Effect of different albumin media on the lipid-mobilizing action of sympathicotropic substances in vitro.

The authors studied the effect of adrenotropic substances on lipolysis in rat epididymal adipose tissue in albumin medium in vitro. On using albumins of different origin (human, bovine), the pD2 values for catecholamines differed by more than one order, in correlation to the type of albumin used. The isopropylnorsynephrine pD2 values did not differ. The addition of ascorbic acid (100 microng/ml) raised the catecholamine pD2 values and completely equalized the pD2 values found in both media. The pD2 values for the synephrine derivative did not alter. The propranolol pA2 values were not negatively affected by the addition of ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid also produced a mild increase in the maximum lipid-mobilizing values obtained with any of the given substances in either medium. It was concluded in the discussion that catecholamines are oxidized at different rates in different albumin media and that this oxidation can be inhibited by adding ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid likewise mildly stimulates the maximum lipid-mobilizing effect. The authors recommend the addition of ascorbic acid to albumin medium as a regular component for the study of adrenergic lipid mobilization.


The influence of actinomycin D on the activity of delta-aminolaevulinic acid synthetase and dehydratase in the liver of mice and rats treated by griseofulvin.

The changes of delta-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase--the second enzyme of porphyrin synthesis--were studied and compared in the liver of mice and rats treated with griseofulvin. The results showed that griseofulvin increased the activity of delta-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase in the liver of mice and rats treated by griseofulvin. No differences were found between mice and rats as to the effect of griseofulvin on the activity of delta-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase. The influence of the administration of actinomycin D on the activity of delta-aminolaevulinic acid synthetase and dehydratase in the liver of mice and rats was studied at an early period of experimental porphyria induced by griseofulvin. It was found that the administration of actinomycin D blocked the observed effect of griseofulvin on the activity of both enzymes in the liver of mice and rats.


Mechanical combined heart supporting system for prevention of irreversible ventricular fibrillation after experimental cardiogenic shock.

To determine whether haemodynamic effective support of the failing heart can prevent spontaneous irreversible ventricular fibrillation (IVF) after experimental cardiogenic shock, 63 open chest dogs were assigned randomly into four groups--two control groups (combined heart failure--CHF) and two MCHSS-treated (combined heart failure and non-pulsatile bypass with intraaortic counterpulsation). The CHF was produced by occlusion of the anterior descending coronary artery (group I) or the left circumflex coronary artery (group II) and by an artificial shunt between the pulmonary artery and right atrium. IVF were observed in 10 out of 22 control dogs (group I) and im 17 out of 21 control dogs (group II). In the 20 dogs with the CHF (10 animals in each group) the MCHSS was performed in the course of two hours. During the heart support no IVF were observed in any of the dogs. The difference between the incidence of IVF in the control and treated animals is statistically significant (Chi square = 21.9767 greater than Chi square 0.005).


Effect of premature weaning on the fatty acid composition of rat adipose tissue.

The authors described the effect of premature weaning on the fatty acid spectrum in the retroperintoneal fat of female rats during ontogenesis. Premature weaning reduced the lower fatty acid content [decanoic acid C 10:0, lauric acid C 12:0, myristic acid C 14:0] in 30- to 90-day-old rats, but in further development no differences between the amount of these fatty acids were observed in suckled and prematurely weaned animals. These changes concurred with the fatty acid composition of the relevant diet (rat milk and a standard laboratory diet). Changes induced in the amount of other acids by premature weaning were not permanent in character, with the exception of stearic acid C 18:0 and linoleic acid C 18:3, which were raised at 720 days in the retroperitoneal fat of prematurely weaned rats. The amount of lower saturated fatty acids fell with advancing age, whereas oleic C 18:1, linolic C 18:2 and linolenic C 18:3 acid rose.


Sexual behaviour of male rats rehabilitated after early protein-calorie malnutrition.

The effect of early protein-calorie malnutrition (from birth to the age of 55 days) followed by nutritional rehabilitation (from the 58th day) on sexual behaviour was studied in male rats aged about 125 days. The sexual stimulation conditions on the part of the oestrus female were made as optimal as possible and were fully controlled. About half the malnourished males displayed precopulatory and copulatory behaviour, while in the control group these values were almost 100%. When malnourished males copulated, their copulatory performance did not differ very greatly from that of the well-nourished controls. The other experimental males displayed no signs of sexual behaviour during the testing period. Exposure of the males to the scent of a female in the latter's absence greatly stimulated their interest in the odour (sniffing the floor of the experimental box) in both the control and the malnourished animals which afterwards copulated. The results indicate that the sexual behaviour of males subjected to protein-calorie deficiency in early ontogenesis is at the very least delayed, if not completely suppressed.


Spreading EEG depression elicited by controlled deformation of the rat cerebral cortex.

The elicitation of cortical spreading depression (SD) by electronically generated mechanical stimuli was studied in 52 pentobarbital-anaesthetized rats. The stimuli were applied with a rod (target area 7.065 mm2) immersed at a constant velocity (3 X 10(-6) to 2 X 10(-1) m/sec) to varying depths (0 to 2.5 mm) from the surface of the cerebral cortex at the level of the bregma. SD elicitation depended on the velocity as well as the amplitude of deformation. The relationship between the velocity, v (m/sec), and amplitude, A (m), of threshold stimuli for SD elicitation is described by the equation 6.4 log A + log v = -21.08 in the given measuring range. The mean threshold velocity at a depth of 0.9 mm was 2.85 X 10(-2) m/sec; at 2.2 mm it was 8.54 X 10(-5) m/sec. If the rod was immersed to a given depth at a subthreshold velocity, to elicit SD by plunging it in a further 0.5 mm it was necessary to use velocities of a higher order than the one needed to obtain the same total deformation with a single threshold pulse. In extensive deformation, this velocity difference disappeared. Comparison of the results obtained by a free fall and electronically controlled deformation showed that the threshold of the mechanical stimulus eliciting spreading EEG depression could be expressed by the deformation velocity and amplitude better than by the amount of kinetic energy absorbed.


Comparison of spontaneous activity of mesencephalic reticular neurones in the waking state and during pentobarbital anaesthesia.

In rats immobilized by d-Tubocurarine the spontaneous activity of 100 mesencephalic reticular neurones was recorded extracellularly and statistically evaluated before and after repeated intravenous administration of 15 mg/kg doses of Pentobarbital. Number of spontaneously active neurones decreases quasi-linearly with repeated 15 mg/kg Pentobarbital doses. After a 75 mg/kg cumulative dose practically all neurones ceased firing spontaneously, whereas cortical EEG activity fully disappeared after the 90 mg/kg Pentobarbital dose. The firing rate was characterized by the mean interval with its standard deviation. Mean value for the total sample of spontaneously active neurones was 146.7 +/- 192.3 msec without Pentobarbital and increased to 302.7 +/- 367.5 msec after 15 mg/kg and to 400.6 +/- 452.5 msec after 30 mg/kg cumulative dose of Pentobarbital. The 15 mg/kg dose increased the frequency of firing in 5% of neurones only. The most often encountered type of interval histogram in the mesencephalic reticular formation was the exponential type (59% in unanaesthetized state), which was also most sensitive to Pentobarbital. Synchronized activity in bursts, characterized by periodical peaks and dips frequently occurred in neurones with the exponential-like interspike interval density after Pentobarbital administration. On the contrary, neurones with gamma-like and especially with symmetrical-like types of density were less influenced by Pentobarbital. In many neurones a periodical increase in the firing rate (with intervals of tens of seconds) related to the occurrence of spindles was present in the cortical EEG activity.


Interaction of perphenazine and an ergoline derivative on oestrogen-induced adenohypophyseal growth.

Male and female rats were injected twice a week for three weeks with doses of 1 mg oestradiol benzoate (OE), were given perphenazine (P, 2 mg/rat/day) or the ergoline derivative D-6-methyl-8-ergoline-(I)-yl acetic acid amide (Deprenon SPOFA, D, 200 microng/rat/day) in their food or were treated with various combinations of all three factors. OE-induced adenohypophyseal growth was inhibited by D, but the inhibitory effect of D was completely suppressed by P. D also inhibited the OE-induced increase in the thyroxine-binding capacity of the adenohypophyseal proteins, but this inhibition was not suppressed by the simultaneous administration of P. The administration of OE was followed by elevation of the serum ceruloplasmin level, which was not inhibited by P or D, either alone or combined. Ovarian weight rose markedly after D and the increase was inhibited by the simultaneous administration of either OE or P.


Kinetics of the alanine aminotransferase reaction in the mitochondrial and cell sap fractions of rat brain.

1. A reversible transamination reaction between L-glutamate and pyruvate, or L-alanine and 2-oxoglutarate, takes place in the mitochondrial and cell sap fractions of rat brain. 2. The maximum rate of the transamination reaction in both subfractions was observed in the presence of a keto- substrate concentration of 2.5 mM only, but an amino- donor concentration of 20 mM. 3. The apparent Menten-Michaelis constants for pyruvate and 2-oxoglutarate were of a 10(-4) M and for L-glutamate and L-alanine of a 10(-3) M order and were approximately the same for both fractions. 4. The ratio of the initial rate of the L-alanine + 2-oxoglutarate to the L-glutamate + pyruvate transamination reaction in the cell sap and mitochondrial fractions amounted to up to 2. 5. The apparent equilibrium constant derived from the Haldane equation was 7.01 for cell sap alanine aminotransferase and 4 for the mitochondrial enzyme. 6. Increasing pyridoxal-5'-phosphate concentrations in the incubation medium were accompanied by only non-significant stimulation of alanine aminotransferase activity in the mitochondrial and cell sap fractions. 7. A comparison of the kinetic data obtained on mitochondrial and cell sap alanine aminotransferases in vitro with the actual substrate concentrations in the transamination reaction in nervous tissue in vivo indicates that the direction of the transamination reaction in situ seems to be determined simply by compartmentation and by dynamic changes in amino- and keto- substrates in the mitochondrial and cell sap spaces.


Defensive reflexes of the respiratory tract in dogs.

Intrapleural pressure, the tracheal air flow and tidal volume were recorded simultaneously in pentobarbital-anaesthetized dogs and changes occurring in them during defensive reflexes elicited by mechanical stimulation of the mucosa of different parts of the respiratory tract were evaluated quantitatively. The results show that, in addition to coughing and sneezing provoked by inserting a nylon fibre into the tracheobronchial region, the larynx and the nose, further respiratory reflexes described in other mammals also appear in these animals. Mechanical stimulation of the epipharynx with a fine polyvinylchloride catheter, for instance, also produces in dogs an aspiration reflex characterized by sniff-like inspiratory efforts without subsequent active expiration. Touching the vocal folds, however, produces an expiration reflex consisting of expiratory efforts without preceding inspiratory effort. The character of all these reflexes is typical and closely resembles their character in cats. Stimulation of the various parts of the respiratory tract sometimes evokes an apnoeic reaction instead of typical respiratory defensive reflexes.


Early postnatal developmental changes of the cardiac electric field in guinea-pigs.

Changes of the "representative" maximum spatial cardiac vector were followed daily from the 1st till the 3th postnatal day of life in a group of 70 guinea-pigs. This vector representing the spatial vectorcardiographic loop shifted gradually during the observation period from the right caudal quadrant to the left caudal quadrant attaining its new spatial orientation on the 7th day. This shift is accompanied by a transitory tilt in the cranial direction with a peak on the 7th day and a transitory decrease of the spatial magnitude with a peak on the 4th day. There was no significant difference between the spatial magnitude of the "representative" maximum vector on the 1st and the last (13th) day of observation.


Anatomically orthogonal QRS electrocardiogram of the baboon (Papio hamadryas) and the macaque (Macaca mulatta). Sex and species differences.

Peak amplitudes of the QRS complex were evaluated in 28 adult macaques (Macaca mulatta) and 28 adult baboons (Papio hamadryas), using two anatomically orthogonal lead systems. The anteroposterior (z) and the transversal (x) component of the cardiac electric field was smaller in females than in males. Comparison of QRS amplitudes in baboons and macaques indicates that the loop of the spatial vectorcardiogram is situated further ventrally and to the right in the former. The relationship between ventrally and dorsally oriented cardiac vectors, in both baboons and macaques, displays a prevalence of ventrally oriented vectors compared with man, in whom this type of relationship is normally not found after the second year of life.


Effect of rhythmic alternation of protein depletion and repletion on serum protein synthesis.

The authors attempted to determine whether repeated protein depletion would produce changes in the organism's response to this unfavourable situation indicative of the preservation of information on past depletion and of its inclusion in the formation of the organism's defences against repetition of this unphysiological state. It can be concluded from the results that the anticipated trend was demonstrated. The question of the site of origin, storage and action of this information was not resolved.


Study of adaptation on the regulation of proteosynthesis in the organism to changed nutritional conditions.

The authors studied the response of the regulation of proteosynthesis in the rat organism at the level of a model protein--haemoglobin--during developing protein depletion, comparing the response of rats encountering this situation for the first time with the response of animals specially prepared for it by a multiple depletion-repletion cycle. The changes in the response of both groups of animals to the same stimulus indicate that the data acquired in experience of these states are stored in the organism and form the basis of its changed response to a fresh load. The authors did not study the mechanism and site of storage of the information in question, or the mechanism of coordinated regulation, but they expressed the hypothesis that central regulation of protein biosynthesis could be involved.


Determination of cardiac output by the CO2 - rebreathing method in fifteen-year-old boys subjected to graduated loading.

The dynamics of cardiac output changes were studied in 23 15-year-old boys subjected to graduated loading up to maximum on an bicycle ergometer and relationships between cardiac output and other indexes of cardiorespiratory functions were determined. The correlation between cardiac output (Q in 1/min) and oxygen consumption (VO2 in 1/min) was Q = 6.84 + 5.64. VO2. CO2-rebreathing was found to be a suitable non-invasive method for determining cardiac output in loading tests in adolescents. Maximum cardiac output correlated with maximum oxygen consumption, maximum pulmonary ventilation, body weight, lean body mass and physical working capacity W 170 and did not correlate with systolic volume, the arteriovenous oxygen difference, the pulse rate and ballistocardiographic force. The absence of any statistically significant differences between the various functional indexes of the physical fitness of trained and untrained boys indicates that training was not very effective.


Development of spontaneous motility in chick embryos. Inhibitory effect of glycine and gamma-aminobutyric acid.

The effect of glycine (100 mg/kg egg weight) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA, 103 mg/kg egg weight) on spontaneous motility was studied in chick embryos from the 11th to 21st day of incubation. Neither substance affected 11- and 13-day embryos (except for transient augmentation of spontaneous motility in some of the 13-day embryos after glycine). From the 15th day of incubation, both substances inhibited spontaneous motility, the effect being most pronounced in 17-day embryos. Their effect on 21-day embryos was weaker than their effect on younger embryos. The results are evaluated as evidence of later maturation of inhibitory mechanisms during development of the chick embryo CNS.


The painful foot.

The inventive physician may find ways of making releasing cuts or openings with existing shoes to alleviate points of pressure. Many patients will suffer misery of pressure in shoes without giving a thought to cutting them, or opening them to allow for more freedom of movement. Releasing cuts may be made along seams, or between sole and upper with leather inserts to increase shoe size at points of major need for improved fit. Soft shoes may be resorted to. Elasticized material or sandals are preferable to the hard, resistant leather which aggravates so many lesions in our offices. Shoes custom made for disordered feet are very expensive. They may have to be ordered for some feet deformed beyond the capacity for ordinary shoes. Again, unless foot care is convenient and helpful in offsetting pain, the patient will usually not comply. Careful explanation of objectives for present and future is as important here as in any condition treated by family practitioners.


Clinical indications for echocardiography.

Echocardiography is an important adjunct to clinical diagnosis. Evaluation of chamber size, estimation of left ventricular function, valvular defects, and tricuspid atresia or stenosis are among the many disorders in which it can be helpful.


Adenosine triphosphatase located on unstimulated human small lymphocyte cell membranes.

This study was undertaken to localize the enzyme sodium-potassium dependent adenosine triphosphatase in unstimulated human small lymphocytes using the histochemical technique of McClurkin [1964]. The substrate adenosine 5' triphosphate is hydrolyzed by the ATPase resulting in a lead phosphate precipitate at the site of enzyme action, subsequently visualized as lead sulphide. The enzyme was demonstrated in three different patterns, and for each donor the pattern was constant both on all four of the test slides, and on different occasions. The patterns observed were: clusters of granules related to the cell membrane; positive staining localized to portions of the cell membrane, and, less commonly, the whole cell circumference. The significance of this distribution may relate to areas with large numbers of antigen recognition sites on the lymphocyte membrane.


Angioneurotic edema following ingestion of iocetamic acid.

A case of angioneurotic edema involving the left upper extremity following iocetamic acid ingestion is reported. This is the fifth reported case of a severe cutaneous reaction following ingestion of this material. The author suggests that iocetamic acid not be used in outpatients.


Additive effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan and p-chloro-phenylalanine in preventing audiogenic seizures in inbred mice.

Convulsive responsiveness of O'Grady mice, inbred for susceptibility to audiogenic seizures, was decreased following treatment with the serotonin precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan, or serotonin depletor, p-chlorophenylalanine. Neither agent exerted any antagonistic or synergistic action on the effect of the other. Upon sequential administration, their effects were additive. There was no indication that the increase in brain serotonin due to administration of its direct precursor interfered with the protective effect of p-chlorophenylalanine against seizures. Neither was there evidence that p-chlorophenylalanine-induced interruption of biosynthesis which led to severe depletion of brain serotonin affected the protective action of 5-hydroxytryptophan.


Bicarbonate stimulation of mitochondrial ATPase. Effect of physical training.

Bicarbonate stimulation of hepatic mitochondrial ATPase activity decreased in rats subjected to intense physical training and reached minimum values at the end of the third week. The stimulatory effect of bicarbonate on mitochondrial heart ATPase remained unaffected under equal conditions. ATPase stimulation by dinitrophenol and sensitivity to oligomycin, both in mitochondria from rat liver or heart, were not affected by physical training. Results suggest that stimulation by dinitrophenol and bicarbonate might be due to effects on separate sites of the enzyme.


Effects of serotonergic drugs on methaqualone-induced hypothermia.

Methaqualone (75 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in the rectal temperature of mice. This effect was antagonized by parachlorophenylalanine and potentiated by Lilly 110140. These compounds also decreased and increased respectively the circulating concentration of methaqualone.


Characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from different animal species.

Staphylococcus aureus strains originating from humans, cows, poultry, pigs, dogs and pigeons were characterised according to the biotyping scheme of Hájek and Marsálek (1971). All strains obtained from poultry, dogs and pigeons and the majority of bovine, human and porcine strains were classifiable as belonging to different biotypes. Two types were found to be present among poultry strains isolated in Europe and Japan. The porcine strains formed a heterogenic collection. One biotype predominated in the other host species. The characteristic S aureus wall teichoic acid (beta-N-acetylglucosaminyl ribitol teichoic acid) was present in nearly all poultry and pig strains. Strains from dogs and pigeons were found to present several properties which were not in agreement with the species description given for S aureus. They did not produce acetoin from glucose and their capacity to produce acid from mannitol in anaerobic conditions was very weak or absent. They were often negative in the clumping factor (slide coagulase) test and usually did not produce hyaluronidase. The production of acid from glucose in anaerobic conditions was slower and less intensive in these strains than in the S aureus strains from other origins. The results of this study support the concept of subdividing the species S aureus into biotypes or ecotypes.


The structure of the lachrymal glands of the domestic fowl and of the duck.

The histology of the lachrymal glands of the duck and fowl is similar. In both birds the gland is a compound tubulo-acinar structure, lobulated and invested by a thin connective tissue capsule. Foci of lymphocytes, but few plasma cells, are found in the glands. Moderately acidic mucosubstances predominate in the gland of the fowl whereas sialomucins are found in that of the duck. Neutral lipids were detected only in the gland of the fowl.


The epidemiology of Dictyocaulus filaria in north east England.

The seasonal pattern of Dictyocaulus filaria infection in four flocks of sheep under field conditions was studied by faecal examination for larvae. The prevalence of infection in lambs was low in spring and summer but increased in late autumn or winter, then fell again to a low level by May. However, most lambs became infected at some time during their first year of life. In ewes the prevalence of infection was generally low, but rose during winter and spring. Seasonal pattern and intensity of infection were influenced by weather conditions and the persistence of infection from the previous year, moist summer conditions giving rise to a higher level of infection in autumn and winter than a dry summer. The source of infection may be the ewes or yearlings, or infective larvae surviving over the winter on pasture. Autoinfection occurred, some lambs becoming infected with at least three generations of the parasite, but at the levels of infection recorded clinical disease was rare.


Expression of the acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase marker by activated and secondary T lymphocytes in man.

Acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) activity is characteristic of resting human T lymphocytes. The expression of the ANAE marker by activated human T and B lymphocytes (blasts) and by corresponding 'secondary' lymphocytes has been investigated. Human blood lymphocytes were stimulated by selective T-cell (phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A)) or B-cell (Staphylococcus aureus strain Cowan 1) mitogens or in the mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC), and the percentage of blasts expressing the marker was quantiated. Whereas 95% of Con-A-activated blasts expressed the marker, approximately 25%-30% of MLC-activated blasts and only 10%-25% of PHA-activated blasts were ANAE-positive. After reversion to secondary lymphocytes, the PHA- and MLC-activated cells regained the ANAE activity, and more than 90% of the blast-derived secondary T lymphocytes were ANAE-positive. Only 2%-8% of blast cells activated by Staphylococcus aureus strain Cowan 1 were ANAE-positive. We therefore conclude that ANAE is not a reliable marker for T cells when activated cells (blasts) are considered.


The clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus: a Cairo-Glasgow co-operative study.

The clinical features of 78 patients with SLE seen in Cairo and Glasgow are reviewed. Raynaud's phenomenon was recorded more frequently here than in previous series. The value of serial measurements of anti-DNA antibodies, C3 and C4 in the management of SLE is discussed. Although antibodies to native DNA paralleled the disease course in only a minority of SLE patients anti-DNA antibodies were present during all major SLE exacerbations and could be diagnostically useful. Serious systemic infections complicating the management of SLE patients could occur and their diagnosis is discussed.


Lymphocyte and fibroblast chalones: some chemical properties.

Experiments with lymphocyte and fibroblast chalones indicate that they are complexed strongly with RNA in tissue extracts; have a molecular weight of less than 10,000 and more than 1,000 daltons, and probably about 5,000 daltons; are strongly cationically charged; and contain mannose and perhaps other carbohydrates.


Lymphocyte-defined loci in cattle.

Using the results of all paired one-way mixed lymphocyte culture tests on families of half-sibs, we have established that the lymphocyte-defined system in cattle contains a minimum of two loci. The methodology presented is applicable to studies of the lymphocyte-defined systems of other species.


A comparative study of the physical performance capacity of rural and urban Burmese women aged 19-24 years.

A comparative study of the physical performance capacity of 32 Burmese women aged 19-24 years of the rural and urban area was conducted. Difference in physique was found between the two groups. Maximal oxygen uptake of the rural group was 39.21 ml/kg/min and that of the urban group was 32.32 ml/kg/min, the difference being significant at 0.1% level. Maximal oxygen pulse and maximal work load were significant only at 2% and 5% levels respectively. Though maximal ventilation in the rural group had a higher mean value it was not significant. These showed a higher cardiorespiratory fitness in the rural group, which was attributable to their high work intensity of 55.13% of the maximal aerobic power. However, a positive training effect of habitual physical activity on muscle strength could not be observed in this study.


Isolation of dengue type 3 from mosquitoes in Rangoon.

A virus was isolated in suckling mice from Aedes aegypti collected from Rangoon area, during the month of July 1969. The virus was identified as a member of Group B arbovirus dengue type 3, by means of its ability to agglutinate goose erythrocyte at pH 6.6, haemagglutination inhibition and complement fixation tests, and its growth characteristics in Aedes albopictus cell cultures. The isolated dengue type 3 virus differs slightly from the Indian dengue type 3 virus in its ability to produce haemagglutinin of high titer from the early mouse passage, variation in the pH for optimum haemagglutination and ability to produce cytopathic effect in Vero cell cultures.


Down's syndrome with hydrocephalus treated by compressive head binding.

A child with Down's syndrome, hydrocephalus and porencephaly is described, and treatment by compressive head binding is discussed. Although binding did not stop enlargement of the head it did achieve a reduction in the rate of enlargement.


Backache in the aged.

Backache is a treatable condition in most geriatric patients. A detailed history, a careful clinical examination, an X-ray examination and determination of the sedimentation rate usually enable one to categorize the discomfort as a "mechanical syndrome" or as a "pathological syndrome" of back pain. The former indicates that the tissues of the back are essentially normal but are displaced or strained, while the latter indicates an infiltration of the tissues by a pathological process. The important conditions causing backache in elderly patients in these two groups are listed and their treatment is discussed.


Impact of disability on the family structure.

The 1972 survey of the disabled and nondisabled provides comparative data on the two groups that can be used to assess the effects of disability on the family structure. Although the disabled were about as likely to have married as persons in the general population, the stability of their marriages was more limited. The extended families of disabled persons generally provided no greater support through financial or household assistance or visits than did the relatives of healthy persons. Within the nuclear family, contraction of activities--rather than compensatory shifts in sex roles--and decreased participation in most aspects of living were the major consequences of disability.


The value of laparoscopy in general surgical problems.

Laparoscopy offers a simple, rapid and safe way to evaluate and diagnose definitively intra-abdominal disease. An analysis of 65 consecutive patients supports this contention and demonstrates the real advantages and safety of this readily available modaility. A 90 per cent success rate, defined as accomplishing the diagnosis, was achieved in this study. There were no complications and no deaths. Local anesthesia was almost exclusively used and is strongly recommended. Laparoscopy represents an underused diagnostic modality which, when properly performed, can effect significant medical and fiscal economies in patient care.


Effect of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate on the activity of succinic dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase of some vital organs of rat.

Succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity measured 21 days after 3 intraperitoneal injections of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) was decreased in heart, lung and kidney while it remained unaltered in brain. Under in vitro conditions, only SDH was sensitive to DEHP, degree of inhibition being concentration-dependent. DEHP solubilized with Tween 80 inhibited the SDH activity significantly at small concentrations of 5 to 25 ppm. ATPase activity was not modified.


Exploration of the human fetal pituitary adrenal axis: stimulation of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate biosynthesis by homologous pituitary in organ culture.

Adrenals obtained from human abortices at midpregnancy were kept under conditions of tissue culture and the production of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (3beta-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one, 3-sulfate; DHA-S) monitored by radioimmunoassays for up to 2 weeks. Basal production of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was considerably higher than that of cortisol. alpha1-24corticotrophin, alpha1-39corticotrophin, (a long acting porcine corticotrophin) at the concentration of 1 mU/ml of culture medium in both instances, and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1mM) enhanced the production of both steroids some 3 to 30 times above control values. Medium harvested from homologous pituitary cultures had comparable corticotrophic activity. It is concluded that at midpregnancy the regulation of corticoidogenesis implies the existence of a corticotrophic factor either identical or closely related to ACTH.


Inhibition of mixed lymphocyte reactions in humans after immunization with tetanus toxoid.

Immunization of humans with tetanus toxoid (TT) results in an inhibition of the reactivity of peripheral lymphocytes to TT as well as to one-way mixed lymphocyte reaction. The strongest inhibition was observed in cells taken 3 or 7 days after immunization. These reactivities reappeared on the 14th day and reached their initial levels by the 21st day after immunization. The role of the various cell types was studied by culturing separately purified T or B lymphocytes taken on day 7 after immunization. B cells alone are not stimulated by TT or allogeneic cells. Purified T cells are stimulated much more than the initial total cell population. When B cells were mixed and cultured along with T cells, a suppressor effect upon stimulation appeared which reduced 3H-thymidine incorporation to the levels of the initial population. Treatment with 5-bromodeoxyuridine followed by exposure to light of cells stimulated with TT abrogated their ability to respond to subsequent stimulation with TT; whereas the responsiveness of treated cells to allogeneic lymphocytes was not significantly affected and vice versa. These results suggest that each stimulator activated a separate population of T cells but that in vivo immunization provoked the development of both a specific and nonspecific suppressor activity. Most probably this suppressor activity was brought about by adherent, surface Ig-bearing (B) cells.


Transplantation in miniature swine. II. In vitro parameters of histocompatibility in MSLA homozygous minipigs.

A selective breeding program based on serological techniques was used to establish three herds of miniature swine, each homozygous for a different allele at the major histocompatibility complex, termed MSLA. By selective immunization of these swine, high-titered antisera detecting the products of individual MSLA alleles were raised and used to confirm the genotype of offspring in these herds. Techniques for performing one-way mixed leukocyte cultures in these pigs were developed and demonstrated the presence of a strong mixed leukocyte culture locus (or loci) closely linked to the serologically defined MSLA locus. Cell-mediated cytotoxicity assays based on 51Cr release were developed to monitor the course of cellular immunity following allotransplantation and exhibited specificity identical to that predicted by the serological typing.


Cathecholamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels in ischemic brain. Influence of p-chlorophenylalanine.

The effect of ischemia on catecholamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in brain cortex was examined in the gerbil stroke model. Unilateral common carotid artery occlusion produced bilateral decrease in cortical dopamine levels in gerbils both symptomatic and asymptomatic of cerbral ischemia. The 5-HT progressively decreased only in the occluded hemisphere of ischemic animals. In p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA)-treated gerbisl, dopamine decreased only in the occluded hemisphere of symptomatic animals, but norepinephrine became decreased bilaterally compared with controls. The 5-HT decrease was twice that seen in untreated animals. It is suggested that these results indicate initial release together with reduced synthesis of monoamines in ischemic brain. The incidence of ischemia induced by carotid occlusion decreased from 44% to 26% in PCPA-treated animals, which also suggests that depletion of 5-HT available for neuronal release prior to the induction of ischemia may reduce stroke incidence by limiting impairment of collateral vasocapacitance. PCPA pretreatment did not influence the development of edema in the occluded hemisphere of ischemic animals once ischemia was established.


[Electron-cytochemical study of the localization of ATPase activity in the brain tissue of white rats].

A localization of ATPase activity in a rat's brain was studied by the lead method at the presence of Mg2+. The highest activity was noticed in the capillar basal layer, in nucleoli and nuclear chromatin. Less intensive sedimentation of precipitate was observed on the external nuclear membrane, granular cytoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes and in lipofuscin granules. Besides, the reaction product was observed on the cytomembrane of neurons, in synaptic slits and on the vesicles of some terminals. No ATPase activity was seen in mitochondria in the experimental conditions. Equal distribution of reaction product was seen in the cortex and hypothalamus.


Feline panleukopenia. II. The relationship of intestinal mucosal cell proliferation rates to viral infection and development of lesions.

Proliferation rates of small intestinal mucosal cells of noninfected germfree and specific pathogen-free kittens were compared to the incidence of infected cells and microscopic lesions in kittens experimentally infected with panleukopenia virus. Mucosal crypt length, cells per crypt, mitotic index and villous length were greater in specific pathogen-free kittens than in germfree kittens. Crypt cells per unit length and villous length per crypt length ratio were greater in germfree kittens. The cryptal cell proliferation rate of specific pathogen-free kittens was 2.24 times that of germfree kittens. Mucosal crypt length, cell per crypt and villous length were greater in the proximal jejunum than in the midjejunum of kittens within groups. Cell proliferation rates per crypt did not differ between areas of the intestine in kittens within groups. There were more virus-infected cells and lesions in specific pathogen-free kittens than in germfree kittens. The incidence of virus-infected cells and lesions was greater in the proximal jejumum and decreased along the small intestine.


The pathogenesis of cardiac infarction. A few comments on some unanswered questions.

1. Questions concerning coronary heart disease have been raised for more than 200 years, but the concept of coronary insufficiency is only 50 years old. 2. The pathological anatomy of coronary insufficiency is variable, unexpectedly rich and stratified, and full of pecularities. 3. "Coronary insufficiency" is the superimposed concept; "cardiac infarcts" and "inner myocardial layer damage" are subordinate. 4. The logical connection linking all the morphological consequences of so-called coronary insufficiency is the elective necrosis of the parenchyma. The anatomically demonstrable equivalents of coronary insufficiency are, from the point of view of coronary perfusion, the result of an inadequate "vis a tergo". 5. This principle is enshrined in a complex of conditions which has to be disentangled if an individual case is to be analysed. The complex comprises three sets of factors: (a) the critical narrowing of the lumen of the coronary arteries and all their branches leading to a given territory; (b) the weight of the functioning mass of the cardiac muscle; (c) cardiac effort required of the heart during the critical period of damage. 6. The presence of anastomoses between the coronary arteries is no proof of their functional efficiency or readiness in an emergency. The conditions which determine their responsiveness, particularly as far as time is concerned, are at the moment still not adequately known. 7. The behaviour of ions at the membranes of living cells, particularly of muscle fibres, is a fundamental phenomenon, fascinating in its primitive aspects. A disturbance of cellular respiration, produced in the cardiac muscle "regularly" by the "inadequate vis a tergo" of coronary perfusion, leads to an exhaustion of energy stores, and to an increased influx of calcium ions. This activates the ATP-ase of the myofibrils, and thereby reduces the level of adenin nucleotides. This loss of energy-rich substances not only militates against the function of the muscle fibres, it also initiates their necrosis. 8. The cardiac infarct is a phenomenon of a disturbed circulation-- a "dyscirculatory" change. It is found in certain sites of predilection, whose choice becomes intelligible only through an understanding of the developmental history of the coronary arteries. The cardiac infarct is "coronary-dependent"! There are, however, also other forms of, and possibilities leading to, the development of myocardial necrosis. The nosology of the cardiac infarct clearly distinguishes the latter from these other forms. In damage of the inner layers of the myocardium infarcts do not develop by the confluence of necroses of individual fibres or of groups of fibres. Infarcts are not a phenomenon of addition, they do not have the "character of a mosaic". 9. As in other tissues, in the human myocardium also there are lysosomes. They are found in hypertrophied muscle fibres. Topical relations to zones of necrosis have not been found. 10...


Chronic megakaryocytic-granulocytic myelosis--an electron microscopic study. I. Megakaryocytes and thrombocytes.

The fine structure of the bone marrow in chronic megakaryocytic-granulocytic myelosis (CMGM) was studied in 5 nontreated patients to investigate possible malignant proliferation of megakaryocytes and the role of megakaryopoiesis in fibrillogenesis, terminating in osteomyelofibrosis. In comparison with normal megakaryopoiesis there is an enormous increase of the megakaryocytic cell line and many immature and atypical forms are seen. Most conspicuous are microforms, nuclear-cytoplasmic disorganization and nuclear inclusions. Asynchrony of maturation causes abnormal thrombocytogenesis with premature detachment of platelets resulting in immature and peculiar giant forms of thrombocytes. Besides megakaryocytes appearing superficially normal the maturation anarchy of many cells is so severe that by analogy with observations in other leukaemic cells these abnormalities are thought to be representative of a malignant growth. Moreover, there is a striking accumulation of microfibrils and single collagen fibres around megakaryoblasts. Since these cells contain all those organelles commonly associated with fibre production the initial step for fibrillogenesis may therefore arise from the megakaryoblasts prior to platelet release, or any fibroblast proliferation.


Osteocyte ultrastructure in renal osteodystrophy.

The ultrastructure of the osteocyte has been studied in 80 needle biopsies from the iliac crest of uremic subjects with renal osteodystrophy. Different types of osteocytes were present in the osseous trabeculae. Those recognizable in completely uncalcified osteoid tissue looked like normal osteocytes, even though the matrix was not mineralized. Those present in hypomineralized areas showed enlarged and irregular lacunae when examined under the light microscope; under the electron microscope these osteolytic-like changes were not evident and were found to have been produced by defective calcification of the perilacunar matrix. Osteocytes placed in matrix whose mineralization was normal were often surrounded by a border of crystals protruding side-to-side from the bone matrix into the lacunar space. Other osteocytes were placed in unusually wide lacunae. They showed evidence of osteolytic activity, chiefly consisting of irregularity of the lacunar wall, presence of flocculent, granular and filamentous material in the pericellular space, and calcification of mitochondria. Degenerating and degenerate osteocytes were also recognizable.


Pathological aspects of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) in Uganda. A post-mortem survey of fourteen cases.

The pathological features of 14 cases of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) occurring in Uganda over an 8 year period are described. Three cases were clinically proven and in all 14 cases a chronic meningoencephalitis was found. In 2 cases there was histological evidence of ganglion radiculitis and in one of these chronic choroiditis and peripheral neuritis associated with chronic myositis were present. The cardiac lesions consisted of a chronic pancarditis of varying degree in 8 cases and in 3 a generalized valvulitis was observed. In 2 cases, specially investigated, generalized lesions of the conducting system were noticed. Previous histopathological descriptions of HAT are briefly reviewed. The present findings are compared with some of those recorded in human american trypanosomiasis and experimental African trypanosomiasis.


Muscle changes in rheumatoid arthritis. A review of the literature with a study of 100 cases.

Muscle changes were studied in biopsy material obtained from 100 patients suffering from classical rheumatoid arthritis. The abnormalities consisted of denervation atrophy of type II muscle fibres, degenerative changes in the sarcoplasm including presence of nemaline rods, and changes within the interstitium: namely perivascular nodular myositis, lymphocytic accumulations, different stages of vasculitis and abnormalities within the intramuscular nerves and muscle spindles. The muscles examined were always severely affected. It is considered that the simultaneous presence of these abnormalities is suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis. The importance of histochemical studies is emphasized. The literature concerning muscle changes in rheumatoid arthritis is reviewed.


Studies of auricular catecholamines by fluorescence histochemistry in various heart diseases of man.

A comparative histochemical and clinical study concerning the state of the intrinsic adrenergic innervation of the human atrial myocardium was carried out, using the glyoxylic acid-induced fluorescence histochemical method. Specimens from the right auricular appendage were obtained during open-heart surgery from patients suffering from 1. ischaemic heart disease (IHD), 2. atrial septal defect of the secundum type (ASD), and 3. left-sided univalvular or multivalvular heart disease (VHD) with or without congestive heart failure (CHF) experienced prior to surgery. In the IHD group the densities of both the perivascular and the "free" myocardial adrenergic nerve net were greater than in the ASD group and especially in the VHD/CHF group. Secondly, the intensity of fluorescence of the adrenergic structures was generally higher in the IHD group than that in the VDH/CHF group. Further, the average size of the varicosities, the number of varicosities per given length of axon, and the proportional share of the large varicosities were greater in the IHD group than in the ASD and VHD/CHF groups. The difference between the IHD and ASD groups was not great but was obvious in any case. In some patients with VHD/CHF fluorescing axons were observed only occasionally, and the tiny varicosities exhibited a hardly discernible fluorescence. Thus the amount of noradrenaline (NA) in the adrenergic fibres in the IHD group seems to be higher than in the ASD and especially VHD/CHF groups. The level of NA in the IHD group is assumed to constitute a contributory factor in both intracellular metabolic changes and the systemic changes typical of myocardial ischaemia and infarction. In one patient with IHD and in six patients with VHD/CHF with significantly higher heart volume (mean+/-SD) compared with the rest of the patients (P less than 0.001), huge local axonal accumulations of NA in the form of "droplet fibres" were found. These enlarged, bulging adrenergic axons are assumed to be a consequence of mechanical trauma with stretching or disruption of the axons due to myodegenerative processes. It is further assumed that these "droplet fibres" are relatively common in those patients with diseased myocardium. They may constitute an extra contributory factor to the tendency to arrhythmiility of non-atuomatic tissue.


Endobronchial carcinosarcoma. A case with osteosarcoma of pulmonary invasive part, and a review with respect to prognosis.

A case of endobronchial carcinosarcoma is reported in which a small area of epidermoid carcinoma at the base of the partly necrotic, polypoid part of the tumor was found, and where the pulmonary invasive part consisted of osteosarcoma. To our knowledge such a case has not been published before. In the literature 23 cases of endobronchial carcinosarcoma were found. All but one of those alive at the time of diagnosis were considered operable. The first year survival rate of the reviewed and the reported cases was 36% of all or 42% of the resected cases. The figures for bronchial carcinoma are 33% or 62% of the resected cases. The pre- and post-operative mortality for endobronchial carcinosarcoma was 23%. Because follow-up was too short, the 5 year survival rate cannot be estimated. Features common to pulmonary sarcoma and pseudosarcoma of the upper respiratory tract are also discussed.


[Tissue mast cell count in immunocytoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (author's transl)].

The amount and distribution of tissue mast cells in the three subtypes of immunocytoma (IC) were studied in lymph nodes of 58 cases and compared with the findings on 34 cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). There were significantly more mast cells in the lymphoplasmacytic and lymphoplasmacytoid subtypes of IC than in CLL. The median mast cell count for the polymorphic subtype of IC was also greater than that for CLL; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Tissue mast cells were diffusely distributed in the lymph nodes in IC, whereas they were chiefly located in the sinus in CLL. Moreover, the cells themselves and their granules were generally larger in IC. Increase in the number and altered distribution of the tissue mast cells in histological sections are therefore diagnostic aids for distinguishing IC from CLL.


Aneurysmal bone cyst and telangiectatic osteosarcoma. A histopathological and morphometric study.

In a series of 105 cases of aneurysmal bone cyst, 18 showed an unusually high level of mitotic activity and/or increased nuclear pleomorphism which complicated the differential diagnosis with respect to telangiectatic osteosarcoma. An attempt was made to use semi-automatized morphometric and histophotometric techniques to establish objective morphological differences between these unusual cases of aneurysmal bone cyst and 16 cases of telangiectatic osteosarcoma. Three cases (two of aneurysmal bone cyst and one of telangiectatic osteosarcoma) proved unsuitable for analysis. In 24 of the remaining 31 cases (77%) a computerized discriminant analysis permitted correct discreimination with a high degree of certainty on the basis of quantitative nuclear characteristics determined in paraffin sections. In the other 7 cases the diagnosis was less certain (3), doubtful (2) or erroneous (2). The relevant nuclear characteristics were (in ascending sequence of discrimination): the largest nuclear surface area, the mitotic index, and the percentage of nuclear sections exceeding an arbitrarily chosen limit of 60 micron2. The criterion of nuclear size for discrimination between these benign and malignant lesions could be applied for two reasons: firstly, because a group of extremely large nuclei occur in malignant cases, and secondly, because the average nuclear size is larger in malignant than in benign lesions. The extremely large nuclei occur as only a small percentage of the total nuclear population. The other variables investigated, i.e., cellularity and nuclear contour ratio, did not contribute greatly to the differentiation. In 11 cases, the average nuclear Feulgen extinction was estimated as an additional variable.


Macroglossia in acromegaly and hypothyroidism.

The tongues of two patients with macroglossia were examined at autopsy. One of the patients had acromegaly and the other had hypothyroidism. To evaluate the size of the enlarged tongues, the average weight of the tongue in the human adult was determined first in a series of 20 unselected autopsies, 10 males and 10 females (ages 44 to 85). The weight of the tongue was greater in males than in females and was directly correlated with the height of the subject. Cachexia had relatively little effect on the weight. In acromegaly (case 21) and myxedema (case 22) the tongue was enlarged by at least 50%. Histopathology showed enlargement of muscle fibers especially anteriorly in acromegaly and hypothyroidism, thickening of the epithelium and increased subepithelial and interstitial connective tissue. Incidental findings included venous thrombi and telangiectasia in the subepithelial connective tissue in both hypothyroidism and acromegaly and a corpus amylaceum and two islands of hyaline cartilage in the tongue of hypothyroidism.


[Effect of age on the urinary excretion of mucopolysaccharides].

Content of mucopolysaccharides was studied by a test for hexuronic acids and hexosamines in day urine of men and women at the age of 20-80, and older. Mucopolysaccharides were precipitated with ethanol. In urine content of mucopolysaccharides was slightly increased up to the age tof 40-54 and later on it was decreased. Content of acid mucopolysaccharides was lower in urine of women aged 20-29 than in urine of men of the same age group.


[Morbidity and prevalence of lymphogranulomatosis in the Moldavian SSR].

The results of studies on the morbidity and incidnece of lymphogranulomatosis in Moldavian SSR during 10-year period depending on sex, age and type of the population are described. It is emphasized that lymphogranulomatosis is a comparatively rare lesion, more frequently it is encountered among urban population, in males in particular, with an age peak among persons of both sex older than 60 years. No tendency to any rise in the morbidity indices was noted. Whereas a longer survival of patients due to new effective methods of treatment for lymphogranulomatosis may account for more high incidence of this affection.


[Blood coagulating properties of immobilized proteases].

Trypsin, thrombin, fibrinolysin, papain, chymothrypsin and urokinase were immobilized on aminopolystyrene resin by the reaction of diazocoupling. An activation of prothrombin and plasminogen and also hydrolysis of fibrin by immobilized enzymes were studied. The immobilized enzymes hydrolyzed N-benzoyl-1-arginine ethyl ester and L-tyrosine ethyl ester. The only preparation of immobilized thrombin possessed the coagulational activity. After the covalent binding trypsin and plasmin maintained the capacity to cause a fibrinolysis. Immobilized trypsin, plasmin, papain, chymotrypsin and urokinase exhibited the fibrinolytic effect due to convertion of plasminogen into plasmin.


[Study of the active calcium transport mechanisms in uterine smooth muscle].

Calcium ions were shown to be actively accumulated in mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of uterine smooth muscle of rabbit and cattle. In presence of magnesium ions Ca2+ (10-6-10-4 M) activate microsomal ATPase from cattle uterus. The rate of formation and dissociation of the intermediate phosphorylated substance of Mg2+, Ca2+-ATPase was found to be lower in microsomes of smooth muscles than in sarcoplasmic reticulum of sceletal muscles. Serotonine (concentration 10-6 M) increased the dissociation of the intermediate phosphorylated substance from microsomes of uterine smooth muscle and decreased their capacity to bind Ca2+. At the same concentration serotonine inhibited the ATP-dependent accumulation of 45Ca by microsomes of uterine smooth muscle.


[Glycosaminoglycans in blood serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

Serum glycosaminoglycans were studied in patients with rheumatoid arthritis by means of electrophoresis. Dismucopolysaccharidemia, which was observed in these patients, was manifested in alteration in the ratio of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin-4-sulphate and also in occurrence of heparin associated with protein and chondroitin-6-sulphate in blood serum. The latter fractions of glycosaminoglycans are not usually found in blood of healthy persons. The alteration in the ratio of fractions of glycosaminoglycans was accompanied by a decrease in content of hyaluronic acid in synovial tissue of the joints impaired, by an increased excretion of the substance with urine and also by the increased activity of hyaluronidase in blood serum, articular fluid and in synovial tissue. The alterations in the composition of blood glycosaminoglycans, which correlated with the clinical manifestations of the disease, suggest that impairments of metabolism of the carbohydrate-containing biopolymers are involved in the genesis of rheumatoid arthritis.


Preparation of human immunoglobulin free of plasmin and anticomplement activities.

Human IgG separated by Cohn fractionation showed variability in the content of aggregates, plasminogen and anticomplement activity. The plasminogen was removed or markedly reduced by affinity chromatography on Sepharose-lysine. Anticomplement activity was reduced by chromatography of Cohn fraction II on DEAE-cellulose. Preparations of IgG obtained by chromatography of intermediates from Cohn fractionation (e.g. Cohn FII + FIII or FII + FIII W) on DEAE-cellulose were devoid of aggregates, plasminogen and exhibited reduced anticomplement activity. The initial levels of specific antibody activity to viral agents were recovered in the IgG fractions. Fragmentation of IgG during storage was prevented or greatly reduced by removal of plasminogen by affinity chromatography on Sepharose-lysine.


Backache- its nature, incidence and cost.

In 1974 in California, 72,645 patients were admitted to hospital for backache. In 50 percent of these patients there was a diagnosis compatible with discogenic disease. Surgical treatment was done in 27 percent of the patients admitted to hospital. Total figures were determined for hospital costs and the costs of physician-related services. Costs for surgical treatment exceeded medical costs. Extrapolated to a national scale, it appears that the national cost for patients in hospital because of backache in 1974 was $1.38 billion. This does not include outpatient care expense or loss of income.


[Laparoscopy in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of ascites].

Out of 2,500 patients who underwent laparoscopy 772 (30.89%) had ascites; liver cirrhosis underlay it in 57.78%, peritoneal carcinosis in 26.29%, primary and metastatic carcinoma, respectively, in 12.95%, tuberculous peritonitis in 1.42%, more rarely other diseases. Liver cirrhosis, malignant tumours and the other hepatic affections with concomitant ascites in their course can certainly be diagnosed laparoscopically. Laparoscopy with oriented biopsy of peritoneum and liver is of decisive importance in differentiating peritoneal carcinosis from tuberculosis. In peritoneal carcinosis the diagnosis (as based in clinical and laboratory findings) coincided perfectly with the laparoscopic and histologic one in 24.5%, partially in 45.5%. In 30% there was no congruence at all. Laparoscopy and the test methods associated with it contributed to the accurate diagnosis of peritoneal carcinosis in 75.5% of the patients. Ovarian carcinoma (20.9%) and cancer of the stomach (16.3%) underlay peritoneal carcinosis most frequently, other diseases by far more seldom.


[Species-non-specific and reversible growth inhibition by chalones in human epidermoid carcinomas in vitro].

Human epidermoid carcinomas and adenocarcinomas from the respiratory tract were established as cell cultures and grown on Cell finder film slides (Microlab, Holland). The cultures showed lack of contact inhibition, and cytogenetical analyses revealed both numerical and structural karyotype anomalies, with various abnormal chromosome stemlines. Pig and mouse skin extracts supposed to contain the epidermal G2 chalone and mouse liver extracts prepared in a similar way were added to the cell cultures, which were then assayed for mitotic inhibition by means of the Colcemid technique, i.e. the number of Colcemid-arrested mitoses per 1000 cells during 4 h was counted. The results indicate that the species-non-specificity and the reversibility of the epidermal G2 chalone activity, previously demonstrated in both malignant and non-malignant animal tissues and in human epidermis, is to be found even in human epidermoid carcinomas in vitro. The reversibility of the chalone-induced mitotic depression could be demonstrated by repeated counts of the number of proliferating cells in the cultures before and after addition of chalone extrcts. Whether this hold true for malignant human tumours in general remains, however, to be seen.


Cholecystectomy and carcinoma of the colon. An experimental study.

The influence of cholecystectomy on the development of carcinoma of the colon is investigated. The experimental results show a significantly increased rate of carcinoma of the colon induced by subcutaneous injection of 1,2-Dimethylhydrazin (DMH) in the mouse after cholecystectomy. After 10 weekly injections of 15 mg/kg DMH, 70% of the animals with cholecystectomy developed carcinoma. Only 16% of the mice with similar treatment but without cholecystectomy had carcinoma. The cocarcinogenic effect of cholecystectomy is assumed to be due to the increased production of secondary bile salts by the colonic bacteria and the lacking of the resorptive function of the gallbladder for some carcinogenic substances passing through the liver. The background of this experimental studies are the clinical findings that 10% of patients with carcinoma of the large bowel had previous cholecystectomy.


[Change of toxicity and carcinogenicity of N-methyl-N-nitrosobenzylamine in rats by methylsubstitution in the phenylresidue].

Substitution with a methyl group in the 2-, 3- or 4-position respectively of the phenyl moiety of N-methyl-N-nitrosobenzylamine results in a considerable reduction of the acute toxicity. (LD 50 of MNBA: 18 mg/kg (Druckrey et al., 1967), 2-Me-MNBA: 90 mg/kg, 3-Me-MNBA: 600 mg/kg, 4-Me-MNBA: 400 mg/kg). However, the introduction of the methyl group influences the carcinogenic activity of MNBA in rats and its organotropy, only to a small extent. Long-term administration of 5 and 15 ppm respectively of the isomeric N-nitroso compounds in the drinking water produces in all animals carcinomas of the oesophagus and the pharynx.


[Investigation of alkylation in rat liver chromatin after application of 3H-cyclophosphamid--"fine-distribution" and kinetics].

The alkylation of chromatin constituents (DNA, histones and non-histones) in liver cell nuclei was investigated at various times after intraperitoneal injection of rats with 3H-cyclophosphamid. The highest alkylation was found in the DNA, the lowest in the histones; the euchromatic portions were alkylated several times higher compared to those of the heterochromatin. The eventual elimination of 3H-activity with time indicates that cyclophosphamid leads to repair processes in the DNA, this conclusion being supported by other experimental observations. In some of the 16 subfractions of the nonhistone proteins, alkylated portions are apparantly eliminated by normal protein turnover; however, in other nonhistones this elimination is inhibited, whereby in one subfraction it seems to be accelerated. The results of analog experiments with 14C-tryptophan as a precursor for nonhistone protein synthesis serve as a reference for this. In supplementary in-vitro model experiments using triaziquon as an alkylating agent indications for DNA-Protein-cross-links in chromatin could be obtained by the technique of X-ray low angle scattering, and according to sedimentation behaviour.


Modified administration schedule of adriamycin in solid tumors.

Eighty one patients (59 females, 22 males) with advanced solid tumors were treated with Adriamycin in doses of 40 mg/m2 body surgace daily, in two days cycles, with resting periods of 3 weeks. Overall response rate was 46% (37/81). In breast cancer response rate was 56% (13/23) and in ovarian cancer 48% (13/27). In various other tumors remission was observed in soft tissue sarcomas (3/8), thyroid cancer (1/7), osteogenic sarcoma (1/4), oesophageal cancer (2/4), lung cancer (2/4), bladder cancer (1/2) and hepatoma (1/2). In breast cancer patients, 2-7 month remission duration was observed (M equal to 4.5 month) and in ovarian cancer 1.5-5 month (M equal to 3.2 month). Adriamycin was also applied intrapleurally in 31 patients with malignant pleural effusions with a low response rate (26%). This modified schedule of Adriamycin administration showed a high antitumor activity in breast and ovarian cancer and in soft tissue sarcomas. Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus was also sensitive to Adriamycin therapy. The very low rate of myelosuppression and oral ulceration showed the decreased toxicity of this Adriamycin administration schedule.


[Partial synchronization of tumor cells in vivo with hydroxyurea (author's transl)].

For the partial synchronization of tumor cells, Yoshida ascitic sarcoma bearing rats were treated with Hydroxyurea using two methods, one in the form of a single intraperitoneal injection (0.5 mg/g body weight) and the other by continuous intraascitic infusion over a period of 12h (1.428 mg/g body weight total dose). The synchronization obtained by continuous infusion of Hydroxyurea is superior to that by a one time injection with respect to cell accumulation in one phase of the cell cycle and in the duration of synchronous proliferation. The degree of cell loss caused by infusion depends on the concentration of Hydroxyurea. Concentrations of slightly more than the minimal inhibitory concentration of DNA synthesis cause the least damage to the tumor cells.


Morphology, classification and histogenesis of N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine-induced carcinomas in the urinary bladder of rats.

The aim of the experiments was to determine whether the various types of carcinomas found in the human urinary bladder were reproducible in animals. We added n-butyl-n-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day to the drinking water of 177 female Wistar rats for a period of 40 to 150 days. After a total experimental time of between 150 and 250 days the animals were sacrified. The spectrum of carcinomas induced, includes all the types known to occur in man. The various tumor types occurred with the same frequency as in man and exhibited the same growth patterns. Variously differentiated papillary and non-papillary transitional cell carcinomas comprised 88.8% of tumors registered. 5.1% were keratinized and nonkeratinized squamous cell carcinomas, 2.2% adenocarcinomas. 1.1% were undifferentiated carcinomas and 2.8% were carcinomas of the mixed type with squamous cell and transitional cell differentiation. Histogenetically adenocarcinomas were found to originate from glandular metaplasia and squamous cell carcinomas from squamous metaplasia within completely developed transitional cell carcinomas. Furthermore it was possible to induce proliferative lesions such as von Brunn's nests, cystitis cystica and cystitis glandularis. However, we found no clues to substantiate the development of adenocarcinomas from these proliferative lesions, or for that matter squamous cell carcinomas from squamous metaplasia of the otherwise unchanged urothelium. The present experimental model seems particulary suited for the search of further information regarding the development of tumors in the human bladder.


Oxidative biotransformation of di-n-butylnitrosamine. Formation in vitro of aldehydes in the presence of rat liver microsomes.

After in vitro incubation of di-n-butylnitrosamine with rat liver microsomes in the presence of the necessary cofactors butyraldehyde has been identified as a reaction product together with smaller amounts of propionaldehyde and acetaldehyde.


Direct alkyl chain cleavage after C-hydroxylation of dialkylnitrosamines in rats. A new pathway of the oxidative biotransformation.

Comparative in vivo investigations on the biotransformation of di-n-butylnitrosamine (DBNA) and (2-hydroxybutyl)-n-butylnitrosamine (HBBNA) showed the known omega-oxidation. However, a new metabolic mechanism of direct oxidative alkyl chain cleavage in the vicinity of the hydroxy group of HBBNA could be demonstrated.


[Induction of subcutaneous sarcomas in the progeny of Syrian golden hamsters after treatment with Adenovirus 12 during pregnancy (author's transl)].

Subcutaneous polymorphic sarcomas were induced in 8 out 27 offspring of syrian golden Hamsters after treatment of pregnant mother animals at day 15 of gestation with Adenovirus 12. This is the first example of tumor induction in the progeny at prenatal exposure by oncogenic viruses.


[Heart diagnosis using M-mode-echocardiography. Continuous registration of the left ventricular transversal internal diameter. III. Measurements on highly trained athletes (author's transl)].

"Relative Cross-sectional area Differences" (RCD) and "Relative Velocities of Contraction" (RVC) permit a differentiation between normal subjects and patients with different degrees of myocardial failure, as previously described. Important determinants of the parameters RCD and RVC are changed, if ventricular volume and stroke volume increase and heart rate decreases, as is commonly observed in athletes. Examinations were performed at rest and after exercise on 31 athletes and 33 untrained normal subjects. Ventricular volumes were clearly increased in athletes. RCD, however, which is an equivalent to the ejection fraction, showed only slight alterations with physical training. RVC was obviously not changed by athletic training. After exercise athletes showed a significant increase in RCD. In untrained subjects only small changes in RCD were observed. In conclusion, the results show that RCD and RVC can quantitatively assess the degree of myocardial failure in cases of left ventricular dilatation without having to take into account the patients' degree of physical training.


[An ecg-program with multivariate diagnostic classification (author's transl)].

We report the diagnostic experience with a new Ecg-program, which was constructed for analysing the curves of the conventional 12 Ecg leads. This program was compared with our Vcg-program. Both programs used the multivariate diagnostic classification. The diagnosis infarction was correct in over 80% in both. In the moment difficulties are seen in both programs in recognition of the very early and very small infarction, also in combined damages.


Histochemical studies on the body wall of nematodes: Haemonchus contortus (Rud., 1803) and Xiphinema insigne Loos, 1949.

Histochemical studies on the body wall of Haemonchus contortus (Rud.) and Xiphinema insigne Loos have been made. In H. contortus, the cuticle is mainly proteinous in nature. The lipids and PAS-postive materials are only present in cortical layers. In addition, haemoglobin and acid phosphatase are also present. The hypodermis shows the presence of glycogen, lipids, RNA, acid and alkaline phosphatases. The oval dense body is composed of keratinous and collagenous proteins associated with acid mucopolysaccharides. Muscles carry a greater concentration of glycogen granules and phospholipids. In X. insigne, the cuticle is rich in sudanophilic lipids. The cuticle also consists of weakly acidic mucopolysaccharides. Hypodermis and muscles contain lipids and glycogen. In addition, hypodermis also consists of acidic mucopolysaccharides. The functional significance of these components has been fully discussed.


[Faulty mechanics and spinal dysfunction. Investigations of the mechanism in patients with "lumbar syndrome" (author's transl)].

50 patients admitted for lumbago or sciatica are examined for their "static". Radiographs of the lumbar-pelvis-hip-joint region are taken in 2 planes with the patient standing. An oblique pelvis is a certain, a reduced angle of Leger a probable influence of lumbosciatic pain. The high-assimilation-pelvis of Gutmann produces an unfavorable prognosis.


[Modern methods of intraspecies typing of Sonne shigellae. II. Spread of Sonne shigellae of different biochemical types].

The paper presents the results of studying peculiarities of the Sh. sonnei of different biochemical types spread established by their typing scheme suggested by the authors earlier according to rhamnose, xylose and maltose. The epidemic process in dysentery both during the years of the rise and of the decline of its incidence at various territories of the countries proved to be maintained on account of circulation of Sh. sonnei of various biochemical types. The results of studying their dissociative and virulent properties confirmed the biological separation of individual biochemical types. An interrelationship between the character of the biochemical pattern of Shigellae sonnei at the individual territories and the persisting activity of different ways of dysentery transmission was determined. The results of studying the biochemical pattern could be used as an indicator of the degree of activity of individual ways of dysentery spread at various territories.


[Prevalence and features of the course of syringomyelia in the Samarkand region of the tuzbek SSR].

The paper is concerned with a clinico-statistical study of syringomyelia according to the data of neurological hospitals in the Samarkand region from 1931--1970. It was established that the portion of syringomyelia among other diseases of the nervous system is much lower (0.38%) than in other more northern regions of the country (3--7%). The author marks a significantly greater amount of patients among the city population rather than in the rural population (2/3) and a prevalence of non-natives over natives (more than 2/3). The development of syringomyelia is more milder, "benign", especially in the native population. Quite possibly this may be connected with the climatic-geographical and bio-geochemical traits of the Zarafshanskaya valley, which differs to a great extent from these indices of the territory between the Vyatka and Kama rivers where syringomyelia is frequently encountered.


Synergistic antifibrinolytic action of the potato protease inhibitor and epsilon-aminocaproic acid.

Fibrinolysis inhibition by a mixture of potato inhibitor and E-aminocaproic acid was greater than might be expected from the sum of the antifibrinolytic effects of these inhibitors investigated separately. This inhibition was observed in studies on the plasma euglobulin fraction and in a system containing isolated elements of the fibrinolytic system. The synergistic antifibrinolytic action of the potato protease in hibitor and E-aminocaproic acid is probably due to the fact that these inhibitors have different mechanisms of action and thus there is no competition between them for the effectors in the enzyme molecule.


Enzyme histochemical studies of the preserved rat liver.

The effect of depersolone, of the oxygenation of the perfusing solution and of phenoxybenzamine pretreatment has been studied in the isolated rat liver intermittently perfused with a solution containing low molecular weight dextran at 4 degrees C. The use in liver preservation of Collins' C3-solution and of a special albumin-containing solution was tested. The behaviour of acid and alkaline phosphatase, esterase, lactate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase in the preserved liver was followed by means of histochemical methods allowing semi-quantitative evaluation. Pretreatment with phenoxybenzamine and perfusion by an albumin-containing solution reduced the lesion of the liver, while prednisolone and oxygenation of the perfusion solution improved preserving effect only moderately.


Free and solvolysable dehydroepiandrosterone and androsterone in blood of mammals under physiological conditions and following administration of dehydroepiandrosterone.

A gas chromatographic method has been empolyed for the determination of dehydroepiandrosterone (D), androsterone (A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DS) and androsterone sulphate (AS) in the peripheral blood of human subjects and in various mammals under physiological conditions and after the administration of D or DS. Unconjugated D has been isolated and the resting level determined in the rat, rabbit, dog , sheep, pig and cow, while DS was detectable in the peripheral circulation of the rat, dog and pig. Unconjugated A was present in blood of the rodents and domestic ungulates studied, while the parent sulphate could be demonstrated only in rat, dog, pig and cow. The plasma of lower mammals contained D in higher (0.8-10.9 microng/100 ml) and DS, if any, in lower level (1.5-5.7 microng/100 ml) than the human plasma samples (0.1-2.7 and 86-308 microng/100 ml, respectively). There was a more pronounced increase in D and A than in the DS and AS level in the rat and dog following administration of D. On the contrary, exogenous D hardly affected unconjugated D and appreciably enhanced the DS level in human plasma. The conclusion drawn for human subjects, that D is the metabolically active and DS the reserve hormone, does not seem to be valid for all the animals here studied.


Cellular and humoral immune aspects in mixed wife-husband leukocyte cultures in spontaneous abortions.

The possible role of feto--maternal cell--and humoral mediated immunological reactions, in mixed wife-husband one- and two-way stimulated leukocyte cultures (MWHLC) in autologous serum were investigated in a comparative study of 27 cases of normal and abnormal pregnancies (8 control and 19 cases of spontaneous abortions). Sera obtained from women after spontaneous abortions had a significantly higher stimulating effect on MWHLC than sera from women with normal pregnancies. In one-way stimulated MWHLC in cases of abortions, this effect was evident on maternal responding cells incubated with mitomycin treated paternal leukocytes.


Treatment of hirsutism and acne in women with two combinations of cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol.

175 women of reproductive age, with hirsutism of differing degrees and different pathogenetic causes (ovarian, adrenal, iatrogenic) or idiopathic, and acne were treated with two different combinations of Cyprotrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol (SH 8.1041 and SH B209AB). 90 patients were given SH 8.1041 and 10 were given SH B209AB. 75 received both preparations. The total number of treatment cycles was 1534. Clinical, hormonal and biochemical assessments were made before, during and after treatment. The degrees of hirsutism and acne, and of seborrhea and hair loss when present, were scored by means of a modified version of the Ferriman and Gallway criteria. SH 8.1041 brought about a significant improvement in the majority of the patients. SH B209AB was generally used as maintenance therapy for hirsutism and severe acne. It was the initial treatment of choice in patients with milder acne. Reduction of hirsutism was usually apparent after the fourth cycle of therapy and acne regressed after the first month. Both combinations were well-tolerated biochemically. In a few patients on SH 8.1042, slight and transient increases in BSP, SGOT, SGPT and bilirubin were observed, but cessation of treatment was not necessary. Some patients on SH 8.1041 complained of transient frigidity, mild depression, breast discomfort and nausea.


Histology, innervation and histochemistry of the UB gland in the Mexican cave fish Anoptichthys jordani Hubbs et Innes (Teleostei: Characidae).

The histomorphological investigations carried out on the ultimobranchial body of the Teleost Anoptichthys jordani Hubbs and Innes have enabled us to establish that it is an epithelial multifollicular body which lies within the transverse septum, beneath the musculature of the oesophagus and caudal to the Sinus venosus. Its parenchyma is surrounded by an extensive nerve network revealed by the Bodian silver technique. This nerve network and the occurrence of MAO activity in the ultimobranchial tissue indicate that it possesses a sympathetic innervation. The follicular epithelium sometimes acquire a pseudostratified condition in some follicles and sometimes in multistratified in others. In this latter case the presence of two main types of cell was noticed (light cells and dark cells). In these cells by the fluorescence microscopic analysis was revealed an intensely green fluorescence due to the presence of an aromatic monoamine, dopamine. This conclusion was further confirmed by the agreement between the argyrophilic cells and the fluorescent cells after silver staining. The possible partecipation of dopamine in the elaboration of polypeptide factor (calcitonin) is suggested. A notable analogy from the structural point of view to the calcitonin-producing cells of higher Vertebrates is also confirmed by the markedly argyrophilia of the main cells.


Histochemical reactions for mucopolysaccharides in the dinosaur bone. Studies on Epon- and methacrylate-embedded semithin sections as well as on isolated osteocytes and ground sections of bone.

The dinosaur bone was examined with the aim to detect in it the presence of mucopolysaccharides. The methacrylate- and Epon-embedded semithin sections of the studied bone were found to contain substances giving positive reaction on application of histochemical procedures used for identification of mucopolysaccharides (mucosubstances). These substances were also shown to be localized in the perivascular space, within the vascular canal, and around the osteocytes. The distribution of mucopolysaccharides in the dinosaur bone turned out to be comparable with their distribution in the bones of contemporary animals.


Nucleoside phosphatase (ATPase) activity in myocardial cells of rat embryos. An electron-microscopic study.

Timed pregnancies were obtained in Sprague-Dawley rats, and cardiac tissues from embryos of days 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and from newborn rats were used for the cytochemical localization of ATPase activity utilizing a lead phosphate precipitation procedure. Following incubation with ATP as the substrate, granular deposits of reaction product are discernible on the cell membranes of the embryonic myocardium. There is a noticeable decrease in the intensity of reaction product as visualized in the electron micrographs from the 10th day of gestation to the 14th day. No granular reaction product is recognizable in myofibrils, mitochondria or other organelles in the cytoplasm. It appears that there is a selective deposition of the reaction product on the cell membranes or structures derived from it. The intense ATPase activity seen on 10th and 11th days seems to be correlated with the initial appearance of myofilaments and fibrils in the myocardial cells.


Fragmentation of porcine beta-lipotropic hormone with plasmin.

Porcine beta-lipotropic hormone was digested by plasmin and the fragments released were isolated and identified. Based on the structure and the yield of the plasmin fragments and also on the time-course of the digestion, the relative sensitivity of the theoretically susceptible bonds towards the action of plasmin was estimated. The Lys79-Asn80 bond was the most susceptible to plasmin, the Arg51-Trp52 and Arg60-Tyr61 bonds were split to a lesser extent than the Lys79-Asn80 bond, but much faster than the Lys46-Met47, Lys69-Ser70 and Lys84-Asn85 bonds of the beta-lipotropic homone structure. Further lysyl and arginyl bonds of the molecule were not attacked under our experimental conditions.


Social remedial measures for multiple sclerosis patients in Denmark.

A total of 57 patients admitted to the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Society's treatment and nursing home in Haslev have been interviewed about their socio-medical situation concerning their course of disease, physical, psychic and economic status, family relationships, and different assistance needs. Sixty per cent lived together, and of the solitary only 9 were unmarried. None were employed fulltime and as a whole they received higher allowances than other disabled persons. All suffered from walking impairment. 17 had no wheelchair, 21 had a wheelchair and limited walking ability, 19 could move around only by wheelchair. None were bedridden. The distribution of housing corresponded to that of other disabled persons but was inferior to that of the population as a whole. 54 per cent had got modifications to housing paid for by the public authorities and 42 per cent had a car for the disabled. 47 per cent alleged that their need for transportation remained uncared for. None of the patients were lonely to a severe degree. Expenses for medicine and transportation varied greatly, showing inequality of grant administration. The results of the investigation are discussed.


Impaired development of the rat perineurium by undernutrition. An enzyme histochemical study.

Enzyme activity of adenosinetriphosphatase, NADH2-tetrazolium reductase and lactate dehydrogenase was studied in the rat perineurium 10, 20, 30, and 90 days post partum. The effect of under-nutrition was shown by a lack of enzyme activity in rats 30 days post partum in contrast to control animals, 30 days also corresponds to the time when, in normal rats, the perineurial diffusion barrier to exogenous macromolecules becomes established. In undernourished rats this diffusion barrier does not appear. At 90 days post partum raised enzyme activities indicate a high metabolic turnover in the perineurium even in animals with undernutrition.


Antibiotic policy and spread of Staphylococcus aureus strains in Danish hospitals, 1969-1974.

In the period 1969-1974 a decreasing number of Danish hospital departments recorded epidemic occurrences of Staphylococcus aureus strains, and the local spread of strains was less extensive. Multiple-resistant strains of the 83 A complex were succeeded by type 94 strains, resistant to penicillin only. The level of methicillin resistance fell from 19 to 6%. 12% of methicillin resistant strains are now sensitive to streptomycin and/or tetracyclines; they do not represent a few clones, but belong to a wide spectrum of phage types. The changes follow a reduction in the consumption of streptomycin and tetracyclines not of methicillin or other penicillins. As a contrast to the general reduction of combined resistance to streptomycin and tetracyclines, the strains in dermatological departments, where tetracyclines are commonly used, maintain a high degree of resistance to tetracyclines alone.


Comparison of microtitre plates with flat-bottomed and round-bottomed wells for mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC).

To compare microtitre plates with flat-bottomed and round-bottomed wells and to standardize a method for mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC), the effects of cell number, culture time, 3H-thymidine concentration and labelling time were studied. On both plates, allogeneic cells induced increased RNA synthesis beginning at about 30 hours and increased DNA synthesis beginning at about 50 hours, if suitable cell numbers were used. On plates with flat-bottomed wells, 1.5 X 10(5) responding and stimulating cells per well had near-exponential growth on day four and five, often through day six; on plates with round-bottomed wells the corresponding cell number was 0.25-1.0 (optimally 0.5) X 10(5). Near these cell numbers, the response depended closely on the number of responding cells. On plates with flat-bottomed wells, stimulating cells had a dose-dependent effect on the response, whereas on plates with round-bottomed wells, increasing the stimulating cell dose did not consistently strengthen the response. Both plate types proved suitable for MLC experiments; plates with round-bottomed wells have the obvious advantage of requiring smaller cell numbers. 3H-thymidine (spec, act 2000 mCi/mmol) self-suppressed its incorporation, which increased only slightly or even decreased if labelling time exceeded 12-18 hours. Relative responses remained virtually unaltered, however, with 3H-concentrations of 0.5 and 2.0 micronCi/ml and with labelling times of 8 and 24 hours.


Mixed lymphocyte culture reactions between parental cells in pregnancy and puerperium.

Mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) reactions of maternal cells with paternal and control cells, inhibition of these reactions with maternal serum, and cytotoxic antibodies in maternal serum were studied in 36 couples through pregnancy and puerperium. Average MLC reactions of maternal cells with paternal and control cells were not significantly different, nor did the MLC responses of maternal cells clearly differ from those of other cells in their time-course kinetics. However, the response of maternal cells to paternal cells was weaker than to control cells in 15 of 18 couples studied during the first week postpartum; this may suggest some specific alteration in maternal immunity to paternal antigens. The sera of pregnant women suppressed MLC reactions. This suppressive effect disappeared during the first week postpartum, whereafter only about 20% of the sera studied caused clear inhibition of MLC reactions. Nine per cent of the postpartum sera studied contained cytotoxic antibodies against paternal cells.


The effect of 6-aminonicotinamide blockade of the pentose phosphate pathway on catecholamines in the rat adrenal medulla, superior cervical ganglion, hypothalamus and synaptosome fractions.

The effect on tissue catecholamines of blockade of the pentose phosphate pathway with 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) was studied in the rat. 6-AN at 35-50 mg kg-1 persistently lowered the adrenaline content in the adrenal gland to less than 10% of control values and caused a 50% loss of noradrenaline, which recovered. When the amine turnover rate was increased by a preceding period of drum stress, 6-AN also consistently depressed noradrenaline in the gland. 6-AN was without significant effect on the noradrenaline concentration in heart tissue, hypothalamus and superior cervical ganglion and did not affect the uptake or release of catecholamines in vitro. The possibility is discussed that 6-AN interferes with the biosynthesis of catecholamines, when it blocks the pentose phosphate pathway, by decreasing the supply of reducing equivalents in the form of NADPH which are necessary for the tetrahydropteridine cofactors of tyrosine hydroxylase.


Electron microscope study on the relationship between macrophages of the alevolar space and spheroid alveolar epithelial cells on mice after injection of squid-ink (sepia-melanin) solution into the trachea.

The relationship between alveolar macrophages and spheroid alveolar epithelial cells was studied with the electron microscope after injection of squid-ink solution into the trachea of the mouse. At 20 hours after injection of squid-ink solution slight degeneration was evident in alveolar macrophages with sepia-melanin particles being phagocytized with partial digestion by lysosmes. Furthermore, hardly any changes were seen in mitochondria and inclusion bodies of the spheroid alveolar epithelial cells. In contrast, at one week after injection of squid-ink solution, almost all alveolar macrophages were degenerated with destruction of the ectoplasm in which the ingested sepia-melanin particles were digested by lysosomes into fine particles, and the mitochondria of spheroid alveolar epithelial cells were degenerated and the inclusion bodies were hardly formed. At three weeks after injection of squid-ink solution, alveolar macrophages as well as speroid alveolar epithelial cells showed almost complete recovery of functional structure. As the phagocyte in the alveolar space, neutrophile leucocytes were also observed in addition to the so-called alveolar macrophage.


The relationship of cellular immunity to prognosis in acute leukemia.

Forty-five patients with acute leukemia were compared on cellular immunity measures versus prognosis. The patients were treated according a multicombination therapy protocol. The purified protein derivative (PPD) test and dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) test on admission indicated low positive percentages. In acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) patients, the 50% survival durations were 11 months in the PPD positive group and 6 months in the PPD negative group. In acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) patients, the 50% survival durations were 21 months in the PPD positive group and 13 months in the PPD negative group. Peripheral lymphocyte blastogenesis by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation was examined at various clinical stages. The stimulation indices were generally low, and no correlation was found between the PHA test and clinical stages. These cellular immunity measures appeared to reflect one aspect of the clinical condition in acute leukemia patients, and further studies are needed for predicting prognosis.


Operative treatment of congenital musclar torticollis: long term results of myotomy.

Myotomy was performed in 40 patients under 10 years of age with typical congenital muscular torticollis. Follow-up studies were carried out on 29 out of 40 cases. The patients without muscle relief of the affected sternomastoid muscle after myotomy had good range of motion of the neck. On the other hand, the patients who had undergone muscle release had, to grater or lesser extent, disturbances of the range of movement. For complete release of contracture, total excision may be the only operation in younger cases.


COP, a new alloy for surgical implants.

Today Vitallium is used for surgical implants. It is a casting alloy which, with advances in casting technology, is also used commercially for making instruments of fairly complex shape. Because of its expense, however, it is not widely used in Japan. Instead, a series of 18-8 Mo alloys are used in Japan even though of insufficient strength. Used over a long period of time in the body, especially for the purpose of preserving structual functions as part of the human skeleton, it often corrodes, resulting in either abnormalities in tissue cells or, because of its insufficient strength, danger of bending and breaking with aging. In spite of a marked advance in fracture treatment, we have hardly any suitable materials for making instruments appropriate to the internal fixation of fractures in Japan. We, therefore, conducted various experiments to develop an alloy with sufficient corrosive resistance and strength that could be formed into a complex shape to take the place of Vitallium alloy, finally succeeding in developing an alloy we call "COP". The characteristic properties of COP may be summarized as follows: 1. The main components are 20% Cr, 20% Ni, 20% Co and 4% Mo aside from 0.2% P. 2. As it contains "P", it shows a marked age-hardening. In its molten state its machinability is excellent, and later it can readily be hardened by heat-treatment. 3. It has not only a marked yield point and tensile strength but also has toughness in elongation and reduction of area, showing a strength which surpasses Vitallium. 4. Its corrosive resistance is great. 5. Its cost is far cheaper than Vitallium.


Plural growth factors in the supernatant of embryos and adult muscles of chickens.

An attempt was made to isolate the cell proliferation stimulation factors in the supernatant of embryo carcases and adult muscles of chickens. Evidence was obtained for the presence of at least two or more stimulating factors in both the embryonic and adult muscular supernatants. These factors did not require a supplement of sera or other supporting agents. Furthermore, the use of the salting-out method with ammonium sulfate revealed two or more growth stimulants in the supernatant of chick cells.


Effect of triiodothyronine on the biosynthesis of adenine nucleotides and proteins in the rat heart.

1) During the development of myocardial hypertrophy induced by 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine the enhancement of de novo synthesis of adenine nucleotides occurs very early and precedes the increase of protein synthesis. In this respect there is a striking parallelism with other types of cardiac hypertrophy. 2) The acceleration of adenine nucleotide synthesis under these experimental conditions seems to be due to a greater availability of cardiac 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate. 3) The triiodothyronine-induced enhancement of adenine nucleotide synthesis can be attenuated by beta-receptor-blocking agents.


Electrocardiographic and vectorcardiographic abnormalities in Fabry's disease.

Fabry's disease has been reported to be associated with ECG abnormalities. Thirty-two patients with this disease followed in the University of Minnesota had ECG's and 15 had VCG's. An abonrmal rhythm was observed in two patients on initial examination and four more developed abnormal rhythm on follow-up examinations. A short PR interval (120 msec. or less) was seen in five patients. Thirteen others had a PR interval that was less than 140 msec. Conduction abnormalities involving the A-V node or His bundle or its branches were present in 22 per cent of the patients, most frequently the intraventricular conduction defects progressing to the right bundle branch block. Atrial or ventricular enlargement was seen in 60 per cent of the patients, left ventricular hypertrophy being the most common. ST-T changes with or without chamber enlargement were seen in 10 patients. One patient had an anterior myocardial infarction pattern on his ECG. Hemizygosity was found to be associated with significantly more abnormalities than heterozygosity. The severity of conduction defects also increased with the duration of the disease process. Vectorcardiography in this study did not provide significant additional information other than that observed on the ECG alone. Since the pathology usually reveals myocardial fibers, conduction system, and blood vessels infiltrated with glycosphingolipid, it is believed that lipid infiltration is responsible for conduction defects, chanber enlargement, and other abnormalities. Although Fabry's disease is rate, it may be amenable to therapy; therefore, recognition of cardiac involvement is important.