The use of high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the separation of radiolabeled arachidonic acid and its metabolites produced by thrombin-treated human platelets. II. Establishment of optimal assay conditions.

We have utilized HPLC to develop optimal conditions for assaying the transformation of arachidonic acid in thrombin-treated human platelets. In the presence of increasing amounts of albumin, the total amount of radioactivity released from thrombin-treated platelets pre-labeled with 3H-arachidonic acid is first enhanced and then inhibited. Maximal release, reflecting primarily enhanced amounts of free labeled arachidonic acid, occurs at a final albumin concentration of 0.5 mg/ml. Calcium promoted the release of all radiolabeled metabolites, but it specifically enhanced HETE formation and release. Magnesium was without effect. Cyclo-oxygenase derived products constituted the bulk of released label at short time intervals, but after ten minutes exposure to thrombin in the presence of albumin (0.5 mg/ml) and 3 mM calcium, radioactivity in the released products was equally distributed among cyclo-oxygenase derived products (TXB2 + PGD2 + HHT), HETE and free arachidonic acid.


Conformational requirements at the prostaglandin cyclooxygenase receptor site: a template for designing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

When space-filling models of the peroxy radical precursor of PGG were compared with models of 2(S)-(3-chloro-4-cyclohexylphenyl) propionic acid and other acidic cyclooxygenase inhibitors several common structural features were revealed. This led us to propose a template for designing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) based on the conformation of the peroxy radical immediately prior to its cyclisation to PGG. The template can be equated with a complementary cyclooxygenase receptor site.


Increased renal tubular synthesis of prostaglandins in the rabbit kidney in response to ureteral obstruction.

The hydronephrotic rabbit kidney exhibits elevated basal prostaglandin synthesis and supersensitivity to peptide stimulation of vascular prostaglandin and thromboxane formation. In this study the distribution of the prostaglandin-forming cyclooxygenase in hydronephrotic and contralateral rabbit kidneys following one and four day ureteral obstructions was compared using immunohistofluorescence. No alterasions were detected in the distribution or intensity of cyclooxygenase-positive fluorescence in the renal vasculature in response to ureteral obstructions. However, two significant differences were noted between hydronephrotic and contralateral kidneys in the staining of renal tubules: (a) the intensity of fluorescent staining in cortical and medullary collecting tubules of the hydronephrotic kidney was increased and (b) cyclooxygenase antigenicity appeared in the thin limbs of Henle's loop in the hydronephrotic organ. Although alterations in prostaglandin formation by the renal vasculature have been documented previously, our results indicate that ureteral obstruction also causes increased prostaglandin synthesis by renal tubules.


12-L-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid, a chemotactic fatty acid, is incorporated into neutrophil phospholipids and triglyceride.

Platelets contain a lipoxygenase which converts arachidonic acid to 12-L-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) which has been shown to be chemotactic for human neutrophils and eosinophils. [14C]-12-HETE was biosynthesized, purified and incubated at a concentration of 1 micro M with human neutrophils. Lipids were extracted from the neutrophils and the media, and the radiolabeled products identified. 26 percent of the radiolabel was found in the cells after 30 min incubation, essentially all of it esterified into phospholipid and triglyceride. The radiolabeled phospholipids and triglycerides were transesterified and the liberated fatty acid was identified as [14C]-12-HETE. This is the first demonstration of direct alteration of membrane components by a chemotactic agent and may be an example of a more generalized mechanism for altering membrane characteristics.


Adriamycin inhibits Ca permeability and Ca-dependent K movements in red blood cells.

Normal human red blood cells show a prompt, large increase in K permeability when their cytoplasmic Ca concentration is increased by various in vitro manipulations. Adriamycin, in concentrations greater than 0.02 mM, inhibits this response. Although the mechanism of adriamycin's action is not clear, experiments with dog red blood cells suggest that the drug inhibits passive Ca permeability. The importance of Ca-gated K movements in red blood cells is obscure, but in excitable tissues such ion currents play an important role in membrane repolarization. The influence of adriamycin on this ion conductance pathway may be related to the acute cardiotoxic and neurotoxic effects of the drug.


Measurement of radial immunodiffusion plates with a scanning densitometer.

Measurement of the diameters of the precipitation rings in radial immunodiffusion plates with a scanning densitometer is described. Data obtained by scanning were compared with a conventional visual method of measurement and although the differences were statistically significant, the differences were small and there was no basis for determining which method was a more accurate estimation of concentration. It was concluded that the scanning method, which uses equipment present in most clinical pathology laboratories, is an acceptable alternative method for measuring radial immunodiffusion.


Increased level of L-ascorbic acid in the plasma of poly-chlorobiphenyls-treated rats and its inhibition by dietary vitamin E.

One-month-old male rats were fed a basal vitamin E deficient diet with or without 100 ppm vitamin E supplementation for 11 weeks and were injected intraperitoneally with either 500mg/kg body weight of polychlorobiphenyls (PCB) in sesame oil or equivalent amount of sesame oil. Five days after PCB treatment, the level of total L-ascorbic acid in the plasma of vitamin E deficient rats increased 69% (p less than 0.001) as compared with 26% (p less than 0.01) of the supplemented group. The dehydro form of ascorbic acid increased 111% (p less than 0.001) and 33% (p less than 0.01), respectively, in the plasma of PCB treated rats maintained on the vitamin E deficient and supplemented diets. The levels of reduced ascorbic acid and of vitamin E in plasma were not significantly altered by PCB in both groups of animals. The results suggest that dietary vitamin E may modify cellular susceptibility to PCB toxicity.


Tupaias (tree shrews)--a new animal model for gallstone research; first observations of gallstones.

In tupaias, rat-sized mammals with phylogenetic affinities to insectivores and primates, gallstones can be induced by diet. Twenty per cent butter, 20% sucrose, and 1% cholesterol, added to the standard diet, caused massive stone formation in 11 of 16 male tupaias. In the other five animals the bile contained cholesterol crystals or few stones, liquid crystals, and fat droplets. The stones were composed almost totally of cholesterol and closely resembled those described in squirrel monkeys, which had been fed a similar diet. The diet caused neither a change in body weight nor serious diarrhea or any other conceivable illness of the experimental animals. Only liver weight and liver fat content increased. No spontaneous gallstones were found in 200 healthy animals, which had been fed standard diet. In sick animals cystine stones or a soft concrement of undefined organic material were observed. Tupaia, thus, represents a suitable and convenient animal model for gallstone research.


Unconjugated thyroxine and triiodothyronine in urine: influence of age, sex, drugs and thyroid function.

The 24 h urinary excretion (dU) of T4 and T3, determined by radioimmunoassays using extraction and separation on Sephadex columns, is higher in men than in women (mean dU-T4 and dU-T3 +/- 2 SD: 2.6 +/- 0.9 vs. 2.2 +/- 1.0 and 2.5 +/- 1.0 vs. 2.0 +/- 0.8 nmol, respectively). The excretion of T3 decreases with age, but expressed relatively to dU-creatinine there is no effect of age and sex. Children have increased T4 and T3 to creatinine excretion ratios and neonates excrete predominantly T4. Oestrogens, acute salicylate loading and diurnal variation yielded results, which were at variance with the hypothesis that dU-T4 and dU-T3 mirror corresponding free hormone concentrations in serum, and there was only a weal positive correlation to total serum hormones in thyrotoxicosis as well. General clinical use of urine T4 and T3 is obviated by poor diagnostic discrimination and inherent analytical and interpretative disadvantages.


Determination of free thyroid hormone fractions using a simple T3-uptake test.

Results from a simple, fast and inexpensive Sephadex T3-uptake test (T3U) have been compared to free fractions of serum thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) determined by a dialysis procedure in forty-six sera from hypothyroids, 154 sera from euthyroids and ninety-one sera from hyperthyroids. Sera with high TBG levels were included in these groups. A second order correlation (r = 0.90) was found between T3U and free T4 and T3 fractions. The T3U had a low diagnostic value for all three groups. Free hormone indices calculated as the product between the T4 or T3 and T3U were linearly correlated to total free T4 (r = 0.94) and total free T3 (r = 0.96) if these are less than 2.5 times the upper nu described.


Abnormal thyroid function tests in devere non-thyroidal illness: diagnostic and pathophysiologic aspects.

In vitro thyroid function tests were studied in twenty-three patients with serious non-thyroidal illness. All had reduced protein binding of serum thyroxine (T4) and serum triiodothyronine (T3) as reflected in increased T4 and T3 uptake tests. The mean T4-binding prealbumin (TBPA) capacity and concentration were about one third the normal levels, whereas the decrease in R4-binding globulin (TBG) was much smaller. Increased serum free fatty acids and reverse T3 were frequently observed, but in vitro displacement of thyroid hormones from their binding sites was achieved only with much high concentrations of these compounds. Other still unrecognized substances significantly inhibiting binding of thyroid hormones might, however, occur in sera of severely ill patients. Evidence in favour of this possibility was the disproportionately high serum T4 by TBG-binding assay relative to T4 by radioimmunoassay. In most of the patients the dual-stage free T4 was elevated, whereas the single-stage free T4 index (CT4I) was within the reference interval. However, neither of these indices reflected the moderately increased dialysable free T4 concentration very accurately. The free T3 index was depressed in most of the patients, whereas the dialysable free T3 concentration was not affected. For practical purposes the combination of normal serum T4 and CT4I in a severely ill patient indicates absence of an associated thyrometabolic disorders.


A sensitive enzyme immunoassay for the quantitation of human IgM.

A highly sensitive and specific two-site solid-phase enzyme immunoassay for the quantitation of human immunoglobulin M (IgM) in biological fluids is presented. Detection limit is 20 micrograms/l (12 ng/tube). Routine working range is 30--1000 micrograms/l. Between-assay coefficient of variation is 10%. The assay allows quantitation of IgM in human cerebrospinal fluid.


Solubilization and preliminary characterization of the human ileal vitamin B12-intrinsic factor receptor.

The human ileal intrinsic factor receptor was solubilized with Triton X-100 using an improved method originally devised for the porcine receptor. At pH 7.4 and in the presence of Ca2+ the receptor bound the vitamin B12 complexes of normal human and pig intrinsic factor but not that of an abnormal biologically inert human intrinsic factor. EGTA dissociated vitamin B12-intrinsic factor from the receptor complexes. The solubilized vitamin B12-intrinsic factor receptor complex consisted of three to four molecular species termed HC-L, HC-20 S, HC-12 S and HC-8.5 S (the three last-mentioned referring to sedimentation coefficients). Of these HC-20 S was the dominating component and had a Stokes radius of 18 nm. Radioactive calcium was shown to be bound to vitamin B12-intrinsic factor and to be contained in its complex with the receptor.


The influence of the buffer on maintenance of tissue lipid in specimens for scanning electron microscopy.

Preparations of tissues and cells for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) fixed with glutaraldehyde (G CHO) buffered in either Na-cacodylate or Piperazine-N-N' bis (20-ethanol sulfonic acid) (PIPES) differ in their morphology. The influence of the nature of these buffers in the tissue fixing and washing solutions on appearance in scanning electron microscopy is described. Biochemical determinations of lipid retention were performed on frog and chick embryos fixed for 24 hours with 3% G CHO in either 0.03 and 0.1 M PIPES (ph. 7.3) or 0.1 M Na-cacodylate (ph. 7.3). Embryonic tissue was chosen for its relatively high lipid content and delicacy which may be expected to enhance the sensitivity at which buffer effects become apparent. The comparable small and uniform sizes of the embryos minimize differences in fixation quality due to penetration. Lipid, recovered from homogenized tissue after treatment with chloroform/methanol/water (1:2.1:1, v/v) was considered as retained. The extraction results, which showed a significant reduction of lipid losses when PIPES buffer was used, are taken to account for the morphological differences observed in SEM and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).


Scanning electron microscopy of infective endocarditis.

As part of a study of the development of infective endocarditis in ncarcotic addicts, we sought to establish the feasibility of using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to view the surface characteristics of human heart valves obtained at autopsy. Normal and infected heart valves from humans and animals were obtained at autopsy, fixed in formalin, and processed for SEM. Parallel samples from immediately adjacent regions were processed for light microscopy. Active and healed endocarditis were readily recognizable by SEM, and the observations correlated well with those made by light microscopy. The advantage of SEM in the study of endocarditis is that it provides significant information about damage to the endocardial surface across the entire valve. The relative proportions of fibrin, platelets, leukocytes, exposed stromal connective tissue and bacteria on the surface of a lesion can easily be analysed. SEM may prove particularly useful in the study of the pathogenesis of the early lesions of infective endocarditis on previously "undamaged" valves.


The prevalence of group B streptococci in human urogenital secretions.

Urogenital secretions from a total of 510 patients (153 female and 151 male venereological patients, 123 gynaecological patients and 83 gynaecologically normal women) have been examined for group B streptococci (B-str.) and gonococci. The prevalence of B-str. (32%) among the female venereological patients was significantly higher than among the gynaecological patients (21.1%) and normal women (18.0%). Urethral samples gave a higher recovery rate of B-str. than cervical samples. A significant correlation was demonstrated between the presence of B-str. and the diagnosis of vaginitis in the gynaecological material. Fermentation types of B-str. isolated from urogenital patients differed considerably from the types prevalent in bovine isolates.


Peritonitis with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in hospital patients treated with peritoneal dialysis.

From December 1976 to July 1977 Pseudomonas aeruginosa was cultured from the dialysate of 8 hospital patients on peritoneal dialysis. Seven of the cases occurred within 1 month. The source of the epidemic was a water bath used to preheat the dialysis fluids before start of dialysis. Six patients developed a severe protracted peritonitis with Ps. aeruginosa. Continuous peritoneal dialysis with antibiotics added to the dialysis fluid did not eradicate infection, but after removal of the catheters signs of peritonitis subsided rapidly in all patients. In conclusion, water baths used for this purpose should be replaced by dry-heat incubators.


Chemotherapy of chronic infections with mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa in lower airways of patients with cystic fibrosis.

The bacteriological effect of chemotherapy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Ps.ae.) in lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis is reviewed. During a 5-year period 49 children and adults were treated with 190 courses of different antibiotics. The mucoid strains of Ps.ae. disappeared in 72.0% of the courses in which a combination of tobramycin and carbenicillin was employed. Tobramycin given alone had only bacteriological effect in 26.6% of the courses. Colimycin alone or in combination with carbenicillin had no effect. In 18 patients who received subsequent courses of tobramycin and combination of tobramycin and carbenicillin a significant difference in favour of the combination therapy was found, also in cases with many precipitins against Ps.ae. in serum. In 74.5% of the initially successful courses the patients were recolonized with Ps.ae. within 1 month. No nephrotoxic or ototoxic side effects were demonstrated in spite of the high doses of tobramycin (10 mg/kg/24 h) emmployed and the repeated courses.


Effect of phenoxymethylpenicillin and clindamycin on the oral, throat and faecal microflora of man.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin in capsules was given orally in doses of 800 mg twice daily for 7 days to 10 subjects. Saliva, throat and faecal specimens were taken up to 29 days for cultivation of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. No changes in the normal flora in saliva, throat or faeces were noticed during the observation period. Clindamycin was given orally in doses of 150 mg 4 times daily to 10 other subjects. No changes in the aerobic oral flora were observed, while a significant decrease in the number of anaerobic bacteria occurred. In 2 volunteers, overgrowth of clindamycin-resistant clostridia were seen from days 4--16 in one and from days 2--7 in the other. The throat flora showed changes similar to the oral flora. Pronounced changes in the aerobic and anaerobic faecal bacterial flora occurred. Thus among the aerobes enterococci proliferated and among the anaerobes significant decreases in the number of cocci and gram-negative rods were noticed. In 4 subjects, clindamycin-resistant clostridia increased 4log. One of them developed diarrhoea and harboured an unidentified toxin-producing clostridial strain rather similar to Clostridium difficile.


Granulomatous glomerulonephritis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis treated with gold salts.

The clinical course of rheumatoid arthritis in the patient described was characterized by two episodes of microhaematuria, both occurring shortly after the administration of gold salt. The second of these episodes developed into progressive renal failure. Renal biopsy disclosed a rarely described granulomatous glomerulonephritis. Various known pathogenic mechanisms of renal injury are evaluated concerning their applicability in this patient. However, although it is believed that the gold salt therapy was the main agent in the pathogenesis of this fatal renal complication, the mechanism whereby such a pathogenesis proceeded remains unclear.


Role of Aspergillus and Candida species in allergic bronchopulmonary mycoses. A comparative study.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and allergic bronchopulmonary candidiasis (ABPC) has been diagnosed in 20 and 13 cases respectively with one case in common, on the basis of laboratory and clinical findings. Most of the ABPA cases (60%) diagnosed had an early onset of respiratory symptoms, i.e. below the age of 30 years, while most of ABPC cases (69%) had a late onset of respiratory symptoms, i.e. after the age of 30 years. The precipitin bands in ABPA and ABPC were R-type and H-type, respectively. Apparently, ABPA and ABPC are independent of one another in origin as suggested by specific precipitins and dual skin reaction. In ABPA, A. fumigatus appears to be the primary causal organism although the contributory role of other species of Aspergillus, which include A. flavus, A. nidulans, A. terreus and A. niger, is evident from the present study. It is concluded that allergic bronchopulmonary mycoses (ABPM) could be caused by several fungal species independently or jointly belonging to the genera Asperigillus and Candida.


Further study of Rh, Kell, Duffy, P, MN, Lewis and Gerbiech blood groups of the Thais.

Blood and saliva from unselected blood donors at the Blood Bank, Siriraj Hospital were studied. Two Kell positive, two Rh negative and one Gerbiech negative were found, which could be considered as rare blood type in Thailand. The commonest Rh gene complex was CDe (R11 and the presence of CDE (Rz) in this study are the usual pattern of people in Southeast Asia. Fya is very common as in other people of Asia. In the Lewis system, the incidence of Le (a + b -) was 28.48% which agree well with our previous report 30.9%. There were 410 out of 1,668, (23.17%) who were found to be Lea non-secretor and 95 of them have Lewis antibodies in their sera. Aberrant secretion patterns were also found in this study, 5 people were found to secrete A or B substances according to their blood groups but no H substance was detectable. Further investigation of Lewis groups and secretion in Thailand are needed.


The social nature of chronic disease and disability.

Recent epidemiologic data on the changing scope and distribution of chronic illness and disability in the United States is analyzed in terms of medical, social, and economic costs. Research findings regarding current gaps in health and social service delivery systems for patients and their families are reviewed. Implications and recommendations for public policy and program changes are discussed, including practice directions for social workers.


Membrane modulation in a methylotrophic bacterium Methylococcus capsulatus (Texas) as a function of growth substrate.

Methylococcus capsulatus (Texas), when grown on methane, undergoes with age a progressive degeneration of internal membrane structure with a simultaneous accumulation of intracellular inclusions. When M. capsulatus is grown on methanol, virtually no internal membranes are present but, instead, cells contain many intracellular droplets morphologically similar to inclusions in old methane-grown cells. Membranes are regenerated by the cells when a methanol-grown culture is transferred back to methane. The oxidative ability of methane- and methanol-grown cells was compared.


A 72-year-old woman was diagnosed as multiple myeloma. Her plasma contained IgG-cryoglobulin consisting of both kappa and lambda light chains and beta 1C/1A. Such unique cryoglobulinemia has been reported in 2 cases in the literature, but never in Japan.


The dosing schedule dependent toxicities of adriamycin in beagle dogs and rhesus monkeys.

The toxic effects of Adriamycin were studied following i.v. administration of from 10.0 mg/kg to 0.039 mg/kg (200--0.780 mg/m2) to beagle dogs, and from 5.83 mg/kg to 0.625 mg/kg (49.9--7.5 mg/m2) in rhesus monkeys by a variety of short and long term treatment schedules. 5 daily doses and 1 dose every 3 weeks were given for both species and, only in dogs, as single injections, 10 daily treatments and 5 daily doses followed by 9 days rest, repeated 3 times. In both species, short term administration of toxic doses caused weight losses, anorexia, diarrhea, atypical oesophageal and intestinal mucosa, bone marrow hypoplasia, lymphoid atrophy and alopecia. Specific adverse responses seen only in monkeys were hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, atypical buccal mucosa and reddish urinary pigmentation. Testicular degeneration and prostatic atrophy were produced in dogs. The triweekly treatment schedule caused an additional toxicity at lower doses. In both species a cardiotoxicity syndrome developed with pulmonary oedema and centrolobular hepatic necrosis, plus focal necrosis and vacuolization in cardiac myocytes. Clinical signs of cardiac dysfunction were EKG arrhythmias in dogs, and peripheral oedema, ascites and hydrothorax in monkeys.


Prevention of experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced intracranial arterial vasonecrosis with phosphodiesterase inhibitor phthalazinol (EG-626).

Experiments in monkeys have demonstrated that the chronic vasospasm and arterial injury reaction produced by subarachnoid blood injection can be prevented by treatment with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor phthalazinol. This protective effect, which is present even when the drug treatment is initiated after the subarachnoid blood injection, is presumed to occur because of the platelet inhibiting effect of phthalazinol.


Massive doses of steroids in cryogenic cerebral injury and edema.

Cryogenic lesions were produced in the brains of rhesus monkeys and the accompanying edema measured by quantitative chemical methods. No effect on this type of edema could be demonstrated in animals treated with massive doses of steroids.


Anticomplement and the indirect antiglobulin test.

We used 140 IgG complement-fixing blood group alloantibodies of 17 different specificities in tests to determine whether anticomplement antibodies are still necessary in antiglobulin reagents to be used in indirect antiglobulin tests. Anti-Rh and other IgG noncomplement fixing antibodies were excluded from the study. A polyspecific antiglobulin reagent that contained anti-IgG and anticomplement antibodies, and an anti-IgG reagent containing the same level of anti-IgG as the polyspecific one, were compared. Titrations with some of the antibodies were repeated with only the polyspecific reagent. With each antibody, studies were done with complement activation blocked, and compared with results in which it was allowed to proceed. We found that 42.9% of the antibodies were detected at a higher dilution, and 64.3% of them were detected with a higher titer score, when the poly-specific antiglobulin serum containing anticomplement antibodies was used. We conclude that anticomplement antibodies are indeed still essential for the correct performance of indirect antiglobulin tests.


Pretransfusion blood group serology. Limited value of the antiglobulin phase of the crossmatch when a careful screening test for unexpected antibodies is performed.

The limited value of the antiglobulin phase of the cross match when a careful antibody screening is performed was demonstrated by analyzing 73,407 compatibility tests for 23,857 patients. By the blood grouping and screening of these patients, 178 cases were detected with unexpected blood group antibodies that had not been previously observed. Unexpected antibodies were detected in an additional 13 patients by the saline phase of the cross-match. In addition, the antiglobulin phase disclosed only one patient with a very weak anti-Lea and two patients whose sera gave doubtful reactions, possibly representing antibodies, but too weak to be identified.


An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting IgG sensitized erythrocytes.

This paper describes an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for detecting IgG sensitized erythrocytes utilizing a commercially available anti-human IgG conjugated with alkaline phosphatase. Erythrocyte hemolysis in the assay was minimized by dissolving the p-nitrophenyl phosphate substrate in a carbonate-bicarbonate buffer. Nonspecific absorption of the enzyme conjugate to erythrocytes and glassware was reduced by adding 1% bovine serum albumin to wash solutions. Assay sensitivity was increased with greater concentrations of enzyme conjugate and erythrocytes in the incubation stage. The sensitivity of the described ELISA procedure is approximately equal to that of the standard antiglobulin test. Some possible future applications of ELISA in the blood bank are discussed.


[Hemorrhagic syndrome after transfusion of incompatible blood].

The patients were observed by a reanimation-hematological team of the Leningrad emergency service. It has been established that the hemorrhagic syndrome is the main one deterimining the unity of pathogenesis and clinical picture of the hemotransfusional complication. Phase character of the changes in the homeostasis system during the transfusion of incompatible blood was noted. The express diagnosis of the disorders and a scheme of the sequence of administration of hemostatic drugs are proposed. Mortality among such patients was reduced.


[The use of dried grape press cake in pig fattening].

In dried grape press cake the content of crude nutrients and ash, overall sugar, amino acids, alpha-tocopherol and gross energy was determined. In biological experiments with pigs (total of 109 animals) 10% of mixture A1 or SOL was replaced by the same amount of dried crushed grape press cake, without affecting negatively the weight gains and consumption of mixtures per unit of weight gain. Nutritional effects of grape press cake are a subject of discussion and comprise three factors: higher content of enrgy (fat and sugars) in mixtures containing press cake, anti-oxidation effect of press cake and the effect of tocopherols on the metabolism of basic nutrients.


[Changes in biochemical indicators in the blood and organs of pigs fed dried grape press cake].

In two experiments the effect of feeding dried crushed white and red grape press cake replacing 10--20% of the complex feed mixture A1 and SOL, was studied on the 21 biochemical indicators of blood serum, plasma, suprarenal glands, liver and tissue of fattened pigs. Changes indicating unsuitability of this non-traditional feed were not observed. During feeding red grape press cake, the young pigs of 35kg body weight had a lower concentration of glucose in blood serum, in comparison with the control. The temporary increase of calcium level and decrease of inorganic phosphorus in these animals was accompanied by a lower activity of alkaline phosphatase. White and red grape press cake affected positively the vitamin E level in blood serum. In the muscles of the experimental slaughter pigs protein proportion was increased and fat proportion was decreased.


[An electric dynamic katathermometer and the thermal environment in pig farrowing pens].

Temperature conditions were measured with an electric dynamic catathermometer (EDC) and thermometers in pig farrowing houses 13 and 90 cm above the floor of the central and side corridors, boxes for sows and in piglet pens, heated with electric infra-radiators (input 525 W). The heat flow density of the EDC sensor, characterizing the cooling properties of the environment, was higher near the floor, at the ends of stables, on the sides exposed to wind, and after turning on the fan. The thermal conditions in the farrowing houses were therefore highly variable. In the piglet pens the heat flow density was usually kept at a very low level, owing to the thermal radiation of the electric infra-radiators, with possible bad implications for production. However, these facts cannot be documented just by the current measurements of air temperature.


[The digestibility in vitro of some lignocellulose materials].

In our experiments we tested 11 kinds of different lignocellulose materials by means of the method in vitro according to Mellenberger et al. (1970) for a determination of their digestiblity. In experiments carried out with beech sawdust treated with 0.1 M of sulphuric acid a digestibility of 3.7% was found, in sawdust treated with 0.47 M of nitric acid a digestibility of 61.6% was found and after a neutralization with ammonia it amounted to 72.2%. Wood fibre (WF-1) treated enzymatically showed a digestibility of 28.6% and in the WF-2 complemented with newsprint paper it amounted to 33.4%. Untreated beech waste -- forest billets -- showed a low digestibility (5.6%) and that of zero fibre was somewhat higher (12.6%). Difibered beech sawdust showed a digestibility of 44.0% and the digestibility of the biomass prepared from lye waste obtained during the production of cellulose fibres amounted to 74.1%. Waste fibre also showed a high digestibility of 76.0%. Straw enriched with yeast proteins (SL-1) showed a digestibility of 58.0%. Cellulose used as a standard in the course of the testing of lignocellulose materials showed the highest digestibility -- 82.3%.


[The occurrence of cadmium in some types of food].

An examination of 732 samples of foods of animal and vegetable origin revealed that 95% sea fish products, 94% samples of sea and fresh-water fish, 69.9% samples of foods of vegetable origin and 32.9% samples of foods of animal origin -- tinned beefand pork -- pâtés and spreads -- did not comply with the requirements of the standard on contaminants in foods for cadmium content. Together with the investigation of cadmium content in foods the applied method of atomic absorption spectrophotometry was tested, from the point of interferences during establishing the actual cadmium content; at the same time, this study concerned cadmium losses during the process of mineralization of the biologic material samples. It was concluded that the measured cadmium values were affected by the presence of a higher content of sodium chloride in the samples. The re-gained yield of cadmium by the used method of mineralization is 85%.


[Listeria enzootic in newborn lambs].

Epizootological, clinical and pathomorphological studies were made of a meningo-encephalitic form of listeriotic enzooty in new born lambs. The clinical symptoms as well as the patho-anatomical and patho-histological changes in the brain and in the inner organs of dead lambs were described. Arisal of enzooty was connected with the inclusion of silage in the daily ration of ewes. It was assumed also that infection of suckling lambs possible by the milk of diseased mother-ewes also and in the prenatal period too. The meningo-encephalitic form of listeriotic enzooty established in new born lambs with symptoms of suppurative meningo-encephalitis was similar to that observed in sheep. L. monocytogenes was isolated from a suspension of various brain tissue parts of dead lambs.


Probable biosynthetic pathway for the synthesis of the B antigen for Bh variants.

Red cells and serum from two Bh variants (B+H-cells) have been investigated for B and H blood group glycosyltransferases. The H enzyme could not be detected using either type 1 or type 2 chain acceptors. The B enzyme was present in normal amount when 2'-fucosyllactose was used as substrate, neither 6'-fucosyllactose nor 6'-fucosyllactosamine could act as acceptors for the B enzyme. Upon treatment of the Bh red cells by the B-degrading enzyme from Trichomonas foetus the B antigen was destroyed while H determinants were uncovered (B-H + cells). The cells thus treated could be further converted into A&H-red cells by the action of the A transferase from human blood group A serum. Previous treatment of the B-H + cells by the H-degrading enzyme from T. foetus, however, led to B-/-erythrocytes and prevented their conversion into A red blood cells by the A enzyme. The results clearly demonstrate that, as found in normal B individuals, the B antigen from Bh cells is built up from the H precursor and provide additional evidence that H is not a completely silent gene in Bh individuals.


Genetic linkage between the Radin and Rh blood group loci.

Lods of +3.89 at a recombination fraction (theta) of 0.10 and recombinant:nonrecombinant counts of 2:16 indicate linkage between the Rd and Rh blood group loci. The possibility that Rd is the same as Sc is discussed.


Intensive plasma exchange in rhesus isoimmunisation.

Intensive plasma exchanges were carried out in a 34-year-old pregnant woman to lower the level of circulating anti-D. The patient proved interesting from a number of serological aspects. The possible protective effect of coexistent ABO incompatibility is discussed. The effect of plasma exchanges on cytotoxic HLA antibodies is also demonstrated.


A Japanese Rhmod family: serological and haematological observations.

This report describes a Japanese family have two Rhmod members, and two sibs with slightly depressed Rh antigens. It is proposed that the Rhmod and the depressed Rh antigen phenotypes are due to regulator genes in homozygous or heterozygous condition, respectively. The two Rhmod members showed mild reticulocytosis, stomatocytosis, slight anisocytosis, slight hyperchromia and slight punctate basophilia without anaemia. Scanning electron microscopy showed their red cells to be small and of bowl shape. Increased fragility of their erythrocytes was demonstrated by dynamic osmofragility testing using a coil planet centrifuge.


[The efficacy of the intra-aortic balloon pump for patients with heart failure complicating acute myocardial infarction (author's transl)].

Assisted circulation was carried out with the help of an intra-aortic balloon pump in 22 patients with acute transmural myocardial infarction and heart failure (despite medication). Two patients died in hospital. The combination of the balloon pump and nitrates proved to be particularly effective. The follow-up examination of the survivors showed a distinct pulmonary arterial pressure during ergometry. All of the examined patients revealed extensive akinetic and diskinetic areas, significant stenosis being detectable either in the proximal area of the Ramus descendens anterior or in two or three blood vessels.


THe formation of cytochrome P-450-metabolic intermediate complexes from amines, in the isolated perfused rat liver.

1. Cytochrome P-450-metabolic intermediate (MI) complexes were formed from SKF 525-A, propoxyphene, acetylmethadol, noracetylmethadol, norbenzphetamine, and N-hydroxyamphetamine, but not methadone, in the isolated perfused rat liver. 2. The amount of MI complex from SKF 525-A (8% of the cytochrome P-450) after 1 h exceeded that for all other compounds (1--2%). 3. Both MI complex and residual substrate contributed to the inhibition of mixed-function oxidase activity observed. No substrate altered the total cytochrome P-450 concentration of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity. 4. The formation of MI complexes in isolated perfused liver corresponds to that seen in whole animals, and contrasts with that seen in microsomal preparations.


[Physicochemical characteristics of the Penicillium-bacterial virus type 5 and its nucleic acid].

Physico-chemical characteristics of PBV-5 virus and its nucleic acid were studied. Morphologically, the virus is a rectilinear polyhedron 270 A in diameter, without a process. The sedimentation constant of a virus particle is 117S, the buoyant density of the virus in cesium chloride density is 1.437 g/cm3. As shown by qualitative reactions with orcinol and diphenylamine, the virus contains DNA. The viral DNA preparation in CsCl gradient solution showed the buoyant density 1.719 g/cm3. Electron microscope examination of a PBV-5 DNA preparation showed the nucleic acid molecules to be single-stranded rings.


[Mitosis pathology in experimental measles infection].

Experiments in monkeys, puppies, and guinea pigs showed both virulent and vaccine strains of measles virus to produce disorders in the reproductive apparatus of cells of the immunocompetent organs. The qualitative analysis of the pathological forms of mitosis abnormalities revealed mainly two types of the structural disorders of division: lethal forms and moderate forms not lethal for the cell. Virulent strains are characterized by predominance of lethal forms of pathology, vaccine strains by moderate lesions which are the source of mutations. In selection of prospective vaccine strains, their capacity to induce non-lethal forms of mitosis abnormalities should be taken into consideration.


[Radioimmunological determination of HBeAg/anti-HBe in HBsAg-positive liver diseases and in "healthy" HBsAg carriers].

This paper describes a "solid-phase"-radioimmunoassay for the demonstration of HBeAg and anti-HBe. The investigations revealed the following results: 1. HBeAg is positive in all patients with acute type B-hepatitis during the acute phase of illness. During the normal course of the disease HBeAg turns to negative followed by an anti-HBe lasting for several months. 2. Cases with a persistent virus B-replication as HBsAg-positive CPH, CAH or patients on hemodialysis are positive for HBeAg in their serum. By means of the fluorescent antibody technique these patients have demonstrable HBcAg and HBeAg in their liver biopsies. 3. Healthy HBsAg carriers are anti-HBe-positive in their serum. In their liver biopsies there are no signs of an on-going virus B-replication (HBsAg and HBeAg negative). 4. The radioimmunological determination of HBeAg and anti-HBe enables us to differentiate between the groups with HBsAg positive acute or chronic hepatitis and the group of healthy HBsAg-carriers.


[Differences in postoperative metabolism in reference to pre- and postoperative initiation of total parenteral nutrition. I].

We investigated the postoperative metabolism of patients undergoing gastric resection by beginning total parenteral nutrition pre- (group 1) and postoperatively (group 2). A third group remained fasting until 3 h after the surgical intervention. Because of the high serum glucose concentrations and the high glucose losses in the 24-h urine on the operation day in group 1 and 2 only the base glucose requirement (150--250 g/24/h) should be given in the early postoperative period. The low blood glucose concentration in group 3 and the elevated lactate values in group 2 underline this recommandation. Compared with group 2 and 3, group 1 had low free fatty acid concentrations of 250 micronVal/l because of the continuous pre-, intra-, and postoperative infusion. Compared with normal metabolic conditions, the free fatty acids do not seem to have the same insulin-antagonizing effect in the posttraumatic state. The fall of cholesterol after the surgical trauma reached its maximum after 12--15 h and amounted to about 40 mg% in the first two groups. Albumin and total protein fell continuously in group 1 and 2. The electrophoresis in group 1 showed a rise of alpha 1- and alpha 2-globulin to more than double the initial value, the beta-globulin showed only slight changes, the gamma-globulin dropped only slightly up to the 4th postoperative day. As a sign of an augmented catabolism the serum urea concentration rose during the postoperative state. Group 1 and 2 had a favourable nitrogen balance. The postoperative bilirubin rise could be held lower in group 1 compared to group 2.


[Effect of nitroimidazole therapy on the demonstration of gonococci].

The minimal inhibitory concentration of metronidazole and tinidazole lies between 4000 micrograms/ml and 7.8 micrograms/ml. Drug levels are present in this range for 2--5 hours in genital discharge following single dose oral therapy with 2 g tinidazole or 1.5 g metronidazole. Therefore, 5-nitroimidazole derivatives exert a bacteriostatic effect in the genital region at least on the more sensitive strains. As shown in our experiments, otherwise reliable laboratory procedures for the demonstration of gonococci may yield false negative results, if specimens for culture are obtained at an inappropriate time.


Feeding behaviour and diet of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) in the Okorobikó Mountains of Rio Muni (West Africa).

Some aspects of the nutritional behaviour of the Okorobikó-Matama (Rio Muni, West Africa) chimpanzees have been studied over two periods--from June 1963 to September 1964 and from July 1966 to February 1969. This research totaled 640 h, 119 of which were in sustained contact with the animals. We have complied a list of 43 plant and two termite species consumed by the chimpanzees. We studied the relative importance of the plants consumed in terms of the four principal biotopes and seasonal cycles, the feeding behavior, the rhythm of activity and chimpanzees' vertical stratification during feeding. We also took into accout group dynamics as a function of feeding, communication and polyspecific associations with other primates. We finally compared some aspects of the nutrition of these chimpanzees with that of gorillas living in nearby zones.


Developmental pharmacology and the Ah locus: regulatory and temporal genes affecting teratogenesis.

The "Ah cluster" is a group of regulatory, temporal, and structural genes associated with the inducibility of numerous monooxygenase activities by polycyclic aromatic compounds such as 3-methylcholanthrene. Age- and tissue-specific differences in temporal control of these enzymes are shown to exist. These differences could be important in the age- and tissue-specific differences in one's susceptibility to cancer, drug toxicity, and birth defects. Allelic differences at the Ah locus are shown in the mouse to be associated with benzo[a]-pyrene-produced in utero toxicity: increased stillborns, resorptions, and dysmorphogenesis, plus decreased fetal weight.


[Reactions against sodium-auro-thiomalate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis].

The authors report the case of a 58 year old female patient with rheumatoid arthritis. About 4 hours after each intramuscular injection of Myochrysin (Sodium-auro-thiomalate 5%) she showed undesired reactions such as sialorrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, apathy, weakness, head ache, breast swelling, perspiration, feeling of incident death. The following day these symptoms declined, the joint pain, however, increased. The reaction recurred with each of the 5 Sodium-auro-thiomalate injections, but not after injections of 5% Solganal (Aurothioglucose). It is supposed that these side effects are connected with the quick absorption of the Sodium-auro-thiomalate in aqueous solution. The Aurothioglucose in oil suspension would not cause such reactions after an intramuscular injection because of its slower absorption.


Leiomyomatosis cutis et uteri.

A 32 year old female patient showed multiple plaque-like leiomyomata cutis and an uterus myomatosous of early onset. In the skin large areas of plaque-like confluent erythematous nodules consisting of smooth muscle tissue are formed. The patient suffered from frequent attacks of severe pain elicited by temperature changes or trauma. Treatment with nitroglycerine and nifedipine together with phenoxybenzamine completely suppressed the symptoms.


Fetal liver transplantation in aplastic anemia.

Fetal liver transplantation was attempted in 7 patients with aplastic anemia. 4 of these patients showed a partial response as evidenced by decrease in blood transfusion requirements and increase in the peripheral blood counts and hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow. Bone marrow culture studies revealed evidence of a temporary mixed lymphoid chimerism (cases 1 and 3). While case 1 lived for 16 months, case 3 is surviving at 17 months. None of the patients showed apparent graft-versus-host disease. Increased incidence of infections was noticed. Possible causes for the same are discussed. 3 patients failed to respond. Fetal liver transplant may be of therapeutic value in management of aplastic anemia.


Acute myelomonocytic leukemia in children. Possible use of the soft agar culture technique in the differentiation of cellular subtypes.

In 8 children with acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AMML), colony formation in soft agar cultures derived from bone marrow cells was studied in an attempt to differentiate the monocytic (Schilling) from the myelomonocytic (Naegeli) types. The children did not differ markedly in their clinical and morphological parameters. Three in vitro growth patterns were observed: markedly decreased or no growth in 4 cases, extensive growth of granulocytic colonies in 2 cases, and extensive growth of macrophage colonies in the remaining 2. It is suggested that the marrows presenting diminished or no growth patterns are presumably of acute myelogenous leukemia patients with a monocytic component. The excessive granulocytic or macrophage colony growth may be an in vitro indication for an in vivo proliferation of either granulocytic or monocytic leukemic cell lines, and therefore may represent the Naegeli or Schilling variants of AMML respectively. If these observations can be approved in a larger series of AMML patients, this approach can be valuable as another tool in the differential diagnosis of the subtypes of AMML in children.


The cytologic diagnosis of tuberculosis in pleural effusions.

This paper reports on eight patients who had cytologic findings suggestive of florid pleural tuberculosis in pleural exudates. The suggestive diagnosis in each case was confirmed either by a pleural biopsy, culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from the aspirated fluids or clinical improvement from the administration of tuberculotherapy. The pleural effusion from tuberculosis is characterized by the presence of abundant lymphocytes in the smear. The nuclei of the lymphocytes show characteristic morphologic features. The two most important differential diagnoses are those effusions rich in lymphocytes due to nonspecific causes and effusions containing numerous tumor cells from a well-differentiated lymphosarcoma.


Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity and B cell markers in chronic myelogenous leukemia blast crisis.

High terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activities were found in blast cells having B cell markers in 3 patients suffering from chronic myelogenous leukemia. The blast cells from these patients were lymphoblastic in appearance. Two of these cases were treated with vincristine and prednisolone. They responded well to this therapy.


Urinary acidic glycohydrolases as an index of kidney damage in juvenile diabetes mellitus.

Two lysosomal glycohydrolases, beta-galactosidase and beta-N-hexosaminidase which have been associated with kidney disease were measured in the urine of 110 youngsters with juvenile diabetes mellitus. The mean enzyme excretions in the diabetic group were intermediate between those of normal youngsters and those with active renal disease. Three youngsters with known kidney disease had elevations comparable to others in the diabetic group but no direct correlation could be shown between enzyme elevations and proteinuria or Addis count abnormalities. Positive correlations were seen between enzyme levels and indices of metabolic balance including blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides but not with urine sugar or ketones. Duration and estimated stage and control of diabetes also correlated with the urinary enzymes. These preliminary studies are consistent with the possibility that the excretion of these enzymes reflects the ongoing renal damage which occurs in most juvenile diabetics.


Anion gap in multiple myeloma.

The anion gap was evaluated in 26 consecutive patients with multiple myeloma (15 IgG and 11 IgA). The average union gap was found reduced only in IgG myeloma. Instead, in the subjects with IgA myeloma it resulted as increased. The partial differences between our results and those of other authors are discussed. The finding of correlations between the anion gaps and paraproteinemic concentrations (direct in IgA myeloma, inverse in IgG myeloma) gives further support to the conception that the charge exhibited in the serum by IgG and IgA paraproteins is, respectively, positive and negative. It is suggested that a 'normalization' of the anion gap during chemotherapy may be a useful tool to judge the efficacy of the treatment of multiple myeloma.


HLA antigens in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

A group of 40 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was examined. Typing for HLA A and B antigens was performed. The frequencies of 24 HLA antigens in this group were compared with those of a group of 13 patients with drug-induced thrombocytopenia and two large groups of healthy controls. Differences of statistical significance between these groups were not found. Thus, associations of ITP and particular HLA antigens were not observed. The associations reported by others could not be confirmed.


Bacterial infections and thrombocytopenia in chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

A bacterial infection was considered to be responsible for provoking or containing episodes of thrombocytopenia in 5 patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). In 3 patients the course of the disease was continuous and in 2 of them remission was attained after eradication of the infection. In the other 2 patients the course was intermittent and a number of relapses was provoked by the infection. The possible causal connection of chronic ITP and bacterial infections is briefly discussed.


Factor XIII deficiency. A family study by measurement of factor XIII subunits A and S.

A girl with congenital factor XIII deficiency and her large family have been studied by electroimmunoassay of factor XIII subunits A and S. The homozygote has absence of subunit A and a decreased level of subunit S. The heterozygotes have decreased levels of both subunits, and were more readily identified by measurement of subunit A than by the ratio subunit S/subunit A. The mother of the propositus appears to be a new heterozygote, but heterozygosity on the paternal side is traced through three generations.


Genetic propensity to benignity in monoclonal-gammopathy.

52 patients with benign monoclonal gammopathy were HLA typed and compared withe 48 patients with malignant monoclonal gammopathy. Antigen B40 was more frequent within the first sample. This association is discussed, together with the results of familial investigations. For systematic serum electrophoresis detected 5 benign monoclonal gammopathies in 172 relatives of 37 patients suffering from multiple myeloma or Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.


Axillary Hodgkin's disease in manual workers.

Between 1965 and 1974, 16 patients were clinically staged as having unique axillary localizations of Hodgkin's disease. Sex ratio (4.3), mean age (40.8 years) and professional occupations (12 out of the 16 patients were engaged in manual work) were significantly different from that of all patients observed during the same period. These facts lead us to suppose the existence of a link between manual work and initial axillary localizations.


Video scanning for the quantitative determination of alkaline phosphatase activity in the rat kidney.

The use of a video scanning equipment (Opton Micro-Videomat) for the quantitative determination of alkaline phosphatase activity in histological sections of the rat kidneys is presented. A photomicroscope with a telecamera, a video monitor, a computer and a recorder are incorporated into the system. Automatic measurement, accelerated detection, accuracy, sensitivity and reproducibility, as well as elimination of time-consuming work involved in other available methods are found to be the main advantage of the method.


Histochemical detection of monoamine oxidase activity in smooth muscle and epithelial tissues of Mytilus edulis L. and Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk.

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was detected in the glio-interstitial tissue of the anterior byssus retractor muscle (ABRM) of Mytilus by the use of either dopamine or 5-HT as substrate and nitro blue tetrazolium salt as an electron receptor. Both substrates gave superimposable patterns. However, dopamine reactivity was very weak. Discrete but clear MAO activity was detected in the periphery of the smooth muscle cell, i.e., at the level of the peripherally localized mitochondria. The presence of MAO in the epithelium of the buccal palps was also demonstrated. These histochemical observations can be correlated with certain ultrastructural aspects, in particular the presence electron dense organelles profiles in glio-interstitial cells. This MAO activity is discussed in relationship with the high 5-HT content of ABRM and the control of its relaxation. Pigment formation and/or collagen tanning are discussed in terms of a possible relationship with inactivation of biogenic amines. These results complement previous data concerning the glio-interstitial tissue found in close association with muscle and nerve structures.


Effect of testosterone on fracture healing in hypophysectomized rats.

The effect of hypophysectomy and hypophysectomy + testosterone treatment on fracture healing was investigated on 60 Wistar rats (30 day old). The aim of the experiment was to elucidate whether in callus formation testosterone acts directly on the cells (peripheral effect), or its effect is mediated through the hypophysis (central effect). Changes induced by hypophysectomy take place in the course of callus formation due primarily to the impairment of the enzyme system of the cells. The effect of hypophysectomy can be attenuated with testosterone which, despite hypophysectomy, stimulates fracture healing. It may be concluded that testosterone exerts a direct peripheral effect on the callus cells, presumably on their enzyme system.


Attempts to study the localization of liposomes and liposome entrapped antigen in the spleen.

Attempts were made to study the localization of intravenously injected liposomes and enclosed labelled antigens in the spleen of mice, using autoradiography. A more than hundred fold increased uptake of antigen by the spleen was obtained when liposome entrapped antigen was compared with free antigen or antigen-antibody complexes which have been used in earlier studies. No marked accumulation of the labelled antigen was found in the follicles of the spleen, although specific antibodies to the injected antigen have been injected simultaneously with the liposome entrapped antigen. It is argued that the bulk of the labelled antigen in the spleen 0.5 to 2 h after injection was still enclosed in the liposomes, whereas part of the label, arranged in patches in the red pulp and marginal zone, corresponds with labelled antigen in macrophages, released after digestion of the liposomal membranes. The present techniques did not enable the detection of the liposomes themselves.


Lysosome activity in immunogenesis during experimental protein-calorie malnutrition.

Several structural characteristics of the lysosome apparatus in the liver and the spleen of 80 mature (4-month old) female albino Wistar rats subjected to ad libitum feeding (17.5% protein = control) and to chronic (16 weeks) highly restricted diet (5.7% protein) were studied electron-microscopically. The beta-glucosaminidase and alpha-mannosidase serum activity, assessing lysosome membrane permeability, was also determined. Results obtained in these studies are compared with data from quantitative and semi-qualitative immunoelectrophoretic analysis of IgG and IgM in the serum as well as with the existing capacities for the production of specific precipitating antibodies post antigen stimulation with 10% human gamma-globulin and incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Distinctly disturbed IgM synthesis and precipitating antibody production was observed in rats subjected to restricted diet. Inhibition of humoral immunogenesis probably begins as early as endocytosis, and is determined by the ineffective heterophagic function of the lysosomes against the introduced antigen. It can be assumed that this is a result of pathologically enhanced autophagy due to increased endogenic nutrition, exhausting the lysosome system's functional capacity and affecting not only hepatocytes and macrophages, but also some other immunocompetent cells.


Effects of feeding a single daily meal and of changes in lighting schedule on the circadian rhythms of oxidoreductases in the rat gastric mucosa.

The present paper investigated the effect of restricted feeding (11.00 to 13.00 h) by a single daily meal upon the activity of various oxidoreductases of the rat gastric mucosa (SDH, alpha-GPDH, LDH, NADHTR), which at ad libitum feeding under normal lighting conditions with a dark night were shown to have distinct circadian activity variations related to the rat's nocturnal food intake preference (Zaviacic and Brozman 1978a). 1st part of the animals received food in 2-h-period by natural daylight (natural lighting conditions), the 2nd part at the same period of time but in the dark (lighting conditions reversed to natural). Checking the consumption of food, we found the animals to become adapted to the new time of food intake beginning with the 6th experimental day. The circadian rhythm of enzymes was examined on days 69, 83, 97, and 104 of limited feeding under the defined lighting schedule, at 06.00 h, 12.00 h, 18.00 h, and 24.00 h in groups of 5 animals. Synchronization of the highest dehydrogenases activities (particularly of SDH) with the time of restricted feeding was seen to develop in the gastric mucosa of the rat. The synchronization effect was more pronounced in the animals which received their food in the dark (and here even more in male than in female). The effect of light during food intake was found to be rather interfering with the development of synchronization of dehydrogenase activities with the time of food intake, and the influence was again more marked in male than in female. The time of food intake was at the feeding schedule restricted to daytime intake the main synchronizer for the circadian rhythm of oxidoreductases of the gastric mucosa of the rat, with the highest daily activities recorded around the feeding time and the lowest activities at night, which is the direct opposite of the circadian rhythm of the same enzymes determined in rats fed ad libitum under normal lighting conditions with a dark night.


[Electron microscopic autoradiography on semithin sections (author's transl)].

The present study applies semithin sections for electron microscopic autoradiography. Due to (a) the decrease of exposition time, and (b) lower intensity of isotope labelling, low power electron microscopic autoradiography on semithin sections is favoured in comparison with conventional (ultrathin section high power) electron microscopic autoradiography, and due to (c) more precise localization of silver granules, and (d) ease of quantitative evaluation of autoradiography, it is superior to ordinary (thick section) light microscopic autoradiography.


The influence of Andiamina (hexobendine) on the histochemical reaction in the aorta wall of experimental animals.

The research was carried out on albino rats. The animals in the experimental group were given Andiamina (Hexobendine) in a dose of 40 mg/kg for a period of 7 days in the group I and 21 days in the group II. The results have pointed out that changes in the activity of the studied enzymes occurred especially after 21 days of Hexobendine administration. First of all, it caused a decrease in lactic and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities and to lesser degree, it influenced the activities of iso-citric dehydrogenase and NAD and NADP tetrazole reductases. At the same time, reaction to succinic dehydrogenase indicated an increase in the enzymatic activity.


[Histological and histoenzymological study of liver. II: In gallstone treated with chenodeoxycholic acid (author's transl)].

The histological and histochemical changes of liver from gallstones treated with ACDC are confronted with the same livers before treatment. There is few modification in histological patterns but the frequency of sinusoidal congestion increase. Numerous histoenzymological "injuries" are corrected by this treatment.


[Atypical antibody against liver cell cytoplasm in virus induced autoimmune hepatitis (author's transl)].

A high titer (1:500) antibody against liver cell cytoplasm was found in one case of atypical viral hepatitis. The central areas of the rat liver lobule react more intensive than the periphery. Inconstantly it was found a reaction also with the parietal cells of the stomach, with the 3rd segment of proximal rat kidney tubules, and with smooth muscle. Possibly, this antibody is a marker of a virus induced autoimmune hepatitis.


[Studies on the duration of the DNA synthesis in the myocardium of young rats (author's transl)].

In 150 young (14-day-old) rats the duration of the DNA synthesis of myocytes and interstitial cells of the heart was investigated by double-labelling with 3H-thymidine, and by the technique of %-labelled mitoses. Both these methods showed the S-phase to last about 10 h for each of the above 2 cell types. The inhibition of muscle cell proliferation which takes place in the early stages of the postnatal heart growth does not seem to be caused primarily by a disturbance of their S-phase.


Improved utilization of tissue blocks for electron microscopy. Effect of various concentrations of formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde.

Liver tissue from miniature pig fetuses was immersion-fixed in fixative mixtures with various concentrations of formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde. The preservation quality of hepatocytes was evaluated ultrastructurally in a peripheral zone (30--130 micron below the surface) and a central zone (500 micron below the surface). In the peripheral zone the best preservation was obtained with a fixative mixture containing 2% formaldehyde and 2% glutaraldehyde and in the central zone with a fixative mixture containing 8% formaldehyde and 8% glutaraldehyde. It is concluded that a better utilization of fairly large tissue blocks for ultrastructural investigation can be obtained by division of the block and subsequent fixation in fixatives containing various concentrations of formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde.


Scapular correlates of muscle morphology in Papio cynocephalus.

The scapula responds to the compressive states of its surrounding matrix produced by muscle functioning and weight bearing in the upper extremity with discernible structural correlates. These structural correlates can be utilized to infer locomotor behavior. After dissection and drying, the weights of several muscles of the shoulder region of 11 adult female baboons (Papio cynocephalus) were statistically compared to various dimensions of the bony scapula. A significant correlation was obtained between the weights of the individual compressive muscles, the combined weights of the compressive muscles and a scapular dimension of width. A nonsignificant correlation between these muscles and a sscapular dimension of length was also found. The results of this study were compared to those of a previous study of the scapular musculature in Macaca and opposing conclusions were obtained. The advisability of lumping macaques and baboons into a single gross locomotor category is rejected.


Influence of zinc on onset and progression of oral carcinogenesis in rats.

Three-week-old female rats were fed 0.09 (zinc-deficient), 0.77 (zinc-adequate) or 3.98 (zinc-supplemented) mmol zinc/kg diet in three experimental groups and the palatal mucosa was painted with the water-soluble carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide (4NQO) three times a week for 20 weeks. The zinc-supplemented diet seemed to retard the induction of carcinogenesis, whereas a low-zinc diet had the opposite effect. Once initial cellular changes had been induced the supplementary zinc seemed to accelerate their further advancement. Zinc-deficiency in animals fed a copper/zinc low-zinc diet was reflected in the plasma and liver zinc levels as well as in the copper/zinc ratio. The development of cancer was accompanied by a decrease in plasma zinc and an increase in the plasma copper/zinc ratio as well as in the liver zinc. These changes were most remarkable in the zinc-supplemented group.


Prospective studies of the effect of breast feeding on incidence of infection and allergy.

The effect of exclusive breast feeding in the first few weeks after birth on infant morbidity due to infectious and allergic disorders was investigated in three separate prospective studies. In a rural community in India, breast-fed infants had a significantly lower incidence of respiratory infection, otitis, diarrhoea, dehydration and pneumonia. In an urban population in Canada, breast feeding was associated with a marked decrease in the occurrence of otitis and respiratory disease and to a lesser extent of diarrhoea and dehydration. In newborn siblings of children with atopic disease exclusively breast-fed for a minimum of six weeks, the incidence of eczema, recurrent wheezing, elevated serum IgE-antibodies to cow's milk, complement activation in vivo after milk challenge and hemagglutinating antibodies to beta-lactoglobulin was significantly lower compared with formula-fed matched group. These observations provide clinical data attesting the immunologic advantages of human milk.


Quantitative microbiological assay of thiomersal using agar diffusion from paper discs.

A quantitative assay method for determination of thiomersal in biological products is described and evaluated. A microbiological method using agar diffusion from filter paper discs is used. The advantages of the method in terms of low cost and reliability for determining the actual antimicrobial activity in the preparation are discussed. The assay method is in routine use in the production control of vaccines at our Institute.


Binding of 63Ni by cellular constituents in some tissues of mice after the administration of 63NiCl2 and 63Ni(CO)4.

One and 24 hours after the administration of 63NiCl2 and 63Ni(CO)4 to mice 63Ni was present in association with both particulate and soluble cellular constituents in the lung, liver and kidney. After disruption of the cellular organells by sonication, a considerable part of the 63Ni was still bound to the cellular fragments. Sephadex G-75 chromatography of the cytosol of the lung showed that the largest proportion of 63Ni was eluted in the void volume and a smaller proportion was present in the salt volume. In the kidney, the proportions were reversed. Twentyfour hours after the injection of 63NiCl2 an intermediate 63Ni-containing peak, with an estimated molecular weight of about 30,000, was found in the lung and the kidney. In the liver of 63 NiCl2-injected mice, most of the nickel was recovered in the void volume, a lesser amount in the salt volume. There was no evidence that 63Ni was bound to metallothionein (induced by Cd-pretreatment) or to superoxide dismutase in the studied tissues. Pretreatments with non-labelled NiCl2 did not alter the elution profiles. In serum, most 63Ni was present in association with albumin. Gel-chromatograms of red blood-cell hemolysates from 63Ni(CO)4-injected mice showed 63Ni at an elution volume corresponding to hemoglobin, but 63Ni-binding ligands with higher and lower molecular weights were also present.


A comparative study on the uptake and subsequent decarboxylation of monoamine precursors in cerebral microvessels.

The endothelial cells and pericytes of brain microvessels (capillaries and small veins) are equipped with an enzymatic barrier, impeding the passage of circulating amino acids, such as amine precursors, into the brain. The properties of this mechanism was studied in brain slices and isolated microvessels from various species including man and also fetal material, following incubation in dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and dihydroxyphenylserine (DOPS). A stereospecific, energy-dependent uptake leading to accumulation in the brain microvessel walls was found in all species studied; this process was found to exist already prenatally. The capacity of decarboxylation, the second step in the trapping mechanism at the blood-brain interphase, showed considerable species variation. The enzyme was present also in fetal brain microvessels. Inhibition experiments provided support for the presence of monoamine oxidase, but absence of catechol-O-methyl transferase, in the microvessel walls.


Radiation therapy of secondary nodal metastases in the neck and mediastinum after resection of esophageal carcinoma.

Eighty-two patients underwent curative resection for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. The 5-year actuarial survival rate was 33 per cent. Sixteen of 34 patients who developed secondary nodal metastases of the neck and mediastinum were irradiated with a dose of 40 to 60 Gy over 4 to 6 weeks (81 in average TDF), which probably prolonged the survival.


Treatment of carcinoma of base of tongue with radiation therapy and 5-fluorouracil. Potential for optimization with 18F-FU.

The treatment of advanced base of tongue carcinoma with concurrent radiation therapy and 5-fluorouracil versus radiation therapy alone is compared. Although the results are inconclusive, it is noteworthy that all the 5-year survivors were patients given combined treatment. Important questions regarding optimization of time-dose relationships with combined therapy were generated. Accordingly, 18F-5 fluorouracil was synthesized in an attempt to answer some of these questions.


Radiation beam characteristics of a 22 MeV microtron.

The properties of the electron and photon beams from a 22 MeV clinical microton are presented. Favourable isodose distributions for radiation therapy are obtained for both modalities. For the electron beam this is accomplished using a dual scattering foil system in which the secondary foil is shaped to optimize uniformity and minimize energy loss and energy straggling. The photon beam is flattened by a composite filter to produce dose distributions of high uniformity over a wide depth interval.


An atypical manifestation of multiple myeloma in a 24-year-old male.

A structurally unusual, B-cell-derived malignant tumour is reported in a 24-year-old male. The gross autopsy findings were those of classical myelomatosis, with extensive and centrally located skeletal infiltrates and typical myeloma kidneys. The tumour cells were, however, morphologically very unusual. All elements were markedly pyroninophilic, indicating active protein synthesis, but typical plasma cell characteristics were lacking. The cells were ultrastructurally characterized by large and distended vacuoles, often with ribosomal granules attached, and containing an amorphous material. Virtually all tumour elements were found to be heavily loaded with IgG(kappa) in immunofluorescence studies. IgG paraprotein was also found in serum, and kappa light chains in the urine. It is concluded that the tumour represents an intermediate form between multiple myeloma and a tumour originating from the large pyroninophilic, immunoglobulin-secreting lymphocytes.


Electron beam therapy of mycosis fungoides.

Sixteen patients with mycosis fungoides were treated with a 3.3 MeV skin electron beam to a dose of 30 Gy over 40 days. Nine patients achieved a complete remission which was generally short. Only two patients remained free of disease one year following treatment. All patients received palliative benefit from treatment, but no significant increase in survival can be anticipated.


Focal epileptic seizures ipsilateral to the tumour.

The authors report on six cases of cerebral tumours: three astrocytomas (two temporal and one frontal), two meningiomas (one parietal and one frontal), and a metastasis with a temporal location causing sensory-motor epileptic seizures ipsilateral to the lesion. The discussion includes comments on the pathogenesis of these manifestations viewed in the light of experimental and electrophysiological data, and on the hypotheses of the "mirror focus", irritation of the supplementary motor and secondary somato-sensory areas, compression of the opposite hemisphere, and possible absence of decussation of the sensory-motor pathways. The false localization suggested by this type of paroxysmal senzures and their rare clinical occurrence is emphasized.


Sensory Jacksonian seizures triggered by a frontally-located meningioma.

A patient who presented with sensory Jacksonian seizures and no other clinical symptoms was found to have a meningioma in the premotor area of the frontal lobe. The possibility that brain oedema caused by the tumour encroached on the supplementary motor area and triggered the seizures via cortico-cortical pathways is discussed.


Sodium acetate as a preservative in protein hydrolysate solutions.

The inhibitory effect of sodium acetate on microorganism growth in protein hydrolysate solutions was studied. Solutions of 5% protein hydrolysate and 5% dextrose in water (seven parts) and 50% dextose in water (three parts) containing 0, 30, 50 and 90 mEq/liter of sodium acetate were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The number of colony-forming units in the solutions after inoculation was compared with that after incubation for 24 hours at 37 C. Sodium acetate inhibited growth of S aureus and E coli. Growth of P aeruginosa was inhibited in protein hydrolysate solutions with and without sodium acetate; inhibition could not be attributed solely to sodium acetate and may have been releated to pH of the solutions (4.7 to 5.4). Growth of C albicans was not inhibited by sodium acetate. Sodium acetate reduced growth of some common contaminants of protein hydrolysates. Sodium acetate is known to reduce metabolic acidosis, a reported complication of parenteral nutrient therapy and a possible predisposing factor in C albicans sepsis. Addition of sodium acetate to protein hydrolysate solutions should be considered seriously.


Chronologic changes of activities of naphthol AS-D acetate esterase and other nonspecific esterases in the mononuclear phagocytes of tuberculous lesions.

Nonspecific esterases of mononuclear phagocytes (MNs) were studied histochemically in the developing and healing tuberculous lesions produced in rabbit skin by bacille Calmette Guérin (BCG). Nonspecific esterases were assayed with the following substrates: naphthol AS-D acetate (AS-D), naphthol AS-D chloroacetate (AS-D Chl), naphthol AS acetate (AS) and alpha-naphthyl acetate (alpha-N), beta-Galactosidase, a lysosomal enzyme of MNs, was also assayed as a marker of MN activation. The number of MNs hydrolyzing AS-D Chl, AS, and alpha-N increased for 2 to 4 weeks after infection. These chronologic changes were similar to that of beta-galactosidase. In contrast, MNs hydrolyzing AS-D appeared predominantly in the healing lesions five to six weeks after infection. These MNs had the morphologic features of balloon-like cells. They contained few lysosomes and gathered in clumps far from the caseous center. The activity of the AS-D esterase was almost completely inhibited by various trypsin inhibitors, but not by the serine esterase inhibitor of phenylmethylsulfonyl-fluoride. These results suggest that the AS-D esterase is a trypsin-like esterase which participates in the healing of tuberculous lesions.


Quantitative estimation of IgE and IgD by laser nephelometry.

The advantages and disadvantages of Laser Nephelometry (LN) in the determination of IgD and IgE are reported. Two laser nephelometer models (Behringwerke/Marburg), different batches of LN cuvettes, WHO reference standard sera, rabbit anti-human antisera and randomly selected allergic patients' sera were used for the standardization of the method. Cuvette blank values were significantly lower in the new model of laser nephelometer and the precision of these measurements was very high when two different cuvette charges were compared. In the determination of IgE by LN, it was possible to detect levels down to 125 IU/ml, the accuracy of the estimations varying between 4.8 and 8.2% and the repeatability between 3.2 and 24.4%, the highest variation coefficient being obtained in low level samples. The overall agreement between LN and RIST in 55 serum samples was 71%, and at concentrations below 200 IU/ml (normal) and above 400 IU/ml (increased) 80% and 85% respectively. In the determination of IgD by LN, the accuracy of the estimations was also very good (2.4 to 7.8%) and the variation coefficient varied between 2.8 and 13.3%. In the comparison of IgD estimations with LN and radial immunodiffusion in 27 samples a correlation coefficient of r = 0.82 was obtained. Although normal adult IgE values cannot be analysed, the clinically important increased IgE levels are correctly determined by LN. The method is more sensitive than the Mancini technique for IgE determination and in comparison with RIST, though low values are not obtained, LN is quicker, simpler and cheaper.


Cellular pathology of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Tissues were studied from four subjects with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The specimens consisted of tissues obtained from a 20-week-old fetus at autopsy, samples from a 9-year-old girl during open-heart surgery, and biopsies of cutaneous xanthomas from a 13-year-old girl and a 21-year-old man. The FH fetus, but not the 3 control fetuses, exhibited multifocal lipid deposition particularly involving the stromal cells of the thymus, spleen, and skin and both the stromal and parenchymal cells of the kidney. Only one minute focus of intimal lipid accumulation was found in the aorta and coronary arteries of the FH fetus. A segment of the ascending aorta from the 9-year-old girl showed: 1) foam-cell transformation of many medial smooth-muscle cells, 2) abnormal vascularization of the inner media and intima, and 3) intimal involvement by a typical artherosclerotic plaque with lipid deposits in thin, elongated cells that showed some myocytic features and in foam cells that lacked such features. The mitral and aortic valves of this patient also contained numerous foam cells and showed mild to moderate fibrous thickening. A segment of the saphenous vein, however, contained no lipid deposits. The three xanthomas from two FH homozygotes exhibited marked lipid accumulation in histiocytic foam cells but no lipid deposits in the endothelium of blood vessels in the lesions. The findings in this study, in conjunction with those reported in studies of other FH homozygotes, indicate that homozygous FH is characterized by accelerated atherosclerosis and prominent lipid accumulation in macrophages and other stromal cells of the aortic and mitral valves, skin, tendon, and, varibly, in other extravascular sites. Since most of the intracellular lipid was in the form of non-membrane-bound neutral lipid droplets, it appears that the cytoplasm is the major site of lipid storage in this disease.


[Control of afterload by intravenous nitroglycerin in patients undergoing myocardial revascularisation (author's transl)].

In 18 patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass grafting haemodynamic measurements were made before and after hypertensive episodes and intravenous administration of nitroglycerin (NTG). Patients of group I (n = 10) had good left heart function before operation. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) rose during the hypertensive episode from 82 +/- 12 mm Hg to 119 +/- 8 mm Hg (p less than 0.001), the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) increased from 11 +/- 3 mm Hg to 15 +/- 2 mm Hg (p less than 0.05). The cardiac index (CI) was not significantly altered. Infusion of NTG decreased the MAP to 84 +/- 3 mm Hg (p less than 0.001), the PCWP to 9 +/- 3 mm Hg (p less than 0.01). The CI remained unchanged. Patients of group II (n = 8) had poor left heart function before operation. During the hypertensive episode the MAP increased from 77 +/- 15 mm Hg to 115 +/- 6 mm Hg (p less than 0.001), the PCWP from 13 +/- 4 mm Hg to 25 +/- 5 mm Hg (p less than 0.001). The CI decreased from 2.2 +/- 0.3 1/min x m2 to 1.5 +/- 3.41/min x m2. Infusion of NTG decreased the MAP to 83 +/- 4 mm Hg (p less than 0.001), the PCWP to 11 +/- 3 mm Hg (p less than 0.001). The CI rose to 2.3 +/- 0.3 1/min x m2 (p less than 0.01). The authors conclude that NTG is an effective antihypertensive agent. No untoward side effects were noted.


[Perfluorochemicals as artificial blood. problems and actual development (author's transl)].

Perfluorochemical-type blood substitutes are excellent carriers of gases such as O2, CO2, CO, N2. These chemical compounds are insoluble in water and have an extreme chemical and biological inertness. They can be prepared as pyrogen-free sterilisable emulsions. In the last 10 years improvements in emulsion techniques and the results of experimental research work in several laboratories aroused increasing interest in fluorocarbons in the medical and biological field. Beside the treatment of severe loss of blood, numerous further potential uses of these substitutes have been described. Further improvements and studies are needed, especially concerning the storage-phenomenon in the reticulohistiocytic system and also the problems linked with the absence or reduction of the clotting system. The existing literature on this subject seems to justify an optimistic view of fluorocarbons as promising blood substitutes.


A quantitative approach to cytoarchitectonics. V. The areal pattern of the cortex of microcebus murinus (E. Geoffroy 1828), (Lemuridae, primates).

The boundaries of iso- and allocortical areas of Microcebus murinus were analyzed with an automatic quantitative procedure using an image analyzer. The results are summarized in a cortical map and compared with a previous study of Microcebus murinus (Clark, 1931) and Galago demidovii (Zilles et al., 1979). A surprising correspondence could be observed between Microcebus and Galago with respect to the cortical areal pattern and the cytoarchitectonic structure of the various areas, including their position and extension, although both species are grouped into different suborders.


Comparative studies on the pre- and postterminal blood vessels in the cerebellar cortex of Rhesus monkey, cat, and rat.

In the rhesus monkey, cat and rat, pial arteries give off branches which run vertically through all three layers of the cerebellar cortex. The large cortical arteries are surrounded by a perivascular space in the molecular layer. Their wall consists of several layers of smooth-muscle cells and the luminal endothelium. As the arteries reach the deeper layers of the cerebellar cortex, the number of smooth-muscle cells is reduced. In the rat, sometimes no smooth-muscle cells are detectable in the preterminal arterial vessels. If these deep arteries branch off by dichotomy of terminal vessels there occurs a gradual or complete loss of myocytes in all three species. In the cat, where cortical arteries give off branches at right angles, there is a sphincter-like accumulation of smooth-muscle cells at the opening to the smaller branch. The postterminal vessels and veins in all species exhibit the same mural structure found in capillaries. The wall consists only of an endothelium and occasional pericytes embedded in the basal lamina. Even the large veins which run to the pial veins show this simple mural structure.


[Hypophosphatemia. A review (author's transl)].

Hypophosphatemia with or without phosphorus depletion can be observed in various diseases--particularly diabetic ketoacidosis, respiratory alkalosis, alcoholism, parenteral nutrition and hyperalimentation--and may cause serious neurologic, muscular, and hematologic disorders. This review summarizes the knowledges about hypophosphatemia--etiological mechanisms, pathophysiology and therapeutic modalities--and suggests that some place be reserved for serum phosphate in systematic and emergency panels of blood tests.


[Comparison by isoelectrofocusing between blood immunoglobulin G of the mother and her newborn. Value of the method (author's transl)].

The present investigation deals with the study about immunoglobulins in blood of twenty six couples mother-newborn. The immunoglobulins G were determinated by radial immunodiffusion and we stated the profile of serum's proteins after isoelectrofocusing. The results obtained from this study, showed a really important percentage of very differents profiles between mother and newborn's proteins. These divergences are independently from the level of immunoglobulins. The purpose of this investigation is to show the very high analytical power of the method. But it is limited in interpretation of results. With conventional protein procedures, it is not possible to say if the newborn is able to synthetize immunoglobulins very early in life. On the contrary, with specific methods of revelation, isoelectrofocusing seems the better procedure of investigation for identity immunoglobulins in blood.


Cell-mediated immune responses in cattle adult-vaccinated with Brucella abortus strain 19 and in cattle infected with Brucella abortus field strain.

Cell-mediated immune responses in cattle adult-vaccinated with Brucella abortus strain 19, cattle infected with B abortus field strain, and nonexposed cattle were studied by an in vitro lumphocyte-stimulation test (LST). Lymphocytes were prepared from peripheral bovine blood by the Ficoll-diatrizoate technique, and results were assayed for [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA by liquid scintillation spectrometry. Serotests and bacteriologic isolation attempts were conducted simultaneously with LST. Lymphocytes from cattle infected with field strains had significantly (P = 0.01) higher specific lymphocyte-stimulation inexposed controls. The LST, the serum standard-tube agglutination test (STT), the Rivanol (RIV) test, and the complement-fixation (CF) test correctly classified cattle from which field strains and strain 19 of B abortus were isolated. The LST was negative in cattle vaccinated with B abortus strain 19 (nonshedding), but the three serotests had many false-positive reactions. The CF test had the least false-positive reaction, followed by the RIV test, and the STT was the least specific. Well before the three serotests became positive, the LST was positive in samples from some cattle during the incubation period of the infection. There was little or no correlation between cell-mediated immune responses (as measured by LST) and serum antibody responses (as measured by STT, RIV test, and CF test) in vaccinated but culture-negative cattle and in some nonvaccinated cattle during the incubation period.


Effects of cyclophosphamide on the lymphoid tissues and humoral and cellular immune responsiveness of young calves.

Cyclophosphamide (CY) was given IV to 5-month-old calves (ten doses; each dose of 5.0 mg/kg, 2-day intervals between doses). The effects of CY on circulating leukocytes, lymphoid tissues, and the humoral and cellular immune responses were assessed. The numbers of total leukocytes, lymphocytes, and neutrophils and platelets decreased significantly. The lymphocyte population was depleted in the cortex of the thymus and B-dependent areas of the spleen and lymph nodes. Significant decreases occurred in the frequency of the peripheral blood lymphocytes-bearing surface immunoglobulin (Ig) and in serum IgM and IgG concentrations. Primary serum antibody responses to avian erythrocytes and Brucella abortus strain 19 antigens were diminished or delayed. The blastogenic responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin P, concanavalin A, pokeweed mitogen, and to purified protein derivative and B abortus antigens were enhanced as was the delayed hypersensitivity reaction to the tuberculin skin test. While a diminished humoral immune response was associated with CY treatment, the cell-mediated response was potentiated. The effect of CY was transitory with most variables returning to near base line within 24 days after CY was ceased.


Branches of the aortic arch in the cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis).

The aortic arch branching patterns of 49 male macaques (Macaca fascicularis) were described and classified according to the classification systems of DeGaris, and the incidence of each pattern was determined. The most frequent pattern observed was a two-branch type in which a truncus communis of intermediate length (7 to 11 mm) and the left subclavian artery constituted the only aortic arch branches. Five patterns not previously described in the cynomolgus were observed. Comparison of the cynomolgus and the rhesus macaques indicated a significant difference between the two species with the rhesus generally having a shorter truncus communis.


Confirmation by radial immunodiffusion of depression of the fourth component of complement in guinea pigs fed aflatoxin or rubratoxin.

Guinea pigs were fed either aflatoxin or rubratoxin in concentrations known to reduce serum complement activity. Depression of complement activity was accompanied by a decrease in C4. The measurement of C4 by radial immunodiffusion indicated it to be a useful and simple procedure for testing the effect of hepatotoxic mycotoxins on a component of the complement system of guinea pigs.


Protection against Klebsiella pneumoniae respiratory tract infection of mice and squirrel monkeys given kanamycin by aerosol and injection.

The methods of aerosol administration of kanamycin and IM injection of the antibiotic were compared for their protection of mice and squirrel monkeys against Klebsiella pneumoniae respiratory tract infection. Mice exposed to LD90 of K pneumoniae at 0.5, 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours after they were treated with aerosol of kanamycin (27 mg/kg of body weight) were significantly better protected at all exposure times than were mice given the antibiotic (450 mg/kg) by IM injection. Squirrel monkeys given the aerosol at dose level of 11.25 mg/kg were completely protected against K pneumoniae exposure at 6 and 24 hours, whereas only one of eight monkeys treated with the same dose given IM survived the exposure at 6 hours and none survived at 24 hours. Antibiotic clearance curves indicated that kanamycin remained in the lungs at higher concentrations and for longer periods after aerosol treatment than after IM treatment.


Longitudinal studies of naturally acquired Brucella abortus infection in sheep.

Naturally acquired Brucella abortus infections were studied during consecutive pregnancies in eight sheep and in their lambs over a period of 40 months to evaluate epizootiologic aspects of natural infection in sheep. Brucella abortus was isolated from the ewes following 16 of 26 natural terminations of pregnancy: from 5 of 6 ewes in the first year, from six of eight ewes in the second year, from two of six ewes in the third year, and from three of six ewes in the fourth year. Vaginal swab samples and milk samples were the most consistent source of the brucella organisms. Brucella abortus was isolated from three ewes when standard tube test seroagglutination titers were less than 1:100. In contrast, results of supplemental tests (card, 2-mercaptoethanol, complement-fixation, and Rivanol) remained positive during the study. During the 40 months, B abortus was isolated from 4 of 4 aborted fetuses, 2 of 5 stillborn lambs, 10 of 37 living lambs, and as an indicator of continuing infection, from 6 of 12 lambs born during the fourth year. Although B abortus has a definite host preference for cattle, this study demonstrated that under appropriate management conditions, sheep may be naturally infected and may remain infected for more than 40 months. Epizootiologic evaluation of all factors, including husbandry practices and exposure potential, should be utilized in determining the need to test other species that may have been exposed to cattle infected with B abortus.


Comparison of Pasteurella multocida serotyping systems.

Thirty-two type specific cultures used in four typing systems for serologically classifying Pasteurella multocida were compared as originally described for: (1) Little and Lyon's plate agglutination test; (2) Carter's indirect hemagglutination test, hyaluronidase decapsulation test, and acriflavine reaction; (3) Namioka's plate and tube agglutination tests; and (4) Heddleston's gel diffusion precipitin test. In addition, seven cultures from Robert's five passive protection groups were included. When reference cultures were examined by the typing system from which they were described, the results generally correlated with those results published. However, serotypes determined by one typing system generally did not correlate with serotypes determined by another system. Cultures of a single serotype in one system often represented more than one serotype in another system. Results indicated that cultures with one or two serotyping antigens in common may differ in other antigens. Because of the antigenic complexity of P multocida and the nature of the antigens involved in each test, a reliable correlation or equality between serotypes determined by different typing systems could not be made.


[The surgical treatment of pharyno-oesophageal diverticula].

An up to date report on the surgical technique used in the treatment of pharyngo-oesophageal diverticulum by one-stage diverticulectomy. The authors emphasise the possible difficulties associated with diverticula surrounded by peridiverticulitis, the approach to diverticula with mediastinal extension and practical points which make it possible to simplify the posterative course. The place of myotomy of the cricopharyngeal muscle without ablation of the sac in the treatment of small asymptomatic diverticula is discussed.


Exostoses of the external auditory canal.

Exostosis of the external ear canal is a disease unique to man. It has been identified in prehistoric man, affecting the aborigines of the North American continent. Aural exostoses are typically firm, sessile, multinodular bony masses which arise from the tympanic ring of the bony portion of the external auditory canal. These growths develop subsequent to prolonged irritation of the canal. The large, primitive jaw of prehistoric man placed great mechanical stress on the tympanic ring. Chronic aural suppuration seen in the preantibiotic era was soon followed by exostoses. Today, prolonged contact of the external ear canal with cold sea water is the most prevalent cause (aquatic theory). As a result the disease is now essentially limited to coastal regions. In this way we have seen exostoses appear in different stages of the evolution of man as a result of mechanical, chemical and now thermal irritation. The author is an otolaryngologist in a coastal region. In examining 11,000 patients during a ten-year period, 70 cases of symptomatic exostoses of the external auditory canal were identified. The incidence of exostoses was found to be 6.36 per 1,000 patients examined for otolaryngologic disease. It is a predominantly male disease. The development of these "irritation nodules" is painless until the tenth year of aquatic exposure to irritation, when symptoms of obstruction occur. The hearing loss associated with exostoses is usually a conductive type, secondary to occlusion of the canal by impacted cerumen or acute external otitis. The results of studying the thermal characteristics of the body of water used for such aquatic activities is presented.