bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Dementia in the Community: a Rural‐Urban Comparison from Madras, India
Authors: Rajkumar S. , Kumar Shuba
Published: December 2008

Two studies to estimate the prevalenlce of dementia, one in a rural and the other in an urban area, were conducted in Madras in South India. Seven hundred and fifty people aged 60 years and over, selected using the cluster sampling technique, constituted the rural sample. The urban sample comprised 1,300 people 65 years and over, selected using the multistage stratified random sampling technique. Both samples were interviewed using the Geriatric Mental State schedule (GMS). The prevalence of dementia was 3.5% in the rural and 2.7% in the urban setting and increased exponentially with age. Rural prevalence estimates were higher than the urban. Though gender differences were negligible in the rural setting, dementia rates were significantly higher among urban males in contrast to urban females. The paper compares the findings of the two studies and discusses their implications for India's growing elderly population in the context of age, literacy and gender.
Public Attitudes Toward Long‐Term Care Arrangements for the Elderly in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Shwu Chong , Chu Chao‐Mei
Published: December 2008

This study aimed to examine public attitudes toward three types (institutional, community‐based and home‐based) of long‐term care arrangements, as well as the factors associated with these attitudes. Data were collected from the 1994 Social Image Survey in Taiwan, which involved a representative nation‐wide random sample with 1,556 respondents aged 20–64. The results revealed that 58.2% of the respondents would choose home‐based care to assist dependent elderly in their families. Community‐based care and institutional care were selected by 31.8% and 10.1% of the respondents respectively. Polytomous logistic regression analyses were carried out to examine how respondents' socioeconomic status, health status, care resources and perception of government responsibility for the elderly were associated with the selection of long‐term care for their elderly. We concluded that a large portion of the study participants anticipate the development of institution‐based and community‐based care by the government
Tipping the Balance Between Community and Hostel
Authors: Charlton E.
Published: December 2008

Achieving a balance between the provision of community and residential care for older people is a prime task for the aged care system. This paper identifies some of the factors which appear to influence the care plan recommendations made by Aged Care Assessment Teams in Victoria, for those older people at the margin between community living and hostel care. The paper is based on data from two sources: a survey of Victorian Aged Care Assessment Team clients which provided information on a range of health status measures for around 2,000 older people, and a regular collection of socio‐demographic and care plan information provided by the same teams. Multivariate regression techniques were used to identify the factors associated with each care plan. The reason for which an older person seeks an assessment is the most powerful predictor for the alternatives of community living or hostel care, suggesting the presence of a complex of social and systemic factors. Health related factors such as presence of dementia and hospitalisation at time of assessment, together with age, are shown to be less important, but consistent, predictors of whether an older person is recommended for a hostel waiting list or to remain in the community with additional services
Directions in Community Care Reform: a NSW Example
Authors: Sadler P. , Owen A.
Published: December 2008

The 1990s have seen a fundamental re‐evaluation of the role of government in the funding and provision of services. This paper describes the process of managing change in NSW through small scale demonstration projects on integrated community care services. The projects will examine how effective new models of funding and provision are in bringing about the desired changes.
Membrane compartments and purinergic signalling: the purinome, a complex interplay among ligands, degrading enzymes, receptors and transporters
Authors: Volonté Cinzia , D’Ambrosi Nadia
Published: December 2008

Receptors should be properly analysed in view of the microenvironment in which they are embedded. Therefore, the concept of ‘receptosome’ was formulated to the complex interactions taking place between receptors and other proteins at the plasma membrane level, and to explain very heterogeneous or divergent cellular responses to common epigenetic factors and modifications to the extracellular environment. The receptosome thus becomes a molecular network connecting transmitters, hormones or growth factors, to both their specific receptors and unique downstream effector proteins. As an example of receptosome, we introduce here the ‘purinome’ as molecular complex responsible for the biological effects of extracellular purine and pyrimidine ligands. In addition to a vast heterogeneity of purinergic ligands, the purinome thus consists of ectonucleotide‐metabolizing enzymes hydrolysing nucleoside phosphates, purinergic receptors classified as P1 for adenosine/AMP and P2 for nucleosides tri‐/diphosphates, nucleoside transporters with both equilibrative and concentrative properties and finally, nucleotide channels and transporters. Notably, these purinergic elements are not independent, but they play tightly concerted actions under physiological conditions. As a whole and not singularly, they trigger, maintain and terminate the purinergic signalling. This signifies that the purinome is not a new, mere definition of juxtaposed purinergic units, but rather the experimental evidence of complex and dynamic molecular cross‐talk and cooperation networks. Alteration of this dynamic equilibrium may even participate in many pathological states. As a consequence, to be successful against pathological conditions, the genetic/pharmacological manipulation of purinergic mechanisms must go well beyond single proteins, and be more holistically oriented.
Spontaneous Ca2+ Waves in Rabbit Corpus Cavernosum: Modulation by Nitric Oxide and cGMP
Authors: Sergeant Gerard P. , Craven Michael , Hollywood Mark A. , McHale Noel G. , Thornbury Keith D.
Published: December 2008

Introduction

Detumescent tone and subsequent relaxation by nitric oxide (NO) are essential processes that determine the erectile state of the penis. Despite this, the mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. It is often assumed that the tone is associated with a sustained high cytosolic Ca2+ level in the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells, however, an alternative possibility is that oscillatory Ca2+ signals regulate tone, and erection occurs as a result of inhibition of Ca2+ oscillations by NO.

Aims

The aim of this study is to determine if smooth muscle cells displayed spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations and, if so, whether these were regulated by NO.

Methods

Male New Zealand white rabbits were euthanized and smooth muscle cells were isolated by enzymatic dispersal for confocal imaging of intracellular Ca2+ (using fluo-4AM) and patch clamp recording of spontaneous membrane currents. Thin tissue slices were also loaded with fluo-4AM for live imaging of Ca2+.

Main Outcome Measure

Cytosolic Ca2+ was measured in isolated smooth muscle cells and tissue slices.

Results

Isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells developed spontaneous Ca2+ waves that spread at a mean velocity of 65 µm/s. Dual voltage clamp/confocal recordings revealed that each of the Ca2+ waves was associated with an inward current typical of the Ca2+-activated Cl- currents developed by these cells. The waves depended on an intact sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ store, as they were blocked by cyclopiazonic acid (Calbiochem, San Diego, CA, USA) and agents that interfere with ryanodine receptors and IP3-mediated Ca2+ release. The waves were also inhibited by an NO donor (diethylamine NO; Tocris Bioscience, Bristol, Avon, UK), 3-(5-hydroxymethyl-2-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole (YC-1) (Alexis Biochemicals, Bingham, Notts, UK), 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine mono-phosphate (Tocris), and sildenafil (Viagra, Pfizer, Sandwich, Kent, UK). Regular Ca2+ oscillations were also observed in whole tissue slices where they were clearly seen to precede contraction. This activity was also markedly inhibited by sildenafil, suggesting that it was under NO regulation.

Conclusions

These results provide a new basis for understanding detumescent tone in the corpus cavernosum and its inhibition by NO.
Long-Term, Multicenter Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Topical Alprostadil Cream in Male Patients with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Rooney Michael , Pfister William , Mahoney Mary , Nelson Melissa , Yeager James , Steidle Christopher
Published: December 2008

Introduction

Alprostadil is approved for treatment of male erectile dysfunction (ED) by injection or urethral insertion. Topical delivery of alprostadil offers an improved alternative.

Aim

To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of topical alprostadil cream.

Methods

This was a multicenter, open-label, long-term study in 1,161 patients (998 double-blind rollover; 163 naïve) with ED. For the first 4 weeks, patients could administer eight doses of 200 mcg alprostadil to the penis meatus before intercourse (up to 2 per/week). Patients then self-selected to administer 300 or 100 mcg doses if hypo-responsive or hyper-responsive, respectively, or 200 mcg if no change, for up to 9 months (2 doses/week).

Main Outcome Measures

Safety evaluated patient/partner adverse events (AEs), changes in vital signs, clinical laboratory tests, physical examinations, and electrocardiograms. Efficacy assessed International Index of Erectile Function, Sexual Encounter Profile, Patient Self Assessment of Erection, and Global Assessment Questionnaire.

Results

Approximately 12% of patients discontinued due to hypo-/hyper-responsiveness, 16% withdrew consent for a variety of reasons, and less than 5% discontinued because of AEs. The majority of patients (73%) selected 300 mcg alprostadil as the final dose. The most common AEs involved application site burning or erythema (12.2%), meatal or glans pain (4.4%), and prolonged or painful erection (1.3%). Only 5 (0.4%) patients reported a prolonged erection of ≥4 hours (priapism). Vaginal burning or itching (2.1%) was reported most frequently by partners. The majority of patients (74%) demonstrated an overall improvement in erectile function on most end-points, especially after adjusting dose strength to their individual responsiveness.

Conclusions

Topical alprostadil cream was considered effective and safe by most patients and their partners, with most AEs limited to the application site. Dose adjustment to 300 mcg alprostadil facilitated the greatest improvement in erectile function in the majority of patients. A separate report will integrate patient data from the open-label extension and prior double-blind studies.
Treatment of Nonparaphilic Hypersexuality in Men with a Long-Acting Analog of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
Authors: Safarinejad Mohammad R.
Published: December 2008

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal).

This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. Following the retraction of Dr. Safarinejad’s work by other journals, The Journal of Sexual Medicine has undertaken an extensive re-review of all papers Dr. Safarinejad published with the journal. Following an intensive re-evaluation and close scrutiny of the manuscripts, our expert reviewers raised multiple concerning questions about the methodology, results, and statistical interpretation as presented in this article. Dr. Safarinejad was contacted to provide his original data and offer explanations to address the concerns expressed by the reviewers. Dr Safarinejad chose not to respond. Consequently, we can no longer verify the results or methods as presented and therefore retract the article.
Testosterone Therapy in Women with Gynecological and Sexual Disorders: A Triumph of Clinical Endocrinology from 1938 to 2008
Authors: Traish Abdulmaged M. , Feeley Robert J. , Guay Andre T.
Published: December 2008

Introduction

Although the term “medicalization” has been used by some to describe contemporary testosterone use in women with sexual disorders and testosterone deficiency syndrome, testosterone therapy for women with various gynecological and sexual disorders has been practiced since the late 1930s.

Aim

The study aimed to perform a historical review of testosterone use in women with sexual and gynecological disorders. This review is necessary to bridge important knowledge gaps in the clinical use of testosterone in women with sexual health concerns and to provoke new thoughts and understanding of the multidisciplinary role of testosterone in women’s overall health.

Methods

Review of medical literature on androgen therapy in women was carried out from 1938 through 2008.

Results

Approximately 70 years ago, clinicians from various disciplines relied on personal experience and clinical observations for outcome assessment of testosterone therapy in women. These early reports on testosterone use in women with sexual medical problems served as a foundation for the development of contemporary approaches and subsequent testosterone treatment regimens. Testosterone use was reported for sexual dysfunction, abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, menopausal symptoms, chronic mastitis and lactation, and benign and malignant tumors of the breast, uterus, and ovaries.

Conclusions

Health-care professionals engaged in the management of women’s health issues have observed the benefits of androgen therapy throughout much of the 20th century. Despite this clinical use of testosterone in women for more than seven decades, contemporary testosterone therapy in women is hotly debated, misunderstood, and often misrepresented in the medical community.
Ultrasonographic and Doppler Findings of Subclinical Clitoral Microtraumatisms in Mountain Bikers and Horseback Riders
Authors: Battaglia Cesare , Nappi Rossella Elena , Mancini Fulvia , Cianciosi Arianna , Persico Nicola , Busacchi Paolo
Published: December 2008

Introduction

Repeated microtraumas in horseback riders and mountain bikers are, in males, associated with perineal and scrotal lesions. No data are reported in the females.

Aim

To report five cases of clitoral microcalcifications, diagnosed by ultrasonography, in six healthy, eumenorrheic athletes, and to verify the clinical and sexual impact of the ultrasonographic findings.

Main Outcome Measures

Translabial ultrasonographic evaluation of the clitoris, Doppler analysis of dorsal clitoral arteries, and the two-factor Italian McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ)

Methods

The patients were assessed with a detailed history, and were submitted, in the periovulatory phase of the cycle (day 14), to clitoral ultrasonographic analysis and color Doppler evaluation of the dorsal clitoral arteries. The women were not sexually aroused. On the same day, in a separate room—and prior the ultrasound and Doppler examinations took place—the subjects completed the two-factor Italian MFSQ.

Results

All the patients were completely asymptomatic but reported a past history of intermittent perineal tenderness or discomfort. In five out of the six subjects, the ultrasonographic assessment of the clitoris evidenced a disseminated clitoral microlithiasis. Only the youngest (18 years old) biker showed a normal pattern of the clitoral structures. A normal clitoral body volume (0.68 ± 0.21 mL) and a normal mean dorsal artery pulsatility index (PI) was found (PI = 1.75 ± 0.32) in all the patients. The two-factor Italian MFSQ showed a mean value of 42 ± 4 (range 37–45).

Conclusions

The chronic traumatisms may be responsible, especially in well-trained riders, for microhematomas, inflammation, and/or degenerative processes at level of the clitoral structure. Further studies should be undertaken to determine the clinical significance of the described disseminated clitoral microlithiasis.
Neurotransmitter Deficiency and Reloading in Noradrenaline Depleted Rabbits
Authors: Byodeman S. , Euler U. S. von
Published: December 2008

The vasoconstrictor effect of intermittent lumbar sympathetic stimulation of the hindleg of the rabbit, pretreated with noradrenaline (NA)‐depleting doses of decaborane or prenylamine, rapidly subsides in contrast to untreated controls. When the interval between the trains of stimuli is increased a partial recovery of the stimulation response is observed, suggesting an accumulation of transmitter, probably as a result of continuous resynthesis. Injection of NA (1–5 μg/kg) or dopamine (50–100 μg/kg) also causes an enhanced stimulus response, suggesting uptake of NA and increased rate of synthesis, respectively. An increase in stimulation response was observed after administration of dopa in prenylamine‐treated but not in decaborane‐depleted animals.
The Effect of Various Types of Fat on the Cholesterol Distribution in the Rat
Authors: Gran Fredrik C. , Nicolaysen Ragnar
Published: December 2008

Experiments were conducted with and without addition of 1 per cent cholesterol to diets containing 20 per cent of fats of the following types: 1. corn oil, 2. 19.5 per cent hydrogenated coconut oil and 0.5 per cent corn oil, and 3. 12 per cent hydrogenated coconut oil and 8 per cent olive oil. Following a 3 weeks' pre‐experimental period on a fat free diet adult female rats were given the experimental diets for 6 weeks. In rats given cholesterol corn oil caused the well known transfer of cholesterol from plasma to the liver. In rats given diets containing cholesterol and corn oil the cholesterol content of the liver was considerably higher and serum cholesterol much lower in rats given the diet containing olive oil. The result indicate that linoleic acid probably enhances cholesterol absorption over and above the effect of oleic acid. The carcass cholesterol of rats given corn oil was slightly lower than in rats given type 2 of fat. The difference was statistically significant on cholesterol free diets. When various tissues were analysed corn oil induced transfer to other tissues than the liver could not be observed.
God Liver Oil Induced Removal of Cholesterol in Hypercholesterolemic Essential Fatty Acid Deficient Rats
Authors: Gran Fredrik C. , Nigolaysen Ragnar
Published: December 2008

Rats were given a diet free of polyenoic fatty acids and containing 1 per cent of cholesterol until 150 days old. Severe hypercholesterolemia and livers containing several per cent of cholesterol resulted. Next 80 mg of cod liver oil was given daily to each rat for 14 days. The result was that about 28 mg of cholesterol disappeared from a rat body per day. The pathways responsible were not further studied.
Responses to Linearly Rising Currents in Frog Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Authors: Knutsson E. , Skoglund C. R.
Published: December 2008

Intracellular electrodes were used for studying the responses of frog muscle fibers to linearly rising currents over a wide range of gradients (0.4–400 μA/sec) corresponding to spike latencies up to 1 sec. In fibers with normal resting potential the critical firing level showed no significant variations at different gradients. With lowering of the gradient there was a successive decrease in stimulus threshold and a moderate reduction in spike height. Even a small reduction of the resting potential resulted in typical changes of the spike responses characterized by a pronounced reduction in amplitude and increase in duration as the gradient was lowered until a minimal gradient was reached below which no spike was generated. The response patterns in normal and depolarized fibers were correlated to the slow active subthreshold processes occurring in muscle fibers during stimulation with linearly rising currents.
Regulation of Body Temperature and Heat Dissipation at Different Levels of Energy‐and Heat Production in Man
Authors: Nielsen Bodil
Published: December 2008

In treadmill experiments the ratio between total heat production and metabolic energy production was varied by having a subject walking or running uphill, horizontally or downhill at different speeds between 2 and 14 km/hr. In the steady state of work of different intensities the body temperature (esophageal or rectal) was found to increase to levels dependent on the energy production but independent of the total heat production. At constant environmental temperature the sweat rate and the skin circulation expressed as conductance of the peripheral tissues varied in proportion to the total heat production and seemed to be independent of the internal temperature. It is concluded that the thermoregulation during work serves two purposes 1) the setting of the internal temperature at higher levels proportional to the oxygen uptake and 2) the regulation of the heat dissipation in such way that it equals the total heat production, independent of the internal temperature level.
Collagen Components in the Consecutive Extracts of Rat Skin
Authors: Heikkinen E. , Kulonen E.
Published: December 2008

The present results demonstrate that the various fractions of skin collagen are very different and that the solubility is a matter of definition. The methods of various authors for the preparation of the soluble fractions of collagen vary greatly. Standard procedures and a more defined terminology are urgently needed.
Types of Muscle Fibres in Toad Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Lännergren Jan , Smith Richard S.
Published: December 2008

An attempt has been made to define the types of muscle fibres present in the iliofibularis muscle of Xenopus laevis. Histochemical studies were carried out on cross sections of the muscle. The variation between cells in the content of lipids, DPN‐diaphorase and succinic dehydrogenase was noted, and on this basis the fibres were classified into three main groups. Single, living fibres representing the histochemical groups were selected and their contractile behaviour in response to electrical stimulation and the application of ACh was studied. The findings indicated a relationship between the histochemical and functional properties of the muscle fibres. Fibres with a moderate content of lipid and enzymes (pale fibres) were fast fibres which fatigued rapidly on maintained stimulation. Fibres with a high content of lipid and enzymes (dark fibres) were fast fibres which did not fatigue rapidly. Fibres containing no lipid and no DPN‐diaphorase or succinic dehydrogenase (clear fibres) were slow fibres. Staining of the end‐plates on the fibres showed that fast fibres had end‐plates of varying gross morphology and with high cholinesterase activity, whereas slow fibres had ‘en grappe’ end‐plates with very low cholinesterase activity.
The Filtration Fractions of Plasma Supplying the Superficial and Deep Venous Drainage Area of the Gat Kidney
Authors: Nissen Ole I.
Published: December 2008

In 23 expts. the plasma, concentrations of protein and inulin were measured in blood collected simultaneously from an artery, from the subcapsular, and from the deep veins of the cat kidney. These concentrations allow a calculation of the filtration fractions of the plasma flows supplying, partly the superficial cortex and partly the deep cortex plus medulla. A filtration fraction averaging 0.34 was found for the plasma supplying the superficial cortex. The filtration fraction of the plasma, supplying the deep cortex and the medulla was lower; the ratio: filtration fraction in deep area/filtration fraction in superficial area (FFD/FFs) was usually 0.70 to 0.95 and the average (0.85) was significantly lower than 1.00 (p < 0.001). The existence in the deep parts of the kidney of various vessels through which the plasma (blood) may by‐pass the capillary tufts of juxtamedullary glomeruli provides the possibility of accounting for the observed deviation of FFD/FFs from 1,00 without resorting to the assumption of (basically) different filtration fractions for plasma entering glomerular tufts in deep and superficial glomeruli. A by‐pass of a magnitude sufficient to account for the deviation may also account for a medullary plasma flow as reported by others.
The Relation between Reabsorption Rate and Filtration Rate in the Superficial and Deep Venous Drainage Area of the Cat Kidney
Authors: Nissen Ole I.
Published: December 2008

In 23 expts. in cats the plasma concentrations of protein, inulin, and glucose have been measured in blood collected simultaneously from an artery and from subcapsular and deep veins of the kidney. For each venous drainage area it is possible to calculate the ratio: reabsorption rate/filtration rate on the basis of the protein and inulin concentrations in the venous plasma relative to those of the arterial plasma. In the superficial cortex the ratio between the reabsorption rate and the filtration rate was approximately 0.75, significantly lower than 1.00 (p < 0.001). In the deep cortex plus medulla the ratio between reabsorption rate and filtration rate was approximately 1.35. The ratio was significantly higher than 1.00 (p < 0.001).

From the protein, inulin, and glucose concentrations it is possible to calculate the ratio: reabsorbed amount/filtered amount of glucose of the superficial cortex and of the deep cortex plus medulla. The ratio was significantly higher than 1.00 (1.13) in the superficial and lower than 1.00 (0.89) in the deep cortex plus medulla (p < 0.001). The results agree with the renal anatomy. A relatively complicated pattern emerges for the drainage of the reabsorbate from different tubule segments to the vein systems.
The Action of Adrenaline in Cardiac Muscle II
Authors: Hauge Anton , ØYe Ivar
Published: December 2008

Oxygen consumption of isolated working rat hearts at 32° C was found to be 0.56ml/min per g dry weight or about 13ml/min per 100g wet weight. Oxygen consumption during experimental asystolia varied from 0.16ml/min per g dry weight for hearts arrested with high potassium to 0.38ml/min per g dry weight for hearts arrested with citrate. Adrenaline increased the oxygen consumption in asystolic as well as in working hearts. The effect of adrenaline on basal QO2was blocked with the adrenergic β‐receptor blocking agents propranolol and dichloroisopropylamino‐ethanol, but not with the α‐receptor blocking agent phentolamine. Mechanisms through which adrenaline might affect cardiac oxygen consumption during asystolia are discussed, and it is proposed that the calorigenic effect reflects an increased utilization of ATP by several separate processes which directly or indirectly are stimulated by adrenaline.
Importance of Tissue Pressure for the Fluid Equilibrium between the Vascular and Interstitial Compartments in the Small Intestine
Authors: Wallentin Ingemar
Published: December 2008

The effect of prolonged elevation of venous outflow pressure on the intestinal filtration capacity was studied on cats. Increases of venous outflow pressure produced a filtration of fluid from the capillaries, but the filtration rate decreased gradually with time and often a new isovolumetric state was reached. In order to study the factors causing this decrease of filtration capacity, pointing to a shift of the Starling equilibrium, an indirect method was used, consisting of stepwise raising and lowering the venous pressure. During this procedure the rate of net fluid transfer upon a given venous pressure level could differ very much, depending on whether this pressure level was reached from a lower or from a higher venous outflow pressure. The transcapillary forces, responsible for these differences of net fluid transfer, amounted to often more than 10mm Hg. This means that some factor, or factors, involved in the Starling equilibrium, must have changed by this amount. It is suggested that increasing tissue pressure is the most important counterforce during outward filtration, caused by a sudden rise of the venous outflow pressure. Evidently, the small intestine is quite well protected against edema, in spite of a very big transcapillary filtration capacity.
Reserpine and Gastrointestinal Mucosal Mast Cells1
Authors: Räsänen Toimi , Taskinen Eero
Published: December 2008

Rats were injected intra‐abdominally with 2mg/kg of reserpine once, 5 times and 9 times at 12‐hr intervals. 4 hrs after the last injection the rats were killed and the mucosal mast cells of the stomach and jejunum were counted. There was no significant change in the mucosal mast cell count after a single reserpine injection, but after repeated injections the count decreased by 82 and 90 per cent in the gastric mucosa and by 50–60 per cent in the jejunal mucosa. Nor morphologic changes indicative of degranulation occurred in the mast cells of the connective tissue in the submucosa. The mucosa of the rats given reserpine displayed mucosal lesions and the gastric juice was bloody.
Nervous Regulation of Blood Flow in the Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in Dogs
Authors: Ngai S. H. , Rosell Sune , Wallenberg Lars R.
Published: December 2008

The subcutaneous adipose tissue in the lower abdominal region between the pubis and the pubic mammary gland was isolated from fascia and skin and prepared for direct measurement of the blood flow. Resting blood flow varied between 3 and 19ml/min ˙ 100g adipose tissue (mean 8.5ml/min ˙ 100g; n = 17). Stimulation of the nerve supplying the adipose tissue or of the sympathetic trunk induced a stimulus‐frequency related vasoconstriction which was abolished by agents with α‐receptor blocking properties. Following α‐receptor blockade the same nerve stimulation increased the blood flow to a maximum of about 25ml/min ˙ 100g. The degree of vasodilatation was also related to the stimulus frequency. Propranolol, a β‐receptor blocking agent, abolished the vasodilator response. Reflex adjustment of the peripheral vasomotor tonus upon carotid artery occlusion and activation of the sympathetic cholinergic vasodilator nerves in the hypothalamus did not appreciably change the vascular resistance in the adipose tissue.
Analysis of Odour Similarities from Electrophysiological Data
Authors: Döving Kjell B.
Published: December 2008

The activity of single units in the olfactory bulb of the frog was recorded extracellularly by means‐of microelectrodes. The electro‐olfactogram was recorded simultaneously from the olfactory epithelium. The sensory epithelium was stimulated with substances selected from a recent classification of odorous compounds to represent five of the stereochemical groups of Amoore. The effect on a bulbar unit was classified as excitatory or inhibitory. The chi‐square values and the corresponding probability values were calculated for all pairs in a given series. The statistical values were regarded to represent measurements of relatedness in olfactory stimulative properties between the tested substances. For each series the data were analysed with a nonmetric multidimensional scaling method to give spatial representations of the relatedness between the odours. The relation of the results to psychophysical findings and the classification of odours according to the stereochemical theory are discussed.
The Relation Between Blood Flow in an Isolated Muscle Measured with the Xe133 Clearance and a Direct Recording Technique
Authors: Kjellmer I. , Lindbjerg I. , Přerovský I. , Tønnesen H.
Published: December 2008

To allow a critical evaluation of the Xe133 clearance technique this method was compared with directly metered blood flow in the isolated gastrocnemius muscle of cats at different flow levels between rest and maximum exercise dilatation. Whether the Xe133 was applied by close intraarterial injection or intramuscularly the clearance curve had a multiexponential course. This was ascribed partly to local variations of the affinity of the tissues to the gas but mainly to an uneven perfusion of the muscle. When the first phase of the clearance curve was approximated by a monoexponential curve and was taken to represent blood flow a significant correlation to metered flow was found. With i.a. injections the calculated flow amounted to an average of 93 per cent of the drop counter flow while after i.m. injections it only averaged 62 per cent. The difference in results is ascribed to the different microcirculatory conditions created by the two modes of injections. The relative volume of the well‐perfused part of the tissue was estimated by noting at which level of activity the curve deviated from the first phase of rapid clearance. The well‐perfused fraction increased at higher blood flows. It is concluded that the Xe133 clearance technique may give valuable information about the local circulation provided the limitations of the method are considered.
An Improved Method for the Fluorimetric Determination of 5‐Hydroxytryptamine in Tissues
Authors: Andén Nils‐Erik , Magnusson Tor
Published: December 2008

In the method described where the fluorescence of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) is read in 3 N HCl, tissue blanks are produced by means of UV‐irradiation in the presence of potassium ferricyanide. This treatment destroys only the 5‐HT but no other substance fluorescing at 295/545 mμ. With this new type of blank and by reduction of the volumes of the eluate and the reagents the sensitivity of the method is improved so that 25 ng (1 ng = 10‐9 g) in an extract can be demonstrated and 50 ng determined quantitatively. The stability of 5‐HT in 0.4 N perchloric acid extract is increased by adjustment of the pH almost to neutrality and by addition of ascorbic acid and ethylenediamine tetraacetate. The recovery and reproducibility are satisfactory.
Further Studies on Monoamine Metabolism and Behaviour in Rabbits Chronically Treated with Reserpine
Authors: Häggendal Jan , Lindqvist Margit , Roos Björn‐Erik
Published: December 2008

After a single dose of reserpine (1 mg/kg intravenously) to rabbits the symptoms appeared when most of the monoamines still were present in brain and heart. In long‐term reserpine treated rabbits (0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously daily for more than 8 weeks) the monoamine metabolism was studied with respect to normetanephrine, homovanillic acid and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid. In the chronically treated animals the deaminated metabolites appeared essentially as after a single dose of reserpine whereas normetanephrine showed a slower recovery in the chronically treated animals. Gross inspection of behaviour and sympathetic activity following DOPA injection revealed no clearcut changes in the response to DOPA in rabbits chronically treated with reserpine compared to normal animals.
The Effect of Reserpine and Tetrabenazine on the Accumulation of Noradrenaline in the Rat Sciatic Nerve after Ligation
Authors: Dahlstrom Annica
Published: December 2008

The accumulation of noradrenaline (NA) in the rat sciatic nerve after ligation was studied at different intervals after the administration of reserpine and tetrabenazine. The histochemical fluorescence method of Hillarp and coworkers was used. It was found that the two drugs were both able to abolish the NA fluorescence above and below both single and double ligations. Pretreatment with nialamide prevented the disappearance of NA occurring after reserpine. The reappearance of NA above a 1 hr ligation of the sciatic nerve occurred 15–18 hrs after an intraperitoneal injection of reserpine. The first signs of the reappearance was observed above a high ligation about 3 hrs before it could be seen above a ligation performed about 2 cm lower. The same pattern of recovery of NA in the sciatic nerve was observed in animals treated locally with reserpine on the ganglia, from which the adrenergic nerves in the sciatic nerve take their origin. However, the fluorescence of NA in these animals usually reappeared about 3 hrs earlier than in systemically treated animals. The restituted NA could be abolished by a second dose of reserpine. In double ligated rats recovery of NA after reserpine could be observed only above the upper ligation. After tetrabenazine, however, double ligated nerves regained the NA content almost completely above both lesions within 12–15 hrs. The results give strong support to the view that the amine storage granules are manufactured in the cell body and transported down the axons to the terminals.
The Effect of Bile Obstruction on the Oxidation Rate of Ethanol in the Rat
Authors: Kiessling K.‐H. , Pilstrom L.
Published: December 2008

In male Wistar rats the bile duct was tied up. Control rats were given a sham operation. After a week a single ethanol dose was given intraperitoneally and blood samples were analysed for ethanol. In the rats with obstructed bile flow, ethanol was oxidized at a considerably lower rate than in the controls. The possible reasons for this are discussed.
Influence of Adrenaline on the Content of Adenosine Triphosphate and Creatine Phosphate in Isolated Rat Diaphragm
Authors: Mohme‐LuWdholm Ella , Svedmyr Nils , Vamos Nandor
Published: December 2008

Adrenalinc in a concentration of 10‐6 g/ml increased the content of adenosine triphosphatc (ATP) and creatine phosphate (CrP) in isolated rat diaphragm, by an average of 100 per cent 15 min after its addition.
Skin D.C. Potentials and the Endosomatic Galvanic Skin Reaction in the Cat
Authors: Lang A. H.
Published: December 2008

D.C. potential recordings have been made on different skin areas in cats. A negative d c. potential exists on the volar, hairless skin areas of the paws. This ‘basal potential’ persists even though the limb is denervated, decreases reversihily when the arterial blood circulation is arrested for a short time in the limb, but disappears when the animal is sacrificed. A d.c. potential change is also induced by intravenously administered succinylcholine. It is not limited to the skin but seems to arise in the striated muscles. The endosomatic galvanic skin reaction, GSR, induced after a period of rest by a single electrical shock to the distal stump of the dissected sciantic nerve, includes both a fast, negative and a slow, most often positive component. The amplitude of the negative component does not change during the above‐mentioned d.c. changes. By repetitive stimuli the slow components fuse and cause a change in the basal potential. The amplitude of the fast component increases often simultaneously, but these two potential changes seem to be independent. The nature of the mechanisms maintaining and changing the basal potential and the relationships between the basal potential and the GSR are discussed.
Mechanism of Calcium and Adenosine Triphosphate Induced pH Changes in Sarcotubular Membrane Fractions from Rabbit Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Herniö Ulla‐Pia , Saris Nils‐Erik
Published: December 2008

Addition of calcium to a suspension of sarcotuhular membrane fragments in the presence of MgCl2 and ATP caused a drop in pH followed by a rise. The pH cycle could be obtained several times by sequential additions of calcium. Addition of Triton X—100 caused similar pH changes, which were substantially slower in the absence of magnesium. During the pH drop phase an increased rate of inorganic phosphate liberation was observed, during the pH rise phase production of ammonia was demonstrated. The pH events are explained by the combined action of three enzyme activities —ATP phosphohydrolase (E.C. 3.6.1.3), ATP:AMP phosphotransferase (E.C. 2.7.4.3) and AMP aminohydrolase (E.C. 3.5.4.6). The highest specific activity of AMP aminohydrolase was found in the sarcotubular membrane and ‘light’ membrane fractions. Accumulation of calcium in conditions where binding by mitochondria was excluded, was used as a biochemical marker for sarcotubular membranes. These findings are discussed in relation to pH changes observed in muscular activity and as a mechanism of preventing excessive drops in muscular intracellular pH.
The Effect of Eight New Prostaglandins on Human Myometrium
Authors: Bygdeman M. , Hamberg M.
Published: December 2008

Human semen contains 13 different prostaglandins. The effect of 5 of these (PGE1, PGE2, PGE3, PGF1a and PGF2a) on the motility of human myometrium in vitro has been described earlier. The 8 new compounds are derivatives of the PGE‐compounds formed by hydroxylation at C‐19 and/or dehydration involving the hydroxyl group at C‐11. All the compounds inhibited the motility of the myometrium in a similar way as the PGE‐compounds. The total effect of the 19‐hvdroxylated compounds was 4–40 per cent and of the dehydrated compounds 3–30 per cent of that of the PGE‐compounds.
Cholinesterase Activity in Innervated and Denervated Sympathetic Ganglion Cells of the Cat
Authors: Giacobini Ezio , Palmborg Bo , Sjöqvist Folke
Published: December 2008

Total cholinesterase [ChE, acetylcholine (AcCh) as substrate] and acetylcholinesterase [AcChE, acetyl‐β‐methylcholine (MeCh) as substrate] were determined with the Cartesian diver in single sympathetic cell bodies isolated from the normal and preganglionically denervated 7th lumbar ganglion of the cat. Thirty normal cell bodies showed a wide variation in total ChE acitivity from 3 times 10‐‐4to 160 times 10‐‐4μl CO2/hour. Cell bodies with low activity represented the majority of the population, while cell bodies with very high activity were rare. AcChE‐activity in 10 normal cell bodies varied between 3.8 and 54.4 times 10‐‐4μl CO2/hr. After denervation there was a significant decrease in average enzyme activity as measured with both substrates. This is probably explained by the loss of presynaptic AcChE‐rich terminals which stick to the normal cell bodies. With AcCh the enzyme activity varied between 2.7 and 28.5 times10‐‐4μl CO2/hour (n = 16) and with MeCh between 2.9 and 31.1 times 10‐‐4μl CO2/hour (n = 10). Thirty‐five per cent of the denervated cells (9/26) lacked measurable activity. The ratio of AcCh/MeCh hydrolysis decreased after denervation 1.7 to 1.0. These findings support the previous concept of two functionally different cell populations in sympathetic ganglia.
The In Vitro Catabolism of Histamine by Sheep Liver Tissue
Authors: Sjaastad Ø. V.
Published: December 2008

Thein vitroinactivation of histamine by the liver of sheep has been examined with the following results: At optimal substrate concentrations liver slices inactivated 178.5±57.4(S.D.) μg histamine diphosphate/g wet weight of tissue/hr. There was no marked difference between the histamine inactivation in liver slices and homogenates.‐Aminoguanidine, a powerful inhibitor of diamine oxidase (E.C. 1.4.3.6.), strongly counteracted the histamine inactivation, indicating that oxidative deamination is the major pathway for histamine inactivatoin in sheep liver tissuein vitro.‐On an average about 1 per cent of added histamine was inactivated by conjugation.‐Inhibition experiments indicated that no significant methylation takes place.‐The average content of preformed histamine in 41 sheep was 24.7±11.1 μg histamine diphosphate/g wet weight of tissue.
Determination of Histamine in Small Biopsies and Histological Sections
Authors: Juhlin Lennart
Published: December 2008

A method is described for rapid determination of histamine in small tissue biopsies (0.5–7.5mg) and freeze‐dry histological sections. Free hitamine base was detected in a concentration of 105ng/ml. Thed essential steps in the procedure are: After repeated freezing and thawing of the specimens they are placed in wells on agar gel plates. Electrophoresis for 10 min separates histamine in pH 4.6 buffer. orthophthaldialdehyde is added with sodium hydroxide, and the fluorescent complex formed with histamine is stabilzed with sulphuric acid and measured flurometrically. The histamine content of normal human skin varied between 1.4–5.6 μg/g. No histamine was found in the superficial part of the epkidermis. The basal cell layer and the papillae had the highest concontainedj 4.1–30.1 μg/g. Staining for histamine revealed a diffuse distribution here. The muscularis contained 0.9–2.3 μg/g located mainly in the mast cells. Various organs in monkeys were also examination. The highest histamine concentration was found in the lungs (14–87 μg/g). In the kidney histamine appears especially in the glomeruli.
Transcapillary Fluid Absorption and Other Vasular Reactions in the Human Forearm during Reduction of the Circulating Blood Volume
Authors: Mellander Stefan , ÖBerg Bengt
Published: December 2008

The responses of the human forearm vascular bed to a reduction of circulation blood volume, produced by pooling about 600 to 800 ml of blood in the legs, were followed by a plethysmographic technique. The pattern of vascular response was similar to that previously found in anesthetized animals after hemorrhage. It involved a reflex constriction of resistance and capacitance vessels and a net transcapillary absorption of extravascular fluid. The capillary filtration coefficient averaged 0.0061 ml/min × 100 g tissue × mm Hg, and did not change significantly during the pooling of blood, indicating no major change of precapillary sphincter tone. The absorption of extravascular fluid can be related to a fall in capillary hydrostatic pressure, which is, in turn, due to a reflex increase of the pre‐ to postcapillary resistance ratio. This process seems to aid greatly in the restoration of plasma volume. A reflex resetting of the pre‐to postcapillary resistance ratio might therefore consitute an important component in the overalll cardiovascular compensatory adjustments to reduced circulating blood volume in man.
Sympathetic Control of Consecutive Vascular Sections in Canine Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue
Authors: ÖBerg Bengt , Rosell Sune
Published: December 2008

The effects of electrical stimulation of sympathetic nerves to subcutaneous adipose tissue in the dog on the flow resistance, regional blood volume and the capillary filtration coefficient (CFC) were studied. The resting blood flow varied between 3.2–12 ml/min × 100 g and resting CFC between 0.02–0.035 ml/min × 100 g × mm Hg (mean=0.027). The regional blood content was approximately 5 ml/100 g. Stimulation of the regional sympathetic nerves induced a pronounced decrease in blood flow, a two to threefold increase in CFC, a net transcapillary fluid absorption and a decreased regional blood volume. Stimulation following administration of an α‐blocking agent produced a blood flow increase up to 25–30 ml/min × 100 g, a small CFC increase and a small venous dilation. These vascular respones were blocked by a β‐blocking agent (propranolol). In comparison with skeletal muscle the vascular bed of subcutaneous adipose tissue was found to be well dimensioned for transcapillary exchange at comparable total blood flows. This was shown by the relatively high CFC values, which indicated a large capillary surface area and/or a high capillary permeability.
Dissimilarities between the Central Control of Thirst and the Release of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
Authors: Andersson B. , Olsson K. , Warner R. G.
Published: December 2008

Effects of slow (7.5 μu1/min) infusions of certain hypertonic solutions into the 3rd brain ventricle were studied in 4 unanesthetized goats. The only solutions found to elicit drinking were NaCl (0.85 M) and to a minor degree) NaHCO3 (0.85 M). Other solutions tested (0.85 M solutions of Na‐acetate and NH4Cl, and 1.7 M solutions of urea and d‐glucose) were negative in this respect. During 1 hr infusions of NaCl a strong cumulative drinking response was obtained in all animals within 3 to 8 min after start of the infusion. No drinking occurred when the animals were hydrated prior to the infusion. The effects on water diuresis of short (2 to 10 min) periods of infusion of the same hypertonic solutions were studied in 3 goats after previous hydration. In 2 of the animals 4 min periods of infusion of the sodium salts and of NH4Cl caused an inhibition of water diuresis of the neurohypophysial type, paralleling the effect of an i.v. injection of approximately 4 mU of ADH. A considerably smaller effect was obtained by urea and no inhibition of water diuresis was seen due to infusions of d‐glucose. In one of the goats no inhibition of water diuresis was obtained from either NaCl or NH4Cl. In this animal the site of infusion was more posterior and ventral in the 3rd ventricle than in the responding animals.