Effects of gabexate mesilate on the reactions of lipid metabolism in endotoxic shock.

Endotoxic shock was induced in rabbits of either sex by IV injection of 50 micrograms/kg endotoxin (ET) extracted from E coli O-55 by Boivin's method. A polyvinyl catheter was introduced into the superior vena cava under local anesthesia 1 day prior to the experiments. We observed a rise of plasma-free fatty acids (FFA) from an initial mean value of 190 muEq/liter to a level of 290 muEq/liter within 6 h after injection of endotoxin.

Neurogenic contractile activity of the penis retractor muscle of Helix pomatia L.

Using convential mechanical and electromyographic recording methods 2 distinct types of neurogenically elicited activity can be observed in the penis retractor muslce (PRM) of Helix pomatia: (1) rhythmic, phasic contractions correlated with single or a few compound action potentials and (2) intervening, strong, prolonged contractions accompanied by sustained, high frequency electrical muscle activity. The 2 distinct types of muscle activity which seem to play a part in the normal behaviour of the PRM in the intact animal are mediated by both the central nervous system and peripheral neurons. While central neuronal structures are involved in causing the strong, prolonged contractions, the phasic activity is initiated by peripheral neuronal structures located at the proximal end of the PRM.

Stimulation of peripheral ganglion cells in Helix pomatia L. by adenosine triphosphate.

The contractile activity of the penis retractor muscle (PRM) of Helix pomatia is controlled by both the central nervous system (CNS) and by a peripheral neural cell cluster. In the semi-intact PRM preparation, consisting of the PRM and the peripheral cell cluster without any attached central neuron, the CNS-mediated muscle activity was shown to be mimicked by exogenously applied adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This fact, coupled with the demonstration that ATP neither excites presynaptic motor nerve terminals nor postsynaptic sites at the neuromuscular junction, but exerts its action on the peripheral neural structures, may indicate a role of ATP in the neural transmission in the peripheral ganglionic mass at the base of the PRM.