depends on early diagnosis and treatment with aciclovir. Geriatric cases due to reinfection or endogen virus reactivation than to primo-infection.

Statut nutritionnel et en oligo-éléments dans les cardiomyopathies du sujet âgé

Nutritionnal status remain poor in hospitalized elderly for cardiopathy compared to healthy controls, secondary to bad general status. Selenium rate appears significantly lower in ischemic cardiomyopathy than in valvular or hypertension cardiopathy.

Dyshormonémies et dysthyroïdies du sujet âgé. A propos d'une série continue de 3836 patients

In a continous serie of 3836 patients over 60 years old, 73.9 % have normal thyroid test, 1.2 % present patent hyperthyroidism and 1.6 % hypothyroidism. Clinical and biological presentation are often not specific, because of polypathology frequently observed in the elderly.

Aspects gériatriques des colites à Clostridium difficile. À propos d'une série de 19 observations

The authors report 19 cases of colitis remains to Clostridium difficile in the elderly. Betalactam antibiotics and anti-diarrheic drugs use associated with lower immune response due to nutrionnal deficiency seems to be the main risk factors.

Tomographie cérébrale d'émission monophotonique (HmPAO-Tc 99 m SPECT) et encéphalite herpétique. Comparaison aux données du scanner et de I'IRM

SPECT scan in herpes simplex encephalitis shows initially temporal hyperperfusion and later iso then hypoperfusion. Hyperperfusion occurs before CT-scan hypodensity and hypoperfusion appears after CTsan and MRI definitive datas.

Vascularite à type de purpura rhumatoïde induite par les quinidiniques

Quinidine-induced vasculitis is rarely reported in literature. We report a new case of cutaneous leukocytoclasis vasculitis in a 79 year-old woman treated by quinidine. The diagnosis of Henoch-Schonlein syndrome is evocated because of the presence of proteinuria, leukocyturia, hematuria and cylindruria associated to purpura.

Hydrocéphalie secondaire à un mégadolichotronc basilaire. À propos de 2 observations

The authors reports two cases of anevrysmal malformation of the vertebral basilar arteries causing hydrocephalus. Others clinical aspects of intracranial diffuse arterectasis are cranial nerve palsies, ischemic of hemorrhagic complications.

Pemphigoïde bulleuse et néoplasie. A propos de trois observations

Abstract We report three cases of bullous pemphigoid associated to malignant disorders and discuss the relationship between these two pathologies.