Effect of nickel on uterine contraction and ultrastructure in the rat

The in vitro effects of nickel chloride (NiCl2) on uterine contractile activity and ultrastructure were studied in uterine strips isolated from 20-day-pregnant Wistar rats. Ni2+ had a dual action on uterine spontaneous contractions. In low concentrations (10(-7) M to 10(-5) M), NiCl2 increased basal tone significantly but had no effect on the amplitude or frequency of development of isometric force. High concentrations of NiCl2 (10(-4) M to 10(-3) M inhibited spontaneous contractile activity and decreased basal tone, which was antagonized by elevation of the extracellular concentration of Ca2+. Electron microscopic localization of Ni by the dimethyl glyoxime cytochemical technique showed that, after incubation of uterine strips in a physiologic medium that contained 10(-6) M NiCl2, electron-dense Ni-dimethyl glyoxime particles could be observed in the cytoplasm and in the mitochondria of uterine smooth muscle cells. Exposition of Ni caused mitochondrial structural damage and accumulation of glycogen. The experimental results indicate that, because of its oxytocic action, the increase in the serum level of Ni in the advanced stage of human labor (Rubányi and associates, 1982) may support separation of the placenta and/or may contribute to the prevention of atonic bleeding in the postpartum period.

New findings concerning the pathogenesis of acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning

The pathomechanism of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning was studied by means of cardiopathological and neuropathological investigations in experimental CO intoxication. It has been shown that besides CO-hemoglobin association, the binding of CO to cytochromes is a significant factor. The latter is thought to be responsible for the cytotoxic phenomena. Combined ultrastructural and cytochemical studies have enabled differentiation between toxic, hypoxic, and mixed alternations.

[Effect of dexamethasone on the ultrastructure of the myocardium in experimental hemorrhagic shock]

Authors studied the ultrastructure of the myocardium of rats treated with Dexamethasone in experimental haemorrhagic shock of 2.5 hours duration. The perfusion was performed on the Langendorff cannula. After preliminary treatment with Dexamethasone no characteristic morphological picture of the shock developed, but a marked accumulation of glycogen was observed. Authors believe that morphological pictures unambiguously evidence the anti-shock effect of Dexamethasone.

[Morphological study of the adenyl cyclase activity of the rat heart in experimental hypoxia and ischemia]

Alteration of the activity and localization of the reaction of adenylcyclase after perfusion of the rat heart with nitrogen, carbon monoxide and after ischaemia was studied by electronmicroscopy. In the first minutes of hypoxia increase of the activity of the adenylcyclase was revealed. After perfusion with nitrogen during three hours and with carbon monoxide during 30 minutes intensity of the reaction was observed to be decreased. In ischaemia decrease of the intensity of the late reaction could not be observed. Alteration of the localization of the reaction in ischaemia and hypoxia was not significant. Administration of reserpine and propanol did not cause any alteration. Authors believe, that increase of the activity of the adenylcyclase may be caused by accumulation of an endogenous catecholamine.

[Effect of calcium-free perfusion on the myocardium]

Authors studied the effect of the perfusion free of calcium on the myocardium. It was performed on the Langendorff cannula. Ultrastructural alterations were described in detail. The severity of the damage to the cells could be correlated with the duration of the perfusion. This study suggests that in the pathogenesis of these lesions lack of the membrane stabilizing effect of calcium ions may play a role.

[Crime as the 1st symptom of schizophrenia. Psychopathological analysis]

One case of paranoid schizophrenia which for a long period remained latent is reported. The first manifest symptoms of the disease resulted in crime. The importance of the observation of the premorbid personality and detailed psychopathological analysis of it especially in forensic psychiatry are stressed. The basic task of the expert is to disclose the diagnosis of the mental illness. To reveal the relationship between the disease and the crime committed-which is the bases of the experts conclusion- all the circumstances of the crime should be considered. In the case reported the crime itself has had marks of insanity.

[Electron microscopic study of the myocardium in cyanide poisoning]

Effect of the KCN poisoning on the cardiac muscle was studied by the aid of electron microscopic cytochemical methods. The early lesions revealed were: alterations in the region of the Z-lines, "septum formation" in the mitochondria, crystolysis, enlargment of the sarcotubules. Later destruction of the thick and thin filaments alteration of the intercalar discs were observed. Activity of the succinate-dehydrogenase and cytochromoxydase decreased. Authors emphasize the non-specific character of the alterations described.

[Pulmonary fibrosis following nitrous gas poisoning]

Authors in the autopsy material of the Department of Forensic Medicine of Semmelweis Medical University analysed nitrous-gas-poisoning cases. In the period of 1971--1975 out of 22 223 autopsy cases one case of nitrous gas-poisoning occurred. Data of the literature are summarized. Possible pathomechanism of the nitrous gas poisoning is also discussed.

[Electron microscopic changes in the myocardium in experimental carbon monoxide poisoning]

Effect of coal-gas poisoning on the myocard was studied by the aid of electron microscope and electronmicroscopic histochemistry. Alterations revealed can not be regarded as specific ones, they seem to be of hypoxic origin. Activity of the cytochromoxidase--as revealed by electronmicroscopic histochemistry--in cases of coal-gas poisoning decreases. Specificity of the cytochromoxidase method and the leadsalt method of the demonstration of calcium are discussed.