[Heterochronia of nerve fibers in man. Diagnostic value: initial results].

A classical physiological observation not usually apparent with methods used for detecting nerve potential in man, heterochronia of the nerve fibres is often found in extraordinary circumstances with considerably higher than normal frequence : mainly in muscular disorders, in particular myotonic dystrophy ; more incidentally in disorders of muscle tone. The authors draw attention to certain sources of error which could lead to wrong diagnosis of heterochronia and emphasize that these are only the initial results of research which needs to be pursued further.

Effect of ischaemia on peripheral nerve function in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing dialysis treatment.

During 30 minutes of maintained ischaemia of the upper limb, the nerve action potential (NAP) persists in some uraemic patients until the end of the test, and in all patients significantly longer than in normal subjects. Such behaviour is similar to that seen in diabetic patients and unlike that seen in people receiving high doses of insulin and glucose perfusion. Renal dialysis increases this tendency, while macromolecular perfusion after dialysis tends to correct it.