Coronary artery distribution in Macaca fascicularis (Cynomolgus)

The studies were performed using stereomicroscopic dissection, and light microscopy examination on hearts of healthy and fertile non-human primates (Macaca fascicularis) of both sexes. The results indicate that the anatomy of the coronary arteries offers points of similarity as well as departure from humans. The blood supply to the hearts was by left (LCA) and right (RCA) coronary arteries. The LCA averaged 1.78 +/- 0.29 (SD) mm (range 1.40-2.40 mm) in external diameter at its origin, and 4.34 +/- 1.29 (SD) mm (range 1.8-6.5 mm) in length. It usually terminated by dividing into a left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the circumflex branch (CXA). The CXA branch coursed along the left part of the atrioventricular groove and gave off a varying number of branches to the left ventricle and atrium along its course. It averaged 1.14 +/- 0.30 (SD) mm (range 0.70-1.70 mm) in external diameter at its origin. The LAD averaged 1.28 +/- 0.25 (SD) mm (range 0.90 +/- 1.80 mm) in external diameter at its origin. In 73% cases the LAD continued over the apex to course dorsally in the posterior interventricular groove, and gave off a varying number of diagonal and septal branches. The RCA arose from the right aortic sinus and coursed along the right part of the atrioventricular groove and averaged 0.94 +/- 0.15 (SD) mm (range 0.70-1.20 mm) in external diameter at its origin. The posterior descending coronary artery (PDCA) arose from the LCA in 55% of the cases, and from the RCA in 45%. Myocardial bridges (MB) were present in 54% of the hearts and over the LCA branches exclusively. The average length of all MB was 5.68 +/- 3.31 (SD)mm (range 2.4-11.5 mm). The coronary arteries of Macaca fascicularis are medium sized muscular arteries with well developed tunics intima, media and adventitia, and so resemble human arteries more closely than the dog. Therefore, we suggest this primate species might be a useful model for physiological studies on the coronary circulation

Comparative post-mortem study of cavum septi pellucidi in alcoholics, schizophrenics and aggressive persons

The appearance of cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) has been already connected with developmental disorders or with serious psychiatric diseases (schizophrenia, maniac-depressive disorder; aggressiveness or similar). During our investigation of CSP, group of alcoholics seemed to be interesting for investigation and comparison with the groups of schizophrenics and people with violent behavior: We obtained CSP in 205 out of 670 fixed brains (429 male and 241 female) of persons aged from l4 to 89 (mean ~ SD: 53.28 ~16.57), 85 cava belonged to our group of interest. Prevalence of CSP in aforementioned groups was significantly higher than in the rest of examined population. Only in the group of 20 to 39 years of age all kinds of obtained pathologies were present. Alcoholics with CSP suffered from cardiovascular diseases and died accidentally and aggressive persons were the only drug addicts in our examined group and they had the shortest life span. 34 out of 4l schizophrenics had no data about prior diseases and disorders and they were the ones who committed suicide frequently. Intensive demyelinization of corpus callosum and transformation of potential space between laminae of septum pellucidum to the actual one could explain the CSP appearance among alcoholics. To our opinion, cavum septi pellucidi might be used as an additional marker of organic brain changes in long term alcohol abuse, as a consequence of demyelinization due to lipolytic effect of ethanol, and lower cerebral blood flow

The legal and ethical framework governing Body Donation in Europe - A review of current practice and recommendations for good practice

Discussions at the inaugural meeting of a Trans-European Pedagogic Research Group for Anatomical Sciences highlighted the fact that there exist considerable variations in the legal and ethical frameworks throughout Europe concerning body bequests for anatomical examination. Such differences appear to reflect cultural and religious variations as well as different legal and constitutional frameworks. For example, there are different views concerning the "ownership" of cadavers and concerning the need (perceived by different societies and national politicians) for legislation specifically related to anatomical dissection. Furthermore, there are different views concerning the acceptability of using unclaimed bodies that have not given informed consent. Given that in Europe there have been a series of controversial anatomical exhibitions and also a public (televised) dissection/autopsy, and given that the commercial sale or transport of anatomical material across national boundaries is strongly debated, it would seem appropriate to "harmonise" the situation (at least in the European Union). This paper summarises the legal situation in a variety of European countries and suggests examples of good practice. In particular, it recommends that all countries should adopt clear legal frameworks to regulate the acceptance of donations for medical education and research. It stresses the need for informed consent, with donors being given clear information upon which to base their decision, intentions to bequest being made by the donor before death and encourages donors to discuss their wishes to bequeath with relatives prior to death. Departments are encouraged, where they feel it appropriate, to hold Services of Thanksgiving and Commemoration for those who have donated their bodies. Finally, there needs to be legislation to regulate transport of bodies or body parts across national borders and a discouragement of any moves towards commercialisation in relation to bequests