Innervation of the sheep adrenal cortex: an immunohistochemical study with rat corticotrophin-releasing factor antiserum

Using indirect immunohistochemistry and an antiserum raised against rat corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) we have outlined an asymmetric network of cells and varicose fibers in sheep adrenal cortex. This network was not associated with the larger splanchnic nerves, but was occasionally found in small bundles or with blood vessels; in most instances fibers were found weaving independently through cortical parenchyma. A plexus of fibers was found in the zona reticularis, with a few fibers ramifying into adjacent medulla. Uni or bipolar cells were found throughout the cortex, with the greatest frequency at the corticomedullary junction; a multipolar-type cell was also found in this area. Staining of varicose structures and most cells was abolished by incubation with excess rat CRF 1-41, but not by ovine CRF or a range of other peptides. Though the immunoreactive species has not as yet been identified, it may thus share homology with sequences present in rat but not ovine CRF.     

Adult coeliac disease within a defined geographic area in Sweden. A study of prevalence and associated diseases

An epidemiologic study of coeliac disease in a geographically defined area of Sweden showed that the prevalence was 95.5/10(5) inhabitants aged 15 years or more. The highest prevalence, 178/10(5) inhabitants, was found in the age group 65-74 years. The lowest prevalence, 39/10(5) inhabitants, was found in patients aged 15-24 years. Among the associated diseases an especially high incidence of associated thyroid disease was observed: thyrotoxicosis occurred in 5.0% and hypothyroidism in 5.8% of the patients.     

Is additional epidural sympathetic block in microvascular surgery contraindicated? A preliminary report

The use of additional epidural sympathetic block during and after microvascular surgery in the lower extremities to prevent vasospasm is generally agreed on. However, a significant fall in the perfusion rate of the transplants was seen after application of bupivacaine (Marcain) via the epidural catheter. This effect has, to our knowledge, not been described before and is probably caused by the sympathectomy effect of this type of analgesia.     

Operative treatment of median cervical cysts

Median cervical cysts are congenital anomalies arising from remaining thyroglossal duct epithelium. A major problem in the surgical treatment of these cysts is the high frequency of recurrence. Embryonic considerations indicate an important causal role for the hyoid bone in these recurrences. We studied the relationship between operative techniques and the number of recurrences in 36 patients treated in our hospital. Fourteen patients sent from other hospitals had a recurrent fistula; in thirteen cases the hyoid bone was still in place. All patients who had the central part of the hyoid bone excised were cured. In 14 patients without adequate excisions of the hyoid bone we found four recurrences. To prevent recurrence a total excision of thyroglossal duct epithelium is necessary.     

Effect of diffusion chamber pore size on differentiation and proliferation of periosteal cells. An experimental study

The influence of the pore size of Nucleopore diffusion-chamber filters on the rate of proliferation and differentiation of periosteal cells in muscle was studied in 44 growing rabbits. Periosteal grafts were placed in chambers (16-19 in each experimental group) sealed with filters with a pore size of 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, or 2.0 micron. Each chamber was implanted into the paraspinal muscle of the rabbit, where it remained for 16 weeks. The osteochondrogenic activity of the graft grew linearly when the pore size increased from 0.4 to 1.0 micron. In the chambers with a pore size of 2.0 micron, both bone and cartilage were found in only one chamber. Bone and cartilage were not found outside any of the chambers. The present results showed that the pore size of the filters significantly affected the ability of the periosteal graft to form bone and cartilage.     

The effects of bulk versus particulate polymethylmethacrylate on bone

Twenty-one mature New Zealand white female rabbits were allocated into three groups of seven rabbits. Group I received a bolus of doughy Simplex polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement injected into the proximal tibia through a drill hole. Group II received a preformed, cooled, bulk PMMA pellet. Group III had particulate PMMA powder implanted. The operated, but nonimplanted, left tibiae served as controls. Animals were killed after four months. Histologically, both Group I and Group II demonstrated a thin, fibrous tissue membrane at the implant interface. Particulate PMMA (Group III) stimulated a much thicker, florid, foreign body reaction composed of histiocytes and giant cells. The foreign body response to particulate acrylic cement was similar to that seen in failed cemented joint replacement arthroplasty in humans.     

A novel hybridoma antibody (PASE/4LJ) to human prostatic acid phosphatase suitable for immunohistochemistry

A murine monoclonal antibody PASE/4LJ to prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) was used to immunostain a wide variety of sections of benign and malignant tissues (654 blocks). Non-neoplastic adult and fetal prostatic glands, primary and metastatic prostatic carcinomas, and scattered cells in prostatic and penile urethra were positive. Rat, dog and rabbit prostates were negative. Nine of 400 tumours of non-prostatic origin showed some positivity: 6/36 carcinoids, 1/9 islet cell tumours, 1/55 ovarian adenocarcinomas (serous) and one carcinosarcoma of the lung (epithelial portion). Positive staining was seen in islet cells in 4/5 specimens of normal pancreas, and in 4/9 blocks of normal pancreas surrounding a pancreatic tumour. Loops of Henle, maculae densae, and distal tubules in 10/10 fetal and 2/9 adult kidneys were also positive, with proximal tubules and collecting ducts negative. All other 159 blocks of non-neoplastic adult and fetal tissues were negative. The antibody was also affinity purified from ascitic fluid, and shown not to inhibit the enzyme activity of prostatic acid phosphatase.