[Standard epicutaneous testing: 5-year results and their effects on future examinations].

1385 patients were subjected to patch tests in the last years. The most important contact allergens in these seris were found to be rubber, nickel, chromate. Compositions of patch tests series varies with regard to the individual substances included: allergens with low sensitizing potency (methol, resorcin, methylsalicylate (!), hexachlorophene, iodochlorhydrooxychinoline) are gradually replaced by others of more recent importance, e.g. mercury (Merfen). Some allergens give better results when tested in higher concentration (balsams of peru, parabens, colophony and wool fat alcohols). Our findings correspond widely with the recommendations of the ICDRG (International Contact Dermatitis Research Group). Therapeutic possibilities are limited; topical application of corticosteroids may be taken as routine regimen. Bufexamac (Parfenac) has been proposed for this purpose, recently. Protective creams (like ion exchange ointments) are of limited use due to the necessity of repeated application.


Effect of human immunoglobulin preparations on Fc rosette formation between anti-D-coated erythrocytes and lymphocytes.

Human immunoglobulin (Ig) preparations were tested for their inhibitory effect on Fc rosette formation between anti-D-coated human erythrocytes and lymphocytes, as compared to their complement activating capacity. Both of the two biological activities ascribed to the sites in the Fc portion of the IgG molecules were found to be reduced in the pepsin-treated, as well as in the S-sulfonated Ig preparations, as compared to the activities of the normal human Ig preparation. In the plasmin-treated Ig preparation, which was found to be composed of three major components: plasmin-Fab, plasmin-Fc and plasmin-resistant IgG, the activity of inhibiting the Fc rosette formation was well retained, in contrast to its low complement activating capacity.


Hemoglobins in single chick erythrocytes as determined by a differential elution procedure.

The switch from embryonic to adult hemoglobin (Hb) has been studied in vivo by a correlated cytological and electrophoretic analysis of circulating red blood cells from early, purely embryonic-Hb stages to purely adult-Hb stages including the adult chicken. It has been discovered, by using an acid buffer treatment that selectively elutes adult but not embryonic Hb from intact red blood cells, that embryonic and adult Hbs occur together in single cells, and that the switch occurs simultaneously in all cells. These results together with knowledge of the chick erythroid cell dynamics and ontogenetic titers indicate that the initiation of adult Hb synthesis occurs in the circulation in cells previously committed only to embryonic Hb synthesis.


[Trace elements in several organs and mechanical properties of collagen under the influence of D-penicillamin (author's transl)].

The content of trace elements in several organs of rats under the influence of D-penicillamine (D-PA) was investigated by the neutronactivation-analysis. It could be shown an diminution of Cu, and Co under D-PA-treatment, the content of Fe, Mn, Rb and Zn was not influenced. The investigated organs didn't show any submicroscopic alterations under D-PA. On isolated collagen fibrils of tail tendon was seen a significantly diminuition of E-moduls. In accordance with Siegel the principal effect of D-PA is thought to block the synthesis of functional groups from Schiff-base crosslink precursors but not to inhibit lysyloxidase by loss of Cu-ions of connective tissue. The thermostability of D-PA influenced fibrils is changed in stretched state only and will be due to the lack of crosslink Schiff-bases; where as the shrinking point of not stretched fibrils shows only aging dependent changes.


Messenger ribonucleoprotein particles from plant cell cultures.

Messenger ribonucleoprotein particles were isolated from the polysomes of logarithmically growing plant cell cultures, pulse-labeled with [3H] adenosine for 30 min. More than 80% of the labeled RNP was present in particles sedimenting between 80 S and 30 S on sucrose density gradients, but was not associated with ribosomal subunits. The size distribution differs from those reported for polysomal mRNP particles to date. After fixation with glutaraldehyde the labeled RNP particles had a buoyant density of 1.38 g/cm3 in CsCl gradients. Radioactively labeled RNA extracted from the RNP particles showed a heterodisperse size distribution and contained poly (A) stretches as determined by affinity chromatography and ribonuclease digestion experiments.


Effect of lipid modification on fusion of sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles.

Freeze fracture technique ascertains that sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles fuse during anisodiametric dehydration which leads to the formation of sheetlike structure of a mean extension of 5000 A. Modification of the membrane lipids by phospholipase A2 digestion or the incorporation of deoxycholate facilitates the coalescence of the vesicles, while it is completely prevented by lipid removal. Membrane fusion during anisodiametric dehydration is considered as resulting from the close contact of highly curved edges from which the membrane proteins have been excluded.


2'-Chloro-1-hydroxy-2-naphthanilide-4'-isothiocyanate--a new cestodicidal agent [1].

2'-Chloro-1-hydroxy-2-naphthanilide-4'-isothiocyanate (4) has been synthesized as the structural analogue of yomesan (1) and was found to be active against experimental dwarf tapeworm Hymenolepis nana infection in rats at an oral dose of 7.5 mg/kg.


[The effect of locally applied Grisaldone or choline salicylate gel on bone healing after tooth extraction in animal experiments].

Comparative histological and experimental animal studies of the effects upon bone wound healing of topically applied choline salicylate gel and Grisaldon showed that Grisaldon tends to hinder the course of reparation of bone, whereas choline salicylate gel has no appreciable influence upon the time course of wound healing. This essential difference is considered to be due predominantly to the exactly opposite behavior shown by the two pharmaceutical preparations in regard to their solubility in water. The difficultly watersoluble Grisaldon tends to exert a longer-drawn-out irritant effect upon the tissue and can be detected in alveoli even after twenty-eight days from administration thereof. By contrast, choline salicylate gel, which is known to be readily soluble in water, will be eliminated already after two days from administration thereof.


[The effect of bite lowering after extractions on the mobility of front teeth].

The author, after pointing out the importance of supporting zones and height of bite to normal occlusion, discusses the possible consequences to front teeth of bite lowering subsequent to extractions. It is possible to show that there is a causal relationship between extractions of molars and loosening of front teeth. For early occlusal contacts, grinding-in treatment is recommended where the supporting structure is still intact and prosthetic treatment, after loss of the supporting structure.


[The value of human-genetic studies for the evaluation of the etiology of malocclusions and bite irregularities].

Researches in which entire families as well as twins are subjected to careful examinations are rapidly assuming considerable importance within the framework of studies made to investigate the causes of irregular dentural characteristics. The author emphasizes the need for making genetic examinations of orthodontic patients, the results of which can be used to find the most favorable method of therapy. The author, on the basis of observations made on monozygotic and dizygotic twins, presents a number of data on the behavior of dental, dental arcade, and cephalometric dimensions as well as some dysgnathic characteristics. Special attention is given to twins with congenital cheiloschisis, gnathoschisis, and palatoschisis, and it is possible to show that the role played by hereditary factors in the etiology of such maldevelopments is not inconsiderable.


[The choice of a surgical method for the correction of sagittal over and under development of the mandible].

The experience gathered in the correction of sagittal mandibular over- and under-development allows to make the following conclusions:--In the choice of osteotomy it is necessary that careful consideration be given not only to the proportions of the body and ramus of the mandible, but also to the angular interrelationships of mandibular bones.--Osteotomies in the body of the mandible are indicated especially in those cases where it is only necessary for parallel shifts to be made in the sagittal plane.--Osteotomies performed in the region of the angle of the mandible and the ramus of the mandible (Obwegeser-Dal Pont) enable both longitudinal compensation or adjustment in the sagitta. plane and correction of transverse deformities and unfavorable angular relationships.--In the case of backward and forward displacement of the lower jaw it is essential that the position of the chin be considered already in the stage of planning the surgical operation. Suitable corrections can be made in the course of one surgical intervention.--Preliminary orthodontic treatment, because of the creation of optimum conditions of occlusion, will in many cases provide most favorable prerequisites of a surgical intervention.


[Modifications of the height of the palate by orthodontic therapy].

The height of palate was determined on 400 and on 70 subjects treated orthodontically through the use of removable appliances and by extraction therapy, respectively. Initial and final patterns were used for measurements. A measuring method developed by the authors is described. In the majority of cases, decreases in the height of palate could not be observed, which is in contrast with data reported in the literature. There were only slight differences between the two groups of subjects included in this study. The height of palate was found to change independently of the degree of jaw widening.


[Use of a computerized problem-oriented record in special ambulatory periodontal treatment].

Starting from the development trends of the modern out-patient treatment it is required to clearly out-line the objective functions of special out-patient care in the periodontology. Of course, the represented function call for more comprehensive data acquisition in regard of the individual patient. As a model we have worked out a computer-aided problem-oriented record for periodontal care which, in a ring hybrid study, is now being tested by 14 different public health institutions of the GDR. Our problem-oriented record comprises the following parts: a) Patient-machine communication for anamnesis b) Computer-oriented medical record c) Automated synoptic presentation of problem epicrisis d) Centralized data-pool.


[The load carrying capacity of the teeth of the human jaw].

Three different methods of measurement are used to objectify the maximum load-carrying capacity of individual pairs of teeth. For these, use is made of a mechanical, electric, and elastooptic measuring instrument. The measurement results obtained using the mechanical and electric instruments are largely identical. They are in the neighborhood of 20 kgf and 50 kgf for incisors and molars, respectively, of male subjects. The results obtained for female test subjects were lower by an average of 10 kgf. The mechanical and electric measuring instruments may be used for the examination of a larger number of test subjects as well as under pathological conditions.


[Secretion pressure of human submandibular gland (author's transl)].

The secretion pressure as well as the resistance of Glandula submandibularis towards retrograde instillation of water are determined electromanometrically. The results are compared with such measurements carried out by the same method in the parotid gland. The pressure behaviour of the submandibular gland corresponds with some quantitative differences to the behaviour of the parotid gland. The differences show the generally lower secretion power of submandibular gland. However there are no differences in the resistance against a retrograde instillation of water between submandibular and parotid gland. The connections of the observed and calculated parameters and clinical patterns are discussed.


[Leukoplakia simplex or metaplastic keratosis of the mouth mucosa?].

Leukoplakia simplex lesions affecting the oral mucous membrane of cheeks and the floor of the mouth were characterized from the clinical, histological, electron-microscopical and stereological point of view. An integration of the various observations suggested that a combination of atrophic and metaplastic processes give rise to this type of leukoplakia-lesion which imitates epidermal structures and, therefore, could be defined as a metaplastic keratosis. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms are formulated which might be responsible for and cause this type of oral mucous membrane lesion.


[The cup osteosynthesis, a stable osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures with metal cups and bone cement (Kallokryl K)].

The author describes a method for the stable osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures, for which five different steel-cups are fabricated. The cup is filled with fresh mixed cold-curing polymethylmethacrylate and pressed to the fragments. After polymerisation the stable osteosynthesis is arised. The complete healing of the bone in 40 cases demonstrated the successful clinical use.


[Diploid and aneuploid human cell lines from autopsy material in long term cultures. Investigations of growth behaviour and karyotype (author's transl)].

Experiences with the development and characterization of cell lines obtained from human autopsy material, mainly of peripartal deceased children with multiple malformations, are reported. On 7 diploid and 4 aneuploid fibroblast-like cell lines (2 cases of trisomy G, 2 cases of trisomy E) investigations of the whole life span in vitro, on the growth behaviour and morphology as well as karyotype analyses in the early, middle and late phases of cultivation were carried out. All cell lines showed a definite limited life span, their doubling potential being on the average greater than 30 +/- 5. Compared with results from literature, these values had been found to be between those of cells of embryonic and adult origin and are possibly dependent on the age of the donor. No morphologic signs or changes of cell kinetic parameters were found which might point to a spontaneous cell alteration. The karyotype determined in the early culture phase was stable until the natural end of the cell lines. The results may serve as an evidence for the stability of all investigated parameters and for a reproducible growth behaviour in diploid and aneuploid cell lines developed from human autopsy material, a prerequisite to sue them as an in vitro model for further investigations.


[Sensitivity to the differential dose of erythromycin and oleandomycin of various holarctic strains of tularemia microbe isolated in the Kazakh SSR].

The presence of strains of holarctic race of tuleremia microbe, both sensitive and resistant to the differential doses of erythromycine and oleandomycine was revealed at the territoryn of Kazakh SSR. The existence of such strains does not permit to differentiate them into geographical races by the sensitivity to erythromycine and oleandomycine.


Conditions of transformation by DNA of Neurospora crassa.

The DNA uptake and transformation of inositol-requiring recipient Neurospora strains were investigated. Exponentially growing cultures can accumulate 5-10 fold quantities of donor DNA than older ones. The rate of DNA uptake depends on the physiological state of the recipient cell, and on the molecular weight of donor DNA. The exocellular DNase activity of the recipient culture may influence the DNA uptake and the transformation process. "Young" inositol-requiring Neurospora crassa cultures can be transformed by wild type DNA reproducibly, but with low efficiency.


Investigations on myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase from the wild type and the inositol-dependent mutant of Neurospora crassa.

The inositol-dependent mutant of Neurospora crassa lacks inositol-1-phosphate synthetase activity. This defect can be revorted by the addition of high-molecular DNA isolated from the wild type. To elucidate the biochemical background of inositol dependence, inositol-1-phosphate synthetase was studied. A method has been developed fro the isolation of the enzyme from the wild type strain in 10 mg scale by salt fractionation, gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. The specific activity of the purified enzyme is 4750 U/mg protein and its purity has increased about 100-fold. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that, in addition to the main enzymatically active band, several accompanying proteins occur in very small amount. The molecular weight of the enzyme is 225,000 daltons. Probably it consists of four subunits, two with a molecular weight of 64,000 daltons and another two of 50,000 daltons. An enzymatically inactive protein has been isolated from the mutant with the same procedure as that of the enzyme; it migrated at gel electrophoreis similarly to the enzyme. It may be supposed that the isolated protein is the defective enzyme molecule.


LH-RH testing in men with Down's syndrome.

Males with Down's syndrome frequently present incomplete sexual development and are presumed to be sterile. The intent of this study is to clarify the aetiology of diminished sexual function in men with trisomy 21. Single dose LH-RH stimulation tests were performed in 6 men with Down's syndrome. Compared to a control group of 6 mentally retarded, institutionalized males, the subjects with Down's syndrome had markedly elevated basal FSH and slightly elevated basal LH concentrations. The FSH response to LH-RH stimulation was notably increased in the Down's syndrome group, while the LH response showed a lesser increase. Testosterone concentrations were found to be comparable in the two groups. The results are consistent with the clinical assumption that males with Down's syndrome have decreased spermatogenesis and infertility and that their Leydig cell function is less affected.


[Electronmicroscopic-histochemical demonstration of acid mucopolysaccharides using cationic ferrocenyl compounds (author's transl)].

Long-chain ammonium compounds with ferrocenyl groups were synthesized and used for the light (sudanophilia) and electron microscopic (electron dense staining by the iron of the ferrocenyl group) localisation of acid mucopolysaccharides. At least 5 of the 39 prepared ammonium salts produce a very good contrast. Cetyl-ferrocenylmethyl-dimethyl ammonium chloride has been found to be the best blocking agent and stain for acid polysaccharides.


Glycoproteins and polyanions in the synapses of rat and mouse central nervous system.

In the present work, it is investigated the location and characteristics of receptors for Con A in synapses of rat and mouse central nervous system. Negatives charges of synaptic surface are also studied. It is observed the presence of glycoproteins on synaptosomal plasma membrane. Presence of negatives charges homogenously distributed all over the synaptosome surface is also notice. These negative charges are revealed by Colloidal Iron, FeOH++cation and cationized Ferritin. Enzymatic extraction experiments suggest that presence of sulphated mucopolysaccharides.


Proprioceptive innervation of the external cremaster muscle of some domestic mammals.

The proprioceptive innervation of the external cremaster muscle of some domestic animals was studied. Muscle spindles and tendon organs with their well-known features were found, but this finding was uncommon and unexpected in the investigated animals. For this reason, we believe that there is no relationship between the presence of these proprioceptors and the cremasteric reflex.


A variant form of median defect syndrome. Syndrome of combined congenital defects involving the supraumbilical abdominal wall, sternum, diaphragm, pericardium, and heart.

An autopsy case with the syndrome of combined congenital defects involving the supraumbilical abdominal wall, sternum, diaphragm, pericardium, and heart is reported. In this case, abnormal arterial plexus including anastomosis of the left coronary artery and the left internal mammary artery is recognized at the hernial pericardial wall, in addition to the already reported anomaly complex, i.e. diastasis recti abdominis with pericardial hernia, ventral defect of the diaphragm, partial defect of the sternum, and tetralogy of Fallot. It is suggested that this newly revealed vascular anomaly also comes within a specific syndrome of combined congenital defects.


Histochemical fiber composition of lumbar back muscles in the cat.

A histochemical analysis has been performed of the activity of myofibrillar ATPase, NADH2tetrazolium-reductase, succinic dehydrogenase and phosphorylase and of the content of fat and glycogen in the muscles of the cat's lumbar back region. The correlation between the fiber composition and the previously studied contraction properties of the muscles was analyzed. All muscles contain fibers with a low activity (type I) and such with a high activity (type II) of myofibrillar ATPase following preincubation at pH 9.4. Type II fibers showed either a low (type II A) or an intermediate (type II B) reaction when stained for ATPase, preincubation at pH 4.6. Type I fibers have a high, II A an intermediate-high and II B fibers a low activity of oxidative enzymes. The longissimus, iliocostalis and sacrocaudalis dorsalis lateralis muscles are characterized by high percentages of type II B fibers and low proportions of type I and type II A fibers. The central region of the longissimus which is connected to a well developed intermuscular septum is composed of a high proportion of type I fibers. The multifidi, interspinales and intertransversarii mediales muscles have higher proportions of type I and type II A fibers than the other muscles in the region.


Skeletal muscle fibre types, enzyme activities and physical performance in young males and females.

Differences in skeletal muscle characteristics, metabolic profiles and functional performance between males and females were investigated using young (15--24 yrs) male and female twins as subjects. The comparison included such variables as anthropometry, muscle strength, mechanical power, maximum oxygen uptake, electrical activation of muscle, muscle fibre composition (m. vastus lateralis), and activities of several skeletal muscle enzymes. The results disclosed the following primary differences between males and females: In the various functional tests the performance of females was from 61.1 to 84.6% of that in males; distribution of slow twitch fibres in m. vastus lateralis of the females (49.1 +/- 7.7%) was lower (p less than .05) than that of the males (55.9 +/- 11.9); activities of enzymes Ca2+ stimulated ATPase, CPK, phosphorylase and LDH1a leads to py were higher (p less than .05--0.1) in the males, whereas the distribution pattern of LDH-1 isozyme was higher (p less than .05) in the females. A pronounced difference between the two groups was a almost 100% longer rise time of isometric force in females. It is concluded that the males as compared to the females demonstrate higher aerobic and strength performance capacity, more efficient neuromotoric output during contraction, more slow twitch muscle fibres and more pronounced contractile and glycolytic profiles in the skeletal muscles.


Histological development of stapes footplate in human embryos.

Normal development of the human stapes footplate was investigated in serial sections by light microscopy. Materials were obtained from 35 Japanese embryos from the 6th to 32nd week of embryonal age. Eighteen embryos up to 16 weeks of age (3.5mm to 105mm in crown-rump length) were examined, focusing particularly on the lamina stapedialis of the otic capsule. The present study showed that primordial formation of the lamina stapedialis appeared in 16mm embryo and that the lamina was completely formed and fused to the base of the annular stapes in a 35mm embryo. In a 50mm embryo, the adult form of stapes was found with a rim and annular ligament. The results, therefore, seemed to essentially agree with the theory of dual origin and development of the footplate proposed by Cauldwell and Anson, and teratogenic agents might affect any stage of the process producing anomalies, including congenital footplate fixation, congenital absence of the oval window and calcification of the annular ligament.


Studies on N, N'-dimethylnitrosourea-induced brain tumors in rats--especially, on microtumors.

The incidences, distribution and histopathological findings of N, N'-dimethylnitrosourea (DMNU)-induced brain microtumors in Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. Subcutaneous injections of DMNU in young adult rats one a week resulted in the induction of 122 gliomas in 38 animals with an incidence of 69% after a time lapse of between 157 and 246 days from the first injection. Of these tumors, 66 were classified as microtumors (diameter less than about 1 mm) by detailed light microscopy observation of serial sections. The microtumors were of 3 types: 55 oligodendrogliomas, 8 astrocytomas and 3 mixed gliomas. As the tumors became larger in size, anaplasia appeared, especially in the central part of the tumors. The microtumors developed randomly throughout the brain. It was concluded that, in adult rat brains, the target cells of DMNU were well differentiated glial cells which had already migrated from the matrix layer.


A correlative study on urinary cytology and FDP with cystoscopy and pathology in the urinary bladder cancers.

In view of comparatively-high incidence of papillary, well or moderately-well differentiated, transitional cell carcinomas in urology, and of frequent recurrence of carcinomas after appropriate procedures, we have undertaken the correlative study on urinary cytology with cystoscopy, pathology and the amount of fibrinogen and degradation products of fibrinogen and fibrin (FDP). Cytopathologically, 191 cases were confirmed histologically for cancers out of 442 cases studied cytologically; among these 442 classes IV and V were found in 136 cases, and 99 of 136 cases (72.8%) had cancers. Admittedly, we were unable to suspect tumors cytologically in 24.5% of the cases. As to histological gradings and cytology, 48.7% of classes I and II in well differentiated were found against 52.9% and 57.1% of classes IV and V in moderately-well and poorly differentiated carcinomas, respectively. Urinary FDP assay was quite promising; out of 19 cases with both positive cytology and FDP, 18 (94.7% had carcinomas histologically, whereas 12 of 56 cases (21.4%) with both negative cytology and FDP bore cancers. Subsequently, several proposals for improving the diagnostic accuracy were discussed. We concluded the importance of accumulating more cases by combining several diagnostic procedures, especially among well and moderately-well differentiated carcinomas.


A study of endotoxemia in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. I. Clinical study.

Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and LPS antibody in the blood were studied in 61 cases of ulcerative colitis (U.C.) by radioimmunoassay. Lysozyme (LZM) concentration was also studied by the turbidimetric method. As a result, it was found that the blood LPS value as well as serum LZM concentration reflects the clinical observations. The case of endotoxemia in the active phase group showed a positive correlation between the LPS value and LZM concentration. LPS antibody which could not be detected in many cases of the active phase, had a high titer in cases of remission with a long history of the disease. These results would suggest that in U.C. with damaged intestinal mucosal barrier, LPS originating from intestinal flora enters into the blood and aggravates the disease and further that this invading LPS releases LZM into the blood. The same studies were performed on 7 cases of Crohn's disease and the same result was obtained.


Endotoxin receptor site. I. Binding of endotoxin to platelets.

Binding of bacterial endotoxin to platelets, erythrocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes was examined by using diffusion dialysis. Platelets, erythrocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes were fractionated from normal human blood and the binding of endotoxin (LPS: Lipopolysaccharide of E. coli) to each cell fraction was measured at 4 degrees C and the binding efficiency was expressed as a binding index (%d4degreesC +/- SD). The binding index for each cell fraction was as follows; 10.2 +/- 1.6 for platelets, 1.0 +/- 0.9 for erythrocytes, 4.3 +/- 1.6 for lymphocytes and 10.0 +/- 1.5 for granulocytes (n = 11) respectively. Since a platelet possesses a small cell surface area compared with other cells, it was clear that the endotoxin bound preferentially to platelets in vitro. The binding mechanism to the platelet cell surface was suggested to be direct binding of endotoxin to the receptor on platelet cell membrane rather than through an immunologically activated mechanism.


Correlation of systolic time interval with abnormal myocardial contraction by coronary occlusion in anesthetized open-chest dogs.

The correlation between the systolic time interval and abnormal contraction in ischemic myocardium was studied in anesthetized open-chest dogs. A strain-gauge was sutured on the surface of the left ventricular wall perfused by the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) for measuring segment-length. The left ventricular stroke volume decreased progressively after occlusion of LAD. The left ventricular ejection time (LVET) was progressively shortened in close correlation with the elongation of segment-length at the onset of isometric relaxation in 20 seconds after LAD occlusion when early systolic myocardial contraction and isometric contraction time (ICT) were not affected. ICT was gradually prolonged and closely related with the lengthening of the early systolic segment-length, while LVET recovered toward the control level in spite of further decrease in stroke volume. A close relationship was observed between ICT/LVET and stroke volume (gamma = 0.76, P less than 0.01). The results suggested the possibility that LVET was normalized even when the left ventricular function was impaired, and ICT/LVET ratio was the most sensitive index of LV dysfunction.


Effect of ultrasonic treatment on the organs of experimental animals. III. Enzyme-histochemical examination of the prolonged effect.

The protracted effect of ultrasound treatment on the parenchymatous organs of rats has been studied histochemically at 1 to 10-day intervals. As a result of the altered redox conditions it is the oxidative enzymes in the first place that react to ultrasound treatment and their normalization takes a long time. Exposure decreased the activity of lysosomal enzymes and in the cell membrane the alkaline phosphatase and ATP-ase too. The activity of hydrolases returned to normal parallel with the normalization of the microscopic structure.


Anterior pathway for transdiaphragmatic extension of pneumomediastinum.

It is classically taught that mediastinal air enters the abdomen posteriorly by dissection along vascular sheaths. Present studies in infants, children, and young adults demonstrate dissection of extrapleural air to the subdiaphragmatic extraperitoneal space between the sternocostal origins of the diaphragm. The presence of extrapleural air above and extraperitoneal air below the diaphragm clearly defines the anterior diaphragmatic attachments, producing a characteristic radiographic sign. Recognition of this sign permits precise localization of air collections above and below the diaphragm, implying subdiaphragmatic extension of extraalveolar air rather than retroperitoneal perforation of a hollow viscus. Since collections of both extrapleural and intrapleural air may collect in a subpulmonic location, the ability to distinguish one from another has definite implications regarding chest tube placement.


CT detection of infected synthetic grafts: preliminary report of a new sign.

The diagnosis of infected synthetic grafts is difficult using traditional radiographic techniques. In four cases, computed tomography demonstrated small pockets of gas in the clot around the grafts, a distinctive finding for an infected prosthesis. Further experience is required to determine whether this will prove to be a reliable diagnostic sign. The gas collections in infected grafts differ from normal gas in their multiplicity and occurrence more than 10 days after surgery.


An evaluation of biological methods in house-dust allergen research.

Methods in house dust analysis pertaining to particle identification, to extraction and identification of mites, other arthropods, fungi, bacteria and algae are evaluated. As far as possible, quantitative data are given to compare the extractive efficiency of the different methods.


[Problems of the effectiveness of antihuman lymphocyte globulin corresponding to its in vitro-effect (author's transl)].

The clinical application of antihuman lymphocyte globulin (AHLG) as an immune suppressive drug rises problems concerning a possibly different sensitivity of various subpopulations of immune competent cells. Peripheral lymphocytes of healthy blood donors were studied in vitro. Using AHLG in concentrations between 1:10 and 1:1000 we were able to demonstrate that AHLG works cytotoxically in high doses, has no effect in low doses and partly contrary effect in median doses on cultivated lymphocytes stimulated with different mitogens, on the spontaneous rosette formation and on the unspecific release of migration inhibition factor (leucocyte migration inhibition test). For clinical use it should be claimed out that a sufficient high dose therapy is necessary to obtain a desirable immunosuppression. A possibly changed relation between the lymphoid subpopulation under treatment should be assessed by in vitro testing.


Demonstration of non-capsulated Haemophilus influenzae in the tissues of the respiratory tract in atopic and non-atopic subjects by means of an immunofluroescence technique.

The use of an immunofluorescence method for demonstration of non-capsulated H. influenzae colonization and penetration in the tissues of the respiratory tract seems to be a useful and convenient laboratory method. However, in in the tissues of the lower respiratory tract H. influenzae in our materials could not be demonstrated.


[Halothane-induced impairment of the function of guinea-pig immunocytes (author's transl)].

By the help of animal experiments at guinea-pigs, experimentally sensitized with potassium bichromate, is proved at the living biological model, that halothane results in a temporary blocking of the immunological function of the lymphocytes for the time of seven to ten days.


Atopy to dander from domestic animals.

Atopy to dander from domestic animals occurs rather frequently in atopic patients, especially danders from the cat, guinea-pig, horse, rabbit, and golden hamster. There is no clear sex difference. The age group in which the phenomenon is found most frequently is from 21 to 30 years. As in hay-fever patients during the season, we found a double-peaked frequency curve for the blood eosinophilia. Animal-dander atopy was diagnosed particularly in patients with asthma and/or with atopic eczema. The strength of skin reactions to a series of three tenfold dilutions of standardized test extracts appears to be a good index for the origin of clinical symptoms after contact with the relevant animals.


Left ventricular function in exercise-induced hypertrophy in dogs.

Indexes of left ventricular function and diastolic compliance were studied in 10 awake exercise-trained greyhounds with left ventricular hypertrophy. Mean left ventricular to body weight ratio and mean myocardial cell diameter were significantly greater than in normal dogs (8.73 +/- 2.7 [standard error of the mean] versus 4.63 +/- 0.24 g/kg, P less than 0.01; and 18.3 +/- 0.67 versus 12.5 +/- 0.71 mu, P less than 0.01, respectively). In awake resting animals, 7 to 50 days after implantation of a high fidelity micromanometer and sonomicrometer crystals, left ventricular contractility indexes were similar to those measured previously in normal dogs (maximal derivative of left ventricular pressure [dP/dt] 3,800 +/- 250 versus 3,810 +/- 330 mm Hg/sec, difference not significant; and mean rate of circumferential fiber shortening 1.54 +/- 0.12 versus 1.43 +/- 0.12 sec-1, difference not significant). During volume loading sufficient to produce a left ventricular end-diastolic pressure of 20 mm Hg, changes in contractility indexes were similar to those in normal dogs; however, heart rate increased significantly (74 percent, P less than 0.005) in the trained greyhounds but not in normal dogs. Left ventricular diastolic stiffness did not differ from normal (51.6 +/- 3.0 versus 45.9 +/- 5.9 mm Hg/cm, P less than 0.01). These findings suggest that left ventricular function in exercise-induced left ventricular hypertrophy is substantially normal.


Rosette-formation with mouse erythrocytes: VI. T, B, and third population lymphoid cells in mycosis fungoides and effect of leukopheresis.

Peripheral blood from 16 patients with mycosis fungoides and two patients with Sézary syndrome was examined for T, B, and third-population (K) cells, using a battery of surface markers. T lymphocytes as determined by spontaneous rosette formation with sheep erythrocytes and third-population cells as determined by the Ripley rosette test were present in normal proportions. Surprisingly, B lymphocytes, as determined by surface immunoglobulin and receptors for mouse erythrocytes, were either lacking or were present in low proportions in some patients. Normal proportions were present in others. Repeat studies of two of three patients lacking B lymphocytes, following treatment, revealed normal or low proportions of B cells. Two patients with mycosis fungoides had increased proportions of "null" cells. Study of lymphoid cell subpopulations before and after leukopheresis in a single patient demonstrated a decrease in T cell proportions associated with a concomitant increase in the proportions of "null" cells following this therapy.


Drug therapy reviews: drug therapy of status epilepticus.

Drug treatment of status epilepticus is reviewed. Tonic-clonic, focal motor, complex partial and absence status epilepticus are discussed. In managing tonic-clonic status epilepticus one should: (1) maintain vital functions at all times, (2) identify and treat precipitating factors and (3) administer an intravenous loading dose of phenytoin sodium or phenobarbital sodium. Careful use of i.v. diazepam sometimes helps to achieve these objectives. Intravenous phenytoin sodium and phenobarbital sodium provide definitive, long-term control of tonic-clonic seizures but must be administered slowly and require time to reach peak brain concentrations. Intravenous diazepam appears to enter and exit from the brain rapidly and may control seizures while therapeutic brain concentrations of long-acting drugs are being achieved. Phenytoin, phenobarbital and diazepam should not be administered intramuscularly in treating status epilepticus. Treatment of focal motor and complex partial status epilepticus is similar to that of tonic-clonic status epilepticus, but i.v. diazepam is required less frequently and loading doses of phenytoin and phenobarbital sometimes can be given more slowly. Status epilepticus of the absence type is managed with i.v. acetazolamide sodium or diazepam. Paraldehyde, muscle relaxants, general anesthesia and lidocaine may be tried when conventional therapies fail.


Abnormal serum immunoglobulin levels in Down's syndrome patients.

Serum immunoglobulin levels were measured in 20 patients with Down's syndrome and 16 mentally retarded cerebral palsy control patients. Significant elevation of IgG and IgD levels were found in the Down's syndrome as compared with the control patients. Serum IgD level in Down's syndrome individuals significantly decreased with increasing age. Serum IgA level was significantly elevated in older Down's syndrome patients but showed no change in younger Down's syndrome patients. Serum IgM and IgE levels were slightly elevated in Down's syndrome patients, but these differences were not significant. The elevated immunoglobulin levels in Down's syndrome individuals seem to be a response to increased frequency of infection.


Multihandicapped children's preferences for pure tones and speech stimuli as a method of assessing auditory capabilities.

Residual hearing capabilities of nine severely and profoundly retarded multihandicapped deaf-blind children were determined with an operant procedure that allowed the children to respond by making a selection between two alternative responses. One response option resulted in the presentation of auditory reinforcement (pure tones and speech stimuli of various frequencies); the other option resulted in no reinforcement. Levels of the sound intensity were varied systematically to obtain a "threshold" for selective responding. Each of the severely damaged "untestable" children made numerous meaningful responses throughout the testing sessions, thereby revealing the levels of intensity that could be heard and those that were not high enough to elicit preferential responding. The children responded comparably in conditions employing pure tones and speech. The responses of most of the children were comparable across frequency conditions, although some of the children's records show selective responding at lower levels of intensity for certain frequencies than for others. We also found that varying the level of intensity of the stimuli not only affected the children's selective behavior, but also their time on task measures and their individual patterns of responding.


Sensory reinforcement and contingency awareness of profoundly retarded children.

In two experiments, three of four profoundly retarded and physically handicapped children with MAs below 7 months demonstrated instrumental learning of a manipulatory response that produced either illumination or music. Discrimination of response-dependent from response-independent stimulation was demonstrated by the three subjects. Further, changes in two categories of collateral behavior, vacalizing and smiling, seemed to reflect recognition of changes in stimulus conditions. Results indicated that profoundly retarded children share with normally developing infants and children the capacity to be reinforced by sensory stimulation and to discriminate contingent from noncontingent events.


A light microscopic study of ground substance changes in alkali-burned corneas.

Retrocorneal fibrous membranes occurred in 100% of 33 rabbit eyes burned with 4N sodium hydroxide. All membranes exhibited markedly positive colloidal iron/Alcian blue ground substance staining relative to unburned sections of the same corneas and to normal controls. Retrocorneal fibrous membranes also gradually acquired PAS reactivity greater than either unburned sections of the same corneas or uninjured eyes. Colloidal iron/Alcian blue reactivity of retrocorneal fibrous membranes was similar to that which developed in the alkali-induced stromal scars. One histologic section revealed retrocorneal membranogenesis by stromal components that had penetrated a small alkali-induced break in Descemet's membrane.


Clearance and production of dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate in female baboons.

Serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone (D) are greater and those of D sulfate (DS) are lower in female baboons than in women, suggesting interspecies differences in relative production and catabolism of these steroids. To examine this possibility, the metabolic clearance rate (MCR), interconversion (rho), and production of D and DS were determined in five adult female baboons by constant intravenous infusion of [3H]DS and [14C]D. MCR-D (mean +/- SE) was greater (407 +/- 72.8 1/day; 23.1 +/- 3.4 1/day.kg, P less than 0.01) than MCR-DS (44 +/- 5.7 1/day; 2.5 +/- 0.3 1/day.kg). rho-D leads to DS (mean % +/- SE) was greater (45.4 +/- 3.0, P less than 0.001) than rhoDS leads to D (3.8 +/- 0.6), indicating that the equilibrium favors DS formation. Calculated D production and secretion rates were similar (4.5 and 4.4 microgram/min, respectively), whereas DS production (4.1 microgram/min) was twice its secretion rate (2.1 microgram/min). The large difference between MCR-D and MCR-DS resembles that in human beings. However, when clearance is expressed per kilogram body weight, MCR-D is similar to that in man, but MCR-DS is approximately 15-fold greater in the baboon. It is concluded that compared to values in human beings, the greater MCR-DS in baboons maintains the lower serum DS concentration, whereas the higher serum D levels probably result from the relatively greater secretion rate of D baboons.


Contribution of dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate to estradiol in baboon pregnancy.

The metabolic clearance rates (MCR), conversion ratios (C), interconversion (rho), production rates (PR), secretion rates (SR), and relative contributions of maternal dehydroepiandrosterone (D) and D-sulfate (DS) to serum estradiol (E2) were determined in five pregnant baboons (Papio papio; 154-167 days gestation, term = 184 days) by constant intravenous infusion of [3H]DS and [14C]D. MCR-D (mean +/- SE) was greater (39.2 +/- 3.3 1/day.kg, P less than 0.001) than MCR-DS (3.1 +/- 0.3 1/day.kg). Because C-D leads to DS (5.460 +/- 0.461) exceeded (P less than 0.001) C-DS leads to (0.006 +/- 0.001), rho-DS leads to DS was greater (42.5% +/- 3.0%, P less than 0.001) than rho-DS leads to D (7.8 +/- 1.0%). C-D leads to E2 was greater (0.256 +/- 0.040) than C-DS leads to E2 (0.002 +/- 0.000). Using these values and serum levels of D (2.46 microgram/100 ml) and DS (18.9 microgram/100 ml) reported previously, SR and PR of D and DS were calculated. Of the total D produced (11.5 microgram/min), 98% was secreted, whereas only 32% of DS produced (7.1 microgram/min) was due to secretion. Using the serum D and DS levels and their conversion to E2, it was calculated that 89.7% of serum E2 was formed directly from D, 4.4% from D via DS, 1.8% from DS directly, and 4.1% from DS via D. It is concluded that, in spite of the low serum D level resulting from a high MCR, the large SR-D and more efficient conversion of D to E2 makes D, and not DS, the major circulating estrogen precursor in late baboon pregnancy.


Normal and 6-aminonicotinamide impaired development of capillarization in occipital cortex of rat.

During different embryonic and postnatal stages, 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) was administered to Wistar albino rats. The capillarization of the occipital cortex has been examined morphometrically. A 6-AN-vulnerable stage of prenatal development was found, which lasted to the 19th prenatal day and which only partly corresponds to the so-called 'critical stage' of capillary sprouting (Kapillarsprossung). Capillary sprouting was not impaired by 6-AN during postnatal stages. Impairment of capillarization by 6-AN might be the result of glial lesion. The importance of glia for capillarization is discussed.


[Effect of synthetic progestogens on endometrial cancer. Cytochemical criteria].

1) Well-differentiated carcinomas of the endometrium contain acid mucins with carboxyl or, more rarely, sulphated radicals. The latter are found in certain hypersecretory papillary tumours. 2) The neoplastic cells are surrounded by a border rich in acid muco-substances, including sialic acid. This pericellular film is unaffected by progestogens. 3) With progestogen therapy, there is a marked increase in the secretion of muco-substances in sensitive malignant cells. There is also more glycogen in the cytoplasm. No qualitative change in secretion may be demonstrated. 4) The intracytoplasmic accumulation of glycogen and mucopolysaccharide material is inversely proportional to the mitiotic index.


Anthelmintic efficacy of albendazole against adult Dictyocaulus viviparus in experimentally infected calves.

Anthelmintic activity of albendazole against adult Dictyocaulus viviparus was evaluated in a controlled experiment. Calves were raised nematode-free to approximately 8 weeks of age and were each given 4,000 infective 3rd-stage larvae. Twenty calves with patent parasitisms were allotted to 2 groups of 10 calves each. Calves in group 1 were used as nonmedicated controls, and calves in group 2 were given albendazole in paste formulation at the dosage concentration of 7.5 mg/kg of body weight on the 30th day after administration of infective larvae. At necropsy, nonmedicated control calves had a total of 308 adult D viviparus, whereas the albendazole-treated calves had 11, for an average efficacy of 96.4%. These reductions were statistically highly significant (P less than 0.01). At necropsy, none of the treated calves was passing 1st-stage C viviparus larvae in their feces, whereas control calves were passing an average of 46 larvae/10 g of feces.


The anatomic basis for glaucoma.

The greatest bulk of aqueous passes through a sieve-like trabecular wall to reach Schlemm's canal. The vacuoles of the endothelial lining of the trabecular wall are pressure-dependent one-way valves, adapted morphologically to provide for adequate aqueous transfer. Resistance to aqueous outflow seems to be most concentrated in the juxtacanalicular tissue which is also the site of the greatest mucopolysaccharide concentration and phagocytic activity. Normal intraocular pressure may be maintained through a balance between hydrophilic polymerized MPS and hydrophobic depolymerized MPS. It may be effected also by a phagocyte-induced, self-cleaning biologic filter mechanism of the trabecular wall. The use of electron microscopy and improved biochemical techniques have led recently to a greater understanding of the anatomy of the structures concerned with the outflow of aqueous from the anterior chamber. Despite these advances, no clear-cut differences between normal and glaucomatous eyes have emerged thus far. However, the future should bring more knolwedge as the stimulus of conflicting theories leads to progress.


[Professional eczema of trawlermen by contact with bryozoaires in the "baie de scine" (first French cases 1975-1977) (author's transl)].

Since 1972 in the "Baie de Seine" trawlermen have been affected with a particular eczema of hands and forearms. It is caused by repeated contact with a bryozoaire, Alcyonidium gelatinosum and patch-tests are positive. A survey of 120 trawlermen in Le Havre has shown 13 cases.


[Epidemiology of contact dermatitis in Marseilles (author's transl)].

Five hundred subjects were patch-tested on the one hand with 25 allergens standard group and on the other hand with selected allergens depending on the occupation and history of each patient. They systematic standard series are responsible for 79 p. 100 of contact allergens. Among them the most frequent sensitizers observed include potassium dichromate, nickel sulfate, cobalt chloride, paraphenylenediamine, propylene-glycol, triethanolamine, balsam of Peru. The selected allergens stand for 21 p. 100 of our cases. These results are compared with those of other countries. The main sensitizers are involved in every case. However a few discrepancies are to be noted: turpentine and mercury do not occupy with us a foremost rank, whereas prophylene-glycol and triethanolamine which, according to our statistics, stand fourth and seventh, are not mentioned elsewhere. Differents factors can partly account for these variations: industrial products are submitted to local influence, as it occurs with turpentine for instance, environmental factors play an important part too and, above all, local industries. Nevertheless, this study brings into relief two facts:--the interesting use of systematic standard series, constantly updated, since they are responsible for 79 p. 100 of contact allergens;--the incidence of each patient's history and occupation on the choice of selected allergens, thanks to which we can put into relief less usual causes, though they should not been overlooked, since they stand for 21 p. 100 of the allergens so far listed.


Incidences of simple and transferable drug resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella isolated from various foods: identification of a R plasmid in S. saint-paul.

A study of 1,043 strains of E. coli and 22 strains of Salmonella isolated from various foods in eastern France between the dates of June 1974 and December 1976 showed that 164 (15.6%) of E. coli and nine Salmonella were resistant to one or several drugs. Only 18 of the 83 resistant E. coli strains were able to transfer their resistance to tetracycline and some other drug resistance to E. coli K12 in vitro. A conjugative R plasmid has been identified by transfer experiments, incompatibility testing and agarose gel electrophoresis in a strain of multiresistant S. saint-paul.


Nephron function and perinatal homeostasis.

A) The proximal nephron and perinatal regulation of extracellular volume. 1. The glomerular capillary permeability coefficient (Kf) changes mainly because of an increasing capillary hydraulic conductance (Lp) within the autoregulatory range of renal perfusion pressure. 2. Proximal tubule hydrostatic hydraulic conductance and response to transmural protein concentration gradients is high during perinatal adaptation. 3. Proximal tubule paracellular shunt pathways are more important for absorption during differentiation than at maturity. 4. Basolateral membrane area of the single epithelial segment (10(-6) micron2 mm-1) increases and the typical basal labyrinth architecture develops. 5. The activity of the transport enzyme Na-K-ATPase increases in parallel to the basolateral membrane area to result in a constant number of enzyme sites during normal ontogeny. B) The distal nephron and perinatal regulation of extracellular osmotic activity. 6. Inner medullary urea content increases at osmotic equilibrium between interstitium and collecting duct. 7. The loop of Henle gradually dilutes the isotonic luminal fluid in the course of perinatal differentiation. 8. The thick ascending segment of the loop of Henle differentiates its anisotonic transport by increasing the Na-Chloride transport at constant hydraulic conductivity. 9. Ultrastructure and N-A-K-ATPase activity of the diluting segment (TAL) change greatly during ontogeny. 10. The centrifugal pattern of renal maturation from the juxtamedullary towards the superficial cortical layers leads to an intracortical profile of structure and function.


Segmental epidural analgesia and postpartum sequelae.

The incidence of the postpartum sequelae of headache, backache, pain in the legs and difficulties in micturiton, was studied in 219 normal vaginal deliveries. 135 of the parturients received continuous segmental epidural analgesia at the level of Th 10--12 for pain relief during the first stage of labour. The remaining 84 parturients served as controls. The results showed that segmental epidural analgesia did not increase the occurrence of postpartum sequelae either in primiparous or in multiparous parturients.


Huntington disease associated with Alzheimer disease.

The clinicopathological study of a case of Huntington disease with early severe dementia is presented. The pathological findings were those of Huntington disease (atrophy with neuronal loss and astrocytosis in the neostriatum) and Alzheimer disease (neuronal loss with numerous senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the neocortex). Ultrastructural study of neurofibrillary tangles showed that they were composed of twisted tubules similar to those found in Alzheimer disease.


[Immunochemical characterization of alpha-amylases in wheat seeds at different ontogenical steps (author's transl)].

Protein extracts of wheat seeds taken at an early stage of development, at maturation and after seven days of germination were investigated by using immunochemical techniques with immune sera prepared against alpha-amylases purified from developing seeds and alpha-amylases purified from germinated seeds. After immunochemical analyses carried out in agarose gel, alpha-amylase characterization was performed by using beta-limit dextrin followed by iodine staining. Detection of three antigenic alpha-amylases separated by agarose immunoelectrophoretic analysis at pH 8.6 and called I, II, III from the anode to the cathode, as well as an antigenical relationship between the anodic enzymes I and II were confirmed. Three constituents in I and four in II were further distinguished by using long duration electrophoresis in agarose gel. The immune sera reacted with all of these constituents. Thus with these immune sera a quantitative determination of all anodic alpha-amylase proteins can be attempted as quantitation of two antigens. During this identification consitutents with a apparent activity on beta-limit dextrin but delivering incomplete unstained substrate were detected. These constituents found in developing seeds have electrophoretic mobility close to that of constituents I but differ antigenically from alpha-amylases I and II. Combination of rocket-line-immunoelectrophoresis and alpha-amylase characterization reaction on precipitin bands was developed for comparing amounts of each of three alpha-amylase antigens in different seed extracts. The use of this technique for quantitating at the same time two antigen groups having a certain cross reactivity is discussed. Preliminary results of quantitative study on each of these antigen in developing, mature and germinating seeds are reported.


Renal deposition of soluble immune complexes in hamsters bearing an SV40-induced tumour.

Histologic and immunofluorescence studies of the kidneys of hamster bearing a tumour induced by injection of SV40-transformed cells show a proliferative glomerulonephritis associated with the presence of immune complex deposits along the glomerular basement membrane and in the mesangium. The intensity of the deposit is dependent of the size of the tumour. The presence of SV40-induced antigens was identified in the complexes by a heterologous immune serum. Immunoglobulins eluted from kidneys were shown to react with SV40 antigens by immunoprecipitation with TSV5CL2 cell extracts and by fluorescence on CV1 infected cells.


Streptomycin and Spectinomycin resistance mediated by plasmids.

Resistance to tetracycline (Tc), chloramphenicol (Cm), streptomycin (Sm), and sulfanilamide (Sa) was surveyed in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Shigella strains. Among the Sm Sa-resistant strains, the frequency of nonconjugative r (Sm Sa) plasmids was much higher than that of conjugative R plasmids encoding double resistance. The biochemical mechanism of Sm resistance mediated by the conjugative plasmids R(Tc Cm Sm Sa) and R(Cm Sm Sa) and about half the numbers of conjugative R(Tc Sm Sa) and R(Sm Sa) plasmids tested were found to be due to adenylylation of the drug. The remaining conjugative R(Tc Sm Sa) and R(Sm Sa) plasmids and all nonconjugative (Sm Sa) plasmids tested inactivated Sm by phosphorylation.


Congenital poikiloderma with features of hereditary acrokeratotic poikiloderma.

An adolescent boy with a bizarre progressive poikiloderma had episodic acral blistering and the development of palmar and plantar keratosis suggestive of hereditary acrokeratotic poikiloderma. Growth and development had been normal. Vesicobullous lesions were said to be present at birth and during early infancy. No family members were similarly affected. Results of laboratory studies were normal. Histological sections of skin demonstrated epidermal atrophy in some areas, increased epidermal melanin fibrosis of the papillary dermis, and modest capillary proliferation.


[Amniocentesis in a woman with trisomy 21 and a fetus with normal karyotype but with abnormalities].

The limitation of amniocentesis is emphasised by a mother with trisomy 21 who had a baby with a normal karyotype but with malformations. The question is posed whether half the infants of women with trisomy 21 are normal and half have a trisomy. With more observations it may become apparent that there are an excess of children without the trisomy.


Effects of laparoscopy on mesenteric blood flow.

The increased intraperitoneal pressures that accompany laparoscopic examinations produce significant hemodynamic alterations. Studies of the effects of such pressures on mesenteric blood flow in laboratory animals with normal and compromised superior mesenteric artery blood flow lead us to conclude that laparoscopy in patients with suspected compromised intestinal blood flow should be undertaken with great caution. Since major alterations in blood flow did not occur at intraperitoneal pressures less than 20 mm Hg, intraperitoneal pressures during laparoscopy should be maintained below this level and for as brief a period of time as possible when this procedure is used in patients with suspected intestinal ischemia.


Renal artery-cholecystoduodenal fistula. A late complication of dacron patch angioplasty for renal artery stenosis.

A fistula formed between a false aneurysm of the renal artery, gallbladder, and duodenum after Dacron patch angioplasty for renal artery stenosis and led to massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The patient was successfully treated by renal artery ligation, nephrectomy, cholecystectomy, and closure of the duodenal fistula.


Hypersensitivity reactions to food colours with special reference to the natural colour annatto extract (butter colour).

It is well known that synthetic food colours especially some azo dyes can provoke hypersensitivity reactions such as urticaria, angioneurotic oedema, and astma (Michaëlsson and Juhlin, 1973, Granholt and Thune, 1975). Natural food colours are scarcely investigated with respect to potential allergic properties. Annatto extract, a commonly used food colour in edible fats e.g. butter, has been tested in patients. Among 61 consecutive patients suffereing from chornic urticaria and/or angioneurotic oedema 56 patients were orally provoked by annatto extract during elimination diet. Challenge was performed with a dose equivalent to the amount used in 25 grammes of butter. Twentysix per cent of the patients reacted to this colour 4 hours (SD: 2,6) after intake. Similar challenges with synthetic dyes showed the following results: Tartrazine 11%, Sunset Yellow FCF 17%, Food Red 17 16%, Amaranth 9%, Ponceau 4 R 15%, Erythrosine 12% and Brillant Blue FCF 14%. The present study indicates that natural food colours may induce hypersensitivity reactions as frequent as synthetic dyes.


Immunological aspects of gestation in the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii.

Sensitization to male histocompatibility antigens and repeated pregnancy to the same male were found to have little effect on fertility or length of gestation in the tammar wallaby, M. eugenii. However, in some sensitized females a long interval occurred between removal of pouch young and the next birth. In addition to studies on fertility, the immunological response of female tammars to their mate has been examined by one-way mixed leucocyte culture (MLC) carried out at the beginning and end of one breeding season. In virgin females, examined at the beginning of the breeding season, the MLC response to the prospective mate peaked on day 6. In contrast, by the end of the season, MLC responses were much lower and peaked earlier, on day 3 to day 5.


Chronic cough and haemoptysis due to a nematode, "Syngamus laryngeus".

A case of bronchial infection with Syngamus laryngeus (Gapeworm) in a 42-year-old woman is described. Following presentation with chronic cough, haemoptysis and weight loss, a pair of worms was removed at bronchoscopy, with resolution of symptoms.


Nitrogen regulation of amino acid catabolism in Neurospora crassa.

Neurospora crassa can utilize numerous compounds including certain amino acids as a sole nitrogen source. Mutants of the nit-2 locus, a regulatory gene which is postulated to mediate nitrogen catabolite repression, are deficient in the ability to utilize several amino acids as well as other nitrogen sources used by wild type. Various enzymes involved in amino acid catabolism were found to be regulated in distinct ways. Arginase, ornithine transaminase, and pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase are all inducible enzymes but are not subject to nitrogen catabolite repression. By contrast, proline oxidase and the amino acid transport system(s) are controlled by nitrogen repression and their synthesis is increased markedly when nitrogen source is limiting. Unlike wild type, the nit-2 mutant cannot derepress amino acid transport, although proline oxidase is regulated in a normal fashion.


Fire and explosion hazards in operating theatres.

A high degree of safety from fires and explosions exists in operating theatres in the U.K. and this is reflected in the extremely low number of fatal and non-fatal accidents which occur. This has been achieved by safety precautions which in some respects have been over-careful and overexpensive. Antistatic precautions applied to the breathing circuit seem to have been the crucial factor in achieving this level of safety.


'Fiddler's neck'.

'Fiddler's neck' is a condition affecting violin and viola players. Although well known to musicians it is not well recognized by dermatologists. Clinically the lesions usually consist of a localized area of lichenification of the left side of the neck--just below the angle of the jaw. Pigmentation, erythema and inflammatory papules or pustules are frequently present, while severe inflammatory induration, cyst formation and scarring occur in more severely affected subjects. The aetiology of the skin changes is probably due to a combination of factors; friction giving rise to lichenification, while local pressure, shearing stress and occlusion may play a part in producing the acne-like changes and cyst formation. In addition, poor hygiene may predispose to local sepsis.


Immunoelectronmicroscopic examination of early lesions in histamine induced immune complex vasculitis in man.

In 4 cases of allergic vasculitis circulating immune complexes (IC) were demonstrated. Spontaneous and histamine induced vascular changes were studied by immunofluorescence microscopy. The early events in IC vasculitis were investigated at the ultrastructural level by immunoelectronmicroscopy using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase multistep technique. Our findings support the concept that human IC vasculitis is triggered by the deposition of circulating IC in the walls of postcapillary venules between endothelial cells, pericytes and the layers of the basal lamina. Tissue destruction is only secondary due to local complement activation and the release of lysosomal enzymes from chemotactically attracted leukocytes.


Cellular immunity to P. acnes in the normal population and patients with acne vulgaris.

Patients with varying degrees of acne, acne-free adult controls and samples of cord blood were investigated for cell mediated immunity to P. acnes using a leukocyte migration inhibition test. Despite the fact that the mean migration index tended to decrease with acne severity, only the patients with severe acne showed cell-mediated immunity. It is suggested that when cellular immunity arises it is a late event which may contribute to inflammation but is probably not a factor in its initiation.


Erythroderma, an unusual manifestation of B cell lymphoma.

A case is described in which the initial manifestation of a malignant lymphoma was an erythematous skin rash over the face, scalp and trunk. Immunological surface marker analysis showed the malignant cells to be of B lymphocyte origin with a homogeneous secretion of IgM-K. Repeated skin and lymph node biopsies and finally post mortem documented the progression of the lymphoma from that of a mixed lymphocytic-histiocytic type with a nodular pattern of growth to a diffuse histiocytic lymphoma with frequently bizarre cells. The theory of ecotaxis or homing of lymphocytes to the skin and other non-lymphoid organs of the body is discussed in an attempt to explain the occurrence of cutaneous involvement as a primary manifestation of lymphoma.


Activation of heavy meromyosin adenosine triphosphatase by various states of actin.

F-actin monomer (F-monomer) is formed upon the addition of neutral salt to G-actin. Since F-monomer has a digestibility similar to that of F-actin and much lower than that of G-actin, it has been proposed that F-monomer has a conformation different from that of G-actin and similar to the conformation of the subunits in F-actin. To examine whether F-monomer will enhance the magnesium-activated myosin adenosine triphosphatase (Mg2+-ATPase) as much as F-actin, the ability of partially polymerized actin populations at equilibrium to activate the Mg2+-ATPase of heavy meromyosin was investigated. Correlations were made between ATPase activities and the polymerization state of actin as determined by measurements of viscosity and digestibility. No significant activation of the heavy meromyosin ATPase was observed under conditions where G-actin or mixtures of G-actin and F-monomer were present. As polymer formation occurred at higher actin concentrations, or with increased KCl concentrations, substantial activation characteristic of F-actin was observed. The data suggest that F-monomer may undergo a further conformational change as it forms nuclei or joins onto polymers. Alternatively, the site of actin which activates the myosin ATPase may involve the crevice between two adjacent actin subunits.


Phosphate transport in yeast mitochondria: purification and characterization of a mitoribosomal synthesis dependent proteolipid showing a high affinity for phosphate.

It is possible to obtain from yeast mitochondria a proteolipid able to bind phosphate, by two different procedures. One of them, generally used for lipid extraction, leads to the preparation of a more active crude proteolipid. This crude proteolipid has been purified by various chromatographic procedures and the active fraction, in phosphate binding, is always associated with cardiolipin. Its molecular weight seems to be close to 10000. The phosphate binding shows ligand saturation behavior and is inhibited by arsenate and N-ethylmaleimide; succinate is noninhibitory. This protein seems to be dependent on the mitoribosomal synthesis since it is not present in mitochrondria of mutant "petite colonie" and its amount largely decreases in mitochondria from yeast grown in the presence of chloramphenicol. It is possible to extract a proteolipid from the oligomycin sensitive ATPase, showing the same activity and properties. The hypothesis that this proteolipid acts as a part of the Pi carrier and constitutes the oligomycin-sensitive ATPase complex is discussed.


Two classes of site for ATP in the Ca2+-ATPase from human red cell membranes.

(1) The response of the Ca2+-ATPase activity from human red cell membranes to ATP concentrations can be represented by the sum of two Michaelis-like curves: one with a Km of 2.5 micrometer and the other with a Km of 145 micrometer. (2) The maximum Ca2+-ATPase activity elicited by occupation of the site with lower Km represents about 10% of the activity attainable at non-limiting ATP concentrations. (3) 30--50% of the Ca2+-ATPase activity with lower Km remains in the absence of Mg2+ . Mg2+ increases V and the maximum effect of Ca2+, having no effect on the apparent affinities for ATP and Ca2+. (4) The large increase in Ca2+-ATPase activity which results from the occupation of the site with higher Km only takes place when Mg2+ is present. (5) Results are compatible with the idea that the Ca2+-ATPase from human red cell membranes has two classes of site for ATP binding, both of which are occupied when the enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP at maximum rate. (6) The properties of the high affinity site suggest that this is the catalytic site of the Ca2+-ATPase. It is proposed that binding of ATP at the low affinity site regulates the turnover of the system.


The presence of two (Na+ + K+)-ATPase inhibitors in equine muscle ATP: vanadate nad a dithioerythritol-dependent inhibitor.

A potent inhibitor of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity was purified from Sigma equine muscle ATP by cation- and anion-exchange chromatography. The isolated inhibitor was identified by atomic absorption spectroscopy and proton resonance spectroscopy to be an inorganic vanadate. The isolated vanadate and a solution of V2O5 inhibit sarcolemma (Na+ + K+)-ATPase with an I50 of 1 micrometer in the presence of 1 mM ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), 145 mM NaCl, 6mM MgCl2, 15 mM KCl and 2 mM synthetic ATP. The potency of the isolated vanadate is increased by free Mg2+. The inhibition is half maximally reversed by 250 micrometer epinephrine. Equine muscle ATP was also found to contain a second (Na+ + K+)-ATPase inhibitor which depends on the sulfhydryl-reducing agent dithioerythritol for inhibition. This unknown inhibitor does not depend on free Mg2+ and is half maximally reversed by 2 micrometer epinephrine. Prolonged storage or freeze-thawing of enzyme preparations decreases the susceptibility of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase to this inhibitor. The adrenergic blocking agents, propranolol and phentolamine, do not block the catecholamine reactivation. The inhibitors in equine muscle ATP also inhibit highly purified (Na+ + K+)-ATPase from shark rectal gland and eel electroplax. The inhibitors in equine muscle ATP have no effect on the other sarcolemmal ATPases, Mg2+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase and (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase.


The effects of deoxycholate and trypsin on the cross-linking of rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins.

Dithiobis (succinimidyl propionate) has been used to cross-link sarcoplasmic reticulum microsome proteins. Although the 100,000 dalton calcium stimulated ATPase and the 60,000 dalton calcium-binding protein calsequestrin were readily cross-linked to form homopolymers, no heteropolymer formation between these two proteins were detected. The 90,000 dalton protein A1 which is always observed in our preparations appeared to preferrentially form dimers on cross-linking. When calsequestrin was solubilized using 0.1 mg deoxycholate/mg protein, this protein was not cross-linked even at dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate) concentrations ten times those used to cross-link this protein in the intact membrane. In a similar manner the deoxycholate-solubilized ATPase (0.5 mg deoxycholate/mg protein) was not cross-linked by dithiobis (succinimidyl propionate). These results suggest that the state of aggregation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins may be modified when solubilized in detergents such as deoxycholate. When the 100,000 dalton ATPase polypeptide was cleaved with trypsin to two fragments with molecular weights of approximately 55,000, these could be readily cross-linked. The fragments were capable of forming polymers with either other 55,000 dalton fragments or with the 100,000 dalton ATPase. The 29,000 and 22,000 dalton fragments, produced by further tryptic cleavage of the 55,000 dalton fragments, were not cross-linked at dithiobis (succinimidyl propionate) concentrations which readily cross-linked the 55,000 dalton fragments. Thus tryptic cleavage of the ATPase to fragments smaller than 55,000 dalton altered associations made by the ATPase in the membrane.


Light chains of chicken embryonic gizzard myosin.

1. Myosin from gizzards of 15-day-old chicken embryos was highly purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation in the presence of ATP and MgCl2, ultra-centrifugation and Sepharose 4B chromatography. 2. The myosin composed of heavy and three light chains as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gel electrophoresis. The molecular weights of the light chains were 23,000 (L23), 20,000 (L20), and 17,000 (L17), respectively. The amount of L23 light chain decreased and disappeared, and the L17 light chain increased steadily in the course of development. The amount of L20 light chain did not change. 3. ATPase activity of the embryonic myosin was essentially the same as that of adult myosin. The change in the light chain pattern in the course of development did not correlate to the ATPase activity. 4. Antigenicity of the heavy chains in the embryonic myosin was the same as that of the adult heavy chains. However, antibodies to light chains were not detected in the antibodies to either the embryonic or adult myosins.


Perinatal changes in glycolytic function in response to hypoxia in the incubated or perfused rat heart.

Glycolysis was assessed in the rat heart during the perinatal period: in the fetus of 16.5 days postcoitum (dpc) and 21.5 dpc (term = 22 dpc) and in the newborn of 1 day postpartum (dpp) and 7 dpp. Glucose uptake, lactate production and glucose incorporation into glycogen were much higher in the fetal than in the newborn heart. Measurements were made of tissue contents of high energy phosphate compounds, lactate and hexose phosphates. Unchanged contents of glucose-6-phosphate and fructose-6-phosphate during hypoxia in spite of an increased flux through the enzyme phosphofructokinase (PFK) suggest that PFK has a regulatory role in the glycolysis as early as 16.5 dpc. The isolated fetal heart was more resistant to hypoxia than the newborn heart: glucose uptake and lactate production were much higher and high energy phosphate compounds and glycogen were better maintained in the fetal heart.


[Several properties of the Ca-pump of rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum in hypercholesteremia].

Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) fragments from the skeletal muscles of rabbit with marked atherosclerosis possessed decreased Ca2+-accumulating capacity. Lowering of transport efficiency, namely reduction of the Ca/ATP ratio from 1.9--normal value--to 0.9 during the experiment at 26 degrees C was accompanied by activation of Ca-ATPase and simultaneously of the rate of Ca2+ outflux from the SR. Arrhenius plots of Ca-ATPase temperature dependence characterized under normal conditions by a break at 20--21 degrees C was linearized under hypercholesterolemia. At the same time there was a rise (from 0.03 under normal conditions to 0.15 in atherosclerosis) of cholesterol/protein ratio in the SR membrane preparations. Activation energy for Ca-ATPase crude membranes under normal conditions was equal to 15.6 and 28.7 kcal/mol above and below the break point respectively; this value for Ca-ATPase of membranes with increased cholesterol level was 19 kcal/mol for all the temperatures investigated.


[Ultracytochemical study of ATP-ase activity in mucosal parietal cells and in the cells of human adenocarcinoma of the stomach].

Ultracytochemical investigation of ATP-ase activity was carried out in parietal cells of the mucosa and in cancer cells of human stomach carcinoma possessing a similar ultrastructure. In parietal cells the reaction product of ATP-ase was observed on the membranes of microvilli of intracellular canaliculi, on the membranes delineating the lateral intercellular space, on the basal plasmolemma and in the nucleoli. The reaction product was absent on the membranes of tubuvesicles and on the apical surface of the plasmalemma. In cancer cells the reaction product was found on the membranes of the microvilli of the intracellular canaliculi, basal plasmolemma and in the nucleoli. Comparative examination of ATP-ase activity in these cells implies that at least the part of the mechanism of hydrochloric acid secretion which is involved in the transfer of H+ and Cl- is retained in cancer cells. A steady decrease in hydrochlorid acid secretion observed in the stomach mucosa in cancer as well as in the tumour itself seems to be associated with other mechanisms.


Cross-Canada survey of susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates to six antimicrobial agents.

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC's) of penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, spectinomycin and sulfadiazine were determined for 732 isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae collected in 1973-74. Comparison of the results of this survey with data from other Canadian studies showed that the percentage of isolates resistant to tetracycline had not changed since 1966, but that the percentage of erythromycin-resistant isolates had decreased. After an initial increase in 1966 the percentage of penicillin-resistant isolates stabilized. Spectinomycin-resistant isolates were not found. Positive correlations were observed between the MICs of the antibiotics tested; the highest positive correlations were between penicillin and ampicillin and between penicillin and tetracycline. A positive correlation was also noted between penicillin resistance and increasing spectinomycin MICs. Finally, a significant seasonal variation in MICs was found, the trend being towards increasing MICs during the summer.


Infantile histiocytosis X.

Skin biopsies and a lymphnode of three children with infantile Histiocytosis-X (Letter-Siwe Disease) were studied with enzymehistochemical and sheep-erythrocyte rosetting techniques. The majority of cells making up the infiltrates of skin and lymphnode showed rather weak acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterase activity but considerable leucyl-beta-naphtylamidase activity. Sheep-erythrocyte rosetting techniques performed on frozen sections indicated the presence of receptors for the Fc fragment of IgG, but no receptors for C3 could be demonstrated. Cells with the same enzymehistochemical characteristics could be found in thymus-dependent areas of normal spleen, of normal and reactive lymphnodes and in thymic medulla but not in B-cell areas or thymic cortex. It is suggested that Histiocytosis-X cells belong to the Mononuclear Phagocyte System and that they are related to or identical with cells normally present in the thymus dependent areas of the lymphoid tissue involved with the functioning of cell-mediated immunity.


beta(1 leads to 3) Glucan-mediated augmentation of alloreactive murine cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in vivo.

Five different beta(1 leads to 3) glucans were tested for immune adjuvant activity on the in vivo induction of alloreactive murine cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL). The beta(1 leads to 3) glucans, lentinan, pachyman, pachymaran, and two differently substitute hydroxyethylated pachymans strongly enhanced the in vivo generation of alloreactive CTL. The augmenting effect of i.p.-administered beta(1 leads to 3) glucans exhibited a clear dose-response relationship and was strictly dependent on the injection schedule used. Injection of high doses of beta(1 leads to 3) glucans as well as the injection during the late phase of the immune response markedly suppressed the magnitude of the lytic CTL activity induced. When the optimal conditions for enhanced CTL responses were chosen, the augmented CTL activity within spleen cells and mesenteric lymph node cells persisted for more than 25 days. Since beta(1 leads to 3) glucans are chemically defined substances without obvious toxic side effects, they may be of potential use to augment in vivo antigen-specific T-cell responses.


Effect of intermittent high altitude hypoxia on the synthesis of collagenous and non-collagenous proteins of the right and left ventricular myocardium.

The incorporation of 14C-proline into collagenous and non-collagenous proteins of the right and left ventricular myocardium was investigated in rats exposed to intermittent high altitude hypoxia. Experimental results have shown that even in control animals significant differences exist in the concentration and synthesis of individual protein fractions between the right and left ventricular myocardium. Long-term exposure to intermittent high altitude hypoxia induced a significantly increased concentration of collagenous and non-collagenous proteins in both ventricles. The incorporation of 14C-proline was not affected at this period (ie period of stabilised hypertrophy) in either of the fractions studied.


High erythrocyte membrane (Na+ + K+)-ATPase in kwashiorkor, in vivo reversal by diuretic.

Specific activity (mumol Pi released/h/mg membrane protein) of ouabain-sensitive (Na+ + K+)-ATPase has been shown to be higher in erythrocytes from children suffering from kwashiorkor, compared to that in normal children. Twenty four hours after treatment of these children with a diuretic, there was reduction in their body weights due to loss of oedema fluid. Ouabain sensitive (Na+ + K+)-ATPase of the erythrocyte membrane was inhibited by about 40% and this was associated with gain of 1.8 mequivalents Na+ per litre of erythrocytes. The results suggest that high ouabain-sensitive (Na+ + K+)-ATPase could be one of the mechanisms operative in erythrocytes to prevent accumulation of Na+ in kwashiorkor.


Effect of oral aspirin on "ecto-ATPase" activity of washed human platelets.

Aspirin is a potent inhibitor of the platelet release reaction and the accompanying second phase of platelet aggregation. The platelet release reaction is an active, energy-dependent process which appears to require ATP. Eight men ingested 0.32 gm of aspirin daily for 7 days. Although the second phase of 1.7 micron ADP-induced platelet aggregation was absent after aspirin ingestion, the "ecto-ATPase" activities of washed human platelet suspensions were not significantly different before and after ingestion of aspirin. This suggests that the effect of aspirin on the second phase of platelet aggregation is not mediated through inhibition of "ecto-ATPase".


The clinical interpretation of electrocardiogram in hypertensive children and adolescents.

The validity and usefulness of the ECG criteria of left heart hypertrophy according to Sokolow and Lyon were tested in 54 hypertensive children and adolescents. Among them, there were 9 children with secondary hypertension of known origin, and 45 adolescents with labile juvenile hypertension due to hyperkinetic heart activity. Only in 21 (38%) patients were present positive ECG criteria of hypertrophy. In view of the fact that between 8 and 16 years of age the R and S voltage in left precordial leads in normal adolescents exceeds the voltage limits of these criteria in adults, the validity of criteria is discussed. It is postulated that the investigated criteria lose their validity in the given age group because of the age differences in the ECG patterns. An ECG diagnosis of cardiac hypertrophy can be made only when more than two positive criteria are present together with a clinical evidence of enlarged heart. If only one or two voltage criteria are present, it is advisable to interpret this as an ECG manifestation of left heart systolic overload and to use it only as auxiliary sign for further follow-up of the patient.


Mucopolysaccharidosis II (Hunter disease) with corneal opacities. Report on two patients at the extremes of a wide clinical spectrum.

Clinically visible corneal opacities were observed in a patient with an extremely severe form of mucopolysaccharidosis II. In a second patient with an unusually mild form of mucopolysaccharidosis II, discrete corneal opacities were detected by slit-lamp examination. Thus clear corneae can no longer be regarded as a hallmark of mucopolysaccharidosis II.


Pharmacology of Huntington's chorea. Personal experience.

Dipropylacetic acid (DPA), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), physostigmine, CB 154 and butyrophenones were administered to 26 patients affected by Huntington's chorea. The evaluation of the pharmacologic activity of the different drugs was determined by means of some clinical parameters and motor performance tests. Butyrophenones succeeded to ameliorate the hyperkinesias and the motor dexterity, CB 154 provoked a worsening of the motor signs of the disorder, while DPA, GABA and physostigmine did not modify the clinical pattern. The relationship between these results and the Hungtington's chorea physiopathology is discussed and a hypersensitivity of DA receptors is suggested.


Neonatally induced transplantation tolerance: in vitro evidence supporting a clonal inactivation mechanism.

Mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) tests on the cells of mice made fully tolerant to allogeneic tissues in neonatal life showed an absence of specific antigen-reactive cells. Similary, no cells cytotoxic in a chromium release test could be detected. The absence of reactivity in the tolerant populations could not be accounted for by either suppressor cell activity or serum blocking factors. By contrast, mice in which partial tolerance had been deliberately or inadvertently induced often possessed detectable numbers of MLC-reactive cells and, after grafting, their sera inhibited the MLC reactivity of normal cells. These results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms of self tolerance.


Immobilisation stress-induced antinociception in rats: possible role of serotonin and prostaglandins.

Immobilisation of rats for 1, 2 and 4 h induced duration-related antinociception. Antinociception induced by 4 h immobilisation was significantly inhibited after pretreatment by drugs known to inhibit synthesis of serotonin, induce degeneration of serotonergic neurones and inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. The results indicate that immobilisation stress induces autoanalgesia, which may be dependent on the availability of endogenous serotonin and prostaglandins in rat brain.


Modelling of hypertrophic heart potentiation with reference to morphological measurements.

Potentiation of heart muscle stripes of the right ventricle was investigated in normal rats (NT-group) and in rats stressed by swimming (HT-group). The mean fibre diameter runs to 26 micrometer in HT-group and 16 micrometer in NT-group. The difference was significantly high, as well as that of relative heart weights. The potentiation by paired pulse stimulation was more marked in HT-group than in NT-group. The interval-strength-relationships increase with prolongation of the driving interval. Potentiation is greater in loaded rats than in normal rats. A mathematical model for Ca++-storage in sarcoplasmic reticulum is introduced. Decrease of basic-filling of Ca++-store is modelled to HT-group with support of morphological measurements and is discussed as reason for improved properties of potentiation of HT-group.


[Muscle relaxation and muscle spindle adaptation].

In experiments on deefferented m. triceps surae of the cats, the unequal correlation between speed of muscle relaxation during interval from 2.5 to 40 sec after the beginning of static stretch and the rate of adaptation of three functionally different groups of muscle spindles, was revealed. The dependence of the adaptation of muscle spindle endings on relaxation of both extra-and intrafusal muscle fibers, is discussed.


[Participation of muscle spindles in the mechanism of peripheral inhibition].

A relaxed deefferented muscle of an anesthetized cat has spindles with long-lasting impulse activity. The receptors with spontaneous activity are more sensitive to an alteration in the muscle condition than inactive ones. Stimulation of the muscle nerve entails inhibition of discharges not only in the spindles of a contracting muscle but in spontaneously active receptors of the synergic muscles which do not actively contract. The conditions for inhibition of spontaneous activity of the synergic muscles' receptors arise during natural locomotion in rats. The mechanism of peripheral inhibition in motor coordination seems to have an unspecific character and maintains the aiming of motor command at a small number of executive units in the course of the control.


[Functional state of muscle receptors in experimental hypocalcemia].

Removal of the parathyroid glands induced hypocalcemia in cats and sharply increased the spontaneous and the evoked activities of primary and secondary endings of muscle spindles. I. v. administration of calcium chloride diminished the firing rate in control and experimental animals both in the dynamic and the static phases of stretching. The increased activity of muscle spindles seems to be of major importance for the development of motor disturbances during the parathyroid insufficiency.


Delayed-type hypersensitivity in patients with mycosis fungoides.

Cell-mediated immune reactivity was studied in 23 patients with mycosis fungoides and Sézary's syndrome by a semi-quantitative 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) sensibilization test and the reaction to intracutaneous microbial antigens. Anergy to DNCB was observed in 8 patients, 5 had a markedly depressed DNCB score, 6 showed negative reactions to the microbial antigens. A defect in antigen recognition is suggested.


Eruptions. Possible involvement of carrier contained in cutaneous tissues.

In some types of drug eruptions, a positive blastoid transformation is frequently seen in peripheral lymphocytes when they are stimulated in vitro with the causative drug in the presence of autologous serum. In these cases, a soluble fraction prepared from guinea pig skin can replace the autologous serum in inducing the lymphocyte fransformation, whereas either the mitochondrial or microsomal fraction of guinea pig skin instead of the autologous serum is less effective. Moreover, in fixed drug eruption, the addition of soluble skin material fractionated by gel filtration with Sephadex G-100 (FrD1) is as effective as the autologous sera in inducing lymphocyte transformation. These results suggest that the soluble fraction of skin is related to the pathogenesis of fixed and exanthematic drug eruptions as a carrier substance of drugs.


Leukocyte motility in acne conglobata.

Leukocytes derived from the peripheral blood of 10 patients with acne conglobata demonstrated enhanced chemotactic and random migratory activities in comparison with leukocytes from 10 healthy subjects. This enhancement is most probably secondary to the state of chronic infection and inflammation. These findings probably rule out a defect in leukocyte motility as a cause of the severity of the lesions in acne conglobata.


[Histopathology of lymphomes (author's transl)].

This histologic classification is based upon the arrangement and cytologic composition of the infiltrate. We separate diseases with intraepidermal exocytosis from diseases without intraepidermal exocytosis. In the first group, mycosis fungoides is the most important: the infiltrate is often polymorphous, but sometimes it consists of histiocytes and lymphocytes. Varying number of Sézary cells are present. The Woringer-Kolopp syndrome and histiocytosis X are included in this group as well. The second group comprises many neoplastic diseases: mycosis fungoides without Pautrier microabscesses, so-called 'reticulosis', 'Crosti's reticulosis', leukemia and lymph node lymphoma. Difficulties may arise in the differential diagnosis between these various diseases with well-differentiated lymphocytes and without intraepidermal exocytosis. These diseases must also be differentiated from the non-malignant lymphocytic infiltrates found in lupus erythematosus, lymphocytoma cutis and Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration of the skin.


[Immunocytological study of cutaneous malignant lymphomas. Classification (author's transl)].

The malignant cutaneous lymphomas come into the category of hematodermias but can equally be considered as an abnormality of the immune system. Having described the methods used in the immunocytological investigation of 21 lymphomas and 3 pseudolymphomas, the authors expound their classification of malignant cutaneous lymphomas before stating the results obtained in immunocytological studies in each of the groups. They show how formal separation between epidermtropic malignant cutaneous lymphomas and non-epidermotropic malignant cutaneous lymphomas can be confirmed by immunocytological and ultrastructural facts.


Patterns of cutaneous lymphomas. Histological, enzyme cytochemical, and immunological typing of lymphoreticular proliferations in the skin.

During recent years there has been much progress in interpreting the histo- and cytomorphology of lymphoreticular proliferations by means of enzyme cytochemical (cell typing by hydrolytic enzymes) and immunological (B- and T-cell differentiation using surface markers and functional tests) methods. Applying these methods in skin biopsies from 101 patients clinically suspected of having cutaneous lymphomas, patterns of lymphoreticular infiltrations in the skin have been elaborated. Based primarily on the 'Kiel' classification, low-grade and high-grade malignant lymphomas, pseudolymphomas and 'histiocytic lymphomas' can be differentiated in the skin; however, there still remain some hitherto unclassifiable lymphoreticular proliferations. In the low-grade malignant lymphomas of the skin, mycosis fungoides, Sézary's syndrome and Pagetoid reticulosis histologically display a pattern which is typical for T-cell infiltrations in the skin, whereas most of the 'malignant reticuloses', including immunocytoma, show a B-cell pattern. Erythrocyte antibody complement rosette fixation on cryostat sections is positive only in cutaneous pseudolymphomas whereas no fixation is seen in malignant B-cell lymphomas of the skin.


[Acne vulgaris: results of food allergen tests and a controlled elimination diet (author's transl)].

120 patients with acne vulgaris had to undergo an intracutaneous allergen test with 23 of the most important food allergens. The skin test results of 83 patients (69.2%) were negative, only 9 (7.4%) showed a distinct immediate reaction on four or more food extracts. Almonds showed the most positive reactions (11.6%), then malt (10%), cheese, mustard, red pepper (8.3% each), and wheaten flour (7.5%). Thereupon the patients were instructed to either keep no diet at all, or to follow an acne diet, or a special elimination diet based on the results of the skin test. Moreover, all the patients had to undergo the same mild acne local therapy. After 3 months treatment (with monthly controls) 45 patients could be evaluated. No statistical difference was found within the three groups with regard to the success of treatment. Diet prescriptions for acne vulgaris are generally not very significant, although they are possibly useful in individual cases.


[Therapeutic effect and effect on the pituitary adrenal functions of fluocortine-butylester in eczema during childhood (author's transl)].

A new topical corticosteroid: fluocortin-butylester, was employed in 11 eczematous children (atopic and seborrhoeic dermatitis), with a good clinical result. These topical applications involve no significant risk of interference with the pituitary-adrenal function.