Tryptophan antidepressant 'physiological sedative': fact or fancy?

Some recent publications relating to the allegedly antidepressive and sedative effects of L-tryptophan the precursor of 5-HT have been reviewed. The evidence to date suggests that the amino acid is as effective as standard tricyclic drugs in alleviating the symptoms of depression, especially those cases presenting with mainly psychomotor retardation, and is synergistic with MAOIs. L-Tryptophan would also appear to be a 'physiological sedative'. This action, however, appears to be related to the time of administration and at present has only been demonstrated at night. when endogenous levels of 5-HT are at their peak. In terms of practical therapeutics L-tryptophan would appear to have greater potential as an 'antidepressant' than as a 'sedative'.


Effect of L-tryptophan on the acquisition of tolerance to ethanol-induced motor impairment and hypothermia.

Rats were rendered tolerant to ethanol by daily gavage of 4--5 g/kg. The degree of motor impairment on the moving belt test and of hypothermia after i.p. test doses of ethanol was measured prior to and at various times during the chronic treatment, to assess the rates of tolerance development. L-Tryptophan (75 mg/kg twice daily) was administered chronically to elevate brain serotonin level. This treatment did not alter the motor impairment or hypothermia produced by the initial test doses of ethanol (2.0 and 2.5 g/kg respectively). However, the development of tolerance to both the motor impairment and hypothermia effects of ethanol was accelerated in the tryptophan-treated rats. This finding complements our earlier observations that depletion of 5-HT with p-CPA slows down tolerance. Blood ethanol measurements at 20 min (motor impairment) or 90 min (hypothermia) after the administration of the test dose reveal no significant difference between the control and tryptophan-treated rats, suggesting that tryptophan did not influence the metabolism of ethanol. This finding supports the hypothesis that brain serotonin modulates the development of tolerance to ethanol.


Effects of delta-aminolaevulinic acid administration on social behaviour in the laboratory mouse.

Ethologic analysis has been used to study the behavioural effects following injection of delta-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) in mice. After a dose level of 1.6 mmol ALA/kg, male and female mice showed periods of immobility and scanned less frequently than saline-injected controls. Exploration of the cage was significantly reduced in frequency in treated males, many elements of social and sexual investigation were reduced in treated females, and no elements of aggression were seen in treated males. Gait was abnormal and movement lethargic in animals showing the greatest degree of immobility. Righting reflexes and the response to stimuli of noise and touch remained normal. After a dose level of 0.8 mmol ALA/kg, no significant behavioural effects were detectable.


The effect of amitriptyline and mianserine (Org. GB94) on food motivated behaviour of rats trained in a runway: possible correlation with biogenic amine concentration in the limbic system.

Rats on a 23 h food deprivation schedule were trained to run down a straight runway for a food reward. Neither amitriptyline nor mianserine had an effect on the running time for the food reward during the period of continuous reinforcement. However both antidepressants delayed the extinction of this response. It seems unlikely that this effect on extinction was due to an altered motivation for the food reward as amitriptyline significantly decreased the food intake of the experimental animals while mianserine increased the food intake throughout the period of the experiment. The observation that both these antidepressants reduce the speed of extinction of rewarded behaviour may be explicable in terms of observed changes in the concentration of biogenic amines in the limbic system.


Enhanced 5-hydroxytryptamine-mediated behavioural responses in rats following repeated electroconvulsive shock: relevance to the mechanism of the antidepressive effect of electroconvulsive therapy.

Treatment of rats with one electroconvulsive shock (ECS) per day for 10 days enhanced the hyperactivity syndrome produced by administration of tranylcypromine (10 mg kg-1) and L-tryptophan (50 mg kg-1) given 24 h after the final shock. Similar enhancement was seen whether the shock was alternating sinusoidal or direct current (fractionated), whether it was given through unilaterally or bilaterally placed electrodes and whether or not a neuromuscular blocking agent (fazadinium) was used. Five shocks spread over 10 days or 8 shocks spread over 17 days were similarly effective, whilst 8 shocks in 1 day were ineffective. Therefore when ECS are given to rats in ways similar to those in which electroconvulsive therapy is given to patients with depression, enhancement of behavioural responses to increased 5-HT function is produced.


Dissociation of autonomic and cognitive effects of THC in man.

Intravenous THC, 30--44.8 microgram/kg, was administered to four subjects. Each received THC on four occasions preceded by either i.v. saline, 0.04 mg/kg atropine sulfate, 0.2 mg/kg propranolol, or both drugs together. Heart rates, subjective intoxication and symptom ratings, time productions, and EEG activity were measured. In the absence of autonomic blocking drugs, THC produced characteristic tachycardia, subjective intoxication, and EEG effects. After combined autonomic blockade, THC had no effect on heart rate, while subjective and EEG changes remained as intense. These findings argue against the hypothesis that the subjective and EEG effects of THC are mediated by autonomic receptors or by interoception of peripheral autonomic actions of THC.


The role of blocking and compensatory conditioning in the treatment preexposure effect.

Rats were given injections of an aversion-inducing drug in one environment, and then conditioned to avoid a novel-tasting saccharin solution. The treatment preexposure effect (i.e., reduced conditioning) was obtained when preexposure and aversion training took place in the same environment, but not in different environments. Additional experiments, which showed that consumption of a novel saccharin solution was selectively enhanced, rather than reduced, following exposure to aversion-inducing drugs, gave evidence that interference in the formation of conditioned taste aversions was not the result of associative blocking. Results of the final experiment suggested that enhanced drinking may have occurred because stimuli that characterized the environment in which preexposures were administered suppressed the action of the pituitary-adrenal system.


[Emotional reactivity and neurovegetative balance in the rat (author's transl)].

It has been shown in male rats of two albino strains, Wistar and Sprague-Dawley, that differences in emotional reactivity were related to physiological differences (Bernet and Denimal, 1978). Particularly the resting heart rate was slower in the more emotionally reactive rats. It has been suggested that emotional reactivity is linked with a certain neurovegetative balance. This possibility was investigated in twelve rats of each strain by means of differential blockade of the autonomic nervous system by atropine and propranolol. The heart rate response of the emotionally reactive strain to propranolol was statistically smaller than that of the non reactive strain. On the other hand, the heart rate increase resulting from atropine treatment was more elevated in the same rats. The calculated sympathetic and parasympathetic tones (as % of intrinsic heart rate) were 8% and 30% respectively in the reactive rats. However, both of the tones were 14% in the non reactive rats. In conclusion, the high defecating rats in the open-field exhibit a lower sympathetic tone linked with a higher parasympathetic tone.


Plasmatic renin activity in patients treated with L-dopa and inhibitor of dopa decarboxylase (IDC).

Plasmatic renin activity (PRA) was studied in patients receiving L-dopa, together with a decarboxylase inhibitor, at rest times and after periods of physical exertion. Although we can superimpose the results from unrelated Parkinson's disease patients on those of the control group, the results are inversed in stabilized patients (lowered PRA) and dyskinetic patients (increased PRA). There is a definite correlation between the increase in PRA and intensity of the dyskinesia. Dosage is the only other factor differentiating the two groups of Parkinsonians treated. The figures relative to arterial pressure are studied in the various groups.


Marijuana and the perception of affect.

The influence of marijuana on the ability to perceive emotions in others was studied in 30 male volunteers who were experienced marijuana users. Subjects smoked either placebo or active marijuana containing 6 mg delta 9-THC. The Affective Sensitivity Scale, a test developed to measure the ability to perceive emotions in others, was divided at midpoint and the two halves were administered before and after smoking, respectively. Analysis of variance demonstrated a decline in test scores following active marijuana administration, while changes following the placebo treatment were not significant.


A placebo-controlled multicenter trial of Limbitrol versus its components (amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide) in the symptomatic treatment of depressive illness.

In a multicenter, placebo-controlled, clinical trial, the efficacy of Limbitrol was compared with that of its components, amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide. All patients had a diagnosis of primary depression. Data from 279 patients were evaluated using the Hamilton depression scale, the Beck depression inventory, and physician and patient global change measures. Statistically significant differences favoring Limbitrol occurred after 1 week of treatment, and a trend in favor of Limbitrol continued throughout the remaining 3 weeks. In most efficacy comparisons, the combination was as good as, or better than, amitriptyline alone. It was superior to chlordiazepoxide alone after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Each component produced an independent contribution to the total therapeutic effect: the chlordiazepoxide effect was more prominent in the first 2 weeks and the amitriptyline effect in the latter 2 weeks. A trend favoring amitriptyline over chlordiazepoxide was evident by week 4. The overall incidence of side effects was comparable in both Limbitrol- and amitriptyline-treated groups. Limbitrol-treated patients exhibited more sedation, but significantly fewer Limbitrol patients discontinued treatment prematurely because of side effects.


Inhibition of activity in rats by rubidium chloride.

Effects of two dosages of rubidium chloride on exploration, locomotion, rearing and immobility were assessed for male and female rats in an exploration box and an open field. In contrast to previous findings, rubidium was found to decrease locomotion and rearing in the exploratory box, and also to decrease locomotion in the open field. Further research in a variety of experimental settings is required before the effects of rubidium on activity can be fully evaluated.


Comparison of the discriminative stimulus properties of nefopam and morphine.

Separate groups of rats were trained to discriminate nefopam or morphine from saline in a two-lever operant task. Nefopam produced saline-appropriate responding in morphine-trained rats. The highest dose of morphine tested in nefopam-trained rats produced responding appropriate for neither training treatment. This intermediate morphine responding was antagonized by a naloxone treatment that had no effect on the nefopam discrimination. These results suggest that the stimulus properties of nefopam and morphine are qualitatively different but also that morphine produces effects related to those that result in stimulus control by nefopam.


Clonidine induced hyperphagia and weight gain in monkeys.

The effect of the alpha-noradrenergic receptor agonist, clonidine, on food intake and weight was examined in ten adult Stumptail macaque monkeys. An intramuscular injection of 0.1 mg/kg of clonidine HCl for seven consecutive days significantly increased food intake from baseline levels throughout treatment. All but two monkeys gained weight during clonidine treatment with seven animals gaining from 5--15% of their original body weight by the end of 1 week.


Enhanced responsiveness to intraventricular infusion of amphetamine following its repeated systemic administration.

Previous studies have demonstrated that long-term administration of d-amphetamine produces a progressive augmentation of behavior. In the present experiment, rats receiving repeated systemic injections responded to an intraventricular infusion of d-amphetamine with an augmented increase in locomotor activity. These results indicate that central mechanisms, rather than peripheral dispositional factors, subserve the enhanced behavioral response to repeated amphetamine administration.


Inhibition of isolation-induced aggressive behavior with GABA transaminase inhibitors.

Administration of aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA) and gamma-acetylenic GABA (GAG) resulted in a dose-dependent suppression of aggressive behavior and a concomitant increase in brain GABA. The increase in GABA levels persisted beyond the time when AOAA and GAG exerted an anti-aggressive effect. Brain GABA levels remained significantly elevated over controls for 120 h after a single injection of AOAA and 46 h after a single dose of GAG.


Comparison of tolerance development and dependence capacities of morphine, beta-endorphin, and [D-Met2, Pro5]-enkephalinamide.

The tolerance-development capacities of beta-endorphin, [D-Met2, Pro5]-enkephalinamide, and morphine were compared in rats, and the dependence capacity of morphine was compared with that of the enkephalin analogue in mice. Tolerance to the analgesic effect, as measured by the tail-flick test, developed somewhat more rapidly in the [D-Met2, Pro5]-enkephalinamide-treated group than in the others. A similar relationship was found for the dependence capacity. Considering that the enkephalin analogue displayed the strongest analgesic activity, the well-known correlation between antinociceptive and tolerance development/dependence capacities of opiates seems to be valid for opioid peptides as well.


Effects of mescaline and amphetamine on simultaneous visual discrimination in two inbred strains of mice.

The effects of mescaline and amphetamine were investigated in BALB/cJ (BALB) and C57BL/6J (C57) mice using the five-choice Yerkes--Thompson Bryant--Bovet-Nitti apparatus for patterns discrimination. Two sets of experiments were carried out. In the first set, pretrial administration of mescaline (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) was followed by performance improvements in the C57 mice, while performances of the BALB strain were impaired by the treatment, as compared with those of the saline-injected (4 ml/kg) controls. The pretrial administration of amphetamine (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg) improved performances of both strains. In a second set of experiments, the same effects as in the pretrial experiments were observed in both strains following administration of mescaline (20 mg/kg) and amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg) immediately after each experimental session. No effect was evident when the drugs were injected 2 h after training, suggesting that effects of the pretrial treatments were due to influences of mescaline and amphetamine on the consolidation processes of the two strains of mice tested.


Lack of response inhibition in rats prenatally exposed to alcohol.

Offspring of mothers who consumed either 32, 19, 8, or 0% of their daily caloric intake in the form of ethanol during pregnancy were tested for passive avoidance. At 18 days of age, the number of trials to criterion and the within-group variability were direct functions of the amount of ethanol consumed by the mother during pregnancy. At 41--53 days of age, alcohol-treated pups still required more trials to criterion than controls and had faster speeds into the shock compartment on the first trial. When the progeny of mothers consuming either 35, 17, or 0% ethanol-derived calories during pregnancy were compared for conditioned taste aversion to a lithium chloride solution, a linear dose-response function was again evident. Animals in the alcohol-treated groups showed less suppression of drinking than controls. These investigations indicated that the effects of alcohol exposure in utero were manifested in behavioral outcomes involving response inhibition that were not correlated with the more familiar physical symptoms.


The effect of (-) trans-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, alone and in combination with ethanol, on human performance.

Twenty five volunteers received (-) trans-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (320 microgram/kg) or placebo (both orally, T0), and, 60 min later, they consumed an ethanolic beverage (0.54 g/kg) or placebo. The effects of this medication were measured at T1 (100 min after THC ingestion), T2 (160 min), T3 (220 min) and T4 (280 min) using a battery of cognitive, perceptual and motor function tests. Factorial analysis indicated that the test procedures could be adequately expressed by four rotated factors: a reaction speed factor (I'), a cognitive factor (II'), a standing steadiness factor (III') and a psychomotor coordination factor (IV'). The first principal component (I) was used as a measure of general performance across the whole test battery. Both THC and ethanol produced significant decrements in the general performance factor. Ethanol produced significant decrements in standing steadiness and psychomotor coordination, while THC caused a significant deterioration in performance on all the four rotated factors. In all cases the peak effect of ethanol occurred at T1 and by T4 the effect had worn off. The performance decrements induced by THC were slower in onset and lasted longer than those induced by ethanol. In general, the peak effect of THC occurred at T1 and T2. There was no evidence of any interaction between THC and ethanol, and the effects of a combination of THC and ethanol were no more than additive. THC (but not ethanol) produced a significant rise in pulse rate. Prior administration of THC did not significantly affect the blood ethanol levels obtained. The subjects were able to identify correctly which of the treatments they had received.


Effect of drugs influencing central serotonergic mechanisms on haloperidol-induced catalepsy.

Pretreatment with quipazine, a serotonin agonist, and clomipramine, a selective serotonin neuronal uptake blocker, was found to potentiate the cataleptic effect of haloperidol in a dose-dependent manner in rats. Pretreatment with methysergide, a serotonin antagonist, reduced the cataleptic effect of haloperidol. The results indicate that the cataleptic effect of neuroleptics depends on the balance between the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, and that the serotonergic system exerts an inhibitory influence on the dopaminergic system.


Effects of sodium amylobarbitone on memory processes in the pigeon.

An experiment was carried out in the pigeon to assess the effects of sodium amylobarbitone (SAB) on memory, using a delayed pair comparison task. Performance was disrupted at all delays by doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg SAB and it was concluded that this effect was not due to perceptual impairment or stereotyped responding, which the drug might have caused, since performance on a visual discrimination task was unaffected by the same doses of SAB. Two further experiments assessed proactive and retroactive effects by varying the inter-trial interval and by introducing an irrelevant orange stimulus at various stages of the delay interval. Although these manipulations disrupted performance, there was no evidence to suggest that the drug potentiated their effects in a specific manner. The results are discussed in terms of an encoding hypothesis, and some reference is made to the possible neuropharmacological basis of action of this drug.


Intracranial self-stimulation in orbitofrontal cortex and caudate nucleus of rhesus monkey: effects of apomorphine, pimozide, and spiroperidol.

Rhesus monkeys were prepared with stimulating electrodes implanted into the orbitofrontal cortex and head of the caudate nucleus under stereotaxic control. These regions of the brain contain high levels of dopamine, and intracranial self-stimulation was readily elicited from these loci in all animals tested using licking behavior as the operant response. Self-stimulation at both sites was significantly attenuated following peripheral injections of the dopamine receptor blocker spiroperidol (0.02 mg/kg). Similarly, pimozide (0.15 and 0.20 mg/kg) significantly reduced self-stimulation in the orbitofrontal cortex, but the suppression observed at caudate placements did not reach statistical significance. Licking for a reward of blackcurrant juice was unaffected by either drug. Apomorphine (0.2, 0.4 mg/kg) had a differential effect on self-stimulation. This drug significantly attenuated self-stimulation in the orbitofrontal cortex, while the same treatment tended to facilitate self-stimulation in the caudate. Apomorphine did not significantly affect responding for the fruit juice reward. The parallels between the effects of dopamine agonists and antagonists on self-stimulation in the monkey and rat suggest that dopamine influences self-stimulation of some sites in both the primate and the rat.


The actions of dopaminergic and noradrenergic antagonists on conditioned avoidance responses in intact and 6-hydroxydopamine-treated rats.

The actions of various doses of haloperidol, pimozide, clozapine, and phenoxybenzamine were assessed on a conditioned-avoidance response (CAR) in control and 6-hydroxydopamine-treated rats, using a pole-climbing device. Haloperidol proved to be the most potent in disrupting the CAR. Pimozide was about 1.6 times less potent, and clozapine and phenoxybenzamine were approximately 52 and 155 times less potent than haloperidol, respectively. Prior treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine slightly enhanced the sensitivity to some of the doses of the DA and NE antagonists. Significantly lower levels of responding, however, were observed only after the highest dose of primozide. Clonidine was not only ineffective in reverting avoidance decrements, but also induced a further decline of the CAR. Apomorphine produced a partial, but significant, reversal of the haloperidol and pimozide-induced depression of conditioned responses. Regarding the clozapine-pretreated animals, a significant antagonism was observed only with the smaller dose of apomorphine. The highest dose induced a further decline of the CAR. The DA agonist was also ineffective in the phenoxybenzamine-injected rats. Amphetamine was effective in antagonizing the avoidance decrements produced by all the CA antagonists. Our results support the suggestion that CAR depends on both DA and NE mechanisms. DA seems to be more significant that NE, however, since the CAR was more depressed when receptors depending on the former neurotransmitter were blocked.


The antagonizing effect of aspartic acid on morphine withdrawal and levallorphan-precipitated abstinence syndrome signs and on associated changes in brain levels of free amino acids in the rat.

We have previously demonstrated the antagonizing effect of aspartic acid on some effects of morphine and on the development of physical dependence on, and tolerance to, morphine. In the present study, we have withdrawal from morphine or administration of a morphine antagonist. For this purpose sixty five white rats were given morphine and aspartic acid separately and in combination in a 5% saccharose solution instead of drinking water for 30 days. Some of the dependent rats were then withdrawn and others were injected with levallorphan. Flying, jumping, wet-dog shaking, body weight loss and motor activity were estimated and free amino acid levels in the brain were determined. Aspartic acid was found to prevent or antagonize the behavioural signs and the changes in the free amino acid levels in the brain. The results are discussed in the light of the previous data.


Impaired acquisition and retention of a passive avoidance response after chronic ingestion of taurine.

Oral administration of taurine (0.9%) in the drinking water resulted in impairment of acquisition and, to a lesser extent, retention of a step-down passive avoidance task in rats. No effect was found on spontaneous locomotor activity or habituation measured in photocell activity cages. There were also no differences observed in either the taurine-treated or control rats in their sensitivity to electric shock. These observations suggest that the administration of oral taurine may have adverse effects on inhibitory or memory functions.


Adrenergic and dopaminergic response to chronic chair restraint in the rhesus monkey.

Prolonged chair restraint and social isolation in the rhesus monkey led to a reduction in the urinary excretion of HVA (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid), DOPAC (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid), VMA methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid), and MHPG (3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylglycol) over a 3 week period. This adaptation to a chronically "stressful" situation corresponds to earlier studies on the rhesus monkey indicating a gradual reduction in the urinary excretion of norepinephrine and epinephrine after initiation of restraint. The following basic information on the urinary excretion of catecholamine metabolites was obtained: (1) the rate of excretion of the dopamine metabolites (HVA and DOPAC) is about four times higher than the rate of excretion of adrenergic metabolites (VMA and MHPG): (2) MHPG is the major adrenergic metabolite in the rhesus monkey; and (3) the excretion rates of the urinary metabolites varied considerably between animals.


Behavioral intervention with muscle-contraction headache: a review.

Studies involving behavioral intervention with muscle-contraction headache are reviewed. Intervention approaches have most frequently involved frontal electromyographic feedback and relaxation instructions. Although behavioral intervention packages have been more effective than control procedures in reducing headache activity, identification of active components of these packages is difficult. Specifically,, the contribution of placebo, expectancy and demand factors, reactive effects of self-monitoring, and home practice have not been adequately assessed. The importance of assessing individual differences in etiology and in response to intervention is stressed. The results of some studies are congruent with the hypothesized muscle tension etiology of muscle-contraction headaches but the results from others suggest that factors other than muscle-tension may be involved. Supportive laboratory research on the intervention procedures and cost-efficiency of electromyographic feedback and relaxation instructions are discussed.


Platelet monoamine oxidase activity correlates with social affiliative and agonistic behaviors in normal rhesus monkeys.

After a 4-mo study period, quantitative measures of stable behavioral traits in individual rhesus monkeys correlated significantly with platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity. In particular, behavioral items reflecting social activity and social contact, both agonistic and affiliative, were inversely correlated with enzyme activity. Time spent alone was positively correlated. Since platelet MAO activity is generally stable and predominantly controlled by genetic factors, it might serve as a "genetic marker" for individual differences in "normal" behaviors possibly related to differences in MAO activity in the brain and other tissues.


Treatment of prolactin-secreting pituitary tumours in young women by needle implantation of radioactive yttrium.

Twenty-one young female patients are described who presented with amenorrhoea, galactorrhoea or infertility, and were treated by 90Y pituitary implantation of 20,000 rads. There was no morbidity. In all patients serum prolactin values were elevated and radiographs of the pituitary fossa were abnormal. Observations are available for 1--76 months (mean 27) after implantation. The median fall in prolactin values was 60 per cent while there was no deterioration in pituitary function if normal pre-operatively. Luteinizing hormone values, both basally and following gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, rose to normal after operation; several instances of sellar remodelling were observed radiologically, and no instance of relapse was found radiologically, biochemically or clinically. Thirteen patients desiring fertility have been observed since implantation; so far nine have become pregnant, in three instances without any additional therapy; since four patients became pregnant twice, a total of 13 pregnancies have occurred. No case of tumour expansion was observed during pregnancy. 90Y implantation can be considered as a therapeutic procedure in young female patients requiring fertility which is competitive with surgical methods, and together with a short course of bromocriptine if needed, could prove to be the treatment of choice.


Long-term curative results of radiotherapy of patients with inoperable prostatic carcinoma. Erskine Memorial Lecture, 1978.

A series of 59 consecutive patients with inoperable carcinoma of the prostate were entered into a national cooperative study and treated under the tenets of a strict protocol with competent dosimetric control. Twenty-one of these men are living and well 5--10 years after treatment; nine others who lived without cancer from 5 to 10 years died of other diseases. Local recurrences were not demonstrated in several cases which came to autopsy. Failures are often due to the development of osseous metastases outside of the effective area of radiotherapy. Untoward effects are the exception and may be minimized by fractionation.


Irradiation of primary brain-stem tumors.

Of 40 patients treated for brain-stem tumors, 20 had lesions of the thalamus and midbrain (group A) and 20 had lesions of the pons and medulla (group B). Performance status measured 1 month after irradiation improved in 16 of 20 group A and 11 of 20 group B patients and was a valuable prognostic factor. The survival rate at 5 years was 40% (8/20) in group A and 30% (6/20) in group B. All recurrences appeared within 3 years and were predominantly locoregional. Treatment factors, including dose and field size, are analyzed.


Cardiac imaging with tantalum-178.

Tantalum-178 is a potential tracer for the first transit studies of the heart. It has a short physical half-life (9.3 minutes) and is obtained as a generator product from its long-lived (21.3 days) parent, tungsten-178. First transit studies were performed in the monkey and dog following the intravenous injection of 20 mCi (740 MBq) of tantalum-178. Imaging was performed with a large field of view single crystal camera and a multicrystal camera. Pulmonary dilution curves were derived for the analysis of left-to-right intracardiac shunting and high temporal resolution studies were obtained to assess left ventricular function and to measure left ventricular ejection fraction. The short physical half-life of tantalum-178 permits fraction. The short physical half-life of tantalum-178 permits multiple sequential studies with reduced patient radiation dose compared to the current radionuclide of choice, technetium-99m.


Quality Assurance in diagnostic radiology: an irreverent view of a sacred cow: annual oration in honor of Albert Soiland, M.D.

The problem of federal regulation of radiologic practice is examined via an in-depth analysis of the Proposed Recommendations for Diagnostic Radiology Facility Quality Assurance Programs as published in the Federal Register by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. It is shown that the need for such recommendations is not established, that the program proposed by the Commissioner is potentially burdensome for the radiologist, that it does not address the most significant causes of unnecessary patient irradiation, and that the benefits expected to derive from it are, in fact, negligible. This is not to denigrate the value of well-conceived quality assurance efforts, and measures are suggested that might more reasonably be expected to reduce the radiation exposure of the public. The radiologist is urged to 1) conduct his practice in as faultless a manner as possible; and 2) exercise his right to respond to proposals of the federal regulatory agencies.


Utilization of head computed tomography units: in installations with greater than two-and-a-half years' experience.

Utilization and economic data from head computed tomography (HCT) units providing more than 2 1/2 years' experience are compared with data from installations in 1976. The average unit operates 60 hr/wk, examining 63 patients. Nearly half the examinations are "double" studies, requiring about 53 minutes. The annual total technical cost is approximately $383,000. Charges have been reduced since 1976. While technical charges are lower in high-volume institutions, professional charges are higher. Usual charges and expected net revenues are above Medicare maximum allowable charges. Most units meet the national guidelines. There is considerable variation in data from individual facilities; a "typical" HCT unit cannot be defined.


Utilization of body computed tomography units: in installations with greater than one-and-a-half years' experience.

Utilization and economic data from body computed tomography (BCT) units with more than 1 1/2 years' experience are compared to data in 1977. The average unit operates 52 hr./wk., examining 34 patients. Head studies constitute 55% of examinations, abdominal and pelvic 38%. The total technical cost of examining 35 patients/wk. is approximately $384,000. Charges have been reduced since 1977 by approximately 5%; the average annual loss is about $77,000. Technical and professional charges are lower in high-volume institutions. Current Medicare maximum allowable charges are below BCT costs and charges. Only 17% of installations meet the National Guidelines of 2,500 patient examinations per year.


Arachidonic acid level in cellular lipids determines the amount of prostaglandins synthesized during cell growth in tissue culture.

Methylcholanthrene transformed mouse fibroblast cells can be induced to synthesize prostaglandins by a short term incubation with various vasoactive agents including serum, bradykinin and thrombin or in response to mechanical detachment from the culture dish. The ability of the cells to synthesize prostaglandins upon stimulation changes during growth of the culture on the dish; the response is maximal on the first day after inoculation and decreased sharply thereafter. Feeding of the cells with fresh growth medium enhances prostaglandin production induced by all stimuli. The difference in the cell response during growth is probably not due to change of prostaglandin synthetase activity since the specific enzyme activities assayed with microsomal preparations of cells harvested from the first and third day culture are similar. However, analysis of the cellular content of arachidonic acid after saponification of the total lipid extract of cells harvested at different days of growth reveals that the level of arachidonic acid per cell during growth is parallel to the response to stimuli. It is maximal on the first day and decreases sharply on the second day and stays low on the third day. Our study suggests that the level of arachidonic acid in the cell governs the extent of prostaglandin synthesis upon stimulation.


Isolation of a new lipoxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid, 8. 11, 12-trihydroxy-5,9,14-eicosatrienoic acid from human platelets.

Washed human platelets incubated with 1-14C-arachidonic acid (1mM) produced a new metabolite which migrated on thin layer chromatography close to thromboxane B2, but which was identified by mass spectrometry as a trihydroxy fatty acid. The mass spectrum was consistent with the assigned structure, 8,11,12-trihydroxy-5,9,14-eicosatrienoic acid (THETE). Platelet THETE synthesis from arachidonate was not inhibited by preincubation with asprin or indomethacin but was blocked by 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid. Therefore, THETE appears to arise via the platelet lipoxygenase pathway rather than via the prostaglandin cyclooxygenase. Two proposed structures, including a novel dihydro-hydroxy-pyran cyclic intermediate, which could give rise to THETE are presented.


Distribution of the hematozoa of Neotropical birds.

The literature pertaining to the prevalence of avian hematozoa in the Neotropics, together with unpublished records from the files of the International Reference Centre for Avian Haematozoa, has been examined with respect to the distribution of parasite genera by host family and region. The blood parasites of 35555 birds of 955 species (80 families) occurring in the Neotropics formed the basis for the comparisons. Only 3743 (10.5%) individuals harbored one or more species of hematozoa. Haemoproteus was the most commonly observed form exhibiting a 7.4% prevalence, followed by Plasmodium (1.9%), microfilaria (1.2%), Trypanosoma (0.6%), and Leucocytozoon (0.2%). Hematozoan prevalence varied markedly from region to region and among families. In comparison with a similar review of Nearctic avian hematozoan distribution, the Neotropics demonstrated a much lower prevalence and a near absence of Leucocytozoon.


[Note about the biology of Cuterebra apicalis (Guérin, 1829/38) (Diptera-Cuterebridae) (author's transl)].

This note reports the parasitism by Cuterebra apicalis Guérin (1829/1838) on the rodents Oryzomys eliurus and Calomys callosus collected in the north of Formosa county, Goiás state. The infested animals were kept in the laboratory to allow observations on the development of the parasite.


[Post-traumatic status epilepticus with only mental symptomatology].

The authors report the electroclinical data in a left-handed patient presenting with a partial paroxystic state immediately following cranial trauma complicated by a right temporal subdural hematoma. The clinical picture during the crisis was limited to symptoms evoking a subjective post-traumatic syndrome. Anti-convulsant treatment produced complete disappearance of clinical disorders and critical focal activity. The problems raised by this observation are discussed.


[Benign focal epilepsy and "electrical status epilepticus" during sleep (author's transl)].

The authors describe the electro-clinical state of four children having a type of epilepsy clinically characterized by rare partial motor seizures and frequent absences. From E.E.G. point of view they had focal (mainly frontal) and diffuse abnormalities. Such diffuse abnormalities became continuous during slow sleep, thus realizing an electrical status epilepticus. During such status partial subclinical seizures were recorded. At the onset such cases have electroclinical features resembling those observed in the form of epilepsy so-called "benign partial epilepsy of children with rolandic or mid-temporal foci". All cases, however, have behavioural problems (instability, desorientation) and decreased school performances. The epilepsy evolution, however, is favourable and such form should consequently be distinguished from the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.


p-Nitrophenol conjugation in perfused livers from normal and phenobarbital-treated rats: influence of nutritional state.

Conjugation of p-nitrophenol in perfused livers from control and phenobarbital-treated rats was measured spectrally by determining influent minus effluent concentration differences of the free drug. Rates of conjugation (1.0 to 2.0 mu moles/g/h) were essentially the same in livers from fasted control or fasted phenobarbital-treated rats. In control fed livers, rates of conjugation did not differ from the fasted state. However, rates of conjugation in livers from carbohydrate-rich, phenobarbital-treated rats were 6- to 10-fold greater than rates in livers from fasted phenobarbital-treated animals. Differences in rates of conjugation in phenobarbital-treated rats in different nutritional states were more closely related to carbohydrate reserves as indicated by glycogen levels than to activities of p-nitrophenyl UDP-glucuronyl transferase.


[The Göttinger minipig as a laboratory animal. 5. Communication: cardiac output, its regional distribution and organ blood flow (author's transl)].

In 16 juvenile minipigs weighing 3.08 kg an average cardiac output of 23 ml/100 g body weight was measured with the dye-dilution method. The microsphere technique was used to assess distribution of cardiac output and organ blood flow. In 12 adult minipigs with a mean body weight of 21.5 kg the cardiac output of 14 ml/100 g body weight was measured with an electromagnetic flowmeter. The values of total systemic and organic blood flow correlated well with those of man and partly with those of other laboratory animals.


[Post surgical ossifications (total prosthesis) of the hips in subjects suffering from vertebral ankylosing hyperostosis].

In a series of 67 patients suffering from vertebral ankylosing hyperostosis (VAH) and who underwent surgery in one or both hips (93) with installing of a prosthesis, we observed in all the subjects post-surgical coxal ossifications, and in 57 of them, large or very large ossifications. These ossifications appeared solely during the first year following surgery, and their final volume was reached during this first year. The appearance of such post-surgical coxal ossifications during the VAH is for us a characteristic of the disease. This observation is a factor that points to a general and non local (vertebral) mechanism of the VAH.


A new method for the determination of gastrointestinal transit times.

A new method for the determination of the gastrointestinal transit time (TT) is described. The normal range of the TT was 40--95 h in 58 normal subjects. No age or sex variation of the TT was disclosed. In 25 out-patients with the irritable bowel syndrome the TT was determined before and after 3 weeks' treatment with Vi-Siblin. Of these patients, 20% initially showed a prolonged TT; this decreased during treatment with Vi-Siblin. In the patients with normal TT, this remained unchanged during the treatment. Our study suggests that patients with long TT, long intervals between bowel movements, and frequent attacks of colicky abdominal pain may derive benefit from a plant fibre supplement to their diet. The method for the determination of the TT described is well suited to out-patient studies--also in large populations--since it is relatively easy to perform, stool collection is unnecessary, and the method shows good reproducibility.


Interactions between mouse immunoglobulins and staphylococcal protein A.

When mouse serum or ascites is applied on protein A-Sepharose columns and washed with enough phosphate-buffered saline, a second protein peak is often eluted with the same buffer after the first major peak of unbound proteins. This second peak is almost pure Ig G1. More IgG1 plus IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3 are thereafter eluted with acid saline. 90% of the IgG1 whichhad been eluted with neutral buffer could be re-eluted at the same retarded position with the same buffer. When a gradient from 0 to 3 M sodium thiocyanate was started after the major peak of unbound proteins, all IgG1 was eluted before IgG2 and IgG3. These results suggest that IgG1 has a much lower affinity for protein A than IgG2 or IgG3 and that normal mouse serum IgG1 can be purified by such a simple procedure.


Carbonic anhydrase isoenzyme B in erythrocytes of subjects with chronic obstructive lung disease.

A specific and quantitative immunological method for the determination of human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase (HCA) isoenzyme B has been used to determine the contents of enzyme in the erythrocytes from healthy persons and from subjects with chronic obstructive lung disease. The investigations have shown a statistically significant increase of HCA type B in the erythrocytes of subjects suffering from chronic obstructive lung disease and hypercapnia. Subjects with chronic obstructive lung disease and normal PaCO2 showed no difference from normal subjects. No correlation was found between PaCO2 and human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase.


Inhibition of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction by nebulised sodium cromoglycate in patients with bronchial asthma.

In this double blind study, 10 patients with bronchial asthma underwent exercise challenge on five occasions. The first of these was a control test carried out without prior drug administration; the other tests were preceded by the administration, in random order, of a sodium cromoglycate (SCG) capsule, a placebo capsule, an ampoule of sodium cromoglycate solution, and a placebo ampoule. Comparisons of the largest falls in PEFR after exercise showed statistically significant inhibition of exercise-induced bronchospasm, compared with control, with both SCG inhalation solution (P less than 0.01) and SCG powder (P less than 0.01). SCG powder was more active, but the difference was not significant. A significant difference in protection was found between SCG powder and its placebo (P less than 0.01). SCG inhalation solution was also more effective than its placebo, but the difference did not reach significance, since the latter conferred some protection.


Species-specific perceptual processing of vocal sounds by monkeys.

Monkeys of four species were trained to discriminate between sets of natural tonal calls of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) by the position of a frequency-inflection peak or by initial pitch. The Japanese macaques consistently performed best on peak position and the other species on pitch. The results imply special strategies for perceptional processing of vocal sounds and suggest parallels with human speech perception.


Effect of SSI on Medicaid caseloads and expenditures.

The 1972 Social Security Amendments replaced the Federal-State public assistance programs for the needy aged, blind, and disabled with the Federal supplemental security income (SSI) program. They also changed the automatic Medicaid eligibility provision under title XIX of the Social Security Act for the cash assistance population. This article provides information about recent changes in State Medicaid caseloads and payments following implementation of SSI and the possible effects of SSI on such changes. It does not appear that SSI was a significant factor in the Medicaid changes. The growth in Medicaid payments resulted primarily from expansion of medical services to include care in intermediate care facilities, inflation, and higher utilization of medical services.


HLA types and ABO blood groups in patients with infectious mononucleosis.

Investigations of HLA and blood-groups were carried out in 68 patients with infectious mononucleosis comprising all known cases diagnosed within one year in a restricted geographical area of Denmark. The HLA distribution of these patients did not differ significantly from that of controls. Combining the results of the present investigation with two previous studies did not show any significantly different distribution from that of combined control groups. The ABO and Rhesus typing was in accordance with that found in a major Danish control group. However, available studies do not exclude the possibility that HLA-D/DR or still unknown HLA factors may be involved in the susceptibility to mononucleosis.


Chondroitin 4- and 6-sulfaturia: a new type of inborn error of metabolism?

A 14-year-old boy was found to excrete excessive amounts of acidic glycosaminoglycans which were predominantly chondroitin 4-sulfate and chondroitin 6-sulfate. Clinical features included dwarfism, mental retardation, coarse facies, deformities of the spine, hip joints and thorax, and granulations in leucocytes. The clinical and biochemical features found in this boy were compared with the known types of mucopolysaccharidosis and it has been concluded that this case is a new type of mucopolysacchariduria.


[An analytical method for calculation of electron dose distributions. Part II: Experimental verification and application in coplanar irradiation techniques (author's transl)].

The analytical method for calculation of electron dose distributions described in part I was experimentally verified using a 42-MeV betatron. For this, a comparison was made between the calculated and the measured dose distributions obtained with a homogeneous or inhomogeneous water or polystyrol phantom with plane or with uneven surfaces, the inhomogeneities consisting in cavities and cork intercalations. Thus, the accuracy of the algorithm and of the consideration for inhomogeneities and irregular surfaces is demonstrated, and limitations of the method's applicability are shown. Some examples of calculated dose distributions in coplanar irradiation techniques using solely electron beams or else a combined treatment with photons and electrons are exhibiting the particular bearing of electronic data processing on the treatment planning in depth therapy with electrons in the energy range above 20 MeV.


The in vitro metabolism of progesterone, 4-androstene-3,17-dione, testosterone and 17 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-3-one by fetal rhesus monkey testes.

Homogenates prepared from fetal rhesus monkey testes were incubated with progesterone, 4-androstene-3,17-dione, testosterone and 17 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-3-one. The major progesterone metabolite was 17-hydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione. Testosterone also accumulated in the progesterone incubations. 4-Androstene-3,17-dione was converted chiefly to testosterone. Testosterone was not actively metabolized by the fetal monkey testis. 17 beta-Hydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-3-one was actively converted primarily to 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol.


Ischemic brain edema following middle cerebral artery occlusion in baboons: relationship between regional cerebral water content and blood flow at 1 to 2 hours.

The relationship between increase in water content in ischemic brain and levels of regional blood flow has been studied in 11 primates. Flows were recorded using the method of hydrogen (2-minute) clearance, from a total of 128 electrodes in cortex and white matter, and a gradation of ischemia was produced by middle cerebral occlusion transorbitally. The flows were reduced in the area of densest ischemia from control levels of 12.0 +/- 12.0 ml/100g/min to 7.0 +/- 5.4 ml/100g/min, with lesser decreases over the remainder of the ischemic hemisphere. Water content was measured in cortex and white matter, in regions topographically related to those of flow measurements, by densitometric assessment using precalibrated kerosene/bromobenzine columns. The average water content of cortex in regions remote from ischemia was 797.4 +/- 5.8 mg/gm and in white matter 708.5 +/- 8.2 mg/gm. Significant increases in water content (comparing corresponding regions of the two hemispheres) of up to 11.4 +/- 7.5 mg/gm were demonstrated in the most ischemic cortical areas. A gradient of water increase was evident in the ischemic hemisphere, increases water content being greatest in the opercular zone and least in the parasagittal area. Significant differences in white matter water content between the 2 hemispheres were demonstrated only in the most densely ischemic areas in the current experiments where ischemia was limited to 93 +/- 20 mins in the 11 animals without reperfusion. The relationship between ischemic density and water content increase showed that significant increases in water content occurred in regions where terminal flows had been below 20 ml/100g/min, indicating that accumulation of water in ischemic brain begins at flow values comparable to those associated with the failure of synaptic transmission, higher than those associated with failure of the ionic pump of the cell. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed.


Antibodies against neurons in chronic Chagas' disease.

Severe qualitative and quantitative alterations of the autonomic system inervating the heart and other organs have been demonstrated in experimental and natural Chagas' disease. These facts led us to search for the presence of antibody to neurons in 230 chagasic sera by an indirect immunofluorescence technique. Our results indicated that 83% of the chagasic patients presented IgG antibodies and 7% IgM antibodies to neurons. All control sera were negative. The demonstrated antibody to neurons presented cross-reaction against neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic) and also against neurons of different species.


Human listeriosis in Peru.

In a survey on listeriosis in Peru a study was made of 653 stool samples; material from 8 cases of perinatal death, in which a macroscopic diagnosis of listeriosis had been made at autopsy; 1 sample of vaginal secretion from a woman with abortion due to listeriosis; and 1 case of abscess which turned out to be an hematometra. The following results have been obtained: 1. From the faeces 7 isolates of Listeria (1.07%) were obtained: 3 belonged to L. monocytogenes serovar 4ab, 3 to L. innocua (the former "4g"--nownow serovar 6b) and 1 to L. monocytogenes serovar 4a. 2. The 8 strains of autopsy materials belonged to L. monocytogenes: 6 serovar 4b and 2 serovar 4d. 3. From the vaginal secretion L. monocytogenes serovar 4b was cultured. 4. The strain from the hematometra was identified as L. monocytogenes serovar 4b. The serovars 4a, 4ab and 4d are at this time the only ones identified in Peru as cause of human listeriosis. The serovars of serogroup 1/2 frequent in Western and primarily in Central Europe, were so far never cultivated.


Neonatal hydronephrosis caused by vesical diverticula.

Bladder diverticula are uncommon in infants and are an uncommon cause of hydronephrosis in newborns but can cause significant problems. A thorough diagnostic approach must include both excretion urography and cystourethrography. Early appropriate surgical intervention will result in preservation of renal function.


[Use of dry hydrolysin solution, "Glumesat", for enteral feeding following operations on the gastrointestinal tract].

The authors have analysed and compared the results of enteral and parenteral ways of administration of the dry hydrolysine solution following operations on the stomach. The obtained data have not shown any difference associated with the way of the administration.


[Comparative evaluation of treatment results of melanoblastoma of the limbs with or without perfusion chemotherapy].

The clinical picture and long-term results of the treatment of 123 patients with melanoblastoma of the limbs have been studied. 39 patients were subjected only to the surgical treatment, 84 patients with a developed tumor process were subjected to the combined treatment -- surgery with perfusional chemotherapy. 3 years survival has proved to be similar in both groups; (70.0% and 72.9%); 5 years survival has been 10% higher in the group subjected to the combined treatment (54.5% and 64.0%).


[Importance of subclavian vein catheterization in the treatment of surgical diseases of the gastrointestinal tract].

On the grounds of an analysis of 1095 catheterizations carried out upon patients with gastrointestinal diseases the authors have shown that the use of the subclavian vein for the infusion therapy is a method of choice for such patients. To prevent the complications the authors consider it imperiable to improve training of subclavian vein catheterization and puncture methods and to improve the organization of carrying out the infusion into the main veins.


[Preventive and therapeutic efficacy of the vaccine against trychophytosis in cattle].

The effectiveness of vaccine against dermatomycosis, caused by Trichophyton verrucosum, was studied in young cattle in three herds. The vaccines of Czechoslovak and Soviet production had almost the same effectiveness in prevention. In healthy calves without clinical signs of trichophytosis vaccinated at an age of one to three months with a dose of 2.5 to 5.0 ml, applied intramuscularly, and revaccinated with due respect to the rules of hygiene in the calf-houses, an incidence of 0 to 13% in the three- to five-month period of study was observed. In the non-vaccinated control groups, the incidence under the same infection conditions and in the same period was 36.3 to 100.0%. At the early stage of vaccination--during the inoculation of the animals suspected of being infected--the incidence of the disease was 50.0 to 68.8% and mostly showed no difference from incidence observed in the nonvaccinated control cattle. The therapeutic effect of the vaccine and Mykolastanox F is characterized by the fact that zero prevalence was obtained in the animals ten weeks after vaccination. Animals treated locally with Mykolastanox F showed zero prevalence 12 weeks after the beginning of treatment.


[The anthrax-protective antigen and its preparation].

The authors describe a comparatively simple method of the preparation of an anthrax protective antigen and its evaluation. Attention is drawn to many obstacles that may arise during its production and emphasis is laid on the fact that the serological activity of the protective antigen should not be overestimated.


[An in-vitro method of ruminal juice cultivation, suitable for the comparison of various sources of nonprotein nitrogen for ruminants].

The method of cultivating rumen fluid in buffer with nutrient admixture under CO2 atmosphere is described. The method serves for the comparison and description of the properties of NPN sources for ruminants. Its applicability is demonstrated on the example of urea. During incubation, all parameters of the medium remain within an admissible range. Considering the analyses of the incubation medium, i. e. determination of the pH value, ammonia, urea, volatile fatty acids, total protein, and redox potential, it is recommended to monitor the course of fermentation for six hours and to take samples in the intervals of 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 hours.


[Effect of bilateral vasectomy on testosterone levels in the seminal and blood plasmas of boars].

In two sexually mature boars subjected to bilateral vasectomy the content of testosterone was followed in the semen and blood plasma prior to the operation and in the course of 26 days after the operation. In the third boar only the operation without actual vasectomy as the control was made to eliminate the possible effect of narcosis and of the surgical stress. Bilateral vasectomy induced an average decrease in the initial levels of testosterone in the semen plasma of the first and second animal by 63.24% and 47.67% respectively, and 47.17% and 56.46% respectively in the blood plasma. In the control boar no analogous post-operation drop of testosterone concentration in the semen plasma was observed, the content of testosterone in the blood plasma decreased over the followed period on an average only by 14.38%. The results imply that bilateral vasectomy in boars results, in the first followed month after the surgical procedure, in a decrease of semen and plasma testosterone, which proves that the operation under investigation affects testicular incretion.


[The effect of pregnancy order on various biochemical and hematological values in sows].

The following blood indices were determined in the blood of 34 pregnant sows of the Large White breed under standard feeding conditions: haemoglobin, haematocrit, leucocytes, and--in the blood serum, --total protein, glucose, urea, bilirubin, cholesterol, enzyme activity (AP, GOT, GPT, GGTP) and mineral concentrations (Ca, P--inorg., Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn). The blood was sampled in the first and third pregnancy at an average live weight of 165.12 and 197.36 kg, at an average age of 318 and 630 days and at an about the same average length of pregnancy in the time of both samplings (59 days). In younger, still growing gilts (first pregnancy) a significantly (P less than 0.05) lower content of total protein, magnesium, iron and copper was revealed, as compared with adult sows. The content of glucose, calcium, potassium and manganese in the blood serum of the gilts was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher than in sows in their third pregnancy. The adult sows showed a significantly (P less than 0.05) lowered activity of alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, as distinct from gilts.


[Identification of monoclonal immunoglobulins by immunofixation electrophoresis on cellulose acetate films and in agarose gel].

A method of immunofixating electrophoresis is used for identification of monoclonic immunoglobulins, i.e. for estimation of heavy chain classes and of light chain types. Optimal conditions for immunofixation were developed. Advantages of immunofixating electrophoresis as compared with immunoelectrophoresis were established. Immunofixating electrophoresis on acetate cellulose films is recommended as a screening test for monoclonic immunoglobulins.


Investigation into the effects of cell wall antigens of gram-positive bacteria on lymphocyte stimulation and on cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

The effect of Staph, epidermidis and Bac. subtilis cell walls as well as of cell wall teichoic acid, N-acetyl-muramic acid, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, D-alanine, and DL-alpha, epsilon-diaminopimelic acid on lymphocyte stimulation and on cell-mediated cytotoxicity has been studied. Bac. subtilis cell wall preparations, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and teichoic acid showed a slight but significant effect on the mitogenic response of pig lymphocyte cultures. When studied in combination with the mitogens PHA, ConA, and PWM significant synergistic effects were observed with N-acetyl-muramic acid. The most significant stimulation of the in vitro 51Cr-release from labelled P815 tumor cells in the presence of non-sensitized as well as specifically sensitized lymphocytes was exerted by D-alanine.


Low temperature virulence of Listeria monocytogenes in the avian embryo.

The chick embryo was used to investigate the pathogenicity of Listeria monocytogenes when inoculated into the air sac. One strain (NCTC 5214) of L. monocytogenes was found to be more virulent for chick embryos when grown at low temperatures, while another strain (NCTC 5105) did not produce this effect. This method was found to be reliable and reproducible and the chick embryo was found to be a more sensitive in vivo assay for virulence than the mouse.


[Biological and chemical characteristics of allergen preparations from Neisseria (N. meningitidis, N. gonorrhoeae, N. perflava)].

Various methods of isolating allergen fractions from N. meningitidis, N. gonorrhoeae and N. perflava were tested. The biological activity of the preparation was found to depend on the method of its production, which determined its chemical composition. When gonococcal and meningococcal allergens and N. perflava allergen were used in skin tests, cross reactions were observed. Nevertheless, as the intensity and size of skin reaction was much greater when a homologous preparation was administered, it was possible to differentiate the presence of sensitization to a definite microbial species. Electrophoresis in acrylamide gel revealed the heterogeneity of allergen preparations. The ability of the preparation to induce skin reaction was not connected with its serological properties.


[New data on the tachyphylactic properties of sodium nucleinate].

Sodium nucleinate, when injected into mice in combination with killed E. coli or prodigiozan, caused a decrease in side effects produced by the vaccine or polysaccharide. The combined injection of sodium nucleinate and prodigiozan in doses, ineffective if introduced separately, was accompanied by the potentiation of their tachyphylactic action. The use of sodium nucleinate in combination with polyvinylprrolidone (hemodez) prolonged the tachyphylactic action of sodium nucleinate and increased its effectiveness. The proposed principle is supposed to be suitable for decreasing the reactogenicity of bacterial vaccines and polysaccharides.


[Comparative evaluation of methods of inducing Brucella L forms and a study of their adaptibility in the body of animals].

The action of bicillin-3 on Brucella directly in the body of animals enhances their potential ability to convert into L-forms. One of the factors contributing to the generalization of the infection caused by the L-forms of Brucella and to their prolonged persistance in the body is the presence of an L-transforming agent (in this case, bicillin-3), which indicate that the appearing L-forms of Brucella are obviously antibiotic-dependent.


Effect of modification on physico-chemical and biological properties of haptoglobin. Reaction with N-bromusuccinimide and 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide.

N-Bromosuccinimide and 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide have been used for modification of tryptophan residues in human haptoglobin (Hp) type 2-1. Modification of three exposed tryptophan residues reduced considerably both the Hp-haemoglobin interaction and binding of the antibody against the native protein. Modification of the remaining 7-8 tryptophan residues resulted in a complete loss of those properties. Antisera directed against Hp with the modified tryptophan residues appeared to be highly specific in immunological reactions.


Induction of laccase in Basidiomycetes: apparent activity of the inducible and constitutive forms of the enzyme with phenolic substrates.

The purified preparations of the inducible and constitutive forms of laccase (EC 1.14.18.1) have been obtained from mycelia of Trametes versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus and Pholiota mutabilis. The activities of the inducible forms of laccase with ferulic acid and other phenolic hydrogen donors were found to be several-fold higher as compared with the constitutive forms.


Hemoglobin Moabit: alpha 86 (F7) Leu leads to Arg: a new unstable abnormal hemoglobin.

A new alpha chain abnormal hemoglobin variant was found in a Turkish patient with a mild Heinz body hemolytic anemia and splenomegaly. The substitution alpha 86 Leu leads to Arg, which is next to the heme binding proximal histidine, is responsible for a marked instability of the molecule. The oxygen affinity of the erythrocytes was found to be slightly decreased.


Increased RNA and heme synthesis in mouse erythroid precursors by parathyroid hormone.

The in vitro effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on RNA and heme synthesis by embryonic mouse liver erythroid precursors was examined. PTH produced a dose-dependent effect on RNA synthesis. A maximal increase of 60 +/- 16% (p less than 0.02) was observed with 1.0 U PTH/ml, whereas with higher concentrations a significant decline was found. Furthermore, PTH stimulated heme synthesis after 24 h of incubation. The maximal enhancement of 32 +/- 7% (p less than 0.01) was observed with 0.5 U PTH/ml, a lower effect was obtained with 1.0 U PTH/ml, while 2.0 U PTH/ml caused a pronounced decrease of heme synthesis. These data indicate that PTH affects directly the erythroid precursors by a mechanism similar to that of erythropoietin. The inhibitory effect on the RNA synthesis observed with large doses of PTH may explain at least one of the causes of the anemia reported in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.


Effect of hemin and Protoporphyrin IX on the protein-synthesizing activity of human granulocytes, lymphocytes and platelets.

The hemin effect on protein synthesis of human granulocytes, lymphocytes and platelets was examined. Hemin added to culture media without serum caused a dose-dependent inhibition of protein synthesis in all three cell types. A cell-specific enhancement of protein-synthesizing capability was observed in 24-hour cultures in the presence of hemin and serum. A marked increase of protein synthesis was found in granulocytes, unchanged in lymphocytes and decreased in platelets. Lymphocytes from patients with chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL) were moderately inhibited by hemin when incubated in media containing serum, the effect being more pronounced in the presence of freshly disolved doses of hemin. Addition of protoporphyrin IX to cells cultures resulted in a marked suppression of protein synthesis by the three cell types, in all experiments. These results confirm the importance of serum proteins in preventing the inhibitory effects of free hemin and protoporphyrin IX on blood cell protein synthesis. On the other hand, they show a cell-specific enhancement of the protein-synthesizing capacity mediated by hemin.


The enzymatic activities and NBT reduction test of granulocytes in untreated and dialysed uraemic patients.

It was found that neutrophils in untreated uraemic patients as well as in subjects on regular dialysis treatment displayed higher activity of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase. Spontaneous reduction of nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) by granulocytes was also higher in both groups in comparison to controls. Stimulation with latex particles gave similar results of NBT reduction in investigated patients and controls. Lymphocytes also showed an increase in acid phosphatase activity if compared to healthy persons. It seems possible that granulocytes which take part in unspecific defense mechanisms are more active in uraemic patients due perhaps to subclinical infections.


Differential blood counts from cell concentrates. A comparison with routine differential blood counts.

Two methods have been compared through performing differential blood counts: the routine blood count (routine count = RC) and blood counts from films after concentrating white blood cells (cell concentrate = CC). Normal persons were examined and patients with leukocytes less than 1,000/microliter of peripheral blood. The correlation coefficient between RC and CC is higher for more frequent cell types and lower for less frequent cell types. It is concluded that the preparation of CC is simple and reproducible, and that the time-saving CC method for performing differential blood counts from patients with severe leukopenia may be a worthwhile addition to routine laboratory methods.


Duodenal plasmacytoma. A rare primary extramedullary localization simulating a carcinoma.

A patient with duodenal plasmacytoma is described. The extramedullary localization preceded the complete humoural picture of multiple myeloma by 15 months. The previously reported cases of myeloma of primary gastrointestinal localization are reviewed.


Platelet aggregation and retinal microangiopathy in diabetes and hypertension.

Platelet aggregation studies were done in 10 cases of diabetes with and without retinopathy and 7 cases of hypertensive retinopathy with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adrenaline (ADR). It was observed that the rate and degree of aggregation was significantly increased in the retinopathy group both with ADP and ADR. A significant alteration in the latent period was found with ADP, whereas no such change was found with ADR. It is proposed that the increased platelet reactivity in retinal microangiopathy could be due to different mechanisms. Increased sensitivity of the platelets to ADP resulting in the rapid inductive phase of aggregation together with accelerated intrinsic ADP release in diabetic retinopathy may cause hyperaggregation of platelets. Hyperaggregation in hypertensive retinopathy, however, may occur due to accelerated ADP release only. Platelet metabolism supporting the release reaction is altered in both.


Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia associated with hereditary pyruvate kinase deficiency and multiple acquired erythrocyte abnormalities.

A congenital erythrocyte pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency was found in a 72-year old female patient with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). Erythrocyte PK deficiency was associated with an increase in the activity of hexokinase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes as well as a decrease in acetylcholinesterase, glutathione reductase and glucosephosphate isomerase activities. The enzymatic abnormalities were accompanied by alterations in hemoglobin and in i antigen content of erythrocyte membrane. In addition, bone marrow ultrastructural studies showed dyshemopoietic changes in all blood cell lines and especially in erythroblasts. The present findings confirm the close relationship between CMML and acquired dyserythropoietic syndromes and constitute a new observation of the infrequent association of hereditary erythrocyte enzymopathies and leukemia. A survey of the literature is presented.


Use of specific antisera against leukemia-associated antigens in the diagnosis of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

A series of 66 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at diagnosis were investigated (simultaneously) for various surface markers. For this purpose the reaction of specific antisera against ALL antigens and T cell antigens was analysed in every case by several test systems, namely immunofluorescence, microcytotoxicity and complement fixation. A clearly defined classification in 6 subgroups of ALL emerged. The clinical data at presentation and possible correlations with the immunological subgroups were demonstrated.


Structural and functional characteristics of hairy cells.

Morphological, cytochemical, immunological and ultrastructural studies were performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a patient with hairy-cell leukemia. Immunofluorescence studies showed a very strong intensity of fluorescence and indicated that hairy cells had monoclonal surface-membrane immunoglobulins (SmIg) actively produced by the cells. An unusual spontaneous SmIg redistribution induced by antibodies was also noted. Immunoultrastructural studies demonstrated that antibody-induced redistribution of SmIg on hairy cells is in form of a singular polar cap and that the cell membrane is rapidly cleaned of the complexes by endocytosis. The behavior of hairy cells regarding several membrane markers, mitogen stimulation and antibody-induced cytotoxicity suggests that hairy projections could represent the expression of a functional stage common to different lymphocyte subpopulations, or alternatively, a marker of a peculiar subset of B lymphocytes.


A case of Sézary syndrome with non-rosetting cells and unusual cytogenetic findings.

A rare case of Sézary syndrome with typical, clinical and haematological picture is described. The absence of any lymphoid surface markers on Sézary cells and the consistent presence of distinct clone 45 XY-F cytogenetic abnormality are very unusual features observed in the present case. In spite of these peculiar findings, response to chlorambucil and prednisolone was excellent.


Eosinophilic acquired Pelger-Huët anomaly in acute myeloblastic leukemia. A cytochemical study.

Decreased nuclear segmentation and coarse chromatin only in mature eosinophils was seen in a patient with acute myeloblastic leukemia. These eosinophils were considered to have acquired Pelger-Huët anomaly. On cytochemical study they displayed a strong PAS-positive reaction.


Serum folate binding capacity in leukemias, liver diseases and pregnancy.

Total and unsaturated folate binding capacity (TFBC, UFBC) have been measured in sera of selective groups of patients to study the role of cell turnover, cell necrosis and the effect of pregnancy in determining their concentrations in blood. The mean value of TFBC in 35 normal sera was 151 +/- (SD) 53 pg/ml with a saturation of 88%. The TFBC was raised in chronic granulocytic leukemia (CGL), in acute hepatitis, in cirrhosis, and in pregnancy (third trimester). The normal mean value of TFBC was found in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and inthe first trimester of pregnancy. The mean UFBC in the normal sera was 19 +/- 18 pg/ml. In all the pathological conditions studied the mean UFBC was significantly greater than normal and it was particularly high in CGL (85 +/- 78 pg/ml).


Auditory involvement in thalassemia major.

The auditory function of 75 children affected by homozygous beta0-thalassemia, managed with a low transfusion scheme and treated irregularly with low doses of desferrioxamine, and of 75 controls were examined. In 12 patients a mild bilateral conductive hearing impairment due to bony hypertrophy and/or adenoid hypertrophy was found. In 43 cases a moderate monolateral or bilateral sensory-neural hearing loss at high frequencies with recruitment phenomenon was observed. Ferritin levels were determined in a randomly chosen group of these patients with (14) and without heaing loss (11). In the subjects with sensory-neural hearing loss the mean ferritin levels were significantly higher than in those with no hearing defect. There was no obvious relation between sensory-neural damage on the one hand and Hb levels and unit of blood transfused on the other. The results of this study suggest that iron overload could be a cause of damage in the high frequency elements of the auditory mechanism. Intermittent hypoxia and slow 8th nerve compression due to bony hypertrophy as causes of auditory involvement are also discussed.


Synthesis of alpha, delta-beta and gamma chains by reticulocytes from two brothers homozygous for haemoglobin Lepore.

Globin chain synthesis has been investigated for the first time in 2 patients homozygous for haemoglobin Lepore, although the 2 brothers have the same haemoglobin genotype the severity of the diseases is very different. The purpose of this study was to try and find out the reason for the different severity in the clinical manifestations. In the 2 patients a different excess of alpha-chain synthesis was observed, the higher excess being present in the subject carrying the more severe anaemia. This result strongly suggests that in homozygous haemoglobin Lepore disease, as in beta-thalassaemia, the degree of globin chain imbalance is responsible for the clinical manifestations.


Spectrophotometric method applicable to in vitro studies of Heinz body formation in erythrocytes.

A simple quantitative procedure is described for the estimation of Heinz body formation in erythrocytes, based on the spectrophotometric measurement of the amount of crystal violet absorbed by precipitated Heinz bodies. Good correlation is shown between this method and the counting of Heinz body-containing erythrocytes in a microscopical preparation. This technique is particularly applicable to in vitro studies of the comparative effects produced in the erythrocyte by oxidant agents.


Human platelet aggregation curve and oral contraception.

In a series of in vitro experiments, the authors investigated the different aspects of the aggregation curves of human blood platelets taken from a group of women who received oral contraceptives, another group of women who did not receive oral contraceptives and a group of men. The platelets were subjected to ADP stimulation. The authors showed that at the lower doses (0.44 and 0.88 . 10(-6) M) of ADP the aggregation and the disaggregation of the platelets from the women who received oral contraceptives was significantly greater than that of the two other groups. The authors proposed that these may be due to an increase of the sensitivity of the platelets to the aggregating stimuli in that group of women who were under oral contraception.


Drug sensitivity of M. leprae isolated from leprosy patients administered DDS for long period of time.

Drug sensitivity was tested using liquid medium on three stains isolated from the subcutaneous nodules of L-type patients who have long been administered DDS alone. The results revealed that the first strain was resistant to DDS up to the concentration of 1.0 microgram/ml suggesting as if it were DDS dependent or enhanced strain, whereas the second strain was completely sensitive to DDS even at the lowest concentration of 0.01 microgram/ml suggesting possible inactivation of this drug in the host patient. The third strain was completely resistant to 0.1 microgram/ml, but sensitive to 1.0 microgram/ml of DDS, suggesting that the therapeutic effect can not be expected any more, when the strain becomes resistant to 0.1 microgram/ml of DDS. All of the three strains were sensitive to REP at the concentration of 0.01 microgram/ml, and the host patients of the former two strains showed rapid improvement of the clinical symptomes after REP administration. That the second strain was sensitive to INH at the concentratin of 0.01 microgram/ml suggested the availability of the combined use of INH in the chemotherapy of leprosy.


[Epitheliomatous degeneration of wounds, ulcers and perforating plantar disorders in patients with leprosy].

Six cases of epitheliomatous degeneration, among which five spino-cellulars and one baso-cellular, happened among leprosy patients showing sores, ulcerations and planter ulcers, are quoted in this study. Here, the authors underline the favorable part of the defects of cellular immunity for the leprous pathogenesis, and the need of using histological exams systematically when noticing any continued delay of cicatrisation. An immuno-stimulating medication should be used for any leprosy patient showing obstinate trophical troubles.


A scanning electron microscopical study of normal and fluorotic enamel demineralized by EDTA.

Normal and fluorotic primary and permanent teeth were demineralized  in 10% EDTA at pH 7 for varying periods of time up to 4 weeks. The fluorotic teeth initially dissolved at a much slower rate than non-fluorotic specimens and appeared to contain more organic material. After almost complete removal of the outer enamel a soft organic layer remained on the dentin surface. This consisted of a fine fibrillar mesh and some more dense material. After four weeks much of the organic material had disappeared leaving only a thin membrane on the dentin surface.


Changes in serum concentrations of thyroid hormones and thyroid hormone-binding proteins during early infancy. Studies in healthy fullterm, small-for-gestational age and preterm infants aged 7 to 240 days.

Serum concentrations of thyrotropin (TSH), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), prealbumin (TBPA) and albumin (Alb) were determined in 492 blood samples from 127 fullterm (FT), 91 small-for-gestational age (SGA) and 88 preterm (PT) healthy infants aged 7 to 240 days. Serum T4 decreased about 20% during the first month of life. In infants aged 7--49 days, serum T4 concentrations were significantly lower in SGA than in FT infants, and even lower values were found in PT infants. Serum T3 increased 50--70% reaching maximal values by 50--79 days of life. Serum T3 levels were higher in FT than in SGA infants throughout the observation period. In PT infants serum T3 increased from low values to levels which exceeded those of SGA and FT infants by 120--240 days of life. Serum TSH level did not change with age and was less than or equal to 5 mU/l in all infants. Serum TBG values were high compared to normal adult values and did not change significantly with age. Comparable serum TBG values were found in FT, SGA and PT infants. Serum TBPA increased with age. Serum TBPA increased gradually in FT infants. In SGA infants serum TBPA increased from low values to levels which by 120--240 days of life exceeded those of PT and FT infants. In PT infants a decrease in serum TBPA appeared before the rise commenced. Serum Alb increased gradually in FT, SGA and PT infants during the observation period. Serum Alb in PT infants aged 30--119 days was lower than those in FT infants with similar ages. These physiological changes in serum concentrations of thyroid hormones and hormone-binding proteins during early infancy should be considered when interpreting thyroid function tests in infants with various maturity.


The interaction of penicillin and chloramphenicol against meningococci in vitro.

Combinations of penicillin and chloramphenicol are frequently used initially in the treatment of bacterial meningitis. The simultaneous effects against meningococci of these two drugs were examined in vitro in a chemically defined, proteinfree medium. The investigation was performed with different combinations of the antibiotics, including optimal concentrations. In most instances, penicillin and chloramphenicol seemed to have an additive, but not an iso-additive, effect. No antagonism was found, and only one out of nine strains showed indifference.


Electron microscopical study of Neisseria meningitidis releasing various amounts of free endotoxin.

A study has been made of the ultrastructure of four strains of Neisseria meningitidis which liberate varying amounts of free endotoxin in a chemically-defined, protein-free medium. The two strains which did not release detectable or only sparse amounts of free, filtrable endotoxin were rather uniform in cell size. Their cells appeared to be intact and showed a low tendency to aggregate, In addition cells of these strains showed only sporadic loose, trilaminar membranes and blebs, and free membranous structures were sparse in the medium. The endotoxin releasing strains liberated a high yield of free structures from the outer cell wall into the medium. These structures may represent the lipopolysaccharide (LPS).


Fluid pathways in temporal bones.

Five temporal bones were serially sectioned and studied concerning spread of erythrocytes and blood-derived precipitate in patients who died from subarachnoid hemorrhage. Erythrocytes followed the natural pathways--the cochlear aqueduct, the cochlear, vestibular, facial and glossopharyngeal nerves, and were demonstrable in the inner ear fluid spaces. The temporal bone marrow spaces were also filled with erythrocytes, particularly in the hypotympanal area. In the microimmunoelectrophoresis, no specific precipitation lines formed between the anti-CSF serum from rabbits and middle ear exudate from human ears with acute otitis media. Although, in animals, middle ear spaces have been shown to be connected to the middle ear space this does not seem to apply to human ears, and CSF fluid components are not involved in the formation of middle ear exudate.


Production and evaluation of antisera for serological type determination of group-B streptococci by double diffusion in agarose gel.

A double diffusion technique for serological typing of Group-B streptococci is presented. The method is valuable both for type determination on a large scale, as well as for evaluation of the specificity of type antisera. As in previously published methods, HC1-extracted antigens are used. The preparation of type antisera is described and the reactions of some selected sera are given in figures. The advantages of the method are good economy of antisera and easy recognition of weak and/or unspecific precipitates. The method is especially useful in epidemiological investigations.


A solid-phase, polyclonal IgM-RF binding assay for circulating immune complexes.

A polyclonal IgM-RF-binding assay (pRF-BA) for the detection of circulating immune complexes (IC) is described. The method is based on the competitive binding of heat-treated iodinated IgG (deltaIgG) and naturally occurring IC to solid phase IgM-RF. The sensitivity limit of the assay was 300--400 ng deltaIgG/ml dilute serum. The coefficient of variation for the assay varied from 6 to 12% of the total binding when deltaIgG concentrations up to 1 microgram/ml were measured. One hundred and six patient sera were examined for IC occurrence and significant differences (p less than 0.01) were observed between 30 normal control sera and sera from SLE, sarcoidosis and glomerulonephritis patients. About 40% of patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) gave IC-positive reactions with samples taken 5 to 10 days after the infarction. The kinetics of IC appearance was studied in AMI patients by the pRF-BA and three complement-dependent assays. IC appearance was registered in the RF assay 5 to 12 days after the rise in ASAT enzyme values and the IC reactivity corresponded to complexes ranging from 2 to 5 x 10(6) in molecular weight.


Corticosteroids and thyroid function. Different effects on plasma volume, thyroid hormones and thyroid hormone-binding proteins after oral and intravenous administration.

The influence of glucocorticosteroids on plasma volume, thyroid hormones and thyroid hormone-binding proteins was studied in 17 patients. Plasma volume was not affected either by i.v. beta-methasone (6 mg daily) or by oral prednisolone (45--180 mg daily) given for 5 days. The serum T3 concentration decreased while rT3 increased independently of the route of administration of corticosteroids. Serum T4 concentration decreased after i.v. but not after oral administration of corticosteroids. Oral steroids as compared to i.v. increased the 125I-triiodothyronine uptake test value. The serum TBG concentration decreased independently of the route of administration, while the serum TBPA concentration increased after oral corticosteroids but was unchanged after i.v. treatment. The serum TSH concentration was slightly reduced. About half of the patients were given both corticosteroids and nutrition i.v. and the other half were given all treatment by mouth. The part played by the route of administration of corticosteroids and calories, respectively, cannot be evaluated at present but these factors seem to be of importance.


Severe asthmatic reaction during long-term treatment with disodium cromoglycate powder inhalations.

Inhalation of inert particles may in susceptible subjects with bronchial asthma result in reflex bronchoconstriction mediated through the vagal nerves. A case of severe asthmatic reaction with bronchial spasm in a 60-year-old man with intrinsic asthma after inhalation of disodium cromoglycate powder (Lomudal) during long-term treatment is reported. The mechanism is considered to be reflexogenic. Because of the variability in individual susceptibility during long-term treatment, inhalation therapy should always be given with close attention to asthmatic exacerbations.


Cellular changes in tissues of newborn mice infected with Mokola virus: ultrastructural and biochemical changes.

Cellular and biochemical changes which occurred in the tissues of newborn mice infected with Mokola virus, a rabies-related virus (rhabdovirus group), were described. The virus was transmitted along the peripheral nerves and appeared in various tissues of the body, but did not replicate in any except the nervous system, where it manifested its gross effects. While Mokola virus increased the synthesis of glycogen and total protein in infected brain, liver, lung, spleen and heart, it reduced the activity of monoamine oxidase in the brain. Virus multiplication occurred in the normal rough endoplasmic reticulum. During virus reproduction the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex and mitochondria were destroyed and replaced by a viral matrix. Virus maturation also occurred within the rough endoplasmic reticulum.


Hepatitis Bs antigen, antigen subtypes and hepatitis Bs antibody in Ghana.

In a study on the prevalence of hepatitis Bs antigen and antibody in 374 Ghanaian patients, 305 of whom had hepatic diseases and sixty-nine with non-hepatic diseases, it was found that Bs antigenaemia and antibody rates were, respectively. 38.7% and 4.3% in patients with hepatic diseases. In patients with non-hepatic diseases the corresponding values were 14.5% and 10.1% respectively. It was further found that both antigenaemia and antibody rates were higher in females than in males with hepatic diseases. However, HBs antigenaemia was highest in male children aged 0-5 years with hepatic disease than in their female counterparts. The antigenaemia rate was highest among both sexes in the 11-20 year age group. No antibody was detected in both male and female patients aged 6-10 years. Hepatitis Bs antigen was detected in all seven regions of the nine in the country surveyed. On the other hand, HBs antibody was detected in patients with hepatic diseases as well as in those with non-hepatic diseases in all the seven regions surveyed except in the Eastern Region. The only subtype detected in the survey was ayw.


Metabolic consequences of mycoplasmal contamination of cell cultures.

KB cells originally derived from epitheloid carcinoma of the nasopharynx were found to be contaminated with mycoplasma. The contaminated cells showed significantly higher glycolytic (EMP) and respiratory (TCA) rates when compared with non-contaminated or 'cured' cells. The activity of the hexose monophosphate (HMP) shunt, an alternative pathway of glucose metabolism, was shown to be reasonably higher than normal KB cell levels. Treatment involving combination of heat (41 degrees C) and kanamycin (350 microgram/cm3) for 21 hours was found to adequately and selectively inactivate the mycoplasmal population. Following cure, the metabolism of the cells fell well within normal ranges. The treatment showed no deleterious effects on the KB cell population. The possibility and the significance of an independent hexose monophosphate shunt activity in the mycoplasma population in addition to the already established partial TCA and EMP activities, and the overall significance of detection of carbohydrate metabolism in these organisms, are discussed.


Arterial blood pressures and hypertension in a rural Nigerian community.

In 1976 a blood pressure survey was conducted in Isiuwa village to determine the prevalence of hypertension in a rural Nigerian Community and the effect of re-examination of those subjects who were found to be 'hypertensive' at the primary screening. Out of the 2082 subjects aged 15 to 59 years examined at the primary screening, 123 (5.9%) were found to be hypertensive and when these 123 hypertensive subjects were re-examined 8 to 12 weeks later, only 44 (2.1%) subjects remained hypertensive. The phenomenon responsible for the reduction in yield of hypertensives is thought to be a real one in studies of apparently healthy populations. This phenomenon does not, however, diminish the prognostic significance of a casual elevation of blood pressure. The prevalence of hypertension is low in the community studied and some factors which may favourably affect blood pressures are discussed. The low prevalence of hypertension among the highly parous women in this community is similar to that found in a study among some rural Ghanaians but different to studies among some rural communities in Nigeria.


Association between tonsil size and immunoglobulin concentrations.

Tonsil size and serum immunoglobulin (G, A, M and D) measurements were studied in 1049 individuals during a health survey on the West Coast of Newfoundland. The data were subjected to multifactorial analysis of variance. People with vestigial tonsils had the lowest mean IgG-levels, whereas those with naturally absent tonsils had the highest mean IgG-levels. There were also statistical differences in the mean IgA levels in relation to tonsil size. Individuals with vestigial tonsil sizes had the highest mean IgA levels whereas those who had had a tonsillectomy had the lowest. There are no tonsil size-related differences for IgM or IgD concentrations.


The dietary fibre theory and bile salt pattern in Nigerians.

The results of bile analysis showed differences in the bile salt pattern of Caucasians and Nigerians, whose dietary habits differ mainly in dietary fibre composition. The Nigerian bile appears to contain less deoxycholate, but more cholate and a larger total pool of bile salts. These findings would seem to lend biochemical support for the epidemiological evidence concerning the uncommon occurrence of cholesterol gallstones and large bowel cancer in Nigeria as, indeed, in the less economically developed contries, where the dietary habits have not undergone comparable revolutionary changes of Western civilization, which have removed cellulose fibre from the diet in the process of industrial refinery.


Bowel habit in a Yoruba rural community: preliminary report.

The bowel habit of a rural population 80 kilometres outside Ibadan was examined. Based on the pattern of the diet there, 91% of the apparently healthy subjects have daily bowel actions, 60% have two or more motions a day and the stool was soft in 51% of them. There was no alteration in the frequency and consistency of the stool with advancing age. The range of bowel actions was two to three soft motions per day. Recognizable dietary factors producing this pattern include not only the bulky carbohydrate diet but also the vegetables, pepper, fruits and traditional as well as proprietary laxative products commonly taken by these subjects. The implication of the bowel habit on the prevalence of certain gastrointestinal disease on the basis of Burkitt's hypothesis was examined. Measurements of food transit time and stool weights will form the basis of subsequent studies.


A comparison of the haematological values of cord bloods of African, European and Asian neonates.

A comparative study of the haematological values of 162 African and forty-one Asian and European cord bloods was conducted in Lusaka, Zambia, to determine whether neutropenia found in the majority of healthy African adults was present at birth. No significant differences in the total W.B.C., neutrophil and lymphocyte values of the three racial groups were found, from which it is concluded that Africans are not born with neutropenia. A review of previous studies, shows that as Africans changed from native to European type of diets, the incidence of neutropenia fell remarkably (in one community, from 88% to 27%), and no other environmental factors like hot climate or occult infections had such an effect. Absence of neutropenia in Africans at birth thus strengthens the case that this development in later life is acquired.


Depressive symptomatology in drug addicts: therapeutic and aetiological implications.

213 male and female patients attending a methadone maintenance clinic completed Zung's self-rating depression scale (SDS). The mean SDS index was 53.71 (s.d. = 11.15), which falls within the morbidity range of depression as found in previous studies of psychiatric and normal populations. There was no significant correlation between methadone dosage and SDS scores. The difference between the mean SDS index of subjects on a stable dosage of methadone and subjects being detoxified was not significant. The result may have important theoretical and practical implications with respect to the role of depression in addiction.