Ventrally emigrating neural tube cells migrate into the developing vestibulocochlear nerve and otic vesicle

Virtually all cell types in the inner ear develop from the cells of the otic vesicle. The otic vesicle is formed by the invagination of non-neural ectodermal cells known as the otic placode. We investigated whether a recently described cell population, originating from the ventral part of the hindbrain neural tube known as the ventrally emigrating neural tube (VENT) cells, also contributes cells to the otic vesicle. The ventral hindbrain neural tube cells were labeled with the fluorescent vital dye DiI or replication-deficient retroviruses containing the LacZ gene in chick embryos on embryonic day 2, after the emigration of neural crest from this region. One day later, the labeled cells were detected only in the hindbrain neural tube. Shortly thereafter, the labeled cells began to appear in the eighth (vestibulocochlear) cranial nerve and otic vesicle. From embryonic day 3.5-5, the labeled cells were detected in the major derivatives of the otic vesicle, i.e. the endolymphatic duct, semicircular canals, utricle, saccule, cochlea, and vestibulocochlear ganglion. That the emigrated cells originated from the ventral part of the hindbrain neural tube was confirmed by focal application of DiI impregnated filter paper and with quail chimeras. It is concluded that, in addition to the otic placode cells, the otic vesicle also contains the ventrally emigrating neural tube cells, and that both cell populations contribute to the structures and cell types in the inner ear. It is well known that inductive signals from the hindbrain are required for the morphogenesis of the inner ear. The migration of the hindbrain neural tube cells into the otic vesicle raises the possibility that the inductive effect of the hindbrain might be mediated, at least in part, by the ventrally emigrating neural tube cells and that, therefore, a mechanism exists that involves cells rather than diffusible molecules only.     

Widenings of the myelin lamellae in a typical Guillain–Barré syndrome

The so-called “widenings of the myelin lamellae” are thought to be specific ultrastructural features of peripheral nerve myelin in patients with peripheral neuropathy associated with a monoclonal dysglobulinemia of IgM type and antiglycolipid activity. We report here a case of Guillain–Barré syndrome with no evidence of serum monoclonal dysglobulinemia, presenting the typical widenings of the myelin lamellae in small-diameter myelinated fibers from a sural nerve biopsy. In view of the positive reaction with anti-C3d complement on direct immunofluorescence, an immunological mechanism may be involved in the widenings of the myelin lamellae. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Assessment of exposure to arsenic among smelter workers: A five-year follow-up

In a group of 43 smelter workers exposed to inorganic arsenic dust for 13-45 years, nerve conduction velocities (NCVs) were significantly lower in two peripheral nerves as compared with matching referents. With multivariate data analysis, a significant negative correlation was found between cumulative absorption of arsenic and NCV in four examined nerves and the sural amplitude. Clinical symptoms of neuropathy and other symptoms related to arsenic exposure were moderate, though the difference between the groups was significant. The mean total absorption of arsenic was calculated to be less than 5 g, and the maximal absorption about 20 g. These data indicate that the adverse effect of arsenic on the peripheral nerves is dependent on long-term exposure rather than on short-term fluctuations in exposure levels. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

应用自体静脉套和脑细胞生长肽对面神经损伤恢复影响的临床研究

目的研究采用自体静脉管套入吻合口并注入脑细胞生长肽的方法,对面神经损伤后功能恢复的影响.方法吻合神经断端后用自体静脉管套入吻合口并注入脑细胞生长肽.分析肌电图和观察表情肌功能恢复,比较两种方法对损伤的面神经功能恢复的影响.结果自体静脉管套入吻合口并注入脑细胞生长肽的方法,比传统方法表情肌功能恢复时间明显缩短,且一期修复比二期修复功能恢复时间明显缩短,差异具有非常显著性意义(P＜0.01).两种方法修复面神经损伤,表情肌功能恢复后检测面神经传导速度差异无显著性意义(P＞0.05).结论自体静脉管套入吻合口并注入脑细胞生长肽的方法是一种比较有前途的面神经修复方法.     

腮腺外面神经颊支的应用解剖研究

目的:观测面神经颊支出腮腺后的各级分支,为相关外科手术提供解剖学依据。方法:10例(20侧)防腐人头标本,描述面神经颊支出腮腺后的走行、定位及层次。结果:面神经颊支出腮腺后分为2～4支,均走行在SMAS筋膜下;颊Ⅰ、颊Ⅱ恒定出现,其一级分支距腮腺导管分别为(1.1±0.5)cm及(0.5±0.3)cm,且分别向前走行(1.3±0.9)cm及(1.8±0.5)cm后发出二级分支。结论:面神经颊支较为恒定,在面瘫治疗中健侧面神经颊支的二级分支可以作为受体神经,可不损伤面神经颊支主干。面神经颊支的分布及走行也可指导除皱术、扩张器植入、瘢痕切除等手术的剥离范围,不致产生并发症。     

Complications associated with maxillary nerve block anaesthesia via the greater palatine canal

This paper documents the type, frequency and duration of complications associated with regional anaesthesia of the maxillary nerve via the greater palatine canal in a series of 101 patients treated in the Oral Surgery Department, United Dental Hospital of Sydney.     

硬膜外阻滞对高血压患者血压的影响

目的:比较未经正规治疗的高血压患者中位和低位硬膜外阻滞时对血压的影响。方法:有明确的高血压病史的急诊中上腹部手术麻醉病例42例(Ⅰ组)和下腹部手术麻醉病例47例(Ⅱ组),采用硬膜外阻滞后,比较手术时间、局麻药总量、麻醉后动脉血压下降的幅度和时相。结果:(Ⅰ组)手术历时62.3±17.8min,局麻药总量为利多卡因387.0±31.2mg,(Ⅱ组)手术历时56.8±14.9min,利多卡因总量366.7±30.1mg,均无显著差异。Ⅰ组硬膜外麻醉前平均动脉压为123.6±13.2mmHg,麻醉后最低的平均动脉压为69.5±10.0mmHg,出现最低平均动脉压的中位时间为26.3min,Ⅱ组麻醉前的平均动脉压为117.3±15.7mmHg,麻醉后最低平均动脉压为71.0±7.4mmHg,出现最低平均动脉压的中位时间为21.3min。两组在硬膜外阻滞后平均动脉压下降幅度及下降时间方面无显著差异。结论:未经很好控制的高血压患者硬膜外阻滞后均可引起血压急骤下降,低位硬膜外阻滞与中高位阻滞引起的血压下降幅度和时相相似。     

A primary demyelinating disorder of young cattle

The clinical signs and neuropathological changes are described in six Limousin X calves that, at about one month after birth, showed signs of blindness, nystagmus, rotation of the eyes, opisthotonos, hyperprotraction of the forelegs and, in one case, apparent seizures. Pathologically there was necrosis of the optic chiasma and focal areas of myelin sheath vacuolation or demyelination in certain areas of the brain, especially in the cerebellar peduncles. In one animal, kept alive for 7 months, there was remyelination by Schwann cells of some demyelinated axons in the focal cerebellar lesions, while other axons remained demyelinated. There was no evidence of oligodendrocyte remyelination. The cause of the condition was not determined but a genetic association is likely.     

Cobalt-dependent potentiation of net inward current density in Helix aspersa neurons.

A low concentration of transition metal ions Co2+ and Ni2+ increases the inward current density in neurons from the land snail Helix aspersa. The currents were measured using a single electrode voltage-clamp/internal perfusion method under conditions in which the external Na+ was replaced by Tris+, the predominant external current carrying cation was Ca2+, and the internal perfusate contained 120 mM Cs+/0 K+; 30 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA) was added externally to block K+ current. In the presence of Co2+ (3 mM) or Ni2+ (0.5 mM) inward Ca2+ currents were stimulated normally by voltage-dependent activation of Ca2+ channels. There was a 5-10% decrease in the rate of rise of the inward current. The principal effect of Co2+ and Ni2+ in increasing the current density seems to be a decrease in the rate at which the inward currents decline during a depolarizing voltage pulse. The results may be due to a decrease in a voltage-dependent or Ca(2+)-dependent outward current and/or an inhibition of Ca2+ channel inactivation. Outward current under these conditions (zero internal K+) was significant and most likely due to Cs+ efflux through the voltage-activated or Ca(2+)-activated nonspecific cation channels. Co2+ is an extremely effective blocker of this outward current. These results are not an artifact of internal perfusion or the special ionic conditions. Intracellular recording of unperfused neurons in normal Helix Ringer's solution showed that the Ca(2+)-dependent action potential duration was increased significantly by low concentrations of Co2+. This result is consistant with the Co(2+)-dependent increase in inward (depolarizing) current seen in voltage-clamp experiments.     

Cross-face nerve grafting in facial paralysis —A long-term follow-up

Summary The long term results of 21 cases of cross-face nerve grafting are presented and analyzed to evaluate the value of the procedure. The follow-up period extended beyond 3 years in all cases as the final assessment of the facial reanimation is only possible after a very long time interval. A satisfactory or good reanimation of the face occurred in 80% of the patients. In well defined cases the procedure may be considered a valuable tool in the rehabilitation of the paralyzed face.