Singlet oxygen induced cerebral vasospasm: an experimental study in rats

A new experimental model is described which can be used as an alternative to study the effects of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rats. Vasospasm of the basilar artery is induced photochemically after transpalatal illumination of intracisternally injected rose bengal in two different rat strains. Singlet oxygen, generated in the subarachnoid space, elicits vasospasm which has been demonstrated angiographically at 90 min and 24 h after photosensitisation. Sprague Dawley rats responded better than Wistar rats. Dilution of rose bengal in water was more vasospastic than dilution of rose bengal in artificial CSF. Since the action of singlet oxygen is similar to that of free radicals, this experiment gives an argument for the hypothesis that free radicals play a leading role in the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage.     

Sudden cervical pain: spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma

Three cases of cervical epidural hematoma are reported. Acute neck pain usually associated with a mild effort, closely followed by radicular pain and a neurologic deficit below the lesion is the typical presentation of this extremely rare and difficult diagnosis. As prognosis depends on preoperative neurologic state, the authors emphasize the importance of prompt identification of this lesion. The diagnosis is confirmed by computed tomography, and emergency neurosurgical laminectomy is mandatory.     

The function of neutrophils in dermatoses]

A total of 102 patients were examined, 32 of these with true eczema, 38 with exudative mycosis of the soles, and 32 with eczema etiologically related to a fungal infection. Analysis of the immune and biochemical reactions in the examinees has shown a marked reduction of adenyl nucleotides in the leukocytic suspension and neutrophils of patients with a mycotic infection as against those with true eczema. The lowest creatine phosphate levels were detected in the leukocytic suspension and neutrophils of the patients suffering from eczema etiologically related to mycosis and exudative mycosis of the soles. These results give grounds to search for effective corrective therapy.     

Is pregnancy the best treatment for hyperprolactinaemia?

This paper reports the changes in prolactin levels after 12 spontaneous and 52 induced pregnancies in 54 women with unambiguous hyperprolactinaemia (median plasma prolactin levels 67.5 ng/ml, range 40-400). Twenty-three of the patients showed radiological evidence of prolactinoma. The pregnancies were induced in 37 patients by bromocriptine, in nine by metergoline, in two by lisuride and in four by other treatments. Of the 64 pregnancies, 16 ended in spontaneous abortion, while 48 went to term. Follow-up was continued for at least 6 months after delivery or until the end of lactation. In a control group of 32 hyperprolactinaemic women (median prolactin 70 ng/ml, range 40-400) not wishing to become pregnant, prolactin changes were similarly registered over a mean period of 15 months without any treatment (range 6-38 months). After pregnancy, a significant downward trend of plasma prolactin was observed in the puerperal women with a 'normalization' rate of 17%. No changes were observed in the 32 controls who did not become pregnant.     

A simplified method of counting microorganisms in studying human autoflora

Formulae for the calculation of the count of microorganisms isolated from natural bacterial biocenoses of a child's body have been derived. The authors suggest a variant of simplified drip method for the computation of microorganism colonies in solid media. The described method helps cut down the nutrient media consumption at least 3-fold and is time-saving.     

Value of continuous monitoring of the electrocardiogram in asymptomatic subjects

The authors analysed the prevalence of atrioventricular conduction defects and sinus node dysfunction by Holter monitoring in three population groups with similar clinical characteristics: 50 controls (Group I), 17 physically fit subjects with an atrioventricular conduction defect on the resting ECG which was usually asymptomatic (Group II), and 48 professional pilots who were also physically fit but who had no conduction defects on resting ECG (Group III). The 24 hour recordings showed: --a similar incidence of sinus dysrhythmias and atrioventricular conduction defects in the three groups although the frequency of low degree block was a little higher in sportsmen; --a preponderance of the association of first degree block and nocturnal Luciani-Wenckebach periods, sometimes with episodes of Mobitz II block; --the absence of progression to high-degree atrioventricular block. Holter monitoring would therefore seem to be a good method of detecting and following up abnormalities of sinus node function and atrioventricular conduction defects in asymptomatic patients. In addition, it gives a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the recorded changes and provides a means of monitoring their evolution.