[Hypersecretion of calcitonin in hypocalcemic syndromes and in stimulation of the autonomic nervous system]

The AA., on the basis of their recent studies, offer a new hypothesis on the role of calcitonin, as a regulator of phosphorus metabolism. In addition the AA. confirm the clear interrelationship between calcitonin and other hormones as gastrin and autonomous nervous system.

Blood pressure control in end-stage renal disease in man: indirect evidence of a complex pathogenic mechanism besides renin or blood volume

1. In twenty-three uraemic patients on regular dialysis, plasma renin activity and blood volume were measured before and after a single dialysis. Three groups were identified; the first had a low or normal plasma renin activity and a high or normal blood volume, the second had a high plasma renin activity and a low blood volume and the third had both variables above normal. 2. In spite of these differences, diastolic blood pressure before and after dialysis was the same in the three groups and multiple regression analyses failed to demonstrate any dependence of blood pressure on plasma renin activity, blood volume or body weight taken separately or together. 3. We conclude that other factors besides plasma renin activity and blood volume are important in maintaining arterial hypertension in terminal renal failure.

[Neurochemical and behavioural alterations in animals due to a neurohomologous phospholipids and vitamin B6 association at CNS level]

The effect of a brain cortex phospholipids (BC-PL) and vit. B6 association on animal behaviour and enzymatic activities specific for CNS is studied. The motility and avoidance tests and cerebral L-amino acid aromatic decarboxylase activity were considered. The study was carried out in comparison with methedrine which effects are well known. On the basis of the results the conclusion is drawn that the effects obtained with BC-PL and vit. B6 association are very different from those obtained with methedrine; this suggests a different mecchanism of action at CNS level.