[Impairment of the cation transport on Rh-pos. human red cells after incubation with IgG-anti-D (author's transl)].

Rh-pos. human red cells sensitized with IgG-Anti-D showed at 4 degrees C an intracellular Na+-accumulation, which was amplified by an increase in the Na+-concentration in the incubation medium. This increase of the intracellular Na+-concentration may be due to a passive Na+-influx since the Na+-K+-ATPase system does not work at this temperature. At the optimal reaction-temperature of the enzyme the Na+-K+-ATPase activity of the sensitized Rh-pos. red cells was inhibited proportionally to the anti-D concentration. Both the amplified Na+-influx and the inhibition of the active Na+-transport caused an osmotic hemolysis. The hemoglobin release was significant above the anti-D titer step of 1:512. This mechanism suggests that the intravasular part of the immunohemolysis with Rh incompatibility was generated by an impaired active and passive cation transport following the antigen-antibody reaction. This suggestion is supported by the fact that IgG-Anti-D neither stimulated the complement system nor the intravascular monocyte mediated cell lysis, since the activity of the effector cells is reduced by the surplus of sensitized red cells and the presence of other inhibiting IgG immunoglobulins. The biochemical relationship of the Rh-D-antigen and the Na+-K+ATPase both located on membrane lipoproteins, may be the reason why only the antigen-antibody reaction in the Rh-D system impaired the cation transport. The antigen-antibody reaction of IgM-Anti-A and of the cold agglutinin IgM-Anti-I reacting with glycolipid and with glycoprotein membrane antigens respectively did not impair the cation transport after complement inactivation.


Activation of lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

T lymphocytes from the peripheral blood of normal donors and patients with CLL were isolated by nylon wool filtration or E-rosette separation and tested for functional activities. Unseparated CLL lymphocytes showed a poor response to phytomitogens and to allogeneic cells. Subpopulations enriched in E-RFC showed an increased PHA- and a normal MLC-reactivity; the Con A responses, however, were markedly reduced in all experiments. Subpopulations which were T cell depleted showed no reactivity to all mitogens. Purified T cells from normal donors showed a decreased reactivity to PHA, Con A and PWM. The Con A responses were completely abolished in almost all experiments. These diminished responses could be restored by unseparated cells or by small numbers of syngeneic, mitomycin-treated monocytes. The data suggest that mitogen-induced T lymphocyte stimulation in vitro in general depends on the presence of monocytes.


Origins of the first cell. A new model for the spontaneous formation of the first living cell based on a novel approach.

Whether proteins or nucleic acids were responsible for the emergence of life has been debated for a long time. Taking the observation that families of proteins display a remarkable invariance of their amino acid sequence around critical regions, such as active/binding sites, even though these proteins may represent considerable evolutionary diversity, as the naturally provided evidence of evoluntionary selection of working system, the idea is developed that: 1. Proteins had to have been first informational macromolecules that were necessary and sufficient to lead to the emergence of life; 2. it is impossible for a nucleic acid molecules to have formed, by chance, whose base sequence could yield a biologically active protein. A model is proposed to account for the emergence of the first successful cell according to this approach.


Correlation between diagnostic 59Fe2+-absorption and serum ferritin concentration in man.

A high correlation coefficient r = -0.832 (P r +/- 0 less than 0.0001) was estimated in man for the inverse relationship between the diagnostic 59Fe2+-absorption and the serum ferritin concentration which is very close to the correlation r = -0.88 as described for the relationship between the diagnostic 59Fe2+-absorption and the diffuse cytoplasmic storage iron in the bone marrow macrophages. The increase of the diagnostic 59Fe2+-absorption seems to be an earlier and more sensitive indicator of depleted iron stores whereas the serum ferritin decreases somewhat later during the development of iron deficiency.


Infectious lymphocytes in mice persistently infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.

During persistent infection of mice with the lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus approximately 3% of leukocytes were found to contain viral antigen and to produce infectious virus. Morphologically, infected cells were shown not to be lymphoblasts and their numbers were not reduced by removal of mononuclear phagocytes. We conclude that in LCM virus carrier mice true lymphocytes participate in the infectious process.


Anomalous base-stacking of the N1-oxide of AMP.

The intermolecular association in aqueous solution of the N1-oxide nucleotide analog of adenosine-5'-monophosphate has been investigated by 1H-NMR spectroscopy over the concentration range 0.0006--0.6 M. The concentration profile of individual chemical shifts provides evidence for an unusual stacking pattern compared to that of the natural nucleotide AMP, involving only the imidazole moiety of the adenine base. The different stacking pattern of this nucleotide analog suggests that the exact stacking geometry of natural nucleotides interacting with nucleotide-depending enzymes, is achieved by adjusting to the geometry of the individual receptor molecule.


[The influence of mode and intensity of homogenization on the absolute value and stability of oxygen consumption of guinea pig liver homogenates (author's transl)].

The influence of five different methods of homogenisation (1. The method according to Potter and Elvehjem, 2. A modification of this method called Potter S, 3. The method of Dounce, 4. Homogenisation by hypersonic waves and 5. Coarce-grained homogenisation with the "Mikrofleischwolf") on the absolute value and stability of oxygen uptake of guinea pig liver homogenates has been investigated in simultaneous measurements. All homogenates showed a characteristic fall of oxygen uptake during measuring time (3 hours). The modified method according to Potter and Elvehjem called Potter S showed reproducible results without any influence by homogenisation intensity.


The quantitative determination of metabolites of 6-mercaptopurine in biological materials. IV. An improved separation method for twentytwo compounds related to purine and 6-thiopurine metabolism using high-pressure liquid cation-exchange chromatography.

An improved method is described for the separation of 22 compounds normally related to purine and 6-thiopurine metabolism in biological materials using high-pressure liquid cation-exchange chromatography on strongly acidic exchange resin. The column (0.8 X 100 cm) is eluted with 0.4 M ammonium formate, pH 4.6, at a linear flow velocity of 5.2 cm.min--1 at 50 degrees C. The elution volumes of sulphate anions, allopurinol, 6-thioxanthine, adenine, adenosine, and guanosine are demonstrated additionally to further 16 purine and 6-thiopurine compounds.


Isolation and characterization of a potassium specific ionophore from Streptococcus faecalis.

The synthesis of a potassium and rubidium specific ionophore by Streptococcus faecalis has been proved, using bilayer measurements. The characteristics of this substance agree with the ones, published for free mobile carriers, such as valinomycin and the macrotetrolides.


The quaternary structure of yeast aminopeptidase I. 1. Molecular forms and subunit size.

The smallest active form of aminopeptidase I (EC 3.4.11.1) from yeast has a molecular weight of 6.4 X 10(5). At neutral pH the active enzyme is in equilibrium with two inactive subfragments (Mr = 3.2 X 10(5) and 1.1 X 10(5)) as well as with higher aggregates (Mr greater than or equal 1.2 X 10(6)). All of these species may be dissociated to give a single type of subunits with a molecular weight of 5.3 X 10(4). It is concluded that the active enzyme is a dodecamer whereas the subfragments correspond to dimeric and hexameric forms.


The quaternary structure of yeast aminopeptidase I. 2. Geometric arrangement of subunits.

Electron micrographs of native aminopeptidase I and of isolated subfragments were taken after negative staining with uranyl formate. From these studies and from the chemical evidence summarized in the preceding paper it is concluded that the active enzyme is a dodecamer possessing pseudo-D3 symmetry with the dimer as the smallest symmetric unit.


Multiple effects of amobarbital on Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase.

The inhibition of the proliferation of hyperdiploid Ehrlich ascites tumor cells in suspension cultures by amobarbital is coupled to an increased glycolytic activity as shown by lactic acid production and glucose consumption; higher concentrations of amobarbital than 1 mM enhance the ATP/ADP ratio of the total cell. The actual activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase of intact cells is completely inhibited in the presence of 2 mM amobarbital as was shown by the 14CO2 evolution from [114C]pyruvate or the incorporation of 14CO2 into the total lipid fraction of the cells from [U-14C]lactate. The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells is completely inhibited by 1 mM amobarbital in vitro. The activity of alpha-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase is inhibited by amobarbital, too, as well as shown by measuring the 14CO2 evolution from [1-14C]glutamate with intact cells. It is suggested that the inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase in the presence of amobarbital is the result of a direct action on the enzyme as well as the consequence of a change in the cellular redox state or its energy charge.


Evidence for an 4-ene-3-oxosteroid-5alpha-reductase and delta4-delta5-ketosteroid isomerase activity in extracts of Streptomyces hydrogenans.

A homogenate of cells of Streptomyces hydrogenans which have been cultivated in the presence of estradiol-17beta, was separated by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200. In the presence of NADH, a few distinct fractions converted about 10% of [3H]toesterone to 5alpha-dihydrotesterone (5alpha-DHT), 5alpha-androstanedione, 4-androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The metabolites were separated after two consecutive runs on silica gel and propanediol-1,2-impregnated cellulose plates by thin layer chromatography. Identification was achieved by comparison with known steroid samples, specific staining procedures and by crystallization to constant specific radioactivity. The 5alpha-reductase activity responsible for the formation of 5alpha-DHT and 5alpha-androstanedione in vitro required NADH as co-substrate and could only be found after induction of the cells with estradiol-17beta in vivo. Within the same chromatographic fractions, a delta4-delta5-ketosteroid isomerase activity can be detected which catalyzes the reverse reaction from the 4-androstene testosterone to the 5-anthrostene DHEA in vitro.


Chromophore content of C-phycoerythrin from various Cyanobacteria.

The molar extinction coefficient for phycoerythrobilin (l a) was calculated by two independent methods. It is different from that of the cleaved chromophore, phycobiliviolin (2). By unfolding with urea or tryptic digestion, the chromophore absorption of C-phycoerythrin (PE) was determined free of any protein influence. The chromophore content of PE from various Cyanobacteria was determined with these data to be either 5 or 6, depending on the organism. This corresponds to a chromophore distribution over phycoerythrin subunits alpha:beta of either 2:3 or 2:4. The phylogenetic significance of varying chromophore content is discussed.


On the correlation between the amplitude of the electrochromic absorption changes and the number of bulk pigments.

A correlation between the amplitude of the electrochromic absorption changes measured at 480 nm and 520 nm and the size of the photosynthetic unit is found. Three tobacco mutants which differ with respect to their photosynthetic unit size exhibit decreased amplitudes of the electrochromic absorption changes which parallel the size of the photosynthetic units. Under these conditions the ATP-yield per flash is unaffected by the photosynthetic unit size. From this it is deduced that the correlation between the amplitude of the electrochromic absorption change and the photosynthetic unit size is due to the fact that the number of pigments undergoing an electrochromic bandshift is proportional to the total pigment content. As the influence on the electrochromic effect at 520 nm is too pronounced as to be simply explainable by the variation of the carotenoid content in the different mutants it is inferred that either structural effects leading to a modification of the carotenoid orientation in the mutants or an indirect influence of chlorophyll on the electrochromic bandshift which depend on the number of chlorophyll molecules are responsible.


[Plastic surgery in unilateral cleft lip].

The result of cleft lip operations is judged after the external image, the complet function of circular muscle system and the unfoldable vestibulum oris. The MILLARD-plastic for wide cleft lips and the REICHERT-plastic with the own modification for narrow cleft lips are for the time the optimal methods of operation.


[The ultrastructure of monomorpheous salivary gland adenomas].

The present observations described the ultrastructure of the epithelial cells in monomorphic Adenomas (Adenolymphoma and tubulary Adenoma). There are evident two epithelial cell types with abortive secretory capacity in the tumour tissue.


Protein synthesis and amino acid pools in irradiated yeast cells.

Protein synthesis after UV- and X-irradiation was investigated in diploid yeast. The incorporation of radioactively labelled lysine and phenylalanine was measured 2.5 and 4 hours after exposure. By varying the specific activity the pool sizes could be estimated. At 2.5 hours there is some increase in pool sizes and a dose-dependent enhancement of protein synthesis. At 4 hours pools are again normal, but the increase of synthetic activity prevails.


[Bacteriological findings in Redon drains in maxillofacial surgery].

In 58 operations to the jaws, face, and neck, the exudate was withdrawn by Redaon drainage and subsequently examined bacteriologically. The authors report data on the type of causative agent involved and on the level of bacterial contamination, which are related to the process of healing.


[Pair comparison of the jaw development in monozygotic twins].

Investigations of the development of the dentition and skeletal patterns in 14 pairs of monozygotic twins for approximately 10 years are the basis of a pair comparison. Following the measurements of the plaster casts and the cephalometric radiographs we can state, that in this group of identical twins there are small intra-pair variations.


Calcification of a native collagen membrane.

Spontaneous calcification of a membrane made of native collagen has been investigated. The method permits independent variation of calcium and phosphate concentrations. With increasing phosphate concentration the precipitation calcium-phosphate on the collagen occurs at a conspicuously lower calcium concentration as with a number of other membranes.


[Microbiological studies on mouth-ringing, cooling and turbine-spray waters].

Microbiological examinations of mouth-cleaning, cooling, and turbine spray waters from various types of dental units showed different degrees of water contamination. The detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, because of the classification of this organism as a "problem germ", indicates the necessity for a more critical analysis of water used in stomatology including the elimination of possible sources of contamination.


[Indications for radiographic diagnosis in the deciduous molar region].

A total of 4106 children aged 2 to 18 were examined roentgenologically, with intraoral roentgenograms of the molar region being made on 148 (3,6%) of them. Analysis of such roentgenograms allows to make conclusions as to the necessity for making roentgen diagnoses on children.


[Biological testing of pulp-preserving agents on the pulp of rat molars].

The effects of calxyl, ZOE, zinc oxide without eugenol, and zinc oxide with an antibacterial substance (glutaraldehyde) were tested on perforated molar pulps of rats. All of the substances tested were found to lead to the same initial reactions (acute inflammation and partial necrosis). Calxyl and ZOE yielded unfavorable results. There was a negligible tendency of the pulp toward hard tissue demarcation. Zinc oxide without eugenol improved the formation by the pulp of secondary tin. - The use of glutaraldehyde resulted in a less pronounced spread of inflammation as well as in the formation of new hard tissue in one half of the cases. Molars of rats are particularly suitable for biologically examining the local toxicity of pulpal protectives and the regeneration of the pulp. The results presented in this paper are discussed from the point of view of pulp-preserving therapy and of avoiding invasion by germs.


[A new method for the determination of tissue sensitivity to dental materials in cell cultures].

This paper discribes a method that enables a qualitative analysis of the biological effects of stomatological materials upon living cells cultivated in vitro to be made. This method allows to make photographic records, at regular intervals of time, of those cells which are originally in a state of suspension, then start to adhere to the bottom of the vessel used for purposes of cultivation, when they become flat and wider. This method takes of the capability of cytoplasmic membranes to respond to any kind of chemical or physical noxa. Quick-motion pictures taken at regular intervals of time using ciné film provide for a quantitative differentiation and determination of the ratio of dilated to nondilated cells, which can be analyzed statistically.


[Course of pregnancy and labor after prenatal diagnosis of genetic defects and abnormalities].

138 patients were referred to us to prenatal diagnosis of genetic defects. Only in 120 patients the diagnostic procedures could also be carried out. In 75% the amniocentesis was performed to establish the amnion cell culture and in 22.5% for analysis of alphafetoprotein and for performance of fetography. In 4.2% a genetic indication for interruption was found by the prenatal diagnosis. Among the 61 terminated pregnancies a premature delivery occurred in 13.1%. The operating frequency of delivery was 16.2% and the perinatal mortality was 1.6%.


[Seasonal dynamics of the abundance of vibrios and related microorganisms in the Don River].

The density of bacteria of the Vibrio, Aeromonas and Comamonas genera the Don river was subject to seasonal variations. The maximal vibrio concentration was recorded at the water temperature of 22 degrees C, and of Aeromonas and Comamonas--at lower temperature. Unlike Aeromonas, vibrios displayed a reverse dependence of the density on the extent of water contamination.


[Functional state of spinal centers in patients with cerebral circulatory disorders according to the results of stimulation electromyography].

In 53 patients in different periods of brain strokes the authors studied the functional state of spinal centers by means of registration of H-reflex and F-wave of the skeleton muscles. In spite of the stroke character a marked increase of excitation of the spinal centers was observed, it being especially significant in the subacute period of the disease. The increase of H-reflex amplitude was maximal in extremities, contralateral to the focus of the lesion, but it was observed on the lesion side as well. The patients with cerebral coma in the acute stage of the stroke demonstrated a descrease of relation between central and motor responses up to 12--13%, it gradually increased as the coma ceased. The latent period of F-wave on the both extremities was reliably lower than the control indices along the whole period of the study. The authors show the significance of registration in the dynamics of the muscle evoked potentials for topical diagnosis of the cerebral vessel process and for effective control of the administered therapy.


[Adenosine triphosphatase activity in the organs of the crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus, acclimated to sea water of different salinity].

In crabs acclimated to low salinity, the activity of Na, K-ATPase from the gills increases; the activity also increases in the antennal glands after acclimation of the animals to high salinity. The activity of Na, K-ATPase in the abdominal ganglion and in the heart does not depend on the salinity to which crabs had been acclimated. Changes in the activity of Mg-ATPase in the gills and antennal glands associated with acclimation of crabs to sea water with different salinity correspond to those in the activity of Na, K-ATPase.


Hemoglobinopathies and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in one of the regions of Azerbaijan: mass screening and laboratory investigations.

Mass screening in the Geok-chai region of Azerbaijan covered 264 persons. 2 families with abnormal hemoglbin were detected. Electrophoresis in PAG and on cellulose acetate films as well as sickling test showed that in 3 out of 9 members of one of the families HbS was detected. 6 out of 8 members of the others family appeared to be HbD-carriers. In 4 members of this family abnormal hemoglobin was found out in combination with G-6-PDH deficiency. No clinical manifestations were found. A number of beta-thalassemia cases were detected in screened children as well as in adults. Hemoglobin oxygen equilibrium curves were studied in patients with heterozygous beta-thalassemia. In case of G-6-PDH deficiency when it is not possible to obtain active enzyme zones on the columns with PAG these zones can be detected when CoCl2 (2 mM) is added into the incubation medium.


Pure red cell aplasia, toxic dermatitis and lymphadenopathy in a patient taking diphenylhydantoin.

A patient taking diphenylhydantoin for 3 weeks developed a generalized skin rash, lymphadenopathy and pure red cell aplasia. After withdrawal of the pharmacon all symptoms disappeared spontaneously. Skin rash is a well-known complication of diphenylhydantoin treatment as is benign and malignant lymphadenopathy. Pure red cell aplasia associated with diphenylhydantoin medication has been reported in 3 patients. The exact mechanism by which diphenylhydantoin exerts its toxic effects is not known. In this patient the time relation between the ingestion of diphenylhydantoin and the occurrence of the skin rash, lymphadenopathy and pure red cell aplasia is very suggestive of a direct connection.


Prerequisites for tuboplasty.

Techniques in measuring tubal patency and interpretation of findings can be misleading. Laparoscopic study of infertile women with suspected, diseased fallopian tubes is always prerequisite to tuboplasty. Observations must be accompanied by intrauterine injection of adequate amounts of dye and gentle tubal manipulations. Determined efforts should be made to eliminate reconstructive operations on nonsalvageable tubes because successful term pregnancies following tuboplasties are related more to the extent of tubal damage than to operative technique or postoperative management.


Advances in tuboplasty.

Reconstructive oviductal surgery was performed on 205 private patients with primary and secondary infertility, who were selected from 1075 endoscopic examinations. Each patient underwent an infertility survey which included gamete formation, reception and deposition of gametes, nidation, post-coital, and semen analysis. Only those with tubal abnormalities, not responding to conservative therapy after a minimum period of six months following laparoscopic examination, were selected for tuboplasty. Spiral stents for fimbrioplasty and straight teflon tubing for mid-portion and cornua obstruction were employed. These stents were removed eight weeks post-surgery, under local anesthesia at the office. Of the 205 tuboplasties, 193 patients had sustained patency; 75 conceived; 7 aborted; and 1 had an ectopic pregnancy. Pregnancy occurred between 1 and 26 months after removal of the stents. Complications were very few. The use of Roland spiral teflon stents has resulted in a greater percentage in patency and pregnancy rates, as compared to those without use of stents.


Muscle changes in patients with varicose veins.

Gastrocnemius muscle specimens from 19 patients with varicose veins without clinical neuropathy were examined with a light microscope after staining fresh-frozen sections with modified Gomori trichrome and after histochemical reactions for NADH diaphorase, ATPases and phosphorylase. Only four muscle specimens from these 19 patients were regarded as completely normal. In five of the patients (26 per cent) a combination of fiber type grouping and small-group atrophy, and in nine patients (47 per cent) fiber type grouping with occasional small angulated fibers were observed. These changes were less frequent in nine biopsies from brain-death control patients (11 per cent). Various forms of abnormalities in the distribution of NADH diaphorase were seen in 13 patients with varicose veins (68 per cent) and in one of the controls (11 per cent). Necrosis and phagocytosis of the muscle fibers were present in three biopsies from patients with varicose veins (16 per cent) and in one of the controls (11 per cent).


Enzyme activities of myocardial energy metabolism during prolonged digoxin treatment in rats.

The effect of prolonged digoxin treatment (1 mg/kg day for 8 days) on the activity levels of some enzymes of energy metabolism (phosphofructokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, succinate dehydrogenase) in rat myocardium was studied. In the control animals receiving the solvent mixture (glycerol:ethanol:water in 1:1:1) a transient decrease in the lactate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase activity levels was observed. In the hearts of digoxin treated rats the level of activity of phosphofructokinase was permanently lowered by the fourth day and the level of activity of citrate synthase permanently increased after the first day of treatment. A transient increase in the activity level of succinate dehydrogenase in the myocardium of digoxin treated animals was seen between days 1 and 6. In this study a permanent decrease in phosphofructokinase and an increase in citrate synthase activity levels in rat heart muscle was noted during prolonged digoxin treatment.


The effect of anions on Mg-ATPase in red blood cells.

Anions exert an influence on the passive permeability of Na+ and K+ in erythrocytes. THE EFFECT ON Mg-ATPase activity has been studied in human erythrocytes. 40 mM bicarbonate increased the activity as compared to the effect of 40 mM chloride; 20 mM sulphate inhibited it. Salicylate acted first as an activator then as an inhibitor of Mg-ATPase; maximum activity was reached at 60 mM CONCENTRATION. Thiocyanate inhibited saponin-stimulated Mg-ATPase, Ki = 1.85 X 10(-2)M. The probable mechanisms of action of the above anions on Mg-ATPase and possible relation to passive permeability of Na+ and K+ ions are discussed.


Prevention of isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy by beta-blocking agents in the rat.

The effect of the beta-blocking agents propranolol and oxprenolol on isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy has been investigated in the rat. To evaluate the degree of inhibition biochemical parameters related to cardiomegaly were measured. When given alone in the dose range used for protection, the beta-blocking agents did not cause any significant change in total myocardial RNA, DNA and protein. Depending on the dose applied, propranolol and oxprenolol prevented partially or totally the cardiomegaly induced by isoproterenol.


Thermal denaturation and template activities of reconstituted DNA-histone complexes.

Reconstituted complexes of DNA with histone were prepared by salt-and-urea step gradient dialysis. The DNA was complexed with histone H1, with the combination of the other four histones H2A, H2B, H3 and H4, and with whole histones. These DNA-histone complexes were purified by Bio-Gel column chromatography, and the weight ratio of histone-to-DNA was determined in each complex. The thermal denaturation profile and nuclease digestion pattern of DNA-histone H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 complex were compatible with those of the polynucleosome structure of chromatin. The template activities for transcription were compared in these DNA-histone complexes by separately measuring initiation reaction and chain elongation. The binding of histone H1 to DNA strongly inhibited the initiation, while the binding of the combination of the other four histones to DNA partially inhibited the initiation and chain elongation. The binding characteristics are discussed with regard to the role of histone H1 and the other four histones in chromatin structure and template activity.


Role of hydrophobic interaction in hapten-antibody binding.

The precipitation reaction of bovine serum albumin coupled with p-azophenylleucine with homologous antibody was inhibited by several structurally related haptens. The isobutyl group substituent on alpha-carbon atom of the leucine residue contributed more than -5.8 Kcal/mol to the free energy of binding. This value was consistent with the free energy change expected from the transfer of n-butane from an aqueous environment to liquid n-butane. The observed contribution was explained, in terms of the hydrophobic interaction of the isobutyl group with the antigen binding site of the antibody molecule. These results were also compared with other hapten-antibody systems.


Decreased plasma postheparin lipolytic activity in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Plasma postheparin lipolytic activity (PHLA) was measured on 50 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Plasma PHLA was significantly decreased in SLE patients. This decrease was most striking in the acute phase of the disease. There was a close relationship between decreased PHLA and immunologic factors indicative of the acute phase of SLE. These immunologic factors included shaggy antinuclear antibody pattern, low serum complement titer, high DNA antibody titer, mixed cryoglobulin and lumpy glomerular pattern by immunofluorescent staining.


Reactivating effect of levamisole on cell-mediated immunity in gastrointestinal cancer patients.

Cell-mediated immunity was studied in 23 cases of advanced gastrointestinal cancer. The patients received levamisole at 150 mg/day for three consecutive days each week for four weeks. In cases at the terminal stage of gastrointestinal cancer, the blastformation rate of peripheral blood lymphocytes against phytohemagglutinin (PHA) after the administration of levamisole showed a slight increase, but cases with blastformation rates over 40% increased markedly three or four weeks after the initial administration of levamisole. The peripheral blood lymphocyte count showed little change in these cases.


Correlation between postoperative prognosis in gastrointestinal cancer patients and blastformation rate of lymphocytes.

Gastrointestinal cancer patients were followed up for up to 30 months postoperatively and their clinical status related to a parameter of nonspecific immunity, the blastformation rate of peripheral blood lymphocytes against phytohemagglutinin. By the fourth postoperative week, the blastformation rate had recovered from the effect of the operation. In patients who had undergone curative resection, the postoperative level rose to exceed the preoperative level, whereas whereas in those in whom resection had not been possible, the blastformation rate failed to show this rise by the fourth week, and continued at the decreased immediate postoperative level. Results for long-term follow-up (30 months postoperatively) showed that the blastformation rate continued at high levels (almost all over 40%) in cases of curative resection without recurrence, but remained low (under 40%) in those in which the tumor could not be removed. The 40% level of the blastformation rate test thus correlated well with the prognosis. The blastformation rate, therefore, proved a very good parameter for following the pre-and post-operative clinical course of gastrointestinal cancer patients.


Transfer of erythromycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.

In the course of an outbreak of enteritis and conjunctivitis, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from newborn infants. Strains cultured at a later phase of the outbreak differed from those found at the beginning in being resistant to several antibiotics, showing resistance to typing phages and releasing phages of the same lysis spectrum (10(9) p.f.u./ml after heating at 56 degrees C for 2 min). Transduction experiments with a strain and its cell-free lysate showed that inducible erythromycin resistance was transferable to strains isolated at the beginning of the outbreak and to laboratory strains. Plasmid origin of resistance was confirmed by (i) high transduction frequency; (ii) transduction to RN981 rec- mutants; (iii) kinetics of transduction; (iv) elimination of resistance. Mixed culture experiments yielded transductants at high frequency with resistance to erythromycin, streptomycin and tetracycline.


Thoracic disc protrusion. (Analysis of 8 cases).

Eight cases of thoracic disc protrusion, observed over a period of four years, are reported. The literature was also reviewed. It is emphasized that in chronic midline disc protrusions a careful laminectomy without removal of the disc can give satisfactory results.


Effect of calcitonin on different inflammatory models.

The effect of synthetic salmon calcitonin was studied on adjuvant arthritis, pertussis vaccine edema, tuberculin skin reaction, passive direct Arthus reaction and nystatin edema. The results show that calcitonin inhibits these inflammatory processes.


The influence of tryptophan and parachlorophenylalanine on the sexual activity in man.

The effects on the sexual tone of parachlorophenylalanine, a selective inhibtor of 5-hydroxytryptamine synthesis, testosterone and placebo were evaluated in patients complaining of migraine-headache and sexual deficiency. The combined treatment with parachlorophenylalanine and testosterone significantly increases the sexual stimulus more than parachlorophenylalanine, testosterone and placebo, when given on their own. Conversely subjects with normal or excessive sexual activity, reported a decrease of sexual tone, during chronic treatment with tryptophan. The hypothesis of an implication of brain 5-HT in the mechanism of psychogenic sexual deficiency and the possibility of a therapeutic approach with drugs able to interfere with 5-HT turnover are discussed.


Relationship between tryptophan metabolism and vitamin B6 and nicotinamide in aged subjects.

The urinary excretion of tryptophan metabolites was studied in 20 aged subjects (over 70 years) after oral tryptophan loading (100 mg/kg body weight). All the subjects considered showed an abnormal excretion of metabolites with mean values of 24.67% in men and 25.83% in women in comparison to 6.77% in young controls. Among the metabolites the highest excretion was from kynurenine; moreover kynurenic acid and N-alpha-acetylkynurenine were also excreted in signficantly high amounts. The other metabolites too showed increased values. As the abnormal tryptophan metabolism in aging seemed to be in connection with vitamin B6 and nicotinamide, in a group of 7 aged sugjects the urinary excretion of tryptophan metabolites was studied after aminoacid loading with or without simultaneous administration of these two vitamins. The results show that the abnormal excretory pattern is normalized after vitamin administration (from 16.49% to 7.42% total mean metabolite values).


Tryptophan metabolism in relation to amino acid alterations during typhoid fever.

With the onset of fever in volunteers exposed to virulent Salmonella typhii as part of a vaccine evaluation study, urinary excretion of kynurenine, acetyl-kynurenine and o-amino-hippurate significantly increased by N-methylnicotinamide decreased. Serum tryptophan concentration at that time was 116% of control in contrast to total serum amino acid values at 83% of control. A 3 gram oral tryptophan load given during illness further increased serum tryptophan concentration to 186% of control and enhanced excretion of the aforementioned catabolites. In addition, urinary anthranilate glucuronide, kynurenate and xanthurenate rose significantly; 3-hydroxykynurenine increased only slightly and N-methyl-nicotinamide was unaltered. Thus, though a tryptophan load aids in detection of alterations in tryptophan catabolism via the kynurenine pathway as a whole, it also distorts the pattern of metabolites detected, seemingly by causing more kynurenine to be shunted to the mitochondria to be acted upon by kynurenine 3-hydroxylase and kynurenine aminotransferase. In unloaded patients the increased urinary excretion of tryptophan metabolites during typhoid fever merely reflect the enhanced flux of amino acids from muscle to liver, akin to that noted in other infections, in excess of that needed for the synthesis of serum proteins or for other metabolic pathways.


Studies on tryptophan metabolism in ethylism.

The urinary excretion of the metabolites "via kynurenine" was studied in a group of patients with chronic alcoholism after a L-tryptophan loading (100 mg/kg body-weight) with or without simultaneous administration of vitamin B6 or nicotinamide or both. In these subjects an abnormal tryptophan metabolism was obtained with excretion total mean values of 9 metabolites of 15.34% against 6.86% in healthy controls. The treatment with vitamin B6 or nicotinamide in 5 patients decreased the total average excretion from 14.41% to 9.47% and to 9.92% respectively without normalizing, however, the excretory pattern produced from the aminoacid loading. The simultaneous administration of these two vitamins in 9 chronic alcoholic men corrected completely the metabolic defect (from 15.34% to 6.55%).


N1-Methylnicotinamide urinary output in multiple sclerosis affected patients.

This brief report develops the ideas of some previous works underlying a possible functional disequilibrium of tryptophan metabolism in patients affected by Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) and in animals with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. So, the urinary excretion of one of the terminal metabolites of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan, the N1-Methylnicotinamide has been confronted in M.S. patients and in healthy volunteers, in order to put in evidence a possible alteration of the same in M.S. patients. The A.A. could not find any significant difference of the N1-Methylnicotinamide urinary output between controls and M.S. patients; afterwards they have critically revised this result.


Urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide by normal and phenylketonuric children.

Excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (N1MPC) was determined before and after an oral load of tryptophan in 9 phenylketonurics on free diet and with severe mental retardation and in 8 normal subject without any drugs. Before loading, excretion of these end metabolites of the serotonin and the kynurenine pathways, respectively, of tryptophan metabolism was only slightly lower in the phenylketonurics. But after loading, excretion of 5-HIAA increased more in the patients than in the controls, the reverse being true for N1MPC. These findings are interpreted as suggesting that function of the kynurenine pathway may be more disturbed in PKU than that of the serotonin one.


5-Hydroxytryptamine and pain modulation in man: a clinical pharmacological approach with tryptophan and parachlorophenylalanine.

Monoamines are involved in the central nervous assimilation and modulation of the pain flow. According to a personal hypothesis, a disorder of this biochemical control (in particular a precariousness of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine turnover), is the basic mechanism of some painful conditions, such as migraine and other essential headaches. Acute (infusion) and chronic (ingestion) administration of tryptophan to migraine-headache sufferers improved the clinical course significantly in respect to placebo. Few patients with untractable pain from disseminated cancer received daily infusion of tryptophan and ingested a few gr of this amnioacid: improvement of pain and reduction of morphine necessity was observed. Parachlorophenylalanine chronic administration in migraine-headache sufferers lowered the pain threshold so far as to provoke (in 20% of cases) spontaneous pains in the trunk, legs and arms. This systemic pain syndrome was promptly reversible by discontinuing the treatment. Spontaneous pain syndrome was not reported by others in the healthy subject; this suggests an apparent vulnerability of 5HT turnover in essential headaches.


Left atrial dimension on the frontal thoracic radiograph: a method for assessing left atrial enlargement.

Left atrium size on the frontal radiograph was assessed by measuring the distance from the middle of the "double density" to the left main bronchus in 148 normal patients and 48 consecutive patients with echocardiographic evidence of left atrial enlargement. The measurement was less than 7.0 cm in 96% of normal patients and greater than 7.0 cm in 90% of patients with left atrial enlargement. This measurement is more easily obtainable than measurements and signs requiring a cardiac series, and is usually readily available for sequential evaluations of left atrial size. It is a less reliable gauge of left atrial size in children.


Detecting extracranial cerebrovascular disease with noninvasive techniques.

Although there are many noninvasive screening tests for extracranial cerebrovascular disease, no single procedure has yet emerged as preeminent. Ophthalmodynamometry is simple but often unreliable. Ocular plethysmography is more complicated and requires moderately expensive equipment. Thermography is often unreliable and also requires costly apparatus. Doppler visualization of the carotid bifurcation is still an experimental tool but looks very promising. Of the currently available techniques, the directional Doppler ophthalmic test has proved most useful in the authors' experience.


When patients 'can't' take the pill.

Most side effects of oral contraceptives can be attributed to an excess or a deficiency of estrogen or progestin. Knowledge of the relative amounts of estrogen and progestin in the available preparations permits a rational adjustment of dosage if side effects occur. With this information, nearly every woman who wants to use birth control pills can.


Arthralgias and arthritis in viral infections.

Arthritis and arthralgias are common in many viral infections. They are particularly prominent with hepatitis B virus and rubella infection, where they may be the major presenting symptom. "Lyme arthritis" is also associated with a virus. Similar symptoms are occasionally seen with adenovirus, Coxsackie and echovirus infection. Joint lesions are due to the deposition of immune complexes and not direct viral infection. While the arthritis is usually transient and self-limited, the physician must consider viral infections as etiologic agents of arthralgias and arthritis.


Prediction of aortic valvular area and gradient by noninvasive techniques.

Sixty-two patients with isolated aortic valvular stenosis were analyzed by a series of common noninvasive procedures and by cardiac catheterization. The data from 50 of these were evaluated in a retrospective fashion by multiple regression methods to determine significant objectively obtained predictors of aortic-left ventricular gradient and valvular area. Formulae were derived from these analyses and an additional 12 patients were then studied prospectively to evaluate the validity of the predictive formulae. Forty-three of 50 patients (86 per cent) were correctly identified as to a gradient of greater or less than 50 mm. Hg in the initial group, and all those in the prospectively studied sample were correctly classified. Thiry-five of 43 patients (82 per cent) of those with valve area data in the first application were correctly classified as to valve area or greater or less than 0.8 cm.2, and all patients in the prospectively studied group were appropriately identified as to the same area. The combined application of the observations of calcification of the aortic valve, shudder waves on the anacrotic limb, prolonged time to peak of the percussion wave and alteration of the dicrotic notch of the carotid pulse tracing, left ventricular hypertrophy by electrocardiogram, and the altered duration of ventricular ejection time were reliable predictors of elevated aortic-left ventricular gradient and decreased aortic valvular size.


Abnormal right ventricular size and ventricular septal motion after atrial septal defect closure: etiology and functional significance.

Postoperative echocardiogram often demonstrate persistent right ventricular dilatation and paradoxic ventricular septal motion after repair of an atrial septal defect. To determine the prevalence, causes and significance of these echocardiographic abnormalities, 31 patients were studied with catheterization and echocardiography before and after repair of an atrial septal defect. Before operation, every patient manifested right ventricular dilatation, and all but one had abnormal septal motion. After operation, right ventricular dilatation was noted in 24 (77%) and abnormal septal motion in 21 (68%) patients despite the absence of residual left to right shunting in 30 (97%). These echocardiographic abnormalities could be correlated with age at operation and length of postoperative follow-up study but did not correlate with the degree of preoperative right ventricular enlargement or with shunt size or right ventricular pressure before or after operation. There was no associated functional deficit as demonstrated by the normal maximal oxygen consumption in all 13 patients who underwent treadmill exercise testing 5 to 38 months after operation; these patients included 9 with persistent right ventricular enlargement and abnormal septal motion.


The myocardial supply:demand ratio--a critical review.

Myocardial ischemia occurs when there is an imbalance between myocardial oxygen demand and supply, and it is usually entirely or predominantly subendocardial. Animal experiments have shown that relative subendocardial ischemia (a reduced inner:outer flow ratio) can be predicted quite accurately from the ratio of two pressure-time areas:DPTI, the area between diastolic aortic and left ventricular pressures, and SPTI, the area beneath the systolic left ventricular pressure curve. Although the importance of relating supply and demand is obvious, care is needed in applying the results of these animal experiments to man. Recent work has shown that the critical DPTI:SPTI ratio below which subendocardial ischemia occurs is about 0.4 to 0.5 rather than 0.7 to 0.8, as originally reported. On the other hand, the critical ratio may be raised to an unknown extent by myocardial edema or hypertrophy, or by thickened or narrowed coronary arteries. Furthermore, the critical ratio is not independent of absolute coronary diastolic pressure: It is much lower than 0.4 when coronary pressures are high, perhaps because intramyocardial diastolic pressures are much higher than once thought. Further work is required to allow an important physiologic concept to be used in making decisions about patients with heart disease.


Examining foster care: a viable solution for placement of handicapped children?

Foster care for handicapped children has become a frequently used and even more frequently criticized procedure. Traditional methods of foster placement have resulted in a number of negative outcomes, especially for the placed children. Based on a review of some recent innovative foster care programs, this paper has isolated a number of options for the restructuring of the entire foster care delivery system. These options include: rigorous client evaluation, use of selection and training criteria for foster parents, matching of client needs to caregiver abilities in making placement decisions, and ongoing professional support and supervision after placement. Systematic consideration of these issues may help make foster care a more viable solution to the growing problem of home placement for handicapped children.


Penicillin-induced immunohemolytic anemia associated with circulating immune complexes.

Eleven days after administration of multiple penicillin analogs, a 55-year-old female developed a Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia. The patient's erythrocytes were coated with IgG, complement components (C4/C3) and her serum contained elevated 125I-Clq binding activity (a measure of the presence of immune complexes). Her serum, in the presence of fresh complement and penicillin, induced complement sensitization of normal erythrocytes. Immune complex-mediated complement activation and the haptene type of erythrocyte sensitization accounted for accelerated red blood cell destruction in this patient.


Verbal and nonverbal interaction of mothers with their down's syndrome and nonretarded infants.

While it appears probable that parental expectancies due to early knowledge of the condition of Down's syndrome in infants affects parent-child interactions, little data are available showing how interactions are affected. In an observational, laboratory-based study, we compared verbal and nonverbal interactions between 10 mothers and their Down's syndrome infants and 10 mothers and their nonretarded infants. Although there was no difference between the groups in mothers' language complexity, mothers of Down's syndrome children spoke at a significantly faster rate. Observational measures of infants showed that Down's syndrome babies smiled and vocalized less, but mothers in the two groups failed to differ significantly on the nonverbal interactional behavior observed. The results were discussed in relation to the conclusions of other investigators who have speculated that language delays in Down's syndrome children may be due in part to differences in the environment provided by caregivers.


Life span changes in the averaged evoked responses of Down's syndrome and nonretarded persons.

Visual, auditory, and somatosensory evoked responses were recorded from six age groups of Down's syndrome persons and age and sex-matched nonretarded individuals ranging in age from 5 to 62 years and assigned to groups on the basis of observable signs of development and aging. Results indicated that, regardless of stimulus modality, the amplitude of late wave components was dramatically larger for Down's syndrome than for the nonretarded subjects. Where obvious amplitude reduction occurred with maturation and aging among nonretarded subjects, amplitude changes were generally absent among Down's syndrome subjects. The findings for Down's syndrome persons were discussed in terms of deficits in central inhibition and abnormalities in neuronal excitability to different levels of stimulus intensity.


Screening the environment.

Use of environmental as well as developmental measures in screening high-risk children is suggested as a solution to some of the problems of EPSDT and similar programs. Defects of present developmental screening instruments are discussed, and recent efforts to refine environmental measurement techniques are reviewed. The need for further research on the impact of environmental variables is stressed.


EPSDT in practice: what's happening in the field?

A study of five local program operations in different states around the country indicates that EPSDT is presently ineffective in identifying, referring, and treating children with developmental difficulties. It is suggested that problems in implementation are not merely administrative, and that developmental screening may best be carried out within the context of routine, comprehensive pediatric assessment.


Contractile state of hypertrophied left ventricle in long-standing volume overload.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the contribution of hypertrophy, the length-tension phenomenon, and inotropism to adaptation of the left ventricle (LV) to volume overload of up to 3 yr duration. Overload was produced in dogs by heart block, and contractile state was evaluated with a Walton-Brodie arch. Recording of contractile force (CF) in grams vs. muscle length from the LV indicated that dogs with hypertrophy were functioning at a higher point on the ascending limb of the length-tension curve than normals (76 percent Lmax in hypertrophy vs. 61 percent Lmax in normal). Additionally, in hypertrophy, all points on the length-tension curve above 80 percent Lmax were significantly elevated. None of these changes were seen in dogs in which block was induced on the day of the experiment. When CF was normalized for hypertrophy and expressed as CF/cm2, the length-tension curves were practically superimposable. These data suggest that adaptation was accomplished by hypertrophy, a shift up the length-tension curve without a depression of inotropic state.


Normal and hypertrophic growth of the rat heart: changes in cell dimensions and number.

The length and width of enzymatically isolated individual rat cardiac myocytes were concurrently measured during normal and stimulated cardiac growth. In normal rats weighing between 75 and 750 g the length and width increased by 64 and 68% while their ratio remained constant (ca. 5.3). The cell volume, calculated on the basis of a cylindrical model, increased almost 5 times. The rates of increase in the volume of an average myocyte and in left ventricular mass were found to be similar, indicating that normal myocardial growth could be explained by hypertrophy of existing myocytes and no proliferation would be required. In cardiomegaly induced by aortic constriction in the adult rat, an increase in cell volume was observed while no significant changes in the length-to-width ratios could be detected. The cell volumes of the hypertrophic hearts corresponded to those observed in hearts of similar weight obtained from larger normal rats and the stimulated cardiac growth could also be explained solely by hypertrophy of existing cells.


[Ophthalmologic symptoms of Down's syndrome (author's transl)].

After a short description of the general symptoms of Down's syndrome, the ophthalmologic aspects of the disease are discussed. The study is based on the examination of 1047 mongolian children. The various eye-symptoms were present in different frequencies according to sex and type. The results were compared with those in the literature of the last 100 years and identical as well as highly significant divergent values were found.


[Erythrocyte membrane proteins].

Proteins are important constituents of the red blood cell plasma membrane. Several important breakthroughs have occurred in their analysis over the past few years. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis lead to the separation of the major proteins and glycoproteins. Location of most of these proteins -- either on the external, the internal or both surfaces of the membrane -- was determined. The strenght of the binding of the protein to the membrane was established. Hydrophobicity of membrane proteins has so far hindered their purification. However, the major glycoprotein (glycophorin A) was isolated and recently sequenced. The description of several membrane-associated enzyme activities has been followed by some understanding of their specific role in the red blood cell physiology. Abnormalities of glycoproteins, Ca2+-ATPase and of membrane protein phosphorylation have been reported under various conditions: sickle cell disease, hereditary spherocytoses, progressive muscular dystrophy.


Physiological response of Neurospora conidia to freezing in the dehydrated, hydrated, or germinated state.

This study concerned the response to freezing of Neurospora crassa conidia in four different states: air-dry, hydrated in water, hydrated in Vogel medium lacking only sucrose, or hydrated in complete Vogel medium. All hydrated conidia were incubated in one of the above media for various times before freezing and were then washed and frozen in distilled water. Viability was estimated by three techniques, and the agreement among them was good. Hydration of air-dry conidia was found to be very rapid and, once hydrated, the conidia were much more sensitive to rapid freezing than they were before hydration. Rapidly cooled conidia survived freezing to a much higher extent when the warming rate was rapid than when it was slow; slowly cooled conidia showed little or no dependence on the warming rate. This sensitivity to rapid cooling and slow warming was attributed to the effects of intracellular ice. The sensitivity to freezing could be reversed by dehydrating the conidia in vacuo before freezing; thus, it was concluded that the presence or absence of water is the determining factor in the initial sensitivity due to freezing. In water, the sensitivity remained constant from 2 min to 15 days after hydration. Although conidia hydrated in growth medium lacking sucrose remained metabolically inactive, their sensitivity to rapid freezing decreased as a function of time in the medium before freezing. The reason for this decreased sensitivity is not understood. Conidia hydrated in complete growth medium (i.e., containing sucrose) became metabolically active and, after the initial sensitivity associated with hydration, became increasingly more sensitive to freezing as a function of their time in the medium. Drying itself was deleterious to metabolically active conidia, and those that survived dehydration did not exhibit a large absolute increase in resistance to subsequent freezing. The increase in sensitivity to freezing and to drying seems associated with the presence of metabolic activity; however, the precise cause of the sensitization remains obscure.


Experimental diabetes and the inner ear. A proposed biologic model.

Experimental diabetes was induced in 28 healthy chinchillas by the intravenous injection of Streptozotocin. Five chinchillas were used as controls. It was noted that a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight produced a noninsulin-dependent diabetes in adult chinchillas of mean weights of 393 gm. The chinchilla is proposed as a suitable animal model for the study of experimental diabetes because of the many attributes it possesses. A method of producing experimental diabetes is described. A method of anatomical display was utilized that allowed a detailed longitudinal study of the entire cochlear partition without sacrificing the stria vascularis and Reissner's membrane. The study did not yield any new histopathologic data concerning the nature of diabetes in the inner ear. In all likelihood this is, among other things, a factor of the mild severity of diabetes induced and the short duration of this study.


[Carcinoid heart disease secondary to a tumor of the small intestine. Apropos of a case with associated tricuspid and pulmonary insufficiency].

The authors report a case of carcinoid heart disease secondary to a tumour of the small bowel with liver metastases. There were severe lesions of the endocardium on the right side of the heart, with gross pulmonary and tricuspid incompetence. The left side of the heart did not escape but the fibrous plaques were limited to the papillary muscle of the mitral valve, and had no effect upon the haemodynamics. The pathogenesis of the strange cardiac lesion may be partly explained in terms of the toxicity to the endothelium of bradykinin. In spite of the serious nature of the valvular damage is it right to consider surgical correction, bearing in mind the fact that the prognosis of carcinoid syndrome is still very poor despite treatment?


Immunologic parameters in Down's syndrome.

Down's syndrome children are known to have increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Quantitative or qualitative differences in the various components of the immune system could account for increased susceptibility to infection involving the upper respiratory tract. In an effort to establish certain normal values and to determine if humoral immune abnormalities are associated with the chromosomal anomalies of Down's syndrome, immunoglobulin levels, certain complement component levels, viral antibodies, hepatitis B surface antigen and milk precipitins from a population of inpatients and outpatients were compared with those of age, sex and race matched control populations. It does not appear that the upper respiratory infections are associated with abnormally low levels of immunoglobulins or complement, with the possible exception of IgM. Both the inpatient and outpatient Down's syndrome populations had decreased levels of IgM, indicating a possible relationship with the syndrome itself. In addition, the symptomatology does not seem to be due to IgE mediated atopic sensitivity. Hepatitis B surface antigen was found only in institutionalized Down's syndrome patients, but it did not seem to be related to the other immune components studied.


[Reabsorbable polyglactin sutures. Clinical and experimental studies (author's transl)].

Authors report polyglactin suture's experience in anterior segment surgery. Absorbable sutures have good tolerance, their disappearing delay is slow enough to allow good scar. Experiment shows that absorption is secondary to hydrolysis without inflammatory or necrotic reaction.


[Collateral circulations and new vessels in retinal branch vein occlusions. II. New vessels (author's transl)].

Two types of anastomotic new vessels develop after retinal branch vein occlusions. In a previous article (Arch. Ophtal. (Paris), 1977, 8-9, pp. 507-522) the useful collateral vessels were described in the re-establishment of a better circulation in the territory of the occluded vein. The second part discusses new vessels: they are dangerous and useless. Their pathogenesis poses the problem of the relationship between hypoxia, ischaemia, revascularisation and vasoproliferation. Their prevention and treatment calls for laser photocoagulation of the ischaemic territory.


[The ceroid-lipofuscinoses: ocular ultrastructure and diagnosis by conjunctival biopsy (author's transl)].

Histological studies of the eyes of three children affected with ceroid-lipofuscinosis show severe retinal destruction and generalized cellular overloading with ceroid-lipofuscin pigments. Conjunctival biopsies in eight patients distributed among the four different classical phenotypes of the disease demonstrate the diagnostic value of this simple and safe procedure.


[Considerations of malignant ocular tumours in children (author's transl)].

The authors undertake a clinico-anatomical study of 27 malignant tumours of the orbit and eye in children seen at the Ophthalmological Clinic in Jassy over the last 12 years. The majority (18 cases) were intra-ocular tumours which were clinically and anatomically retinoblastomas. After presenting the clinical symptoms, drawing attention to the signs of the disease presenting to paediatricians, the treatment is described. This was surgical in all cases followed by radiotherapy according to the case. Analysis of fatal cases and those which survived demonstrate certain degrees of seriousness in clinical, histopathological and therapeutic aspects. It can be appreciated that the long-term prognosis of these cases depends on the early diagnosis and the institution of the correct treatment as well as the anatomopathological form.


[Strabismus and pseudostrabismus (author's transl)].

The method of clinical examination on binocular sensory-motor connection used in the children of less than three years of age for early detection of strabismus, is used in cats. A number of common and Siamese cats were examined under the same conditions. The clinical results lead to the following conclusions: -- Contrary to general opinion, Siamese cats do not show strabismus and their binocular sensory-motor connection is well developed. -- The common cat does not show strabismus but demonstrates an exophoria or latent divergent strabismus. Their binocular sensory connections seem rather rudimentary. Though these studies have been stated categorically they are the result of clinical examination only and not of a mathematical accuracy. The veracity of these methods is confirmed by the findings in children of three years when examined by subjective methods. However, the use of experimental methods would be useful to confirm or to deny these data.


[Action of physostigmine on the acetylcholine content of the bovine choroid (author's transl)].

The measurement of the acetylcholine (ACh) content of 12 choroids influenced by a 1% solution of physostigmine salicylate (10 applications of three drops at three minute intervals) into the conjunctival fornix of one eye demonstrated elevated average values for ACh content (0.87 microgram) compared with those for the control eye (0.75 microgram). The eyes were enucleated one hour after the last application.


Allopurinol associated hypersensitivity reactions: cutaneous and renal manifestations.

Five patients developed fever, "toxaemia", severe skin reactions and eosinophilia, three to six weeks after commencing allopurinol therapy. The presenting feature in these patients was an extensive erythema, progressing to an exfoliative dermatitis, sometimes with oral mucous membrane involvement. One patient developed toxic epidermal necrolysis. The clinical course in two patients was complicated by acute renal failure which necessitated dialysis. The clinical and laboratory features support an acute hypersensitivity mechanism in these allopurinol associated reactions, in agreement with previous studies. Patients with chronic renal failure appear particularly prone to severe, potentially fatal reactions. If these patients need allopurinol, a lower dose than would be normally required should be given.


[Allergic contact eczema and vitiliginous depigmentations caused by paratertiary butylphenol].

Allergic contact eczema and vitiliginous depigmentations caused by paratertiary butylphenol. In a case of allergic contact eczemas due to an occupational contact with paratertiary butylphenol, vitiliginous depigmentations appeared after a latency period of several years. Disorders of cellular immune reactions, struma and hepatosis were absent. Paratertiary butylphenol might have been absorbed by the epidermis. It is suggested for prophylactic purposes to declare the components of adhesives in order to avoid occupational contacts with dangerous substances.


Chromium, cobalt and nickel in Swedish cement, detergents, mould and cutting oils.

The concentrations of chromium, cobalt and nickel in 8 brands of Swedish cement, 19 detergents, 28 unused mould oils and 28 unused cutting fluids were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The total quantity of chromium in cement was 40-115 microgram Cr/g, whereas water-soluble chromium and chromate did not exceed 20 microgram Cr/g. The cobalt concentration was 5-16 microgram Co/g and the nickel concentration 5-59 microgram Ni/g. In detergents the nickel concentration was comparatively higher than that of chromium and cobalt. The highest value observed was 5.7 microgram Ni/g. In mould oils the concentrations were low, never exceeding 1 microgram/g. In cutting fluids the concentrations were low with the exeption of one product which contained 19.4 microgram Ni/g. The clinical implications of the results are discussed and it is pointed out that investigations of used cutting fluids can provide important information concerning possible allergy risks.


[Acneiform eruptions in female workers at a cable factory].

Acne and acneform changes are the most frequent occupational diseases in certain industries. As a rule, an oil acne occurs rather seldom in the cordage industry. However, in the factory at Rijeka, 85% of the occupational dermatoses were oil acnes. Mineral oil used in the treatment of hemp was the main etiologic factor. In the ill female workers of that cordage factory, the microclimate, the needle shaped hemp dust, greasy skin, bad working conditions and had hygiene played an important part.


Cross reactions in occupational contact dermatitis. I. Aromatic amines.

Cross reactions are described between particular aromatic amines, between phenylenediamine ortho-, meta- and para-isomers and between aromatic amines and related substances. Moreover, the sensitization pattern and some sources of primary sensitivity to aromatic amines are discussed.


[Development and significance of occupational and iatrogenic contact sensitization in nummular microbial eczema].

The pathogenesis of the epidermal and cutaneous reactions to a microbic invasion comprises many criteria for the diagnosis of a nummular microbial eczema. Detection of the focus, healing of the eczema after focal sanitation, positive reactions to bacterial antigens, decrease of Igm and IgG, and other parameters represent the cutaneous component of the disease, while the lack of epidermal sensitizations to low-molecular haptenes and the predominantly negative epicutaneous tests constitue the accentuating criteria. The results obtained in 95 patients with nummular microbic eczema show the part played by epidermal alterations in the development of occupational an iatrogenic contact sensitizations. Moreover, these alterations allow to recognize to what extent these dermatoses are due to occupational causes.


Nonidentical subunits of human erythrocyte phosphofructokinase.

Human erythrocyte and muscle phosphofructokinase (PFK) were purified completely by improved procedures. SDS-acrylamide gel electrophoresis in a discontinuous buffer system revealed two subunits (R and M) of erythrocyte PFK, the slower one (M) corresponding to the single subunit of muscle PFK. The staining intensity ratio R:M of the two bands of erythrocyte PFK was 2:1 or less. This suggests that native erythrocyte PFK contains multiple isoenzymes with different proportions of R and M, some being lost during purification. Nevertheless, isoelectric focusing showed single peaks of erythrocyte PFK (pI 5.0) and muscle PFK (pI 6.6), perhaps because of aggregation of erythrocyte PFK isoenzymes. Erythrocyte PFK from a patient with muscle PFK deficiency had a pI of 4.6 and could not be precipitated by antiserum against muscle PFK, findings compatible with the putative structure R4.


Cytoplasmic inheritance of chloroplast coupling factor 1 subunits.

An analysis of interspecific hybrids of Nicotiana spp. in which one of the parents was sensitive to tentoxin showed that this sensitivity was transmitted only through the female parent. Since tentoxin acts by selectively binding to the alpha,beta subunit complex of chloroplast coupling factor 1, the gene(s) specifying either one or both of these subunits is located in the cytoplasm.


The reactivity of the thiol groups of the adenosine triphosphatase of sarcoplasmic reticulum and their location on tryptic fragments of the molecule.

The ATPase (adenosine triphosphatase) from sarcoplasmic reticulum contains 20 thiol groups/115000 daltons, measured by using either N-ethyl[(14)C]maleimide or 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoate) in sodium dodecyl sulphate. After reduction there were 26 thiol groups, in good agreement with 26.5 residues of cysteic acid found by amino acid analysis. The difference between this and the 20 residues measured before reduction implies the presence of three disulphide residues. The same number of disulphide residues was found by direct measurement. Three to six fewer thiol groups were found in preparations made in the absence of dithiothreitol. The missing residues were accounted for as cysteic acid. The distribution of disulphide bonds and of exposed and buried thiol groups among the tryptic fragments of the molecule was measured after labelling with N-ethyl[(14)C]-maleimide. The disulphides were confined to fragment B (mol.wt. 55000), whereas several thiol groups were present on each of the fragments (A, B, A(1) and A(2)). The kinetics of the reaction of the ATPase with 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoate) showed that four or five of the thiol groups were unreactive in the absence of detergent and that 13 of the remainder reacted with a single first-order rate constant. In the presence of ATP and Ca(2+) the reaction rate of all but two groups of this class was uniformly decreased. In the presence or absence of ATP and Ca(2+) the rate constant for inactivation was close to the rate constant for this class, but was not identical with it. No selective protection of a specific active-site-thiol group was observed. Parallel experiments with sarcoplasmic reticulum gave similar results, except that the reaction rates were a little lower and there were two more buried groups. Solution of ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum in detergent greatly increased the reactivity of all thiol groups. The effects of low concentrations of deoxycholate were reversible. EGTA or low concentrations (0.02mm) of Ca(2+) of Mg(2+) had very little effect on the reactivity.


A simple and rapid method for isolation of reduced carbohydrate fragments from the linkage region of cartilage keratan sulphate.

The method described is a simple and rapid procedure for isolation in high yield of carbohydrate fragments containing terminal galactosaminitol derived from the polysaccharide-protein linkage region of cartilage keratan sulphate. It is based on the observation that reducing sugars bind tightly to Dowex-1 resin (hydroxide form), whereas reduced analogues (sugar alcohols) do not [H. Yamaguchi, S. Inamura & K. Makino (1976) J. Biochem. (Tokyo) 79, 299-303].


[On the reduction of free fatty acids in skin surface lipids as a criterium for the therapeutic efficacy of antimicrobial acne drugs. Studies on film masks containing ethyl lactate and ethanol (author's transl)].

Thin-layer chromatographic investigations of the skin surface lipids have been performed on 10 healthy subjects before and after treatment with film masks containing 1% ethyl lactate and 50% ehtanol. From the results obtained it can be assumed that there is a reduction in the fraction of free fatty acids on the skin surface. Clinical studies with the same mask on 23 patients with acne vulgaris over a period of 3 weeks proved that this treatment led to a significant reduction in comedones and inflammatory acne efflorescences. No side effects whatsoever were obtained. This therapy, therefore presents a valuable element in the treatment of acne vulgaris. These investigations show also that a decrease in the free fatty acids of the skin surface lipids points to a favourable therapeutical effect on inflamed and not-inflamed efflorescens of acne vulgaris when testing antimicrobial agents.


[Clinico-pharmacological studies on the acne-inducing action of fluocortin butylester (author's transl)].

The acne-inducing effect of butyl 6alpha-fluoro-11beta-hydroxy-16alpha-methyl-3,20-dioxo-1,4-pregnadien-21-oate (fluocortin butylester, Vaspit) 0.75% was compared with that of hydrocortisone acetate 1.0% and diflucortolone valerate 0.1% in a model established by Plewig and Kligman. The steroid and the cream base uniformly used in all preparations were applied to the backs of 20 volunteers over 4 weeks. Dome-shaped red papules developed in the third week of occlusive treatment, and were counted in an area of 16 cm2 at the maximum of their development and graded according to a scale. The degree of papulation under diflucortolone valerate 0.1% was 2.15+/-0.75. No differences were observed between fluocortin butylester 0.75% (0.2+/-0.42), hydrocortisone acetate and the cream base (0.15+/-0.37).


[A deep colored antimony compound from dehydroepiandrosterone (3beta-hydroxy-5-androstene-17-one). 79. Steroids and Sterines].

Heating of dehydroepiandrosterone under nitrogen with a concentrated solution of SbCl3 in C6H5COCl (3 h at 90 degrees C) leads to a dark violet-coloured crystalline product of the composition C38H46Cl7O2Sb2 with antomony in a trivalent state. Treatment with hydrochloric acid yields an antomony-free brown-coloured product of the composition C38H40O2 with a molecular weight of 530 +/- 10%. Upon catalytic hydrogenation, it binds 6 moles of H2, yielding a yellow crystalline material which reacts already at room temperature with dilute SbCl3 to a bluish-violet solution. The structure of the substances in question is discussed.


Pathogenesis of chronic inflammation in experimental ferritin-induced arthritis. IV. Immuno-electron microscopic techniques in the study of articular collagenous tissues.

The earliest and most severe changes in articular collagenous tissues (ACT) occur within 24 hours of antigen challenge and are associated with and are possibly secondary to maximal immune complex deposition in ACT surfaces. The immuno-electron microscopic (immuno-em) staining characterizes the ferritin as aggregates with antibody and suggests its occurrence and deposition as a preformed immune complex. These data indicate a direct interaction between immune complexes and collagenous matrix which could relate to both antigen persistence and chronicity of the immune response. The changes described in this model have features in common with rheumatoid disease and suggest the potential for similar mechanisms of cartilage degradation.


Cohesion of horny cells during comedo formation. An electron microscope study.

Cohesion between horny cells was studied in experimentally induced comedones, from the rabbit's external ear canal. It occurred in two different ways: initially, by the persistence of desmosones and desmonosmal bodies (fusiform electron dense bodies), which loosely held the horny cells together; later, and to a lesser extent, by tight junctions, which tightly bound the horny cells together. A gradual decrease in the numbers of membrane coating granules was observed.


Pityriasis lichenoides--an immune complex disease.

Circulating immune complexes have been detected in patients with pityriasis lichenoides during disease activity when IgM and C3 have been observed in dermal vessels on direct immunofluorescence of fresh lesions. This implies that pityriasis lichenoides is an immune complex disorder and that deposited complexes play a part in the pathogenesis of the condition. There is a characteristic pattern of immunofluorescence which may be a diagnostic aid.


Comparison of oral treatment with zinc sulphate and placebo in acne vulgaris.

In a double-blind study 91 patients with acne vulgaris were treated either with oral zinc sulphate (0.4 g daily) or with a placebo. Forty-eight patients received zince treatment and 43 patients placebo. Significantly better results were demonstrated in favour of zince after 12 weeks.


Gaps in DNA induced by neocarzinostatin bear 3'- and 5'-phosphoryl termini.

Neocarzionstatin (NCS)-induced strand breakage of DNA generates nonfunctional binding sites for the E. coli DNA polymerase I. Treatment of the NCS-nicked DNA with alkaline phosphatase at 65 degrees C prior to the polymerase reaction results in 60-100-fold stimulation of dTMP incorporation whereas in a control not treated with the drug there is only a 2-fold increase. Sites of strand scission on the NCS-treated DNA bear phosphate at the 3' termini. This conclusion is supported by the kinetics of release of inorganic phosphate from NCS-cut DNA by exonuclease III. Since our earlier work has shown that virtually all the 5' ends of the nicks caused by NCS bear phosphomonoester groupings, the 3'- and 5'- phosphoryl termini could be quantitated using alkaline phosphatase and exonuclease III. Over a wide range of drug levels the amount of inorganic phosphate released by alkaline phosphatase is approximately twice as much as that removed by exonuclease III, indicating the presence of equal amounts of 3'- and 5'- phosphoryl termini. This, taken together with other previously demonstrated effects of NCS on DNA, such as the introduction of nicks not sealable by polynucleotide ligase, the release of thymine, and the formation of a malonaldehyde type compound, suggests that NCS-induced strand breakage involves base release accompanied by opening of the sugar ring with destruction of one or more nucleosides and results in a gap bounded by 3'- and 5'- phosphoryl termini.


Calcium ion-dependent dephosphorylation of the Ca2+-ATPase of human red-cells by ADP.

In the Ca2+-ATPase of human red cells the rate of dephosphorylation of the phosphoenzyme is increased by ADP, provided Ca2+ is present. This effect suggests that phosphorylation of the Ca2+-ATPase is a reversible process.


Is there a plasma membrane-located anion-sensitive ATPase? III. Identity of the erythrocyte enzyme with (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase.

The characteristics of the anion-sensitive Mg2+-ATPase activity of the rabbit erythrocyte have been studied in a lyophilized ghost preparation. The enzyme appears to be different from the anion-sensitive Mg2+-ATPase activity of other tissues in many parameters, such as optimal pH, effects of various anions, oligomycin sensitivity and effects of Triton X-100. The enzyme is insensitive towards inhibition by irreversibly bound 4,4'-diisothiocyano-dihydrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (H2DIDS). This excludes a relationship between the enzyme and the "band 3" protein, which is thought to be involved in the anion exchange over the erythrocyte membrane. From the effects of ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), CaCl2, chlorpromazine and ruthenium red it is concluded that the enzyme activity does not represent a separate entity but is part of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase system of the erythrocyte membrane. A reported stimulatory effect of carbonic anhydrase is attributed to a contamination of the carbonic anhydrase preparation by calcium and/or (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activator protein.


Inhibition of the mixed lymphocyte proliferative response by phorbol esters.

The phorbol diester, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate, a potent cocarcinogen in mice, blocks the induction of DNA synthesis in lymphocytes undergoing the mixed lymphocyte response. At 10(-7) M diester, the induced DNA synthesis is inhibited almost completely (99%). This action of the diester affects some early step in the response which is necessary for the triggering of cell replication; on-going DNA replication is not significantly affected. Phorbol 12,13-diacetate, a less potent analogue in tumor promotion in vivo, is also a less potent inhibitor of the mixed lymphocyte response (75% inhibition at 10(-6) M). Phorbol, the parent alcohol, is not effective in either system. The use of phorbol diesters in the molecular dissection of mixed lymphocyte responses is discussed.


[Biochemical mechanisms of muscle contraction regulation].

This review is the analysis of molecular mechanisms regulating the contraction activity of voluntary muscles. It summarises the data on muscle biochemistry for last decades. Literary and the author's data are devoted to the analysis of the following problems: ionic gradients of skeletal muscles; the energy origin for processes of the contraction initiation; the biochemical basis of electromechanical coupling; the role of a number of biologically active compounds in muscle functioning; regulatory aspects of the energetic supply of a contraction function; the change of muscle properties under the fatigue. The data given make possible to describe a single contraction cycle on the molecular level.


[Stabilization of Na+, K+-adenosine triphosphatase by dimethyl sulfoxide under inactivation by urea].

Hydrophobic agents, e.g. methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone and dioxane were shown to induce irreversible inactivation of Na+, K+-adenosine triphosphatase beginning with their concentrations of 20 to 35%, whereas dimethyl sulphoxide exerted similar effect only at concentration of 50% and higher. Urea also irreversibly inactivated Na+, K+-adenosine triphosphatase, beginning with a concentration of about 20%. It was found that, dimethyl sulphoxide contrary to the other hydrophobic agents studied, protected Na+, K+-adenosine triphosphatase against the inactivating (denaturing) action of urea. The highest stabilizing effect of dimethyl sulphoxide was displayed at concentrations from 20 to 30%.


[Effect of valinomycin on structural and functional transitions in sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes].

Effect of valinomycin (VAL) on ATPase activity and transport of calcium ions in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles has been studied, as well as the diffusion efflux of calcium ions from liposomes of the total fraction of SR lipids. The studies were carried out in the temperature range of 10 divided by 50 degrees. Changes in the structure of SR membranes were checked with a fluorescent probe of 3-metoxibenzantron. It was shown that at the molar ratios 1:7000-1:70 VAL decreases its ATPase activity and active transport of calcium ions in SR at all temperatures. Besides VAL decreases the rapid efflux of calcium ions from SR and the diffusion efflux of calcium ions from liposomes within the temperature range 10 degrees divided by 35 degrees; it increases the rates of these processes at higher temperatures. Simultaneously the broadening of temperature intervals of structural transitions in the SR membranes takes place.


[Mg(Ca)-ATPase of arterial muscle cells].

We could show an ATPase in mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of sheep arteria carotis communis and arteria coronaria of cattle which can be stimulated by Ca2+ of Mg2+, respectively. The enzyme has a higher affinity for Ca2+ than for Mg2+. The maximum activity of the Mg(Ca)-ATPase was found at 2-4 mM Ca2+ or Mg2+, respectively. Higher concentrations of these ions inhibit the enzyme. Mn2+, Sr2+ and Co2+ can substitute Ca2+ in splitting of ATP by the ATPase of both fractions of ateria coronaria of cattle. The ions K+ and Na+, variation of temperature and pH and a variety of pharmacological active compounds has the same effect on the ATPase stimulated by Ca2+ or Mg2+. These findings prove that Ca2+ and Mg2+ act at the same site of the ATPase of the mitochondrial and microsomal fraction of vascular smooth muscle.


Pharmacological investigations of the cholinergic imbalance hypotheses of movement disorders and psychosis.

The hypotheses of relative cholinergic underactivity in Huntington's disease, tardive dyskinesia, mania, and schizophrenia were pharmacologically investigated, using physostigmine and choline chloride. Intravenous physostigmine improved the involuntary movements of all of four patients with tardive dyskinesia and three of six patients with Huntington's disease. Physostigmine infusion also decreased manic symptoms in six of nine patients with mania, but had no beneficial effects in three patients with schizophrenia. Precursorloading with choline chloride may increase brain acetylcholine levels and central cholinergic activity. In patients with movement disorders a transient improvement during physostigmine infusion predicted a positive response to a trial of oral choline chloride. One manic patient may have been improved by choline chloride, however choline chloride did not improve symptoms in four of six schizophrenix patients. Chronic treatment with oral choline chloride increases plasma levels of choline during administration and for approximately 48 hr after discontinuation of treatment. A single 5-g dose of choline chloride also transiently raises plasma choline levels. These results with physostigmine support the hypotheses of cholinergic underactivity in Huntington's disease, tardive dyskinesia, and mania. Agents which might chronically increase cholinergic activity such as choline chloride should be further tested in these disorders.


The enzymes of the red blood cell plasma membrane.

Red blood cell plasma membranes contain a number of enzymes: ATPases, anion transport protein, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, protein kinases, adenylate cyclase, acetylcholinesterase. Most of them are tightly bound to the membrane and are present in small amounts. As a result, structural characterization of erythrocyte membrane enzymes has not yet been successful. Functional studies have, however, yielded a great deal of information. ATPases allow active transport of cations (calcium, sodium, potassium). Anion transport protein controls movements of chloride and phosphate ions, and of glucose and water. Among glycolytic enzymes: glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase is partially bound to the membrane. Protein kinases catalyze the phosphorylation of several membrane proteins, one of which (spectrin) is involved in red blood cell mechanical properties. The physiological role of adenylate cyclase is unknown. Acetylcholinesterase is an ectoenzyme. Calcium-dependent ATPase, adenylate cyclase and phosphorylation of erythrocyte membrane proteins have been found abnormal in various conditions: hereditary spherocytosis, sickle-cell anemia, progressive muscular dystrophies, all of these disorders being associated with a decreased deformability of the erythrocyte.


[Effect of stimulation of the hypothalamic nuclei on the lipid concentration and ATPase activity of the mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of the rabbit heart].

Stimulation of the ventro-medial nuclei of the hypothalamus led to reduction in the concentration of phospholipids, triglycerides, and cholesterol in the mitochondria of the rabbit heart. Cholesterol load against this background elevated the concentration of cholesterol and reduced the phospholipid concentration even more. The heart mitochondrial and microsomal activity of Ca2+--ATP-ase was reduced. These data differed from the results recieved in the action of cholesterol alone. The research carried out showed that the action of exogenous cholesterol depended on the mechanisms regulating the lipid metabolism.


[Effect of erythrocytic G2-chalone on the erythrokinetics in mice].

It was shown that erythrocytic inhibitor (G2-cheilon) acted both on the proliferating and on differentiated cells of the erythroid series of the mouse bone marrow. The effect of cheilon was expressbd as soon as 3 hours after its administration and lasted for from 8 to 48 hours, depending on the extent of cell differentiation. In case of a single cheilon administration, despite significant erythropoiesis disturbances, erythrocyte count determined 8 to 12 days later persists within the control level. Repeated administration of cheilon was accompanied by a fall of the erythrocyte count at later periods of the experiment.


[Effect of an erythrocytic chalone on the electrophoretic mobility of bone marrow cells in mice].

Five fractions were isolated with the aid of cell electrophoresis in the phycol density gradient from the bone marrow of mice treated with physiological saline (control) and with erythrocytic chalone (experiment). The absolute and the relative distribution of cells in control and experimental fractions differed: the maximal number of cells in control (up to 78%) was revealed in fractions 3--5, and the minimal (up to 22%)--in fractions 1--2. 25 minutes after the action of erythrocytic cheilon there occurred redistribution of the cell material in all the fractions. The number of cells increased 2.6-fold in fraction 1. Analysis of smear "myelograms" from fraction 1 in experiment and control demonstrated that the formed element count in fraction 1 increased on account of the erythrocytic series cells. Among the proliferating erythron cells reduction of electrophoretic mobility proved to be the greatest in proerythroblasts. It is supposed that as a result of interaction between the erythrocytic cheilon and the receptors of the membranes of the proliferating erythron cells there occurred a reduction of their electrical change and changes in the intracellular processes leading to delay of mitoses.


Sodium-dependent cardiac glycoside binding: experimental evidence and hypothesis.

1 The influence of increasing Na+ concentrations on the binding of digitoxin, digoxin and ouabain was examined in a Na+-K+-ATPase preparation of guinea-pig hearts. 2 Two distinct processes seem to be involved in this interaction: one binding process was activated at low Na+ concentrations. The maximum binding capacities were different and the K0.5 values were nearly identical for the cardiac glycosides studied. 3 In contrast, the second binding process was activated at appreciably higher Na+ concentrations, the maximum binding capacities were almost identical and the K0.5 values were different for the cardiac glycosides studied. 4 On the basis of these results attempts are made to explain the well known differences in the myocardial accumulation of cardiac glycosides.


Perinatal mortality and one-year infant morbidity.

Perinatal mortality in Southampton and South-west Hampshire Health District fell from 20.8 per 1000 total births in 1970 to 11.3 per 1000 in 1976. This was atributable mainly to a fall in the stillbirth rate, but also to a recent fall in the neonatal death rate in the first week. All infants born in 1975 who had any problems in the perinatal period were followed up for one year. Of the 12 children identified at one year as having a major handicap, eight suffered from problems of prenatal origin, two from problems associated with preterm delivery, and two from other conditions acquired during the perinatal period. As two-thirds of the major handicaps arose from congenital abnormalities, preterm delivery and low birth weight were not the main causes of major handicap.


Possible role of antibody specific for a practolol metabolite in the pathogenesis of oculomucocutaneous syndrome.

The clinical distribution of an antibody to a metabolite of practolol was investigated, particularly in relation to the oculomucocutaneous syndrome. Serum samples were obtained from patients with and without a history of adverse reaction to practolol and two groups of control patients who had never taken the drug. Five patients also participated in a challenge study. The presence of the antibody was found to be related to practolol administration, and antibody activity could be increased by antigenic challenge. The role of this antibody in the pathogenesis of the oculomucocutaneous syndrome remains uncertain. The lesions may be the result of a hitherto unknown type of hypersensitivity response to practolol.


Acetylcholinesterase activity in motor nerve fibres in correlation to muscle fibre types in rat.

Rat muscle nerves were examined histochemically for their activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The corresponding muscles were stained for myofibrillar ATPase and for NADH diaphorase. The nerves to the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle and to the medial head of the gastrocnemius (MG) muscle consist of a motor axons of high AChE activity. Both muscles are characterized by the prevalence of type II muscle fibres. On the other hand, the soleus muscle and the quandratus femoris muscle, both mainly composed of type I muscle fibres, are innervated by a motor axons of low AChE activity. Since it is well established that EDL and MG are typical fast-twitch muscles and that the soleus, and probably also the auadratus femoris, is a typical slow-twitch muscle, it is suggested that, in rat, fast muscles are innervated by motor nerve fibres of high AChE activity and slow muscles are innervated by motor axons of low AChE activity.


[The effect of anesthetics on cardiovascular reactivity to isoprenaline in rats].

Compared study was performed in rats under chloral or urethanne anaesthesia after venous infusion of isoproterenol. Cardiovascular haemodynamics and capillary regional blood flows of digestive tract showed changes; cardiac output was increased only under chloral anaesthesia; nutritional flows were different according to anaesthesia.


[Experimental endoparasitism of Trypanosoma brucei in Blabera fusca: parasite survival and hemoglobin toxicity].

Attempts for infestation of the cockroach, Blabera fusca, by Trypanosoma brucei directly inoculated in the insect's haemocoele allowed to prove the obligation of the presence of red cells in the cockroach for the survival of the flagellates, in variable assessment. These free and moving trypanosomes may be studied in the haemolymph by an original in vivo observation technic; they have few pathogenic effect on the insect but remain infectious for mice. Moreover, haemoglobin shows a direct toxic effect in the cockroach, which enlarges by destroying red cells after encapsulation by haemocytes.


[Fatty acid composition of testicular and adrenal lipids of rats fed with fresh or thermopolymerized linseed oil].

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids presenting an unusual structure were found in testis and adrenal lipids of rats fed thermopolymerized linseed oil: they might be metabolites including at least one trans double bond.


[The effect of Mn2+ on thyroid iodine metabolism in rats].

Injection into rats of manganous chloride (2 mg/100 g) showed, after a 24-hr period, a marked depression of thyroidal 131I uptake. There is a decrease in serum T3 and T4 levels and an increase in I- level. These results demonstrate that the action of manganous ions is to block uptake of I- by the thyroid.


[The effect of dissolved oxygen tension on the energy metabolism of yeasts].

The specific ATP generation rate in yeasts was examined on the glycolytic pathway and on the respiratory chain as a function of the dissolved oxygen tension of the culture medium. Two different strains were used: Saccharomyces cerevisiae sensitive to the glucose effect and Kluyveromyces fragilis insensitive to the catabolite respression when growing on lactose. The oxidative ATP generation rate followed by these two strains a Michaelis Menten kinetics against the dissolved oxygen concentration. Dissolved oxygen tension only influenced the glycolytic ATP generation rate in Kluyveromyces fragilis. Thus glucose and Pasteur effects are two mutually exclusive regulatory mechanisms of the energy yielding metabolism of the yeasts.


[The occurrence of glucuroconjugated metabolites of safrole in the urine of treated rats].

The glucuronides of safrole were studied with GC-MS. At least seven compounds were identified, among then isomers of allylcatechol and mono-hydroxysafrol glucuronides. The presence of a glucuronide of hydroxysafrole-2',3' oxide will be especially discussed.