Direct electric currents ranging from 10 microA to 1000 microA increase ATP concentrations in the tissue and stimulate amino acid incorporation into the proteins of rat skin. The amino acid transport through the cell membrane, followed by the alpha-aminoisobutyric acid uptake, is stimulated between 100 microA and 750 microA. The stimulatory effects on ATP production and on amino acid transport, apparently mediated by different mechanisms, contribute to the final increased protein synthesizing activity. DNA metabolism followed by thymidine incorporation remains unaffected during the course of current application. The effects on AtP production can be explained by proton movements on the basis of the chemiosmotic theory of Mitchell, while the transport functions are controlled by modification in the electrical gradients across the membranes.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Biochemical analyses in osteoarthritis of the hip: a correlative study between glycosaminoglycan loss, enzyme activity and radiologic signs.

This article describes a correlative study between biochemical analyses and radiologic signs in 90 hips with osteoarthritis (OA) removed at operation. On the basis of possible etiologic considerations, the hips are separated into three groups: mechanically induced OA; OA with mainly inflammatory signs; OA in which neither of the two above factors are clearly present. Respective findings of glycosaminoglycan loss, and enzyme activity in cartilage and synovia demonstrate that in mechanically induced OA the glycosaminoglycan loss is less than in inflammatory OA. In the latter, the enzyme activity level is higher than in the former group, suggesting that two important factors in cartilage degradation are represented differently in osteoarthritis. In individual patients, X-ray examination alone may be sufficient to identify the etiologic group. Body weight is an important etiologic factor; heavy individuals show a greater loss of ground substance, with less enzyme activity compared with individuals weighing 70 kg or less.

Cathepsins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Should surgical implants be removed?

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Bone Nails↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Arthrodesis of the ankle joint with complete removal of the distal part of the fibula: experience with the transfibular approach and three different types of fixation.

In 20 patients the following 3 techniques have been used for ankle fusion, all with a lateral transfibular approach: (1) fibular grafting; (2) lateral removal of the distal fibula and fixation with 3 Blount staples; (3) removal of the distal fibular and fixation with Charnley compression clamps. The compression technique, through a lateral approach, was found to be superior as it avoids section of tendons. Removal of the distal portion of the fibular eliminates the risk of drainage and problems with wound healing due to the presence of a large bone graft immediately underneath the skin. Fusion is obtained more rapidly with the third than the first and second techniques. Pain seems to be related to osteoarthritis of the surrounding joints. The gait pattern depends not only on pain, but also on the position of the foot and on the posterior displacement of the talus. Less osteoarthritis as a result of shorter immoblizaition is the most favorable factor, notwithstanding the longer preoperative period in the third than in the first two methods.

Adult↗