Alterations in hepatic peroxidation mechanisms in thioacetamide-induced tumors in rats. Effect of a rhodium(III) complex.

A model of liver hyperplastic noduligenesis was induced in rats in vivo by long-term administration of thioacetamide (TAM; 100 mg/kg day i.p.).

[Changes caused by thioacetamide in GOT and GPT aminotransferases and glutamate dehydrogenase in rat liver. Ultrastructural study].

Measurements have been made of the hepatic soluble and mitochondrial GOT and GPT and mitochondrial NAD+ glutamate dehydrogenase activities in thioacetamide-treated rats for 30 days. There is a significant fall in the GOT and GPT soluble activities from the effect of chronic thioacetamide administration while the mitochondrial activities become markedly increased in both cases. Glutamate dehydrogenase also increased from the effect of this hepatotoxic substance.

Sensory vagal nature and anatomical access paths to esophagus laminar nerve endings in myenteric ganglia. Determination by surgical degeneration methods.

The dependence, access paths and functional significance of the intraganglionic laminar nerve endings (IGLEs) in the esophageal wall of the cat are demonstrated. To this end Wallerian degeneration was induced on the vagus nerve by a number of surgical operations performed at the nodose ganglion level. The results show IGLEs to be sensorial receptors dependent on neuronal bodies situated in the nodose ganglion.

Ultrastructure of free-ending nerve fibres in oesophageal epithelium.

For the first time, at the ultrastructural level, the existence of free-ending, intraepithelial nerve fibres has been demonstrated in the oesophagus wall of adult cats and monkeys. Their form, the way they penetrate the epithelium, their location within the epithelium and their relationships with neighbouring cells have been established. A sensory function is suggested for this type of ending.

Effects of surgical sympathectomy on laminar nerve endings in myenteric ganglia.

Extirpation of the anterior regions of the sympathetic ganglionated chain (all cervical ganglia and the four subsequent thoracic ganglia) has been carried out in the cat. Histological study of the esophagus wall has shown intraganglionic laminar endings (IGLEs) to suffer an alteration which, in time, reverts to normality. Since it is not a Wallerian degeneration as such, we conclude, contrary to what has previously been assessed by some authors, that these nerve apparatuses are not dependent either on nerve cells located in sympathetic ganglia or on nerve fibers coursing through the sympathetic trunk.

Sensorivagal nature of oesophageal submucous layer nerve endings. Determination of surgical degeneration methods.

Two types of surgery were performed on domestic cats to establish the source and functional significance of the apparatuses we have denominated perivascular, perifascicular and free endings of the oesophageal submucous layer. After extirpation of the cranial regions of the sympathetic ganglionic chain, of all the cervical ganglia and of the four proximal thoracic ganglia, no Wallerian degeneration of the concerned nerve endings was observed, thus ruling out their dependence on this neural pathway. After ablation of the central portion of the nodose ganglion, of the vagal nerve.

New contribution on the oesophageal mucous innervation in certain monkeys (Cercopithecidae).

Spindle-shaped, barrel-like, or bush-like corpuscular neural structures situated in the mucous epithelium of the upper third of the oesophagus are described. These structures are not homogeneously distributed in this area. Some are very close to the pharyngooesophageal sphincter, spanning the thickness of the epithelium and communicating with the basal membrane by means of a thin pedicle and with the lumen by a small hilus or pore, their morphology being that of a taste bud.