Absence of significant light-induced changes in cAMP levels in sporangiophores of Phycomyces blakesleeanus

We were unable to find transient changes in the amount of cAMP or cGMP that had been proposed to mediate the light-growth response in sporangiophores of Phycomyces blakesleeanus.

[Surgical therapy of trigeminal neuralgia. Selective thermocoagulation of Gasser's ganglion]

These first ultrastructural studies of the effect caused by thermocoagulation of a ganglion (ganglion inferius nervi vagi) akin to the Gasserian ganglion have shown that selective pain fiber elimination can only be expected from thermocoagulation at temperatures not higher than 50 degrees C/60 s or 60 degrees C/60 s. Even if the results of these animal experiments can only be applicable to clinical practice in the sense of an analogical conclusion, we are nevertheless of the opinion that it can be recommended to begin the thermocoagulation in trigeminus neuralgia at low temperatures (50 degrees C/60 s or 60 degrees C/60 s) and only if found necessary, after checking the sensitivity to pain, to increase it in steps of 5--10 degrees C.

Spontaneous intramedullary haematoma as a complication of anticoagulant therapy

We report an intramedullary haematoma that occurred as a complication of anticoagulant therapy. Contrary to the well-known epidural spinal haematomas an intramedullary haemorrhage, to our knowledge, has not been reported. The necessity for myelography and operation immediately after the appearance of typical clinical signs such as local vertebral pain and early paraparesis is stressed. The possibilities for reversing the effect of anticoagulants are outlined, and the problem of continuing thrombo-embolic prophylaxis postoperatively are discussed.

[Hypophysectomy in metastasing carcinoma of the breast (author's transl)]

As result of a poll, the opinion of 50 Neurosurgical Departments in the Federal Republic of Germany relating to the importance of hypophysectomy in the therapy of metastatic carcinoma of the breast was obtained. Four of 32 replies prefer a regular hypophysectomy and 11 departments do the hypophysectomy only in exceptional cases. In 17 clinics this operation is not used. It should be emphasized, that a quarter of those neurosurgeons, who took part in our inquiry, had already given up hypophysectomy some years ago. About 50% of the surgeons talk about positive effects on metastatic carcinomas. The hormonal dependence of disseminated cancers is the only condition, which has to be presumed. Implantation of radioisotopes and trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy are mentioned as the main operative techniques. The indications for hypophysectomy for metastatic carcinoma of the breast are discussed in the light of the recent literature. If one considers the possibilities of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, hypophysectomy can still be of considerable value as a palliative measure in hormone-dependent tumours with bone metastases, provided that the cases are carefully selected.

Evaluation of the chronic inhalation toxicity of a manganese oxide aerosol. III. Pulmonary function, electromyograms, limb tremor, and tissue manganese data

Monkeys and rats were exposed to 11.6, 112.5, and 1152 micrograms Mn/m3 as an Mn3O4 aerosol twenty-four hours per day for nine months. Various evaluations of pulmonary function, electromyographic activity, limb tremor, and tissue manganese levels were conducted. No exposure related effects on pulmonary function, limb tremor, or electromyographic activity were observed. After nine months of exposure Mn levels were elevated in a near dose related manner in kidney, lung, spleen, and blood. However, by six months postexposure there were no differences as compared to the control group in tissue Mn levels which could be attributed to the exposure conditions.

[Compression of the spinal cord secondary to an intradural metastasis from a primary carcinoma of the breast (author's transl)]

The intradural spinal spread from operated primary carcinomas of the breast is discussed considering our own case and the literature. The identical localization of the intradural spinal metastases at the junction of the cervical to the thoracic spine in all three known cases is striking.

The effects of stress on cortical bone thickness in rodents

The right and left femora of three groups of rodents, cold stressed, noise stressed, and heat stressed, were sectioned transversely at the most inferior point of the third trochanter. Cortical bone thickness of the proximal section for all three groups was determined by measuring an enlargement obtained with a Wild stereo microscope with a camera lucida drawing attachment. Cold stressed animals were found to have significantly thinner cortical bone than did controls, noise stressed animals did not differ from controls, and heat stressed animals had thinner cortical bone than did controls. It is concluded that stress may be responsible for the thinner cortex of cold and heat stressed animals, but that other factors may be at work and that it is not possible to tell whether different types of stress act through the same or through different mechanisms.

Occult thoracic and sacral meningoceles

Two cases of occult meningoceles are reported. The first case exhibited a combination of thoracic meningocele and neurofibromatosis with additional generalised osteomalacia. The second case was an anterior sacral meningocele. Based on these reports pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy are discussed. The importance of myelography for the diagnosis of this condition and the indications for operative treatment are pointed out.

[Growth hormone, LH and FSH under function dynamical conditions in serum and basic corticol and testosterone serum levels in brain-injured patients during dexamethasone treatment]

In 14 male patients with severe head injury the following hormones were measured by radioimmunological methods in plasma: Basal levels of LH, FSH, GH, testosterone and total corticoids; furthermore LH-releasing-hormone- and insulin-hypoglycaemia-tests were done. The investigations have shown, that in patients with severe head injury no essential impairment of the hypothalamus-hypophyseal-system controlled by LH-, FSH- and GH-secretion could be detected. Diminished testosterone and accelerated LH-levels are measurable, whereas total corticoids were not significantly accelerated. Because of treatment with dexamethasone the effect of this substance has to be discussed.

[Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in achondroplasia with hydrocephalus (author's transl)]

Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea was observed in a 12-year old girl with achondroplasia and communicating hydrocephalus. The leakage ceased and did not recur after treatment by ventriculo-atrial shunting (Holter valve) without plugging the fistula. The pathogenetic factors in this case are discussed.