[Organ culture of human skin using dermis from cadavers].

An original method for organ culture of human skin epithelial cells using as a support human skin grafts obtained from the Human tissue Band of "C.H.R. de Bordeaux" is described. Methods and results of this technic which seems to represent a forward step relative to traditional practices are exposed.


[Nycthemeral variations of blood and urine urea, creatinine and total proteins in rats].

The present study evidences blood and urine urea, creatinine and total proteins circadian variations in 50 male rats. Venous blood is sampled at behind socket sinus once a week at different hours (8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 2 and 5) and urines are collected during 4 consecutive six hours periods in animals living in metabolism cages (8-14, 14-20, 20-2, 2-8). Blood three nitrogen substances circadian variations bring out the decrease at 17 h and increase at 23 or 2 h. Urinary excretion variations curves shows, in all cases, an increase more than 40% during the nightly periods. The influence of feeding rhythms on the blood and urine three derivates circadian rhythms is discussed. Moreover, night diuresis increase and urea and creatinine urinary remarkable constancy suggest water, solutes and macrosolutes transglomerular pathway nightly increase existence. Urea (+ 40%) and creatinine (+ 30%) clearance nightly significative increase confirms glomerular filtration circadian variations and its nightly increase.


[Effect of Bacillus Callmette Guerin (BCG) on the receptivity of nude mice to Schistosoma mansoni].

"Nude" mice are injected intravenously with 1 mg live BCG each. Pulmonary schistosomules, counted 5 days after infestation with Schistosoma mansoni cercaria are observed to be fewer in injected mice than in non-injected controls. This show that BCG immunostamulation can be obtained when mature T lymphocytes are absent.


[Correlation of structural and ultrastructural modifications of the renal cortex with water, sodium and protein excretion in rats rendered hypertensive by perinephritic constriction by collodion].

Water, sodium and proteins renal excretion in with collodion Page's method hypertensive rats is compared with that of same Wistar strained control rats. Blood pressure of treated animals (n = 16) is 193.1 Hg mm (138 in control rats). Urinary flow increases from 19.5 to 33.7 ml/24 h (+ 72.8%), sodium excretion from 29.6 to 37.5 mg/24 h (+ 26.7%) and total proteins excretion from 23.5 to 63 mg/24 h (+ 169%. This data are correlated with the renal cortex morphological changes with photon and electron microscope. Severe damages are seen in Bowman's capsule and in glomerular copruscules, especially at the epithelial layer level. Important proteic pools occur within tubular lumen. Proximal tubular epithelium seems normal. On the other hand, distal tubular epithelium seriously scales. So, important water, sodium and proteins excretion increase in our experimental hypertension model can be explained. It is also discussed about functional and structural modifications analogy in our model's rats and in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHB).


[Development of seminiferous tubules in guinea pigs during puberty].

The study of development of the seminiferous tubules of the guinea-pig along the puberty is based on diameter, length and volume relate to testicular weight and age. During this period the development is linear. A correlation exist between testicular testosterone concentration and growth of seminiferous tubules in diameter and in length from day 16 to 60, stage of puberty in which the first spermatozoa appear.


[Chronic vascular catheterization in the rat. Adaptation to injections and semi-continous blood sampling for hormonal studies].

A method for frequent sampling of blood and injections of fluids in undisturbed rats is described. The right external jugular vein and the left carotid artery are cannulated without completely blood stream interruption in the vessel. Injection or perfusion can be performed during several weeks. Blood was collected for at least 15 post-operative days. The technique appears suitable for pituitary kinetics studies which can be carried out several times in rats bearing indwelling catheters.


[Effect of dietary protein levels on the amount of blood free amino acids in lambs].

Growing lambs were fed increasing amounts of nitrogenous matter (12 to 20 per 100 on dry matter basis). Free amino acid and urea levels were measured in blood of 37 kg lambs. When crude protein content of diets exceeded 16 per 100, the catabolism of several essential amino acids increased. Methionine, lysine and histidine seemed to be limiting for growing lambs.


[Modification of neurosecretory cells in the preoptic nucleus of tench (Tinca tinca) and of various plasm ions following an elevation of water temperature].

Temperature increasing in water is responsible in Tench of on activity decrease in neurosecretory cells of preoptic nucleus, and of an increase in sodium plasmatic concentration. Influence of parameter is discussed.


[Chronic ethanol intoxication in mice by the pulmonary route. Its use in the study of tryptophan penetration into the brain].

Pulmonary ethanol absorption produces homogeneous intoxicated mices within a week. Intoxication is evidenced in the increase of plasmatic, hepatic and cerebral gamma-glutamyl-transferases. An increase of blood-brain-barrier permeability for tryptophan is not observed as in acute intoxication.


[Post-natal development of hematocrit in calves].

This study was carried out on 470 veal calves fed only with milk. Calves with haematocrit value before slaughter higher than 39.0, from 32.5 to 34.5 and lower than 25.0 has red, pink or white meat. Comparison between haematocrit of newborn and 3 months old calves showed two separate situations : decrease of haematocrit for values at birth higher than 38.9 and increase for values lower than 32.3.


[Lethargic hypothermia induced by a protein free diet in a hibernating rodent, the dormouse (Eliomys quercinus L.)].

In garden dormouse protein deficiency leads to reversible hypothermic torpor, comparable with that provoked by starvation or occuring naturally during hibernation, whether the diet consists wholly of apples or of synthetic protein-free food. Torpor induced by protein deficiency occurs even though the energy requirements of the animal are amply satisfied. These phases of lethargy occur after a certain delay and with a variable frequency, both of which vary with the ambient temperature.


[Central origin on the excito-motric action of morphine on intestine].

In ewew fitted with a cerebro-ventricular cannula and equipped with extra-cellular bipolar electrodes on the antrum and proximal small intestine, an intraventricular injection of morphine at a dose (40 micrograms/kg) ineffective peripherally was followed within 1 min by an increased spike activity of the duodenum without disruption of the occurrence of migrating myoelectric complexes. This effect was paralleled by a reduction of antral motility and abolished by small intraventricular doses of nalorphine. After an intravenous injection of large doses of the drug drug (0.8 mg/kg), spike activity was increased at both jejunal and duodenal level without changes in the antrum and followed by a long-lasting disorganization of the motor profile. The results suggested a centrally mediated gastro-duodenal effect of morphine.


[Effects of chlorpromazine on hypertension by desinhibition in dogs: comparison of intravenous and intracisternal administration].

The tensional effects of intravenous and intracisternal chlorpromazine were studied in neurogenic hypertensive dogs by desinhibition and bilateral vagotomy. Intravenous (2-5 mg/kg) chlorpromazine corrected instantaneously the rise in blood pressure after desinhibition, but was inactive on tachycardia. Intracisternal (0.5-2 mg/kg) chlorpromazine was always inactive in the desinhibited dog. These results exclude an intervention from baro -- or chemo -- receptors and central sympathetic structures (alpha adrenergic or dopaminergic receptors). They show that the hypotensive effect of chlorpromazine is a peripheral mechanism.


[Development of equilibrium of glial populations in the cerebral cortex of lead intoxicated rats].

The three types of glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia) were counted at 2 different ages in normal and lead intoxicated animals (on a 0.5% Pb2+ diet) and were found to vary differently with respect to age and lead treatment. Satellisation of nerve cells by glia also displays a different pattern : whereas usually at 3 month age, the neurons are surrounded by oligodendrocytes, they appear more often encapsulated by microglia after lead treatment. It is postulated that changes in glial populations and their relationship to nerve cells could provide a sensitive indicator of lead encephalopathy.


Calcium binding in cardiac sarcolemma.

The relationship between calcium binding and ATPase activity has been investigated for guinea pig cardiac sarcolemma. The concentrations of calcium ions and of ATP were the main factors in determining the amount of calcium bound. With a saturating concentration of ATP, at low calcium concentrations (0.1 mM) more than 50% of the total calcium bound was ATP dependent while at high concentrations of calcium (10 mM) only 20% of the calcium bound was ATP dependent. The ATP-dependent calcium binding process involves one class of calcium binding sites while the non-ATP-dependent calcium binding process involves two classes of binding sites. Inhibitor studies of Ca2+-stimulated MgATPase, MgATPase, and CaATPase activities suggest Ca2+ and Mg2+ are either interacting with different sites on the same enzyme or with different enzymes.


Ultrastructure and ATPase activity of the rectal gland of the chondrichthyean fish Hydrolagus colliei (Holocephali).

The anatomy, histology, ultrastructure and ATPase activity of the intramural rectal gland of the chondrichthyean Hydrolagus colliei, are described. The cells of the rectal gland of Hydrolagus demonstrate the same well developed lateral and basal cisternae, elongate mitochondria and luminal border as those of their elasmobranch counterparts. ATPase activity within the rectal gland of Hydrolagus is as intense as that in a number of elasmobranchs examined in the course of the study. Despite its primitive intramural location the rectal gland of Hydrolagus represents a homolog of the more specialized and better known elasmobranch gland and appears as well suited for cation excretion.


[Sleep and monoamines: differential radioautography of central neurons after systematic injection of tritiated 5-hydroxytryptophane (5 HTP 3H) or of dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA 3H)].

In normal cats 90 min. after the intravenous injection of 5 mg/kg of 5 HTP and 3H 5 HTP or DOPA and 3H DOPA a few reactive nerve cell bodies were identified by radioautography. On the contrary, 48 hrs. after p-chlorophenylalanin or subtotal lesion of raphe nuclei, these tracers showed numerous reactive neurons inside or outside the central monoaminergic systems.


[Spectrum of amidase activity in a mutant of Brevibacterium].

Brevibacterium R 312 has a fairly non-specific amidase. Following the loss of this enzyme by mutation, the following enzymatic activities could be demonstrated: hydrolysis of urea, formamide, nicotinamide, L-glutamine, glycinamide and L-alpha-amino amids.


Sanfilippo B syndrome (MPS III B): mild and severe forms within the same sibship.

Clinical heterogeneity for Sanfilippo B syndrome (MPS III B) in the same family has never been reported previously. We describe two clinically severe cases and one clinically mild case of MPS III B in a Neapolitan sibship. We could not detect N-acetyl-alpha-D-glucosaminidase activity in the sera of either the severe or mild cases. Mucopolysacchariduria mainly due to heparan sulfate excretion was consistently high in the severely affected patients and extremely variable in the mildly affected one.


The Croydon Workshop for the parents of severely handicapped school age children.

A multidisciplinary team of professionals met the parents of 18 severely handicapped children for a series of 10 evening sessions. All children were between 5 and 11 years of age and included six Downs, six non-communicating and six children with rare syndromes or no known diagnosis. The professionals provided practical advice and couselling. They did not adopt one exclusive approach such as behaviour modification, but employed a variety of ideas drawn from several theories of learning and from personal experience. The workshop as well received by both parents and professionals, with an average attendance of 80%. The paper also discusses some of the organizational problems of parent workshops.


The role of IgM rheumatoid factor in experimental immune vasculitis.

The effect of IgM rhematoid factor (RF) on reversepassive cutaneous Arthus reaction in rats was studied. The RF was obtained from the serum cryoglobulin of a patient with symptoms of purpura, arthralgia and digital gangrene. The cryoglobulins was of IgG-IgM type and when given i.v it induced a prompt hypocomplementaemia in experimental animals. The purified RF also induced low serum complement levels when injected i.v. along with complexes of non-complement-fixing, aggregated IgG. A reverse passive Arthus reaction was induced by intradermal injection of IgG anti-bovine serum albumin (BSA), followed by an i.v. dose of antigen (Ag). The cutaneous inflammatory reaction was aggravated by simultaneous administration of IgM RF intradermally, but not by IgM without antibody (Ab) properties. Intradermal injection of low concentrations of non-complement-fixing IgG anti-BSA, along with normal human IgM, followed by i.v. injection of BSA, resulted in a complete lack of cutaneous inflammation. At higher Ab concentrations there was only a mild inflammation. However, when IgM RF was substituted for normal IgM and injected with non-complement-fixing anti-BSA, an effective reverse passive cutaneous Arthus reaction and vasculitis was induced. The inflammatory response was greatly suppressed by decomplementation of animals by cobra venom factor. This study provides evidence favouring an inflammatory, complement-dependent role for RF in vasculitis.


Quantitative assessment of the effects of platelet depletion in the autologous phase of nephrotoxic serum nephritis.

The effects of platelet depletion with antibody have been studied in two models of the autologous phase of nephrotoxic nephritis in the rabbit. In the 'telescoped' model (animals pre-immunized to sheep IgG injected with sheep nephrotoxic antibody), platelet depletion did not alter intraglomerular fibrin deposition or evidence of glomerular damage, but did significantly reduce proteinuria during the first 3 days of the 5 day experiment. In the 'passive' model (animals injected with hyperimmune rabbit antiserum to sheep IgG 48 hr after sheep nephrotoxic antibody and killed 3 hr later), platelet depletion was associated with significantly fewer intraglomerular polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN), but again did not alter intraglomerular fibrin deposition. The results indicate that platelets are involved in the initiation of glomerular PMN localization in the autologous phase, but that fibrin-induced glomerular injury is platelet-independent.


The regional child assessment centre: the process of referral of cases.

The various sources of referral to a Regional Child Assessment Centre are enumerated. The question of referrals from paramedicals, education and social services and from parents are discussed.


Diagnosis of an abdominal aortic graft abscess by combined ultrasonography and scintigraphy.

A case of an abdominal aortic graft abscess is presented to demonstrate a diagnostic approach using 'B' mode ultrasonography and gallium scintigraphy.


Pharmacological profile of a new coronary vasodilator drug, 2-nicotinamidoethyl nitrate (SG-75).

1. In anaesthetized, open-chest dogs, 2-nicotinamidoethyl nitrate (SG-75) administered intravenously (0.3-1 mg/kg) or intraduodenally (3 mg/kg) produced decrease in systemic blood pressure, coronary resistance, heart rate and an increase in coronary sinus outflow, but virtually no change in myocardial oxygen consumption and atrioventricular conduction. The effects of SG-75 administered intraduodenally emerged within a few minutes after dosing and lasted over about 1 h. 2. In isolated, blood-perfused sino-atrial node preparations of the dog SG-75 administered into the sinus node artery decreased slightly sinus rate at the dose which doubled blood flow through the artery. 3. In isolated, blood-perfused atrioventricular node preparations of the dog SG-75 administered into the atrioventricular node artery did not impair atrioventricular conduction even in doses which increased blood flow through the artery to more than twice the basal level. 4. In isolated, blood-perfused papillary muscle preparations of the dog SG-75 administered into the anterior septal artery scarely affected force of contraction of the papillary muscle at the dose which doubled blood flow through the artery, although in further large doses it produced a transient decrease in the force of contraction. In extremely large doses it produced ventricular fibrillation. 5. In anaesthetized, open-chest dogs in which cardiac input was kept constant SG-75 (0.01-1 mg/kg) administered into the ascending aorta increased venous return without changing systemic output. 6. 2-Nicotinamidoethyl alcohol, a denitrated compound of SG-75, had no vasodilator action in doses comparable to those of the parent compound. 7. These results indicate SG-75 to be a potential antianginal drug having no cardiodepressant actions but having properties uncharacteristic of the nitrates.


Basal ganglia calcification in Down's syndrome.

Basal ganglia calcification has been observed in autopsy material of 7% of children suffering from Down's Syndrome. The incidence of this finding in the general neurological population is approx. 0.3%. The present report is the first case of Down's Syndrome with basal ganglia calcification diagnosed in life by computed axial tomography. This case illustrates that dense basal ganglia calcification can exist with no signs or symptoms of a movement disorder.


Contact dermatitis from hydrazine derivatives.

A 36-year-old man who worked at a chemical factory manifested contact dermatitis due to hydrazine derivatives. Thirty workers out of 130 in this factory were suspected of contracting contact dermatitis on exposed areas. Aminoguanidine hydrochloride, a blender for chicken feed, and the precursor and intermediate products of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, a herbicide, were found to be allergens for this contact dermatitis.


Primary irritant dermatitis from topical clioquinol.

During the 2-year period 1976--1977, seven patients were studied with primary irritant dermatitis from topical preparations containing clioquinol. During the same period contact hypersensitivity to the compound was recorded in 35 eczema patients. Six of the seven patients with clioquinol irritancy had used creams containing 3% large crystal clioquinol and fluorinated steroids. One patient had used 6% small crystal clioquinol cream. Challenge tests with 3% small crystal and large crystal clioquinol creams showed that crystal size did not affect the appearance of irritant dermatitis.


Ostertagiosis in captive bison in New York State: report of nine cases.

Type II ostertagiosis was found at necropsy in 9 American bison (Bison bison) from 3 farms in New York. Clinical signs included severe diarrhea, emaciation, unthrifty coats, anemia, and weakness. In severely affected animals, the macroscopic abomasal changes consisted of irregular thickening and edema of the mucosa, resulting in a pebbly or morocco-leather appearance. Microscopically, many gastric pits and glands were dilated, lined by hyperplastic epithelium, and contained nematode sections or debris. Parasites recovered included Ostertagia ostertagi, Trichostrongylus axei, Trichostrongylus lerouxi, Cooperia oncophora, Haemonchus contortus, Nematodirus helvetianus, Trichuris discolor, Setaria labiato-papillosa, Dictyocaulus viviparus, Hypoderma lineatum, and Sarcocystis sp. Nodules in the small and large intestine were attributed to Oesophagostomum sp. Trichostrongylus lerouxi, Trichuris discolor, and Nematodirus helvetianus are reported from bison for the first time.


Generalized perforating granuloma annulare: a case report and review of the literature.

A nineteen year old girl with mongolism and generalized perforating granuloma annulare of the lower legs is presented herein. Skin biopsy specimens showed dermal necrobiosis and epidermal perforation. The literature is reviewed and summarized. The lesions have been characterized as small, often umbilicated papules occurring in large numbers on the extremities.


Cutaneous inoculation tuberculosis: prosector's wart occurring in a physician.

Cutaneous inoculation tuberculosis may occur either a primary or secondary infection. When the condition occurs in medical or laboratory personnel after contact with tuberculous material the term "prosector's wart" is often used. A case is reported in a physician following trauma during an autopsy on a tuberculous patient.


Annular pompholyx.

The common manifestation of pompholyx is easily recognized by the clinician. Morphologic variants are known in which the predominant lesions are pustules or desquamation with or without erythema. A patient is described herein whose eruption was composed mainly of arciform, annular, and target-like vesicles. Pompholyx (bubble) is a preferred term because "dyshidrosis" denotes a dysfunction of sweating, which does not occur in this condition. The causes of this eruption have not been determined, but it is likely that a certain genetic predisposition and multiple environmental factors are responsible. Pompholyx should be considered in the differential diagnosis of eruptions with annular pattern.


Treatment of acne with 5% benzoyl peroxide gel or 0.05% retinoic acid cream.

In a parallel group comparison of a 5% benzoyl peroxide gel with a 0.05% retinoic acid cream, in moderate facial acne vulgaris, significantly more patients in the benzoyl peroxide group experienced overall excellent results than did those in the other group. Both medications, however, were effective in reducing the numbers of both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions. The benzoyl peroxide gel appeared to produce a more rapid effect on inflammatory lesions than did retinoic acid, and produced significantly less peeling.


Influence of 19-nor-deoxycorticosterone on blood pressure, saline consumption, and serum electrolytes, corticosterone, and renin activity.

Young, unilaterally nephrectomized, female Sprague-Dawley rats were given daily sc injections of 19-nor-deoxycorticosterone acetate (19-nor-DOCA) in oil at a dosage of 100 micrograms/day for 21 days and twice that amount for a further 11 days. One group drank distilled water and another drank 1% NaCl solution. Comparable control groups received oil injections. Another group received DOCA at the same steroid dosage and drank saline. Both 19-nor-DOCA-treated groups rapidly became hypertensive and developed cardiac hypertrophy, as did those given DOCA and saline. Saline consumption was greater in rats receiving 19-nor-DOCA, than in those given DOCA. Rats injected with 19-nor-DOCA and given water to drink showed enhanced growth and developed thymus enlargement and displayed hypokalemia and a reduction in both serum renin activity and corticosterone concentration. Plasma sodium concentration was not affected by any form of treatment. Clearly, 19-nor-DOCA is a potent mineralocorticoid and hypertensogenic agent. Since the parent steroid is known to be present abundantly in the urine of rats with regenerating adrenal glands, although circulating amounts have not yet been ascertained in that circumstance, it may be etiologically involved in adrenal regeneration hypertension, which such rats are prone to develop.


Monoamines and sexual behaviour in non-human primates.

The experiments described were concerned with elucidating the involvement of monoamines in the sexual behaviour of rhesus monkeys. The measurement of perturbations in the levels and turnover of the acid metabolites of serotonin and dopamine in cisternal cerebrospinal fluid, occurring in response to hormonal manipulations which alter proceptivity and receptivity, has not clarified the ways in which hormones and amines interact. However, the use of psychoactive drugs which alter the activity of monamine neurons in the brain has demonstrated that sexual activity can be profoundly influenced by such procedures. Thus, depletion of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) in the brain using p-chlorophenylalanine reversed the decrease in proceptivity that followed adrenalectomy. Conversely, inhibition of serotonin uptake using chlorimipramine reduced proceptivity and receptivity to very low levels. Both findings point to the apparently important role of serotoninergic neurons in the control of sexual behaviour. Low doses of the dopamine agonist alpha-bromocriptine enhanced the proceptivity of female rhesus monkeys but high doses had no such effect. This behavioural change was not related to the concomitant suppression of serum prolactin and may have been related to presynaptic actions of the drug in a manner postulated to explain similar behavioural effects in rats. The beta-blocker oxprenolol had the interesting property of improving the sexual performance of male rhesus monkeys, a behavioural effect consistent with an anxiolytic action, although endocrine (prolactin, cortisol) measures did not provide support for such a view. Defining the nature of the interaction between hormones and monoamine-containing neurons in the brain in behavioural contexts is shown to depend largely on the application of precise neuroanatomical and neuropharmacological techniques. However, the use of systemic treatment with psychoactive drugs used widely in clinical practice, in carefully controlled, behavioural and and endocrine experiments, is likely to provide invaluable information on where and how to investigate the neural mechanisms involved.


New evidences for participation of biogenic monoamines in androgen-dependent sexual differentiation of hypothalamic control of gonadotropin secretion in rats.

Corpora lutea have been found in the ovarian tissue transplanted into the anterior ocular chamber of castrated two-month-old male rats receiving on 3rd through 7th post-natal days alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine or p-chlorophenylalanine. Administration of these agents in combination with testosterone propionate to newborn female rats prevented essentially development of the anovulatory syndrome and maintained a normal picture of vaginal smears, ovarian and uterine structure as well as cyclic changes of adenohypophyseal and blood plasma lutropin contents and normal levels of estradiol and progesterone in the blood plasma except of progesterone level in animals receiving alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. The preventive effect of the adrenoblocking agents droperidol and propranolol was weak and inconstant. Results suggest participation of catecholamines and serotonin in the androgen-dependent sexual differentiation of the brain in rats.


Fiber composition, fiber size and enzyme activities in vastus lateralis of elite athletes involved in high intensity exercise.

In order to determine the influence of an extensive history of participation in high intensity activity on muscle fiber type, fiber size, and metabolic profile, elite ice hockey players were selected for investigation from three different leagues. Biopsy samples from the vastus lateralis muscle were obtained from different groups of players prior to and following the season and compared with control subjects. No significant differences were found in the percentage (49.6 vs. 43.8%) or the size of the ST fibers between the elite athletes and the control group, nor was there any significant alteration following the season of play in these variables. For the FT fiber subgroups, a reduction in the FTb (12.2 vs. 3.9%) and an increase in FTa (38.0 to 45.2%) fiber populations occurred over the season. Similarly, increases in fiber area were observed for both FT subgroups pre to post season. Of the enzymes studied only 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase was elevated in the post season measures, while total phosphorylase and phosphofructokinase were significantly lower. The metabolic pattern exhibited does not appear to be substantially different from what would be expected from an untrained group of similar fiber distribution.


Intracellular localization of exogenous beta-glucuronidase in cultured skin fibroblasts.

The intracellular localization of exogenously supplied human platelet beta-glucuronidase in cultured skin fibroblasts derived from a beta-glucuronidase-deficient patient was studied. Four cellular fractions were obtained by differential speed centrifugation. Following two days of incubation, the exogenously supplied enzyme exhibited a distribution pattern identical to that of endogenous beta-hexosaminidase. Disruption of membranes by freezing and thawing caused a 35% increase of the enzyme activity, thus indicating a latent activity following the internalization. This indicated localization in the lysosomal fractions. Longer incubation periods led to an intracellular shift of the engulfed enzyme from the lighter lysosomal fraction to heavier particles. Once located in the heavier fraction, the enzyme was relatively stable, and participated in the catabolism of 35S-labeled mucopolysaccharides which had accumulated in the lysosomes of these fibroblasts. A marked reduction in the accumulated mucopolysaccharides of the lysosomal fraction was observed following addition of the enzyme. This was accompanied by the formation of smaller sized molecules.


3' Esters of ADP as energy-transfer inhibitors and probes of the catalytic site of oxidative phosphorylation.

1. A large series of 3' esters of ADP has been synthesized. Several of these can serve as photoaffinity labels; others exhibit fluorescent properties. The corresponding AMP and ATP derivatives have also been synthesized in some cases. 2. The influence of the 3'-O-acyl nucleotides on energy-linked functions of beef-heart submitochondrial particles has been investigated. The following results were obtained. a) 3'Esters of ADP are powerful and highly specific inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation. The inhibition is competitive to ADP and Ki values as low as 0.05 microM, for the 3'-O-(1)naphthoyl ester of ADP, could be observed. b) The inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation by 3' esters of ADP appears to be non-competitive versus inorganic phosphate. c) The nucleotide analogs are not phosphorylated themselves. The corresponding ATP analogs can not drive energy-linked process. d) The 3' esters of AMP are ineffective as inhibitors, whereas the ATP derivatives are only comparatively weak inhibitors. e) Uncoupled or solubilized ATPase is almost two orders of magnitude less sensitive against inhibition by 3' esters than coupled systems. The analogs exert maximal inhibition specifically in systems involving an 'energized' state of the coupling device. f) Azido-group-bearing analogs can be used for irreversible photoinactivation of the coupling ATPase. Photoinactivation also is most efficient when carried out with 'energized' particles. g) The inhibitory properties are similar also in ATP-driven NAD+ reduction by succinate, and in the uncoupler-sensitive ATP in equilibrium with Pi exchange. The required concentrations for half-maximal inhibition are somewhat higher than in oxidative phosphorylation, but lower than with uncoupled ATPase. 3. From molecular models, from substituent properties, and from the conditions required for inhibition it is concluded that these highly effective analogs of ADP may act as conformation-specific probes at the catalytic site of oxidative phosphorylation. The results are interpreted in terms of a model suggesting that, in the process of ATP synthesis, a hydrophobic cavity on the enzyme is exposed only in the energized state, accepting the large 3' substituent. The substituent is assumed to inhibit phosphoryl transfer and/or conformational transitions inherent in the process of ADP phosphorylation by steric hinderance.


Properties of the F0F1 ATPase complex from Rhodospirillum rubrum chromatophores, solubilized by Triton X-100.

1. A cold-stable oligomycin-sensitive F0F1 ATPase complex from chromatophores of Rhodospirillum rubrum FR 1 was solubilized by Triton X-100 and purified by gel filtration. 2. The F0F1 complex is resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis into 14 polypeptides with approximate molecular weights in the range of 58000--6800; five of these polypeptides are derived from the F1 moiety of the complex which carries the catalytic centers of the enzyme. 3. The purified F0F1 complex is homogeneous according to analytical ultracentrifugation and isoelectric focusing. 4. The molecular weight as determined by gel filtration is about 480 000 +/- 30 000. S020,w is 1.45 +/- 0.1 S and the pI is 5.4. 5. The amino acid composition of the F0F1 complex is compared with the data obtained for the F1 moiety of the enzyme. 6. Quantitative data on the sensitivity to N,N'-dicyclohexyl-carbodiimide as well as kinetic parameters, regarding substrate specificity and dependence of ATPase activity on divalent cations, are reported.


Mitochondrial ATPase complex of Aspergillus nidulans and the dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-binding protein.

The dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-binding protein of Aspergillus nidulans has been identified as the smallest subunit of the mitochondrial ATPase complex, and has a molecular weight of approximately 8000. It is extractable from whole mitochondria and from the purified enzyme in neutral chloroform/methanol, contains 30% polar amino acids, and the N-terminal amino acid has been identified as tyrosine. Using a double-labelling technique in the absence and presence of cycloheximide, followed by immunoprecipitation of the enzyme complex with antiserum against Neuospora crassa F1 ATPase, it has been shown that this subunit is synthesized on cytoplasmic ribosomes.


Further studies on the role of cholinergic mechanisms in the development of increased naloxone potency in mice.

Using the abdominal constriction response in mice, it was shown that pretreatment with either pilocarpine (5.0 mg/kg, s.c.) or oxotremorine (0.05--0.10 mg/kg s.c) caused a small but significant potentiation of the antinociceptive effect of morphine and the antagonistic action of naloxone. The potentiation of naloxone was considerably augmented following pretreatment with morphine plus either pilocarpine (2.5--5.0 mg/kg) or oxotremorine (0.05--0.10 mg/kg) as compared with any of these drugs given alone. Pretreatment with atropine sulphate (2.0 mg/kg, s.c.) had no effect on naloxone potency nor on the antinociceptive activity of morphine, but somewhat reduced that of pilocarpine and oxotremorine. Atropine abolished the ability of morphine pretreatment to enhance naloxone potency, and greatly reduced the augmenting effect of morphine plus the muscarinic receptor agonist drugs. It was also shown that oxotremorine reduced the development of dependence on morphine as tested by naloxone-precipitated jumping. These results agreed well with those reported using anticholinesterase drugs and add further evidence that the cholinergic system does play a role in the development of increased naloxone potency caused by morphine pretreatment. The increased naloxone potency does not seem to be related to the development of "acute dependence" on morphine.


Placental barrier against circulating immune complexes. A study in pregnant guinea pigs using maternal injection of horseradish peroxidase soluble immune complexes.

It is not rare that the so-called immune complex diseases (some of which were recently supposed to be induced by the biological effects of circulating antigen-antibody immune complexes) are concomitantly present in pregnant females. But there have been very few reports of congenital immune complex diseases.


Automated image analysis for measurements of morphological reactions of blood vessels of the microvascular system.

Using a modification of the Mg-ATPase reaction, the arterial blood vessels of the microcirculatory bed of the rat including the smallest precapillary vessels are visualized in a grey-level difference against their environment which permits to utilize the automatic image analyser QUANTIMET 720 and the programmable desk-top calculator HEWLETT-PACKARD 9100B. The article describes the method for preparing the sections, the measuring procedure, and the statistical verification of the results by means of the computer assisted two-way analysis of variance as well as studies demonstrating the reliability of the method. It is concluded that the procedure at heart, skeletal muscle and pancreas specimens of the rat demonstrates reliably and effectively changes of the number of vessels and the projected whole vessel wall area as well as differences of enzyme activities. Thus it is possible to detect structural wall reactions and enzyme histochemical changes of arterial blood vessels of the microvasculatory bed including its smallest precapillaries which have been practically inaccessible to histomorphometrical investigations in the past.


Normal liver actually possesses a high vascular plasminogen activator activity.

Blood vessels isolated from the liver of the rat, guinea-pig, rabbit, dog and pig showed histochemically a more or less high plasminogen activator activity. In whole liver sections, the abundant release and diffusion of inhibitors of fibrinolysis from the liver parenchyma during the histochemical procedure, partially or totally mask this high vascular activity.


Relation between fibrinolytic activity and prostacyclin generation of atherosclerotic artery and dacron prosthetic graft.

The newly formed tissue of dacron vascular prosthetic grafts implanted in humans demonstrates prostacyclin generation and fibrinolytic activity comparable to that of the atherosclerotic artery in the vicinity. This provides some evidence that both activities important for haemostasis run parallel.


[Decrease in the frequency of muscle spindle discharges during muscle stretching].

When studying responses of 500 muscle receptors to stretching of the m. triceps of the cat deafferented hindlimb, 23 cases revealed a transient decrease in the firing rate (DFR) of muscle spindles' receptors. The DFR occurs in the same receptor at different forms and rates of stretching approximately at the same area of stretching ("the DFR area"). When increasing the rate of stretching, the DFR effect is enhanced. The DFR effect seems to be due to a short-lasting unloading of the spindle area which contains the receptor terminals. The unhomogenous structure of the extrafusal muscle as well as various mechanical properties of the intrafusal muscle fibers can provide necessary conditions for the above effect.


Immune complex disease associated with Peroben intake.

The clinical history and biological investigations of a patient presenting an immune complex disease induced by Peroben are reported. Biological signs were those of a drug-induced lupus syndrome. A provocation test allowed disclosure of its pathomechanism, since during Peroben intake a high C1q binding activity occurred and later regressed, while deposits of IgM and C3 were evidenced in the vessel walls. Complete or partial thrombosis succeeded accompanying a leukocytoclastic vasculitis.


Long-term outcome in children with temporal lobe seizures. I: Social outcome and childhood factors.

One-hundred children, diagnosed as having temporal lobe epilepsy and reported on in 1966, have been followed into adult life. In this 1977 survey they have been coded into four social outcome categories, A, B, C and D. A: 33 per cent are found to be seizure-free and independent; B: 21 per cent are socially and economically independent but are receiving anticonvulsant treatment and are not necessarily seizure-free; C: O9 per cent are dependent either on their parents or in institutions; D: 5 per cent died under the age of 15. Biological factors ascertained and coded in childhood are related to adult outcome. Eight adverse factors emerged: an IQ below 90, onset of seizures before 2 years 4 months, five or more grand mal attacks, temporal lobe seizure frequency of one per day or more, a left-sided focus, the hyperkinetic syndrome, catastrophic rage and special schooling. The presence of first-degree relatives with seizure disorders was a good prognostic sign. Disorderly homes in childhood did not significantly affect adult outcome. All but one of those achieving Group A status had received normal schooling. In general, the prognosis for children with limbic seizures is clear before the end of adolescence. A simple count of the number of childhood adverse factors predicts adult outcome at a high level of significance.


Factors affecting walking in a profoundly retarded population.

A total of 127 children with profound mental retardation were reviewed to determine the age at which walking began. 53 per cent of the children walked at a median age of 30 months. Further sub-classification revealed that both the number of ambulatory children and their age at walking varied with degree of neurological handicap, children with additional neurological problems having a higher median age for beginning to walk. The minimal cognitive level required for walking remains unknown, but is probably less than generally accepted. In this profoundly retarded population, the existence of neurological factors was associated with both increased age at walking and with decreased ability to walk.


Nerve outgrowth by dorsal root ganglia in vitro: stimulation by inhibitors of DNA metabolism in the absence of exogenous nerve growth factor.

Dorsal root ganglia from 8-day chick embryos can be stimulated to extend nerve processes in culture by inclusion of cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) in the culture medium, in the absence of exogenous nerve growth factor (NGF). The degree of stimulation is dose dependent, and is not mimicked by either free cytosine or free arabinose. Since Ara-C is known to inhibit DNA synthesis, other inhibitors of DNA synthesis were tested. Hydroxyurea, fluorodeoxyuridine, and 3 mM thymidine all stimulated nerve outgrowth in the absence of exogenous NGF. In addition, bromodeoxyuridine also stimulated nerve outgrowth. In all cases, stimulation was observable after 24 h of culture, with maximal outgrowth achieved by 72 h of culture. The experimental response was never as large as the response to NGF, but was up to seven times greater than control outgrowth. In all cultures, nerve processes were characterized by growth cones at their distal tips, colchicine-sensitivity, and a high tubulin content visualized by immunofluorescence with anti-tubulin antibody.


Effect of blood, ascites, and tumor cell density on cytocidal action of neocarzinostatin.

Cytocidal activity of Neocarzinostatin (NCS) was analyzed in vitro by using cultured and ascitic L1210 cells. NCS shows rapid and typical concentration-dependent cytocidal action against L1210 cells. The concentration required for 90% cell-kill (MLD90) and for all 10(6) cell-kill (MIC/10(6)) was 5 x 10(-2) and 4 x 10(-1) microgram/ml, respectively, when L1210/C cells were exposed to NCS at the concentration of 2 x 10(5)/ml in RPMI-1640 medium. When L1210/C cells at the concentration of 1.3 x 10(7)/ml were exposed to NCS, cytocidal activity of NCS decreased, and MLD90 and MIC/10(6) increased to 1.75 x 10(-1) microgram/ml (3.4x) and 2.83 microgram/ml (6.5x), respectively. Also, when a small fraction of whole BDF1 mouse blood, red blood cells, or spleen cells was present in the reaction mixture, cytocidal activity of NCS appeared to decrease. Furthermore, when washed hemorrhagic ascitic L1210 cell suspension was exposed to NCS, 100 times or more concentration of NCS was required for 90% cell-kill or all 10(6) cell-kill. The effect of plasma or serum on cytocidal activity of NCS was minimum. These results indicate that cytocidal activity of NCS is greatly inhibited through contact with tumor cells, blood cells, spleen cells, and/or hemorrhagic ascites. This may be one of the reasons why L1210 cells, which show high sensitivity against NCS in vitro, are less sensitive in vivo. In order to explain these findings, the possibility of inactivation of NCS by the cells or reduction of free active NCS molecules by the binding or adsorption with the cells is discussed. This characteristics in action of NCS should be take into account in clinical use.


Growth of intraperitoneally transplanted ascites hepatoma, AH39 cells, in the area of gelatin sponge inoculation into the abdominal wall of Donryu rats.

A piece of gelatin sponge was inoculated submesothelialy in the abdominal wall of female Donryu rats, and 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, or 21 days later, 1 x 10(5) cells of ascites hepatoma AH39 were intraperitoneally transplanted. Tumor cells were detected in the area of gelatin sponge inoculation in each group 2 to 5 days after the transplantation. Generally, the number of rats in which tumor cells were detected was larger in those transplanted with tumor cells within a short period after the gelatin sponge inoculation. Changes in the area of gelatin sponge inoculation and nontreated area in the rats which received intraperitoneal transplantation of the tumor cells on the 1st day after gelatin sponge inoculation were studied. Tumor cells were detected in the area of gelatin sponge inoculation as early as 2 days after the tumor transplantation, whereas they were detected on the 14th day in nontreated areas. Tumor detection was preceded by inflammatory reaction in both cases.


Combined effect of BCG and coenzyme Q10 on ATP-ase activity and coenzyme Q content in spleen lymphocytes of tumor-bearing rats.

Effect of BCG, coenzyme Q10, or their combination on ATPase activity in spleen lymphocytes of tumor-bearing rats was investigated in relation to changes in the content of individual coenzyme Q homologs in these cells. Contents of both coenzyme Q9 and Q10 in spleen lymphocytes significantly decreased in the late stage of Donryu rats bearing Sato lung carcinoma. Oligomycin-sensitive ATPase activity in spleen lymphocytes was also significantly depressed in this stage. The depressed, oligomycin-sensitive ATPase activity was significantly recovered by a 3-time intramuscular administration of coenzyme Q10 emulsified with ethanol and saline, and the decreased contents of coenzymes Q9 and Q10 were slightly restored by this treatment. This enzyme activity was also significantly recovered by an intravenous administration of BCG, and was elevated more by the combined treatment with BCG and the emulsified coenzyme Q10. These results suggest that the combined treatment with BCG and emulsified coenzyme Q10 can contribute to the improvement of the depressed bioenergetics in lymphocytes of tumor-bearing animals, and that this combined effect of BCG and emulsified coenzyme Q10 might be based on the combination of their individual activating effect on lymphocytes.


Blastogenic response of spleen cells from C1300 neuroblastoma-bearing mice to tumor cells or soluble and insoluble tumor antigens.

Adult A/J mice inoculated with 1 x 10(6) syngeneic C1300 neuroblastoma cells had a palpable tumor after 1 week, and the tumor grew uniformly. The hypertonic KCl extract of the tumor induced blastogenic response of syngeneic spleen cells from tumor-bearing mice, and tumor antigens were considered to be solubilized by KCl from tumor cells. Although a higher blastogenic response to insoluble tumor antigens coupled to Sepharose 4B beads could have been expected as demonstrated in this mixed lymphocyte-tumor cell reaction (MLTR) assays, the blastogenic activity, which was approximately equal to that of soluble tumor antigens, was less than one-third of that in MLTR. The initial information of blastogenic response was found to be transmitted to the responder cells with out the entrance of tumor antigens into the cells by the use of insoluble tumor antigens. Blastogenic responses to soluble tumor antigens and to irradiated tumor cells (MLTR) in spleen cells from tumor-bearing mice were serially assayed after tumor inoculation. The response to soluble tumor antigens reached a peak 2 weeks after inoculation but a progressive depression of the responses was observed after a marked tumor growth. Although the blastogenic activity of soluble tumor antigens was small, changes in consecutive response to soluble tumor antigens in tumor-bearing mice were well correlated with those in MLTR. The blastogenic responses to soluble tumor antigens and MLTR were considered to be the manifestation of tumor-specific cell-mediated immunity. Furthermore, the serial blastogenic responses to concanavalin-A and lipopolysaccharide were also coincident with those of tumor-specific immunity.


[Statistical survey on laparoscopy in gynaecology up to 1977 in the Federal Republic of Germany (author's transl)].

1385 questionaires were sent to gynaecologists in West Germany. 682 (49.2%) were answered anonymously. 302 answers (44.2%) revealed that the gynaecologists did not do endoscopy. 265.900 pelviscopies or laparoscopies were included in the statistics. The laparoscopies or pelviscopies were done from 1949--1977 by 380 gynaecologic surgeons or gynaecological departments. In Germany to the end of 1977 unipolar high frequency current was used for hemostasis in 52%, bipolar high frequency current in 42%, and modern endocoaglation in 25% of the departments. In 240 departments (63%) the five to 8 mm. pelviscope was used. In 124 department (33%) the 11 mm. laparoscope was used. In the total of the cases 949 (3.56/1000) complications occurred. These required 690 laparotomies (2.59/1000). The cause of the complications were injuries to vessels or high frequency current burns. A total of 24 (0.09/1000) deaths or 1 death per 11,000 pelviscopies was reported. The operative mortality was 13 deaths (0.09/1000) in 140,977 (53%) purely diagnostic pelviscopies or laparoscopies, 3 deaths (0.08/1000) in 37,639 (14.2%) combined diagnostic and operative pelviscopies and 8 deaths (0.09/1000) in 87,284 (32.8%) laparoscopic tubal ligations. Since 1974 the operative mortality is less than 1:100,000. Since 1973 approximately 30--35,000 pelviscopies are done yearly in West Germany.


Steroid metabolism in vitro by gonadal tissue from a true hermaphrodite.

The case of a true hermaphrodite, with a normal ovary and an ovotestis is presented. The ovotestis was removed and incubated in vitro with tritiated steroids (testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, pregnenolone and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone). Labeled metabolites were isolated and identified. Based upon these findings, a pathway of steroid biogenesis in this abnormal gonadal tissue is suggested. The ovotestis studied did not contain all the enzymes involved in ovarian steroidogenesis: 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, isomerase, 17--20 desmolase and 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase were present, but other important enzymes, such as 16 and 17-hydroxylases, and aromatizing enzyme systems, were deficient or absent.


Screening for specific calf thymus inhibitors (chalones) of T-lymphocyte proliferation.

Using agar colony assays with truly proliferating stimulated human T-lymphocytes and mouse granulocytes, two ultrafiltrate fractions were obtained from calf thymus which preferentially inhibited lymphocyte colony growth: Fraction I in the molecular range 1000-10,000 proved to be stable upon heating, prolonged storage and lyophilization, whereas Fraction II in the molecular range 10,000-30,000, was found to be unstable. Fraction I was also extracted with Tween 80 and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. Chromatography of Fraction I on Biogel P6 and DEAE-cellulose further increased its specificity of inhibition for lymphocyte colony growth and revealed an estimated molecular weight of below 1400. Its inhibitory activity was found to be reversible and unlikely to result from spermine. Thus the properties of fraction I meet the requirements of a T-lymphocyte chalone as an endogenous non-cytotoxic and reversible inhibitor of T-lymphocyte proliferation.


The special ministry in long term care.

Ministers to mentally ill, chemically dependent, physically handicapped, elderly, or retarded persons in long term care must examine their own prejudices, guilt, fears, and pain. Only then can they see each patient as an individual who must be brought to self-love.


Recurrence of Down's syndrome associated with microchromosome.

We report a family with five members presenting an extra bisatellited microchromosome. Two of them also present trisomy 21. We discuss the relationship between trisomy and the extra chromosome.


Species restriction of the mitogenicity induced by lanatoside C. Lymphocyte activation by digitalis glycosides is confined to cells from digitalis resistant species.

Activation of Na+, K+-ATPase has previously been suggested to be the triggering signal in mitogen-induced cell activation. Using a digitalis glycoside known to be a potent polyclonal B-cell activator, this hypothesis could be tested since digitalis activates ATPase at different concentrations in various species, depending on the degree of sensitivity to the toxic effects of glycosides. Lanatoside C was found to stimulate lymphocytes from glycoside resistant species such as rat, mouse and hamster. The possible involvement of Na+, K+-ATPase was made less likely by the similarity in dose--response profile in these cells although they have been reported to display varying degrees of glycoside resistance. Furthermore, using lymphocytes from digitalis-sensitive species such as man, guinea-pig or rabbit, no mitogenicity could be recorded, strongly suggesting a lack of correlation between glycoside-induced effects on Na+, K+-ATPase and cell activation.


The human dura mater valve. Fabrication methods.

We have used a glycerol-treated human dura mater valve as a valve substitute of the blood pumps for more than 3 years. In comparative studies, it was shown that the dura mater valve is more durable than the glutaraldehyde-treated bovine aortic valves, and thought to be a very attractive valve material. Fabrication methods both for rigid and flexible stents were introduced.


Clinical pharmacology of a combination of bronchodilators.

27 hospitalized patients (15 suffering from chronic bronchitis with evident bronchospasm and 12 with extrinsic asthma) were evaluated with regard to the bronchodilating effects of a Salbutamol + Ipratropium Bromide combination administered by aerosol. For comparison, the bronchial spasmolytic effectiveness of both drugs administered separately at therapeutic doses was also evaluated. Subsequently, the activity of increasing doses of the combination was studied, with particular regard to possible side-effects. The pharmacological combination studied exerted a strong bronchodilating activity, independently of dose increase, both in asthmatic and in bronchitic patients. No side-effects were observed.


Plasma testosterone levels before and after stimulation with HCG in anorchism.

The authors present four cases of operatively confirmed anorchism. The plasma levels of testosterone and 11-deoxy-17-ketosteroids and dehydroisoandrosterone in urine were low in all cases. After stimulation with HCG, plasma testosterone levels increased in two cases and did not change in another two. The levels of 11-deoxy-17-ketosteroids and dehydroisoandrosterone in urine did not increase.


Experimental glomerular lesions induced by chronic immune complex formation. I. Formation and elimination of the immune complex (relationship between the immune status and the glomerular changes).

Chronic immune complex formation was induced in rabbits by daily administration of 12.5 g bovine serum. In good antibody producer animals immediate immune complex production and elimination from the circulation were demonstrable. This was followed within a few minutes by the appearance of free 125I in fairly large amounts in blood, as a sign of immediate phagocytosis and disintegration of the 125I-labelled immune complexes. Phagocytic activity decreased in the host animal during chronic heteroprotein administration in every case. The earliest glomerular changes were those of exudative glomerulonephritis, the extent of which depended on the antibody productivity of the animal. Persistent immunocomplexaemia induced by administration of the antigen over 60 and 100 days, respectively, resulted in mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis in 7, in membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in 3, and in membraneous glomerulonephritis in 1 out of 11 laboratory animals.


Experimental glomerular lesions induced by chronic immune complex formation. II. Pathomorphological analysis.

Eleven rabbits were given bovine serum albumin i.v., in daily doses of 25 mg. Renal biopsy was performed on the 30th, 60th and 100th day of treatment and the specimens were subjected to light-, electron-microscopic and immunofluorescent studies, so as to follow up the dynamics of the glomerular process. Proteinuria and the serum creatinine and BUN levels were also measured. By the 100th day of treatment mesangioproliferative glomerulopathy had developed in 7, membranoproliferative glomerulopathy in 3 cases and membraneous glomerulopathy in 1 case. On the 30th day of treatment exudative glomerulopathy was demonstrable in the majority of the cases (in 9 animals). It is suggested that the earliest stage of the various glomerulopathies, regardless of their type, is marked by exudative lesions. The heaviest proteinuria was found in membraneous and membranoproliferative glomerulopathies. Changes in the serum creatinine and BUN levels indicative of a deteriorating renal function were noted in the membranoproliferative cases. The results are correlated with clinical observations of human glomerulopathies.


[Early scanning electron microscopy changes in the surface of woven dacron vessel prosthesis. An experimental study in dogs].

To evaluate platelet-inhibiting drugs in vivo, we implanted artificial vessels into the arterial blood-stream of dogs. Following different periods of normal blood-flow through the prosthesis, pieces were cut out and prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Through the SEM we studied surface changes of the samples, in particular those of platelets. They very soon loose their disclike form becoming relatively spherical and make contact with each other by means of pseudopods that are formed at that stage. Red blood cells are caught up in this 3-dimensional network causing the inner surface of the dacron prosthesis to look like an underwatergarden.


The structure and source of lingual proprioceptors in the monkey.

The proprioceptive innervation of the tounge has been investigated in the Cynamolgus monkey by silver impregnation methods following unilateral section of lingual, hypoglossal, and cervical nerves. Muscle spindles were constantly present in the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. They varied greatly in number, averaged half the length of lumbrical spindles, and showed an unusual arrangement of chain fibre nuclei. Other, inconstant proprioceptors included tendon endings, Ruffini endings, Pacinian corpuscles, paciniform and lamellated endings. Topologically, the endings other than spindles were extra-muscular, so that the overall pattern of proprioceptive innervation resembled that of skeletal muscle in general. Lingual nerve section was without apparent effect on the proprioceptors. Section of the hypoglossal nerve at its point of entry into the tongue caused severe depletiion of ipsilateral proprioceptors and of fusimotor nerves. In the anterior tongue there was evidence of transmedian overlap by efferent and afferent axons contained in the hypoglossal nerve. Hypoglossal section at the skull base caused degeneration of fusimotor nerves but not of proprioceptors. Section of (a), the connexion of C2-C3 ventral rami with the hypoglossal, together with section of (b), the ramus descendens hypoglossi, coused depletion of lingual proprioceptors; again there was evidence of transmedian overlap. Procedures (a) or (b) alone had a lesser effect. It was concluded that lingual proprioceptive afferent fibres occupy the distal hypoglossal nerve, leaving it in the ramus descendens and in the C2-C3 connexion to enter the spinal cord via nerves C2 and C3.


Studies on the biosynthesis of the antibiotic streptozotocin (streptozocin) by Streptomyces achromogenes var. streptozoticus. Feeding experiments with carbon-14 and tritium labelled precursors.

Feeding experiments and chemical degradations have shown that D-[1(-14)C,2(-3)H]-and-[1(-14)C,6(-3)H] glucosamine, L-[ureido-14C] citrulline, L-[guanidino-14C] arginine and L-[14CH3] methionine specifically label the glucosamine moiety, the urea carbonyl and the N-methyl group of the antibiotic streptozotocin, respectively. Feeding these precursors in amounts of 5 approximately 10 mumoles per 100 ml of culture medium under conditions where the fermentation yielded approximately 20 mumoles of streptozotocin in 24 hours gave incorporation rates which approached 40%. Upon feeding 100 mumoles of either D-[1(-14)C] glucosamine or L-[ureido-14C] citrulline they were incorporated into newly synthesized streptozotocin essentially without dilution by endogeneous precursors. D-[1(-14)C, 6(-3)H] Glucosamine was incorporated without change in T/C ratio while 20% of the tritium was lost from D-[1(-14)C,2(-3)H] glucosamine, suggesting the possibility that D-glucosamine can partially equilibrate with D-fructose prior to its incorporation.


Structure of cross-linked rabbit muscle phosphofructokinase in solution.

Cross-linked rabbit muscle phosphofructokinase in the active tetrameric and octameric state was studied in solution by hydrodynamic methods and small angle x-ray scattering techniques. The translational diffusion coefficients were determined by means of inelastic light scattering and were found to be 3.60 (+/- 0.02) x 10(-7) cm2 . s-1 for the tetramer and 2.54 (+/- 0.15) x 10(-7) cm2 . s-1 for the octamer. From small angle x-ray scattering measurements the radius of gyration, the specific inner surface area, and the volume were determined for both enzyme forms, revealing that the octameric cross-linked form is approximately spherical, with a diameter of 120.0 A, whereas the tetrameric form is asymmetric having an axial ratio of 2. By comparison of the scattering curves with triaxial geometric bodies which are equivalent in scattering, the tetrameric enzyme is described as a rectangular prism, with overall dimensions of A = 131.0 A, B = 131.0 A, and C = 65.0 A, and the octameric form as that of a cube with A = B = C = 120.0 A. The shape of the protomer, having a radius of gyration of 24.8 A, in the tetramer and octamer is similar to that for the native tetramer at pH 10 in the presence of 5 mM fructose 6-phosphate or 15 mM fructose 1,6-bis-phosphate. From the different shapes of the scattering curves of the native phosphofructokinase at pH 7.5 in the presence of 15 mM ATP and of the cross-linked tetramer or octamer, it can be inferred that the shapes of the protomers are different: in the presence of ATP the protomers are elongated, having an axial ratio of 1.8 to 2.0; the cross-linked state reveals a spherical protomer of radius 33.0 A, similar to that of the native enzyme at pH 7.5 in the presence of fructose 6-phosphate or fructose 1,6-bisphosphate.


Human erythrocyte calmodulin. Further chemical characterization and the site of its interaction with the membrane.

Human erythrocyte and bovine brain calmodulins were indistinguishable by tryptic peptide mapping, indicating that the primary sequence of the two proteins is either very similar or identical. Calcium binding determinations of human erythrocyte calmodulin, by equilibrium dialysis and fluorescence titration, were in close agreement with previous studies on other calmodulins. The calcium-activated adenosine triphosphatase which is stimulated by calmodulin was shown to be firmly associated with smooth erythrocyte plasma membranes devoid of spectrin and actin. Kinetic titration demonstrated that there are 4500 calmodulin binding sites per erythrocyte and that the turnover number of this calcium-activated adenosine triphosphatase is 3000 mumol of Pi . (mumol of site)-1 . min-1 which is similar to the turnover numbers of other transport adenosine triphosphatases. Furthermore, calmodulin stimulates calcium-activated adenosine triphosphatase by a simple enzyme-ligand association.


Cell-surface heparan sulfate. Isolation and characterization of a proteoglycan from rat liver membranes.

Solubilization of heparan sulfate proteoglycans from a rat liver membrane fraction was obtained by the use of the charged detergent deoxycholate or alternatively a combination of NaCl and the nonionic detergent Triton-X 100. Subsequently, proteoglycans solubilized from microsomal and plasma membrane fractions, respectively, were purified by a procedure involving gel chromatography, anion exchange chromatography, and density gradient centrifugation. The purified heparan sulfate proteoglycan had a molecular weight of about 75,000 as determined by sedimentation equilibrium analysis or gel chromatography. Molecular weights of 17,000 to 40,000 were obtained for the 125I-labeled core protein after removal of the heparan sulfate polysaccharide chains by different enzymatic and chemical methods. An average molecular weight of 14,000 was found for the polysaccharide chains released from the core protein by alkali treatment. The data are consistent with a proteoglycan structure containing four polysaccharide chains attached to the core protein. The amino acid composition of native and alkali-treated proteoglycan support the proposed proteoglycan model.


Vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene: comparison of alkylating effects of metabolites and induction of preneoplastic enzyme deficiencies in rat liver.

[1,2-14C] Vinyl chloride and [1,2-14C] trichloroethylene were incubated with rat liver microsomes, NADPH and RNA (from yeast). Whereas trichloroethylene metabolites were irreversibly bound to proteins in microsomal incubations to a higher extent than vinyl chloride metabolites, irreversible binding to RNA was lower for trichloroethylene metabolites. Hydrolysis of the RNA which was reisolated from microsomal incubations with 14C-vinyl chloride or 14C-trichloroethylene and separation of the nucleosides showed different alkylation products arising from vinyl chloride and from trichloroethylene, characteristic for vinyl chloride being formation of 1,N6-ethenoadenosine and 3,N4-enthenocytidine. The different reactivities of metabolites of vinyl chloride and of trichloroethylene prompted a comparison of the oncogenic effects of both compounds against the rat liver cell. Newborn rats were exposed for 10 weeks to 2000 ppm vinyl chloride or trichloroethylene (8 h/day; 5 days/week). After this period livers of the animals were stained for nucleoside-5-triphosphatase. Whereas the vinyl chloride exposed rats showed focal hepatocellular deficiencies in this enzyme, which are supposed to represent an early sign of malignancy, no such changes were induced by trichloroethylene exposure. The data therefore suggest differences between the hepatocarcinogenic activity of vinyl chloride and possible effects of trichloroethylene on the liver.


Intraamniotic or intravenous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in midgestation: effect on prolactin level in maternal serum and amniotic fluid.

The influence of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) on PRL levels in maternal serum and amniotic fluid at midgestation was evaluated in a series of 32 women admitted for midtrimester abortion. Serum was collected hourly for 6 h in 13 women after intraamniotic (ia) instillation (100--200 mg) or in 10 women after iv injection (100 mg) of DHEA-S, and in 9 control women. Serum PRL levels rose significantly (P less than 0.05) 3--6 h after ia and 2--6 h after iv administration of DHEA-S but was unchanged in the control group. The elevation of serum PRL levels is most likely secondary to increased levels of serum estrogens which accompany ia or iv administration of DHEA-S. This suggests that maternal pituitary PRL secretion is responsive to additional stimulation by endogenous estrogens at midgestation. The amniotic fluid PRL level ranged from 1109-2473 ng/ml, with no consistent change after administration of ia DHEA-S, intimating that estrogens may not be implicated in the control of PRL in amniotic fluid.


Primary leiomyosarcoma of skin: a report and critical appraisal.

A primary leiomyosarcoma of skin was studied by light and electron microscopy and by histochemistry. Systematic evaluation of the entire neoplasm suggested that a single biopsy sample would show little cellular pleomorphism but could vary considerably in number of mitoses per mm2. Electron microscopy revealed a high degree of cytologic differentiation. Strong myosin ATPase activity and negative demonstrations for hydrolytic enzymes suggest a diagnostic profile which will clearly separate this neoplasm from malignant fibrous histiocytoma. High mitoses counts, the conventional criterion for malignancy of non-cutaneous smooth muscle tumors, may not be appropriately applied to primary leiomyosarcomas arising in the dermis. The findings in this case and a critical review of the literature suggest that reliable criteria for diagnosis of primary cutaneous leiomyosarcoma by light microscopy remain to be established.


Cobalt induced changes in immune response and adenosine triphosphatase activities in rats.

The immuno-biochemical effects of cobaltous chloride in rats receiving iron-sufficient and deficient diets were investigated. Rats receiving 100 ppm or more cobalt showed a significant reduction in thymus and body weights along with a marked decrease in hemoglobin, hematocrit, sheep agglutinins and plaque forming cells. These effects were more pronounced in rats receiving cobalt mixed with iron-deficient diet than those fed on iron-sufficient diet. The Na+-K+ and mitochondrial (Oligomycin-sensitive) Mg2+ATPase activities in brain and liver of rats fed with iron-deficient diets were decreased significantly. However, the ATPase activities in these tissues from rats fed with cobalt mixed with iron-sufficient diets were not altered.


Metabolism of crufomate (4-tert-butyl-2-chlorophenyl methyl methylphosphoramidate) administered topically to a sheep.

A sheep dosed topically with 14C-crufomate (4-tert-butyl-2-chlorophenyl methyl methylphosphoramidate) excreted 45.5% of the 14C dose in the urine within 9 days. The feces contained 1.2% and the carcass 40.4% (this included the 37.7% of the dose remaining on the skin in the dosing area) of the dose. At sacrifice, the fat, liver, kidney, lung, and skin (where the dose was applied) contained the highest concentrations of 14C. Fourteen urinary metabolites were isolated and characterized by mass spectrometry. The metabolic reactions involved were oxidations of the t-butyl moiety, O-demethylation, replacement of the H-N-CH3 moiety with a hydroxyl group, oxidation of the N-methyl group to yield N-formyl phosphoramidates, hydrolysis of the phosphoramidate moiety to yield phenols, conjugation with glucuronic acid and combinations of these reactions.


Role of lipids in the immune response. I. Localization to a lipid-containing fraction of the active moiety of an inhibitor (SIF) of lymphocyte proliferation.

By further study, a previously described inhibitor of lymphocyte proliferation and immunoglobulin synthesis, soluble inhibitory factor (SIF), has been shown to comprise two moieties; a nondialyzable protein, apparently inert with regard to inhibition of proliferation, and a polar lipid bound to the protein fraction, presumably by hydrophobic interaction. The lipid contained the activity responsible for inhibition of PHA-induced DNA synthesis. It was tentatively identified as a lipid with an as yet unidentified polar group, on the basis of mobility on thin layer chromatographic plates and behavior on silicic acid.


The cells involved in cell-mediated and transplantation immunity in the rabbit. XII. The establishment of the optimum conditions for the demonstration of a consistent response for the circulating white blood cells in the mixed leukocyte reaction.

Rabbit circulating leukocytes (WBC) have been shown to respond consistently in the allogeneic one-way mixed leukocyte culture reaction (MLR). Culture of the cells for 5--6 days in 5% CO2  in air in medium RPMI 1640 supplemented with normal decomplemented rabbit serum to a concentration of 2.5% provided conditions for an optimal MLR response. The WBC of the majority of the normal rabbits tested (82%) responded in the MLR, in contrast to the negative findings of other investigators. The WBC of a minority of the normal rabbits (18%) did not respond in the conventional MLR; however, the spleen cells of these rabbits consistently responded in the MLR, demonstrating that these rabbits possessed MLR responsive cells which may not have been present in the circulation at the time of analysis. Furthermore, the WBC of the 'non-responder' rabbits responded well in the MLR when the allogeneic WBC stimulator cells were replaced by allogenic spleen cells, suggesting that the WBC responder cells require a helper cell provided by the splenic stimulator cells to facilitate the blastogenic response. Whether the MLR responsive cell in the rabbit is a T cell or a 'T-like' cell with B cell properties has still not been resolved.


Mixed lymphocyte reactions in serum-free medium.

Tissue culture medium supplemented with bovine serum albumin (BSA), rather than human serum, was found capable of supporting the proliferative response of cryopreserved human lymphocytes to allogeneic cells in a one-way mixed lymphocyte culture. Although total tritiated thymidine uptake was lower in BSA supplemented cultures than in serum supplemented cultures, stimulation indices were equivalent. Using 0.5% (w/v) BSA, peak tritiated thymidine uptake was observed on day 5 using 2 X 10(5) responders and 4X 10(5) stimulators per microtitre well. Calf skin gelatin was also found capable of substituting  for serum, but gave lower levels of proliferation. Use of BSA offers distinct advantages for investigating the proliferative responses of human lymphocytes in serum-free media.


Relation of membrane vesicles to volume and Na+ transport in smooth muscle: effect of metabolic and transport inhibition on fresh tissues.

We tested the hypothesis that membrane vesicles of smooth muscle function as organelles controlling cell volume through a mechanochemical mechanism not involving Na+-K+ dependent membrane ATPase. Pieces of rat myometrium were incubated under various conditions at 25 degrees C, and then were analyzed after various times for Na+, K+, ATP and water contents or were prepared and examined in the electron microscope. Metabolic inhibition with iodoacetate (IAA) + dinitrophenol (DNP) rapidly depleted ATP, then decreased membrane vesicle number and increased vesicle size. Thereafter K+ loss, Na+ gain and water gain occurred. Slower depletion of ATP by treatment of tissues with IAA or ethacrynic acid produced similar, but delayed effects. Treatment with DNP alone, DNP in glucose-free Krebs-Ringer or glucose-free solution bubbled with N2 partly depleted the tissues of ATP but did not markedly affect the membrane vesicles or tissue water content. Ouabain affected neither ATP contents of tissues nor the numberof membrane vesicles, but produced large intracellular vesicles. The membrane vesicles were suggested to be sites of a mechanochemical volume control system.


Relation of membrane vesicles to volume control and Na+-transport in smooth muscle: studies on Na+-rich tissues.

Correlation between operation of a volume control system (independent of Na+-K+ -ATPase) and membrane vesicle structure was examined in strips of rat myometrium made Na-rich by incubation in Krebs-Ringer solutions at 5 degrees C. Some pieces of tissue were analyzed for Na+, K+, ATP and water contents before and after rewarming to 37 degrees C. Other pieces of tissue were prepared and examined in the electron microscope. The membrane vesicles along the surface of the muscle cells were reduced from the numberin fresh tissues made Na+-rich by overnight incubation in K+-free Ringer solution at 5 degrees C. Rewarming of Na+-rich tissues under conditions thought to inhibit Na+-K+-ATPase caused the loss of Na+ with water and with utake of K+ but the vesicles did not increase in number. Na+-K+ATPase activity was suggested to inhibit vesicle formation by competing for ATP. The loss of water and increase in vesicle number was Ca2+-dependent but did not require Na+. Inhibition of the volume control system by iodoacetamide, Ca2+-free solution and other procedures resulted in swelling of membrane vesicles. The membrane vesicles were suggested to be sites of a mechanochemical system of volume control and the mechanochemical step was suggested to involve discharge of membrane vesicles.


Crural hypertrophy associated with centronuclear myopathy.

A case of centronuclear myopathy of adult onset with striking hypertrophy of lower limb muscles in a black South African man is described with details of the light microscopic, histochemical, and ultrastructural features. The association of hypertrophied muscles with centronuclear myopathy has not to our knowledge been reported previously and it is felt that this may be a variant of the condition.


Potassium permanganate induced calcergy: a model to study the effects of drugs on hydroxyapatite crystal deposition.

Hydroxyapatite crystal deposition is thought to play a role in the inflammatory episodes of osteoarthritis. A plaque of hydroxyapatite crystals was produced by local subcutaneous injection of a potassium permanganate solution. Transmission electron microscopy with X-ray energy spectroscopy was used to identify the crystal deposits as hydroxyapatite. The effects of dexamethasone, indomethacin, ethane 1-hydroxy-1, 1-diphosphonate (EHDP) and dichloromethylene diposphonate (Cl2MDP) on the development of the apatite plaque was studied. EHDP strongly inhibited the apatite deposition. Cl2MDP slowed the natural resorption of the apatite plaque. Dexamethasone and indomethacin failed to affect the crystal deposition process. The results suggest that EHDP could inhibit crystal deposition in the osteoarthritic joint and that Cl2MDP might have a role in slowing apatite crystal shedding from osteoarthritic cartilage and so reduce the synovitis seen in Osteoarthritis.


Evaluation of the feto-placental function by means of intraamniotic administration of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate.

It is well known that in pregnancy dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEAS) (90% synthetized by the fetal adrenals, 10% by the maternal ones) is converted into estrogens mainly in the placenta. In order to evaluate the steroid metabolizing capacity of the placental enzymatic complex under load conditions, a test was devised based upon a rapid introduction of 200 mg of DHEAS into the amniotic compartment during the third trimester of gestation. The purpose of the present investigation was to establish the clinical utility of such a test in comparison with the simple urinary estrogen determination test.


Harm-doing and victim's racial or orthopedic stigma as determinants of helping behavior.

Three experiments tested a prediction derived from an ambivalence theory of behavior toward the stigmatized. The prediction was that unintentional harm-doers would be more likely to make restitution by doing a favor for a stigmatized victim than for a nonstigmatized one. In Experiment 1 it was upheld for black versus white victims. In Experiment 2, where the victim of harm-doing was either physically handicapped or normal, the prediction was upheld only among older subjects, following the post hoc introduction of an age variable. Experiment 3 also used a physical disability variable. The data were consistent with the prediction, although the adequacy of the harm-doing manipulation was not checked empirically. On the whole, these results are seen as complementing previous findings of amplified post-harm-doing denigration of black and disabled victims. An assumption that the relationship between harm-doing and altruism was mediated by guilt arousal received only fragmentary support. That is, self-reports of guilt were highest in the harm-doing black confederate condition in Experiment 1, and self-reports of negative affect were highest in the harm-doing/wheelchair confederate condition in Experiment 3, but there were no significant relationships between individual differences in guilt or negative affect on the one hand, and amount of helping, on the other.


The relationship between two personality questionnaires: the Mini-Mult and the 16PF-E.

The Mini-Mult and 16PF-E were administered to a heterogeneous sample of 216 clients. Several multivariate analyses were conducted to specify the common and unique information that these two brief instruments generate. While the 16PF-E provides a global estimate of the client's overall level of emotional adjustment, as well as information regarding a wide range of non-pathological traits, the Mini-Mult focuses on subtle aspects of maladjustment corresponding to traditional psychiatric syndromes. For preliminary screening purposes the 16PF-E results in a broader assessment of personality functioning.


Abnormal children of a 47,XYY father.

Abnormal children of two 47,XYY men were studied. One of these men had 2 normal daughters and a child, 45,X/46,XY, with gonadal dysgenesis. The other man had 2 normal sons and a child with Down's syndrome. The extra chromosome 21 of this child came from the mother. Another 47,XYY man had 4 normal children.


Two balanced translocations in three generations of a pedigree: t(7;10) (q11;q22) and t(14;21) (14qter to cen to 21qter)1.

A reciprocal chromosome translocation between 7q and 10q and an unrelated Robertsonian translocation involving 14q and 21q were found in a healthy 44-year-old man, in his normal 18-year-old son, and in his mother. They were ascertained through the man's brother, whose grandson has Down's syndrome as a result of an inherited 14q21q translocation. To our knowledge, this is the second report of a karyotype with both reciprocal and Robertsonian translocations in a single subject, and only the fourth report of independently segregating double translocations occurring in more than one generation.


Normal phenotype and partial trisomy for the G positive region of chromosome 21.

A prenatally diagnosed male fetus and his mother, who was referred because of her advanced age, both carried an abnormal bisatellited chromosome 21 as an extra chromosome. The abnormal 21 was monocentric and the G negative band q22 and part of q21 had been deleted during formation. The phenotype of both the mother and child (at birth) was normal.


New treatment for seborrheic alopecia: the ligature of the arteries of the scalp.

Bilateral ligature of the superficial temporal arteries and of the posterior auricular arteries is proposed as a treatment for seborrheic alopecia. The arterial circulatory dynamics are, thus, replaced by capillary circulatory dynamics. Hypoxia is produced which inhibits enzymatic systems and lessens nocuous action of androgen and lipid factors on the pilosebaceous effectors. The histologic study shows that the production of sebum is greatly reduced and the condition of the hair follicle is strikingly improved.


Membrane fluidity and fatty acid composition of phospholipids in erythrocyte membranes of patients with Huntington disease.

A study was undertaken to determine whether alterations in the configuration of erythrocyte membranes of patients with Huntington disease, reported by other investigators, could be reflected in membrane fluidity-viscosity. Since membrane fluidity appears to be related to the fatty acid composition of membrane phospholipids, these were also examined. Membrane fluidity, which was determined by measuring the intrinsic fluorescence of membranous tryptophan, was found to be normal. Although the range of fatty acid distribution within the various phospholipids tended to vary somewhat, the pattern was not significantly different from that of the controls.


Effects of 2-nicotinamidoethyl nitrate (SG-75) on dog coronary artery and cat papillary muscle.

Effects of 2-nicotinamidoethyl nitrate (SG-75) on isolated dog coronary artery and cat papillary muscle were investigated. SG-75 dose-dependently relaxed the isolated coronary arterial strips contracted with potassium. Large doses of SG-75 depressed contraction of papillary muscle driven with electrical stimulation and inhibited enhancement of contraction of papillary muscle induced by calcium and isoproterenol. From these results it is suggested that SG-75 may have a weak Ca++-antagonistic action.


[Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in children (clinico-echocardiographic study)].

On the grounds of clinical, electro- and echo-cardiographic examination of 39 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from 3 to 15 years of age three types of this pathological condition are distinguished: asymmetrical septal hypertrophy, idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis and symmetrical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The value of signs of hypertrophic myopathy obtained on clinical and instrumental examination is discussed. The high diagnostic value of echocardiography in the examination of patients is emphasized.


The structure, function, and turnover of cardiac myosin in normal and myopathic Syrian hamsters.

Cardiac myosin was examined during the four pathologic stages of cardiomyopathy in strain BIO 14.6 of Syrian hamsters. It was determined that the Ca2+- and K+-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-activated ATPase activities of ventricular myosin were significantly reduced during the final stage of the inherited disease. One- and 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis of myosin samples at all stages failed to yield any evidence for a change in the subunit structure of myosin based on light chain number, molecular weight, and per cent composition. The final stage of the disease was characterized by altered protein metabolism. The rates of synthesis and degradation were both altered in the diseased tissue, and a net loss of myosin resulting from a substantial increase in the rate of degradation.


[Difficulties of expert testimony in microwave disease].

Difficulties in certification of microwave diseases are due to the fact that exposure parameters are not well known and the knowledge of all possible clinical pictures of these diseases is incomplete. To give evidence of this conclusion the author presents 3 cases from the certificatory material of Occupational Diseases Ward within the Clinic of the Institute of Occupational Medicine in Lódź.


Role of purine base excretion in regulation of purine pools.

Wild type and mutant strains of Neurospora crassa excrete hypoxanthine, xanthine, and uric acid, but not adenine or inosine, when exogenous adenine is added to growing cultures. No detectable excretion occurs in the absence of adenine. The de novo pathway of purine biosynthesis was found to influence the excretion, in that a metabolic block immediately prior to IMP significantly decreased the excretion, while a metabolic block immediately after IMP significantly increased the excretion over that of wild type. The purine catabolic pathway, which is sensitive to ammonia regulation, was found to be a key determinant in the amount and type of excretion. Recently, it was suggested that hypoxanthine accumulation is the result of a mechanism to regulate the adenylate pool size (Leung and Schramm, 1978). In this report, the possibility that hypoxanthine excretion controls adenylate and guanylate pool sizes is discussed and the role of the purine nucleotide cycle in hypoxanthine excretion is examined.


Female sterilization using an elasticated silicone ring.

This paper presents the experience, in a District General Hospital, of using an elasticated silicone ring applied to the Fallopian tubes by the laparoscope. It is concluded that this is a safe and effective method of female sterilization, with good patient acceptance.


Genetic screening in Western Australia.

The wider application of genetic screening is described in four Western Australian populations. Counselling with prenatal diagnosis of Down's syndrome was offered to 57 women over the age of 35 years and less than 16 weeks' gestation who attended an antenatal outpatients department. Forty-four women consented to amniocentesis and two affected fetuses were found. Both public and private patients can be screened to detect fetuses with Down's syndrome. In a population of 200 pregnant girls whose infants were intended for adoption, a specially designed family history form aided identification of genetic disorders in 32 families. Counselling was offered to the biological parents, to the adoptive parents, and, prospectively, to the child in later years. The effectiveness of the family history as a screening device is illustrated in this adoption sample. Counselling of parents of 20 decreased malformed infants initiated the genetic counselling clinic in Western Australia and led to subsequent referral of 92 similar cases by the family doctors. It was found that parents who gave birth to malformed infants welcome information and risk figures. Diagnostic screening in a population of 6000 intellectually handicapped individuals yielded 1372 cases (23%) with Mendelian, multifactorial, or chromosomal modes of inheritance. This screening enabled patients with inherited causes for their intellectual handicap to be identified and placed on a register for health planning.


[Composite materials in pedodontics].

A brief account is given of the features of 1st and 2nd generation compounds and their clinical applications. Reference is made to many years of personal experience in an assessment of their long-term results.


Relationships between satellite association and the occurrence of non-disjunction in man.

It has been reported that there is an increased incidence of Down's syndrome among the children of parents who have been exposed to ionizing radiations for radiodiagnostic or radiotherapeutic reasons. Work with Drosophila, mice and human lymphocytes has shown that irradiation with X- or gamma-rays induces aneuploidy, presumably by non-disjunction. It has been suggested that in man the frequency of satellite association (s.a.) of acrocentric chromosomes may be involved in the causation of chromosomal non-disjunction. In the present work the effects of radiation on s.a. have, therefore, been investigated. The frequency of s.a. between acrocentric chromosomes was determined after the exposure of human blood from normal and chromosomally abnormal individuals to various small doses of Co-60 gamma-rays. The criteria of Zang and Back were used for the evaluation of s.a. complexes. No effects of radiation on the frequency of s.a. were apparent within the dose range investigated. The same result was obtained when s.a. was evaluated using the silver-staining technique in which physical connections between the associating satellites may be observed and the association complexes evaluated directly. The effects of other radiation sources have also been investigated.


Fatal lymphoma after transplantation of cultured thymus in children with combined immunodeficiency disease.

A fatal, widespread, polyclonal, B-cell immunoblastic lymphoproliferative disorder developed in three children with combined immunodeficiency shortly after intra-abdominal transplantation of cultured thymus epithelium for immunoreconstitution. All three had surface immunoglobulin-bearing cells (15 to 20 per cent) in the peripheral blood before transplantation and polyclonally elevated immunoglobulins afterward. Abnormal immunoregulation was demonstrated by a lack of concanavalin A-induced suppressor-cell activity in mixed leukocyte culture in all three patients before transplantation and in two afterward. We suggest that the transplant acted as a promoter through immunostimulation or production of promoter factors, and that excessive polyclonal B-cell proliferation resulted because of inadequate immunoregulatory mechanisms. Although this complication occurred in only three of 30 patients with various forms of immunodeficiency treated with cultured thymus, these cases illustrate a potential problem in immunoreconstitution of combined immunodeficiency disorders.


Anatomo-radiological considerations about lumbar discography. An experimental study.

An experimental study was undertaken to determine the origin of lumbar pain associated with degeneration of lumbar intervertebral disc by examining their innervation, vascularization, and stages of evolution. The study included the comparison of discography on patients with an experimental reproduction of this examination on cadavers.


Erythrocyte ATP in Duchenne dystrophy: effects of ouabain and propranolol.

The ATP and lactate contents of erythrocytes from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) were measured before and after incubation with or without glucose plus either ouabain or propranolol. Samples from patients and controls were obtained at almost the same time on the same day and processed simultaneously. The erythrocyte ATP content differed in adults and children, but there was no difference between DMD patients and age-matched controls. Ouabain suppressed, and propranolol enhanced, the changes of ATP and lactate, to the same extent in patients and in controls. We found no gross abnormalities in generation and utilization of ATP in erythrocytes in DMD, and the response to ouabain or propranolol appeared normal.


Disability benefits as disincentives to rehabilitation.

The relations among physical disability, governmental and voluntary benefit programs, and rehabilitation outcome are more complex than has generally been assumed. Factors of motivation and functional capacity are not adequately accommodated by current methods and level of benefit provision. Preliminary investigation shows that programs may, in fact, deter some of the disabled from return to work. Proposed congressional legislation does not appear to likely to resolve conflicting goals and expectations of the labor market, the disabled, and the taxpayer.


Neurological complications, following lumbar radiculography with Dimer X.

Three cases developing increasing neurological deficit within 24 hours of lumbar radiculography with Dimer X are reported. All three developed severe low back and sciatic pain, and myoclonic spasms within one hour of the examination. In each a large intervertebral disc prolapse was outlined. Two cases developed near complete paraplegia before surgical decompression. Following surgery, two patients made a complete rapid recovery, and the other has recovered partially.


In vivo and in vitro assays of immunocompetence in bronchogenic carcinoma.

To determine the degree of correlation among the various in vivo and in vitro assays that could be used to assess immunocompetence in bronchogenic carcinoma, the response to common recall skin antigens, primary sensitization to DNCB and lymphocyte function tests based on blastogenic response to mitogens and in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) were tested in 48 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma. The values were compared to responses in 94 age-matched healthy control subjects. There were impaired skin tests reactions among squamous cell carcinoma patients, with little impairment of their lymphocyte blastogenesis reactions. Anaplastic carcinoma patients had notable defects in lymphocyte function tests but less impairment of the skin test reactions. These data suggest that the mitogen concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin, and the MLC are more useful screening assays of in vitro immunocompetence than are the other commonly used mitogens.


The absence of proprioceptive nerve endings in the human periodontal ligament: the role of periodontal mechanoreceptors in the reflex control of mastication.

A review of the literature was conducted to determine the presence or absence of proprioceptive nerve endings in the human periodontal ligament. A histologic review of the periodontal ligament innervation concluded that nerve endings found were those mediating pain, pressure, or touch and that there is no histologic evidence of any "classic" proprioceptive nerve ending in the periodontal ligament. A summary is given concerning the precise role of nerve endings in the periodontal membrane, their afferent pathways, and the role of masticatory muscle proprioception, jaw reflexes, and the temporomandibular joint in the coordinated control of mastication and mandibular proprioception.


Antibody formation to dog pulp tissue altered by AH-26 sealer via the root canal.

Pulp tissue from three experimental dogs was tested for its antigenicity before and after incubation with AH-26 sealer. identical to Reactions to Arthus skin tests showed an increased response to pulp that had been incubated in AH-26, washed, and then injected, as compared with the material alone. Hemagglutinating antibody titers (1/500 to 1/800) were obtained from pulp tissue altered by AH-26. Inhibition tests showed the apecificity of the antibody to be at a dilution titer of 1:400. Therefore, a mixture of AH-26 sealer altered dog pulp tissue and rendered it antigenically active, and a specific humoral response was produced.


[The left ventricle at different stages of a two steps mechanical overloading. Electron microscopic study in the rat (author's transl)].

The left ventricle myocardium of rats subjected to a two steps mechanical overloading (abdominal aorta constriction + aortic insufficiency) was examined in the light and electron microscopes at several stages of the load, and particularly after 3 to 6 months when the animals exhibited congestive heart failure. In these conditions, the heart weight exceeded the control by more than 100 %. In the later stages, the absence of parallelism between heart weight and cell diameter was compatible with a process of hyperplasia. Cellular lesions looking like recent were found more and more frequently with time. Within apparently normal cells proliferation of small mitochondria, nucleoli and Golgi apparatus are compatible with some deficit in energy balance, which is usually encountered only in early stages of the load.