EEG and haemodialysis. A structural survey of EEG spectral analysis, Hjorth's EEG descriptors, blood variables and psychological data.

Computerized EEG was performed in 20 patients with renal failure before and after haemodialysis (HD), applying spectral analysis and Hjorth's EEG descriptors in EEG quantification, correlation and factor analysis as statistical procedures to analyse the connections of EEG, blood variables and psychological performance. The main results were: (1) Moderate uraemic encephalopathy -- according to Kiley's (1971) standards -- was present in most of our patients, before and after HD. (2) Before HD, EEG slowing was most strongly connected with the creatinine level and EEG acceleration with hyperkalaemia, which in most cases accompanied a high urea level. (3) Significant EEG changes after HD were: decrease of percentage delta activity, increase of Hjorth's 'mobility', decrease of Hjorth's 'complexity'. (4) The theta/alpha ratio (Matousek 1968) was significantly correlated with the patient's general clinical state after HD. (5) Visual discrimination, memory and maximal tapping speed improved significantly after HD. Only Hjorth's EEG parameters were correlated with test performance in that patients with low voltage and fast EEGs did worse in visual discrimination.

[The mechanism of action of peptides acting on smooth muscle. II. Relationships between angiotensin II and adrenergic systems with reference to blood pressure regulation]. / Studien zum Wirkungsmechanismus glattmuskulär angreifender Peptide II. Beziehungen zwischen Angiotensin II und adrenergen Systemen im Hinblick auf die Blutdruckregulation

To explore the molecular and subcellular effects of Angiotensin II during the early phase of an experimental hypertension, biochemical and morphological changes induced by continued administration of subpressoric Angiotensin II doses were traced in rats. After the treatment, the endogenous noradrenalin and dopamine content was changed in various brain regions, the turnover rate of noradrenalin was lowered, and the neuronal 3H noradrenalin uptake was delayed and reduced. Electron microscopy revealed an increase in number and granulation of adrenergic vesicles in the hypothalamus, and characteristic changes at pre- and postsynaptic membrane complexes. The interaction between central effects of angiotensin II and the adrenergic system presumably involves disturbance at the level of neuronal membranes.