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Biomedical subjects

J Plötz

Publications and source records attributed to J Plötz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural investigations on the gastrointestinal system of Antarctic seals: Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) and crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus).

The morphology of the principal sections of the gastrointestinal system of two Antarctic seals with different dietary habits, namely, the Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) and the crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus), has been investigated. Histologically examined by light microscopy, the tissue layers of the gastrointestinal tract of both seals are almost identical to those observed in most other mammals and no major differences in principle organization could be found between the two seal species. The ultrastructure of the gastric and intestinal epithelial cells has been examined and is also closely comparable to that of these cells in other mammals; however, Paneth cells have not been found in our material. In general, therefore, adaptations of the gastrointestinal tract to the aquatic environment or the diet are not obvious at the morphological levels of organization studied. Histochemical differences are found between the two closely related species; mucins of the surface epithelium in the stomach of Weddell seals are highly sulfated, while those in the crabeater seal are not. Mucous neck cells in Weddell seals contain acid mucosubstances, while those of crabeater seals contain neutral ones. Goblet cells in the small and large intestine in Weddell seals contain both neutral and acid mucosubstances. Both mucin types are detected in the crabeater seal; however, the mucins of the colon in the crabeater seal are more highly sulfated than those in the Weddell seal. The ratio of goblet cells to enterocytes in the large intestine of crabeater seals is higher than that in Weddell seals.

Acclimatization↗
PubMed1992

Antarctic seals carry antibodies against seal herpesvirus.

Weddell seals in the Antarctica had high neutralizing antibody titres to seal- and feline herpesvirus and none against phocine distemper virus. Crab-eater seals were free of antibodies. This suggests an evolutionary wide spread of seal herpesvirus.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Basic biochemical data on blood from antarctic Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddelli): ions, lipids, enzymes, serum proteins and thyroid hormones.

1. Standard laboratory values of blood samples taken from Weddell seals in Antarctica were determined. 2. Numerous blood parameters are similar to those observed in man. 3. Comparatively high cholesterol levels but normal triglyceride levels were observed when compared with humans. 4. In comparison to laboratory findings in humans, T4 levels were decreased although T3 levels were normal. 5. The levels of alkaline phosphatase are considerably higher than those in humans. 6. The data obtained indicate different lipid and thyroid hormone metabolism in Weddell seals when compared with humans.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Hereditary prolonged QT interval (Romano-Ward syndrome) in a female patient with non-elective cesarean section].

In the Romano-Ward syndrome, an inherited form of abnormally prolonged QT duration is the matter of concern. The frequency-corrected QTc value in the ECG amounts to more than 0.44 s (upper mean value: 0.44 s). Persons suffering from Romano-Ward syndrome are vitally endangered by attacks of arrhythmia, syncope, and cardiac arrest that are triggered or aggravated by stress or certain drugs. In obstetrical anesthesia, attention should be paid to the fetus, which, due to the genetic dominance, will have a 50% probability of having the disorder. A 28-year-old para I was admitted with cervical dilation on her predetermined date of delivery. Romano-Ward syndrome had been diagnosed 10 years earlier; the patient had been free of complaints and had received no treatment. Due to cephalopelvic disproportion and the cardiac syndrome, a primary cesarean section was performed. Following premedication and provision of a beta-blocker, defibrillator, and drugs for resuscitation, intubation anesthesia with methohexital, nitrous oxide, enflurane, and succinylcholine was carried out. The QTc values were pathologically prolonged (0.47 s; 0.48-063 s) during the pre- and intraoperative period. Hemodynamic irregularities did not occur in the perioperative period. The newborn was vital (3,830 g, 50 cm; Apgar scores 10/10/10; umbilical cord pH 7.29). Directly postpartum isolated supraventricular extrasystoles occurred, and the QTc duration increased to 0.51 s. Simultaneous registration of the ECG and phonocardiogram showed premature occurrence of the second cardiac sound, which is typical of Romano-Ward syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Recording the feeding behavior of freely moving animals using the example of freely diving Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii)].

During the antarctic summer 1990, the pattern of food intake in comparison to diving-activity was investigated on adult Weddell seals. Diving depths were recorded by a time-depth recorder (TDR). The TDR is a free programmable electronic datalogger, which can store data on up to 5 channels. It was fixed on the fur of the seal, ensuring that no longer lasting irritation of the animal was caused. The pattern of food-intake was monitored by measuring the jaw-movements, using strain gauges for recording the deformation of the muscles by mastication. After electronic amplification and filtering, the frequency of jaw-activity within a measuring period was recorded one channel of the TDR. By simultaneously observing the diving depths, these data may lead to conclusions about chewing patterns of the seal in water depths where they catch prey. The graph of these data and the mathematical evaluation by Fourier analysis and Plexogramme show a close correlation between diving depth and jaw-activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Bulimia, induced vomiting, hypochloremic-hypokalemic alkalosis and fetal distress in the 33rd week of pregnancy. Obstetric and anesthesiologic management].

A 39-year-old primigravida was admitted to the hospital in the 33rd week of pregnancy due to fetal retardation and placental insufficiency, malnutrition, decreased cutaneous turgor, and cardiotocographic (CTG) fetal distress. Body weight had increased subnormally through the 29th week of gestation and had since decreased by 2.5 kg. The following laboratory tests were obtained (normal values for pregnant women in parentheses): serum bicarbonate 50.9 (20-24) mmol/l, pH 7.61 (7.4), PCO2 52.4 (31) mmHg, SaO2 89-91 (greater than 95%); serum sodium 125 (137-145), potassium 1.8 (3.6-5.5), chloride 55 (94-111) mmol/l; colloid osmotic pressure 20.7 (19-22) mmHg. A decompensated hypochloremic-hypokalemic acidosis together with hypovolemic, isotonic hyponatremia was diagnosed and bulimic vomiting that had existed for two decades was discovered as the underlying cause. The acute therapy was aimed at normalization of the fluid-electrolyte status, oxygenation, utero-placental perfusion, and placental-fetal O2 transfer and was carried out under close clinical, biochemical, and CTG surveillance. In addition to the basic measures (lateral tilt position, nasal O2 application, isotonic electrolyte solutions, parenteral nutrition), 158 mmol H+, 240 mmol K+, and 414 mmol Na+ ions were administered. This therapy improved the maternal and fetal parameters continuously (Table 3, Fig. 1). Twenty-six hours following the initiation of treatment, a cesarean section was performed after induction of catheter-epidural anesthesia.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Amniotic fluid embolism].

A 38-year old quintipara with an unremarkable medical history suddenly complained of nausea during delivery, became pulseless and cyanotic, and lost consciousness. The ECG showed evidence of tachycardia, ventricular extrasystoles, and right-ventricular strain. Within 30 min there were also hemorrhage and a consumption coagulopathy (Table 1). Kerato-hyaline cell material was found in central-venous blood. Following cardiopulmonary resuscitation, emergency cesarean section, hemotherapy (Table 2), and intensive care (acute renal failure, ARDS, sepsis) the patient was able to be released with no permanent sequelae. The etiology, epidemiology, and clinical aspects of amniotic fluid embolism are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[The rate of injection of succinylcholine and onset of neuromuscular action, serum potassium or myoglobin levels. Studies in men during halothane anesthesia].

Succinylcholine was injected at different speeds to 60 men in halothane anesthesia, to see whether the rate of injection influenced the effects. METHODS. Sixty men (ASA I and II, mean age 28.6 years) undergoing surgery without muscle trauma were studied. They were treated uniformly with respect to premedication, anesthesia, venipuncture (cubital), and concentration (1%) and dosage (1 mg/kg) of succinylcholine (SCh). The only difference lay in the speed of injection of the relaxant: 20 mg/s, 8 mg/s, 4 mg/s, 2 mg/s and 1 mg/s, 12 patients being randomly allocated to each. The injection rate was controlled by a preprogrammed microprocessor pump system (XD 5500, HC Ulrich, D-7900 Ulm, Donau). The neuromuscular transmission was monitored by the adductor pollicis twitch technique using indirect supramaximal stimulation (Accelograph, biometer, DK-5120 Odense). The recorded twitch response allowed determination of the total onset time (TOT) from the beginning of the injection to the maximal twitch depression, its components, latent and manifest onset times (LOT and MOT), and the twitch depression factor ki. Blood samples for measurement of potassium and myoglobin levels (RIA, sensitive to 5 ng/ml) were taken before and 5, 15, and 30 min after SCh administration. For determination of the course (difference between two values before and after SCh), the maximum level up to 30 min was recorded. RESULTS. The twitch depression amounted to 100% in 57 patients and to 93% or 98% in the remaining 3. Reducing the speed of injection led to significant prolongation of TOT and LOT (Table 3) and significant differences in the onset characteristic in regard to twitch depression factor ki (Table 4). No significant influence on the increase in potassium (Table 7) and myoglobin (Table 8) was observed. CONCLUSION. These findings give no cause to inject SCh more slowly than usual in healthy adults.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[The HELLP syndrome--a rare form of preeclampsia. Anesthesiologic and obstetric aspects].

A 34-year-old quadripara was hospitalized in the 33rd gestational week due to an acute hypertensive crisis, headache, upper abdominal pain, icterus, and proteinuria. Laboratory testing revealed hemolysis, hepatic dysfunction, and thrombopenia. The values returned toward normal after delivery by cesarean section. Diffuse bleeding in the surgical wound and acute renal failure necessitated two relaparotomies, intensive hemotherapy, and hemodialysis. Mother and child were released in good condition. Anesthesiological and obstetrical aspects of the HELLP syndrome are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

[Effect of selected anesthetics on serum myoglobin levels after administration of succinylcholine. Comparison of halothane, enflurane and isoflurane with thiopental in adults].

The type of anesthetic agent used influences the extent of the increase in serum myoglobin concentrations brought about by succinylcholine (sch). The purpose of this study was to compare the inhalational agents halothane, isoflurane, and enflurane with i.v. thiopental with respect to their effects on serum myoglobin levels following sch. Twenty-four male adults undergoing surgical procedures involving no muscle trauma were randomized and divided into four groups of six each. Following induction of anesthesia with a bolus injection of thiopental 2.5-3.5 mg/kg, patients in the four groups received either repetitive doses of thiopental plus N2O/O2 (4 l/min; FiO2 0.3) or one of the inhalational agents in N2O/O2 in dosages necessary for maintenance. Ventilation was carried out according to clinical judgement. Following a pre-sch phase of 15 min, sch 1 mg/kg was injected intravenously. Blood samples for determining myoglobin (normal range 30-60 ng/ml) were taken immediately prior to (control values) and 5 and 15 min after sch injection. Increases were defined as the difference of two values 15 min prior to and after sch. Statistical analysis was carried out by way of ANOVAs, P less than 0.05 being considered significant. The mean values of myoglobin prior to sch ranged from 52.3 to 57.7 ng/ml according to group (Table 1). The increase in concentration normally ranged from 1 to 7 times pre-sch levels, in some cases to 20 times. Table 2 shows the mean values. The type of anesthetic agent exerted no significant influence on serum concentration.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

[Postoperative hyperthermic syndrome with a questionable relationship to malignant hyperthermia and the need for elucidating susceptibility].

Following anaesthesia with halothane and succinylcholine, a 56-year-old patient relapsed into unconsciousness which was accompanied by an increase of body temperature to 42 degrees C and further symptoms indicative of malignant hyperpyrexia (MH). Although a diagnosis of MH could not be established, during subsequent anaesthesia, the patient was treated as an individual susceptible to MH. The problems of this policy and the need to elucidate the susceptibility to MH are discussed with reference to this case.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed1985

[Serum myoglobin following intermittent administration of succinylcholine and the effect of dantrolene. Clinical studies of children in halothane anesthesia].

Serum myoglobin concentration was observed over a period of 30 min following succinylcholine (SCH) in 30 children. They were uniformly anaesthetized with halothane; differences, however, concerned premedication and relaxation. They received in group 1 (n = 12) dantrolene 2 X 1 mg X kg-1 orally and SCH 2 X 1 mg X kg-1 i.v., in group 2 (n = 12) only SCH 2 X 1 mg X kg-1 i.v., and in group 3 (n = 6) neither dantrolene nor succinylcholine were used. The mean initial myoglobin concentrations were nearly identical (16.8-17.0 ng X ml-1). In the children without SCH (group 3) no changes could be observed; following SCH (group 2) the mean concentration increased to 1,610.5 ng X ml-1 after 30 min; additional premedication with dantrolene (group 1) led to a significant reduction of the myoglobin concentration (413.7 ng X ml-1; p = 0.031).

Anesthesia↗
PubMed1984

[Comparative study of atracurium and alcuronium for the intubation of older patients in halothane anesthesia].

Intubation conditions, onset time (time from the end of the injection until the maximum twitch depression (1 Hz) of the adductor pollicis muscle) as well as changes in blood pressure and pulse rate were studied in a randomized double-blind study of 40 male patients (average age 69-70 years) anaesthetized with halothane following atracurium (ATR) 0.33 mg X kg-1 or alcuronium (DAN) 0.1 mg X kg-1. An additional group received succinylcholine (SCH) 1.0 mg X kg-1. Intubation conditions at the end of the onset time were slightly and significantly better after ATR than following DAN, in each case, however, distinctly worse than after SCH. The onset time amounted to 115.0 s after ATR and 125.0 s following DAN (48.6 s after SCH). Neither ATR nor DAN showed statistically significant effects on blood pressure or pulse. One bronchospastic reaction which responded to therapy was observed per group. ATR proved to be comparable to DAN in respect to effectiveness and safety.

Aged↗
PubMed1984

[Massive intracerebral hemorrhage and anterior spinal artery syndrome in etiologic relation to paraspinal anesthesia procedures? 2 case reports].

Complications in connection with operations also lead to the question of possible relations to the type of anaesthesia and their avoidability. The subject is treated demonstrating two cases of intracerebral haemorrhage and anterior spinal artery syndrome during and following catheter-epidural anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia, respectively. No definite causal connection was established, even if the emergencies presumably would not have occurred without operation and anaesthesia. Complications are not completely avoidable, even if operation and anaesthesia as regards indication, execution and monitoring, are carried out correctly.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Malignant hyperthermia. III. Progress report on serum CK activity, questionable screening test, effect of dantrolene in family members with a hereditary disposition].

18 members of a MH prone family have been studied to determine the value of various clinical methods which might be helpful in detecting the disposition. Tests included serum levels of CK over a period of 3 years, and of potassium, the influences of muscle provocation and pretreatment with dantrolene, concentration of cholesterol in erythrocytes and cholinesterase (activity and genotype). The results show relative constant measurements of the enzyme; there was, however, no evidence of any other reliable method in assessing the disposition.

Adolescent↗