Electrophysiological recordings from the rat prostate gland in vitro: identified single-cell and transepithelial (lumen) potentials

OBJECTIVE: To develop a preparation for the in vitro maintenance of the rat prostate gland and thus allow intracellular and transepithelial voltage measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ventral prostate glands from male rats were dissected free of connective tissue, separated into smaller lobes and maintained in vitro at 30 degrees C. Voltages were recorded with sharp micropipettes in identified cellular and luminal compartments, differentiated by several electrophysiological and histological parameters, including intracellular staining. RESULTS: Intracellular epithelial membrane potentials (median -40 mV) and transepithelial or luminal potentials (mean -4.2 mV) were recorded successfully. Luminal epithelial cells were dye-coupled. Prostate tissue could be maintained in vitro with no apparent electrophysiological or structural deterioration for up to approximately 7 h. CONCLUSION: Rat prostate tissue can be successfully maintained in vitro and electrophysiological recordings made from identified cellular compartments.     

Mycobacterial infection in an inner city children's hospital

Childhood tuberculosis is perceived by many as a disease of the past. Experience in a children's hospital serving a deprived population suggested that tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections were not declining in clinical practice. Fifty three tuberculous and 11 atypical mycobacterial infections were identified between 1978 and 1992. There was no decline in tuberculosis and nine of the 11 atypical infections occurred in the last five years. Altogether 40% of cases of tuberculosis were in non-Asian children; 32% had arrived in the UK or visited family overseas in the previous year; and 38% had a history of tuberculosis contact, usually a close adult relative. Nationally, the previous decline in tuberculosis in all ages has reversed. In the local health districts in London's east end, childhood tuberculosis has also stopped declining and seems to be increasing. It is regrettable that BCG vaccination has been abolished by some districts in the UK, against current recommendations. Childhood tuberculosis is still common in the practice described here, including among children who do not fall into conventionally recognised high risk groups. Inner city dwellers and junior doctors are both highly mobile populations, adding to the risk that paediatricians, particularly those in training, may encounter tuberculosis with little or no previous experience of the condition.     

Meralgia paresthetica after strenuous exercise

We present three patients with signs and symptoms of meralgia paresthetica (MP) after long-distance walking and cycling. No other possible causes of MP, such as trauma or exogenous compression, were present. A neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was confirmed in all patients with somatosensory evoked potentials. We propose that conduction block due to local ischemia during repetitive muscle stretching was the probable cause for the neuropathy.     

Respiratory syncytial virus infection and neurologic abnormalities: retrospective cohort study

Respiratory syncytial virus is a common cause of acute respiratory infection in children. Previous reports have associated respiratory syncytial virus infection and acute neurologic symptoms, including apnea and seizures. This study examined the prevalence of acute neurologic symptoms associated with respiratory syncytial virus and non-respiratory syncytial virus respiratory infections in children requiring admission to a pediatric intensive care unit. We screened all admissions over a 4-year period at a single center, identifying children between birth and 2 years of age with bronchiolitis or acute upper respiratory infection. Children with a history of prematurity, preexisting medical conditions, or prior neurologic problems were excluded. Retrospective chart review of 236 admissions was conducted, identifying the etiology of respiratory infection and the presence or absence of acute neurologic signs or symptoms. This study demonstrated a prevalence of acute neurologic signs or symptoms in 36.4% of respiratory syncytial virus-negative patients (n = 115) and 39.1% in the respiratory syncytial virus-positive group (n = 121). Apnea, the most common symptom, was observed in 19.8% of respiratory syncytial virus-positive cases and 16.5% of negative patients. Seizures were reported in 6.6% of the positive cases and in 12.2% of the negative cohort. These differences showed no statistical significance. Although neurologic signs and symptoms are common in this population of children with acute respiratory infection, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of neurologic problems between respiratory syncytial virus-positive and -negative patients.