Motor nerve conduction velocity distributions in man: results of a new computer-based collision technique

A new computer-based collision technique for direct measurement of the human motor nerve conduction velocity distribution is described. In contrast to previous collision techniques, the test muscle response is progressively cancelled to a null using an arrangement of proximal and distal stimuli which eliminates distortion of the test response caused by transient changes in nerve and muscle fibre conduction. The increased sensitivity of this new technique permits accurate measurement of the slowest 1% of alpha motor nerve fibres. We have used our modified collision technique to determine motor nerve conduction velocity distributions for the median nerve in 20 normal subjects aged between 19 and 59 (mean 35) years. 150% maximal stimulus intensities were used, with a controlled limb temperature of 35 degrees C. Group mean velocities (+/- S.D.) for the fastest (95%), mean (50%) and slowest (5% and 1%) motor fibres were 59.1 +/- 3.0, 56.9 +/- 2.9, 52.7 +/- 3.1 and 51.2 +/- 3.7 m/sec respectively. Data are also presented for the ulnar and peroneal nerves.     

Similar dose responsiveness of hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to glucagon in vivo

This study was undertaken to determine whether the dose-dependent effect of glucagon on gluconeogenesis parallels its effect on hepatic glycogenolysis in conscious overnight-fasted dogs. Endogenous insulin and glucagon secretion were inhibited by somatostatin (0.8 micrograms X kg-1 X min-1), and intraportal replacement infusions of insulin (213 +/- 28 microU X kg-1 X min-1) and glucagon (0.65 ng X kg-1 X min-1) were given to maintain basal hormone concentrations for 2 h (12 +/- 2 microU/ml and 108 +/- 23 pg/ml, respectively). The glucagon infusion was then increased 2-, 4-, 8-, or 12-fold for 3 h, whereas the rate of insulin infusion was left unchanged. Glucose production (GP) was determined with 3-[3H]glucose, and gluconeogenesis (GNG) was assessed with tracer (U-[14C]alanine conversion to [14C]glucose) and arteriovenous difference (hepatic fractional extraction of alanine, FEA) techniques. Increases in plasma glucagon of 53 +/- 8, 199 +/- 48, 402 +/- 28, and 697 +/- 149 pg/ml resulted in initial (15-30 min) increases in GP of 1.1 +/- 0.4 (N = 4), 4.9 +/- 0.5 (N = 4), 6.5 +/- 0.6 (N = 6), and 7.7 +/- 1.4 (N = 4) mg X kg-1 X min-1, respectively; increases in GNG (approximately 3 h) of 48 +/- 19, 151 +/- 50, 161 +/- 25, and 157 +/- 7%, respectively; and increases in FEA (3 h) of 0.14 +/- 0.07, 0.37 +/- 0.05, 0.42 +/- 0.04, and 0.40 +/- 0.17, respectively. In conclusion, GNG and glycogenolysis were similarly sensitive to stimulation by glucagon in vivo, and the dose-response curves were markedly parallel.     

Human immunodeficiency virus-related connective tissue diseases: a Zimbabwean perspective

Our clinical experience with patients in Zimbabwe suggests that an arthropathy may be a feature of HIV disease. This takes two forms: the first is a reactive arthropathy usually affecting the large, lower limb joints with no other clinical features of a connective tissue disease. The second form is seen in association with features of complete or incomplete Reiter's syndrome with involvement of large and small peripheral joints (having an asymmetric distribution). Although this arthropathy may been seen in association with HIV positive asymptomatic disease and often is the reason for first presentation at hospital, the majority of our patients have clinical features of persistent generalized lymphadenopathy, plus or minus features of constitutional illness (such as fever, weight loss, and diarrhea). A small percentage of our patients have arthropathy in association with secondary systemic infection. Other locomotor conditions have been observed, although their numbers are too small to determine whether or not they truly are related to HIV disease. In Zimbabwe there is no association between the development of HIV-associated arthropathy and the presence of HLA-B27.     

Anti-S-100 Serum blocks long-term potentiation in the hippocampal slice

S-100 is a calcium-binding, glial protein which has been shown to be involved in behavioral learning and memory tasks. Long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus is a long-lasting enhancement of synaptic efficacy evoked by repetitive afferent stimulation. When anti-S-100 serum is applied by pressure ejection onto the stratum radiatum of area CA1 of the hippocampal slice, the amplitude of the extracellularly recorded population spike is not affected. However, repetitive stimulation of the afferents during S-100 application failed to produce LTP. At a distant site in the same slice, LTP occurs normally. Preimmune normal rabbit serum had no effect on the development of LTP. It appears that S-100 protein is involved in the establishment of LTP.     

Nonspecific immunity in pregnancy: monocyte surface Fcγ receptor expression and function

The state of pregnancy is an immunological enigma during which the body must prevent rejection of the antigenically foreign fetus while at the same time maintain sufficient maternal host defense mechanisms to combat infection. Although most studies on the immunology of pregnancy focus on immune suppression, several studies have shown an increase in nonspecific host defense, which is postulated to be a compensatory mechanism for decreased specific immunity during pregnancy. Studies in this laboratory have shown that monocyte surface FcγRI (CD64) and FcγRII (CD32) expression progressively increase throughout pregnancy, while surface MHC class II expression remains unchanged. Functional studies revealed that the number of phagocytic monocytes which could be isolated from pregnant women was increased. These cells exhibited an increased capacity to ingest IgG-opsonized human erythrocytes. This study shows for the first time that monocyte surface FcγR expression and FcγR-mediated functions are increased during pregnancy. These results support the hypothesis that nonspecific immunity as represented by FcγR expression and function is increased during pregnancy.     

A low cost modification of an old Leksell stereotactic frame to allow CT-guided stereotaxy

The high cost of commercial CT-compatible stereotactic frames has restricted the availability of CT-guided stereotaxy for many neurosurgical centres. However, many of these centres do possess the standard stereotactic frames for projection radiography, of which the old type Leksell frame is probably the most common. We have devised a simple and low-cost modification to an old Leksell frame to allow CT-guided stereotaxy. The nature of the modifications allow complete freedom of positioning of the frame relative to the CT scanner and coordinate transformations can be performed simply and effectively. The modified frame has been used successfully for some 18 months and the modification has now been performed at two centres in the North West Regional Health Authority. We hope this modification will allow many other centres to embark on CT-guided stereotaxy.