Theoretical and experimental aspects of the possible role of calcium in some physiological and physiopathological phenomena.

The role played by calcium in some physiological and physiopathological phenomena is examined in the light of the intervention of calmodulin as a calcium regulatory protein. Data are presented concerning the interaction of some heavy metal ions with the erythrocyte membrane with special references to the modifications of calcium dynamics by Pb2. The results are discussed considering the interaction of heavy metal ions with the proteins of erythrocyte cytoskeleton and the role played by calmodulin in this interaction.

[Biochemical control of thiamine status in neurotic patients].

It is well established that the glucose represents the main energy source of the brain and that its metabolism supposes the presence of the vitamin B1. On the other hand, it is known that in industrialized countries, the consume (absolute or relative) of products without vitamin B1 (sugar, strong drinks) or containing it insufficiently (preparations derived from flours of low extraction, canned foods) registered a noticeable growth. On account of these premises, we made the hypothesis that the thiamino-glucidic unbalance to which the modern consumer is exposed, could be a factor contributing to the appearance of neurosis, which present now an increased incidence.

Biochemical assessment of thiamin status in patients with neurosis.

The thiamin status of 65 patients with neurosis was studied soon after their admission to the psychiatric department; 49 healthy persons were also studied. In comparison with the control group, the patients with neurosis had a twice as low thiamin excretion and a 22% lower erythrocyte transketolase (p less than 0.001), while their blood pyruvate and pyruvate excretions were 31-38% higher (p less than 0.