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Biomedical subjects

D Lucantoni

Publications and source records attributed to D Lucantoni.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Bilateral anomalous course of the ulnar nerve at the wrist causing ulnar and median nerve compression syndrome. Case report.

The case of a patient with a bilateral compression syndrome of the ulnar and median nerves at the wrist is described. Both ulnar nerves, which were surgically explored at different times, followed an anomalous course and passed into the canalis carpi side by side with the median nerve. This variation in the course of the ulnar nerve is extremely rare and causes a unique syndrome with characteristic electromyographic patterns.

Adult↗

The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligand Ro 5-4864 induces supraspinal convulsions in rabbits. Reversal by the central benzodiazepine antagonist Ro 15-1788.

The peripheral BDZ receptor ligand Ro 5-4864 was administered to rabbits in doses ranging from 0.2 to 7 mg/kg IV. Changes in electrocortical activity appeared within 1 min after administration, characterized by trains of slow waves in the posterior sensorimotor and optic cortices (0.6-2 mg/kg) and by grand mal seizures (2-10 mg/kg). The low doses also induced alterations in the basic rhythms both of the hippocampus (reduced amplitude and spike-like waves) and of the nucleus ventralis of thalamus (trains of slow waves), not associated with observable behavioural changes. The paroxysmal EEG activity observed at higher doses of the drug was first recorded in the cortical areas and then spread to the subcortical structures. No change in electrical activity could be observed in the spinal cord. The paroxysmal activity was associated with tonic-clonic convulsions and scialorrea. The EEG and behavioural manifestations were inhibited by administration of Ro 15-1788. This drug at doses of 0.6 and 6 mg/kg antagonized the effects of Ro 5-4864 at doses of 0.6-5 mg/kg and 6-7 mg/kg, respectively. This effect began 1-3 min after administration of the antagonist, and led to EEG synchronization. These data suggest that in rabbits the convulsant effect of Ro 5-4864 is due to interference of the drug at the GABA-BDZ-picrotoxin receptor oligomeric complex. Such an effect seems to be mediated at least in part by central BDZ receptors.

Animals↗

Supraspinal convulsions induced by inverse benzodiazepine agonists in rabbits.

The electroencephalographic (EEG) effects of inverse benzodiazepine (BDZ) agonists have been studied in rabbits after i.v. administration. A dose-dependent progression of three different stages of EEG changes have been observed with inverse BDZ agonists. At first, trains of slow waves in the occipital cortex occur, followed by trains of spike-and-wave complexes in the sensorimotor cortex. These two stages are superimposed on a desynchronized cortical activity, accompanied by an enhancement of the hippocampal theta rhythm. These EEG changes parallel a state of alertness. The third stage is characterized by generalized grand-mal seizures made up of high voltage spikes in the cortical and subcortical brain areas accompanied by generalized tonico-clonic convulsions. No modification of electrical activity is observed at the level of the spinal cord. Methyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (beta-CCM) (at doses higher than 0.2 mg/kg) and 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM) (at doses higher than 0.4 mg/kg) elicit all three stages, whereas ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (beta-CCE) (0.2-2 mg/kg) and N-methyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxamide (2-20 mg/kg) only elicit the first two, and finally CGS 8216 only the first. The extent of the EEG progression by inverse BDZ agonists may therefore be used as an index of the efficacy of each compound. The BDZ antagonists Ro 15-1788 and Ro 15-3505 (0.3 mg/kg or higher), which do not change the EEG pattern, block the effects of the convulsant and subconvulsant doses of the inverse BDZ agonists, giving rise to a desynchronized EEG pattern.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Femoral neuropathy caused by iliacus hematoma.

Two cases of femoral neuropathy caused by iliacus hematoma occurring during anticoagulant therapy are described. The pathogenesis and the clinical picture of this particular pathology are discussed and the necessity of early surgical decompression is emphasized.

Anticoagulants↗

Spinal intradural arachnoid cyst.

A case of spinal intradural arachnoid cyst is presented, and the literature dealing with this rare lesion is surveyed. The etiological and pathological features are discussed; emphasis is placed on the importance of correct interpretation of clinical and radiological findings that may be diagnostically misleading.

Adolescent↗

Cerebral abscesses: topic treatment with antibiotics.

The Authors, after a brief discussion of current therapies used in the treatment of cerebral abscesses, present a series of 10 cases treated topically with antibiotics (through drill-hole and puncturing of the abscess). The determining role of CT scan in this technique is emphasised.

Administration, Topical↗

Spinal cord compression by solitary plasmocytoma.

A rare case of spinal cord compression caused by a solitary plasmocytoma situated at the level of the 9th and 10th thoracic vertebrae, is described. The solitary plasmocytoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of various types of spinal cord compression and considered as something completely separate from multiple myeloma (Willis, 1941). If operated on adequately, the solitary plasmocytoma can be considered a lesion with benign characteristics.

Adult↗