Ultrastructure of a two-cell human embryo

Summary A two-cell human embryo recovered from the Fallopian tube 82 h following the LH peak in plasma and 37 h after a single episode of intercourse was examined by transmission electron microscopy. At the time of recovery the embryo was denuded of cumulus cells, and both the zona pellucida and the two adjoining blastomeres were intact. The finding of two polar bodies in the perivitelline space, two nucleated blastomeres and remnants of the fertilizing sperm tail within the cytoplasm of one of them, were considered as evidences that the embryo was normally fertilized. Among the most compicuous features found were the presence of very distinct desmosome-like structure between blastomeres, and the cytoplasmic cell organelles distribution in three areas referred as: a sub-cortical, a middle and a perinuclear bands. An outstanding feature was the extensive blebbing of the nuclear envelope. In general, the features seem to correspond to a normally developing two-cell embryo undergoing cleavage at a normal rate.     

Comparatice effects of loratadine and selected antihistamines on sleep-waking patterns in the cat

The central effects of the new antihistamine loratadine and three reference antihistamine agents were studied in the cat. As a sensitive measure of drug action on the central nervous system (CNS) we evaluated changes in sleep-waking patterns. For comparison, diphenhydramine was studied as an example of an antihistamine having potent central effects; astemizole and terfennadine were used as examples of new agents claimed to be free of CNS effects. Diphenhydramine, given at 3 mg/kg p.o., increased spindle sleep, i.e., the electrophysiological correlate of drowsiness, and suppressed rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In addition, cats displayed unusual sleep postures during the various sleep stages. Loratadine had little or no effect on the various features of sleep-waking patterns over a broad dose range (3 and 30 mg/kg p.o.). Astemizole, at 30 mg/kg p.p., significantly increased wakefulness and reduced both slow-wave sleep and REM. No significant changes of the sleep patterns occurred after the low dose of 3 mg/kg. Terfenadine reduced REM duration at 30 mg/kg p.o. but had no effects on sleep patterns at 3 mg/kg. The cat appeared to be a sensitive animal model to the central action of antihistamines since the reference drug diphenhydramine affected sleep-waking patterns at a dose that closely approximates the dose requirements for adverse CNS effects in man. Under the same conditions, loratadine was free of central actions at a dose range far above that effective either therapeutically or in standard tests in other animal species. Astemizole and terfenadine seemed to be devoid of CNS effects at doses similar to those effective as antihistamines in man, but they produced some central actions at higher doses. Comparing the clinically effective doses of the antihistamines examined, loratadine appears to be the least liable to produce adverse effects on the CNS function.     

Composite tissue (limb) allografts in rats. III. Development of donor-host lymphoid chimeras in long-term survivors

Eight LEW rat recipients possessing long-term-surviving (206-701 days) LBN vascularized hind limb allografts (CTAs) were tested for donor-host lymphoid chimerism. The recipients received various cyclosporine (CsA) treatment protocols in order to induce indefinite CTA acceptance. Histological examination of long-term-surviving CTAs demonstrated normal-appearing bone marrow in the donor limb. Lymphocytes isolated from host hemopoietic tissues (peripheral blood and/or spleen) by ficoll-hypaque density gradient centrifugation were tested against LEW-anti-BN antisera. Comparisons were made to standard curves employing various known concentrations of LBN and LEW cell combinations. The level of lymphocyte agglutination (dependent variable) showed a significant (P less than 0.025-0.005) linear relationship to the concentration of LBN donor cells (independent variable) present. Lymphocyte suspensions isolated from long-term CTA host peripheral blood and/or spleen showed a mean of 19.7% (+/- 9.7-95% confidence interval) donor LBN mononuclear cells present. Thus, it appeared that lymphoid cells originated from, and/or were released from LBN donor bone marrow into the circulation, resulting in chimeric repopulation of hemopoietic tissues. The presence of donor immunocytes in these limb allograft recipients may have been beneficial, and thus could have helped contribute to the long-term CTA survival observed.     

Spontaneous hypertriglyceridemic obesity and hyperglycemia in an inbred line of rats

A genetically mild obesity syndrome of pubertal onset in a highly inbred line of rats differentiated as beta (beta) has been described. It was discovered in both sexes fed a stock diet for rodents. Hyperphagia was not noticeable. Total fat content reached 31 percent of total body weight in mature males. Obesity was associated with normal plasma cholesterol values and hypertriglyceridemia. Fasting blood sugar levels at maturity were within the normal range for rats, but significantly higher than in lean alpha (alpha) controls. This syndrome developed into a mild glucose intolerance and glucosuria in older obese rats.     

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus associated with empty sella

A 70-year-old female presented with the clinical triad of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and senile tremor. Neuroimaging disclosed findings of both NPH and empty sella (ES). A ventriculoperitoneal shunt did not modify the clinical course except for a mild and transient improvement, and shunt malfunction occured later on. The association of NPH and ES may result from a common underlying mechanism such as transient increases in intracranial pressure.     

Laparoscopic Treatment of Gallbladder and Common Bile Duct Stones: A Prospective Study

n = 2), port site infection ( n = 2), and subumbilical hematoma ( n = 1). Major morbidity was bile leakage from the cystic duct stump in two cases due to clips or transcystic duct drainage displacement, respectively. One elderly, high risk patient died after being referred for several failed attempts of endoscopic clearance; she died from cardiogenic shock 3 days after successful laparoscopic treatment. Laparoscopic CBD exploration is feasible and safe in most patients, with short-term results that compare favorably with the results of sequential ES/LC reported in the literature.