Age-related decrease in apomorphine modulation of acetylcholine release from rat striatal slices

Release of [3H]acetylcholine ( [3H]ACh) was assessed in striatal slices from mature, middle-aged and senescent Wistar rats 8, 12 and 24 months of age, respectively. There was an age-related decline in basal release of [3H]ACh as a function of age which was correlated with a decline in accumulation of [3H]ACh. However, the most striking finding was the failure of apomorphine to inhibit KCl-induced [3H]ACh release in the senescent (24 months) animals. Striatal dopaminergic receptor losses in senescence apparently produce several subsequent changes in striatal function which ultimately result in the decline of motor-behavioral function.     

Plasma oestradiol-17 beta and testosterone concentrations as possible causes of the infertility of congenitally obese Zucker rats

The plasma oestradiol-17 beta concentrations of obese and non-obese female Zucker rats have been measured in three phases of the oestrous cycle. The oestradiol concentrations of both phenotypes were similar, and changed normally with the oestrous cycle. The weights of the uteri also changed normally with the cycle. Plasma androgen concentrations in male Zucker rats have also been measured: the mean concentration was slightly but significantly lower in obese rats, and androgen-sensitive tissues were slightly reduced in weight. The oestradiol-17 beta concentrations in males of both phenotypes were similar. It seems unlikely that deficient plasma concentrations of gonadal hormones cause the infertility of obese rats of either sex.     

Randomness and the "streaking" phenomenon: attentional anomalies in performance on the Whitaker Index of Schizophrenic Thinking (WIST).

Examined in detail the performance of 36 hospitalized male schizophrenics on the Whitaker Index of Schizophrenic Thinking (WIST). Results indicated two interesting phenomena. First, the performance of patients with the highest level of cognitive deficit approached a random level of responding with respect to both the type of error made and the propensity to improve after an error. Second, a subgroup of these highly impaired Ss, identified as "streakers," displayed periods of virtually error-free responding, interspersed with periods of extremely impaired performance. The streaking phenomenon, as well as the tendency toward randomness, was discussed in terms of attentional anomalies.     

Severe thrombocytopenia after generalized herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infection

Our patient, we believe, experienced a primary HSV-2 infection manifested by fever, malaise, and orogenital mucocutaneous lesions. With resolution of systemic manifestations, and at a time of theorized rise in HSV-2 antibody levels, he had thrombocytopenic purpura which persisted for several weeks. An immune disorder secondary to HSV-2 infection similar to that of postrubella infection is postulated. If this theory is correct, severe immune thrombocytopenic purpura is yet one more of the many observed complications of HSV infection.     

Silastic foam dressing in hypospadias surgery.

Silastic foam dressing is useful after more complex types of hypospadias surgery. It immobilises and protects the penis, avoids excessive swelling and allows early mobility of the patient. Details of its application and use are described.