Objectives
We aimed to compare gender difference on sizes of some structures in the brain of normal male and female fetuses between 20 and 22 week gestations.
Methods
A total of 300 female and 300 male singleton pregnancies with low risk were included in the study. Biparietal diameter, head circumference, transcerebellar diameter, cisterna magna, nuchal fold thickness, anterior and posterior horn of lateral ventricles, length and width of cavum septum pellucidum were measured transabdominally. Mean±SD values were calculated and comparison of measurements were done between male and female fetuses. Kolmogorov–Smirnov and independent samples t-test were used for statistical analysis. A value of p<0.05 were accepted as statistically significant.
Results
We determined statistically significant difference in sizes of some structures of the brain of male and female fetuses. Mean±SD value of cavum septi pellucidi width was 3.38±0.61 and 3.85±0.96 in female and males, respectively (p<0.05). Male fetuses were also found to have larger anterior (1.92±0.30 vs. 1.58±0.26, p<0.0001) and posterior horn of lateral ventricles (6.00±0.87 vs. 5.53±1.17, p<0.05).
Conclusions
Difference in sizes of some structures of the brain starts in fetal life. This finding may be important in evaluating the intracranial structures more precisely. These results may also give a contribution to the understanding physiological and pathologic differences between males and females.
Background/aim: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a complication of ovarian stimulation with increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular permeability in ovarian tissue. Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is known to be associated with angiogenesis and vascular permeability. In this experimental study, we aimed to investigate the activity of TRPM2 in the development of OHSS. Materials and Methods: Fourteen immature female rats were divided into two groups. Group 1 was the control group, and Group 2 was the OHSS group which was exposed to 10 IU of subcutaneous application of FSH for four days and 30 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on 5 th day. At the end of the experiment, the ovaries were removed. The right ovarian tissues were stored in 10% formol for histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. The left ovarian tissues were stored at-80°C for biochemical examinations. VEGF, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in the ovarian tissue. Congestion, edema, apoptosis and TRPM2 immunoreactivity were evaluated. Results: There was a significant increase in ovarian weight in the OHSS group compared to the control group. There was a significant increase in congestion, edema, apoptosis and TRPM2 immunoreactivity in the OHSS group. A significant increase in tissue levels of VEGF, TNF-α and MDA was also found in the OHSS group compared to the control group. Conclusions: As a result of our experiment, Increased TRPM2 immunoreactivity on hyperstimulated rat ovary may be the reason or result of edema and congestion. Further studies are needed to discuss our results.
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