[Effect of diet and L-thyroxine on deiodination of L-thyroxine in rat liver].

Male Wistar rats on 3 or 50% fat diet for 14 weeks were treated during 6 weeks with L-thyroxine (5 or 25 or 50 microgram 100 g body weight/2 times weekly, sc.) and the activity of L-thyroxine-deiodinase was determined in supernatans of liver homogenates. With increasing thyroxine lading the deiodinating activity increases statistically significantly within each diet group. The liver of animals on 50% fat diet deiodinates increasing thyroxine doses to a lesser extent than livers of animals on 3% fat diet. It is discussed that high fat diet influences thyroid function and that thyroxine shares effectiveness and undergoes deiodination also in other tissues, probably in fat tissue, to a higher extent.


[Absorption of triglycine, diglycine, glycine or equimolar mixtures of diglycine and glycine in the perfused small intestine of rats].

1. After a wash-out period of 20 min with Krebs-Henseleit-buffer a 20 cm segment of proximal or distal small intestine of nonanaesthesized rats got a bolus infusion of 3 ml either triglycine, diglycine, glycine or an equimolar mixture of diglycine and glycine, respectively, in a concentration range of 20 to 1000 mmol/l glycine equivalents. With 9 ml of a peptide and amino acid free solution the gut was perfused in a single-pass perfusion and the whole fluid recovered was investigated by quantitative thin layer chromatography for triglycine, diglycine and glycine. 2. In the concentration range up to 170 mmol/l glycine equivalents the nitrogen absorption is independent of the substrates perfused. In the highest concentration range an additional increased disappearance of triglycine could be found. This change cannot be observed to the same extent for diglycine, glycine or the mixture of both. In contrast, in the highest concentration range the competition between glycine and diglycine results in a decrease of absorption. 3. The proximal or distal nitrogen absorption of all substrates is similar. 4. In the perfusate the peptide and its splitting products were investigated. 5. Based on the discrepancy between the disappearance of triglycine and the appearance of its splitting products it is assumed. 1. that the transport of intact triglycine is of quantitative importance in the highest concentration range and 2. that in the lower concentration range membrane digestion followed the transport of the splitting products prevails. 6. Extending Ugoley's model for dipeptides three general variations for membrane digestion of tripeptides are proposed. One of this is likely for the triglycine absorption.


[Experimental therapy of disseminated intravascular coagulation by streptokinase administration].

Disseminated intravascular coagulation was induced in dogs by infusion of tissue thrombokinase. Its course was followed by coagulation tests, determination of the rate of microthrombosis, and measurement of organ functions and oxygen consumption. The therapeutic result of streptokinase administration at an early stage of pathological changes is demonstrated by improvement of the disturbed organ functions and oxygen supply as well as by the decrease in plasma-haemoglobin level. When streptokinase was administered at an advanced stage of organ damages, they remained irreversible, although repatency of the microvasculature had been reached.


Infrared spectral studies of carbon monoxide complexes of microsomal cytochromes P-450 and P-448.

The characteristic infrared spectral parameters of the carbonyl stretching vibration (the maximum position nu CO, the band width at half height delta nu 1/2 and the apparent molar extinction coefficient epsilon M) have been determined for the CO complexes of microsomal cytochromes P-450 (PB-induced) and P-448 (3-MC-induced) from rabbits and rats. The cytochromes P-450 and P-448 from the same species as well as the cytochromes prepared by the same inducer but from the two different species yielded nu CO band parameters different from each other and from the bacterial cytochrome P-450cam [1]. These differences are discussed in connection with (1) the presence of different protein moities (multiple forms) of cytochromes, (2) changes in the order of the nearest neighbour environment (accessibility) of the CO binding site and (3) the presence of (endogenous bound substrate. The heme-carbonyl of the microsomal cytochromes senses subtle changes in the nearest heme environment by changing the solvent from H2O to D2O.


Isolation, structural organization and mechanism of action of mitochondrial steroid hydroxylating systems.

A scheme for the isolation of individual proteins of the 20S,22R-cholesterol hydroxylating system is presented. Physico-chemical and structural parameters of cytochrome P-450 are furnished. Self-reconstitution of indivudal proteins of the system into an enzyme unit is shown. Furthermore a regulation process of electron transport in the 20S,22R-cholesterol system is considered.


The properties of cytochrome P-450 and hydroxylase activity of reconstituted proteoliposomal membranes.

Type I substrates are bound to soluble cytochrome P-450 worse than to microsomes. The incorporation of haemoprotein into phosphatidylcholine liposomes restores the capability of isolated cytochrome P-450 to interact with such substrates as well as the microsomal form. The soluble and lipid-binding cytochrome P-450 does not differ in its thermal stability and protease digestion. Liposome-bound cytochrome P-450 has a higher dimethylaniline, aniline and p-nitroanisole hydroxylase activity than its soluble form. Only the aniline hydroxylase activity of microsomal, proteoliposomal and soluble cytochrome P-450 was inhibited by tyrosine . copper (II) complex with NADPH or cumene hydroperoxide as cosubstrates. The inhibitory action of the Tyr2-Cu2+ complex on the other hydroxylase activities depended on the cytochrome P-450 forms and the type of cosubstrates and substrates used.


Pituitary control of hepatic steroid metabolism.

Hypophysectomy of male animals has little effect on the hepatic 4-androstene-3,17-dione (androstenedione) metabolism except at the kinetic level where changes in the apparent Km of the 16 alpha- and 7 alpha-hydroxylases are seen. On the other hand, hypophysectomy of female animals leads to a "masculinization" of hepatic androstenedione metabolism, following the changes seen in Vmax of the respective enzymes probably due to the removal of the source of "feminizing factor" thought to maintain the female-type metabolism in the liver. There seems to be a temporal dissociation of the effects on the various enzymes indicating different cellular control mechanisms for these enzymes. Oestrogen treatment of male rats causes "feminization" of the hepatic androstenedione metabolism. The time study shows an initial increase in 17-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase, 6 beta- and 16 alpha-hydroxylase activities followed by a decrease to the levels of females. This biphasic effect is possibly due to an initial direct effect of the oestrogen on the liver followed by an indirect effect via the hypothalamo-pituitary system. The changes in enzyme activity noted are related to changes in Vmax of the respective enzymes although changes in apparent Km are also seen.


Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in analysis of protein amino acid composition.

A method for quantitative analysis of protein amino acids using isotope ratio gas chromatography-mass spectrometry computer techniques is described. The amino acids are analysed as their N-trifluoroacetyl-n-butyl esters and the quantitation is accomplished by the inclusion of deuterated amino acid mixtures of known composition. The inclusion of internal standards prior to protein hydrolysis provides a method with high precision (coefficient of variation less than 5%). The method, which requires 100 microgram and can be performed in just over 2 h, when tested on insulin gave results which agreed well with the known composition of the protein and with simultaneous analysis on ion exchangers. Thus, the technique offers an alternative to automatic amino acid analysers (utilizing ion exchangers) for quantitative amino acid analysis.


Mercaptide chelated protoheme: a model compound for cytochrome P-450.

A mercaptide chelated heme having the spectral characteristics of cytochrome P-450 has been prepared by coupling di-3-amino-propyl-disulfide to protoheme, followed by reduction and disulfide cleavage with sodium dithionithe.


The role of metal ions in oxygen activation.

The reaction of oxygen with a common organic molecule is a spin-forbidden process catalyzed by transition metal ions. Some reactions of this type were proved to be trace metal catalyzed. It is therefore reasonable to assume that all reactions of molecular oxygen with organic molecules are induced by trace metals; in the absolute absence of transition metal ions these reactions would not proceed at all. Based on detailed studies of two well known oxygen reactions the mechanism of trace metal catalysis was formulated. The experimental results are consistent with the conception that transition metal ions associate with all species present in the system to form complexes or clusters of various composition and stability. Some of them are redox reactive and represent true intermediates of the catalyzed reaction.


Quantum chemical interpretation of the spectral properties of the CO and O2 complexes of hemoglobin and cytochrome P-450.

The electronic transitions of CO and O2 complexes of hemoglobin and cytochrome P-450 were calculated using a PPP method extended for metal complexes. The calculations show that the unusual spectral properties of cytochrome P-450 are very sensitive to the iron-sulfur bond distance. It is suggested from these calculations that for the conversion of cytochrome P-450 to cytochrome P-420 an increase of the iron-sulfur bond distance of only about 0.2 A is sufficient. The anomalous Soret band of the CO complex as well as the normal Soret band of the O2 complex of cytochrome P-450 are explicable assuming a mercaptide sulfur as fifth ligand.


Hydrodynamic studies on interactions between the components of the liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 system.

To understand the different behaviour of cytochrome P-450 systems in kinetics as well as in the demethylase activity, sedimentation and molecular weight experiments have been carried out with the following results: 1) Sedimentation coefficients of solubilized P-450 and P-450 LM2 fractions amount to 24 +/- 4 [S] and 12.8 +/- 1.2 [S], respectively. Molecular weights were determined to be 1.0 +/- 0.2 . 10(6) and 3.0 +/- 0.5 . 10(5) Dalton. 2) Triton N-101 provokes splitting of the associated structure both of solubilized P-450 and P-450 LM2; this effect is reversible. 3) The dissociation depends not only on the absolute concentration of Triton but rather on the Triton P-450 ratio. The dissociation curves of solubilized P-450 and P-450 LM2 are similar in shape and in the Triton/P-450 ratio dependence. 4) In the presence of small concentrations of Triton a more complicated dissociation behaviour was observed with broad integral distribution of the sedimentation coefficients. 5) The ionic detergent cholate splits the associated structure of P-450 LM2 at considerably higher concentrations in comparison with Triton-N 101. 6) Addition of reductase causes a decrease of sedimentation coefficients and molecular weights of solubilized P-450. The same effect in P-450 LM2 could be observed only in the presence of phospholipids.


Spectral properties of nonequilibrium states in cytochrome P-450 formed by reduction at subzero temperatures.

Nonequilibrium conformational states in cytochrome P-450 in the presence and absence of substrates formed by reduction at subzero temperatures with hydrates electrons were obtained and characterized by their absorption spectra. Different absorption spectra between the relaxed (298 K) and the non-relaxed enzyme forms (77 K) indicate conformational changes proceeding in the relaxed form after reduction of the heme iron which lead to altered interactions between the active centre and its environment in the protein. The two maxima of the nonequilibrium form of cytochrome P-450 without substrate in the visible absorption spectrum (alpha-band, beta-band) and the ratio of their intensities indicate the low-spin character of the heme iron. These spectral properties give evidence for a reduced cytochrome P-450 with two heme-linked axial ligands.


Interaction of cytochrome P-450 with hydrocarbons.

Hydrocarbons of different structures interact with microsomal and solubilized cytochrome P-450 from liver of phenobarbital-pretreated rats forming a high spin enzyme-substrate type complex. The affinity of cytochrome P-450 for hydrocarbons increases with increasing lipophilicity independently of the chemical structure. The binding capacity of microsomal P-450 for aliphatic hydrocarbons is generally higher than for aromates. Mutual influence in binding of two different hydrocarbons by microsomal P-450 is stronger among aromatic than among aliphatic hydrocarbons; in both cases it appears to be effected rather by specific interaction of both substances with the binding site than by a nonspecific influence on the microsomal membrane. Only one fraction of low spin form of solubilized cytochrome P-450 from rat liver interacts with hydrocarbons. The binding capacity for aromatic and aliphatic substances corresponds to that found in microsomes. The affinity for the most lipiphilic substrate, perhydrophenanthrene, is equal in microsomal and solubilized preparation; with decreasing lipophilicity the affinity of solubilized P-450 decreases faster than in microsomes. The LM2 fraction of cytochrome P-450 from phenobarbital-pretreated rabbits interacts only with aliphatic hydrocarbons with wide variation of the binding capacity. The affinity is generally one order of magnitude lower than in microsomes. Active fractions of solubilized P-450 from both species are rapidly converted to P-420 by dithionite. The extent of this conversion is strongly reduced by saturation with substrate.


The mechanism of hydroperoxide-dependent reactions with participation of cytochrome P-450.

Cytochrome P-450 destruction kinetics by cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) has been studied at 25 degrees C in phosphate buffer, pH 7.25-7.50, in various systems: intact and induced rat or rabbit microsomes, highly purified LM2- and LM2- and LM4-forms of cytochrome P-450 from rabbit liver microsomes. The destruction kinetics is characterized by three phases in all systems. The CHP-influenced cytochrome P-450 destruction is a radical chain process with linear termination of the chains. The acidic phospholipids, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol and total microsomal phospholipids containing the acidic lipid components activate cytochrome P-450 in the hydroxylation of aniline and naphthalene by CHP. Phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin have no effect upon the cytochrome P-450 activity in the type I and II substrates oxidation by CHP. The phase transitions of the microsomal phospholipids influence the interaction of cytochrome P-450 with its reductase, altering the activation energy of type I substrates oxidation. The type II substrate oxidation is not affected by phase transitions in the full microsomal hydroxylating system.


RNA polymerases from avian liver. Isolation and fractionation by heparin-sepharose chromatography.

Optimal conditions for isolation of rooster liver nuclei were studied for the purification of RNA polymerases I and II by varying the concentrations of sucrose, magnesium chloride and spermine in the isolation medium. Addition of spermine and/or magnesium chloride to the hypertonic sucrose medium was found to be advantageous for the purification. Heparin-Sepharose chromatography can be recommended for purification of RNA polymerases when used in a stepwise manner. Furthermore, gradient elution in the heparin-Sepharose chromatography was found to separate RNA polymerases I and II. RNA polymerase III was eluted with RNA polymerase I. A few minor peaks of RNA polymerase II activity were detected with gradient elution. Factors influencing the affinity of RNA polymerases towards heparin-Sepharose are discussed.


[A rare tumor of the neck; a hydatid cyst. Pathophysiology and diagnosis of echonococcal disease (author's transl)].

A rare case of hydatid cyst located in the musculature of the neck without any other detectable site is reported. With the cycle of the taenia echinococcus as reminder several pathophysiological hypotheses which might explain the inefficacy of the hepatic and pulmonary filter are discussed. A concise revue of the recent literature concerning diagnosis and treatment of the disease is given.


Tracheal papillomatosis in the adult. Report of one case.

A 48 year old male suffered from localized tracheal papillomatosis. The diseaded trachea was resected but recurrence occurs 6 months later. Tracheal localization and occurrence in the adult age were singular features of this case.


[Operative methods and our results in the surgery of inguinal hernias in children].

Inguinal hernias in children are encountered very frequently in the surgical wards. The aim of surgical treatment of such hernias is to close and resect the nonobliterated - opened vaginal process. The distal portion of the vaginal process may left unaltered however, the position of the funiculus must not be changed. The operative procedure used by the authors has yielded excellent results with complications in less than 1% of the cases. A much larger percentage of complications (over 6%) occurs in those cases in which surgical procedures intended for adults are used for children. Testicular atrophy has been seen in 13% of such cases. Keeping in mind the difference in percentage in complications between the two above mentioned surgical approaches, it is obvious that only those procedures that yield the least complications should be used in pediatric hernioplasty. 430 inguinal hernia repairs were performed on children in our clinic and only one recidivism occurred in one child and in another, the testes did not descend completely into the scrotum. No other complications had occurred.


[Thymolipoma].

Thymolipoma is an uncommon mediastinal tumour composed of mixed thymic and adipose tissue. A tumour weighing 432 g was incidentally discovered in an otherwise healthy man (47 years), whose X-ray examination suggested a cardiomegally. The histopathology is discussed.


[Spenic abscesses].

Abscess of the spleen is an uncommon entity that seems even less common as it still represents a diagnostic problem. The most common cause of splenic abscess is metastatic hematogenous seeding of the diseased spleen especially of the infarcted areas or traumatic hematomas. It can result also from the direct spread of infection from surrounding structures. Many patients with splenic abscess have a rapidly progressive generalized sepsis and even the combination of well-timed surgery and antibiotic therapy is not always curative. Local symptoms may be mild and overlooked and there may be only general symptoms of suppuration present. X-rays investigations often yield valuable information about the location of the abscess. By far the most promising technique is splenic scanning with the use of radioisotopes. Our case of splenic abscess following appendicitis has been described. The course and the diagnosis has been established using liver-spleen scanning. The patient was treated with Obracin and Dalacin and the diseased spleen has been removed. After drainage of the left subphrenic abscess the recovery was uneventful.


[Non-parasitic solitary cysts of the liver (author's transl)].

Three cases of solitary benign livercysts are reported. The first one (250 cm3) was incidentally discovered during a cholecystectomy for lithiasis and was located in the vicinity of a hamartoma. The second one was enormous (4800 cm3), inflamed, adherent and displacing the nearby organs. The third one contained 3,600 cm3. The literature of this rather rare entity was reviewed and the symptomatology, clinical findings, laboratory results, liver scintigraphy, selective arteriography and especially the coaxial computer tomography scan which by itself just almost reveals the diagnosis, are discussed in function of our findings. The etiology of these tumors and their possible association with a hamartoma is discussed. A classification of kystic livertumors is proposed. The treatment of choice is a kystectomy and the prognosis is good.


[Percutaneous medial transcondylar osteosynthesis in supracondylar fractures of the humerus].

The authors describe their own method of fragments using Kirshner Wire in supracondylar extension fractures of the humerus. Of a total of 118 extension fractures 74 were of a III degree dislocation type. In 16 of these, the medial percutaneous fixation method was implemented. Indications for surgical intervention included those cases in which good positioning of the fragments could not be maintained due to edema, in cases in which flexion at the elbow caused a loss of the radial pulse, and in cases of manifested primary injury of the ulnar nerve. Following the repositioning of the fragments, 2--3 Kirshner wires were placed immediately above the olecranon along the medial line and through the lower and upper fragments. These wires were left in place for 14 days during which time the arm was kept immobilized. Rehabilitation was begun immediately following the removal of the wires. The end results were excellent and no early or late complications occurred.


The screening value of the amylase-creatinine clearance ratio in acute pancreatitis.

The screening value of the amylase creatinine clearance ratio in acute pancreatitis is studied. A series of 28 patients with pancreatic disease is compared with 80 controls and 82 patients with other intra-abdominal disease. The greatest specificity of the amylase creatinine clearance ratio value is reached at the 3.5 level. The amylase creatinine clearance ratio value proves to be of interest, not only in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis but also in differentiating mild and heavy forms of pancreatitis.


[Surgical treatment of gastroduodenal ulcers from 1968 to 1978].

Authors ten years experience and results in the surgical treatment of the gastroduodenal ulcer on Surgical clinic "Dr. M.Stojanovic" in Zagreb is esposed. During this period 1226 patients with the gastroduodenal ulcer operated, 804 from them with chronic, and 422 with acute complications as are perforation and bleeding. On the first period of time patients with the duodenal ulcer were operated by combined operative methods selective gastric vagotomy and antrectomy, and after 1975 by PSV with or without drainage procedure depent of the passage of the duodenum. The most of the patients with the gastric ulcer were operated by the Billroth I method of resection. PSV with suture of the perforated or bleeding ulcer of the duodenum is recommanded. 200 patients with chronic or acute complicated ulcer were operated by PSV with no death complication. All patients are normally tested before operation and 3 months, 12 months, and every year after operation. The results achieved by this method of the surgical treatment of the gastroduodenal ulcer are satisfied and harmonize with the modern therapy of ulcer disease.


[Cure of inguino-crural herniae through median preperitoneal route and teflon prosthesis. Personal series of 56 cases (author's transl)].

The authors chose a median, preperitoneal incision with use of a large and flexible Teflon prosthesis for the treatment of recurrent herniae and for bilateral direct herniae. They describe their technique in detail. They stress the facility, the absence of subsequent pain, that allows early mobilization, the low morbidity and good tolerance of the material. They analyse a homogeneous series of 56 patients operated from 1st August 1974 to 31 December 1977 presenting with 91 primary herniae or recurrences. Forty-eight patients were followed between 6 months and 3.5 years: none has recurrence or sequellae. The authors envisage extension of the indications of this method.


[Autoplasties of evisceration on total flap-skin-graft (author's transl)].

The cure of major uncomplicated evisceration can be satisfactorily obtained by the method of autoplastic total skin-flap according to Seror and Stoppa. In 69 patients it yielded a significant success rate of 80% so that its use can be largely extended especially as it is an easy and benign procedure.


[Osteosynthesis with compression as an alternative method in the internal fixation of malleolar fractures].

The authors discussed a group of patients with malleolar fractures operated on between 1974 and 1977. Compressive osteosynthesis was used as an alternative method of treatment. They compared their group of patients with a much larger group of patients that were surgically treated for malleolar fractures in the traumatology clinic in Ljublana between 1974 and 1977. This second group was divided according to the type of fracture, the type of surgical treatment, the time of treatment, and early and late complications. The authors also discussed the specifics of early postoperative functional treatment. The evaluations of the end results were based on regular control examinations including those patients in whom treatment was complete and were statistically documented. The authors statistics showed very good results in 49%, good results in 20%, and poor results in 31% of the cases. The authors consider the advantages of osteosynthesis with compression over and above the other well known methods of inner fixation, and listed the indications and spectrum of application of this method in the surgical treatment of malleolar fractures.


[Experimental investigation of the preservation of kidneys damaged during warm ischemia].

The author presented his observations of a small group of rabbits to which he administered small doses of dopamine under conditions of warm ischemia (the time between the clamping of the renal artery till the beginning of hypothermic extracorporeal circulation). Another group of rabbits did not receive dopamine. Those rabbits that were given dopamine lived longer and were more resistant to uremia and toxemia. The effect of dopamine lived longer and were more resistant to uremia and toxemia. The effect of dopamine is thought to be due to its vasodilator action on the kidney during periods of hyoxia ad hypotension. The author explained that the kidneys withstood three hours of warm ischemia when treated with dopamine. p.s. This paper is an abstract from the authors dissertation: Protective Action of Dopamine on the Kidney Damaged During Warm Ischemia.


[Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver].

Two cases of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver were presented. The first case involved a 9 year old girl  in whom palpable findings were made in the left lobe of the liver. The second case was incidentally discovered during a cholecystectomy. In both cases the laboratory results were within normal limits. The changes were found in the left portion of the liver. They were well delineated from the surrounding parenchyme and appeared septated. Central fibrotic contraction was also noted. The hepatocytes showed no changes. The biliary network was proliferated and the fibrous septae were of various thicknesses being in some places invaded by inflammatory infiltrate and irregular stretching. These alterations must be differentiated from hepatic adenoma because of the latter's malignant potential. Focal nodular hyperplastic lesions of the liver on the other hand are benign. The postoperative laboratory findings were also within normal limits. A lobectomy was performed in the first case and a partial resection and tumerectomy was carried out in the second case.


The effect of pregnancy and lactation on pituitary prolactin-secreting tumours.

Management of the amenorrhoea-galactorrhoea syndrome due to pituitary tumour is still controversial. However, in cases of pituitary prolactin-producing adenomas, ovulation and pregnancy are readily induced medically with bromocriptine. In our series of 14 patients conception occurred in all cases within 6 months of treatment. All of the 14 women had uneventful full term pregnancies and normal infants. Neither neurological nor visual symptoms appeared in these patients during their pregnancies. Lactation had no apparent effect on the growth of the pituitary tumour since radiological and neurological evaluations were unchanged. Prolactin levels for each patient following the termination of pregnancy and breast feeding were apparently diminished or similar to the prolactin levels obtained prior to treatment. This finding could add to the evidence that probably there was no further growth of the pituitary tumour. Three of the 14 women have had a second pregnancy without any complications. It is recommended that patients with microadenomas can be allowed to become pregnant on bromocriptine alone, provided that they are carefully supervised during pregnancy.


Formation of antibodies to synthetic human calcitonin during treatment of Paget's disease.

Low-titre antibodies to synthetic human calcitonin (hCT) were detected in a 69-year-old woman suffering from Paget's disease who was treated for 16 months with hCT and the diphosphonate EHDP. Levels of antibody were highest between 10 and 18 months after commencement of therapy, slowly decreased after completion of treatment and were later no longer measurable. There was no immunological response to a single re-injection of hCT 14 months after discontinuation of therapy. Formation of antibodies to hCT in man is a very rare event, this being the first recorded case of an immune response to synthetic human calcitonin, whereas synthetic salmon calcitonin induces an immune response in a high percentage (up to 78%) of the patients treated with this hormone.


Effects of three-day oral cholecystography on serum iodothyronines and TSH concentrations: comparison of the effects among some cholecystographic agents and the effects of iopanoic acid on the pituitary-thyroid axis.

The effects of repeated doses of oral cholecystographic agents on serum thyroxine (T4), 3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T3), 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (rT3) and thyrotrophin (TSH) concentrations were studied in 37 euthyroid male subjects. Iobenzamic acid, tyropanoic acid, iopanoic acid, and ipodate sodium, in a dosage of 3 g for 3 days, respectively, induced a significant decrease in serum T3 and an increase in rT3 within 24 h after the initial dose, followed by an increase in TSH and a slight increase in T4. The extent of the changes in rT3 varied between the agents, ipodate causing the greatest change, but without any relation to the changes in T3 or T4. Responses of serum T4, T3, rT3 and TSH concentrations to exogenous thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) and bovine TSH were also studied before and after 3-day doses of iopanoic acid. In 11 subjects given iopanoic acid, the response to TSH to TRH (500 micrograms, iv) was increased but the T3 response was unchanged. A dose of TSH (10 U.S.P. units, im) caused a significant increase in serum T3 and a decrease in TSH concentrations in 5 subjects both before and after cholecystography. It is thus suggested that in euthyroid subjects given multiple doses of oral cholecystographic agents, (1) the primary and consistent events are the reciprocal changes of serum T3 and RT3, although the extent of the changes is not coordinately reciprocal; (2) the responsiveness of the pituitary thyrotrophs and thyroid to TRH is preserved; and (3) the high basal and TRH-induced TSH in the serum may be ascribed to the decrease in the serum T3 concentration.


TSH synthesis and release in the thyroidectomized rat: b) effect of T3.

The time and dose dependent effects of T3 on the anterior pituitary (AP) TSH release and synthesis were studied in rats 5 days after thyroidectomy (T-5d). T3, in various doses, was injected iv to animals which were kileed at various times later. Plasma and AP TSH were measured. T3 lowered plasma TSH to a minimum within 3 h. An inverse linear relationship was found between T3, up to 634 +/- 134 ng/100 g b.w. (mean +/- SD) and plasma TSH. Higher doses of T3 did not lower plasma TSH any further. At T3 of 634 +/- 134 ng/100 g b.w. the specific AP binder was calculated to be 68% to 90% saturated; thus suggesting a relationship between occupancy by T3 of the AP binder and the regulation of TSH release. The TSH release and synthesis rates were compared after 0.5 micrograms, 1 microgram and 25 micrograms T3. All three doses of T3 suppressed the release as well as the synthesis. The effect of T3 on the synthesis rate, however, lagged behind the effect on the release both in time and magnitude.


Unusual heterozygotes of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency confirmed by HLA tissue typing.

In a previous publication, three relatives of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency from two families were considered to be unusual heterozygotes rather than homozygotes with mild clinical manifestations. Their heterozygosity could now be confirmed by HLA tissue typing.


Oestrogen and progesterone receptor concentrations in human endometrium during gestation.

The concentrations of endometrial oestrogen and progesterone receptors, both in cytosol and in nuclei, have been studied at 8--10 weeks and at 38--40 weeks of gestation. At these two periods the concentration of oestrogen receptors is comparable with the concentration observed during the late secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. At 8--10 weeks of gestation, concentration of progesterone receptors is also comparable with the concentration observed during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, but at term there is a significant increase (P less than 0.05) and the concentration is then comparable with the concentration observed in the pre-ovulatory period of the menstrual cycle. The receptor binding sites are always predominantly found in nuclei and the increase in progesterone nuclear receptor at term suggests that in man the progesterone withdrawal is not a necessary step in the mechanism of uterine activation during parturition as it is in other species.


Correlation of plasma non-conjugated oestriol and plasma cortisol in late human pregnancy.

The present study concerns the diurnal variations of free plasma oestriol and their relationship to maternal plasma cortisol in late human pregnancy. Four pregnant women volunteered for the study. According to the half-life time of oestriol blood was drawn at intervals of 30 and 60 minutes, respectively, over a period of 24 hours. Free oestriol was measured by radioimmunoassay and cortisol was quantitated by a protein binding method. All patients exhibited a circadian rhythm for free oestriol with higher values in the evening and early night (14.4 +/- 3.7 ng/ml) than in the morning (11.3 +/- 2.3 ng/ml, P less than 0.001). The course of oestriol followed plasma cortisol in a significant negative correlation (r = -0.566, P less than 0.001). During the period of low cortisol concentration oestriol levels demonstrated the phenomenon of episodic secretion. The results suggest that the maternal adrenals predominantly regulate the circadian rhythm of free oestriol by a negative feed-back action on the foetal hypothalamus.


[Lung function studies with the bronchodilator terbutaline].

The acute bronchodilator effect of the beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist terbutaline was tested single-blind cross-over in out-patients with chronic obstructive airways disease (intrinsic asthma). In 7 series comparisons were made with other marketed bronchodilators. Airways resistance was measured by whole body plethysmography. In another 3 series the effect on heart rate of terbutaline and other adrenoceptor agonists was tested in healthy volunteers. Terbutaline and the adrenoceptor agonists clenbuterol, epinephrine, fenoterol, hexoprenaline, isoprenaline, metaproterenol, reproterol and salbutamol, the vagolytics atropine, ipratropium bromide and AA 28-263, the xanthine-derivative theophylline ethylenediamine and one combined substance drug were used.


[Morphology of coronary vessels in coronary heart disease. An analysis of 930 coronary angiograms].

Coronary anatomy was analyzed in 930 patients who underwent coronary arteriography because of coronary artery disease. There was a slight predominance of single vessel disease, whereas double and triple vessel disease were equally distributed. A left main (LM) lesion was found in 5.2%, with an additional right coronary artery lesion in 3.3%. The left anterior descending (LAD) artery was involved most frequently, followed by the right coronary artery (RCA) and left circumflex (Cx). The LAD demonstrated more often a proximal stenosis than the RCA and Cx. If the LM is associated with a RCA-stenosis then the LAD and Cx are involved more commonly, suggesting a more advanced disease in all major vessels. The analysis of ventricular function revealed a significant deterioration according to the number of diseased vessels. If the LM is associated with a RCA lesion, then the hemodynamics are similar to a 3-vessel disease, whereas isolated LM lesions are associated with good ventricular function according to the lesser degree of coronary sclerosis. The deterioration of the hemodynamics in correlation with coronary vessel involvement is significant, however due to the large standard deviations conclusions for the individual patient can not be drawn.


[Rehabilitation potential after myocardial infarction].

For determination of the individual rehabilitation potential in patients after myocardial infarction, factors were extracted which are of importance for exercise capacity and its influence upon rehabilitation measures. Further results of exercise tests were correlated with psychological tests (Freiburg-personality-inventory) and the results of a patients' questionnaire for individual self-assessment, with concerning restitution by means of rehabilitation measures. 147 patients were admitted to a controlled rehabilitation program 10 weeks after myocardial infarction or later. Mean increase of exercise capacity after one year of rehabilitation was 21.6% of the initial test. Significantly greater increases of exercise capacity were achieved in patients with regular attendance particularly in younger patients in comparison with older patients. As evidenced by ergometric test data initially low maximal heart rate, low increase of heart rate, low exercise capacity and low double product were correlated with greater increase of exercise capacity. Patients with anterior-wall myocardial infarction tended to increased exercise capacity more. A relation between "psychosomatic disturbance" at onset of rehabilitation and a greater increase of exercise capacity could be determined as a trend. Connections between psychosocial factors and determinants of exercise capacity in influencing the rehabilitation potential are discussed.


Effects of the inter-stimulus interval on visual evoked potentials to patterned stimuli.

Visual evoked potentials to patterned stimulation of the upper and lower half of the visual field were investigated in nine adult Ss. The inter-stimulus interval varied between 350 and 2,600 msec. With patterned stimulation, no inter-stimulus interval effects were obtained for occipital components. In contrast for the vertex lead, on the other hand, as inter-stimulus interval increased, the N140-P200 amplitude increased. Because of the heterogeneity subjects' responses evoked by upper half-field stimulation, this effect was more pronounced in lower half-field stimulation.


Total RNA content and blood flow in rat brain after RNA administration.

The changes in blood flow through selected brain structures and the changes in the total RNA content of cells of these structures were examined after a single administration of yeast RNA to 6-month-old male rats. The total content of ribosomal RNA in cells of the limbic system (septum, hippocampus, hypothalamus) increased 48 hrs after the administration of 100 mg i.p. yeast RNA , dropped after 7 days (in hypothalamus), 21 and 30 days (in hippocampus), 30 days (in septum). In cells of the limbic system as a whole there is a higher total RNA content in experimental rats. No changes were observed in the cells of parietal brain cortex. Blood flow increased in limbic structures 21 and 30 days after RNA administration and in septum and in hippocampus also 90 days after application. No changes were observed in parietal brain cortex, bulbi olfactorii, cerebellum and brain stem. Histochemical changes correlated positively with blood flow changes in the limbic system 14, 21, 30 and 90 days after RNA application. The body weight of experimental rats did not differ from that of control animals. The changes in haemodynamic parameters were transient and were demonstrated as fluctuations in heart rate, cardiac output, and peripheral resistance. Blood pressure experienced no changes.


Cosine analysis of heart beat data of children in a stressful situation.

The EKG of twenty-four children (mean age = = 5.7 years) was individually and continuously recorded in a dental situation. Measures of cardiac activity (heart rate [HR] and heart rate variability [HRV]) were computed by means of a CDC 1,700 and an IBM 360 computer. Histograms of heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) measures were generated. -Successive cosine fits were fitted for each 70 beats within an interval for each individual and these cosine fits were also presented in a histogram which represented a frequency analysis of cyclic functions within individuals. Within and between subject correlations were also computed for all measures. Sinus arrhythmia seemed to account for less of the variance than a yet unexplained cosine fit function having a lower limit of 18.6 seconds in this child population. In this population many measures of HRV seem to be negatively correlated with HR.


Inhibition of D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase by ATP and quinaldate.

The inhibition of D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase by ATP is of purely mixed type with respect to NAD (Ki=4.9 mM), purely uncompetitive with respect to D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (Ki=9.4 mM) and partially uncompetitive with respect to inorganic phosphate (Ki=6.0 mM). Quinaldate is a purely mixed type inhibitor with respect to both NAD (Ki==10.0 mM) and D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (Ki=15.3 mM), whereas purely non-competitive with respect to inorganic phosphate (Ki=11.0 mM). In the presence of quinaldate a lag period is observed in the time course of enzyme reaction. The duration of this lag period depends on both quinaldate and substrate concentrations.


Studies on the biological effect of fast neutrons. II. Variation of total nucleic acid content and ultrastructure in barley leaves vs. dose.

The effect of fast neutrons on the ultrastructure and nucleic acid content of leaves of barley seedlings was studied. Irradiation led to chloroplast degeneration. The walls of the cells containing degenerated plastides were abnormally thickened. Irradiation reduced the water content of the leaves. Variations in the RNA and DNA content of the leaves, expressed on a dry weight basis, could not be written as a simple function of the dose. Their content have a minimum at the semi-lethal dose.


Double inhibition of D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase.

The simultaneous action of ATP (partially uncompetitive inhibitor with respect to Pi) and quinaldate (purely non-competitive inhibitor with respect to Pi) on D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was analyzed kinetically. The interaction constant [as defined by Keleti and Fajszi (1971) Math. Biosci. 12 197] of the two inhibitors for the D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-Pi complex is greater than 1, which means that the two inhibitors act antagonistically. The kinetic analysis of the double inhibition shows that there is no ATP-enzyme-quinaldate ternary complex, but a quaternary complex with Pi is formed. The interaction of the two inhibitors on the enzyme-Pi complex depends on substrate (Pi) concentration. The antagonistic effect of the two inhibitors becomes additive at low Pi concentrations (about 1 mM). The simultaneous action of oxalate (purely uncompetitive inhibitor with respect to NAD) and quinaldate (partially mixed type inhibitor with respect to NAD) on lactate dehydrogenase was also analyzed. Oxalate and quinaldate act antagonistically on lactate dehydrogenase. However, at low NAD concentrations (about 0.06 mM) or at high quinaldate and low oxalate concentrations (around 7 and 1.7 mM, respectively) the antagonism turns into the simple summation of the effects of the two inhibitors.


A fluorescence energy transfer system for studying the functional properties of chromatin.

3YI-B-1 rat embryo fibroblasts were used for double fluorescent labeling. The labeling was carried out with fluorescamine and ethidium bromide as an energy donor-acceptor pair. The fluorimetric measurements proved the existence of an energy transfer process. The parameters of this transfer depended on both cell and dye concentrations. It is this character that makes this labeling technique promising as a means of distinction between cells with different structures.


Depolymerization of actin in concentrated solutions of divalent metal chlorides.

Actin transferred to concentrated (0.3-1.2 M) MgCl2 solutions depolymerizes completely. When protected by a high excess of ATP, actin in this MgCl2-depolymerized state is stable for several days in the cold. In the absence of excess ATP it slowly denatures. Chiroptical data and proteolysis experiments show that MgCl2-depolymerized actin is in a native, folded state, although its helix content is considerably decreased. By dissolving F-actin pellets or actin precipitated in paracrystalline state in concentrated MgCl2 solutions in the presence of ATP, very concentrated (100-200 mg/ml) monomeric actin solutions can be prepared. CaCl2 and MnCl2 have similar effects although these were not studied in detail.


A novel method for the purification of 15-hydroxy-prostaglandin-dehydrogenase from swine lungs.

15-Hydroxy-prostaglandin-dehydrogenase was purified 3 to 5 fold and with almost 100% yield from swine lungs by a novel method of precipitation with Rivanol after which it was further purified (8-10 fold) by gel-filtration. The optimal stability parameters of the purified enzyme preparation were determined and the behaviour of PGDH in polyacrylamide-gel-electrophoresis was studied by local enzyme detection. The enzyme seems to be composed of subunits. KM values of PGDH with respect to NAD, PGE2 and PGF2alpha were found to be 0.27, 0.017 and 0.038 mM, respectively.


Heterogeneity in the carbohydrate moiety of the gamma-chain of bovine fibrinogen.

Two glycopeptides with identical amino acid sequence and carbohydrate composition, but of different sialic acid content were isolated from a combined tryptic-chymotryptic hydrolysate of bovine fibrinogen. Glycopeptide 1 contained two moles, glycopeptide 2 one mole of sialic acid. Both of them may have been derived from the gamma-polypeptide chain according to their amino acid sequence: Gln-Val-Glu-Asn-Lys.


"Bound" water as solvent water.

The misconception, which says that an extraneous material cannot be solved in "bound" water has reappeared especially in biological literature. In our experiments quantities of urea and glucose enough for saturation dissolved in the saturated solutions of NaCl and KCl, though a part of water forming the hydration envelopment of ions can surely be considered as "bound" for it migrates together with the ion in an electric field.


IgG subclasses, barrier function for albumin and production of immunoglobulin G in the central nervous system.

Cerebrospinal fluids from patients with neurological diseases have been studied. It appeared that the detectability of immunoglobulin G subclasses 1, 2, 3, 4, and the occurrence of oligoclonal bands in the IgG region increased with increasing concentration of IgG in the spinal fluid. No specific pattern emerged in the different disease groups. Formula: see text.


Chronic painters' syndrome. Chronic toxic encephalopathy in house painters.

Seventy house painters were examined after being referred because organic solvent intoxication of dementia was suspected. In 50 cases no competitive etiological factors to the cerebral symptoms other than exposure to organic solvents could be disclosed. In these, neuropsychological examination showed signs of intellectual impairment in 39 patients and neuroradiological examination by PEG or CT demonstrated the presence of cerebral atrophy in 31 patients; 38 patients studied with CT were compaired to an age-matched control group regarding maximum sulcus width, and a highly significant difference was found. It is argued that long-term exposure to turpentine substitute-often through a period with acute intoxication symptoms--gradually may lead to the development of a chronic brain syndrome, which we have called the "chronic painters' syndrome".


Classification of the epilepsies. An investigation of 402 children.

The frequency distribution of different types of epilepsy (according to the classification model of the International League against Epilepsy) concerning 402 children is reported. The investigation showed a moderate preponderance of partial as against generalized epilepsies. Elemental and complex symptomatology were about equally frequent. As regards generalized epilepsies, the petit mal group was considerably smaller than most often reported previously; conversely, myoclonic-astatic epilepsy (Lennox-Gastaut's syndrome) was more frequently encountered. The definitory criteria and the concept of the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome are discussed. 91.8% of the whole pediatric population (age less than 15 years at time of investigation) could be categorized according to the classification model. This, in agreement with earlier investigations on this subject, shows the contemporary international classified model to be useful and relevant.


Counting of flexor spasms.

A method is described which is able to convert muscular contraction to a top, which can be counted electronically or visually. Such contractions are found much more frequently in patients with flexor spasms than in normal subjects during studies over 6-9 hours during the night. The method is of value in long-term recording, in evaluating antispastic therapy and in analyzing factors influencing flexor spasms.


Juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A report of two cases in a single family.

This paper presents two juvenile cases of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. They are the first and fourth child in a family with seven children from the eastern part of Finland. All seven children, as well as the parents, were examined by our group. In the first case the disease showed a rather mild course, while in the second a noticeable progression was observed even during a period of 10 months. The patients come from a rural area with a stable population and low immigration, which may favor an enrichment of certain genes and therefore support the possible hereditary basis for the disease.


Benign brainstem hematoma.

Brainstem hematoma is generally considered a very rare condition with a grave prognosis. This report presents two patients with extensive brainstem hematomas who both recovered without major sequele. A brainstem hematoma is often impossible to differentiate from an infarction despite angiographic and cerebrospinal fluid examinations, but is readily disclosed by computerized tomography. It is suggested that the seriousness of the prognosis in brainstem hematoma may earlier have been exaggerated as there may have been a tendency to classify cases exhibiting a good recovery as infarcts, while the diagnosis hematoma was reserved for cases verified at autopsy.


DDAVP, a synthetic analogue of vasopressin, in prevention of headache after lumbar puncture and lumbar pneumoencephalography.

In a double-blind controlled trial the possible prophylactic effect of intranasally applicated DDAVP (1-desamino-8-arginine vasopressin, Minurin)--a synthetic analogue of vasopressin--is evaluated regarding the incidence of headache following lumbar puncture (LBP) in 51 patients and following pneumoencephalography (PEG) in 28 patients. DDAVP had no statistically significant effect on the incidence of headache or on the consumption of analgesics in the DDAVP-versus placebo groups (minimal relevant difference = 50%, 2 alpha = 0.05, beta = 0.50).


Non-specifically bound IgG and Fc gamma receptors in human malignant tissues.

Similar amounts of non-specifically bound IgG were found in the eluates of the same tissues both after the Fc gamma receptor activity (FcRA) had been abolished by disrupting the tissue and when FcRA was intact. This indicates that the non-specifically bound IgG is either not attached to the FcR, or that only the free FcR were abolished. No FcRA was detected in the supernatant of the tissue from which the FcRA was abolished, thus indicating that the FcRA was destroyed.


Inhibitory action of acetylcholine on the smooth muscle from the lower esophageal sphincter.

The effect of acetylcholine (Ach) on smooth-muscle strips isolated along the transversal axis of cat lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is studied. Ach in low concentrations (10(-11)--10(-9) g/ml) causes contraction of the muscle strips. Increase of the concentration to 10(-8) g/ml leads to biphasic effect: contraction with relaxation. Inhibitory response predominates at Ach 10(-6) and 10(-5) g/ml. Atropine (10(-6) M) eliminates the excitatory phase but it has no effect on the second relaxation phase. Propranolol (10(-6), 2 X 10(-6) M) as well  as phentolamine turn the inhibitory response to Ach into contraction. Noradrenaline leads to LES contraction while isoprenaline induces relaxation. In smooth-muscle LES strips from cats pretreated with reserpine (1 mg/kg for 3 days), Ach in the concentrations used (10(-5), 10(-6) g/ml) leads to contraction. The changes observed are membrane-dependent -- the contraction is accompanied by depolarization, relaxation by hyperpolarization. The inhibitory effect of Ach on LES smooth muscle is discussed in the light of the hypothesis of Burn and Rand (1960) about the release of noradrenaline under the effect of Ach.


Influence of temperature on the atrioventricular conduction time for spontaneous and imposed rhythms.

In the present work data are obtained about the changes in the atrioventricular conduction time under the effect of two parameters: temperature and frequency of the sinus node. The experiments are carried out on preparations from the right atrium of rabbit heart. Temperature changes are obtained by regulation of the temperature of the nutrient medium in the 23--36 degrees C range. The excitation frequency of the sinus node was changed by imposition of artificial (external) rhythms. Data are obtained about the presence of frequency- and temperature-dependent components of the atrioventricular (AV) delay. Upon cooling the preparation the influence of the temperature factor is predominant and parallel with this the capacity for assimilating a higher imposed rhythm decreases. Considerations are expressed about the behaviour of the AV-conduction system at different temperatures under conditions of saccadic changes in the imposed rhythm.


Peripheral determination of the vascular effect of the carotid depressor reflex.

Experiments were carried out to study the changes in the vascular muscle contraction and the vascular bed resistance of cat hind leg in response to identical activation of the sinocarotid baroreceptors, however with different initial functional state of the vascular bed. Determining the dilatatory responses of the vascular bed in a state of rest, of increased tissue osmolarity and upon increase in femoral blood flow without the presence of autoregulatory reaction, it was shown that the baroreceptor decrease of the vascular contraction is peripherally conditioned by the value of the initial contraction, while the baroreceptor decrease of the resistance is determined by the ratio between the initial contraction and the initial radius. The peripheral determination of the organ differentiation of the depressor effect of the carotid baroreceptor reflex is discussed on the basis of these results.


Vascular effects of the carotid baroreceptor reflex upon increased tissue osmolarity.

Acute experiments were carried out on the vascular bed of cat hind leg upon perfusion at constant blood flow and increased tissue osmolarity through intraarterial hypertonic infusion. The activity of the carotid baroreceptors was changed by means of bilateral carotid fusion. The activity of the carotid baroreceptors was changed by means of bilateral carotid occlusion and by increasing or decreasing the carotid blood flow. Hyperosmolarity reduced both the increase in the vascular contraction in response to the decreased baroreceptor activity and the decrease of the contraction resulting from the increased baroreceptor activation. The smaller rise in the contraction was connected with the direct hyperosmolarity inhibition of vascular contractility. The smaller decrease in the vascular response was connected with the smaller initial contraction of the vascular muscle due to hyperosmolarity inhibition of the spontaneous contractile activity. The results presented show that upon increasing tissue osmolarity the resistance vessels manifest the same behaviour with respect to the changes in the activity of the carotid baroreceptors as in the case of muscle exercises. This supports the assumption of the possible participation of the decrease in the neurogenic vascular tone in the appearance of hyperosmolarity vasodilation and of exercise hyperemia.


Voluntary control of the rate of increase of the isometric tension of human muscles.

Experiments were made with eight subjects to study the possibilities for voluntary control of the rate of increase of isometric muscle tension in m. biceps brachii and m. interosseus dig. dors. 1. In four consecutive experiments the voluntary effort was increased until maximum muscle tension was achieved. Each subsequent experiment was at a higher velocity. All subjects were able to rank the velocities. Repetition of performances with respect to the velocity values was low. A considerable difference existed between the group of chosen velocities which were very similar in the different subjects, and the maximum possible velocities which differed for each subject. Individually different was also the maximum muscle tension which in its turn was in a limited dependence on the rate of increase of the tension. No stable relations were established among the velocities, which could correspond to a standard description elaborated in the system for motor control.


Experimental rheoencephalographic studies on the effect of the cinnarizin analogue As2 on cerebral circulation.

The effect of As2 and Cinnarizin on cerebral circulation is studied on rabbits using the method of local cerebral rheography. Rheoencephalograms (REG) are recorded from the following brain structures; sensomotor cortex, substantia alba, poseterior hippocampus amygdala; nucleus caudatus and coliculus superior. Arterial blood pressure and ECG are studied simultaneously. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the REG wave is made. Quantitative analysis involves the calculation of the following parameters: amplitude, anacrotic section of the curve and its relative part, spreading time and dicrotic index. The complex of REG-changes under the effect of the two drugs is very similar and suggests dilatation of the cerebral blood vessels. The difference is in the time of occurrence of the maximum effect: 5th min for As2 and 45th min for Cinnarizine.


Behavioural reactions and changes in the spontaneous and evoked EEG-activity upon microinjection of noradrenaline and isoprenaline in cat nucleus raphe dorsalis.

Experiments are carried out on five cats with bipolar electrodes chronically implanted in various brain structures. The electrode intended to be introduced into raphe dorsalis is placed in a "guiding" isolated cannule. The spontaneous EEG-activity, the evoked potentials of photo- and electrostimulation as well as the behavioural reactions are studied for each animal before and after administration of noradrenaline (NA), isoprenaline (ISO) respectively, into nucleus raphe dorsalis (RD). The evoked potential are tape-recorded and averaged on Nicolet--1072 computer. Administration of NA in cat RD is followed by manifestations characterized by vegetative and motor symptoms and accompanied by EEG-changes. Desynchronization develops immediately after the injection of both NA and ISO in RD. The restoration of the amplitude-frequency characteristics of the EEG-activity take place in RD at the latest. Considerable changes are also observed in the evoked potentials recorded from the different structures. The EEG-changes observed after injection of NA, respectively ISO, in RD suggest functional connections between RD and the other brain structures studied. Both the EEG-changes and the observed behavioural reactions are probably largely based on the inhibition of the cerebral serotonin tonus by the catecholamines NA and ISO injected into RD and the resulting disruption of the balance between the adrenergic and serotoninergic cerebral systems.


Visual estimation of filled or unfilled short time intervals.

A definition is given of filled and unfilled short time intervals presented visually by light and dark stimuli. A reply is given to the question whether the existence of events in a given time interval influences the estimation of the duration of this interval. The mean values of the estimations of filled intervals are lower compared with the mean values of the estimations of single unfilled intervals of the same duration. The influence of the complexity of the task on the mean values of the estimations is discussed. The results obtained are explained in terms of the motor theory of perception.


Ascorbate and Fe++-induced lipid peroxidation in liver mitochondria isolated from copper-deficient rats.

The effects of ascorbate and Fe++ on lipid peroxidation are compared in liver mitochondria isolated from control and copper-deficient rats. Spontaneous, Fe++- and ascorbate-induced formation of compounds reacting with the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and the swelling in the mitochondria are studied as indicators of lipid peroxidation. The initial level of TBA-reacting compounds in freshly isolated copper-deficient mitochondria is higher than that in the control mitochonidria. Incubation at 20--22 degrees C for 60 min leads to a greater increase in the amount of the spontaneously formed TBA-reacting compounds in the copper-deficient mitochondria. Both the Fe++--ions and the ascorbate induce lipid peroxidation more intensively in the copper-deficient mitochondria than in the controls. The differences between the two types of mitochondria are manifested also with respect to the effect of antimycin A on the ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation. The data obtained concerning a more enhanced spontaneous and induced lipid peroxidation in copper-deficient mitochondria are explained with the higher level of lipid peroxides, changes organization and fatty-acid composition of the membranes, and with lower activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase.


X-irradiation effects on lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in copper deficient and copper loaded rat liver.

The whole body X-irradiation was found to intensify the lipoperoxidative processes in rat liver mitochondria and microsomes, which resulted in a two-fold increase of hydroperoxides in the membrane lipids. The moderate copper-loading of the liver cell had a protective effect against X-ray induced lipid peroxidation. The X-ray influence on the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity in normocupric state, copper deficiency and copper loading was also studied. The latter two states were used as models of altered enzyme activity. Copper deficiency decreased the specific SOD activity in both mitochondrial fraction and cytosol, while the increased copper cell content activated this enzyme in mitochondria and did not change it in cytosol. Irradiation inhibited SOD in all preparations studied, with the exception of cytosol upon copper deficiency. Whatever the cell level of copper, X-ray exposure resulted in a decrease of catalase activity in cytosol, while in the mitochondrial fraction, including peroxisomes, the irradiation effects were different. It was found that both SOD and catalase after whole-body irradiation exhibited a higher specific activity in mitochondrial fraction upon copper loading compared with normocupric state, which correlates with the delayed lipid peroxidation processes.


Amnestic-confabulatory syndrome in hydrocephalic dementia and Korsakoff's psychosis in alcoholism.

The clinical course of six alcoholics with Korsakoff's psyter shunt operation. The initial clinical state as well as the symptom improvement showed important similarities between the Korsakoff group and the hydrocephalic dementia group, who improved after shunt operation. Fantastic confabulation and appraxia were only observed in the hydrocephalic dementia group. Psychometrically, both groups showed a similar degree of improvement of the initially impaired verbal memory while only the hydrocephalic dementia group showed impairment of spatial abilities indicating a constructional apraxia. It is suggested that the similarities of the two conditions are related to dysfunction of diencephalic and temporal-limbic structures. The constructional and general apraxia as well as the fantastic confabulation in hydrocephalic dementia indicate a cortical, especially frontal cortical, dysfunction in this disorder.


Amphetamine addiction and pregnancy. Psycho-social and medical aspects.

The psycho-social backgrounds of 69 amphetamine-addicted mothers were investigated in order to find indicators which might be applicable in predicting the addicted women's chances of adaptation to motherhood. Of these 69 women, 17 stopped taking drugs in the first months of gestation when they realized that they were pregnant (Group 1). The remaining 52 women continued taking drugs throughout pregnancy (Group 2). There was no difference between the groups as to number of years of addiction, or other drugs used except that more women in Group 2 abused alcohol at the same time. A large proportion of the women in both Groups 1 and 2 were, as children, known to the local social welfare agencies because of their unsatisfactory home conditions. In Group 2, psychiatric illness and drug abuse were more common among parents and siblings than in Group 1. In spite of this, the women in Group 2 had, on the average, been placed in a foster home at a significantly older age. Significantly more women in Group 2 also had a poorer educational background and a criminal record including more serious crimes. At the time of their current pregnancy the women in Group 1 had a more stable social situation with regard to permanent dwelling, work and relationship with non-addicted friends.


Research diagnosable "schizo-affective" disorder in Schneiderian "first rank" schizophrenia.

Recently, provisional research criteria for "schizo-affective" and related psychoses were published by the St. Louis Group. These rigorous criteria were modified and expanded for purposes of the present study in order to analyze the case records of 83 first admissions of Schneider-positive schizophrenics, that is, those with first rank symptoms, hospitalized in a strongly Schneider-oriented German University Clinic during the period 1962-1971. Research diagnosable "schizo-affective" disorder was thus found in 27.7% (23 cases) of these patients; 12 of the 23 satisfied "full" affective research criteria for depression or mania, whereas 11 fulfilled "adjusted" affective criteria geared to cover more "labile" mixed mood states. Moreover, 48.2% (40 cases) and 25.3% (21 cases) of the sample were research-positive for "schizophreniform" illness and "atypical schizophrenia" respectively. Findings such as these suggest that "first rank" schizophrenia, as routinely diagnosed in Germany, may not be all that homogeneous a clinical entity.


Suicide and attempted suicide in Greenland. A controlled study in Nuuk (Godthaab).

Suicidal behaviour in Eskimo populations has changed in pattern and quantity over the last decades. Rates have more than quadrupled and performers now are mainly young persons with obscure motivation. In a study from Greenland's major township all cases of attempted or completed suicide among Greenlanders are analysed for social, emotional, somatic, and environmental predisposing factors in comparison with a non-psychiatric, never-suicidal, matching group. Almost two per thousand of the adult population committed suicide yearly while attempts at suicide were five times as frequent. A quarrelsome, drinking, childhood home background was often found, at least as regards the attempters, who themselves frequently suffered from emotional conflicts with close contacts, alcohol affliction, criminality, and instability at work. Neither bereavement, cross-cultural exposure, broken homes, nor meteorological factors seemed to exert a significant influence. The results are discussed in relation to the social and cultural evolution of the Greenlandic society.


Spontaneous thrombosis of ruptured intracranial aneurysms during treatment with tranexamic acid (AMCA). Report of three cases.

Radiographically verified spontaneous disappearance of medium-sized arterial cerebral aneurysms is seldom reported, and only three times in connection with antifibrinolytic therapy (EACA). In our clinic repeat angiograms have shown non-filling of the aneurysms in three patients during treatment with tranexamic acid (AMCA) two, three, and four weeks respectively after primary bleeds. Initially, all three patients had severe radiological vasospasm associated with neurological deterioration. Follow-up angiograms have demonstrated partial reappearance of the aneurysm after one month in one patient and complete disappearance of the aneurysms in the other two patients after 9 and 22 months respectively. In two cases occlusion of cerebral arteries occurred. With regard to the higher risk of severe vasospasm and occlusion of cerebral arteries in our opinion it should not be a therapeutic goal to try to achieve a thrombosis of a ruptured aneurysm with antifibrinolytic drugs. The reason for spontaneous aneurysm thrombosis during treatment with AMCA may be a local inhibition of plasminogen activators in and around the aneurysm wall. It may also be related to the sympathomimetic property of the drug, with vasospasm and a subsequent flow-reduction inside the aneurysm or a possible interaction with other drugs and substances.


Outcome following acute subdural haematoma.

An analysis and long-term follow-up of 136 patients with acute subdural haematoma diagnosed or operated on within 72 hours after injury confirmed the poor outcome: 27 patients (20 percent) made a useful recovery, 13 (10 percent) are severely disabled, and 95 died (70 percent). One patient is still in a vegetative state. The poor outcome in those injuries requiring surgery in the first 24 hours suggests that the term "acute subdural haematoma" should be limited to this group. Earlier diagnosis and operation on acute subdural haematomas without severe primary brain injury may obviously save a few more patients. However, with very early admissions the number of patients with severe primary brain injury goes up; thus the poor outcome for acute subdural haematoma is likely to remain high.


Penetrating craniocerebral gunshot wounds in civilians.

In spite of speedy transfer, only 18 percent of patients with penetrating craniocerebral gunshot wounds survived long enough to reach a neurosurgeon; the mortality among these was 79 percent. Mortality was 22 percent in patients conscious on admission, but 93 percent in patients unconscious on admission. True mortality from penetrating craniocerebral gunshot wounds in civilians seems to be extremely high; in this catchment area it was about 97 percent.


Disturbances of the coagulatory system in patients with severe cerebral trauma II. Platelet function.

Platelet number, spontaneous aggregation, ADP- and adrenaline-induced aggregation, fibrinogen, and factors 2, 5, 7, and 10, were investigated in a series of 40 consecutive patients admitted to the clinic following severe head injury. Data were evaluated daily during the first week after trauma. Platelets were significantly decreased, particularly in non-survivors; there was no pathological spontaneous aggregation, except in a group of 22.5% of cases who had a mean age of 23.5 years. ADP-induced aggregation was negative in 69% of cases, and adrenaline-induced aggregation was absent in only two non-survivors. Fibrinogen was markedly reduced during the first five days, thereafter normalizing or increasing towards the end of the week. The other investigated values remained within their normal range of 70--130%. The results give no evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation as a generalized and frequent phenomenon in severely head injured patients. There are, however, signs of latent consumption coagulopathy, which support data from the literature that indicate focal microthrombosis in contused brain areas.


Spontaneous infected pneumatocoele secondary to chronic otitis media.

A case of spontaneous temporal pneumatocoele secondarily infected by Haemophilus parainfluenzae is reported. Its relation to the lateral ventricle and to a defect in the tegmen tympani was confirmed by computerized tomography (CT). The possible aetiological mechanisms are discussed.


Surgical treatment of thoracic disc protrusion.

The Authors report on nine cases of thoracic disc hernia operated on through Carson's posterolateral approach. Several steps were taken to protect the spinal cord, and to remove completely disc fragments and any calcifications. The importance of the combined use of the operating microscope and the posterolateral approach are emphasized, and the longterm results are evaluated.


The significance of Tinel's sign in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

A series of 47 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome was systematically examined for the presence of Tinel's sign, and the results were compared to those in a group of patients with normal hands. In both groups Tinel's sign occurred, and there was no statistically significant difference in its frequency. Therefore it is concluded that Tinel's sign is of no diagnostic value.


Optimal therapy in medulloblastoma.

Twenty-eight children with medulloblastoma (19 boys and 9 girls) were treated at the Departments of Neurosurgery and Radiotherapy in Essen between 1969 and 1977, and were followed prospectively after surgical treatment and postoperative irradiation. Because different radiation techniques had been used, these patients were divided into two groups, one given a limited irradiation volume and the other irradiation of the entire central nervous system. The results obtained in the former group were inferior to those in the latter. All living patients in the seond group are in good condition. Special attention is paid to the technique of irradiation and the factors which may influence prognosis. Even after the relatively short follow up period of one to five years, it may be concluded that high-dose irradiation of the entire central nervous system considerably improved the prognosis of medulloblastoma.


Medulloblastoma in childhood.

Fifty-one patients with medulloblastoma have been treated at the Children's Memorial Hospital during the past 11 years. The ratio between males and females was 2:1. The ages ranged from 4 months to 12 years; 7 patients were less than 12 months old at the time of diagnosis. After 1969, prior to definitive surgery, all patients were given a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt to decompress the hydrocephalus which was invariably present. There were no cases of systemic metastasis related to these shunts. Subsequently, posterior fossa craniotomy was performed, with total or radical resection of tumour in 13 cases, subtotal resection in 20 cases, and partial resection or biopsy in 14 cases. After completion of surgical treatment and radiotherapy, the three-year survival rate was 45.6 per cent and the five-year survival 34.5 per cent. The survival of children given total resection of the tumour was significantly longer, and females survived longer than males. Local recurrence and spinal cord or systemic metastases are discussed. Reexploration of the posterior fossa for recurrences failed to improve the prognosis. Recurrent or metastatic medulloblastoma should be treated by radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or both.


Cerebral tumours induced by ENU; changes of adenylate cyclase activity in the tumour latency time.

Tumours of the nervous system have been induced by transplacental ENU. Until the fourth month of life the tumoural lesions appear as mixed glial proliferations or oligodendroglial foci. From the fourth month on they develop as glial micro- and macrotumours or as isomorphic and polymorphic oligodendrogliomas. The adenylate cyclase activity studied during these two distinct phases of tumour development was markedly reduced in brain tumours, independent of their cellular origin, compared with the level in the normal brain. On the other hand, the activity of the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of cyclic AMP is significantly increased during the first period of tumour development when early neoplastic proliferations are present.


The subforaminal stenosis headache.

The clinical picture of the so-called subforaminal stenosis headache (Gutmann) and its surgical treatment (Roesner) have been presented. We have analyzed our findings in 119 patients and 55 operations. The clinical picture is characterized by increasing pain in the upper cervical and occipital region which in later stages may be accompanied also by other symptoms like disturbances of concentration, memory, libido, and potency, as well in some cases by symptoms similar to those of a secondary chronic myelopathy. The syndrome is caused by a subforaminal stenosis of the dural sac which regularly is compressed by the posterior atlas arch in connection with either morphological variations of the base of the skull or by static-functional deviations of the cranio-cervical region. The compression of the dural sac of the cranio-cervical region results in an impairment of its air chamber function, and additionally may disturb the connections between the intracranial and intraspinal venous plexus. By both factors the physiologically important smoothing function of the CSF space of the cranio-cervical region concerning intracranial pressure changes is disturbed. Treatment of choice is a laminectomy of the dorsal arch of the atlas and an osteoclastic dilatation of the foramen magnum but without opening of the dura. The results of this procedure are excellent.


Clinical and morphological studies of pituitary and diencephalic space-occupying lesions before and after operation, with special reference to temperature regulation.

In this study investigations are reported which analyze the clinical and morphological results in the treatment of diencephalic tumours. Depending on their location, these tumours are classified according to the extent of hypothalamic compression. The following parameters were studied: body temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, serum electrolytes, water balance, and serum glucose. Hormonal tests were carried out to detect disturbances of pituitary and diencephalic function. The clinical findings were verified by morphological study of the hypothalamus in serial sections. The study covers 193 patients with sellar and diencephalic tumours. This analysis led to the following conclusions: 1. The postoperative temperature course is a reliable parameter for the diagnosis of diencephalic damage. 2. Diabetes insipidus is evidence of a diencephalic lesion. 3. Disturbances in the regulation of the serum glucose, electrolytes, blood pressure, and pulse rate are signs of a diffuse diencephalic lesion. 4. Endocrinological disturbances in the late phase indicate permanent diencephalic damage. This study indicates that the clinical findings in the acute postoperative period permit evaluation of the extent of the hypothalamic damage. These findings are consistent with Rothballer's observations on the pre-operative evaluation of these tumours.


Cytotoxic immune response of meningioma patients towards allogeneic and autologous tumour cells before and after surgery.

Cell-mediated cytotoxicity (CTX) of meningioma patients towards meningioma cells and fibroblasts was studied in vitro before and after surgery, using the 3H-proline microcytotoxicity test. When incubated with allogeneic target cells before surgery, lymphocytes from three out of seven donors showed a specific destruction of meningioma tissue, and two were cytotoxic on both types of targets. Five patients were tested against their own tumour and against skin fibroblasts; this was feasible by keeping their lymphocytes frozen in liquid nitrogen until their target cells grew as suitable monolayers in vitro. Three patients showed a specific cytotoxic response. After excision of the tumour a gradual loss of this reactivity was observed in both allogeneic and autologous systems. Sera of three patients, whose lymphocytes were not reactive against their own tumour, induced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) towards autologous tumours if normal effector cells were used. This type of response was detectable mainly in postoperative sera, and could not be elicited in autologous lymphocytes. On the contrary, autologous sera inhibited CTX of meningioma effector cells. The data suggest that meningiomas can induce a complex immunological response in the host, which is dependent on the presence or absence of a large tumour burden.


A new gearing approximator for microsurgical vascular anastomoses.

A new gearing approximator for microsurgical vascular anastomoses is described. A highly precise and smoothly working robust gearing in connection with an asymmetrically notched key allows quick application of the approximator and an exactly adjustable interclip distance. By means of a combined handling and gearing screw and exchangeable 30 degrees-angled clips the instrument can easily be applied in narrow operating fields, and it can be handled under vision through the operating microscope without change in magnification adjustment. A quickly increasing platelt aggregation at the suture line and an early "slow flow" can be achieved by gradual opening of the clips. The ease of approximator application may contribute to shortening operation times.


Cerebral arteriovenous malformations; results of microsurgical management.

A series of 63 patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) operated on during an eight-year period is presented. Indications for surgery and the timing of operation are discussed. Monitoring of epidural pressure was of help in assessing the intracranial pressure state, which is important in patient management in the acute stage, in timing of surgery, and in postoperative supervision. The operative mortality was one patient (1.6%). Two patients died due to incomplete resection and late rebleeding two years after operation. Among the others the overall result of surgery was good with respect to neurological deficit and working capacity.


The prognosis of intracranial saccular aneurysms when the surgeon refused surgery.

Despite our basic policy of performing intracranial definitive surgery whenever possible in cases of intracranial saccular aneurysms, we have had 80 patients with non-radically treated aneurysms. This investigation is based on an analysis of the prognosis in 54 cases where we refused definitive surgery; it provides insight into the factors and circumstances leading to the use of treatment of secondary choice, conservative rather than definitive treatment.


Scanning electron microscopy of the subarachnoid macrophages after subarachnoid haemorrhage, and their possible role in the formation of subarachnoid fibrosis.

Sixty dogs with experimental subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), repeated SAH, and subarachnoid fibrosis (examined three weeks and three months after SAH, and treated with urokinase or dexamethasone) were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The authors observed the resting and activated macrophages, the erythrophagocytosis, and giant cells in the subarachnoid space after SAH. They consider that the macrophages play an important role in the formation of subarachnoid fibrosis, similar to the role of macrophages in fibrosis in other sites.


Vasoconstriction of external carotid arteries after rupture of intracranial aneurysms.

Vasoconstriction of the external carotid arteries, which has not been previously reported, was investigated angiographically in 23 patients who had intracranial vasospasm after aneurysm rupture. In about 50% of these patients vasoconstrictive change in the external carotid arteries was also found. These changes were not seen in control cases without intracranial vasospasm. Pathogenesis of the vasoconstriction of the external carotid arteries was discussed with particular emphasis on the relationship with sympathetic nerves.


Treatment of experimental brain oedema following sudden decompression, surgical wound, and cold lesion with vasoprotective drugs and the proteinase inhibitor "Trasylol".

The study was performed on 81 cats with three models of experimental brain oedema: sudden decompression, surgical wound, and cold injury. During the experiments blood pressure, central venous pressure, and intracranial pressure were recorded. The blood-brain-barrier was tested with Evans blue solution. The gray and white matter tissue was sampled at the end of the experiment, and the water content and sodium and potassium concentrations were determined. The animals with the same experimental model were divided into three groups: untreated, treated with the vasoprotective agents, and treated with the protease inhibitor Trasylol. In the sudden decompression model after balloon deflation, white matter haemorrhages and oedema development were found in gray matter and basal nuclei. In animals treated with the vasoprotective drugs, haemorrhages were not observed, and oedematous changes were less pronounced. The Trasylol effect on oedema development was not significant in this model. In the surgical wound model, oedematous changes were observed after 24 hours following the lesion. Oedema occurred in the white matter, as in the animals with cold lesions. In both models--surgical wound and cold lesion--the beneficial effect of Trasylol was shown, while the effect of Aescorin was less evident. The results obtained seemed to testify to the usefulness of both Trasylol and vasoprotective drugs in the prevention and treatment of brain oedema in neurosurgical patients.


Sodium nitroprusside (NPS) stimulates the lactate formation and causes intracellular electrolyte shifts in brain slices.

Nitroprusside sodium (NPS) was added to slices from grey and white rabbit brain matter. The respiration, consumption of glucose, formation of lactate and pyruvate, water content, size of the extracellular space, and total and intracellular sodium and potassium concentrations were determined and calculated. 0.5 and 1 mM NPS stimulated the glycolytic glucose breakdown, and inhibited the respiration of grey and white slices. The respiration of white matter slices was stimulated by 0.05 and 0.01 mM NPS. The total and intracellular potassium concentrations in slices from grey and white matter were lowered markedly by 1 mM NPS. The total and the intracellular sodium concentrations in grey brain matter slices became higher in the presence of 1 mM NPS. A warning is given against uncritical clinical use of higher concentrations of NPS.


A teratoma of the third ventricle of the brain.

A report is presented here of the total extirpation of a teratoma located in the third ventricle of a boy of eight. Since the tumour was made up of mature tissues (adult teratoma), its extirpation may be regarded as a cure. Although there are a few exceptions to the rule, other tumours located in the third ventricle of brain are mostly malignant, and they penetrate the tissues which constitute the wall of the third ventricle. For that reason the effects of a radical operation are doubtful. The adult teratoma is an exception. A tumour of this kind should be extirpated as a whole and removed from the third ventricle of brain.


School rebellion: a research note.

Pathanalysis is applied to survey data bearing on Arthur Stinchcombe's model of student rebellion. The linear causal model hypothesizes that school rebellion is due directly to expressive alienation and indirectly to strain in three systems: poor articulation regarding status allocation, claims to cultural symbols of adult rights, and unrealizable internal standards. Support for the model is not obtained. An alternate model is tested and verified in which political efficacy is an important antecedent of school disruption. The major implication is that school rebellion is not a response to the school experience itself. Other findings are presented concerning the scalability of school disruption items, the nature of expressive alienation and its components, and the impact of sex, race, and neighborhood on school rebellion.


The transmission and acquisition of values in the residential treatment of emotionally disturbed adolescents.

A discussion about (1) the role of values in adolescent development and (2) the various value pathologies found in adolescents in residential treatment was presented. A descriptive study of the transmission and acquisition of three values described how values are not only transmitted by unvarying routines, decrees, traditions, and unspoken codes, but are also conveyed by certain child-care practices. The consistency and quality of these practices were found to be a significant factor for the three values studied.


A group behavior modification approach to adolescent obesity.

This article describes a group weight control project with severely obese adolescent girls in a medical setting. Behavior modification and nutritional principles were utilized with peer group interaction. Significant others were included through separate group meetings. This approach produced small amounts of net weight loss for the girls. The drop-outs continued to have a net gain. As a treatment method, this program was more effective for these girls than previous individual clinic contacts had been. When losing weight, the girls tended to use behavior modification techniques more often, and their diets became more adequate nutritionally. Development of group cohesion was tenuous and temporary. Girls who were functioning more independently appeared to do better in weight loss. Disinterested significant others were preferable to nonsupportive ones. A predictive factor was identified, the girls' perception of control. This was measured by the I-E test. Those with a more internalized perception of control were more likely to continue with the program and more likely to lose weight. Because the patient group was small, findings are tentative. However, this program helped to define particular areas that deserve further exploration.


Implications of developmental theories for counseling adolescents in groups.

This paper presents a rationale for the use of group techniques in counseling adolescents, based on selected developmental theories. In addition, it delineates specific practical implications and guidelines for group counselors to consider. Specifically, group selection, group size and composition, and topical content are discussed as they relate to developmental issues during adolescence.


A behavioral continuum synthesizing Neutralization Theory, situational ethics and juvenile delinquency.

This paper develops some ideas in Matza's Neutralization theory into a continuum containing four categories ranging from extreme goodness to rebellion. We labeled these categories as Moral Absolute, Situational Ethic, Neutralization, and Rebellious Absolute. We discuss the percentages expected in each category and hypothesize that involvement in delinquency will increase progressively across these four categories. The rationale behind this hypothesis is that youth in the United States are viewed as being socialized to accept absolute norms but also to allow exceptions to these norms for particular situations, and that delinquent youth extend these exceptions to zones wider than are tolerated by law officers and wider than are generally accepted. A modified version of the Nye-Short self-reported delinquency scale and measures of normative oreintation which we constructed were used in a mail-out questionnaire to public school students (N = 351). We view our findings as being basically consistent with these expectations.


A behaviorally-oriented activities therapy for program for adolescents.

A behaviorally-oriented activities therapy program was designed and implemented with adolescents who manifested problems in school, at home, and with peers. Baseline measures for target behaviors were taken within the activities therapy program and, after a behavioral analysis, specific techniques were chosen to remediate problems. Techniques employed included: contingency contracting, assertiveness training, relaxation training, and cognitive restructuring. Evaluation of the effectiveness of each program was performed through daily measurement of the frequency of the occurrence of the target behaviors. Three case studies are presented which are illustrative of the range of programs which can be successfully implemented with this population.


Bipolar depression (manic-depressive disease) in early adolescence.

Bipolar Depression is rare in early adolescence. Since only rare cases were described in the literature, every case is important. In this article we described three cases of Bipolar Depression who were hospitalized in our Adolescent Unit during the past three years. All of them started at age 13--14. It is important to diagnose this illness in order to administer the required treatment in the acute phase and preventive treatment afterwards. Our experience indicates that treatment for early adolescents is identical with treatment for adults and calls for the same dosage.


Dextran-induced lowering of parameters of the kallikrein-kinin system in rat plasma.

Pretreatment of rats with tranexamic acid inhibited the rapid lowering of the plasma levels of acetone/kaolin-activated prekallikrein proactivator and prekallikrein caused by intravenous injection of dextran, but did not inhibit the reduction in the level of plasminogen, and potentiated the lowering of high molecular weight kininogen. By acetone/kaolin activation of normal rat plasma a mixture of surface-bound factor XIIa and unbound XIIf was obtained, and a BAEe-esterase (MW about 47,000) possessing weak kininogenase activity was present in addition to kallikrein. In activated plasma from dextran-treated rats the cleavage of XIIa was strongly reduced, and the second esterase was almost absent. It is suggested that dextran induces the loss of a plasma factor which is important for the cleavage of factor XIIa in the adopted procedure. This factor was not high molecular weight kininogen, and the lowering of plasminogen was too small to account for the reduction in PKA-activity.


Substrate modulation as a control mechanism in the activation of plasma multienzyme systems.

Since plasma is a homogenous fluid its biochemical systems need special control mechanisms to prevent their unlimited and continuous activity. In general, enzymic activity is not preformed but generated by trigger processes. Activation is then enhanced by cascade reactions. It can be controlled by enzyme inhibitors, by enzymes which destroy co-factors, or by spontaneous decay or enzyme complexes involved in the system. In addition, in some reactions of the complement and Hageman factor-dependent systems the necessity of substrate modulation controls the extent of activation. Thus, factor B of the properdin system is activatable by factor D only when bound to the activated third component of complement, and C3b fragment; similarly C2 is activated and forms the C3 converting complex, C42, only when bound to C4b prior to its cleavage by C1; C5 can be activated by either of the two convertases only when bound to surface-fixed C3b; and the mutural activation of Hageman factor and pre-kallikrein on surfaces proceeds efficiently only when HMW-kininogen is present which complexes with pre-kallikrein and possibly with Hageman factor.


Activation of human Hageman factor by a leukocytic protease.

We earlier reported the IgE-mediated release of a basophil kallikrein of anaphylaxis (BK-A) which, like plasma kallikrein, is an arginine esterase and cleaves human plasma kininogen generating immunoreactive kinin. We herein report that, like plasma kallikrein, preparations rich in this basophil protease also activate human Hageman Factor by proteolytic cleavage of the zymogen molecule into light and heavy chains. These fragments of 28,000 and 52,000 daltons are similar in size to those produced during activation of Hageman Factor by plasma kallikrein. Exposure of Hageman Factor (bound to a negatively charged surface) to BK-A led to the proteolytic cleavage of Hageman Factor producing a 28,000 molecular weight fragment (HFa) which is functionally active and capable of activating prekallikrein to kallikrein. We conclude that, during anaphylaxis, basophils may release a protease that is capable of cleaving and activating Hageman Factor, thus providing a mechanism for initiating the in vivo activation of the Hageman Factor dependent systems.


Contact activation of plasma: structure-activity relationships of human high molecular weight kininogen.

Human high MW kininogen can be isolated as a single polypeptide chain of 110,000 MW. Purified human plasma kallikrein cleaves this molecule to give a disulfide-linked, two chain molecule, free of kinin, that retains full clotting activity. Following reduction and carboxymethylation of the two chain molecule, a light chain can be isolated that quantitatively retains the full coagulant activity of the native molecule. During contact activation in normal human plasma a rapid cleavage of high MW kininogen along with kinin liberation occurs in a reaction that is dependent upon the presence of prekallikrein and Factor XII (Hageman factor).