Effects of prolonged undernutrition on structure and function of the diaphragm

The present study examined the effect of prolonged undernutrition on diaphragmatic structure and force-generating ability. Studies were performed on 58 Syrian hamsters in which the feed was reduced by 33% for a 4-wk period. Sixty animals fed a similar diet ad libitum served as controls. Diaphragm muscle structure was assessed from its mass (wet and dry weight), thickness, fiber composition, and fiber size. Isometric force produced in vitro by isolated muscle strips in response to electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve was examined over a range of muscle lengths (length-tension relationship). In undernourished animals, body weight decreased 25 +/- 5%. Diaphragm wet and dry weight, muscle thickness, and the cross-sectional area of fast-glycolytic (FG) and fast-oxidative (FO) fibers were significantly less in undernourished than control animals and correlated with reductions in body weight. The cross-sectional area of slow-oxidative (SO) fibers was the same in the two groups. The percentage of FG fibers in undernourished animals was decreased slightly and the percentage of SO fibers increased. Maximum isometric tension was reduced in undernourished animals as compared with controls, but the position and shape of the length-tension relationship was the same in the two groups. Reductions in muscle force appeared to be explained by decreases in muscle mass, since tension corrected for cross-sectional area or tissue weight was the same in the two groups. Therefore muscle mechanical efficiency appeared to be unaffected by undernutrition. These data indicate that prolonged undernutrition causes deleterious changes in diaphragm muscle structure that impair its ability to generate force.

Prostaglandins inhibit renal ammoniagenesis in the rat

We describe the inhibitory effect of prostaglandins (PGs) on in vivo rat renal ammonia synthesis. The influence of systemic pH upon urinary PG excretion and ammoniagenesis was also investigated. Finally, PG production by incubated rat renal cortical slices was suppressed to investigate the PG-ammonia interplay in the absence of changes in renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, ambient electrolyte concentrations or extrarenal hormonal factors. In vivo ammonia synthesis doubled and PG excretion fell by 44% in normal rats, after intravenous administration of 1 mg/kg of meclofenamate. Higher doses of meclofenamate further augmented ammonia production and further reduced PG excretion. PG depletion was also associated with an increase in fractional excretion of ammonia (FENH3) that was independent of changes in urine flow rate or pH. Acute metabolic acidosis (AMA) increased total ammonia synthesis but also stimulated PG production. Administration of meclofenamate to rats with mild AMA markedly reduced urinary PG excretion, further augmented ammonia synthesis, and significantly increased the FENH3. Inhibition of stimulated PG synthesis during severe AMA did not increase ammoniagenesis or FENH3. Acute metabolic alkalosis did not alter production of PGs or ammonia, but reduced the FENH3 by 42%. Meclofenamate nearly normalized the FENH3 but stimulated synthesis to a lesser degree than was seen in nonalkalotic rats that received meclofenamate. Inhibition of PG synthesis in incubated rat renal cortical slices also stimulated ammoniagenesis. Conversely, stimulation of PG synthesis decreased ammonia production and acidification of the incubation medium increased prostaglandin F2 alpha production. Thus, in vitro findings support the in vivo results. We conclude that PGs inhibit ammonia synthesis in normal rats and in those undergoing mild AMA. Severe acidosis overrides this inhibitory effect of PGs, whereas metabolic alkalosis suppresses the stimulatory effect of PG synthesis inhibition.

Otolaryngological features of 'malformation syndrome with cryptophthalmos'

Anomalies of the nose, larynx and oral cavity are described in two patients with cryptophthalmos. A teratogen acting at the time of lid fold formation is probably responsible for the ocular and systemic involvement which are primarily ectodermal defects with some mesodermal involvement.

Familial anterior and posterior lenticonus

A pedigree showing anterior lenticonus, posterior lenticonus and deafness with sex-linked inheritance and the probable gene locus in the short-arm of X chromosome is described.

Chromosomal anomaly in a female patient with anterior lenticonus

Anterior lenticonus is reported in a 20-year-old female who had perceptive deafness, albuminuria, microscopic haematuria, pyuria, primary amenorrhoea, aplasia of the uterus and poorly developed external genitalia. Chromosomal study revealed 45 XO pattern. It is suggested that the gene for anterior lenticonus is recessive and is carried in the short term of the X chromosome.

Basal-cell carcinoma in maxillary osteomyelitis

A 40-year-old female with a basal-cell carcinoma in maxillary osteomyelitis is reported. Blood-stained discharge from a sinus associated with ulceration of the infra-orbital region and the onset of blindness wree the presenting features. It is suggested that biopsies from multiple sites of the lesion rather than reliance on the clinical picture would help in detecting early malignant change.

Diploic dermoids

A diploic dermoid involving the orbital plate of the frontal bone is described in a 52-year-old man. It presented proptosis, downward displacement of the globe and limitation of its movement while looking up. Its extension into the anterior cranial fossa was detected by injecting a radio-opaque material into the cyst.

Ocular cysticercosis in India

Ocular cysticercosis is frequent in Andhra and Tamilnadu states of India due to the unhygienic habits of local people. The conjunctiva is the commonest site of ocular involvement in India while the vitreous and the retina are the usual sites of pathology elsewhere.

Ocular cysticercosis

Eight cases of ocular cysticercosis are reported. A rare case of cysticercus in the anterior chamber, and another case with bilateral involvement and two cysts in one eye are reported. The reasons for its prevalence in this region are discussed.

Orbital hemangiopericytoma: a report of a three-year-old child

A case of orbital hemangiopericytoma is described in a three-year-old child. Its clinical and microscopic differentiating features from other ocular and orbital tumors is discussed.

Ocular cysticercosis. Report of a free floating cysticersus in the anterior chamber

A rare case of free floating cysticercus in the anterior chamber is described which mimiced a dislocated lens. Preoperative use of steroids is advocated not only to controle uveitis but also facilitate surgical removal of the cyst.

Congenital ocular anomalies in Pondicherry

Congenital anomalies of the eye and ocular adnexa occurring in Pondicherry have been described. Anophthalmos, microphthalmos, limbal dermoids, nervus of Ota, anterior lenticonus, buphthalmos, and congenital cataract are very common. Onset of cataract in young individuals was caused by abnormal aminoaciduria. Hereditary factors played a part in 59 percent of the cases who would have become blind if they were not treated. Consanguinity is a major factor in their pathogenesis. Avitaminosis A and systemic infections which are common here may be playing a significant role in their etiology.

Anterior lenticonus--an unusual feature of Alport's syndrome

A case of anterior lenticonus with haematuria and sensorineural deafness is presented. It is suggested that the anterior lenticonus forms an important clue to the diagnosis of Alport's syndrome which can be confirmed by detailed audiometric examination and urine analysis of other family members.

Osteomyelitis of orbital bones

Clinical, radiological, and microbiological features of seven cases of osteomyelitis involving the orbital parts of the frontal, the maxillary, and the zygomatic bones are described. The cases were managed with antibiotics, curettage, and sequestrectomy. Problems in the correction of deformities due to circatrization are discussed. It is observed that a skin graft at second stage may be a success.