Assessing depression outcomes in group practice clinics.

The application of a protocol for the initial assessment of medical care outcomes of geriatric depression management in four multispecialty group practice clinics is described. The clinical findings of this study are limited, but the protocol for the assessment of depression outcomes was found to be feasible, practical and acceptable in all four clinics. The success of the study has positive implications both for improving management of depressed clinic patients and for adapting this quality assurance approach to other health conditions and care settings.


Natural history of anterior cruciate tears.

An evaluation of 361 patients with documented anterior cruciate tears was carried out with analysis of mechanisms, symptomatology, physical findings, and limitations. At the time of injury, patients generally heard a loud pop and felt their knee "slide apart" with a subsequent hemarthrosis. Internal tibial rotation was described as the principal mechanism of iniury in 81.6% of the patients. Less than 20% had a triad type injury. A "crossover" test enabled reproduction of the mechanism. On a 100 point scale, those with "no repair" scored a mean of 55.4, direct repairs 56.7, pes transfers 59.6, and modified MacIntosh 88.9 points. The natural course of a patient can often be projected. A Continuing comparative study of results from treatment regimens and procedures is indicated.


Foot orthotic devices to modify selected aspects of lower extremity mechanics.

Excessive foot pronation has been speculated to be a cause of leg and foot problems among runners. Foot orthotic devices are often used to modify this condition. Examination of the records of 180 patients treated for various running injuries showed that 83 individuals (46%) were prescribed orthotic devices and that 65 of these runners (78%) were able to return to their previous running programs. In order to assess further the effects of this type of orthotic device, six runners were selected from this group and filmed using two cameras (200 frames/sec) under three conditions: (1) barefoot, (2) regular shoe, and (3) regular shoe plus orthotic device. Both the period of pronation and the amount of maximum pronation were significantly reduced by using the foot orthotic device. The data support the conclusion that foot orthotic devices can be successfully used to modify selected aspects of lower extremity mechanics during the support phase of running.


Proplast leader for use in cruciate ligament reconstruction.

A synthetic leader has been used in 18 cases of medial one-third patellar tendon substitution for the anterior cruciate ligament and in 10 cases of posterior cruciate substitution using the medial head of the gastrocnemius tendon. The device adds length and facilitates manipulation of the transplanted tissues. There have been no problems with biocompatibility and there have been no instances of staple loosening or disruption of the junction between the stabilizer and transplanted tissues. Early results with the anterior cruciate substitutions suggest thet anchoring the transfer in bony tunnels in both the tibia and femur does not allow sufficient flexibility to prevent stretching or disruption of the tendon transfer.


Knee injury in skiing. A multifaceted approach.

During the past four ski seasons, all 1,141 ski injuries which occurred in a large northern Vermont ski area were evaluated prospectively. Of these injuries, 21.6% involved knee ligaments and 18.6% involved sprains of the medial collateral ligament. Females sustained a disproportionately high incidence of Grade I medial collateral sprains, but suffered the more severe sprains at a rate similar to that of males. Individuals who were smaller, younger, less experienced, and less skilled sustained a higher incidence of Grade I injuries. Skiers suffering complete tears of the medial collateral ligament were no smaller, younger, or less skilled or experienced than our control population. Medial collateral sprains are produced primarily by external rotation and valgus forces. Two-mode release bindings are insensitive to several loading configurations which could produce knee sprains. Bindings which allow release in roll, shear, and twist at the heel, as well as twist at the toe and forward lean, appear to be necessary to protect the knee.


Women in sports: the Naval Academy experience.

Women were first admitted to the United States Naval Academy with the Class of 1980. The physical performance of 63 women in that class along with 69 in the Class of 1981 and 78 in the Class of 1982 is compared to the performance of a random sample of male midshipmen in the same Classes. The Department of Physical Education made some adjustments in the fitness program for women but did not change the objectives. The number of hours of physical education was the same for the men and women. Performance tests show that the women have scored better than had been anticipated and that the scores have improved with each Class. The women have averaged three times as many visits to the orthopaedic clinic for stress-related injuries than the men, but as the women have become acclimated to a more active life, they have sought medical attention for these problems less often. The women in these three Classes have had no trauma-related orthopaedic surgery. It is anticipated that when women midshipmen begin to participate in the same vigorous sports as men, e.g., soccer, lacrosse, and others, that injuries will increase. We conclude that physical fitness requirements for women will become increasingly similar to the men's requirements. At this time, the performance of women is often a result of society's conditioning rather than apparent physiologic differences between the sexes.


Reversibility of histopathological changes in the ovaries in acute murine schistosomiasis mansoni after niridazole treatment.

Atrophy of the corpus luteum cells, and nuclear alterations of the interstitial cells, are constantly found in the ovaries of mice with acute Schistosoma mansoni infection. In order to investigate whether these pathological changes are reversible, 2 months after infection of mice niridazole was administered orally for 10 days in a daily dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. Uninfected and infected untreated groups served as controls. The frequency of normal ovaries was much greater in animals cured of infection than in the infected controls. In some animals, unilateral ovariectomy was performed; the histopathological changes in the ovaries removed before treatment were absent in the remaining ovaries 4 weeks after treatment. These findings indicate that ovarian alterations in murine schistosomiasis mansoni can be reversed by adequate antischistosomal treatment.


Value of examination for fecal leukocytes in the early diagnosis of shigellosis.

Fecal specimens from 101 patients with diarrhea were cultured and also examined with methylene blue for leukocytes. Thirty-six patients had leukocytes in their stools and 29 had culture-proven shigellosis. The sensitivity of fecal leukocytes in shigellosis was 95% (19/20) when cup specimens were obtained, and 44% (4/9) when swab or diaper specimens were examined. Only 45% of the patients with shigellosis who provided cup specimens had grossly bloody dysentery. Twelve other patients had fecal leukocytes but no demonstrable invasive bacterial pathogens. Methylene blue examination was useful in identifying motile trophozoites of Giardia lamblia and eggs or larvae of other heavy intestinal paraistic infections. Among patients with naturally-acquired acute diarrhea, methylene blue examination of stools for leukocytes is much more sensitive than examination for blood in predicting a positive culture for Shigella spp. It is also of value in detecting parasites.


Tears of the pectoralis major muscle.

Nine athletes (men, 22 to 40 years old) who sustained tears of the pectoralis major muscle are described. Four were treated by the authors and five patients' cases were reviewed from records of orthopaedic surgeons for the National Football League. Eight of the nine patients sustained tears from excessive tension; one was involved in an automobile accident and sustained a direct blow. Five patients were treated conservatively and obtained good results (normal range of motion, mild pain, and weakness). They agreed that they could not return to their previous athletic functional ability. The other four were treated surgically and obtained excellent results (normal range of motion, excellent strength). They were able to return to vigorous athletic performance.


Immune responses in bats following intranasal infection with Histoplasma capsulatum.

Groups of bats (Artibeus lituratus) were infected by the intranasal instillation of a suspension of mycelia and spore particles of Histoplasma capsulatum containing either 10(4) or 10(6) viable units. Bats infected with the high dose had viable H. capsulatum in the lungs, liver, spleen and gut as early as 2 weeks post-infection. Complement-fixing antibodies to the organism were detectable 3 weeks after infection, whereas precipitating antibodies were not persent until 5 weeks. Significantly delayed hypersensitivity to histoplasmin was noted at 2 and 4 weeks after infection. By 9 weeks, delayed hypersensitivity had waned, while antibodies could still be demonstrated. The observation that bats are susceptible to respiratory infection with H. capsulatum suggests a mechanism by which the disease may be maintained within a colony. Delayed hypersensitivity appears to be a sensitive, but transient, indicator of active histoplasmosis in bats.


Epidemic dengue fever in Puerto Rico, 1977: a cost analysis.

During the period July-December 1977, a widespread epidemic of dengue fever occurred in Puerto Rico. The cost of the epidemic was calculated, using upper and lower limit incidence figures, in terms of direct costs (medical care and epidemic control measures) and indirect costs (lost production of ill workers and parents of ill children). Direct costs were estimated to range between $2.4 and $4.7 million. Indirect costs were calculated by using current (1977) employment and wage data and population extrapolations from the 1970 census, and entailed a loss to the Puerto Rico economy of from $3.7 to $10.9 million. The total cost of this epidemic, therefore, was estimated to be in a range of $6.0 to $15.6 million, of which epidemic control measures comprised 7.8--20.2%.


Variation in susceptibility to oral infection with dengue viruses among geographic strains of Aedes aegypti.

The comparative susceptibility of 13 geographic strains of Aedes aegypti to oral infection with dengue viruses was studied by feeding the mosquitoes on a virus-erythrocyte-sugar suspension. Significant variation in susceptibility to four dengue serotypes was observed among the geographic strains tested. Mosquito strains which were more susceptible to one serotype were also more susceptible to the other serotypes, suggesting that the factors controlling susceptibility were the same for all types. The amount of virus required to infect mosquitoes orally varied inversely with the susceptibility of the geographic strain. Thresholds of infection were not the same for dengue types 1, 2, 3 and 4. There was no apparent difference in infectivity between prototype and recently isolated strains of dengue types 1 and 3. Crossing experimentibility as the resistant parent. No difference was observed between resistant and susceptible mosquito strains in the rate or the amount of viral replication after infection by the parenteral route, or in their ability to transmit dengue 2 virus after infection by the oral route.


Transmission of Venezuelan encephalitis virus by naturally infected Culex (Melanoconion) opisthopus.

During August 1977 two of 975 Culex (Melanoconion) opisthopus collected from an enzootic marsh habitat on the Pacific coast of Guatemala transmitted VE virus to hamsters. Eight VE strains were isolated from Cu. opisthopus. The minimal level of VE infection in this species during July-August 1977 at La Avellana, Guatemala was 1/128 (8/1,021), and the prevalence of Cu. (Mel.) opisthopus transmitting VE virus was 1/487 (2/975). This mosquito was the predominant species attacking humans at that time, suggesting that Cu. opisthopus is a vector of VE virus to man as well as a vector in enzootic cycles in Guatemala. These studies establish Cu. opisthopus as the third proven enzootic vector of VE virus.


Diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis by in vitro cultivation of saline aspirates in Schneider's Drosophila Medium.

A culture system was developed and evaluated as an improved diagnostic procedure for human infections of New and Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis. Needle aspirates of 55 suspect lesions from 40 human cases were made by injecting and withdrawing sterile saline from the outer margin of a lesion. Aspirates were inoculated and cultured in an insect cell culture medium, Schneider's Drosophila Medium, supplemented with 30% fetal bovine serum. Paralleled cultures in a blood-based medium, NNN, were used as a basis of comparison for sensitivity. Promastigotes were observed in 37 of 55 (67%) of the Schneider's Medium cultures on an average of 6.0 days, as compared to only 8 of 55 of the NNN cultures on an average of 11.6 days.


Dirofilaria in the abdominal cavity of a man in Japan.

A case of human dirofilariasis of the abdominal cavity is reported from Japan. The patient, a 74-year-old man, died of liver cancer; postmortem examination revealed a granulomatous mass on the mesentery. In histologic sections there were cross-sections of a mature female nematode identified as a Dirofilaria. The cuticle had a smooth surface and consisted of four distinct layers. The inner cuticular layer had internal lateral longitudinal ridges, and the musculature of the body wall was of the high polymyarian type. On the basis of morphology of the worm, it is suggested that this may represent the first human case of Dirofilaria immitis occurring in the abdominal cavity.


The cryopreservation and in vitro cultivation of larval Onchocerca volvulus.

A system developed in our laboratory for the in vitro cultivation of larval Onchocerca volvulus is being employed in a series of morphogenetic, physiologic, chemotherapeutic and immunologic investigations of this parasite. Because of the need for a large and readily available supply of living worms for this work, cryogenic techniques are being used for the long-term preservation of larval parasites collected in various endemic areas of Guatemala, C.A. To date, microfilariae have survived frozen storage in human cutaneous tissues (excised nodules and skin snips) for as long as 504 days, and viable larvae, in all stages of development have been recovered from the black fly vectors (Simulium ochraceum and S. metallicum) kept frozen for 396 days. That cryopreservation does not appear to affect these parasites adversely is indicated by the fact that microfilariae derived from frozen tissues do not differ from those obtained from fresh tissues on the basis of: 1) numbers and vigor of emergent microfilariae; 2) survival and morphogenesis of microfilariae during cultivation in vitro for 24 days; 3) glucose utilization during 72 hours of incubation; and 4) their incorporation of 3H-amino acids as determined after 18 hours of incubation. Details of methodology for cryopreservation and in vitro cultivation, together with resultant data, are presented herein.


Surgical treatment of renovascular hypertension.

The evaluation of patients with inadequate control of diastolic blood pressure for surgically correctable forms of hypertension led to the detection and surgical treatment of 56 patients. Detection was facilitated by the use of hypertensive intravenous pyelography and Hippuran renal Scanning. Aortography proved the presence of renal artery disease and renal vein renin assay established its significance in the etiology of the patients' hypertension. Renal artery reconstruction was performed in 50 patients, including 5 who also had reconstruction of major aortoiliac lesions. The extent of renal artery disease precluded arterial reconstruction in six patients, who required nephrectomy. Two postoperative deaths occurred, for a mortality rate of 3.6 per cent. Improvement in mean diastolic blood pressure for the total group of patients from 118 mm Hg preoperatively to 86 mm Hg postoperatively was achieved. Forty-six patients (85 per cent) have a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or less; in 5 patients the diastolic blood pressure is 91 to 100 mm Hg but is at least 20 mm Hg lower than the preorative level.


Prevention of distal embolism during arterial reconstruction.

Distal embolization of fragmented laminated thrombus and atheroma producing peripheral ischemia or gangrene is an underemphasized complication of arterial reconstruction. A set of techniques has been developed to minimize this important complication. To assess their effectiveness, the incidence of distal embolism in patients undergoing resection of abdominal aortic aneurysm with and without the use of these techniques was studied. In the 434 patients who underwent elective resection of abdominal aneurysm, measures to prevent distal embolism were used in all cases. The incidence of distal embolism was only 0.23 per cent (1 of 434), in contrast to reported incidences of up to 11 per cent. In the 21 patients who underwent emergency resection of ruptured aneurysm, these techniques were not used due to the need for early proximal control for resuscitation; distal embolism of atheromatous material occurred in 2 cases, an incidence of 9 per cent. The application of these techniques to other peripheral vascular procedures has resulted in similar low rates of postoperative distal ischemia.


Extremity revascularization: a decade of experience.

Operative management provides low risk palliation for symptomatic occlusive disease of the leg. Survival is adversely affected by associated conditions. The rate of limb salvage was 70 per cent at 2 years in patients with gangrene. Bypass grafting did not increase the risk of subsequent amputation (mortality 11 per cent), and therefore primary amputation should be avoided.


Breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

The mastectomy patient presenting to the plastic surgeon often relates a profound sense of deformity. The current state of the art in breast reconstruction allows the plastic surgeon to intelligently address this deformity with procedures capable of achieving pleasing aesthetic results. If adequate soft tissue is present, implantation in the submuscular plane has proved satisfactory. However, if soft tissue deficiencies exist, highly acceptable results have been consistently achieved using the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap.


Bilaterality and the prosthetic repair of large recurrent inguinal hernias.

From 1966 to 1977, 396 men aged 25 to 89 years (mean 58) underwent 505 repairs for recurrent inguinal herniation (including bilateral defects and recurrences). Since by 1972 it was realized that the approach precluded an effective relaxing incision, when this was indicated (66 per cent) a Marlex prosthesis was used. Seventy-four patients underwent 83 repairs with this material; 26 (35 per cent) had had previous repairs for recurrence, 29 (40 per cent) underwent contralateral herniorrhpahy, whereas another 12 (16 percent) underwent bilateral repair. Fifty-five (2 of 3) protrusions were direct. None of the patients died. Although overall 110 (22 per cent) of the operations failed, only 6 of 83 hernias (7 per cent) in which Marlex was used recurred, with a mean follow-up study of 4 years. It is important to use a large enough piece of plastic and remove attenuated fascia from around the defect. No infection or extrusion occurred. Preperitoneal placement of Marlex is recommended for difficult, repeatedly recurrent inguinal hernias.


Bilateral bleb excision through median sternotomy.

We believe that when the indications for operation for spontaneous pneumothorax are met, the procedure of choice is bilateral resection of apical blebs and pleural abrasion through a median sternotomy. This approach allows easy access to both lungs and pleural spaces for a condition that is bilateral 100 per cent of the time. The operative morbidity is minimal and it essentially eliminates both ipsilateral and contralateral recurrence of pneumothorax with an operation that is of lesser rather than greater magnitude.


Reappraisal of intravenous procaine as a short-acting anesthetic adjuvant.

Our data in 74 patients demonstrate that procaine hydrochloride is a safe anesthetic adjuvant in doses of 1 mg/kg/min even when total doses are 5 to 7 g. Blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiographic variables, and blood gases were not adversely affected. Patients had no nausea or untoward postanesthesia symptoms. Emergence from anesthesia was rapid, within less than 15 minutes in all patients, and most were fully awake before leaving the operating room. In two patients in whom blood levels were studied the drug disappeared within 40 minutes. Procaine is inexpensive, $1.16 for 10 g, and it is not a known liver or kidney toxin. Until studies on cardiovascular dynamics and analgesic effects as in whom a low plasma cholinesterase activity is present or suspected. The clinical appraisal in 56 patients indicates its usefulness in suppressing premature venticular contractions and cough reflexes during endoscopic procedures in the respiratory tract. Procaine can be used to advantage in supplementing general anesthesia in outpatient surgery because of its brief action. For these reasons, the drug merits further study.


Hydatid disease of the liver.

Twenty cases of hyadatid disease of the liver are described. The clinical manifestations of hydatid cyst of the liver and diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound and computerized axial tomographic scan of the liver are presented. In the last 10 cases, aspiration of hydatid fluid without opening the exocyst initially reduced the incidence of complications significantly. The application of a vacuum suction to the exocyst postoperatively enhances liver regeneration.


Sepsis in the management of complicated biliary disorders.

Postoperative sepsis developed in 72 per cent of 25 patients with noncalculous proximal biliary tract obstruction. Six episodes of shock and one death resulted. Twenty-eight per cent of septic events occurred despite the administration of prophylactic antibiotics. The incidence of septic complications was similar regardless of the biliary drainage procedure used. Despite the advent of broad spectrum antibiotics and improved surgical techniques for biliary decompression, sepsis remains a serious and frequent complication in patients with chronic bile duct obstruction.


Cholecystosonography for the decision to operate when acute cholecystitis is suspected.

Forty-four patients admitted with a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis underwent immediate cholecystosonography, and if the findings were interpreted as showing gallstones, surgery was performed. The accuracy was 91 per cent. The routine use of cholecystosonography in acutely ill patients is recommended.


Surgical decision-making in the treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts. Internal versus external drainage.

One hundred patients with documented pancreatic pseudocysts who underwent surgical drainage are reported on. Accurate assessment of the size and location of the pseudocyst using ultrasonography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, angiography, and upper gastrointestinal roentgenography is essential. After diagnosis, the next 4 to 7 weeks is a critical period, after which surgical intervention becomes mandatory if the cyst has not resolved. This period between diagnosis and operation is hazardous and demands close clinical follow-up. When oepration is required, the preferred procedure continues to be internal drainage because it is associated with less morbidity and a lower mortality. However, external drainage appears to be a suitable second choice. Fewer than 10 per cent of the patients in this series who underwent external drainage developed fistulas, and the overall rate of late morbidity was acceptable.


Use of the barium enema in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and its complications.

The value of barium enema examination in diagnosing acute appendicitis in patients with equivocal findings has been confirmed by our experience with five patients. Cecal spasm, extrinsic compression of the cecum, nonvisualization of the appendix, and partial visualization of the appendix appear to be useful roentgenographic signs, either singly or in combination, in diagnosing acute appendicitis. We have had absolute pathologic correlation between the barium enema findings andthe subsequent clinical course of all the patients in whom we conducted this examination. When performed by an experienced radiologist, the barium enema examination carries no increased risk, and we have seen no complications from this procedure.


Obstructive complications of the Nissen fundoplication.

The obstructive complications of the Nissen fundoplication can be devastating. They are much more easily prevented than treated. The technical considerations in avoiding these complications are conceptually simple. The fundoplication should be done over a large intraesophageal stent. A no. 50 or 60 French dilator is appropriate and, in addition, the fundoplication should be left loose. If the fundoplication is to be left in the chest, the hiatus must be widely enlarged so that there is not the slightest hint of obstruction at the level of the diagphragm. Care must be taken in this case to approximate stomach to diaphragm. The Nissen fundoplication should be carried out using heavy sutures with generous bites of the stomach on both sides as well as bites of the esophageal wall and perhaps also the proximal stomach. If careful attention is paid to these technical details, the obstructive complications of the Nissen fundoplication should be eliminated.


Major complications of percutaneous subclavian vein catheters.

New and reportedly safet techniques for subclavian venipuncture with the passage of central venous catheters appear regularly in the surgical literature [55--59]; yet reports of major complications continue to appear as well. We have reported on eight patients with major complications of percutaneous subclavian vein catheters, two of whom died. In our own hospital an improved educational program for junior house staff and nurses has been instituted. Better supervision of junior house staff when performing this potentially lethal technique is necessary. Daily inspection of catheters, early removal of unnecessary catheters, and improved equipment should help to prevent these complications in the future.


Short-term femoral vein catheterization. A safe alternative venous access?

Results of femoral vein catheterization were compared with those of subclavian and antecubital vein catheterization in 2,345 combat casualties during treatment of hypovolemic shock. Femoral vein catheterization was successful in 95.5 per cent of cases. Accidental arterial puncture occurred in 6.3 per cent, hematomas in 1.3 per cent, and infection in 1.4 per cent. Subclavian vein catheterization was successful in 92.4 per cent. Arterial puncture occurred in 0.4 per cent, hematomas in 0.3 per cent, infection in 1.1 per cent, pneumothorax in 1.4 per cent, and hydrothorax in 0.4 per cent. Antecubital vein catheterization was successful in 77.6 per cent, infection developed in 3.3 per cent, and phlebitis occurred in 5.6 per cent. No clinically detectable phlebitis occurred after either femoral or subclavian vein catheterization. The low morbidity of femoral vein catheterization in this series suggests that this approach be considered when short-term massive intravenous fluid administration is indicated in the treatment of circulatory collapse or cardiac arrest.


Fungal infection of the burn wound.

Six of 92 patients with invasive mycotic infection of the burn wound survived. These patients demonstrate the value of prompt diagnosis and expdeitious debridement of the infected tissue in successfully managing this dangerous infection.


Fatal hepatic hemorrhage after trauma.

Two hundred twenty-five cases of acute hepatic trauma were reviewed. Thirty-four patients died, 28 (82 per cent) as a direct result of exsanguination. The successful management of hemorrhage associated with severe liver injuries requires early diagnosis, prompt hemostasis and restoration of blood volume, close attention to coagulation factors, and the precise application of surgical techniques.


Activated clotting time (ACT) monitoring of intraoperative heparinization in peripheral vascular surgery.

We conclude that (1) the activated clotting time (ACT) is an accurate method of monitoring anti-coagulation during peripheral vascular surgery and can easily be performed by a technician in the operating room or at the bedside; (2) an initial heparinizing dose of 120 to 130 units/kg is adequate in 95 per cent of the patients; (3) the ACT should be maintained at greater than twice the control values (180 to 200 seconds), which required supplementation within 2 hours in 21 per cent; (4) the response to heparin is twofold: an initial sensitivity or resistance followed by an independent and variable rate of consumption; (5) the patient's heparin dose-response curve should be used to calculate the amount of supplemental heparin needed to maintain the ACT at a safe level; (6) protamine should be given if the ACT at the conclusion of the operation is greater than 150 seconds (50 per cent of our patients); and (7) a final ACT 15 to 30 minutes postoperatively should be obtained to ensure adequate reversal or to detect heparin rebound or depletion of clotting factors.


Vertebral arteriovenous fistulas.

Vertebral arteriovenous fistulas are rare. A report of two cases is presented with problems related to diagnosis and therapy. An alternative approach to surgical management is given.


Lower extremity amputation: review of 110 cases.

Very significant morbidity and mortality continue to accompany lower extremity amputations. In this study 90 patients underwent 110 amputations over a 4 year period. The overall complication rate was 40 per cent and the overall mortality rate 12.2 per cent. The patients at greatest risk were the above knee amputees greater than 60 years of age with peripheral vascular disease. Amputation of the lower extremity must be recognized as a major, life-threatening procedure. Careful preoperative evaluation of cardiac, pulmonary, and nutritional status along with efforts to prevent sepsis, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, gastrointestinal ulceration, and renal failure are necessary if the mortality accompanying these procedures is to be reduced.


Intravenous erythromycin in acute chest infections in critically ill patients.

Superinfections with resistant micro-organisms have recently become an increasing problem in hospital patients and are throught to be contributed to by inappropriate use of newer, broad-spectrum antibiotics. Erythromycin exhibits a more limited spectrum of antibacterial activity and was therefore re-evaluated in the treatment of acute chest infections in critically ill patients. Twenty-one patients were given erythromycin in a dose of 1.8 g per day by continuous intravenous infusion for up to five days. A satisfactory clinical response occurred in ten patients, in all of whom erythromycin-sensitive micro-organisms were isolated from sputum. An unsatisfactory response occurred in six patients, all associated with micro-organisms insensitive to erythromycin and requiring alternative antibiotic treatment. No undesirable side-effects were noted. It is concluded that erythromycin is a safe and useful agent in the routine treatment of acute chest infections in critically ill patients.


The short term distribution of thiopentone in the dog.

Rapid sampling of arterial blood following intravenous infusion of thiopentone at various speeds has demonstrated that the peak concentrations for doses given over five seconds are at least twice those for doses given over fifteen seconds. The area under the curves and the dispersed arterial concentrations show no significant difference between infection speeds.


Althesin for neuroanaesthesia.

Althesin was used as a induction agent then diluted and administered as a controlled infusion for 60 patients undergoing 66 procedures. Increment doses of fentanyl were given to provide additional analgesia. There was delayed awakening in 7 patients (12.1%), 3 of whom responded rapidly to narcotic reversal with naloxone. Intracerebral pathology and surgical trauma contributed to the slow recovery in the other 4 patients. Evidence is presented that Althesin infusions reduce the narcotic requirement. Althesin anaesthesia provides good neurosurgical conditions without delay in recovery.


Central neural blockade and caesarian section II: patient assessment of the procedure.

A confidential questionnaire was sent to 62 mothers who had chosen central neural blockade for caesarian section. 82.5% replied to open and closed questions about their motives for and memories of the experience. Despite several sources of discomfort during surgery and in the postoperative period the overall response was overwhelmingly positive towards the procedure. The results of this pilot study indicate the importance of considering maternal aspirations prior to caesarian section, and allowing the informed mother to choose between central neural blockade and general anaesthesia whenever possible.


The vestibulo-ocular (caloric) reflex in the diagnosis of cerebral death.

Correlation between vestibulo-ocular (caloric) reflex and the electroencephalogram was examined in 25 apparently brain-dead and 17 severely brain-injured patients. Among the apparently cerebrally dead, 3 patients still had some EEG activity and in 2, there was some response to caloric testing. In the control group of patients some EEG activity was present in all, and the caloric response was absent in 1. It is concluded that absence of caloric response has similar power to the electroencephalogram in confirming cerebral death. The diagnosis, however, must be made on the total information available, including history and examination of the patient. The policy of the Intensive Care Unit of Prince Henry Hospital in this regard is outlined.


Practical anaesthesia: the anaesthetic management of major spinal surgery in children.

The anaesthetic management of patients requiring surgical correction of idiopathic scoliosis using the Harrington Rod Instrumentation Technique is discussed. Special emphasis is made of the need to minimise blood loss, to limit homologous blood transfusions and to provide adequate postoperative analgesia.


Case report: high sympathetic block with ptosis after lumbar epidural analgesia in an obstetric patient.

Following lumbar epidural analgesia, a 26 year old primigravida developed right ptosis and other signs of paralysis of the right sympathetic supply to the head and neck. The case is discussed and compared with cases of Horner's syndrome which have followed epidural analgesia. It was probably due to differential sympathetic blockade.


Proliferation kinetics in the mammary gland of the mouse during postnatal development.

Radioautographic studies after incorporation of 3H-thymidine in the mammary gland of the mouse demonstrate a decrease in the rate of mitosis in parenchymal epithelial cells from 80/1000 cells in the first week of life to 15/1000 cells in the 2nd week and an increase again at the 25th day of life of 100/1000 cells. The labeled nuclei are distributed irregularly in the glandular epithelium. The highest mitotic activity is found at the bifurcation of ducts and at the base of sprouting end buds. In contrast labeled myoepithelial cells are distributed uniformly throughout all parts of the developing gland. The external shape of the nipple of the female mammary gland is a result of local differences in the rate of mitosis of the basal cell layer of the epidermis and the epithelium of the nipple anlage.


Investigations into the mechanism of progesterone release by rat lutein cells.

Vinblastine treatment blocks progesterone release from the lutein cells of superovulated immature rat ovaries, without impairing hormone synthesis, and induces the accumulation of electron-dense granules, 0.2--0.3 micron in diameter, at the juxta-sinusoidal poles of the cells. The hypothesis is advanced that these granules are true secretory organelles and that an exocytotic mechanism underlies the progesterone release from rat lutein cells.


Growth retardation in rat fetuses induced by chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CPZ).

Maternal administration of 100 mg/kg of chlorpromazine hydrochloride on 14th gestation day led to a significant (P less than 0.001) intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in rat fetuses collected from 16th--20th days of gestation. Besides weight of the fetus, other measurements were used to assess the stunted growth, e.g. CR length, tail length and trans-umbilical distance (TUD). The latter was as efficacious as the weight since with each one of them the IUGR was found in 88% of fetuses at--2SD level on 20th day of gestation. The different components of the fetal environments, e.g. weight and volume of placenta, length of the umbilical cord, weight and volume of amniotic fluid were also investigated which showed a positive correlation between alteration in the fetal environment and IUGR.


Functional anatomy of physiologic atresia in human and mammal embryogenesis.

1. Physiological atresias represent temporal functionate structures that appear and disappear in various organs at different stages in embryonic development. 2. The phenomen of physiological atresia has its morphological and time characteristics in different organs and systems. The universal occurrence of the epithelial adhesion observed in the viscera and natural apertures in the body have functional significance for the embryo in its adaptation to the development in the amniotic medium. 3. Deviations in recanalization of fetal occlusions result in the appearance of congenital atresia and other defects in the development. This is grounded by some indirect evidences. 4. Detailed a knowledge of embryogenesis has clinical importance in explaining the observed congenital anomaly and for their diagnosis and correction.


An anatomical study of the brains of Dipodomys (Mammalia: Rodentia: Heteromyidae).

Whole brains and Nissl-stained serial sections of 3 species of kangaroo rat (Dipodomys spectabilis, D. ordii, D. merriami) were compared for interspecific differences. Neuroanatomical variations were conservative in nature. Examination of the cerebellum revealed possible differences in locomotion and ecology. Dipodomys ordii exhibited more neurological evidence for increased specialization of the hindlimbs, while D. merriami had the least differentiated cerebellar surface, thereby suggesting more stereotyped movements of the hindlimbs. Dipodomys spectabilis had abilities that lie somewhere between those of D. ordii and D. merriami. Stereological analysis demonstrated little difference in the percent of total brain volume comprising the telencephalon, diencephalon, cerebellum, and brain stem; and it revealed the relative position of the cranial nerve nuclei.


[The growth function w = e (sin (pi/2(t/te)(p))) (2q) and its properties (author's transl)].

Preceding investigations into increase functions of organic growth and their integration to growth functions have repeatedly shown curves looking like axially deformed harmonic functions. Arising from this experience the function W = E (sin (pi/2)t/tE)(p)))(2q) is considered and shown to be settled between growth functions of the increase types dW/dt = ktp(E--W)n and dW/dt = kWm(tE--t)q respectively. After gaining relations of the parameters to the basic values of growth and time graphs are given for the growth and increase functions in general and for 1 = 1 and p = 1 as special cases.


[Increase functions of the type dW/dt = k Wm/tp and their integrals (author's transl)].

Continuing systematical investigations into increase functions the type dW/dt = k Wm/tp is treated. This case yields 2 types of integrals or growth functions according to m = 1 and m greater than 1 respectively, both reaching adultness after infinite time. Approximation to the final value W = E can be quite different following the amount of m and p especially. Examples are given for comparing the growth function with that of Janoschek (1957) implying 3 parameters instead of four.


Scanning electron microscopy of Purkinje fibres of the pig heart.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of Purkinje fibres (P-fibres) from the septal walls and the septomarginal trabecula was performed on deparaffinized sections, the identification in SEM made possible by comparative light microscopy. The myofibrils in P-fibres from the septal walls were arranged in a cart-wheel fashion, whereas P-fibres from the septomarginal trabecula showed a nearly parallel alignment of the contractile material. Z-line ridges resembling the T-tubules of the myocardial fibres were observed in both kinds of P-fibres. The myofibrillar arrangements are discussed in relation to the expected mechanical stress put upon P-fibres in the 2 locations during systolic-diastolic activity. An adaptive function of the contractile material to the mechanical stress is suggested and the possible need of a T-tubular system is discussed.


A critical revaluation of fibre arrangement in the mid-zone (stratum reticulare) of human corium.

Investigation of in situ fixed skin clearly showed distinct arrangement and orientation of collagenous fibre bundles clearly visible only after in situ fixation of whole bodies. Light microscopy seems especially useful to study gross fibre and fibre bundle arrangement, whereas scanning electron microscopy is better suited to study the finer details of fibres and fibre bundles and their arrangement. 2 main directions of fibre bundles were found. The orientation was corresponding to the main mechanical stresses exerted to the skin. No clear start and ending of the fibre bundles could be distinguished. They seem to be arranged in a 3 dimensional texture. Fibres are branching off from one bundle and merge again either with a branch of the same bundle or with a branch of another bundle, in a higher or a lower layer of this 3 dimensional texture. In addition to the 2 main directions of the bundle orientation thin fibres are penetrating the whole texture in various directions. This is especially prominent in regions where vessels, hairbulbs or glands are protruding into the stratum reticulare. A quantitative study of fibre and fibre bundle orientation using semithin sections is under current investigation applying an automatic image analysis system.


A quantitative analysis of bone tissue formation in different regions of the spongiosa in the dog skeleton.

An investigation has been carried out on the relationship between the extent of bone tissue formation and the architecture of the "tubular" and "lamellar" components of the spongiosa within shaft bone ends, the anterior and posterior epiphyses and the intermediate portions of vertebral bodies in 3 dogs (aged 6 months, 2 and 3 years) treated for 3 consecutive days with tetracycline. The ratio of the extent of labelled surfaces to the sum of labelled plus unlabelled ones indicates the bone formation rate, referred to as osteogenic activity (OA). In the growing animal, a higher osteogenic activity is displayed by the "tubular" spongiosa, which lies peripherally in the metaphyses of shaft bones and consists of strong trabeculae nearly parallel to one another, and apparently arranged according to the distribution of mechanical stresses. In the adult dogs, the relatively higher osteogenic activity recorded in "lamellar" spongiosa appears to depend on a marked reduction in the osteogenic activity in the "tubular" spongiosa. In the vertebrae, osteogenic activity is higher in the central portion than in extremities solely during the period of growth in length: in the adult, the value of osteogenic activity was found to be practically uniform throughout the vertebral body. The "tubular" spongiosa, therefore, would be more actively involved in the remodelling of the metaphyses while the bone increases in length; the same would occur in the intermediate portion of the vertebral body. The reconstruction of the "lamellar" spongiosa, presumably less involved mechanically than the "tubular" spongiosa, would rather be an expression of bone mineral metabolism. A close relationship between spongiosa structure and osteogenic activity would occur at the ends of long bones and within the vertebral body.


Study of the grasping spines and teeth of 6 chaetognath species observed by scanning electron microscopy.

The grasping spines and teeth of 6 species of Chaetognatha have been studied with the scanning electron microscope, describing in the grasping spines: curvature, surface, ridge and insertion and in the teeth, its characters and their arrangement on the head.


[Differentiated vascularization of Dogiel's cell types and the preferred vascularization of type I/2 cells within plexus myentericus (Auerbach) ganglia of the pig (author's transl)].

It could be proved that the typ I/2-cells are the preferred capillarized nerve cells not only in the plexus Schabadasch (Stach 1977a), but also in the plexus Auerbach. It underlines the special importance of this type of cells for the function of the nervous system of the intestinal wall. Our findings concerning the vascularisation of the intramural nerve plexuses allow to conclude that the regular blood-supply is decisively important for a normal function of the nervous system of the intestinal wall. The knowledge of these facts might be of interest for gastroenterology.


Development of reflexogenic zone innervation of the human cardiovascular system.

The development of the innervation of the human branchial aortic arches and the heart has been investigated. The early growth of nerve fibres to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th aortic arches has been established. Evidence of the transformation of the 1st and 2nd aortic arches and the 4th right one into highly sensitive zones is presented. The order in which nerve connections of the arch regions which develop into reflexogenic zones in a definitive organism are formed is demonstrated. The cranial nerve fibres grow first, and are followed by the sympathetic trunk fibers. Investigations carried out on the extensive material corroborate Koch's hypothesis (1931) that all aortic arches of the embryo develop into reflexogenic zones.


The sequential development of the higher visual centers in the C.N.S. of the quail.

The development of the optic tectum and the main nuclei of the visual pathways were studied in the quail and correlated with retinal development. The lateral geniculate nuclei began to establish by the 8th day of ineubation and the optic fibre reached the optic tectum by the 10th day, a time when the retina acquired its inner segments. By the 14th day when the retina became fully development, the cytological architecture in the tectum and the appearing of the other visual nuclei were completed.


Effect of insulin on vaginal epithelium cells from castrated female rats. II. Studies on exfolative cytology.

The effect of insulin (single subcutaneous injection, 3 IU/100 g body weight) on the vaginal epithelium cells of female adult castrated rats was studied. An increase in nuclear volume and modification of the cytological picture suggesting an activation of cellular metabolism were observed. This anabolic effect of insulin is observed in other cells of the organism, and is not confined to vaginal epithelium cells.


The retrotransverse groove (canal) in the Indian atlas vertebrae.

The incidence of retrotransverse groove (canal) in the Indian atlas vertebrae was 43.93 percent. The groove was present in 31 (25.20 percent) specimens, canal in 14 (11.40 percent) specimens and canal and groove in 9 (7.33 percent) specimens.


[The morphological analysis of human canalis infraorbitalis and foramen infraorbitale (author's transl)].

The authors carried out an analysis of metric characteristics of canalis infraorbitalis and foramen infraorbitale on the material of 186 skulls of adult individuals coming from the Department of Normal Anatomy of the Medical Academy in Wrocław. They also analysed various shapes of foramen infraorbitale with regard to asymmetry. They found that the position of foramen infraorbitale in the sagittal plane and transverse plane of the face is characterized by great anatomical variability. They andicate cases the consideration of which may contribute to the decrease in the number of failure during local anesthesia of branches of n. infraorbitalis. It is concluded that the shape of foramen infraorbitale and the occurance of asymmetry of its modification may undergo population variability.


Incidence of interparietal bones in adult skulls of Agra Region.

A study of 500 skulls of Agra region revealed that the interparietal bone was present in a total number of 8 cases (1.6%). It was single in 2 cases (0.4%) and multiple in 5 cases (1%). In one case it was present as unilateral interparietal bone. The preinterparietal bone was present in 4 cases (0.8%). It was single in 2 cases (0.4%) and multiple in 2 cases (0.4%).


[On the ultrastructure of the parotid and submandibular gland of the mongoose Herpestes edwardsi (Viverridae) (author's transl)].

The parotid and submandibular glands of the mongoose are described. Essential differences between the 2 glands were recognized in the acini; however, the intra- and interlobular ducts are built up similarly. The parotid gland is acinar. Its secretory cells are filled with distinct types of granula, which show a considerable variation of size and structure of their secretory material. Organelles are found sparsely. The submandibular gland, however, is tubuloacinar. Its tubuli are capped with cells which belong to the demilunes of v. EBNER, but because of their pale granules they occupy an exceptional position. As the acinar cells of the parotid gland, they form intercellular canaliculi by their plasmalemmata. In the secretory cells of the tubules an intimate contact between the rER and the granules is observed. The intralobular duct surface is built up by an onelayered epithelial cell formation. The cytoplasm of the intercalated duct cells is rich in bundles of filaments, and these cells contain mitochondria with a particular dense matrix. Some microvilli cover the apical surface. In the cells of the striated ducts several populations of granules differing in size and electron density are found. The material of the dense granules shows a marginal plate-like condensation, sometimes it cristallizes. It is supposed that they were released by an apocrine extrusion mechanism. Terminal axons innervate the acini, the duct cells, and also the myoepithelial cells. The findings are compared with the well-known morphology of the salivary glands of the cat.


[Ultrastructure of the Tuft cell in some epithelia of the domestic ruminants (author's transl)].

The celltype here described, was discovered during an investigation of the epithelium of the main excretory ducts of the liver and the pancreas, as well as the conjunctiva, the organ of Jacobson and the glandular stomach of domestic ruminants. This s.c. Tuft cell in every case was shown to contain the following main characteristics: 1. Pearshape with a narrow apex, and a wide and round base. 2. Large spherical or ovoid nucleus. 3. Cellapex with unusually wide microvilli extending above the surface of the epithelium. 4. Filamentbundels of the microvilli radiating to the perinuclear space. 5. Electrondense small and big granules in the distal part of the cell or in the area around the nucleus. Tuftcells are possibly receptor cells with special additional functions that have adapted to various epithelial types.


The various forms of outer segment disk shedding in the albino rats.

The forms of shedding of outer segment disks were observed in the retinas of albino rats. Different forms included those coming from the tips and sides of the outer segments and many other variations. All these detached disks began to undergo morphological changes before being taken into the pigment epithelium.


[Contribution to the study of biliary ducts of the guinea-pig (Cavia porcellus)--the ramus principalis sinister (author's transl)].

The ramus principalis sinister of the biliary duct was studied in 44 adult animals. The ramus principalis sinister, when individualized, appeared free of affluents in 4 preparation (9%). In 91% of the preparations there were always affluents coming from lobi sinistri lateralis and medialis. Together with these branches, other preparations were seen: only from lobi quadrati (59%); ramus processi quadrati and ramus processi papillaris (16%); ramus lobi quadrati draining into ramus lobi sinistri medialis and this into ramus principalis sinistri (9%); ramus principalis dexter (2.3%); ramus sinistri medialis draining into ramus processi papillaris (2.3%) ramus lobi quadrati and ramus lobi sinistri ventralis draining into ramus lobi sinistri and this into ramus principalis sinister (2.3%). The ramus dorsalis lobi sinistri lateralis, papillaris ramus dorsomedialis, ramus ventromedialis lobi sinistri lateralis, ramus lobi sinistri medialis, ramus lobi quadrati, ramus processi papillaris drain, as main collectors, the dorsal, dorsomedial, ventromedial and ventral areas of the lobi sinistri lateralis, lobi sinistri medialis, lobi quadrati and processi papillaris regions respectively.


Histogenesis of experimental open neural defects in the early chick embryo.

The chick embryo is a useful experimental model for investigating neural dysraphism. Windowing at 26 h incubation is by itself teratogenic, resulting in predominantly neural tube defects. A histological study of a regular series of specimens between pre-neurulation and later stages was undertaken. Open brain defects occurred at every stage after the expected closure of the anterior neuropore, suggesting that they arose by non-closure, myeloschisis was preceded by a characteristic triangular shape of the rhomboid sinus. Serial sections revealed regular open defects, with separation between the neural plate and tail-bud sources of neural tissue, but continuity of the neural plate into the caudal region. These findings suggest that myeloschisis arises by nonclosure of the neural folds. The establishment of myeloschisis was followed by local separation of the notochord from an open area of neural tube, but not by overgrowth of neural tissue. Myelodysplasia appeared at about the time of expected closure of the rhomboid sinus. Serial sections revealed irregular open defects, with complete absence of neural plate material and formation of the cord tissue from tailbud material alone. The lesions were accompanied by extensive cystic and hemorrhagic changes in local mesoderm, with reduction in somite volume. There was no associated notochordal separation.


[A generalized form of the Bertalanffy functions of organic growth (author's transl)].

A historical review of the derivation of the Bertalanffy functions of lenght and mass growth (1934) with a critical evaluation of the concept is given. After extending the development to a surface growth function a generalization of the 3 formulas based on critical ideas of Bertalanffy is established giving room for intermediate growth behaviour. Finally the properties of the generalized function are presented, and the limits of application illustrated with the aid of graphs.


Phenytoin (dilantin)-induced cleft lip and palate in A/J mice: a scanning and transmission electron microscopic study.

High incidences of cleft lip and palate (CLP) produced by maternal intraperitoneal administration of 75 mg/kg phenytoin on gestational day 10 to A/J mice are associated with a severe size reduction in the lateral nasal process. Scanning and transmission EM analyses of this region demonstrate a marked change in the morphology of the mesenchymal cells underlying the surface epithelium in treated versus control day 11 (7-tail somite) embryos: long, branching cellular processes, which form a dense meshwork that appears to interact with the epithelial basement lamina in control embryos are undeveloped or absent in phenytoin-treated embryos. The ultrastructural morphology of these cell processes is described and their possible importance in normal development is discussed. Scanning EM observations of incomplete clefts of the lip which frequently result from phenytoin treatment indicate that Simonart's bands form from fusion of the lateral and medial nasal processes in association with a lack of fusion of the maxillary process with the medial nasal process.


The course, relations and distribution of the inferior alveolar nerve and its branches in the cat.

The course, relations and distribution of the inferior alveolar nerve and its branches in the cat are described. The nerves have been studied by dissection, histologically and by using electrophysiological techniques. Dissection revealed a basic pattern on which some individual variation was superimposed. The inferior alveolar nerve has three branches supplying the alveolar process (alveolar branches), one branch supplying the canine and incisor region (canine/incisor branch) and four mental branches (posterior, main and 2 anterior). Fibres supplying the teeth were found in all except the mental branches. Pulpal, periodontal and buccal gingival margin fibres from an individual tooth generally travelled together, but often in more than one branch. Branched axons supplying both tooth pulp and an area of mental skin were found. The axons branched at the point of separation of the appropriate mental nerve from the main trunk. A cutaneous midline overlap of 1-2 mm was found, but there was no transmedian innervation of tooth pulps.


Maturation of the proximal tubule in the puppy kidney: a comparison to the adult.

Two- to four-day-old beagle puppy kidneys were preapred for transmission and scanning electron microscopy and compared to similarly prepared adult tissues. Proximal tubules of puppy kidneys which contained nephrons in various stages of differentiation were examined and maturational changes were described. Lateral surface contours of proximal tubular cells were initially smooth and relatively unfolded, but progressively acquired complex processes that may be recognized as lateral ridges and lateral-basal processes. Basal projections began as short, stubby processes and gradually took on either a narrow, plate-like or finger-like appearance. Mitochondria lysosomes and apical vacuoles increased in number as the tubules matured. Mitochondria lacked orientation in outer cortical tubules, but exhibited some vertical arrangement within basal processes in inner cortical tubules. Despite features indicating advanced maturation of tubules in the inner cortex, puppy kidneys lacked the lipid droplets characteristic of the adult. Thus, differentiation of this portion of the developing nephron into S1, S2 and S3 segments was not possible at day 4. Morphometric analyses of the lateral and basal membrane surface concentration of proximal convulted tubules from the puppy revealed all cells to have a significantly smaller membrane area than that of the adult. However, the inner cortical cells of the puppy had a greater surface concentration than those of the outer cortex. The reduced transport capacity of the puppy proximal tubule may be realted to the lack of segmentation and/or reduced lateral-basal surface area.


The occurrence of ciliated and mucous cells in the peripapillary trench of the rat tongue.

Ciliated cells surrounded by mucous cells were found near the base of the peripapillary trench of the rat circumvallate papilla. The ciliated cells occurred singly or in small groups. Each cilium showed the nin plus two filament pattern characteristic of motile cilia. We consider that these cells function in wetting the taste pores, circulating saliva containing tastants and removal of debris from the papillary trench.


Corpus luteum growth and plasma progesterone levels in unilaterally ovariectomized pregnant rats.

Unilateral ovariectomy (ULO) was carried out on rats at Day 8 of gestation: term is Day 23. The effect on peripheral plasma progesterone levels at Day 16 and on growth and cellular changes in the remaining corporalutea (CL) at Day 17 was determined by comparison with results from control and sham-operated rats. ULO increased the volume of remaining CL by 18% at Day 17. At Day 16 this effect was only apparent in rats with three or fewer CL remaining. CL hypertrophy was due to an increase in the volume of individual luteal cells and not to cell hyperplasia. Luteal cell nuclear volume also increased as did the number of endothelial cells per corpus luteum. The proportion of the corpus luteum occupied by vascular space did not alter. ULO had little effect on mean plasma progesterone levels at Day 16 (92 +/- 7 ng/ml treated; 86 +/- 11 ng/ml controls). In rats with three or fewer CL remaining, however, progesterone levels were low (51 +/- 7 ng/ml). It was concluded that ULO can enhance the growth of corpora lutea and perhaps increase their rate of progesterone production.


Synthesis of secretory and plasma membrane glycoproteins by striated duct cells of rat salivary glands as visualized by radioautography after 3H-fucose injection.

The ability of the striated ducts of rat salivary glands to incorporate 3H-fucose into glycoprotein was studied by light and electron microscope radioautography. At 3.5 to 20 minutes after intravenous injection, the majority of the radioautographic grains in the ducts of the parotid gland were localized to the Golgi apparatus. By 40 minutes, the percentage of grains over the Golgi apparatus had decreased; a corresponding increase in grains occurred over small (0.1-0.4 micrometer) apical granules and the highly infolded basal and lateral plasma membranes. By two hours, less than 10% of the label was associated with the Golgi apparatus, while 26% and 28% were attributed to the apical granules and plasma membrane, respectively. By 8 to 12 hours after injection, the number of grains over the apical cytoplasm had decreased, suggesint luminal discharge of the apical granules. In contrast, the basal and lateral plasma membranes remained labeled up to 30 hours after injection as judged by the distribution of grains in light microscope radioautographs. Mitochondria appeared capable of independent incorporation of fucose, accounting for about 20% of the grains from ten minutes to two hours after injection. Comparable results were obtained in the striated ducts of the submandibular and sublingual glands. These results indicate that the striated duct cells readily incorporate 3H-fucose into newly-synthesized glycoproteins. A portion of these are secretory glycoproteins which are packaged and stored in the apical granules, and a portion are membrane glycoproteins which are incorporated into the extensive plasma membrane of these cells.


Selective labeling of mesenteric lymph nodes: cell production and emigration of newly formed lymphocytes to other organs.

Lymphocyte production by mesenteric lymph nodes of normal young pigs was studied by intranodal injections of either tritiated thymidine or tritiated deoxycytidine as DNA precursors. One or two days after selective labeling of the mesenteric lymph nodes the relative and absolute number of lymphocytes derived from mesenteric lymph nodes were determined autoradiographically in the following organs: mesenteric, cervical and inguinal lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, Peyer's patches, tonsil, different regions of the gut, lung and liver. The overall cell production of mesenteric lymph nodes, as derived from the sum of all labeled cells one day after labeling, was estimated to be about 7 X 10(9) lymphocytes. Up to 40% of all newly formed lymphocytes had already left the lymph nodes within one day and were found in all organs studied. There was a preferential homing to the mucosa of the small intestine, but a considerable number migrated to the spleen and even to the thymus and bone marrow. In lymphoid organs all labeled cells were small and medium-sized lymphocytes one and two days after labeling. In cervical lymph nodes, spleen, tonsil and Peyer's patches the relative distribution to T and B cell areas was determined. There was an obvious preference of newly formed lymph node cells to home to T cell areas. The differences of labeling between thymidine or deoxycytidine were surprisingly low.


Cytological events associated with in vitro aged and fertilized rabbit eggs.

The morphogenetic events associated with rabbit eggs aged in vitro for 12 to 50 hours prior to mixing with sperm have been examined by light and electron microscopy. After 12 hours in culture, morphological alterations of the meiotic spindle and the cortex of unfertilized eggs were evident. By 24 to 50 hours in culture, unfertilized eggs contained subnuclei, structures which formed when individual and/or groups of meiotic chromosomes dispersed and becmae invested by a double-laminated structure reminiscent of a nuclear envelope. Although most eggs obtained 11.5 to 12 hours after induced ovulation and in vitro fertilized displayed morphogenetic patterns similar to those described for in vivo fertilized ova, some (10%) contained three pronuclei. Many eggs obtained 13 to 15 hours after induced ovulation and subsequently mixed with sperm in vitro appeared to undergo processes of fertilization typical of in vivo fertilized eggs, however, approximately 30% contained subnuclei in association with the male pronucleus. Few eggs (15%) aged 12 hours prior to in vitro fertilization displayed patterns of pronuclear development and association typical of fertilized unaged ova. Subnuclei developed in many of the fertilized ova. Supernumerary sperm nuclei, which did not develop into male pronuclei, were observed in some zygotes. Cleavage of eggs aged 12 hours prior to fertilization was abnormal or retarded. After 24 hours in culture approximately 16% of the eggs fertilized. Seventy percent of the fertilized eggs failed to support the development of a male or female pronucleus.


Effect of uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation on microtubule location and surface structure in murine mast cells.

"Uncouplers" of oxidative phosphorylation (sodium azide, DNP, and oligomycin) alter the location of microtubules within murine mast cells. Both cytoplasmic microtubules, perpendicular to the plasma membrane within cell surface folds, and intranuclear microtubules were observed. In addition, one or more dense plaque-like structures adjacent the plasma membrane in mast cells appeared following incubation in the antimetabolities. Intranuclear microtubules and cytoplasmic microtubules within the cell surface ridges disappeared in azide-treated mast cells that were reincubated or "recovered" in PBS. However, both these structures remained in oligomycin- and DNP-treated murine mast cells following reincubation.


Regeneration of acini in submandibular gland autografts.

Regeneration of submandibular gland (SMG) secretory parenchyma is remarkably impaired in salivary gland diseases and under experimental conditions such as in tissue culture and after isografting. In our study acinar regeneration was found to depend on the site where the SMG tissue was implanted. Implantation of several 2-3 mm3 fragments of SMG subcutaneously in the back of the same donor adult male rat resulted in initial necrosis and mononuclear cell infiltration of the autograft. Then there was epithelial proliferation with the appearance within 28 days of lobules which contained numerous duct-like structures and only a few or no acini. In contrast, implanting SMG fragments in the anatomical bed of the donor gland resulted in the appearance of a more differentiated autograft. Although the initial tissue changes were similar to those seen in the autografts in the subcutaneous tissues of the back, the SMG autograft in the neck also contained numerous acini by 42 and 56 days after implantation. These data support the view that the implantation site influences the course of cytodifferentiation in SMG autografts.


Distribution of taste buds on fungiform and circumvallate papillae of bovine tongue.

The distribution of taste buds on the fungiform and circumvallate papillae of the cow tongue has been determined. The two tongues studied were from Holstein-Friesian cows four to six years of age; they contained 14,765 and 21,691 taste buds, respectively. The tip of the tongue is well supplied with fungiform papillae, and the posterior portion contains the circumvallate papillae. The midportion of the tongue contains relatively few taste papillae. The fungiform papillae contained 1,580 and 1,838 taste buds on the two tongues, respectively, and the circumvallate papillae were estimated to contain 13,185 and 19,853 taste buds. The highest concentration of taste buds therefore occurs in the circumvallate papillae; these relatively few papillae contain approximately 90% of the taste buds. On a circumvallate papilla, taste buds are found only on the papillary sidewall, with none either on the apical surface of the papilla or on the outer wall of the moat.


Fiber size distribution in the flexor carpi radialis muscle of the cat.

The pennate flexor carpi radialis muscle of the cat has been shown to have a compartmentalized distribution of muscle fiber types. The possibility exists that the oxidative regions of the FCR are primarily concerned with fine movements including postural adjustments, while fast-twitch glycolytic region is used more for phasic movements. Muscle fiber diameters were measured for all three fiber types to determine if there was a compartmentalization of fiber size that might reflect differences in motor performance between the different regions of the same muscle. This study has demonstrated that the oxidative fiber types are significantly larger in the oxidative compartment when compared with the same fiber types in the glycolytic compartment and that the cross-sectional area of the oxidative region is dominated by oxidative fibers. The glycolytic fibers are significantly larger in the glycolytic compartment when compared to those in the oxidative region of the muscle and they constitute the major fiber type in this region.


Development of villus absorptive cells in the human fetal small intestine: a morphological and morphometric study.

We describe the sequential ultrastructural changes in villus absorptive cells of human fetal small intestine between 9 and 22 weeks of gestation. In concert with villus formation at 9 to 10 weeks, a complex membranous system designated the apical tubular system appeared in the apical cytonous system designated the apical tubular system appeared in the apical cytoplasm of absorptive cells. The apical tubular system consisted of deep invaginations of plasma membrane and membrane-bounded vesicles and tubules. Some elements of this system were characterized by linear arrays of particles on the inner (luminal) membrane leaflet. After villus formation, many lysosomal elements designated "meconium corpuscles" also appeared in the apical cytoplasm. Modified morphometric studies suggested that both the apical tubular system and the lysosomal elements were more extensively developed in the distal than in the proximal intestine, were most abundant at 15 to 17 weeks, and decreased by 18 to 22 weeks. Morhpometry also showed an inverse relationship between the relative surface density of the apical tubular system and microvillus membrane, suggesting the possible derivation of elements of the former from the apical plasma membrane. Exposure of intestine to ferritin for 8 to 40 minutes in vitro revealed ferritin in elements of the apical tubular system of 12- to 20-week fetuses. There was no evidence of transport of ferritin across absorptive cells. Distinctive membranous bodies composed of convoluted membrane-bound cisternae separated by narrow channels of cytoplasmic matrix were seen in the Golgi region and apical cytoplasm of fetal absorptive cells between 14 and 22 weeks. In a single 22-week fetus, there was marked proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, a decrease in cytoplasmic glycogen and loss of most lysosomal and apical tubular elements in the proximal but not the distal intestine. Thus, by the end of the second trimester, the structure of absorptive cells in proximal intestine was remarkably similar to absorptive cells in adult intestine.


Anatomic models of the tracheobronchial and pulmonary regions of the rat.

Models of the lung airways of a rat were developed from complete measurements of the tracheobronchial airways. A silicone rubber cast of the tracheobronchial airways of a rat lung was prepared and all individual airway segments down to and including the terminal bronchioles were measured to obtain the segment diameters, lengths, branching angles and angles of inclination to gravity. Models of the rat tracheobronchial airways were constructed based on the original measurements and the subsequent analysis. Some mathematical assumptions about acinar anatomy distal to terminal bronchioles were made to extend the models to include pulmonary regions. Emphasis was placed on the "Typical Path Lung Model" which used one typical pathway to represent either a whole lung or a lobe of the lung. The models are simple and can be applied in calculation of physiologic variables or particle deposition during inhalation in various lobes of the lung.


A morphometric analysis of the glomerular capillary wall of a new strain of genetically hypertensive mice.

An investigation was performed on a new strain of genetically hypertensive mice to study those aspects of the renal glomerulus which have in the past been implicated in the etiology of renal parenchymal hypertension. Morphometric analyses were carried out utilizing a computerized graphic data analysing system on information obtained through transmission electron microscopy. Chronically hypertensive animals exhibited thinner basement membranes with numerous sub-epithelial focal thickenings, which were largely absent from the normotensive controls. No difference was noted in the width of the epithelial slit pores (interpedicelar spaces). The glomerular capillary loops of the hypertensive animals appeared otherwise unremarkable, as did the urinary space and parietal epithelium of Bowman's capsule. No evidence of renal parenchymal pathologies implicated in the etiology of systemic hypertension was observed, therefore, these animals would seem to be suitable models for human essential hypertension.


Localization of tritiated norepinephrine in the renal arteriolar nerves.

The innervation of the glomerular arterioles was investigated by light and electron microscopy autoradiography for localization of exogenous tritiated norepinephrine. By light microscopy accumulations of grains were seen associated with afferent arterioles and in lesser numbers with efferent arterioles and neighboring tubules. Accumulations of grains were noted to be in contact with juxtaglomerular granular cells. Electron microscopy autoradiography revealed that nearly two-thirds of the silver grains were on axons. Most of the label was on varicosities packed with small, clear and dense-cored, vesicles. Most varicosities, including those in contact with smooth muscle, juxtaglomerular granular or tubular cells, were labeled. Some varicosities which appeared unlabeled in a given section were labeled in subsequent sections. These findings are consistent with the notion that the glomerular arterioles are innervated mainly by adrenergic nerves. This view is supported by the previously reported observations of the concomitant virtual disappearance of fluorescent and acetylcholinesterase-positive nerves from the region of the glomerular arterioles after two injections of six-hydroxydoapmine (a drug which selectively destroys adrenergic nerves) and the presence of small dense-cored vesicles in all axons of the juxtaglomerular region when examined by serial section electron microscopy.


Unipolarity of fibroblasts in rodent periodontal ligament.

In order to investigate whether fibroblasts in rodent periodontal ligament have a structural polarity, the position of the Golgi apparatus or the centriolar region in the cells was studied using light and electron microscopy. It appeared that, in the periodontal ligament of continuously erupting mouse and rat incisors, centrioles in fibroblasts on the tooth side of the ligament are preferably located in the anterior (occlusally directed) part of the cytoplasm. Polarity of fibroblasts in a single direction was less pronounced or absent on the bone side of the tissue. In the mouse, fibroblasts in the connective tissue adjacent to the incisor also contained an extensive system of cytoplasmic microtubules, whereas in the fibroblasts on the bone side of the ligament microtubules were less frequent. Unipolarity of fibroblasts was also observed in the periodontal ligament of the rat maxillary first molar, which is characterized by a limited eruption. Here, the Golgi region was usually situated in that pole of the cells that was directed towards the alveolar wall and the occlusal plane. It is suggested that structural polarity of fibroblasts in the periodontal ligament of rodent teeth is associated with orientation of functional activities of the cells, such as unidirectional movement or unidirectional deposition or phagocytosis of collagen.


Morphologic features of the caudal neurosecretory system in the blueback herring, Pomolobus aestivalis.

The caudal neurosecretory system of the blueback herring, Pomolobus aestivalis, captured in freshwater, was examined. Neurosecretory cells were identified readily in terminal spinal cord segments. The axonal processes of these neurosecretory cells formed a discrete, ventrally placed bundle which terminated in a conspicuous ventral enlargement from the filum terminale. This enlargement comprises the neurohaemal contact zone or urophysis. The neurosecretory terminals were engorged with secretory granules in these fishes from a freshwater environment. The non-neuronal component of the urophysis also was examined in this study. These glial cells were dispersed throughout the urophysis. Most often they were found ensheathing the terminal neurosecretory processes. These cells showed a resemblance to neurohypophysial pituicytes. Although mentioned in the literature, these glial cells have not been examined with the electron microscope. The ultrastructural features of the glial cells and their relation to the neurosecretory constituents are described in this report.


[Proposal on standardization of parasitic cycles].

The author proposes to unify the schemes of the development and the cycles of the diverse parasitic organisms. The definite hosts (as well as the mature stages) should always be put on the right side, but the larval stages and the intermediate hosts on the left. By this procedure, some terms get unnecessary and the stages and cycles become comparable. This enables to make more clear some epidemiological questions (blind routes etc.). Furthermore it makes teaching in schools and colleges easier, also in health training. Furthermore it promotes international understanding.


[Parasites of the GDR. 3. Endoparasites of the hare (Lepus europeus)].

96 Hares from the eastern region of the Dresden district were examined for endoparasites and the results compared with those of other authors from GDR and the neighbouring countries. Out of the 27 endoparasites which up till now are recorded in the middle european region in GDR are found 6 Coccidia-spp.: Eimeria leporis, E. robertsoni, E. townsendi, E. semisculpta, E. europaea, E. hungarica and the helminths: Fasciola hepatica, Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Cittotaenia denticulata, Andrya rhopalocephala, Mosgovoyia pectinata, Cysticercus pisiformis, Graphidium strigosum, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Strongyloides papillosus, Passalurus ambiguus, Trichuris leporis, T. sylvilagus and Protostrongylus pulmonalis. The infection-extensity and -intensity is discussed in relation to the density of hare population and the ecological situation in the hunting-grounds.


[Ascaridia platyceri n.sp., a new species of nematode from parrots].

A new species of bird parasitic nematode, Ascaridia platyceri n. sp., is described from the small intestine of Platycerus eximius and 8 further species of Psittacidae maintained in Zoological Gardens and private holdings in the GDR. The new species differs from the 3 species of Ascaridia hitherto known from parrots mainly in the shape of the anterior border of the lips as well as in the number and position of the caudal papillae in the male.


[Accessory glands in the reproductive system of the male insect].

Males of insects and ticks influenced the physiology of reproduction of mated females with the secretes of accessory sexual glands (aD) much more than was supposed in the past. The monocoitic behaviour of the females of some species of insects is caused by various secretions (e.g. Matrone in mosquitoes, monogamic factors in the house fly, sexpeptides in Drosophila). Furthermore the preoviposition period is shortened by these secretions whereas the productivity is increased. The food uptake and the autogeny were influenced as well. Besides this other patterns of behaviour changed (e. g. flight activity). Because of their simple structure, the accessory glands are suitable for biochemical investigations. However, in most cases the physiological functions are unknown.--The present knowledge on the functions of the accessory glands is reviewed with special regard to the modes of action of secretions of the accessory glands.


[Radioactive labeling of Blatella germanica].

For ecological investigations in natural populations of Blatella germanica a new method of dry incorporation of a porcelain tracer is developed. The quality of this method in contrast with other non radioactive and at present radioactive methods depends on the stable position of the tracer and the possibility of taking different marking substances for individually marking a large number of experimental animals. The identification bases on the previously investigated half-life values. The new method in combination with the recaptivate method is a good possibility to analyse a population of cockroaches.


Arrhythmias in chronic pulmonary disease.

Arrhythmias often complicate the course of patients with severe respiratory disease; the frequency of arrhythmias in patients with this condition approaches that seen with acute myocardial infarction. No one rhythm disturbance predominates, but rapid atrial and ventricular rhythms are characteristic. In the setting of acute respiratory failure, several conditions may predispose to arrhythmias. Hypoxemia, a serum pH that is too high or too low, and a low serum potassium may produce arrhythmias by disturbing the myocardial cellular milieu. Drugs such as digitalis, epinephrine, and theophylline may also act as myocardial irritants. The first step in therapy is to careful examination, it is helpful to note the specific effect of the arrhythmia on the patient. Some rhythm disturbances are well tolerated, while others are associated with serious problems in ventilation and perfusion. In many cases the control of respiration, correction of pH and electrolyte imbalance, and provision of bronchial hygiene will restore a normal sinus rhythm. Such measures are essential even when antiarrhythmic drugs or cardioversion are needed.


Protective effects of propranolol on the exercise-induced reduction of blood flow in arteriopathic patients.

The vascular steal phenomenow, that is, the shunting of blood from ischemic to normally perfused areas, is commonly observed during exercise in the affected limbs of patients with peripheral arterial insufficiency. Propranolol was administered to 18 arteriopathic patients before the exercise to ascertain whether the reverse situation can be induced. The results indicate that before propranolol administration, Jantsch's index (used to quantify the plethysmographic waves) decreased from 0.53 +/- 0.05 to 0.33 +/- 0.04 (P less than 0.001) at 1 minute, and to 0.38 +/- 0.04 (P less than 0.001) at 5 minutes after the end of the exercise. When the exercise was repeated after propranolol, Jantsch's index did not change. These findings indicate that propranolol can inhibit exercise-induced vascular steal.


Terminating ventricular fibrillation by chest thump.

A 41-year-old man with a surgically closed atrial septal defect presented with anginalike symptoms of 5 years duration. While undergoing coronary arteriorgraphy, the patient sustained ventricular fibrillation which was converted successfully to sinus rhythm by a chest thump. This is the first reported case of such conversion. The mechanism of mechanical conversion from ventricular tachycardia, or fibrillation, to sinus rhythm may be that the mechanical stimulus interrupts a re-entry pathway or depresses ectopic impulses to allow the normal sinoatrial rhythm to emerge.


Echocardiographic and hemodynamic correlates in Prinzmetal angina pectoris: a case report.

In a patient suffering from Prinzmetal angina pectoris, ischemic attacks of the anterior left ventricular wall were associated with the following changes: fall in cardiac output; increased left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP) and volume; flattening of the septal motion; marked reduction of the mitral valve early diastolic amplitude and rate of opening; and marked reduction of the systolic closure velocity. It is suggested that LVDP rise depends, at least in part, on variations in left ventricular diastolic volume and segmental wall motion, and that disruption of the mitral valve motion derives from changes in LVDP and flow through the mitral orifice.


Negative P waves in lead V6 during right ventricular pacing.

A negative P wave in lead V6 has been proposed as the most reliable criterion of left atrial rhythm, useful in differentiating it from nodal arrhythmias. In this report the electrocardiograms of two patients with right ventricular paced rhythms with 1:1 retrograde atrial capture are shown. The retrograde P waves inscribed after the ORS were negative in polarity in lead V6 in both cases. This documents that an impulse entering the atria from the AV junction can be associated with rightwardly oriented P waves and suggests that the proposed criterion for left atrial rhythm is unreliable.


Study of respiratory influence on the intensity of heart sound in normal subjects.

The amplitudes of the first and second heart sounds were recorded during quiet natural breathing in 31 normal subjects. A total of 3,656 and 3,016 heart beats were available at the apex and pulmonic areas respectively. The intensities of the first and second heart sounds were found to be increased during expiration. This respiratory tendency in the heart sounds was less prominent during the transitional phase between expiration and inspiration. Therefore we suggest that respiratory changes in heart sounds should be evaluated with a heart beat located at or close to the center of each inspiration and expiration. Respiratory alteration in the intensity of heart sounds is one of the commonest auscultatory pitfalls. Auscultatory evaluation of the intensity of heart sounds should thus be performed carefully, with the respiratory changes kept in mind.


Accelerated idioventricular rhythm in patients without acute myocardial infarction.

Accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) has been reported in patients with acute myocardial infarction, digitalis excess, and subarachnoid hemorrhage, and in patients with rheumatic, primary myocardial, and hypertensive heart disease. Discovery of AIVR in 2 patients without heart disease led us to review reports from 700 Holter monitor studies. Seven patients without recent myocardial infarction were studied retrospectively. Three of the 7 had no evidence of heart disease; 5 of the 7 had abnormalities of the central nervous system. Examples of AIVR show approximation of the sinus rate and ectopic rate; onset and offset occur abruptly or with sinus rate slowing and fusion beats. One patient remained in AIVR for up to 10 minutes accompanied by retrograde atrial capture. The rhythm's acceleration with exercise suggests that it is under autonomic influence, a phenomenon also seen in CNS stimulation studies in dogs. AIVR occurs infrequently in patients without demonstrable heart disease. Our experience suggests a good prognosis, but further study is needed onthe natural history of AIVR in asymptomatic patients and on the necessity of treatment.


Mechanical hemolytic anemia after repair of ruptured chordae tendineae of mitral valve apparatus.

A case of mechanical hemolytic anemia following mitral valvuloplasty for ruptured chordae tendineae is described. We postulate that intravascular hemolysis is the result of whiplash motion caused by the loose ends of the ruptured chordae tendineae and the disrupted suture material attached to the mitral valve apparatus.


Plain roentgenographic estimation of pulmonary vascular pressures: an improved technique: a catheter-correlated study of 215 patients with mitral valvular disease.

Our improvement on Turner's technique enabled more accurate plain x-ray estimation of pulmonary venous pressure (PVP) up to 60 mm and of systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) up to 150 mm in 215 patients catheterized for mitral valvular disease. Our improvement comprises (1) five main pulmonary artery (MPA) grades 0 to IV according to its area and volume; (2) modified pressure values assigned for MPA and kinetic energy of the right ventricle (required to pump blood into the pulmonary arterial bed) according to MPA grades; and (3) nine PVP grades from 0 to 8 with corresponding assigned PVP values. These modifications have enhanced the accuracy of the technique up to 85 to 95%.


Studies on the chemical nature of the lipidic J blood-group substance of cattle.

Total lipids extracted from J-positive cattle serum, erythrocytes or spleen exhibit J blood-group activity. The J subsance is concentrated in a lipid fraction obtained by column chromatography. Following mild alkaline hydrolysis or reduction with complex hydrides (LiAlH4, LiBH4), the J activity remains detectable in this lipid fraction even though all acyl ester groups have been destroyed as revealed by ester group determination. This disagrees with the suggestion that fatty acyl esters are essential for J activity. This was confirmed by experiments with a water-soluble J-active product prepared by ozone treatment of glycosphingolipids from bovine spleen. The results of these experiments are in favour of a glycosphingolipid containing anunusually lang oligosaccharide chain. Furthermore, it appears that the terminal moiety of the J determinant is not necessarily an N-acetyl galactosamine unit as suggested previously.


Polymorphism of acid phosphatase in chicken leucocytes.

Three individual variants of acid phosphatase in chicken leucocytes were found by means of starch gel electrophoresis. The phenotype in leucocytes showed the same appearance as polymorphic forms of liver acid phosphatase in the same bird. The study of the Hardy-Weinberg distribution of the phenotypes of acid phosphatase in leucocytes also indicated that they are controlled by the same pair of codominant autosomal alleles as the phenotypes in the liver. Acid phosphatase is polymorphic in all six strains of chickens studied.


Serum alkaline phosphatase polymorphism in pigs.

Genetic variants of serum alkaline phosphatase were studied by the method of starch gel electrophoresis in the Złotnicka Pstra breed of pigs. Two regions of alkaline phosphatase migration were observed. A single fraction in region I and four different phenotypes: AB, B, BC and BD in region II, were found. For AB, B and BC phenotypes the genetic control by three alleles AkpA, AkpB and AkpC is suggested. The observed segregation ratios in some cases deviated significantly from the expected ones.


Development and genetic differences of complement activity in rabbits.

The ontogeny of haemolytic complement in rabbit serum and the genetic differences of the activity in five strains of adult rabbits were investigated by single radial haemolysis in gel and a microtiter method with purified complement components and the appropriate haemolytic intermediate cells. The haemolytic complement activity was found as early as the 15th day of foetal life, and increased with age reaching approximately adult level by the 120th day of life. Marked strain differences in both total haemolytic activity and C3 levels of adult rabbit sera were observed. The repeatability of haemolytic activity for an individual serum taken at different times was higher than that for C3 level was observed. An inherited complement deficiency, due to the lack of C6, was found in a strain of Angora rabbits. The genetic studies confirmed that this complement defect was transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait.


Genetic tags applied to the European hake, Merluccius merluccius (L.).

Three biochemical gene markers test the hypothesis that the European hake, Merluccius merluccius (L.), along the west European continental shelf are one race. The three polymorphic loci were serum transferrin (Tf), eye vitreous fluid butyric esterase (Es) and liver superoxide dismutase (Sod). Five transferrin alleles, three esterase alleles and two superoxide dismutase alleles were identified. Heterogeneity tests on genotype frequency distribution for twelve areas ranging from Norway to Biscay revealed no significant variation. The results using these genetic tags are consistent with the unit race hypothesis for hake throughout the sea areas sampled.


Blood groups of Nigerian cattle. Comparative aspects.

Cattle, red cell antigens as determined by a selected battery of 37 reagents characterizing genes at 10 major loci in 101 Zebu, 63 Ndama and 78 Muturu from Nigeria, have been compared with corresponding red cell antigens of a total of 257 Bos taurus cattle in Norway, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Hungary and USA. The Zebu cattle, represented by the three subtypes Gudali, Red Bororo and Shuwa Arab, showed the highest number of red cell factors. Ndama and Muturu cattle had a significantly lower number of blood factors than the Zebu cattle. The lowest number of blood factors were found in European Bos taurus breeds.


Genetically determined electrophoretic variants of the major urinary protein (Mup) complex in mouse urine.

The major urinary protein (Mup-complex) excreted in mouse urine, has been studied electrophoretically both on starch gel and on cellogel. On stargel six anodally migrating protein bands were observed. These bands are designated component 3, 2', 1, and 4 (i.e. two bands) in the order of decreasing mobility toward the anode. The slower protein band of component 4 on starch gel was not observed on cellogel. By testing mouse inbred strains, we were able to dinstinguish five male and four female Mup phenotypes. Test crosses suggested a four-allelic (a, b, c, d,) variation with regard to components 2', 2 and 1: 'group A' strains showed component 1, 'group B' strains components 1 and 2, 'group C' and 'group F' strains none, and 'group D' strains showed components 1 and 2'. Component 3 may be encoded by another Mup locus, although no crossing-over has been observed: presence (A, B, D, and F strains), absence (C strains). Insufficiently reproducible demonstration of the variation with regard to component 4, forced us to exclude this component for strain distinction. The Mup phenotypes described, can be useful for the detection of certain strain contaminations, especially if F1 hybrid Mup phenotypes are distinguishable.


An unusual transferrin variant in sheep.

An unusual variant, Tf Aw, has been found in sheep transferrins. It position in starch gel electrophoresis is identical with the variant Tf A, but the intensity of corresponding bands is substantially lower. Family analyses prove that the variant Aw is genetically controlled and represents either the product of an unusual allele Tf Aw or the interaction between the allele Tf A and a hypothetical modifying locus.


Analysis of alloantisera against bovine lymphocytes. Joint report of the 1st International Bovine Lymphocyte Antigen (BoLA) workshop.

The results and agreements of the 1 international BoLA workshop, held in Edinburgh, Scotland in August 1978, are reported. Most of these concern the results from a comparison test of 249 alloantisera to bovine lymphocytes, the antisera being contributed by 9 laboratories. These sera were compared directly in Edinburgh on a panel of lymphocytes from 130 cattle of 21 breeds. In the microlymphocytotoxicity test used 75% of the sera reacted. Sixty eight of these sera were grouped into clusters according to their reaction patterns against the lymphocyte panel. Eleven of these clusters were clearly defined and were given workshop BoLA designations. In addition 22 sera were assigned to subgroups of the agreed clusters. There was no evidence that the method of production of the sera had any effect on their specificity. Although genetic data was not available, the phenotypes of the test panel of lymphocytes are consistent with the clusters detecting antigens controlled by multiple alleles at a single autosomal locus. It was agreed to name the genetic region where this putative locus is located BoLA (bovine lymphocyte antigen).


Production of foetally stimulated lymphocytotoxic antibodies by primiparous cows.

Serum samples from groups of heifers at different pregnancy-related stages (preconception, month of pregnancy, and postpartum) were examined for the presence of lymphocytotoxic antibodies. Only a few weak and transitory antibodies were observed before or during the first pregnancy. These did not appear to be foetally stimulated. Strong or medium strength antibodies were detected in first or second month postpartum samples from 8 of 27 heifers (30%). The reactive sera were in every case reactive with the offspring of the cows from which the respective sera were collected.


Breed differences in frequency of BoLA specificities.

A total of 675 cattle of five purebred and one crossbred group were tested for lymphocyte antigens. The purebred animals represented progeny of 107 sires. Lymphocytotoxicity sera obtained from parous cows were used to detect six antigens which are controlled by codominant alleles at the BoLA-TxA locus. Gene frequencies for the six alleles varied within breeds and large differences were observed between breeds for a given allele.