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Biomedical subjects

M Ciges

Publications and source records attributed to M Ciges.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

Changes in immunologic response in tonsillectomized children. I. Immunosuppression in recurrent tonsillitis.

The possible immunoregulatory role of the tonsils was studied by determining immunoglobulins IgG, A, M, E and factors C'3, C'4 and PFB of the complement system before and after tonsillectomy. The synthesis in vitro of IgG and IgM by lymphocytes stimulated with pokeweed mitogen was also measured. There were statistically significant differences between pre and post-operative levels of serum IgG, IgA and IgM, which decreased after surgery. Practically no change in the mean values of IgE and no significant differences in the levels of serum C'3, C'4, and PFB, were found. The in-vitro synthesis of both immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM) by lymphocytes increased significantly after tonsillectomy. Our results suggest that not only does tonsillectomy have no counterproductive effect on the immune system, but that, on the contrary, it seems to improve the immune response, since it appears to unblock the suppression to which the immune system was subject.

Child

Effects of renal insufficiency on the cochlear absorptive-secretory areas. A morphological study in the Mongolian gerbil.

In order to evaluate the effects of experimental renal insufficiency (RI) on the labyrinthine absorptive-secretory areas (ASA), 54 adult Mongolian gerbils were submitted to bilateral nephrectomy or to sham procedure. At different intervals (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24 hours) after the surgical procedures, or during the terminal stage (28 h) the animals were decapitated and both temporal bones were dissected to obtain selected specimens of the cochlear ASA. The specimens were processed and analysed by light and electron microscopy. Structurally, RI induced progressive thickening of the epithelial components (stria, prominentia, sulcus); separation by fluid accumulation between stria and mesodermal layer; and frequent dilatation of intraepithelial vessels. Ultrastructurally, diverse signs were observed parallel to the evolution of the RI. After 12 h a progressive enlargement of the intercellular spaces, which was particularly evident in the stria surrounding the vessels and in the other sulcus, was observed. Its latest expression was a marked widening of the basolateral spaces containing a granular substance. After 12 h the formation of large cytoplasmic perinuclear spaces containing small rounded vesicles, probably secondary to fluid accumulation, could be observed in the marginal cells. After 24 h diverse signs of organellar damage became evident (schedule: mitochondrial swelling, lysosome like figures, myelin like figures). In the terminal stage, a general homogenization of the cytosol was common. The findings suggest a definite re-distribution of fluids in the inner ear. A close relationship between renal dysfunction and labyrinthine microhomeostasis is therefore proposed.

Animals

[Cochleovestibular manifestations in hypothyroidism].

An study of cochleo-vestibular disturbances in different kinds of hypothyroidism is carried out. The majority of the patients suffered from sensorineural deafness of the flat type, lacking Recruitment. The evoked potentials of the brainstem were normal, where as myogenic ones showed a decrease in their amplitude. Evident central disturbances appeared on vestibular examination and a saccadic pursuit was frequently observed in the tracking test. The topography of the lesions is discussed.

Acoustic Impedance Tests

Ultrastructural study of taste buds at rest and after stimulation, and comparative study between type III cell and Merkel cells.

Changes in the pore region of the cell membrane have been studied in order to learn if this region plays an active part in the preneural phase of taste. We have observed, though not consistently, that the pore size is variable and that their contents are not constantly amorphous or homogeneous. The results are not so significant, however, as to allow of the formulation of any firm conclusions. The similarity between type III cells and Merkel cells (cells of the tactile system) was surprising. The probable role of the type III cell in taste is discussed.

Animals

Ultrastructure of the organ of Jacobson and comparative study with olfactory mucosa.

The organ of Jacobson has been studied in lizards, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and dogs by means of embedding in nitrocellulose, semithin sectioning, and electron microscopy. The various elements of the organ in the species studied have been analysed and a comparative study carried out between the sensory portion of the organ and the olfactory epithelium.

Animals

Desquamation on taste buds.

Taste bud surface cells suffer from a desquamation process that modifies the pores' shape and size and the amount of amorphous substance in the pits region. We have studied this phenomenon-which probably plays an important functional role-by light, electron and scanning microscopy.

Animals

Preneural phase of taste.

The preneural phase of taste has been studied, describing first the pit region of taste buds and its dynamics. The biochemical regulation of the preneural phase is then analyzed, with emphasis on thiol and metal (certain metals) interactions: the first inhibit and the second facilitate. The equilibrium between thiol and metal ions regulates the flux of tastants, probably at the level of the microvilli membrane. The hypothetical role of the pore and dense substance is considered.

Animals