In this present study we analyse, with the help of the Golgi method, the effect of ethanol on the morphological differentiation of the cerebellar granule cells in the chick embryo. Ethanol seems to affect the process of cell migration from the early stages of differentiation. Some granule cells appear to differentiate in an inverted position. These observations also confirm, on the basis of their axon morphology, the existence of three types of granule cells in the chick cerebellum.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Three cases of early neurosyphilis in HIV patients].

In spite of the relative control of the disease in the late 20th century, syphilis, like other sexually transmitted diseases, has undergone a strong resurgence in recent years in the large urban centers of Europe and the US. Many patients with syphilis are also HIV+. The association between the two diseases may modify the clinical evolution of syphilis and increase the incidence of neurological disorders. We discuss the cases of three patients diagnosed with both diseases last year, with neurological presentation of syphilis occurring early and ophthalmic or cochlear vestibular involvement. This recent outbreak of syphilis seems to lead to an increase in the number of atypical cases presenting in our daily practice, where we must be prepared for early diagnosis and treatment.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of ethanol on the inner layers of chick retina during development.

Optic nerve hypoplasia is an important malformation of the fetal alcohol syndrome whose teratogenic mechanisms are unknown. In our experimental model we have quantified the concentration of ethanol and acetaldehyde in the retina and vitreous humor of the developing chick. The effect of ethanol alone during retinal development was analyzed by conventional histological techniques and by immunostaining. A single injection of ethanol in the vitelline sac at the beginning of retinal cell differentiation retarded synaptogenesis in the inner plexiform layer and produced abundant ganglion cell death and a sharp diminution of myelinic axons. Our observations could help to explain certain alterations described in children exposed to ethanol during the development of their nervous system.

Acetaldehyde↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Study of thyroid function in the organ donor during brain death].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the thyroid function in organ donors undergoing cerebral death and evaluate the effects that these possible alterations may exert on the early function of renal graft. DEVELOPMENT: Prospective study. Hormonal analysis when: 1) the diagnosis of cerebral death was made and 2) before organ extraction. PATIENTS: Fifteen organ donors with cerebral death. Twenty-nine patients who received the kidneys of these donors. PLACE: Neurotraumatologic Unit at the University Hospital Marques de Valdecilla. Referring center. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: All donors showed low T3 and T4 values. Values of T4 and IT4L were significantly lower during the second determination (p < 0.05). Eighty percent of donors showed increased T3r values. TSH was low in 73% of cases. Dopamine requirements in donors or the incidence of acute tubular necrosis in recipients were not significantly higher in donors with lowest T3 values. CONCLUSION: The hormonal picture observed in the donors of this study is more characteristic of a "ill euthyroid syndrome" than a real hypothyroidism. The low values of T3 in donors is not associated with higher requirements of inotropic agents, nor with a higher incidence of acute tubular necrosis in renal grafts.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Isospora mcquistioni and Isospora bioccai (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae): two new coccidian parasites from Carduelis sinica (Passeriformes, Fringillidae).

The following two species are described from Carduelis sinica (Greenfinch) from Italy. The oocysts of Isospora mcquistioni n. sp. were 26.0 x 22.6 (24.0-28.5 x 20.0-24.2) microns and ovoid with a smooth bilayered wall. Neither micropyle nor oocyst residuum were observed. One polar granule was found. Sporocysts were oval, 18.1 x 11.4 (16.0-19.8 x 11.0-12.0) microns, and with a symmetrical Stieda complex. The residuum was compact and spherical. Isospora bioccai n. sp. oocysts were spherical to subspherical and 24.0 x 23.6 (22.0-26.0 x 21.0-25.8) microns. The oocyst wall was smooth and bilayered. A micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent; 4 to 10 elongate polar granules were present. Sporocysts were 19.5 x 11.6 (18.0-20.0 x 10.0-12.4) microns, ellipsoidal, and with a symmetrical Stieda complex. The sporocyst residuum was diffuse and composed of a few granules.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The effect of gelfoam embolism in vascular conduction and critical pressure in the isolated canine lobe].

Pulmonary pressure-flow curves, hemodynamic and blood gas parameters in West's zone II condition were obtained in nine isolated in situ left lower lobes (LLL) before (condition A), and after 15, 30 and 60 minutes of lobar gelfoam embolization (GE) (condition B) in order to know the natural history of this model. After GE a decrease in PaO2 and lobar O2 were noticed (p less than 0.05). Vascular conductance (p less than 0.001) and lobar blood flow decreased (p less than 0.05), accompanied by a significant increase in the inflow (p less than 0.01) and in the mean closing pressures (p less than 0.01). These parameters did not change during the time of observation at condition B. Nor the cardiac output or the minimal closing pressure changed in relation to condition A. LLL angiographic findings showed evidence of arterial occlusion and the pattern of obstruction was not homogeneous. Lobes histology showed occluded arteries of more than 300 micrometers of diameter. We concluded that in this canine model of increased pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary vascular conductance and mean closing pressure change, remain stable during 60 minutes after GE allowing us to know the natural history of the preparation. Condition than allow to perform and evaluate other interventions on lung vascular mechanics in the experimental setting of pulmonary embolization.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Effects of venous segment pressure on the critical closure pressure, in the isolated lung lobe from dogs in situ].

In an isolated in situ canine left lower lobe preparation we studied the influence of the distal vascular compartment or venous pressure (PV) on the pressure of arterial vascular segment at zero flow or minimal critical closing pressure (MCCP), while alveolar pressure was held constant and below MCCP. The MCCP-PV curve showed an independent segment when PV was less than 8 mmHg. Above this value (that we define as PV), an slope of 1.08 was found. Our findings indicate that MCCP is not MCCP if PV greater than 8 mmHg (it is MCCP). Because MCCP is higher than alveolar pressure, MCCP must be the back pressure for flow. This finding is not in disagreement with the new concept regarding that MCCP is the back pressure for flow and not alveolar pressure in West's zone II condition.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Effects of the chest wall and air volume on the perivascular pressure of the arterial segment. Study of the isolated canine lobule].

Ten isolated in situ canine left lower lobes (LLL) were studied in West zone II condition. In four dogs (group I) the chest wall surrounding the LLL was surgically removed, in the remaining dogs (group II) this procedure was not done. After basal parameters were obtained, minimal critical pressure (MCCP) was recorded and the influence of increasing alveolar pressure (PA) from o to 20 mmHg was noted. For group I lobes, PA value did not influence MCCP measurements, thus an independent relation between the pressures was found (delta MCCP/delta PA = 0). For group II lobes, when PA less than 6.8 +/- 2.1 mmHg also a delta MCCP/delta PA +/- was noted. Above this PA (PA1) a slope of 0.25 +/- 0.04 was documented for the delta MCCP/delta PA relationship. On the basis of our findings we conclude that MCCP is independent form PA. However if this relationship is studied in the isolated in situ LLL, at open chest with the condition of integrity of the chest wall when PA1 is applied the changes in MCCP are the result of the effect of lung inflation on the chest wall resulting in changes of the extravascular compliance (of the arterial segment) and is not due to a direct influence of PA on MCCP.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied