Transient hypertrophic subaortic stenosis in infants of diabetic mothers.

Three newborn infants with congestive heart failure had hemodynamic, angiographic, and echocardiographic features of hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy). Treatment with digitalis and diuretic drugs was ineffective, but improvement occurred when these agents were withheld in one patient, and when treatment with propranolol was begun in two patients. Echocardiography was helpful in establishing the diagnosis in two patients and showed resolution of the condition during the first six months of life. Serial cardiac catheterizations confirmed resolution of the outflow obstruction in the third patient. Family studies revealed no evidence of familial cardiomyopathy, but the mothers of two infants had insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and the mother of the third was presumed to be prediabetic.


Studies on the development and chemotherapy of larvae of Parascaris equorum (Nematoda: Ascaridoidea) in experimentally and naturally infected foals.

Experimentally induced infections of Parascaris equorum in worm-free pony foals required 14 to 17 days for migration of the larvae through the liver and lungs, and 79 to 110 days to become gametogenically functional. Treatment of experimentally infected or naturally exposed foals during the parenteral phase of development, using levamisole at 8 mg/kg, a mixture of levamisole at 8 mg/kg plus piperazine at 88 mg base equivalent/kg, or dl-tetramisole at 10 mg/kg, was quite efficacious in (1) reducing the number of P. equorum larvae recovered from the small intestines of the foals at necropsy, or (2)delaying the appearance of ascarid eggs in the feces of treated foals beyond the time period observed for the untreated foals. Three formulations of dichlorvos at doses of 10, 20, 30, or 40 mg/kg, and 2 formulations of trichlorfon at 20 or 40 mg/kg, were not effective when treatment was given on or before the 14th day after infective eggs were administered. Treatment with a gel formulation of dichlorvos at 20 mg/kg 17 to 28 days after experimental infection was 100% effective in removing ascarid larvae from the small intestines of poly foals.


Effect of sodium salicylate on hamster cells in vitro.

Doses of sodium salicylate greater than 100 mug/ml increased the generation time of baby hamster kidney (BHK 21) cells in culture from 16 to 35 hr. Exposure to similar doses of salicylate for 18-44 hr resulted in a marked reduction of RNA synthesis. The species of RNA synthesized in the presence of sodium salicylate appeared to be similar to those synthesized by normal cells in the absence of sodium salicylate. Sodium salicylate did not alter the oxidative phosphorylation of BHK cells.


Potential antitumor agents: a cytotoxic cardenolide from Coronilla varia L.

An alcoholic extract of the seeds of Coronilla varia L. showed inhibitory activity against KB cells in culture and was fractionated through a series of partitions, column chromatography, and preparative layer chromatography to yield hyrcanoside, daphnoretin, scopoletin, and umbelliferone. Hyrcanoside was also tested in the PS mouse leukemia assay and showed borderline activity.


Circling behavior after narcotic drugs and during naloxone-precipitated abstinence in rats with unilateral nigral lesions.

Unilateral lesions of the substantia nigra zona compacta (SNC) in rats were produced by electrolytic coagulation or by an injection of 6-hydroxydopamine. Two to 5 weeks later, after being preselected for amphetamine-induced ipsilateral circling behavior, the animals were administered narcotic agonists or antagonists and their circling behavior was observed. Morphine, methadone, levorphanol, nalorphine or pentazocine induced ipsilateral circling movements; both naloxone and dextrorphan were without effect. Ipsilateral circling was also observed in rats with unilateral electrolytic lesions after administration of agents that are thought to enhance central dopaminergic activities: d-amphetamine, l-dopa and apomorphine. In rats with unilateral electrolytic or 6-hydroxydopamine SNC lesions that were rendered highly morphine-dependent by multiple-morphine pellet implantation, contralateral (C) circling behavior was observed within 1 to 2 minutes after a naloxone challenge; the onset and duration of C circling behavior coincided with the initial appearance and duration of precipitated-morphine withdrawal signs. C circling was also observed after administration of putative dopamine receptor blockers, haloperidol and pimozide in rats with either unilateral electrolytic or 6-hydroxydopamine SNC lesions. Morphine pretreatment diminished both the C circling intensity and the appearance of withdrawal signs observed after a naloxone challenge in morphine-dependent, SNC-lesioned rats. The naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in unilaterally lesioned morphine-dependent rats was accompanied by a 20% elevation of neostriatal dopamine in the intact side. In contrast to the effects of a chronic SNC lesion in decreasing neostriatal dopamine, a 77% increase was observed in the lesioned side 30 minutes after electrolytic coagulation. Thus, narcotic agonists and partial agonists may enhance central dopaminergic activities and naloxone-precipitated withdrawal may involve a diminution in central dopaminergic activities of the nigroneostriatal pathway.


The effects of morphine- and nalorphine- like drugs in the nondependent and morphine-dependent chronic spinal dog.

Three different syndromes produced by congeners of morphine have been identified in the nondependent chronic spinal dog. These syndromes have been attributed to interaction of agonists with three distinguishable receptors (mu, kappa and sigma). Morphine is the prototype agonist for the mu receptor, ketocyclazocine for the kappa receptor and SKF-10,047 for the sigma receptor. The morphine syndrome (mu) in the dog is characterized by miosis, bradycardia, hypothermia, a general depression of the nociceptive responses and indifference to environmental stimuli. Ketocyclazocine (kappa) constricts pupils, depresses the flexor reflex and produces sedation but does not markedly alter pulse rate or the skin twitch reflex. SKF-10,047 (sigma), in contrast to morphine and ketocyclazocine, causes mydriasis, tachypnea, tachycardia and mania. The effects of these three drugs can be antagonized by the pure antagonist naltrexone, indicating that they are agonists. Further, chronic administration of morphine, ketocyclazocine and SKF-10,047 induces tolerance to their agonistic effects. Morphine suppresses abstinence in morphine-dependent dogs while ketocyclazocine does not. Ketocyclazocine at best precipitated only a liminal abstinence syndrome in the morphine-dependent dog, indicating that it had little affinity for the morphine receptor. Ketocyclazocine thus appears to be a selective agonist at the kappa receptor. Further, it has been shown that buprenorphine is a partial agonist of the mu type which both suppressed and precipitated abstinence in the morphine-dependent dog while morphine and propoxyphene are stronger agonists. Apomorphine and SKF-10,047 produce similar pharmacologic effects suggesting that sigma activity may involve a dopaminergic mechanism.


The effects of hydroquinone, hematin and heme-containing proteins on prostaglandin biosynthesis by methylcholanthrene-transformed mouse BALB/3T3 fibroblasts.

Cultured methylcholanthrene-transformed 3T3 mouse fibroblasts secrete large amounts of prostaglandin into the medium. Prostaglandin biosynthesis by these cells can be stimulated by arachidonic acid and, to a much lesser extent, by glutathione and porphyrin. In the presence of hydroquinone, prostaglandin production is increased; the most striking increases are seen  at concentrations that are lethal. Porphyrins, when added to cells in the presence of lethal levels of hydroquinone, inhibit stimulation of prostaglandin E2 synthesis but stimulate the production of prostaglandin F2alpha.


The production and characterization of antibodies reactive with meperidine.

Meperidinic acid was converted to O-meperidinyl-glycollic acid and covalently attached to bovine serum albumin. Rabbits injected with this conjugate produced antibodies reactive with meperidine which were measured by the ammonium sulfate method. The specificities of these antisera were studied by competitive inhibition of the binding of 100 pmol/ml of 3H-meperidine to antibody by the prior addition of increasing concentrations of various unlabeled compounds. The concentrations in nanomoles per milliliter of various unlabeled opiods required to inhibit 3H-meperidine binding by 50% (I50) were: meperidine, 0.08; O-meperidinyl-glycollic acid, 1.7; methadone, 580; heroin, 1750; codeine, 2600; and morphine, 4200. Several psychopharmacologically active compounds were found to have I50 values comparable to the nonmeperidine opioids: hydroxyzine-HC1, 460; propoxyphene, 4,500; diazepam, 6,500; and cocaine, 10,800. The metabolites of meperidine exhibited the following I50 values: normeperidine, 0.7; meperidinic acid and normeperidinic acid, 210. A radioimmunoassay for meperidine which employs this antiserum was shown to be approximately 100 times more sensitive than the spectrophotometric method of Burns et al. (J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 114:289-293, 1955). In this assay only normeperidine and some of the meperidine congeners might be expected to interfere with the measurement of meperidine. The degree of normeperidine interference was shown to be comparable to that present in the existing assay method.


The effects of morphine and nalorphine-like drugs in the nondependent, morphine-dependent and cyclazocine-dependent chronic spinal dog.

A series of morphine-like and nalorphine-like drugs were studied in the nondependent, morphine-dependent and cyclazocine-dependent chronic spinal dog. In the nondependent dog, three profiles of activity were found which could be utilized to distinguish between morphine, WIN 35, 197-2 and cyclazocine. Propiram, a prototypic partial agonist of the morphine type, produced morphine-like effects in nondependent dogs and both precipitated and suppressed abstinence in cyclazocine-dependent dogs as was needed to precipitate abstinence in morphine-dependent dogs. WIN 35, 197-2, a strong agonist in the guinea-pig ileum which has been shown to be resistant to antagonism by naloxone, neither precipitated nor suppressed morphine abstinence but suppressed cyclazocine abstinence. In the nondependent dog, it depressed the flexor reflex but not skin twitch reflex. Cyclazocine altered reflex activity much like WIN 35, 197-2 but produced tachycardia, tachypnea, mydriasis and canine delirum. The morphine and cyclazocine precipitated and withdrawal abstinence syndromes were qualitatively different. Twenty times as much naltrexone was needed to precipitate abstinence in morphine-dependent dogs. Nalorphine both precipitated and suppressed cyclazocine abstinence and appeared to be a partial agonist of the nalorphine-type. Morphine suppressed the cyclazocine abstinence syndrome. Cross-tolerance was not observed in ketocyclazocine-dependent dogs. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that there are strong and partial agonists of the mu and kappa types, and further, that physical dependence on morphine and cyclazocine is mediated through different receptors. WIN 35, 197-2 appears to be a pure strong agonist of the kappa type. Cyclazocine is a mu antagonist and mixed kappa and sigma agonist.


Changes in spleen histology in response to antigenic stimulation in the snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina.

Proliferative and migratory changes of lymphoid cells in the spleen were observed in turtles stimulated with KLH and maintained at 30 degrees C. Small foci of pyroninophilic lymphoblasts were first seen in the white pulp at about day 5. Progressive enlargement of these centers continued and peaked by days 8-12. By days 15-20 the white pulp returned to a normal (unimmunized) state, while the number of pyroninophilic cells, primarily plasma cells, increased markedly in the red pulp. At days 22-25, the number of plasma cells returned to normal levels and the spleen appeared normal for the remainder of the 60 day observation period. These events suggest that at 30 degrees C, the turtle is capable of a strong and prompt proliferative response in the white pulp sheaths, followed by migration and differentiation of lymphoblasts into plasma cells, in the red pulp. Observations of pyroninophilic cells in sinuses, venules and veins of the spleen and a concomitant depletion of cells in red pulp, further suggest a migration from the spleen to other sites. Following a second antigenic challenge, at day 60, no significant histological changes were observed at 30 degrees C. Nor were any changes observed following primary or secondary antigenic challenge, in animals maintained at 10 degrees C. These findings are discussed with regard to immunological memory and low temperature immunosuppression in ectothermic vertebrates.


Ultrastructural analysis of normal and immunized spleen of the snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina.

In the ultrastructural comparison of normal, unimmunized spleens with immunized spleens at key intervals after antigenic stimulation with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), we noted cellular and cytological features which reflect the cellular kinetics of the primary immune response, particularly with respect to plasma cell production. Although lymphoblasts and mature plasma cells are present in the white and red pulp, respectively, intermediate stages of the plasma cell line are rarely found in normal spleen. Following antigenic challenge, we found a marked increase in lymphoblasts in the white pulp, most of them containing short segments of rough endoplasmic reticulum suggesting initial differentiation toward plasma cells. Following an apparent migration of cells from the white to the red pulp, we found plasma cells in various stages of maturation in the red pulp cords and sinuses. The ultrastructural features of these cells reflect the differentiation of lymphoblasts into mature plasma cells. Both immature and mature plasma cells usually possess dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting that they are capable of producing and storing a secretory product, presumably antibody. We also noted a large number of immature macrophages and monocytes in immunized spleens. These cellular events and their cytological characteristics are compared to those described in other vertebrate classes.


Lactation associated with herpes zoster pectoralis.

The phenomenon of lactation associated with herpes zoster is unexpected. To our knowledge such an association has been reported only once. A case is reported in whom spontaneous lactation occurred in the ipsilateral breast following herpes zoster. It is believed to have resulted from stimulation of the intercostal nerve endings supplying the overlying skin of the breast.


Ectopic ureter passing through the external urethral sphincter: report of a case.

A rare case of urethral ectopic ureter without urinary incontinence is reported. Urinary continence was preserved because of the ectopic ureter passing through the external sphincter.


Pituitary-gonadal function in a female hermaphrodite with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

A case of a 31-year-old female hermaphrodite with congenital adrenal hyperplasia is reported and some endocrinological studies are presented. After the administration of dexamethasone, the elevated levels of serum testosterone were suppressed, while the lower levels of serum luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were elevated. Since the virilization was too developed to change the sex role, the patient remained as a male subject without cortisol replacement therapy and underwent a plastic operation to construct the penile urethra.


Germinal malignancies of the testis: experience, management and prognosis.

A review of the experience with 134 consecutive patients with germinal cell testicular neoplasia indicates that definitively accurate staging of the malignancy at presentation is the single most important prognostic factor. Nearly two-thirds of the patients with all types of germinal malignancies survived or died of other causes and the highest survival rates were seen among patients with earlier stages of seminoma. In recent years patients with all types of germinal malignancies of the testis have been treated by radical retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy with enhancement of survivals. Patients with seminoma and non-seminomatous tumors exhibited  increased survival rates with node dissection. In 66 consecutive lymphadenectomies the complication rate was less than 14 per cent, with only 1 death related to the operation. Retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy not only affords therapeutic advantage but also provides an opportunity for accurate surgical staging of disease and allows for rational decision relative to additional treatment, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.


Solitary leiomyomas arising from the tunica dartos scroti.

Of 127 patients with primary neoplasms of the scrotal wall 10 had a solitary leiomyoma arising from the tunica dartos. These benign asymptomatic lesions occur in middle-age white men and are often incorrectly diagnosed. Simple surgical excision is curative. The 11th case is described because of the malignant course that followed irradiation. A cell arising from single smooth muscle cells within the corium is proposed as the cell of origin.


Genetic studies on the arrhythmia in acute myocardial infarction with special reference to serum free fatty acid level.

The serious arrhythmias have been regarded as one of the important complications in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Clinical and experimental observations were made of the arrhythmogenecity in acute myocardial infarction in special reference to the high free fatty acidemia (HFFA). The results obtained were as follows: (1) The incidence of arrhythmia in 35 patients with acute myocardial infarction, in whom the serum free fatty acid (FFA) value was measured, was 84.0%. (2) The serum FFA values of arrhythmic patients were significantly higher than those of patients without arrhythmia (P less than 0.001). (3) it was also revealed that the serum FFA values of patients with ventricular premature contraction (VPC) were significantly higher than those of non-arrhythmic patients (P less than 0.001). (4) each of the rate of incidence of VPC in total arrhthmic patients and the serum FFA value on the day of attack was significantly higher than that on the following days, respectively. (5) HFFA was experimentally produced in infaracted dog with the coronary ligation by the infusion of Intralipid and heparin and its effect on the ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) was observed. The VFT was markedly decreased promptly after the coronary ligation and a trend of natural recovery of the VFT was seen in a period later than 60 minutes after the coronary ligation. The recovery phase was significantly suppressed by the treatment producing HFFA (P less than 0.01). The deleterious effect of HFFA on the VFT was prevented by the treatment with glucose and insulin solution (GI solution) (P less than 0.02). From these results, it is postulated that HFFA in patients with acute myocardial infarction acts as an arrhythmogenic factor by lowering the VFT and GI solution prevents the occurrence of arrhythmia by lowering the serum FFA value.


Flexible structure of immunoglobulin G molecule. Fluorescence depolarization studies on hapten-antihapten antibody interactions using arylnaphthalenesulfonates as the ligands.

Fluorescence depolarization studies on immunoglobulin G, Fab'2 and Fab' fragments were carried out using isomeric anilinonaphthalenesulfonates and their corresponding rabbit antibody systems, and the values of the relaxation time rho(h) were calculated. From the results it was confirmed that the IgG and Fab'2 fragment have a certain degree of segmental flexibility, and suggested that these divalent antibody molecules have the same order of flexibilities. Furthermore, the rhoh values of the Fab' fragments from each antibody preparation were also determined and conflicting results were obtained with the samples from two different kinds of antibody systems against the isomeric ligands. The results were discussed with special references to the orientation of ligands bound to the antibody combining sites.


[Electrical and contractile activities of the normal canine stomach (author's transl)].

Ten mongrel dogs equipped with four bipolar electrodes and three waterproof strain gauges were used for experiments. In fasting, mean discharge interval of BER of stomach ranged from 10.8 sec. to 13.7 sec.. Following feeding, discharge interval of BER showed a considerable prolongation ranging from 13% to 37% during the initial 60 minutes, and from 4.4% to 23% during the next 9 hour postprandial period. Propagation velocity of BER was almost constant in each animal, however the velocity showed a tendency to decrease slightly following feeding. The velocity in the corpus, antrum and prepyloric area was 0.4 cm/sec., 1.0 cm/sec. and 1.5 cm/sec., respectively. Irregegular electrical (dysrhythmias) were observed  in the antrum most frequently, although their incidence was less than 2% in total duration during the entire observation period. In postprandial period, the contractile activities of the corpus showed a somewhat monotonic pattern with a steady amplitude. The contractile activities of the antrum and the pyloric sphincter showed a waxing and waning pattern with a varying amplitude. Characteristically, the pyloric sphincter showed an intermittent relaxing phase much more frequently as compared with the antrum.


[Effect of selective proximal and truncal vagotomy on canine gastric electrical activity (author's transl)].

Alterations in the electrical activity of the stomach were studied in 40 unanesthetized dogs with intact vagal innervation, with selective proximal vagotomy (SPV) and with truncal vagotomy (TV) using a chronically implanted unipolar needle electrodes. The basic electrical rhythm (BER) of the normal canine stomach occurred regularly in the frequency of 4.5 to 5.5 cycles per minutes with a waxing and waning of initial and second potentials repeated in every 5 to 6 minutes. After SPV, irregular BER was observed occasionally within a few days postoperatively. After TV, irregularity of BER was more marked and frequent for the first 2 weeks. Subcutaneous administration of bethanechol chloride or histamine decreased the frequency of regular BER and increased the magnitude of second potentials equally in any dog of the control, SPV and TV groups. Similar changes were observed after feeding of the canned meat. Insulin-induced hypoglycemia increased the magnitude of antral second potentials in either control or SPV dogs. In contrast, TV dogs revealed repetition of initial potentials shortly after intravenous adminstration of insulin, but failed to show any changes relevant to hypoglycemia.


[A photo-optical observation of gallbladder motility in dogs (author's transl)].

A photo-optical observation on gallbladder motility was made with the 16 mm cine-cholangiography. The subjects studied were thirty two mongrel dogs. The gallbladder was exposed by a short upper midline abdominal incision under pentothal anesthesia. Gallbladder bile was aspirated and contrast medium was given into the bladder, through a transhepatic route. The cine-cholangiography was done by an image intensifier at a speed of one frame every 2 to 4 seconds. The cinefilms taken were observed repeatedly by the screen projection at various speeds. The drawings were made by tracing the outline of the image of the gallbladder on each frame and were overlapped. Moreover, a contraction curve was made by the cholecystometry using of film motion analyzer in every case. At the same time bile flow into the duodenum was recorded to study a relationship between the gallbladder contraction and motility of the terminal common bile duct. The results obtained are as follows: 1. In a resting state any contraction of the gallbladder was not seen during 30 minutes, and a peristalsis-like movements of the neck portion was observed. However, there was not a relationship between the contraction curve of the gallbladder and the bile flow into the duodenum. 2. Immediately after giving Caerulein, the contrast medium injected into the gallbladder was rapidly discharged into the common bile duct by a peristalsis-like movement of the neck. The size of the gallbladder was markedly decreased into three fifths of the initial state three minutes after administration. At the same time contrast medium  was continuously discharged into the duodenum. 3. After giving pilocarpine a marked contraction with forceful movement of the neck and body was observed, and the size of the gallbladder was decreased into three quarters ot the initial state. Bile discharge into the duodenum was markedly increased with an active open- and closing movement of the terminal common bile duct.


[Effect of a couple of stimulants on the gastric motility (author's transl)].

The effects of the stimulants such as antral distention, administration of gastrin and insulin on the gastric motility were investigated in the dogs with innervated antral pouches. The results were as follows:  1. The gastric motility was markedly increased by these stimulants and characteristic motility patterns were recognized in each stimulants. 2. Antral distention stimulated strongly the contraction pressure but not in the frequency of the gastric contractions. 3. Gastrin produced regular and higher frequency contractions and the decrease in contraction pressure of the stomach. 4. Insulin stimulated both of the contraction pressure and the frequency of the gastric contractions. 5. The tests of compound stimulation by each two of these stimuli demonstrated that gastrin constantly produced an increase in frequency and a decrease in contraction pressure and that antral distention always increased the contraction pressure of the stomach.


[Electromyographic studies on the effect of transection-anastomosis of goat abomasum (author's transl)].

The four bipolar electrods were chronically sutured on the serosa of pylorus of four female goasts (29-36 kg in weight): from oral, electrod No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4. Electromyograms of abomasum were recorded before and after transection-end-to-end anastomosis of pylorus (between No. 2 and No. 3 electrods). The results are summarized as follows: 1. Before transection - anastomosis, anti-peristaltic discharge was not found in the pylorus. 2. After the anastomosis, prolonged discharge interval of peristalses and anti-peristaltic discharges occured in the upper part of the anastomosis (No. 1 and 2). 3. In the lower part of the anastomosis (No. 3 and 4), prolonged discharge interval of peristalses occured in all four goats, but anti-peristalic discharges were found in three goats. 4. Propagation velocity of anti-peristalic discharges became more faster than that of normo-peristalses.


[Primary lymphedema of the lower limbs in childhood (author's transl)].

Report on 3 cases of primary lymphedema in childhood. Lymphangiography, introduced by Kinmonth into radiodiagnosis, is essential. Aplasia, hypoplasia and hyperplasia of the lymphatic system can thus be differentiated. Conservative treatment is discussed.


[Diagnosis and therapy of choanal atresia in the new born (author's transl)].

Report on 8 cases of congenital atresia or severe stenosis of the choanae. In 2 cases early transnasal surgery followed by canulation was necessary. One child died of pleuropneumonia and sepsis following asphyxia on the 10th day, when mouth-breathing had already been established.


[The phenotype of the trisomy of the short arm of chromosome no. 4. (a new case with t (4p; 11q) (author's transl)].

Report on a 5 year old girl with the caracteristic features of the partial trisomy of the short arm of a chromosome no.4: short stature, microcephaly, hydrocephaly, enophthalmus, bulbous nose, deep set malformed ears, hypertrichosis, brachydactyly, hypoplastic ribs, abnormal EEG, imbecility. Trisomy originated from a reciprocal translocation in the father (46, XY, rcp (4;11) (p 13; q23)). q23)).


[Numerical and structural anomalies of chromosome no. 18 (author's transl)].

Two newborn babies with trisomy 18 and one with a deletion of the short arm of chromosome 18 (Syndrome 18p-) were admitted within 3 months to the Westfälische Landeskinderklinik Bochum. Under this aspect the clinical appearance of numerical and structural anomalies of chromosome 18 is described. Clinical symptomatiology which is rather typical for Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) so that a diagnosis may be made in many instances even before the result of chromosomal analysis is available is compared with the facts given in the literature. The 83 cases of syndrome 18p- published so far are presented in a table. The absolute frequency compared with conceptional age of the mother gives a 2 peak distribution curve with one maximum between 25 and 29 years and one between 40 and 45 years. Similar patterns indicating two different ways of pathogenesis were described for trisomy 18 and 21. Furthermore patients suffering from syndrome 18p- show an increased incidence of IgA deficiency, which is 1:2 compared to 1:500 to 1:700 in an unselected population.


[Cardiovascular malformations in embryofetal alcohol syndrome (author's transl)].

17 infants and children with embryofetal alcohol syndrome were examined of cardiovascular malformations. In 8 cases heart catheterization revealed malformations, mainly atrial septum defects (in 5 of 8 cases), only in one case a ventricular septum defect, in another case an aplasia of the right pulmonary artery and in one case a mild outflow tract obstruction of the left ventricle. Congenital heart diseases can be expected in nearly 50% of the cases in embryofetal alcohol syndrome.


[Arteriovenous intracranial and extracranial angiomas in infants and children (author's transl)].

Five patients with arteriovenous angiomas in the head (2 galea angiomas, 1 mixed form with extracranial and intracranial localization of the arteriovenous fistulas and 2 intracranial arteriovenous fistulas) were described. Four patients were examined as newborns or infants. Oximetric data, intracardial pressure and circulation time were ascertained by the cardiac catheter. Selective carotid angiography was performed in the transfemoral pathway. Two infants were successfully operated.


[The syndrome of biliary atresia, typical physiognomy, anomalies of the pulmonary arteries and eventual other malformations (author's transl)].

Among the various types of hepatic ductular atresias, there is a group of patients with a definable syndrome of malformations: typical physiognomy, malformation of pulmonary arteries, mental retardation and disturbed growth of body and genitals. This syndrome has been defined only in the last two years by Watson et al. (1973) and Allagille et al. (1975). A detailed description of a boy with this combination of malformations is given. Additionally he has aplasia of the right kidney. A second patient out of 4, which we found in our cardiologic department, has hypoblasia of one kidney, too. The prognosis of the liver disease in these patients seems to be better than in other children with biliary atresia.


[The prognosis of the transitory disturbances of av-conduction following cardiac surgery (author's transl)].

Out of 2250 cases with open heart surgery 106 patients were examined because of disturbances of av-conduction in the Department for Cardiology of the Childrens Hospital of the University of Göttingen. 38, 7 percent of all av-conduction disturbances have persisted, whereas 61, 3 percent were reversible. Especially the ventricular septal defects, the tetralogy of Fallot and the endocardial cushion defects are discussed. These lesions are predisposed for postsurgical av-disturbances because they are near to the av-conduction tissue. In this paper it has been demonstrated that the av-conduction disturbances, which last for more than one week, have only a little chance to return to sinus rhythm. Those which endure more than four weeks, will persist. The longer the av-conduction disturbances are lasting, the less is the possibility for restitution of sinus rhythm.


[Multiple rib fractures or rib anomalies? (author's transl)].

A case of Pierre Robin-Syndrome with associated rib gap defects is reported. Rib defects are described still now only in childs with micrognathia. Respiratory embrassement may be caused.


[Glaucoma operation in the case of an infant with hemophilia A (author's transl)].

This composition gives an account of the coagulative physiological problems and therapy in the course of glaucoma operation in the case of an eight month old infant with hemophilia A.


[Submaxillary salivary calculus in children (author's transl)].

Sialolithiasis of the submaxillary gland is a rare entity in children. At the present time we found 21 documented cases of submaxillary gland sialolithiasis in children reported. A case report of a 7 2/3-year-old female with calculus in Warthon's duct was presented. Diagnosis, differential diagnosis and therapy of the disease was discussed.


[A casuistic contribution to potter syndrome of dysplasia renofacialis with and without sirenomelia (author's transl)].

Three cases of renal agenesis are presented, one of them a sirenomelia and another one discordant twins. Variety of symptoms, twinfindings and pathogenesis are discussed.


Fire alarms and oestrus in rats.

Vaginal smear cyclicity was used as a physiological test to compare the response of rats to the new "silent" fire alarm developed by the Laboratory Animals Centre with a conventional fire bell. The fire bell had a highly significant effect on the vaginal smear cyclicity whereas the rats exposed to the "silent" fire alarm showed no significant changes from the control animals in quiet conditions.


Incidence of pup mortality in the rat with particular reference to nesting material, maternal age and parity.

Mortality and hence the proportion of young weaned was markedly affected by the type of nesting material but not by maternal age or parity. With paper tissues for nesting purposes 476/791 (60%) young were lost compared with 216/1182 (18%) with woodwool. Similar results were obtained in 2 additional series. The proportion of young weaned was also affected by litter size; in general, pup mortality was heavier and took place earlier in the large litters (more than 9 young).


[Radiotherapy of inflammatory diseases -- indicated still today? (author's transl)].

The good response of inflammatory diseases to a low dose radiotherapy is well known. Mainly, this fact is based on experiences made in the time before antibacterial chemotherapy area. In this study our results are presented which were obtained by treating 90 patients with radiotherapy in the last years, exlusively. With respect to the end of the treatment a success rate of more than 90% was achieved. This result was compared with literature and with own findings from radiotherapy of patients with degenerative joint diseases. From the viewpoint of radio-protection the radiotherapy should be initiated as early as possible because in these cases better results could be attained at low doses. Especially, the radiotherapy of the following diseases seems to be favourable: parotitis, mastitis, abscess, furuncle, paronychia and panaritium. Besides the complications and risks of the chemotherapy the somatic and genetic radiation injuries are discussed. When radiation therapy is applied skilfully the side effects of a locally and regionally limited therapy may be neglected. It is recommended to extend the indication for radiotherapy of inflammatory diseases.


[A study of the cytochrome composition of microorganisms by their absorption spectra and first derivative spectra].

The cytochrome composition of Candida mycoderma and Torulopsis candida was studied by means of absorption spectra and spectra of the first derivative which were recorded at the temperature of liquid nitrogen and room temperature. The spectrum of the first derivative provided more information concerning the cytochrome composition than absorption spectra; data obtained with the aid of this spectrum at room temperature corresponded to those provided by means of absorption spectra at low temperatures.


[A mathematical model of inhibition of the growth of Candida utilis by heavy metal ions].

A mathematical model described in this paper, contrary to other models, takes into account transport effects during penetration of the inhibitor into the cell of a micro-organism, and also a possibility of partial inactivation of the inhibitor during formation of complexes. It changes into models of Monod and Monod--Jerusalimsky at extreme values of parameters. Theoretical steady-state concentrations of the biomass in chemostat predicted on the basis of this model coincided with values obtained in experiments with limitation of growth of Candida utilis by silver ions and copper ions.


Evaluation and re-evaluation of genetic radiation hazards in man. III. Other relevant data and risk assessment.

Some of the advances in mammalian radiation genetics, human genetics and cytogenetics that were made during the last 2-3 years and that have either a direct bearing on, or that may be potentially useful in, the evaluation of genetic radiation hazards in man have been examined. Among these are (1) the new data on the incidence of genetic diseases in man; (2) the latest results of the study of mortality rates among children born to survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; (3) new data on the radiation-induction of reciprocal translocations in human spermatogonia; (4) new results from radiation studies with mice on skeletal mutations, autosomal recessive lethals, sex-chromosome losses, translocation induction and recovery etc., and (5) a re-analysis of the earlier data on dose-rate effects for the induction of specific locus mutations in mouse spermatogonia. Using the pertinent new information as a basis, quantitative estimates are presented employing both a direct method of expressing risks in terms of effects per unit dose of irradiation and the indirect doubling-dose method of expressing these as increments over the load of genetic disorders occurring spontaneously in man.


Chromosome damage in mouse-human hybrid cells after BUdR treatment and light irradiation.

Mouse cells grown in the presence of bromodeoxyuridine were fused with human cells in the presence of Sendai virus. The cells were then irradiated with blue light. Three days after fusion, the hybrid cell metaphases showed intact human chromosomes and many mouse chromatids with numerous abnormalities, indicating the great potentiality of the technique for genetic analysis and manipulations.


Heparin-induced immune thrombocytopenia.

We studied five patients in whom severe thrombocytopenia developed during intermittent intravenous heparin treatment of arterial and venous thrombosis. Platelet aggregation was demonstrated when heparin (0.5 U per milliliter) was incubated with the patients' citrated platelet-rich plasma or with normal platelet-rich plasma in the presence of the patients' serum. Antiplatelet antibody was not detected in the patient globulin fractions prepared from serum collected within one week after heparin withdrawal by use of the platelet factor 3 availability technic. When the studies were repeated with modifications to detect heparin-dependent antiplatelet antibodies, positive results were obtained in four of five patients. The data suggest that a casual relation, mediated by an immune mechanism, existed between heparin therapy and thrombocytopenia, and that this syndrome may occur more often than has previously.


Adiaspiromycosis in large free living carnivores.

Adiaspiromycosis was identified in 6 animals in the examination of the lungs of 90 large carnivores. Emmonsia crescens (Chrysosporium parvum var. crescens) was demonstrated as the causative agent in 5 cases of disease-in the badger (Meles meles), the otter (Lutra lutra) and the fox (Vulpes vulpes). E. parva was demonstrated in the remaining case of disease in a fox. The badger is a new, up to the present unknown host of E. crescens. The sporadic occurrence of adiaspiromycosis in the fox and the otter classifies this disease among rare diseases of this animals.


Effect of carbon source on conidiogenesis in Fonsecaea dermatitidis, agent of chromomycosis.

Hormiscium dermatitidis Kano is a well known etiological agent of cutaneous and generalized chromomycosis. However, the generic designation of this fungus has long been a much debated question. The results of the present study of the type culture ATCC 28869 indicate that the fungus is polymorphic, producing a Phialophora state in media containing glucose or maltose and a Cladosporium state in media containing galactose or melibiose. Morphologically and developmentally this chromomycotic agent is closely related to Fonsecaea pedrosoi (Brumpt) Negroni and should be classified as Fonsecaes dermatitidis (Kano) Carrion.


Some effects of tentoxin on mature and developing chloroplasts.

Tentoxin affected chloroplasts of all stages of development; it caused chlorosis of expanded and developing bean and lettuce leaves when introduced through the stem or roots and inhibited greening of etiolated lettuce seedlings. Cotyledons from 6-day-old lettuce seedlings grown in 10 mug/ml tentoxin had 50-68% of the monogalactosyldiglyceride and digalactosyldiglyceride content of healthy tissue whereas the sulfolipid, phosphatidyl-glycerol, -ethanolamine, -choline and -inositol levels were unchanged. Toxin-treated tissue also showed selective increases in C-16 and C-18 saturated fatty acids.


Scanning electron microscopy of experimental adiaspiromycosis.

Adiaspiromycotic granulomas of mice experimentally inoculated with fungus Emmonsia crescens Emmons et Jellison 1960 were examined by scanning electron microscopy. There morphology, surface structure, and germinating adiaspores isolated from granulomas are described.


[Neurootological examinations in neurosurgical patients (author's transl)].

The examinations of gaze and optokinetic nystagmus were porformed at bed side before and after craniotomy. Gaze nystagmus were observed regularly in 120 cases who got the intracranial surgical procedures in Nagoya university hospital. Postoperative nystagmus which were not seen before operation appeared in 16 cases of 91 patients with supratentorial lesions and 24 cases of 27 patients with infratentorial lesions. These postoperative nystagmus continued for from 3 days to 21 days. The state of the direction of spontaneous horizontal nystagmus and directional preponderance were examined on 23 cases who were diagnosed as having unilateral lesion. In the cases with supratentorial lesion, the nystagmus appeared to be dominant toward the affected side, while in patients with infratentorial lesion, it had a tendency to be dominant toward the intact side. The mechanism of spontaneous and gaze nystagmus was discussed. The investigation could not conform whether nystagmus in supratentorial lesion was caused due to disturbance of the cerebral cortex or secondary disturbance of the brain stem. The postoperative nystagmus in the infratentorial lesion was possibly caused by the potoperative edema, operative injury, circulatory disturbance, and anoxia. Examinations of the optokinetic nystagmus had been done with hand-made drum at bed side for several weeks until the patients were stabilized. In most of 52 cases, horizontal optokinetic nystagmus were decreased in their frequency after craniotomy and gradually increased again. The similar observations were done in both supra- and infratentorial lesions. The optokinetic directional preponderance was examined on 30 cases diagnosed as having unilateral lesion. Eight supratentorial cases showed the decrease of intact side nystagmus and 2 infratentorial cases showed the decrease of affected side. The change of postoperative transient gaze nystagmus and horizontal optokinetic nystagmus were thought to be the functional alteration of the cerebral hemisphere and the brain stem. The examinations of gaze nystagmus and optokinetic nystagmus were harmless, simple and could be repeated at bed side easily, so these examinations were reliable for the expectation of the postoperative status of the brain stem as well as cerebral hemisphere and the necessity of neurosurgical examination.


[Endocrinological evaluation of sellar and suprasellar tumor cases (the sixth report)-on pituitary hormone secretion of acromegalic patients before treatment (author's transl)].

1) Pituitary hormone secretion of 14 acromegalic patients was studied before treatment. Incidence of hyporeactive response was 0%, 43%, 29%, 71% and 9% in ACTH, LH, FSH, TSH and PRL respectively. 2) Relatively higher incidence of hyporeactive TSH response in TRH test seems to be characteristic in acromegalic patients. 3) Six of 13 acromegalic patients examined on blood PRL level revealed relatively high blood PRL level over 50ng/ml.


[On the phenomena of extravasation of contrast media in cerebral angiogram of the case of hypertensive intracerebral hematoma and their clinical significance-analysis of 14 cases (author's transl)]?

Since Westerburg (1966) reported a case of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage who showed extravasation of contrast media on the cerebral angiogram, only 21 cases demonstrated extravasation of contrast media were reported by several authors. The author experienced 14 cases of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage whose cerebral angiogram showed extravasation of contrast media. These 14 cases occupied 21.1% of 58 cases whom cerebral angiographies were performed within 24 hours after the stroke. 6 out of 14 cases were cured by evacuation of the hematoma surgically. These 14 cases were dividied into three types by the shape of extravasation of contrast media as followed: Type I showed widespread leakage of contrast media. Type II showed sash-like leakage of contrast media surrounded by diffuse thin shadow and Type III showed small spotlike leakage of contrast media. These three types indicated the arterial bleeding stage, the stage of accerelated arterial wall permeability and the subsquent venous bleeding respectively. The author concluded that these extravasation of contrast media not only demonstrated the bleeding artery but also indicated the process of the hematoma formation in each case.


[Occipital tumor simulating pericranial sinus (author's transl)].

A case of occipital tumor simulating sinus pericranii was reported. The patient was a 4-year-old girl who suffered from headache and nausea following head injury on midoccipital tumor, but had no remarkable neurological deficit. Her occipital tumor was soft, compressible redish and cyst-like without bruit. Conray cystography of this tumor showed superior sagittal sinus like shadow (Fig. 4). Total removal of the tumor associated with epidural hematoma was performed. Histologically this tumor was confirmed as eosinophilic granuloma. Pathogenesis of this case is following, since patient's tumor was blowed, intratumor-bleeding occurred cosequently and the bleeding flowed into epidural space. So the tumor simulated sinus pericranii (Fig. 5.).


[Paratrigeminal epidermoid originated in the meckel's cave (author's transl)].

We have reported a case of paratrigeminal epidermoid originated in the Meckel's cave. A 30 years old man was admitted to the department of neurosurgery with chief complaints of continuous right facial pain and numbness of entire right side of the face of three years duration. The positive neurological findings were hypesthesia over the distribution of the right trigeminal nerve, absence of the right corneal reflex and nystagmus on left lateral gaze. Caloric response was absent on the right side, however the audiogram showed normal. Cerebrospinal fluid examination was within normal limit. Electromyography showed giant spike in the right masseter and temporal muscles. Radiogram of the skull revealed a bone-destroying lesion over the medial florr of the right middle fossa involving the apex of the petrous bone (Fig 1). Right carotid angiography showed straightening and forward displacement of C4- C5 portion of the carotid siphon in the lateral view, and vertebral angiography showed displacement of basilar artery to the left side, upward displacement of the right  posterior cerebral and superior cerebellar artery in the frontal view (Fig. 2, 3). At the time of operation, an epidermoid was identified in the Meckel's cave and totally removed microsurgically. Small amount of the tumor extending into the posterior fossa was also removed (Fig. 4, 5, 6, 7). Postoperative course was uneventfull except for an episode of headache and high fever of short duration, suggesting the signs of meningial irritation. Two months postoperativelly patient was relived of facial pain and was discharged with sensory impairment of the right trigeminal nerve distribution. Only 11 cases of paratrigeminal epidermoid, including the cases localized in the Meckel's cave have been reported in the past literatures (Table 1). In this paper we have discussed about the symptomatology and clinical data of paratrigeminal epidermoid and compared with those of trigeminal neurinoma, and meningioma originated in the same region. We would like to emphasize that the importance of differentiating the idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia from the paratrigeminal epidermoid, if the initial symptom of this tumor were tic douloureux. The total removal of epidermoid with capsule is essential treatment following the early diagnosis, however the attempt of total removal is sometimes difficult because of the relationship between the origin, size and extension of this kind of tumor to other important brain structures. And if some of the tumor is left behind at the time of operation, cholesterin meningitis is an important complication.


[Dura arteriovenous malformation of the posterior fossa-clinical and angiographical analysis of 6 cases].

Dural arteriovenous malformation of the posterior fossa was infrequently reported in the literatures. We presented 6 cases of dural arteriovenous malformation of the posterior fossa with the presentation of typical examples. Up to the end February, 1974, 119 cases of intracranial arteriovenous malformation were experienced in our clinic, in which there were 6 cases of dural arteriovenous malformation. The ages of our series ranged from 41 to 75 years old and 57 years old in average. Tinnitus and headache were two main symptoms which developed in most of the cases. As for the older symptoms, visual disturbance was seen in 4 cases, unilateral pulsating exophthalmos in 1 case and papilledema in 3 cases. There wers two cases which progressive dementia was developed by the cerebral anoxia due to arteriovenous shung. On examination, a pulsatile bruit was audible at the mastoid region in all cases and a thrill could be palpated along the occipital arteries. Many kinds of durl and/or tentorial arteries which were drained directly into the sinuses at the occipital portion as the feeding arteries were visualized angiographically. Moreover, the angiographical patterns of feeding arteries into the sinuses showed dynamic changes after the operation. As for the treatments, many kinds of surgery were carried out for the cases by the combination method of the next 6 ways. 1. ligation of external carotid artery 2. ablation of periosteum from occipital bone 3. occipital and/or suboccipital craniectomy 4. clipping of almost of all feeding arteries at dura mater and tentorium 5. ligation of threocervical trunk 6. ventriculo-atrial shunt or ventriculo-peritoneal shunt From our experiences, the most effective treatment is thought to be a direct closure of intradural arteriovenous shunt near the sinus at the occipital portion in the early stage.


[Treatment of spinal cord arteriovenous malformation by surgical excision combined with afferent vessel coagulation-report of a case (author's transl)].

A case of spinal cord arteriovenous malformation was reported, in whom serial selective spinal angiogram and pantopaque myelogram showed a successful demonstration of intramedullary nidus. A 25-year-old male was admitted with paraparesis, impotence, hypesthesia and hypalgesia in his legs in 1974. He was diagnosed to have a spinal cord arteriovenous malformation of so-called "glomus type" with intramedullary nidus by the selective spinal angiogram and pantopaque myelogram. The nidus was fed by the anterior spinal artery through the 8th intercostal artery, from which a major draining vein extended caudally, but there was also some cranial drainage. The arteriovenous malformation was treated by surgical excision combined with afferent vessels coagulation in order to prevent the rupture of the remaining intramedullary nidus. After operation the patient develop a transient analgesia and girdle pain at T9-10 level, but after 42 days he regained full muscle power in his legs and could run by himself, while sensory disturbance remained about the same as before surgery.


Studies with bromocriptine. Part 1. "On-off" phenomena.

A dopaminergic agonist, bromocriptine, has been studied in patients with idiopathic parkinsonism complicated by severe "on-off" phenomena induced by levodopa. In a "blind" self-evaluating within-patient comparison, fluctuations in clinical state still occurred when levodopa (with or without carbidopa) was replaced with bromocriptine, but they were significantly reduced in frequency. The observation that on-off phenomena can be induced by bromocriptine complicates interpretation of these episodes in terms of pharmacokinetics of levodopa. There may be variations in receptor sensitivity or alterations in the influence of unidentified neurophysiologic mechanisms that modulate striatal output.


Dapsone motor neuropathy--an axonal disease.

Dapsone produces a potentially reversible toxic neuropathy, with its primary effect on the soma and axons of motor neurons as opposed to myelin. There is very little evidence to suggest involvement of sensory axons in most cases; if present, it would appear minimal. A "dying back" of motor axons is postulated to produce the clinical features of primarily distal weakness and wasting. Recovery appears to occur via axon regeneration and peripheral sprouting. The sporadic occurrence of this neuropathy may be due to slow acetylation of dapsone in some patients.


Radioisotope scanning in inflammatory muscle disease.

Fourteen whole-body rectilinear bone scans using technetium 99m-polyphosphate were done in nine patients with well-documented inflammatory myopathy (either polymyositis or dermatomyositis). In all nine patients, the scans showed evidence of increased muscle labeling. Muscle uptake was markedly increased in one patient, moderately increased in two patients, and minimally increased in six patients. The degree of muscle labeling correlated with the severity of the muscle weakness at the time the scan was done. In four patients, who received high-dose corticosteroid treatment, muscle uptake was decreased following therapy. These findings suggest that radioisotope scanning may be useful in the diagnosis and management of patients with inflammatory muscle diseases.


The orbicularis oculi reflex in infancy and childhood. Establishment of normal values.

The orbicularis oculi reflex and direct facial nerve conduction were studied in 38 normal children ranging in age from 1 month to 9 years. Direct facial nerve conduction in all groups was within adult normal values. The early response of the orbicularis oculi reflex obtains normal adult values by age 24 months. Both ipsilateral and contralateral delayed responses are absent under 20 months, are widely variable between 21 and 56 months, and obtain adult normal values beginning at age 6 years. The expression of the orbicularis oculi reflex is an age-related phenomenon presumably reflecting brain stem anatomic and functional maturation.


"Ping-pong" gaze. Periodic alternating gaze deviation.

A clinicopathologic study of patient with periodic alternating gaze deviation is presented. The patient's eye moved rhythmically and conjugately from one extreme lateral position to the other. A 0.45-cm hemorrhage, found in the midline deep vermis, is thought to have disrupted the neural integrator that holds positions of gaze, resulting in periodic alternating gaze deviation. Three previous cases of periodic alternating gaze deviation are reviewed and illustrate the role of the cerebellum in the control of eye movements.


The pharmacokinetics of pyridostigmine.

A simplified gas chromatographic method for measuring quaternary ammonium compounds has been developed and used to measure the serum concentration of pyridostigmine in human beings. Pyridostigmine is present in the serum within 1 hour after oral administration and reaches a peak at 2 hours. Results in several patients suggest that the serum concentration achieved is related to the size of the dose and that there is a relationship between serum concentration and clinical response.


Radiation-induced cerebrovascular disease in children.

Radiation-induced internal carotid artery occlusion has not been well recognized previously as a cause of childhood cerebrovascular disease. A child who had received radiation as a neonate for a hemangioma involving the left orbit at the age of 6 years experienced a recurrent right-sided paresis, vascular headaches, and speech difficulties. Angiography showed a hypoplastic left carotid artery with occlusion of both the anterior and middle cerebral arteries. Collateral vessels bypassed the occluded-stenotic segments. Review of the literature showed two additional cases of large vessel occlusion in childhood associated with anastomatic telangiectatic vessel developmental following early radiation therapy of facial hemangioma.


Multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis. A case report with single fiber electromyography.

A 34-year-old woman with long-standing multiple sclerosis had a 2-year history and physical signs of myasthenia gravis. The edrophonium chloride (Tensilon) test was positive. Repetitive stimulation of the ulnar nerve at 3 Hz did not show evidence of myasthenic response; however, a single-fiber electromyography demonstrated evidence of neuromuscular block as seen in myasthenia gravis, which was reversed to normal after intravenously administered edrophonium. The patient improved on anticholinesterase medication. It is suggested that patients with multiple sclerosis who have unusual features such as in the patient reported here should be investigated for the presence of myasthenia gravis to ensure proper treatment.


Brain stem dysfunction related to cervical manipulation. Report of three cases.

Three cases of brain stem dysfunction associated with cervical manipulation are reported. The patients exhibited a spectrum of neurologic deficits, ranging from minimal to severe. Literature concerning the relationship of neck movement and vertebrobasilar blood flow is reviewed and an explanation for the ischemia leading to dysfunction is proposed.


Syringomyelia associated with postmeningitic spinal arachnoiditis. Filling of the syrinx through a communication with the subarachnoid space.

A patient is described who became paraplegic because of postmeningitic spinal arachnoiditis. Twelve years later, upper limb signs appeared. Syringomyelia of an unusal communicating type was demonstrated by air myelography: Air, introduced by lumbar route, filled syrinx up to the level of the first cervical vertebra, through a communication with the subarachnoid space at the thoracic level.


Significance of creatine phosphokinase isoenzymes in Duchenne dystrophy.

Study of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) isoenzymes using a quantitative column chromatographic technique showed that there was a significant difference in serum MB isoenzyme activity between patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (42 mU per milliter) and those with other kinds of neuromuscular diseases (8 mU per milliter). In the Duchenne patients, the serum MB isoenzyme activity did not correlate with clinical cardiac disease. Furthermore, skeletal muscle damage produced in the rat by aortic ligation and 5-hydroxytryptamine resulted in significant elevations of plasma MB isoenzyme activty. These studies suggest that the serum MB isoenzyme activity in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients is probably arising from skeletal, not cardiac muscle and may reflect a distinct pathogenesis from other kinds of neuromuscular disorders.


Chronic polyradiculoneuropathy of infancy. A report of three cases with familial incidence.

Two siblings and a third child exhibited a syndrome of progressive muscular weakness and wasting, closely resembling Werdnig-Hoffmann's disease. Autopsy of one of the siblings and the third child showed nearly total absence of myelin sheaths in the cranial and spinal nerve roots, relative preservation of axons, and normal neurons in the motor cranial nerve nuclei and anterior spinal gray matter. The mother of the siblings had bilateral pes cavus, and the father of the third child had a sensory-motor polyneuropathy dating to childhood, associated with pes cavus and scoliosis. The disorder in these children and in a few similar cases in the literature shares some features of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and the hypertrophic neuropathy of Dejerine-Sottas, but it is difficult to classify as either of these familial neuropathies as presently defined. Elevation of cerebrospinal fluid protein is a useful finding in distinguishing such children from patients with Werdnig-Hoffmann's disease.


Acute encephalopathy caused by defective virus infection. I. Studies of Newcastle disease virus infections in newborn and adult mice.

An acute encephalopathy caused by a defective paramyxovirus infection was studied. Newcastle disease virus (ndv), given intracerebrally, caused neurologic disease and death in mice. Infected newborn mice died by the fourth day after inoculation, and abundant amounts of virus were recovered from their brains. Infected 4-week-old mice died by the eighth day, but only minimal amounts of virus, if any, were recovered. The brains of many moribund 4-week-old mice were histologically normal and contained no NDV antigen on fluorescent antibody staining. No serum antibody to NDV was detected. These features make this infection difficult to distinguish from a metabolic encephalopathy.


Myasthenic abduction mystagmus in a patient with hyperthyroidism.

Intravenous edrophonium chloride promptly stopped a sustained high frequency abduction nystagmus, supporting a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis in a patient with hyperthyroidism. Myasthenia gravis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any acquired, isolated, and sustained abduction nystagmus, and this possibility should be ruled out by intravenous edrophonium chloride.


False positive serology in cerebrospinal fluid associated with a spinal cord tumor.

Biologic false positive serology in cerebrospinal fluid has been reported as exceedingly rare. In a patient with a spinal cord tumor and elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein, the cerebrospinal fluid was reactive to VDRL and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (fta-abs) tests, but became nonreactive with removal of the tumor. This biologic false positive reaction may be related to the elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein, as similar false positive reactions have occurred in blood with abnormal or elevated proteins. Cerebrospinal fluid reactive to the VDRL and FTA-ABS tests does not always indicate neurosyphilis.


Sustained downgaze deviation. Two cases without structural pretectal lesions.

Severe conjugate downward eye deviation of several days' duration in a lethargic patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage and of several weeks' duration in a comatose patient with hypoxic encephalopathy occurred in the absence of structural pretectal lesions. Persisting downgaze in a stuporous or comatose patient does not necessarily indicate anatomic pretectal damage.


Herpes simplex neuropathy.

Atypical facial pain and permanent sensory loss in the second and third divisions of the trigeminal nerve developed in a patient who had had multiple attacks of herpes simplex neuralgia over a period of 8 years. Intravenous cytosine arabinoside failed to prevent a recurrence of the vasicular eruption, but carbamazepine produced symtomatic pain relief. This case demonstrates that herpes simplex can closely mimic herpes zoster as a cause of postherpetic neuralgia and suggests a possible etiology of atypical facial pain and/or trigeminal sensory neuropaty in some patients.


A follow-up study of Sydenham's chorea.

Twenty-five patients convalescing from Sydenham's chorea were contrasted by clinical examination, electroencephalograms, and psychometric and psychologic tests to 15 siblings and 20 matched rheumatic fever controls. A group of 10 postchoreic patients who had two or more signs could be identified. Patients in this group had all the signs classified as moderate or severe, performed less well than other choreic subjects on the Bender gestalt test, and had a higher percentage of abnormal electroencephalograms but not a higher incidence of behavioral disorders. This subgroup could not be predicted from a review of neurologic history or from analysis of the acute episode of chorea. Our data would suggest that uncomplicated Sydenham's chorea is not necessarily a benign self-limited affliction of the central nervous system and that some patients are left with definite, albeit minimal, neurologic residua.


Electrophysiologic evaluations of thymectomy in myasthenia gravis. Preliminary findings.

Electric testing was performed in 106 myasthenia gravis patients before and after transcervical thymectomy. Twenty-nine were followed for 3 to 24 months. Results were correlated with thymic pathology, duration of disease, age at operation, and follow-up clinical status. Electric improvement was significantly greater in patients without thymic germinal centers or with only rare to occasional germinal centers, in patients operated on within 1 year after onset of symptoms, and in patients under age 30. Electric improvement immediately after thymectomy heralded later clinical improvement in those patients without germinal centers or with rare to occasional germinal centers. Electric-clinical correlations were excellent in patients with longer follow-up. Serial electric testing provides an objective evaluation of the patients' clinical status post-thymectomy.


Asymmetry of the lateral (sylvian) fissures in man.

We compared the courses of right and left lateral (sylvian) fissures by superimposing left lateral and reversed right lateral photographic slide projections and tracing the sulci and fissures of each hemisphere in different colors. A characteristic pattern of divergence of posterior regions of the lateral fissures was noted in 25 of 36 adult brains. After pursuing similar courses, the right lateral fissure angulates sharply upward into the inferior parietal area while the left one continues posteriorly. As a consequence, on the right, there is a smaller parietal operculum, a shorter planum temporale, a higher sylvian point, and compensatory expansion of the inferior parietal region posterior to the lateral fissure.


Electroencephalographic evaluation in Sturge-Weber syndrome.

The most consistent electroencephalographic finding in 16 cases of Sturge-Weber syndrome was a unilateral reduction of background amplitude in the waking record. Comparable asymmetries were noted in those patients in whom sleep recording also was done. Physiologic responses (to hyperventilation and photic driving) usually were decreased on the involved side. These hemispheric electroencephalographic abnormalities are detectable in infancy even before the characteristic intracranial calification develops. Epileptiform activity, when focal, was limited to the involved hemisphere.


Carnitine deficiency of skeletal muscle: report of a treated case.

We studied a 10-year-old girl with an insidious muscle disease beginning at age 7. Muscle biopsy showed that the majority of type I fibers were vacuolated and contained lipid excess. Carnitine deficiency was found in skeletal muscle. The patient was treated with 3.0 gm L-carnitine per day and with a medium-chain triglyceride diet. She showed a rapid improvement and recovery of strength. A muscle biopsy 8 months later showed a decreased lipid content. Oral carnitine replacement represents an effective treatment for the disease.


Congenital ophthalmoplegia in oculoauriculovertebral dysplasia-hemifacial microsomia (Goldenhar-Gorlin syndrome). A clinicopathologic study and review of the literature.

Two patients with Goldenhar-Gorlin syndrome showed paralysis of one or more extraocular eye movements on neurologic examination. At autopsy, a third patient showed unilateral agenesis of trochlear and abducens nerves and corresponding brain stem nuclei. Congenital ophthalmoplegia is not infrequent in Goldenhar-Gorlin syndrome and may be due to hypoplasia or agenesis, or both, of extraocular muscles, extraocular nerves, and brain stem nuclei.


Measles antibodies as related to HL-A types in multiple sclerosis.

One hundred thirty-six patients with multiple sclerosis and several control groups were studied for measles antibodies using several different antigens. Measles antibodies were higher in the multiple sclerosis population, but siblings also had higher titers than matched and random controls. The elevation in antibody titers (complement fixation) was found in female multiple sclerosis patients and male patients with HL-A types 3, 7, and W-18. Male patients not carrying these HL-A antigens had, as a group, relatively normal antibody levels. These data confirm a familial factor in elevated measles antibody titers. We suggest that HL-A antigens are linked to one of the factors that determines measles antibody titers in multiple sclerosis patients.


The effect of cerebrospinal fluid pressure on the size of drainage pathways.

The cerebrospinal fluid drainage pathways were studied using labeled molecules of different sizes. Following determination of the limiting size, the cerebrospinal fluid pressure was raised above the normal range and changes in transfer were measured. These data show that molecules smaller than the limiting size will transfer at an increased rate in response to elevated pressures. Larger molecules did not demonstrate an increased transfer with raised cerebrospinal fluid pressures, suggesting that the pathways did not enlarge.


Collision technique. Physiologic block of nerve impulses in studies of motor nerve conduction velocity.

Commonly encountered yet not widely appreciated sources of error in the study of motor nerve conduction velocities of the median and ulnar nerves include (1) spread of stimulating current to the nerve not under study, (2) recording a volume conducted potential from distant muscles, and (3) presence of anomalous crossover in the forearm between the median and ulnar nerves. Under these circumstances, it is desirable to block impulses in one nerve without affecting those in the other. This can be achieved simply by collision if a second stimulus is delivered distally to the nerve not being tested.


Transient variations in the systolic pulsations in amplitude of intracranial echoes: their artifactual origin.

Variations in the amplitude of intracranial echoes that synchronize with systole are caused by movement of the reflecting interfaces. These movements result from propagation of the arterial pulse through the brain and vary with the arterial pulse pressure and the distance through the vascular tree for which the pulse propagates before being completely attenuated; this distance varies with the degree of arteriolar dilatation. The interpretation of such systolic fluctuations in echo amplitudes is subject to a number of limitations, and their recording is also subject to artifactual variations, usually resulting from the relative motion of the signal with respect to a fixed gate. Transient variation in the systolic fluctuations of echo amplitudes, as a result of various stimuli, can be recorded by a fixed gate but not simultaneously by a tracking gate. They would therefore appear to be artifactual and not indicative of regional changes in cerebral blood flow, which in any case would cause motion and amplitude changes in interfaces that were not confined to the region involved.


Recurrence of thymoma and myasthenia gravis after 19 years. A case report.

Myasthenia gravis developed in a 51-year-old woman in 1956; she was found to have a thymoma. Complete remission of the myasthenia gravis occurred within 18 months of thymomectomy. In 1975, myasthenia gravis recurred in association with recurrence of the thymoma. Remission of the myasthenic state once more followed the thymomectomy. The asymptomatic period of 18 years is, to our knowledge, the longest reported interval for recurrence of a thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis; 15 years is the longest reported interval for recurrence of a thymoma.


Psychiatric symptoms with initiation of carbidopa-levodopa treatment.

Two patients who had had no previous psychiatric symptoms became psychotic after their antiparkinsonism medication was changed from levodopa alone to a combination of levodopa and carbidopa, despite adherence to the appropriate and recommended dosage. Psychiatric symptoms disappeared after treatment with levodopa alone was resumed.


[Experience with the treatment of acute hepatic coma using extracorporeal perfusion of heterologous liver and exchange transfusion].

Extracorporeal pig liver perfusion was adopted in 2 patients with acute hepatic coma due to fulminant hepatitis. Exchange transfusion was used in a third patient, while a fourth was subjected to both procedures. A marked haematological improvement was noted in all cases. Yet, three patients died without showing any clinical benefit. In the fourth case, coma regressed and gradual improvement to the point of complete recovery was achieved. Liver perfusion and exchange transfusion in the same patient were attended by very different clinical effects, though each procedure produced a comparable improvement at the blood chemistry data. Careful analysis of the data suggests that the difference was attributable to discrepancies between the degree of tissue purification achieved.


[Effect of hormones on headaches in women and the associated endometrial patterns].

Headaches appear to be a reaction to changes in either exogenous levels. We are now investigating serum immunoglobulins in women with menstrual migraine and have found that in 22 women, 6 have low immunoglobulin A levels, all below the normal range, and 5 have high immunoglobulin M levels, above the normal range. The hereditary aspect of migraine may depend on inheriting a particular immune pattern which might cause a special sensitivity to hormone effects on blood vessels. This might account for the suppression of menstrual migraine by cortisone or large doses of progesterone. Deficiency of progesterone is unlikely to be responsible for the premenstrual syndrome as the week following menstruation is usually the time which is most often free from symptoms and at this part of the cycle there are very low levels of progesterone. The most reactive women are also the most sensitive to the side effects of drugs or hormones given to treat migraine, which makes the treatment of migraine difficult.


The effect of danazol in the treatment of chronic cystic mastitis.

Danazol in a dose of 400 mg daily was administrated to 40 patients with chronic cystic mastitis and resulted in a marded improvement in both objective and subjective symptoms in 87.5% of the patients studied. Three patients showed partial relief of symptoms and 1 patient showed no improvement after 1 month of treatment at which time she withdrew from the study. One patient had a worsening of her condition and was withdrawn from the study after 3.5 months of therapy. Nineteen of the 40 patients in the study had a secondary diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis confirmed histologically, and all these patients showed a marked improvement of symptoms during the Danazol treatment. Patients developed amenorrhea after 3 to 4 months of Danazol therapy, and symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, premenstrual pelvic pain, and tension abated at the same time. A mild, but well-tolerated weight gain was the major side effect of Danazol administration. No significant changes in the levels of plasma E1, E2, FSH, LH, or progesterone could be demonstrated in specimens drawn from 11 patients before and during the course of Danazol administration.


[Variability of the ova of mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) with regard to capacity for thermal parthenogenesis and heat resistance. 4. Relationship between the capacity of oocytes from different females for thermal parthenogenesis and heat resistance of ova at the early stage of development and heat resistance of the muscles of these females].

The reliable positive correlation was established between the variability of unfertilized eggs by their ability of thermal parthenogenesis and the heat resistance of fertilized eggs at the early stages of development. At the same time the ability of oocytes of parthenogenesis correlates negatively with the heat resistance of muscles. The data obtained suggest that the variability of oocytes by their ability of thermal parthenogenesis is partially due to the variability of heat resistance of their proteins.


[Transplantation of the nuclei of growing oocytes into the enucleated ova of the sturgeon].

The morphogenetic properties of nuclei (germinal vesicles) in the oocytes at the beginning of rapid growth have been studied by means of their transplantation in the enucleated eggs. Some opertaed eggs proceeded to gastrulation and were fixed at the midgastrula stage. The development of these embryos was provided by the transplanted oocyte nuclei and centrioles; the lampbrush chromosomes changes the character of their activity under the influence of the egg cytoplasm.


[Characteristics of synthesis of mitochondrial proteins during oogenesis in the loach].

The intensity of incorporation of a labelled precursor in the oocyte mitochondrial proteins in vivo increased at the early stages and decreased at the late stages of oogenesis in much the same way as the intensity of respiration and the concentration of mitochondria in oocytes. The intensity of incorporation of the labelled amino acid in the oocyte mitochondrial proteins in vitro suffered no changes during oogenesis.


Punctal occlusion with n-butyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive.

N-butyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive can be easily placed in the lid puncta to serve as a temporary method for punctal occlusion. Such a procedure is a useful therapeutic trial in borderline cases of keratoconjunctivitis sicca being considered for further permanent punctal occlusion or in patients where a temporary dry eye condition is expected to be resolved in the near future.


Labyrinthine anomalies in trisomy 13 mosaicism.

The temporal bone histopathology of a 2-month-old male with a bilateral cleft palate, cleft lip and polydactylia due to trisomy 13 mosaicism was studied. Anomalies in the ear involved a partial absence of the superior semicircular canal, an abnormally wide lateral semicircular canal, underdeveloped cochlear coils, an abnormally broad modiolus, an undeveloped organ of Corti and an underdeveloped basilar membrane in the basal turn of the cochlea, an unusually wide cochlear aqueduct, and deformed stapedial crura.


Histological appearances and nuclear DNA content of verrucous squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

Of the 12 cases of verrusous squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx encountered since 1968 at the Department of Otolaryngology of Padua University (including the Verona Section) and the Department of Pathologic Anatomy of the University of Trieste, three are reported, together with an investigation of the nuclear DNA content of the tumour cells. It is suggested that such a study may assit with early detection of verrucous carcinoma. The laryngeal localization of the neoplasm has been evidenced only in some centres. The difficulties in establishing a correct diagnosis for this variant of squamous cell carcinoma are emphasized and the pathomorphological features, as well as the microscopic and macroscopic appearances, are discussed. The prognosis is excellent and the therapy of choice must be only surgical, as radiation has not only proven ineffective, but in some cases has induced anaplasia, leading to a rapid dissemination of the tumour.


Tunica propria in chronic allergic rhinitis. Electron-microscopic study. I. The nasal blood vessels.

The fine structure of human nasal blood vessels was studied in 15 chronic allergic patients. The venules showed gaping of the interendothelial junctions and lamination of the basal lamina. The capillaries displayed numerous endothelial cytoplasmic processes. The arteriolar walls showed thinning and destructive changes. A reciprocal relation between the vascular endothelium and its basal lamina was deduced.


Tunica propria in chronic allergic rhinitis. Electron-microscopic study II. The sero-mucinous glands.

The fine structure of human nasal sero-mucinous glands was studied in 15 chronic allergic patient. There was total absence of the mucous glands, and proliferation of seroud elements, with hugely dilated lumina containing large numbers of intact zymogen granules, and absence of microvilli. The relation between the goblet cells and the nasal glands was discussed. An interchange between the serous and mucous elements was deduced.


Transepithelial potential difference in the proximal tubule of necturus kidney.

Transepithelial potential difference (p.d.) was measured in the proximal tubule of Necturus kidney in vivo, by means of microelectrodes filled either with a 3M KClion or with a Ringer's solution for amphibians. The average transepithelial p.d., measured with KCl-tips, was: -1.4 +/- 2.4 mV (early convolutions), -0.1 +/- 2.0 mV (middle convolutions) and +0.1 +/- 2.4 mV (straight segment). The corresponding values obtained with Ringer's-filled microelectrodes were -2.3 +/- 1.8 mV, -1.3 +/- 1.1 mV and +0.1 +/- 1.2 mV, respectively. Tip localization into the lumen was ascertained by luminal injection of either oil (KCl electrode measurements) or artificial solutions which produced a measurable shift of transepithelial p.d. (determinations obtained with Ringer's-tips). Transepithelial p.d. in split-drops (mean reabsorptive half time 27.1 +/- 2.5 min) was -1.8 +/- 1.1 mV. The magnitude of transepithelial p.d. is discussed with respect to an equivalent electrical circuit; it is shown that high transepithelial p.d.'s are inconsistent with the known values of relative conductances of cell membranes in series and shunt pathway, respectively.


Correlations of normality and nervousness with cardiovascular functions in pointer dogs.

Methylphenidate, 0.5 mg/kg, injected intravenously, was used in 10 normal (A line) and 10 genetically nervous (E line) dogs in a blind-design experiments to aid in prediction, from cardiovascular recordings alone, of behavioral normality versus nervousness. The prediction was 75% correct, based on heart rate (HR), form of the electrocardiogram (EKG), pattern of sinus arrhythmia, and pattern of HR response to methylphenidate. Nervous dogs were found to have slower baseline HR's, delayed return of HR to baseline after methylphenidate, greater occurrence of baseline EKG abnormalities and much greater frequency of these after methylphenidate. Degree of nervousness was found to correlate rather highly (1) negatively with baseline HR level, (2) negatively with speed of BP response, and (3) positively with frequency of some of the EKG manifestations. These data, indicative of a relative inertness of physiological functions of nervous pointer dogs compared with normal pointers, are consistent with the behavioral and some of the biochemical findings previously reported.


Effects of oxytocin on ionic currents underlying rhythmic activity and contraction in uterine smooth muscle.

The influence of oxytocin on the electrical and mechanical activity of uterine smooth muscle strips was studied under voltage-clamp conditions. 1. At a concentration of 0.1 mU/ml, oxytocin caused a slight depolarization of the resting potential and also increased the amplitude of the action potential. The maximal frequency of the rhythmic activity, which can be produced by depolarizing current pulse, is increased by about 20%. 2. Oxytocin increased the peak of the inward current without modification of the reversal potential. This effect is enhanced in a sodium-free solution. With oxytocin the steady-state inactivation of the inward current is not modified and the increase in the current intensity can be related to an increase in the maximal conductance. The amplitude of the outward current is not affected. 3. The first component (phasic-like) of the contractile response obtained for brief depolarizations is increased by oxytocin. This effect may be explained by the increase in the intensity of the inward current. The second component (tonic-like) of the contraction associated with long-lasting depolarizations and obtained in manganese-containing solution is not modified. The increased frequency of the rhythmic activity after oxytocin administration may also result in increased contractility by summation.


Thermosensitivity of preoptic neurones in a hibernator (golden hamster) and a non-hibernator (guinea pig).

Thermosensitivity of preoptic units was studied at hypothalamic temperatures (Thy) ranging from 8-43 degrees C in golden hamsters in a non-hibernating state as well as in guinea pigs. In golden hamsters 2 types of thermoresponsive preoptic neurones were found: 1. Neurones sensitive to Thy ranging from 10-42 degrees C with an exponential characteristic and very high spontaneous firing rates (29-59 imp/s) at Thy 36-37 degrees C. 2. Neurones with a bell-shaped temperature-firing rate characteristic, a negative temperature coefficient at Thy 40-30 degrees C, a maximal activity at Thy 20-30 degrees C and a positive temperature coefficient (+0.8 to +4 imp/s-degrees C) even at Thy close to 10 degees C. In guinea pigs thermoresponsive preoptic units became inactive or insensitive to thermal stimulation as soon as Thy fell below 30 degrees C. These results suggest that in hibernators central nervous structures involved in temperature regulation are adapted to maintain their function over the wide range of core temperatures which occur during the different phases of hibernation.


Cold-adaptive modifications in man induced by repeated short-term cold-exposures and during a 10-day and-night cold-exposure.

Two types of cold exposures were carried out in humans. A. Fourteen subjects were exposed 4-7 times within 2 weeks to the following conditions: ambient temperature was decreased from 28 degrees C to between plus and minus 5 degrees C; the subjects wore a bathing suit and remained in a resting position during the exposure which lasted for 1h. B. Nine conscripts were studied before and after a 10-day exercise, during which they were exposed to moderately cold conditions during day and night. The exercise did not require increased physical activity. In two thirds of the subjects A, metabolic reactions and shivering threshold were shifted to a lower weighted mean body temperature as well as a lower esophageal temperature ("hypothermic" type of adaptation). This modification in the thermoregulatory system was linked with a reduction in thermal discomfort and cold sensation. No change was found in the resting metabolic rate nor was there any indication of the development of non-shivering thermogenesis. Similar modifications were found in 4 of the 9 soldiers (study B). These 4, however, had particularly high shivering thresholds before the 10-day exercise and the values found thereafter were no lower than those found in the remaining five and in the subjects of group A before the cold-exposure regimen.


Response pattern of cutaneous postganglionic neurones to the hindlimb on spinal cord heating and cooling in the cat.

Single postganglionic neurones to hairy skin and hairless skin of the hindleg were investigated on spinal cord heating and spinal cord cooling in chloralose anesthetized cats. 1. Spontaneously active postganglionic neurones which were classified as vasoconstrictor neurones were depressed by spinal cord heating and excited by spinal cord cooling. The overall response to spinal cord cooling was smaller than that to spinal cord heating. 2. Postganglionic neurones to the hairless skin, which had most likely sudomotor function, responded initially to spinal cord heating with a few impulses or not at all. As judged by the skin potentials recorded from the hairless skin the sweat glands were also only weakly activated at the beginning of the heat stimuli. 3. Six silent postganglionic neurones, 3 each to the hairy skin and to the hairless skin, were excited during spinal cord heating. The response of these neurones consisted of a dynamic and a static component and started at the beginning of the heating stimuli with latencies of less than 10S. The neurones could not be excited by any other stimuli and were classified as cutaneous vasodilator neurones. 4. Quantitative analysis of 4 spontaneously active postganglionic (vasoconstrictor) neurones and 3 silent postganglionic (vasodilator) neurones revealed that the threshold of the responses of these neurones to spinal cord heating was 40-42 degrees C (on the dorsal spinal cord) and that the response increase was maximal at the highest temperatures tested (43-44 degrees C).¿


Electrophysiological investigations on the projections from the cerebral cortex to the vermal posterior lobe of the cerebellum.

The following cerebrocortical areas have been electrically stimulated in cats under Nembutal anaesthesia: forelimb and hindlimb areas of the primary sensorimotor cortex, primary and secondary acoustic areas and visual area. Stimulation of these regions evokes in the vermal portion of lobuli VI and VII of the cerebellum potentials at a short latency (2.8-3.5 ms) and at a longer latency (12-22 ms), which have been identified as due to mossy and climbing fibre inputs respectively. Each point of the cerebellar cortex receives usually projections by some and never by all the stimulated cerebrocortical areas. The different cortical regions don't project predominantly to separate parts of the cerebellar cortex, but they project in an apparently random manner with a patchy arrangement. In the anterior lobe we have confirmed the known somatotopy from the primary sensorimotor cortex and we have found no projections from the other cerebrocortical areas.


Reduction of renal nerve activity by volume expansion in conscious cats.

In conscious cats with intact or denervated baroreceptors volume expansion of 5-15% of blood volume was performed with dextran and isotonic sodium chloride. Renal sympathetic activity (RSA), electroencephalogram (EEG) blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded. RSA was reduced by 25-85% in 10 experiments out of 11 by volume expansion both with dextran and isotonic sodium chloride. Reduction of RSA could not be related to different states of wakefulness as indicated by the EEG, so could only be caused by volume expansion, although no quantitative correlation could be detected. No differences were observed between animals with intact and denervated baroreceptor. In most experiments BP and HR decreased during volume expansion up to -25 mmHg and up to -23 beats/min, respectively. The degree of BP and HR reduction could not be related to the degree of RSA reduction. The results suggest that changes in RSA might be involved in the renal response to volume expansion.


The effect of muscle extracts on the contracture response of skeletal muscle to acetylcholine.

Preincubation of normal rat soleus muscles in vitro with homogenates prepared from mixed leg muscles which had been denervated 4 days previously resulted in an increase in the contracture response to acetylcholine. After 30 min incubation a 1.5-fold increase was observed. Homogenates of normally innervated muscles did not increase the response. The active principles of the denervated muscles were found to reside in the "cytosol" fraction. An approximately 2-fold increase was observed upon incubation with the cytosol for 30 min; incubation for longer periods resulted in a subsequent decrease in the response. The effect of the denervated muscle cytosol was concentration-dependent and heat-labile. Normal muscle cytosol also increased the soleus muscle response to acetylcholine but this fraction was less effective than denervated muscle cytosol. The response of control muscles incubated in Krebs-Henseleit solution was found to decrease with time. Commercially obtained phospholipases C and D increased the response of normal soleus muscles approximatley 2-fold. Phospholipase A, lipase, trypsin, collagenase and a bacterial protease had no effect, lysozyme produced a small but consistent increase in the response to acetylcholine.


The baroreceptor reflex and the cardiovascular changes associated with sustained muscular contraction in the cat.

In decerebrate unanaesthetised cats the cardiovascular effects of raising the pressure in a blind sac preparation of a carotid sinus on one side were examined at rest and during sustained contractions of hind-limb muscles. During a tetanic contraction the absolute value of the blood pressure and heart-rate components of the baroreceptor reflex response were not significantly changed from those at rest. The curve relating heart-rate and mean blood pressure, during carotid sinus distension, was similar at rest and when the muscles of the hind-limb were contracting tetanically, although each value of heart-rate was greater, suggesting a resetting of the baroreceptor reflex. By contrast, in the same experiments, suppression of the baroreceptor reflex changes in heart-rate and blood pressure could be demonstrated during the increases of blood pressure and heart-rate elicited by the afferent discharge from muscles during sustained contraction are buffered to some extent by the baroreceptors, though their inhibitoru effect is incomplete under these conditions.


The effect of a protein-free diet on the renin-angiotensin system in the rat.

The effects of protein-free diet were studied in the rat. It was shown that the diet led to a decrease in total serum protein, in plasma renin activity, in plasma renin substrate and in blood pressure; and to an increase in haematocrit. A significant linear correlation was found in every combination between the total serum protein, plasma renin activity, plasma renin substrate and systolic blood pressure. In contrast to the plasma renin activity, the renin concentration in the kidney of rats on a protein-free diet was found not to be lower that of the control group. The protein-free diet caused a decrease in the pressor response to injected angiotensin II.


In vivo micropuncture PCO2 measurements.

An electrode is presented which permits in vivo PCO2 measurements using a micropuncture technique. The tip diameter of the electrode is only a few microns, the tip is specially designed for measuring PCO2 in small tissue compartements.


Divalent cations and the action potential of leech Retzius cells.

The effects of Sr, Ba, Mn, La and Co on the action potential of the leech Retzius cell were examined using intracellular recording techniques. A previous paper showed that these cells could fire Ca-dependent action potentials in Na-free solution provided TEA was present (Kleinhaus and Prichard, 1975). Under the same conditions Sr 1.5--20 mM was capable of substituting as a current carrier. Ba 2--25mM added to normal Ringer prolonged the duration and increased the amplitude of the action potential of the Retzius cell, and supported action potentials without requiring TEA in Na-free solutions. The overshoots of the Sr- and Ba-dependent action potentials varied with a slope of 40 mM and 75 mV, respectively per 10-fold change in divalent cation concentration. Mn and La selectively blocked that portion of the action potential resulting from an inward movement of Ca, Sr or Ba without affecting the Na-dependent depolarization. The actions of Ca 1 mM on Sr-dependent action potentials were compatible with reversible competitive antagonism. In conclusion the findings: 1. support the proposition that outward K current must be blocked in order for divalent cations to dominate the Retzius cell's behavior during excitation. 2. characterize the divalent cation conductance channel as pharmacologically distinct from the Na conductance channel in the Retzius cell and similar to those described in several other excitable membranes. 3. suggest that the current carrying divalent cations probably flow through the same channel.


Influence of some salicylates and sulfonamides on binding by albumin of SPC-703 and tolbutamide.

Bovine serum albumin has two different binding sites for sulfonylurea. The sites at high affinity can bind up to 2 moles of a new hypoglycemic sulfonylurea SPC-703 (k1=6.8.10(3) M(-1)) or tolbutamide K1=19.3.10(3) M(-1)). The sites of lower affinity can bind 4 mole of SPC-703 (K2=1.6.10(3) M(-1)) or 8 moles of tolbutamide (k2=1.3.10(3) M(-1)). Binding of SPC-703 and tolbutamide was decreased mostly in the presence of sulfadimetoxine, but this sulfonamide increased the concentration of free tolbutamide more than that of SPC-703.