Electron microscopic studies in cultivated plants. I. Green pods of Phaseolus vulgaris var. nanus L. Scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopic studies in the legumen of Phaseolus vulgaris var. nanus L. (kidney beans) were carried out. In this work emphasis was laid on the analysis of the morphological structure of the parenchyma tissue, being the chief component of the pod at edible maturity. The leaf character of the pod becomes especially evident by the occurence of stomata, trichomes, and typical cuticle structures on the outside of the pod (SEM). The cells of the mesophyll-like parenchyma tissue are distinguished by a great range of variation of their plastids (chloroplasts--chloroamyloplasts--amyloplasts) and some special cytological features such as a strongly developed rough ER, big nuclei, and numerous plasmodesmata (TEM).


[Reaction time and interhemispheric interaction]. The study was made on healthy adult subjects. The reaction time of the hand (RT) was measured under two conditions: 1) the choice of reaction (right or left hand) is determined by the nature of the warning stimulus; 2) decision on the choice is taken, depending on the second, trigger stimulus. Stimuli are presented at random sequences to different visual fields. The reaction time to the visual signal presented to the visual field ipsilateral to the hand is significantly shorter (by 15 to 26 msec) than to the stimulus in the contralateral visual field. In a simple motor reaction, when no discrimination of trigger stimulus and the decision on the choice of reaction is required, a hemispheric asymmetry of reaction time is manifested: the left hemisphere only responds differently to direct visual stimulation and to that mediated through the contralateral hemisphere.


Electron microscopic studies in cultivated plants. II. Fresh and stored roots of Daucus carota L. Scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopic studies in fresh and stored roots (4 months at an average temperature of +8 degrees C) of Daucus carota L. (carrots) were carried out. Chief stress was laid on the analysis of the histological and cytological structure of the secondary phloem parenchyma cell. SEM images show the three-dimensional histological arrangement of the cells. Moreover, the outlines of lipid droplets, mitochondria, starch grains, and carotin pigment crystals are visible within the parietal cytoplasmic layer. In TEM, besides the usual cell organelles (mitochondria, golgi-apparatus, ER, etc.) nuclei with several nuclear bodies can be recognised. The morphological structure of the chromoplasts shows a remarkable diversity. Within stored carrots a strong reduction of lipid droplets and starch grains within the chromoplasts takes place.


[Role of dominant motivation in producing the effects of electric stimulation of hypothalamo-limbic structures]. The experiments were made on cats with electrodes chronically implanted in the hypothalamus and the amygdala. The effects of electrical stimulation of the points from which the food reactions were initially evoked, were transformed into an avoidance reaction, if stimulation was applied in surroundings where the animals had previously received pain stimuli. Defensive reactions to stimulation of the hypothalamus and amygdala changed to alimentary reactions if the same stimulation was presented to hungry cats in conditions of repetitive feeding. A conclusion has been drawn that the elements of the hypothalamo-limbic structures have plastic properties and may be involved in different forms of behaviour, depending on current motivation and learning.


[A method for differentiating between vinegar produced by fermentation and vinegar made from synthetic acetic acid based on determination of the 13C/12C-isotope ratio by mass spectrometry (author's transl)]. The 13C/12C-isotope ratio is characteristic for vinegar of fermentation and synthetic origin respectively and used for their differentiation. The acetic acid was isolated from the vinegar as calcium acetate, the calcium acetate was pyrolysed to CaCO3 and the CO2 was released from the CaCO3 with H3PO4. The CO2 was measured in a mass spectrometer with double collector. The difference in the 13C-content between the two varieties of vinegar is 5 0/00; the accuracy of the measurement is between is 0.5 0/00 and 1 0/00 Therefore, addition of synthetic acetic acid in excess of 15--20% to fermentation vinegar can be detected by this method.


[Flavonol glycosides of apples (Malus silvestris Mill.). 10. Phenolics of fruits (author's transl)]. The flavonol glycosides of apple skin (Malus silvestris Mill. cv. Golden Delicious) were separated by means of cellulose column chromatography and paper chromatography, and the following compounds were obtained crystalline and identified by usual procedures: quercetin 3-O-alpha-D-galactoside, quercetin 3-O-xyloside, quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinofuranoside, quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside and rutin. Quercetin 3-O-beta-D-glucoside also was identified, but could not be obtained crystallin. A comparison by TLC of 10 very different varieties of apples namely Golden Delicious, Cox Orange, Roter Berlepsch, Cortland, Ingrid Marie, Jonathan, Boskoop, Laxtons Superb, Gloster, and James Grieve demonstrated the same flavonol glycosides and thus showed no distinctions in glycosid pattern between the different varieties of these apples.


[Functional assymmetry of the cerebral cortex in cats during formation of a conditioned reflex]. During elaboration of a symmetric active defensive reflex, the animal is given the opportunity to make instrumental movements with the right or left paw. On the first day of elaboration, the cats can be subdivided into three approximately equal groups: with the right preferred paw, with the left preferred paw and ambidexters. After stabilization of the reflex, motor asymmetry increases in both preferred groups, while the number of ambidexters diminishes. Unilateral electric shock producing seizures, which is applied to the "dominant" or "subdominant" hemisphere, exerts correspondingly differing influences on the subsequent reproduction of the reflex. Suppression of reproduction is more pronounced when the shock is applied to the "dominant" hemisphere. The result of repetitive application of electroshock to one and the same hemisphere is that the functions of the "dominant" hemisphere are effected by the hemisphere which was not subjected to direct electrical stimulation.


[Analysis of photic signals by cats according to their intensity following transection of the superior quadrigeminal brachii]. In experiments on cats trained by the motor alimentary conditioned method to discriminate photic stimuli by intensity, EEG changes were studied when differentiating signals of different biological significance before and after transection of the brachii of the superior colliculi. The normal direct proportional dependence of pronouncedness of brain electrical reactions on the complexity of stimuli analysis was disturbed after transection. The operated animals retained only the capacity for a rough differentiation by brightness, the fine gradation of EEG responses to negative signals of different fineness being lost. The disturbance of interaction between the analysing and activating brain systems after transection of the brachii may be due to both the lack of non-specific ascending tonic influences of the midbrain reticular formation on the cortex, and to the destruction of many pathways for corticofugal control of the activity of the brainstem non-specific apparatus.


[Role of motivational excitations in the integrative activity of individual cerebral neurons]. It has been shown that motivational excitation is a factor that changes the functional properties of brain single neurones. On the basis of ascending activating influences of the hypothalamic initiative centres, motivational excitation considerably changes convergent and discriminating properties of the cortical units. It is toward the cortical and subcortical neurones excitated by motivation that excitations evoked by reinforcing stimuli are directed. Under repetitive reinforcing action a certain trace is imprinted in the dynamic architecture of motivational excitation, which is the neuronal basis of the action result acceptor. The apparatus of the action result acceptor, formed after the precedence principle, is precisely the directing factor of the animals' purposeful activity.


[Formation of reverse conditioned connections during unrestrained behavior]. Reactions achieved by the mechanism of backward connection were studied in unrestrained dogs with acoustic stimuli preceded by an alimentary unconditioned reflex: a 300 c/s acoustic stimulus was paired with feeding from the left feeding trough and 1000 c/s stimulus--with the right feeding trough. A certain dynamics was observed in the manifestation of these reactions. As the number of tests increased, the number of specific reactions diminished, while non-specific reactions and reactions of running to the door appeared. Acute extinction of the running reflex to the sound of the feeding trough has been shown that the dynamics of reactions to the later is the same as in tests to the tone. Proceeding from this, it may be assumed that the evolution of backward connections manifestation is based on extinctive inhibition which develops in consequence of non-reinforcement of conditioned stimuli in the tests on backward connection formation.


[Effect of hippocampal stimulation on the feeding behavior of cats]. Influence of electrical stimulation (100 cps., 1.0 ms) of medial parts of dorsal and ventral hippocampus (field CA1), and the lateral parts of dorsal and posterior hippocampus (field CA3) on general behaviour, elaboration of instrumental and manifestation of delayed reactions was studied in chronic experiments on cats. Stimulation of medial parts of dorsal and ventral hippocampus elicited a reaction of orienting reflex type to natural stimuli. Stimulation of lateral parts of dorsal and posterior hippocampus evoked arrest reactions. Medial and lateral parts of hippocampus produced different influences on elaboration of conditioned reflexes. In the first case elaboration was possible, but developed slower, while in the second case the ability to learn during stimulation was completely lost due to development of arrest reaction. Stimulation of different parts of the hippocampus disturbed delayed reactions, reducing the number of correct responses.


Plasma amino acid level in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis and its variation during age. 28 plasma amino acids of 40 female patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 24 male patients with ankylosing spondylitis (ASp) and 19 controls (14 females and 5 males) were investigated. In RA-patients 19 amino acids showed statistically significant differences to healthy people of which 18 were decreased. In ASp-patients 14 amino acid concentrations were statistically altered whereby 10 showed enhanced values. In female RA-patients and controls a linear dependency between distinct amino acids (threonine, glutamic acid, proline, alanine, citrulline, tyrosine, phenylalanine, ornithine, lysine and 3-methylhistidine) - and advanced age could be demonstrated.


The photometric latex test for rheumatoid factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. II. Clinical evaluation. The photometric latex test (PLT) for the detection of rheumatoid factors has been clinically evaluated. PLT titers have been closely studied in relation to clinical and laboratory parameters by means of parametric and nonparametric statistical methods. An analysis of the sensitized sheep cell test (SSC) titers has also been undertaken. The subjects comprised 377 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 120 controls. The medical data recorded included sex, age, diagnosis, anatomical stage, functional class, duration and course of the disease, presence of the American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria, blood sedimentation rate, red and white blood counts, haemoglobin concentration, total protein content, serum protein levels, and SSC and PLT titers. A multivariate stepwise regression analysis with eight normally distributed variables was made. In accordance with previous findings, a significant correlation was shown to exist between the serum protein levels and the development of the RA when the anatomical stage, functional class and course of the disease were used as parameters of disease activity. In the RA patients there was also correlation between the serologic titers and the serum protein levels, and the anatomical stage, functional class and course of the disease, and the sedimentation rate, thus showing that titers can also serve as a measure of the inflammatory process. There was a significant correlation between the number of ARA criteria and the titers in the RA patients but not in the controls. The course of the disease correlated with the serum titers and other inflammatory parameters, a finding showing that the course of the disease is an important diagnostic parameter with possible prognostic value. Correlation was also demonstrated between the white blood count and the titers. It is concluded that the sedimentation rate, albumin and gamma-globulin levels, and PLT titer are the best parameters of disease activity. The titer values are not only of diagnostic importance but have prognostic value as regards the severity of the disease.


[Enzyme, enzyme-histochemical and immunohistological studies in chronic erysipelas polyarthritis of swine]. The chronic Erysipelas-polyarthritis in pigs has been considered an animal model resembling human rheumatoid arthritis. Fifteen specifically pathogenfree (SPF) pigs 45 days old were experimentally infectec with strain T 28 of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae-bacteria. During the subsequent 32 weeks several enzymatic, immunohistological and microbiological parameters were monitored. Compared to 5 age and sex matched healthy controls the infected pigs showed increased activity of plasma acid phosphatase starting 4 weeks after the infection. Acid phosphatase activity was usually enhanced in synovial fluid of chronically ill animals. Histochemically increased activity of acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase and beta-acetylglucosaminidase was found in lining cells and fibroblasts of the synovial membrane of chronically diseased joints. Immunohistochemically Erysipelas-antigen was demonstrated in the synovial membrane even of those inflamed joints from which no living bacteria had been isolated. The microbiological and immunohistochemical results correlated positively with the enzymehistochemical data. The release of lysosomal enzymes from cells of the synovial membrane in chronically diseased joints due to the influence of Erysipelas-bacteria and the possible implications of persistent bacteria on the perpetuation of chronic Erysipelas-polyarthritis are discussed.


The relationship between polymorphonuclear granulocytes and cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. The pannus-cartilage junction was investigated in cases of rheumatoid joint destruction. By a histochemical method for demonstrating the presence of neutrophil granulocytes, it became obvious that these cells in some cases were found in high numbers in the immediate vicinity of the cartilage in the process of being destroyed. It is concluded that these blood-carried cells may also participate in cartilage destruction in acute phases of chronic rheumatoid disease.


Leucocyte migration inhibition with collagen type I and collagen type III in rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative joint diseases. The leucocytes of 22 patients with classic rheumatoid arthritis were investigated with the direct leucocyte migration inhibition technique in agarose as described by Clausen. The leucocytes of 9 patients with degenerative joint diseases and of 9 healthy persons served as controls. Collagen type I and collagen type III were used as antigens. The leucocytes of 22 patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed in 15 cases a migration inhibition with collagen type III and in 10 cases with collagen type I. The inhibition with collagen type III was stronger and more frequent than with collagen type I. The frequent leucocyte migration inhibition with collagen type III in classic rheumatoid arthritis seems to be an expression of possible cell mediated reactivity against that type of collagen which appears especially in rheumatoid synovial tissue.


The photometric latex test for rheumatoid factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. I. correlation with other serologic tests. The photometric latex test (PLT) for the detection of rheumatoid factors (RF) has been correlated with the sensitized sheep cell test (SSC) and the latex slide test (LST). A total of 377 sera from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 120 sera from control subjects were examined. When the PLT was carried out on the native sera at a lower buffer ionic strength (0.05 M), agglutination was noted in over 99% of cases, indicating interaction of complement with human immunoglobulin bound to the latex particle surface. Although thermal inactivation eliminated most of the complement agglutination, an increase in ionic strength (0.5 M) was found to be essential for measuring only RF agglutination. The serologic data were analysed statistically by computer. A highly significant correlation was found between all serologic tests and RA sera, but there was no such correlation with the control sera. The specificity of all tests was generally over 90% and did not vary significantly, but the sensitivity varied from 52.0% to 71.1%, confirming that about one-third of all RA patients are seronegative. The tests were analysed for their total diagnostic capability. The PLT with native sera at higher ionic strenght proved to be the most sensitive, but with thermally inactivated sera it had a better diagnostic capacity. The SSC test appeared to be less sensitive and of lower diagnostic validity. Rapid LST tests were clearly inferior to PLT tests. The PLT can be used as a reliable and straightforward serologic method of diagnosis in RA, especially when carried out at a higher ionic strength and with thermally inactivated sera. It should be given preference over other serologic tests for RF and could well become standard practice in rheumatologic serology as a substitute for the SSC test.


[Urinary transaminase in the diagnosis of kidney disorders in liver cirrhosis]. In examinations of 72 patients with liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis the transaminase activity of the urine (T-uria) was found in 55.6% of the cases, above all in liver cirrhosis. The T-uria increases parallel to the progressing portal hypertension to the hepatocellular insufficiency and to the hepatorenal syndrome. It is reduced in positive dynamics of the hepatic process. The T-uria has an essential prognostic value. In the terminal phase of the liver cirrhosis the T-uria is perhaps connected with disturbances of the hepatic haemodynamics.


[Clinical and histological studies on the course of glomerulonephritis]. It is reported on 37 patients in whom on the basis of the clinical suspicion of a glomerulonephritis a biopsy of the kidneys was carried out, and after treatment in these patients a rebiopsy was carried out 21 months later in order to examine clinical and histological changes during this period. Hereby could be established that the rebiopsy only six times evoked an apparant improvement, whereas the other cases showed clinical findings or deterioration and only in half the cases a correspondence between clinical and histological developmental tendencies was recognizable. As conclusion indications to rebiopsy are proposed.


[Psychovegetative disorders in the diagnostic key of WHO]. A diagnostic key and glossary of psychiatric illness are arranged in a new order with the numbers 300-308, along with a suggestion for the integration of psycho-vegetative disorders with psychic or physical symptoms. They are represented from neuroses and psychosomatic illness in a narrow sense which are also arranged in a new sequence. A statistic of examination of 500 patients demonstrates the diagnostic distribution with the new scale. This new structure enable a new systematic for diagnosis.


[Psychosomatic aspects of adolescence].

[Psychosomatic aspects of adolescence]. During adolescence physical, psychic and social changes occure more rapidly and to a greater extent than during any other period of live. The marked changes concern not only the outern appearence, but also its intrapsychic representations, the body image. The complex integrative processes towards the identity as man or woman cannot be mastered without a certain emotional and physical instability. This is particularly the case if, in addition, nearly infantile disturbances in the socialisation or conflicts specific for this life period are, or have been, present. They can in the sense of a disposition lead to the manifestation of more or less severe crisis in adolescence. These crises interfere not only with the body image, but in many cases with the somatic functions as well. In the study three general aspects of this developmental problem are discussed as far they are relevant in the therapy of psycho-somatic disturbances in adolescents. 1. The implication of the adolescent phase in the course of psycho-somatic diseases. 2. Diseases which mainly occure in adolescence and are predominantly confined to this life period or are mainly influenced by it. 3. The influence which conflicts and phase-specific anxieties and fantasies exercise on the development and establishment of a mature body image and an adult identity.


[Choreatic movement disorders as a psychosomatic syndrome]. A psychogenic movement disorder can immitate sometimes a choreatic syndrom. In the present report a young lady with choreatic movement disorders is described, the causes of which were psychogenic. Of central importance in this case history is the repressed agression, which is experienced as "killing".


[Prognosis of anorexia nervosa (11 26 to 29 year follow-up studies of psychotherapeutically untreated cases)]. We report about a group of 13 anorectic patients, whose case and life history could be observed from the first examination (not identical with the beginning of the disease, dated 1-4 years earlier) during the interval 1947-1950. The first catamnesis was done 1965. At this time one female patient had died in connection with A. n.; another patient, the only male one of the group was not traceable any more. The next catamnesis was done 1976. 8 patients could be explored personally, by mail or phone. For two dead patients informations where given by the relatives. For another patient, who could not be found postally, we had informations by letter for the time before 1975. The group showed the following composition: - 12 women, 1 man; - beginning of the disease in puberty; - in the beginning of the disease all of them students at higher educational establishments; - the type of the disease is grave concerning the type of symptoms and course. - The later states show the following picture: - With 6 patients the A. n.-Syndrom continues; - of these six 2 died in connection with the disease; - with 7 patients the A.n.-Syndrom is not ascertainable any more. In this group there are 4 more or less distinct psychoses. - Two patients without A.n.-Syndromatic are remarcably improved, two patients with ongoing A.n.-Symptomatic are physically not basically, but socially definitively improved. My material does confirm thus the well-known tendency: one third remains anorectic and shows a chronical course, one third gets psychally very ill, resp. psychotic after loosing the A.n.-Symptomatic, the rest shows change of the Syndrom and improvement. Convincing healing of symptoms do not exist--except for the only male patient--in my material.


[Sibling constellation and psychosomatic disease in adult years]. Patients of a psychosomatic department are described with regard to their sex, the number of siblings, and the position within the respective sibship. The tendency of seeking stationary psychoanalytic help in psychosomatic diseases seems to increase with the number of siblings. A prevalence of helders of a middle position is found. Correlation between sibling constellation and the nature of a psychosomatic disease could not be statistically proven.


[Thermography in medicine (author's transl)]. Telethermography and thermography en plaque have a high sensitivity and a low specifity. In 75% they are applied to diagnose diseases of the female breast. Data concerning diagnostic reliability differ considerably. The author emphasizes the classification of thermographies of the female breast.


[Clinical significance of hiatal hernia]. A careful clinical investigation of 245 patients with hiatus hernia was performed. (History and physical examination, x-ray tests, oesophago-gastroscopy with biopsies, 3-point-manometry, rapid pull-through manometry with pentagastrintest). Classification of hiatus hernia was performed by x-ray test. (222 axial hiatus hernia, 14 mixed hiatus hernia, 9 paraoesophageal hiatus hernia) 3-point-manometry and rapid pull-through manometry with Pg-test were used to differentiate the function of the cardia. In spite of a strong selection in 84 out of 245 patients examined in our hospital, a sufficient cardia could be seen. 161 cases showed a gastro-oesophageal reflux which has been in accordance with a decompensated reflux disease in 97 patients. Solely in these 97 patients an operative correction of the gastro-oesophageal reflux seemed convenient. 84 patients showed a considerable variability of oesophageal disorders. In a final correlation between endoscopy, manometry and x-ray tests our opinion was confirmed that hiatus hernia must not lead inevitably to an insufficiency of the cardia. In the above investigations it could be shown that any therapeutic proceeding in the treatment of hiatus hernia first needs a careful analysis of the cardiac and oesophageal activity and second requires a careful indication for the surgical treatment of hiatus hernia.


[Primary sarcomas of the gastrointestinal tract (author's transl)]. From 1952 to 1976 2203 malignant tumours of the gastrointestinal tract were seen at the Surgical Clinic of the M.H.L., 18 of them were sarcomas. There was a predominance of carcinomas of the stomach (Sa: Ca = 1:229) and of the colon (1:162), whereas sarcomas of the small intestine were found in a relation of 1:0,9. X-ray diagnosis of the gastric sarcomas is difficult, only those with endogastric growth can be recognized by gastroscopy. The postoperative prognosis of gastric sarcomas is better than that of gastric carcinomas. Sarcomas of the small intestine have a high mortality rate because of a high rate of ileus and perforation. Sarcomas of the colon - normally localized in the caecum or rectum - have a better prognosis, seldom stenosis can be seen.


[Experimental longterm cannulation of the stomach (author's transl)]. The construction and use of a new cannula for the long-term cannulation of the stomach in experimental surgery is described. The major attribute of the gastric fistula is the simplicity of technical management and the advantage to avoid irritation of the animals as much as possible.


[Fibroplastic peritonitis (author's transl)]. 2 cases of peritonitis fibroplastica with obscure genesis and atypical complaints were operated on. Pseudomembranes were carefully cleared away from the intestine. The first patient has been cured after two years, the other died of another disease.


[Elektrolyte-losing rectum adenoma (author's transl)]. The clinical picture of electrolyte-losing villous tumours localized in the rectum or colon is represented by own observations and the literature. Diagnostic errors arising from disturbances of water and electrolyte balance are emphasized. In order to find out the optimal therapy, classification of the tumour according to clinical criteria is recommended.


[Intraoperative liver biopsy for gall-bladder disorders (author's transl)]. 447 liver biopsy samples were taken during surgery for gall bladder disorders. Defined relations between histologic gallbladder and liver findings and also between duration of illness and liver changes could not be established. In more than 90% of the cases there were only minor pathologic findings so that a routine application of this method is not necessary and should be restricted to selected cases.


[Hernia incarcerata in the aged (author's transl)]. From 1966 up to 1975 164 patients with a hernia incarcerata were seen. 21,3% of them died, in most cases of delayed diagnosis bowel resection was necessary. The prognosis depends on ileus (11,8%) and multimorbidity of the aged. The death was mainly related to peritonitis (43%) and pneumonia (26%). Only no delay in diagnosis, early surgery, intensive pre- and postoperative care will improve the results.


The effect of passively transferred heterologous serum on Toxoplasma gondii in NMRI mice. Influence of the treatment on course of infection and cyst formation. Anti-Toxoplasma serum from rabbits or normal Toxoplasma negative serum from humans was administered to NMRI mice by intraperitoneal, intravenous or oral routes. Transfer of immune serum intrapertioneally 48 hours before lethal challenge with cyst forming Alt strain conferred significant resistance to normal recipients as assessed by a 55% reduction in the number of brain cysts and 89% survival rate. Survivors of the groups receiving oral administration of immune or normal serum 48 hours prior to challenge also showed a reduction in the number of brain cysts of 50% and 21% respectively. Animals given immune serum by intrapertioneal or oral routes 48 hours after, or a small intravenous dose one day before challenge showed higher survival rates in comparison to controls but had an "enchancement" of infection as revealed by increased number of brain cysts.


An economic and rapid diagnostic procedure for the detection of salmonella/shigella using the polyvalent salmonella phage O-1. An easy, rapid and economic two-step procedure is described for the detection of Salmonella/Shigella. In the first step the susceptibility of suspected colonies for the phage O-1 of FELIX and CALLOW is tested. Positive cultures are serologically confirmed. The test is performed on Triple Sugar Iron Agar and lasts 4-6 hrs. Phage negative cultures which are lactose- and sucrose negative are tested for lysine decarboxylase and, if Shigella is possible (i.e. in human material on primary plates), for indol production and motility in a semisolid tryptophane agar. Of 22880 Salmonella straine 21977, i.e. 96.1% were phage-sensitive. Strains belonging to certain O-groups (OE) or species are lysed at a lower percentage. However, since they are lysine decarboxylase positive they are not lost and can be submitted to a serological examination.


Comparative studies on the ultrastructure of L forms obtained from S and R variants of Brucella suis 1330. Electron-microscopic studies were carried out on S and R variants of Brucella suis 1330 and the production of L forms induced with the use of penicillin. No variations were established in the ultrastructure of the initial forms. However, essential differences were observed in the ultrastructure between the latter and the L-transformed Brucellae as well as changes that differentiated the ultrastructure of L forms obtained from S variants from that of L forms obtained from R variants. In both cases the L-transformed Brucella organisms have suffered substantial changes in their electron-microscopic structure. There was no cell wall, the cytoplasm was profoundly altered - chiefly the ribosomal apparatus, which, from a polyribosomal complex located peripherally in the cell, adjacent to the cytoplasmic membrane in the initial forms, has disintegrated into ribosomal units parts of which have often penetrated deeply in the nucleotide mass. Individual ribosomes remained connected with each other through DNA filaments, but there were equally cases in which links of such types were not present. The structure of the cytoplasmic membrane invariably showed three layers. The L forms obtained from R variants occasionally showed the presence of microtubules similar to those established with other microorganisms. Such structures were missing in the L forms obtained from S variants.


[Immunologic differentiation of brain antigens in multiple sclerosis]. In 30 patients with disseminated sclerosis (more than 500 sera) the authors studied autoantibodies in Steffen's reaction to different homologous antigens of normal and "pathological" brain and to some internal organs. A normal brain tissue appeared to be immunologically more differentiated than the tissues of patients who had died of disseminated sclerosis. The antigen properties of the white matter of frontal lobes were more expressed than the gray matter, subcortical nodes, tissues of the cerebellum and spinal cord. Gliose-changed nervous tissues are immunologically not active. There was a certain parallelism between the supposed focal substrate of neurological symptoms and the data of autoimmune reactions which may have a topico-diagnostic significance. The authors discuss the antibrain antibodies found in disseminated sclerosis from the concept of their preventive function.


[Ophthalmologic symptoms of multiple sclerosis]. Long-term clinical studies of 220 patients with disseminated sclerosis and different pathology of the optico-nervous apparatus demonstrated that neuritis of the optic nerve is not always accompanied by impairment of vision and sometimes may lead to ophthalmological symptomatology. This symptomatology may be similar to the picture of congested disks of optic nerves. It was established that the appearance of the disk of theoptic nerve in the postneuritic condition is determined by a combination of a substitutive (due to the destruction of nervous fibers and consequently to an irreversible loss of vision) and resorbtive (due to a resorbtion of inflammation products) fibrogliosis. The second process, depending upon the nearness of the inflammational focus to the eye ground and the duration of the nerve disorder, does not reflect the irreversible loss of visual functions and leads to a discrepancy between the ophthalmological and visual changes. This discrepancy is aggravated by the possibility of a long-term preservation of the axons and as a result an absence of substitutive scarring, even in an irreversible loss of vision.


[Fluorescent ophthalmochromoscopy in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis]. The authors applied a method of fluorescent ophthalmochromoscopy for the characteristics of the optic nerve in 61 patients with disseminated sclerosis. All the patients had undergone a comprehensive ophthalmological examination. A clinical characteristic is given for the initial period of disseminated sclerosis (I group of patients) and for the florid picture (II group). According to the ophthalmological examination disseminated sclerosis was suspected in 1/4 of the patients of the I group and in half of the patients of the second. The use of fluorescent ophtalmochromoscopy permitted to detect larvated lesions of the optic nerve, which by routine methods cannot be revealed. The use of this method with consideration for the period of contrasting the retinal vessles and phenomenon of the most intensive staining of the optic nerve discs permits to judge on the stage and activity of the pathological process.


[Neurologic adverse manifestations and complications of ambulatory therapy with psychotropic drugs in the late stages]. Neurological side-effects and complications were studied in 100 patients having undergone long-term (3--14 years) out-patient treatment. In 14 cases there were slight side-effects. In patients of old age, after 6 year lithium treatment there were extrapyramidal signs, disturbances of memory and disorders of orientation in place. In 1 case following 2 year treatment with small doses of neuroleptical drugs there was an oral dyskinesia, after which an overdosage with antidepressive drugs and tranquillizers led to an akineticohypotonic syndrome. The side-effects and complications had a reversible character. Recommendations for therapy of such complications are given.


[Allergic encephalomyelopolyradiculoneuritis from a wasp sting (clinico-pathologic report)]. The authors discuss clinico-pathomorphological observations of allergic encephalomyelopolyradiculoneuritis, due to wasp stings. A lethal outcome followed the 14th day of the disease. The clinical picture and morphological symptoms were characterized by allergic reactions of immediate and retarded types leading to severe lesions of the vital organs and the nervous system. Special attention is drawn to a selective lesion of the pallidonigral system conditioning the clinical picture of acutely developing parkinsonism. The polyradiculoneuritis and myelitical syndrome were also expressed.


[Diagnosis and treatment of the Tolosa-Hunt syndrome]. An analysis of clinical data concerning 13 patients with nonpurulent inflammation of the external wall of the cavernous sinus (or the Tolosa-Hunt syndrome) permitted the authors to come to the conclusion that as a result of administration of steroid preparations the assessment of some diagnostical criteria is somewhat altered. At the same time of certain diagnostical value is the rapid therapeutical effect of steroid preparations as well as the criteria proposed by the authors-- the connection between the onset of the disease and some infectious disease (most frequently catarrh of the upper airway) and a combined lesions of the oculomotor nerves and sympathic periarterial fibres of the internal carotid artery without marked exophthalmus.


[Functional state of the sympathetic-adrenal system in meningococcal infections]. A study of the functional state of the sympathico-adrenal system by determining the diurnal urine excretion of catecholamines and DOPA was conducted in 29 patients with meningoencephalitis of a meningococcal etiology. These studies demonstrated a significant activation of its adrenal link and a tendency to an increase of activity in the sympathical link with a drop of the reserve possibilities. These changes were most distinctly expressed in cases with prevalent localization of the pathological process in the deep brain structures. These facts made it possible to conclude that there is a lesion in the link of a control of the sympathico-adrenal system. These data were confirmed by results of a study in 18 patients with meningococcal infections by physiological loadings with insulin and adrenalin and a study of the catecholamines and DOPA in the urine portions, which exert specific influence on the state of activity of the sympathico-adrenal system through the hypothalamus and reticular formation.


[Clinical manifestations of nervous system lesions in Urov's disease]. Neurological disturbances in Urow's disease are insufficiently studied. In order to clarify the neurological signs of this disease the author conducted neurological and neurophysiological (EEG, EMG, rheovasography, electrothermometry, telechronoreflexometry, psychological tests) studies in 1348 patients, including 211 in hospitalized patients. The achieved results testify to a diffuse lesion of different levels in the nervous system (brain cortex, stem structures, cerebellum, spinal cord and vegetative nervous system), not only in severe forms of Urow's disease, but also in the initial stages. The different neurological changes permitted to distinquish new clinical syndromes: cerebrasthenia, encephalopathy, myodystrophy, myelopathy, angioneurotic and neurodystrophical syndromes. This makes it necessary to use such drugs in this form of disorder, which will normalize the activity of the nervous and muscular systems.


[Features of the dynamics of evoked cerebral electrical activity in psychopathic personalities when the meaning of a stimulus is changed]. A correlation of parameteres of evoked activity in psychopathic personalities of an explosive type and in control groups, detected certain differences in the dynamics of separate parameters of evoked potentials in a changed informativeness of the stimula. The physiological interpretation of these data indicates that in psychopathic personalities on the background of increased orientating reactions with prevalence of a general alert condition there is a decreased evaluations of the signal according to its significance. An evaluation of their actions and consideration of the past experience in such patients is also decreased. These disorders are more distinctly  expressed in a complicated situation.


[Pathogenesis of obsessional states against a psychopathic background]. The paper is concerned with a clinical study of 37 psychopaths with obsessional symptoms: 24 anancasts and 13 psychasthenics. In 14 patients the obsessional ideas were combined with obsessional actions, in 28 cases there was a defect of integrative automatized motions, in 6 cases--tics, in 2--writing spasms and in 1 case--a spastic torticollis without symptoms of an organic lesion of the nervous system. A hyperkinesis of the tic-type, professional dyskinesia and possibly obsessional actions may be explained by a functional dissociation of the neocrotex with subcortex and limbico-reticular complex. The author discusses the hypotheses of an inborn insufficiency of the latter.


[Clinical-pathogenetic patterns in the course of reactive psychoses in persons who have suffered cranio-cerebral injuries]. The author conducted a clinico-statistical and follow up study, related to the development of a clinical shaping, courese and outcome of reactive psychoses in individuals with brain traumas. The data gave grounds to eliminate 2 main groups of psychogenic reactions: hysterical and endoform. The former developed on the personality-charactegenic level and developed more moderately. Endoform reactive psychses appeared on a more profound personality--vital level and had a more severe course with a worse prognosis.


[Classification of mental disorders of neuro-infectious origin]. The report contains a clinical analysis and the results of a paraclinical study of 4894 patients with mental disorders of different etiology. The following 4 types of development were distinguished: abortive, periodical, remittent, continuous. The authors propose a structure of neuropsychic disorders and the main groups of psychopathological syndrome and their frequency. Some criteria for the differential diagnosis of this group of disorders is outlined.


[Mental disorders and their characteristics in neuro-infectious diseases with a severe course]. A study of patients with severe forms of neuroinfections permitted to follow up the development of psychopathological syndromes and detect some correlations between their structures and the traits of the different stages of the disease. At the acne of the disease there are frequent and severe syndromes of disturbed consciousness with the prevalence of deep unconscious states compared to the more obliviated productive variants in the framework of exogenous types of psychic reactions. On the eventual stages of the disease there are distinct correlations between the severity of the acute period and the formation of more expressed variants of the psychoorganic syndrome (organic brain syndrome). Extensive possibilities to a regressive development of the above-mentioned mental disorders are determined by such factors as young age, due time and comprehensive therapy with the use of psychopharmacological drugs and individual rehabilitative methods.


[Oneiroid and oneiric states in cerebral toxoplasmosis]. The report deals with 34 cases of toxoplasmotic psychoses proceeding with oneiroid (32 patients) and oniric (2 patients) syndromes. The authors distinguish 3 types of oneiroid states differing in the depth of clouded consciousness: 1) oneiroid states, the main content of which consisted of illusional and delusional experiences; 2) oneiroid states with prevalent dream-like imaginations; 3) oneiroid states developing with syndromes of substupor or catatonia excitation where due to a deep change of consciousness there were signs of resignation from the environment, dream-like and fantasticalhallucinatory components with a more vivid colouring. The clinico-laboratorial and somato-neurological correlations indicated that oneiroid conditions in cerebral toxoplasmoids develop in an exacerbation of the general toxoplasmotic process.


[Social-psychological mechanisms for the development of adolescent alcoholism]. A clinical and pathopsychological analysis of the premorbid personality development in 30 adolescents permitted to describe the "nonalcoholic" path of formation in childhood, adolescence and young age of certain personality traits which are similar to those in patients with developed alcoholism. These symptoms were expressed in a drop of moderations in the activity structure, a reconstruction and simplification of the ierarchy of behavioral motivation, the acquisition by alcohol of the quality of a leading and motivating idea of the entire behaviour. The mechanism of anozognosia in this type of alcoholic patients are demonstrated. The author proposes some measures of social psychological and pedagogical prevention of alcoholism on the stages of premorbid personality development.


[Effect of several drugs on the functional state of the liver in the presence of alcoholic lesions by the radioisotope tracer technic]. With the aid of radioisotope hepatography by radioactive colloidal 198-Au, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of some drugs directed towards normalization of the functional state of the liver in patients with chronic alcoholism. The studies demonstrated the feasibility of using on the initial stages of medical treatment a complex of drugs for the normalization of the carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism as well as of vitamins.


[Differentiated treatment of patients with chronic alcoholism using modern psychotropic drugs]. By using a clinico-catamnestical method the authors studied the effectiveness of different forms of treatment in 159 chronic alcoholic patients (placebo, antabuse and psychotropic drugs). A clinical homogenous group of patients by age, form and duration of the disease, as well as by the degree of degradation, were compared. These data testify to the expediency of a differentiated use of psychotropic drugs depending upon the personality, mental state of the chronic alcoholic patients, the stage and character of the disease in each specific case.


[Surgery of impotency (author's transl)]. Psychic disorders may sometimes explain the impossibility of erection. Organic causes of impotency must not go unrecognized though, because they are numerous: lesions of the cavernous bodies, arterial occlusions and deficiencies of innervation. The implantation of silicone prostheses in the cavernous bodies insures the erection and makes possible a normal sexual activity: the orgasm and the ejaculation may reappear even after they have disappeared for many years. This operation was realized in sixteen patients according to the technique of Small and Carrion. Postoperative hospitalization is usually of 24 hours. All patients resumed a normal sexual activity. Our earliest observation occurred three years ago. Up to now there were no cases of infection, or rejection. The implantation of silicone prostheses in the cavernous bodies constitutes an important step in the treatment of organic impotency.


Changes in "routine laboratory tests" during abstinence after heavy alcohol consumption in chronic alcoholics. Standard laboratory tests were studied in 61 male chronic alcoholics admitted for detoxication after a period of heavy alcohol consumption. Results obtained within three days after the end of the last debauche were compared with those obtained one week later. Almost half of the patients was considered to have thrombocytopenia, two thirds of the patients had subnormal serum urea values and more than two thirds of the patients were considered to have increased ASAT values. Abnormal values often normalized within one week after admission. Significant alterations within the reference limits were observed for hemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, sodium, potassium and bilirubin. The latter test often showed strikingly low values after one week. Most of the aberrations and the changes could be related to details in the case histories.


[Bacteriological problems related to hospital infections (author's transl)]. Bacteria responsible for nosocomial, i.e. hospital acquired, infections present a multiresistance to antibiotics. Multiple studies performed since the introduction of the first antibiotics have shown a correlation between their use and the identification and sensitivity of isolated bacteria. A program of control of antibiotherapy should be instituted in the hospitals in order to limit the occurrence of resistant strains.


[Asepsis and hospital architecture: the surroundings of the operating theatre (author's transl)]. The author contends one can not plan an operatief theatre and its organization, if it is dissociated from its immediate dependencies, entrances and exists. a) The necessity of the following dependencies is discussed: 1. an anesthetic room forming a sas between the entrance hall for the patient and the operating room that makes possible the preop. preparation; 2. an area where the surgeons may prepare, corectly ventilated and reserved to the entrance of the surgical team; 3. a reserve of sterile equipment in immediate contact with the operating threater; 4. a disposal area for the linen and soiled material and that may serve to the transfer of the patient after the operation, given the wastes be evacuated in thermosealed bags. b) The circuits of the personel is then considered with a study of the one way cloak-rooms, and an example is given. Then comes the introduction in these circuits of the so-called septic operating room and of room for decontamination of instruments that can be superimposed with the place of evacuation of the equipment. In conclusion, the author mentions the evacuation of atmospheric particles released in the operating theatre and the methods of improving asepsis. He suggests the surgeon be very critic concerning the techniques proposed by the advertising.


Immunoglobulins in sera of patients with porphyria cutanea tarda. Serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) were measured in 67 patients with porphyria cutanea tarda and liver dysfunction. Immunoglobulins, especially IgG and IgM, were significantly decreased.


[Use of an isolator (so-called "bubble") in orthopaedic surgery (author's transl)]. The results of 2 series of casualties presenting with femoral neck fractures and operated with Moore prostheses are compared. The first was operated between September 18, 1972 and July 17, 1975 in a conventional way; the other between July 18, 1975 and January 10, 1977 under an Isolator. The rate of infection was much reduced in the latter. It seems to indicate the important function of this apparatus in the prevention of postoperative infection.


[Burned patients center and hospital hygiene (author's transl)]. The author specifies that seriously burned patients, i.e. over 15% of body surface, should be treated in specialized centers given the hygiene problems they present. He describes the main principles that should guide the conception and realization of such a center stressing the isolation from the general hospital and technical aspects that prevent contamination of the areas and cross-infections of patients.


The effect of glucagon on free plasma amino acids in cirrhotics and healthy controls. The effect on free plasma amino acids before and after infusion of 1 mg glucagon was studied at rest after an overnight fast in seven patients with compensated liver cirrhosis and in seven healthy controls. Total aminoacidaemia in cirrhotic patients is significantly higher than in controls. Elevated basal levels in cirrhotics are found particularly in tyrosine, citrulline, tryptophane, threonine, phenylalanine, and methionine whereas ornithine and serine levels are decreased. Save for the redox couple cystine-cysteine which increases, glucagon elicits an decrease in most amino acids that is proportionate to their initial level. Total aminoacidaemia decreases in controls and cirrhotics by 14.6 and 9.1 per cent respectively. Serum ammonia level rises significantly in both groups, urea increases only in controls, uricaemia remains virtually unchanged.


Intrahepatic cystic bile duct dilatations and stone formation: a new case of Caroli's disease. Caroli's disease is a rare familial anomaly with circumscribed saccular dilatations of enlarged intrahepatic bile ducts coated by regular or pseudopapillomatous epithelium. The disease may be combined with additional malformations of the extrahepatic biliary tract as well as with medullary sponge kidney. Infection and stone formation are frequent complications. Surgery is indicated if the disease is limited to one love which should be resected or if biliary obstruction in diffuse disease necessitates biliodigestive anastomosis. Antibiotics and CDCA-mediation are essential for symptomatic therapy. We analysed the findings in 40 cases including one own observation.


[Iatrogene aorto-enteric fistula. Report of two cases (author's transl)]. Two cases of treated iatrogenic aorto-enteric fistula are presented: one completely successfull, the other less, with exitus after five months due to aortic wall disruption. The late occurrence, operative findings, anatomo-pathological examination of the specimens, as well as the sterile (aerobic) cultures in both cases, rather favour mechanical etiological forces associated with the healing complications of aortic synthetic grafts, with or without secundary infection. Emphasis is placed on familiarity with the symptom-complex and the fact that in general the commonly available objective diagnostic tools are not a great deal more helpful in arriving at the correct diagnosis than the history and physical examination. They may even be time-consuming and lead to the demise of the patient. The importance of prevention is stressed as well as the aspects of early aggressive surgical therapy for this dismal complication.


[Surgeons responsibility in infectious complications (author's transl)]. Law suits of surgeons are increasing in number. Although the surgeon has no obligation concerning results, but only concerning means, the causes of postoperative infections are numerous: inadequate preoperative work-up (chronic focal infection), operative infection by means of an assistant or a visitor, inadequate air conditioning, lengthy operation, prolonged intravenous catheter and viral hepatitis after transfusion are some examples. Liability of the anaesthetist is a difficult problem. In many institutes one anaesthetist simultaneously monitors more than one anaesthesia. The cause-effect relation between the infection and the surgical malpractice must be proven by the patient; this creates an athmosphere of suspicion in the surgical team. More recently the courts have admitted that an infection can render the patient less resistant to another complication, of which he may die.


Oxygen measurement and arteriography in the rat and guinea pig liver after artery ligation in the liver hilus. There are differences in biological behavior of liver in different species of animals. The most impressive and easily reproduceable examples are the different reactions of rat and guinea pigs livers: The guinea pig cannot withstand more than a few hours the interruption of the Ductus Choledochus, it cannot survive complete ligation of liver arteries plus many anastomosis. Furthermore it is unable to withstand infections in the liver and intestine after operations of the liver. The rat however can withstand ligations of the Ductus Choledochus, even for months, and is not harmed by complete dissection of liver hilus with double ligations of Arteria Hepatica Propria and Communis, including the few anastomoses. Infections of liver after laparotomias are unknown in rats. To study these differences the Po 2 values of liver were measured and checked against angiographies and biological tests. In dearterialised rat liver the reduced Po 2 values and biological tests rose parallel with the reaterialisation for weeks. In guinea pigs the Po 2 values were not lower than in the rats in the short surviving time measured. The Po 2 reduction seems in both species the same. The rat liver is able to adapt -, the liver of guinea pig is not.


True teratoma of the liver--report of a case and review of the literature--. A true teratoma of the liver seen in 20 year-old female was successfully resected. Dysgerminoma of her left ovary had been resected 8 years prior to the right hepatic lobectomy. Previous reports on 8 other cases of true teratoma of the liver were briefly reviewed.


Viscosity of duodenal juice examined in patients with excretory pancreas insufficiency by the pancreocymin secretin test compared to a control group and patients with cholelithiasis. The viscosity of duodenal juice obtained during the pancreocymin secretin test from patients with excretory pancreas insufficiency was significantly higher compared to the viscosity of duodenal secretions from a control group or from patients with gall bladder stones. Since the viscosity was inversely related to the total volume as well as the bicarbonate and trypsin concentrations, it is concluded that the increased viscosity is due to a reduction in the secretory activity of the pancreas. The viscosity measurements found for patients with cholelithiasis reflects merely the higher viscosity of the gall bladder bile.


Lysine acetylisalicylate inhibits the protein synthesis in the rat gastric mucosa in vivo and in vitro. Lysine acetylsalicylate (LAS), a water soluble derivative of acetylsalicylic acid and parenterally administrable analgesic, locally inhibits the incorporation of 14C protein hydrolysate into proteins of the rat isolated gastric mucosa. A similar effect on protein synthesis was observed after s.c. administration of the drug, whereas DNA and RNA synthesis were not affected. Obviously, LAS inhibits the translation step during biosynthesis of proteins. It is conceivable that this effect contributes to the potential ulcerogenic action of acetylsalicylate and that parenteral administration is not a criteria to protect the stomach from salicylate-induced side effects.


Acute hemorrhagic pancreatic necrosis in mice bile acids in gallbladder bile, serum and pancreas. Mice develop acute hemorrhagic pancreatic necrosis with fat necrosis after 4 days of feeding on a choline deficient-ethionine supplemented (CDE) diet. The diameter, weight and histopathology of the gallbladder were determined in mice fed laboratory chow (LC), a choline-supplemented (CS) diet, a choline-deficient (CD) diet, or the CDE diet for 1, 2 or 3 days. A progressive distension of the gallbladder due to accumulation of bile, was observed in mice fed the CS, CD and CDE diets. An analysis of the bile acid composition of the pancreas, serum and gallbladder bile of mice fed the same diets for 3 days was performed. No differences between control and experimental animals were seen in the concentration and distribution of bile acids in the pancreas. It is concluded that: 1) alterations in bile acid constituents are produced by the diets; and, 2) regurgitation of bile into the pancreas of mice fed the CDE diet does not occur. Thus, bile acids do not seem to initiate or participate in the extensive cellular damage that precedes and accompanies the onset of acute hemorrhagic pancreatic necrosis with fat necrosis in mice fed the CDE diet.


Drinking and dietary habits and prevalence of somatic abnormalities in chronic alcoholics hospitalized for detoxication. The alcoholic histories and the physical status of 61 male chronic alcoholics have been studied within three days after the end of the last débauche. The mean duration of chronic alcoholism was 11 years. The drinking habits revealed an advanced consumption pattern in almost all of the patients. However, the majority was considered intermittent drinkers which stresses the difficulties of stating the amount of daily ethanol consumption. Somatic complaints were rather common but the physical status did not reveal signs of chronic liver damage or other serious diseases. Thirtythree of the patients gave their consent to a liver biopsy. Steatosis of the liver was seen in 23 of these patients. Only two patients had liver fibrosis and cirrhosis respectively. The amount of liver fat was not significantly correlated to any of the many statements on drinking and dietary habits.


Gastric lesion and pernicious anemia: a family study. 34 subjects including 5 probands with pernicious anemia, 3 probands with severe atriphic body gastritis and 26 of their first-degree relatives were studied gastroscopically, bioptically, functionally and immunologically. In general, members of the same family revealed a trend to behave similarly with respect to the parameters studied. Signs of A-gastritis (severe atrophy of gastric body glands with a normal or almost normal antrum, achlorhydria, hypergastrinemia and parietal cell antibodies), with intrinsic factor antibodies in the gastric juice and diminished intrinsic factor secretion without anemia were found both in families of probands with atrophic gastritis and pernicious anemia. This suggests a close etiopathogenetic relation of this type of mucosal lesion to overt pernicious anemia. Determination of HCl output and serum gastrin level enabled us to distinguish two differently behaving subgroups in the series, one of them with characteristics of overt adult pernicious anemia. Very low intrinsic factor secretion was found almost exclusively in connection with the presence of intrinsic factor antibodies in the gastric juice and always with severe atrophy of gastric body glands.


Viscosity and trypsin activity of pure pancreatic juice in chronic pancreatitis. In patients with chronic pancreatitis, the viscosity and trypsin activity of the pure pancreatic juice obtained endoscopically are significantly higher than in healthy subjects. These two parameters may thus represent a simple method for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.


Glomerular filtration rate during enflurane anaesthesia. Pre- and preoperative determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was performed in 10 patients operated on during enflurane anaesthesia. The mean GFR decreased significantly by 21%. The decrease in GFR is of the same order of magnitude as that reported for most general anaesthetics.


Anaesthesia induction and lower oesophageal sphincter pressure. The effects of some drugs generally used in premedication for and induction of anaesthesia on the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure were investigated in 30 dogs, using the modern oesophageal manometric technique. In thiopental-induced anaesthesia, a distinct pressure gradient was noted between the LOS and gastric pressure. Atropine eliminated this pressure gradient almost completely. Metoclopramide increased the LOS pressure significantly, and subsequent atropine administration was unable to bring it down. Metoclopramide administered after atropine was unable to elevate the LOS pressure reduced by atropine. Succinylcholine had no observable lasting effect on the LOS pressure. The present findings seem to indicate that of the drugs generally used in premedication for and induction of anaesthesia, atropine significantly reduces the LOS competence, thereby creating favourable conditions for gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and consequent postoperative pulmonary complications. Use of metoclopramide in premedication for or induction of anaesthesia to eliminate the depressant effect of atropine on the LOS pressure appears to be indicated.


Comparative evaluation of neuro-muscular blockade after pancuronium administration in patients with and without renal failure. Objective studies about the duration of action pancuronium (PCM) in renal failure patients are scarce. This study was undertaken to obtain more complete information on spontaneous reversal from PCM-induced neuromuscular block by monitoring the twitch height to full recovery in the absence of any potentiating agent. Thumb abduction was monitored by a deplacement transducer in end-stage renal failure (ESRF) and in control patients without renal failure (RF) during neuroleptanalgesia after 0.04 mg/kg and 0.08 mg/kg PCM administration. In the small dosage series, the prologation of action in ESRF becomes significant for the 75% recovery level (mean values +/- s.e.mean:control: 42 +/- 7 min, ESRF: 71 +/- 10 min, P less than or equal to 0.05). In the second series (0.08 mg/kg), the 50% recovery level is already significantly delayed in ESRF patients (control: 91 +/- 7 min, ESRF: 163 +/- 27 min, P less than or equal to 0.05). The 100% twitch height recovery is obtained with 0.04 mg/kg PCM within 65+/- 7 min for patients without RF and within 103 +/- 9 min in ESRF patients (P less than or equal to 0.01). For the 0.08 mg/kg PCM dose, these figures are, respectively, 139 +/- 9 min and 214 +/- 20 min (P less than or equal to 0.01). The prolongation of PCM action in ESRF is in agreement with the pharmaco-kinetics of the drug. Large dosages of PCM must be avoided in ESRF patients because it delays spontaneous full recovery for too long.


Flow requirements in the Hafnia modifications of the Mapleson circuits during spontaneous respiration. The Mapleson A, B, C and D circuits can be changed into non-polluting circuits by employing continuous gas evacuation directly from the circuit, via an ejector flowmeter (Jørgensen 1974); Mapleson A and C circuits with this modification have been described previously as the Hafnia A and C circuits (Christensen 1976, Thomsen & Jørgensen 1976). If evacuation from a closed reservoir is employed, total removal of the expired and surplus gases from the operating theatre is obtained (Jørgensen & Thomsen 1976). There will be resistance to expiration in all the circuits with a relief valve for the discharge of surplus gas. If surplus gas is continuously removed directly from the anaesthetic circuit, the patient breathes in an air compartment at ambient pressure, as long as the removal rate equals the inflow of fresh gas. The relief valve is only included in the circuit to ensure that high pressures do not develop. As in any other circuit, the relief valve remains open except during controlled ventilation. A dumping valve may also be included as a safeguard against low pressures (Jørgensen & Thomsen 1976). The flow requirements of the Hafnia B and D circuits and the corresponding Mapleson circuits have been studied in conscious, spontaneously breathing subjects, and the results are discussed in relation to the flow requirements of other semi-closed system.


The use of physostigmine as an antidote in tricyclic anti-depressant intoxication. The value of physostigmine treatment of unconsciousness due to self-poisoning by tricyclic antidepressant drugs (TAD) was evaluated in 10 patients, and the following conclusions are drawn: 1. A slow i.v. injection of 2 mg of physostigmine produces a clear-cut increase in consciousness within 15 min if a TAD (or other drugs with central anticholingeric potencies) is mainly responsible for the poisoning. This "test dose" can give valuable diagnostic information. 2. Repeated i.v. injections seem of little practical value, since they may be expected to produce a state with rapid shifts in the level of consciousness. 3. If the test dose has a positive effect, immediate i.v. infusion of 4 mg physostigmine/h will maintain a high level of consciousness. Infusion should be stopped every sixth hour for about 30 min to check whether the level of consciousness still falls upon withdrawal of therapy 4. In cases of massive TAD overdosage, i.v. injection of physostigmine may increase the risk of grand mal seizures. 5. No signs of enhanced peripheral cholinergic activity following physostigmine are seen if 30 mg of propantheline is given i.v. every sixth hour. 6. No evidence has been produced that the morality rate in TAD poisoning is lower following physostigmine treatment whan with conventional supportive care. There must be the usual preparedness for cardiac complications.


Concentration and elimination of anaesthetic gases in recovery rooms. The investigation includes measurement of the N2O-concentration in the recovery rooms of three hospitals with different room ventilation systems. The amount of ventilation determines the elimination of the gas exhaled by the patients and, therefore, is related to the number of patients in the recovery rooms. The investigation has shown that non-recirculating room ventilation of 500 m3/pt./hour in recovery rooms gives personnel the same protection against inhalation of anaesthetic gases as is afforded to personnel in operating theatres with scavening equipment.


A comparative study of halothane and enflurane in paediatric outpatient anaesthesia. Two groups of paediatric patients, consisting of 40 patients each, were studied with regard to anaesthesia induction and recovery. Group H was given halothane and Group E received enflurane. The induction time was similar for the two groups. Enflurane had, on average, a shorter recovery time (17 +/- 4 min) than halothane (26 +/- 4min) (P less than 0.05). The mean dose of anaesthetic given, expressed as the product of inspired concentration times minute ventilation, was 2.3 +/- 0.2 1 100% halothane and 2.8 +/- 0.2 1 100% enflurane. If one assumes that the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) value for enflurane twice that of halothane, group E received a less potent anaesthetic dose. This might explain the similar induction times, and, in part, the shorter recovery time for enflurane in this study. No difference was noted between the two agents with regard to post-operative nausea and vomiting or restlessness.


The effects of antihypertensive medication on the control of the cardiovascular system during halothane anaesthesia in rats. The effects of hydralazine, clonidine, propranolol and methyldopa medication on the control of the circulatory system during halothane anaesthesia were studied in spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats. Special attention was directed to the problem of circulatory emergencies. Under 1 and 3% halothane anaesthesia, the mean arterial pressure was lowest in methyldopa-treated rats. During 3% anaesthesia, plasma renin activity was markedly increased in the methyldopa group and decreased in the propranolol group. Hydralazine medication suppressed the pressor responses to dopamine and metaraminol, whereas clonidine, propranolol and methylopa increased the response to dopamine. These sympathetic agents induced more cardiac arrhythmias in SH controls than in normotensive ones. These arrhythmias were antagonized by hydralazine. The SH controls also tolerated haemorrhagic shock more poorly than did normotensive control rats. Among the pretreated animals, tolerance to this shock was highest in hydralazine-and clonidine-treated animals and lowest in the methyldopa group. The results suggest that during halothane anaesthesia SH rats are more prone to disturbances in the control of circulation than are normotensive controls. Hydralazine and, to a lesser extent, clonidine have a protective action against these disturbances, but the effect of methyldopa seems to be disadvantageous.


Reduction of cerebral blood flow and oxygen consumption with a combination of barbiturate anaesthesia and induced hypothermia in the rat. The influence of phenobarbitone anaesthesia on cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (CMRo2) during hypothermia (23 degrees C & 27 degrees C) was studied in the rat, using a modification of the Kety & Schmidt (1948) technique and arterio-venous differences for oxygen. Phenobarbitone (150 mg/kg) was found to decrease CMRo2 by 40-60% during hypothermia, when compared to N2O anaesthesia. At a body temperature of 23 degrees C, and during phenobarbitone anaesthesia, CMRo2 was reduced to about 15% of normal control value (about 10.3 ml.100g-1). CBF was reduced to about 50% of the phenobarbitone control value but was similar to the value obtained with N2O anaesthesia at 22 degrees C. It is concluded that the combination of phenobarbitone anaesthesia and hypothermia results in a more pronounced reduction in cerebral metablic rate for oxygen than can be achieved by administration of barbiturates to normothermic animals, or by reducing body temperature by 15 degrees C during superficial anaesthesia.


Hemodynamics during superficial thiopental anesthesia in the dog. Radioactive microspheres, labeled withe ytterbium (169Yb), strontium (85Sr) and cerium (141Ce) were used in an investigation of the cardiovascular response to superficial thiopental anesthesia. The course was followed for 90 min and measurements were carried out 30, 60 and 90 min, respectively. Between 30 and 60 min of anesthesia there was a slight decrease in cardiac output and left ventricular work. The blood flow was reduced to the lungs, kidneys and the liver. Between 60 and 90 min there were, except for the coeliac artery and total liver, no further changes, which indicated a circulatory steady state.


The hemodynamic effect of halothane in the normovolemic dog. With the aid of radioactive microspheres (labeled with 169Yb, 85Sr and 141Ce, respectively), the effect of halothane anesthesia on circulation was studied for 30 min and (group A) for 120 min of halothane anesthesia in thiopental-sedated dogs. Measurements were also carried out on recovery from halothane anesthesia. Besides such well-known general circulatory changes as reduction in cardiac output, pulse rate, left ventricular work, arterial mean blood pressure and left atrial mean blood pressure, in both groups there was also a reduced coronary blood flow. The flow to the lungs, kidneys and the brain was well preserved, despite the reduction in both the cardiac output and arterial mean blood pressure. The flow to the liver, however, did not change during short halothane anesthesia; but during long anesthesia there was a marked reduction, due mainly to a decrease in the flow to the preportal area. On recovery from halothane anesthesia, the changes had mostly returned to the preanesthetic values.


The effect of halothane anesthesia on heart function during normovolemia and hypovolemia in the dog. The effects of halothane anesthesia on coronary circulation and cardiac work were studied in normovolemic and hypovolemic dogs, with aid of the radioactive microsphere technique. During normovolemia, halothane depressed the heart rate, cardiac output, arterial mean blood pressure and left ventricular work, with a simultaneous decrease in the coronary blood flow. During moderate hypovolemia, the arterial blood pressure was reduced as well as the coronary blood flow; whereas during hemorrhagic hypotension (severe hypovolemia), the arterial blood pressure was slightly increased and the coronary blood flow was unchanged with a reduced heart rate and increased stroke volume.


Additional effects of postpuberal estrogen injections on the vaginal epithelium in neonatally estrogenized mice. In the ovariectomized mice given 10 injections of 100 micrograms 17 beta-estradiol at intervals of 2 weeks from 60 days of age, the vaginal epithelium was atrophic when killed more than 2 months after the last injection. If mice given 3 daily injections of 20 micrograms 17 beta-estradiol from the day of birth were similarly treated with estradiol after postpuberal ovariectomy, the vaginal epithelium was stratified and hyperplastic at autopsy performed more than 2 months later. These changes in the epithelium persisted for at least 30 days after transplantation of the vaginae to normal ovariectomized hosts. Neonatal treatments only did not produce such persistent vaginal changes. In view of these results, additional effects of neonatal and postpuberal injections of estrogen on the vaginal epithelium are evident. However, effects of such neonatal and postpuberal injections of estrogen might be transient on the uterine epithelium, since abnormal proliferation was not observed in it.


The effects of DNA administration on the growth of X-irradiated Xenopus tadpoles. An easy method for the harmless measurement of the length of tadpoles is described. The results indicate that tadpoles exposed to 3,000 r showed increase in length 20 days following irradiation. The animals exposed to the same or other X-ray doses and administered high molecular homologous and heterologous DNA showed a better rate of growth than the animals exposed to a dose of 3,000 r and not given DNA.


Quantitative studies on the development of the bronchi and bronchial glands of the pig from birth to maturity. Cross-sectional areas of bronchi and bronchial glands of pigs aged from 1 day to 10 months were measured using image analysis. Growth of the bronchial glands was slow for the first month of life, reached a maximum between 1 and 3 months, and slowed again after 5 months. Mucous gland sizes fell into two groups, one included the apical, cardiac and accessory lobes, the other the diaphragmatic lobes. From birth to maturity the percentage increase in mucous gland area of all lobes was very similar. For the anterior lobes, mucous glands and bronchial lumina grew in direct proportion to each other. Up to 1 month of age the bronchial lumina of the diaphragmatic lobes grew but the glands did not. Later, glands and lumina grew in direct proportion. From birth to maturity the percentage increase in bronchial cross-sectional area was similar for all lobes.


Development of the omasum in sheep.

Development of the omasum in sheep. Data are presented on the histogenesis of the omasal mucosa in sheep from the 2.5 cm crown-rump (c-r) length fetus to the adult. 11 stages of fetal development, and 4 post-natal stages, were studies. The distribution of glycogen in the omasal epithelium was also studied. During fetal life the omasal epithelium was initially stratified cuboidal in type, but the superficial layers of cells became flattened in later stages of gestation. This epithelium became extremely thick by the late stages of fetal life, reaching a maximum of 358 micron, and consisting of greater than 20 layers of cells, in the 45 cm c-r fetus (approximatelay 140 days). After birth the epithelium became markedly reduced in thickness, being approximately 77 micron in the adult, and had differentiated into a cornified stratified squamous epithelium of the adult type by 12 weeks after birth. Glycogen was extremely abundant in the omasal epithelium of the 2.5 cm fetus, and declined gradually thereafter to be almost completely absent in post-natal specimens. 4 orders of laminae were present in the adult omasum, distributed in the seqeunce 1-4-3-4-2-4-3-4-1. The 1st order was already present in fetuses of 2.5 cm c-r length, with the 2nd, 3rd and 4th appearing by the 3.5, 5.5 and 11.0 cm stages, respectively. Initial stages in the development of conical papillae were first seen in 15.0 cm fetuses, but the development of these papillae was not completed until after birth.


Development of cartilage in transplanted future coronal sutures. From fetal rat skulls, tissue containing the 19-day-old presumptive coronal suture was excised and transplanted onto the exposed dura mater of adult rats. Host animals were sacrificed after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 days. From the results of these experiments, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) in all transplants chondrogenic activity occurred, resulting in the production of ectopic cartilage, and (2) cartilage development only starts on the cerebral side of the transplanted embryonic dura mater just beneath the area of the presumptive suture. Transplanted presumptive sutures of 21-day-old rats do not produce cartilage. The findings suggest that the suture undergoes a process of maturation. The existence of an osteogenesis-inhibiting mechanism, located in embryonic sutural tissue and being transmitted to the developing dura, is discussed.


Transport of fat through jejunal absorptive epithelium in vitro. The mucosa of excised pieces of jejunum of fasting rats was exposed for 10 min to fresh chyme obtained from other rats which had been digesting either buttered bread or bread alone. The mucosa was then processed for electron microscopy of lipid material. After exposure to fatty chyme, fat globules were scattered throughout the cytoplasm of absorptive epithelial cells, and concentrated in both supranuclear and infranuclear components of the Golgi apparatus. They were also present within lymphatics of the villus. After exposure to both types of chyme, the basal parts of the cells were much elongated through collection of a finely granular deposit of non-lipid material. This collection was probably due to failure of clearance of absorbed material from the cells in the absence of blood flow through the villus.


A comparative morphometric study of synaptic vesicles and other organelles in mossy fiber endings of the pigeon and the rat. The mossy fiber ending organelles of 4 rats and 4 pigeons were studied using ultrastructural morphometric methods. The number of agranular vesicles per square micrometer of synaptic surface, as well as the number of agranular vesicles per synapse, were found to be greater in the rat than in the pigeon, while no significant differences were found in coated and dense core vesicles. A highly positive correlation was found, in both species, between the synaptic surface and the number of agranular vesicles per unit volume of mossy fiber endings, while no correlation was found between the synaptic surface and numerical densities of coated and dense core vesicles.


[The utero-ovarian vascularization of the albino rat]. The utero-ovarian vascularisation of the non-pregnant rat was investigated, described and morphometrically evaluated. The ovarian and uterine arteries anastomose together giving up a ramus ovaricus. The leaving of these vessels from their main trunks varies to each body side, just as their length and width. Several segmental arteries arise from each uterine artery to the corpus uteri also side-specifically. Coiled circular arteries are found. The uterine cervical vascularisation is described separately. Different regulating effects on the function of the vessels are discussed.


Adrenergic terminal structures in the mesentery of mammals. This work is devoted to the study of adrenergic terminal structures in the mesentery of mammals (cat, dog). The investigation was performed with the Falck-Hillarp method of catecholamine fluorescence microscopy on total stretch mesentery preparations. The investigation showed that richly developed perivascular plexus constitute the basis of the adrenergic innervation system of the mesentery. In numerous points of these plexuses, single adrenergic fibers or polyaxonal structures are observed to issue into nonvascular areas of the mesentery where after repeated dichotomic division they pass into the preterminal and terminal parts. Being constructed on the principle of extended or restrained arborizations, these innervating structures have a morphological similarity with free sensory nerve endings. In this connection, the question of the possible existence of the sensory (afferent) links in the catecholamine-containing vegetative nerve plexuses is discussed.


Some observations on the morphological evidence for mechanism of the bile secretion. The morphological evidence of the intracellular route of bile secretion was investigated in the liver of goldfish (Carassius auratus) as revealed by electron microscopy. Smooth surfaced tubules or cisterns within or adjacent to the Golgi apparatus showed linear saccular forms and contained sparse particulate or cloudy materials of low electron density. The isolated vacuoles were restrictedly found between the Golgi apparatus and the intracellular bile canaliculus or hepatocytic side at the zone of transition. These vacuoles showed no reaction for acid phosphatase activity, and contained only a few cloudy materials similar to those found in the saccular tubules and within the bile canaliculus. Some of these vacuoles fused with the luminal cytolemmas of the bile canaliculus. Bases on these findings, it was assumed that these vacuoles are structures participating in transport and secretion of bile constituents and derive from the linearly sacculated tubules or cisterns in the Golgi zone. Duct cells showed no morphological evidence to suggest bile secretion.


An electron microscopical study of epididymal epithelium of rats treated with gonadotropic hormone. The ultrastructural modifications of the epithelial cells of rat corpus epididymis stimulated with gonadotropic hormone were studied. The structural variety of the cells depending on functional conditions becomes more prominent 6 h after the injection of gonadotropic hormone. Light large cells have one or often two nucleus-containing bing nucleoli, in their cytoplasm there are numerous vesicles, a well-developed Golgi apparatus, other organelles and lysosomal bodies. Some other cells are filled with many large vacuoles of different density, dense bodies and vesicles. Cells of another type which are in the majority show an unusually active structure reflecting the function of synthesis. The more prominent nucleolus is associated to clumps of chromatin. Their apical cytoplasm is filled by a structure related to absorption. The whole remaining part of their cytoplasm is covered with a very extensive Golgi apparatus and a very well developed granular endoplasmic reticulum. The extremely enlarged cisternae of this reticulum were found to be very closely applied to the basal cell membrane. There is a flocculent material inside the cisternae. Similar material is observed in the extracellular medium under the basal membrane. The epithelium seems normal 10 h after the injection of hormone, but large light cells make up the majority of them.


Ependyma and supraependymal structures in some areas of the fourth ventricle in the rat. The ependyma was investigated in five areas of the rat ventricle system by means of both light and electron microscopy. The columnar, cuboidal and flattened types of the ependymal cells were mainly seen. All of them were seen in the fourth ventricle, while in the aqueductus cerebri and in the central canal the flattened type of the cell was lacking. An unusual variation as to the form of the ependymal cells was found on the roof of the fourth ventricle. Three groups of intraventricular structures were found in all investigated parts of the ventricle system: supraependymal globular structures containing irregularly arranged cristae, supraependymal protrusions appearing as homogeneous contents, and nerve profiles including nerve endings and nerve axons. The morphological characteristics of the ependyma and intraventricular profiles in the fourth ventricle allow to suppose a certain role of these structures in the exchange of various materials between the CSF, ependyma and neuropile.


Comparative study of Gartner's duct in the camel. Gartner's duct is fairly constant in the camel, especially in young animals. It contains fluid secretion, yellowish translucent and viscid in character. Secondary coagulation of the secretion occurs on standing, and so becomes gelatinous. The ducts were histologically studies and glandular acini were found opening in them. An explanation of the manner of formation of Gartner's duct cyst is suggested. Gartner's duct may be a functioning accessory gland of the female sexual apparatus in the camel.


Ultrastructure of the capsule of the rabbit adrenal gland. The capsule of the normal rabbit adrenal gland was examined with the electron microscope, and three layers are described. The outermost layer consists of collagen and elastic fibrillae, with cytoplasmic processes of fibroblasts in between. Myofibroblasts with parallel cytoplasmic filaments, dense bodies at the inner surface of the plasma membrane and an irregular nuclear outline were seen in the middle layer. The presence of unmyelinated nerves and an axon terminal near to the myofibroblasts of the middle layer raised the possibility of innervation of these cells which could have a contractile function. The basal lamina of the fenestrated capilaries in the inner vascular layer is occasionally fused with that of the outer zona glomerulosa, suggesting a probable route for blood supply and secretion.


Histology and mucosubstance histochemistry of mongoose salivary glands. The histology and mucosubstance histochemistry of the mongoose salivary glands were studied. Histologically, the mongoose salivary glands were generally similar to those in other carnivores (dog, cat and ferret). The mucosubstance histochemistry demonstrated considerable variations in the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands in comparison to the other carnivores. The partoid gland contained carboxylated mucin which was sialidase-resistant. Granules in a few cells also contained sulphated mucin. Both submandibular and sublingual glands contained mainly carboxylated sialomucin which was sialidase-labile except in a few cell, some neutral mucin but no sulphated mucin. The molar and zygomatic glands were similar to those in the other carnivores. They contained both sulphated and carboxylated mucins but no neutral mucin. The carboxylated mucin was sialidase-resistant.


[Energetic swelling and lysis of mitochondria]. B1 avitaminosis presents a typical example of energetic mitochondrial degeneration. The alterations--swelling and lysis of mitochondria--are accompanied by dilatation with formation of megamitochondria, by appearance of blebs and tearings of the mitochondrial membranes, by progressive fading of the matrix, by swelling of the mitochondrial membranes with lysis of the cristae advancing from centre towards periphery, by vacuolar transformation of the cell and by development of onionoid bodies (corpora cepiformia).


Spinal roots in Werdnig-Hoffmann disease. The spinal nerve roots were studied in two siblings with Werdnig-Hoffmann disease (WHD). An invasion by fibrous astrocytes was consistently seen along the atrophic ventral roots, more extensively in the older sibling. The parallel glial processes extended in discrete bundles and were always enclosed by a basal lamina. Loss of unmyelinated axons and probable glial extension along unmyelinated fibers were also seen. The astrocytic processes with abundant microtubules and prominent junctional devices resembled those of the subpial region, which appeared to have gained access into the ventral roots following axonal degeneration. The present observations suggest that such glial migration, although apparently unique in WHD, is a secondary phenomenon and fails to resolve the issue as to whether neuronal degeneration or an injury to the nerve roots is the primary event in this disorder.


Neurofibrillary tangles in experimental neurolathyrism in rats induced by imino-dipropionitrile (IDPN). 1. Fine structural changes in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. Anterior horns of the spinal cord from cervical and lumbar regions and dorsal root ganglia from these same levels were studied for ultrastructural changes in imino-dipropionitrile (IDPN) treated rats. Normal saline-injected rats, treated identically, served as controls for this study. In the spinal cord axonal balloons or dystrophic axons appeared in lightly myelinated or unmyelinated axons within 24 h after the third injection of IDPN. At this time hind leg paralysis had not yet developed. In addition to axonal changes, a few dendrites also showed neurofibrillary degeneration. Central chromatolytic changes were observed in most of the neurons, with evidence of generalized edema present within the cord. In the dorsal root ganglia axonal balloons were very prominent and showed neurofibrillary hypertrophy. Neurofibrillary material was also noted in the perikarya of medium-sized ganglion cells.


Cerebral tumors induced by transplacental ENU: study of the different tumoral stages, particularly of early proliferations. Experimental cerebral tumors have been induced by transplacental ENU. A systematic diachronic study of the brains has been performed starting from the 15th day of extrauterine life. The tumoral lesions firstly appear as "early stage proliferations" or oligodendroglial foci and develop as glial micro- and macrotumors or as isomorphic and polymorphic oligodendrogliomas respectively. Neurinomas appear later than glial tumors. The duration of the different lesions is sketched out. The usefulness of the model for chemotherapy studies is discussed.


[Contribution towards the study of the average visual-evoked response; non-gaussian character of spontaneous electroencephalographic activity; non-independence of noise and signal; possible non-stationary character of evoked response (author's transl)]. The succession of amplitudes constituting spontaneous electroencephalographic activity cannot be regarded as a strictly normal distribution. Spontaneous activity and the evoked response are not independent. The signal (evoked response)is, in some cases, non-stationary. The average visual-evoked response comprises several successive temporal fragments of which the stationary character varies. This variability of the average visual-evoked response argues in favour of the complexity of its genesis.


Early vascular changes in the spinal grey matter following impact injury. The ultrastructural changes of the microvasculature in the spinal grey matter were studied after impact injuries of varying severity in cats. Survival times ranged from 3 min to 6 h after injuries. The main vessels affected were capillaries and postcapillary venules. Perivascular haemorrhage and protein extravasation were present immediately after impact. Astrocytic foot processes could be swollen or shrunken and of increased electron density. The extra cellular space (ECS) was often distended with proteinaceous material. Some vessels showed an apparent increase in vesicles and small dense inclusions were seen in pericytes. By 20--30 min after impact, a number of vessels at greater impact energies showed degenerative changes in organelles and endothelial gaps. The lumina of these vessels often contained plasma, platelets, red cells and occasional neutrophils. Similar changes were seen between 3 and 6 h and at this stage neutrophils and some monocytes were present in the perivascular spaces and neuropil. Endothelial balloons and pericytic dense inclusions were also seen. It is suggested that initial events are mechanical, perhaps due to a rapid displacement of blood in venules followed by arterial hypertension (which commonly accompanies spinal cord impacts). Although initially many lumena are patent by 30 min there is a difference between the lesser and greater severities of impact.


Arachnoidea and subarachnoid spaces of the vault of the skull in man. This field is meagerly represented in the literature. The aim of this paper is to check in man the descriptions which for the most part were made in animals. Specimens were taken during the course of neurosurgical operations. Arachnoidea of the vault of the skull is situated beneath the subdural neurothelium previously described in man by the same authors. Its cells have epithelial features. Its extracellular spaces are more or less dilated and contain connective tissue fibers. Subarachnoid spaces appear as dilated perivascular spaces. Under the conditions in which human specimens were obtained, we cannot determine whether the cellular coverings of the deep surface of the arachnoidea are continuous. The adventitiae of the subarachnoid vessels contain an apparently continuous cellular sheath, which does not usually occur in other vessels. Arachnoid trabeculae are of uncommon occurrence. Their connective tissue fibers are isolated from the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid by an apparently continuous cellular covering.


Werdnig-Hoffmann disease: proposal of a pathogenetic mechanism. Light and electron microscopic study and morphometric analysis were performed on the spinal cords and roots from six cases of acute Werdnig-Hoffmann disease and four control cases, in search of the pathogenesis of the selective motor neuron changes considered primarily responsible for Werdnig-Hoffman disease. This investigation posits a centrifugal traction mechanism based upon the discovery of cylindrical outgrowths of glial bundles, selective loss of large myelinated fibers, and axonal degeneration in the proximal portion of anterior spinal roots (and to a lesser extent in posterior spinal roots) in all six disease cases. This traction mechanism exerts principally upon anterior spinal nerve roots and can account for morphologic and morphometric data characteristically ascribed to Werdnig-Hoffmann disease.


An ultrastructure study of cerebellar lesions induced in mice by three inoculations of avirulent Semliki forest virus. An ultrastructural study of cerebellar lesions involving axonal and myelin degeneration induced in adult Swiss A2G mice by 3 intraperitoneal inoculations of avirulent Semliki Forest virus is described. Cerebellar white matter samples examined by light and electron miscroscopy 21 days after the first virus infection revealed microcystic areas, degenerating axons, macrophages containing myelin debris as well as normal elements. By light microscopy foci of myelin loss were apparent. At 28 days groups of degenerating axons were apparent in the white matter. No virus was seen in any of the sections.