The effects of long-term lead intoxication on the nervous system of the chicken.

In order to study the possible etiologic role of lead in human motor neuron disease we produced chronic lead intoxication in the chicken by daily administration of lead acetate. Control animals received sodium acetate. During life, periodic measurements were made of motor function, motor nerve conduction velocity and response amplitude.

The effect of chronic lead intoxication in mature chickens.

In a study of chronic lead intoxication in mature chickens, blood lead levels were significantly lower in hens than in roosters receiving the same oral dose of lead. It was then shown that eggshells from lead-treated hens contained 6-12 times the lead concentration of eggshells from control hens. Similarly, the lead content of egg yolks from treated hens was significantly higher than yolks from controls.

Mononeuritis multiplex with brachial plexus neuropathy coincident with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection has been associated with a variety of neurologic complications involving the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system and muscle. We present a patient who developed a previously unreported complication: mononeuritis multiplex. This consisted of a severe brachial plexus neuropathy with contralateral cervical monoradiculopathy.

Sympathetic cholinergic dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The results of evaluation of the autonomic nervous system of a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are presented. As previously reported, parasympathetic function and sympathetic adrenergic function were normal as assessed by cardiovascular reflexes. However, a disturbance in sympathetic cholinergic function as measured by the sympathetic skin response was demonstrated.

Effect of ankle position on isometric quadriceps strengthening.

A prospective study of 20 normal subjects was undertaken to determine the effect of three ankle positions (active dorsiflexion, active plantar flexion, natural or rest position) on comfort and facilitation of quadriceps contraction in isometric strengthening in a supine position with the hip and knee fully extended. Surface EMG activity was found to be greatest for the vastus lateralis followed by the vastus medialis and least for the rectus femoris. Equal facilitation was apparent with either active ankle dorsiflexion or plantar flexion.