[Uptake of serum free fatty acids by lipids of the brown adipose tissue].

The flow rate of serum free fatty acids (FFA) into the lipids of brown adipose tissue (BAT) of newborn rabbits was determined by intravenous injection of [14C]-1-palmitate. For a normal 7 day old animal during acute cold exposure the flow rate is (1 hour in 20 degrees C ambient temperature) 0.209 mumol/minute, that is 3.6% of the serum FFA turnover. Prolonged cold exposure only induced an increase in FFA influx if the lipid depot had been depleted (48 hours starvation in 20 degrees C). Consequently, the BAT takes up serum FFA for heat production only after mobilisation of its lipid stores. It is supposed that the mechanism of the uptake of serum FFA by the BAT is connected with their esterification to triglycerides. The phospholipids of BAT which are not only membrane bound lipids are characterized by a high metabolism.


The NADPH-dependent cytochrome P-450 reduction in liver microsomes of rats of different ages with and without phenobarbital pretreatment.

The activity of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase in liver microsomes of 10- to 60-day-old rats was determined. Neither the half life time of cytochrome P-450 reduction nor the absolute amount of cytochrome P-450 reduced per time unit depend on age. Phenobarbital pretreatment enhances the reduction rate in all age groups. The addition of hexobarbital or ethylmorphine to microsomal suspension accelerates the reduction of cytochrome P-450 in some age groups only. Age differences corresponding to developmental changes in drug-metabolizing activities are not detectable. The NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase seems to be not responsible for the age dependence of drug metabolism.


[Plastic response changes in neurons from lateral geniculate body in rats submitted to conditional reflectory stimulation].

In alert curarized rats the influence of an electric stimulation of the tail skin on the flash-evoked activity of single units of the dorsal part of the lateral geniculate body (CGLd) was investigated. The light flashes were applied 400 msec prior to the electric shocks. 50% of the units showed a change of the response pattern to flash. In the majority of cases the response shifts consisted in a facilitation, which developed gradually and persisted in most of the units examined, even when the electrical stimulus was no longer given in combination with the light. The results are discussed taking into consideration the possibility of an altered emotional or motivational status of the animal, which could play a role in the development of plasticity at the unitary level.


[Electromyographic studies of the musculus rectus nasalis in postnatal growing rabbits while turning the animal on the horizontal level].

In rabbits aged 1-15 days and in a comparative group of adult animals, the EMG of the musculus rectus nasalis was recorded during a turn after speed jumps from 0 degrees/sec to 30 degrees/sec, 60 degrees/sec and 144 degrees/sec, respectively, through a path of 360 degrees. From the first day of life, an electrical activity consistent with the rapid and slow phase of the nystagmus was found. The EMG potentials, the so-called bursts, underwent qualitative changes with age that can be taken to reflect increasing maturation both of centralnervous mechanisms of inhibition and a functional transformation of the eye-muscles. The number of bursts increased with age during the turn; the latency period from the onset of turning to the appearance of the bursts was reduced. The differences observed at the three turning speeds are discussed with regard to the age of the animals.


[Quantitative description of the adaptation of vagal effects by means of an electromechanical coupling model].

A four compartments model describes the electrotropic and the inotropic vagal effect time courses during long time stimulation. The model realises electro-mechanical coupling. A differential equation for the coupling model is developed, solutions are given and a numerical treatment is described. The model shows the essential properties of effect adaptation: time delay and smaller extent of electrotropic effect adaptation.


[Structural and immunochemical studies of the immunoglobulins of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) II. Analysis of the subunits].

The 14 S immunoglobulin of the carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) was split into subunits with 0,01 M dithioerythritol. These 5,7 S subunits have a molecular weight of 104 000 and a hexose and hexosamine content of 6.2%. It is likely that the subunits represent HL-half-molecules and not H2L2-monomeres. The values for the molecular of H- and L-chains were 77 000 and 24 000, respectively.


Immunologic reactivity to incompatible blood group substances of the ABO system in scleroderma.

The immunization with incompatible blood groups substances of the ABO system yielded distinct increases in the isohemagglutinin titers and their scores in 16 patients suffering from systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and in 16 controls. The difference between these two groups was not statistically significant, which suggests an intact humoral immunological reactivity of these antigens. However, investigations with further antigens would be necessary to judge the immunological factors supposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. The method may be recommended for testing the humoral immunological response in similar problems.


[Immunization experiments for producing antibody-like substances in caterpillars of Mamestra brassicae L. (Insecta, Lepid., Noct.)].

The agglutinins against human blood cells described in caterpillars of Mamestra brassicae L. were not demonstrable when feeding the animals with a semisynthetic food. After injection or oral intake of certain bacteria (E. coli or streptococci of group C) or even Pope's broth the "antibody-like substances" known from feeding with natural food are being formed, and they agglutinated all human blood cells. The individual animals showed differences regarding the strength of agglutinin formation. The immune reactions observed possibly indicate the existence of a primitive immune system in these species (arthropods).


[Purification of Meerrettich-peroxidase by means of affinity chromatography on concanavalin A-agarose].

Crude preparations of horse-radish peroxidase were purified by means of affinity chromatography on Concanavalin A-agarose. The peroxydase was bound to Concanavalin A, whereas the majority of other proteins of the preparation pass through the column. Subsequently the peroxidase was eluted by means of 1 M sucrose with high purity. The purified enzyme is convenient for the immunoenzyme technique.


Bacterial carotenoids, XLVI. C50-Carotenoids, 14. C50-Carotenoids from Arthrobacter glacialis.

From the psychrophilic bacterium Arthrobacter glacialis have been isolated three C50-carotenoids with molecular formulae C50H72O2: the bicyclic decaprenoxanthin (1a, 7% of total carotenoids), the aliphatic bisanhydrobacterioruberin (2a, 10%) and the monocyclic A.g. 470 (3a, 83%). Decaprenoxanthin (1) and bisanhydrobacterioruberin (2) were in all respects, including chiroptical properties, identical with known carotenoids. The constitution of the previously undescribed A.g. 470 (3a) followed from its spectral properties (electronic, 1H NMR including Eu-shift experiments and mass spectra) and derivatization to 3b and 3c. 3a suffered remarkable elimination to the tridecaene 4a (C47H64O) upon DMSO/KOMe/MeOH treatment. Judged by CD data A.g. 470 (3a) also in stereochemical respect 3a appears to be half decaprenoxanthin (1a)+half bisanhydrobacterioruberin (2a). The intensity ratios of the M-92/M-106 ions on electron impact of 3a,b,c and 4a,b are consistent with the general theory.


An in vitro method for evaluating tissue acceptance of foreign materials.

A method for the evaluation of the quality of acceptance of foreign materials in biologic tissue is presented: an in vitro tissue culture technique. Explants form chicken embryo hearts are placed directly on the surface of various materials and the growth of the cultures is measured following 4 days of incubation. Growth zones are recorded and these areas interpreted as an index of the acceptance of the material by the host tissue. The surface expansion apparently reflects an affinity or mechanical connection between the materials and the tissue. This concept may be of clinical importance especially in vascular reconstructive surgery. Polyester is proved to be the most suitable material in these investigations.


Fluorescein angiography of canine conjunctival auto- and allografts. Analysis by sequential, still photographic recording of the spreading of fluorescence over the graft surfaces following intravenously administered fluorescein.

Two autologous and 4 allogeneic conjunctival grafts have been transplanted to the corneal-scleral region in 6 dogs. The animals with the autografts and 2 of the allografts were untreated, while the animals with the other 2 allografts were treated with azathioprine and prednisolone. The grafts were followed with daily sequential, still photographic recording of the spreading of the fluorescence over the graft surfaces after fluorescein sodium had been given intravenously. A motordriven camera, with automatically timed exposures at very short intervals down to 1 sec, was used in combination with a fast recycling flash unit. The behaviour of the circulation seemed to be the same in auto- and in allografts during the first 8 days of healing. One day before showing signs of rejection at oridinary inspection, the two untreated allografts, on photographic analysis of the spreading of fluorescence, showed minute areas of non-fluorescence in an early stage of the procedure. The same type of local impairment of the circulation, manifested by slower uptake of dye in limited areas, was noted in the treated allografts, appearing 2-3 days before severe signs of rejection were noted at orinary inspection. These areas, however, gradually filled with dye during the further course of the test, to such a degree that the irregularities in the spreading of the fluorescence might easily have been overlooked in an oridinary fluorescein test. The disturbance of the circulation gradually increased during the course of the rejection and, at the stage when changes were observed at ordinary inspection, the circulation was severely impaired, as indicated by a complete non-appearance of fluorescence in certain areas, or in the whole graft. It is suggested that the modification of the classic fluorescein test described here, in detecting the early circulatory irregularities, indicates more precisely the start of the rejection process than do the criteria of allograft rejection used so far, and that it is, therefore, a sensitive means of evaluating the effects of various immunosuppressive procedures.


Risk factors in peripheral arterial disease. An out-patient pilot study at the Department of Surgery in Malmö.

In a pilot study in patients with verified peripheral arterial occlusion, smoking was compared with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and glucose intolerance, as a risk factor for peripheral arterial disease. The material consists of 17 men, all new out-patients at the Department of Surgery in Malmö during the first 6 months of 1973. Of these patients, 15 were smokers, all inhaled. Glucose intolerance was found in 4, hyperlipidemia in 3 and hypertension in 2 individuals. It is shown that smoking, glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia and hypertension are more common in patients with peripheral arterial disease than in defined population groups. In patients with bilateral occlusion an increased number of risk factors was found. Smoking was the most common risk factor and in 10 patients it was the only known risk factor.


Aorto-ilicofemoral arterial reconstructive surgery. With special reference to profunda revascularization.

A series of 177 patients undergoing 190 reconstructions for aorto-ilicofemoral arterial occlusive disease are reported. Operative procedures were carried out on a total of 294 limbs. On 87 of these, profunda revascularization was performed. The indication for surgery was advanced ischemia in 50% of the profunda revascularization patients and in 20.5% of the patients with superficial femoral arteries open or reconstructed. Dacron bypass graft was used in 99 reconstructions and ilicofemoral or femorofemoral vein graft in 8 cases. Endarterectomy was carried out in 83 cases. The overall operative mortality rate was 5.3%, renal failure being the most common cause of death. The 5-year survival rate was 73.5%. The rate of primary thrombosis was 2.6%. The 5-year cumulative patency rate of all aorto-ilicofemoral reconstructions was 91.3%. In the profunda revascularization group the corresponding percentage was 82.1%. There was no difference in the patency rate between reconstructions using Dacron graft or endarterectomy. The symptomatic results were good also in the profunda revascularization group, 93% of patients having relieved symptoms as an initial result of surgery. There were seven major amputations in 6 patients during the follow-up time and 5 patients needed further femoropopliteal reconstruction. It can be said that in most cases profunda revascularization is sufficient for satisfactory clinical results.


Reactive hyperaemia in the hind limbs of rabbits. IV. The effect of arterial stenosis.

The influence of arterial stenosis on reactive hyperaemia was measured by electromagnetic flowmetry in the hind limbs of rabbits. When basal blood flow was reduced by 50% by a stenosis, maximal flow and percentual repayment of reactive hyperaemia were reduced significantly. However, the recovery time remained unchanged. Thus, the post-ischaemic vasodilatation passed off in a normal time, but without as large a percentual repayment as seen in controls. Neither did the stenosis induce any prolongation of the time from release of occlusion until maximal flow occurred. The part of repayment obtained during the first minute after release from 5 min occlusion was significantly lower with arterial stenosis than in controls.


Reconstructive arterial surgery in peripheral obliterative atherosclerosis.

A series of 547 patients (678 extremities) subjected to reconstructive arterial surgery is presented, with a minimum observation period of 2 years. The incidence of associated diseases at the time of operation was high (39%) and accounted for an impressive mortality when the patients were observed for a longer period of time. The main indication for all types of reconstructions was intermittent claudication and the results are in accord with those reported in other larger series. In 244 patients subjected to open thrombendarterectomy the postopertive mortality was 10/244, with 55% of the reconstructions being open after a mean observation period of 76 months. In 158 patients undergoing femoro-popliteal vein bypass procedures, the postoperative mortality was 2/158, with 55% open grafts after a mean observation period of 61 months.


Congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia in the adult.

Five adult patients with the Bochdalek type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia are presented. Four of the hernias were on the left side and one on the right. One of the patients was asymptomatic, while 3 of them had gastrointestinal symptoms. In 2 of these 3 cases, the symptoms became worse when the patients were lying down. One patient complained mostly of dyspnoea, and also had a patent ductus arteriosus. The other anomaly, in addition to hernia, was diaphragmatic pulmonary sequestration. All the patients were operated on transthoracally. In one case, laparotomy was also performed. There was no strangulation in any of the cases. No operative or postoperative complications occurred. A complete roentgenologic examination including chest X-ray, barium meal, barium enema, and sometimes pneumoperitoneum may be needed in order to make an accurate diagnosis preoperatively. Because of the strangulation danger operation is recommended whenever the diagnosis is made.


Surgical treatment of hernia through the foramen of Morgagni.

A series of 25 surgically treated patients with the Morgagni type of diaphragmatic hernia is presented. Twenty-two of the patients were female and three were male. The hernia was on the right side in all of them. Five of the patients had symptoms which were predominantly gastrointestinal. The remainder of the patients were asymptomatic and were admitted to hospital because of an abnormal finding at chest X-ray. All but one were operated transthoracically. In one case an abdominal approach was used because cholecystectomy was performed simultaneously with the hernial repair. In 3 cases the hernail sac contained a portion of transverse colon and in 9 cases, omentum. In 12 there was an accumulation of adipose tissue in the hernial sac, and in 2 cases it was empty when operated. There were no serious complications and no mortalities.


Relaparotomy. A ten-year series.

A review of the literature covering c. 158,000 laparotomies shows that acute relaparotomy has an incidence of 1.0% and a mortality rate of 43%. Over and above this, rupture of the abdominal wound, which illogically is often considered separately, occurs in 0.6% of all laparotomies and carries a mortality of 34% in the 179,000 laparotomies reviewed in this article. Our own series of 121 relaparotomies in 16,719 cases of laparotomy (an incidence of 0.72%, including burst abdomen) with a 28.1% mortality is discussed. Indications for relaparotomy have included haemorrhage (19%), ileus (25%), peritonitis (32%), wound rupture (22%), and other causes (2%).


Sphincterotomy treatment for biliary tract stones. A retrospective review.

A series of 106 patients with biliary tract stones is reported. The patients underwent supraduodenal choledochotomy, with an attempt to carry out conventional sanitation of the biliary tract, before a transduodenal sphincterotomy was done. Indication for sphincterotomy was mainly presence of wedged papillary stones or multiple common duct stones. Of the entire series, 52 attended for follow-up study after a period of at least 2 years postoperatively, and underwent intravenous cholangiography, 51 patients had papillary stones removed via the sphincterotomy. Stones were missed in 8 of 102 patients, but were passed spontaneously in 2 patients during the observation period. Postoperative mortality was high (10%)--4 patients developed a fatal pancreatitis. It is concluded that the procedure of sphincterotomy allows certain identification and removal of wedged papillary stones, but does not always allow that missed stones will be passed spontaneously. The possible significance of transpapillary drainage in the subsequent development of pancreatitis is considered.


Pharmacological effects on gastric emptying following laparotomy in the rat.

Alteration of the gastrointestinal motility following abdominal surgery is a well substantiated clinical observation. Clinical reports concerning the effect of drugs theoretically suitable for normalizing inhibited gastric emptying during the postoperative period have been conflicting, however. The effect of chlorpromazine, neostigmine and metoclopramide upon retarded gastric emptying following laparotomy was studied in experiments on rats. Metoclopramide (Primperan) considerably improved the emptying ability of the stomach as early as 24 hours after laparotomy. After 72 hours this effect was further accentuated. No improvement of postoperatively retarded motility resulted from treatment with chlorpromazine or with neostigmine during the first 3 postoperative days.


Clinical results 6 to 8 years after truncal vagotomy and drainage for duodenal ulcer in 500 patients.

The clinical results of truncal vagotomy and drainage for duodenal ulcer in 500 patients are evaluated by a personal 6-8 year follow up. Pyloroplasty was used unless pyloric stenosis made a gastrojejunostomy necessary. Forty-three patients had recurrence (39 were reoperated) and gastric ulcer was seen in five. The rate of dumping was 24% (severe in 3%) and rate of daily-monthly diarrhoea 40% (severe in 8%). Neither dumping nor diarrhoea was related to histamine-activated gastric acid secretion ten days after vagotomy and insulin-activated acid secretion 3 to 4 years later. Dumping was related to epigastric fullness and diarrhoea. Recurrence was related to histamine-activated secretion before and 10 days after vagotomy and to insulin-activated secretion 10 days and 3-4 days after vagotomy. Minor changes were seen in weight- and laboratory-measurements. Anemia was not related to prophylactic intake of iron. Satisfactory results (Visick I-III) were seen in 80% of the patients. The figure may be increased to 86%, including results of operations for recurrence, gastric ulcer and other diseases occurring after the original vagotomy and drainage; even then, the results seem less satisfactory than those after other operations for duodenal ulcer.


Massive haemorrhage from gastroduodenal ulcer. A series of 149 casees operated on.

A series of 149 patients operated on for massive haemorrhage from gastroduodenal ulcer is presented. The patients were divided into two groups, emergency (70 patients) and semi-emergency (79 patients). In the emergency group the cause of bleeding was GU in 67% and DU in 26%; in the semi-emergency group the corresponding figures were GU 30% and DU 63%. In DU vagotomy + antral resection or pyloroplasty were the usual procedures. GU patients usually underwent a classical resection. The operative mortality rate in the emergency group was 14% and in the semi-emergency group 2.5%. In the whole series the mortality rate was 8.0%. Bleeding recurred in 8 patients (5.4%) and of these eight, five died. The causes of death and the postoperative complications were analysed. In the treatment of massively bleeding duodenal ulcer vagotomy + antral resection is recommended in the case of "good risk" patients and vagotomy + pyloroplasty in the case of "poor risk" patients. For treatment of bleeding gastric ulcer, the procedure recommended with "good risk" patients is still antrectomy, but in cases where the ulcer is situated high up near the cardia and for "poor risk" patients, excision, vagotomy and pyloroplasty should be carried out.


Causes of death in patients with gastric ulcers.

Of 701 patients with gastric ulcers admitted to hospital within the period 1955-64, 180 died within a five-year period calculated from the time of admission. Causes of death were established at autopsy in 66%, and otherwise were derived from death certificates. The mortality in our series is grouped after the sex and age of the patients, and the causes of death are compared with the corresponding sex and age groups of the Copenhagen population. Mortality was significantly higher than expected in both men and women, particularly high in the first year after actual admission, but falling thereafter to about the same level as the expected mortality. Gastric ulcer itself was the most usual cause of death, but other disease was also significant. Thus mortality from suicide was significantly higher than expected in women. That there is a relationship between operation and suicide seems unlikely--all concerned had psychiatric histories. In men, pulmonary disease involved a significantly higher mortality than expected, and some connection between ulcer disease and pulmonary disease seems possible. If patients dying from cancer of the stomach within a two-year period are excluded, mortality from this disease was not significantly higher than expected. Thus the study gives no support to that theory that benign gastric ulcers are prone to malignant degeneration.


Posterior rectotomy for villous tumours of the rectum.

Posterior extrasphincteric rectotomy gives good access to the mid-rectum 8-15 cm from the anus. The method is suitable for the excision of villous and adenomatous tumours in this region as it permits radical extirpation and consequently little risk of recurrence. Its chief disadvantage is the risk of a fecal fistula. Among 10 operated patients a fistula was seen in 2; it healed spontaneously in the course of 4 weeks in one but did not heal in the other even after a sigmoidostomy. The latter patient has recurrence of the tumour and an insufficiently radical operation is presumably the reason why the fistula has not healed.


The "Barrett syndrome" (the columnar-lined lower oesophagus): an acquired condition secondary to reflux oesophagitis. A case report with discussion of pathogenesis.

A case of the "Barrett syndrome" in a patient with severe ulcerating reflux oesophagitis is reported. Evidence indicating that it is an acquired condition caused by reflux of bile-contaminated gastric juice is presented. The "Barrett ulcer" and the oesophagitis healed following a partial gastrectomy with a Roux-en Y gastrojejunostomy. The substitution of the squamous epithelium of the lower 15 cm of the oesophagus by columnar epithelium of cardia type is apparently irreversible.


Extragonadal endodermal sinus tumours. Report of a case.

A case is described of endodermal sinus tumour originating in the sacro-coccygeal region in a man 20 years of age. Of the hitherto presented cases of endodermal sinus tumour of a gonadal origin, 24 out of 42 patients have died. Of 21 patients in whom the disease was of an extragonadal origin, 18 have died. Thus, the prognosis seems to be less favourable in patients with extragonadal tumours. The best prognosis has been reported in boys with endodermal sinus tumours of a testicular origin operated before the age of 2 years.


[The contribution of pathological anatomy to the diagnosis and prognosis of different forms of tubal sterility].

The histological examination made by means of tubal section allows us to predict; in a large number of cases, the functional future of the tubes after plastic surgery. The results obtained through surgical treatment of the various internal tubal occlusions can be summarised thus: a persistance of permeability is very marked in the internal tubal occlusions and more especially, in the colonisations. But on the whole, uterine pregnancies, including those with abortion, and gestations whose development is unknown, are less frequent than those obtained after surgical treatment ofr external tubal occlusions. In fact, the percentage of pregnancies after external tubal occlusions is 22%, with 18% of the pregnancies going the full term; 15% in cases of internal tubal occlusion, with only 5 pregnancies, that is 7%.


Studies of liver function and structure in patients with gallstones before and during treatment with chenodeoxycholic acid.

Twelve patients with gallstones were treated with chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) for 3 to 22 months. Liver function and structure were studied before and during treatment. No signs of hepatotoxicity were observed. Activities of several enzymes, including transaminases, GLDH, and gamma-GT were frequently abnormal in this group of patients. But there was no statistical difference between treatment and pre-treatment levels. Serum bilirubin and protein electrophoresis remained normal throughout the study. The BSP retention test was not significantly altered by CDCA treatment. Light microscopic examination in 8 patients revealed no changes of liver structure during 3 to 19 months of CDCA administration except, however, for a decrease of fatty changes in 3 patients. The ultrastructure of liver cells was found to be normal in 5 patients, in whom electron microscopy was done as well.


Ethanol metabolism in liver cirrhosis and chronic alcoholism.

Ethanol metabolism and its influence on serum lactate/pyruvate ratio was studied after intravenous infusion of ethanol in 17 patients: 4 controls, 5 alcoholics with cirrhosis, 4 non-alcoholic cirrhotics and 4 alcoholics without liver disease. All refrained from the use of alcohol and drugs 4 weeks prior to the experiment. After maximal ethanol blood levels were achieved at the end of the infusion, ethanol removal occurred at two different rates. This was probably due to the fact that different volumes of ethanol were distributed with time: a fast period (30 to 60 min) and a slow period (60 to 180 min). The rates of disappearence in the two periods were similar in all groups which suggests that liver cirrhosis, independent of clinical severity and/or chronic alcoholism with previous abstinence from alcohol, does not modify ethanol metabolic rates in the liver. The relation lactate/pyruvate doubled in all cases but it occurred within 30 minutes in the groups without liver disease and within 60 minutes in the cirrhotics. This could account for the decreased liability of cirrhotic patients to alcohol hypoglycemia.


Differential diagnosis between benign and malignant biliary tract obstruction: discriminative usefulness of some clinical and laboratory data.

The data of 26 patients with obstructive jaundice caused by biliary tract stones were compared to those of patients with malignant obstructive jaundice in order to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of some laboratory tests in the differential diagnosis between these two conditions. The Fisher's discriminant analysis was employed. The combined evaluation of serum albumin and haptoglobin appeared to have the most satisfactory discriminative effectiveness, yielding a 54% rate of correct diagnosis, with a safety margin of 95%.


Exocrine pancreatic function in man after cytotoxic treatment.

Using the secretin-pancreozymin test, the function of the exocrine pancreas was studied in patients with malignant disease before and after massive-dose therapy with cyclophosphamide and before and after combined cytotoxic treatment (as outlined by De Vita). The investigations further included an examination of the exocrine pancreatic function in subjects on maintenance therapy with clyclophosphamide of Myleran and a comparison with the exocrine pancreatic function in a group of controls. In the patients on massive-dose or continued therapy with cyclophosphamide the volume of the duodenal secretion and the bicarbonate, electrolyte and enzyme outputs in the duodenal secretion remained essentially unchanged. In contrast, cytotoxic combination treatment resulted in decreased activities of amylase and lipase, and in some cases of trypsin. After maintenance treatment with Myleran a reduction of the trypsin and amylase activities was detectable; chymotrypsin and lipase were found to be slighthly lowered.


The behaviour of different markers of the mucosal extracellular space in rat small intestine.

The mucosal extracellular space in rat small intestine is determined with inulin-14C, mannitol-14C and unlabeled 2-deoxy-D-glucose in control animals and after an intravenous secretin load. The mannitol and 2-deoxy-D-glucose spaces in control animals are significantly greater than the inulin space. After secretin the three investigated markers show different, in part adverse, alterations of the mucosal extracellular space. These different results may be due to the composition of the incubation medium and to a distinct effect of secretin on the distribution of the employed markers.


13-norleucine motilin versus pentagastrin: contrasting and competitive effects on gastrointestinal myoelectrical activity in the conscious dog.

In conscious fasted dogs, with chronically-implanted electrodes in stomach and small intestine, typical aborally-propagated interdigestive myoelectric complexes were induced by the infusion of 13-nor-leucine motilin (13-Nle-M); whereas when the normal interdigestive activity was abolished by the infusion of pentagastrin, the resulting 'postprandial' pattern of activity was not significantly modified by the administration of 13-Nle-M. Results from this study provide further evidence that Motilin as well as Gastrin may be involved in the control of gastrointestinal motility in dogs.


Primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis.

This is a report on a 36-year-old male patient presenting with a rare combination of ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. The disease of the biliary tract was suspected on the basis of the endoscopic retrograde representation of the common bile duct, and serologically differentiated from a chronic destructive, non-supperative cholangitis on the basis of a lack of antimitochondrial antibodies. Subsequently, a hepaticojejunostomy was carried out to normalize the bile flow.


Epidural anaesthesia as an alternative to caesarean section in the treatment of prolonged, exhaustive labour.

Epidural anaesthesia was given to nine parturients who were considered candidates for delivery by caesarena section due to prolonged exhaustive labour. Upon pain relief and oxytocin infucion guided by cardiotocography, vaginal delivery took place. Delivery was spontaneous in seven cases, two were instrumentally delivered. It is concluded that an efficient epidural block tends to restore uterine contractility by reducing the inhibitory influences exerted by adrenergic mechanisms and unfavourable changes in the acid-base balance.


A clinical trial of enflurane in children.

Enflurane was administered as the primary anaesthetic agent to 200 children between the ages of 7 months and 14 years who were undergoing elective surgery. Induction and recovery were rapid and generally uneventful. Changes observed in the cardiovascular system included an initial fall in blood pressure, which tended subsequently to correct itself, and supraventricular arrhythmias mainly of nodal rhythm type. End expiratory CO2-concentration as measured by a capnograph tended to be elevated during spontaneous ventilation . Changes in liver function as measured by enzymatic activity were seen in some cases but were without statistical significance. Satisfactory muscle relaxation was generally obtained without the use of muscle relaxants. However, in two cases, poor relaxation occurred even at a concentration of 4.5% enflurane, and in these cases, EEG changes of polyspike suppression type were observed. This phenomenon is discussed in a subsequent article. As a result of their findings, the authors conclude that in paediatric anaesthesia enflurane is best suited for use in anaesthetics of relatively short duration with spontaneous respiration.


Electroencephalographic activity in children under enflurane anesthesia.

EEG, end-tidal CO2, neck muscle EMG, eye movements, and ECG were recorded in 17 children undergoing enflurane anesthesia combined with N2O and O2. All subjects were classified in the lowest risk group and had normal pre-anesthetic EEG recordings. Eleven subjects were breathing spontaneously and six were under controlled ventilation. Thirteen subjects were hyperventilated for short periods. As previously reported for adults, various signs of increased central nervous excitability appeared. At the enflurane concentration of 4% all three cases with PaCO2 below 32 mmHg showed generalized high voltage epileptic activity of grand mal type followed by several minutes of postictal slowing. One of these subjects also showed motor manifestations of the electrographic seizure activity. At 3% enflurane, three out of eight subjects showed electrographic seizure activity of poly-spike-suppression type. One of these children also had motor manifestations during this type of seizure activity at a PaCO2 of 31 mmHg. The results indicate that electrographic seizure activity is common among children with moderate hypocapnia at enflurane concentrations of 3% or more.


Tissue PO2 measured in man by an implanted latex rubber tube.

A latex rubber tube easily permeable to O2 was implanted in a triceps muscle of six volunteers. Seven days later, PO2 in muscle tissue (PtO2) was measured repeatedly by filling the tube with saline. After a 2-minute equilibration, the saline was sampled in a glass capillary and its PO2 measured by polarographic technique. PaO2 and venous oxygen tension (PvO2) were measured simultaneously. Measurements were performed under four conditions: (1) air breathing, (2) breathing 100% O2, (3) breathing 14% O2, and (4) 50 Warm exercise. During (1) breathing air PaO2 was on an average 90 mmHg, PvO2 36 MMHg and PtO2 40 mmHg. During (2) PaO2 reached 570 mmHg in 2 min, PvO2 rose slightly and PtO2 increased to 80-90 mmHg in 30-40 min. During (3) PaO2 fell rapidly to 45 mmHg and PtO2 decreased from 40 to 30 mmHg in 8 min. During (4) PaO2 did not change, PvO2 decreased slightly and PtO2 fell to approximately 30 mmHg within 2-4 min. The interindividual scatter was of equal magnitude in tissue and blood. A PtO2 higher than PvO2 during oxygen breathing and less than PvO2 during hypoxia and physical exercise is explained by the existence of oxygen gradients in the extravascular space. The present technique proved to be simple despite a 1-week delay before measurements. There were no complications, and no discomfort was complained of. Thus, the latex rubber tube seems suitable for clinical use.


An inhibitory effect of polyphloretin phosphate (PPP) on local anaesthesia.

In the present investigation it is shown that administration of polyphloretin phosphate (PPP) together with local anaesthetics decreased the duration of infiltration anaesthesia in guinea-pigs. Furthermore, it is shown that in infiltration anaesthesias the local anaesthetic effect was terminated within a few minutes by administration of PPP. In experiments with high- and low-molecular fractions of PPP, the "anti-local anaesthetic" effect of PPP was not due to the antiprostaglandin activity of PPP. There was no effect of PPP on the duration of the nerve-blocking activity of mepivacaine in rats. Neither did the administration of PPP influence the toxic effects of mepivacaine in rabbits.


[Vulnerability of early postnatal differention processes of the retina and the teratogenic effect of cyclophosphamide (Endoxan)].

During the postnatal period, cyclophosphamide produces in the retina of rats and mice rosettes containing malformed photoreceptor cells arranged in half-circle formations. The rosettes form only after injections given during the first 4 days post partum and only in the receptor layer which contains desmosomes. After this period, the retina becomes resistant to rosette formation. Cytological changes occur in the form of intense nuclear invaginations and membrane whorls, which may be regarded as compensatory processes.


The superficial cells of the transitional epithelium in the expanded and unexpanded rat urinary bladder. Transmission and scanning electron-microscopic study.

The superficial epithelial layer in the urinary bladder of adult rats was examined, in various states, using the transmission and scanning electron microscopes. A good agreement was obtained between the results of the two methods. When the urinary bladder is unexpanded, the superficial cells show marked bulges into the bladder lumen and the contacts between cells (mainly desmosomes) are displaced deep into the epithelium. The luminal surface is bizarrely bent and large parts of the membrane intrude into the cytoplasm, where they give the appearance of discoid and fusiform vesicles. Between neighboring cells, deep interdigitations are observed. In the scanning electron microscope, the surface of the epithelium appears cauliflower-like and has deep grooves, gullys and folds. When the bladder is expanded, the surface becomes smoother and the contacts between cells move to the surface. The stretched cells are angular in form (5-, 6- or 7-sided) and show great variations in surface area (150-500 mum2). The luminal cell membrane consists of an alternation of asymmetrical areas (120 A thick and 0.2-0.4 mum in length) with normal sections which are 80 A thick. In the scanning electron microscope, these thick areas appear as 4-, 5- or 6-sided plaques with a maximal diameter of 0.4 mum. The borders of the plaques are formed of portions of cell membrane which have a normal thickness and extrude as microcristae into the lumen. This produces a honeycomb appearance on the cell surface.


The connective tissue skeleton in the mammalian kidney and its innervation.

A special reticular basket-like system of connective tissue strips (called connective tissue skeleton - CTS) was found between the cortex and medulla in the kidney of various mammals. It enlarges the wall of the renal calyx (or pelvis) into the parenchyma. The main component of this system is collagen. A small amount of smooth muscle cells was found in one part of CTS srips situated around the papilla (the levator fornicis muscle). A dense monoaminergic and scanty cholinergic innervation was found in the whole system of the CTS. The functional importance of this system is discussed: (i) a tightly linked connection between the urine-discharging system and the kidney, (ii) 'milking' and similar effects in the papilla as well as perception of intrapelvic and intrarenal pressure, (iii) penetration of infection into the kidney and (iv) liberation of the monoaminergic transmitter.


A study on the different types of spermatogonia in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

As a first step to understanding spermatogenesis in the buffalo bull the cytological details of different types of spermatogonia were determined in adult buffalo bulls. Morphological changes in the nuclear details were used as a basis for classifying the different types of spermatogonia. The type A spermatogonia had a spherical to ovoid nucleus with finely granulated chromatin, homogeneously dispersed in the nucleoplasm and having one to two nucleoli adhering to the nuclear membrane. The type A0 spermatogonia were characterized by nuclei containing moderately stained, finely granulated chromatin and a nucleolus attached to the nuclear envelope. The A1 type spermatogonia, on the other hand, have pale stained, finely granulated chromatin with the nucleolus adhering to the nuclear membrane. The nuclei of A2 type spermatogonia resembled those of type A1, but contained coarse granular chromatin dispersed in the pale nucleoplasm. The intermediate type of spermatogonia acquired a central position of the nucleolus, but the chromatin remained coarsely granulated and non-clumped. Three classes of type B (B1-B3) spermatogonia were determined on the degree of clumping of the chromatin and the central position of the nucleolus. The type B1 cells were characterized by nuclei containing a few flakes of lightly stained chromatin and a centrally located nucleolus. The type B2 cells showed comparatively more clumping of chromatin than type B1 spermatogonia, which was dispersed at random in the pale nucleoplasm and along the nuclear envelope. The type B3 spermatogonia demonstrated chromophilic chromatin dispersed in the slightly grey nucleoplasm and adhering along the nuclear membrane. Since there seems to be a succession of events following differentiation of type A1 spermatogonia till the last type B cell differentiates into resting primary spermatocytes, may intermediate stages between the presently described classes of type A (A0-A2) and type B (B1-B3) could also be located in sections of the seminiferous tubules.


Morphological aspect of the skin terminal corpuscles, previous corrosion with pancreatin.

The capsulated corpuscles of the skin have been studied by pancreatin corrosion methods. With this corrosion, Meissner's corpuscles disappear while those, whose fundamental structure is collagenous, remain intact. We have observed structural differences in these collagenous corpuscles, some being formed as a fine reticulum or with longitudinal or concentric sheaths. Within the corpuscle, there is a totally vascular compartment, the 'vascular hill', which is easily differentiated from the other laminar or reticular segment which is the 'nerve hill'. We conclude that the connective tissue arrangement and the vascular content of the corpuscles contribute to the regulation of the different degrees of sensations perceived by these corpuscles. The tendency that these corpuscles show to unite may be caused because the places, where they are grouped, are the points of greatest sensory perception.


Annulate lamellae in adenomas of human pituitary glands.

Twelve nontumorous adenohypophyses and 36 various pituitary adenomas, removed by surgery, have been investigated by electron microscopy in order to shed some light on annulate lamellae, primarily on their ultrastructural features, incidence, origin, fate and functional significance. No annulate lamellae were found in the nontumorous adenohypophyses and in 33 pituitary adenomas. They were, however, detected in two adenomas consisting of undifferentiated cells and one adenoma composed of sparsely granulated prolactin cells indicating that these unique membrane configurations cannot be regarded as an exceedingly rare finding and, furthermore, that they may be disclosed not only in undifferentiated but occasionally in highly differentiated cells. Annulate lamellae may arise from endoplasmic reticulum and/or nuclear envelope and consist of arrays of smooth walled double membrane sheets exhibiting regularly spaced interruptions as well as continuities with the endoplasmic reticulum. No relationship was established between annulate lamellae and adenohypophysial secretory activity. Our findings seem to be consistent with the view that annulate lamellae are present in those cells which have the tendency to proliferate.


Embryonic development of the coronal suture in man and rat.

Histological examination of skulls of 3- to 7-month-old human fetuses reveals in the fourth month of fetal life the development of a morphologically distinctive tissue in the area between the frontal and parietal bones. In this particular area, the pericranium tends to bulge outward while the dura mater shows the same in an inward direction. Consequently, a spindle-shaped blastema is enclosed. This spindle-like structure is only temporarily present; by about the sixth month of fetal life it has disappeared. Secondly, it was observed that prior to the development of this blastema mainly undifferentiated mesenchymal cells and only few fibroblasts are present in the area between the approaching ossification centres. In the full-grown blastema both types of cells are present in about equal numbers. However, once the blastema has been formed, fibroblasts predominate over mesenchymal cells. This tissue structure is also clearly distinguishable in the developing fetal rat skull. In this species, however, the spindle-shaped blastema appears at a later phase of fetal development, i.e. at about the 20th day. In both species, man and rat, the temporary presence of this blastema is not confined to the presumptive coronal suture only, but is demonstrable as well in other cranial sutures.


[Occurrence of a special type of "polypoid cushion" and valve-like  formations in arteries].

Intraarterial structures, known as 'polypoid cushions' and 'valve-like' projections at arterial branching sites, were observed in serial sections of human cleft lip and nasal mucous membrane biopsies. A particular type of 'polypoid cushions', which additionally contains a small artery in its center, is distinguished. It is suggested that both the particular type of 'polypoid cushions' and these 'valve-like' projections originate from the invagination of the entire vessel wall at arterial branching sites according to the location of the dissection or damage. The differences between these 'valve-like' formations and genuine arterial valves are mentioned.


Sustained fertility in a non-scrotal mammal, the Indian hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus Collaris), after CdCl2 administration.

The effects of a single subcutaneous injection of CdCl2 (0.04 mmol/kg body weight) were studied on the testes and caput epididymidis of a non-scrotal mammal, Hemiechinus auritus, and scrotal laboratory mouse. The histological structure of the testes and caput epididymidis of the hedgehog remains normal after 21 days of CdCl2 injection. Testes and sex accessory glands did not show any significant change in weight. The testes and sex accessory organs of mice under comparable condition showed weight loss and involution in tubule diameter. A temperature differential of 1 degree C was found to exist between the rectum and the cremaster sac of the hedgehog. This small temperature difference and the absence of a counter-current mechanism may be involved in conferring the CdCl2 resistance to the testes and epididymis of the hedgehog.


Observations on the effects of 17-alpha-pregn-4-en-20-yno-(2,3-d) isoxazol-17-ol(Danazol) on the female reproductive tract and pituitary gonadotrophs of gerbil (Meriones hurrianae).

Danazol caused leukolysis in adult female gerbils. It brings about suppression of ovarian weight, presumably by inhibiting gonadotrophin secretion from the pituitary gland. Uterotrophic action of Danazol is confirmed in ovariectomized animals. Danazol counteracted the uterotrophic effect of an exogenous oestrogen. Vaginal smears of Danazol-treated animals retained a dioestrous leukocytic pattern indicating the absence of follicular activity. Decreased RNA synthesis in the uterus indicates the possibility that Danazol is anti-oestrogenic. Castration-like changes were noticed in the anterior lobe of the hypophysis after Danazol administration.


Seasonal studies on the adrenal homologue of female Puntius sophore (Ham.).

In female P. sophore the adrenal homologue is located inside its head kidneys and comprises interrenal cells and chromaffin cells. The clumps of interrenal cells surround the postcardinal vein and its major branches; they also lie in the haemopoietic tissue. The chromaffin cells mostly lie in the endothelium of the post-cardinal vein, while a few of them also lie interspersed among the interrenal cells. The seasonal study of the adrenal homologue shows that the interrenal cells undergo changes in bulk and composition in different months, while the chromaffin cells do not show any significant variation.


Effect of carbon tetrachloride on the hepatic alkaline and acid phosphatases in a teleost fish, Heteropneustes fossils.

The effect of carbon tetrachloride on the liver of Heteropneustes fossilis was investigated in relation to the activity of phosphatases. 3 h after intraperitoneal injection, the liver showed binucleate cells, balloon cells and necrosis. The cell membrane of the hepatocytes around the biliary canaliculi is ruptured at a few places and the cellular exudates are accumulated in the canaliculi. The nucleus is enlarged and becomes pycnotic. Intense alkaline and acid phosphatase activity is observed along the cell membrane, around the nucleus and nucleolus. 5 h after injection, the liver cell membrane is ruptured and cirrhosis results. The cell volume is decreased and the contents of the cell are accumulated at a few places. The nucleus is fragmented. Strong phosphatase activity is seen throughout the cells, especially around the nucleus and cell membrane.


Functional morphology of the interrenal and chromaffin cells in the teleosts, Rasbora daniconius (Hamilton), Barbus stigma (Cuv. et Val.) and Channa gachua (Hamilton).

The interrenal cells in Rasbora daniconius, Barbus stigma and Channa gachua are mainly found around the postcardinal vein and its major branches in the haemopoietic head-kidney. The chromaffin cells which are identified by the positive chromaffin reaction are found in the walls of the postcardinal vein or dispersed among the interrenal cells. delta5-3beta-HSDH and G-6-PDH activity was observed in the interrenal cells of all three teleosts. The present work indicates that the interrenal cells are capable of steroid biosynthesis and the chromaffin cells contain biologically active catecholamines.


Hypothalamohypophysial vascular and neurosecretory link in the teleost Bagarius bagarius (Ham.).

A three-dimensional picture of the hypothalamohypophysial neurosecretory system of B. bargarius could be obtained by adopting in situ staining techniques. The paired NPO give rise to left and right neurosecretory tracts which, although they approximate as a common tract, maintain their individuality till entering the pars intermedia. The ventral hypothalamic and the hypophysial arteries take their origin from the internal carotid artery. The former contributes to the formation of the primary plexus of the median eminence and the latter enters the pituitary directly, giving rise to the neuroadreno-interface vasculature. The vasculature of the median eminence lies in close contact with the long common neurosecretory tract. Morphological evidence suggests that in B. bagarius there are three pathways of hypothalamic control of the hypophysis: (1) A direct neuroglandular pathway, where the neurosecretory axons come directly in contact with the adrenohypophysial cells. (2) An indirect neurovasculoglandular pathway, where the blood exposed to the NSM at the median eminence comes in contact with gland cells. (3) Another indirect neurovasculoglandular pathway, where the blood is exposed to NSM at the neurohypophysis prior coming in contact with the gland cells. Thus, B. bagarius has the 'median eminence equivalent' neuroadeno-interface vasculature typical of the teleosts and the median eminence comparable to the Elasmobranchs, Holocephali and primitive Actinopterygians. This shows that the pituitary portal system of teleosts is in general agreement with that of other fish groups, except that in some it is restricted to the neuroadreno-interface, whereas in others like B. bagarius it extends to the hypothalamus also. These may be termed anterior and posterior median eminence.


Anatomical and neurohistological observations on the heart of the spiny lizard, Uromastix hardwickii.

Anatomy, histology and innervation of the heart of spiny lizard, U. hardwickii have been described. The heart is typically reptilian and comprises four chambers: sinus venosus, two atria and a ventricle. The sinus venosus is a small, thin-walled chamber present on the dorsal side of right atrium. The sinuatrial opening is protected by a pair of valves. The auriculoventricular opening is also protected by a pair of muscular valves. The presence of a cardiac conducting system is reaffirmed. The conducting system comprises sinuatrial and atrioventricular nodes. The sinuatrial node is present at the sinuatrial junction very close to the interauricular septum. The atrioventricular node is quite conspicuous and located at the caudal end of the interauricular septum. The atrioventricular bundle is absent. There is present an atrioventricular cushion which serves the purpose of atrioventricular bundle. The heart is richly innervated, as is evident by the presence of a large number of nerve fibres and ganglion cells at the different levels of the heart. Both the nodes and the atrioventricular cushion are supplied by the fine nerve fibres, but ganglion cells could not be found in any one of these components. The myogenic theory of conduction systems is supported.


Changes induced by formalin in the hypothalamic neurosecretory system of the spotted owlet, Athene brama temminck.

Histological changes induced in the HNS of the spotted owlet, Athene brama Temminck, by injection of 1 ml 5 or 10% formalin are described. No difference could be detected in the response of the HNS to 5 or 10% formalin administration. In the HNS of birds killed within 5 min of formalin administration, there was only partial depletion of NSM from the neurons, the tract and the NL; the quantity of NSM in the AME remained more or less unchanged. In animals killed 10-90 min after formalin injection, the depletion of NSM from the neurons, the tract and the NL was more complete. The neurons of the preoptic division of the SON exhibited the maximum response; these neurons were also moderately hypertrophied. The NL also was hypertrophied in some animals; the NSM in the AME registered only a partial loss. The interval between formalin administration and killing did not influence the degree of changes in the HNS. The depletion of NSM was no greater at 90 min following formalin injection than at 10 min. Since it is well established that formalin stress causes augmented secretion of ADH and that there is a close functional relationship existing between ADH and NSM, the depletion of NSM noticed in the HNS of the spotted owlet following formalin administration is interpreted as indicating augmented secretion of ADH. Hence it seems that the response of the HNS of birds to formalin stress are comparable to those of the HNS of mammals. The results thus provide histological evidence in favour of the concept that stressful stimuli cause increased secretion of ADH.


Histoenzymological demonstration of alkaline and acid phosphatases in the intestinal mucosa of several birds, viz Ploceus philippinus, Megalaima haemacephala and Halcyon smyrnensis.

Alkaline and acid phosphatases were histochemically localized in the ileum of three birds with diverse feeding habits. The birds chosen for study included the granivorous Ploceus philippinus, the frugivorous Megalaima haemacephala, and the mainly piscivorous Halcyon smyrnensis. It was found the the activity of these phosphatases tend to be greater in H. smyrnensis and M. haemacephala and comparatively less in P. philippinus, as demoted by variable enzymatic deposition. Simultaneously, their functional significance has been discussed, correlating enzymatic activities with the specific feeding habits of the birds.


Structural changes in the granulosa lutein cells of pregnant cows between 60 and 245 days.

The structural changes in the granulosa lutein cells in the pregnant cows between 60 and 245 days, were observed. The polyhedral or pump cells has an acidophilic cytoplasm around the spherical nucleus. The glycogen granules increased in number up to 230 days of pregnancy. The lipid globules increased in size and amount during advanced pregnancy. The mitochondria showed a wide range of variations in shape and size. The matrix of many mitochondria contained dense inclusions which replaced the entire matrix in late pregnancy. The endoplasmic reticulum was chiefly of smooth type but a few stacks of the rough variety could be seen in the early days of pregnancy. Sometimes, whorls of smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum enclosing mitochondria were seen. The Golgi complex was fully developed in the granulosa cells of all cases studied. The dense granules and lipid globules increased in size and number in the older corpora lutea. The cell surface showed numerous infolding of the plasma membrane.


Postnatal study on the histology and histochemistry of ductuli efferentes testis in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) from birth to one and a half years.

The efferent ductules were situated between the cranial border of the testis and the head of epididymis. The ductules were highly convoluted and formed a conical mass embedded in the dense irregular connective tissue near region I of the head of epididymis. Simple columnar with a few cuboidal cells characterised the epithelium at 3-32 weeks, whereas in later stages of development it was mainly cuboidal with a few columnar cells. The basal cells were also observed lining the basement membrane in some of the tubules. The cells were devoid of cilia, smooth muscles surrounding the tubules were absent. PAS-reactive carbohydrates, glycogen, acid mucopolysaccharides, alkaline phosphatase were demonstrated on the efferent ductules at different stages of postnatal study.


A note on the Mulder-Landsmeer phenomenon.

Mulder-Landsmeer phenomenon (inability to activiely straighten the interphalangeal joints fully when the metacarpophalangeal joint of a finger is passively held in maximal hyperextension) was confirmed in the normally hypermobile South Indian fingers. A powerful but limited de-extension of the proximal phalanx was noticied, in normagers, during completion of interphalangeal extension when the metacarpophalangeal joint was passively held in maximal hyperextension...


Vascular anastomoses in twin placentae and their recognition.

166 placentae from multiple pregnancies (including three triplets and 17 monochorral) have been studied by injection corrosion technique, using cellulose acetate buterite in acetone, under continuous pressure within physiological limits. It has been shown that vascular anastomoses in twin placentae are usually multiple. The direct type is frequently found in monochorial twin placentae and is mostly arterial or venous in nature. The indirect type is observed more commonly in dichorial twin placentae and is mostly arteriovenous in nature. Both types are almost universally found in monochorial monoamniotic placentae. The presence of direct anastomotic channels has a highly significant association with the incidence of marginal vessels and an exaggeration of parameters of stress to an abnormal quantum--both singly and in combinations of three or more-, and is independent of the pattern of branching. In the ontogenetic time-sequence perspective, direct anastomoses, marginal vessels and parameters of stress in a twin placenta can be regarded as different phases of the sequelae of an altered vascular relationship caused by disturbances in the vicinity of the 12th week of gestation. It has been further shown that direct vascular anastomoses are a greater risk to the twins than indirect ones. The importance of early and timely recognition of such channels, by an examination of twin placentae for the presence of marginal vessels, is stressed.


Increased synthesis of nuclear RNA in regenerating rat liver after gamma-irradiation.

Nine hours after partial hepatectomy rats were whole-body, 60Co-gamma-irradiated with exposures of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 R, respectively. RNA was prepared from isolated nuclei of rat liver 12 hours after partial hepatectomy. Animals were injected with 14C-orotic acid 20 minutes before killing. The isolated labelled nuclear RNA was fractionated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The specific radioactivity of RNA was correlated with that of the specific radioactivity of nucleotide pool of the liver homogenates. RNA synthesis was found to increase after each dose applied as compared to the rate of RNA synthesis in 12 hours regenerating liver. The increment depended on the dose delivered: 10% at 50 R, 50% at 500 R and 30% at 2000 R. Nuclear RNA synthesis also increased in the liver of non-hepatectomized rats 3 hours after 500 R gamma-irradiation, but the increment was only 20-30% above the non-hepatectomized and unirradiated control.


Properties of skeletal muscle phosphorylase-protein complexes.

Frontal gel filtration studies on muscle extract and mixture of purified enzymes have verified the existence of a protein-complex between phosphorylase (alpha-1,4-glucan: orthophosphate glycosyltransferase EC 2.4.1.1.) and phosphorylase kinase. The complex has an apparent molecular weight of 750 000 daltons. The complex formation depends on the protein concentration and the presence of Ca2+. Removal of Ca2+ with EGTA results in the dissociation of the complex. A regulatory role may be attributed to Ca2+ since the concentration of free Ca2+ changes in skeletal muscle through the effect of hormonal or electrical stimulation. Strong association was also detected between phosphorylase kinase and phosphorylase phosphatase. The transient inhibition of phosphorylase phosphatase can be explained by this interaction.


Inhibitory effect of prostaglandin E2 on the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into the DNA of thymus cells.

When rat thymic cells suspended in a simple salt-glucose-albumin medium were incubated with 10 mug/ml Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) an inhibition of incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA was observed. PGE1 had a similar effect, while PGB2 and arachidonic acid proved to be ineffective. This inhibitory effect of PGE2 could be detected after a lag period of about 30 min but in the second hour of incubation the rate of incorporation of 3H-thymidine decreased to about 60 per cent of the control value. The extent of inhibition was found to be proportional to the log10 of the PGE2 concentration. Autoradiography showed that PGE2 had no influence on the number of DNA synthesizing cells. As an effect of PGE2 an early transient increase in the labeling of thymidine triphosphate was observed while the levels of labeled thymidine in the cells were not found to be significantly different in the presence of PGE2.


Some structural features of rabbit muscle aldolase as derived from its limited proteolysis.

The peptides released during the limited tryptic proteolysis of rabbit muscle aldolase (Biszku et al., 1973) were located in the primary structure. The pattern of peptide liberation, peptide bond splitting and activity decrease in compatible with two structural models for the truncated tetrameric product, named aldolase-T. According to the more probable model aldolase-T has the structure A+A+B++B++. Subunits B++ are deprived of the segments comprising residues 1-27, 42-71 and 306-364 of the intact enzyme and are inactive. The fragment comprising residues 28-41 is non-covalently attached to these subunits. Subunits A+ are depleted only of peptides 1-27 and 324-332 and retain 70% activity. In these subunits the fragment comprising residue 333-364 remains non-covalently bound. The molecular weights of the truncated subunits, determined with polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecylsulfate support the above conclusions. Aldolase-T can be reversibly denatured at pH 2 or in 4 M urea. The recovery of enzymatic activity after decreasing urea or acid concentration indicates the non-covalent rebinding of fragment 333-364. This fragment is named the "T-peptide" of trypsin-treated aldolase. It is suggested that segments 1-27 and 324-364 are not necessary for the renaturation process. Since aldolase-T is a tetramer it seems that large parts of the N- and C-terminal regions of the enzyme are not involved in the intersubunit interactions. The C-terminal region of aldolase, starting around residue 324, appears to be necessary to the structure of the active site. In contrast to this, the N-terminal region up to residue 27 and probably to residue 60, is not part of the active center.


Effect of detergents and sucrose derivatives on the modified protein determination of Lowry.

The effect on the protein determination method of Lowry, as modified by Hartreee, of widely used detergents (sodium deoxycholate, sodium laurylsulphate, Triton X-100 and Triton WR-1339) and of sugar derivatives often used for preparing concentration gradients (sucrose, dextran, Ficoll and Metrizamide) was examined. Each of the compounds studied gave rise to a coloured product in the test; however, the correlation between concentration and optical density was usually nonlinear. The majority of these substances - especially Ficoll, Metrizamide and dextran - interfere with the procedure even at low concentrations, thus their elimination from the sample before protein determination is inevitable.


Electron microscopic observations on the poly(A)-RNP component of the pre-mRNA containing nuclear complexes.

The nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles containing polyadenylic acid were prepared from rat liver nuclear extract by treatment with RNase I. The sedimentation coefficient of the particles was approximately 14 S. These particles represent a component of the pre-mRNA containing ribonucleoprotein complexes of the nucleus. The submicroscopic morphology of the particles was examined in preparations pretreated by platinum-palladium shadowing and by various negative staining methods as well as in ultrathin sections. The 14 S particles are globular structures, 120-140 A in diameter. The particles are characterized by a strong tendency to aggregation. The results are discussed with respect to mRNA transport.


The effect of cold and fasting on the carnitine concentration in the brown adipose tissue of rats.

The ratio of aceytlcarnitine to carnitine was unchanged in the interscapular brown fatty tissue of rats which were kept at 5 degrees C. The quantity of total acid soluble carnitine relative to the fat-free dry weight was also unchanged. On the other hand a small decrease of the environmental temperature from 23 degrees C to 18 degree C and 20 degrees C resulted in a significant increase in the acetylcarnitine to carnitine ratio.


Sigmoidal substrate saturation curves in Michaelis-Menten mechanism as an artefact.

The conditions under which sigmoidal substrate saturation curves are to be expected in the simple Michaelis-Menten mechanism and the Michaelis-Menten mechanism combined with the concomitant partial inactivation of the enzyme have been determinee solved numerically for different sets of rate constants by computer simulation on the basis of the second order Runge-Kutta method. In order to simulate the real experimental conditions, the substrate saturation curves have also been derived from velocity values in the quasi-steady state, by using the non-linear least squares fitting method. In the framework of the Michaelis-Menten mechanism there is a sigmoidal relationship between initial velocity and substrate concentration only in the case of a Van Slyke mechanism, i.e. if k2 greater than k-1 and therefore K=k2/k1 is a "kinetic constant" if the velocity is determined in the quasi-steady state. If the enzyme is inactivated during the course of velocity measurement in the quasi-steady state, a sigmoidal or a degenerated hyperbolic saturation curve is obtained. A sigmoidal saturation curve can be obtained in the case of the Van Slyke mechanism, independent of the rate constant of the inactivation of the enzyme, or in the case of Michaelis-Menten or Briggs-Haldane mechanism, if k3 is sufficiently high. The inflexion point of such substrate saturation curves is determined by the rate constants, i.e. S0 less than or approximately k3/k1 and k-1/k1 and/or k2/k1. The higher the value of k3 the more pronounced is the sigmoidicity. The Michaelis constant can precisely be determined only if the velocities are measured in the very steady state at all substrate concentrations used. If the measurements are made in the quasi-steady state, the KM is always underestimated.


Osmosis without solute.

Van't Hoff's misconception of the kinetics of solutes in a solution was long ago displaced by the thesis about osmotic water migration caused by the difference in chemical potential on the two sides of the semipermeable membrane. Consequently the osmotic process was now investigated when normal water and heavy water were separated by the "semipermeable" membrane. Due to the difference between the chemical potentials a substantial osomotic pressure was measured on the side of the heavy water simultaneously with a significant migration of water on both sides.


Dielectric dispersion measurements of dimeric and monomeric forms of phosphorylase b.

Rabbit skeletal muscle phosphorylase b was investigated by the dielectric dispersion method in different media. Comparison of calculated and measured relaxation times revealed the effective molecular diameters to be higher than published earlier. Using an estimated value of 4 A for the thickness of the hydration layer of the protein, a good agreement was obtained between the calculated and measured relaxation times. On the basis of these calculations and measurements the molecular dimensions of hydrate phosphorylase b were taken for 118 X 74 X 63 A. Dispersion measurements suggested that the volume of a subunit was smaller than the half volume of the dimeric form.


Acute lead encephalopathy in the guinea pig.

Acute lead encephalopathy was induced in adult guinea pigs with daily oral doses of lead carbonate. Cerebral capillaries were examined by electron microscopy, and the blood-brain barrier (B-BB) evaluated with Evans blue and horseradish peroxidase. Brain lead levels were also determined during the developing encephalopathy. There was no cerebral capillary alteration or demonstrable B-BB dysfunction. Brain lead concentrations increased over the 5-day period. The encephalopathy in the absence of any vascular alteration suggests that lead can produce a primary toxic effect at the neuronal level.


Niemann-Pick disease (Crocker's type C):  A histological study of the distribution and qualitative differences fo the storage process.

A histochemical study is reported of regional differences of the lipid storage in a case of Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) type C. Besides tissues known to be affected (reticulo-endothelium, hepatocytes, nervous system), storage was demonstrated in adrenal cortical spongiocytes, sweat glands, renal glomerular and tubular cells, smooth muslce, excretory tubules of some salivary glands, ependyma and in choroid plexus. In most tissues were stored sphingomyelin, cholesterol and a small amount of a glycosphingolipid. In the endothelium of cerebral and spinal vessels the main stored lipid was a glycosphingolipid. The significance of these regional differences are discussed and their study is recommended as a useful counterpart to the biochemical investigation.


[Experimental study on the lymphatic and cerebrocervical drainage and changes therein caused by ultrasound (author's transl)].

After indian ink or ferritin are introduced into the cerebral hemispheres or subdural space these substances can be found in the deep cervical lymph nodes. The transport of these substances can be enhanced and accelerated by the treatment of deep cervical lymph nodes by ultrasound. Treatment of the paravertebral region with ultrasound after the introduction of ferritin or indian ink subdurally is followed by the appearance of these substances in the suprarenal gland, the testis, epididymis and the prostate gland where they are conveyed by the lymphatic pathways. Thirty minutes after the injection of ferritin into an afferent lymphatic channel of a deep cervical lymphatic node pretreated with ultrasound, ferritin can be found in the pia and arachnoid membranes of the cerebral hemispheres. Ultrasound treatment of the cervical lymph nodes not only seems to enhance the drainage of this substance from the brain but if the dose of ultrasound is high the direction of the lymphatic flow may be reversed.


Genu recurvatum: a late complication of tibial wire traction in fractures of the femur in children.

Seven cases of genu recurvatum following wire traction through the proximal end of the tibia in children treated for fractures of the femur are reported. A premature closure of the anterior part of the growth plate was most probably caused by too close a proximity of the wire to the tibial tuberosity. Where tibial wire traction is used in children it is advisable to insert the wire distal to the tuberosity.


Peroneal nerve palsy due to superior dislocation of the head of the fibula and shortening of the tibia (Monteggia-like fracture dislocation of the calf).

A case of peroneal nerve palsy due to superior dislocation of the proximal tibio-fibular joint is described. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.


The arterial supply of the talus. A study on the relationship to experimental talar fractures.

After filling the arteries of the talus with contrast medium, fractures of the neck were produced to study the effect on these vessels. It was found that the ascending branches from the main arteries, arteria canalis tarsi and arteria sinus tarsi, were ruptured in all cases. The vessels in the fracture area were all sharply cut off. Without fracture displacement the surrounding arteries were remarkably intact, whereas with displacement these became affected by varying degrees of disruption. The vessels in the bone adjacent to the fracture remained intact.


Primary liposarcoma of bone.

A case is presented of a rare primary liposarcoma of bone localized to the major trochanter of the left femur of a 52-year-old female. Despite combined treatment with curettage and irradiation with a total dose of 4,500 rad the neoplasm showed rapid invasive growth with destruction of the bone, spread to the iliac fossa and outgrowth through the operation wound. Approximately 5 months after admission the patient succumbed due to widespread metastases in the lungs, liver and left kidney. The histopathology, clinical course and treatment of this rare neoplasm of the bone are discussed.


A method for recording tendon strain in sheep during locomotion.

Strain change in the lateral digital extensor tendon of sheep was measured during locomotion by means of a small metal strain gauge transducer. The strain pattern was correlated with the activity of the muscle and the position of the limb. The main period of tendon strain occurred immediately following a phase of muscle activity as the foot was placed on the ground. A second period of tendon tension occurred as the foot was lifted from the ground. This was again usually associated with a muscular contraction. Daily recordings were taken from 14 animals for about 10 days after implantation of the transducer.


Etiological factors in osteochondritis dissecans. An experimental study into the etiological factors in osteochondritis dissecans in the canine humeral head using overloading with and without somatotropin and thyrotropin hormone treatment and mechanical trauma.

The overloaded humeral heads of the six growing Labrador retrievers treated with somatotropin and thyrotropin hormone showed the most pronounced changes of the articular cartilage and subchondral home, resembling changes in the early stage of spontaneous osteochondritis dissecans. The overloading alone used in 16 dogs without hormone treatment produced no changes, except that two Labrador retrievers showed increased radiodensity subchondrally during the first 4-6 weeks of the observation period. The mechanical traumas of the articular cartilage and the epiphyseal bone regenerated and did not result in changes resembling those of spontaneous osteochondritis dissecans.


Synovial chondromatosis.

A report is given of 22 patients suffering from synovial chondromatosis. Sixteen patients were operated on. The aetiology and diagnostic criteria are discussed with regard to the literature. The X-ray may be characteristic or may alternatively be normal. The symptoms and the physical signs are outlined. If an indication for treatment is found, removal of all free bodies and excision of the accessible part of the synovial membrane is advised.


Synovial chondromatosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint.

The authors present a case of synovial chondromatosis localized on the left hand of a woman and discuss the pathogenesis, history and treatment of the synovial chondromatosis. The patient has been free of complaints for the 2 years since the operation.


Patella cubiti. Report of an operated case.

A case of incapacitating patella cubiti, probably of congenital origin, in a 45-year-old farm labourer is described. The fragment was extirpated, the pain disappeared and the patient returned to work.


Lung volumes in scoliosis before and after correction by the Harrington instrumentation method.

Studies of static lung volumes were performed before and after surgery in 92 scoliotic patients, aged 10 to 25 years. The majority of the patients had idiopathic dorsal curves. Vital capacity, total lung capacity, functional residual capacity and residual volume were measured at least 18 months after surgery. A significant increase was observed in all static volumes, averaging 10 per cent; the pre- and postoperative values were expressed in per cent of predicted normal values according to age and height. Correction of body height was taken into consideration in the prediction of normal values. Patients with the more advanced scoliosis had the greatest improvement in lung volumes. The patients were treated postoperatively with a Milwaukee brace for an average of 15 months. The use of this brace, which allows for chest expansions, might account for the improved lung function compared to previous series where plaster body jackets were used. Thus the correction of idiopathic scoliosis by the standard posterior fusion with Harrinton instrumentation together with our postoperative routine provides a lasting reduction of the spinal deformity, prevents progression  of respiratory impairment and, in fact, increases the lung volumes, vital capacity, total lung capacity and functional residual capacity by an average of 10 per cent.


Three-dimensional observation of collagen framework of lumbar intervertebral discs.

Lumbar intervertebral discs obtained from rats, dogs and humans were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The nucleus pulposus was constructed of a loose network of fine fibrils and formed lamellated membranes in the peripheral areas. The annulus fibrosus was composed of concentric lamellae of fibrous bundles that ran uniformly in each lamella and crossed over to the bundles of adjoining lamellae. The lamellae were made of fine fibrils measuring 0.1-0.2 mu in diameter, corresponding to matured collagen fibrils. The cartilage plate consisted of a close meshwork of collagen fibrils which interconnected with the annular fibrils. From these results, it was concluded that the intervertebral disc was well developed for shock absorption at the light microscopic and ultrastructural levels. In specimens treated with chymotrypsin, the extra-fibrillar substances were easily digested in the nucleus, as well as in the annulus. The intervertebral disc may thus be easily affected by chemical agents.


Viral antibody titers to rubella in coxa plana or Perthes' disease. Perthes diseases: is it the late osseous redidua of a minor prenatal rubella?

The present study seriously raises the question as to whether coxa plana is etiologically connected to the rubella virus. Some findings suggest a probable causal correlation between prenatal rubella and coxa plana. A regional vasculitis in association with biologically inferior bone probably constitutes the fundamental pathogenetic mechanism of this condition. However, this matter is still awaiting elucidation.


Peroperative effect of fenestration upon intraosseous pressure in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip.

In nine patients with osteoarthritis of the hip who suffered from pain at rest, intraosseous pressure was measured in both the femoral head and neck before and immediately after fenestration in the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter. A small but significant drop in intraosseous pressure in both the femoral neck and head was registered as a result of the fenestration procedure.


Chondrocyte mitosis in the articular cartilage of femoral heads with various diseases.

Autoradiographic studies using thymidine-3H reveal the mitosis of chondrocytes in degenerated joints, i.e. joints having secondary osteoarthritis or aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. The findings obtained provide additional support for the recent investigations regarding chondrocyte mitosis in primary osteoarthritic cartilage. Histologic and histochemical examinations suggest that a loss of glycosaminoglycans in the matrix is evidence for conversion of chondrocyte activity to mitosis which occurs, however, within the limit of "the point of irreversibility", analogous to the observations from the biochemical point of view. Biomechanical and nutritional factors are also discussed in relation to the results obtained from cartilages of the femoral heads in cases of femoral neck fracture and aseptic necrosis of the femoral head.


Acute slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Treatment in 8 cases.

The results are reported of the treatment of eight cases of acute (traumatic) slipped capital femoral epiphysis, reduced by forceful traction on the tubercle of the tibia, followed by drilling through with Kirschner wires. No necrosis of the epiphysis developed among the eight cases. In the light of these results, this therapy is recommended in cases of acute slipping of the capital femoral epiphysis. On the other hand, as far as the late complications are concerned, such as degenerative arthritis, the late results are probably no better than those obtained with other forms of treatment.


Factors influencing results of high tibial osteotomy in gonarthrosis.

Based on our results with high tibia osteotomy for gonarthrosis in 96 knees, the type of primary deformity was found to significantly influence the patient's subjective assessment of the results. Knees with valgus deformity secondary to changes in other joints are not suitable for correction by HTO. Knees with varus deformity exceeding 10 degrees and with roentgenological signs of reduction of the medial tibial condyle are seldom corrected by HTO and the results in these knees are poor. There is a clear correlation between patient's satisfaction with HTO done for gonarthrosis and the correction of femorotibial deformity.


[Role of anaerobic bacteria in sinusitis].

The purpose of the present study is to determine the role of the anaerobic bacteria in the chronic paranasal sinusitis. We cultured both aerobically and anaerobically, 80 specimen of pus we obtained by antral puncture. Fourteen per cent of the specimen were sterile (11 cases); we found a pure aerobic growth in 51% (41 cases), a mixed aerobic-anaerobic growth in 25% (20 cases) and a pure anaerobic growth in 10% (8 cases). This means that anaerobic organismes were isolated in 35% (28 cases): in 22% (18 cases) the anaerobic bacteria can be considered as the only pathogenes. These results show the great importance of the anaerobic bacteria in chronic and subacute paranasal sinusitis. The anaerobes live as saprofytes on the entire body but they become pathogene in certain conditions such as a low oxidation-reduction potential and a reduced oxygen tension. These conditions are found in the chronically infected paranasal sinuses. Probably the anaerobes do not initiate a sinusitis (except in the sinusitis from dental origine) but the primary infection is superinfected by anaerobes; once they have found ideal growth conditions, it's very difficult to destroy them: despite of several antral washings, a surgical intervention is often the only way. The best antibiotics against anaerobic sinusitis are clindamycin and tetracycline in general administration, and lincomycin, thiamfenicol and tetracycline for local application.


[Clinical aspects of hypertrophic lesions of the sinusal mucosa].

Ninety-five cases mucous hypertrophy of the maxillary sinus spreading over several years are examined in this study. They are made conspicuous by radiotomografies. If an hypertrophy of a sinous mucous is often silent or is accompanied with a minor symptomatology (pharynx or ear troubles), in the other cases, it is accompanied with strong headaches. A simple exaeresis of the polype without instrumental operation in the ostium region leads to their disappearance. This rather surprising result allows us to wonder if an ostial dyspermeability is sufficient to explain the sinous headache mechanism.


Evaluation of a screening-procedure by hot-water caloric tests.

In order to introduce a screening-procedure for vestibular caloric testing, we tried to evaluate the hot and cold caloric tests separately. We made a review of a series of cases having been tested by the classical 4 tests (cold and hot bilateral). In supposing that we should have stopped the investigation when the hot calorics showed a side-difference of 20% or more for the slow-phase velocity at the culminationpoint, we verified how many cases would have been missed, presenting by global examination a significant difference either for the reflexivity or for the DP. This study showed us that an important number of cases would have been missed equally well by the hot calorics as by the cold ones. The comparison shows no difference between them. By narrowing the criteria we would allow a screening-technique either by the cold or by the hotwater test, but in this way more than 3/4 of the cases were indicated for complete examination.


[Vibro-tactile perception in the profoundly deaf child and its possible practical applications].

The authors use vibro-tactile masking during hearing aid fitting with profoundly deaf children. When VTM is affecting or not the hearing threshold, it gives the authors valuable information as to the nature of the remaining hearing. A new hearing aid is presented which may be useful for children with only vibro-tactile threshold.


[Diagnosis of perceptive type hearing deficiency in children by determination of stapes reflex thresholds].

The article reports on the limits regarding the study of the stapes reflex thresholds as a diagnostic method with profoundly deaf young children. A number of 30 children and adolescents have been tested at high intensities and the findings indicate stapedian reflexes at 250 and 500 Hx (all the patients) 1000 Hz (the majority of patients) and 1500 Hz (some patients).


[Osteoplastic tracheopathy].

The authors related a case of high osteoplasic tracheopathy in a women, 79 years old. The semiology and the different etiopathogenic theories are reviewed. The affection is characterized by the presence in the tracheal sub-mucosa or sometimes the bronchial sub-mucosa of cartilagenous and often bony spaces, which cuases the stenosis of the respiratory lumen. In this related case, the lesions are situated at the level of a tracheal segment compressed by an important goitre. It seems to be caused by a local metaplasia induced by the compression.


[External laryngeal electromyographic technic in laryngologic and phoniatric clinical practice].

The author describes the external way of laryngeal electromyography, as the most easy one for current clinical use. Theoretical aspects of laryngeal muscles are recalled, and the general electromyographic data are applied to the particular case of voice muscles. Some common laryngeal and vocal diseases are enumerated, for which an electromyographic investigation is able to contribute to the diagnosis. Follows a review of clinical advantages of electromyography in laryngologic and phoniatric practice. Particularities of electromyographic investigation in patients with hyperkinetic dysphony are shown. Five demonstrative clinical cases are analysed.


[Social assistance to the laryngectomized. Concerning a survey of 150 operated persons].

The authors communicate the result of an inquest on 150 laryngectomized patients, members of their hospital rehabilitation center. A statistical study was made on the correlation between the different factors which may influence the results. The inquest shows that information of the patient, his family and occupational environment is not effective enough. The influence of the laryngectomized patient, working fulltime in the rehabilitation center, is of a great importance related to the difficulties during the vocal revalidation process and the social reintegration of the laryngectomized patients.


[Clinical interpretation of microphonic potentials by electrocochleography].

The clinical electrocochleography essentially allows the registration of the global action potential of the acoustic nerve. The use of acoustic stimulations with alternating polarity eliminates the cochlear microphonics. In severe deafness, where no action potential can be registered, even not with maximal acoustic impulses, it can be interesting to register the microphonic potentials. This can be done by using acoustic stimulations with the same polarity. If some microphonic potentials can be registered by this technique, one can assume that the ciliated cells are -- at least partially -- unaffected and that the cause of the deafmess in neurogenic. This test thus allows a primary differentiation between sensory and neural deafness. Some clinical cases illustrate this phenomenon.


[A rare case of Gradenigo-Raeder syndrome].

The symptomatology of Raeder's and Gradenigo's syndrome is reviewed about a case of hypernephrom metastase on petrous bone.


Reactivity and participation of the vascular bed of a limb in the compensatory vasoconstriction during haemorrhage.

Haemorrhage was performed by free bleeding from the cannulated right femoral artery in a heated glass vessel in which pressure of 50-60 mm Hg was maintained. The left hind limb was auto-perfused by a roller pump with a constant flow. The haemorrhage was performed in a normal state of the animal, after intravenous infusion of phenoxybenzamine and after intraarterial injection of papaverine. Bilateral carotid occlusions were performed in a series of experiments before haemorrhage, in the course of haemorrhagic hypotension and after retransfusion of the drawn blood. The systemic arterial pressure and the perfusion pressure in the limb were controlled with electronic manometers. The changes in the vascular resistan-e in haemorrhage after papaverine show that considerable dilatatory influences do not reduce the reactivity of the vascular muscle and do not contribute to the non-maintenance of the resistance vessels constriction caused by the haemorrhage. The experiments with bilateral carotid occlusion permit the assumption that the passive/active tension ratio, which is changed after haemorrhage, is an important factor conducive to the non-maintenance of the post-haemorrhagic vasoconstriction. The extent of the post-haemorrhagic vasoconstriction caused by non-adrenergic constrictory agents in the blood is determined.


Impulse activity of a single motor unit upon the rhythm of the summated muscle activity.

The impulses of single motor units (MUs) are recorded using the method of selective leading off with surface bipolar electrodes with small interpolar distance. Parallel recording is made of the summated EMG and of its apparatus-transformed form-the mean voltage curve of the EMG. The correct position of the electrodes with regard to the MU is controlled by means of a vector-electromyographic (VEMG) method. The statistical parameters of the impulse series of the individual MUs and of the groups of impulses in the summated EMG are determined, as well as the time interrelations between the impulses of the selected MUs and the groups of impulses in the mean voltage curve of the EMG. The delay in the appearance of the impulses from the selected MUs with regard to the beginning of the group of impulses, proved a statistically distributed value according to a bimodal type which becomes more pronounced upon rating to the intervals.


Effect of synthetic oxytocin on the motor and bioelectrical activity of the stomach and small intestines (in vivo).

A study is made of the effect of synthetic oxytocin on the mechanograms and electromyograms of the stomach and small intestines of 11 wakeful and 7 chloralose-anaesthesized dogs. Oxytocin was administered intravenously in doses of 0.5 to 2.0 IU/kg for the anaesthesized dogs. The mechanograms were recorded by means of the balloon-kymographic method, the electromyograms-by silver macroelectrodes implanted in the muscle wall. In all animals oxytocin decreased the tone and abolished the peristaltic contractions and the spike-potentials in the stomach and in the intestines for 8 to 15 min. This effect of oxytocin is not eliminated by adreno-, cholino- and gangliolytics. Besides these changes, oxytocin administered in wakeful dogs reduces two or three times the frequency of the basic electric rhythm (BER) in the stomach from 10 s to 3 min and increases the propagation of BER in the small intestine from 10 s to 10 min. The effect of oxytocin on gastric and intestinal BER is eliminated by cholinolytics and gangliolytics and it is not manifested in the small pouch of Heindenhein. A direct myogenic mechanism of oxytocin effect on the activity of the gastro-intestinal smooth muscle is discussed, as well as the effect mediated by vagal nerves and cholinergic receptors.


Comparative studies on the effect of lithium and haloperidol on learning and memory.

A comparative study of the effect of lithium and haloperidol on the processes of learning and memory is carried out in experiments for training albino rats in a maze. Haloperidol introduced intraperitoneally 1 h before learning in a dose of 0.2 mg/kg deteriorates the learning and long-term memory, while a dose of 2 mg/kg makes these processes impossible. Introduced immediately after learning, haloperidol shows a tendency towards deterioration in the phase of memory consolidation. When administered 1 h before the long-term memory test, haloperidol inhibits reproduction. Lithium chloride administered in a single dose of 200 or 300 mg/kg before and after learning, has no pronounced effect. A tendency towards impairment of learning and memory is manifested only upon administration of doses of 200 mg/kg for 8 days in succession. The differences in the effects of lithium and haloperidol on learning and memory do not support the assumption that their similar effect on the cAMP system (inhibition of the adenylate cyclase in the brain) is essential for the mechanism of their effect on the central nervous system.


Digitonin resistance of liver mitochondria isolated from copper-deficient and copper-loaded rats.

Liver mitochondria of copper-deficient and copper-loaded rats are with changed composition, ultrastructure and functions. The aim of the present work is to study the digitonin resistance of these mitochondria as an indicator for the changes in the membranes. Copper deficiency and copper loading are achieved by eliminating resp. by adding copper to the diet for four to six weeks. The copper content of the mitochondria in the control group of animals is 0.55 X 10(-9)M/mg protein. 0.20 X 10(-9) M/mg protein in the copper-deficient rats and 1.8 X 10(-9) M in the copper-loaded rats. Digitonin resistance is measured by the degree of increase in the activity of a matrix enzyme, malatedehydrogenase, upon destruction of the various mitochondrial membranes and to a different degree by ascending digitonin concentrations. The digitonin effect on the membranes is maximal for concentrations of 0.8 to 1.0 mg digitonin/mg protein. The digitonin resistance of the inner membranes increases in the case of copper deficiency, while coppor loading has the opposite effect on the resistance of the outer membranes. Moreover, coppor loading results in an increase in the general activity of the mitochondrial malatedehydrogenase as compared with the control mitochondria.