Showing papers by "Catholic University of the Sacred Heart published in 1977"

Effect of Desmethylimipramine on the Release of [3H]Norepinephrine Induced by Various Agents in Hypothalamic Synaptosomes

Abstract: In order to discriminate between carrier-mediated and non-carrier-mediated mechanisms of norepinephrine release, hypothalamic synaptosomes labeled with [3H]norepinephrine were treated with desmethylimipramine, a blocker of the norepinephrine transport system, and then superfused under various conditions stimulating the release of the labeled amine. The stimulatory effect on release elicited by unlabeled norepinephrine, p-tyramine, and β-phenylethylamine was blocked in desmethylimipramine-treated synaptosomes. The effect of β-phenylethylamine, but not that of norepinephrine, was largely maintained in synaptosomes superfused with a sodium-free medium, in the absence of desmethylimipramine; thus β-phenylethylamine could enter synaptosomes without utilizing the norepinephrine carrier and displace the catecholamine, which would then be transported out of the particles through a desmethylimipramine-sensitive carrier. The release of [3H]norepinephrine was increased upon superfusion with a sodium-free medium, and desmethylimipramine largely prevented this release. The release of [3H]norepinephrine from reserpine-treated synaptosomes induced by lack of sodium was totally blocked by desmethylimipramine. Superfusion with a potassium-free medium stimulated [3H]norepinephrine release, which was affected only slightly by prior treatment with desmethylimipramine. Depolarization of synaptosomes by 56 mM KCl, in the presence of calcium, on addition of the ionophore A23187 to the superfusion medium caused a desmethylimipramine-insensitive release of labeled amine, a finding compatible with exocytotic release. The release of 3H-labeled deaminated metabolites of [3H]norepinephrine induced by reserpine was not affected by desmethylimipramine.

Integration of cerebral and peripheral inputs by interpositus neurons in monkey.

Abstract: The patterns of convergence of cerebral and peripheral nerve inputs onto interpositus neurons were studied in cebus monkeys. The strongest inputs to interpositus neurons are from motor and somatosensory cortex, with weaker inputs from peripheral nerves and cerebral area 6. The neurons in the anterior portion of interpositus receive cerebral and peripheral inputs primarily representing the hindlimb, while inputs to neurons in the posterior division represent forelimb or mixed forelimb and hindlimb. The hindlimb neurons integrate signals principally from motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, nerves, supplementary motor and medial premotor areas, while forelimb neurons receive inputs from motor, somatosensory, lateral premotor cortical areas and nerves. The results from this study are compared with those from studies of interpositus and dentate neurons in cat and monkey in order to determine the role of n. interpositus in movement. It is suggested that the inputs integrated by interpositus neurons are consistent with a role in up-dating skilled movements.

Experimental hydrocephalus following mechanical increment of intraventricular pulse pressure

Abstract: Experimental hydrocephalus has been induced in lambs by artificial increase of the amplitude of intraventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) oscillations related to arterial pulsations, without concominant changes of the mean CSF-pressure. The characteristics of this hydrocephalus demonstrate that the intraventricular CSF-pulsations can play a role in the genesis of ventricular dilatation. Such a method may be used to produce an original model of hydrocephalus independent of changes of CSF-circulation or absorption.

Observations on the regulation of cell volume and metabolic control in vitro; changes in the composition and ultrastructure of liver slices under conditions of varying metabolic and transporting activity.

Abstract: Liver slices incubated at 1 °C underwent swelling of both cellular and intercellular compartments, as judged by electronmicroscopy. The ultrastructure showed marked changes, including disorganization of the cytocavitary network and plasma membrane and alterations of mitochondria. Restoration of metabolically favorable conditions (oxygenated medium at 38 °C) caused a nearly complete recovery of ultrastructure closely associated with extrusion of water; measurements of inulin space and electronmicroscopy both indicate a recovery of cell volume, with intercellular spaces remaining somewhat expended. The fluid lost was a roughly isotonic solution of Na+ and Cl−, while K+ was reaccumulated in exchange for Na+. Cyanide prevented recovery. Ouabain and oligomycin each partially prevented fluid extrusion, but had little effect on ultrastructural recovery except to induce intracellular vesicles containing particles of thorium dioxide derived from sinusoidal spaces. The vesicles were, however, markedly different in form with each inhibitor. There are, thus ouabain-sensitive and-insensitive components of volume regulation; the former appears to depend on the coupled transport of Na+ and K+ and the latter, we suggest, on a secretion of Na+ and Cl− into vesicles which release their contents into the bile canaliculi by an oligomycin-sensitive mechanism. Mitochondria showed conformational changes between orthodox and condensed forms, but these could not be directly related to tissue energy states; the numbers of mitochondrial dense granules bore a closer relation to tissue ATP.

The Study of Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics in Apparently ‘Arrested’ Hydrocephalus in Children

Abstract: 18 children having hydrocephalus, which could be regarded clinically as ‘arrested’, underwent cerebral angiography and a constant infusion manometric test. Intracranial pressure was directly recorded

A Physiological, Biochemical and Histological Study of Goose Tracheal Mucin and its Secretion

Abstract: Tracheal mucin secretion has been measured from a segment of trachea, isolated in situ, in anaesthetized geese by a method that involves radioactive labelling of tracheal mucus glycoproteins (Gallagher et al. 1975). Goose tracheal mucus comes entirely from goblet cells, since the goose trachea does not contain submucosal mucous or serous glands, and this method has been used to investigate the nervous and pharmacological control of the mucin secretion from these epithelial goblet cells. The mucins secreted have been collected, fractionated, and chemically analysed. Intracellular mucin has been examined histochemically, and the results of electron microscopic observations of epithelial cells and nerves are presented. Acetylcholine increased tracheal mucin secretion, and this effect was completely blocked by atropine. Neither $\alpha$ - nor $\beta$ -stimulant sympathomimetic amines affected tracheal mucin secretion. Stimulation of the peripheral cut ends of the descending oesophageal nerves increased tracheal mucin secretion and the majority of this response, approximately three-quarters, appeared to be cholinergic since this proportion was blocked by atropine. The mediator for the atropine-resistant part of the response is not known, but it appears not to be a $\beta$ -adrenoreceptor stimulant since the response to nerve stimulation was unaffected by propranolol given at 34 $\mu$ M intrasegmentally. Other possibilities are discussed. Atropine itself decreased the resting level of tracheal mucin secretion. The local anaesthetic, lignocaine, increased tracheal mucin secretion, while at the same time blocking the responses to acetylcholine and descending oesophageal nerve stimulation. The implications of this are discussed. The electrophoretic, gel filtration and ion-exchange properties of goose tracheal mucins showed that they represented high molecular mass, negatively charged glycoproteins which could be labelled biosynthetically with [ $^{35}$ S]sulphate, [ $^3$ H]- and [ $^{14}$ C]glucose. These mucins could be stained with Alcian blue or periodic acid Schiff reagent. The carbohydrate composition was unusual for an epithelial glycoprotein in that fucose was absent and mannose was present in small quantities. The monosaccharides present in larger quantity were galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine and sialic acid. Histochemical analysis of tissue sections of gosling tracheas demonstrated that nearly all of the glycoprotein in epithelial goblet cells contained both sialic acid and sulphate residues. Sialated mucin was present also, but to a lesser extent, and many cells contained a mixture of sialated and sulphated mucins. The adult goose trachea had a high proportion of sialated glycoprotein. Electron microscopy showed a range of epithelial cell types and intra-epithelial nerves also. Many of the nerves had neurosecretory vesicles suggestive of motor function and some were near to goblet cells.

A study of X chromosome linkage with field dependence and spatial visualization.

Abstract: The purposes of this report are to describe a design for the study of X linkage, to illustrate its application using cognitive test scores, and to offer a linkage hypothesis suggested by these data. Sixty-seven three-son families were examined for two X chromosome marker variables—red-green color vision andXg(a) blood groups—and given a battery of cognitive tests of field dependence and spatial visualization abilities. Evidence was found to suggest that brothers who are identical inXg(a) phenotype are more similar to each other in extent of field dependence than brothers who are different inXg(a) phenotype. This result is tentative because of the small number of informative cases and the many linkage associations examined. If crossvalidated, such a finding would be consistent with the proposition that an X chromosome gene contributes to the field dependence-independence cognitive style.

The Relationship between Lactobacillus mali from Cider and Lactobacillus yamanashiensis from wine

Abstract: The two species, Lactobacillus mali and L. yamanashiensis have been compared using the following criteria: morphological observations and biochemical tests; amino acids of the cell wall mucopeptides; % G+C ratios and DNA homology. These tests have shown these organisms to be similar but not identical. Their similarity is, however, sufficiently great to consider them as one species. Due to priority of publication L. yamanashiensis is proposed for the specific name and culture No. 239 as the type strain. All organisms previously known as L. mali will in future be called L. yamanashiensis subsp. mali since there are enough differences at a subspecies level to distinguish the wine and cider strains.

Solubilization and partial characterization of the S-100 protein binding activity of synaptosomal particulate fractions.

Abstract: — Chromatographic evidence is presented that 125I-labelled S-100 protein binds to the Triton X-100 extract of synaptosomal membranes obtained from the cerebral cortex of the adult rat. The interaction is specific and saturable with respect to S-100 concentration. The binding is time- and temperature-dependent. The affinity of the extract for S-100 is of the same magnitude as that calculated for whole membranes. Treatment of the extract at high temperatures or with trypsin, phospholipase C and neuraminidase reduces the extent of the interaction, while phospholipase D does not affect it. These results further support the view that S-100 binds to a highly specific site in nervous membranes.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin phenotypes in a group of newborn infants in Somalia.

Abstract: Pi phenotype determinations were performed on umbilical cord serum specimens of 347 infants born in Mogadishu (Somalia) hospitals. Phenotyping was performed by isoelectric focusing on polyacrylamide gel slabs. Sera containing α1AT in types other than MM were also studied by crossed antigen-antibody immunoelectrophoresis on agar.

North american‐japanese pork trade: an application of quadratic programming

Abstract: The main objective of this study was to develop a quarterly recursive programming model of the Japanese-North American pork industries, including the spatial and temporal aspects of the sector, for use in evaluating policy alternatives. The study outlines the structure of the Japanese pork industry and develops a five region (Eastern Canada, Western Canada, United States, Japan, Rest of the World) quadratic programming model which is able to incorporate the Japanese pork price stabilization policy that includes import quotas, a variable duty and an ad valorem duty. Supply, consumption and storage functions were estimated using data from 1963 through 1974. The validated model was used to analyze the effects of: exchange rate variations and modified Japanese domestic agricultural policies on the volume and origin of North American-Japanese pork trade. Le principal objectif de cet etude etait de developper, sur une base trimestrielle, un modele recursif de programmation de l'industrie porcine Nord Americaine et Japonnaise incluant les dimensions espace, temps, dans le but d'evaluer differentes politiques. Cet etude donne un apercu de la structure de l'industrie porcine Japonnaise en developpant un modele quadratique de programmation a grandes regions (L'Est et l'Ouest Canadien, les Etats-Unis, le Japon et le reste du monde). Ce programme est en mesure d'incorporer la politique Japonnaise de stabilisation des prix du pore dont: les quotas d'importation et les droits de doine (specifiques ou ad-valorem). Les equations d'offre, de consommation et d'entreposage ont ete estimees sur la periode 1963–1974. Ce modele valide a servi a l'analyse des repercussions des differents taux de change, politiques agricoles Japonnaise sur le volume et l'origine du commerce du pore entre l'Amerique du Nord et le Japon.

A melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy arising from the anterior fontanel.

Abstract: A case of local recurrence of melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (HINT), arising from the anterior fontanel in a 6-month-old female, is presented. The follow-up of 48 months after surgery confirms the benign nature of this tumor despite its local recurrence. Clinical and histopathologic characteristics of this rare tumor are discussed. A review of 12 cases of MNT involving the skull is given. It is emphasized that this entity should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of a mass in the craniofacial structures in infancy.

A neurolinguistic model for the study of aphasia

Abstract: After having briefly discussed some of the most important models that are now used to understand or to classify the aphasic troubles, the authors explain the neurolinguistic model they are actually using to study some aspects of aphasics' verbal and nonverbal behavior. This theoretical model distinguishes proper linguistic from extralinguistic disturbances in the various clinical forms of aphasia. The existence in aphasia of extralinguistic components that might, in some way, influence verbal performances, is accepted by most authors. Much less obvious is the existence, at least in some clinical forms of aphasia, of proper linguistic (competence) disturbances. Our theoretical model assumes that in most clinical forms of aphasia some impairment of the semantic (lexical) structures of language exists, and it maintains that this trouble can be found both at the expressive and at the receptive level, both in verbal and in nonverbal tasks. Th results of some experimental investigations which give some support to this theoretical model, are briefly discussed.

Distinctive Features of Unilateral Spatial Agnosia in Right and Left Brain-Damaged Patients

Abstract: In order to study the distinctive features of unilateral spatial agnosia shown by right and left brain-damaged patients, a test of copying drawings with guiding landmarks was given to 83 control subje

Muscular dystrophy in adult mice chronically treated with delta9-THC at behavioural doses.

Abstract: After chronic treatment with Δ9-THC at behavioural doses, a muscular dystrophy was demonstrated in adult mice, on the basis of histological and biochemical data and of functional tests on muscle.

Plasma an intraerythrocyte amino-acid levels during and after haemodialysis in acute renal failure

Abstract: A study is carried out on the variations of plasma and blood red cells free amino acid concentrations secondary to haemodialysis in patients suffering from acute renal failure. A reduction in plasma free amino acid pool has been observed in patients undergoing to many periodic haemosialysis, but no significant differences occur in plasma aminogram between before and after a single dyalitic procedure. Significant alterations were also observed in blood red cells aminogram, and this may be interpreted as reflex of intracellular omeostatic mechanisms for the maintenance of normal plasma free amioacid pattern.

Sympathetic preganglionic pupillodilator fibres in the light reflex.

Abstract: The modifications of the sympathetic pupillodilator activity in the light reflex have been demonstrated by recording the electrical discharge of single preganglionic fibres in the cervical sympathetic nerve.

Bone marrow amyloid in patients with M-component.

Abstract: Amyloid substance was looked for in bone marrow aspirates of 28 patients presenting an M-component, in association with different illnesses (plasmocytoma, chronic lymphatic leukemia, lymphocytic lymphoma, "benign monoclonal gammapathy" and liver cirrhosis). Amyloid was detected in 12 out of 20 patients with plasmocytoma (60%) and in 3 out of 8 patients with other illnesses (37.5%); it was found in 9 out of 13 cases (69.2%) presenting exclusive light chain production and in 6 out of 15 cases (40%) with a monoclonal complete Ig. Lambda type light chain, either free or Ig-bound, was slightly more often (6 cases out of 10, 60%) associated with amyloidosis than was K (9 cases out of 17, 52.9%). Bone marrow appeared to be more frequently involved than other sites considered elective such as rectal mucosa. Amyloid appeared as an intensively fluorescent substance present intercellularly in areas of variable number and size.

Die Toleranz bei Hüftgelenkprothesen bewertet durch szintigraphische Studien

Abstract: Die Autoren bestatigen die Nutzlichkeit der Szintigraphie fur die fruhzeitige Diagnose bzw. die Bestatigung der hauptsachlichen Komplikationen, die im Zusammenhang mit Huftgelenkprothesen auftreten konnen. Der szintigraphische Test, der nur dann von Wert ist, wenn er mindestens sechs Monate nach dem Eingriff vorgenommen wird, mus stets von klinischen, bio-humoralen und rontgenologischen Untersuchungen vervollstandigt werden. Die Autoren stutzen ihre Studien auf die Analyse von 40 Fallen, von denen 20 die Kontrollgruppe bilden. Bei dem benutzten Isotop handelt es sich um das Tc99m-Pyrophosphat.

Somatotopic organization of the eye muscle representation in the semilunar ganglion.

Abstract: A somatotopic arrangement of the extraocular muscle proprioception has been found in the semilunar ganglion. The cells innervating the proprioceptors of the superior rectus and superior oblique muscles lie more dorsally than those innervating the inferior rectus and inferior oblique. The lateral rectus and the medial rectus are represented in the lateral, respectively in the medial portion of the cellular pool which provides the sensitive innervation of the eye muscles.

Normal limits of the lateral cerebral ventricles on the lateral phlebogram: a statistical analysis.

Abstract: The highest points of the subependymal veins of the lateral cerebral ventricles (frontal horn, body and atrium) and the height of the body have been evaluated in selected patients. Through a statistical analysis, they have been demonstrated to depend on the height of the supratentorial compartment of the skull. Taking into account this relation, the results obtained furnish reliable criteria for evaluating ventricular enlargement or sectional deformity.