(1) Continuous recording of the electrocardiogram during and after the double Master's two step test has been done by using the EEP lead system proposed by LaDue et al. The 3 points C₄, C₅ and C₆ were used as probe.
(2) The propriety of the EEP central terminal was verified by the similarity of its lead vector with that of the Wilson central terminal applying Frank's image surface.
(3) It is observed that horizontal or sagging depressions induced by exercise are always preceded by junctional depressions, in which the ST-segment draws a curve with upward concavity back to the isoelectric line, and ST depression of ischemic type returned to the zero level without passing through the stage of junctional depression.
(4) The electrocardiogram taken at a few minutes after the cessation of exercise have more important values than those during exercise in respect of the ischemic depressions.

View full abstract

In order to clarify the contribution of humoral factors on blood pressure changes produced by cerebral stimulation, successive determination of arterial catecholamine content by fluorimetric method was performed.
(1) Prolongation of blood pressure elevation after the stimulation of the central nervous system was due to an increase in catecholamine (especially epinephrine) release from the adrenals, to which the stimulus reached through the greater splanchnic nerves. This conclusion was drawn from the following experiments.
(i) Catecholamine secretion was remarkable in the cases that showed a prolonged blood pressure elevation after cessation of the stimulation.
(ii) Ligation of the adrenal veins and section of the greater splanchnic nerves inhibited both the prolonged elevation of blood pressure and the catecholamine secretion.
(iii) The blood pressure changes by the stimulation of the greater splanchnic nerves and the intravenous injection of epinephrine simulated the prolonged elevation of blood pressure after the central nervous stimulation.
(2) The increase in arterial catecholamine content was transient despite a persistent elevation of blood pressure after the stimulation.
(3) Biphasic pressor response and catecholamine secretion were remarkable on stimulation of the central gray stratum of the midbrain and its adjacent area.

View full abstract

The carbohydrate and lipid metabolism along with the effects of epinephrine, insulin and hydrocortisone on it were investigated in rat heart slices using C¹⁴-labeled glucose and palmitate-l-C¹⁴, in order to clarify the mode of action of such hormones on the myocardial metabolism as well as to verify the existence and the role of the oxidative pentose pathway. The results obtained were as follows:
(1) Epinephrine depressed the oxygen consumption, the oxidative pentose pathway and the oxidation of palmitate-l-C¹⁴. However, the Embden-Meyerhof pathway was hardly affected by epinephrine.
(2) Insulin facilitated the oxygen consumption and the glucose metabolism, but the Embden-Meyerhof pathway was stimulated more than the oxidative pentose pathway by the addition of insulin. On the other hand, the oxidation of palmitate-l-C¹⁴ was depressed by insulin.
(3) Hydrocortisone did not show any uniform effects on the carbo-hydrate metabolism of the resting normal rat heart muscle, however, the oxidation of palmitate-l-C¹⁴ was suppressed by the addition of hydrocortisone.
(4) Palmitate-l-C¹⁴ was utilized by the heart muscle for fuel as well as carbohydrates.
(5) The heart muscle was again confirmed, by means of the addition of hormones, to catabolize glucose via both the Embden-Meyerhof pathway and the oxidative pentose pathway.
(6) Comparing the effects of hormones on the metabolism of the normal rat heart slices with those of other organs or tissues, the peculiarity of the heart muscle was briefly discussed.

View full abstract

The survey on the normal values of electrocardiograms of the Japanese was conducted by Committee on the Criteria of Heart Diseases and Electrocardiogram. Electrocardiographic records from 1, 329 Japanese people over 15 years of age, who were considered to be clinically normal, were analyzed according to age and sex. Among the various electrocardiographic component parts, 14 items were measured in the standard leads, unipolar extremity leads and precordial leads. The mean value, maximum value and minimum value were listed according to the items, age and sex. The standard deviation was calculated in some items. The normal range of electrocardiographic items and their difference with sex and age were discussed.

View full abstract

A case was presented of cholesterol pericarditis of unknown origin. The patient had been free of complaints for the past 10 years with hugecardiac silhouette. Intrapericardial administration of prednisolone was found to have a little effect on fluid accumulation. The postoperative course of pericardiectomy was unfavorable in this case.

View full abstract