Enhanced stimulation of diacylglycerol and lipid synthesis by insulin in denervated muscle. Altered protein kinase C activity and possible link to insulin resistance.

Denervated muscle is generally regarded as insulin resistant because the ability of insulin to stimulate glucose transport and glycogen synthesis is impaired. Previous studies indicate that insulin resistance in these muscles is likely due to a defect at a postreceptor site in the signaling pathway. Because glucose transport into cells has been reported to be linked to changes in diacylglycerol (DAG) and protein kinase C (PKC), we investigated the effect of denervation on the content and synthesis of DAG and the activity and distribution of PKC in the soleus muscle. The DAG content in muscles denervated for 24 h was 40% greater than in control muscles. This was associated with a two- to threefold increase in the percentage of total PKC activity that was membrane associated, with no significant change in total PKC activity, suggesting an increase in PKC activity in vivo. Studies of glucose disposition confirmed that the stimulation of glycogen synthesis by insulin and, to a lesser extent, 2-deoxyglucose uptake were impaired by denervation. However, the stimulation by insulin of glucose incorporation into DAG and other lipids was two- to threefold greater in denervated than in control muscles, and conversion of glucose to lactate and pyruvate and glucose oxidation to CO2 were unchanged. The results reveal a dichotomy in the effects of denervation on various actions of insulin, with both insulin resistance and hyperresponsiveness occurring in different pathways of glucose metabolism. They also reveal a potential mechanism for the elevation of muscle DAG after denervation. The results do not support a direct link between DAG-PKC and glucose transport.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Studies in REST. II. An overview of REST technology.

This paper briefly summarizes current knowledge about Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST). Major effects consistently produced by REST include (a) superlearning, (b) optimal physiological and psychological functioning, and (c) diminished denial and defensiveness. Persons showing greatest impairment or psychological disturbance prior to REST typically show the greatest "improvement" or change toward optimal levels of functioning afterward. REST facilitates natural homeostatic processes. Despite three decades of overwhelmingly positive research findings, REST technology has thus far received little understanding or acceptance. Common misconceptions about REST (formerly known as "sensory deprivation") are critically assessed and shown to be unfounded.

Studies in REST. I. Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) and reduced alcohol consumption.

Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST), formerly known as "sensory deprivation," was used in conjunction with pre-recorded anti-alcohol messages to reduce alcohol consumption. Subjects were college students of both sexes who were "heavy social drinkers," that is, early prodromal alcoholics. There were two studies. In the pilot study experimental subjects had two and a half hours of REST, during which they heard one of two differently worded anti-alcohol messages. After two weeks their alcohol intake dropped significantly from baseline levels (33% and 29%); control subjects showed no significant changes. In a replication and follow-up study experimental subjects had two and a half hours of REST, during which they heard a revised version of the most effective anti-alcohol message used in the pilot study. Two weeks later their alcohol consumption dropped 55% from baseline levels. These reductions in alcohol intake were fully sustained on follow-up three months and six months later. Untreated control subjects showed increased alcohol intake on follow-up.

Studies in REST. III. REST, arousability, and the nature of alcohol and substance abuse.

Recent literature on the diagnosis, differentiation, and identification of alcoholism, substance abuse, smoking, obesity, compulsive gambling, and sociopathy was reviewed. Research evidence suggests that these behavior disorders are associated with high levels of the trait of arousability. Highly arousable individuals often experience intense, easily aroused emotional reactions to stressful stimulation, and they are strongly predisposed toward alcohol and/or substance abuse. For these individuals, psychoactive chemicals have strongly reinforcing effects, since they alleviate unpleasant emotions associated with excessive arousal. Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) consistently lowers arousal to optimal, subjectively comfortable levels, without psychoactive chemicals. REST has demonstrated its effectiveness for alcohol and drug abuse, smoking, and obesity, all of which are associated with high arousability.

Interviewer's role-playing and responses to sensory deprivation: a clinical demonstration.

10 Ss with a history of intransigent hypochondriacal personality disorder were subjected to 2-1/2 hr. of sensory deprivation preceded and followed by planned interviewing procedures. Each interview was designed to prestructure the interpersonal meaning of the experience of sensory deprivation and selectively reinforce social roles antithetical to S's characteristic, maladaptive interpersonal behavior. As predicted, Ss showed a significant (p smaller than .01) shift from passively hostile to an actively warm social role. The changes in social role were also reflected in a significant (p smaller than .01) reduction in number of medical clinic visits. These effects were still operative 30 days following the procedure, whereas an equated baseline group of 10 Ss showed no significant change in behavior over the same period of time.