Ontogeny of somatostatin-containing neuron system of the rat cerebellum including its fiber connections: an experimental and immunohistochemical analysis

Ontogeny of somatostatin (SRIF) neuron system of the rat cerebellum was investigated by means of the indirect immunofluorescent method. In addition, several operations were performed to provide the evidence of understanding the cerebellar SRIF innervation. SRIF-positive structures appeared in the primordium of the cerebellum of the fetus at gestational day 16 (14-15 mm embryos). From that time on, SRIF-positive structures identified in the cerebellum increased in number and the greatest number of SRIF-positive structures were detected in the cerebellum of the rat between newborn and 7-day-olds. Afterwards, these structures decreased remarkably in number and only a few if any SRIF-positive structures were observed in the cerebellum of the adult rats. These facts might suggest that SRIF might perform some important roles in the development of the cerebellum. The present study further elucidated that cerebellar SRIF was supplied by at least two types of sources; one was situated within the cerebellum and the other in the extracerebellar regions. The former one innervates mainly the vermis and partly the hemisphere, while the latter one projects mainly to the hemisphere and partly to the vermis.

Experimental and immunohistochemical studies on the cerebellar substance P of the rat: localization, postnatal ontogeny and ways of entry to the cerebellum

With the indirect immunofluorescence technique, the localization (including the postnatal ontogeny) of substance P in the cerebellum, and the ways of entry of substance P-containing fibers into the cerebellum were explored. In the newborn rat cerebellum, dense fiber bands of axons with substance P-like immunoreactivity which can be traced to the lower brain stem are found. These fibers are also traceable to the developing granular cell layer. Two weeks after birth, however, substance P-containing structures seen in the cerebellum begin to decrease progressively and in the cerebellum of the adult rats, only a small amount of substance P-containing structures is observed. The present study established that substance P-containing fibers are mostly derived from extracerebellar substance P-containing cells and demonstrated the presence of three sites of entry of these substance P-containing fibers to the cerebellum, via (1) the inferior cerebellar peduncle, (2) the fasciculus uncinatus and (3) the middle cerebellar peduncle, respectively. Following deafferentation of the cerebellum, substance P-accumulating fibers are observed only ventral to the lesion (i.e. on the brain stem side), while in the cerebellum a remarkable decrease of substance P-containing fibers is seen and no substance P-accumulating fibers are found dorsal to the lesion (cerebellar side).

Ontogeny of somatostatin-containing neuron system of the rat: immunohistochemical analysis. II. Forebrain and diencephalon

The ontogeny of the somatostatin (SRIF) neuron system in the forebrain and diencephalon the rat was investigated by means of the indirect immunofluorescence method. SRIF-positive cells first appear in the primordium of the hypothalamus surrounding the fasciculus mammillothalamicus of the fetus at gestational day 14 (10-12-mm embryo). At gestational days 16-17 (14-17-mm embryo, SRIF-positive cells appear in the developing piriform cortex and entopeduncular nucleus. The fetus at gestational days 18-19 (17-26-mm embryos) showed a remarkable increase in the number of SRIF-positive cells and numerous groups of such cells are detectable in various forebrain and diencephalic areas such as the hypothalamic periventricular zone, zona incerta, area lateral to the commissura posterior (ACP), area between the optic tract and capsula interna, pars retrolenticularis (AOR), n. caudatus putamen, hippocampus, somatic sensory cortex, and n. accumbens, etc. At gestational day 20, SRIF-positive cells newly appear in the septum, olfactory bulb, diagonal band of Broca, claustrum, lateral preoptic area, and lateral habenular nucleus. The majority of SRIF-positive structures found in the forebrain and diencephalon increase in number during the perinatal stage (between gestational day 21 and postnatal day 2) and more or less maintain their immunoreactivity even in adult rats. However, SRIF-positive cells located in the AOR, ACP, and lateral septal area, etc., begin to decrease in number during the perinatal stage and no or only a few SRIF-containing cells are identified in these areas of infant and adult rats.

[Angiographic vasospasm and regional cerebral blood flow in the cases of ruptured aneurysm --Correlation between vasospasm in the middle cerebral artery and delayed ischemic hemiparesis (author's transl)]

It is well known that the vasospasm following rupture of aneurysm causes ischemic neurological symptoms. However, there are a few literatures which refer to the relationship between the severity of angiographic vasospasm and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and ischemic neurological symptoms. To elucidate this problem, 41 patients with ruptured aneurysm were analysed by means of repeated cerebral angiography and rCBF study, and the following results were obtained. 1. Mean rCBF was reduced to its lowest level in the second week of hemorrhage and at this stage, the values of mean rCBF were well correlated with the severity of the angiographic vasospasm and with the development of delayed ischemic neurological symptoms. 2. The morphological feature of the angiographic vasospasm was a smooth narrowing of the vessels, and the delayed ischemic hemiparesis occurred when both M-1 and M-2 portions of the middle cerebral artery are narrowed more than half comparing the calibers as seen within 3 days of hemorrhage. 3. The average of mean rCBF in 15 patients with symptomatic spasm was 27.0 +/- 5.5 ml/100 g/min. and that in 11 patients with asymptomatic spasm was 40.8 +/- 8.8 ml/100 g/min. As a conclusion, the prognosis of the patients with angiographic vasospasm may be predicted through the value of rCBF and the severity of angiographic vasospasm in the second week of hemorrhage.

Topographic atlas of somatostatin-containing neurons system in the avian brain in relation to catecholamine-containing neurons system. I. Telencephalon and diencephalon

The morphological organization of the somatostatin (SRIF)-positive neurons in the forebrain (telencephalon and diencephalon) of the warbling grass parakeet (Melopsittacus undulatus) was studied using the indirect immunohistochemical technique of Coons and co-workers ('58). In the telencephalon, a number of SRIF-positive neurons was detected in the lobus paraolfactorius, hippocampus, and paleostriatum. Furthermore, scattered SRIF-labeled cells were noticed in the area corticoidea dorsolateralis and area temporoparieto-occipitalis. A moderate density of immunoreactive fibers was found in the above areas. In addition, although the septal areas was devoid of SRIF-positive neurons, this area contained a moderate occurred in the following hypothalamic areas: (1) nucleus medialis hypothalami posterior, (2) lateral hypothalamus, and (3) mammillary nucleus. The bird hypothalamus also received a strikingly massive SRIF innervation. The heaviest concentration of SRIF-labeled fibers was detected in the medial eminence. Many SRIF-labeled fibers were also observed in other hypothalamic regions. Their locations roughly corresponded in many cases to the areas in which SRIF-positive neurons were disclosed. The overall distribution of the catecholamine system (CA) of the avian forebrain is also represented by means of histofluorescent technique. A possible interaction between SRIF and CA neurons systems is briefly discussed.

Distribution of somatostatin in the frog brain, Rana catesbiana, in relation to location of catecholamine-containing neuron system

The distribution of somatostatin (SRIF)-immunoreactive structures in the central nervous system of the bull frog (both with and without treatment of colchicine) was studied, using the indirect immunofluorescence technique of Coons and co-workers (Coons, '58). SRIF-containing cells were observed in more than ten areas including the spinal cord. These SRIF-positive cells showed segmental distribution, in that SRIF-positive neurons were identified in various areas at various brain levels. An extensive network of SRIF-positive fibers was found in most parts of the central nervous system. The distribution of a catecholamine (CA)-containing neuron system in the frog brain is also presented in this study. The possible interactions between SRIF and CA neurons systems are briefly discussed.

Topographic atlas of somatostatin-containing neuron system in the avian brain in relation to catecholamine-containing neuron system. II. Mesencephalon, rhombencephalon, and spinal cord

With the indirect immunofluorescence technique of Coon's and collaborators, overall distribution of the somatostatin (SRIF)-positive neurons system in the avian lower brain stem was explored. Numerous cell somata containing SRIF were identified in the interpeduncular nucleus and substantia grisea centralis (GCT) at the level of the nucleus nervi trochlearis. Furthermore, a moderate number of SRIF-positive neurons were seen in the tectum opticum, nucleus tractus solitarii, and spinal cord. Scattered labeled cells were noticed in the rhombencephalon. A dense network of SRIF-positive fibers was distributed widely in the lower brain stem of birds. Their locations corresponded in many cases to the areas where SRIF-positive neurons were found. The present study also presents the distribution of the catecholamine (CA) neuron system in the avian lower brain stem. Possible interactions between SRIF and CA neurons systems are briefly discussed.

Experimental immunohistochemical studies on the amygdalofugal peptidergic (substance P and somatostatin) fibers in the stria terminalis of the rat

The amygdalofugal substance P (SP) and somatostatin (SRIF) neuron systems in the stria terminalis (ST) were investigated by means of the indirect immunofluorescence technique of Coons. SP- and SRIF-positive cells were mainly located in the area (Amc) between the central (ac) and medial (am) amygdaloid nuclei. Some extended medially into the am and laterally into the ac. Destruction of the Amc resulted in a marked reduction of SP- and SRIF-positive fibers in the ST. Furthermore, a substantial decrease in SP-positive fibers was seen in the dorsal part of the bed nucleus of the ST (stb), there was a small decrease in the SP-positive fibers in the lateral hypothalamus (LH), a significant decrease in the SRIF-positive fibers in the lateroventral part of the anterior hypothalamic nucleus (lvAH), and a small decrease in the SRIF-positive fibers in the LH. These facts indicate that the origins of a number of SP- and SRIF-positive fibers are the Amc and that the amygdalofugal SP pathway in the ST innervates stb and LH and the amygdalofugal SRIF pathway in the ST projects to lvAH and LH.

Regional distribution of substance P-like immunoreactivity in the frog brain and spinal cord: immunohistochemical analysis

With the indirect immunofluorescence technique of Coons, the overall distribution of the substance P (SP)-positive neuron system in the frog brain and spinal cord was explored. SP-positive cells were observed in more than ten areas, such as olfactory bulb, amygdaloid complex, septal area, bed nucleus of hippocampal commissure, hypothalamic periventricular zone, dorsal and ventral thalamus, infundibulum, torus semicircularis, optic tectum, the area dorsal to the interpeduncular nucleus, central gray matter of the mesorhombencephalon, and raphe region, etc. A dense network of SP-positive fibers was also widely distributed in the frog brain and spinal cord. SP-positive fibers were roughly divided into two types. One consisted of very fine SP-positive fibers and gave the region a diffuse appearance. The area medial to n. Bellonci, interpeduncular nucleus, n. isthmi, and optic tectum contained this type of SP-positive fibers. The other one consisted of clearly distinguishable varicose fibers. A number of SP-positive fibers located in the amygdaloid complex, striatal complex, hypothalamus, central gray matter of the mesorhombencephalon, trigeminal spinal nucleus, and posterior horn of the spinal cord belonged to this category. The functional role of the SP-positive neuron system in the central nervous system is also briefly discussed.

Experimental and morphological studies of te noradrenaline innervations in the nucleus tractus spinalis nervi trigemini of the rat with special reference to their fine structures

An attempt was made to elucidate the origins and fine structure of the noradrenaline (NA) terminals in the nucleus tractus spinalis nervi trigemini (Vsp) of the rat. The present study revealed that the NA in the Vsp is supplied from two NA neuron systems; bilateral locus coeruleus (LC) and medullary NA neuron group, on the grounds that: (1) two types of fluorescent fibers (fine and coarse) were identified in the Vsp; and (2) HRP injected in to the Vsp resulted in labeling of neurons of the bilateral LC and bulbal NA areas, particularly the ipsilateral A1 area. The fine structure of the NA terminals in the Vsp was investigated by a modified potassium permanganate fixation method. The NA terminals in this area contained a number of small cored vesicles together with a small number of large cored vesicles. The most frequent feature of the NA terminals found in this area wa axo-dendritic contact. A lesser, but still substantial, number with axo-axonic contact were also noticed, in connection with which, it should be stressed that the non-NA terminals examined in this study were always presynaptic in structure, since the clear vesicles found in the non-NA terminals sometimes aggregated close to the contact membrane, where some of them fused or touched the membrane. As the dendrites showing a close relationship with the NA terminals were relatively large in size and contained a number of cytoplasmic organelles, these dendrites were assumed to be the proximal segments. At the contact zone, although no typical synaptic specialization was identified, the following profiles suggestive of synaptic-like contact were demonstrated: (1) somewhat dense material between contact membranes (intersynaptic filaments); (2) a slight accumulation of the dense materials adjacent to the postcontact membrane; (3) disarrangement of the contact membranes and enlargement of the space between these membranes; and (4) aggregation of the synaptic vesicles at the contact membrane with some of them fusing or touching the contact membrane.

Influence of medium and diluent pH and diffusion time on antibiotic bioassay

The effects of pH assay medium and diluents and of diffusion time on antibiotic bioassays were investigated to determine optimal assay conditions. Assays of penicillins, cephalosporins and macrolide derivatives were found to be little affected by the pH of the diluent, whereas the pH of the diluent exerted a noticeable influence on aminoglycoside assays, in which, therefore, it is essential to use a diluent at approximately p H 8.0. The data obtained have also demonstrated that the assays of penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolide derivatives and aminoglycosides were influenced by the pH of the assay medium. It is important to carry out penicillin or cephalosporin assays on plates of medium adjusted to approximately pH 6.0 and macrolide derived or aminoglycoside assays on a medium which is adjusted to approximately pH 8.0. The optimal duration of preculturing of assay plates for diffusion at 4 degree C after addition of the sample was determined to be 2 hours for the penicillins and cephalosporins. Diffusion of more than 2 hours was inadequate for assays of these antimicrobial agents. Diffusion times of less than 2 hours. For the macrolide derivatives and aminoglycosides, preculturing of 2 hours for diffusion at 4 degrees C was noted to be optimal, while preculturing for less than 2 hours proved inadequate. Diffusion times exceeding 2 hours had little effect on the assay of these antibiotics.

Topographic organization of the projection from the forebrain subcortical areas to the hippocampal formation of the rat

Using the technique of iontophoretic microinjection of horseradish peroxidase, the present study disclosed the complexity and high degree of the topographic organization in the forebrain subcortical afferents to the different regions of rat hippocampus, e.g. diagonal band, posterior (PH), dorsomedial and rostral lateral hypothalamic nuclei chiefly project to the rostrodorsal part (DRA) and caudal gyrus dentatus including CA3, the supramammillary area predominantly to the rostroventral area (VRA), the area lateral to PH to the DRA and VRA, substantia innominata and some thalamic nuclei (n. reuniens, n. lateralis thalami, n. anterior ventralis and n. lateralis thalami pars posterior) to the dorsal subiculum, respectively.

Value of computed tomography in the prediction of cerebral vasospasm after aneurysm rupture

The relationship between high density (HD) on computed tomographic (CT) scans (which indicates a collection of blood in the subarachnoid space) and cerebral vasospasm was studied in 177 patients with ruptured aneurysm. The development of cerebral vasospasm was confirmed at the high rate of 84.6% in 26 cases where HD was demonstrated on the CT scan within 4 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In 8 cases where HD was not found on the CT scan obtained within 4 days after SAH, no cerebral vasospasm was seen. However, no relationship was found between HD and the occurrence of cerebral vasospasm in cases in which CT was performed after the 5th day of disease. It is suggested that CT performed within 4 days after SAH may give important information for predicting cerebral vasospasm.

Relationship of relevant factors of atherosclerosis to menopause in Japanese women

The relationship of menopause to associated factors of atherosclerosis was investigated during October 1973 to December 1976. The subjects were 1674 premenopausal and 428 postmenopausal women aged 35 to 54, who were living in Toda city, an urban area of Japan. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride were higher in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. This trend was also observed in serum uric acid and blood hemoglobin. On the other hand, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and relative body weight had no consistent relationship to menopause.

Congenital heart disease in high school and college students

The prevalence and relative frequency of congenital heart disease in high school and college students were investigated during the period April 1970-March 1976. Forty congenital lesions were found among 13,127 subjects which shows a rate of 3 per thousand. The ratio of congenital lesion to rheumatic heart disease was 4/1. Ventricular septal defect was the most common defect, found in 30% of all lesions followed by atrial septal defect (20%) and patent ductus arteriosus (17.5%). The prevalence and relative frequency in those investigated differed only slightly from the results obtained among children. The possibility of spontaneous closure of ventricular septal defect during adulthood strongly suggested itself when compared with our previous data on post middle age subjects.

Syphilis and its cardiovascular complications in the elderly

The prevalence of syphilis and its cardiovascular complications were investigated in the living population more than 60 years of age. The prevalence of positive serologic test for syphilis (STS) were 16.9% (124/736) in males and 17.1% (236/1380) in females, which were not statistically different. Aortic regurgitation (AR) was significantly more frequent in those with positive STS (9.68% in males, 5.08% in females) compared with negative STS (0.98% in males, 1.75% in females) in both sexes (p less than 0.01) and it was marked in males. AR with positive STS had a significantly lower minimal blood pressure than AR with negative STS (p less than 0.05). Calcifications in the ascending aorta were noticed in 5 out of 24 syphilitic AR. Myocardial infarctions were almost equally found among those with positive STS (1.67%) and negative STS (1.65%), and 2 out of 6 syphilitic cases were complicated by AR. The measurement of the aortic width was not valuable for the diagnosis of uncomplicated syphilitic aortitis.

A case of a traumatic systemic-pulmonary arteriovenous fistula

A case of systemic-pulmonary arteriovenous fistula is described. Chest trauma with multiple bone fractures 9 years prior to this admission was the suspected cause. Three years after the trauma, chest X-rays revealed abnormal vessels in the right lung. Eight years after the trauma, the patient developed congestive heart failure. This has been well controlled with digitalis and occasional diuretics.

Arterial baroreceptor function in differential cardiovascular adjustments induced by central thermal stimulation

Dogs were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital, relaxed with succinyl choline and were kept under artificial ventilation. Both carotid bifurcations were denervated and the Vagus nerves were cut in the neck. Regional blood flow in the skin and the intestine, cardiac output, heart rate and arterial pressure were determined before, during and after spinal cord heating and cooling. Further experiments were performed in which, in addition, sympathetic effects on the heart were excluded by exstirpation of the caudal cervical and stellate ganglia or by beta-receptor blockade. The cardiovascular responses were compared with those obtained in a preceding investigation from dogs with intact baroreceptors and vagus nerves. As in intact dogs, appropiate thermoregulatory adjustments of skin blood flow were induced by thermal stimulation of the spinal cord after baroreceptor denervation and vagotomy. However, blood pressure homeostasis was lost. The pattern of cardiovascular ajustments during heating consisted in cutaneous vasodilatation intestinal vasoconstriction and, due to sympathetic activation an increase of heart rate and cardiac output. This pattern was qualitatively identical with that intact animals. During spinal cord cooling the cardiovascular response pattern consisted in cutaneous vasoconstriction, intestinal vasoconstriction and, depending on cooling intensity, a reduced or unchanged sympathetic influence on the heart. This pattern differed considerably from what in intact animals but basic features were still present as indicated by opposite changes of cardiac and vascular sympathetic tone during cooling. It is concluded that the baroreceptor signals play no primary role in the generation of differential vasomotor responses under the present experimental conditions. This confirms assumptions made on the basis of observations in animals with intact baroreceptor input. However, baroreceptor signals contribute significantly to blood pressure homeostasis which is normally maintained during spinal thermal stimulation.

Congenital heart disease in forty years of age and over. Prevalence, relative incidence and clinical features

The number of patients of C.H.D. over 40 years old was 40 (male 26, female 14) among 43285 (male 30320, female 12965). Its item: ASD 24, VSD 6, PDA 3, PS 3, ECD 2, Coarctation of the Aorta 1, Eisenmenger whose shunt site was unclear 1. The total prevalence rate was 0.92 per 1000 and female showed slightly higher rate than male (male 0.86 per 1000, female 1.08 per 1000). When it was compared with rheumatic valvular diseases, the ratio of both male and female was about 1/3. C.H.D. is assumed to decrease to about 1/3 or less between the period of school age and the middle age, but the prevalence rate over 60 years old was never lower than the overall prevalence investigated. C.H.D. in the middle and old aged should be kept in mind while examination.