Histochemical studies on calcified tissues

Histochemical methods were used to detect differences in amino acid reactive groups between bone and osteoid, dentine and predentine. Three major differences were found: Predentine and osteoid contained more reactive sulphydryls than their mineralized counterparts. The greatest reaction for this reactive group was obtained at the mineralizing front. Dentine and bone contained a complex between amino and carboxylic acid groups; predentine and osteoid did not have this complex and carboxylic acid residues were less in these tissues. Dentine and bone contained much greater amounts of histidine or a histidine-like component than did predentine and osteoid. It is proposed that these differences are involved in initiation of mineralization.     

Nonsurgical and surgical treatments for sleep apnea

This article reviews the various treatments currently available for obstructive sleep apnea and discusses some newer and more controversial therapies. Decisions regarding the best treatment should be aimed at relieving the unique levels of obstruction in each patient. Increased controlled outcome trials will be needed to assess the success of each therapy in certain subpopulations in comparison with CPAP. As these data become available, the roles of each therapy will become clearer in treating this major health problem.     

A caerulein-sensitive potentiation of the behavioral effects of apomorphine by dibutyryl-cAMP

The dopaminergic behavioral effects of apomorphine in rats were evaluated using a rating scale. Caerulein, a decapeptide physiologically similar to cholecystokinin, enhanced at lower doses and inhibited at higher doses the behaviors induced by apomorphine. Dibutyryl-cAMP, but not dibutyryl-cGMP, potentiated apomorphine behaviors. The potentiation was inhibited by a high dose of caerulein. These data provide evidence for an opposing effect of cAMP and caerulein or cholecystokinin in modulating dopaminergic systems.     

Cis-platinum (II) diaminedichloride: Another cause of bilateral small kidneys

Cis-platinum (II) diaminedichloride (CPDD) is a new chemotherapeutic agent whose major side effect is renal toxicity. Serial urography may show evidence of a diminution of renal size before there is any clinical evidence of renal failure in patients being treated with CPDD. We recommend that these patients be followed closely with serial radioisotope scanning and/or urography to detect early renal damage.