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Biomedical subjects

B Walther

Publications and source records attributed to B Walther.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

Comparison of electrolytic and ibotenic acid lesions in the lateral hypothalamus.

Electrolytic lesions in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) seriously affect ingestive behavior and sensorimotor functions in the rat. We here report that bilateral infusions of the neurotoxin, ibotenic acid (IBO) in the LH yield a decrease in body weight, but not to the same extent as electrolytic lesions. The sensorimotor impairments were most severe after electrolytic lesions. When tested in a residential maze on days 5-7 and 18-20 after surgery, both lesioned groups showed no lack of motivation to seek food and water. Histological examination of the LH following IBO exposure revealed extensive degeneration of neuronal cell bodies with little evidence of non-specific damage. Biochemical analysis of the rostral forebrain content of norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) revealed that the fibers passing through the LH remained largely intact in the IBO treated rats. The results suggest that the observed aphagia and adipsia is not due to a lack of motivation, but rather reflects changes in the process which operate to initiate eating and drinking. Furthermore, selective neuronal degeneration induced the same behavioral changes as the electrolytic ones, though not to the same extent.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus.

In a retrospective histological study, resected specimens obtained from 23 patients with adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus (Group I) and endoscopic multiple (step) biopsies from 38 patients without carcinoma in Barrett's esophagus (Group II) were investigated for dysplastic changes. Dysplasia was most frequently found in the type of mucosa comprising intestinal metaplasia. There seem to be two pathways to dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus. In Group I dysplasia was found in 18 out of 23, and in Group II in 2 out of 38 patients. In Barrett's esophagus, dysplasia may be considered not only a precursor of carcinoma, but also a marker for coexisting carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1985

The pleomorphic adenoma of salivary glands transplanted on athmymic mice. A lightmicroscopical and immunohistochemical investigation.

10 pleomorphic adenomas of the human parotid gland were transplanted on several groups of nude mice. For comparative reasons, 10 other pleomorphic adenomas, a neurinoma and a chordoma and transplants of squamous cell carcinomas and of normal salivary gland tissue were also analysed. In the primary tumours and in the transplants, the presence of keratin, carcinoembryonic antigen, tissue polypeptide antigen, lactoferrin, lysozyme, immunoglobulins, secretory component, amylase, fibronectin and of several lectin-receptors (PNA, WGA, HPA, Ulex europaeus) was sought. The immunohistological observations show that many of the features of a pleomorphic adenoma are constant under the conditions of transplantation. In the transplanted tumour, the same heterogeneity as in the primary tumours can be observed. Autoradiographic studies show little labelling with 3-H thymidine, which is in good accordance with the biological behaviour of the tumour. The distribution of fibronectin shows an interesting association with myoepithelial-like cells. Our results support the hypothesis that the histogenetic origin of the pleomorphic adenoma is a cell pool of the terminal ductal segment. A differentiation towards ductal cells (with production of secretory substances) and towards myoepithelial cells (associated with large amounts of basal membrane like substances) is observed.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗
PubMed1985

Influence of morphine on the distal oesophagus and the lower oesophageal sphincter--a manometric study.

Basal pressure and relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) as well as amplitude, duration and propagation velocity of peristaltic waves in the distal third of oesophagus were measured in 15 healthy adults (nine men and six women). A highly standardised technique was used employing manometric equipment including a low-compliance pneumohydraulic infusion system and a triple lumen recording catheter. After establishment of baseline manometry values the catheter was positioned with its distal orifice in the lower oesophageal sphincter. In 10 subjects 0.2 mg/kg body weight of morphine sulphate was then injected subcutaneously. In five others equal volume of saline was given. The manometric data were analysed blindly. Repeated manometric evaluations were carried out 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 minutes after the injection. Morphine increased slightly LOS-pressure and significantly (p less than 0.001) decreased LOS-relaxation, the maximal effect occurring 30 minutes after the injection. Amplitude of peristaltic waves increased slightly but insignificantly, whereas propagation velocity and duration were uninfluenced. The results of this study suggest that pharmacologic doses of morphine influence normal function of the LOS and possibly the distal oesophagus. The role of endogenous opiates in this respect, however, awaits further studies. It is suggested that abnormalities in opioid neurotransmission may explain some of the non-specific oesophageal motility disorders.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Preoperative computed tomography for evaluation of tumour growth in patients with gastric cancer.

In 31 patients with proven gastric malignancy, computed tomography (CT) was done before surgical exploration. Tumour growth was assessed with each method independently, but following the same protocol. The results of the CT examination were compared with the surgical findings and the diagnostic accuracy of CT was evaluated. Liver metastases could be demonstrated with specificity 10/10 and sensitivity 20/21. The predictive value of the positive test (Pv+) was 10/11, and the predictive value of the negative test (Pv-) was 20/20. Tumour growth to the pancreas was shown by CT with specificity 4/5 and sensitivity 26/26, with Pv+ = 4/4 and Pv- = 26/27. Enlarged lymph nodes around the coeliac axis could be shown with specificity 6/6, Pv+ = 18/18 and Pv- = 6/13. The accuracy of CT was also evaluated regarding tumour growth to oesophagus, colon and greater and lesser omenta. Tumour resectability was predicted by the radiologist with the help of CT. The specificity was 26/26 and sensitivity 4/5, Pv+ = 26/27 and Pv- = 4/4. In this study, therefore, CT had high diagnostic accuracy in regard to extent of intraabdominal growth and resectability. In selected patients it may thus be possible, when resection is not feasible, to avoid exploratory laparotomy.

Aged↗
PubMed1984

[Arthropathy as an early symptom of hemochromatosis. Overview of the literature and 7 case reports].

In seven patients with hemochromatosis, arthropathy was an early symptom, or first clinical symptom, of the hemochromatosis. In all seven patients, serum iron, transferrin saturation, and parameters of storage iron (serum ferritin, Desferal-test) were clearly elevated. In 5 patients hemochromatosis was associated with the HLA loci A3 and B7. Bone scan proved a sensitive detection method for hemochromatosis arthropathy. In one case joint involvement was detected by bone scan prior to clinical symptoms. Parameters of iron metabolism correlated well with other organ manifestations of hemochromatosis. In contrast, joint involvement did not correlate with parameters of iron metabolism or severity of hemosiderosis of other organs, and was not relieved by phlebotomy. These 7 cases confirm that joint symptoms can be an early or leading symptom of hemochromatosis, can lead to early therapy and thereby prevent major organ damage. It remains undecided, however, whether the arthropathy is a consequence of iron storage or an independent disease which is genetically associated with hemochromatosis.

Female↗
PubMed1984

The healing process of anastomoses of the colon. A comparative study using single, double-layer or stapled anastomosis.

In spite of modern suture materials and different techniques in colonic anastomoses after resection, leakage is still the most feared complication in colonic surgery. In female pigs of Swedish land breed, standardized 5-cm long colonic resection was performed 10 cm above the peritoneal deflection, using either a single layer of Gambee-stitches (n = 6, Vicryl 4-0), two-layer interrupted stitches (n = 6, Vicryl 4-0) or the intraluminal stapling device (n = 6, ILS Ethicon). After one week, the animals were sacrificed and an anastomotic index was calculated using in vitro x-ray. Also, anastomotic circulation (calculated by the microsphere technique), breaking strength, and histologic evaluation were performed. All animals survived and no leakage was observed. The time to perform the anastomosis was significantly shorter (P less than 0.05) for the stapling device compared with the manual techniques used. The anastomotic index was lower (P less than 0.05) for two rows (0.24) compared with Gambee-stitches (0.38) or stapler anastomoses (0.37). There were no differences in blood flow among the three groups and no differences in breaking strength. Macroscopic investigation revealed mucosal defects in two of the stapled anastomoses and histologic investigation showed small areas of necrosis. The stapling device did not induce any inflammatory reaction. On the other hand, a severe inflammatory reaction was seen when using conventional suture materials. In conclusion, this study shows that a single row of Gambee-stitches is equal to the ILS stapling device when performing colonic anastomoses and these two methods seem to be superior to the two-layer technique.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

The healing process in high and low anterior resection of the rectum. A comparative study in the pig, using stapling devices.

The reason for the higher leakage frequency after low anterior resection compared with high resection is unexplained. With the development of stapling devices, we have a unique opportunity to investigate anastomotic healing during standardized conditions. In female pigs, six in each group, a high anterior resection was performed by resection of a 5-cm colon segment, 10 cm above the peritoneal fold, and low anterior resection was performed after resection of a 5-cm segment at the peritoneal fold and downward. Differences in healing parameters, i.e., blood flow, breaking strength, and radiologic and histologic appearance between low and high anterior resection, were evaluated. Two leakages occurred after low and none after high anterior resection. The anastomotic index was 0.37 (high) and 0.26 (low) (P less than 0.05). The breaking strength was higher in low resections; this might be due to the thicker wall. There were no differences in blood circulation between high and low anastomoses, but the blood flow was significantly higher in the anastomotic area in both groups. This is probably due to the inflammatory reaction taking place in the healing anastomoses. This study, performed in a standardized fashion with a stapler adjusted to wall thickness and size of the intestine, cannot, on the basis of microcirculation, explain why leakage is more common in lower anastomoses.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Effect of paraesophageal hernia on sphincter function and its implication on surgical therapy.

Fifteen patients with a paraesophageal hernia were studied with 24 hour esophageal pH monitoring and esophageal manometry to clarify the physiologic aspects of the cardia and resolve controversies over the type of surgical repair. The results were compared with those obtained in 34 randomly selected patients with a sliding hernia and 18 normal control subjects. Sixty percent of the patients with a paraesophageal hernia had an incompetent cardia on 24 hour pH studies which was associated with a lower esophageal sphincter of normal pressure, short overall length, and a small segment exposed to abdominal pressure. In comparison, 70 percent of patients with a sliding hernia had an incompetent cardia which was associated with a lower esophageal sphincter of low pressure, normal overall length, and a short segment exposed to abdominal pressure. With either type of hernia, symptoms were not helpful in determining the competency of the cardia. When urgent surgery is necessary, repair should include an antireflux procedure. If facilities and time permit, more specific evaluation of the cardia can be performed, and if competent, the repair should be limited to reduction of the stomach and closure of the defect.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Comparison between absorbable and nonabsorbable, monofilament sutures for end-to-end arterial anastomoses in growing pigs.

End-to-end anastomoses of the iliac arteries in growing pigs were constructed with interrupted 7-0 absorbable polydioxanone (PDS) or polypropylene (Prolene) sutures. Comparison between the two monofilament suture materials was made with respect to macroscopic and microscopic examinations, angiographic findings, recorded tensile breaking forces, and calculated blood flow values within the arterial walls at the level of the anastomoses. The angiographic examinations and the recorded tensile breaking forces did not reveal any difference between PDS- and Prolene-sutured anastomoses. On the other hand, the macroscopic findings, the histologic examination, and the calculated blood flow values (6.1 +/- 4.7 and 16.8 +/- 2.3 ml/min/100 gm for PDS- and Prolene-sutured anastomoses, respectively) point to a far more pronounced inflammatory tissue reaction with Prolene. The obtained differences clearly suggest the use of absorbable PDS instead of nonabsorbable Prolene sutures for arterial anastomoses.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Idiopathic refractory sideroachrestic anemia (IRSA) progressing to acute mixed lymphoblastic-myelomonoblastic leukemia. Case report and review of the literature.

A longitudinal observation of a patient with idiopathic refractory sideroachrestic anemia (IRSA) progressing to acute mixed lymphoblastic-myelomonoblastic leukemia is reported. The leukemia was characterized by morphology, immunological cell markers, and dissociated clinical responsiveness to vincristine/prednisone and arabinosylcytosine/6-thioguanine. Attention is paid to the hematological changes prior to leukemia development. Acute leukemia was best heralded in this patient by a severe deterioration of dyserythropoiesis and by an increase of blasts in the marrow to more than 5%. The observed preleukemic features are compared to those described in the literature.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

Changes in nociception after intrathecal administration of 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine in mice.

Intrathecal administration of 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine (5,6-DHT) (5 micrograms) to mice selectively lesioned descending serotonergic pathways, reducing spinal levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) by 80%, without significantly changing the levels of noradrenaline. Increased sensitivity to noxious stimulation, as measured by the tail-flick and hot-plate tests, was observed 2 days after injection of 5,6-DHT. The tail-flick latencies returned to normal on day 6, but were again reduced by administration of the 5-HT receptor blocker metergoline, suggesting that the normalization process involved compensatory mechanisms in the remaining 5-HT system. In the hot-plate test, the latencies both to shaking or kicking of a hindpaw (kick) and to hindpaw lick were recorded, but the time course for the changes of these two responses was found to be different. The latencies to hindpaw lick were normalized within 2 weeks, whereas the hindpaw kick latencies remained reduced throughout the 21 day observation period.

5,6-Dihydroxytryptamine↗
PubMed1982

[Carpal tunnel syndrome and gout (author's transl)].

Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was observed in a 39-year-old female with gout. Until now carpal tunnel syndrome caused by gout has not been observed in females. Due to marked clinical symptoms neurolysis on the right side had to be performed. The course of the left hand affection was observed while on conservative treatment with a xanthine oxidase inhibitor. As such therapy is possible and successful, it is mandatory to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome early in gout. Histology showed the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome to be uric acid tendovaginitis.

Adult↗