scholarly journals Morphofunctional changes in the tissue of the brain, liver and kidneys of white rats under the influence of selenium nanocomposite encapsulated in the polymer matrix of arabinogalactan

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 92-99
Author(s):  
E. A. Titov ◽  
V. S. Rukavishnikov ◽  
L. M. Sosedova ◽  
M. A. Novikov ◽  
E. V. Buynova
Keyword(s):  
Polymer Matrix ◽  
Sensorimotor Cortex ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Pathological Process ◽  
The Body ◽  
Selenium Nanoparticles ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Intragastric Administration ◽  
White Rats ◽  
The Brain

Introduction. Due to their high biocompatibility, substances based on nanosized selenium particles, encapsulated in natural or synthetic polymer matrices, are promising materials for the creation of biomedical preparations of diagnostic and therapeutic value. Selenium nanoparticles are successfully used in the diagnosis of various types of cancer. In addition to the diagnostic value, selenium nanoparticles have their own prophylactic and oncological effect. This paper presents the results of a study of the toxicity of the Se nanocomposite encapsulated in the polymer matrix of arabinogalactan (SeAG). The emergence and development of the pathological process in the tissue of the brain, liver and kidneys during subacute administration of this nanocomposite was studied.Materials and methods. Twenty white outbred male rats weighing 200–220 g were used in the work. Animals were orally administered a solution of the selenium nanocomposite at a dose of 500 μg per kilogram of animal body weight for 10 days. Then, using the methods of histological analysis, the severity of the biological response of the organism to the introduction of this nanocomposite was assessed. An analysis of the state of the tissue of the liver, kidneys and the sensorimotor cortex of the brain was carried out.Results. With the intragastric administration of this drug, there is stasis of blood in the portal tracts, a pronounced macrophage reaction and diapedesis of leukocytes in the liver tissue. There is a decrease in the number of normal neurons per unit area, a decrease in the number of astroglia cells and an increase in the number of  degeneratively altered neurons in the tissue of the sensorimotor cortex. There is also an increase in connective tissue in the cortex of the kidney, with the formation of fibrosis and a decrease in the area of the Shumlyansky – Bowman capsule.Conclusion. The effect of the investigated nanocomposite is characterized by the development of a pronounced pathological process in the central nervous and hepatorenal systems of the body. 

scholarly journals Analysis of toxicity of iron oxide nanocomposite encapsulated in a polymer matrix of arabinogalactan

2021 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-289
Author(s):  
Eugeny A. Titov ◽  
Larisa M. Sosedova ◽  
Mkhail A. Novikov
Keyword(s):  
Polymer Matrix ◽  
Sensorimotor Cortex ◽  
Stress Protein ◽  
Kidney Tissue ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Intragastric Administration ◽  
Perivascular Spaces ◽  
Hsp 70

Introduction. The article presents a toxicity analysis of the Fe3O4 nanocomposite encapsulated in the natural polymer matrix of arabinogalactan (AG). A study was devoted to forming and developing the biological response of organisms to subacute administration of this nanocomposite. Materials and methods. White outbred male rats weighing 200-220 gr. were used in this study. For ten days, a test drug solution was administered orally to animals with a probe at a dose of 500 μg of iron per kilogram of body weight. Then, using histological and immunohistochemical analysis methods, the severity of the biological response of the organism to the introduction of this nanocomposite was evaluated. An analysis was made of the state of tissue of the liver, kidneys, and sensorimotor cortex. The number of neurons with the proapoptotic caspase three protein expression, anti-apoptotic bcl-2 protein, and HSP 70 stress protein was determined in the sensorimotor cortex tissue. Results. With intragastric administration to experimental animals, there was a violation of normal blood rheology in liver and kidney tissue, protein dystrophy of hepatocytes, expansion of perivascular spaces of brain tissue, and a decrease in the total number of sensorimotor cortex neurons per unit area. Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue of the sensorimotor cortex for expression of pro-and anti-apoptotic proteins and the expression of HSP 70 protein showed a sharp increase in the number of neurons with the expression of HSP 70 stress protein. Discussion. The nature of the detected changes indicates the occurrence of compensatory-adaptive reactions in the organism in response to the effect of FeAG. The lack of expression of caspase 3 protein eliminates the development of apoptosis.

scholarly journals Toxicity assessment of a technical product of the triazole class

2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (11) ◽  
pp. 1276-1279
Author(s):  
Valery N. Rakitskii ◽  
Tatiana M. Epishina ◽  
Elena G. Chkhvirkiya
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
The Body ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Acute Oral Toxicity ◽  
Oral Toxicity ◽  
High Biological Activity ◽  
Experimental Animals ◽  
Technical Product ◽  
White Rats ◽  
Toxicological Studies

Introduction. Historically, pesticides are evaluated more strictly from a medical point of view than other chemicals. Since their features, such as deliberate introduction into the environment, the possibility of contact with them by large masses of the population, and the high biological activity determine their potential danger to humans. Purpose of research - study of the biological effect of a technical product derived from triazoles when it is repeatedly ingested orally in mammals (rats), establishment of inactive and active doses, justification of the permissible daily dose (DSD) for humans. Material and methods. In acute experiments, white rats were used, including 6 animals in the group. Tested dose: 500-4000 mg/kg of body weight. A chronic (12 months) experiment was performed on 80 male rats with a bodyweight of 180-190 g at the beginning of the study. Tested doses: 5.0; 16.0 and 55.0 mg/kg of body weight (1 control and 3 experimental animals, 20 individuals each). In the dynamics of the experiment, we observed the condition and behavior of animals, water, and food consumption, recorded the timing of death, changes in body weight, physiological, biochemical, and hematological indices. Results. Indices of the acute oral toxicity on the studied product LD50 male rats were 2250 ± 483 mg/kg body weight. The dose of 5.0 mg / kg of body weight was not found to cause significant changes in all studied indices. The doses of 16.0 and 55.0 mg/kg of body weight had a polytropic effect on the body in experimental animals. Discussion. The studied product for the acute oral toxicity refers to low-hazard compounds, the doses of 16.0 and 55.0 mg/kg of body weight has a polytropic effect on the mammalian body, causing changes in carbohydrate, lipid, and lipoprotein metabolism in the body of rats - was accepted as acting. The dose of 5.0 mg / kg of body weight, when administered in rats, there are no changes in all the studied parameters throughout the experiment, is accepted as invalid. Based on the inactive dose-5.0 mg/kg of body weight and taking into account the reserve factor of 100, we have scientifically justified DSD for a person at the level of 0.05 mg/kg. Summary. The conducted sanitary and Toxicological studies indicate the need to assess the toxicity of new technical products to the mammalian body, to increase the reliability of the developed hygiene standards in environmental objects and food products.

scholarly journals Preclinical evaluation of the veterinary drug “Amoxidev 15” for its use in surgical and obstetric practice

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (103) ◽  
pp. 109-115
Author(s):  
L.-M. Kostyshyn ◽  
R. Sachuk ◽  
Ye. Kostyshyn ◽  
O. Katsaraba
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Control Level ◽  
Subcutaneous Administration ◽  
The Body ◽  
Laboratory Animals ◽  
Veterinary Drug ◽  
Intragastric Administration ◽  
Toxicological Evaluation ◽  
White Rats

Suspension for injection “Amoxidev 15” is prescribed to fur-bearing animals (mink, fox), dogs and cats for the treatment of respiratory diseases (tonsillitis, tracheitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchopneumonia), digestive (gastritis, enteritis, enteritis). genitourinary systems (nephritis, urethritis, urocystitis, mastitis, metritis, agalactia), musculoskeletal system (arthritis, osteoarthritis, joint injuries, tendonitis, hoof lesions), skin and soft tissues (eczema, dermatitis) caused by sensitive drug by microorganisms, including colibacillosis, streptococcus, bronchopneumonia, etc. Toxicological evaluation of the veterinary drug “Amoxidev 15” under the conditions of acute and subacute toxicological experiments on a model of white rats. According to the results of an acute toxicological experiment with intragastric administration of the drug “Amoxidev 15” white rats DL50 could not be calculated because the death of laboratory animals was not detected within 14 days after administration. The maximum administered dose (in absolute weight of the drug) was 20000.0 mg/kg body weight, which allows to refer the drug to class VI toxicity of relatively harmless substances (DL50 > 15000 mg/kg body weight), and the degree of safety to class IV – low-hazard substances (DL50 > 5000 mg/kg). According to the results of an acute toxicological experiment with subcutaneous administration of the drug “Amoxidev 15” white rats DL50 could not be calculated because the death of laboratory animals was not detected within 14 days after administration, the maximum dose was 5000.0 mg/kg body weight, therefore, the drug “Amoxidev 15” when administered subcutaneously by toxicity can be classified as class VI substances relatively harmless (DL50 Subcut > 4500.0 mg/kg). When administered subcutaneously to white rats, the drug “Amoxidev 15” under conditions of subacute toxicological experiment in doses of 0.1–1.0 ml/kg does not cause hemo-, hepato- and nephrotoxic effects on the body of laboratory animals, although 3-day administration of the drug in a dose 1.0 ml/kg body weight caused an increase in the activity of hepatospecific enzymes ALT and AST by 12.5 and 11.1 % (P < 0.05), respectively, relative to the control, which was restored to the control level 7 days after cessation.

scholarly journals Особливості масометричних показників та морфологічних змін головного мозку статевозрілих щурів в умовах впливу на організм сульфатів міді, цинку та заліза

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
А. М. Романюк ◽  
Г. Ю Будко
Keyword(s):  
Copper Sulfate ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
The Body ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Relative Mass ◽  
Adult Rat ◽  
Applied Anatomy ◽  
Adult Rat Brain ◽  
Long Acting ◽  
The Brain

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ МАСОМЕТРИЧНИХ ПОКАЗНИКІВ ТА МОРФОЛОГІЧНИХ ЗМІН ГОЛОВНОГО МОЗКУ СТАТЕВОЗРІЛИХ ЩУРІВ В УМОВАХ ВПЛИВУ НА ОРГАНІЗМ СУЛЬФАТІВ МІДІ, ЦИНКУ ТА ЗАЛІЗА - З метою вивчення масометричних показників щурів та їх головного мозку за умов довготривалої дії (упродовж 90 діб) на організм сульфатів міді, цинку та заліза було проведено експеримент на 48 білих статевозрілих щурах-самцях масою 200-250 г віком 5-7 місяців. Застосовували анатомічні, статистичні та загальноприйняті методики мікроанатомічного методу дослідження. Встановлено, що комбінований вплив на організм сульфатів міді цинку та заліза чинить на головний мозок досить виражений токсичний ефект, що негативно позначається на масометричних показниках загальної маси щурів та маси головного мозку. Це свідчить про розвиток у головному мозку явищ гострого набряку з ознаками геморагічної інфільтрації. Ступінь вираження набряку зростає та досягає максимальних показників наприкінці експерименту.<br />ОСОБЕННОСТИ МАСОМЕТРИЧЕСКИХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ И МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ИЗМЕНЕНИЙ ГОЛОВНОГО МОЗГА ПОЛОВОЗРЕЛЫХ КРЫС В УСЛОВИЯХ ВОЗДЕЙСТВИЯ НА ОРГАНИЗМ СУЛЬФАТОВ МЕДИ, ЦИНКА И ЖЕЛЕЗА - С целью изучения масометрических показателей крыс и их головного мозга в условиях длительного действия (в течение 90 суток) на организм сульфатов меди, цинка и железа был проведен эксперимент на 48 белых половозрелых крысах-самцах массой 200250 г в возрасте 5-7 месяцев. Применялись анатомические, статистические и общепринятые методики микроанатомического метода исследования. Установлено, что комбинированное воздействие на организм сульфатов меди и цинка и железа оказывает на мозг достаточно выразительный токсический эффект, что отрицательно сказывается на массометрических показателях общего веса крыс и веса головного мозга. Это свидетельствует о развитии в головном мозге явлений острого отека с признаками геморрагической инфильтрации, степень выраженности которого максимальна в конце эксперимента.<br />FEATURES OF MASS INDICES AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN ADULT RAT BRAIN UNDER THE INFLUENCE ON THE BODY OF COPPER SULFATE, ZINC AND IRON - To study the performance of rats and their mass brain in long acting (for 90 days) on the body of copper sulfate, zinc and iron, an experiment was conducted on 48 white adult male rats weighing 200-250 gram, aged 5-7 months. There was applied anatomy, statistics and conventional techniques microanatomical research method. It was established that the combined effect on the body of copper and zinc sulphates and iron in the brain has enough expressive toxicity, which affects performance on the total weight of the rats and brain weight. This testifies to the development of brain edema, acute phenomena with signs of hemorrhagic infiltration. The severity of edema increases and reaches maximum performance at the end of the experiment.<br />Ключові слова: головний мозок, солі важких металів, відносна маса, коефіцієнт цефалізації.<br />Ключевые слова: головной мозг, соли тяжелых металлов, относительная масса, коэффициент цефа- лизации.<br />Key words: brain, salts of heavy metals, relative mass, ratio cephalization.

scholarly journals PENGARUH PEMBERIAN D-GALAKTOSA TERHADAP PERUBAHAN BERAT BADAN MENCIT JANTAN

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-116
Author(s):  
Indah Permata Sari ◽  
Muhammad Ichwan ◽  
Yahwardiah Siregar
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Oxidative Damage ◽  
The Body ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Male Mice ◽  
Milk Products ◽  
The Brain

D-galactose is aldohexose which occurs naturally in the body, including in the brain which is found in lactose disaccharides in honey, beets and milk products. Needed in the body for lactose formation during the process of lactogenesis. Provision of large amounts of D-galactose can cause oxidative damage to various tissues and organs. The purpose was to see changes in body weight in male rats after being given a D-galactose injection. Samples using male mice aged 8 weeks with a weight of ± 30 grams, the number of samples was 6 mice swiss webster strain. intra-peritoneal injection of D-galactose is given for 6 weeks every day (150 mg / kg / bb). The results of this study indicate that the statistical analysis is significant p <0.05 (p = 0.016). The conclusion after being given injection of D-galactose for 6 weeks every day intra peritoneally was found D-galactose had an effect on the weight gain of male mice.

scholarly journals PENGARUH PEMBERIAN EKSTRAK ETANOL KEMBANG SEPATU (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) TERHADAP JUMLAH SPERMATOZOA, BERAT BADAN, DAN BERAT TESTIS TIKUS JANTAN WISTAR (Rattus norvegicus)

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Nabila S Petta ◽  
Edwin De Queljoe ◽  
Rooije R.H. Rumende
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Rattus Norvegicus ◽  
Ethanol Extract ◽  
The Body ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
White Rats ◽  
Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Male Wistar Rats ◽  
Ethanol Extracts

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN EKSTRAK ETANOL KEMBANG SEPATU (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) TERHADAP JUMLAH SPERMATOZOA, BERAT BADAN, DAN       BERAT TESTIS TIKUS JANTAN WISTAR (Rattus norvegicus)ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemberian ekstrak etanol kembang sepatu terhadap jumlah spermatozoa tikus jantan wistar (Rattus norvegicus). Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) dengan menggunakan 24 ekor tikus putih jantan galur wistar (Rattus norvegicus) yang dibagi atas beberapa kelompok dimana kelompok 1 sebagai kelompok kontrol tanpa perlakuan, kelompok 2, 3 dan 4 sebagai kelompok perlakuan dengan dosis secara berturut-turut 3,6 mg/ml; 7,2 mg/ml; dan 14,4 mg/ml. Perlakuan diberikan secara oral sekali sehari sebanyak 1 ml selama 50 hari sesuai siklus spermatogenesis. Variabel yang diamati yakni jumlah sel spermatozoa, berat badan, dan berat testis. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak etanol kembang sepatu dapat menurunkan jumlah sel spermatozoa, serta menyebabkan adanya perbedaan berat badan dan berat testis namun, berdasarkan hasil analisis varians, ekstrak etanol daun kembang sepatu tidak dapat menurunkan jumlah sel spermatozoa, berat badan dan berat testis tikus putih jantan galur wistar (Rattus norvegicus) secara signifikan.Kata Kunci: Sel spermatozoa, Kembang sepatu (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.),                    Tikus jantan Wistar (Rattus novergicus) THE INFLUENCE OF THE ETHANOL EXTRACTS  OF GRANTING HIBISCUS (Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis L.) AGAINST THE NUMBER OF SPERMATOZOA, WEIGHT AND THE WEIGHT OF THE TESTES MALE WISTAR RATS (Rattus norvegicus) ABSTRACTThis research’s objective is to know the influence of injecting ethanol extract from a hibiscus into a number of common male rats (Rattus norvegicus). This research uses the approach of complete randomized design (CRD) onto 24 common white rats (Rattus norvegicus) that is divided into groups, where group 1’s approach is control without treatment, groups 2, 3, and 4’s approach is with treatment, with consecutive doses being 3.6 mg/ml; 7.2 mg/ml; and 14.4 mg/ml.  The treatment is induced orally as large as 1cc per day for a total of 50 days following the spermatogenesis cycle. The variables that are being observed are the amount of spermatozoon cells, body weight, and testicle weight. The results of this research indicates that ethanol extract from hibiscuses, from a quantity perspective, can decrease spermatozoon cells, and it may also influence the body weight and testicle weight of the subject, in this case are common rats (Rattus norvegicus) but, from the mathematical results from Analysis Of Variance, ethanol extract from the leaves of a hibiscus cannot decrease the amount of spermatozoon, body weight, and testicle weight  of a common white rat (Rattus norvegicus).Keywords: Spermatozoon Cells, Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.), Common (white) rat (Rattus novergicus)

scholarly journals Amorphous Selenium Nanoparticles Improve Vascular Function in Rats With Chronic Isocarbophos Poisoning via Inhibiting the Apoptosis of Vascular Endothelial Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moli Zhu ◽  
Zhitao Gao ◽  
Yutian Fu ◽  
Yue Qiu ◽  
Keke Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Vascular Function ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Vascular Dysfunction ◽  
Amorphous Selenium ◽  
Selenium Nanoparticles ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Intragastric Administration ◽  
Vascular Endothelial

AimThis study aimed to investigate the preventive effect and possible mechanism of amorphous selenium nanoparticles (A-SeQDs) on isocarbophos induced vascular dysfunction.MethodsA-SeQDs was made by auto redox decomposition of selenosulfate precursor. Male rats were given isocarbophos (0.5 mg/kg/2 days) by intragastric administration for 16 weeks to induce vascular dysfunction. During the course, A-SeQDs (50 mg/kg/day) was added to the water from week 5. Then, the rats were killed to observe and test the influence of A-SeQDs on the vascular dysfunction induced by isocarbophos. Finally, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with 10% DMEM of isocarbophos (100 μM) for 5 days to detect the related indexes. Before the use of isocarbophos treatment, different drugs were given.ResultsA-SeQDs could reduce total carbon dioxide, MDA, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, IL-1, and IL-6 while increasing oxygen saturation, NO content, and SOD activity in rats. A-SeQDs also resulted in relatively normal vascular morphology, and the expression of sodium hydrogen exchanger 1 (NHE1) and caspase-3 decreased in rats. Furthermore, in HUVECs treated with isocarbophos, A-SeQDs maintained mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibited the cleaved caspase-3 expression, and released cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytosol.ConclusionA-SeQDs can inhibit the apoptosis of HUVECs through the mitochondrial pathway, and effectively treat the impairment of vascular endothelial function caused by isocarbophos, which is NHE1-dependent.

scholarly journals COMMUNIST CAROTIC ARTERY CLOSURE DURATION EFFECT ON WISTAR WHITE RATS MOTORIC

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (Volume 1 No 2) ◽  
pp. 153-164
Author(s):  
Daswara Djajasasmita ◽  
Hindung Sa'adah ◽  
Miftahudin
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Carotid Arteries ◽  
The Body ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Motor Functions ◽  
White Rats ◽  
Duration Effect ◽  
The Brain

The carotid artery consists of two carotid arteries, namely the dextra communist artery and the sinistra, the main blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain, the basal ganglia, which have the function of regulating the motor functions of the body. The communal carotid arteries blocked flow can cause brain ischemia. It is due to hypoxia due to a lack of oxygen supply carried by the brain, resulting in motor body function disorders, incredible blockages in the carotid arteries that supply blood to the brain, and neurons as regulators of motor functions. The research is a literature study that has relevance to the formulation of the problem meets the criteria and research objectives to determine the effect of the length of the blockage of the arteries of the carotid artery of the communist to the motor function of the Wistar strain rats. The results of a literature review or literature studies in some previous scientific research journals indicate if the blockage of the arteries of the communal carotid arteries affects the disruption of motor function caused by hypoxia and damage to neurons and brain tissue in motor neurons. The conclusion is that the blockage and the duration of blockage of the communal carotid arteries affect motor function.

scholarly journals Modern understanding of pathogenesis of periodontal diseases and prospects of modulation therapy (literature review)

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 730-738
Author(s):  
V. M. Zubachyk ◽  
O. A. Petryshyn ◽  
O. V. Zubachyk
Keyword(s):  
Close Contact ◽  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Pathological Process ◽  
Term Treatment ◽  
The Body ◽  
Periodontal Pathogens ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
Effective Drugs

Aim. To study scientific literature which covers the onset and course of major periodontal diseases and possible methods of body modulation for such patients. To analyze the information provided by the modern scientific researches of periodontal diseases pathogenesis and treatment results to outline prospective directions of therapeutic influence on the patient’s organism. Conclusions. The pathogenesis of gingivitis and periodontitis is determined by some factors, the main of which are local, microorganisms in particular, that are counteracted by the immune system. Periodontal tissue is in close contact with the organs and systems of the body. Their diseases significantly affect the course, treatment and prevention of periodontitis. This requires a multifaceted approach and the choice of the most effective drugs. The primary strategy of preventing gingivitis is to eliminate the attachment of periodontal pathogens to the epithelium and surface of the teeth to prevent the penetration of microorganisms and their toxins through natural protective barriers. It is more important to resort to biological approaches using probiotics, as well as other natural media in order to prevent dysbiosis, long-term treatment, and maintenance therapy. The concept of vaccination against periodontitis is now being elaborated. Correction of the pathological process in the periodontium is considered in the context of the overall biological response of the organism. Therefore, the assessment of the role of its regulators reveals not only the features of local mechanisms, modulation pathways, but also the choice of effective drugs. Prospects of new approaches and introduction of highly effective drugs are critically analyzed.

The Physical Basis of Mental Disease

1912 ◽  
Vol 58 (242) ◽  
pp. 465-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivy Mackenzie
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disease ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Pathological Process ◽  
The Body ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Mental Processes ◽  
Nervous Disease ◽  
Perfect Adaptation ◽  
The Mind ◽  
The Brain

In bringing forward some evidence which would point to the biological course followed by some forms of nervous disease to be considered, I would first of all accept as a working hypothesis two generalisations which apply to all forms of disease. The first of these generalisations is that there is essentially no difference in kind between a physiological and a pathological process. The distinction is an arbitrary one; the course of disease is distinguished from that of health only in so far as it tends to compromise the continuation of a more or less perfect adaptation between the organism and its surroundings. There is no tendency in Nature either to kill or to cure; she is absolutely impartial as to the result of a conflict between organisms and a host; and it is a matter of complete indifference to her as to whether toxins are eliminated or not. In the same way diseases of the mind are the manifestation of a perfectly natural relation of the organism, such as it is, to the environment. If the mental processes are abnormal, it goes without saying that the brain must be acting abnormally whether the stimuli to abnormal action originate in the brain itself or in some other part of the body. For example, if a child with pneumonia be suffering from delirium and hallucinations, as is not infrequently the case, this must be considered a perfectly natural outcome of the relation of the brain to its environmental stimuli outside and inside the organism. The actual stimuli may originate in the intestine from masses of undigested food and the stimuli may play on the brain rendered hypersensitive by the toxins from the lungs; the process and its manifestations, as well as the final outcome, are matters in which nature plays an impartial part. It cannot be admitted that there is any form of nervous disease which does not come under this generalisation. It has been argued by some authorities that because insidious forms of insanity are marked only by the slightest variation from the normal course of mental life, and that because the mental abnormalities are only modifications, and often easily explainable modifications, of normal mental processes, that the so-called insanity originates in these processes, and not in the material substratum of the organism. The fallacy of such an interpretation is obvious; it is tantamount to saying that slight albuminuria is the cause underlying early disease of the kidneys, or that a slight ódema may have something to do with the origin of circulatory disease. It is only natural that in the milder forms of mental disease the abnormal manifestations of brain activity should resemble normal mental processes; and even in the most advanced forms of mental disease there must be a close resemblance between abnormal ideation and conduct and perfectly normal ideation and behaviour. Even in advanced cases of Bright's disease the urinary elimination is more normal than abnormal; the abnormal constituents do not differ so much in kind as in degree from those of urine from healthy kidneys. It is not to be expected that in kidney disease bile or some other substance foreign to the organ would be the chief constituent of the eliminated fluid. The signs of insanity in any given case are the natural products of normal brain action mingled with the products of abnormal action. This does not, of course, preclude the possibility that under certain circumstances these abnormal products, such as delusions, hallucinations and perverted conduct, may not themselves be the direct stimuli to further abnormalities. The suicidal character of pathological processes is well seen in other organs of the body. A diseased heart, for example, is its own worst enemy; it not only fails to supply sufficient nutrition to the rest of the organism, but it starves itself by its inability to contract and expand properly, thereby increasing its own weakness. In the same way, certain phenomena of abnormal brain processes are in all probability due to the recoil on the brain of its own abnormal products in the matter of ideation and conduct.

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