In the chicken retina, choline acetyltransferase-like immunoreactivity (ChAT-LI) defines three populations of cholinergic amacrine cells and two terminal bands in the inner plexiform layer (IPL). Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry defines two prominent bands within the IPL which corresponded to those containing ChAT. Other AChE-positive bands in the IPL are not associated with cholinergic transmission sites. Cholinergic cell bodies contain AChE, but the most intensely AChE-positive cells do not appear to be cholinergic. AChE histochemistry may be used to define the major cholinergic synaptic sites in the IPL, and may be a useful marker of IPL lamination.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

PubMed1985

Entero-pancreatic reflexes revealed by duodenal anesthesia in the dog.

This study was designed to improve our understanding of duodeno-pancreatic reflexes, the existence of which was suggested by the previous observation of a reduction in secretin-stimulated pancreatic secretion during local anesthesia of the duodenal mucosa. The effects on this reduction in secretin-stimulated secretion of cholinergic or adrenergic blocking agents (alone or in combination) and of truncal vagotomy, were studied in conscious dog with gastric and pancreatic fistulae. For each agent and for secretin alone in normal and vagotomized dogs, a comparison was made of pancreatic secretion with and without lignocaine anesthesia of the duodenal mucosa. Lignocaine reduced pancreatic secretion with secretin alone, and stimulated it during infusion of atropine. The changes in both protein bicarbonate secretion were blocked by pentolinium and by phenoxybenzamine whereas propranolol mainly blocked the effects on bicarbonate output. The effect of truncal vagotomy resembled that of atropine. These results suggest the existence of two enteropancreatic reflex mechanisms; an excitory cholinergic vagal reflex and an inhibitory, atropine-resistant non-vagal reflex. Both are blocked by pentolinium (a ganglion blocker) and by phenoxy-benzamine, suggesting the involvement of alpha-adrenergic receptors probably also at the level of the ganglion cell. Beta-adrenergic receptors are also involved in the regulation of bicarbonate and fluid secretion.

Anesthesia↗

PubMed1985

Large gallstones may pass spontaneously.

We report two cases in which gallstones greater than 1 cm in diameter passed spontaneously from the common bile duct into the duodenum. The possibility of spontaneous passage should be borne in mind in the management of patients with common duct stones.

Common Bile Duct↗

PubMed1985

The radiologic evaluation of gross cecal distension: emphasis on cecal ileus.

A retrospective review of plain abdominal radiographs in 46 patients with gross cecal distension (greater than 10 cm) was performed. In 25 (54%) of 46 patients, the cecum was dilated out of proportion to the rest of the colon and was rotated anteromedially. The term cecal ileus is used to describe this situation. Five (20%) of 25 patients with cecal ileus developed perforation. Four of these patients died as a result of the perforation. The risk of perforation was related more to duration of cecal distension than to absolute cecal size. Aggressive decompressive measures, including consideration of cecostomy, appear warranted in patients with gross cecal distension, especially when it is dilated out of proportion to the rest of the colon and has persisted for several days.

Adult↗

PubMed1985