A prospective study of closure techniques of abdominal incisions in infants and children.

In a prospective study of layered versus mass closure of abdominal incisions in infants and children, 34 cases underwent wound closure by layered and mass closure technique on an alternate basis. All the patients were assessed for their nutritional status and haemoglobin level pre-operatively, and wound complications were compared with respect to closure technique, nutritional status and normal haemoglobin level. Presence of protein energy malnutrition and anaemia did not increase the risk of wound complications with either of the technique.

Effect of centrally administered angiotensin on urine output in dogs.

The effect of angiotensin II was studied on urine volume, urine sodium and potassium sodium and potassium in mongrel dogs. Intracerebro-ventricular (icv) administration of angiotensin (100.0 micrograms) caused significant increase in urine volume without significant change in urine sodium and potassium level. Similar effect is also obtained in denervated dogs. The effect of intracerebroventricularly administered angiotensin is possibly due to the decrease in secretion of the Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from posterior lobe of pituitary gland.

Lithium treatment in affective disorders.

50 manic patients of unipolar and bipolar affective illness were placed on oral lithium 600-1500 mg daily and serum levels in the range of 0.49-1.23 mEq/L. A better response in bipolar disorders than unipolar was observed. Besides, a much better response to lithium therapy is observed in patients with disease of longer duration and a positive history of affective illness in blood relations. Therapeutic effect had no relationship in terms of age or sex of the patients.

Modification of hyperglycaemic effect of angiotensin by indomethacin.

Effect of angiotensin II was studied on blood sugar level in dogs. Angiotensins given by intravenous route caused a marked rise in blood sugar level. Indomethacin and propranolol significantly influence the changes in blood sugar level induced by angiotensin. It is suggested that the hyperglycaemia induced by angiotensin appears to be mediated by facilitation of adrenaline and prostaglandin release.

Central cholinergic mechanism for control of urine volume and electrolyte excretion.

1. Studies were conducted on urine volume and electrolyte excretion chiefly of Na and K in anaesthetized hydrated dogs. 2. Central injection of acetylcholine caused a dose dependent antidiuretic response but without any change in excretion of urinary Sodium (UNa) and Potassium (UK). 3. After central atropinization, antidiuretic response to acetylcholine was partially blocked without any effect on electrolyte excretion. 4. Intracerebroventricularly (I.C.V.) administered acetylcholine after vagotomy and spinalectomy, each done separately and together also elicited an antidiuretic response. There was no effect on electrolyte excretion. 5. It is thus suggested that acetylcholine may be acting on central cholinergic receptors concerned with A.D.H. release.

Actions of glucagon on the perfused vessels of the isolated rabbit ear.

Actions of glucagon on the perfused vessels of the isolated rabbit ear were investigated. The two main actions of glucagon on the perfused ear vessels of the rabbit are: (i) release of noradrenaline which accounts for the constrictor response in low tone preparations. The response depends on the level of 3, 5 AMP. If the level rises as a result of noradrenaline action, contriction sets in. (ii) Glucagon may stimulate the adenylcyclase. In the high tone preparation 3,5 AMP levels are probably high. Release of noradrenaline by glucagon would have little additonal effect.