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The effects of lysergic acid diethylamide and mescaline-derived hallucinogens on sensory-integrative function: tactile startle.

Tactile startle responding by male Sprague-Dawley rats given 60 presentations of air-puff stimuli (37.5 psi) was measured after the intraperitoneal administration of graded doses of hallucinogens and other psychoactive drugs. Among the drugs tested were the indoleamine-derived compounds, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), N,N-dimethyltryptamine and psilocin, and the phenylethylamine-derived compounds, mescaline, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine and a series of active and inactive congeners of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine. All of the active phenylethylamines increased startle response magnitudes throughout the test session. This pattern of augmented startle suggests that these drugs increase reactivity. However, none of the indoleamine hallucinogens increased startle responding. Of the nonhallucinogenic drugs tested, only apomorphine increased startle responding, while clonidine significantly decreased it, and amphetamine, chlorimipramine, scopolamine and methysergide had no effect. In additional studies with LSD, it was found that LSD increased the response to only the first stimulus when more intense air-puffs were used (50 psi). Furthermore, when the number of stimuli was increased from 60 to 240 (1 hr) so that appreciable habituation was evident in controls, LSD impaired this habituation. Whereas the response magnitudes of the control group decreased by 70% across the session, the responses of LSD-treated rats decreased by only 32%. These results suggest that LSD and phenylethylamine-derived hallucinogens may differ in their effects on tactile startle responding.

Animals↗

Visual and sensory-motor functioning in the classroom: a preliminary report of ergonomic demands.

Observations were made in 11 4th and 5th grade classrooms of the specific ergonomic conditions including physical space, lighting conditions, and academic task demands placed on the students. The data indicate remarkable homogeneity, including the findings that light levels were consistently lowest in the front of the classroom, and that more than 50 percent of the students' time involved near task demands. Observations of behavioral compliance with the task demands will be discussed. We conclude that classroom ergonomic conditions require extensive near work and students with ocular motor dysfunctions may have difficulty meeting the behavioral expectations of the classroom. Implications for future research will be discussed.

Child↗

Asymmetric papilledema in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: prospective interocular comparison of sensory visual function.

PURPOSE: Visual loss is the main morbidity of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The relationship between papilledema grade and visual loss is unclear. The goal of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between papilledema grade and visual loss. METHODS: Fundus photographs of 478 patients with IIH were reviewed, and their degree of papilledema was graded using Frisén's scheme. We identified 46 patients (10%) with IIH and highly asymmetric papilledema, as defined by an interocular difference of two or more grades. Nine of these patients with active asymmetry agreed to return for a series of visual tests. They underwent three visual field tests-Humphrey visual field analyzer 24-2, motion perimetry, and ring perimetry. The perimetry outcome measures were mean deviation, foveal threshold, and means for eccentric zones (3 degrees, 9 degrees, 15 degrees, and 21 degrees). The patients participated also in visual acuity, Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue, Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity, and foveal flicker fusion testing. Their relative afferent pupillary defect was graded using neutral density filters. RESULTS: The intereye comparisons showed vision to be worse in the eye with the high-grade papilledema for all outcome measures. The magnitude of the loss with the perimetry tests increased with eccentricity. The measures of central visual function, although in the normal range, were relatively depressed in the eye with high-grade papilledema. CONCLUSIONS: Visual loss in patients with asymmetric papilledema caused by IIH was most pronounced in the eye with the higher grade of papilledema. Foveal visual functions, although they remained in the normal range, were also decreased in patients with high-grade papilledema. In patients with high-grade papilledema, visual loss appeared to affect the entire visual field, and the peripheral field showed the most deficit. Our findings showed that high-grade papilledema was associated with visual dysfunction in patients with IIH.

Adult↗

[Functional and morphological study of the resensitization of transplanted skin flaps].

A study was conducted to assess sensory function in skin grafts, its effectiveness being an essential condition for ensuring coverage of loss of substance and total functional recovery of the transplanted skin. Morphological and structural criteria to identify cutaneous sensory receptors were established, and data related to their functional activity obtained following an exhaustive literature review. Clinical studies from 1960, employing conventional tests of responses to stimuli, have demonstrated that sensory recovery in transplanted flaps is strictly proportional to that which existed previously. More recent studies have involved equipment to apply stimuli and record responses providing objective assessment of tactile, pain, and thermal sensitivities. Histologic examinations were also performed to try to obtain morphological confirmation o results from the exposed clinical methods. Analysis of a selection of clinical cases studied has demonstrated that more marked recovery of sensory function in transplanted flaps is related to histological evidence of a greater density of regenerated nerve endings.

Humans↗

Rehabilitation process and functional results of patients with amputated fingers.

Digit amputation is a physical and psychological trauma that can influence the daily living of a person. The rehabilitation of patients with digit amputation is a complex process and should take into consideration all influencing factors, such as the functional, emotional, social, and professional profile of the patient. This study was conducted to evaluate the functional level of patients with amputated fingers and to understand the factors that influence their rehabilitation. Fifty patients (42 male and 8 female with an age ranging from 7 to 84 years) who had digit amputation(s) between January of 1990 and December of 1998 at the level of the metacarpus or distal to it and who had at least 6 months of follow-up were examined. The patients were divided into three different study groups: patients with distal amputation were compared with patients who had proximal amputation, patients with one finger amputation were compared with patients who had multiple finger amputations, and patients who suffered finger amputations caused by work-related accidents were compared with those who suffered amputations caused by other incidents. In addition, the time lapse from the amputation was checked as an influencing factor for different functional levels. The results showed that patients with distal amputation reached a higher motor and sensory functional level than patients with proximal amputation. Patients with one-finger amputation reached higher motor, sensory, and activities of daily living functional levels than patients with multiple amputations, and the level of motor and sensory function of patients with finger amputations caused by work-related accidents was lower than that of patients who suffered amputations in other incidents. Time was proven to be an important factor in the process of motor and emotional recovery.

Accidents, Occupational↗

Correlation between two clinical balance measures in older adults: functional mobility and sensory organization test.

BACKGROUND: Functional mobility of older adults has been shown to correlate with stance stability to various extents. This variability could be due to the difference in the way sensory information is processed in these two types of balance tests. Correlations between functional mobility and stance stability under altered sensory conditions, such as those in the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), are needed to test this possibility. The present study investigated the correlation between the performance of older adults on a newly developed Sensory-Oriented Mobility Assessment Instrument (SOMAI) and on the various sensory conditions of the SOT. METHODS: Twenty-seven community-dwelling older adults (76 +/- 7 years) underwent tests of the six SOT conditions and 10 SOMAI mobility maneuvers performed under normal- and focal-vision (peripheral vision eliminated) conditions. Behavioral performance in the two SOMAI conditions and the amounts of postural sway in the six SOT conditions were ranked among the subjects. Correlations of performance rankings on these two tests were analyzed. RESULTS: Performance on the two SOMAI conditions significantly correlated with that on the SOT conditions in which accurate visual, vestibular, and somatosensory inputs were all present (p < .05). Performance on the focal-vision SOMAI condition was also significantly correlated with that on the SOT condition in which somatosensory input was unreliable for orientation while visual and vestibular inputs were reliable (p < .05). There were no correlations between the SOMAI performance and performance on the no-vision or unreliable-vision SOT conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The ability to use all visual, somatosensory, and vestibular inputs for balance was correlated with functional mobility. The moderate correlations between the performance on the normal-sensory SOT condition and the SOMAI conditions suggest that body systems other than balance senses also contribute to mobility performance.

Aged↗

Sensory and motor function in the maintenance of anal continence.

Anorectal function was prospectively evaluated in 43 consecutive patients with fecal incontinence and in 19 healthy volunteers using manometry and electrical stimulation of the anoderm. Both anorectal motor and sensory function was impaired in incontinent patients as compared with healthy controls. Further statistical analysis identified four subgroups of patients showing different pathomechanisms of fecal incontinence: severe combined anorectal motor and sensory dysfunction, isolated anal sphincter dysfunction, isolated anorectal sensory dysfunction, and combined dysfunction of the internal anal sphincter and impaired anorectal sensitivity. These data support the hypothesis that sensory function of both the rectum and the anal canal is an important and independent factor in the preservation of continence.

Adult↗

[Microneural reconstruction after iatrogenic lesions of the lingual nerve and the inferior alveolar nerve. Critical evaluation].

As microneural repair techniques of the sensory mandibular branches enter the third decade of their clinical use, there are but a few long-term investigations into the value of these procedures in the treatment of iatrogenic injury to the lingual (LN), inferior alveolar (IAN) or mental (MN) nerve. To establish the efficacy of microneural repair in lesions of the LN, IAN or MN with loss of continuity, the outcome of sensory recovery was evaluated in a series of 92 patients (LN: direct coaptation n = 39, coaptation + sural nerve grafting n = 23; IAN: direct coaptation n = 11 coaptation + sural nerve grafting n = 10; MN: direct coaptation n = 11). The minimum duration of follow-up was 14 months postoperatively. The persistent sensory deficit was assessed using standardized neurosensory testing and gustometric stimuli. In addition the patients answered a multiple-choice questionnaire containing a list of complaints. To obtain a numeric estimate for interindividual and intergroup comparison the information from clinical measurements and patient reports was condensed into a 'neurological score' and a 'complaint score', respectively. Furthermore, adequate items from both scores were combined to affirm or deny the return of sensory function in terms of protective and discriminative sensation. The overall results show a broad range of variation in the scores, sometimes reflecting severe degrees of persistent sensory impairment. The lowest scores, corresponding to the best regeneration, were found after direct coaptation of the LN, IAN and NM, but even the best results did not provide sensory recovery to a preinjury level. After direct coaptation of LN 69% of the patients exhibited protective sensation and 41% regained discriminative function. In contrast, LN grafting was ensued from restoration of protective function in 39% and discriminative function in 17% of the patients. More striking differences were found between coaptation and grafting of the IAN (IAN coaptation: 91% protective function; 18% discriminative function; IAN grafting: 60% protective function, 0% discriminative function). In the LN coaptation group low scores and improved taste perception were convincingly associated with short periods since injury (i.e. timing of repair). In conclusion, we feel there is sufficient justification to optimize the potential results of microneural repair by immediate (LN/MN) or early (IAN) reexposure of the injured site in order to clarify the precise nature of the underlying nerve damage and prevent delay, if patients present with complete loss of sensory function subsequent to dentoalveolar or oral surgery. However, clinical and electrophysiologic findings suggesting impairment or partial loss of sensory function are considered a contraindication to microneural intervention, in view of the limited prospects of sensory recovery after surgical repair.

Adolescent↗

Lateralization of sensory and motor functions in human neonates.

Lateral differences in some motor and sensory functions were examined in 89 full-term normal newborns, 2 to 4 days old. They were divided in two groups, according to the cerebral dominance in the family: Group A (70 subjects), offspring of right-handed parents and siblings, and Group B (19 subjects), with at least one parent or sibling left-handed or ambidextrous. Only subjects of Group A showed a marked tendency to spend more time with the head to right as opposed to the left, to turn right after release from the midline position, to have their heads right 5 min. later, to lead with the right leg on the placing response. The two groups were significantly different from each other on these tests. Differences were not observed for stepping, tactile responses, asymmetrical tonic neck reactions in either of the two groups. The results confirm the existence of lateral differentiations of neurological functions in the newborn and stress the presence of genetic factors in these phenomena.

Dominance, Cerebral↗

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of tegaserod on gastric motor, sensory and myoelectric function in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: The effects of tegaserod on gastric accommodation and postprandial satiety remain unclear. AIM: To compare the effects of tegaserod 6 mg twice daily vs. placebo on gastric volumes, postprandial symptoms, gastric emptying, small bowel transit and the surface electrogastrogram in female and male healthy volunteers. METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated gastric function before and after 7 days of tegaserod 6 mg twice daily (n = 21) vs. placebo (n = 20) in healthy volunteers. Validated methods were used to study gastric emptying, myoelectrical activity, volumes and satiation postnutrient challenge. RESULTS: There were no significant effects of tegaserod on the primary endpoints assessing gastric function: emptying of solids or liquids, total gastric volumes or myoelectrical activity. Maximum tolerated volume and aggregate symptom score with nutrient challenge on placebo were 1,035 mL (+/-44) and 130 (+/-15) vs. 989 mL (+/-43) and 117 (+/-15) during tegaserod, respectively (all P = N.S.). Postprandial change in proximal gastric volume by single photon emission-computed tomography was decreased in females on tegaserod (246 +/- 30) vs. placebo (358 +/- 32) (P = 0.015). Proximal fasting volumes in females were increased on tegaserod (126 +/- 12) vs. placebo (92 +/- 13) (P = 0.066). CONCLUSIONS: While tegaserod decreased proximal gastric volume change after a meal, it does not appear to have significant effects on gastric motor and sensory function in healthy individuals. Further studies are required in patients with disturbances of gastric motor and sensory function.

Administration, Oral↗

Deafness disrupts chloride transporter function and inhibitory synaptic transmission.

Loss of sensory function leads to atrophy or death within the developing CNS, yet little is known about the physiology of remaining synapses. After bilateral deafening, gramicidin-perforated-patch recordings were obtained from gerbil inferior colliculus neurons in a brain slice preparation. Afferent-evoked IPSPs had a diminished ability to block current-evoked action potentials in deafened neurons. This change could be attributed, in part, to a loss of potassium-dependent chloride transport function, with little change in K-Cl cotransporter expression. Treatments that suppressed chloride cotransport (bumetanide, cesium, and genistein) had little or no effect on neurons from deafened animals. These same treatments depolarized the E(IPSC) of control neurons. Semiquantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining indicated no change in the expression of chloride cotransporter mRNA or protein after deafness. Therefore, profound hearing loss leads rapidly to the disruption of chloride homeostasis, which is likely attributable to the dysfunction of the potassium-dependent chloride cotransport mechanism, rather than a downregulation of its expression. This results in inhibitory synapses that are less able to block excitatory events.

Animals↗

Differentially promoted peripheral nerve regeneration by grafted Schwann cells over-expressing different FGF-2 isoforms.

Artificial nerve grafts are needed to reconstruct massive defects in the peripheral nervous system when autologous nerve grafts are not available in sufficient amounts. Nerve grafts containing Schwann cells display a suitable substrate for long-distance regeneration. We present here a comprehensive analysis of the in vivo effects of different isoforms of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) on peripheral nerve regeneration across long gaps. FGF-2 isoforms were provided by grafted, genetically modified Schwann cells over-expressing 18-kDa-FGF-2 and 21-/23-kDa-FGF-2, respectively. Functional tests evaluated motor and sensory recovery. Additionally, morphometrical analyses of regenerated nerves were performed 3 and 6 months after grafting. Distinct regeneration promoting effects of the different FGF-2 isoforms were found. 18-kDa-FGF-2 mediated inhibitory effects on the grade of myelination of regenerating axons, whereas 21-/23-kDa-FGF-2 mediated early recovery of sensory functions and stimulation of long-distance myelination of regenerating axons. The results contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies in peripheral nerve repair.

Animals↗

Destructive osteoblastoma of the cervical spine with complete neurologic recovery.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To describe a patient with a large tumor lesion of the 6th vertebrae affecting surrounding soft tissue, and symptoms of cord compression. Histologic diagnosis indicated a destructive osteoblastoma following dorsal and anterior resection and internal fixation. SETTING: University Hospital, Germany. METHODS: A 23-year old male patient was admitted with a 2-month history of increasing upper extremity weakness and pain. X-ray and MRI indicated massive involvement of the anterior and posterior elements of the 6th vertebrae with a large soft tissue mass. Following emergency decompression and dorsal stabilization, the pathologic investigation revealed a destructive osteoblastoma. Subsequent dorsal and anterior resection with internal fixation were performed. RESULTS: The patient initially presented with symptoms of beginning paraplegia of C6/7. According to the neurologic classification of spinal cord injury, motor function score was 56 and sensory function score 83. After emergency dorsal decompression and internal fixation with Luque-Instrumentation he showed increasing neurological recovery. Complete neurological recovery was achieved at 2 and 12-months postoperatively, following secondary dorsal and anterior resection of the tumor and internal fixation with bone cement (PalacosR) and Harms-cage. Radiologic signs of local recurrence were identified 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Osteoblastoma of the cervical spine is rare. Patients often present with severe neurological symptoms due to significant tumor mass. Complete resection is necessary to regain full recovery, to prevent recurrence and, in some cases, malignant transformation.

Adult↗