Neurophysiologic study of olivopontocerebellar atrophy with or without glutamate dehydrogenase deficiency

By neurophysiologic investigations, we evaluated 20 patients with olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA), comprising 8 with glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) deficiency and 12 with normal GDH activity. We found sensorimotor, predominantly sensory axonal neuropathy distally in the legs, and peripheral auditory nerve dysfunction (prolonged wave I but normal interpeak latencies in brainstem auditory evoked response) in GDH-deficient patients. These findings seem distinctive enough to serve as the electrophysiologic marker for diagnosis and monitoring of treatment and progression of the disease. The pattern-reversal visual and median nerve somatosensory evoked responses did not differ among the patients and controls.

A procedure for testing potential inhibitors of human chorionic gonadotrophin activity in vivo

A procedure is described for testing potential inhibitors of hCG activity in vivo, based on a hormone-responsive alkaline phosphatase in the ovaries of young mice. Standard injections of an antiserum inhibited the response to a subsequent injection of 2 i.u. hCG after an interval of up to 24 h.

The importance of serum pyruvate kinase in neuromuscular diseases and carrier states

Serum pyruvate kinase activity was measured in several myopathic and denervating illnesses as well as in 86 potential carriers of Duchenne dystrophy. These data showed that in potential Duchenne carriers, the serum pyruvate kinase assay is more sensitive in younger patients, especially those under 20 years of age.