M. Mumtazuddin Ahmed

Synaptic morphology in the spinal cord of normal and tricresylphosphate (TCP) poisoned hen

SummaryA study has been made of synaptic degeneration at an ultrastructural level using 6% glutaraldehyde perfusion, fixation method in the anterior horn of hens spinal cord, after application of a single dose of 0.5 cm3 TCP on the comb. The degenerative changes are seen in the synaptic vesicles and mitochondria of pre-synaptic bag. A comparison of these findings is made with degenerative changes caused by mechanical interference and x-irradiation. It is concluded that the toxic effects of TCP are certainly manifested in the synaptic areas which show changes similar to those caused by the mechanical interference and by x-irradiation.ZusammenfassungEine elektronenoptische Untersuchung der Synapsen-Degeneration im Vorderhorn des Rückenmarks vom Huhn wurde nach Gabe einer Einzeldosis von 0,5 cm3 Tricresylphosphat durchgeführt. Die Fixation erfolgte durch Perfusion mit 6% Glutaraldehyd. Degenerative Veränderungen fanden sich in den synaptischen Vesikeln und Mitochondrien des präsynaptischen Abschnittes. Diese Befunde werden mit Läsionen durch mechanische Schädigung und Bestrahlung verglichen. Es wird angenommen, daß sich der toxische Effekt von TCP sicher im Synapsenareal manifestiert. Dieses zeigt dabei Veränderungen ähnlich wie nach mechanischer oder Strahlenschädigung.

Neuroglia in the corpus callosum of the primate, slow loris (Nycticebus coucang coucang).

Abstract The corpus callosum of adult slow loris consists of a mixed population of several cell types, i.e. free subependymal cells, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglia . The free subependymal cell is rather small and slender with a somewhat patchy nucleus. It shows scanty cytoplasm with free ribosomes. Oligodendrocytes vary both in nuclear and cytoplasmic densities and can be divided into three classes: light, medium dense and dark types. Their cytoplasm contains microtubules, rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi saccules. Astrocytes are pale cells with large amount of filaments in their cytoplasm. Microglia are small cells with granulated nuclei. The cells often show large cytoplasmic protrusions containing the usual cell organelles and lipofuscin bodies in their cytoplasm. Lastly, cells with typical features of neurons are occasionally encountered among the white matter.

A new approach to the treatment of laryngeal papilloma in adults.

Twenty-six cases of multiple laryngeal papillomatosis were treated by a newly developed grafting technique. The larynx was opened in the midline under local anaesthesia and the tumour mass was surgically resected. Mucous membrane along with the lamina propria was taken from patients upper jaw and grafted over the wound, with the help of plain catgut on an atraumatic needle. Although our patients have been observed for only a short period of 5 years from 1972, no recurrence has been seen and good vocal cord function has remained.

Changes in the ultrastructure of satellite cells of slow loris in tricresylphosphate poisoning.

SummaryToxic reaction of satellite cells from posterior root ganglia of slow loris in TCP poisoning is described. The satellite cells in experimental animals show a marked increase in the rough ER, Golgi complex, microvesicles and filaments. Furthermore there is also an increase in the number of dense bodies and mitochondrial density in these cells. The significance of these changes are discussed and it is concluded that in TCP poisoning not only the neurons but the supporting cells are also affected.