Effect of chinoform on the function of biological membranes.

To investigate the mechanism by which the toxic effect of chinoform (5-chloro-7-iodo-8-quinolinol) develops, its action on the function of biological membranes was examined. Findings were: 1. Chinoform induced K+ release from red cells. This effect was increased by prior addition of Mg2+ and decreased by albumin, ruthenium red, or lanthanum chloride. 2. Chinoform induced K+ release from isolated rat liver mitochondria more effectively in the presence of Mg2+ or other bivalent cations, and a chinoform-Mg chelate was more effective than chinoform alone. The K+ release from mitochondria was protected by albumin and to a certain extent by lanthanum chloride. 3. The change in the ion permeability of mitochondrial membrane induced by chinoform in the presence of Mg2+ was accompanied by uncoupling of the oxidative phosphorylation. These results suggest that chinoform interacts with membranes more effectively as a metal chelate, producing conformational and functional changes in those membranes.


[Surgical treatment of calcanear fractures (103 cases). Reconstruction-arthrodesis, or reconstruction (author's transl)].

In a twelve-year period, 103 calcanear fractures (thalamus) were operated on, either by the Stulz procedure (calcanear Reconstruction-subtalar Arthrodesis [83 cases]), or by Reconstruction (20 cases). During the first seven years, the Stulz procedure had been performed systematically. During the following five years, indications were shaded between 28 reconstruction-arthrodesis and 20 reconstructions. A complete preoperative radiological study, including especially horizontal calcanear tomography enables to precise what type of injuries affects the four different parts of the calcaneus, and to choose between either procedure.


[Down syndrome: immunological study in adults (author's transl)].

The immunological profile was evaluated in 12 adults affected by Down's syndrome. Our findings showed: increase of serum IgG, IgA and Gammaglobulins, decrease of IgM, presence of auto-antibodies and increased antibodies response after antigenic stimulation (typhoid vaccination). Some tests, connected with T lymphocytes functions, were also abnormal: percentage of E-active rosettes, cutaneous sensibilization with DNCB and lymphocyte stimulation index with PHA. Our findings suggest a T lymphocyte deficit, with loss of immunological surveillance and therefore of the control over antibody mediated immunological reactions. The immunological alterations observed in our adult patients with Down's syndrome were more extensive and severe than those found in young subjects. The possible relevance of these findings is discussed as well as the incidence of Alzheimer's dementia in adult patients with Down's syndrome.


[Hypothyroid myopathy: histochemical and ultrastructural features with physiopatological correlations (author's transl)].

The Authors describe an adult case of hypothyroid myopathy which occurred after a Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Ultrastructural examination of the deltoid muscle showed two fundamental changes: 1) large collections of mitochondria generally normal in shape, structure and size, especially in the subsarcolemmal sapce of the muscle fibre; 2) glycogen deposits both beneath sarcolemmal membrane and between myofibrils. Histochemical examination reveals an increased activity of mitochondrial oxydative enzymes, such as NADPH and SDH especially in subsarcolemmal regions of many type I fibres. The histogram is normal. It seems that the multiplication of skeletal muscle mitochondria may be compensatory to the slowing down of metabolic activities. This, however, is ineffective because it involves the mitochondria localized more superficially in the fibres with a loosely coupled oxydative phosphorylation. Glycogen accumulations are probably due to deficiency of the thyroid hormone; in fact stimulation of carbohydrate metabolism by thyroxine is well known. The abnormal functioning of the muscular mitochondria and the defective utilisation of glycogen are the most important factors in the pathogenesis of muscular weakness of hypothyroid myopathy.


[The treatment of spastic equinovarus in the adult by transplantation of peroneus brevis and lengthening of the tendo-calcaneus (author's transl)].

A new technique is proposed for the treatment of spastic equinovarus foot. After lengthening the tendo calcaneus, the peroneus brevis tendon is divided at the junction with its muscle belly and the distal end of the tendon is transferred through the interosseous membrane to be sutured to the tendo calcaneus. This technique aims to correct the varus as well as the equinus deformity. It was performed in seven cases with good results. The technique is compared with other methods designed to treat this condition. The method is worthwhile in cases without bony deformity.


[A nerve root anomaly with lumbar disc prolapse. Report of a case (author's transl)].

A case of sciatica with partial paralysis of both lower limbs is reported. At operation a prolapse of the L4/5 intervertebral disc on the right side was associated with an anomaly of the left fifth lumbar root which was lower and more horizontal than normal. The authors give a short review of the literature.


[Suppressor cells of mitogen responses during rheumatoid polyarthritis].

The suppressor activity of mononuclear cells of the peripheral blood (MCPB) during rheumatoid polyarthritis (RP) was studied using experimental protocole. The MCPB stimulated in vitro by concanavaline A (Con A) are capable of suppressing the mitogenis response of autologus cells; moreover, the short-lived spontaneous suppressor cells disappear during 24 hour in vitro incubation that determines an increase in the proliferative response of the incubated cells for 24 hours. In two of the six RP studied, the suppressor activity generated Con A and the spontaneous suppressor activity are nul. Culture experiments with the MCPB of PR and control subjects show that this defect in suppressor activity is more related to a problem in the generation of suppressor cells than to a deficiency in the response to suppressor signals.


[Study of the allogenic reactivity and suppression function of lymphocytes, in rheumatoid polyarthritis treated with cold salts, in mixed lymphocyte cultures].

In a group of 30 rheumatoid polyarthritis treated with gold salts, a determination of the T lymphocytes (sheep red cells) furnished in percentage normal values, and in absolute value a normal average value, with, however, a low level of T lymphocytes. In autologous lymphocyte cultures no spontaneous increase of DNA synthesis was registered. The allogenic response was normal, and in mixed culture with the addition of a third type of cells, a discrete specific suppressive activity appeared.


Severe hypersensitivity reactions to allopurinol.

The frequency of severe reactions to allopurinol has probably been underestimated. A retrospective study encompassing a five-year period has yielded 20 patients with severe hypersensitivity reactions to allopurinol. Patients with preexisting renal impairment or who were receiving concomitant thiazide diuretics appeared to be especially predisposed. Cutaneous reaction patterns included maculopapular eruptions, exfoliative dermatitis, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. eosinophilia was uncommon. Forty percent of the patients developed hepatic involvement and 45% had renal involvement. Hepatic and renal changes usually were reversible and were not unique to any one cutaneous reaction pattern. Three patients with renal involvement required prolonged administration of systemic steroids. Complications included sepsis, decubitus ulcers, and thromboembolism. Two patients required hyperalimentation. Sequelae included dry eyes, pigmentary disturbances, and keloids. Three patients died as a result of their reaction. It is concluded that allopurinol should be used only in select patients, and the dosage should be modified if renal disease exists.


Subclavian steal syndrome: an update.

The clinical findings in this series of 22 cases of subclavian steal syndrome showed a predominance of men (13:9), a mean age of 51 years, and a predominance of left subclavian artery obstruction. There was a blood pressure differential of more than 20 mm Hg and diminished pulses ipsilaterally in most. Main indications for surgical repair were transient neurologic symptoms. Twenty-one of our patients had surgical repair of the subclavian steal syndrome; six had concomitant carotid artery surgery. The most common surgical procedure performed consisted of a carotid subclavian bypass graft. One patient had only carotid revascularization; 19 patients have had good long-term results. One patient, with tetralogy, died and three had complications. The asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patient may be given a trial of medical treatment. Symptomatic patients can have extrathoracic bypass with a very low risk. Surgery is indicated if significant associated carotid lesions are present.


Gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of urinary steroids.

A method for gas-liquid chromatographic separation and quantitation of urinary steroid metabolites is described. A normal reference range has been established and classic examples of urinary steroid profiles of the major steroid disorders are given.


The use of vasodilator agents in the treatment of heart failure.

In cardiac failure unresponsive to digoxin and diuretics, afterload reduction brings about a dramatic increase in cardiac output, renal perfusion and responsiveness to diuretics; furthermore, the decrease in venous pressure relieves the dyspnoea. Intravenous vasodilators should only be used when sophisticated haemodynamic monitoring equipment and experienced physicians are at hand. Indications for the use of these agents are severe cardiac failure, acute myocardial infarction complicated by left ventricular failure, persistent ischaemic pain and limitation of infarct size. A wide variety of oral vasodilator agents is available, all having different sites of action; the choice of vasodilator agents should be tailored to the needs of the patient. Treatment with these agents is indicated in patients in whom cardiac failure becomes refractory to conventional therapy with digoxin and diuretics. The utmost care must be taken to avoid further impairment of cardiac output by excessive reduction of the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and hypotension, which will jeopardize myocardial, renal and cerebral perfusion.


Effect of rehabilitation on employment and earnings of the disabled: sociodemographic factors.

This report analyzes the importance of sociodemographic factors in the effect of rehabilitation services on the employment and earnings of disabled persons after their cases were closed by State vocational rehabilitation agencies in fiscal year 1971. The analysis is based on information about personal characteristics and on 1972 employment and earnings data for all such cases in the linked records of the Social Security Administration and the Rehabilitation Services Administration. It identifies sociodemographic factors that facilitate or hamper the effects of rehabilitation as measured primarily by employment differences between clients who completed and failed to complete a program of rehabilitation services. Rehabilitation appears to provide aid, especially to groups frequently disadvantaged in the labor market because of sex, age, ethnicity, or education. Impact was greater for men--but not for women--who were married and had larger families. These results differe significantly from conclusions based on previous studies of the disabled. Earlier studies often concluded that vocational rehabilitation was less successful for women, older persons, ethnic minorities, and persons with low socioeconomic status. Because those studies lacked information on rehabilitation status or focused only on persons who had received rehabilitation services and because they did not compare those who had completed a rehabilitation program with those who had not, they were unable to examine the effects of vocational rehabilitation completely.


Synchronous aortofemoral or iliofemoral bypass with revascularization of the lower extremity.

Bypassing aortoiliac stenosing lesions to the profunda femoria alone, even with extensive end-arterectomy and angioplasty of the latter, will not provide predictable excellent results in the presence of gangrene and occlusion in the femoral popliteal system. With severe pregangrene and rest pain, residual ischemic complaints are also common, and if lesions are present, healing is incomplete or, at best, delayed. Alternatively, femoropopliteal or tibial bypass, in the presence of even moderately diminished inflow, is subject to either early or delayed closure, unless proximal repair is also performed in appropriately selected patients. Synchronous correction of tandem lesions involving the aortoiliac and femoropopliteal segments should, therefore, be considered for limb salvage only and particularly in the presence of focal gangrene, excision or debridement of which can be anticipated to heal after successful bypass. Major diminution in femoral inflow usually indicates the need for proximal repair only, even in the presence of distal lesions. Noninvasive studies and intraoperative flow determinations are not uniformly helpful in patient selection. Synchronous aortofemoral or iliofemoral and femoropopliteal or tibial reconstructions were performed upon 38 patients, 15 of whom had no prior vascular operation and 23 of whom had previously undergone either aortofemoral or femoropopliteal bypasses that had failed. Graft patency for all patients was 76 per cent, and although it was better for the patients in group 1 than for those in group 2, no statistical significance existed between the two groups. Improved patient selection and criteria for performing synchronous reconstructions might originally have been of benefit for the patients in group 2, avoiding more difficult secondary repairs. It must be emphasized, however, that synchronous reconstructions should not be done routinely in the presence of multilevel disease. Rather, specific indications do exist and should be considered on an individual basis.


Effect of ipratropium bromide on mucociliary clearance and pulmonary function in reversible airways obstruction.

The effects of (a) regular use for one week and (b) a single dose of a synthetic anticholinergic (ipratropium bromide) on lung mucociliary clearance and as a bronchodilator was ascertained in a controlled, double-blind, cross-over study in 12 patients with reversible airways obstruction (mean increase in FEV after isoprenaline: 17% range 10-50%). Two puffs from a metered dose inhaler of either placebo (propellants only) or drug (40 microgram) were administered four times a day for one week (regular use), and mucociliary clearance was measured, by radioaerosol tracer, at the end of each treatment period and after a control period in which no treatment was given. On the mornings of the measurements after the placebo and drug periods one final dose (single dose) of ipratropium (40 microgram) or placebo was given 2.5 hours before the start of the test. There was no statistically significant difference between the three mean mucociliary clearance curves (control, placebo, and drug) for the group; however, there was a significantly greater penetration towards the periphery of the lung of the tracer in the test after drug administration compared with the other two. This increased penetration was attributed to bronchodilatation caused by the drug. Ipratropium bromide does not appear to impair mucociliary clearance, and it acts an effective bronchodilator.


Action of brinase on human fibrinogen and plasminogen.

Brinase added to human plasma in vitro caused a decrease in fibrinogen concentration, positive paracoagulation tests and formation of a friable clot in sequence. Agarose gel filtration of these samples revealed the presence of fibrinogen derivatives both larger and smaller than the parent molecule. Infusion of the enzyme in vivo resulted in a decreased fibrinogen level, a prolonged thrombin time and an increase in fibrinogen related antigen (FRA) in serum. The elution pattern of FRA in the plasma samples obtained after infusion of Brinase was similar to that of the in vitro samples. The plasma pool of fibrinogen was partially consumed by infusion of Brinase, but the turnover of plasminogen remained unaffected. Purified plasminogen was partially degraded by addition of the enzyme but this was accompanied by a generation of proteolytic activity. These findings confirm that Brinase induces a proteolytic degradation of fibrinogen in plasma without activation of the plasminogen-plasmin system. Exposure of polymerization site(s) in the fibrinogen molecule is probably responsible for the reported clot promoting effect of the enzyme.


The plasminogen content of commercial preparations and of normal donor plasma in relation to the plasmin content of the 1st international plasmin reference preparation.

Kabi human plasminogen and plasmin and two Behringwerke preparations of human plasminogen were examined for antigen content, purity and specific activity with the 1st International W.H.O. human plasmin reference preparation and with the plasminogen content of an 8 donor normal plasma pool. In relation to the plasminogen content of the preparation with the highest specific activity, the 8 donor plasma pool contained 0.186 mg/ml of plasminogen. This plasminogen on complete conversion to plasmin by streptokinase or urokinase corresponded to 4.35 International units/ml of plasmin as defined by the International reference preparation. Protein adsorption from highly purified plasminogens of low protein content induced variable underestimates of antigen and of biological activity. To prevent this it is recommended to issue these purified preparations in an inert carrier medium or alternatively to release these preparations with data pertaining to salt content and optical measurement prior to lyophilisation. When standards of high purity and low protein content are being examined for antigen and enzyme, it is recommended likewise that an inert protein carrier should be present in the diluent. Measurement of proactivator was considered to be unsuitable in reference to proactivator content of highly purified plasmin and plasminogen.


Kinetic studies on the selectivity of a synthetic thrombin-inhibitor using synthetic peptide substrates.

The synthetic thrombin-inhibitor termed No. 205 (N-alpha-dansyl-L-arginine-4-ethyl-piperidine amide) found in our laboratories was studied kinetically using synthetic peptide substrates. The following results were obtained. 1. No. 205 inhibited thrombin competively with bz-Phe-Val-Arg-pNA and the Ki value obtained was extremely small, 3.7 x 10(-8) M. 2. No. 205 also inhibited trypsin competitively with bz-Phe-Val-Arg-pNA but the Ki value obtained was far larger than that for thrombin, 1.0 x 10(-5) M. 3. No. 205 inhibited F. Xa, plasmin and urokinase only to a small extent when estimated using 2 x 10(-4) M D-Val-Leu-Lys-pNA, bz-Ile-Glu-Gly-Arg-pNA and Glu-Gly-Arg-pNA, respectively. 4. No 205 differed from APPA in its specific inhibitory spectrum for thrombin as compared to trypsin, plasmin and F. Xa. The above results indicate that No. 205 is an extremely potent and highly selective reversible thrombin-inhibitor.


Comparative histochemical studies on fibrinolysis in whole organs and isolated tissue layers.

Using Todd's technique for the detection of plasminogen activator and Noordhoek Hegt and Brakman's method for inhibitors of fibrinolysis, rat tissues were studied, both in sections of whole organs and as separated tissue layers. Whole organ preparations showed less fibrinolytic activity and poorer localisation of inhibitor, because of a widespread diffusion of the inhibitor from tissue layers rich in inhibitor during the histochemical procedures. It is concluded that when using histochemical methods both agents are best studied in separated layers of the organ to avoid the masking effects of diffused inhibitor.


Ineffectiveness of the Doppler Ophthalmic Test (DOT) in post-endarterectomy evaluation.

In an effort to evaluate the effectiveness of the Doppler Ophthalmic Test (DOT) following carotid endarterectomy, a large group of patients was examined both pre- and postoperatively with non-invasive techniques. The DOT, which has proven to be a useful non-invasive diagnostic test for the determination of significant carotid artery stenosis, was found to be persistently abnormal in 46% of patients with a preoperative positive test. This occurred in spite of the fact that operative arteriography, direct ultrasonic auscultation, and Doppler imaging studies were all within normal limits. It is suggested from this study that the Doppler Ophthalmic Test alone is not adequate to follow patients postoperatively, especially if an abnormal study persists following a satisfactory endarterectomy. Other non-invasive techniques, which employ direct ultrasonic imaging of the carotid flow, may be more accurate in determining vessel patency.


A new modulation method with range resolution for ultrasonic Doppler flow sensing.

This paper proposes a new pair of sequences whose cross-correlation values are zero except for the peak value and presents a new modulation method for an ultrasonic Doppler flowmeter with high sensitivity utilizing these sequences. In this method, transmitted and received waves are modulated and demodulated, respectively, by the specified new sequences. Since ulfavourable reflected waves can be almost completely eliminated by this proposed modulation method, a high signal-to-noise ratio is easily achieved. Elementary experimental results are also given.


[Diagnosis and the surgical treatment of tumors of the anterior abdominal wall].

In 1015 patients with various diseases of soft tissues the pathological process was localized in the anterior abdominal wall in 64 patients (6,3%): desmoids were found in 41 patients, sarcomas -- in 12, benign tumors -- in 5 and non-tumor diseases -- in 6 patients. Dissection of the tumor must be performed not less than 2 -- 3 cm further than the pulpated borders. When plasty with local tissues is not possible, it is expedient to employ synthetic (terylene) prostheses.


Glomerular localization of preformed immune complexes in nephrotoxic serum nephritis.

Pre-formed immune complexes solubilized in antigen excess were infused into rats with nephrotoxic serum nephritis and normal control animals. Complex localization was evident in seven of ten nephrotoxic animals suggesting that the presence of immune mediated glomerular injury makes the kidney susceptibility to further immune injury.


Teratogenetic periods for the principal malformations of the central nervous system.

The teratogenetic periods of the most important CNS malformations are defined and briefly discussed. The results are presented in a synoptic figure. The present study is based on the analysis of normal CNS development and on morphogenetic interpretations of the pertinent anomalies. The data compiled from the literature concerning normal development are presented in an analytical table and are also summarized in a synoptic figure.


Effects of plasma and serum on arterial endothelium.

Electron microscopic study of the femoral artery of rats following a single brief intra-arterial infusion of two different types of rat plasma and of rat serum led to the following findings and conclusions: 1. Plasma from heparinised blood caused no endothelial injury whatsoever whereas plasma from citrated blood damaged the arterial endothelium. Since the intra-arterial infusion of citrate alone produced an endothelial injury that was similar to that induced by plasma from citrated blood, it is very likely that the endothelium-injuring effect of the latter was due to its citrate content. 2. Serum obtained from clotted blood injured both the endothelium and some myocytes of the arteries into which it was infused. This injury was possibly due to the proteolytic or other actions of activated clotting factors, which are known to be present in serum but absent from plasma. The implications of these findings for certain areas of experimental and human pathology are discussed.


Light and electron microscopic findings in five cases of cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis.

Renal tissue from five patients with cryoglobulinemia was studied by light and electron microscopy and immunofluorescence. None of the histologic features observed at the light microscopic level seems to be specific for cryoglobulinemia. Electron microscopic investigations have shown very large electron dense deposits in almost every examined lobule in all cases. The deposits displayed two main patterns; a homogeneous texture in two cases and tubular or annular structures in three cases. The patients with typically structured deposits had IgG-IgM cryoglobulinemia (2 cases) or monoclonal IgM cryoglobulinemia (1 case). The presence of IgM in cryoglobulinemia may be the cause of the peculiar structure of the deposits.


Effects of dimethyl sulfoxide and colchicine on the resorption of experimental amyloid.

The induction of amyloid in C3H mice by either casein solution or complete Freund's adjuvant emulsion with Mycobacterium butyricum was confirmed by partial splenectomy. The animals were autopsied after treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide (550 mg/kg, 50 times), colchicine (0.02 mg/kg, 15--37 times), or saline solution as a control. Detailed histological comparisons of biopsy and autopsy spleens provided evidence that dimethyl sulfoxide was significantly effective in the resorption of amyloid, while in the animals treated with colchicine amyloid deposition was increased. The effect of dimethyl sulfoxide was discussed with reference to the modification of amyloid fibrils.


Intercellular junctional specializations in human basal cell carcinoma. A freeze-fracture study.

Intercellular junctions of various types were found on the membrane fracture faces of human nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cells. The junctional types represented include desmosomes, tight junctions, and gap junctions. A semiquantitative comparison of undifferentiated and differentiated nodular BCC showed that gap and tight junctions were observed on all exposed membrane fracture interfaces of the differentiated tumors, while only fifty six per cent of the membrane interfaces of the undifferentiated tumor exhibited similar junctional specializations. These membrane specializations may be a partial reflection of differentiation among the different types of BCC and their contribution to the less invasive character of nodular BCC cannot be ruled out.


Adrenal adenomata causing primary aldosteronism. An ultrastructural study of twenty five cases.

Adenomata taken from 25 patients with primary aldosteronism were observed by electron microscopy. The cells in the adenoma had a well developed agranular endoplasmic reticulum but granular endoplasmic reticulum was not prominent. Most of the mitochondria resembled those in the cells of the zona glomerulosa, suggesting that the adenomata which caused primary aldosteronism are derived from this zone. Spironolactone bodies were found in the cells of the adenoma from a patient who received spironolactone. Their appearance was identical to that described in previous reports.


Myxoid liposarcoma. An electronmicroscopic study: biological and histogenetic considerations.

Ten myxoid liposarcomas (ML) were studied ultrastructurally in an attempt to determine the histogenesis of this neoplasm and structural associations which might contribute to their relatively benign clinical behavior. The findings were compared with normal and neoplastic adipose tissue. Three cell types were observed, i.e., "primitive" mesenchymal cells, intermediate cell types, and lipoblasts at various stages of development. The principle differences between the lipoblastic elements were the number and the size of intracytoplasmic fat vacuoles, the development of basement membrane-like material, micropinocytotic vesicles along the plasma membrane and the quantity and pleomorphism of mitochondria. The tumor vasculature was complex but consistently demonstrated a multilayered basal lamina. This finding has been described in neoplasms associated with a relatively good prognosis. This study demonstrates that the better differentiated lipoblasts in ML share some features with normal brown fetal fat and hibernoma. It is, thus, suggested that ML may be derived from brown adipose tissue.


Cartilaginous metaplasia and overgrowth of neurocranium skull after X-irradiation in utero.

Prenatal X-irradiation of mice in the late organogenesis stage either with a fractionated or a single exposure dose (3 X 160 R or 200 R) leads to remarkable, previously undescribed malformations of the skull. These malformations range from mild hyperostotic nodule formation in about 90% of the offspring to excessive formation of desmal bony tissues, which extend deep into the forebrain and are thus only detectable in histological sections. Metaplastic and hyperplastic formation of cartilage in all the neurocranial regions is observed in about 10% of the offspring. The pathogenesis of these overgrowth phenomena is presumably related to a growth disturbance of both the mesenchymal skull primordium and the brain. While malformation of the latter leads to a decrease of intracranial pressure and consequently to altered growth activity of the skull sutures, the reparative and proliferative capacities of the mesenchyme are also stimulated, in a hyperplastic direction, by X-irradiation.


Ovarian sex cord tumor with annular tubules. Clinicopathologic report of two benign and one malignant cases with long follow-ups.

The clinicopathologic features of three new cases of ovarian sex cord tumors with annular tubules are presented, thereby increasing to 23 the number of the published cases in the world literature. These three observations, along with another one which was previously published, were found in the files of the Institute of Pathology of the University of Lausanne from 1939 to 1978. Forty-seven granulosa cell tumors and eight Sertoli and/or Leydig cell tumors of the ovary were found during the same 40-year period. The patients were 48, 64 and 71 years of age. No sign of the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome was noticed in the three patients. All three tumors caused metrorrhagias as a cardinal sign. They were bulky, unilateral and were formed by solid tissue with cystic spaces. Histologically, the most characteristic pattern consisted of simple and complex tubular structures as described by Scully in 1970. Two patients, in which the mitotic indexes of the tumors were lower than 5 mitoses per 10 HPF, died without evidence of a recurrence 36 and 37 years after surgical ablation of the tumor. The third patient, whose neoplasm featured fewer well differentiated tubular structures than the two previous ones and had a mitotic index of over 70 mitoses per 10 HPF, died from massive abdominal recurrence after 5 years and 5 months.


Morphological alterations of rabbit oviducts following ligature of the tubal isthmus.

An animal model of tubal sterilisation would be valuable in order to examine the problem of severe damage of the tubal wall and to study the criteria for optimal anastomosis. In a preliminary experimental group the Fallopian tubes of 30 rabbits were ligated at the isthmic segment. Specimens of the ligated portion and other tubal segments have been investigated by light microscopy and scanning and transmission electronmicroscopy one, four and twelve weeks following the ligature. Changes in the Fallopian tubes following the ligature were limited to the ligated portion. The morphological findings consisted of a flattening and decrease of differentiation of the mucous epithelium, and of a slight scarring in the tubal wall and in the subperitoneal tissue within the constricted segment. Tubal ligation at the isthmic segment provides good conditions for refertilisation, following resection of the altered portion and microsurgical anastomosis.


[On the development of the skin of the digital pulp in the early fetal period (author's transl)].

The skin of the digital pulp is of pathologic as well as of forensic interest. Investigations were made with the scanning electron microscope on the fingers of 27 fetuses to get a new insight into the development of this part of the skin. The formation of the peridermal cells is already striking in this region in the early fetal period. A certain grouping together of these peridermal cells appears to resemble the later developed epidermal ridge. The dermatoglyphics are fully developed by the end of the second trimenon. A more exact time sequence cannot be established due to fluxional transitions and, particularly, to marked individual veriations.


[Kyzylagach virus (family Togaviridae, genus alphaviruses), a new arbovirus isolated from Culex modestus mosquitoes trapped in the Azerbaijani SSR].

A strain of LEIV 65A virus was isolated in 1969 from Culex modestus mosquitoes collected in the Kyzylagach preserve, the Azerbaijan SSR, in a colony of Ciconiiformes birds. Investigations of the antigenic properties of this virus by the complement fixation and neutralization tests as well as by electron microscopy showed it to belong to alphaviruses of the Togaviridae family. Kyzylagach virus had one-way relations with Sindbis virus. Some biological and biophysical-biochemical properties of the virus were studied.


[Staphylococcus aureus in poultry--biochemical characteristics, antibiotic resistance and phage pattern (author's transl)].

In a poultry processing plant in northern Germany 1412 swabs were taken from poultry carcasses together with 608 swabs from the personnel. The broilers came from 22 different chicken farms. The swabs taken from the poultry and those taken from the personnel proved to be 35% and 48% Staph. aureus positive respectively. The swabs taken from the feathers and from the skin were staphylococcal positive at a higher level (47%) than the swabs taken from the cloaca (19%) and the throat (23%). Between 8% and 63% of the animals from the various chicken farms were Staph. aureus positive. The frequency of staphylococcal contamination increased during the course of slaughter. 57% of the swabs taken from the gloves and the hands and 42% from the aprons of the personnel were Staph. aureus positive. Some biochemical properties, the phage patterns, and the antibiotic resistance against oleandomycin, erythromycin, bacitracin, streptomycin, tetracyclin, penicillin, chloramphenicol, virginiamycin and flavomycin were determined from 445 poultry and 345 personnel Staph. aureus isolates. Only small differences could be established between both sources in this way. Only 20% of the personnel and 34% of the chicken strains were resistant to antibiotics. In the strains collected from personnel, penicillin-resistance predominated while the poultry isolates showed predominantly tetracyclin-resistance. Of all antibiotics applied nutritively in the chicken fattening, there was a higher resistance only against oleandomycin (11% of the poultry strains). Between the chicken farms there was a different frequency of resistance (0--68%). The source of the staphylococci could be determined for only some of the strains. Only 2.5% of the chicken isolates showed characteristics described in the literature to be "poultry-specific", whereas 37% of the personnel and 24% of the poultry isolates were shown to be "human-specific" strains. It seems that the vast majority of the staphylococci originated from the slaughterhouse personnel. The rest of the strains differed in varying combinations of their properties from the given species characteristics. Although Staph. aureus was brought into the slaughterhouse by the poultry, the contaminations of the final product seemed to originate mainly from human beings.


[Immunological structure of the population vis-à-vis the meningococcus].

The immunological and epidemiological study of 3362 serum samples selectively taken from healthy persons in Yaroslavl showed the presence of highly pronounced inverse correlation between morbidity rate indices and level of antibodies, as well as direct correlation between the level of carriership and the level of antibodies, which indicated the specific character of this process. The analysis of serological data showed that all meningococcal antigenic fractions took part in the formation of the immunological structure of the population, but lipopolysaccharides and polysaccharides played the most active role in this process. The level of all immunoglobulin classes (especially IgA) in the sera of the persons selected for this study was also shown to depend on their age.


[Effectiveness of social hygiene and organized preventive measures in dysentery in preschool institutions].

The work presents the data on the development and realization of the complex of social and hygienic, as well as organizational and preventive measures for dysentery control at institutions for children of preschool age in one of the regions of our country. This complex comprises the improvement of "epidemiological" knowledge of the staff, preventive orientation in the work of the epidemiological section of the local Sanitary Epidemiological Station, the spread of sanitary and hygienic knowledge children and in their families, the improvement of material and technical equipment of children's institutions. The complex proved to be highly effective: at institutions for children of preschool age morbidity -ate in dysentery decrease 4--5 times, and its specific falue dropped from 40% to 5.4%, the frequency of positive results given by tests for the presence of intestinal microflora in washings from various objects decreased more than 25 times. Morbidity rate at institutions for children of preschool age decreased 4--5 times as compared with that among children not attending such institutions. The above data suggest the necessity of introducing this experience in other regions of our country.


[Evolution of mechanisms regulating the reaction between actin and myosin].

In the paper we consider some aspects of evolution of actin, myosin, and Ca2+-binding proteins regulating their interaction. On the basis of the data recently obtained, we propose the following theses: 1. All types of motility in the living world where actin and myosin are involved, are based on active sliding of actin filaments along myosin filaments (or less organized myosin aggregates). 2. Ca2+-sensitivity of actin-myosin interaction is as old as actin and myosin themselves. Therefore, Ca2+-independent actomyosin ATPase found in vitro does not correspond to physiological sutuation and in this sense relfects an experimental artefact. 3. All proteins which regulate Ca2+-sensitivity of actin and myosin interaction, contain EF-hand structure. 4. It is generally believed that non-muscle cells, including Protozoa and Myxomycetes, contain all regulatory mechanisms which were described for muscles. However, in our opinion, troponin complex similar to that found in striated muscles, if present does not operate there.


[Ultrastructural organization of the inner medullary zone of the kidney of the water vole Arvicola terrestris].

Papillary component ultrastructure and acid mucopolysaccharide distribution have been investigated in the kidney of the water vole A. terrestris. Structural differences between the descending and ascending parts of the Henle's loop are rather small, cell cytoplasm of these segments being poor in organells. Unusual ultrastructure of the collecting duct epithelium with high level of cytoplasmic organization (elongated thin mitochondria, fairly developed Golgi complex, numerous phagosomes and pinocytotic vesicles, long branching microvilli) was described. Apical membrane of the epithelium is covered by rich glycocalix layer. Heil-positive substrances are located intracellularly inside phagosomes and on vesicle membranes, as well as on the membranes of cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum. Interstitium is abundant, but no close contacts between papillary components were found. Acid mucopolysaccharide content of the interstitium is low, "gel" filter being not formed. The described peculiarities are discussed in relation to water and salt metabolism of the rodents investigated.


Temperature compensation of sodium transport and ATPase activity in frog skin.

Na+ transport across frog skin, measured as short-circuit current (SCC) shows perfect temperature compensation in frogs acclimated to 6 degrees, 12 degrees, and 23 degrees C as SCC values observed at the acclimation temperatures are equal (about 13 muA/cm2). Reacclimation experiments show that this is not a starvation effect. While very little temperature compensation is seen in the activity of Na+, K+-ATPase in epidermal homogenates from frog skins, the activity of Mg2+-ATPase shows inverse compensation at assay temperatures from 4 degrees to 48 degrees C. This ATPase is apparently activated either by Mg2+ or by Ca2+ and it probably controls the passive permeability of epidermal cells. It is suggested that the inverse temperature compensation in the activity of this enzyme is the main mechanism by which the observed perfect temperature compensation of Na+ transport across frog skin occurs.


The effect of surgical sympathectomy and of neonatal treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine and guanethidine on particle-bound noradrenaline and 35S-sulphomucopolysaccharides.

Five to six weeks after bilateral stellate ganglionectomy, noradrenaline (NA) levels in cats' atria were reduced to approximately 20% of controls. In vivo uptake of 3H-NA and of 35S-sulphate into gradient fractions containing noradrenergic vesicles from the atria decreased to approximately 30% and approximately 40%, respectively. The uptakes of 3H-NA and 35S-sulphate were significantly correlated in both control and ganglionectomized cats, and the distributions of 3H and 35S on the gradients were parallel. The findings suggest that sulphomucopolysaccharides (SMPSs) may be localized in noradrenergic vesicles, possibly participating in the storage of Na. in 10-week-old rats treated neonatally with either 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OH-DA) or guanethidine, levels of NA in the heart, spleen and salivary glands were decreased to less than 10% and to 10-20%, respectively; in the seminal ducts to 33% and 45%, respectively. 3H-NA uptake into noradrenergic-vesicle-enriched subcellular fractions from the heart, spleen and salivary glands of 6-OH-DA treated rats decreased almost to the extent of NA depletion but in the seminal ducts the decrease was less marked. Guanethidine treatment left the uptake unaffected, except for the spleen. The discrepancy between storage and uptake suggests that surviving neurons display during their outgrowth into tissues a high uptake capacity but lack full NA synthesis. 35S-sulphate incorporation into non-lipid compounds, presumably SMPSs, in the noradrenergic-vesicle-enriched fractions appeared unaffected or increased over corresponding control levels, possibly due to high synthetic activity in the growing neurons.


Cardiovascular 'reactivity' to graded splanchnic nerve stimulation in spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive control rats.

Cardiovascular 'reactivity' to graded splanchnic nerve stimulation was compared in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive controls (NCR), during abolished adrenal medullary secretion and neurogenic cardiac control and depressed reflex vascular adjustments. Arterial pressure, heart rate and cardiac output were measured, and total peripheral resistance (TPR) and stroke volume (SV) computed before, during and after nerve stimulation. The neurogenic resistance increases in the major gastrointestinal-renal-hepatic circuits expressed themselves as TPR elevations, which were much accentuated in SHR. This reflects an increased w/ri of SHR resistance vessels rather than any altered effector sensitivity, since the responses were particularly accentuated at high discharge rates when noradrenaline junction concentrations approach maximal levels. The splanchnic capacitance responses expressed themselves as SV increases, being the most relevant aspect of capacitance control. SV increased less in SHR, mainly reflecting the reduced diastolic compliance of the hypertrophied SHR left ventricle and the consequent rightward shift of its Frank-Starling curve. The results indicate that an elevated resistance may well be maintained by a normal sympathetic discharge in established SHR hypertension. There seems, however, to be an increasing need for accentuated discharge to the capacitance side to maintain proper cardiac filling of the hypertrophied left ventricle.


Prognosis in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Thirty-eight non-operated patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) were followed for 1--18 years (mean 8). Twelve patients died, nine of them instantaneously without any other apparent cause of death. The symptoms on the first admission did not discriminate between those who died and those who survived during the observation period, nor did the findings at heart catheterization at rest or left ventricular angiocardiography. However, cardiac enlargement on the first chest X-ray was significantly more common in the decreased group, 75% against 27%, as was the complete absence of a q-wave in lead III on the first ECG, 83% against 42%. The combination of complete lack of q in lead III and cardiac enlargement on chest X-ray at the initial examination was present in 9 of the 12 deceased (75%) and in only 3 of 24 survivors (13%). This can be used to select patients for long-term prophylaxis against ventricular fibrillation which, according to the literature, is the main mechanism of instantaneous death in HOCM.


[Development tendencies of the contact allergy].

The development tendencies of the contact allergy in the given catch-area in the years 1948-1977 are studied here by the help of a systematic examination of the dynamics concerning the hypersensitivity of the population. By means of patch tests applied to 15685 patients/6864 men and 8821 women/reactors are checked up towards 15 contact allergens/hexavalent and trivalent chromium, nickel, cobalt, procaine, paraphenylenediamine, neomycine, mercury bichloride, resorcinol, camomile, paraben mixture, formaldehyde, balsam of Peru, turpentine oil, rubber chemicals, and the connections between the percentage of the reactors and the alterations in the technology of the production as well as of the degree and effektiveness of the preventive measures and of the introduction of new remedies, cosmetics and necessaries for daily use are being determined. At the same time this study and the results achieved by analysis are the basis for preventive measures to be taken according to the characteristics of the contact allergens and in proportion to the possibility of taking such measures.


[The Langerhans cell--its macrophages-analogous function in the triggering of the allergic contact eczema (author's transl)].

1. Langerhans cells represent specific granula-containing dendritic cells which do not have desmosomes, tonofilaments and (pre)melanosomes and which therefore appear as clear cells in the epithelial tissue. 2. They occur in the squamous epithelium, and also in the corium, lymph node and thymus. They account for 1-1,7% of the whole volumen of the epidermis. 3. They do not represent effete melanocytes, but they originate from the mesenchym. Their migration from the dermis into the epidermis, their identity with histiocytosis X cells, their surface receptors as well as function underline the mesenchymal origin. 4. Probably the Langerhans cells regulate the mitosis and differentiation of the keratinocytes. 5. The antigen-presenting and lymphocyte stimulating functions of Langerhans cells as effector cells in allergic contact eczema are proved. They are able to phagocytize antigens (haptens), to apposite lymphozytes, to proliferate after the challenge by antigens as well as to migrate through the lymph vessels into the regional lymph nodes. 6. At their surface they bear receptors for Fc-IgG and C3 as well as Ia-antigens as immune response genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). 7. With regard to point 5 and 6 they have the same properties as the macrophages. 8. Langerhans cells are damaged and destroyed, respectively, by immune complexes after activation of the complement pathway as well as by killer T-lymphocytes. Thus they are regulated as target cells by humoral and cellular mechanisms. 9. The allergic inflammatory reaction is triggered by mediator substances (of lysosomal origin?) which are liberated by the destruction of the Langerhans cells as well as by lymphokines. The preferently suprabasal occurrence of the Langerhans cells explains the early beginning of the edema and spongiosis as well as their localization in the lower layers of the epidermis. 10. The macrophages-analogous and antigen-presenting functions, which are genetically regulated are essential for the sensitization in allergic contact eczema. The ability to stimulate allogenic T-Lymphocytes in the mixed lymphocyte reaction might be of particular importance for the skin transplantation.


Antigammaglobulin antibodies in experimental adjuvant arthritis.

Several-fold administration of complete Freund's adjuvant in rat provoked acute arthritis accompanied by production of antigammaglobulin antibodies in a high percentage from the animals studied; their sera precipitate homologous and heterologous aggregated IgG and demonstrate hemagglutination titers up to 1 : 1792. To confirm the Ig type of the studied antibodies, rat sera were fractionated by gel filtration on Sephadex G200 by pH = 4.0 and by preparative ultra-centrifugation by pH = 3.6. It was established that the antibodies are of IgM type. - The presence of autoantibodies in an autoimmune disease, such as experimental adjuvant arthritis similar to the rheumatoid factors in human rheumatoid arthritis gives support to the statement that autoimmune processes are involved in the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis in men.


[Experiences with the provocative inhalation test in occupationally induced allergic diseases of the respiratory tract (author's transl)].

Using simple technique we performed 1460 inhalation tests with occupational inhalation allergens. Before inhalation provocation testing all patients had been skin tested. In the case of organic allergens the inhalative test was positive in 20%, in the case of anorganic in 10%. The parameters should be measured in those cases causing immediate reaction until 30 minutes after inhalation and in those cases causing delayed reaction until 8 hours after the provocation test. A control test with the solvent is not necessary. The results of the inhalation test depend on the quality of allergen extracts.


Left ventricular function at rest and during exercise after aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic regurgitation.

To determine the effect of aortic valve replacement on reversing abnormalities of left ventricular function in patients with aortic regurgitation, radionuclide cineangiography was used to study 16 sympatomatic patients with aortic regurgitation before and 6 months after aortic valve replacement. Before operation, left ventricular ejection fraction was 46 +/- 3 percent at rest (normal mean +/- standard error of the mean 57 +/- 1 percent; P less than 0.001), and decreased to 37 +/- 4 percent during exercise (normal 71 +/- 2 percent; P less than 0.001). after operation, ejection fraction rose to 58 +/- 4 percent at rest, indistinguishable from the normal value, and during exercise was 53 +/- 4 percent, increased (P less than 0.001) from before operation but significantly (P less than 0.001) subnormal. Thus, aortic valve replacement can improve but usually does not normalize left ventricular function during exercise in symptomatic patients with aortic regurgitation.


Myocardial contractile function in aortic stenosis as determined from the rate of stress development during isovolumic systole.

To assess myocardial contractile function in the chronically hypertrophied human left ventricle, the rate of stress development (dsigma/dt) as a function of developed stress (sigmaD) during isovolumic systole was examined. Results for eight patients with aortic stenosis were compared with those for seven subjects with normal left ventricular function and with those for five patients with idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy. The rate of stress development (dsigma/dt) was nearly identical in patients with aortic stenosis and in normal subjects over a wide range of values of sigmaD but was significantly lower in patients with cardiomyopathy (P less than 0.01 versus control subjects and patients with aortic stenosis). Normal values for dsigma/dt held not only for patients with compensated pressure overload, but also for those patients with aortic stenosis with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction and overt congestive failure. Similar findings were obtained when the first derivative of left ventricular pressure (dP/dt) was examined as a function of developed left ventricular pressure in normal subjects and patients with aortic stenosis or cardiomyopathy. These results indicate that contractile function as characterized by the isovolumic rate of stress development is not necessarily impaired in chronic pressure overload hypertrophy.


Avicenna's view on cancer from his Canon.

Avicenna's views on cancer are presented from his Medical Canon. A literal translation from Arabic has been undertaken by the author. The clinical diagnosis, the prognosis as well as the therapeutic measures according to Avicenna are interesting to know and compare with our views one thousand years later.


Zinc inhibition of calmodulin: a proposed molecular mechanism of zinc action on cellular functions.

Calcium stimulates, and zinc inhibits, a wide variety of cell types. In the erythrocyte, we have found calcium and zinc to have antagonist actions in a variety of systems. An important mechanism for calcium effects on cells is activation of calmodulin. Calmodulin is a small ubiquitous protein which, when activated by calcium, has a large array of cellular regulatory functions. We now report that calmodulin function is inhibited by low concentrations of zinc. Zinc inhibition of calmodulin provides a rational molecular mechanism for the diverse cellular inhibitory effects of zinc, as well as for zinc's antagonism of calcium effects.


Protecting the rights of the developmentally disabled: alternatives to the existing statutory and regulatory scheme.

The Developmentally Disabled Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1975 and related HEW regulations require each state to establish a system for the protection and advocacy of the rights of developmentally disabled persons as a condition to receiving specified federal funds. This Note contends that, under the present statutory and regulatory scheme, states and governors have broad powers to interfere with the proper functioning of protection and advocacy systems. The Note examines the principal legal remedies, contractual and constitutional, presently available to parties interested in reducing or eliminating such interference, and concludes that such remedies are ineffectual. Instead, the author proposes, the HEW regulations should be revised to strengthen the autonomy of protection and advocacy systems or, alternatively, Congress should amend the 1975 Act to provide for federal administration of such systems.


Differentiation and regulation of peripheral androgen metabolism in rats and rhesus monkeys.

The sex-unique metabolic network for steroids is induced neonatally in male rats. The metabolic clearance rates (MCR) of dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone are similar for both sexes of rats despite quantitatively significant sex differences in individual enzyme activities of adults; neonatally androgenized females had a 2-to 3-fold increase in MCR but cyproterone had no effect. The MCRT and MCRDHA of castrated adult male rhesus monkeys are the same as those of normal males; the MCRDHA is 4-fold greater. Testosterone treatment suppressed the MCRDHA of the castrated groups but estradiol treatment did not. The sex-steroid binding protein (SBP) levels were lower in males than females, and these values were reduced by testosterone. Estrogen suppressed the higher SBP values of females. The sex-steroid milieu of adult rhesus monkeys regulates SBP binding capacity and the enzyme activities of skin measured in vitro. Prenatal testosterone does not exert a crucial role in presetting the peripheral metabolic network in rhesus monkeys.


Ischemic myocardial injury after exercise stress in the pressure-overloaded heart.

Systemic hemodynamics and regional myocardial blood flows were determined in 18 miniswine during the development of pressure-overload hypertrophy induced by supravalvular aortic constriction. Nine miniswine served as control animals. Regional myocardial blood flows were measured at rest and during exercise stress with radioactive microspheres after 2 days and 1 month of aortic constriction. Exercise stress, causing the heart rate to increase to 85% of its maximum, was imposed twice weekly for 5 minutes on 13 pressure-overloaded animals to elicit differences between the control and experimental groups that might not occur at rest. At rest, regional myocardial blood flows of pressure-overloaded animals were similar to those of control animals. When exercise stress was imposed after 2 days and 1 month of pressure overload, endocardial blood flows decreased 45% below control exercise levels, although epicardial blood flows were unchanged. During the first 2 weeks of pressure overload epicardial and endocardial electrocardiograms showed S-T segment elevation with exercise stress but not at rest. Postmortem examinations after 1 month of pressure overload showed significant histologic evidence of myocardial injury, namely, fibrosis, which was subendocardially located. These findings indicate that the pressure-overloaded heart is at risk for ischemic injury, particularly during the early, uncompensated stage.


Congenital duodenal obstruction. A review of 65 cases.

We report our experience with 65 patients with congenital duodenal obstruction, 36 with intrinsic and 29 with extrinsic lesions. Seventeen patients had trisomy 21 syndrome. Eight pregnancies were complicated by polyhydramnios. The diagnostic features encountered, the operative procedures used, and the postoperative management regimes used are presented. Thirty-two of the 36 patients with intrinsic lesions and 28 of the 29 patients with extrinsic lesions survived. The data on the five patients who died emphasize the effect of multiple congenital anomalies and prematurity on survival. This review suggests that the surgical procedures available for treating patients with congenital duodenal obstruction are well established and yield predictably good results.


Use of Doppler ultrasound in intestinal surgery.

Doppler ultrasonography was used intraoperatively in 117 patients undergoing intestinal anastomosis or enterostomy to determine the adequacy of blood supply at the margins of resection. Doppler findings were compared with clinical assessment of intestinal blood flow by the operating surgeon. In 92 per cent of cases, Doppler signals and clinical observation coincided. However, in five of six cases in which Doppler signals were absent at one margin, the surgeon resected additional intestine, selecting margins within 1 cm of the nearest arterial Doppler signal. All five patients had uneventful healing. In the one case in which the surgeon chose to rely onthe appearance of the bowel despite the absence of Doppler arterial signals, ischemic necrosis of the proximal segment and anastomotic disruption occurred. The technique of Doppler ultrasonography is readily learned, and the instrument is available in most hospitals. Intraoperative use of Doppler ultrasonography can help identify intestine lacking a blood supply adequate to assure viability before changes in the appearance of the bowel alert the surgeon to the problem.


A study of the effect of pregnancy on muscle fibers of the rectus abdominis muscle of the rat.

Samples of the rectus abdominis muscle were taken from Sprague-Dawley rats at 0, 3, 6, 6, 12, 15, 18, and 21 days of pregnancy, and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days of postpartum. Sections were incubated for actomyosin adenosine triphosphatase activity following preincubation at a basic pH. Muscle fibers within a unit area of each sample were identified as to fiber type according to their enzyme activity, and the population of each type counted. The proportion of each fiber type was calculated and the diameter of 24 fibers of each type measured. No changes were noted in the muscle fiber proportions through the course of the experiment. Differential changes in muscle fiber diameters were noted in each of the three muscle fiber types. Slow oxidative fibers underwent an increase in diameter through the last half of pregnancy. The diameter was further increased as stretch of the muscle was released after birth, and did not decrease in the postpartum period. Fast glycolytic fibers decreased in diameter during the last half of pregnancy, but returned to the prepregnancy diameter in the first postpartum day. The diameter of the fast oxidative glycolytic fibers remained unchanged through the course of pregnacy and in the postpartum period.


Pulmonary hypertension complicating portal hypertension.

We report 9 patients with pulmonary hypertension complicating portal hypertension. The cause of portal hypertension was cirrhosis in 7 patients, nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver in 1, and portal vein obstruction in 1. Six patients had been treated by portal-systemic shunting before the clinical onset of pulmonary hypertension. The interval between the first manifestation of portal hypertension and the recognition of pulmonary hypertension ranged from 2 to 15 years. Histologic examination in 1 of these patients revealed medial hypertrophy, concentric intimal proliferation, and plexiform lesions affecting the small pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary hypertension might result from the effect of a vasoconstrictive agent on the small pulmonary arteries or of a substance toxic to the walls of these vessels that is produced in the splanchnic territory, destroyed by the liver in normal subjects, and reaches the pulmonary arteries through portal-systemic shunts in these patients.


Alterations in the ultrastructure of nonciliated bronchiolar epithelial (Clara) cells by streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.

Recent studies showed marked alterations in type II pneumocyte ultrastructure by streptozotocin-induced diabetes. To see whether other pulmonary epithelium is affected, we examined terminal bronchioles by transmission electron microscopy. Ten adult male rats received one intrajugular injection of streptozotocin (75 mg/kg of body weight) and were killed 14 days later. As control subjects, 5 additional rats received only saline, and 5 rats given streptozotocin injections received protamine zinc insulin (1 unit/rat/day). As compared to lungs of control animals, the bronchiolar epithelial cell type most altered in diabetic rat lungs was the Clara cell. The numbers of ovoid secretory granules decreased significantly (29 of 57 cells were without granules versus 0 of 78 in control animals), and the number of rod-shaped granules increased. Administration of exogenous insulin alleviated the changes. These findings show that the changes in pulmonary metabolic function associated with diabetes mellitus result from alterations not only in granular pneumocytes, but also in nonciliated, bronchiolar secretory epithelial (Clara) cells.


The anatomic rationale for abdominal lipectomy.

Changes occur in the vascular and lymphatic flow and in the sensory pattern of the superficial abdominal wall during abdominal lipectomy. The development of these systems, their anatomic descriptions in the abdominal wall, and the changes created by the surgery are documented to explain tissue survival following the procedure.


[Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (author's transl)].

Ten cases of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum are presented. The groups in which these patients are classified are described, thinking that the mentioned classification is a simplification of the problem. After discussion of the dates apported by clinic, thorax X-Rays and electrocardiogram, authors come to the conclusion that they are not specific of this cardiopathy. Contribution of hemodinamic and angiocardiographic characteristics, paying special attention to the blood flow to lung vascular tree and in existance of intramyocardium sinusoid are shown. Description of the general tendencies of the most accepted surgical techniques in bibliography for resolution of both groups of patients is made.


Susceptibility-resistance pattern of Neisseria meningitidis isolated in the province of Ontario, Canada.

A total of 522 N. meningitidis cultures isolated from different sources (cerebrospinal fluid, sputum, blood, naso-pharyngeal, uro-genital area, eye and rectal samples) between the years 1976-1977 in Ontario, were tested for their susceptibility pattern to 8 antibacterial drugs. Among the 522 cultures, 24.8% showed resistance to sulfadiazine (10-100 micrograns/ml) and all N. meningitidis cultures (100%) were resistant to spectinomycin (15 micrograms/ml); this feature could be used as one of the confirmation tests for N. meningitidis, especially with the strains which cause difficulty in identification and/or confirmation. Among the N. meningitidis cultures, 3.2% yielded maltose negative results in CTA sugars (cystine trypticase agar) and were also susceptible to sulfadiazine (10 micrograms/ml).


[Norwegian scabies: etiological grounds (author's transl)].

Norwegian scabies is a rare clinical variant of human infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. It is characterized by hyperkeratotic lesions of the palmar and plantar surfaces, scalp and ears which contain myriad mites. The authors have observed three cases: the first occurred in a old delibited woman with a Recklinghausen's disease, the second in a boy with Down's syndrome, the last in a child treated with immunosuppressors. Review of the literature and study of etiological grounds. The pathogenesis is yet unclear but the altered host factors appear to be the principal determinant: primary or secondary specific immunologic deficit and inability to eliminate the mites because of the absence of scratching, hereditary predisposition to keratotic reaction of the skin.


Pseudomonas aeruginosa gram-negative folliculitis.

Three patients with sudden, unmanageable exacerbation of acne vulgaris were shown to have Gram-negative folliculitis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In each patient, the source of the Pseudomonas proved to be an otitis externa infection. In contrast to previous cases of Gram-negative folliculitis due to Proteus, Escherichia coli, or Klebsiella, the anterior nares were not colonized. Treatment of the otitis externa and the Gram-negative folliculitis with acetic acid compresses and topical antibiotics led to prompt resolution without recurrence.


Contact urticaria to parabens.

Contact urticaria developed in a patient after topical application of paraben-containing compounds. Positive open patch test results and a positive passive transfer (Prausnitz-Küstner reaction) test demonstrated an immunologic mechanism for the patient's skin reaction. The importance of parabens to contact urticaria is described.


Persistent photosensitivity following occupational exposure to epoxy resin.

Persistent photosensitivity developed in eight men following occupational exposure to hot epoxy resin fumes. The condition was limited to sites the resin contacted. Small doses of ultraviolet-A light (2 to 5 joules/sq cm) evoked abnormal reactions consisting of erythema, edema, and papules in the clinically involved skin. Positive photopatch tests to epoxy resin were observed in four subjects, and to 4, 4'-isopropylidenediphenol (Bisphenol A) in all. The photosensitivity is most probably due to photocontact allergy to 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol or to a closely related chemical.


Idiopathic pigmentation of the hands. Professional exogenous ochronosis? A new entity?

A case of ochronosis-like pigmentation of the hands is described. The following criteria were fulfilled: (1) presence of blue to black spots confined to the hands: (2) pitch-black macroscopic appearance of the biopsy specimen; (3) abundance of granular material in the whole connective structures on microscopic examination of an unstained specimen just mounted on a slide; (4) numerous pigmented granules in the elastic and collagen fibers: (5) no family history, abnormal coloration of the urine, taking of drugs, or rheumatism; (6) onset in a manual worker exposed to benzenic substances. This seems to be a new entity, probably a variant of exogenous ochronosis produced by professional contacts with some agents and perhaps a professional benzenic ochronosis.


Effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan on muricide response induced by thiamine deficiency.

Male Wistar rats maintained on a thiamine deficient diet showed the mouse-killing response (muricide). On the 30th day of experimental feeding, the incidence of the muricide response was 78% in the thiamine deficient group. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) suppressed the muricide response in a dose-dependent manner. The suppressive effect of 5-HTP on the muricide response was potentiated by pretreatment with Ro4-4602. On the 20th day of experimental feeding, the incidence of the muricide response was 42.9% in the thiamine deficient group, 14.3% in the pair-fed group and 0% in the control group, respectively. The incidence increased to 92.5% in the thiamine deficient rats 24 hr after the i.p. injection of 100 mg/kg parachlorophenylalanine. The results of the present sutdy indicate that the injection of 5-HTP was effective in suppressing the muricide response induced by thiamine deficiency.


Immune-complex deposition in the eye in systemic lupus erythematosus.

A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus retinopathy showed resolution of subretinal edema documented with fluorescein angiography. Subsequently at autopsy, immunofluorescence studies disclosed ocular deposition of immunoglobulins in the vascular layer of choroid capillaries and basement membranes of ciliary processes and bulbar conjunctivas. To our knowledge, these findings represent the first reported documentation of probable immune-complex ocular vasculitis in lupus retinopathy using immunofluorescent techniques, and they support the hypothesis that lupus retinopathy is caused by immune complex deposition as are other manifestations of SLE.


[How essential are essential fatty acids?].

The present article analyzes the symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency, both in human beings and in animals. The first part of the article describes the interrelationships between linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acids, and how these acids affect the physiological response in experimental animals. Likewise, it discusses the effect of gradual levels of linoleic acid intake, and its use to establish quantitative requirements for essential fatty acids on the basis of biochemical parameters. It provides information also on the effect of dietary non-essential fatty acids on essential fatty acid metabolism. The second part of the article deals with the significance of essential fatty acids in human nutrition. In spite of the available information in this regard, it is suggested that further and more thorough studies be conducted. Data on human blood serum fatty acid composition are presented, which could be used as a basis for comparison when essential fatty acid deficiency is suspected. The author further indicates that there are several dietary factors that could induce essential fatty acid deficiency, or that could result in marginal states of deficiency in these nutrients.


[Operated aortic stenosis. Evaluation of the long-term prognosis using clinical and hemodynamic parameters in a series of 249 cases].

The long-term results and the prognostic factors in aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis were assessed from a series of 249 operated cases (comprising 199 pure or dominant stenosis and 50 mixed aortic lesions) followed up for a maximal period of 9 years. The postoperative survival rate, 71% at 5 years, 62,6% at 8 years, including the operative mortality, is better than in a comparable series of pure chronic aortic incompetence (58% at 5 years) despite a higher average age. In the same age group the difference is significant at the 6th year. However, no difference was observed between mixed aortic disease and aortic stenosis. Irreversible myocardial dysfunction is relatively rare (6,6% of survivors at 1 month, 24% of poor results or late deaths) and much less common than in aortic incompetence of which it represents the main cause of failure. Even in these cases, prolonged symptomatic improvement may be observed. 3 prognostic factors affect the operative and late mortality. They act to variable degrees and independantly of each other. They are : age, cardiomegaly and heart failure. The actuarial 5 year survival is: 81,77% and 53% for under 50, 50 to 65 and over 65 years age group respectively; 88%, 78% and 48% for cardiothoracic ratios of less than 0,50, between 0,50 and 0,58 and greater than 0,58 respectively; 83%, 65% and 47% for patients without signs of heart failure, with a history of pulmonary oedema, and with a history of congestive cardiac failure respectively. These results encourage a liberal attitude towards surgery, even in old patients with severe valvular lesions.


Input modes: their importance in the clinical application of electronic aids for disabled persons.

In this study of techniques for the operation of environmental control aids for disabled persons, 12 programmed input modes were investigated in a uniform typing task. A microprocessor-based electronic aid (MECON) developed for this project was operated in 1 mode at a time by the disabled subject using a joystick and/or switch. Fourteen severely handicapped subjects with a wide variety of disabling conditions participated in the investigation. In the results, various input modes were ranked in order of speed. The fit and stability of the transducer were found to be important to the subjects' performance, and there were a number of indications that the availability of multiple input modes for an aid is highly desirable.


[Lymphatic bed of layers of the abdominal wall in the human inguinal area].

Lymphatic bed in the layers of the inguinal area was studied in connection with age in 70 human corpses. Polychromic injection of arteries, veins and lymphatic bed, staining of preparations after van Gieson, Weigert, with hematoxylin-eosin and morphometry were the methods applied. It was stated that lymphatic capillaries penetrate through all the layers forming the abdominal wall of the human inguinal area; they arrange interconnected networks in dermis, in external and internal oblique and transversal muscles and in their aponeuroses, as well as in fasciae and in the peritoneum. The lymphatic bed in question changes during ontogenesis. Age transformations of the lymphatic capillaries are in connection with functional loading on the anterior abdominal wall. Intraorganic connections existing between the lymphatic vessels of the anterior abdominal wall and the organs of the small pelvis (urinary bladder, uterus, rectum, etc.) are revealed, they are of a rather great interest for physicians.


Microvasculature of rabbit muscle spindles.

The microvasculature of the muscle spindle and its relationship to the microcirculation of teniussimus extrafusal muscle is described. Muscle spindles lie in close proximity and parallel to the central artery, vein, and nerve. The arterioles to spindle capillaries are third to fourth order branches of the central artery, whereas most arterioles to extrafusal capillaries are sixth to eighth order. Two or three capillaries enter each spindle. At least one entry consistently was encountered in the equatorial area near the sensory endings. Branches of intrafusal capillaries run longitudinally, anastomose with each other, and cradle the sensory zone in a longitudinal capillary loop. Capillaries in muscle spindles are larger than those in extrafusal muscle. These characteristic features are presumed to enhance the capability of these capillaries to provide sufficient circulation to the spindle, particularly to the region of the sensory endings.


The use of thymoxamine in eyelid retraction.

We observed substantial narrowing in 75% of fissures in patients with various types of lid retraction after topical application of aqueous 0.5% thymoxamine (moxisylyte). Even contralateral normal-appearing fissures in thyroid patients responded in this manner. The nonresponders in the lid retraction group included a patient with an orbital pseudotumor and patients with long-standing and stable euthyroid eye disease. No normal subjects' fissures responded greatly to thymoxamine. A substantial reduction in palpebral fissures was seen in all patients with thick extraocular muscles and in 14 of 18 (78%) of all fissures of thyroid patients; the average response was 2.3 mm. This effect may last for five hours after thymoxamine administration. Thymoxamine may be of use as a diagnostic test for thyroid eye disease, and if it can be modified to cause less ocular irritation, it may be beneficial in the medical treatment of eyelid retraction.


Therapeutic evaluation of Elase as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of monilial vaginitis.

The effectiveness of a lytic enzyme preparation (Elase--Parke-Davis) plus natamycin (Pimafucin--Gist-Brocades) was compared to natamycin therapy alone in a controlled clinical trial involving 120 patients suffering from monilial vulvo-vaginitis. The results indicate that addition of Elase to a natamycin treatment regimen increases the effectiveness of therapy both with respect to alleviation of symptoms and to eradication of the organism as determined by vaginal culture in patients with acute infection and in those in whom infection is complicated by pregnancy or diabetes.


An active-site-directed adenosine triphosphate analogue binds to the beta-subunits of factor F1 mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase with its triphosphate moiety.

The reaction of the mixed anhydride of [3H]ATP and mesitylenecarboxylic acid and soluble mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase is accompanied by the covalent binding of one molecule of the inhibitor to a molecule of the enzyme and results in the inhibition of adenosine triphosphatase activity by more than 90%. The electrophoresis of adenosine triphosphatase modified by reaction with the mixed anhydride of [3H]ATP and mesitylenecarboxylic acid in polyacrylamide gel in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate showed that the inhibitor is bound to the beta-subunit of the enzyme. The results suggest that ATP may also bind to the beta-subunit of the adenosine triphosphatase with its triphosphate moiety.


Alterations in rat myocardial mechanics under Goldblatt hypertension and experimental aortic stenosis.

Left ventricular hypertrophy was induced in young male Wistar rats by unilateral renal artery constriction, either with (Goldblatt I [ = G I]) or without (Goldblatt II [ = G II]) simultaneous contralateral nephrectomy. An average increase in left ventricular weight of 55% and 18% respectively was reached within 4 weeks as compared with controls of the same age. Further increase in ventricular mass up to the 6-month stage was considerably dependent on the degree of inhibition of body growth of the experimental animals. Other rats underwent a stenosis of the Aorta ascendens (AO) with a reduction in diameter to 50%--60% of the original value, whereby a left ventricular hypertrophy of 10%--30% ensued. Isolated trabecular muscle strips of the left ventricle were examined 4, 8 and 24 weeks (G II), 4 and 8 weeks (G I), and 4 and 6 weeks (AO) after operation. Sham operations were performed for all models used.


Plasma renin activity and hypertrophy of the right ventricle in hypoxic rats.

A NaCl load in chronically hypoxic rats abolished the increase in plasma renin activity occurring in rats exposed to hypoxia of the same degree and duration but with normal NaCl intake. The parallel reduction in hypoxic hypertrophy of the right ventricle in NaCl-loaded rats could be considered as indirect evidence supporting the view that renin may be involved in the development of heart hypertrophy.


Diamide inhibited (Ca++ + Mg++) and (Mg++) dependent ATPase in erythrocyte membranes: activity at different temperatures.

After inhibition of the monovalent cation dependent ATPase, a (Ca++ + Mg++) and a (Mg++) dependent ATPase activity can be detected. The inhibition due to diamide on the (Mg++) ATPase, assayed in the 12.5 degrees C - 30 degrees C temperature range, is almost complete. On the contrary the diamide induced inhibition of (Ca++ + Mg++) ATPase, in the same temperature range, is not complete and the residual activity increases with temperature. The reported data indicate that the ATPase activity induced by calcium is much less diamide-sensitive and -SH-dependent than that elicited by Mg++ alone.


Effect of different flow patterns on the Wright respirometer.

The problems of using the Wright respirometer for measurements at small rates of flow associated with small volumes are discussed. Accuracy is very dependent on the wave form of the flow passing through it.


Local responses in primary and secondary human lung cancers. I. Patterns of cellular (eosinophils and macrophages) and extracellular (acid mucopolysaccharide) reactions.

Local free cell (eosinophils and macrophages) and extracellular (acid mucopolysaccharides) reactions were studied by histochemical techniques in 72 primary lung cancers (Group A), 17 pulmonary metastases and 5 lung tumours of unknown origin (Group B). Strong cellular reactions were more frequent in Group A than in Group B, whereas extracellular reactions were more frequent in Group B than in Group A. In both groups the degrees of eosinophilic infiltration and accumulation of acid mucopolysaccharides tended to be negatively correlated. In contrast, macrophages and eosinophils showed a positive correlation in the primary cancers, but none in the other tumours. The extracellular material had physical and chemical properties (solubility, affinity to stains and degradability by enzymes) of the sulphated acid mucopolysaccharides. From its distribution it appeared to be derived from fibroblasts and/or tumour cells.


Local responses in primary and secondary human lung cancers. II. Clinical correlations.

Local infiltrates of eosinophilic leucocytes and macrophages and the deposition of acid mucopolysaccharides (AMPS) in 72 operable primary lung cancers and 17 isolated pulmonary metastases of known origin were correlated to tumour stage (radically or non-radically operable) and clinical course, by following the patients for 2-3 1/2 years. Half of the primary lung cancers showed strong local eosinophilia which, in combination with either strong macrophage infiltration or absence of AMPS reaction, characterized a very good prognosis in radically operable patients. No eosinophils, together with a strong AMPS reaction, indicated a very poor prognosis, irrespective of tumour stage. 16/17 metastases (7 different histologies) had either no local eosinophilia (13), strong AMPS deposition (12) or both (9). This suggests that malignant clones with great metastatic potential in general are characterized by absence of local eosinophilia and/or a strong AMPS reaction. These observations taken together indicate that local eosinophilia expresses an immune reaction which is, houl metastatic clones. It if does, metastatic success may be due to an escape mechanism based on the elaboration of AMPS.


Perioral dermatitis: a 12-year review.

A continuing study of perioral dermatitis over a period of 12 years is presented. A distinction is made between various patterns of circumoral and paranasal dermatitis and the clinical picture that we describe as "perioral dermatitis". No cases were seen before 1966 but the number of patients presenting to hospital clinics or in private practice rose dramatically until 1970-1972, after which there has been a progressive fall in numbers. In this period, 259 patients were diagnosed as having the condition and of these 203, resident in an area of some 275,000 population and seen by one or other of us on at least two occasions, form the basis of this study. There were 173 females, fifteen males and fifteen children under 12 years of age. In many cases it was possible to suggest the primary lesion for which patients sought treatment. In sixty-nine patients this consisted of a para-oral eruption on the side of the chin and, in forty-one a paranasal erythematous dermatitis. The characteristic appearance and spread of the eruption to the glabella and eyelids are described. A few patients, mostly male, showed lesions around the eyelids only, from treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis. All but nine of the patients acknowledged the use of potent (not necessarily fluorinated) topical corticosteroids over long periods; in many cases these were self-administered. Some of the children had been treated with preparations intended for their mothers. The numerous aetiological agents that have been incriminated as causes of this eruption are examined. We believe that the prolonged use of topical potent corticosteroids is the only one tenable from our observations. The role of hormonal factors and of local irritant agetns is examined in this context. Tetracyclines are curative in the great majority of patients in 6 weeks if local corticosteroids are discarded. Relapses are rare. Perioral dermatitis is a most satisfying condition to treat but several questions remain unanswered. The current "revolt" against all forms of cortisone may enable us to answer some of these in the near future.


Perioral dermatitis.

Forty-three patients with perioral dermatitis are described. In seven patients, this eruption was associated with the use of hydrocortisone butyrate (Locoid) alone, and this topical steroid can no longer be recommended unreservedly for use on the face. In fifteen other patients, medication was undertaken without medical advice. The time may have come to print on tubes of potent local steroids warnings about the hazards of long-term use on the face without medical advice. Drug companies and pharmacists could also help by asking patients to discard any partially-used tubes of ointment and an expiry date stamped prominently on the tubes rather than on the cardboard container may help. Continuing medical education is obviously still required to prevent a minority of family doctors prescribing wrongly for their patients.


Activation of complement-a mechanism for the inflammation in acne.

An immunofluorescence investigation of thirty-six non-inflamed and thirty-four inflamed acne lesions has been carried out. Fluorescence for C3, unaccompanied by fluorescence for immunoglobulins, was found in the walls of dermal blood vessels or at the basement membrane zone of the comedo or at both these sites in fifty-seven lesions. Fluorescence for C3 accompanied by fluorescence for immunoglobulins was found in nine lesions. In two papules and three nodules the comedo was surrounded or replaced by a mononuclear cell infiltrate. These findings have been taken to indicate that cellular immune mechanisms are a late event and activation of complement is an early event in the pathogenesis of inflammation in acne. The mechanism of complement activation remains uncertain.


A double-blind trial of a zinc sulphate/citrate complex and tetracycline in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Forty-eight patients participated in a 3-month double-blind study to compare the effect of orally administered zinc sulphate/citrate complex and tetracycline hydrochloride in acne vulgaris. Tetracycline significantly reduced the overall grade, and the number of non-inflamed lesions, papules and pustules by the third month. It also reduced significantly the non-inflamed lesions and papules at the end of the second month. In contrast, zinc therapy only had a significant effect on the pustules at the third month. The results indicate that tetracycline is far superior to the zinc complex in patients with moderately severe acne.


Bowenoid transformation of seborrhoeic verrucae (keratoses).

Seborrhoeic verrucae (keratoses) are considered to be benign lesions. Occasional bowenoid transformation of these benign growths has not been widely recognized. Seven cases of seborrhoeic verrucae with bowenoid transformations are presented to alert the clinician and the pathologist to this occurrence.


The Pearson Report--compromise or step towards effective and just compensation for disability?

The setting up of the Royal Commission on Civil Liability and Compensation for Personal Injury, its terms of reference and report are discussed. The main recommendations are detailed with brief consideration of their possible impact. The proposals are assessed and the philosophy and principles behind the reform, explicit or implicit in the Report, are considered. Finally, the extent to which the proposals can be a blueprint for later reforms dealing with compensation for disability in general is discussed.


Conformation and activity of chloroplast coupling factor exposed to low chemical potential of water in cells.

(1) Photophosphorylation, Ca2+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activities of isolated chloroplasts were inhibited 55--65% when the chemical potential of water was decreased by dehydrating leaves to water potentials (psi w) of --25 bars before isolation of the plastids. The inhibition could be reversed in vivo by rehydrating the leaves. (2) These losses in activity were reflected in coupling factor (CF1) isolated from the leaves, since CF1 from leaves with low psi w had less Ca2+-ATPase activity than control CF1 and did not recouple phosphorylation in CF1-deficient chloroplasts. In contrast, CF1 from leaves having high psi w only partially recoupled phosphorylation by CF1-deficient chloroplasts from leaves havig low psi w. This indicated that low psi w affected chloroplast membranes as well as CF1 itself. (3) Coupling factor from leaves having low psi w had the same number of subunits, and the same electrophoretic mobility, and could be obtained with the same yields as CF1 from control leaves. However, direct measurements of fluorescence polarization, ultraviolet absorption, and circular dichroism showed that CF1 from leaves having low psi w differed from control CF1. The CF1 from leaves having low psi w also had decreased ability to bind fluorescent nucleotides (epsilon-ATP and epsilon-ADP). (4) Exposure of isolated CF1 to low psi w in vitro by preincubation in sucrose-containing media inhibited the Ca2+-ATPase activity of the protein in subsequent assays without sucrose. Inclusion of 5 or 10 mM Mg2+ in the preincubation medium markedly inhibited Ca2+-ATPase activity. (5) These results show that CF1 undergoes changes in cells which alter its phosphorylating ability. Since low cell psi w changed the spectroscopic properties but not other protein properties of CF1, the changes were most likely caused by altered confurn, photophosphorylation. The inhibition of ATPase activity in CF1 in vitro at low psi w and high ion concentration mimicked the change in activity seen in vivo.


Stimulatory and inhibitory effects of dimethylsulfoxide, propranolol and chlorpromazine on the partial reactions of ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum.

The effects of dimethylsulfoxide, propranolol and chlorpromazine on the partial reactions of the ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum were investigated. When analyzed according to a reaction scheme in which the ADP-sensitive (E1P) and ADP-insensitive (E2P) phosphoenzymes occur sequentially and P1 is derived from the latter, dimethylsulfoxide decreased the rate of E2P hydrolysis whereas it stimulated the rate of the E1P to E2P conversion. Propranolol increased the rate of E2P hydrolysis while it decreased the rate of the E1P to E2P conversion. Propranolol exerted an additional effect, presumably inhibition of the phosphoenzyme formation. These effects of dimethylsulfoxide and propranolol can account for both the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of these drugs on the overall rate of ATP hydrolysis observed in the presence and absence of added alkali metal salts. Chlorpromazine accelerated E2P hydrolysis whereas it appeared to inhibit the E1P to E2P conversion. These effects of chlorpromazine appear able to account for its stimulatory and inhibitory effects on the overall rate of ATP hydrolysis in the presence and absence of alkali metal salts. In the presence of chlorpromazine, however, the rate of Pi liberation during the steady state ATP hydrolysis was found to be greater than the hydrolysis rate of E2P. This finding suggests that under these conditions Pi is derived not only from E2P but also from source(s) other than E2P.


A Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activity in rabbit neutrophil membranes.

An ATPase activity specifically stimulated by micromolar Ca2+ concentrations has been identified in association with rabbit neurophil membranes. These studies provide the basis of further characterization of the Ca2+-ATPase activity with regard to neutrophil function.


Chitin synthase activity from the slime variant of Neurospora crassa.

Chitin synthase (UDP-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose:chitin 4-beta-acetamidodeoxy-D-glucosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.16) activity from the wall-less variant of Neurospora crassa (slime) was partially characterized. The slime enzyme activity was found to be similar to that reported for slime-like and wild-type chitin synthase activities with respect to the following: specific activity, particulate cell-fraction localization, activation by N-acetylglucosamine, apparent Km with respect to substrate, pH optimum and ion requirement. It appears that the phenotype of slime cannot be solely accounted for by the absence of chitin synthase enzyme activity.


Metabolism of [17-2H]pregnenolone into 5-[17 beta-2H, 17 alpha-18O]androstene-3 beta, 17 alpha-diol and other products by incubation with the microsomal fraction of boar testis under 18O2 atmosphere.

[17-2H]Pregnenolone was incubated with the microsomal fraction of boar testis under an 18O2 atmosphere. The metabolites were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the following six metabolites labeled with 2H or 18O (or both) were identified: 17 alpha-[17-18O]hydroxypregnenolone, [17-18O]dehydroepiandrosterone, 5-[17-18O]androstene-3 beta, 17 beta-diol, 16 alpha-[16-18O]hydroxy[17-2H]pregnenolone, 5-[17 beta-2H, 17-18O]androstene-3 beta,17 alpha-diol, and 5,16-[17-2H]androstadien-3 beta-ol. The time course of the formation of these metabolites from pregnenolone was also studied using 14C-labeled substrate. The results obtained from these experiments suggest that the first three metabolites were synthesized by a well-documented pathway--pregnenolone yields 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone yields dehydroepiandrosterone yields 5-androstene-3 beta,17 beta-diol--, and that 16 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, 5-androstene-3 beta,17 alpha-diol and 5,16-androstadien-3 beta-ol were synthesized from [17-2H]pregnenolone with retention of 17-2H.


[Uptake of (14C) leucine and protein synthesis in potato tuber buds and effect of abscisic acid on these processes].

The uptake of [14C] leucine and its incorporation into proteins of dormant and growing potato tuber buds were studied. It was found that the label uptake was increased at the beginning of the growth period, whereas the dynamics of this process were not changed in comparison with the dormant buds samples. The rate of [14C] leucine incorporation into proteins was increased in the growing buds; this increase was not, however, due to the increase in the uptake of the labelled precursor and was probably caused by activation of the protein synthesis. In contrast, the activation of protein synthesis was accompanied by changses is the dynamic incorporation of [14C] leucine into the protein at the end of dormancy. The effect of abscisic acid (10(-7) M) on the protein synthesis was not connected with its action of the uptake of labelled precursor and depended on the physiological state of buds and incubation time. A possible mechanism of regulatory effect of abscisic acid on protein synthesis in potato tuber buds is discussed.


A possible partitioning of segmental muscle stretch reflex into incompletely de-coupled parallel loops.

Based on previous investigations on focused signal transmission through the muscle stretch reflex system, a model is presented suggesting that different muscle areas (especially in large complex muscles such as the triceps surae muscle) may be regulated rather independently with respect to certain internal state variables, particularly internal length. Since the parallel localized reflex loops necessary for such local control tasks are inevitably coupled peripherally through the muscle and connective tissues, compensatory de-coupling elements would be required to reestablish at least partial independence. Whether and how this can be achieved at the level of spinal neuronal circuitry is investigated in connection with a discussion of the advantages of partially de-coupled reflex loops.


[Effect of thermostable protein kinase modulator on Mg, Ca-ATPase from nervous tissue].

Isoelectric focusing of a purified fraction of thermostable modulator of 3',5'-AMP-dependent protein kinase revealed five individual proteins, the main protein having an isoelectric point of 4,05. The molecular weight of this protein as determined by gel filtration is 8000--9000. The protein with a pI of 4,05 binds Ca2+ and in contrast to the original modulator inhibits the endogenous 3',5'-AMP-dependent phosphorylation of synaptic membranes. An addition of the original modulator fraction to the microsomes isolated from nervous tissue increases the Mg, Ca-ATPase activity and absorption of 45Ca. Neither the protein with a pI of 4,05 nor other individual proteins affect the activity of transport ATPase. The activating effect is partly restored after mixing of all the five subfractions. It is assumed that these proteins are aggregated by Ca2+ and change the activity of ATPase or membrane 3',5'-AMP-dependent protein kinase depending on the concentration of calcium ions.