[The effect of hypoxia on the branchial vascular system of the perfused trout head].

Measurements of inflow (VE) and arterial (Vsa) and venous (VSv) outflow in trout perfused head preparations show significant decreases of VE and VSa during low PO2 saline perfusion (20 torr). Comparable results are gained during adenosine perfusion (1.10(-8) to (1.10(-6) M). Theophylline (10(-4) M) inhibits both hypoxia and adenosine effects.


[Metabolism of nucleoside Y in a mutant strain auxotrophic for guanine (gua 2 su+) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae].

The study of free nucleoside Y metabolism in a mutant strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae seems to indicate that this component is not only provided by t-RNA Phe turnover. A peculiar physiologic activity-mitogenic type - may be connected with this observation.


[The effect of a mixture of bacterial ribosomes and membrane fractions of Klebsiella pneumoniae on the development of a transplanted epithelial cancer in rats].

An association of bacterial ribosomes and cell-wall of Klebsiella pneumoniae was shown to reduce the incidence of an epidermoid carcinoma in Sprague-Dawley rats when administered subcutaneously prior the tumoral graft. Mononuclear cells accumulate around the tumor. This association was considered as a non specific adjuvant stimulating the host's intrinsic immunity to tumor antigens.


[The effect of osmotic pressure on the mobility and metabolism of human spermatozoa].

When human sperm was suspended in a hypertonic medium, their motility is damaged and their oxygen consumption is reduced. Hypotonic conditions are more disastrous because the cells become immotile. These results are discussed with reference to high osmolarity of seminal fluid.


[Cholinesterases and arylesterase in the umbilical cord, the placenta, and the amniotic membrane, in the female at term].

Cholinesterasic activity of umbilical cord (tissue), completely bloodless, is exclusively due to pseudocholinesterase. Cholinesterase is more active in placenta than in cord; it is an acetylcholinesterase at 80 per cent. Both forms coexist, about equally, in amniotic membrane. A considerable arylesterasic activity is proved in cord, placenta and membrane, the greatest activity being in placenta. Comparing the greater activity in maternal plasma and cord blood's plasma to the very weak activity in amniotic fluid, it is possible to think that cork, membrane, placenta and also amniotic fluid pseudocholinesterase and arylesterase, come from plasma. On the contrary, placental acetylcholinesterase seems original and probably is the source of this enzyme activity in amniotic fluid.


[Visceral, vagal, and splanchnic projections in the region of the ventro-medial nucleus of the hypothalamus in cats].

In anaesthetized cats, evoked or unitary potentials were produced in the hypothalamus by electrical stimulation of splanchnic and vagus nerves. Responses were recorded bilaterally in an area corresponding to the median nucleus. They were greater for the splanchnic stimulation than for the vagal one. The stimulation parameters and the response latencies suggested that the afferent fibres involved belonged chiefly to B and C nerve components. From this preliminary study, it will be possible to analyze the effects of different splanchnic and vagal afferents on the unitary activity of the ventro-median nucleus.


[Hepatic and renal desamidinases in swine].

By cellulose acetate electrophoresis we have confirmed the presence of two desamidinasic fractions in aqueous extracts of acetone powder from pig liver. Pig kidney extracts have been partially purified by thermal denaturation and chromatography on Sephadex G-200 and D.E.A.E. Sephadex A-50. Michaelis constants of the two eluted arginasic fractions have been determined.


[The effects of age and sex on the acute toxicity of two barbiturate anesthetics in rats].

The study of the acute toxicity of two barbiturics anaesthetics (pentobarbital and thiopental) shows the newborn period a higher susceptibility of the young rat, probably due to an immaturity of biotransformations enzymatic systems or to an increased blood-brain-barrier permeability.


[Raphe nucleus and corticorophic activity in pigeons].

Multiple electrolytic lesions were placed in the raphe area of pigeons. Basal plasma corticosterone level (B) was found not to be altered. Stress-induced adrenocortical activation was markedly reduced in raphe lesioned pigeons as compared to controls. Electrical stimulation of the nucleus raphes in permanently implanted, unrestrained and unanesthetized birds induced a significant rise in B. However the magnitude of the response to raphe stimulating was lower (1/2 approximately) and especially later than after hypothalamic stimulation since it paralleled exactly the pattern of stress induced activation.


[Temporary normalization of blood sugar, in a totally pancreatectomized dog, after placing an artificial insulin distributor].

Islets of Langerhans were stablished in the spaces between 9 synthetic hollowfibers in a "bio-artificial insulin distributor" which was implanted in the carotid artery of totally pancreatectomized dogs. Normo-glycemia was restored after 4 hours. The major problem encountered was coagulation in the fibers. Presently, this limits the prolonged utilization of this system.


[Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and insulin secretion: effect of different concentrations and effect of temperature].

In the presence of a glucose concentration of 1.5 g/1, ATP provokes a biphasic stimulation of insulin secretion from the isolated and perfused rat pancreas. For ATP concentrations ranging from 0.5 mg/1 to 200 mg/1, the increase in insulin secretion presents a linear relation with the logarithm of the concentration. Lowering the temperature from 37.5 degrees C to 28 degrees C provokes a decrease in insulin secretion induced by glucose (1.5 g/1). In response to the stimulation by ATP, the increase in insulin secretion measured during the first phase is weaker at 28 degrees C than at 37.5 degrees C when estimated in ng/min; however, when evaluated in percentage in relation to the baseline value, this increase is more important at the lower temperature.


[Lack of concordance in the effect of large doses of phenformin on insulin secretion and glycemia. Tentative analysis].

In the anesthetized dog normal or pretreated with phenformin (20 mg/kg per os) for 7 days, a subcutaneous injection of this biguanide (20 mg/kg) triggers a considerable hyperinsulinemia without concomitant hypoglycemia. The insulin secreted by these animals is biologically active on rat epididymal fat pads. On the other hand, epididymal fat pads of rats pretreated with phenformin display a lower response to insulin than that of non treated rats. The hypoglycemic effect of the same dose of insulin is less important in the normal dog after chronic pretreatment with phenformin.


[Tooth regeneration in the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)].

The first inferior molar has been extracted, a part of its being reimplanted or not. A new molar of normal form regenerated, apparently from the apex of the tooth germ, in all cases in which the alveolus was left free or implanted with a tooth freagment deprived of pulpa.


[Autoradiography of the exchanges that can occur between murine sarcoma cells (BP 8) and yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, complete or protoplast)].

We can tell after observing the resulting negative that yeasts are able, in our experimental conditions, to collect a sequence of ADN and of ARN proceeding from the cancerous cells. Then, those yeasts could turn their synthesis towards the production of new materials. If those informed yeasts were introduced into a mouse, they would induce at the level of the immunocompetent cells a specific immunizing antitumoral power.


[Cardiac arrhythmia in the rabbit under the effect of adrenaline and difluorodichloromethane (FC12)].

Inhalation of gas mixtures containing different concentrations of FC12 by anesthetized and normally oxygenated rabbits produces blood levels of FC12 which are stable and proportional to the rate of FC12 in the mixture. From the arterial concentration of 80 microgram/ml FC12 (10 % FC12) mixture) and over, FC12 alone causes effects proportional to doses: arterial pressure decrease with tachycardia; slight morphological alterations of the electrocardiogram at high concentration. Arrhythmia never occurs under the action of FC12 alone even at maximum arterial concentration reached here: 235 microgram/ml (40 % FC12 mixture). Recorded disturbances are always reversible. The intravenous perfusion of epinephrine alone evokes the appearance of premature contractions at only very high doses: 12 microgram/kg/min. The presence of FC12 in blood conjoined with epinephrine induces the inhibition of the hypertensive action of epinephrine at high concentrations and lowers the arrhythmogenic threshold. Both parameters interfere: the arrhythmogenic dose of epinephrine is a function of blood levels of FC12.


[Experimental study of the precocious formation of the endothelial wall in bird embryos].

Pieces of ectomesoderm from the area pellucida of primitive streak stages don't give normal endothelium when transplanted on ectoderm of the area opaca. Endothelium is able to differenciate from mesoderm transplanted with endoderm. Mesenchyme from the primitive streak migrating between the endoderm and the ectoderm of the host always gives endothelial tubes.


[The effect of 3 mercury derivatives on the growth of Euglena gracilis Z].

The study of the toxicity of three mercuric derivatives on the growth of Euglena gracilis Z. shows that these chemicals act according to two different ways: quick inhibition of the growth for a peculiar concentration or progressive inhibition characterized by a lag-phase, the significance of which is discussed.


[Immunocytological study of the gonadotrophic and thyrotrophic cells of the rat adenohypophysis].

On paraffin or semi-thin sections various anti-LH or anti-TSH sera stain indifferently all the thyrotrophs and the gonadotrophs. Inversely anti-beta-TSH, anti-beta-LH or anti-beta-FSH purified sera permit the discrimination of these two cell populations. The constancy of fixation of the anti-beta-LH and anti-beta-FSH sera on all the gonadotrophs gives evidence of their ability to produce both FSH and LH. However in a few female rats the central gonadotrophs are stained more weakly by anti-beta-FSH serum than by anti-beta-LH serum. The purification of the antisera by adjunction of hormonal antigens (alpha subunits or heterologous hormone) does not enable, with the PAP technique on thin sections, a selective staining of the secretory granules of the thyrotrophs or of the gonadotrophs.


[Ultrastructural localization of neurohypophyseal hormones and their carrier proteins by the "triple bridge" immunoenzymatic technique].

High specific antibodies have permitted the ultrastructural localization of vasopressin, ocytocin and neurophysins 1 and 2. Hormones and carrier proteins are detected in neurosecretory granules of the hypothalamic and neurohypophyseal fibres and so at the granular and extra-granular level of supra-optic pericaryons.


[The length of the fertility period of the rat spermatozoa].

4-day cyclic Wistar female rats were caged with sexually experiences males at either 18:00-19:00 on proestrus or at 21:30-22:30 during the following night. 16 out of 17 bulbectomized females and 16 out of 40 intact females respectively mated at 18:00-1900. 22 out of 24 intact females mated at 21:30-22:30. Only 11 out of the 32 receptive females became pregnant in the first group while 14 out of the 22 receptive females went into pregnancy in the second group. It is then supposed, given that ovulation does not take place before midnight during the night from proestrus to estrus in the rat that the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoon is of relatively short duration in the rat.


[Ultrastructure of the granulosa cells of the ovarian follicle of ducks (Barbary duck: Cairina moschata, Pekin duck: Anas platyrhynchos].

In the granulosa cells of the ovarian follicle of the ducks, the Golgi apparatus is developed, the granular endoplasmic reticulum is important. Owing to these characters, these cells are probably oriented towards the elaboration of proteins. The seasonal variations of the aspect of these cells are important: in January all organits are not very developed when in May they are all very developed. For a determined season all cells present the same aspect.


[Autoradiography and tritiated thymidine labeling during spermatogenesis of the Barbary Duck (Cairina moschata L.)].

Using autoradiographic method (intraveinous of 1 mCi-3H thymidine/kg of body weight) the authors show that meiotic prophase of the spermatogenesis of the Barbary drake (Cairina moschata L.) lasts 5 days 1/4; the first labeled gametes appear in the ejaculate at the end of the 12th day.


[Autoradiography after tritiated thymidine labeling of the abortive gametogenesis in hybrid male ducks from the cross male Pekin X female Barbary].

This autoradiographic data concludes that meiotic prophase of the abortive gametogenesis of the sterile hybride drake (from the mating Peking male = Anas platyrhynchos L. X Barbary female = Cairina moschata L.) lasts 5 days 1/4. 6 days after the injection of the marker the seminiferous tubules contain numerous labeles necrosing cells but never typical elongated spermatids.


[Demonstration of the variations in accessibility or reactivity of mitochondrial SH groups according to the energy status of the mitochondria].

Evidence for energy dependent variations of mitochondrial SH groups accessibility or reactivity was obtained using alkylating agents. These variations are thought to be consecutive to conformational changes affecting some proteins among them the phosphate carrier and the adenylic nucleotide translocator.


[Free amino acid pool in the brain of inbred strains of mice with different learning aptitudes].

GABA, glycine, taurine, putative inhibitory transmitters or modulators of the CNS are at a significantly lower level in the brains of SEC and DBA strains of mice which offer higher performances in avoidance and learning tests than in the C57 strain which scores poorly.


[Comparative study of the regeneration of the microcirculation of rabbit femur bone marrow after curetage and at the time of experimental myelosclerosis].

Destruction and regeneration of the bone marrow microcirculation in rabbit femur have been studied after curetage and experimental myelosclerosis. Different lesions lead to comparable restoration processes such as: installation of supplying vascular networks, appearance of a neovascularisation progressively replaced by neighboring structures of normal interadipocytic networks.


[Myeloelectric complex of the small intestine and variations in the intestinal motility in sheep].

The motor pattern of the small intestine of the sheep fed ad libitum is characterized by the regular occurrence of myoelectric complexes comprising a phase of regular and irregular spiking activities. Each complex is propagated along the ovine small intestine at a mean velocity of 17 cm/min and originated on the duodenal bulb at 70-100 mn intervals. Reduction and increase in duration of the phase of irregular spiking activity of the complex occurred during fasting and overfeeding respectively. Reduction in spiking activity is paralleled by an increased velocity of propagation whilst a lower migration and a reduced number of the complexes are characteristic of overfeeding. It is concluded that duration, number and velocity of propagation of the myoelectric complexes are adaptative factors in changes of the intestinal flow rate.


[Motility and absorption of glucose at the level of the small intestine of sheep].

Relationships between the basic motor patterns of the small bowel, i.e. the occurrence at hourly intervals of myoelectric complexes and absorption of glucose were studied in vivo on 2-m length ovine jejunum isolated loops by means of the "perfusion marker" technique. For a mean flow rate of about 480 ml/h, the net glucose movement during queiscence was decrease at the occurrence of the phase of irregular spiking activity (ISA) and increased during the phase of regular spiking activity (RSA) of the myoelectric complex. When the flow rate was nearly halved (225 ml/h), the net absorption of glucose was decreased at the occurrence of the phases of either ISA or RSA of the complexes.


[Conformation properties and pharmacological activity of adrenergic catecholamines].

In this study, the authors propose a comparison between conformational properties and pharmacological activity of a series of adrenergic phenethylamines; in particular they conclude that if the alpha adrenergic compounds adopt a gauche conformation, beta adrenergics prefer a trans form.


Report of large kinship with familial translocation between chromosomes 21 and 22.

This paper reports a large kinship with a familial (21;22) translocation occurring in both the balanced and the unbalanced states. Recurrence risks for the (21;22) translocation in the unbalanced state are high (14%) for the offspring of female carriers as compared with those for the offspring of male carriers (4%), but the offspring of male carriers appear to have a much higher risk (50%) of being balanced carriers than those of female carriers (30%).


A comparison of the biological and biochemical properties of 1-(4-amino-2-methylpyrimidin-5-yl)methyl-3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosourea and 2-[3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosoureido]-D-glucopyranose.

1-4-Amino-2-methylpyrimidin-5-yl)methyl-3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosourea (ACNU) is a water-soluble nitrosourea that has produced delayed hematological toxicity in man during Phase 1 clinical trials. ACNU has in vitro alkylating activy 40% less than that of 2-[3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosoureido]-D-glucopyranose (chlorozotocin) but shares the property of negligible carbamoylating activity with the latter compounds. ACNU is highly active against murine L1210 leukemia. However, the maximum therapeutic dose, 30 mg/kg (a dose lethal to 10% of the animals), produced a 64% reduction in peripheral WBC and an 85% decrease in circulating neutrophils in normal mice. This was correlated with a 76% inhibition of normal mouse bone marrow DNA synthesis within 24 hr after treatment, followed by full recovery within 48 hr after treatment, followed by full recovery within 48 hr. In contrast, DNA synthesis in L1210 cells was suppressed to less than 10% of control for a minimum of 72 hr. While ACNU, a pyrimidine analog, possesses many of the chemical properties of chlorozotocin, it does not share with the latter compound its reduced myelotoxicity at therapeutic doses. The glucose carrier of the chlorozotocin molecule appears to impart the selective sparing of normal bone marrow.


Clinical-electrocardiographic correlations: aortic valve disease and hypertrophic subaortic stenosis.

Concentric and eccentric hypertrophy result from systolic and diastolic overloading of the left ventricle. The ECG patterns are often similar, although aortic regurgitation (diastolic overload) is more often associated with prominent septal Q waves than aortic stenosis (systolic overload). Asymmetric septal hypertrophy as noted in hypertrophic subaortic aortic stenosis (hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy) is generally indistinguishable by ECG changes, although an approximately 20 percent incidence of large prominent Q waves ("pseudo-infarction") is noted. The various ECG criteria for recognition of left ventricular hypertrophy include voltage and repolarization changes. The voltage criteria tend to be more sensitive, but less specific. ST and T wave abnormalities are less sensitive but more specific. All the classic indices of hypertrophy may be absent in more than 20 percent of patients with severe aortic valve disease or hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. In some instances, ECG signs of left atrial enlargement may provide additional clues to the presence of left ventricular dysfunction. It is generally not possible to quantitate the actual severity of aortic valve lesions from the ECG changes with any degree of accuracy. Although vectorcardiographic criteria have been examined, these are not significantly more useful in the evaluation of a patient with aortic valve disease, they provide but one more clue in the total clinical picture.


Cardiac hypertrophy and antihypertensive therapy.

Biochemical (myocardial DNA, RNA, and hydroxyproline) and humoral (plasma [PRA] and kidney [KRA] renin activity) factors were determined in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar controls (NR) before and following treatment with minoxidil or propranolol. Minoxidil (150 mg.litre-1 drinking water) effectively controlled blood pressure (17.3 kPa vs 24.9 kPa [130 mmHg vs 187 mmHg], P less than 0.001) despite marked and sustained increases in both PRA and KRA ventricular weight which were not reduced and myocardial DNA, RNA, and hyperdroxyproline which were increased by minoxidil (P less than 0.01). In contrast propranolol did not reduce blood pressure in SHR but ventricular weight was reduced somewhat (3.1 +/- 0.4 mg.g-1 vs 3.4 +/- 0.09 mg.g-1, P less than 0.05); in both SHR and NR, KRA, and PRA were lowered by pranolol. Methyldopa which controlled blood pressure and lowered PRA led to a reversal of hypertrophy. Thus, although blood pressure control is obviously important for reversing cardiac hypertrophy, it may not be the sole factor for the development and reversal of cardiac hypertrophy.


Biochemical and cytochemical localization of ATPases on the membranes of the electrocyte of Electrophorus electricus.

The localization of (Na+-K+) ATPase in the intact electrocyte of the electric organ of Electrophorus electricus (L.) and its subcellular fractions was investigated by biochemical and cytochemical methods. The distribution of AChE activity in the subcellular fractions was also comparatively analysed with this enzyme serving as a marker of the innervated membranes of the electrocyte. After application of cytochemical method of Farquhar and Palade to glutaraldehyde-fixed tissue, reaction was observed only at the membranes of vesicles localized at the periphery of the electrocyte. Previously fixed electrocytes, incubated in Ernst's medium showed reaction only at the vesicles whereas in unfixed tissue reaction also appeared at other membranes (surface and invaginations) of the anterior and posterior faces. This reaction was significantly inhibited in the presence of ouabain or in the absence of K+. Inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase by glutaraldehyde fixation was also confirmed by biochemical analysis.


An enzyme histochemical study of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and allied disease.

The enzyme activity for alpha-naphthyl-acetate esterase, naphthol-AS-acetate esterase, naphthol-AS-D-chloroacetate esterase, acid phosphatase, L(+)-tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase, and 5'-nucleotidase was examined on the neoplastic cells of giant follicular lymphoblastoma, the so-called reticulum cell sarcoma and Sézary syndrome. The neoplastic cells of giant follicular lymphoblastoma showed distinct activity for adenosine triphosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase, and those of the so-called reticulum cell sarcoma had no characteristic nature of the reticulum cells or histiocytes enzyme histochemically. These findings suggest that these neoplastic cells may be derived from the B-cell system. In Sézary syndrome, acid phosphatase activity was localized in a small paranuclear area in Sézary cells, which were considered to have a T-cell nature. It is thought that these enzyme histochemical methods are easy and useful in differentiating the B- or T-cell nature and the classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.


Electron microscope cytochemistry of host-parasite membrane interactions in malaria.

Two membrane-bound enzymes were localized by electron microscope cytochemical techniques in Plasmodium lophurae and its host erythrocyte. Parasites were prepared by saponin lysis, French pressure cell lysis, or anti-red blood cell serum lysis; infected and uninfected erythrocyte ghosts were prepared by saponin or French pressure cell lysis. Enzyme incubations were performed on unfixed cells. Adenosinetriphosphatase (EC 3.6.1.3) activity was found on the inside of the ghost membrane and on the inside of the outer parasite membrane. NADH oxidase was found on the outside of the erythrocyte membrane and on the outside of the parasite outer membrane. The parasite plasma membrane was negative for both enzymes. The location of both enzymes on the outer parasite membrane were reversed from what one would have expected if the outer membrane had remained merely an invaginated erythrocyte membrane. It is concluded that the outer membrane, although derived from the red cell membrane, has been altered by its association with the malarial parasite.


Systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve in the absence of asymmetric septal hypertrophy.

Asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH) is considered the unifying link in the spectrum of hypertrophic cardiomyopathies. ASH and mitral valve systolic anterior motion (SAM) are the two most important echocardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS). Ten patients found have SAM without ASH were studied. Septal thickness, thickening, and excursion were normal. Seven patients had left ventricular ejection times (LVET) measured before and after amyl nitrite inhalation. In six of them, corrected LVET increased by more than 40 msec. Four patients underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Resting or provocable left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradients were demonstrable in all four patients. The echocardiographic features in patients with SAM alone, ASH and SAM, and ASH alone were compared. compared. LVOT measurements in patients with SAM alone (2.2 +/- .4 cm) and ASH and SAM (2.1 +/- .5 cm) were similar and narrower than in patients with ASH alone (2.8 +/- .5 cm, P less than 0.001). Ejection fractions in patients with SAM alone (79 +/- 10%) were greater than in patients with ASH and SAM (66 +/- 16%, P less than 0.02) or ASH alone (60 +/- 15%, P less than 0.001). Thus, dynamic left ventricular outflow obstruction can exist in the absence of echocardiographic ASH. LVOT width and abnormal LV ejection dynamics may contribute to the LVOT obstruction with or without the presence of ASH.


Left ventricular anomalies associated with Ebstein's malformation of the tricuspid valve.

Seventeen patients with Ebstein's malformation of the tricuspid valve have been evaluated. The majority of patients (11/17) presented in the newborn period with cyanosis and cardiomegaly. The remainder (6/17) were referred because of cardiomegaly on chest X-ray and/or a heart murmur heard on routine examination. Three patients have died; one in the newborn period and two suddenly at the age of 11 and 15 years. Thirteen patients have undergone right and left heart cardiac catheterization within the last seven years. Twelve of these 13 patients (92%) had angiocardiographic left ventricular contraction abnormalities. Five patients also had mitral valve prolapse associated with left ventricular dysfunction. Since many patients with Ebstein's anomaly may have significant left ventricular abnormalities, careful and systematic evaluation of the left ventricle is warranted.


Chylothorax in two mongoloid infants.

Two newborns with stigmata of Down syndrome required resuscitation at birth because of unilateral congenital chylous pleural effusion. After thoracentesis, ventilation was improved. Congenital chylous pleural effusion in newborns with Down syndrome has not previously been described. Pleural effusion at birth must be promptly diagnosed and aspirated.


Relapse of chromate dermatitis from sheet metal.

Galvanised sheet metal has previously been described as a source of chromate dermatitis (Fregert et al. 1970). We report a patient who appears to have been sensitised many years previously by an entirely different source of chromate, but whose resulting hand eczema has relapsed while handling galvanised sheet metal at work.


Sensitivity to 2-chlorocyclohexanone and its derivatives.

Three workers developed dermatitis when synthesizing lysine from cyclohexanone; they showed positive patch tests to 2-chlorocyclohexanone and some of its derivatives. Two of them became sensitive to at least two differen compounds.


Chromate dermatitis from a boiler lining.

Chromate dermatitis is described in a mechanical fitter working inside boiler combustion chambers. A source of hexavalent chromate is traced to the action of the heat and alkaline fuel ash on trivalent chrome ore in parts of the refractory lining. Removal of the patient from this contact has resulted in almost complete clearing of his dermatitis, without any relapse, during a 9-month follow-up period.


Contact dermatitis from polyfunctional acrylic monomers.

Five out of 26 men employed formulating radiation drying printing ink developed eczematous dermatitis. Positive patch tests were obtained with two polyfunctional acrylic monomers, pentaerythritol triacrylate and trimethylol propane triacrylate and with formulations containing these in four affected employees. Cross sensitization was observed to dipentaerythritol monohydroxy pentaacrylate in each case. A fifth employee appeared to have developed irritant dermatitis from contact with these materials.


Letterflex photoprepolymer sensitization in newspaper printers due to penta erythritol tetrakis 3 mercaptopropionate and 3 mercaptopropionic acid.

The Letterflex urethane photopolymer mixture contains eight components. The curing agent penta erythritol-tetrakis-3 mercaptopropionate and an auxiliary substance present separately, namely 3 mercaptopropionic acid, gave positive reactions in five patients suffering from occupational contact allergic dermatitis. The mixture contains a third substance to which contact sensitization in a single patient has been described in the literature. This substance did not play any role in the patients' dermatitis. The ways in which the workers come into contact with the liquid form of the prepolymer, which is the sensitizing form of the mixture, are described. Safety measures and complete labelling are advised.


Contact allergy due to lichens in patients with a history of photosensitivity.

Ten patients with a history of photosensitivity and of a rash showed abnormal reactions to long-wave UVR. The rash occurred particularly in areas exposed to light, though other areas were occasionally involved. The development of the rash could in all patients be related to contact with lichens and although exposure to sunlight usually led to an aggravation of symptoms, some patients, particularly forestry workers, showed exacerbations even during the winter. Positive responses were observed in both irradiated and non-irradiated patch tests with different species of lichen and in several patients irradiation precipitated a stronger response. These findings suggest that lichens can cause both contact and photocontact dermatitis. The suspected allergens contained in these lichens are atranorin, physodalic and pysodic acids.


Contact sensitization to benzoyl peroxide.

Four formulations of benzoyl peroxide, two 5% and two 10% gels, were assayed for contact sensitizing capability by the human maximization test. Seventy-six per cent became sensitized. Sensitized subjects reacted to all four formulations. Benzoic acid and related compounds failed to elicit an allergic reaction.


Influence of alpha-adrenoceptor blockade with thymoxamine on changes in pupil diameter and accommodation produced by tropicamide and ephedrine.

In a study in 12 healthy volunteers, local instillation of thymoxamine eye-drops (0.2%) completely reversed the mydriasis produced by ephedrine (5%) but not that produced by ephedrine (5%) together with tropicamide (0.5%). Small but significant changes in accommodation were found with ephedrine and reversed by thymoxamine, suggesting that they were mediated through alpha-adrenoceptor activity. The thymoxamine eyedrops were well tolerated.


Histopathologic changes in skin after photochemotherapy.

In summary, PUVA therapy is an exciting, acceptable, and effective therapy for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. The histologic changes in the skin secondary to PUVA therapy appeared to be an accentuated solar damage of skin. Whether this therapy also enhances the incidence of skin cancers will be answered only by continued observation of these treated patients. The fear of all those engaged in PUVA therapy is that the potentiation of cutaneous neoplasia will not be recognized for many years, as was the case in superficial x-ray therapy. Obviously, careful monitoring of PUVA patients and their clinical response will help reduce UVA exposure as well as decrease the amount of psoralen ingested, and may indeed avoid the prolonged use of PUVA therapy and hopefully lessen the potential longterm cutaneous changes and possible superficial skin cancers.


Seborrheic dermatitis: practical therapy.

A discussion of seborrheic dermatitis is presented, including the clinical picture, etiology, pathology, histochemistry, and therapy regimen and rationale.


[Percutaneous caffeine poisoning (author's transl)].

In a 23-year-old patient with psoriatic erythrodermia external application of about 30g of caffeine in anhydrous eucerine led to caffeine poisoning.


F1-ATPase from Micrococcus sp. ATCC 398. Purification by ion-exchange chromatography and further characterization. (Auto)proteolysis and dissociative effects.

The preparation of highly purified F1-ATPase from Micrococcus sp. ATCC 398 by application of DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B chromatography as final step is described. This enzyme consists of five subunits of different molecular weight: alpha (65000), beta (55000),gamma (35000), delta (20000), and epsilon (17000). Disc electrophoresis on 5% polyacrylamide gels removes the epsilon-polypeptide yielding an active ATPase complex with four different subunits: alpha, beta, gamma, delta. Additionally, by variation of the ionic strength delta can (partly) removed allowing the isolation by disc electrophoresis of an active ATPase complex which consists only of three different subunits alpha, beta, and gamma. If the DEAE-Sepharose chromatography is carried out in the absence of diisopropyl phosphofluoridate (auto)proteolysis yields both an active ATPase with the subunits alpha+ (mol. wt 61000), beta, gamma, and delta and an inactive protein complex with the subunits alpha+, beta, gamma, delta, and two additional polypeptides a (mol. wt 38000) and b (mol. wt 23000). The latter two polypeptides are supposedly fragments of alpha+-chains which have become partially cleaved by (auto)proteolysis.


Delineation of Robertsonian translocations in man by means of chromosome banding.

Robertsonian translocations from thirteen unrelated individuals were studied by G, Q and C banding, and by autoradiography. Each of three D-D translocations involved chromosomes 13 and 14, all four D-G translocations involved chromosomes 14 and 21, and five of six G-G translocations involved two chromsomes 21 while the sixth involved 21 and 22. Two centromeres were noted in a single 21-21 translocation chromosome by C banding. Autoradiogrpahy was much less useful in identifying the chromosomes involved in the thirteen translocations. G and Q banding were consistently accurate.


Histopathological and histochemical studies of the skin of guinea pigs after long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide.

Male guinea pigs were exposed to nitrogen dioxide (2 mg/m3) during 180 days (8 hours a day). Long-term exposure induced thickening of the corneal layer of the epidermis as well as inflammatory infiltrations in the proper skin. The following enzymes were estimated histochemically in skin samples of experimental and control animals: succinic dehydrogenase, NADH2-tetrazolium reductase, lactate dehydrogenase; alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase. Chronic exposrue stimulated a decrease of NADH2-tetrazolium reductase in the epidermis and connective tissue components of proper skin and marked positive reaction of lactate dehydrogenase in epidermal cells and hair follicles. Increase of a diffuse reaction on adenosine triphosphatase in smooth muscles of the skin was found also in exposed animals.


Silicone rubber band for laparoscopic tubal sterilization.

In 1974, Yoon and associates (Am J Obstet Gynecol 120:132, 1974) described a new approach in which laparoscopic tubal occlusion was accomplished by utilizing the silicone rubber band technique. Recognizing the great advantages of the new technique in eliminating potential thermal injury associated with electrocoagulation, the authors have utilized the Yoon silicone rubber band technique in these institutions over the past 20 months. Thus far the procedure has been performed in 304 patients without any major complications. In the hope of eliminating and/or reducing possible pregnancy-failure rates, in 110 cases. In addition to application of the silicone band, the tube within the band was transected with non-electrical Seigler biopsy forceps. This, we believe, should provide an interesting long-term comparative study.


Follicular contact dermatitis due to formaldehyde.

2 patients with textile contact dermatitis due to formaldehyde developed follicular, papular lesions. Histologically these papules showed eczematous changes in the follicular epidermis and mononuclear cell infiltrates in the dermis around the involved follicle. The skin between the papules was intact. It is suggested that the concept of "dermal" contact sensitivity does not fit for the explanation of papular dermatitis due to formaldehyde.


[Papillon-lefèvre syndrome].

Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome in a 13-year-old boy is described. His two great-grandfathers were first-degree cousins (consanguinity). However, no other case of the syndrome nor of palmoplantar keratoderma exists in the family. The palmoplantar keratoderma, which had started before becoming 1 year of age, is usually more pronounced during spring and autumn as well as during feverish diseases. However, it is of the transgradient type and is not necessarily very severe. The loss of the deciduous and permanent teeth was a consequence of severe juvenile parodontitis and of bone destruction. The boy could extract his teeth easily by himself and has total prothesis since the age of 14 years. Every treatment was unsuccessful.


Pancreatic beta cell toxicity by streptozotocin anomers.

D-glucose in the pyranose (ring) form exists as two anomers. The alpha-anomer is more effective than the beta-anomer in promoting insulin secretion, suppressing that of glucagon, and protecting beta-cells against alloxan toxicity. Streptozotocin (SZ), a beta cell toxin, is composed of a cytotoxic moiety, 1-methyl 1-nitrosourea, attached to carbon-2 of glucose and exists as either of two anomers in the pyranose form. In 24-hour-fasted male rats, predominantly alpha- or predominantly beta-SZ was injected intravenously and plasma glucose levels were obtained 48 hours later. The alpha-anomer produced significantly greater beta-cell necrosis at doses of 30, 35, and 40 mg./kg. body weight. At higher doses, no differences between the alpha and beta anomers were observed. 3-O-Methyl glucose (3-OMG) protected against both SZ anomers; however, the alpha-SZ remained more toxic. Larger doses of glucose protected against the lower doses of SZ and, under such conditions, the individual glucose anomers appeared equally potent. Finally, mannitol at comparable molar concentrations was ineffective in protecting against the SZ toxicity. This study suggests that streptozotocin's beta cell toxicity is mediated through recognition by the beta cell. In addition, 3-OMG and, to a lesser but significant extent, glucose were shown to protect against the streptozotocin toxicity, whereas mannitol did not.


Plasma androgen concentrations in diabetic women.

Plasma androgen levels were determined in women assigned to the following groups: idiopathically hirsute, diabetic, both idiopathically hirsute and diabetic, and normal. The androgens examined were androstenedione (AD), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone (T), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). We find statistical differences between young (less than 38 years) and older (larger than or equal to 38 years) controls at confidence levels of p less than or equal to 0.01 for AD, DHT, and T and of p less than or equal to 0.05 for DHEA. The results indicate that peak circulating androgen levels occur prior to age 30-35 years for women. There are no significant differences between the young controls and young idiopathically hirsute subjects, but a statistical difference exists between older hirsute and older controls for all four androgens (p less than or equal to 0.05). When a comparison is made among the diabetic, hirsute diabetic, and older control groups (all groups larger than or equal to 38 years), the diabetic group is significantly higher than the control in plasma AD (p less than or equal to 0.01) and DHEA (p less than or equal to 0.05). These same two steroids are also higher in the diabetic group than in the hirsute diabetic group (p less than or equal to 0.05), while the latter differs from controls only in testosterone levels (p less than or equal to 0.05). DHT levels are similar for all three groups.


E. coli phosphofructokinase synthesized in vitro from a ColE1 hybrid plasmid.

A hybrid plasmid, pLC 16-4, from the ColE1-DNA (E. coli) bank of Clarke and Carbon (1976) carrying pfkA was used to program an in vitro protein synthesis system from E. coli. Phosphofructokinase was the main product, as determined by enzyme assay, immunoprecipitation and gel electrophoresis. The enzyme was synthesized in vitro without added cAMP at a rate (enzyme/genome/h) ca. 30% the in vivo value, a higher efficiency than usually found in cell free systems. The plasmic molecular weight is ca. 16.10(6) daltons.


Dihydroergotoxine and ethanol: physiological and neurochemical variables in male mice.

The residual effects of dihydroergotoxine mesylate (DHET: active substance of Hydergine), ethanol, and DHET + ethanol were investigated in aging male mice. Prolonged alcohol or DHET consumption was found to prolong hexobarbital sleeping time and increase oxygen consumption. Administration of alcohol combined with DHET inhibited the ability of each drug to prolong hexobarbital sleeping time and increase oxygen consumption. There were no significant differences between groups in forebrain synaptosomal (Na+-K+) adenosine- triphosphatase and acetylcholinesterase activity or cerebellar protein, DNA and RNA content. The relative proportion of phospholipid to protein in isolated myelin of the medulla was significantly reduced, whereas the sphingomyelin content of total phospholipid was highest in alcohol-treated mice. Conocomitant treatment of mice with alcohol combined with DHET prevented the physiological and neurochemical changes caused by alcohol and, in some cases, DHET, administered alone.


[T-cell subpopulations in mixed lymphocyte cultured. Model of T-cell interactions].

The present studies have shown that two subpopulations of thymus-dependent lymphocytes may act synergisticaly in the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) in the mouse. One subpopulation was well represented in the young adult thymus and the other in lymph nodes. For optimum synergy, both populations must be allogeneic to the stimulator cells. Pretreatment of either population with mitomycin-C abolished synergy. In a cinetic study lymph node cells were proliferating before thymus cells. A mixture of thymus and lymph node cells (4:1) demonstrated a proliferation pattern like pure lymph node cells. Possibly, in MLC 3 cell types react, a T1- and T2-cell triggered by LD-antigens and a T-effector cell triggered by SD-antigens. These different T-cell subpopulations may interact in MLC.


Periovulatory steroid concentrations in HCG-treated rabbits.

The level of pregnenolone increased within 1 h and remained high for 4 h after an intravenous injection of HCG in conscious rabbits. Peaks for progesterone, estrogens and dehydroepiandrosterone were recorded at 2 h, and that of 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone 6 h after HCG injection. At the time of ovulation the serum concentrations of all steroids had returned to their basal levels. It seems that HCG maintained a high production of pregnenolone and promoted the synthesis of different steroids.


Repression of asexual embryogenesis in vitro by some plant growth regulators.

A factor that represses asexual embryogenesis has been observed in the Rutaceae, with particularly high concentrations in the naturally monoembryonic cultivars. This investigation was an initial step towards identifying the factor. Citrus reticulata Blanco Ponkan mandarin nucellus explants and Daucus carota L. 'Queen Anne's Lace' callus were employed to examine effects of known plant growth regulators and to determine possible identity of one or more of them with the repressive factor. The chalazal halves of ovules of C. media L. 'Citron of Commerce' were used as control repressor source. Embryo initiation and growth of both test tissues were depressed markedly by 2,4-D, abscisic acid and ethephon. Slight inhibitions were obtained with IAA, kinetin and gibberellic acid. Recovery from the repressor did not occur readily in Citrus nucellus following recultures in citron-ovule-free medium; carrot callus resumed normal embryogenesis immediately upon transfer to suppressor-free medium. The repression by natural sources apparently involved the combined action of some or all natural hormones that are generically related to the above.


Differentiation of functionally active mouse T-lymphocytes from functionally inactive bone marrow precursors.

An investigation has been made of the development of various T cell functions in lethally irradiated mice reconstituted with anti-0 treated spleen or bone marrow cells. Evidence is presented to show that both organs contain a post-thymic precursor pool able to regenerate by 15 days limited T cell responses in thymectomized recipients. A prethymic pool also exists in each organ able to regenerate, at a later date, first a suppressor T cell population and probably later, mature functional T cells involved in helper functions and cell mediated lympholysis. The spleen is apparently a better source of precursors of the suppressor cells than bone marrow, while a poorer source of precursors of the other T cell functions. All T cell functions investigated apparently first appear in large cells which undergo a reversion to small cells without necessarily maturing to their full potential reactivity. By following the kinetics of appearance of T cell functions, and the physical parameters of the cells with which these functions are associated, it is shown that PHA responding and Con A responding cells, cytotoxic T cell progenitors, helper T cells for antibody production and helper T cells for cytotoxicity induction can all at some stage of differentiation be separated from one another.


Activated mouse lymphocyte release factors which modulate the proliferative responses of other lymphocytes.

Supernatants of mouse lymphocyte cultures briefly exposed to phytomitogens or various antigens may contain factors---lymphokines--which are mitogenic for lymphocytes in the absence of any additional stimulatory agents. Whether such supernatants can modulate the proliferative responses of lymphocytes exposed to phytomitogens or allogeneic cells is the subject of the present investigation. Active supernatants were obtained from cultures of either mouse lymph node cells incubated with concanavalin A bound to Sepharose or allogeneic cells for 24 h. Both types of active supernatants reduced the 3H-thymidine uptakes of lymph node cells and cortisone-resistant--medullary--thymocytes in response to various phytomitogens and allogeneic cells. In contrast, normal suspensions of mouse thymocytes, containing both cortical and medullary lymphocytes, exhibited stimulations higher than anticipated. The results indicate that activated lymphocytes may release factors which reduce proliferative responses of some lymphocytes, presumably immunologically mature T cells, and enhance the responses of other lymphocytes which are relatively immature.


Contribution to the biochemical characterization of cardiac glycosides concerning their influence on ATP-ases.

1. A comparison of the complex binding constants of different glycosides show no significant differences between these different glycosides at least not in the model containing ATP. 2. There are greater differences regarding the ATP-ase activity of the different glycoside complexes measured by means of the Rb-transport method. 3. The absorption of different proscillaridin and methylproscillaridin preparations was investigated with this method. 4. Using the rat as experimental animal the effect of different glycosides on the Na-K and Ca ATP-ase of the heart muscle was demonstrated showing a remarkable activation of the Ca-activated ATP-ase caused by proscillaridin. In order to find an explanation for the therapeutic and toxic effects these investigations have to be repeated in the pig, which shows more similarities in the ATP-ase distribution to man than the rat.


Myomuscular junctions in re-innervated rat skeletal muscle.

Re-innervated extensor digitorum longus, soleus and plantaris muscles of the rat were studied after denervation performed at various postnatal ages. The muscle fibres, which normally run from tendon to tendon as independent units, were found to be very frequently connected by myomuscular junctions, both in the form of terminal insertions of one fibre into another and of lateral bridges which may join two or more muscle fibres at one or more levels. Positive reaction for AChE activity was demonstrated at the level of the junctions. Incubation for myosin ATPase activity showed that myomuscular junctions are only found between fibres of the same histochemical type, which in re-innervated muscles are usually aggregated in 'type groupings'. Ultrastructural features were similar in both forms of myomuscular junctions. The appearance is that of an interdigitation of muscle projections from neighbouring fibres, each projection being covered by a basement membrane with attached collagen fibrils. The finger-like projections at their endings contain vesicles and elongated cisternae filled with granular dense material. It is postulated that the synchronous activity of neighbouring fibres within the compact motor units of reinnervated muscles is a causal factor initiating the formation of myomuscular junctions.


Myosin ATPase activity after strengthening exercise.

Alteration in the histochemical activity of myosin ATPase has been demonstrated in the soleus of adult rats after brief (A) and prolonged (B) intensive weight lifting exercises. The former represented 'high intensity-short duration' and the latter 'high intensity-prolonged duration' exercise. The data revealed a significant muscle hypertrophy (23-26%) in both the exercising groups. Whereas group A muscles showed a relative increase in the number of type II (FOG) fibres, accompanied by a hypertrophy of the type I or slow twitch-oxidative (SO) fibres, the soleus muscles in group B showed a significant decrease (P less than 0.01) in the number of type II (FOG) fibres, presumably owing to a conversion of type II (FOG) to type I (SO) fibres. It is hypothesized that strengthening exercise may enhance the activity of the 'fast type' of myosin ATPase in brief or static work, and the 'slow type' in prolonged or more dynamic high intensity work.


Studies on the ionophorous antibiotics. XII. Effects of ionophore lysocellin on cation distribution and respiration in mitochondria.

The effects of the ionophore lysocellin on the movements of Ca2+, Mg2+ and alkali metal cations and its effect on energy utilization by rat liver mitochondria have been investigated. At a concentration of 0.05 micrometer, lysocellin induced dissociation of membrane-bound calcium, and an apparent steady state was established across the inner membrane between energy-linked calcium accumulation and the ionophore-induced depletion of calcium. No detectable efflux of intramitochondrial Ca2+ and Mg2+ was induced by 0.05 micrometer lysocellin, but the uptake of exogenously added calcium was significantly inhibited. The ionophore augmented Mg2+ release from mitochondria induced by Ca2+ addition and also caused rapid release of K+ from mitochondria preloaded with K+ by valinomycin or monazomycin. High levels (0.5 approximately 10 micrometer of lysocellin caused massive depletion of endogenous Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ from mitochondria, resulting in disruption of mitochondrial functions including release of state 4 respiration, stimulation of ATPase and inhibition of ADP- or DNP-stimulated respiration. Structure-activity studies with chemically modified compounds of lysocellin indicated the important role of terminal carboxylic acid and C21 hydroxyl function in the activity of the ionophore, and there is a good correlation between the effect of lysocellin on mitochondrial cation movements and its ability to complex with cations determined in an organic solvent-water two-phase partition system.


Effects of contrast material on dimensions and hemodynamics of the newborn heart: a study in conscious newborn lambs.

Injections of contrast material (Hypaque M-75%) and normal saline into the left ventricle (LV) of 1- to 3-month-old conscious lambs, during continuous monitoring of LV internal dimensions and pressures, revealed instaneous increases in LV end diastolic and end systolic volumes and LV end diastolic pressure. After contrast material, these alterations were sustained. Contrast injections were also accompanied by a mild depression in LV contractile state (dp/dt/P), systemic vasodilatation and persistent augmentation of cardiac output. The immediate effects on LV dimensions are primarily a consequence of acute volume expansion of the LV by the injection while the sustained changes likely reflect an expanded intravascular volume.


Spectinomycin modification. III Chloro-deoxy analogs.

9-Epichloro-9-deoxy-4(R)-dihydrospectinomycin (3), 9-chloro-9-deoxy-4(R)-dihydrospectinomycin (7), 9-deoxy-8, 9-epimino-4(R)-dihydrospectinomycin (6), and 9-epichloro-9-deoxy-spectinomycin (10) have been prepared and their structures established by proton magnetic resonance. These analogs are devoid of antibiotic activity.


Measurement of oxygen consumption: assessing the accuracy of a method.

We have previously described a flow through system for measuring oxygen consumption in infants and children. Because of the need to assess the accuracy of the system periodically, we have developed a simple procedure for doing so. This procedure also provides a means for troubleshooting if the system is not functioning properly and may be applied to other types of flow-through systems for similar purposes.


Energy transduction in Escherichia coli: physiological and biochemical effects of mutation in the uncB locus.

The transduction of energy through biological membranes was investigated in Escherichia coli strains defective in the ATP synthetase complex. Everted vesicles prepared from strains containing an uncA or uncB mutation were compared with those of the parental strain for their ability to couple energy derived from the oxidation of substrates by the electron transport chain or from the hydrolysis of ATP by the Mg2+-adenosine triphosphatase, as measured by the energy-dependent quenching of quinacrine fluorescence or the active transport of 45Ca2+. Removal of the Mg2+-adenosine triphosphatase from membranes derived from the parental or an uncA strain caused a loss of energy-linked functions and a concomitant increase in the permeability of the membrane for protons. Proton impermeability was restored by treatment with N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. When membranes of the uncB strain were treated in a similar manner, there was no loss of respiratory-driven functions, nor was there a change in proton permeability. These observations suggest that the uncB mutation specifically results in alteration of an intrinsic membrane protein channel necessary for the generation of utilzation of the electrochemical gradient of protons by that complex. Loss of the function of the proton channel is believed to prevent the transduction of energy through the ATP synthetase complex.


Inhibition, by a protease inhibitor, of the solubilization of the F1-portion of the Mg2+-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase of Escherichia coli.

The effects of two protease inhibitors on the solubilization of the membrane-bound Mg2+-adenosine triphosphatase (Mg-ATPase) of Escherichia coli were investigated. p-Aminobenzamidine prevented the solubilization of the Mg-ATPase during treatment of membranes with low-ionic-strength buffers containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. p-Aminobenzamidine did not prevent subsequent solubilization of the Mg-ATPase by treatment of the membranes with chloroform. This method of solubilization yielded a preparation of similar apparent molecular weight but with a 10-fold-increased specific activity as compared with the Mg-ATPase solubilized by washing with low-ionic-strength buffer. However, in contrast to the latter preparation, the chloroform-solubilized Mg-ATPase did not reconstitute ATP-dependent energization of stripped membranes, which were prepared by low-ionic-strength washing in the absence of p-aminobenzamidine. Another protease inhibitor, epsilon-amino-n-caproic acid, did not effect the solubilization of the Mg-ATPase, but did inhibit the loss of activity occurring during concentration, by ultrafiltration, of the Mg-ATPase solublized by the low-ionic-strength treatment.


ATP hydrolysis in a marine bacterium.

The membrane-bound adenosine triphosphatase of marine pseudomonad B-16, when solubilized, is able to rebind to depleted membrane residues of the bacterium and to those of Escherichia coli.


Purine base transport in nit-2 mutants of Neurospora crassa.

The nit-2 mutants possess general purine transport activity. Reduced hypoxanthine uptake in germinated conidia of these mutants may be a consequence of their defective purine metabolism.


Association and dissociation of Neurospora crassa cytoplasmic ribosomes.

Dissociation and association factors of ribosomal particles were detected in extracts from Neurospora crassa at different stages of growth. The dissociation factor was easily released into the S100 supernatant fraction, whereas the association factor remained bound to the ribosomes.


Separation of two different heavy meromyosins. Evidence for the presence of myosin isozymes in rabbit skeletal muscle.

Heavy meromyosin prepared from rabbit skeletal myosin by chymotryptic digestion was separated into two different heavy meromyosins by Sepharose 4B-6 aminohexyl PPi column chromatography. SDS-gel electrophoresis of one fraction of heavy meromyosin, which was eluted with 75 mM ammonium acetate, showed that it contained the small polypeptide chains, g3 and g2, as well as the large chains. The other fraction of heavy meromyosin, which was eluted with 85 mM ammonium acetate, contained g1 and g2. We concluded that the two heavy meromyosins arose from two different populations (isozymes) of myosin. No significant difference in Ca2+-ATPase activity was detected between the two heavy meromyosins.


A percutaneous implant using a porous metal surface coating for adhesion to bone and a velour covering for soft tissue attachment: results of trials in pigs.

A percutaneous implant for the attachment of an artificial limb has been designed and tested in 14 pigs. Firm fixation to bone was achieved with the porous-surface layered metal intramedullary stem design in some cases. Dacron velour was used at the soft tissue interface. Evidence of soft tissue ingrowth was seen. However, the velour was unable to maintain adequate epithelial adhesion to form an anatomical seal and a barrier to bacteria.


Combination drug therapy in treatment of Paget's disease of bone: clinical and metabolic response.

Twenty-seven patients with symptomatic Paget's disease of bone were randomly treated with mithramycin, glucagon, and calcitonin given either alone or in combination. Mithramycin, at a dose of fifteen micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day, proved to be a relatively safe drug and elicited a rapid response with only transient side effects. Calcitonin combined with mithramycin was the most effective therapy.


Peripheral proteins and smooth membrane from erythrocyte ghosts. Segregation of ATP-utilizing enzymes into smooth membrane.

Erythrocytes and their isolated membranes display ATP-dependent endocytosis. To localize the enzymes responsible for this phenomenon, the erythrocyte membranes (ghosts) were fractionated under conditions which retained ATPase activity. Fractionation of the ghosts resulted in three fractions: spectrin-actin, the peripheral proteins soluble in high salt, and the smooth membrane containing integral proteins. On the average, 87% of the protein and 88% of the phosphorus of the original ghosts were recovered in these fractions, and all of the kinds of ATP-splitting activities of the membrane were recovered in the smooth membrane. A tiny ATPase activity, detectable by special methodology in spectrinactin, could have been due to contamination with membranous material. Although the  purified spectrin-actin did not have a significant ATPase of its own, it stimulated the Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase of the smooth membrane significantly, suggesting a cooperative interaction between these two fractions. This segregation of the ATPase activities into the smooth membrane, combined with the energy dependence of endocytosis, showed that the smooth membrane must be involved in the energy production for endocytosis. The possibility that the spectrin-actin filaments cooperate with a myosinlike ATPase in the membrane to generate membrane movements is discussed.


Differences in surface membrane ecto-ATPase and ecto-AMPase in normal and malignant cells. I. Decrease in ecto-ATPase in myeloid leukemic cells and the independent regulation of ecto-ATPase and ecto-AMPase.

The hydrolysis of ATP and AMP by enzymes located on the external side of the plasma membrane (ecto-ATPase and ecto-AMPase) was studied in mouse myeloid leukemic cells, normal early myeloid cells, and normal mature granulocytes and macrophages. Nine clones of myeloid leukemic cells were used belonging to three groups that differ in their ability to be induced to differentiate by the differentiation-inducing protein MGI. These three groups consisted of MGI+D+ that can be induced to undergo complete differentiation, MGI+D- that can be induced to partially differentiate and MGI-D- with no induction of differentiation. The ecto-ATPase activity of normal early myeloid cells was similar to that of normal mature granulocytes and macrophages and higher than that of any of the leukemic cells. Among the leukemic cells, the MGI-D- cells had the highest level of ecto-ATPase activity. The behaviour of ecto-AMPase differed from that of ecto-ATPase. Some MGI-D- clones had a higher ecto-AMPase activity than normal cells and MGI+D- and MGI+D+ cells showed no detectable activity. Neither the ecto-ATP-ase nor ecto-AMPase activities changed after induction of differentiation in normal early myeloid or MGI+D+ leukemic cells. The results indicate that the myeloid leukemic cells had a decreased ability to hydrolyse external ATP, that there can be an independent regulation of ecto-ATPase and ecto-AMPase and that neither of these enzyme activities changed during differentiation.


Variation in potassium transport properties of mouse 3T3 cells as a result of subcultivation.

Unindirectional potassium influx and the fraction of this influx sensitive to ouabain, an inhibitor of the (Na + K) activated ATPase, have been  evaluated as a function of subcultivation of the 3T3 and SV40 transformed 3T3 cell. Total and ouabain-sensitive K influx change little over approximately 50 passages of the transformed 3T3 cell. In contrast, these components of K influx increase nearly 5-fold over a similar number of passages of the 3T3 cell. During early passages total and ouabain-sensitive K influx of the 3T3 cell are below that of the SV40 3T3 cell on a per cell volume basis. At later passages the magnitude of these components of K transport exceed those found in the SV40 3T3 cell. Previous studies have reported the ouabain-sensitive uptake of K and the levels of (Na + K) activated ATPase as being higher, lower or equivalent in the 3T3 versus transformed 3T3 cell. The present data suggest these differences may results from the degree to which the cells were passaged at the time of the experiments. Evaluation of previous studies substantiates this conclusion.


Unusual coiled gram-positive anaerobe isolated from a gutter wall abscess.

A gram-positive, nonsporing coiled rod was visible on Gram stain and isolated in pure culture from 20 ml of pus. This organism differs from previously described species in that it produces only acetic acid from glucose metabolism, hydrolyzes esculin, and has less fermentative activity in carbohydrates.


Rectus sheath hematoma.

Two patients who developed rectus sheath hematoma while on anticoagulants are presented. Ultrasound was the definitive method of establishing the diagnosis.


Treatment of painful scars on soles and digits with injections of fluid silicone.

Between 1964 and 1975, 389 patients were treated with injections of fluid silicone for corns, calluses, healed diabetic ulcers, and painful scars. This paper presents the results achieved in 27 patients with 31 plantar and 3 digital scars treated by injections of silicone to induce protective subdermal cushioning at sites of increased pressure.


Practolol and deafness.

Practolol ('Eraldin') is a beta-blocking agent whose prolonged use may result in the appearance of untoward side-effects, notably ocular symptoms, skin rashes and deafness. We report ten cases of deafness due, or thought to be due, to practolol; and in all except three of the cases (8,9 and 10), the deafness became manifest many months after the appearance of lesions in the skin and eyes. Progression of any hearing loss caused by this drug seems to be arrested by its withdrawal. Otologists are urged to report any suspicious cases to the Committee on Safety of Medicines, Finsbury Square House, 33/37A Finsbury Square, London EC2A IPP.


Embryonic malformations in rats, resulting from maternal diabetes: preliminary observations.

Diabetes mellitus was induced in female Wistar rats by injections of either alloxan or streptozotocin, and their embryos were found to have significantly higher incidences (7.5%) of brain and heart abnormalities (non-closure of neural folds, and deformities of heart chambers) at mid-gestation than controls (2.2%). There were also increased numbers of resorptions (25% in diabetic animals: 7.2% in controls). Both drugs produced similar abnormalities. External and X-ray examination of 488 foetuses from streptozotocin-treated animals at 20 days showed eight cases of exomphalos, two cases of micrognathia with tongue protrusion, and 34 cases of incomplete sacral ossification. This last deformity occurred also in foetuses of mildly diabetic animals, and has been seen occasionally in infants of human diabetic mothers. Other evidence suggests that skeletal deformities may be due to hyperinsulinism in the foetuses of diabetic mothers. Even a mild or pre-diabetic condition may set the foetus at risk.


Familial Down's syndrome.

A family is reported in which the same mother conceived two children with trisomy 21. The pregnancy with the second affected child was interrupted after diagnostic amniocentesis. Maternal chromosome analysis was normal. This family and those previously reported suggest that there is an increased recurrence risk of trisomy 21 after the birth of an affected individual, possibly caused by a genetic tendency for non-disjunction. After the birth of a child with Down's syndrome, amniocentesis and chromosome analysis of cultured amniotic fluid cells is indicated in each further pregnancy, irrespective of maternal age.


Effect of ouabain upon erythrocyte membrane adenosine triphosphatase in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The adenosine triphosphatase activity of erythrocyte ghosts from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy was inhibited by 10(-4) M ouabain to a smaller extent than in normals, when measured in the presence of either high or low concentrations of sodium or potassium ions. The inhibition by ouabain of the enzyme in normal ghosts, measured with low sodium or potassium ions, was less if the erythrocytes were first incubated with plasma from Duchenne patients than if incubated with normal plasma. Similar results were obtained when the ghosts themselves were incubated with Duchenne or normal plasma before assay.


Developmental patterns of glycolytic enzymes in regenerating skeletal muscle after autogenous free grafting.

Extensor digitorum longus muscles of rats were removed and injected with a solution of Marcaine plus hyaluronidase. After incubation in Marcaine solution for 10 min, the muscles were grafted into their original beds. The grafts and the contralateral control muscles were removed from the rats at 0, 1-5, 7, 11, 36, and 69 days postoperatively. The muscles were then frozen in dry ice and isopentane and subsequently homogenized and centrifuged. The supernatant was analyzed for a number of enzymes, the regenerative patterns of which can be classified into 3 groups: (1) early increase in activity: hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; (2) early decrease in activity with failure to recover to control levels: phosphorylase, phosphofructokinase, alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase; and (3) early decrease followed by return to control levels: lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase, creatine phosphokinase, adenylate kinase. These patterns are not identical to those reported for embryogenesis of muscle. The data are discussed with regard to correlative histological studies of muscle regeneration.


Odontoblast metabolism in rats deficient in vitamin D and calcium. II. Changes in activities of alkaline phosphatases.

Rats were fed a low calcium diet deficient in vitamin D for 14 days. Changes in alkaline phosphatase activities in odontoblasts dissected out from incisor teeth were studied biochemically. A strong increase in pNPP-ase, PPi-ase, total ATP-degradation and Ca2+- ATPase was observed in the deficient animals compared with animals fed a control diet.


Comparison of the effects of aminosugar cardiac glycosides with ouabain and digoxin on Na+, K+ -adenosine triphosphatase and cardiac contractile force.

Two aminosugar cardiac glycosides, 3-beta-O-(4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-beta-D-galactopyranosyl) digitoxigenin (ASI-222) and its 4-aminoglucose analog (ASI-254) have been shown in our laboratory to have a greater therapeutic index than ouabain (O) or digoxin (D). We have now compared the ability of ASI-222, its nonamino galactose analog (ASI-253), ASI-254, ouabain and digoxin to inhibit swine brain Na+,K+-adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K+-ATPase) and to increase contractile force of isolated, driven rabbit atria. As inhibitors of Na+,K+ -ATPase, both ASI-222 and ASI-254 were found to be about 10 times more potent than ASI-253, O or D (I50:ASI-222, 1.3 X 10(-7) M; ASI-254, 1.4 X 10(-7) M; ASI-253, 1.15 X 10(-6) M; D, 1.6 X 10(-6) M; O, 1.75 X 10(-6) 7). Moreover the potency of these glycosides in inhibiting Na+, K+ -ATPase correlates closely with the ability of these same glycosides to increase contractile force. The concentration needed to obtain 50% of the maximum increase in contractile force was 9.7 X 10(-8) M for ASI-254, 1.5 X 10(-7) M for ASI-222, 8.8 X 10(-7) M for ASI-253 8.4 X 10(-7) M for O and 1.2 X 10(-6) M for D. Since ASI-253, a nonaminogalactose analog of ASI-222, exhibits a potency in both of our test systems which is similar to the other neutral sugar cardenolides, our data also indicate that the presence of an aminosugar group at position 4 of a sugar in a cardiac glycoside confers greater potency.


The effect of synthetic gestagens on progesterone formation in vitro in human placenta of early pregnancy.

Villous tissue from 26 placentae of 7-17 weeks was incubated with radioactive pregnenolone alone and with pregnenolone in the presence of progesterone and 9 synthetic gestagenic steroids and the progesterone formation was measured after 30 min. When progesterone was present in a concentration of 31 or 310 mumol/1 the conversion rate of labelled pregnenolone to progesterone was reduced to 88.6 and 82.2% of that of the respective control incubations. Dydrogesterone, allyloestrenol, lynoestrenol and norethynodrel under similar conditions did not inhibit the formation of progesterone. The inhibitory effects of megoestrol acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate and norgestrel were close to that of progesterone. Norethisterone and methyloestrenolone were the most effective inhibitors of progesterone formation: when incubated in an equimolar concentration (35 mumol/1) with pregnenolone (50 microgram) the progesterone formation was reduced to 60.0-62.7% and 29.1-34.0% respectively of that of the respective control experiments.


Histochemical distribution of delta5-3beta- and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in hamster trophoblast.

The histochemical distribution of delta5-3beta- and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases was demonstrated in hamster trophoblast between Days 8 and 15 of pregnancy. The delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the ectoplacental trophoblast of 8-day embryos was demonstrated by use of delta5-pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone as substrates; between Days 11 and 15, activity was demonstrated in the trophoblastic giant cells of the placenta and in the intra-arterial trophoblast cells when delta5-pregnenolone was the substrate. Between Days 11 and 15, 17beta-hydroxysteroid activity was present in the spongiotrophoblast, labyrinth, placental giant cells and intra-arterial trophoblast cells, as shown by use of testosterone and oestradiol as substrates. Both enzymes were demonstrated in ectopic trophoblast cells, indicating that these activities are autonomous.


Laparoscopy at a community hospital: an analysis of 4,300 cases.

In a 54-month period, a community hospital developed a laparoscopic program that has offered 4,361 patients the benefits of laparoscopic diagnosis, sterilization and ancillary intraabdominal procedures. It has also provided training for residents and beginning laparoscopists and additional income for the hospital. The evolution in technique and method are reviewed. A statistical compilation of all cases is presented. Among 1,924 bipolar procedures in this series, no method-related complications were observed.


Premature ovarian failure.

Twelve cases of premature ovarian failure (POF) are described. The clinical, hormonal, histopathologic and cytogenetic studies of each patient have been presented. The scope and the limitations of laparoscopic ovarian biopsy are discussed, as is the importance of radioimmunoassay of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones (FSH/LH) in comparison to ovarian biopsy for the diagnosis of premature ovarian failure. A plea is made for the early diagnosis of POF so that these young women can be spared the expensive and time-consuming treatment for the associated problem of infertility.


Effects of DDT on eggshell quality and calcium adenosine triphosphatase.

Adult mallard ducks were fed a diet containing 50 ppm DDT for 6 months. Eggs laid during this period were collected and eggshell weight, thickness, and calcium were determined. Chronic ingestion of DDT resulted in production of eggshells that were significantly thinner and lighter than those of controls. Total calcium of thinned eggshells was also reduced; however, calcium per gram of eggshell was not altered, indicating that other eggshell constituents were not incorporated as well. Calcium adenosine triphosphatase activity in the microsomal fraction of eggshell gland epithelium was assayed in control and DDT-fed ducks. Enzyme activity in DDT-fed ducks was reduced to 65% of control values. Since Ca-ATPase has been shown to be associated with calcium transport, enzyme inhibition may be responsible for decreased eggshell weight and thickness. Electron microscopic evaluation of microsomal fractions showed elements of the plasma membrane, including cilia and microvilli, as well as rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Inhibition of calcium transport at the plasma membrane of mucosal epithelium is proposed as a possible mechanism of DDT-induced eggshell thinning.


Teratogenic effects of 6-aminonicotinamide in mice.

6-Aminonicotinamide (6-AN), a potential broad-spectrum rodenticide, was examined for embryotoxic and teratogenic potential. Mice of the BALB/c strain were given a single oral dose of 1, 17, 34, 51 or 136 mg/kg on one of days 8 to 13 of gestation. Fetuses were either examined on day 18 post coitum (prenatal study), or allowed to go to term and examined 2 days after birth. Dam weights were significantly reduced (p less than 0.01) at dose levels of 17 mg/kg and greater. These same dose levels caused a significant decrease (p less than 0.01) in litter size and in mean fetal weight. They also caused an increase in the number of resorptions. Hydrocephalus and cleft palate were the most frequent visceral anomalies and were dose-dependent. Skeletal anomalies were also dose-dependent, and the fetus was most susceptible on days 8 to 10 post coitum. A significant (p less than 0.05) increase in the ratio of female to male fetuses was observed at dose levels of 34 mg/kg and greater. Surviving 2-day-old pups had few visceral anomalies but skeletal anomalies were more frequent. Because of its teratogenic properties, it would be difficult to register 6-AN for use against commensal rodents or as a broad-spectrum rodenticide for use in agricultural crops.


DNA replication in bacteriophage-infected Staphylococcus aureus.

The synthesis of viral and host DNA in phage-infected Staphylococcus aureus was examined. Three intracellular forms of phage 52HJD DNA were demonstrated: covalently closed circular, open circular, and linear DNA species. It was noted that infection of S. aureus-propagating strains 81 and 52 with phage 52HJD inhibited the replication of the bacterial chromosome and a stringently controlled penicillinase plasmid. A small tetracycline plasmid, normally under relaxed replication control, continued to replicate in the postinfection period. No breakdown of the host chromosome into small-molecular-weight fragments or utilization of bacterial DNA material for the synthesis of viral DNA was observed.


Increased atrial contribution to ventricular filling in ischemic heart disease. Non-invasive measurement by ECG-gated radiocardiography.

1. A total of 112 subjects, including 37 controls, 43 hypertensives, 27 IHD and 5 HCM, were tested by routine RCG and ECG gated RCG. 2. The atrial contribution to ventricualar filling (c/b ratio) was measured by ECG-gated RCG and a characteristic increase was found in IHD (37.5 +/- 7.7, mean +/- s.d.) and Hypertensives (26.5 +/- 8.0) compared to controls (16.1 +/- 5.0). 3. The increase in c/b ratio and the decrease in PDdV/dt in IHD seemed to be caused by primary abnormalities in the relaxation of the ventricle. 4. ECG-gated RCG, being non-invasive method, serves useful informations in estimating ischemic heart disease especially by a quantitative analysis of the diastolic filling.


[Neuroophthalmological complications through liquor leakage after surgical operation on the spinal canal for diagnostic i.e. therapeutic purposes (author's transl)].

The rare liquor leakage syndrome with cranial nerve lesion, which preferably affects the eye-muscle nerves, can be caused either by further leakage of liquor cerebrospinalis through the dura hole made by the lumbar puncture - or after a surgical operation on the spinal canal leaving a dura closure, which is not tight. This does not occur after a suboccipital puncture. A report is given on three cases with different eye-muscle paresis after a simple diagnostic lumbar puncture, after a lumbosacral myelography and after a resection of the sacral nerve roots including the filum terminale and caudal dural sac. The prognosis of the eye-muscle paresis is good. Restitutio ad integrum resulted. A fourth case with temporary loss of sight of one eye is reported after a lumbar air encephalography, but the eye nerves were damaged before as a result of previous tuberculous basal meningitis. Only partial recovery of the visual power occurred.


[The significance of fibrin/fibrinogen for growth and metastasis of malignant tumors (author's transl)].

It seems evident that fibrinogen and fibrin representing the final substrate und product of clotting system act as pathogenetic connecting links for development and spread of malignant tumors. The results reported demonstrate the influence of fibrin on the initial phase of haematogenic metastasis particularly. Several tumor-specific mechanisms are shown to cause frequently an accumulation of fibrin in malignant tumors. The results discussed here stress the importance of fibrin in tumors for tumor cells and tumor cell units. In the literature a large number of indications to fibrin depositions in experimental tumors is found, an attempt is made to compare these findings semiquantitatively. The last part of this article discusses the therapeutic and diagnostic consequences based on the possible key position of fibrin-(ogen) in the tumor pathology.


Isolation of membrane vesicles with inverted topology by osmotic lysis of Azotobacter vinelandii spheroplasts.

Membrane vesicles were prepared from Azotobacter vinelandii spheroplasts by lysis in either potassium phosphate (pH 7.0) or Tris1-acetate (pH 7.8) buffers. These 2 types of preparations differ considerably in their properties: 1) Examination by scanning electron microscopy reveals that the Pi vesicles consist primarily of closed structures 0.6-0.8 micrometer in diameter with a rough or particulate surface similar to that of spheroplasts. The Tris vesicles are significantly smaller, 0.1-0.3 micrometer in diameter, and have a much smoother surface structure. 2) Antisera from rabbits immunized with A. vinelandii lipopolysaccharide antigen will agglutinate Pi vesicles but not Tris vesicles. 3) Tris vesicles have a fourfold higher specific activity of latent H+-ATPase than Pi vesicles. After exposure to Triton X-100 similar ATPase activities are observed for both types of vesicles. 4) Pi vesicles transport calcium in the presence of ATP or lactate at less than 30% of the rats observed for Tris vesicles. 5) Tris vesicles have less than 22% of the transport capacity of Pi vesicles for accumulation of labeled sucrose and less than 3% of the capacity for valinomycin-induced uptake of rubidium observed during respiration. 6) Quinacrine fluorescence intensity is reduced by 30% during lactate oxidation and 20% during ATP hydrolysis by Tris vesicles. Under similar conditions, fluorescence in Pi vesicles is quenched by only 7% and less than 2%, respectively. These findings suggest that Pi vesicles have the normal orientation of the intact cell whereas Tris vesicles have an inverted topology.


Active calcium treatment transport via coupling between the enzymatic and the ionophoric sites of Ca2+ + Mg2+-ATPase.

The 20K dalton fragment of Ca2+ + Mg2+-ATPase obtained from th tryptically digested sarcoplasmic reticulum has been further purified using Bio-Gel P-100. This removed low-molecular-weight UV-absorbing and positive Lowry-reacting contaminants. The ionophoric activity of the 20K fragment in both oxidized cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine:cholesterol membranes is unaltered by this further purification. The 20K selectivity sequence in phosphatidylcholine:cholesterol membrane is Ba2+ greater than Ca2+ greater than Sr2+ greater than Mn2+ Mg2+. Digestion of intact sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles with trypsin, which results in the dissection of the hydrolytic site (30K) from the ionophoric site (20K), is shown to disrupt energy transduction between ATP hydrolysis and calcium transport. This further implicates the 20K dalton fragment as a calcium transport site. These data and previous evidence are discussed in terms of a proposed model for the ATPase molecular structure and the mechanisms of cation transport in sarcoplasmic reticulum.


Defective transport of thymidine by cultured cells resistant to 5-bromodeoxyuridine.

A line of HeLa cells resistant to 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BUdR) was established by continuous culture in growth medium containing BUdR; during the selection period, BUdR concentrations, initially 15 micrometer, were gradually increased to 100 micrometer. Cells of a clone (HeLa/B5) established from this line were also resistant to 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (FUdR), but not to the free base, 5-fluorouracil. Although extracts of HeLa/B5 cells exhibited levels of thymidine kinase activity comparable to those of parental cells, rates of uptake of BUdR, FUdR, and thymidine into intact cells were much reduced. The kinetics of uptake of uridine and adenosine, nucleosides which appear to be transported independently of thymidine in HeLa cells, were similar for HeLa/B5 and the parental line (HeLa/O). Relative to thymidine uptake by HeLa/O cells, that by HeLa/B5 cells was distinctly less sensitive to nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBMPR), a specific inhibitor of nucleoside transport in various types of animal cells. Despite this difference in NBMPR sensitivity, both cell lines possessed the same number of high affinity NBMPR binding sites per mg cell protein. The altered kinetics of thymidine uptake and the NBMPR insensitivity of that function in HeLA/B5 cells suggest that resistance to BUdR is due to an altered thymidine transport mechanism.


Association of (Ca + Mg)-ATPase activity with ATP-dependent Ca uptake in vesicles prepared from human erythrocytes.

Ghost membranes prepared from human erythrocytes exhibit 2 distinct (Ca + Mg)-ATPase1 activities (Quist and Roufogalis, Arch Biochem Biophys 168:240, 1975). (Ca + Mg)-ATPase activity dependent on a water soluble protein fraction is selectively lost from ghost membranes during preparation of vesicles under low ionic strength, slightly alkaline conditions. In this study, the Ca2+ dependence of the remaining membrane bound (Ca + Mg)-ATPase activity and ATP-dependent Ca uptake in vesicles were compared. The Ca2+ activation curves for (Ca + Mg)-ATPase activity and Ca uptake into vesicles were parallel over a Ca2+ range of 0.3-330 micrometer, and both curves have 2 apparent KA values for Ca2+ of 0.45 and 100 micrometer. Addition of a concentrated soluble protein fraction containing predominantly spectrin to the vesicles increased (Ca + Mg)-ATPase activity over twofold but did not affect the rate of Ca uptake. These findings suggest that the (Ca + Mg)-ATPase activity remaining in vesicles after extraction of the water soluble proteins is associated with the Ca pump whereas (Ca + Mg)-ATPase activity dependent on the soluble protein fraction is associated with some other function.


Risks of BCG intralesional therapy: an experience with melanoma.

A nearly fatal allergic reaction to intratumor BCG injections was associated with a complete remission of recurrent malignant melanoma. Clinical course and histologic sections suggested both anaphylactic and Arthus reactions. The occurrence of reactions at BCG injection sites as well as at uninjected sites of tumor suggests common BCG and melanoma antigens. The management of events involved in this often fatal postimmunotherapy complication involves the early administration of parenteral fluids, antituberculous therapy, antihistamines, and possible steroids. The prophylactic use of antihistamines and an in-hospital administration of intralesional BCG immunotherapy are strongly suggested. In the future, prophylactic INH may prove to be both therapeutically efficacious and protective against infectious complications.


Successful Jatene operation for transposition of the great arteries with intact ventricular septum. A case report.

A description of a successful Jatene operation in an infant with transposition of the great arteries and intact ventricular septum (Group I of TGA) is presented. It is presently believed that the Jatene operation should not be applied in the patient with TGA and intact ventricular septum. However, this report shows the feasibility of this procedure even for the patient in Group I of TGA.


[Emergency peritoneoscopy in blunt abdominal trauma and acute abdomen (author's transl)].

Peritoneoscopy, angiography, and peritoneal lavage are highly reliable methods for the detection of intraabdominal bleedings in blunt abdominal traumas. Acute peritonitis in severely ill patients can easily be detected by peritoneoscopy, but not by other methods. The results of emergency peritoneoscopy in 166 patients with blunt abdominal trauma and 115 patients with suspected peritonitis are reported.


[Spinal anesthesia (author's transl)].

Because of our own experiences with more than 10,000 cases of spinal anesthesia without neurologic complications, it is emphasized that the method has regained clinical importance due to modernized techniques, new local anesthetics (lidocain, mepivacain, bupivacain), and a better understanding of the pathomechanisms involved. Restricting the spinal block to the D 8 dermatome level, thus avoiding side effects, and sticking to a clear-cut range of contraindications renders spinal anesthesia a method that compares favorably with that of general anesthesia in the high-risk patient.


[Saunders-plasty in case of hereditary teleangiectasia using highly-concentrated human fibrinogen for tissue-adhesion (author's transl)].

A report is given about the Saunders-plasty in a case of Morbus Osler. A 66-year-old female patient had been successfully treated with this method after a ligature of the external carotid artery had to be performed due to heavy bleeding from the teleangiectasia of the bilaterally mucous membrane of the nose. To apply the split thickness skin graft a method of tissue-adhesion, using highly-concentrated human fibrinogen was used. Human fibrinogen, thrombin and blood-clotting factor XIII make an effective physiological tissue glue.


[Reconstruction of the nasal septum combined with septal dermoplasty in Rendu-Osler-Weber's disease (author's transl)].

Severe and recurrent epistaxis in cases of Rendu-Osler-Weber's disease can be treated best by septal dermoplasty and intranasal skin grafting beyond the septum to include the upper lateral cartilage and interior turbinate as well as the floor of the anterior part of the nose. Combined with a large defect of the nasal septum the dermoplasty alone with the lining of the anterior part of the nose with split-thickness skin grafts is not without problems because of the excessive dryness and the severe and in part malodorous crusting of the nasal cavity. The necessary removal of the crustings can effect recurrent epistaxis. In this case, the reconstruction of the large septal defect with a frontotemporal flap is recommended. The temporal part of this pedicled forehead flap is taken from a region, which is only slightly affected by the teleangiectasias. Four weeks after the implantation of the frontotemporal flap into the septal defect the pedicle of the flap can be transected and removed. The functional result of this reconstruction of the nasal septum combined with the dermoplasty is satisfying.


[The process of manufacturing splints for the nose after nasal tip surgery (author's transl)].

The process of manufacturing splints for the nose after nasal tip surgery falls into three catagories: impressions, moulding and insertion. The plastic ware is carried out in a dental laboratory, so as to help the surgeon who is less familiar with the preparation of the material. The special procedure of moulding is suitable for this purpose. The splints are favourable in regard of cosmetics and tissue compatibility.


[Experiences with the postoperative intranasal long term splinting of the septum (author's transl)].

Reference is made to the stabilizing function of the septal cartilage and the incalculability of its reaction after injury or surgical treatment. Apart from various forms of tampons particularly the use of cut polyethylen splints for long term splinting of the septum has to be mentioned. We emphasize their stabilizing effect in the healing phase, the compatability with the patient, the application possibilities and finally surgical details. Even after a period of 3 weeks observation, we can see active ciliated epithelium by microscopic examination, a transformation into inferior squamous epithelium does not take place.


[On the ligation of Stenon's duct in chronic-recurrent parotitis (author's transl)].

Ligation of Stenon's duct represents a possibility for treatment of chronic-recurrent parotitis. This procedure leads to an atrophy of the gland parenchyma. In one case, observed by us as a complication of this method ligation of the duct was followed by the formation of a great parotid gland cyst. Under respect of this casuistic report, possibilities are discussed to prevent similar and other complications. They consist in the section of the preganglionic fibers of the tympanic plexus respectively in a simultaneous radiation therapy of the diseased gland.


[Amylase activity and isoamylase patterns in human parotid saliva (author's transl)].

For the determination of amylase activity and number of isoamylases in the parotid saliva of persons without diseases of the salivary glands, we investigated the saliva of 90 subjects who had been divided into 3 groups of 30 individuals each (up to 30 years, 31 to 60 years, 61 years and older). Within each group the sex ratio was 1:1. Although the amylase activities reveal no age-dependent differences, the number of isoamylases increases with age, the highest number being found only in the age group over 61 years. The possible diagnostic value of the determination of amylase activity and distribution of isoamylases is discussed.


[On the testing of the difference limen of intensity (author's transl)].

To extinct to a great extent the methodic faults (rhythm) at the common way of the measurement of the difference-limen of intensity, the original parameter (the intensity) is randomized. The patient himself has to find out the minimal hearable modulation at this intensity. The testing-signal is interrupted in a rhythm of 0.8 cps, so that the effects of adaptation are reduced to a great extent. This test was carried out on 20 normal-hearing persons; 13 of them also were examined with a continuous tone; by this continuous tone the difference-limen of intensity was significantly reduced (p less than 1%).


[The influence of contralateral acoustic stimulation on the summating potential in the human cochlea (author's transl)].

In registering stimulus-related potentials from the promontory in man one frequently finds so-called positive or negative summating potentials (SP). These SP's are influenced by acoustically induced activity in the crossed olivocochlear bundle (COCB): COCB activity causes a negativation of the SP. A tentative explanation will be given.


[Registration of the early acoustically evoked potentials using monaural and binaural stimulation (author's transl)].

At seven normally hearing test persons the early acoustically evoked potentials were registered using monaural, binaural and contralateral click-stimulation with a repetition-rate of 10/sec at the intensities of 90 and 70 dB SPL. In comparison to the monaural stimulation the binaural stimulation yields in the mean no significant alteration of the potentials I, II and III at both intensities. The mean enlargement of potential IV by binaural stimulation amounts to about 40% and is highly significant, but this advantage does not apply always to everybody: the factor of magnification of potential IV covers the range from one to two. The average increase of 66% at potential V is weakly significant for the intensity of 90 dB SPL. As expected from the results of contralateral stimulation the registrations at patients suffering from unilateral hearing impairment show on both sides the potential's threshold of the better hearing ear when stimulating binaurally; therefore you cannot determine the better cochlea. In addition to this fact the binaural stimulation of patients suffering from an acoustic neuroma removes the diagnostically important tool to recognize differences between the two sides. These findings are demonstrated by examples. Since it is impossible to predict an increase of the amplitude in the individual case and since there are serious diagnostic disadvantages, we don't deem advisable a binaural stimulation.


[Results of ERA-hearing-tests during infancy (author's transl)].

The results of 50 children with partial or complex hearing loss, referred to the hospital for diagnosis, were evaluated according to different aspects. Haloperidol (0,1 mg/kg) administered orally causes potential changes similar to those known in the literature for natural sleep and chloral hydrate sleep (Freigang and Kevanishvili 1975). The components N2 and P3 are dominant in the potential picture instead of N1 and P2. Regarding sedation, the drug meets all requirements. The identification of the hearing level by means of the input/output functions could be performed in 24 per cent of all cases, whereas summation curves must be employed in 26 per cent and threshold determinations according to Biesalski in 30 per cent. Deafness is assumed in 20 per cent of the patients with nondetectable AEP. The average hearing loss evaluated according to age groups is between 55 and 70 dB.


[Preparation and processing of clinical ERA-datas using a small laboratory computer: tentative experiences and results for the late, acoustically evoked potential N1 (author's transl)].

The efficacy of the Electric Response Audiometry (ERA) in the supraliminal range can be enlarged and improved by the use of laboratory computers. The acoustic system has to be described as objectively as possible from the lot of datas resulting especially from clinical examinations. An off-line-program sequence which may be routinely used, was elaborated for the laboratory computer PDP 12 in order to measure and evaluate the late, acoustically evoked potential N1. In addition to the organisation and documentation of the datas it is shown that for many cases the described and performed preparation and processing of the datas yield qualitatively and quantitatively better results.