Natriuresis induced by localized perfusion within the third cerebral ventricle of sheep.

Push-pull perfusion was performed at four different sites in the third cerebral ventricle of conscious sheep. The recovery of the infused solution was 75-90%, suggesting a localized change in the ionic composition and osmolality restricted to a relatively small area in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Sodium and potassium excretion and urine flow were studied before, during, and after perfusion of 200, 150, and 100 mM Na-CSF. Localized perfusion in the anterior dorsal third ventricle (AD3V) of 200 mM Na-CSF caused an increase in sodium and potassium excretion, in urine flow, and a decrease in free water clearance. Perfusion of 200 mM Na-CSF at the other three perfusion sites, i.e., anterior ventral third ventricle, posterior dorsal third ventricle, and posterior ventral third ventricle, did not influence sodium excretion and urine flow. Perfusions with 150 and 100 mM Na-CSF did not cause any change in sodium, potassium excretion, or urine flow at any of the four perfusion sites. These results suggest that sensors sensitive to changes of sodium concentration are located close to the ventricular surface in the anterior dorsal part of the third cerebral ventricle. When stimulated with increased sodium concentration they will initiate increased sodium excretion.

Lipids of epidermis and keratinized and non-keratinized oral epithelia.

Lipid compositions have been determined by quantitative thin-layer chromatography for epidermis, floor of mouth, gingiva, palate and buccal epithelium of the pig (Sus scrofa). All of the epithelia contained phospholipids, glycosylceramides, cholesteryl sulfate, cholesteryl esters, free sterols, fatty acids and triglycerides. Epidermis, palate and gingiva had similar lipid compositions, which were characterized by the presence of O-acylglycosylceramides, O-acylceramides and relatively high proportions of ceramides. Floor of mouth and buccal epithelium, which are not keratinized, contained no O-acylglucosylceramides or O-acylceramides and very little ceramide. The higher water permeability of the non-keratinized oral regions may reflect the absence of acylglucosylceramides and the low proportions of ceramides.

The lipid composition of porcine epidermis and oral epithelium.

The permeability barrier of mammalian skin has been analysed in terms of its lipid composition whereas that of the oral mucosa is uncharacterized. As there are differences in permeability between different regions of the oral mucosa, and between the oral mucosa and skin, there may be corresponding differences in the nature of the barrier layer. Lipids were identified by thin-layer chromatography after solvent extraction of separated epithelium; their localization was determined in histological sections using standard histochemical stains. Keratinized oral epithelium and epidermis showed a similar pattern of lipid distribution, the majority of neutral lipids being ceramides, localized around the cells of the stratum corneum. The non-keratinized epithelium contained few neutral lipids but polar lipids, particularly cholesterol sulphate and glucosylceramides, were clearly evident. Histochemical staining suggested that these were localized in intercellular regions throughout the epithelium. The differences in the types and distribution of lipids accord well with known permeability differences, which show that keratinized oral epithelium and epidermis have a similar impermeability to water and that non-keratinized regions have greater permeability.