Experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) was induced in guinea-pigs by intradermal injection of rabbit peripheral nerve emulsified in Freund's adjuvant. Both sciatic nerves were obtained between 12--24 hr after clinical symptoms were evident. Several fascicles from each nerve were isolated for histochemical studies with NADH-diaphorase (NADH) and acid phosphatase (AP) applied to teased nerve fibres. Small pieces were processed for electron microscopy, and a fascicle was teased after staining with osmium tetroxide. In isolated nerve fibres stained with histochemical techniques myelin lesions of segmental character were found closely related to inflammatory cells; Schwann cell cytoplasm in contact with mononuclear cells showing a heavy enzymatic activity (NADH and AP). Under polarized light, the underliying myelin showed focal loss of birefringence. Some electron-microscopic pictures suggested active myelin breakdown by mononuclear cells. The possibility of primary Schwann cell damage by mononuclear cells with subsequent demyelination is discussed.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed1977

Recurrent pulmonary embolism due to hydatid disease of heart. Study of 3 cases, one with intermittent tricuspid valve obstruction (atrial pseudomyxoma).

Three cases of pulmonary hypertension caused by hydatid emboli from the right side of the heart are described; cardiac catheterisation was performed in 2. One case was confirmed at operation and 2 at necropsy. The pulmonary emboli were caused by hydatid vesicles in all 3 cases and in none was there pulmonary thrombosis; free scolices were found in the pulmonary alveoli in 2. In 1 patient with repeated syncopal attacks there was a pedunculated cyst in the right atrium which was though to have intermittently obstructed the tricuspid valve. Gamma radiography, angiocardiography, and necropsy suggested a mechanical cause for the pulmonary hypertenion with no vasoconstrictive element. The surgical patient was alive and well 18 months later.

Adult↗

PubMed1972