Lindane inhibition of [35S]TBPS binding to the GABAA receptor in rat brain.

The inhibition of [³⁵S]t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate ([³⁵S]TBPS) binding to the GABA_A receptor by the insecticide γ-hexachlorocyclohexane, lindane, was studied in several brain regions and using different membrane preparation methods, both in vitro and after dosing the animals with the chemical. In the latter studies, the amount of lindane remaining in the membrane suspensions used for binding assays was determined. In vitro data showed values of IC₅₀ from 150 to 1675 nM, varying in function of the membrane preparation method used. This may account for the discrepancies in IC₅₀ values found in the literature. IC₅₀ values within the range of 150–250 nM were determined using extensively washed membranes from several brain regions, so no evidence arose for brain regional differences in the affinity of lindane for the TBPS binding site. After different schedules of acute treatment with lindane, we found a manifest relationship between the extent of the observable inhibition of [³⁵S]TBPS binding and the lindane amount remaining in the membrane suspensions used for binding assays. This relationship was in good agreement with the in vitro data, so no support for an in vivo acute regulation of the binding site was obtained.     

Effects of acute nicotine administration on the function of the human parotid gland

The effect of acute administration of nicotine on the secretory function of the human parotid gland was investigated in 4 male volunteers. After intravenous infusion of 20 micrograms nicotine/kg b.w. within 10 min in all subjects an increased salivary amylase activity and protein concentration was observed. This phenomenon is believed to be caused by a stimulation of parotid beta-adrenoceptors secondary to a nicotine-induced release of catecholamines from the adrenals.     

Thrombosis of the internal jugular vein in therapy with hematopoietic growth factors. A case report

Thrombosis of the internal jugular and subclavian vein is often caused by central venous catheters. We report on a 39-year-old patient suffering from clinically suspected thrombosis of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. Thrombosis was confirmed by B-mode-sonography. The development of thrombosis in this case as a consequence of a central venous catheter and of an additional continuous i.v. treatment with human granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is discussed.     

Pneumopericardium due to intrapericardial perforation of a gastric ulcer.

A 88-year-old male patient presented with fever, singultus and retrosternal pain. After 8 days of antibiotic therapy not resulting in clinical improvement, he suddenly developed a pneumopericardium. Contrast swallow and endoscopy showed intrapericardial perforation of a benign gastric ulcer. Excision of the ulcer and suturing of both the stomach and the diaphragm as well as lavage of the pericardium were done over a left thoracotomy. The patient recovered uneventfully.     

Pattern reversal stimuli: motion or contrast?

Pattern reversal stimuli are widely used for electrophysiological examination of the visual system. To investigate the mechanisms contributing to the pattern reversal EP (PREP) we performed experiments with a trained alert macaque monkey, using both contrast and motion stimuli. It was found that, as in man, for parafoveal and peripheral stimulation the PREP can be constructed from the EPs to the onset and offset of pattern motion. On the other hand foveal stimulation activates the contrast mechanism only.Our conclusion is that pattern reversal data should be considered with caution since pattern reversal can activate motion as well as contrast mechanisms. This ambiguity is not present in the pattern appearance-disappearance stimulus.     

Serum-free cultivation of severalPlasmodium falciparum strains

Plasmodium falciparum strains from different malaria-endemic regions were grown in continuous culture without human serum. The medium was complemented with Nutridoma-SR instead of serum. All parasite strains developed well in serum-free medium. Two strains were thawed without serum and showed good multiplication in subsequent continuous culture.     

The epidemiology of logging injuries in the northwest

Logging is among the most hazardous forms of employment. However, a comprehensive review of severe logging injuries and their outcome has apparently not been previously undertaken. In the present study we review 51 consecutive injured loggers requiring transfer to a regional Level I trauma center. The average age was 34 years and the mode of injury in 67% was being struck by a falling or rolling log. Orthopedic intervention was required most frequently (49%), with neurologic injury in 43%. Two patients died (4%), both secondary to severe head injury, and both survived less than 24 hours. Importantly, while most severely injured patients survived, they required long hospitalizations and had a 58% permanent disability, with more than half of these being brain or spinal cord related. Although the overall number of workers involved in logging is small, the young average age, the work years lost, and the high risk of permanent disability support continued strong efforts to improve overall safety. Particularly, the high incidence of head injury argues strongly for improved and increased use of safety helmets, which may significantly impact the mortality and morbidity of logging accidents.