5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-stimulated calcium ion- or magnesium ion-dependent ecto-(adenosine triphosphatase) activity of cultured hamster cardiac cells.

1. Treatment of hamster heart cells in primary culture with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine resulted in the greatly increased activity of a particulate Ca2+- or Mg2+-dependent ATPase (adenosine triphosphatase). 2. 5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine exerted these effects only when it was incorporated into cellular DNA, and then in a concentration-dependent  manner. 3. Serially replated cells contained less of the activity (expressed as a function of total cell protein) than did the primary cultures, but the stimulation caused by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine addition was much greater. 4. The affected enzyme was apparently localized in the plasma membrane of the cells with its active centre exposed to the outer environment [ecto-(ATPase) dependent on Ca2+ or Mg2+].5. The activity was unaffected by treatment with p-chloromercuriphenylsulphonate, ouabain andverapamil. 6. Ecto (5'-nucleotidase) activity was not increased by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine treatment of cells, and ecto-(p-nitrophenyl phosphatase) activity was only slightly enhanced.


Studies of energy-linked reactions. Inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation by DL-8-methyldihydrolipoate.

1. DL-8-Methyldihydrolipoate was shown to be a potent inhibitor of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and ATP-driven energy-linked reactions. 2. ADP-stimulated respiration utilizing pyruvate + malate and succinate in both ox heart and rat liver mitochondria is inhibited; oxidative phosphorylation using pyruvate + malate, succinate and ascorbate + NNN'N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine as substrates is also inhibited; uncoupler-stimulated respiration is unaffected regardless of the substrate used. 3. Mitochondrial oligomycin-sensitive adenosine triphosphatase is inhibited in both the membrane-bound form and the purified detergent-dispersed preparation. 4. ATP-driven transhydrogenase and the ATP-driven energy-linked reduction of NAD+ by succinate in ox heart submitochondrial particles are inhibited, whereas the respiratory-chain-driven transhydrogenase is unaffected. 5. DL-8-Methyl-lipoate has no immediate effect on the above reactions, demonstrating the requirement for the reduced form for inhibition. 6. The inhibitory properties of DL-8-methyldihydrolipoate are analogous to those of oligomycin and provide further evidence of a role for lipoic acid in oxidative phosphorylation.


Ipratropium bromide: mucociliary clearance rate and airway resistance in normal subjects.

The effect of ipratropium bromide, a new anticholinergic drug, on the rate of clearance of secretions from the lung and on airways resistance was investigated in 12 healthy subjects in a double-blind cross-over trial with placebo and a control run without aerosol. Before taking the drug the subjects inhaled uniform 5 micrometer tracer particles of polystyrene in which 99mTc had been unleachably incorporated. The initial depth of deposition and the rate of clearance of the particles were obtained from serial gamma counts made externally to the chest over six hours. The difference between drug, placebo and control runs in the deposition patterns of the tracer particles and their subsequent rates of clearance were not significant. The drug treatment resulted in statistically significant falls in specific airway resistance at 1, 2, 3 and 6 hours (P less than 0.02). There was no objective or subjective evidence of side effects from the drug.


A simple method for measuring DNA synthesis in epidermis and sebaceous glands and its application in chalone assays.

Liquid scintillation counting and autoradiography were used to measure DNA synthesis (3H-TdR uptake and incorporation) by the epidermis and the sebaceous glands in mouse pinna skin. Using this approach it has been possible to show that a chalone-like inhibitor of DNA synthesis acts rapidly to restrict the flow of epidermal G1 cells into S-phase. The point of action within the cell cycle is probably at the G1-S phase 'boundary'. The technique described is sufficiently sensitive to be used for measuring small alterations in DNA synthesis in short-term experiments and for long-term experiments in which the size of the progenitor cell population is altered by systemic or topical administration of compounds influencing DNA synthesis.


Oral retinoic acid as therapy for erythrokeratoderma variabilis.

Oral retinoic acid successfully and rapidly helped two patients with erythrokeratoderma variabilis. Treatment had to be maintained to prevent recurrence and no side effects have been observed so far.


Outpatient laparoscopic sterilization.

A prospective survey is described of 200 consecutive patients who had outpatient laparoscopic sterilizations by coagulation and division of the Fallopian tubes. The procedures were acceptable to patients, free of morbidity or complications and made minimal demands on the existing hospital services.


Reversal of ultraviolet-killing in an Escherichia coli lon mutant. Differential effects of protein synthesis inhibitors.

The effects of protein synthesis inhibition in post-irradiation treatments on the ultraviolet-survival of an Escherichia coli lon mutant were examined with six antibiotics. Kasugamycin was the most potent in enhancing the ultraviolet survival, whereas puromycin promoted ultraviolet killing rather than survival. Rifampicin, chloramphenicol, chlortetracycline, and spectinomycin were weakly active in the enhancement of survival.


Restoration of detergent-inactivated adenosine triphosphatase activity of human prostatic fluid with concanavalin A.

A stimulation by concanavalian A OF Mg2+ -and Ca2+-dependent ATPase (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3) of human prostatic fluid has been observed after the enzyme system had been inactivated by a detergent such as 0.05% deoxycholate. The concanavalin A effect was specific since the positive effect was abolished in the presence o alpha-methyl-D-mannoside. Furthermore, the positive effect of concanavalin A was obtained with a low lectin concentration, equal to the concentration reported for optimal stimulation of other membrane enzymes.


Purification and properties of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase of hamster brown adipose tissue.

1. Oligomycin-insensitive ATPase (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3) was purified from brown adipose tissue mitochondria. It had a specific activity of 50 units/mg which could be increased up to 85 units/mg by KHCO3. The isolated enzyme represented less than 0.5% of the initial membrane proteins.2. The enzyme had a molecular weight equal to beef heart ATPase and was composed of five subunits with molecular weights of 56 200, 54 300, 33 500, 13 400 and 9500 respectively. 3. Isolated ATPase was labile while cold and was activated by the divalent cations Mn2+, Mg2+, Co2+ and Cd2+. The optimum ATP/Mg2+ ratio found was 1.58 and the enzyme had a maximum activity at pH 8.5; the Km was 220 micrometer. 4. The ATPase activity was 55% inhibited by aurovertin. The isolated enzyme enhanced the fluorescence of aurovertin, quenched by ATP and Mg2+ and enhanced by ADP. 5. Oligomycin sensitivity and cold stability of isolated ATPase was restored by its reconstitution with both brown adipose tissue and beef heart particles depleted of ATPase. 6. The results presented demonstrate that the low ATPase activity of brown adipose tissue mitochondria is due to a reduced content of ATPase.


Dual effect of Ca2+ on ultrasonic ATPase activity and polymerization of muscle actin.

Millimolar concentrations of Ca2+ stimulate actin polymerization whereas micromolar concentrations of Ca2+ depress polymerization. This latter effect leads to a reduction of ATPase (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3) activity of actin during sonication at low Mg2+ concentrations and in the absence of KCl. In the presence of KCl (90 mM) there is activation of ATPase activity by micromolar Ca2+ concentrations. These Ca2+ effects are half-maximal at a Ca2+ concentration of 2-10(-7) M. They can be explained by assuming that that ATPase activity is optimal in a medium range of actin polymer stability and that micromolar Ca2+ concentrations tend to labilize and depolymerize F-actin.


Effect of experimental diabetes and insulin on lipid metabolism in the isolated perfused rat lung.

The isolated perfused rat lung was used as a model to study the possible hormonal regulation of lipid metabolism in the mammalian adult lung. Experimental diabetes, whether induced by alloxan or streptozotocin, decreased the incorporation of [U-14C]glucose into neutral lipids and phospholipids of both the surfactant fraction and the residual fraction of the lung by 60-80%. Glucose incorporation into phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol is decreased in experimental diabetes in both the surfactant and residual fractions to a comparable degree. Glucose incorporation is decreased in both the fatty acid and the glycerophosphocholine moieties of phosphatidylcholine isolated from the surfactant and residual fractions. Insulin treatment of normal animals 30 or 15 min prior to perfusion resulted in an approximate doubling of the incorporation of glucose into the phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol isolated from the surfactant and residual fractions of the lung. The incorporation of glucose into palmitic acid isolated from phosphatidylcholine was also shown to increase similarly. The results of these investigations indicate that insulin may play a role in regulating the synthesis of the important lipid components of the mammalian pulmonary surfactant complex.


Heterogeneity of the cold-insoluble globulin of human plasma (CIg), a circulating cell surface protein.

The cold-insoluble globulin of human plasma (CIg), a circulating cell surface protein, exists in multiple molecular forms. Most molecules are found as two chain (MR approximately 220 000 per chain) disulfide-bridged dimeric units but several minor components of smaller size have also been identified; based upon their migration rates in dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoretic experiments, the smaller molecules characterized in this study range in molecular size from 235 000 to 146 000. The component of molecular weight 235 000 apparently represents a two chain disulfide-bridged derivative of larger parent molecules (one chain of 220 000 plus a smaller remnant), whereas smaller CIg components appear to be single chain proteins. These observations plus electrophoretic analyses of samples of plasmic digests of CIg indicate that the interchain disulfide bridging in the two chain molecule is located in a segment within approx. 175 residues of the NH2- or COOH-terminus.


Influence of adenine nucleotides on oligomycin inhibition of energy-transducing reactions in intact rat-liver mitochondria.

The inhibitory effect of oligomycin was investigated in intact mitochondria through oxidative phosphorylation and uncoupler induced ATPase activity. Results show that oligomycin inhibition curves can be either sigmoidal or hyperbolic depending on experimental conditions and chiefly on the metabolic state of mitochondria with regard to the distribution of mitochondrial endogenous adenine-nucleotides. Active respiration and uncoupler-induced ATPse activity produce sigmoidal titration curves for a high initial ATP : ADP ratio and hyperbolic curves for a low ATP : ADP ratio. Time-dependent inhibitions are observed for the two reactions. The maximal inhibitory action for low concentrations of the inhibitor is delayed by the initial presence of ATP or the possibility of generating from inorganic phosphate before adding oligomycin. Results presented here show that the initial adenine-nucleotide distribution is important for oligomycin sensitivity of energy-linked reactions. Although a limited conformational change of the oligomycin-sensitivity to the inhibitor, it is more likely that a gross structural change of the inner membrane induced by adenine-nucleotides modifies membrane permeability to oligomycin.


[Inhibition of membrane-bound adenosine triphosphatase by platinum and palladium salts].

Inhibition capacity of platinum and palladium complexes is studied on membrane-bound ADTP. The degree of inhibition of the enzyme activity is determined by the nature of the central atom and by the electron density on it, as well as by the ligand donor-acceptor capacity, by its mobility. The configuration of the complex and the charge of complex ion are of importance. The acidoligands studied according to their inhibition effect can be arranged in the following line: NO2, Cl, Br, SCN, I, which is true both for platinum and palladium compounds. For palladium complexes this line coincides with the location of ligands according to their ability to draw off the electron density from the central atom while in case of platinum complexes it has an opposite course of relationship for platinum and palladium complexes, points to a different mechanism of their interaction with the enzyme.


[Characteristics of Ca2+ ion effect on the activity of Mg2+-dependent ATPase system in ghosts and reconstituted erythrocytes].

A good conformity if demonstrated of the kinetics of calcium ions effect on ATPase activity of human and rat erythrocyte ghosts. The increase of calcium concentration in the rat errythrocytes hemolysis medium (above 50-100 micrometer) results in a considerable aggregation of reconstructed vesicles. An activation of ouabaine-sensitive component of Mg2+-dependent ATPase under the increase of intracellular Ca2+ in reconstructed human erythrocytes is observed.


[Quantitative model of human erythrocyte glycolysis. I. Relationship between the stationary rate of glycolysis and the ATP concentration].

A mathematical model is presented of the Embden--Meyerhof pathway in the human red blood cell. The rate of the system stationary flux is determined by the first part of the chain including three enzymatic reactions. The function has been calculated which describes the dependence of the stationary rate of glucose consumption and ATP production on the concentration of ATP. The curve has a bell shape with the physiological normal point situated in the descending segment. The descending segment is a result of the inhibition of the phosphofructokinase by ATP and the strong inhibition of the hexokinase by glucose-6-phosphate.


[Fragmentation of mitochondrial H+-ATPase hydrophobic complex].

The subunits with molecular weights of 30 000, 10 000 and 20 000 + 19 000 have been obtained by fractionation of the hydrophobic part of the oligomycin-sensitive ATPase complex on Sephadex G-200 and Sephadex G-150 in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate.


[Oxygen isotope exchange reactions in synaptosomal plasmatic membrane system].

Mg2+-Dependent, Ca2+-activated adenosine triphosphatase (E. C. 3.6.1.4) of synaptosomal plasmatic membrane from cow brain catalyses isotopic exchange of oxygen atoms: KH2P18O 4 in equilibrium H2O, the degree of exchange depending on Ca2+ concentration. The 18O-exchange catalysis suggests that the enzyme under consideration acts as a transport ATPase.


[Histones of the fungi, Endomyces magnusii and Neurospora crassa].

Histones of Endomyces magnusii and Neurospora crassa were found to consist of four main fractions similar to calf thymus histones in their electrophoretic mobilities, molecular sizes and chromatographic behaviour on Akrilex P-60. Two of them are homologous to the most conservative histones H3 and H4. Other two fractions correspond to the histones H2A and H2B; however, they have some pecularities. A fraction of N. crassa histones corresponding to the H2B was isolated in a homogeneous state by means of gel filtration. It appeared to be very similar to calf thymus histone H2B in its amino acid composition.


[Synthesis of ribosomal RNA in the lymphocytes with 21-chromosome trisomy].

Normal and 21-trisomic lymphocytes isolated from whole blood were cultivated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) for 21 hours and labeled with 3H-uridine. Polysomes were then extracted, using magnesium precipitation. The samples of polysome rRNA were disc-electrophoresed, and the specific activity of the 28S-RNA was determined. In spite of the decreased RNA-synthetic response of the 21-trisomic lymphocytes (determined earlier) the specific activity of the rRNA in the aberrant cells failed to differ from the normal. A decrease in the number of the PHA-responsive cells in the 21-trisomic lymphoid population is supposed.


[Acid polysaccharides of the internal zone of the kidney medulla of albino rats under different conditions of maintainance].

Water-deprived albino rats displayed a greater stability of reaction to acid mucopolysaccharides in the interstitium of the distal portion of the internal zone of the medulla of the kidneys in case of greater air humidity.


[Effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on several functional and morphologic properties of the heart and catecholamine metabolism in the presence of compensatory myocardial hypertrophy].

Rabbits subjected to hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) for one month following ascending aorta stenosis developed less distinct hypertrophy and signs of myocardial dystrophy with a more distinct enhancement of the left ventricular contractility than animals with aortic stenosis kept under normal pressure. In rabbits with heart hypertrophy developing under HBO the increasing adaptive capacity of the myocardium was accompanied by an elevation in functional reserve of the sympathetic regulation apparatus. Apparently HBO aided the development of the optimum cardiac adaptation to a high afterload.


[Changes in calcium ion binding and characteristics of Na+, K+-ATPase functioning in erythrocytes in the presence of hypertension].

A greater amount of calcium is removed with the aid of EDTA from the erythrocyte membranes of patients with hypertensive disease than from erythrocytes of persons with a normal arterial blood pressure. When isotonic MgCl2 was used the amount of calcium removed from the erythrocytic membrane was equal in both groups. The activity of Na-K-ATP-ase in the membrane of reconstituted erythrocytes increased with the action of calcium ions in the patients with hypertensive disease only half as much as in healthy persons.


[Effect of an extract of mouse Ehrlich ascitic tumor cells on mitotic activity and DNA synthesis in that tumor].

The extract of Ehrlich's ascitis tumour cells depressed specifically the proliferative activity of this tumour cells. This was expressed in a marked reduction in the number of dividing and DNA-synthesizing cells after the extract injection. The mitotic index fell considerably as soon as 2 hours after the injection, reached the minimum in 4 to 5 hours and was restored to the control level in 9 to 12 hours. The radioactive index appeared to be evenly decreased in the course of 18 hours of the experiment.


Role of 5-hydroxytryptamine in morphine-, pethidine-, and methadone-induced hypothermia in rats at low ambient and room temperature.

1 The effect of morphine (10 or 20 mg/kg s.c.), pethidine (25 or 50 mg/kg s.c.) or methadone (4 or 8 mg/kg s.c.) on the body temperature of nontreated and p-chlorophenylalanine-pretreated rats was studied at room (21+/-0.2 degrees C) or low ambient (12+/-0.2 degrees C) temperature. 2 Neither pethidine nor smaller doses of morphine and methadone altered the mean rectal temperature of rats kept at room temperature but larger doses of morphine and methadone produced significant hypothermia. 3 All narcotic analgesics at doses used in the present investigation produced significant hypothermia in rats maintained in a low ambient temperature. The hypothermia was prevented by naloxone (1 mg/kg s.c.). 4 The administration of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 320 mg/kg i.p.) 48 h before the narcotic injection prevented the fall in body temperature both at room and low ambient temperature. 5 The administration of narcotic analgesics at doses, which when administered by themselves did not alter the body temperature of rats, produced significant hyperthermia in rats pretreated with PCPA. 6 When rats pretreated with PCPA were given 5-hydroxytryptophan (75 mg/kg s.c.) 30 min before narcotic administration, the usual response to narcotics was restored. 7 It appears that pethidine and methadone as well as morphine have both hyperthermic and hypothermic actions in rats and that 5-hydroxytryptamine may be involved in the narcotic-induced hypothermia not only at room temperature but also at low ambient temperature.


Drugs altering insulin secretion: effects on plasma and brain concentrations of aromatic amino acids and on brain 5-hydroxytryptamine turnover.

1 An investigation was made into the effects of drugs which alter insulin secretion on the concentrations of tryptophan and other aromatic amino acids in plasma and brain and on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in brain. Drugs used were streptozotocin, propranolol, tolbutamide and phentolamine. 2 Tolbutamide and phentolamine increased the plasma insulin concentrations by 100% and 300% respectively but with little effect on the brain/plasma ratios for the aromatic amino acids. Previously propranolol was found to decrease plasma insulin by 50% without altering the above ratios. The ratios were decreased by streptozotocin but only when plasma insulin fell by more than 50%. 3 Phentolamine and propranolol did not alter the brain/plasma ratios for the aromatic amino acids in streptozotocin-treated rats. 4 The results suggest that only large changes of insulin secretion e.g. those associated with food intake or aminophylline injection are likely to alter appreciably the brain/plasma ratios for the aromatic amino acids. 5 Tolbutamide displaced tryptophan from its binding to plasma albumin and increased brain 5-HIAA probably by inhibiting 5-HIAA efflux from brain. The other drugs did not alter brain 5-HT or 5-HIAA concentrations.


[Gene duplication and protein evolution. Case of aminoacyl-t-RNA synthetases].

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are a functionally homologous group of enzymes which catalyse the first step of protein synthesis. The accumulation of data on the oligomeric structures of these enzymes has revealed a wide diversity in the sizes and organization of the protomers. This is not consistent with the idea of a family with homologous primary and tertiary structures. Howewer recent studies have shown that all these enzymes may have evolved from a common ancestor through gene duplication and fusion which has led to extensive repeating sequences in the corresponding subunits.


[Action of an antiestrogen agent, tamoxifen on the uterus and vagina of the ovariectomized rat].

Tamoxifen has more or less strong estrogen influence according to the targets : a light one on the uterus (1 mg being much less strong than 0.25 microgram of estradiol), a dynamic one on the vagina (50 microgram of tamoxifen make the vagina open in as short a time as 0.25 microgram of estradiol do but the keratinisation is still not completed even with 1 mg of tamoxifen). We can still see this influence four days after the end of the treatment. This influence is weak on the uterus until the 11 th day and it is much stronger on the vagina until about the 8 th day. Tamoxifen has an antiestrogenic action when opposed to 20 microgram of estradiol : this action is limited as soon as you give a dosis of 50 microgram on the uterus and it is nearly total with a dose of 1 mg ; we can notice it on the vaginal only from 200 microgram on.


[Action of an antiestrogen agent, tamoxifen on the mammae of ovariectomized rats].

We have been studying the estrogen and antiestrogen action of tamoxifen and of clomifen on the development and secretion of acini and of the galactophore canals of the mammary gland. The ICI (50 or 200 microgram) has no effect : the very strong dose of 1 mg gives a light stimulation of the acini secretion which can be compared to that of light doses of clomifen (20 or 50 microgram) or of estradiol (0.25 microgram). Only 10 microgram of estradiol alone allow the development, the opening and secretion of acini. With 20 microgram, this action is more apparent, not only on the often dilated acini, but also on the canals. Administered along with 20 microgram of estradiol, tamoxifen is slightly antagonist with 50 microgram, strongly antagonist with 200 microgram, and completely antagonist with 1 mg. 50 microgram of clomifen are inefficient ; it is synergetic if the treatment starts and is over 4 days before the estradiol treatment.


[Effect of sorbitol on the activity of alkaline phosphatases isolated from different areas of rat small intestine].

To elucidate by which way sorbitol (S) increases Ca absorption, the action of (S) on the alkaline phosphatases (A.P.) isolated from duodenum, jejunum and ileum of the young rat is studied. At pH = 9,8 A. P activation by (S) is the most pronounced with ileal A.P. At each studied pH (greater than or equal to 8) the ability of A. P to phosphorylate (S) is observed constantly. A diffusional system transfer of Ca is proposed involving the intervention of a A. P under the inhibiting control of phosphates. This inhibition would be suppressed by the A. P transphosphorylating action toward (S).


[Variations of the loudness of a brief tone (20 ms) as a function of the rise and decay times at 1000 Hz].

The loudness of brief tones have been studied in relation to rise and decay times, by reference a long tone of same frequency. Some differences appear, but they are different with the subjects and the sound pressure levels.


[Biosynthesis of thyroglobulin in the endostyle of larva (ammocoetes) of a fresh water lamprey, Lampetra planeri B1].

The biosynthesis of thyroglobulin (Tg) in larva of a fresh-water lamprey, Lampetra planeri B1. has been established. This glycoprotein presents the same characters as in thyroid follicles of adult lampreys, as shown by its 18-19 S sedimentation coefficient and by the incorporation (in vivo and in vitro experiments of 4, 12, 72 h) of 125I, 3H-leucine and 3H-galactose. 3-8 S fractions and a 12 S monomer are the precursors of the 18-19 S protein. Total I % of Tg is very low (0.002 %) ; about 5 % of 125I are present in thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the 125I-labeled protein. The biosynthesis of 18-19 S Tg proceeds in larvs before the morphological differentiation of thyroid cells and follicles after metamorphosis. However, the biosynthesis of this protein is much slower in the endostyle of larvs, in which a primitive mechanism of storage is poorly efficient, compared to the accumulation of Tg in the colloid of the follicles of adults.


[Collagen modifications after deep cutaneous burns in rats].

Acid extracted collegen is prepared from rat skin 48 hours after burning ; the material obtained is purified by salt precipitation and fractionnated by carboxymethylcellulose chromatography as described by Piez (3). Control samples are studied by a similar procedure. It can be concluded that after burning, rat skin collagen becomes insoluble ; the result seems to be consistent with intra and intermolecular crosslinks formation.


[Liver extract effect on liver microsomal system and on an experimental model of intoxication].

A lyophilized liver extract (FLR) lengthens hexobarbital action in control rats ; it decreases slightly the induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes and normalizes diphenylhydantoin protection against electroshock seizure in phenobarbital-treated animals ; in the event of a CC14 intoxication, this extract reestablishes values close to normal for mebubarbital metabolism in mice and for BSP clearance in rats. FLR could act in regularizing drug metabolism.


[Phentolamine and dibenamine action on the carotid reflexes induced by lobeline].

On the carotid reflexogenic zone lobeline provoques : 1) a increase of amplitude and rate of respiratory  movements with bradycardia and hypotension ; 2) a secondary decrease of amplitude and rate of breathing with tachycardia. Acting on the reflexogenic zone, phentolamine and dibenamine provoque a transitory weakening or disappearance of these reflexes. These effects are induced by a local action, because they are not observed by intravenous injection of the drugs and the lobeline reflexes starting from the carotid sinus of the other side are not affected.


[The germinal population at embryonic stage and young age in the female hybrid duck born of male Pekin x female Barbary crossing. Comparison with ducks of the parent species].

As hatching the number of left ovary germinal cells of the female hybrid (Anas platyrhynchos x Cairina moschata) is weaker than that of the Peking and Barbary females because the small size of the genital crest limites the number of colonising germinal cells. As well after 16 days of incubation the multiplication of the oogonies stops in a way that we can not explain. The later growth of the ovarian follicle is, however, very fast, and the first laying is earlier than with the female parents.


[Study of skin microcirculation by epicutaneous diffusion of 133 xenon].

The diffusion of radioactive inert gas xenon 133 through the epidermis in man was studied by compartimental model with a constant speed injection. From this we deduce the cutaneous and subcutaneous flow.


[Ultrastructure of rat vaginal epithelium submitted to various hormone sequences].

Electron microscopical study of estradiol-progesterone interrelationships on vaginal epithelium has been performed on 20 days old rats. Mucification or cornification depends on quantitative sequences of two hormones. Cornification is obtained when estradiol is the latest hormone injected, mucification, when sufficient progesterone.


[Transglomerular passage of protein macromolecules in the rat : attempt at quantitative evaluation using ferritin].

The present microscopic study evaluates precisely the density of ferritin-particules in several substructures of the glomerular barrier, particularly the endothelial barrier, and the glomerular basement membrane, 15 and 60 minutes after the injection of the tracer. This quantitative method opens the way to numerous studies on the pathway of this protein-tracer through the glomerular substructures in the normal and pathologic rat.


[Excretion in rat urine of substances derived from the basal glomerular membrane].

We have prepared in rabbits antibodies against rat GBM, with GBM prepared from isolated glomeruli issued from rat renal cortex. It is shown with immunodiffusion technique the excretion of basement membrane-like fragments into the normal rat urine. This result confirms the earlier works studying the human and rabbit urines. The origin and the nature of this patterns, the signification of this presence into the mammalian urines are discussed.


[Effect of theophylline on diuresis and the physiological proteinuria of white rats].

The present study considers the quantitative variations of the physiologic proteinuria with theophyllin in the rat. The urins are collected, during 8 hours, every Rat being its own reference. The single theophyllin injection (20 mg/kg) induces an increased diuresis (+ 42,1 %) and proteinuria (+ 73,7 %). The repetitive theophyllin injections (during 5 days) confirms this constation. The hypothesis of a modification of the permeability of the glomerular barrier to proteic macromolecules is proposed to agree this result.


[Effect of exogenous ADP and ATP on the motility and respiratory activity of human spermatozoa].

The respiratory activity of human sperms suspended in a salved solution, is varying when ADP or ATP are added to the medium. Those results seem to indicate that the apparent lack of regulation of the energetic metabolism, which is observed in this cell, could be partially due to low endogenous concentrations of nucleotide-phosphates. The enrichment of the medium with ATP does not lead to any effect on sperm motility and this negative result is discussed.


[Transfer of volatile fatty acids in rat isolated cecum wall].

The transfer of acetic, propionic and butyric acids was studied in vitro, using everted sacs of rat caecum. In experiments it was never shown an absorption against the electrochemical potentiel. Short fatty acids flux through caecal membranes is assumed to involve solely passive diffusion.


[Evolution of mouse intestinal and blood immunoglobulins after oral route vaccination].

The authors have studied the mice immunoglobulins level after vaccination by oral route with a killed-pathogenic strain of Salmonella typhimurium and an avirulent mutant of the same bacteria. The obtained results show an increase of the intestinal IgA and IgG1 levels and a slighter one of sera IgG between the 10 th and 30 th day following immunization. No correlation was observed concerning the IgM, IgG and IgA levels and the mice protection against a challenge of pathogenic bacteria.


[Evaluation by electrocorticogram of the protective action of piridoxilate against cerebral hypoxia in rats].

Piridoxilate, at the concentration of 120 mg/kg i.p. in rats, enhanced resistance of these animals to hypoxia (N2 : O2 3,2 %). The electrocorticogram (ECOG) is used to indicate the effectiveness of the drug in lowering the time of electrographic silence, on control (n=19) and pretreated rats (n=12). The ECOG was recorded also during the recovery period under pure oxygen. In pretreated rats, the ECOG records became flat in approximately 551 sec (versus 269 sec on the control group). The latent period of successive steps of cerebral anoxia were delayed in pretreated rats exposed to hypoxia. During the recovery period, piridoxilate seems to enhance the restoration of normal ECOG, as a function of the duration of hypoxia.


[Demonstration of interactions between visual and splanchnic afferences at the level of the cerebral cortex in cats].

In the chloralose-anesthetized cats, evoked potentials (E.P) were recorded from cerebral cortex with the use of 1) macroelectrodes in two overlapping zones between splanchnic and visual areas : Medial Lateral and Anterior Suprasylvian (S II) gyri ; 2) microelectrodes in Medial Lateral gyrus. Our results show : 1) a strong increase of the primary visual E.P. in Medial Laternal gyrus by splanchnic stimulus ; 2) a strong inhibition of the primary splanchnic E.P. in S II by visual stimulus ; 3) an inhibition of some cortical neurons in Medial Lateral gyrus by splanchnic stimulus ; 4) an inhibition of associative visual E.P. in S II by splanchnic stimulus, and of associative splanchnic E.P. in Medial Lateral gyrus by visual stimulus. In the other hand splanchnic and visual E.P. were recorded from N. reticularis and Corpus Geniculatum Mediale with the use of concentric electrode. Some hypothesis concerning interrelations mechanisms are discussed.


[Modifications in chick embryo peripheral blood following graft of hen spleen fragments. I. Effects on blood volume].

After adjusting to embryonic material a method, generally used in Man, for the blood volume measurement (dilution of radio-iodinated 131I human albumin) it was possible to determine that the grafting on the chorioallantois membrane of homologous adult spleen fragments provoke a blood volume augmentation in the host embryo. The rate of this increasing, which seems to be partly caused by a blood dilution, and the spleen enhancement intensity are highly linked.


[Formation of vascular cords in the chick embryo ; scanning electron microscopic observations].

The morphological changes of haemangioblasts during their sorting out from the pleural mesoderm have been studied as well as their later association within vascular cords, using scanning electron microscopy. These transformations involve only changing the shape and the relationship of cells.


[Glucose role in regulation of placental lactogen hormone (hPL) secretion].

The authors have studied the role of glucose on the excretion of hPL in the medium by explants of placenta in culture. 1. The glucose is necessary for this excretion and cannot be replaced by lactate. 2. At concentrations higher than 1.5 g/l, the glucose inhibits the excretion of hPL. 3. This inhibition is shown for long periods of action of the glucose (4 days) as well as for short periods (1, 2 and 4 hours).


[Circulating molecular forms of prolactin in the normal nursing mother and during tumoral amenorrhea-galactorrhea].

The authors have studied by gel chromatography and radioimmuno assay, the molecular forms of prolactine in the serum of normal lactating women and in serum of three subjects having an hypophyseal tumor. 1. In the normal women, one find two pics of prolactine : one migrating like the monomere (M.W. 20000), and the other as a trimere (M.W. : 60000). There is small amounts of a large molecule migrating in the dead volume of the column. 2. In the patients having a tumor, one find not only the monomere but also a large molecule (M.W. greater than 100000) which is the principal form in the serum. The results are compared with these of the literature.


[Study of molecular forms of ovine and human prolactin].

After labelling of human and ovine prolactine by the lactoperoxydase method, each prolactine shows at least three molecular forms : amorphous aggregates of large molecular weight, one dimere (M.W. no. 50 000) and one monomere (M.W. no. 25 000). The monomere and the dimere can spontaneously give rise to the aggregates. But the dimere never give monomere and monomere never give dimere. Urea 8 M alone have not dissociating action on the polymeres or on the dimere. But urea 8 M plus mercaptoethanol transforms polymeres into dimeres and monomeres.


[Use of measurement of liver cytochrome P 450 as a water toxicity test].

The authors describe a new approach to determine the toxicity of water samples. The level of liver hydroxylating cytochrome in mice injected with water samples is assayed. This assay is used to test the toxicity of waters containing an earth extract (humic and fulvic acids). The water samples showed various toxicities desinfected with chlorine or ozone.


[New data on luteotropic mechanism of action of estrogens during the rat estrus cycle].

An increase in peripheral blood progesterone concentration was observed in diestrus II, at 17:30 in 4-day cyclic female rats subcutaneously injected with 10 microgram estradiol benzoate (EB) at 10:00-11:00 on diestrus I. Pentobarbital injection (30 mg/kg) at 13:30 on diestrus II did not prevent this effect on EB. By contrast PB injected at 13:30 on diestrus II as above completely suppressed the luteinizing or ovulating effects of EB. The action of estrogen on blood progesterone level was therefore concluded to be unrelated to the mechanisms underlying estrogen-induced ovulation luteinization in the cyclic female rat.


[Brain monoamines and circadian rhythm of spontaneous motor activity of rats].

The effect of three drugs, parachlorophenylalanine, nialamide and disulfiram, drugs known by their action on the two sleep phases, slow wave sleep and I-REM-sleep, have been studied and tested by their effect on the motor circadian rhythm : PCPA and disulfiram reduce the amplitude of the rhythm by two opposed mechanisms : PCPA increases the motor activity, especially the day-time activity, disulfiram reduces the motor activity, especially the night-time activity. The former reduces the serotonine content, the latter the noradrenaline content of the central nervous system. Nialamide (5 or 10 mg/1000 g) is without any action of the rhythm. Both doses increase very much the motor activity ; but the central excitatory state undergoes the normal circadian rhythm. This monoaminoxydase inhibitor is without any action on the circadian rhythm.


[Autologous and allogenic human rosettes].

A proportion of human peripheral blood T lymphocytes have the property to form spontaneous rosettes in vitro with autologous and allogeneic red blood cells. In our experience the percentage of allo-rosettes is higher than the percentage of auto-rosettes. Red blood cells of the Bombay type are capable of binding to allogeneic lymphocytes. However a low percentage of auto-rosettes was found in the Bombay donor.


[Inhibition of compensatory kidney hypertrophy by hypothyroidism in the rat. Measurement of the mean diameter of glomeruli and proximal tubules].

The body, heart and kidney weights are reduced in the hypothyroid rat. In this animal, the diameter of the proximal tubule is significantly smaller than in euthyroid controls. The glomerular diameter is not affected by hypothyroidism. 21 days after uninephrectomy, the weight of the remaining kidney and the diameter of the proximal tubule increase significantly both in the hypothyroid and the euthyroid rats. But this compensatory renal hyperthrophy is definitely impaired in the hypothyroid animals.


[Urinary excretion of LH-RH after intravenous injection in rabbit and man].

The excretion of immunoreactive and radioactive material in urine was studied after intravenous injection of synthetic LH-RH in a rabbit and in a man. The LH-RH-like immunoreactive substance (LHRH-LIS) found in unextracted urine by radioimmunoassay was excreted within the same timelag and in the same proportions in the rabbit and in the human, but different from those of synthetic LH-RH, as shown by purifications on sephadex.


[Effect of pGlu-Tyr-Arg-Trp-NH2 on the serum level of gonadotropins in the male rat].

The tetrapeptide synthesized by Folkers et al. was injected intraperitonealy in normal adult male rats. The release of FSH is significant 90 and 120 minutes after injections of 150, 100, 250 microgram of this substance. An increase of LH was only observed at 120 minutes after injection of 100 microgram of the tetrapeptide. Thus, in rats dissociation between FSH and LH release can be observed.


[Simultaneous liberation of vasopressin (ADH) and of neurophysins during nicotine perfusion in man].

Using the radioimmunoassay (R.I.A.) for neurophysins (I.R.N.) described in 1969, we demonstrated a concomitant, rapid release of both A.D.H. and I.R.N. within the first minutes (2') of the i.v. infusion of nicotine in 11 patients with normal neuropituitary function and 1 patient suffering from a Schwartz-Bartter syndrome. There is a close relationship (r : 0,82, p less than 0.001) similar to that described by other authors, between peak levels of A.D.H. and I.R.N. in all the patients. Hence, we proved that our R.I.A. system is influenced by nicotine stimulated neurophysins (N.S.N.). The negative results previously published by two of us in 5 normal men could have been due to the length of the period between the beginning of the test and the first blood sampling (30 mn).


[Ultrastructure of Listeria monocytogenes bacteriophages].

No morphological differences were found among the 10 Listeria phages suspensions examined. The polyhedric head appears to be about 62-66 nm in diameter, the tail devoided of contractile sheath measures 260-280 X 10 nm. The phage adsorption is observed on the cell-wall of Listeria.


Partial characterization of a soluble ATPase from pea cotyledon mitochondria.

A partially purified soluble ATPase (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3) from pea cotyledon mitochondria was characterized. Inhibition patterns with azide, NaF, and cold, and a stimulation by 2,4-dinitrophenol were typical of F1-ATPases from mammalian mitochondria. The enzyme hydrolysed GTP, ITP, and ATP, but not CTP, UTP, ADP, or IDP. ATPase and ITPase activities were strongly inhibited by ADP and to a lesser extent by IDP. Distinctive properties of the pea mitochondrial enzyme were activation by high concentrations of CaCl2 and stimulation by NaCl.


Treatment of advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas with combinations of streptozotocin plus 5-fluorouracil and streptozotocin plus cyclophosphamide.

One hundred and sixteen patients with advanced and metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas were randomized to treatment with combined Streptozotocin and 5-fluorouracil or combined Streptozotocin and cyclophosphamide. Toxic reactions to each regimen were qualitatively similar and consisted of nausea and vomiting during the time of treatment and subsequent leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Renal toxicity was less frequent and only rarely severe. Among 51 eligible and evaluable patients treated with the Streptozotocin-cyclophosphamide combination, 12% showed objective response and among 42 patients treated with Streptozotocin + 5-fluorouracil, 12% showed objective response. The Streptozotocin + 5-fluorouracil-treated patients showed a slight advantage in survival. Neither regimen can be considered of substantive value to the patient with advanced pancreatic carcinoma.


Cardiac function, coronary flow and MVO2 in hypertrophy induced by pressure and volume overloading.

Myocardial function, flow and O2 consumption were compared in cardiac hypertrophy induced by pressure-loading (P) and by volume overloading (V). Increases in LV-to-body weight ratios in P and V hypertrophied hearts were comparable. Indices of LV function such as cardiac output, stroke volume, stroke work, minute work, peak LV dP/dt, ratio of peak LV dP/dt-to-isovolumic pressure and -to-LVEDP, and Vmax were significantly reduced from normal only in hypertrophy induced by V. Left ventricular coronary flow was reduced from 167.1 +/- 27.2 in normal dogs to 146.2 +/- 17.1 cm3/min-100 g-1 in P hypertrophy, and was reduced further to 82.5 +/- 8.2 cm3/min-100 g-1 in V hypertrophy. Flows decreased similarly in epicardium and endocardium in both hypertrophied hearts. Cardiac O2 extraction in P and V hearts was greater than in control hearts. Myocardial O2 consumption was maintained at control values in P hypertrophy, and decreased by 54 +/- 3% in V hypertrophy. These findings indicate that LV function is impaired at rest in hypertrophy induced by V and is normal in hypertrophy induced by P.


Changes in rat renal cortex, isolated plasma membranes and urinary enzymes following the injection of mercuric chloride.

Some of the biochemical changes in rat kidney following the administration of mercuric chloride have been determined. Mercuric chloride had an immediate effect on the renal brush border resulting in rapid loss of the microvilli. Plasma membranes were isolated and characterised at various stages in the necrotic process, mircovilli were absent from these preparations and the activities of marker enzymes for the brush border were significantly decreased. In contrast the basal plasma membranes were unaffected by the nephrotoxin during the early stages and no change occurred in the activity of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase, a marker enzyme for the basal membranes. The change in the pattern of urinary enzyme excertion closely paralleled the ultrastructural changes in the tubular cells. The sequence of subcellular change following the administration of mercuric chloride is discussed in relation to the known mechanism of action of this agent.


Trends in the distribution of Staphylococcus aureus phage patterns in New York State during 1966-1975.

The phage patterns of 15 790 S. aureus isolates collected from human sources in New York State (exclusive of New York City) during the 10-year period 1966-1975 were analysed. The results showed changes in the distribution of phage groups and a steadily increasing incidence of nontypable S. aureus.


Intercapillary distance and capillary reserve in hypertrophied rat hearts beating in situ.

Functional intercapillary distance (ICD) was measured in stop-motion photomicrographs of hypertrophied, normally compensated, well oxygenated rat hearts beating in situ. Left ventricular hypertrophy was produced by salt loading and unilateral nephrectomy. Minimum ICD (when all capillaries are open) also was measured. Ventricular weight increased by 30-40% within 8-9 weeks after nephrectomy. To compare the effect of normal and pathological growth, ICD was also measured in normal rats. In normal animals, minimum ICD and functional ICD increased linearly and proportionately with left ventricular weight. Consequently, the extent to which capillary recruitment could decrease ICD was the same in large and small normal hearts (about 2 micrometer). In the hypertrophied hearts, capillary recruitment could have maintained ICD within normal limits at rest for several weeks. After 8-9 weeks, however, the capillary reserve in hypertrophy was fully utilized at rest, and mean functional ICD was 1.5-2.0 micrometer greater than normal for the age of the animal. An analysis of O2 transport indicates that anoxic foci would exist throughout the hypertrophied heart and particularly in subendocardium when the capillary reserve is exhausted. The calculated amount of anoxic tissue appears sufficient to account for the focal necrosis and fibrosis observed in hypertrophy and for the development of circulatory failure.


Quantitative determination of plasmin: a fibrinogenolytic method.

A test system for the quantitative determination of plasmin activity is described. The proposed method is a modification of that employed in the well recognized casein test with human fibrinogen substituted for casein. With fibrinogen as substrate, the method gains specificity and sensitivity. The applicability to clinical use of the described fibrinogenolytic method for determination of the plasminogen/plasmin concentration in plasma is demonstrated.


Down syndrome and maternal age in Japan, 1950-1973.

The mean maternal age and the percentage age distribution of 2,650 mothers of children with Down syndrome were calculated for 1950-1973, from hospital records. Mean maternal age had dropped both for controls (28.55 leads to 27.37) and Down syndrome (31.26 leads to 29.59). The observed maternal age distributions were very similar to those expected in corresponding periods, from the age specific incidences of Collmann & Stoller (1962). It is conceivable that the fall in maternal age in Down syndrome in recent years has resulted from the general trend to decreasing maternal age. There has been no change in the age-specific incidences of Down syndrome. The incidence of Down syndrome seems to be falling in Japan.


A diagnostic index for Down syndrome.

A simple and effective index for the diagnosis of Down syndrome is presented. It makes use of 12 characters with from two to nine states. The simple format allows persons with limited knowledge of the characters to use it. Simplicity was attained by combining character states when this did not result in a loss of discrimination and by avoiding characters that were redundant, subject or difficult to evaluate. A combination of characters that occur frequently in Down syndrome (wide applicability and characters that have a high relative frequency (high probability) was used. Additional data from comparable samples were used to calculate more representative scores for some characters. Over 82% of suspected cases may be diagnosed as having or not having Down syndrome with 99.9% confidence. Conditional probabilities for the various scores are provided. Individuals whose scores are in the Down or non-Down zones have a 98.7% probability or greater of having or not having the syndrome, respectively. The index is more effective than others as measured both by the percentage of individuals with and without Down syndrome whose scores fall into distinct zones (overlap method) and by the percentage with Down syndrome who have positive scores and controls who have negative scores (single point classification).


A t(5p-;21q+) translocation in a family with Down syndrome.

A mother and daughter carrying a t(5;21)(p13;q22) chromosome were discovered after they had contacted us for genetic counseling. They were concerned because of two cases of Down syndrome in their family. Four of the mother's eight pregnancies had resulted in miscarriages; the chromosome complements of the abortuses is not known. Evidence was found indicating that individuals carrying a structurally altered chromosome 21 have an increased risk of bearing a child with Down syndrome.


Comparison of T cell-mediated immune responsiveness of NZB, (NZB x &NZW)F1 hybrid and other murine strains.

The age-dependent capacity of NZB and (NZB x NZW)F1 hybrid, BALB/c, DBA/2, C57BL/6 and C3H mice to generate T cell-mediated immune responses was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by measuring the following effector functions: (a) the time course of alloreactive cytotoxic T-cell activity triggered in vitro was comparable for NZ and other mouse strains; cell reactivity generated in vivo against EL4 tumour cells was low in young (NZB x NZW)F1 mice and in DBA/2 mice but was comparable for older (NZB x NZW)F1, NZB and other mouse strains; (b) the time-dependent, vaccinia virus-specific, cytotoxic T-cell activity after systemic infection was similar for all mouse strains; (c) the T cell-dependent primary footpad swelling after local injection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus was within the same range for all mouse strains tested with respect to size and kinetics of the reaction; (d) the cell-mediated immune protection against Listeria monocytogenes after systemic infection revealed that NZ mice are, independent of age, more susceptible than C3H or C57BL/6 mice and comparable to A strain mice. Therefore, these responses in young, or clinically relatively normal older, NZB or (NZB x NZW)F1 strains that are affected by a lupus-like autoimmune disease did not differ markedly from the range of responses of other mouse strains of 2-14 months of age, which are not known to be similarly diseased. Thus, overall cell-mediated immunity of NZ mice as assessed quantitatively and kinetically in these functional models is within normal ranges. Possible T-cell defects may therefore be selective and either do not occur or were not detected in these models.


The clinical course of IgA nephropathy in adults.

Renal function was studied in 25 patients with IgA nephropathy, aged 15--48 years, during a mean follow-up period of 47 months. GFR remained normal in ten patients but decreased in 15, necessitating regular hemodialysis in five. The evolution of GFR was not related to the degree of increase of the serum IgA level or to the presence of recurrent respiratory tract infections. The mean age of the patients with decreased GFR was ten years older and the mean follow-up time 20 months longer than of patients with maintained renal function. Also these patients had more proteinuria and were more frequently hypertensive. Their initial renal biopsies showed histologic evidence of nephron loss. The hypothesis is discussed that IgA nephropathy in adults not infrequently follows a slowly progressive course.


Functional and genetic analysis of Ia antigens.

Using negative selection with anti-Ia serum and complement, Ia-"negative" lymphocyte populations give rise to clonal progeny which produce only IgM antibody, whereas Ia-positive lymphocytes generate B-cell progeny which produce IgG or both IgM and IgG antibody. The responder cell in the mixed lymphocyte reaction and the precursor and effector cells in cell-mediated lympholysis appear to be Ia-"negative" lymphocyte subpopulations. Helper T cells in some system are Ia-positive, and allotype suppressor T cells are also Ia-positive. Allogenic effect factor produced in the usual manner functions as an antigen nonspecific helper factor for several different H-2 haplotypes. However, when allogenic effect factor is produced from a mixed lymphocyte culture between responder lymphocytes treated with anti-Ia and complement and irradiated stimulator lymphocytes treated with anti-Thy-1.2 and complement, this "restricted" AEF is sharply restricted in the haplotypes it can stimulate. "Restricted" AEF produced in this manner with B10.BR responder cells and B10.S stimulator cells helps B10.S T-cell-depleted, hap-ten-primed spleen B cells but does not help B10.BR spleen cells. This raises the possibility that the Ia antigens in AEF may be derived from the stimulator B cells and/or macrophages rather than from the responder T cells.


Postsorters' rubber fingerstall dermatitis.

An outbreak of rubber fingerstall dermatitis in a Danish post office was found to be caused by minute amounts of isopropylphenyl-para-phenylenediamine (IPPD) in the fingerstalls. The presence of IPPD in the fingerstalls could not be explained by the manufacturer and had to be confirmed by gas chromatographic analysis.


Industrial dermatitis in Northern Ireland.

Industrial injuries and disablement benefits paid for industrial dermatitis (PD 42) in Northern Ireland are analyzed by age, industry and substance responsible. The most significant trend is a decrease in the number of cases due to cement and an increase in the number of nickel cases.


Constitutional heterogeneity of the glycosaminoglycans in articular cartilage proteoglycans.

Proteoglycans were extracted from bovine articular cartilage with guanidine-HCl and fractionated in cesium chloride density gradients by equilibrium ultracentrifugation. The acidic glycosaminoglycan (AGAG) components were then determined enzymatically with chondroitinase-ABC and streptomyces hyaluronidase. Under associative and dissociative conditions, the distribution of the AGAG components was as follows: the ratio of 4-sulfated disaccharide units to total AGAG increased with decreasing density gradients whereas that of 6-sulfated disaccharide units to total AGAG increased with increasing density gradients. The ratio of disulfated disaccharide units to total AGAG increased somewhat with decreasing density gradients whereas that of non-sulfated disaccharide units tended to decrease. Although the cartilage proteoglycan macromolecules were heterogeneous, a certain regularity was observed with respect to the distribution of sulfate and the degree of sulfation in the chondroitin sulfate chains of the proteoglycans.


Normal newborn and adult human lung collagen--analysis of types.

Previous work has shown in experimental animals that lung contains extractable collagen of types I and II and possibly III and IV. The current studies describe the types of collagen which are found in normal newborn and adult human lung. Autopsy lung specimens were dissected into tissue which was cartilage free and tissue which contained cartilage. Pleura was excluded. Extraction of distal lung which did not contain cartilage by using 1.0 M NaCl and 0.5 N acetic yielded collagen having the characteristics on acrylamide gel electrophoresis and CM-cellulose chromatography of type I collagen [alpha 1(I)] alpha2. Newborn and adult type I lung collagen are similar as compared by amino acid analysis and cyanogen bromide peptide fragment analysis. Furthermore, distal lung type I collagen is very similar, if not identical, to that found in human skin. Human bronchial cartilage collagen is similar to that found in other human cartilages. Type II collagen, [alpha 1(III)], can be extracted from human distal lung using pepsin digestion and differential salt precipitation at 1.85 M sodium chloride. This distal lung type III collagen appears identical with that found in human skin. These data support the concept that normal human lung contains collagen of types I, II, and III, identical to that found elsewhere in the body. Current techniques have not revealed a unique lung collagen. This should lead to the studies which will investigate the types and ratios of the collagens in diseased human lung.


Polymorphism in human uterine collagen.

Fifty percent of human uterine collagen has been solubilized by limited pepsin digestion. Carboxymethyl cellulose-, Bio-gel A-5m-chromatography and amino acid analysis revealed that the solubilized collagen consists of 20% Type III and 80% Type I collagen. Reduction and alkylation reactions indicated that the alpha1(III) collagen is in the tissue as a trimer with the chain composition [alpha1(III)].


Proteins retained with hyaluronic acid during ultrafiltration of synovial fluid.

The identity of the proteins associated with hyaluronic acid after ultrafiltration of bovine synovial fluid was examined. With discontinuous filtration, alpha2 macro- and IgM globulins were retained in hyaluronic complex both from synovial fluid and from a similar mixture of hyaluronic acid and serum. With continuous filtration and stirring to prevent formation of gels, protein was retained with hyaluronic acid in similar proportions. This protein showed immunologic identity with serum albumin, but differed in amino acid composition. After comparison with results of gel filtration, it was concluded that the identity of the retained proteins can be determined by the concentration of hyaluronic acid without variation in other ionic conditions.


Radioimmunoassay of elastin.

Highly purified elastin was prepared from bovine ligamentum nuchae by hot alkali extraction. Antisera to the protein, developed against suspensions or acid solubilized preparations, were obtained from rabbits and guinea pigs. Of a large number of proteins, only insoluble elastin (from the aortae of several animal species) and tropoelastin, the putative soluble precursor, reacted with the antisera as determined by double antibody radioimmunoassay. Nanogram quantities of insoluble elastin can be detected following solubilization of the protein by brief acid treatment. Tropoelastin can be determined in the microgram range. The radioimmunoassay should permit determination in tissues, in fluids, and in in vitro cultures of soluble, newly synthesized elastin, mature insoluble elastin, and intermediate forms of the fibrous protein which may have heretofore escaped detection. A sensitive assay for elastin should also permit the acquisition of information concerned with connective tissue turnover during development, aging, and disease.


Pericardial heart disease.

This report reviews morphologic aspects of pericardial heart disease. A morphologic classification for this condition is presented. An ideal classification of pericardial heart disease obviously would take into account clinical, etiologic and morphologic features of this condition but a single classification combining these 3 components is lacking. Pericardial heart disease is relatively uncommon clinically and when present at necropsy it usually had not been recognized during life. The term "pericarditis" is inaccurate because most pericardial diseases are noninflammatory in nature. Morphologically chronic pericardial heart disease may present clinically as an acut eillness. Even when clinical symptoms are present, however, fewpatients develop evidence of cardiac dysfunction (constriction). When pericardial "constriction" occurs, it is the result of increased pericardial fluid or increased pericardial tissue or both. Increased fluid is treated by drainage; increased tissue is treated by excision. In most patients with chronic constrictive "pericarditis," the etiology is not apparent even after histologic examination of pericardia.


Contact dermatitis in black patients.

Black patients readily acquire allergic contact dermatitis from such contactants as paraphenylenediamine, nickel, chromates, and mercaptobenzothiazole. Such dermatitis is often complicated by hyperpigmentation and lichenification unless treated early anf vigorously with systemic corticosteroids. Patch testing is reliable on black skin. In addition, acne veneate (pomade acne, Vaselinoderma), which is characterized by noninflammatory acneiform lesions, is very common in black persons. Finally, the old wives' tale that blacks do not get poison ivy may be laid to rest, along with the popular notion that Indians chewed poison ivy leaves in order to prevent poison ivy dermatitis. Several years ago, I interviewed an Indian Chief on a western reservation and inquired whether, to his knowledge, Indians did ever chew poison ivy leaves. The chief's immediate answer was, "You white men must be crazy to think that we would be that foolish!".


Skin diseases of football and wrestling participants.

This discussion has highlighted some of the cutaneous disorders that are found in football and wrestling participants in an exaggerated form. These disorders may occur in any person, of course, and are not limited to football or wrestling participants. Also, football and wrestling participants may have any cutaneous disorder; their disorders are not limited to those mentioned in this review. The dermatologist should be alert to contagous disorders in these participants, especially because of the close contact their activities necessitate and the potential epidemic spread of these disorders. One must also be alert to the possibility that a condition may be masked by the minor trauma of the sport. It is re-emphasized that these disorders are exaggerated because of the increased perspiration, heat, friction, secretion of fatty acids, body contact, special gear, climatic conditions, and trauma. Fortunately, the participants are normally healthy individuals who respond quickly to the appropriate therapy.


Football acne--an acneiform eruption.

Football acne is a peculiar form of localized acneiform eruption of the chin that occurs in acne-prone individuals, as a result of the use of a protective chin strap under conditions of physical and emotional stress. Perhaps it is a locus minoris resistentiae phenomenon. The condition responds favorably to the removal of the chin strap and to the usual topical and systemic acne therapies.


Membranous subaortic stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus.

Six children (five of them girls) each initially had a large patent ductus arteriosus with auscultatory, radiologic, and electrocardiographic findings typical of that lesion. After surgery for the lesion, an ejection-type basal systolic murmur led to detection of discrete membranous subaortic stenosis, which became worse in late childhood. The murmur became louder, the systolic pressure gradient increased from slight to significant, and hypertrophic subaortic stenosis or aortic insufficiency (or both) developed in the older children. Surgical excision of the membrane afforded improvement, except in one patient with the most severe involvement. Because of the unexpected finding of discrete membranous subaortic stenosis in these infants and young children who had undergone surgery for a large patent ductus arteriosus and because of the treacherous worsening of the effects of the discrete membranous subaortic stenosis as childhood progressed, it is important that those patients with a persistent systolic murmur after ductal ligation not be discharged from cardiac follow-up as cured. Serial cardiac catheterization during the growing years appears to be the most accurate way of detecting worsening discrete membranous subaortic stenosis, so that the membrane can be excised before severe complications occur.


Spontaneous rupture of bicuspid aortic valve. An unusual cause of aortic insufficiency.

This report documents the clinicopathologic correlation between pure aortic regurgitation and an exceptional form of congenitally bicuspid aortic valve. The patient was known for many years to have mild aortic insufficiency. His condition suddenly deteriorated, with signs of an aggravated aortic regurgitation. Infectious endocarditis was considered, but the diagnosis was never established. Surgery revealed an exceptional form of a bicuspid aortic valve in which the conjoined cusp had prolapsed, due to rupture of a fibrous strand which previously had anchored the free rim of the cusp to the inner wall of the aorta. There were no signs of infectious endocarditis. It is suggested that spontaneous rupture of the cord caused the sudden aggravation of aortic regurgitation.


Aortic and mitral valve replacement in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta.

We report a patient with severe aortic and mitral regurgitation secondary to osteogenesis imperfecta who successfully underwent double valve replacement in spite of the collagen defect and a bleeding diathesis.


Echophonocardiographic diagnosis of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm.

We report the presence of an unusual systolic murmur associated with a traumatic left ventricular pseudoaneurysm. Echophonocardiographic studies showed the murmur to begin at the first heart sound, but end well before the second heart sound. It seems likely that the murmur is caused by the systolic flow of blood from the left ventricle into the relatively noncompliant pseudoaneurysm. The echocardiographic scan of the left ventricle demonstrated a relatively echo-free space posterior to the left ventricular wall, supporting the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm, which has confirmed with angiographic studies and at surgery. These findings indicate that a combination of noninvasive techniques is useful in establishing this diagnosis.


[Effect of methaqualone on the respiration, phosphorylation and ATPase activity of rat brain mitochondria].

The authors examined the influence of the preparation metaqualone on some aspects of adrenergic metabolism-respiration, phosphorilation and ATP-ase activity of brain mitochondria of a rat in order to discover pharmacobiochemical mechanism of action. The experimental data showed that administration of metaqualon in a dose of 70 mg per kg of body weight intraperitonealy, induced a lowering of phosphorilating activity in a substrate succinate. This fact gave a foundation to suppose that in shorted respiratory chain the effect of metaqualone on the aerobic resynthesis of ATP was at a level succinat-dehydrogenase complexes. Metaqulaon induced changes in the energetic metabolism, influencing mainly of the mechanisms of the synthesis of ATP without substantial effect on the electrone transport.


The laparoscopic staging of primary biliary cirrhosis.

The laparoscopic photographs of 38 cases of primary biliary cirrhosis with high titres of mitochondrial antibodies were reviewed. The quality of laparoscopic photography is now so high that it proved possible to use these photographs as the basis of a system of laparoscopic staging. By analogy with the system of histological classification, the disease was divided into four stages. Laparoscopy provides an alternative approach to the diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis, which should be based on clinical, biochemical, immunological and morphological data. However, by laparoscopy alone it is improssible to separate pure primary biliary cirrhosis from its mixed forms with chronic active hepatitis.


Electrocardiogram, arterial and central venous pressure during laparoscopy under local anaesthesia.

Cardiovascular hazards of laparoscopy performed under local anaesthesia and with room air pneumoperitoneum are not well known. Therefore we have recorded electrocardiogram, arterial blood pressure and central venous pressure in 63 consecutive liver patients undergoing this procedure. Electrocardiographic changes were found in 34 cases, and consisted in transistory tachycardia and bradycardia, ectopic supraventricular and ventricular beats, ST segment depression and flattening of T wave. Blood pressure did not change significantly, but five patients had transitory hypotension during the procedure. Central venous pressure did not vary immediately after inflation, but a significant increase was found during the performance of laparoscopy and it was still observed after deflation. Our findings show that cardiovascular changes during laparoscopy under local anaesthesia are minimal, and that they are probably due to neurogenic factors.


The role or non-role of ATPase activation by phenytoin in the stabilization of excitable membranes.

The role or non-role of NaK ATPase, Mg ATPase, and CaMg ATPase involvement in stabilization of excitable membranes by phenytoin is critically evaluated. There is no substantial evidence to indicate that the membrane-stabilizing effect of phenytoin is due to activation of the NaK ATPase. Previous reports of activation of the NaK ATPase at low potassium and high sodium are probably not due to phenytoin but to a potassium contamination in the phenytoin solution. In vitro experiments do not provide any clear evidence of any alterations of NaK ATPase properties by phenytoin. However, one cannot rule out the possibility that phenytoin alters the efficiency of the sodium-potassium pump. Likewise, the Ca ATPase is not inhibited by phenytoin. However, there is some evidence that the Mg ATPase in synaptic vesicles is substantially inhibited by phenytoin. There is substantial evidence indicating that phenytoin partially blocks passive diffusion of sodium into stimulated nerves. The mechanism by which phenytoin blocks sodium influx and the relationship of this effect to the drug's anticonvulsant action remain to be determined.


Inhibition of key glycolytic enzymes from rabbit kidney medulla by free fatty acids in vitro.

In vitro incubation of key glycolytic enzymes in supernatant fluids from rabbit kidney medulla with increasing concentrations of sodium laurate resulted in progressive inhibition of hexokinase, phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase. A corresponding reduction in the production of lactate from glucose was also observed. The possible effects of these enzyme inhibitions on the naturesis observed during fasting are discussed.


The recBC enzyme of Escherichia coli K12: premature cessation of catalytic activities in vitro and reactivation by potassium ions.

It is shown that in vitro the degradation of native and single-stranded DNA as well as the hydrolysis of ATP by purified recBC enzyme ceases 2-3 min after the start of the reaction. The presence of potassium ions (60-100 mM), bovine serum albumin (1 mg/ml) or protein from cell-free Escherichia coli extract (10 microgram/ml) prevents the cessation of the activity. Once the cessation has occurred, the activity of the enzyme can be completely restored by the addition of potassium ions, but not by bovine serum albumin. Sedimentation studies revealed that, in contrast to the active recBC enzyme, the 'silent' enzyme is no longer associated with substrate DNA of high molecular weight. On the basis of these results and other observations it is hypothesized that during the degradation of DNA in the absence of potassium ions or bovine serum albumin the recBC enzyme is subject to an alteration of its molecular conformation which results in an inactive form.


Uretic obstruction secondary to aortic femoral bypass graft.

Ureteric obstruction after aortic femoral bypass grafting is reported in 2 cases. This complication may occur more frequently than is suspected. In these 2 cases the ureter lay in its normal position in front of the graft whilst in most reported cases the ureter was passing behind the graft. Treatment is discussed.


Linear density gradient separation of human lymphocyte subsets. I. Analysis by mixed leukocyte culture and cell-mediated lympholysis responses.

Linear density gradients were used to separate either unsensitized human peripheral blood lymphocytes or cells sensitized in mixed leukocyte culture (MLC), at different time points in the immune response. Testing of cells from the various density fractions for their ability to respond in MLC and cell-mediated lympholysis (CML) revealed that (a) activity between individual fractions differed, as well as activity between individual fractions and a suspension of unfractionated cells, (b) although precursor cells of MLC and CML were maximally enriched in closely associated light density regions, their respective distribution profiles were strikingly different, and (c) the density of cells responding in MLC and CML differed depending upon the point of the immune response at which the cells were separated. Whereas effector cells were of light density relative to the precursor cells, putative memory cells for CML exhibited a high density.


Galactosyltransferase of Neurospora.

An enzyme, galactosyltransferase, able to catalyze the formation of galactose polymers was detected in cell-free extracts of a wild type strain of Neurospora crassa. Enzyme activity was found in both the supernatant and the particle fractions after centrifugation at 100,000 X g. The enzyme assayed in the 100,000 X g supernatant showed a 4fold difference in specific activity as compared to that found in the particle fraction.


The action of ouabain in promoting the release of catecholamines.

It is suggested that ouabain promotes catecholamine release by causing a rise in intracellular Na+ which, in turn, causes an elevated steady-state level of intracellular Ca2+. It is suggested that the Na+-K+-ATPase is not directly involved in exocytosis at either adrenergic or cholinergic synapses.


Heterologous mischarging as a means of tRNA fractionation. II. Isolation of E. coli tRNA1Val and tRNA1Ala.

Highly purified E. coli tRNA1Val and tRNA1Ala have been isolated, based on the properties of heteroaminoacylated tRNAs and their behaviour on BD-cellulose chromatography.


Cytochemical localization of the K+ regulation interface between blood and brain.

Phosphatase activity identified with Na+-K+-ATPase was localized at the basal surface of cerebral cortical capillary endothelium by perfusion with a p-nitrophenyl phosphate-strontium medium. The relationship of this to the blood-brain barrier to K+ is discussed.


The sensitivity to plasmin digestion of human IgG proteins of different heavy chain subclasses.

Normal IgG and purified IgG proteins of all 4 subclasses were digested with plasmin. As expected, IgG3 proteins were highly susceptible to degradation. Usually, activation with streptokinase resulted in faster and more accentuated degradation, but normal IgG was more intensely degraded by nonactivated plasmin. The presence of plasmin activators in IgG preparation might account for this observation.


Mesenteric hematoma--meckel's diverticulum: a rare laparoscopic complication.

As previously reported, most complications of laparoscopy occur during the induction of pneumoperitoneum. In addition to the known complications of emphysema, embolism, and pneumocolon, the insufflating needle may occasionally cause bleeding by entering inadvertently into a vessel which may in rare situations be a mesenteric artery. Luckily, this complication is rare enough not to necessitate typing, cross-matching, and preparation of blood for every laparoscopic procedure. Injury to the iliac mesentery, with mesenteric artery perforation and a resulting hematoma, occurred during laparoscopy for tubal sterilization. This report describes the operative finding of a Meckel's cord attaching the ileum to the umbilicus, leading to this unusual and serious complication necessitating an immediate laparotomy and ileal resection.


Treatment of acne vulgaris with cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol.

The results obtained with low-dosage treatment with 2 mg cyproterone acetate and 0.05 mg ethinyl estradiol in 10 women with moderate to severe acne are reported. Eight of these patients showed a very good response, one a moderate response, and one showed no improvement after 3 months. In four patients the administration of antibiotics could be discontinued, and in most of the other patients the dose could be reduced. Three patients discontinued this treatment, two because of side effects and one because of lack of improvement.


[Cutaneous side-effects of treatment with lithium (author's transl)].

This paper describes the cutaneous side-effects which appeared in 5 patients under Lithium medication for manic-depressive disease: 2 cases with facial and dorsal acne, 1 case with generalized pruritus with burning sensations on the tongue and tumefaction of the lips, 1 case with endogenous generalized psoriasis and 1 case with palmo-plantar hyperkeratosis, ichthyosis and associated with euthyroid goitre. The lithium content of the tissues was assayed by flame spectrophotometry of calcinated biopsy material taken from the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous adipose tissue from 4 of our 5 cases. An experimental investigation was carried out in guinea pigs fed with lithium salts during 6 months. The cation was assayed in samples of epidermis, dermis and perirenal adipose tissue. A study of the accumulation of lithium in epidermal, dermal and adipose tissue is thus added to the studies already published regarding the accumulation of this ion in other tissues.


[Has N-isopropyl-N'-phenylparaphenylenediamine a place among standard allergens? Importance of this allergen in rubber intolerance].

Allergic contact dermatitis to N-isopropyl-N'-phenylparaphenylenediamine (IPPD) from rubber is far from being exceptional. Out of a total of 56 cases of allergic contact dermatitis to IPPD, 42 were considered as caused by occupational contacts: 17 cases were found in tyre manufacturers, 9 in car-mechanics, 9 in drivers, and 7 in various industrial branches. Out of the 56 cases, 23 also reacted allergically to mercaptobenzothiazole or to tetramethylthiuramdisulphide, or to both of these substances. In a chromatographic analysis of samples of 9 different tyre brands, IPPD was found in 8 cases.


Immediate and long-term effects of developmental training in children with Down's syndrome.

The aim of the present experiment was to determine whether the rate of develoment of a group of mentally retarded children could be improved by early, systematic mental training. Eight children with Down's syndrome, aged from 21 to 69 months, were trained systematically, following the pattern of normal development, over a period of 1 1/2 years. The mental age of the trained children was compared with that of eight matched controls before, during and after the training period. Both groups were living in a small institution, offering a homogeneous environment. Results showed that training had a significant effect on the mental age of the trained children. However, in a follow-up study one year after the completion of training, the good effect was reduced in the trained group, although still higher over-all than the control group. This finding indicates that while early training is effective for mentally retarded children, it must be a continuous process to achieve long-term benefit.


[The electrocardiogram in cardiomyopathies].

The electrocardiogram of 27 patients with congestive cardiomyopathy (CMC), 15 with obstructive (CMO) and 13 with hypertrophic without obstruction (CMH) have been studied. Cardiac catheterization, angiography, coronary arteriography, and, in some cases, echocardiography, were performed. The study was carried out in an attempt to define certain patterns of each CM with emphasis on the ischaemic-like features, as infarct pattern, symmetrical T wave inversion, ST elevation, non-typical troubles of ventricular repolarization and on the electrophysiology of these findings. Suggestive for CMC were: (1) prolonged PR, (2) high frequency of arrhythmias and conduction defects, especially complete left bundle branch block with abnormal left axis deviation, (3) left atrial enlargement and ventricular hypertrophy. Suggestive for CMO: (1) low incidence of arrhythmias and conduction defects, (2) left atrial enlargement and ventricular hypertrophy. Infarct pattern, symmetrical T wave inversion and other ischaemic-like features were equally found in all groups of CM, without any statistical difference. Pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy, particularly of CMH, is discussed, carrying out a review of literature.


[Ability to test phenylthiocarbamide (PTC-test) among the population of Kirghizia].

The distribution of the taste sensitivity to phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) among 320 Kirghiz boys, 320 Kirghiz girls, 45 Russian boys and 200 Russian girls was studied. The measurements of taste sensitivity to PTC was carried out by the standard method with a scale of PTC dilution to 29.


[Mechanism of the chromosome damaging effect of ftorafur].

Chromosome damage induced by three antineoplastic drugs -- ftuorafur (Ft), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR) hase been studied in Djungarian hamsters cell line after 24 hours exposition with these agents before the fixation. Ft at a dose of 10 micron/ml induced aberrations in 56.7% of metaphases. 60.0% of aberrant metaphases were obtained in experiments with 0.1 micron/ml of 5 FU. FUdr at the same dose induced 24.0% of aberrant metaphases. The high frequency of chromatid breaks and gaps was typical for the mutagenic action of these fluorinated pyrimidines. The addition of Ft or 5-FU to the cell cultures 1--12 hours before fixation did not produce any significant chrosome damage, while further exposition with the drugs for 15--24 hours caused breaks in more than 50% of metaphases. Thymidine at a concentration of 1.0 micron/ml suppressed the chromosome breaking effect of Ft and 5-FU. The results obtained are in accordance with the idea that fluorodeoxyruidinemonophosphate is the ultimate mutagen for both Ft and 5-FU and that the aberrations observed are due to the lack of thymidine nucelotides caused by the former agents while DNA replication.


Parental reactions to the birth of a handicapped child.

Study of the theories of crisis reaction and grief and mourning therapy provide an enlightened understanding of parental reactions to the birth of a handicapped child. This article explores ways in which the hospital social worker can assist parents in meeting this crisis and in dealing with the issues this reality presents.


[Intracranial calcification on computer tomography a comparison with radiography (author's transl)].

It is possible to demonstrate extremely fine calcification by computer tomography which cannot be shown by skull radiographs. A value of + 70 CT units was found to be the limit below which calcification visible on the CT could no longer be demonstrated radiographically. The incidence of calcification of the falx and of the choroid plexus is considerably greater on the CT than on radiographs, although no difference was found for calcification of the pineal body. Since it is possible to demonstrate cerebral substance and CSF pathways simultaneously, it is possible to obtain an exact anatomical localisation of any calcification. CT is the method of choice for the demonstration and investigation of intracranial calcification.


[Computerized tomography of the facial skeleton (part II). Pathological changes (author's transl)].

The value and main task of computerized tomography in the diagnosis of benign and malignant processes in the middle and upper facial skeleton lies in its accurate demonstration of the extent of the disease; this is important in relation to the planning of treatment, prognosis and to other complementary procedures. CT is a new and potent method for the TNM classification of tumours of the nose, paransal sinuses and nasal pharynx. The ability of the CT to demonstrate deeply situated structures in the face, without disturbing overlying shadows, makes precise staging of deep tumours possible, eg. stages T2-T4. The consequences in terms of pre-treatment TNM classification are discussed. In cases of fronto-basal fractures, the CT will show particularly trauma to the orbital contents, intracranial displacement of bone fragments and cerebral trauma with or without bleeding. Suspicion of orbital involvement by benign or malignant disease is a definite indication for a CT examination. As regards the middle and upper facial skeleton, computer tomography provides information of a morphological and quantitative nature and aids in the localisation of lesions. It should be properly integrated into the conventional clinical, endoscopic and tomographic methods employed in the diagnosis of lesions of the facial skeleton.


[Mammography with minimal radiation dosage. Comparative studies on various imaging systems].

Using an MR-film-screen combination for mammography, only 8% of the usual radiation dose was found to be necessary. This corresponds with an average skin dose of 0.55 R per exposure. The new technique resulted in visible improvement of contrast. Some loss of detail affected in particular the recognition of macrocalcification. As the sole method for the early diagnosis of occult carcinomas of the breast, it will therefore be necessary to improve image quality. The system is suitable for control examinations and investigation of special problems. The use of the MR system with non-screen film in two planes is discussed in relation to dose reduction.


[Image quality in film and xero-mammography. I. Rendering of low contrast values (author's transl)].

The rendering of low contrast values by various mammographic imaging systems was investigated by a semi-objective procedure. Test exposures of a line raster with variable line widths were evaluated visually. Significantly better results were achieved by a xero-radiographic method. This was better than non-screen mammographic film in terms of object size, lower sensitivity to scatter and better resolution. The use of a tungsten rotating anode, with about 0.5 mm. Al filter, in xeromammography provided a satisfactory compromise between image quality and radiation dose in the rendering of low contrast studies.


[The radiogical criteria of juvenile rheumatic cerivical synostosis in adults (author's transl)].

The radiological criteria of juvenile, rheumatic, cervical synostosis discovered in adult life are described and illustrated. These include: involvement of few or many segments, a tendency to bony ankylosis of the diseased intervertebral joints, dysplasias or hypoplasia of the vertebral body and intervertebral disc and dysplasias of the neural arches and hypoplasia of the transverse processes. Pathological ossification may involve the ligamentum flavum, the annulus, or the entire disc. The differential diagnosis of juvenile, rheumatic, cervical synostosis includes congenital block vertebrae, Klippel-Feil syndrome, acquired block vertebrae, juvenile ankylosing spondylitis, synostosing, intervertebral osteochondrosis and myositis ossificans progressiva.


[Long-term radiological and clinical observations following surgery for tibio-fibular syndesmosis after fractures of the upper ankle joint (author's transl)].

Forty-two patients treated surgically for tibio-fibular syndesmosis were observed radiologically and clinically for a period of five years; the lesions followed fracture-dislocations type B, type C and following intra-articular fractures. Surgery consisted, as usual, of bone reconstruction and, where necessary, of transfixation of the syndesmosis with a horizontal screw introduced 2 cm. above the syndesmosis at a 30 degree angle to the frontal plane (15 cases). A new classification of the severity of subsequent arthrosis, as seen radiologically, was introduced and its correlation with clinical findings were determined. There was good agreement between the degree of arthrosis and functional results. The earliest signs of posttraumatic arthrosis following an incompletely treated lesion can be seen within the first year following the injury. An arthrosis of severity O due to sclerosis is of no, or only little, significance; it does not share the poor prognosis of severity grades I to III which, once they have developed, always show further deterioration.


[Radiological observations on bone changes in women after bilateral ovariectomy with and without oestrogen prophylaxis (author's transl)].

A retrospective study was carried out on 69 women who had hysterectomies and bilateral ovariectomies carried out during puberty for non-malignant disease. The effect of oestrogen prophylaxis on bones was studied by various radiological methods (1. Miminal combined cortex thickness in the proximal radius according to Meema; 2. Biconcavity index according to Nordin; 3. Osteoporosis stage in the lumbar spine according to Saville; 4. The Singh index in the proximal femur and 5. Absorption coefficient and relative cortical thickness of the phalanges). It was found the the hormone-treated group (33 cases) showed significantly greater bone density than the control group (36 cases). It is therefore suggested that women undergoing ovariectomy before the menopause, or those with low bone density at the natural menopause, should be treated by long-term oestrogen therapy, provided there are no specific contraindications.


The use of 99mc-EHDP as a scanning agent in the detection of metastases from osteosarcoma.

The early detection of metastatic spread in sixteen patients with osteosarcoma has been studied over a twelve month period, comparing the techniques of bone scanning and radiography. In only two patients were we able to demonstrate changes suggestive of pulmonary metastases any earlier with a 99mTc-EHDP scan than with chest radiographs and one of these resolved spontaneously. However, the bone scan did accurately delineate the extent of the primary tumour and may, therefore, be helpful in deciding the level of the amputation and the response of the patient to treatment, particularly now that chemotherapy and immunotherapy are frequently used in the management of the disease.


[About the so-called ischemic-ulcerative innerwall lesion of the bowels proximal to intestinal stenoses (author's transl)].

The ischemic ulceration resp. the ischemic necrosis of the intestine's internal wall located proximal to an obstruction is a rare complication. At present this diagnosis is established by the radiologist alone. The knowledge of this disease--which is at the time being abscure in its origin--is of great importance to the surgeon, who has to try to resect both, the obstructes and the ischemic-ulcerative regions, in order to avoid insufficiency of the anastomosis postoperatively. The oral border of the alteration can be determined by a frozen section during the operation. In this connection the fatal complications of total necrosis of the large and small intestines resp. is demonstrated for the first time.


[Pneumatosis cystoides intestini. An angiographic finding (author's transl)].

The pneumatosis cystoides intestini (p.c.i.) is a rather uncommon condition, most frequently observed in patients with pulmonary disorders or gastroenterologic diseases. The pathology and etiology of p.c.i. are shortly discussed. According to an angiographic finding this report illustrates a case of disease for which a chronic ischemic etiology is supposed. The importance of radiologic diagnosis of p.c.i. is emphasized and the necessity of a larger indication for angiography considered.


[Contrast medium persistence in lymph nodes as a prognostic criterion in Hodgkin's disease (author's transl)].

The persistence of contrast medium in the inguinal and retroperitoneal lymph nodes was observed in 104 cases of Hodgkin's disease. Systematic observations were continued until the contrast medium had disappeared completely. The maximum period of observation was 36 months. The following conclusions were reached: a) There is a difference in the behaviour in the contrast medium in normal and abnormal lymph nodes. b) There is a difference in behaviour between various groups of lymph nodes in patients with negative lymphographic findings. c) In patients with positive lymphographic findings the behaviour of the contrast medium varies depending on the histology and radiological appearances of the lymph nodes. An attempt to correlate the persistence of contrast medium with survival time has shown that there is a shorter period of survival in those patients in whom the contrast medium disappeared most quickly from the abnormal nodes. The persistence of contrast medium in the lymph nodes should be borne in mind during treatment planning.


[Intravenous cholangio-cystography during childhood (author's transl)].

Twenty-five intravenous cholangio-cystograms were carried out in children aged 2 to 15 years (10 by injection, 15 by infusion). Total bilirubin, GOT, GPT, GLDH and alkaline phosphatase were determined before and after injection of the contrast medium. The contrast media used were "Biligram for infusion" (17%) and "biligram for injection" (35%). Contrast dose per kilo body weight depends on the age of the patient: a) For infusion: infants 1.6 ml/kg/KG, small children 1.2 ml/kgKG, older children 0.8 ml/kg/KG. b) for injection: infants 0.8 ml/kg/KG, small children 0.6 ml/kg/KG, older children 0.4 ml/kg/KG. Both methods, in the above doses, provided good demonstration of the biliary tree and gall bladder. Films were taken at 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes after the end of the injection, and 40 minutes after a fatty meal. No allergic reactions were observed, nor any effect on the liver enzymes.


[The diagnosis of cystic malformations of the biliary tree during childhood (author's transl)].

Percutaneous, transhepatic cholangiography was carried out in a child aged 1 year and 10 months suffering from obstructive jaundice when non-invasive radiological methods had proved useless. PTC is of considerable value in the diagnosis of cystic disease of the biliary system. Its advantages in planning surgery are described. The technique, indications and contra-indications are discussed.


[The radiological demonstration of vessels in embryos and foetuses. Comparative radiological studies of the venous system of the neck, head and brain in domestic animals. Paper 3 (author's transl)].

A method was developed for prenatal, post-mortem angiography, post-mortem angiography of the venous system of the brain, head and neck; its development was studied in the embryos and foetuses of 80 cattle, 20 sheep and 20 pigs with a crown-rump lenght of 19 to 155 mm. Radiological and corrosion preparations were studied. The embryonic and foetal venous systems were filled with thin barium sulphate through the umbilical and omphalic veins. The development and transformation of the cerebral veins and sinuses are compared and are related to the corresponding vascular anatomy of the adult animal and to man. The radio-embryological method for demonstrating cerebral vessels is also applicable to live foetuses.


[The arterial haemodynamics of the liver and spleen in patients with cirrhosis of the liver (author's transl)].

The findings of detailed angiographic studies in 111 patients with cirrhosis of the liver and 12 patients with thrombosis of the portal system were compared with the angiographic findings in 105 normal people. Definite changes in the haemodynamics of the arterial system of the liver and spleen and of the portal system were observed in patients with cirrhosis. All forms of portal hypertension are characterised by increasing flow in the splenic and left gastric arteries. Arterial flow through the liver is closely correlated with portal pressure. The present angiographic findings confirm the existence of a close interdependence between the arterial and portal systems, which may be regarded as separate limbs of a total unified vascular chain.