Glutamate as a transmitter in the CNS and its presumed significance in the pathogenesis of cerebral seizure forms--recent aspects

Glutamate is believed to be quantitatively the most outstanding of the excitatory transmitters in the CNS. Certain conformationally related analogues, e. g. kainate, N-methyl-D-aspartate, ibotenate, and homocysteate, act as glutamate agonists. The local or systemic administration of these "excitotoxic" compounds induces epileptiform activity pointing out new and deeper insights into the epileptic process. Additionally, the glutamate transmitter hypothesis is expected to give a chance of a causal comprehension for choreatic processes as well as for the mode of action of anticonvulsant and antispastic agents.     

The sociodynamogram--a contribution to the objectivization of group process

Two simple sociometric techniques for practical use are described which are derived from the data given in the sociogram. Compared with the conventional sociogram, the group rank score we use everyday therapy has the advantage that it can be published. It permits members of the group to better identify the social situations which cause specific psychic impulses. The sociogram is reserved for the therapist. In our opinion the sociodynamogram has certain advantages over both methods because it provides an insight into spheres which are inaccessible in the sociogram and group rank score.     

Determinants of pride and shame: outcome, expected success and attribution

In two experiments we investigated the relationship between subjective probability of success and pride and shame. According to Atkinson (1957), pride (the incentive of success) is an inverse linear function of the probability of success, shame (the incentive of failure) being a negative linear function. Attribution theory predicts an inverse U-shaped relationship between subjective probability of success and pride and shame. The results presented here are at variance with both theories: Pride and shame do not vary with subjective probability of success. However, pride and shame are systematically correlated with internal attributions of action outcome.     

Some problems of Wilson's disease

The Leipzig Center for Wilson's Disease in the GDR is charged with the registration and diagnosis of all homozygous Wilson gene carriers, the clarification of all suspected cases, including the heterozygote test, and the co-ordination of long-term treatment. At present, there are 78 recorded Wilson gene carriers living. On the basis of our own comprehensive observations and investigations over prolonged periods of time, questions concerning pathogenesis, genetics, diagnosis and therapeutic measures, including their side-effects, are dealt with.     

Differential indication of trimipramine - results of a controlled multiclinical study]

The antidepressants trimipramine and imipramine were compared within the framework of a multiclinical study performed under the conditions of a controlled clinical experiment. There has been found a time-different remission of affective und psychomotoric symptoms. The panthymoleptic action of trimipramine and other antidepressants is discussed with reference to these results. Trimipramine influences psychotic states, especially if in depression anxiety is combined with agitation, also in hypochondriac forms of depression.     

Epilepsy by looking at patterns]

The author, after pointing out the rare occurence and peculiarities of pattern-sensitive forms of epilepsy, reports the case of a seven-year-old boy with infantile cerebral paresis characterized by symptomatic attacks, who was observed to show absence-like conditions when looking at small-checkered patterns of nylon fabric. Grasping and looking at such fabrics assumed the form of an addiction, with a sense of pleasure being believed to be derived therefrom. Although anticonvulsive therapy resulted in attacks of epilepsy being no longer detectable clinically and by electroencephalography, seizures were still triggered by looking at patterns. Also discussed in this article is the problem of transition from real to psychogenic attacks.     

Determination of the variation in conduction speed of motor fibers and the effects of diphenylhydantoin (Phenytoin) and diazepam (Faustan)]

The variation in the speed of conduction of motor fibers of the ulnar nerve was determined by Hopf's double-stimulus method and compared with values obtained from the duration of muscular response potentials for differently spaced points of stimulation. However, the values obtained from the difference of the duration of response potentials are inadequate since the duration of potentials cannot always be determined accurately. After a ten-day administration of faustan (15 mg per day) or phenytoin (300 mg per day) there was observed a decrease especially in the minimum rate of conduction of motor fibers of the ulnar nerve.