The effect of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) administration upon acetylcholine (ACh) release in freely moving rats was investigated by means of transversal microdialysis coupled to h.p.l.c. TRH administered either s.c. or via local perfusion increased the ACh release from the cortex and hippocampus but not from the striatum. The increase in ACh release was maintained after 7 days of s.c. administration of TRH. 2 After s.c. injection of the neuropeptide, the increase in ACh release was dose-dependent and reached a maximum at 40{min after administration. The maximal percentage increases were 18, 52, 66 and 89% at doses of 1, 2.5, 5 and lOmgkg-' and 35, 48 and 54% at doses of 2.5, 5 and lOmgkg-' in the cortex and hippocampus, respectively. The effect of TRH was dependent on neuronal activity since it was completely inhibited by perfusion with tetrodotoxin (TTX), 5 x 10-7 M.3 Perfusion with TRH, 2.5 pgpul-1, caused 198% and 150% increase in ACh release 60 and 80min after the beginning of the perfusion in the cortex and hippocampus, respectively. After this initial peak, a 100% increase in ACh release persisted throughout the perfusion. 4 Systemic TRH administration was followed by marked hyperactivity and stereotyped behaviour that showed a time course shorter than that of the increase in ACh release. 5 These findings demonstrate that TRH exerts a strong stimulant action on cortical and hippocampal cholinergic pathways.

SiO is an effective tamponade for complex RD, although its possible benefits must always be weighted carefully against the complications and the need for further intervention. The present series compares favorably with the current literature in terms of complication rates. The optimal timing of SiO removal and precise screening and decision-making guidelines before removal are still the main issues and need careful consideration.

To our knowledge this is the first report of NUES and total exudative RD following AL treatment that resolved with i.v. steroid therapy alone. Since the AL treatment clearly seemed to play a role in the pathogenesis of the NUES and associated RD we strongly advise careful assessment of the risk/benefit ratio of prophylactic laser treatment in nanophthalmic patients. Although sclerectomy and vortex vein decompression are well-established techniques, we believe steroid therapy might be tried before proceeding to surgery.

No abstract

The sample population showed a high rate of satisfaction and significant subjective improvement on four out of five tested activities, despite multiple surgeries and overall poor outcome, even in patients with a good VA in fellow eye. Many other factors such as visual field and contrast sensitivity improvement, not investigated by the authors, can play an important role in the visual functional status. Correct and extensive patient information remains critical in such settings.