The innervation of the levator veli palatini muscle by the glossopharyngeal nerve

We developed a novel method which enables bloodless exposure of the levator veli palatini muscle in rat in order to investigate the physiological properties of this muscle. The levator veli palatini muscle which is innervated by a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve showed rhythmic spontaneous movement in rats. Cutting the branch supplying LVP of the glossopharyngeal nerve caused cessation of the spontaneous movement of the levator veli palatini muscle. The spontaneous discharges of the glossopharyngeal nerve were synchronized with those of the phrenic nerve. A mixture of 95% oxygen and 5% room air influenced the efferent discharges from the branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve supplying the levator veli palatini muscle. These findings indicate that the motor nerve supply to the levator veli palatini muscle is the glossopharyngeal nerve, and the levator veli palatini muscle is related to the respiratory system, in particular with inspiration in rats.     

Uptake of iodine-123 MIBG by pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas, and neuroblastomas: a histopathological comparison

The percentage uptake of [123I]metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) by tumors of the paraganglion system is compared with the number of neurosecretory granules (assessed by both light and electron microscopy) in the subsequently resected tumors in six patients. Iodine-123 MIBG was injected intravenously; the tumor uptake of [123I]MIBG varied between 0.001% and 0.14% of the injected dose per gram of tumor tissue at 22 hr. The number of neurosecretory granules in tissue sections was scored on a scale of I-III. A direct proportional correlation was found between the percentage uptake of [123I]MIBG by the tumor and the number of neurosecretory granules in the tissue sections but not with plasma or urinary catecholamines. This technique for imaging reflects the storage status of the tumor better than plasma and urinary catecholamine measurements.     

Abnormal nephrogram pattern as an adverse reaction to contrast material. Case report

Up to now two abnormal nephrographic patterns have been described as a result of arterial hypotension as an adverse response to urographic contrast material. We would like to describe a third pattern.     

Application of cytopathology in a sensitivity test for anti-tumor agents. I. An experimental study

Although the human tumor clonogenic assay (HTCA) is extremely reliable in determining clinical correlations, it is a complicated process requiring considerable time in order to obtain results. Thus, an experimental study on cytopathologic observation (cytologic assay) and comparative evaluation between it and HTCA were performed in order to establish a more rapid and accurate drug sensitivity test. Materials included Colon 26, a cell line established in our department, malignant effusion and surgical specimens. In carrying out HTCA according to the Hamburger-Salmon method, the cell suspension samples following exposure to anti-tumor agents (MMC, L-PAM, ADM, CDDP) were cultivated in test tubes for 3-8 hours and stained by the Papanicolaou and Giemsa methods. According to Tokita's criteria, when cellular changes showed as nuclear pyknosis and nuclear destruction were found to have increased significantly in comparison with a control group, the cells were judged to be sensitive. Very similar and parallel results were obtained between HTCA and cytologic assay in this study, with a significant correlation. Cytologic assay was proved to be an easy, rapid and accurate method for testing drug sensitivity and its clinical application can be expected in the future.