bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE MOTOR AREAS AND PYRAMID TRACT IN THE CANADIAN PORCUPINE (ERETHIZON DORSATUS, LINN.)
Authors: Simpson Sutherland
Published: December 2014

In the Canadian porcupine the cerebral cortex was exposed on the left side and the motor region located by electrical stimulation. Areas were found and mapped out, excitation of which led to movements of the tail; hind‐limb; body; fore‐limb; face, mouth, and tongue; head and eyes. In no case out of seven experiments was there failure to obtain responses from each of these areas. Although the movements were readily induced, it was found difficult to delimit the areas with accuracy, because of their tendency to overlap at the margins.

In six, out of the seven individuals stimulated, the entire motor region on the left side was removed, and the resulting degeneration followed by the Marchi method.

In the midbrain, pons, and upper part of the medulla oblongata, the degenerated pyramid tract is found to occupy the usual position. Many fibres leave the main mass in the crusta and pass into the tegmentum, and there is much fine degeneration scattered amongst the cells of the nuclei pontis. There is evidently an extensive connexion between the cerebral cortex and the grey matter of these regions. In its passage through the pons the tract forms a compact bundle, which is not broken up by the transverse pontine fibres to the same extent as in the cat, dog, and monkey.

In the lower part of the medulla oblongata most of the fibres decussate into the dorsal column of the opposite side, a few, however, passing into the lateral column of that side. Some fibres pass into the dorsal column of the same (lesion) side, and a considerable number continue downwards into the spinal cord in the ventral column, forming a well‐marked tract extending along the margin of the ventral median fissure. Several bundles of fibres on both sides end in the formatio reticularis at the base of the substantia gelatinosa of Rolando.

There are thus in the porcupine four pyramid tracts entering the spinal cord, viz. the crossed dorsal pyramid tract, the crossed lateral pyramid tract, the direct dorsal pyramid tract, and the direct ventral pyramid tract. Arranged according to their importance, that is, judging by the number of fibres which they contain, the order is— crossed dorsal, direct ventral, direct dorsal, crossed lateral.

The crossed lateral tract disappears in the mid‐thoracic region, between the seventh and tenth segments; the direct dorsal and ventral between the second and fifth lumbar segments; while the crossed dorsal tract can be followed to the lower end of the sacral region.

The decussation takes place at a low level in the medulla oblongata, much of it extending into the upper cervical segment of the spinal cord. It is also less abrupt than in some other animals with a crossed dorsal pyramid tract (e.g. the squirrel and chipmunk) which the writer has had the opportunity of examining.

In conclusion, I desire to express my indebtedness to Mr A. E. Livingston for assistance rendered at the operations.
THE ORIGIN OF THE ACTIVE MATERIAL OF THE POSTERIOR LOBE OF THE PITUITARY BODY
Authors: Herring P. T.
Published: December 2014

The pars glandularis of the ox pituitary contains none of the active substance associated with extracts of the posterior lobe. Its junctions with the pars intermedia yield a substance which stimulates the uterus and acts as a galactagogue, but the active principle is a product of the cells of the pars intermedia.

The pars intermedia of the ox pituitary, and the whole pituitary of the elasmobranch, yield a substance which stimulates the uterus to contract, and the mammary gland to secrete milk. They exercise little, if any, pressor effect in the cat, even in extracts of a 2 per cent. strength. They do not show any specific effect upon the kidney, either as regards increase in volume, or the secretion of urine. Repeated doses of the active substance do not confer any immunity as regards the action upon the uterus; neither do they hinder the subsequent typical action of extracts of the pars nervosa upon the blood‐pressure.

Extracts of the pars nervosa of the ox pituitary yield, in relatively larger amount, the material which stimulates the uterus and acts as a galactagogue. A first injection produces the typical prolonged rise of blood‐pressure in the cat; a second dose has a depressor effect, but is associated with a further contraction of the uterus. The pars nervosa alone yields a material which expands the kidney and produces an increased secretion of urine.

It cannot be definitely asserted that there are separate and distinct principles which act upon uterus and mammary gland, upon blood‐pressure, and upon the kidney. It may be that the uterus and mammary gland are especially sensitive, and that the active material has a selective action upon these organs, so that extremely minute amounts provoke a response. On the other hand, the kidney is very susceptible to minute doses of extract of pars nervosa, but does not respond to concentrated extracts of pars intermedia.

The active principle, or principles, appear to have their origin from cells of the pars intermedia. The epithelial cells of the latter secrete a thin colloid material which finds its way into the pars nervosa. Whole cells become transformed into hyaline bodies which pass through the pars nervosa. The hyaline bodies break down gradually with the liberation, sometimes of clear hyaline material, and at other times of granules. The products appear to be stored in the pars nervosa, especially around the capillaries of the lobe. In some conditions hyaline bodies pass into the neck of the lobe, and even into the cerebro‐spinal fluid. The extent of such passage is very variable, and depends upon conditions as yet unascertained.

Some of the conflicting results which have been obtained by various observers in the action of different parts of the pituitary body may be due to differences in reaction peculiar to the species of animal on which the extracts have been tested.

The expenses of this research have been defrayed by a grant from the Carnegie fund.
EXPERIMENTS ON THE SURVIVING MAMMALIAN INTESTINE
Authors: Gunn James A. , Underhill S. W. F.
Published: December 2014

Segments of the small intestine have been kept exsected at different temperatures to determine for how long a period the pendulum movements can be revived when the intestine is subsequently put into oxygenated Locke's solution at 37° C.; also to determine what modifications the pendulum movements undergo when revived under these conditions, and what alterations occur in the effects produced on them by certain drugs.

As far as has been found, the maximum time of survival is as follows: 5 days when the isolated intestine is kept at 3° to 7° C.; over 24 hours when kept at about 15° C.; at least 8½ hours when kept at 37° C. (without oxygen).

The movements of the revived intestine show a gradual diminution of amplitude, but no conspicuous alteration of rate.

The reaction of the revived intestine to adrenine and to barium continues unchanged at those temperatures so long as the intestine retains any power of rhythmic movement. Pilocarpine and atropine produce their normal action on the pendulum movements when the intestine is kept for 5 days at 3° to 7° C.; but lose their effect when it is kept for 3½ hours at 37° C.

The results give an indication of the longevity of the receptive substances for those drugs when the intestine is kept at different temperatures, and lead to the conclusion that the receptive substances connected with the sympathetic nerve terminals have a greater vitality than those connected with the parasympathetic nerve terminals.

The isolated circular muscle of the cat's small intestine possesses the power of executing rhythmic movements, resembling the pendulum movements, when it is completely separated from the longitudinal muscle on the one side and from the submucosa and mucous membrane on the other. This power is retained even when the outer layers of the circular muscle have also been removed; the inner layers, remote from Auerbach's plexus, still retain the property of spontaneous rhythmicity.

Subject to a revision of the accepted conceptions of the localised nature of Auerbach's plexus, the conclusion is drawn that the spontaneous rhythmicity of these movements is an inherent property of the muscle itself. This conclusion is supported by the fact that, when the intestine is kept at different temperatures, the power of executing rhythmic movements and the power of reacting to barium disappear at the same time.

The movements of the isolated muscularis mucosæ of the cat's small intestine have been recorded and found to consist of regular slow rhythmic contractions, occurring at the rate of one in 27 to 60 seconds.

Those movements bear a general resemblance to the rhythmic contractions of the spleen, and probably have a similar function of accelerating the local circulation. Adrenine has a motor effect on the rhythmic contractions of the muscularis mucosæ, as on those of the spleen.

The benefit of adrenine as a styptic in gastric ulcer may be due partly to its arresting capillary hæmorrhage by contracting the muscularis mucosæ.
THE EFFECT OF THYROIDߚFEEDING ON THE WEIGHT OF THE SUPRARENALS AND ON THEIR ADRENALIN CONTENT
Authors: Herring P. T.
Published: December 2014

The administration of small quantities, 0·2 to 0·5 grm., of fresh ox thyroid daily to white rats increases the size and weight of the suprarenals both in young and adult animals. Reckoned in mg. per 100 grm. body‐weight, the extent of the increase in the eighteen male animals examined averages a figure which is equivalent to a rise in weight of from 76 to 78 per cent. above the normal. This is the result of feeding the animals with the above‐mentioned doses of thyroid for a period of from three to four weeks.

Both cortex and medulla participate in the enlargement, but the hyprotrophy of the cortex is somewhat greater than that of the medulla.

There is reason to believe that where accessory suprarenals are present they too undergo enlargement.

The adrenalin content of the suprarenals of the white rat increases as a general rule with increase in weight of the animal. The amount of adrenalin normally present is about 0·034 mgr. per 100 grm. body‐weight.

Feeding with thyroid increases the adrenalin content of the suprarenals. The average amount in the eighteen animals examined averages from 0·049 to 0·052 mg., which is equivalent to a rise in weight of about 50 per cent.

Owing to the relatively greater increase in weight of the suprarenals, resulting from thyroid‐feeding, the percentage amount of adrenalin in them is decreased, though only to a small extent.

It is probable that the adrenalin in the accessory suprarenals, when these are present, is also increased.

Rats fed with small doses of thyroid not infrequently die suddenly when apparently thriving. In the animals examined which have thus died there is great increase in the weight of the suprarenals and in the adrenalin content. The heart is greatly hypertrophied in addition. There is evidence that thyroid‐feeding results in rapid cardiac hypertrophy in white rats. The condition is being further investigated.

The author has to thank Mr Niven of Strathkinness for his kindness in ensuring a regular supply of fresh ox thyroids.

The expenses of the research have been met by a grant from the Carnegie Fund.
ACTION OF ADRENALINE ON THE PERFUSED FISH HEART
Authors: Macdonald A. D.
Published: December 2014

The response of the heart of Scyllium to adrenaline and related drugs is described and discussed in terms of its permeability to ions in the perfusing solution.

It is a pleasure to express thanks to Dr
Allen and the staff at Plymouth for their aid in procuring material, as well as to Dr
Lancelot Hogben for his suggestions and assistance in the conduct of these experiments.
THE EFFECT OF LESIONS OF THE HIND‐ AND MID‐BRAIN ON MICTURITION IN THE CAT
Authors: Barrington F. J. F.
Published: December 2014

1. Destruction of a small part of the brain just ventral to the internal edge of the superior cerebellar peduncle from the level of the middle of the motor nucleus of the fifth nerve behind to the level of the anterior end of the hind brain in front is followed by a permanent inability to empty the urinary bladder if the lesion is bilateral, but not if it is unilateral.

2. Destruction of the mid‐brain from the ventral half of the side of the posterior end of the aqueduct outwards to just beyond the mesencephalic root of the fifth nerve is followed when the lesion is bilateral by a permanent loss of consciousness of wanting to micturate or defæcate, but does not impair the performance of either of these functions.

3. A lesion in the position of the last, but rather more extensive, produces frequency of micturition as well as the effects observed in 2.

I am indebted to Professor J. P. Hill, F.R.S., for allowing the photographs in figs. 3 to 6 to be taken in the Anatomical Department of University College.
PLATELETS AND BLOOD COAGULATION
Authors: Tait John , Burke Hugh E.
Published: December 2014

1. Under dark‐field illumination the platelets of previously cooled mammalian plasma have been observed. During the first two or three minutes they undergo progressive expansion, while clear blebs or spherules begin to appear round their margin. Then the platelets suddenly disintegrate, and the spherules travel swiftly outwards into the surrounding plasma, diminishing in size down to eventual extinction as they progress.

2. In the path followed by a spherule a filament of fibrin appears. The length and thickness of the individual filaments differ, according to the size of the platelet that gives birth to the spherule and according to the plasma under examination. We look upon the material in the spherules as thrombin.

3. The dark‐field observations have been checked and verified by examination of slides fixed in the wet condition at appropriate intervals after the plasma is placed on glass.

4. The only blood elements concerned in spontaneous coagulation of mammalian blood are the platelets.

5. If the plasma taken from an animal which has shortly before received an intravenous injection of Indian ink is allowed to clot, the ink is seen partly within the remains of the cytolysed platelets and partly incorporated in or adhering to the fibrin.

6. If blood taken from an animal that has shortly before received an intravenous injection of Indian ink is defibrinated by stirring with a stick, all the ink particles which are still free are caught in the fibrin that forms on the stick.

7. If the blood is taken three hours after intravenous injection of ink, the circulating pigment is mainly in leucocytes, the platelets containing only a very small amount.

8. The fact that three hours after intravenous injection of ink platelets are quite abundant while ink‐holding platelets are few is evidence that the original ink‐laden platelets have come to rest some‐where and that a new crop has been thrown into the circulation.

9. The accumulation of fibrin around a stick used in whipping blood is due, in the first instance, to adhesion of the platelets to the wood, and any mass of so‐called “fibrin” obtained in this way is a mixture of fibrin proper and of cytolysed platelets.

We wish to express our indebtedness to Professor J. C. Simpson of the Histology Department for advice and help in preparing the illustration that accompanies this paper. The drawing itself was made by Miss H. Blackstock.

The expenses of the research were defrayed in part by a grant from the James Cooper Fund of M'Gill University for Research in Experimental Medicine.
STUDIES ON THE ARNETH COUNT.—I. THE RELATION BETWEEN PHAGOCYTOSIS AND NUCLEAR CONFIGURATION
Authors: Ponder Eric , Flinn Zebud M.
Published: December 2014

1. A study is made of the statistical errors met with in the carrying out of Arneth counts. The counting of 100 polymorphs is quite sufficient for all purposes, and for most it is enough to count only 50 cells.

2. The relation between nuclear configuration and phagocytic activity is studied, various types of bacteria being used for ingestion. With Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus catarrhalis, Bacillus coli, and B. tuberculosis we have been unable to find any significant difference between the phagocytic activity of the various Arneth classes of polymorph. The errors relating to these counts which accompany ingestion are dealt with, and their importance shown.

3. A note is added regarding special technique.

This research was carried out under a grant from the Government Grant Committee of the Royal Society.
ON THE NERVOUS CONTROL OF RESPIRATION
Authors: M'Dowall R. J. S.
Published: December 2014

Experiments are described which show that the influence of the vagus in restraining respiration, as indicated by the effect of block or of section, may be caused to vary. Acids, asphyxia, adrenaline, and sensory stimulation reduce the influence of the vagus, and under such circumstances section or block of the vagi has little or no effect on respiration.

Rest, acapnia, alkalies, and ergotamine (especially if combined) increase the influence of the vagus, and under such circumstances the effect of section or block may be very profound; indeed, breathing may be altogether arrested.

The expenses of this research were in part defrayed by a grant from the Government Grant Committee of the Royal Society. I beg also to acknowledge the gift of a supply of “adrenalin” from Messrs Parke, Davis & Co.
CELL CHANGES IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM UNDER VARIOUS NATURAL AND EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS. THIRD PAPER: FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY
Authors: Dye Joseph A.
Published: December 2014

1. Varying degrees of functional activity and fatigue were induced in white rats by prolonged swimming.

2. Microscopical examination of Nissl preparations from the cerebellum, cervical cord, and spinal ganglia revealed mild but demonstrable nerve‐cell alterations.

3. These were strikingly similar in character to those previously observed in parathyroid tetany dogs and cretin lambs.

4. Chromatolysis is considered as a general reaction of nerve cells, which invariably occurs whenever the normal functional equilibrium of these units is disturbed.

5. This reaction varies in its intensity with the severity of the opposing influence, and to this extent only can it be spoken of as specific.
CELL CHANGES IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM UNDER VARIOUS NATURAL AND EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS. SECOND PAPER: CRETINISM IN SHEEP AND GOATS
Authors: Dye Joseph A.
Published: December 2014

1. The brains and cervical cords of seven typical cretin lambs, two typical cretin kids, and one atypical cretin sheep were examined histologically from Nissl preparations for nerve‐cell changes. These tissues were properly controlled by tissues from animals of the same age and sex. In four cases—three cretin lambs and one normal—Macallum's microchemical iron reaction was employed.

2. In each of the nine typical cretins definite chromatolysis of these elements were found. Sufficiently characteristic stages were represented to warrant a progressive course in the development of the process.

3. The reaction is an affection of the chromatin apparatus, both nuclear and extranuclear, and is characterised by an initial increase followed by a diminution of this substance. This may lead to complete degeneration of the cell.

4. The chromatin of the nucleus and nucleolus is less affected than the Nissl substance, and, except for the diffuse substance infiltrating from the cytoplasm, may appear quite normal when the extranuclear chromatin has been reduced to a very fine state. The nucleoli sooner or later, however, become swollen and lose a large part of their characteristically staining chromatin. In iron preparations these appear mottled.

5. Identical stages of the chromatolytic process were demonstrated by the two methods employed. Unlike the toluidin‐blue stain, however, the hwematoxylin iron reaction brings out the oxyphilic as well as the basiphilic iron‐containing chromatin. By this method certain accessory bodies of the nucleus are shown. There is first an increase in the amount of iron‐reacting material in the nucleus, after which it begins to diminish, and may reach a point below that of the normal level.

6. There is an initial decrease in the size of the cells, which is followed by a gradual swelling. Vacuolisation of the cytoplasm is frequently seen. The nucleus is affected to a less extent than the cytoplasm. Vacuolisation of the former was not observed.

7. These alterations are not sufficiently characteristic to support the theory of a specific reaction, and are not in a true sense diametrically opposite in their course to those associated with parathyroid tetany, where excitation rather than depression is the prominent symptom.

8. The changes are believed to be due to a state of depressed metabolism resulting from the loss of the thyroid principle, and are sufficiently advanced and extensive to account, in part at least, for the abnormal behaviour of the animals involved.

The writer wishes to express his deepest appreciation to Dr S. A. Goldberg, of the Department of Pathology and Bacteriology, New York State Veterinary College, Cornell University, who conducted the post‐mortem examinations for the cases described above.

The cost of this investigation has been defrayed, in part, by a grant from the Heckscher Research Foundation of Cornell University.
BLOOD‐SUGAR CONCENTRATION AND PANCREATIC SECRETION IN THE RABBIT
Authors: Baxter Stewart G.
Published: December 2014

1. Insulin hypoglycæmia causes a diminished output of enzymes by the pancreatic gland in a rabbit having vagi intact and spontaneously secreting pancreatic juice. This phenomenon was not observed if the vagi had been cut.

2. The inhibition of the flow of pancreatic juice under the above‐mentioned conditions is not an absolutely constant phenomenon.

3. When the spontaneous pancreatic secretion in the rabbit has been arrested by hypoglycæmia, it may be restored by intravenous injection of a hypertonic glucose solution. This effect is observed when the vagi and splanchnics are intact and also after they have been severed.

My thanks are due to Dr B. P.
Babkin for helpful criticism throughout this work.
STUDIES ON THE FUNCTION OF THE INTESTINAL MUSCULATURE.—III. ARE THE INTESTINAL MOVEMENTS NEUROGENIC OR MYOGENIC?
Authors: Krishnan B. T.
Published: December 2014

1. The normal peristaltic movement as well as the peristaltic rlus seen at the time of death is dependent upon local nerve‐plexuses.

2. Experimental evidence is given to show that the rhythmic contractions become slow and irregular, or cease altogether, whenever a neurotropic poison is injected into an animal, or painted on the intact bowel, or added to a bath conitaining excised segments of the bowel.

3. It is concluded that, although the intestinal muscle may, with suitable nourishment, show automatic rhythm, it is to a large extent dependent upon the enteric nerve cells and fibres for its normal rhythmic activity. The functioning of the Auerbach plexus in rhythmic contractions is necessary for bringing about a reciprocal inhibition in the activity of the two muscle‐layers of the intestinal wall.

4. Pendular movements, which are longitudinal muscle phenomena, are also dependent on Auerbach's plexus.

I wish to express my thanks to Mr C. K.
Prasada Rao and Mr C.
Vareed for technical assistance in the experiments.
THE PHYSIOLOGY OF PREGNANCY IN THE RAT. FURTHER DATA BEARING ON THE PROLONGATION OF PREGNANCY WITH A STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF OÖPHORECTOMY DURING PREGNANCY
Authors: Hain Annie M.
Published: December 2014

1. Previous work showed that the gestation period in the rat could be prolonged by the injection of substances rich in gonadotropic hormones, but containing no growth hormone [Hain, 1932 b]. The results in this paper show that it can be prolonged by an extract of anterior pituitary rich in growth hormone (phyone), and having only a slight ovarian reaction.

2. The ovarian reaction was the same with both extracts and was of a typical character, namely, the production of hawmorrhagic follicles or “blood points.” It is considered unlikely that the substance producing this effect was, by itself, responsible for the prolongation of pregnancy. The most probable alternative is the existence of a hitherto unknown hypophyseal factor which causes the prolongation of pregnancy. Channels through which it may act are briefly examined.

3. The combination of oophorectomy with injections of the abovementioned extracts shows that the presence of the ovaries is essential for the production of the full effects of the extracts in the prolongation of pregnancy.

4. Oöphorectomy interrupts pregnancy, but the action is nlot immediate, and removal of the corpus luteum does not cause evacuation of the uterus. Considerable fcetal and placental development takes place in the absence of the ovaries, but the ovaries are necessary for full‐term development in the rat.

Parturition can occur in the absence of the ovaries, but in such event it is protracted. This feature was common also to the group in which anterior pituitary extract was injected, and it is suggested that in both cases parturition may have occurred without ovarian action. Since parturition is protracted after removal of the ovaries and is completely prevented in absence of the anterior pituitary, it seems probable that ovarian‐hypophyseal action is essential to the rapid expulsion of the fœtus and to ensure live births; at the same time the existence of another factor in the birth mechanism is strongly indicated.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE PERFUSED LUNGS OF THE GUINEAPIG
Authors: Dale Alison S. , Narayana B.
Published: December 2014

In the isolated guinea‐pig's lungs, perfused through the pulmonary artery with modified Ringer or Tyrode solution:—

1. Excitation of the cervical vagi, or injection of acetylcholine, causes bronchoconstriction and vasoconstriction. These effects are abolished by atropine but are unaffected by eserine. Acetylcholine caused vasodilatation in one experiment only.

2. In one out of four experiments excitation of the stellate ganglion caused vasoconstriction. Injection of adrenaline produces vasoconstriction and, if the tone of the bronchial muscles is already high, bronchodilatation.

3. During rhythmic inflation bronchoconstriction diminishes flow and bronchodilatation increases it. During the action of a drug affecting both bronchi and blood‐vessels two mechanisms are responsible for the final effect upon the blood‐vessels: (a) the action of the drug upon the blood‐vessels and their peripheral elements, and (b) the mechanical forces exerted on the blood‐vessels as a result of concomlitant changes in bronchial calibre. The resultant effect is the algebraic sum of the two effects.

4. Eserine causes bronchoconstriction and vasoconstriction in atroponished preparations.

We wish to express our thanks to Professor I. de Burgh Daly for suggesting this work and for his advice and encouragement throughout.

The expenses of this research were in part defrayed by a grant to one of us (B. N.) from the Moray Endowment Committee, to whom we express our thanks.
THE SELECTIVE ACTION OF HISTAMINE AND THE EFFECT OF PROLONGED VAGAL STIMULATION ON THE CELLS OF GASTRIC GLANDS IN THE DOG
Authors: Bowie D. J. , Vineberg Arthur M.
Published: December 2014

1. A satisfactory method has been developed for preserving and staining the pepsinogen granules in the gastric mucosa of the dog. This technique, in conjunction with suitable physiological methods, has been applied to a study of the cells of gastric mucosa under various physiological conditions.

2. On histological examination of the gastric mucosa of dogs, after repeated subcutaneous administrations of histamine during several hours, there appeared to be no diminution in the amount of pepsinogen granules in the peptic (chief) cells.

3. The gastric juice produced by histamine was copious and of high acidity, but was extremely low in peptic power. A few hours after the administrations of histamine were begun pepsin became practically absent from the secretion.

4. Histological examination of the gastric mucosa revealed that a maximum discharge of pepsinogen granules from the peptic cells had occurred after prolonged rhythmic stimulation of the vagi in the neck by means of a strong induction current.

5. The increase of pepsin in the gastric juice, following vagal stimulation, seems to have coincided with the discharging of the pepsinogen granules from the peptic cells.

6. Vagal stimulation, when applied immediately after a period of administration of histamine, soon activated the previously inactive peptic cells. This activation was manifested by the rise in the peptic power of the juice and by the coincident discharging of the pepsinogen granules.

7. Histamine does not stimulate the peptic cells to discharge their pepsinogen granules.

We wish to express our appreciation of the interest which Dr. B. P. Babkin has at all times shown during our work on this problem.
HORMONAL FACTORS INVOLVED IN PARTURITION IN THE RAT
Authors: D'Amour Fred E. , Dumont Charlotte
Published: December 2014

Certain theories which have been suggested to explain the onset of parturition on a hormonal basis were tested by the injection of various hormones and hormone combinations. It was thought that if the average length of the gestation period could be shortened significantly as compared with a large group of controls, this would be evidence that the hormone producing such results was involved in normal parturition. 361 rats, exclusive of controls, were used. The theories tested, and the results obtained, follow.

1. Theory.—Parturition occurs as the result of an increased concentration of estrin late in pregnancy. Results.—Large doses of estrin terminate pregnancy by killing the fetuses. Doses which do not have this effect do not significantly affect the gestation period.

2. Theory.—Parturition occurs as the result of the sensitization of the uterus to pitocin by estrin. Results.—No evidence supporting this theory was discovered.

3. Theory.—The anterior lobe of the pituitary is involved, either directly or by stimulating estrin secretion in the follicles. Results.—Large doses of anterior lobe extract delay parturition. The fetuses die eventually and are either aborted or resorbed. Smaller doses, either with or without pitocin, have no effect.

4. Theory.—Some substance in follicular fluid, placentæ, or blood is responsible. Results.—No such substance could be demonstrated.
CHOLINE ESTERASE IN TOXÆMIA
Authors: Dikshit B. B. , Mahal H. S.
Published: December 2014

1. A toæmia produced in guinea‐pigs by inoculation with cultures of B. pestis lowers the C.E. values of their blood.

2. The C.E. values return to normal if the animals survive the infection.

3. In one experiment in man, a large dose of Haffkine's plague vaccine markedly lowered the C.E. activity of the blood. The C.E. activity returned to normal after complete clinical recovery.

Our thanks are due to Lt.‐Col. S. S. Sokhey, I.M.S., Director of the Haffkine Institute, for valuable suggestions and help during the course of these experiments and for supplying funds, facilities, and assistance. Our thanks are also due to the Trustees of the Lady Tata Memorial Trust for the Scholarship granted to one of us (H. S. M.).
ACETYLCHOLINE FORMATION BY TISSUES
Authors: Dikshit B. B.
Published: December 2014

(1) A.Ch. formation by different tissues was studied by suspending them in warm eserinised Locke's solution and oxygenating for 5 hours.

(2) Brain cortex, basal ganglia, spinal cord, sympathetic ganglia, auricle, urinary bladder, gastro‐intestinal tract, and pancreas were found to possess the property of forming A.Ch.

(3) All parts of the gastro‐intestinal tract could form A.Ch., but the small intestines formed the ester in larger quantities.

(4) A.Ch. formation by the small intestines was studied further, and it was found that the nerve plexuses were chiefly responsible for the ester formation.

(5) The possibility that A.Ch. formation is a specialised function of the nerve cell is briefly discussed.

My grateful thanks are due to Prof. A.J. Clark for helpful suggestions, criticism, and advice, and to the Director, Haffkine Institute, for providing funds and facilities to carry out this work.
THE SECRETION OF URINE IN RABBITS DURING EXPERIMENTAL SALT DEFICIENCY
Authors: Wilkinson B. M. , McCance R. A.
Published: December 2014

(1) Salt deficiency was induced experimentally in the rabbit (a) by administering diuretin by mouth to animals on a low salt diet, (b) by injecting glucose solutions intraperitoneally and withdrawing the fluid some hours later by paracentesis.

(2) Salt deficiency so induced led to

(a) A negative N balance and possibly an excessive breakdown of body proteins.

(b) An abnormal water balance characterised by a failure to excrete water normally under test and by an extreme oliguria at normal fluid intakes.

(c) A reduced glomerular filtration rate at all urine flows which cannot be satisfactorily explained by anhydrawmia or a fall of blood pressure and the cause of which probably lies in the kidney itself.

(a), (b), and (c) acting together lead to very high blood ureas.

(3) Salt deficiency in the rabbit produces the same signs of renal disorganisation as it does in man, and the pathology must be essentially the same in both species.

Much of this work was done at the Medical School of King's College Hospital, London, and the authors wish to acknowledge with thanks the facilities which they were given there.
STUDIES ON THE ANTIHÆMOLYTIC PROPERTIES OF LECITHIN AND CHOLESTEROL
Authors: Lee Jui‐Shuan , Tsai Chiao
Published: December 2014

1. Lecithin is hæmolytic toward oleic acid, taurocholate, and glycocholate, but antihæmolytic to digitonin, crude bile acid preparation, and natural hæmolysin (dog's citrated plasma or serum against rabbit's corpuscles).

2. The antihæmolytic behaviour of lecithin toward crude bile acid is not due to the interaction between taurocholate and glycocholate.

3. The antihæmolytic activity of cholesterol is reinforced by lecithin in all lysin systems except natural hæmolysin, regardless of whether lecithin is inhibitory or acceleratory toward them in the absence of cholesterol. The reinforcement is most pronounced in saponin and digitonin. It is also very evident in crude bile acid and oleic acid. But it is rather feeble in Na‐taurocholate and Na‐glycocholate.
THE LOCALIZATION OF THE INTESTINAL INHIBITORY REFLEX ARC
Authors: Chang Pei-Yen , Hsu Fong-Yen
Published: December 2014

1. Stimulation of a loop of small intestine by pressure, heat, mechanical injury or electrical stimulation of its afferent nerve causes an inhibition of the whole intestine. It is a reflex response and is independent of the vagus and of the adrenal gland.

2. The reflex centre lies in the lower part of the thoracic and upper part of the lumbar cord. Afferent fibres enter the cord via dorsal roots from the seventh thoracic to the first lumbar segments. Efferent fibres leave the cord via ventral roots from the eighth thoracic to the first lumbar segments.

3. The fibre connections in the spinal cord was also investigated. It is found that most of the afferent fibres do not cross to the opposite side, nor ascend or descend in the cord, but make connections with the efferent neurones in the same side and same segment of the cord.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE IN VARIOUS TISSUES
Authors: Bourne G. , MacKinnon MacKenzie
Published: December 2014

1. Further details of the staining of various organs by Gomori's phosphatase technique have been given.

2. A modification of the technique which involves adding sodium alizarin sulphonate to the substrate mixture has been described.

3. A description has been given of the distribution of phosphatase in regenerating bone.

4. It has been found that phosphatase does not appear to be associated with the calcification of the hen's egg.

5. Phosphatase appears to play some part in the secretion of the shell of certain molluscs.

6. The intensity of phosphatase staining of kidney and adrenal was found to be undiminished in scurvy, but the periosteum and regenerating bone were found to stain less intensely than normal in scorbutic animals.
A STUDY OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF SULPHANILAMIDE
Authors: Alexander Frank
Published: December 2014

1. The concentration of sulphanilamide in the blood, one hour after intravenous injection, corresponds to an even distribution of the drug throughout the body water. The apparent volume of distribution, calculated six hours or more after the injection, becomes greater than the volume of the body.

2. A part only of the dose given can be recovered from the urine.

3. Estimations of the sulphanilamide content of rabbit's tissues, made at various intervals after intravenous injection, show higher concentrations in the liver and kidney than in the blood.

4. About 30 per cent. of the drug was destroyed in the body, so that it could not be detected by diazotization even after hydrolysis.

I wish to express my indebtedness to the late Professor A. J. Clark, Professor J. H. Gaddum, and Dr G. A. Levvy for their helpful advice and criticism. I should like to thank Dr J. Russell Greig for facilities to conduct experiments at the Animal Diseases Research Association Laboratories. Part of the expenses of this research were defrayed by the Moray Fund of Edinburgh University. The work was performed during the tenure of a Studentship for Research in Animal Health.
ATROPHY OF THE SUPRAOPTIC AND PARAVENTRICULAR NUCLEI AFTER INTERRUPTION OF THE PITUITARY STALK IN DOGS
Authors: O'Connor W. J.
Published: December 2014

1. Counts have been made of the cells of the supraoptic and para‐ventricular nuclei of dogs.

2. In the supraoptic nuclei of both sides in six normal animals between 64,200 and 93,000 cells were found, the average being 84,900. In three animals killed four months after removal of the posterior lobe of the pituitary 18,700–20,900 cells remained, 24 per cent. of normal; in four animals after section of the supraoptico‐hypophyseal tracts in the median eminence 10,600–13,300 cells remained, 14 per cent. of normal.

3. In both paraventricular nuclei of six normal animals there were 11,800–20,100 cells morphologically similar to the cells of the supraoptic nucleus, the average being 16,800. After removal of the posterior lobe 4600–6100 (31 per cent. of normal), and after section of the base of the stalk 1400–4300 such cells (20 per cent. of normal) remained.

4. It is therefore concluded that the axons of the cells of the para‐ventricular as well as of the supraoptic nuclei enter the pituitary stalk and reach the pars nervosa.

5. It is suggested that one factor determining the extent of the atrophy of the nuclei after operative section of the hypothalamico‐hypophyseal tracts is the site of the lesion, more cells surviving the further the lesion is placed from the nuclei.

6. No correlation was observed between the degree of polyuria which resulted from the operative procedures and the degree of atrophy of the supraoptic nuclei, and this is discussed in relation to the residual function of the neurohypophysis and the production of diabetes insipidus.
PULMONARY VASOCONSTRICTION IN RESPONSE TO INHALATION OF CO2 IN THE ISOLATED PERFUSED LUNGS OF MACACUS RHESUS
Authors: Hebb Catherine O. , Nimmo‐Smith R. H.
Published: December 2014

Experiments carried out on the isolated perfused lungs show that the inhalation of CO2 in relatively large amounts leads to a rapid rise in pulmonary arterial pressure which is found to be due to constriction of the pulmonary vessels. This effect was not observed when similar tests were made on the isolated perfused lungs of dogs.
THE CHANGES IN PLASMA AND TISSUE FLUID VOLUME FOLLOWING EXERCISE
Authors: Cullumbine H. , Koch A. C. E.
Published: December 2014

Simultaneous determinations of plasma volume and tissue fluid volume before and after exercise have been made in 13 male Ceylonese. Exercise produces a prompt decrease in plasma volume, and a slower but greater increase in available fluid and interstitial fluid volume.
THE RÔLE OF PROGESTERONE IN THE MECHANISM OF PELVIC RELAXATION IN THE MOUSE
Authors: Hall Kathleen
Published: December 2014

1. Experiments were carried out on 234 oöphorectomised mice with the aim of discovering whether progesterone plays an active rôle, such as that described for the guinea‐pig, in the mechanism of pelvic relaxation in the mouse.

2. When 1·0 or 1·5 mg. progesterone was injected daily for 8‐19 days into œstrogenised mice, the interpubic gap as measured on X‐ray photographs was 0 to 0·6 mm., i. e. no wider than would be produced by œstrone alone, and not comparable with the considerable separation which follows relaxin administration or occurs in normal pregnancy.

3. When 1·0 mg. progesterone was injected daily into œstrogenised mice, the effect on symphyseal separation of concurrent or subsequent administration of relaxin was largely prevented.

4. When progesterone and œstrone were injected concurrently into mice whose pelves had been rendered sensitive to œstrogen, the action of œstrone was much impaired.

5. The results of the experiments provide no evidence that progesterone itself is effective in producing symphyseal separation in the mouse, or can augment the action of œstrogen on the symphysis, or can act indirectly by causing the production of endogenous relaxin.

6. It is suggested that in pubic separation produced by œstrogen and relaxin the action of œstrogen is fundamental, and that the inhibitory effect of progesterone on the separation is caused by antagonism between progesterone and œstrogen.

7. The possibility is discussed that the pelvic changes which take place during the latter part of pregnancy in the mouse depend upon the presence of a low progesterone/œstrogen ratio in the body at this time, and that a species difference may exist in this respect between the mouse and the guinea‐pig.

The expenses of this work were defrayed by a grant from the Research Committee of the University of Birmingham. I should like to thank Professor S. Zuckerman for X‐ray facilities in the University Department of Anatomy, and Dr. R. G. Britt and Mr. L. Glazebrook for preparing the X‐ray photographs. I am indebted also to Dr. F. S. H. Marshall, of British Schering Ltd., for a generous gift of progesterone.
THE USE OF INULIN CLEARANCE AS A MEASURE OF GLOMERULAR FILTRATION
Authors: Ferguson M. H. , Olbrich O. , Robson J. S. , Stewart C. P.
Published: December 2014

1. Following a single intravenous injection of inulin, values for the renal clearance of inulin (Cin = µν/P) show a steady decline, with diminishing values of plasma inulin concentrations.

2. Employing values of P 6 minutes before the mid‐point of the clearance period, in place of values 2½‐minutes before the mid‐point, does not eliminate this phenomenon.

3. Employing the formula Cin = µν/P, the fall in values for clearance is due to the fact that the renal excretion of inulin (µν) is not proportional to the plasma level (P), since the imposition of a linear relationship between the two variables results in lines which deviate significantly from the point of origin.

4. The lack of proportionality is shown not to be due to the sampling of venous blood as an estimate of arterial plasma inulin concentrations.

5. The dependence of the magnitude of the renal clearance of inulin upon the plasma concentration of inulin is found also in three subjects using the continuous infusion method of administration. This excludes the possibility that the results obtained, following a single injection of inulin, are distortions of a simple proportional relationship consequent upon the dynamics of distribution of inulin in the body following a single injection.

6. The results of the experiments, and those of other workers, are held to suggest strongly that, in man, inulin is reabsorbed by the tubules to a significant extent. Hence the use of inulin clearance as a measure of glomerular filtration rate involves a systematic error, which is estimated to be about 15 per cent. under the usual circumstances.
EXCRETION OF HISTAMINE IN HUMAN URINE
Authors: Adam H. M.
Published: December 2014

1. A simplification of the method of Anrep et al. for the estimation of histamine in human urine is described.

2. It is not possible by this method to obtain a reliable estimation of the amount of free histamine normally present in human urine, but the effects of the administration of histamine may be followed.

3. When 133 mg. of histamine was given by mouth to three men, it was mainly conjugated histamine that appeared in the urine.

4. When 3·5‐5 mg. was infused intravenously in three men, free histamine appeared in the urine.

5. In two of these experiments no changes were detected in the histamine content of the plasma or cells obtained from the antecubital vein. It is concluded that investigations of the excretion of histamine are more likely to give information about the release of histamine in the body than investigations on venous blood.
THE ABSORPTION OF FAT AND OF CHOLESTEROL IN THE RAT, GUINEA‐PIG AND RABBIT
Authors: Cook R. P. , Thomson R. O.
Published: December 2014

1. The apparent absorption by rats of cooking fat, butter fat orolive oil at concentrations of 16·6 per cent. in synthetic (chemically defined) diets has been found to be 96, 97 and 97 per cent. respectively.

2. Cholesterol at a concentration of 1·7 per cent. is absorbed by rats from these diets at an average value of 0·3 g./ kg. body wt./day and an average absorption of 30 per cent. Apparent absorption occurs on a low fat diet.

3. On a basal diet of animal food cake and 16·6 per cent. olive oil rats absorb 92 per cent. of the oil, guinea‐pigs 77 per cent. and rabbits 94 per cent.

4. On the rat‐cake olive‐oil diet containing 1·6 per cent. of cholesterol the absorption of cholesterol measured as unsaponifiable matter was, as g./kg. body wt./day, for rats 0·35, guinea‐pigs 0·25, rabbits ·25. The average absorptions were for rats 34 per cent., guinea‐pigs 47 per cent. and rabbits 77 per cent. (Table VI).

5. The levels for plasma cholesterol after feeding cholesterol are, in ascending order, rat, guinea‐pig and rabbit (Table VII). Very high levels may be obtained with the rabbit.

6. Chemical analyses for the lipid constituents of the livers of the different animals after feeding cholesterol are given (Table VIII).

7. Rats and rabbits absorb olive oil more readily than do guinea‐pigs. Cholesterol is apparently absorbed most readily by rabbits.
MEASUREMENT OF THE VISCERAL BLOOD VOLUME IN DOGS
Authors: Delorme E. J. , Macpherson A. I. S. , Mukherjee S. R. , Rowlands S.
Published: December 2014

1. By the exclusion technique using the radioactive isotope P32 as a tracer substance in dogs, it has been possible to measure the volume of blood in active circulation through the splanchnic area and its component vascular beds.

2. The volume of blood in the splanchnic bed at the moment of its exclusion from the general circulation was found in 13 dogs to lie between 20 and 50 per cent of the total blood volume.

3. The volumes of blood in the intestinal, hepatic, splenic and gastric components of the splanchnic bed were estimated, and the results expressed as percentages of the splanchic blood volume.
REDUCED GLUTATHIONE AND SPONTANEOUS METHÆMOGLOBIN FORMATION IN HÆMOLYSATES
Authors: Eggleton Philip , Fegler George
Published: December 2014

1. The rates of both spontaneous methæmoglobin (MHb) formation and oxidation of reduced glutathione (GSH), and the extent of decomposition of easily hydrolysable (ATP) phosphorus compounds, were determined in hæmolysates either destromatized by treatment with carbon dioxide, or filtered (partially destromatized), and in untreated hæmolysates (ox and horse erythrocytes).

2. The formation of MHb, GSH oxidation, and the extent of ATP decomposition, were found to be slower in untreated than in destromatized hæmolysates. When deoxygenated, the untreated hæmolysates reduced oxidized glutathione more effectively than did destromatized hæmolysates.

3. GSH added to destromatized hæmolysates retards MHb formation.

4. “Stroma” (posthæmolytic residue) contains a mechanism which supports the optimal concentration of GSH. It is suggested that GSH serves as one of the main factors protecting Hb against oxidation by molecular oxygen.