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In human genital skin the majority of superficial sensory corpuscles is represented by glomerular corpuscles. These corpuscles show an own morphology. Our aim is to compare the ultra-structure of superficial sensory corpuscles in the penis skin of younger and older subjects. In this report the ultra-structure of the sensitive corpuscle in the penis skin of the younger and older subjects was compared, showing that the genital skin of the older humans contains more simple complexes than the younger ones. Our findings support the view that the age-related changes that can be observed in human glomerular genital corpuscles are consistent with an increase of the simple complexes and a strong decrease of the poly-lamellar one in the older people. These findings demonstrate that human genital corpuscles underwent age-related changes. Moreover our morphological findings can be correlated in relation to the clinical evolution of the sensitivity in the genital skin.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which plays an important role in many human organs including the skin. In this study we will examine the presence and the distribution of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in a particular zone of the human skin. Samples of the human plantar skin were harvested during autopsies after the consent of relatives of the dead donors. In this study the following experimental procedures were performed: 1) drawing of the human plantar skin; 2) cutting of tissues; 3) staining of tissues; 4) staining of the nerve fibres; 5) radio-binding methods for labelling D1 and D2 dopamine receptors; 6) light microscope autoradiography; 7) quantitative analysis of images and 8) statistical analysis of data. The dopamine receptors D1 are distributed particularly in the dermis layer of the human plantar skin. They are numerous in lower epidermal layers (with exclusion of the corneal layer) and few in subcutaneous tissue. On the contrary D2 dopamine receptors are prominent in the subcutaneous tissue near the vessels. Quantitative analysis of images and statistical analysis of the data confirm all our results. The specific distribution of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in the human plantar skin is in close relation with the functions of a particular zone of the human skin that supports the weight of all the body. Moreover the character of dopamine receptors distribution is very important for further understanding the role of these receptors in the human skin.

To evaluate the ocular hypotensive effects and tolerability of the once daily fixed combination latanoprost-timolol versus twice daily 0.50% timolol associated or not with once daily latanoprost in patients suffering from Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG).We compared the effects of such a combination with those of 0.50% timolol alone twice daily in a group of 24 patients and with the effects of timolol 0.50% twice daily associated with once daily latanoprost in a second group of 20 patients with a follow-up of 24 months.In the first group of patients after one month the Intraocular Pressure (IOP) was reduced from a mean of 19.93 to a 17.04 mmHg. This reduction remained stable with a mean value of 17.00 mmHg at the third month, of 16.49 mmHg at the sixth month, of 17.04 at the twelfth month, 16.00 at the eighteenth month, and of 15.86 mmHg in the twenty-fourth month. In the second group there was a statistically significant reduction from 19.4 to 16.84 mmHg after one month. This reduction remained constant with mean values of 16.47 at the sixth month, of 16.20 at the twelfth month and of 16.00 mmHg at the twentyfourth month of treatment.The once daily latanoprost-timolol combination was shown to furtherly reduce the Intraocular Pressure (IOP) (p=0.001) and to maintain under control the intraocular pressure for the observation period (24 months). Both topical and systemic side-effects were scarse and tolerability was good.

The authors report their consecutive experience in the surgical management of adenocarcinoma (ADC) of head of pancreas and papilla of Vater, in order to review the available literature.One hundred and seventy cases (131 in the head of pancreas and 39 in the papilla of Vater) were operated upon for ADC by radical pancreaticoduodenectomy in the period 1972-2005. The stomach was resected in 81 patients (47.7%) and the pylorus was preserved in 89 (52.3%). Follow-up was completed in all patients.Postoperative morbidity was reported in 66 patients (38.8%) and pancreatic fistulae were observed in 39 patients (22.9%). Postoperative mortality was 9.4% (16 patients), but in the last 10 years it was reduced to 4.1% (4/97 patients). Five-year survival for pancreatic ADC was 75% in stage IA, 43.9% in stage IB and IIA, 3.2% in stage IIB. In ADC of the papilla of Vater, for the same stages, the 5-year survival rates were 54.4%, 51.4%, 0% and 37.5%, respectively. None of the III-staged patients survived at a 5-year follow-up in both groups.Preoperative studies should include laparoscopy with cytological examination of peritoneal lavage, while preoperative biliary drainage is rarely indicated in case of obstructive jaundice. The Wirsung duct has to be anastomosed directly to the jejunum and the pancreatic section needs to be checked. Extended lymphadenectomy, in addition to the standard peripancreatic excision, is seldom indicated, there is no controindication to pylorus preservation and Wirsung drainage is not necessary. This operation should be performed in Centres with substantial experience.

Age-related changes of the dopamine nerve fibres of bronchus associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) were investigated in male Wistar rats of 3 months (young), and 24 months (old/aged). Dopamine histofluorescence techniques have been used, associated with image analysis for the detection of dopamine nerve fibres. In young rats, white, fluorescent nerve fibres supply BALT. This tissue is innervated by a delicate network of nerve fibres rich in varicosities. In old rats these fluorescent nerve fibres are strongly reduced. Moreover, dopamine D1a and D1b receptors were stained using fluorescent monoclonal antibodies. The BALT of young rats possesses a higher number of D1a and D1b receptors, while, in the old rats, these receptors are strongly reduced. The possible significance of reduced dopamine neurotransmission in BALT of aged rats is discussed.

By means of immunohistochemical reactions, the authors proved the inhibitor II-related immunoreactivity in distal convoluted tubules of human kidney. A sharp inhibitor II-related immunoreactivity was also present in the blood vessels' wall. On the contrary, in the wall of proximal tubules and glomeruli only low reactivity was found. The demonstration of an inhibitor II-related immunoreactivity in the distal convoluted tubules and vessels of human kidney represents a strong evidence that an inhibitor of kallikrein exists and acts also in humans as an important key in the kallikrein-renin-angiotensin-aldosterone chain and hitherto confirms the experimental data of the literature. The proved inhibitor in the human kidney may intervene in the modulation of the kallikrein-kinin system and thus represents a key role in the intrarenal mechanisms related to the blood flow and arterial pressure regulation.