Samuel A. Corson

Constitutional Differences in Physiologic Adaptation to Stress and Distress

Because of the widespread confusion about the definition of the term “stress,” we shall use the definition as stated by Selye in his latest writings: “Stress is the non-specific response of the body to any demand made upon it” (Selye, 1971). In this sense, stress represents a reaction of a living organism to any stimuli which would tend to disturb the homeokinetic state or which would tend to satisfy the particular drives (needs) of the organism at a particular time.

Systems analysis of the integrative activity of the neuron (1974).

This article is aimed at revising the traditional concept of neuronal activity based on preeminence of transmembrane potentials and “electric summation” on the neuron surface. It presents a historical survey of the emergence of the prevailing concept on propagation of potentials alongconductive structures and reveals the psychological situation that determined the transfer of this concept to dendrites and the neuronal soma. Structural and biophysical properties of the neuron which do not permit information propagation along the neuronal membrane without crude distortion are critically discussed in detail.This article is aimed at revising the traditional concept of neuronal activity based on preeminence of transmembrane potentials and “electric summation” on the neuron surface. It presents a historical survey of the emergence of the prevailing concept on propagation of potentials alongconductive structures and reveals the psychological situation that determined the transfer of this concept to dendrites and the neuronal soma. Structural and biophysical properties of the neuron which do not permit information propagation along the neuronal membrane without crude distortion are critically discussed in detail.

Interaction of genetics and separation in canine hyperkinesis and in differential responses to amphetamine

A model of childhood hyperkinesis, using the Telomian-beagle hybrid dog, is described, demonstrating the interactions of genetics and separation in the development of this syndrome and in the favorable responses of some of these dogs to amphetamine. This work represents the collaboration of three laboratories, utilizing chiefly methods of inhibitory training. Inducing separation distress enhanced the resistance to inhibitory training and the favorable responses to amphetamine.

NEUROENDOCRINE AND BEHAVIORAL RESPONSE PATTERNS TO PSYCHOLOGIC STRESS AND THE PROBLEM OF THE TARGET TISSUE IN CEREBROVISCERAL PATHOLOGY

Psychologic stress has been implicated as a contributing factor to carcinogenesis by numerous clinical observations. During the past two decades a number of careful clinical investigations appeared to furnish support for these implications (Bacon et al., 1952; Blumberg et al., 1954; Miller and Jones, 1948). Substantial clinical evidence was presented by Kissen and a number of other competent investigators in a volume edited by Kissen and Leshan (1964). In the same volume, Bahnson and Bahnson suggested a theoretical model of somatic and psychologic regression in relation to cancer. Experimental work on animals yielded contradictory results. Voskresenskaia (1948) and Petrova (1955) reported that the cutaneous application of coal tar to dogs with chronic experimental neuroses led to the development of malignant tumors, whereas coal tar applications to control dogs failed to produce such tumors. Similar results were obtained in mice by Petrova (1955), Khaletskaia (1954) and by Raushenbakh et al. ( 1952). Petrova reported that neurotic dogs also frequently exhibited spontaneous malignant tumors. Kavetskii ( 1958), in summarizing the extensive work conduclted in his laboratory as well as in other laboratories in the U.S.S.R., concluded that disturbances in higher nervous functions generally facilitated the development of malignant neoplasms. Andervont (1944) reported that female strain C3H mice kept in separate cages developed mammary tumors earlier than did their litter mates kept eight to a cage. Muhlbuck ( 195 1 ) observed that the incidence of mammary tumors in Dilute-Brown Strain (Little) mice was highest ,in the females that were reared in individual cages. In this connection it is of interest to mention the report of a well-controlled experiment by Louis N. Katz (1964) to the effect that chickens kept in isolation (at the age of about eight weeks) developed more atherosclerosis than the control chickens kept in groups. Moreover, the isolated chickens were in poor physical condiltion and many of them died, suggesting a general biologic deterioration induced by isolation. On the other hand, Rashkis (1952) using forced swimming as a stressor in Swiss albino mice, reported that this stress increased survival time of the mice inoculated with ascites tumors or treated with methylcholanthrene. Similarly, Marsh et af . (1959) reported that stress in mice induced by avoidance shuttlebox experiments or by confinement within a screen envelope led to a decrease in the size of the tumors induced by subcutaneous Ehrlich tumor transplants. This discrepancy is most likely due t o the fact that Rashkis and Marsh, in contradistinotion to the other investigators, used stress involving muscular expression and, moreover, applied the stress for a relatively short period of time. It should be remembered that in the experiments of Marsh confinement within a screen envelope involved some struggling on the part of the mice. 6t appears that it is

Animal Models of Violence and Hyperkinesis

In reviewing the dramatic discrepancy between the many favorable clinical reports on meprobamate and a number of negative laboratory studies on this drug, Gerard (1957), in his usual elegant and succinct manner, summarized the situation as follows: “On the one hand, laboratory studies indicate that meprobamate is quite inert; on the other hand, a great number of takers seem to experience some benefit, and clinical reports included in these pages—many seemingly well controlled and convincing enough as reported—indicate a definite action. From this, one must conclude either that the experimenters have not yet found the right thing to test—which would not be surprising, since we are dealing with agents active on the nuances of complex human behavior for which it is difficult to find electrical or chemical indicators, either in the laboratory or in the patient—or else the clinical impressions are wrong. ... I doubt that the latter is the case, especially because of the genuine awareness of the problem of controls that exists today among the better clinicians and laboratory workers handling these problems.”

Philosophical and Historical Roots of Pavlovian Psychobiology

Perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of Pavlovian psychobiology is the holistic integrated approach to the study of living systems and the recognition of the central role of the nervous system in the maintenance of biological homeostasis in higher organisms. This holistic approach has been referred to in Russian biomedical literature as the theory of “nervism” or the neurogenic theory. This theory emphasizes the concept of the organism as a whole, the leading role of the cerebral cortex in the regulation of physiologic and behavioral homeostasis, and the importance of psychosocial factors in health and disease.

Neuroendocrine and behavioral correlates of constitutional differences.

Consistent and stable individual differences were observed in the renal responses of water-loaded dogs during the development of Pavlovian conditional motor defense reflexes by electrocutaneous reinforcement. Some dogs developed persistent and intense conditional antidiuretic responses (with a high urine osmolality) to the entire Pavlovian conditioning room complex, whereas other dogs failed to exhibit conditional antidiuresis. In contradistinction to the conditional motor defense reflexes, the conditional antidiuretic responses showed poor differentiation, thus demonstrating the phenomenon of schizokinesis discovered by Gantt. In addition to conditional water retention, the antidiuretic dogs also exhibited persistent hyperpnea, copious salivation and tachycardia. The physiologic responses of the antidiuretic dogs to the Pavlovian conditioning room resemble those described by Walter B. Cannon for a “fight or flight” response,i.e., physiologic reactions of animals engaged in intense muscular effort. The antidiuresis serves the function of conserving body water so that it may be available for evaporative cooling in order to maintain thermal homeostasis. Since our experimental dogs cannot engage in a consummatory “fight or flight” response, their physiologic reaction to a stressful psychologic environment can be considered maladaptive. Pharmacologic analysis suggested that the antidiuretic responses may involve cholinergic transmitters.

Analysis and Modeling of Body Water Regulation

Abstract Introduction of the concept of central nervous system control in visceral functions to regulate the necessary internal environment of higher animals is followed by the development of the specific system for fluid control as it regulates both total volume and distribution. The total fluid is considered to be in one of three general locations: intravascular and interstitial (together extracellular) and the intracellular. The relative volume control mechanism between the intravascular and interstitial compartments is set up around the two opposing forces of hydro-dynamic pressure and colloid osmotic pressure as they vary over the length of the capillaries. Basic equations and block diagrams are developed to demonstrate the relationship of these variables together with the vascular and osmotic receptors which control the feedback links to stimulate the necessary change in reabsorption of the renal tubules. The overall model is developed showing the interrelationship of the major factors in water control and various simplifications and portions of the system are analyzed using nonlinear control system techniques.

Conditioning of Autonomic Functions, Schizokinesis, and Psychosomatic Medicine

In Pavlovian conditioning experiments with aversive reinforcement, the animal is faced with a no-solution problem and thus cannot achieve a consummatory response. Gantt reported that in dogs, classical cardiac conditioning (to aversive stimuli) occurs more rapidly and extinction occurs more slowly than conditional motor defense responses. He referred to this phenomenon as schizokinesis. Such somatovisceral dichotomy was observed by us in regard to many other conditional visceral reactions, particularly in certain breeds of dogs. Some dogs (e.g., wirehair fox terriers, border collies, German shepherds, cocker spaniels, and some mongrels) exhibited highly generalized, almost inextinguishable conditional tachycardia, polypnea, profuse salivation, high energy metabolism, high urinary vasopressin and catecholamines, and increased muscle tension. Other dogs (most beagles and other hounds and some mongrels) exhibited very little or only temporary schizokinesis. We postulate that individuals exhibiting marked and persistent schizokinesis may be considered at risk for developing psychosomatic disorders. Suggestions for possible prophylactic therapeutic interventions will be discussed.

Stress: the role of catecholamines and other neurotransmitters (2 Volumes) Earl Usdin, Richard Kvetnansky, and Julius Axelrod (editors)

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