Role of monoamines in the control by hormones of sexual receptivity in the female rat. The involvement of indole- and catecholamines in the hormonal regulation of sexual receptivity has been investigated in ovariectomized female rats. Drugs that reduce 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, and adrenaline or increase noradrenaline neurotransmission tended to facilitate the occurrence of estrous behavior in estrogen-treated females, and drugs having opposite effects tended to inhibit receptivity induced by estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen decreased noradrenaline turnover in cortex and brain stem; progesterone enhanced this effect in brain stem but prevented it in cortex. Both hormones tended to block noradrenaline uptake in hypothalamus in vitro. In a schedule used to induce receptivity, estrogen accelerated serotonin turnover, an effect prevented by progesterone. Thus a number of monoamines may be involved in the control by hormones of estrous behavior. Furthermore, hormones affect both amine turnover and uptake mechanisms.


Role of illness in producing learned taste aversions in rats: a comparison of several rodenticides. Several toxic agents were compared in order to test the effect of various types of illness in producing learned taste aversions. After a 10-min sucrose drinking trial, groups of rats were injected intraperitoneally with lithium chloride or with a strong, near lethal dose of a rodenticide. Strong sucrose aversions were acquired by groups injected with lithium chloride, copper sulfate, sodium fluoroacetate, or red squill, and very weak or no aversions were learned by groups injected with thallium, warfarin cyanide, or strychnine. The results were discussed in terms of onset of symptoms, duration of symptoms, and kinds of physiological effects necessary to produce aversions. It was concluded that the effects of different drugs may be mediated by different physiological systems learned taste aversions.


Effects of olfactory bulb ablation and androgen on marking and agonistic behavior in male Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Male Mongolian gerbils, selected for high marking frequency, were paired with male opponents, and marking and fighting behavior were recorded. Animals then underwent castration, bilateral bulbectomy, unilateral bulbectomy, the combined operations, or a sham operation; and their behavior was again observed. All operated animals showed drastic reduction in both marking and aggressive encounters. Injections of testosterone propionate (TP) produced complete restoration of marking in castrates, but not in bilaterally or unilaterally bulbectomized animals or combined operates. The exhibition of aggression after injections of TP, however, was enhanced to supernormal levels in bulbectomized or bulbectomized-castrated animals. The results suggest the following: that removal of the olfactory bulbs may eliminate a critical neural input necessary for the normal expression of marking and agonistic; that although marking and fighting are influences by olfactory input and gonadal steroids, their regulatory mechanisms may not be identical; and that removal of the bulbs may sensitize a neural mechanism controlling aggression, thus potentiating its elicitation following administration of exogenous androgen.


Paper and whey as a feedstuff for ruminants. Eleven papers were compared for absorption of whey and for digestibility in vitro. Papers were squared, ground, and soaked in whey for 1, 5, and 15 min and for 1, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h. Digestibility in vitro was determined on minimum and maximum whey absorption of each squared and ground paper sample. Whey absorption by squared papers increased with time. Ground samples absorbed more whey than squared ones and maximum quantities were absorbed with 1 to 5 min. Mean percent absorptions for ground telephone book covers, glossy magazines, computer cards, computer printout sheets, daily newsprint, telephone directory yellow pages, cardboard box, feedsacks, brown bags, telephone directory white pages, and coasters were: 31.0, 35.2, 35.4, 36.5, 43.9, 47.9, 51.0, 51.4, 51.7, 55.6, and 67.4. For seven papers, addition of whey increased digestibility. Four papers were either unchanged or decreased in digestibility. This depression of digestibility may have resulted from the high fat content of whey used. Based on in vitro digestibilities, we conclude that it is possible to recycle selected paper/whey combinations through ruminants.


Milk and its role in the American diet.

Milk and its role in the American diet. A decline in milk consumption is postulated as a possible factor contributing to poor nutritional status. Certain common prejudices against milk may, rightly or wrongly, act as barriers to its consumption and, therefore, to its nutritional contributions. Beliefs such as "adults don't need milk;" "raw milk is better than pasteurized milk;" "nonwhite people shouldn't drink milk;" "saturated fat and cholesterol 'cause' heart disease;" "cows are ecologically unsound;" and "nutrition doesn't sell milk" can be counteracted in light of current scientific knowledge and information. It is reaffirmed that milk, in moderation, is a desirable inclusion in most people's diets.


Epidermal cell production rates.

Epidermal cell production rates. Labeling and mitotic index data and estimates for the length of the S and M phases of the cell cycle from the literature have been compared with new data obtained over a 24-hr period from various epidermal sites in mouse. It has been found that values obtained at a single time of the day may give misleading results. All data have been interpreted in terms of cell production rates per epidermal proliferative unit (EPU). The final conclusions after consideration of cell production rates, labeling and mitotic indices, epidermal transit times, and epidermal structure are that dorsal and ear skin have rather similar cell production rates while tail and foot rates are 4 to 7 times higher. A comparison has also been made between the mouse results and the available human data. Hairless mouse dorsum appears from structural and proliferative aspects to be the best model for some regions of human skin. A new model has been proposed for epidermal proliferation based on the EPU. The model suggests a role for the Langerhans cells and suggests that there is a program of sequential cellular maturity in the EPU originating at the level of a central basal stem cell through committed proliferative cells and ending with cell loss from the skin surface.


The lymphokine eosinophil stimulation promoter and human schistosomiasis mansoni. An in vitro assay for the new lymphokine eosinophil stimulation promoter has been adapted for use with human material. Peripheral eosinophils from patients with schistosomiasis mansoni were specifically induced to migrate on incubation with egg antigen. Furthermore, the peripheral lymphocytes of these patients on incubation with the egg antigen secreted the lymphokine eosinophil stimulation promoter, which enhanced the migration of purified eosinophils from patients with or without schistosomiasis. The test can be easily performed with human target cells and may be helpful for diagnostic or investigative purposes.


The utriculo-endolymphatic valve: its functional significance. A study was made of the anatomical structure and functional significance of the ultriculo-endolymphatic (UE) valve in man. The material consists of 170 human temporal bones of which 75 were chosen to show normal structure through nine decades of life, 29 with endolymphatic hydrops, 22 with developmental defects and 44 with pertinent staining characteristics of the endolymphatic fluid. The studies show that the UE valve is ideally suited to preserve the humoral and anatomical features of the pars superior (utricle and canals) from the developmental, disease, and traumatic susceptibilities of the pars inferior (cochlear duct and saccule). Its function probably is to permit the occasional egress of excessive accumulation of endolymph to be processed in the endolymphatic sac and to accomplish this while preserving the normal endolymph volume and membrane anatomy of the utricle and canals.


Relationship between the endocrine environment within the Graafian follicle and the subsequent rate of progesterone secretion by human granulosa cells in vitro. The steroidogenic potential of granulosa cells harvested from human Graafian follicles containing varying concentrations of pituitary and steroid hormones was examined. The mitotic activity and production of progesterone by granulosa cells in vitro was found to be correlated with their hormonal environment at the time of harvesting. Only cells from follicles containing some FSH and high concentrations of oestradiol underwent spontaneous mitosis in vitro. However, mitosis could be induced by adding FSH and high concentrations of oestradiol to the culture, provided that the concentration of LH was low. Cells harvested from follicles containing LH, FSH and high concentrations of oestradiol secreted significantly more progesterone than cells from follicles which did not contain all three hormones. It is suggested that after the initiation of follicular development by FSH, a long period of exposure (8-10 Days) to both FSH and oestradiol is necessary before the maximum biosynthetic capacity of granulosa cells is achieved; this synthetic potential is then only realized under the influence of LH and prolactin. Premature exposure to LH inhibits both the mitotic activity and the steroidogenic potential of these cells.


The effects of hypophysectomy and of bovine growth hormone on the responses to testosterone of prostate, preputial, Harderian and lachrymal glands and of brown adipose tissue in the rat. The relative responses to testosterone of the prostate, preputial, Harderian, and lachrymal glands, the seminal vesicles and the brown adipose tissue, have been compared in litter-mate, castrated and hypophysectomized-castrated rats, with or without treatment with bovine GH. The responses of both prostate and preputial glands, though not the seminal vesicles, were reduced by hypophysectomy, and restored by GH. Growth hormone had some independent action on the preputial glands, but most of its effect was synergistic with testosterone. The respinse of brown adipose tissue to testosterone was similarly reduced by hypophysectomy, but was not restored by the GH. The weights of the Harderian and lachrymal glands were not affected by castration, but they were considerably reduced by hypophysectomy. Growth hormone had a slight restorative effect on the Harderian glands, but none on the lachrymal glands.


Effects of hypothalamic deafferentation on basal and stress-induced adrenocortical acitivity in the pigeon. Partial and complete deafferentation of the hypothalamus of the pigeon was performed using a modified Halasz-Pupp microknife. After complete neural isolation the plasma corticosterone level stabilized at a point intermediate between the morning and evening levels found in intact pigeons. No diurnal rhythm was observed and the response to neurogenic stimulus (restraint) was suppressed. Ether stress, however, induced a rise in plasma corticosterone. Posterior deafferentation had no effect on the diurnal corticosterone rhythm but did block the rise normally found after restraint. Anterior deafferentation did not suppress the stress-induced response but provided the cuts were large enough they inhibited the diurnal corticosterone rhythm. It is suggested therefore that the neural afferents to the hypothalamus which are necessary for diurnal fluctuations in pituitary-adrenal function pass through a sector located anteriorly between 45 degrees and 60 degrees on either side of the mod-line while stress-induced adrenocortical activation is triggered through posterior connexions.


Plasma progesterone levels in guinea-pigs actively immunized against prostaglandin F2alpha, hysterectomized or treated with intra-uterine indomethacin. Five guinea-pigs actively immunized against a prostaglandin F2alpha(PGF2alpha)-bovine serum albumin conjugate showed elongated oestrous cycles. During these, corpora lutea were maintained in a functional secretory state as indicated by plasma progesterone levels. The results are compatible with the view that the PGF2alpha antibodies neutralized the PGF2alpha released from the uterus and thus prevented its normal luteolytic effect. Similar patterns of progesterone secretion were observed in two hysterectomized animals and in two animals with intra-uterine implants of indomethacin.


Induction of triploidy in the mouse by cytochalasin B. Mouse eggs fertilized in vivo were treated with cytochalasin B in vitro (5 mug/ml of culture medium) at the moment of extrusion of the second polar body (2-5, 3-0, 3-5 h after copulation). Cytochalasin B inhibits cytokinesis of the second maturation division, so that triploid digynic eggs are formed in over 50% of treated eggs. Triploid eggs were transplanted to the oviducts of recipients. On the 4th and 5th day of development 41-7% of transplanted eggs were recovered. All embryos recovered on the 4th day were morulae, while on the 5th day blastocysts predominated. Recovered embryos were studied for cell number and ploidy. Twenty-three of 27 embryos with analysable metaphase plates were triploid and four were diploid (the latter were found in females into which both triploid and control diploid eggs were transplanted). Sex chromosome constitution was determined in seven cases: four triploids were XXY and three were XXX. Preliminary observations showed that triploid embryos obtained by the use of cytochalasin B can implant and survive at least to the 9th day.


The hormonal control and morphology of blastocyst invasion in the mouse uterus. When mature and immature uteri from ovariectomized mice were cultured in chemically defined media, blastocyst invasion occurred in the presence of progesterone but not in media containing only oestradiol. The invaded stromal tissue did not decidualize unless the uteri were taken from mice pretreated with progesterone and oestradiol. Fibrillar material was, however, concentrated in the stromal tissue adjacent to the invasive trophoblast. Neither progesterone nor oestradiol, had any ultrastructural effect on the endometrium of cultured uteri from ovariectomized mice, other than closure of uterine lumina in the presence of progesterone. Embryogenesis became abnormal, probably owing to the failure of formation of a suitable implantation chamber.


The ultrastructure of the polar lobe of Crepidula fornicata (Gastropoda, Prosobranchia). Some novel structural features of the polar lobe of the egg of Crepidula are described. The significance of two kinds of aggregate is discussed in relation to the morphogenetic factors present in polar lobes generally. Surface configurations of the polar lobe are also described.


Effects of bromodeoxyuridine, cytosine arabinoside and Colcemid upon in vitro development of mouse blastocysts. Mouse blastocysts in culture have been treated with increasing concentrations of cytosine arabinoside, bromodeoxyuridine or Colcemid. Concentrations of all three antimetabolites have been found which interfere with neither hatching of the blastocysts from their zona pellucidae nor subsequent attachment of the blastocysts to the culture dish, but which eventually result in death of the inner cell mass (ICM) and its derivatives. The effect upon the ICM is selective at these antimetabolite concentrations since many or, in some cases, all trophoblast cells continue to survive, and by a number of criteria, undergo normal patterns of differentiation and development.


A new in vitro system for studying secondary palate development. An in vitro system was devised which supports palate development in partially dissected embryonic mouse heads. The heads were suspended in the culture chamber so that they were not held in a fixed orientation and were constantly surrounded with a fluid medium. Under these circumstances the developing palate must effect closure without the aid of gravitational forces. The culture medium was constantly circulated, gassed with 95% O2, 5% CO2 using hollow fiber gas permeation devices, and kept at 34 degrees C. Swiss-Webster mouse embryos of 12 days 12-18 h (ca. 48 h prior to expected in vivo closure) or 13 days 8-14 h (ca. 24 h prior to closure) were used to test the ability of the system to support palatal development. Embryonic heads were dissected in one of two ways before culture: brain and tongue removed, or brain, tongue and mandible removed. After 24 h in culture, preparations of either age with only the brain and tongue removed had made substantially greater progress than their counterparts with the brain, tongue and mandible removed. With only the brain and tongue removed, the palatal shelves were contacting, adhered or fused in 67% of the older embryos of the same age cultured with the brain, tongue and mandible removed had shelves that were not fully elevated and still separated by a moderate gap. Thus for maximal progress in the present system, the oral cavity must be intact except for the tongue.


Cellular kinetics of the intestinal immune response to cholera toxoid in rats. The aims of this study were (a) to find a regime of immunization with cholera toxoid in rats which would establish a high density of antitoxin containing cells (ACC) in the lamina propria of the intestine and (b) to determine the origin of the ACC. The best cellular response was achieved by a single i.p. dose of toxoid in FCA followed by an intraintestinal boost 2 wk later. ACC appeared in the thoracic duct lymph 2 days after boosting, reaching a peak of about 200,000 ACC/h at 3--4 days. This was followed by the appearance of large numbers of ACC in the intestine. The i.p. dose of toxoid by itself gave rise to very few ACC in the gut or thoracic duct lymph, but it had clearly primed the gut immune system for a secondary response. Priming was also achieved by the prolonged oral intake of toxoid. The importance of the intestinal route for boosting was shown by the failure of i.p. challenge to give an ACC response in the intestine after i.p. priming and the small response it provoked after oral priming. ACC among thoracic duct lymphocytes (TDL) and in the lamina propria contained predominantly IgA. Two observations indicated that the major source of the lamina propria ACC was from cells that emerged in the thoracic duct lymph after intraintestinal challenge. Firstly, the establishment of a thoracic duct fistula immediately before challenge prevented the appearance of ACC in the intestine. Secondly, many ACC appeared in the intestine of normal rats after the injection of TDL rich in ACC. Although homing of ACC precursors to the gut was not antigen-dependent, the distribution of ACC in the lamina propria was considerably influenced by the site of the intestinal challenge, the density of ACC being greatest at or distal to the site of injection of toxoid into the lumen of the gut.


Adrenocortical function: corticosterone levels in female BALB/c and C3H mice under various conditions. A diurnal rhythmicity in plasma corticosterone levels was demonstrated in female BALB/cCrgl and C3H/Crgl mice, with and without mammary tumor virus. Removal of the adrenals followed by metopirone treatment reduced circulating corticoid to non-detectable levels in C3H but not in BALB/c mice. Dexamethasone strains. Neonatal exposure to exogenous hormones failed to cause any obvious change in corticoid levels. Bilateral ovariectomy of these neonatally treated mice at 40 days of age resulted in a subsequent lowering of plasma corticoid levels when compared with intact animals.


Electrophoretic studies of Australasian, North American and European isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and related species. Forty-seven isolates of Sclerotinia species, collected from a variety of crops growing in Australia, New Zealand, North America and Europe, have been classified into three distinct groups on the electrophoretic patterns for soluble proteins, arylesterase, acid phosphatase, tetrazolium oxidase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (NADP-linked) and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate dehydrogenase. There were only small intra-group differences. The electrophoretic patterns of an isolate of Whetzelinia (= Sclerotinia) tuberosa were characteristically different from those of the other isolates. These results support the findings from previous studies when ontogenetic, electrophoretic and mycelial-interaction criteria were used to group a smaller number of isolates from New South Wales, Australia. It is concluded that S. sclerotiorum, S. trifoliorum and S. minor are three distinct species.


The culture of previously dissociated embryonic chick spinal cord cells on feeder layers of liver and kidney, and the development of paraformaldehyde induced fluorescence upon the former. Spinal cord cells from embryonic chicks were cultured upon liver and kidney feeder layers of similar species origin. Successful cultures were obtained with inocula of cord cells containing as few as 15 000 cells ml(-1), whereas without feeder layers at least 200 000 ml(-1) are ordinarily required. Upon liver, many neurons and processes became intensely fluorescent, a property seldom shared by those grown upon kidney. Many processes upon liver contained large numbers of dense-cored vesicles, significantly larger and more numerous than in those grown upon kidney. We conclude that association with liver feeder layers has the consequence of producing in cord cells fluorescence and ultrastructural characteristics appropriate to catecholamine content, through a mechanism as yet unknown.


Role of coprophagy in masking dietary deficiencies of cystine in the rat. When a diet containing raw soybean was fed to rats, there was an increase in the synthesis of pancreatic protein, presumably exocrine protein, as evidenced by an increased uptake of [35S]cystine. There was also an increased transsulfuration of methionine sulfur as indicated by labeled sulfur transformation from methionine to cystine. This same pattern of events was produced in rats receiving a casein-containing diet when 50 mg of crystalline trypsin inhibitor was administered by gavage. However, if coprophagy was prevented, the increased uptake of [35S]cystine and [35S]methionine transsulfuration under both dietary conditions was blocked. It was found that prevention of coprophagy was without effect upon these two processes if supplementary dietary cystine was provided or if a dietary protein source with adequate cystine, i.e., heat-treated soybean, was provided. It was concluded that by practicing coprophagy, sufficient fecal cystine was being returned to the upper intestinal tract to permit some synthesis of pancreatic exocrine protein and with this stimulation of synthesis, transulfuration could proceed. This assumes that the biosynthesis of cystine is dependent upon the availability of sufficient cystine to permit active protein synthesis. In another situation where cystine requirement is high, namely, the rapidly growing rat, a limited amount of cystine was fed by providing a 12% casein diet. Either supplementary cystine or methionine was provided and it was found that both amino acids gave optimal growth in conventional rats, but when coprophagy was prevented, optimal growth was achieved only with the cystine-supplemented diet.


Stomach and upper intestine of the rat in the regulation of food intake. The role of the upper intestine in the regulation of food intake and gastric emptying has been studied in normal, gastrectomized, and "crossover" rats, parabiotic rats with a common visceral cavity in which the proximal duodenum of each parabiont is anastomosed to the pylorus of the stomach of the partner. One rat of "crossover" pairs eats and the partner eats little or nothing. Normal rats fed a raw soybean (RS) diet ate less and gastric evacuation proceeded more slowly than in normal rats fed a heated soybean (HS) diet. It is postulated that RS contains a heat-labile intestinal irritant. The upper intestine of gastrectomized rats regulates food intake and prevents overloading of the intestine. Force feeding of excessive amounts of the RS diet elicited the secretion of much more solids and nitrogen into the upper intestine than did similar amounts of the HS diet. The upper intestines of "crossover" rats lose all control over entry of gastric contents into their duodena. Fed ad libitum, the parabiont whose stomach emptied first, ate continuously, while the recipient partner showed diarrhea. It is postulated that the control of food intake traditionally assigned to the stomach resides, rather, in the upper intestine.


Inflammatory damage to ducts in mammary dysplasia: a cause of duct obliteration. Study of 600 cases of benign mammary dysplasia showed periductal foam-cell infiltration in 62 cases. Fibrotic obliteration of ducts was found in 24-2 per cent. of the lesions with foam-cell infiltrates. By contrast, lesions of benign mammary dysplasia lacking periductal foam-cell infiltration showed a significantly lower proportion of ductal obliteration (3-3 per cent). The differences between the proportions of lesions containing obliterated ducts was most marked in younger subjects before the age of 50 yr; thereafter the differences became very much less. On the basis of the morphological observations it is suggested that periductal mastitis with significant foam-cell infiltration may damage the ducts. Some ducts appear to become occluded by collagenous plugs, whereas others show evidence of epithelial regeneration, recanalisation and healing. These findings suggest that periductal mastitis with prominent foam-cell infiltration may be the cause of one type of fibrotic duct obliteration.


Influence of excess vitamin E on vitamin A toxicity in rats. Male Holtzman rats (78 g) were fed semipurified 16% protein diets for 8 weeks using a food grade soy protein concentrate as the protein source. The basal diet (A) contained added DL-methionine (0.26%) and adequate amounts of vitamins A (14,535 IU/kg as retinyl acetate) and E (60 IU/kg as DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) and all other required nutrients. Experimental diets included: (B) basal plus 600 IU of vitamin E/kg; (C) basal plus 6,000 IU of vitamin E/kg; (D) basal plus 2.9 X 10(6) IU of vitamin A/kg; (E) basal plus 2.9 X 10(6) IU of vitamin A plus 600 IU of vitamin E/kg; and (F) basal plus 2.9 X 10(6) IU of vitamin A plus 6,000 IU of vitamin E/kg. Both vitamin A and vitamin E had a significant (P less than 0.05) effect on growth. There was an increase in growth with vitamin E intake and a decrease in growth with vitamin A intake. The net result of these two effects was that the groups fed both vitamins tended to be quite close in mean values to the group fed only the basal diet. Vitamin A significantly (P less than 0.05) increased relative weights of spleen and testes; vitamin E reduced that effect. Vitamin E also significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced relative adrenal weight whereas vitamin A significantly increased it. The two effects tend to cancel each other in the sense that the group fed both vitamins had an average relative adrenal weight quite close to that of the group fed only the basal diet. However, vitamin A still had an effect even when 6,000 IU of vitamin E was fed. The interaction effect of the two vitamins was significant (P less than 0.05) for plasma total protein and liver vitamin A. There was an increase in liver vitamin A with increasing levels of vitamin E in the diet. Blood urea nitrogen and plasma cholesterol were unchanged. A significant interaction of vitamins A and E was found to effect plasma total protein, liver vitamin A, and relative weight of spleen and testes.


Central sites of naloxone-precipitated shaking in the anesthetized, morphine-dependent rat. Naloxone hydrochloride, an opiate antagonist, administered via the intracranial or parenteral route precipitates shaking behavior in the morphine-dependent rat. We made localized bilateral injections of naloxone HCl, 1.5 mug/rat, into 60 subcortical sites of the pentobarbital-anesthetized, morphine-dependent rat and found that two circumscribed areas of the brain, the medial hypothalamus and the periaqueductal-4th ventricular spaces, were selectively sensitive to naloxone-precipitated shaking. In the nondependent rat, morphine injections into the anterior diencephalon inhibited the shaking response to ice water; injections of morphine into the medial diencephalon were less effective. However, naloxone antagonized the morphine-inhibited shaking more effectively when injections of naloxone were made in the medial diencephalon than when injections were made in the anterior diencephalon. These results suggest that the reciprocal relationship of morphine and morphine-naloxone effects on shaking behavior may be regulated by topographically different structures in the diencephalon.


[The effect of asphyxia on the electrical and mechanical activities of the rat hindlimb muscles (author's transl)]. After asphyxia by clamping external iliac artery, the changes of electrical and mechanical activities of M. extensor digitorum longus and soleus were followed up. Although the action potential amplitude was decreased monotonously, a transient increase in twitch tension appeared, one or two minutes after start of asphyxia, which was seen more frequently and more remarkable in extensor than soleus. This was attributed to the different metabolic process of components contained in the muscle and also to their different population in two kinds of muscle fibres. It was suggested from the previous results obtained by us that the decrease of action potential amplitude, at least in the early period of asphyxia, was not due to membrane depolarization but to conformational change of Na-channel by anoxia.


[Effects of transections and electrical coagulations in the medulla oblongata upon the activities in the respiratory muscles of the crucian carp (author's transl)]. The following conclusions may be drawn from the results in this work. The respiratory cycles are formed by the neuronal machinery in the reticular formation under the posterior part of the vagal motor nucleus. The motor neurones or the neuronal networks composing the motor nucleus of the respiratory muscles tonically discharge the action potentials, when the neurones or the networks are released from the inhibitory influences of the interneurones connecting the neuronal machinery to the motor neurones. Furthermore, the interneurones probably generate the tonic discharges after removing the inhibitory influences of the other interneurones or the neuronal machinery on them. A reflex mouth closing is elicited by a mechanical stimulus applying on the upper lip. The motor neurones of the m. adductor mandibulae are activated via only one synapse in the reflex. The reflex action potentials recorded from the motor nerve reduce in amplitude at the resting phase of the nerve in the respiratory cycles. These results suggest that the respiratory motor neurones are by nature spontaneous generators of the tonic action potentials and, in the time of the normal breathing, the tonic activity is interrupted by an inhibitory influence of the neuronal machinery generating the respiratory cycles.


[Ultrastructure of the genus Enteromonas da Fonseca (Zoomastigophorea) and revision of the order of Diplomonadida Wenyon]. Fine structure of 2 species of Enteromonas, one from the intestine of the salamander, Triturus vulgairs, and another from the feces of domestic rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculi, is described. The pyriform cell has an anteriorly located nucleus. The 4 flagella originate from an area near the anterior end of the nucleus. The recurrent flagellum (R) is lodged in a ventral depression or cytostome. The kinetosomes, arranged into 2 pairs, anterior (no. 1, no. 2) and posterior ("3, R), are interconnected by microfibrils. One microtubular fiber, connected to kinetosome "1, is situated near the anterior surface of the nucleus. Another, subnuclear, microtubular fiber is homologous to the "crossed" fiber found in Diplozoa. The cytostome is bordered by 2 lips: the preeminent left lip is equipped with several rows of microtubules, while the right lip contains only a thin microtubular fiber associated with microfibrils. The cytostome occupies 2/3 of the ventral surface. The recurrent flagellum passos over the anterior surface of the cell and then comes to lie in the cytostome. The bacteria are phagocytosed in the bottom part of the cytostome between the 2 distended lips. They are digested in numerous vacuoles. The undigested residual bodies are evacuated by a rupture of the cell membrane. The ergastoplasm is concentrated near the cell periphery. Mitochondria and the Golgi apparatus are absent. In the cyst stage, the multinucleate cell is enclosed in a microfibrillar membrane; the axonemes lie free in the cytoplasm. Diplomonad forms of Enteromonas resembling Hexamita are numerous, except that the cytostome is different in these 2 genera. In such forms, the arrangement of the 2 individuals often has binary axial symmetry, but on occasion they are associated in a more anarchic fashion. The mastigont of Enteromonas is organized like that of a single zooid of a diplozoon. It is possible that the genus Enteromonas is ancestral to Diplomonadida and that the diplomonad state, transitory in Enteromonas, became permanently established in Diplomonadida. Enteromonas appears to be more primitive than the other genera of Diplomonadida. Thus we propose 2 suborders: Enteromonadina, subord. nov. with the genus Enteromonas, and Diplomonadina Wenyon, emend., with the genera Trepomonas, Trigonomonas, Hexamita, Spironucleus, Octomitus, Giardia. The arrangement of the kinetosomes and the existence of a cytostome are the principal characters common to Enteromonas and Retortamonadida, while their "accessory" fibers are not homologous. A more complete study of division of the 2 zooflagellate orders is necessary for the presentation of a more detailed evolutionary scheme of these groups.


Post-partum oestrus in the sow in relation to the concentration of plasma oestrogens. Ten sows, three entire and seven which had been ovariectomized at different stages of late gestation, were observed for post-partum oestrus. Serial blood samples were collected from six sows during the pre-and post-partum periods, and plasma oestrogen concentrations determined by radioimmunoassay. Morphological aspects of ovarian activity in the entire sows were examined at laparotomy and at autopsy. Although peak values of oestrogen concentration in the plasma varied from 3-9 to 8-0 ng/ml between individuals, the pattern of oestrogen levels was similar for control and ovariectomized sows. Peak concentrations occurred just before parturition, and the timing of ovariectomy did not affect the incidence of the oestrogen peak. Oestrus was detected in one control and one ovariectomized sow at 46 and 40 hr post partum respectively, there being no evidence of ovarian activity in the entire sows. The occurrence of post-partum oestrus in a sow ovariectomized at Day 108 of gestation indicates that this phenomenon is not directly connected with ovarian secretion of oestrogens. The post-partum oestrus is apparently a result of the peak of feto-placental oestrogens that occurs at parturition.


Micro-organisms and the appearance of leucocytes in the vaginal wall of cyclic female rats at metoestrus. The present study was undertaken to examine whether leucocytic infiltration of the vagina of the rat at metoestrus is dependent on its contamination by micro-organisms. Observations were made on vaginal tissue that had been transplanted under the kidney capsule in cyclic rats, taking care to avoid infection during the transplantation procedure. In such grafts, changes occurred that were associated with ovulation and formation of the CL, but leucocytosis was never obtained at metoestrus. Cyclic changes were observed in the cell patterns of the vaginal smears of germ-free rats, and could be correled exactly with the ovarian cycle. No leucocytes were present at metoestrus. Many micro-orgainisms were present in the vagina at pro-oestrus and oestrus in normal cyclic females, but not at metoestrus and dioestrus. It is concluded that the occurrence of leucocytosis in the vagina at metoestrus in normal cyclic female rats depends on the presence of micro-oranisms.


Ultrastructural studies of the rabbit placenta in the last third of gestation. Placental attachment and the ultrastructure of the decidua and placental labyrinth have been studied in rabbits during the final third of gestation. The placenta became progressively easier to separate from the uterine wall as gestation proceeded. This ease of separation was associated with degenerative changes in the decidual tissue, but disruption of the placental labyrinth was not observed until the last 24 hr of pregnancy. Two types of decidual cells were observed; smaller uninucleate glycogen-containing cells and larger multinucleate cells with lipid inclusions. The ageing placentae exhibited increasing decidual degeneration associated with deposition of extracellular fibrous materials. Glycogen became less widely distributed over the period of study and changed from the beta- to the alpha-configuration. In contrast to the observed disruption of the decidual tissue, the placental labyrinth maintained its integrity until the final stages of pregnancy. A dramatic increase in subcellular activity was observed in the syncytiotrophoblast after 28 days of gestation.


Factors affecting serum creatine phosphokinase activity in pigs. Serum creatine phosphokinase activity was determined in German Landrace and Landrace x Large White pigs from 11 weeks to 28 weeks of age. A very pronounced age dependence of enzyme activity was observed in both groups, peak activities occurring at 19 weeks of age for the German Landrace and at 15 weeks for the crosses. The large increase in serum creatine phosphokinase activity observed occurred during the rapid phase of growth after which enzyme levels returned close to initial values. Sedatives and the stress of handling while obtaining blood can also cause raised serum creatine phosphokinase levels and complicate the interpretation of the data in regard to the detection of the stress syndrome. Enzyme activity also displayed a diurnal variation thus introducing a further parameter in the use of creatine phosphokinase activity for detection of the stress syndrome. Certain limitations in the method of measurement of creatine phosphokinase are discussed.


Cat bite transmission of Yersinia pestis infection to man. The transmission of bubonic plague from the kitten of a domestic cat to a man by means of a bite on a finger is described. The human case was complicated by the development of a secondary meningitis, followed, after specific therapy, by protracted recovery. The kitten showed swollen lymph nodes of the head and neck, frothing at the mouth and nostrils, and signs of an acute infectious disease which had a fatal termination. Yersinia pestis was isolated on about the 8th day from the cerebrospinal fluid of the man. The foster mother of the kitten exhibited signs of spinal and cerebral meningitis but recovered following treatment; her serum contained plague antibody levels of 1:512 and 1:1024 on the 22nd and 34th days respectively after the first evidence of illness. Three litter mates of the kitten also died. The outbreak occurred on a farm in the Graaff-Reinet district of the eastern Cape Province, which is situated about 160 km from the nearest known natural plague focus.


Cholinergic effects of molecular segments of apomorphine and dopaminergic effects of N,N-dialkylated dopamines. The hydrochlorides of molecular segments of apomorphine [2-(3',4'-dihydroxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, 2-(3'4'-dihydroxybenzyl)piperidine, and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline with their respective N-methyl and N-n-propyl homologs] and N,N-dialkylated dopamine compounds were synthesized and studied for (1) LD50 in intact mice; (2) stereotypy in intact mice; (3) curving of the body in unilaterally caudectomized mice; (4) rotation in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats, and (5) activation of adenylate cyclase in homogenates of mouse caudate nuclei. Instead of dopaminergic effects 1-(3',4'-dihydroxybenzyl)-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and 2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline showed cholinergic ones. These effects were blocked in atropine-pretreated animals. Of the N,N-dialkylated dopamine compounds synthesized, the N-n-propyl-N-n-butyldopamine ranked in all tests as the strongest dopamine-receptor agonist and N-methyl-N-n-propyldopamine as the weakest. In contrast, N,N-dimethyldopamine and 1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenylethyl)piperidine showed no dopaminergic effects. The effectiveness of the dopaminergic agonists depended on the length of the N-alkyl substituents suggesting interactions with hydrophobic regions of the receptor site.


Novel phosphate anthelmintics. 3. Alkyl and aryl 1-methyleneallyl phosphates, phosphonates, and phosphinates. A series of new highly chlorinated 1-methyleneallyl ("butadienyl") dialkyl phosphates and related phosphonates and phosphinates has been synthesized and assessed for anthelmintic activity in mice against the tapeworm Hymenolepis nana and the pinworm Syphacia obvelata. Highest activity was observed with diethyl 2,3,3-trichloro-1-dichloromethyleneallyl ("perchlorobutadienyl") phosphate (14), while replacement of both ethoxy groups by methoxy and larger alkoxy or phenyl groups gave less efficacious compounds. In general, chlorine depletion of the 1,3-butadien-2-yl moiety or saturation of one double bond reduced anthelmintic responses.


D-glucose permeability of black lipid membranes modified by human erythrocyte membrane fractions. The D-glucose permeabilities of bimolecular lipid membranes formed from egg lecithin, cholesterol and human erythrocyte membrane fractions obtained using several fractionation procedures have been measured in order to assess their monosaccharide transport activity. The electrical properties of the bilayers containing the membrane fractions have also been measured and the bilayer thicknesses calculated. The observed D-glucose permeability coefficients are several orders of magnitude lower than that of the human erythrocyte membrane, indicating that none of the membrane fractions possessed significant glucose carrier activity. It is concluded that more refined techniques for incorporating membrane fractions into BLMs will be necessary before the monosaccharide transport system can be simulated in vitro.


Direct measurement of the membrane potential of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells: lack of effect of valinomycin and ouabain. The membrane potential of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells and the effects of valinomycin and ouabain upon it have been determined. The membrane potential in control cells was 12.0 mV, inside negative. Neither valinomycin nor ouabain alone affected this value. However, valinomycin and ouabain in combination resulted in a slight hyperpolarization of the membrane. Concomitant determinations of cellular Na+, K+ and Cl- showed that valinomycin induced net losses of K+ and Cl- and a net gain in Na+ when compared to ouabain-inhibited cells. K+ permeability was increased by approximately 30% in the presence of valinomycin. In addition, valinomycin caused a rapid depletion of cellular ATP. Inhibition of Na/K transport by ouabain was without sparing effect on the rate of ATP depletion. Possible mechanisms for the electroneutral increase in K+ permeability induced by valinomycin are discussed.


Dinoflagellate ribosomal RNA; an evolutionary relic? The apparent molecular weights of the rRNA subunits of the dinoflagellate Peridinium cinctum fa. westii were determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to obtain an indication of its evolutionary status. The apparent molecular weights of the Peridinium light and heavy rRNA subunits were 0.7 and 1.23 X 10(6) respectively. The light rRNA is therefore typically eukaryotic but the heavy rRNA has a significantly lower MW than previously reported for higher eukaryotes which range from 1.3 to 1.75 X 10(6) depending on their evolutionary position. Thus by this criterion Peridinium is similar to red algae and may represent a eukaryotic stage, lower than fungi or green plants.


Bacteriophage T4 baseplate components. I. Binding and location of the folic acid. Two different proteins with high affinities for the pteridine ring of folic acid have been used to determine the location of this portion of the folate molecule in the tail plate of T4D and other T-even bacteriophage particles. The two proteins used were (i) antibody specific for folic acid and (ii) the folate-binding protein from bovine milk. Both proteins were examined for their effect on various intact and incomplete phage particles. Intact T2H was weakly inactivated by the antiserum but not by the milk protein. No other intact T-even phage, including T4D, was affected by these two proteins. When incomplete T4D particles were exposed in an in vitro morphogenesis system, it was found that neither of the two proteins affected either the addition of the long tail fibers to fiberless particles or the addition of tail cores to tail plates. On the other hand, these two proteins specifically blocked the addition of T4D gene 11 product to the bottom of T4D baseplates. After the addition of the gene 11 protein, these two reagents did not inhibit the further addition of the gene 12 protein to the baseplate. It can be concluded that the phage folic acid is a tightly bound baseplate constituent and that the pteridine portion of the folic acid is largely covered by the gene 11 protein.


[Observations on the gastrointestinal movements of the tortoise (Geoclemys reevesii) by means of the abdominal-window-technique]. In the tortoise the gastrointestinal movements were observed utilizing the abdominal-window-technique. The results obtained were summarized as follows: (1) So far as the intestine was exposed to the atmosphere both in vivo and in vitro, the intestine was motionless in most cases. On the other hand, the abdominal-window-technique proved to be very useful to observe the gastrointestinal movements. (2) The operation was carried out under the aseptic precaution as follows: First the back of the animal was removed at its left side to make a retangular window of 8 X 1.5-4 cm, then ovaries and fallopian tubes on the left side were removed and lastly the window thus formed was covered with a 0.2 mm thick, transparent vinyl-plate, being sutured at its border to the back. In addition, the border of the window plate was firmly sticked to the back by means of adhesives, Aron Alpha A and Araldite. (3) a. In the region of the stomach situated just anal to the cardia contractions (stomach peristalses) recurrently started with a time interval of 21 to 32 sec, sweeping down the wall of the stomach with a velocity of 0.5 to 0.9 mm/sec, until they came to an end at the pylorus. b. In the small intestine, there recurrently occurred contraction waves with a time interval of about 45 seconds, traveling analwards with a velocity of about 0.3 mm/sec. c. In the large intestine, there were observed two kinds of movements, i.e., antiperistalses as well as mass peristalses. In the former contraction waves recurrently started at the anal end (coprodaeum) of the large intestine with a time interval of 18 to 25 sec, propagating oralwards with a velocity of about 1 min/sec, until they waned rapidly to disappear after propagating only a short distance (about 2 to 3 cm). In the latter powerful contractions occasionally started at the uppermost part of the large intestine to propagate analwards at first slowly with a velocity of about 0.15 mm/sec, and then rapidly with a velocity of about 0.5 mm/sec, until they arrived at the proctodaeum to expel a fecal mass 7 to 8 mm thick and 15 mm long.


[Effects of various agents and transmural electric stimulation on the motility of isolated bile duct of the dolphin (Stenella caeruleoalbus) (author's transl)]. The isolated bile duct preparations, which contain the duodenal circular muscle, and the proper bile duct muscle preparations in the dolphin (Stenella caeruleoalbus) were used and their longitudinal motilities were recorded by means of strain gauge transducer. 1. Raising the intraluminal pressure produced the augmentation of the motility of the bile duct preparation. 2. Acetylcholine and carbamylcholine caused the increase of the motility of the bile duct preparations. After atropinization the excitatory response was completely abolished. 3. Adrenaline caused the inhibitory response more predominantly than the excitatory one in the bile duct preparations, while in the proper bile duct muscle preparations it induced the excitatory response more predominantly than the inhibitory one. Phenylephrine produced mainly the excitatory effect in both preparations, while isoprenaline did chiefly the inhibitory one. These experimental results suggest that activation of alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors in the bile duct muscle causes the excitatory and inhibitory responses, respectively. 4. Transmural electric stimulation induced both excitatory and inhibitory responses in the bile duct preparation. The former response was abolished after atropinization, while the latter one was not. It may be, therefore, suggested that the excitatory response was induced by stimulation of cholinergic neurons, while the inhibitory one was produced by that of the adrenergic fibers and non-adrenergic inhibitory neurons.


[A gastro-electromyographical study on selective vagotomy and proximal selective vagotomy in the dog (author's transl)]. The gastro-electromyographical changes after vagotomy were studied by means of chronic in-situ experiments on eighteen dogs. Basic electric rhythms (slow spikes) were classified into normo-peristalsis and anti-peristalsis. The periodical rhythm of normo-peristalsis was partly disturbed after selective vagotomy but was more regular after feeding. Normally, rate changes of normo-peristalsis show typical patterns depending on the types of meals. These distinctive features were observed more clearly in S.V. and S.P.V. dogs. The incidence of normo-peristalsis and anti-peristalsis during fasting was high in normal dogs and low in S.V. dogs by night. A high level of anti-peristalsis occurred at the antrum in S.V. dogs. Thus, the numbers of normo-peristaltic waves reaching the antrum were decreased in S.V. dogs. After feeding, anti-peristalsis decreased in S.V. dogs but increased in normal dogs. Anti-peristalsis tended to occur in succession with a short cycle just like extra-systole. The author noted that sometimes anti-peristalsis was propagated towards both the orad and the pylorus simultaneously. In both S.V. and S.P.V. dogs, the denervated corpus seemed to have similar functions. On the other hand, in both the S.P.V. and normal dogs, the antrum seemed to function similarly.


[An atropine-resistant contraction of dog's stomach in response to stimulation of the vagus and splanchnic nerves (author's transl)]. 1. A study was made in vivo experiments of a contraction of stomach of the dog to stimulation of the extrinsic nerves, medulla oblongata and thoracic cord in the presence of atropine. 2. An atropine-resistant contraction of stomach was produced without accompanying any preceding relaxation of stomach motility. It seems to deny that an atropine-resistant contraction appears to be a rebound phenomenon. 3. An atropine-resistant contraction was produced in prolonged stimulation. A delay of latency to produce a contraction of stomach was more than 27 sec and a contraction was decreased in amplitude and frequency in the presence of atropine.


[Photo-optical observation on gastric motility after antrum preserving gastrectomy (author's transl)]. The movement of the stomach after gastrectomy was studied by cine-fluoroscopic and photo-optical technique in patients undergoing pylorus preserving gastrectomy (pyloric canal being preserved approximately 1.5 cm in 8 cases; group A) or antrum preserving gastrectomy (pyloric antrum being preserved 3-5 cm in 16 cases; group B). All patients were operated on in our clinic for a benign lesion located near the angle of the stomach. 1) In the early postoperative period, the oral gastric remnants showed remarkable dilatation in group A. The dilatation was also observed in group B, but less prominent. 2) For the recovery from the gastric dilatation and reappearance of gastric motility, it took much more time in group A than in group B. 3) Co-ordinated movements across the anastomotic site were recognized about one month after operation in group B and about two months in group A. 4) Antiperistalsis at the preserved antrum during an early postoperative period was observed in 2 of 16 cases in group B. The antiperistalsis in the two cases turned into normo-peristalsis in about two months. 5) From the results obtained, the preserved antrum showed an excellent functional drainage effect and plays an important role for the transportation of the gastric content. 6) In conclusion, antrum preserving gastrectomy results in a good postoperative gastric motility and is an excellent operative method for the benign lesions located near the angle of the stomach.


[Electromyogram of bovine abomasum (author's transl)]. The electrical activities in abomasum were studied on the normal and left abomasal displaced cows. Electromyograms were obtained using eight bipolar-needle electrodes fixed by suture in the serosal surface of the various portions of the abomasum; one in the cardia, three in the fundus, and four in the pylorus. The results were summarized as follows: 1. In the cardia and fundus, the repetetive but irregular spikeburst was observed. 2. In the pylorus, the single spike followed by the spikeburst was observed. These spikes were rhythmic and propagative. The propagation velocity in the pylorus was shown the tendency to increase with approach to the pyloric canall. The electomyographic pattern in the cows was similar to goats except the discharge interval was longer in cattles than in goats. 3. The electrical activities in the abomasum received the left abomasal displacement showed the higher amplitude, the more prolonged discharge interval and accerelated propagation velocity than in controls.


[The role of the intramural ganglion cells taken in the ileo-colic motilities of the catfish (Parasilurus asotus) (author's transl)]. In catfishes the role of the intramural ganglion cells taken in the ileo-colic motilities were studied. The results obtained were summarized as follows: (1) When the stomach was half full of contents, the gastric peristalses recurrently occurred at the cardia, traveling caudad to come to an end at the pylorus. (2) In the duodenum contractions were produced here and there, traveling both caudad and orad, to mingle the contents with each other, respectively. (3) Along its whole length the ileum often fell in a more or less tonically contracted state, resulting in the retardation of the transfer of the duodenal contents. Furthermore, the effect described above was increased by powerful contractions which were occasionally produced here and there to travel in both directions only a short distance. (4) When the large intestine was moderately full of contents, powerful contractions produced in the caudal half of the ileum frequently traveled caudally to expel the contents out of the anus. (5) The supravital staining with methylene blue solution revealed that the myenteric plexus existed, whereas the submucous plexus did not contain the nerve cells. In the former, thick nerve bundles without forming meshworks took their course along the long axis of the intestine, accepting many finer axons coming from the nerve cells, which were not in groups, but lay sporadically, although they showed a tendency to increase their number in the area close to the nerve bundles. Any sign of the intrinsic mucosal reflex was not observed with the stimulation either of a spot (by rubbing with cotton) or of the whole surface (by raising the intraluminal pressure) of the mucosa of the intestine. These facts suggest that in catfishes the intramural ganglion cells have no function to regulate the strength as well as the direction of propagation of the contraction waves.


[Effects of physostigmine and duvadilan on an atropine-resistant contraction of dog's stomach (author's transl)]. Effects of atropine, physostigmine, duvadilan and tetrodotoxin on the mechanical activity of the longitudinal muscle preparation of dog's stomach in vitro experiments and on the motility of stomach in the same animal in vivo experiments were investigated. 1. The latency of an atropine-resistant contraction which was produced by stimulation of vagus nerve was increased in period in accordance with the augmentation of concentration of atropine in vitro experiments. 2. Physostigmine reconstructed the atropine-resistant contraction which was abolished by duvadilan as well as the cholinergic contraction which was abolished by atropine in vivo experiments. 3. Duvadilan abolished the cholinergic and atropine-resistant contractions in vitro, but in vivo experiments duvadilan abolished only the atropine-resistant contraction. 4. An atropine-resistant contraction was completely abolished by administration of tetrodotoxin. But the direct electrical stimulation of the muscle caused the contraction of it which was blocked by tetrodotoxin.


[Pharmacological studies on terminal biliary duct with particular reference to effects of prostaglandins and a few other drugs (author's transl)]. Numerous studies have been reported on the roles of the terminal portion of biliary duct in the mechanism of bile excretion. There is as yet no generally agreed conclusion as to functional independence of terminal biliary duct, however. The present study has been performed in rabbits to investigate the effects of prostaglandins and a few other drugs on the terminal portion of common bile duct, with the results leading to the following conclusions: 1) The group of muscles comprising the terminal biliary duct of rabbit intercommunicate with the duodenal longitudinal muscle and no histologic evidence has been observed for the presence of any independent sphincter in this portion. 2) The terminal biliary duct and the adjoining segment of the duodenum display practically the same attitudes on electromyograms. 3) The internal pressures of the duodenum and common bile duct were noted to show changes coinciding with electric discharges in the duodenum or terminal biliary duct, respectively, and not to affect each other. 4) The interrelations observed between discharge and flow rate or internal pressure of the terminal biliary duct indicate that the muscles of this portion possess the function as sphincter. It is suggested, therefore, that bile excretion into the duodenal lumen is effected primarily by relaxation of the terminal biliary duct. 5) Prostaglandin E2 has proven to behave differently toward discharges in the duodenum and terminal biliary duct, viz., facilitation in the former and inhibition in the latter. It would follow that these structures serve mutually independent functions. 6) The effects of prostaglandins on the duodenum and the terminal portion of common bile duct are considered to stem from their direct actions on the musculatures of these regions. 7) The findings stress importance of observations with biologically active substances in tissues in the study aimed at clarification of the biliary excretory function.


[Hypertensive disease as membrane pathology]. A hypothesis is presented that suggests that essential hypertension and its analog -- spontaneous hypertension in rats originates from a genetically determined defect of the permeability of the cell membranes. An increasing permeability of the membranes for potassium and sodium may serve as a common cause of activation of the servomechanisms that provide for the elevation of the arterial blood pressure. A chronic psychoemotional stress, salt or corticosteroid overloading are the conditions that display a latent membranous insufficiency.


[Total cataract and retinal detachment after a blow from a cow's tail (author's transl)]. Total cataract occured four days after the patient was struck in the eye by a cow's tail - no eyewitness, unsatisfactory evidence. In addition retinal detachment was present diagnosed ten months after the cataract operation. - A cataract in advanced stage of development was also in the other eye of the 55-year-old man, who is old for his years. - A causal connection with the alleged accident cannot be assumed with sufficient prohability.


[Testing of the resistance of human tumours in the short-term test (author's transl)]. Various human tumours have been investigated using, as previously described an in vitro method for sensitivity testing. This test provides information both on the rates of proliferation of tumours and on their resistance to cytostatic agents.


Brain hypoxia studied in mouse central nervous system cultures. I. Sequential cellular changes. Heavily myelinated cultures of newborn mouse cerebellum were exposed to hypoxia and studied by electron microscopy. The cultures were placed in an incubating medium deprived of oxygen (95 to 97 per cent deprivation) for 7 to 60 minutes and fixed immediately for electron microscopy. The amount of oxygen present in the medium and time course of hypoxia were constantly monitored and recorded by an oxygen probe of polarographic oxygen sensor type and a recorder. In contrast to previous in vivo studies, this in vitro model of hypoxic cell injury has provided accurate information concerning the relationship between degree of hypoxia and cell lesion. Hypoxia affected neurons which showed "swelling" and disorganization of cristae in mitochondria and reduced cytoplasmic matrix density due to the dispersion of polysomes. A small population of neurons with an increased cytoplasmic density and "swollen" mitochondria was also noted. Clearing and degeneration of presynaptic terminals and postsynaptic dendrites were observed. After a longer period of hypoxia most neurons showed an extensive degenerative change consisting of rarefaction of cytoplasm and loss of cytoplasmic organelles. In contrast to neuronal changes, no structural alteration was observed in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.


What kind of criteria?

What kind of criteria? The modern concept of medical audit mandates comparison of care against preset explicit criteria. The format in which those criteria are framed plays a crucial role in determining the types of deficiences liable to be uncovered. Formats describing care as "consistent with" acceptable practice do not reveal meaningful information, and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals' emphasis on "outcome" to the exclusion of "process" is also unacceptable. A detailed format for disease-specific criteria is described; it may not be feasible for widespread use.


The effect of age on antigen-sensitive cells. The primary humoral immune response to heterologous red cell antigens declines in mice after 12 months of age. The cellular response to histocompatibility antigens of lymph node lymphocytes from mice 3 months and 12 to 27 months old are evaluated in these studies. It was found that lymphocytes from aged mice are as able to transform into large pyroninophilic cells and proliferate after exposure to antigen as lymphocytes from 3- to 4-month-old mice. However, results of cellular responses of intermediate age groups suggest that the cells that respond to antigen in the old mice may be a different population of lymphocytes from the cells that respond in the young mice.


The late effects of selected immunosuppressants on immunocompetence, disease incidence, and mean life-span. III. Disease incidence and life expectancy. The effect of various immunosuppressive treatments on mean life-span and disease incidence have been studied. Significant life shortening was seen only in mice which recieved X-irradiation early in life and can be ascribed primarily to an increased incidence of certain malignancies. Marginal life shortening was seen in cyclophosphamide-treated animals, however, survival patterns between those and control animals did not differ until 30 months of age and the magnitude of life-shortening never approached that seen in X-irradiated animals. Thymectomy, splenectomy or cortisone treatment did not alter survival. All immunosuppressive treatments enhanced mortality due to non-neoplastic diseases, however, only a small percentage of animals die with these disease entities. With the exception of cortisone all immunosuppressive treatments increased the incidence of neoplastic disease. However, their effects on various neoplastic processes were variable and unpredictable. Four primary patterns in terms of relative immune competence, disease incidence and life expectancy were seen. Thus, immunodepression may of may not correlate with increased disease incidence, which in turn may or may not have a life-shortening effect. These findings are discussed in terms of the marked reduction of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity normally seen in aged mice and the significance of postulated immune surveillance mechanisms to survival.


Studies on the dominant-lethal and fertility effects of the heavy metal compounds methylmercuric hydroxide, mercuric chloride, and cadmium chloride in male and female mice. Dominant-lethal effects of 10 mg/kg methylmercuric hydroxide were studied in male mice from two hybrid stocks and in females from one of these stocks. Two other compounds, mercuric chloride (2 mg/kg) and cadmium chloride (2 mg/kh), were studied only in females for dominant-lethal (in one hybrid stock) and reproductive capacity effects (in two hybrid and one mixed stocks). All compounds were administered in a single intraperitoneal injection. When males of one of the two stocks studied were treated with methylmercuric hydroxide, the females to which they were mated exhibited a slight reduction in the total number of implantations and in the number of living embryos. These reductions were accompanied by a very small increase in the incidence of dead implantations. In females, cadmium chloride had no detectable dominant-lethal or other fertility effects, except superovulation. On the other hand, the two mercury compounds slightly reduced the numbers of implants and living embryos in females subjected to dominant-lethal studies. The two mercury compounds also induced a slight reduction in that long-term reproductive performance of one stock of females. These results and those reported earlier by others, indicate that the mercury compounds studied so far are not potent inducers of dominant-lethal mutations in male and female mice. It is not clear whether the small effects on male or female fertility induced in some cases, particularly the increase in dead implantations and reductions in the number of living embryos, were attributable to dominant-lethal mutations or to nongenetic causes.


[Human pulmonary adiaspiromycosis: comment on a new case in Brittany]. Pulmonary and human adiaspiromycosis in Brittany: a new observation. A young woman is operated on for pulmonary abcess. The histological study the pulmonary tissue around and at a distance from the abcess shows numerous adiaspores of Emmonsia crescens Emmons & Jellison (1960). The culture of the fungus were not possible. The authors discuss the relationship between the fungus and the pulmonary lesions observed in the cases of human adiaspiromycosis.


[The accessory middle cerebral artery (author's transl)]. The accessory middle cerebral artery has rarely been documented. Four cases of the anomalous artery were found in 1240 carotid angiograms, the incidence being estimated to be 0.24 to 0.34%. Ages of the patients were 45, 52, 53, and 56. They were two males and two females. In two patients, the angiography was carried out because of positive neurological signs after head injury, and in the other two, because of cerebrovascular stroke. All the anomalous arteries were found as incidental findings. The angiography was carried out bilaterally in two patients and the anomalous arteries were found only on one side. They arose from the horizontal portion of the anterior cerebral artery and coursed laterally in paralled with the stem of the middle cerebral artery. Two of them gave rise to the perforating arteries into the brain which accompanied those from the middle cerebral artery. These atomalous arteries were identified very easily on an antero-posterior projection of the angiogram. In the most striking patient, the 52-year-old man, a selective angiography for the middle cerebral artery, which did not demonstrate the anterior cerebral artery and its branch, the accessory middle cerebral artery, was carried out and in the light of the findings, the accessory middle cerebral artery could be identified running in elliptic circle just above D1 on the lateral projection of the routine carotid angiogram. All the accessory middle cerebral arteries in our series were not associated with either intracranial aneurysm or anomalies such as agenesis of the corpus callosum and reduplication of the circle of Willis.


[Regional cerebral blood flow in senile patients with meningiomas (author's transl)]. We investigated the regional cerebral blood flow of 4 meningioma patients who were all of ages over 60 years old. The average age of the patients was 68 years. Cerebral blood flow was determined by the 133Xe clearance method of Lassen and Ingvar. By extra-cranial recording of the radioactivity from the freely diffusible inert gas 133Xe, which dissolved in saline, was injected into the internal carotid artery, a clearance curve was obtained from the cerebral hemisphere. This curve could be resolved into two monoexponential clearance functions that corresponed to the flow in the grey and white matter. Graphical analysis of the original curve allowed the estimation of the relative weight of these two tissue components as well as of the mean cerebral blood flow. In three patients, regional cerebral blood flow was measured both pre- and post-operatively and these values were compared. Focal rCBF disturbances could be detected in agreement with the tumor location as verified directly or by other diagnostic procedures. That is, a relative hyperemia was detected at the areas corresponding to the tumor site. Mean fg (the flow in the grey matter) of four patients was 77.3 +/- 14.0 ml/100 g/min on the tumor areas, 48.1 +/- 6.6 ml/100 g/min on the peritumoral regions, 63.1+/- 4.1 ml/100 g/min on the non-tumoral regions. CBFr (average cerebral blood flow) of non-tumoral areas in the four patient was 36.6 +/- 2.4 ml/100 g/min and that of the peri-tumoral area, 33.1 +/- 7.9 ml/100g/min. These figures are moderately smaller than that of the normal one. A comparison between the neurological features and regional flow values noted in patients who had a removal of menigiomas indicated that the flow values of non-tumoral area increased markedly a month after operation, instead of only slight or no improvement in neurological features. Although our cases with rCBF studies are still too few to warrant conclusions, it seems that post-operative follow-up of mean cerebral blood flow changes might be rather greater help in the assessment of prognosis after operation of meningiomas than fg (the flow in the grey matter).


[The inhibitory effects of corticosteroid on the proliferation of tumor cells derived from human astrocytoma-gliobastoma--with special reference to combined vasopressin--corticosteroid therapy (author's transl)]. In view of the fact that clinical reports have been recently made that combined varopressin-corticosteroid therapy is remarkably effective against recurrent malignant astrocytoma, it is considered necessary to review the antitimor action of steroids against glioma. The effects of hydrocortisone sodium succinate were studied on cultured cells derived from 17 glioma cases composed of 8 cases of glioblastoma (grade III, IV) and 9 cases of benign astrocytoma (grade I, II). Actively growing monolayer culture of tumor cells was exposed to the test agent of serially diluted concentration from 10(-4) to 10(-7) g/ml. The effectiveness was estimated by calculating the proliferation rate of cells for 7 days. The response curve of the test agent exhibited a relatively good correlation to dose as well as a good potency in suppressing cellular proliferation. This was more marked in cells from malignant glioma than those from benign glioma. The results also indicate that the inhibitory effects of corticosteroid are closely correlated to the growth rate of the tumor itself. Thus, the therapeutic effects of long-term administration of corticosteroid can be expected not only by the resultant decrease in cerebral edema and in the suppressed production rate of cerebrospinal fluid but also from the standpoint of its anti-timor action. It should be possible to effectively include steroid therapy in the program of surgical procedure, radiation therapy and chemotherapy for glioma patients in whom recurrence is generally almost inevitable.


[Acute communicating hydrocephalus due to rupture of cerebral aneurysm (author's transl)]. That direct intracranial operation in indicated in ruptured intracranial aneurysm which has passed the acute stage is an accepted procedure today. However, regarding the pros and cons of direct intracranial operation during the acute stage, settlement has yet to be made. This arises from the fact that various combined aggravated pathological states of cerebral vasospasm, brain edema, intracerebral hematoma, hydrocephalus etc. are present. The authors had attended to the acute hydrocephalus in the cases of ruptured aneurysm and conducted ventriculoatrial shunt for hydrocephalus actively. As a result, it was found that ventriculoatrial shunt brought about considable improvement of the patients condition to such an extent that an early operation became possible. The results are following: (1) The authors conducted cerebral angiography in the acute stage in 51 cases of ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Of this 51 cases as a result of angiographic findings, 12 cases, 23.5% showed ventricular dilation and accompanied lowering of consciousness level and increased intracranial pressure. (2) The largest number of acute hydrocephalus among our cases appeared in patients in the age level of 30-39, amounting to 44.4%. While this seemed to indicate the importance of the age factor, no correlation was seen with the localization of ruptured intracranial aneurysm or the number of experienced ruptures. (3) Of 12 cases of acute hydrocephalus 7 cases were subjected to ventriculoatrial shunt operations. Of 7 cases, after operation 6 cases showed an improvement in consciousness remarkably, thus making it possible to conduct an early intracranial operation of aneurysm. Ventricular drainage, V-A shunt for the following reasons: 1. Possibility of infection is very few. 2. The site of burr hole for V-A shunt located in parietal area. So craniotomy area, for example bifrontal craniotomy is apart from the site of V-A shunt. 3. The control of intracranial pressure is also easy after intracranial operation for aneurysm. 4. Normal pressure hydrocephalus can be prevented. 5. This method is useful for decreasing the brain bulk during the direct operation.


[Experimental studies of skull fracture in the temporal region (author's transl)]. These experimental studies of skull fractures in the temporal region were carried out in co-operation the Faculty of Engineering and the Department of Neurosurgery of Tokyo University. 15 dry human skulls were statically compressed in the bitemporal direction. The results of our experiments are as follows: 1) The forces necessary to produce the first fracture (seperations of the parietotemporal suture) are between 135 kg and 385 kg. (average; 258 kg) 2) The forces necessary to produce the second fractures (true fractures) are between 195 kg and 550 kg. (average; 356.3 kg) 3) The decreases of the inner diameters of skulls from pre-examination to the first fracture are between 0.65 mm and 1.85 mm. 4) The decreases of the inner diameters of skulls from pre-examination to the second fracture are between 1.56 mm and 4.5 mm. 5) The forces necessary to reduce the inner diameters of skulls by 1 milimeter are between 85 kg/mm and 380 kg/mm. (average; 221 kg/mm) The forces necessary to produce a fracture in the temporal region are much less than the forces necessary to do so in the frontal region. In deforming the skull, it is necessary to apply much greater force to the frontal region than it is to the temporal region. The relation between the skull's age and the minimal force to produce the skull fracture is not clear from the results of these experiments. The weights of the skulls were directly related to the minimal force necessary to produce skull fractures. Breaks in the inner table preceded those of the outer table when linear fractures occurred over the compressed area. when depressed fractures formed in the same area, the outer table was broken before the inner table. When the linear fractures formed far from the same area, the outer table was broken before the inner table. From our investigations on sports injuries, those players who died after being hit by golf balls or baseballs showed the same clinical courses as in typical extradural hematoma. Plain X-ray examinations of those fataly injured players did not reveal any skull fractures. Plain X-ray examinations of fractured skulls often failed to reveal the lesion unless the bone fracture was widely separated. On the basis of the above results, it would appear that routine skull films using either anterior-posterior or lateral projections are inadequate for the diagnosis of skull fractures. We have had good results in the examination of skull fracture by using the stereo X-ray method.


[Radioisotope cisternographic study on cerebrospinal fluid circulation after subarachnoid hemorrhage]. Although recent advance in neurological surgery has diminished mortality rate of aneurysmal surgery, there still exist several complex problems for the management of aneurysms. Persistent neurological deficits or clinical deterioration after subarachnoid hemorrhage can result from subsequent communicating hydrocephalus which can be treated by shunting operation. We have studied alterations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation after SAH in 43 patients. Sources of hemorrhages were aneurysm in 30 cases, arteriovenous malformation in 6 and unknown in 7. Radioisotope cisternography was performed using 0.5 to 1.0 mCi of 169Yb-DTPA which was given intrathecally by lumbar injection. Results of cisternogram were classified into 4 groups and 7 subgroups; group 0: non filling (4%), group I: persistent ventricular filling (45%), A) absence of convexity flow (11%), B) partial convexity flow (34%), group II: transient ventricular filling (23%), A) delayed convexity flow (11%), B) normal convexity flow (12%), group III: no ventricular filling (28%), A) delayed convexity flow (17%), B) normal convexity flow (11%). The radioactivity in serial blood samples was measured by a well-type scintillation counter. Three types of curves for transfer of 169Yb-DTPA from CSF to blood were classified; delayed type, medium type, and normal type. In delayed type, the count ratio of blood activity at 24 hr to that at 3 hr is over 30%. In normal type, it is below 10%. There was a close correlation between cisternogram and transfer curve. In most cases with persistent ventricular filing, the transfer curve showed a delayed type. The relationship of cisternogram to classification of patient's condition by Hunt was studied. The grade of patient's condition was found to be closely related to the degree of abnormality in CSF circulation. The existence of rebleeding in the patients history was also found to influence the degree of abnormality in CSF circulation. However, single bleeding may also cause abnormality, such as persistent ventricular filling on cisternogram. In regard to the site of aneurysms, those of anterior communicating artery appeared to cause communicating hydrocephalus more frequently. Laterality of convexity flow was analyzed in 17 cases. All cases with internal carotid aneurysms showed decreased activity on the side of bleeding. Shunt operation was performed on 10 cases according to the results of cisternography, transfer curve, pneumoencephalography, and angiography. Seven cases showed improvement and 2 died of other complications soon after the shunt, and the effect of the procedure cannot be evaluated. Patients with clinical signs of NPH and abnormal cisternogram (group I) with evidence of ventricular dilatation are indicated for shunting operation.


[A clinico-pathological study on subarachnoid hemorrhage in autopsied cases: the significance of iron containing granule cells seen in autopsied brain with subarachnoid hemorrhage (author's transl)]. Cerebral infarction and petechial hemorrhage are seen in autopsied brains with subarachnoid hemorrhage as most important findings. However, the pathogenesis for the development of these lesions are still obscure. We have been doing clinico-pathological study on the cerebral petechial hemorrhages following subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this report, the findings of these hemorrhagic lesions were presented in detail by means of Perls-Stieda's iron staining. The results are as follows. Cerebral petechial hemorrhages were seen in 3 out of 13 autopsied cases with subarachnoid hemorrhage and almost all hemarrhagic lesions were perivascular. These hemorrhagic lesions were dominantly seen in the regions, thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain which were close to the accumulated blood clot in the basal cistern, and in the cerebral cortex beneath the accumulated blood clot. Iron containing granular cells were seen not only in the brain surrounding the petechial hemorrhages but also around the vessels which did not show any hemorrhages. On the other hand, it is well known that it needs more than 7 days after hemorrhage in tissue to demonstrate iron containing granular cells by Perls-Stieda' iron staining. So, it might be estimated that the patients survived more than 7 days after the occurance of intracerebral hemorrhages when iron containing granular cells were demonstrated in the autopsied brains. It could be presumed in this study that the petechial hemorrhages following subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred at an early stage of their clinical courses.


[Electron microscopic study of choroid plexus in experimentally induced hydrocephalic dog (author's transl)]. Choroid plexus in experimentally induced hydrocephalic dogs according to the Wisniewski's method was examined by an electron microscope. Epithelial cell of the choroid plexus appeared in various deformation and formed a marked dilatation of extracellular spaces between apposed two cell membranes and at the basal interdigitation. Dilatation of the extracellular space was more pronounced at the stromal side of the epithelial layer. This finding might be due to anatomical specificities of apposed epithelial cell membranes and not only indicate a disturbance of the CSF secretion. According to the dilatation of extracellular space, apposed two epithelial cell membranes separated each other, however, at sites of intercellular junctions, adjacent cell membranes remained closely apposed. The dilated extracellular space at the basal site continued to the dilated intercellular space, while, no continuity was recognized between the dilated intercellular space and ventricular lumen. These extracellular speces appeared low electron density and showed little specific structure. No particular change was recognized in organelles in the epithelial cell, except increased pinocytotic vesicles in number. Stroma of the choroid plexus appeared edematous, that was, electron density was low and a few cellular and stromal elements were found. Capillary vessels showed almost normal structure. In hydrocephalic dogs also in normal one, Lanthanum infused into lateral ventricle precipitated on the surface of microvilli of choroid plexus epithelial cell. The Lanthanum, entered through ventricular end of intercellular space, was blocked to penetrate beyond the intercellular junction (zonula occludens) and any bit of the tracer was not found in the dilated extracellular space. The tracer was found neither in epithelial cell nor in stroma. These findings of tracer-study may indicate that the CSF absorption through the choroid plexus is not increased in chronic hydrocephalus. Consequently, the ultrastructural changes of the choroid plexus in chronic hydrocephalus, that is, enlarged extracellualr space, increased pinocytotic vesicles and edematous stroma, are thought to suggest a disturbance of CSF secretion from the choroid plexus.


[Abscess of the brain (2nd report)--special reference to surgical indication of extracapsular excision of brain abscess (author's transl)]. Brain abscess persists as a serious diagnostic problem and critical therapeutic challenge since pre-antibiotic era. After antibiotic agents has been introduced, abscess of the brain seems to be a surgical curable intracranial suppurative disease, although surgical mortality and morbidity due to brain abscess are  still distressingly high. Recently, the incidence of brain abscess are gradually increasing. In this present situation, it is necessary to reevaluate the previous method and surgical results of brain abscess. Even with new surgical techniques and antibiotics, the mortality rate and number of neurological deficits remain high, as previously methods, it is most important how to eliminate these problems. It was undertaken to determine the significant factors affecting the clinical management of patients with this serious problem. The general outlines of our neurosurgical treatment are given, with emphasis on our surgical schedule of brain abscess, especially brain abscess in congenital heart disease. In this paper, a review of the current status of the surgical methods, operative mortality and morbidity, diagnostic methods and the therapy of brain abscess has been discussed.


[Giant anterior communicating artery aneurysm (author's transl)]. A case of giant aneurysm arising from the anterior communicating artery, 24 X 28 X 30 mm in diameter was found in a 30 year old man. About ten years ago he became blind and recently developed right anosmia and diencephalic seizures. No subarachnoid hemorrhage, however, was found. Radiograms and tomograms of the cranium showed a ring-like calcification, but by angiography it couldn't be recognized as a giant aneurysm. The right frontal craniotomy and partial resection, therefore, was performed. A histological study of the resected material revealed that it was a spontaneously thrombosed giant aneurysm. The inner layer of its wall had neither endothelium nor elastic lamina, but had deposits of calcium salt. The outer layer was composed of collagen fibers without cell infiltration. The aneurysm was thrombosed except for its neck but its organization occurred incompletely. We want to emphasize the importance of a correct preoperative diagnosis, as an erroneous operative procedure can result in disaster. Volume, viscosity and tension of flowing blood into the aneurysm as well as the size of its neck and dome regulate dynamic properties. These properties may determine the enlargement rate or growth of the aneurysm. The dynamic characteristics and features of the inner surface of the aneurysmal wall may regulate the formation of thrombosis in the aneurysm. The intraluminal thrombosis and strength of aneurysmal wall, for example, calcium deposits, may prohibit aneurysm from its rupture.


[Traumatic aneurysm of the frontopolar artery developing after evacuation of the subdural effusion in a 6-month-old girl (author's transl)]. A 6-month-old girl developed bilateal subdural effusion after head injury. She gradually improved after the partial stripping of the membrane of the subdural effusion although postoperative tappings of the subdural fluid were necessary. Thirty nine days after the injury, she suddenly suffered from a massive intraventricular hemorrhage. A cerebral angiography showed an aneurysm arising from the proximal part of the right frontopolar artery, which had not been revealed in the previous angiograms. It was obscure whether the congenital anomaly of the arterial wall had been existed or not, but this aneurysm might be mentioned as a traumatic aneurysm and definitely developed after the treatment for the traumatic sequence. The mechanism of this aneurysmal formation was supposed that the arterial wall was initially injured by the abnormal traumatic movement of the brain underneath the falx cerebri, and teared arterial wall was further injured by the fluctuating movements of the brain caused by repeated tappings of the effused fluid. Relation of delayed posttraumatic apoplexy and ruptured posttraumatic aneurysms was also discussed, and analysis of the reported cases of the traumatic aneurysm, as well as aneurysm in the infant, was made.


[Calcification in gliomas: first report with special reference to roentgenological calcification (author's transl)]. The mechanism and the clinical significance of calcium deposits in glioma have been still obscure. Excluding pinealomas, 221 histologically proven intracranial gliomas were studied. The presence of roentgenological calcification in 27 of the authers' series represented an incidence of 12 percent. The incidence of roentgenological calcification in various types of glioma were as follows: astrocytoma grades 1 & 2-15%, astrocytoma grades 3 & 4-7%, medulloblastoma-5%, ependymoma-17%, oligodendrogioma-60%, and choroid plexus papilloma-25%. There was no characteristic relationship between the incidence of calcification and the age distribution. One exception was noted that in astrocytoma grades 1 & 2 the incidence of roentgenological calcification tended to be higher in younger patients than in older patients. The percentage of calcified tumors in both sexes was the same. In astrocytoma and ependymoma the incidence of roentgenological calcification was far greater in the supratentorial tumor than in the infratentorial tumor. According to their roentgenological appearance, calcified tumors were separated into four groups, but any specific appearance could not be claimed for any particular type of glial tumors. Only in astrocytoma both the duration of symptoms and the postoperative survival time of the calcified cases were longer than those of the uncalcified. But in other types of glioma there were no significant differences in the postoperative survival time between the calcified cases and the uncalcified ones. In 5 cases of astrocytomas the calcium deposits did not exist on preoperative radiographs, which were found postoperatively after chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. In conclusion, it is not the histological type but the duration of the clinical course that plays more important role in calcification of gliomas.


[Early diagnosis and selection of operative approach for acoustic neuroma (author's transl)]. The recent advances of various diagnostic procedures made possible to detect intracanalicular neuroma in early stage. The operative results have been also greatly improved by transtemporal approach using surgical microscope and dental burr. In addition, the revised suboccipital approach contributed to obtain better operative results. Reviewing our clinical experiences with 15 cases operated from May 1969 to December 1971, appropriate combination of applicable diagnostic procedures and selection of operative method are discussed. Multiple audiologic examinations consisting of pure tone audiometry, speech discrimination, Békésy audiometry, alternate binaural loudness balance test, tone decay and uncomfortable lebel were performed in 11 cases. 9 of these cases manifested retrocochlear type of hearing loss. Spontaneous nystagmus and induced nystagmus, together with balance test, were evaluated for vestibular function. Bithermal caloric test disclosed unilateral canal paresis in all cases. In 13 cases, spontaneous nystagmus was observed. Analysis of optokinetic nystagmus using electronystagmography suggested tumor invasion to the brain stem and cerebellum. Tomography of the internal auditory canal showed abnormal findings in all cases. Cisternography with 2 ml of myodil was performed in 7 cases, all of which were diagnosed definitely by filling defect. Angiography showed abnormal vascular displacement with the tumor of size exceeding 3 cm in diameter. Translabyrinthine approach was performed in 5 cases. Suboccipital approach was applied in 6 cases. Combined approach of these two routes was used in 4 cases. 11 patients returned to their original work postoperatively. To obtain the correct diagnosis of acoustic neuroma in early stage, multiple audiologic examination are indispensable together with detailed vestibular function tests when the unilateral sensory neural hearing loss is suspected. Tomography of the internal auditory canal is also advisable as routine roentonologic study. If the clinical sign is confined to the 8th nerve only, myodil cisternography is useful, however, angiography is reliable in more advanced cases. When the tumor size is below 2 cm and signs of the spread to the brain stem, cerebellum or lower cranial nerves are lacking, translabyrinthine approach is indicated. Suboccipital approach is advisable for more advanced cases or undefinitive cases. Planning of combined approach of both routes is seemed to be not necessary in any case from our experience.


[Electron microscopic observation of ependyma (author's transl)]. The fine structure of the normal ependymal cell has been described. The ependymal cells form a closely knit single layer lining the ventricles. They are bordered on one side by the ventricular lumen and by the neuropil on the basal surface. The luminal surface is characterized by microvilli and cilia. The former differ from those seen in the respiratory tract or intestine in that they have a smooth surface and are devoid of a coating material. They differ from the microvilli of the choroid plexus by being straight and relatively stubby. The cilia appear indistinguishable from those seen on other cells and display the usual 9+2 microtubuler structure. The apposing surfaces of adjacent ependymal cells show various junctional devices such as desmosomes and others, but apparently no true tight junction such as seen in the choroid plexus are present. The basal surface abuts directly on the neuropil usually with no intervening basement membrane. The cytoplasm contains usual organelles including fine (60-90 A) filaments and glycogen granules. The latter two structures become especially abundant under pathological conditions which elicit an ependymal response. These changes very closely resemble those seen in reactive astrocytes.


[Some observations on prognosis in congenital hydrocephalus (first report)--with reference to the preoperative evaluation of the hydrocephalic infants (author's transl)]. Recently, the prognosis of congenital hydrocephalus has improved by shunting operation. There are some cases, however, showing poor prognosis even when this procedure has been performed. Thus, postoperative courses of hydrocephalus are variable, and do not always produce the same results. From the clinical viewpoint, we have studied preoperative signs and symptoms, and tried to find some factors which influence the prognosis. This report consists of 41 cases of congenital hydrocephalus and 7 cases of hydroencephalodysplasia over the past six years. For the purpose of observations before and after operation, we adopted some neurological symptoms, head circumference, thickness of cerebral mantle in pneumoventriculogram, intraventricular pressure and others. The average period of follow up of all the cases was two years and six months. Of the 41 patients of congenital hydrocephalus, 24 survived and 14 died. Of the 7 patients of hydroencephalodysplasia, 5 survived and 2 died. As to the age of the patients on admission, 57% of all the cases were infants from 2 months to 4 months old. The patients who had such neurological signs already on admission as motor disability, opisthotonic posture and severe optic nerve atrophy, had a tendency to show poor prognosis in general and to result in a higher mortality. The convulsion and so-called setting sun sign had no significant correlation to poor prognosis. From the morphological evaluation, we have examined increase of circumference and enlargement rate of the head. In the death group, abnormal increase of head circumference was recognized within the first three months of life. When the enlargement was higher than Nellhaus's standard rate within four months after birth, over half of the cases died. In the survival cases, the cerebral mantle thickness was found to be variable while a remarkable decrease was often noted in the death cases. If the mantle is less than 14 mm within three months after birth, prognosis of these cases was generally poor. In the evaluation of intraventricular pressure under endotracheal anesthesia, we found little difference between the survival cases and death cases. However, the death cases exhibited slightly higher average intraventricular pressure. In hydroencephalodysplasia, the cases with abnormal enlarged head marked dysplasia of cerebral hemisphere and thin cerebral cortex showed a tendency toward death, however, the cases with localized partial brain or a lobe dysplasia survived. In some cases by using the ventriculoscope, we could see directly the defect of the brain and obtain beneficial information on diagnosis. Due to the influence of various factors, it is impossible to predict or decide exactly the prognosis of congenital hydrocephalus before operation, but it is of critical necessity to anticipate the postoperative prognosis from preoperative synthetic information.