Development of puberty in Large White boars in a humid tropical environment.

The development of puberty in Large White boars raised and maintained in a humid tropical environment was studied histologically and by a preputial smear technique. The growth curves for the testes, epididymides and body weight were similar and exhibited a spurt between the ages of 150 and 180 days. The accessory sex glands increased slowly but steadily until the animals were about 180 days old at which time a marked increase in their growth rate was noted. Thus from morphological and histological assessment, puberty in these animals was placed between 150 and 180 days. The preputial smear technique was successfully applied in the boar. By this method, the animals were found to be 165.74 days old at puberty and to weigh 51.65 kg. These results further indicate that the development of puberty is genetically controlled and also imply that this could be slightly modified by the environment.


Autoradiographic studies on the incorporation of tritiated uridine, leucine and methionine into Gomori-positive glia of rat hypothalamus.

The relative level of metabolic activity in Gomori-positive (Gp) glia was estimated by comparing the incorporation rates of 3H-uridine, 3H-leucine and 3H-methionine into the nuclear macromolecules of the glia, neurons, ependyma and subcommissural organ (SCO). The uptake of 3H-uridine by Gp glia was somewhat lower than that by neurons and SCO but higher than that by ependyma. The incorporation of 3H-leucine was about the same in all studied types of cells, except for a lower uptake by ependyma. The rate of 3H-methionine incorporation into Gp glia and SCO was higher than that into neurons and ependyma. The neuron: Gp glia ratios obtained in the present study (0.9--1.4) are more or less within the range of the neuron: cerebral glia ratios reported by others for newly synthesized molecules of RNA and proteins. The results suggest that Gp glia have a relatively high metabolic activity as compared to that in neurons and perhaps SCO.


Analysis of the antagonistic effect of gamma-L-glutamyl-taurine on glucocorticoid and triiodothyronine.

gamma-L-Glutamyl-taurine, a newly discovered parathyroid hormone, considerably inhibited the cytochemically detected transcription-inducing effect (appearance of free histone) of prednisolone and triiodothyronine. Such an inhibition took place also if the morphogenetic hormones were given not simultaneously with, but after the administration of litoralon. Litoralon injected alone also displayed inductor properties increasing the number of nuclei containing free histone.


A study on the occurrence of alkaline phosphatase in the sutura interfrontalis of Wistar rats.

The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of alkaline phosphatase during various stages in development and closure of the sutura interfrontalis. The histological sections reveal that this enzyme could primarily be demonstrated in the dura mater of this suture. In further developmental stages, alkaline phosphatase could be observed within the intermediate zone as well as the pericranium. These findings are brought in relation with the occurrence of synostosis which can be induced under experimental conditions.


Rat small intestinal morphology with special reference to villi: effects of maternal protein deficiency and hydrocortisone.

The heights of villi were less in all the segments of mildly undernourished (by increasing litter size) pups at 21 days of age, in comparison with controls, while the heights of villi in the duodenum and jejunum, but not in the ileum, were less in severely undernourished (by maternal protein deficiency) pups. Administration of hydrocortisone during 18--21 days of age to normal pups and to pups undernourished by maternal protein deficiency during lactation showed a marked reduction of villi heights in the ileum but not in other segments of the intestine. When the pups of protein-deficient mothers (during lactation) were fed on a normal diet during the post-weaning period, the villi in the ileum were found to be longer than those of controls. Superimposition of post-weaning protein deficiency over pre-weaning undernutrition only left the heights of ileal villi unaltered, but in other segments deficits in heights of villi were observed. These studies suggest that the suggested 'villi-reducing factor' did not appear in the ileum of severely undernourished pups even after the availability of an adequate nutrition in the post-weaning period, probably due to hydrocortisone deficiency at about 21 days of age, and that the hormone has a role in maintaining ileal villi heights. In addition to the heights of villi, other morphological retardations and alterations of enterocyte structure were observed in the severely undernourished intestine. These effects differed in different parts of the intestine and with the degree of neonatal undernutrition. Most of the morphological abnormalities showed a trend for recovery when a normal diet was given in the post-weaning period.


[Plica synovialis infrapatellaris in man].

The existence of the plica synovialis infrapatellaris, which has long been known in anatomy, is explained from the point of view of evolution. The development of this formation in the early stages of human life is outlined too. The results of the analysis of 117 knee-joints lead to a classification respecting macroscopical points of view of the observed plicae synoviales infrapatellares. 47 plicae synoviales infrapatellares were examined by histological methods under the headings of material, blood vessels and nerves. Mechanical importance of the plica synovialis infrapatellaris must be denied in considering the results of X-ray examination. What is more, the plica synovialis infrapatellaris does not seem to have any importance for the nutrition of neighbouring areas, neither in pre- nor in postnatal life.


Serially etched shark enameloid observed by incident light microscopy.

Longitudinal and transverse tooth sections of Isurus oxyrinchus were serially etched in 2.6% nitric acid. The changing optical properties of the etched surfaces were observed during the serial etchings, and the descent of the enameloid surfaces was measured. Shark enameloid seems to be less effectively etched by acid than human enamel; this difference may be due to differences in solubility between fluorapatite and hydroxyapatite. Most of the information regarding the structure of the enameloid was gained during the first five of ten etchings. The reflection of light from the surface was influenced by the orientation of the crystallites, longitudinally sectioned crystallites reflecting the light better than transversely sectioned crystallites. The dentinal extensions were continuous with and of the same structure as the underlying dentine. The radial fibers originated from the dentinal extensions, and they both contained organic material and were accompanied by crystallites. When the specimens were imbibed with water the distinctness of the dentinal extensions and radial fibers was improved.


Metabolic process in uterine structures after different damages to the nervous system.

Metabolic processes in the uterus damaged in different parts of its innervation were studied. The specificity of neurodystrophic processes in the uterus depends on the nature of the injury to its innervation. Combination of different methods of modern morphological analysis made it possible to reveal hypoplastic processes in all the layers of the uterus.


Anatomy of the external anal sphincter in man.

The anatomy of the external anal sphincter was studied in 20 adult human cadavers of both sexes by dissection and histological examination. The external anal sphincter is not naturally divided into layers or laminae. The lowermost muscle bundles differ from the main part in being completely surrounded by thick fibrous tissue septa derived form the longitudinal anal coat. The perineal branch of S4 supplies the posterior third, the inferior haemorrhoidal nerves supply the anterior two thirds. All fibres of the sphincter retain their skeletal attachment to the anococcygeal ligament to the coccyx. Some fibres cross the median plane to be continuous with the transversus perinei of the opposite side. A cleft was displayed separating the lower border of the levator ani muscle from the upper border of the external anal sphincter. The muscle bundles of the sphincter are arranged circumferentially in one continuous circle and not in loops. Fibres from the anterior border of the levator ani muscle extend to cover and blend with the outer surface of the external sphincter in their way to the anococcygeal ligament.


Cephalic arterial pattern in New World edentates and Old World pangolins with special reference to their phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy.

The cephalic arterial pattern in edentates and pangolins is described on the basis of 9 corrosion specimens, representing all the classical superfamilies, with special reference to their phylogenetic relationship and taxonomy. In this respect, the importance of the manner in which the external carotid artery system annexes the stepedial area of supply and of the course of the internal carotid artery in relation to the tympanic cavity is emphasized. The investigation does not indicate any special relationship between the New World edentates and the Old World pangolins, whereas the marked difference in the course of the internal carotid artery in recent edentates stresses the independent development of the South American anteaters compared with that of the two other edentate groups (armadillos and tree sloths). Most probably the edentates were divided very early into two main lines which have evolved independently since the early Tertiary, i.e. one for the anteaters and one for the tree sloths and armadillos, indicating a probable subdivision of the true edentates into two suborders. This subdivision is markedly different from the classical two-fold division  of the edentates.


Vibrissae removal and the phenomenon of unexplained sudden death.

Two earlier theories on the effect of vibrissae removal in rats were tested. One theory stating that vibrissae removal produces impairment of spatial orientation capacity was confirmed. The other stating that it causes a depressive state of hopelessness and sudden death could not be confirmed. It is concluded that the extrapolation from the particular animal experiment to human psychological processes is not justified.


Effects of cadmium on the ultrastructure of the mouse parathyroid gland.

Electron-microscopic studies were made on the parathyroid gland of cadmium-treated mice. Most chief cells in treated mice were rich in free ribosomes and secretory granules compared to the control mice. In the parathyroid gland after 3 and 4 weeks of administration of cadmium, interdigitations between adjacent chief cells became more complex than in the control mice. In most chief cells of the parathyroid gland after 2, 3 and 4 weeks of administration of cadmium, the Golgi complexes associated with numerous prosecretory granules were better developed than in the control mice. These ultrastructural appearances suggest that parathyroid gland cellular activity was stimulated in response to cadmium treatment.


Relationships of musculus rhomboideus, ligamentum nuchae and vertebrae thoracis and lumbales in Bos indicus.

The funicular part of the ligamentum nuchae of Bos indicus attaches to the dorsolateral edges of the bifid spines of the seventh thoracic through third lumbar vertebrate. Cranially, the funiculus nuchae runs freely medial to the deep thoracic fascia which separates it from the overlying rhomboideus thoracis. The zebu hump is composed primarily of rhomboideus cervicis which in the thoracic position is clearly separable from underlying structures.


Venous drainage of the urinary bladder.

The venous drainage of the urinary bladder was studied in 20 pelvic halves (14 males and 6 females). Vesical and prostatic plexuses draining the bladder (vesical only in females) were found in 16 cases; they supplied blood to the internal iliac vein--usually by two to five veins--the most common number being three. One vein always drained the prostatic plexus. The vesical and prostatic plexuses were absent in 4 male cases, where the vesical veins issuing from the bladder wall drained directly the internal iliac vein. Their number in such cases was minimal: between one and two only, on each side. The union of a vesical vein issuing from any of the two mentioned plexuses (when found) with the obturator, prostatic or vaginal vein was common. A shunt from a common trunk of united obturator and vesical veins to the external iliac vein was noticed in some cases. Occasionally, an inferior vesical vein ending in the obturator vein accompanied an inferior vesical artery initiating from the obturator artery.


Hybridization and heat tolerance in rats.

Buffalo and Fisher inbred rats and their F1--F4 hybrids were exposed to heat, 96 degrees F and 30% humidity, at 35 days of age. Fisher rats which are of lighter weight survive significantly longer than Buffalo rats which are heavier. Body weight was significantly depressed in all hybrids. Only in F2 hybrids was heat tolerance similar to that of the Fisher inbreds. In all other hybrids, it was lower. No heterosis was found under the conditions used.


Retention during embryonic life of the ability of avian spinal cord to induce somitic chondrogenesis in vitro.

It is well established that the spinal cord of embryonic vertebrates induces sclerotomal somitic mesoderm to chondrify. We have investigated whether the spinal cord retains this inductive ability for the duration of the life of the avian embryo. Somites were isolated from embryos of H.H. stages 16 to 18 and either cultured alone in a medium which would not allow spontaneous chondrogenesis or cultured in direct contact with the spinal cord from embryos ranging in age between H.H. stages 33 and 44 (7 1/2--18 days of incubation). Somites cultured alone did not chondrify. Somites cultured in contact with either the ventral surface of the spinal cord or with the ependyma of the spinal cord chondrified in virtually 100% of all cultures--irrespective of the age of the donor embryo providing the spinal cord. The somites which were cultured in contact with the dorsal surface of the spinal cord did not undergo chondrogenesis. We conclude that the ventral spinal cord and the ependyma retain inductive ability through embryonic life and discuss the possible reasons for this.


[Functional morphology and ultracytochemistry of the specific granules of atrial muscle cells in mammals].

The carbohydrate content of the specific granules of atrial muscle cells has been confirmed by ultracytochemical and ultrastructural findings. The carbohydrate proteins of the granules seem to consist mainly of proteoglycans, probably with a great content of dermatan sulfate. Therefore, in mammals only the atrial muscle cells seem to retain postnatally the capability of embryonic heart muscle cells to synthesize proteoglycans. Secreted into the blood of the atria and atrial coronary vessels, they may bind lipoproteins of the blood serum, especially the atherogenic low-density lipoproteins. On the other hand, the antithrombotic effect of proteoglycans could be able to prevent a raised coagulability of the blood in the heart cavities caused by the beat of the heart cusps.


Anatomy of musculus levator veli palatini in the 15-week human fetus.

The morphology of musculus levator veli palatini in the 15-week fetus was analyzed using 30-micrometer subserial sections. The sample included 26 specimens, of which 9 each were sectioned coronally and sagittally while 8 were sectioned in the transverse plane. At this stage of development m. levator veli palatini takes a general attachment to the precursor of the petrous part of the temporal bone, and, in some cases, auxiliary attachments to the auditory tube complex were also observed. At its origin, the muscle is located anterior to the tube. It then runs medially, passing beneath the auditory tube prior to entering the velum. As it nears the region of the lateral pharyngeal wall, a small fascicle trails posteriorly and inferiorly to the main muscle mass and occasionally runs into the upper margin of m. constrictor pharyngis superior. The levator muscle is more localized within the velum at this stage of development than it has been reported to be in the adult, being confined here to the central third of the soft palate. Most of the fibers of the muscle appear to form a sling within the central 20% of the velum, although some were seen to take attachment to loose connective tissue and the palatine raphe. Upon its entry into the velum, m. levator veli palatini is intersected vertically by bundles of both mm. palatoglossus and palatopharyngeus.


Evaluation and graduation of brain stem auditory evoked potentials in patients with neurological diseases.

Based on normative data from 40 subjects, criteria for evaluating brain stem auditory evoked potentials have been elaborated. This system contained six grades from normal to diffusely abnormal, and was used in evaluating recordings from 142 patients, including 38 patients with definite and 48 with probable and possible multiple sclerosis, 18 patients with brain stem infarctions, six patients with other organic brain stem lesions, six patients with a postcommotional syndrome and 26 patients without any brain stem involvement. A statistically significant difference was found between normal persons and patients without evidence of brain stem lesions versus patients with such evidence, as well as between subgroups of slightly and severely affected patients. The system was found useful as a way of describing recordings, in company groups of patients and in a follow up of a few patients.


Chondrodystrophic myotonia: electromyographic and cardiac features of a case.

TheSchwartz-Jampel syndrome or chondrodystrophic myotonia is a rare disease characterized by dwarfism, diffuse osteoarticular alterations, blepharospasm, perioral muscular contractions and electromyographic alterations. The authors present a case of chondrodystrophic myotonia focusing mainly on facial electromyographic and cardiac findings. The electromyography of the orbicularis oculi muscles showed abundant myotonic discharges like other facial muscles as well as muscles of the members. It was not possible to obtain true electrical silence between myotonic discharges, suggesting that the blepharospasm is a consequence of persistent muscular contraction. No conclusive evidence of myocardiopathy was given by clinical or laboratory cardiac examinations. General characteristics of the syndrome are discussed as well as the treatment with procamide and phenytoin.


Mazindol in the treatment of narcolepsy.

Thirty-four subjects with the narcoleptic syndrome were treated with mazindol 3--8 mg daily for 1 year. Treatment cuased a sustained improvement in narcolepsy, but had no effect on cataplexy or sleep paralysis. The response to mazindol was excellent in six subjects, good in 14, moderate in 12 and poor in two. No cardiovascular effects, haematological toxicity, tolerance or dependence occurred. Mazindol 6 mg had the same effect on narcolepsy as d-amphetamine 50 mg, but caused less side effects.


Chromosome analysis in meningeal carcinomatosis.

A 50-year-old man with clinical signs of meningeal carcinomatosis is described in whom cerebrospinal fluid cells suspected of malignancy were found. A chromosome analysis confirmed malignancy and also indicated the origin of the primary tumor.


Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Frequent sampling of blood alters disease course.

Previous studies have shown that Strain 13 guinea pigs sensitised for experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) as adults usually develop an acute, fatal form of disease while animals inoculated as juveniles usually display a chronic relapsing form. The present study reports that following repeated short-interval blood sampling by cardiac puncture for the estimation of lymphocyte populations, some adult Strain 13 guinea pigs sensitised for acute EAE unexpectedly survived and developed chronic EAE, while a group of juveniles sensitised for chronic EAE and bled under the same conditions, developed a more severe, acute form of EAE. It is suggested that this reversal of disease course was related to the depletion of circulating factors.


Differential radiosensitivity of neurons and neuroglia of the hippocampus in the adult rabbit.

Adult rabbits were subjected to 4.5 Gy of whole-blody or brain alone gamma-irradiation, and their hippocampus was examined with the light and electron microscope. Pycnotic cells were found at the base of the granular layer of the dentate gyrus in the so-called subgranular zone, as soon as 3 h after irradiation, and were cleared up by active phagocytosis after 48 h. Some of these cells appeared as undifferentiated, whereas others were differentiating granule cells, and possibly immature neuroglia. The extent of cell necrosis was contingent upon the age of the animal, the oldest animal studied (27 months) showing only sparse lesion of that type. Astrocytes and microglia were responsible for the phagocytosis of dead cells. Another type of lesion was found in the nuclei of the mature granule cells and consisted of light spots which appeared 1 h after the irradiation and disappeared almost completely after 48 h. Pyramidal cells did not show any of these two lesions. It is concluded that the laterations in the electrical activity of pyrimidal cells, following irradiation, are at least partly due to lesions affecting the dentate gyrus. Radionecrosis in the subgranular zone is related to the presence of immature cells in this region.


Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection of organotypic nerve cell cultures. Tubule-like structures in the nuclei of cells infected with type 2 but not with type 1 virus.

In HSV-2 infected cultures, intranuclear tubule-like structures were found more commonly in fibroblasts and central nervous system (CNS) neurons than in oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, satellite and Schwann cells, but were found least often in peripheral neurons.


Iron-induced atypical meningioma cells?

Polymorphous tumor cells with bizarre giant nuclei are characteristic of the so-called atypical meningioma. Some of these cells are iron-positive. Meningioma cells apparently are able to store iron excessively. It is discussed whether an extremely high intracellular iron uptake is responsible for atypical meningioma growth. Derangement of mitotic spindles may lead to polyploid chromosome sets and thereby to giant nuclei. This seems likely because induction of tumor growth after iron injection has been described. Spodographic examinations showed that even histologically inconspicuous tumor cells contain fine-grained iron. Application of the Prussian-blue reaction to spodograms reveals distinctly higher iron contents than common paraffin sections had proved.


Studies on mucous substances in myxomatous meningiomas.

Three cases of myxomatous meningiomas with unusually abundant myxopoiesis are reported. Histochemical and staining methods are applied to characterize the mucous substances. They are identified as a complex of neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides with a protein component. Histochemical and histological findings are correlated. The question is discussed whether an excessive myxopoiesis of meningioma cells represents regressive changes or specialized cellular activity.


Ganglioglioma of the spinal cord. A case with a long survival.

A case of ganglioglioma or neuroastrocytoma of the spinal cord in a 78-year-old man is reported. Diagnosis was based on the histological identification of the neoplastic cells and on the study of the architecture of the tumour. The presence of cellular anaplasia, sometimes of marked degree, and of small nests of infiltration suggested an initial malignant behaviour regarding both cellular types. A survey of the five reported cases of spinal ganglioglioma is presented.


A comparison of three methods for inducing labor: oral prostaglandin E2, buccal desaminooxytocin, intravenous oxytocin.

A study of labor induction in 325 patients is reported. Group I (77 patients with Bioshop's scores 0-6) and 2 (69 patients with Bishop's scores 7-12) were given 0.5 mg prostaglandin E2 every half hour (maximum 5 mg per day). Group 3 (87 patients with Bishop's scores 0-6) was givne 50 International units of buccal desaminooxytocin every half hour (maximum 500 International units per day). In Group 4 (92 patients with Bishop's scores 7-12), labor was induced by primary amniotomy and automatic oxytocin infusion by the Cardiff method. In groups 1, 2 and 3, 45 per cent, 74 per cent and 41 per cent delivered within 48 hours, while 100 per cent in group 4 delivered within 24 hours. No differences were found in either the frequency of cesarean section or the incidence of low Apgar scores. A higher, but not statistically significant frequency of vacuum extraction was found in the Cardiff group (25 per cent) than in the tablet-induced groups (15 per cent). There was, however, a significantly higheroccurrence of alterations in fetal heart rate which led to instrumental intervention to hasten delivery in the Cardiff group compared to the tablet-induced patients.


Folic acid supplement and intrauterine growth.

The effect of a folic acid supplment on birth weight and placental weight in women delivering in the early summer in Denmark was investigated. Thirty-six women with normal pregnancy and expected delivery in the first half of June were selected consecutively. They were paired two and two, and allotted to two groups, one of which was supplied daily with 5 mg folic acid, and the second with tablets without folic acid, from the 23rd week of pregnancy. A significant correlation was found between erythrocyte folic acid and birth weight. The infants in the folic acid group were 12.7 per cent heavier than those in the control group (p less than 0.01). A similar difference was found with regard to placental weight and the number of placental cells.


Pregnancy complications following conization of the uterine cervix (II).

The effect of conization upon the course of pregnancy and the fertility has been evaluated. 44 women had a total of 66 pregnancies following conization. These 44 women were compared with an age-matched group of non-conized women, as well as with a group of non-conized women matched for both age and parity. There were more smokers among conized than among non-conized women. All other descriptive variables were found to be without significant differences between the groups compared. There was no significant difference in the frequency of spontaneous and induced abortion, prematurity or cesarean section between conized and non-conized women. The second stage of labor was found to be protracted in conized women. Fertility judged by the "latent period"--the time elapsed from the couple started sexual intercourse without use of contraception to the present pregnancy--showed no difference between conized and non-conized women. We conclude that although a greater number of patients is necessary to permit definite conclusions concerning the risk of pregnancy and delivery complications in conized women, it is of special interest that the present study did not demonstrate an increased risk of spontaneous abortion nor of prematurity.


Amniotic fluid cell exfoliation in early human pregnancy.

An ultrasctructural study of amniotic epithelium and fetal periderm was undertaken in order to investigate the exfoliative capacity in these tissue surfaces in early human pregnancy. Contrary to earlier reports, no exfoliation could be detected from amniotic epithelium, while a heavy detachment of cells and cell fragments was observed from fetal skin. The importance of meticulous tissue preparation is obvious; detachment phenomena are easily produced artifactually by tissue scrapings and improper tissue preparation for morphological investigations.


Platelet function, coagulation and fibrinolysis during termination of missed abortion and missed labor by PGF2 alpha and oxytocin.

In cases of missed abortion and missed labor, labor was induced by PGF2 alpha i.a., i.v. and by oxytocin infusion. Platelet function (methods of Born and Breddin), the coagulation system and fibrinolysis have been studied within the three groups. Using PGF 2 alpha i.v., the initially increased platelet aggregation showed a tendency to become normal. There was no manifestation of activation of the coagulation system. Fibrinolytic activity showed a slight increase during PGF2  alpha i.v. No essential changes in platelet function, coagulation and fibrinolytic system were found after i.a. injection of PGF2 alpha. When inducing labor by oxytocin i.v., both the coagulation and the fibrinolytic system were slightly activated and platelet aggregation increased. The results and their clinical importance for hemostasis as well as therapeutic consequences are discussed.


Estradiol, estriol and human placental lactogen in serum in threatened abortion.

In 64 pregnant women admitted to hospital because of threatened abortion the prognostic value of estradiol-17-beta, estriol and human placental lactogen (HPL) in serum was examined. The hormones were determined by radioimmunoassay. Blood samples were taken at regular intervals during admission to hospital and subsequently until delivery. For each hormone a reference range was based on the hormone values obtained from the pregnancies that continued to viability. The study shows that the three hormones examined gave a good indication of the prognosis in threatened abortion, both separately and in combination. The best predictive values were achieved with estradiol and HPL after serial samples. Of these two hormones estradiol is to be preferred because of its fetoplacental origin.


The effect of missed abortion and spontaneous abortion on the fate of subsequent pregnancies.

Sixty-two patients with spontaneous abortion and 58 with missed abortion were all promptly treated with curettage. The reproductive performance and the subsequent fertility of both groups during a five year period before and after the abortion were compared. To our suprise, no significant differences were found between the two groups.


Treatment of hyperprolactinemic luteal insufficiency with bromocriptine.

Twelve patients with infertility and insufficent luteal function were studied during a control cycle, and during a cycle when 2.5 mg of bromocriptine was given twice daily. Serum levels of prolactin, progesterone, estradiol-17-beta, FSH and LH were determined during both cycles. Endometrial biopsies were taken from most patients during the late luteal phase. Two patients had persistent hyperprolactinemia, approximately 35-45 ng/ml, and both had repeated insufficient luteal function, which completely reverted to normal during treatment. Five of the 10 normoprolactinemic patients achieved a normal luteal function during bromocriptine therapy. No pregnancies were achieved during the study but one patient later conceived during bromocriptine therapy.


Uterine and ovarian estrogen receptor levels in climacteric women.

High affinity cytoplasmic estrogen receptors in the endometrium, myometrium and ovary of 15 climacteric women were studied. In addition, the concurrent serum estradiol and progesterone level of each woman was estimated and the endometrium examined histologically. The cytoplasmic estrogen receptor level of the endometrium and myometrium had remained extremely high in some cases several years after the menopause and in the presence of a completely atrophied endometrium. The lowest endometrial and myometrial estrogen receptor levels in pre-menopausal women were measured towards the end of the menstrual cycle. The eodometrial estrogen receptor level was roughly 2--3 times the comparable myometrial level. Estrogen receptors were also encountered in all cases in the cervical myometrium. The estrogen receptor levels of the ovary were low in all cases.


Water and ion metabolism in placenta. II. Water compartments and electrolytes in slices of rabbit placenta, at different periods of gestation, incubated at 0-1 degree C.

The movement and the distribution of water, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and calcium have been studied in slices prepared from rabbit placentae at different periods of gestation, incubated in condition of depressed metabolism (0-1 degree C). In these conditions the tissue takes up water from the external medium up to a maximum of about 2.0 kg/kg d. wt., which represents 30 per cent of the initial H2O content of the fresh tissue. The extracellular compartment swells progressively and proportionally to the age of the placenta. The sodium and chloride content of the tissue increases while that of potassium decreases and their intracellular concentration reaches, after 120 min, that of the external medium. Magnesium does not show appreciable changes and calcium, too, despite its extreme variability, does not seem to undergo significant variations during the cold incubation. The results obtained show that placenta, like most of other mammalian cell systems, possesses specific metabolism-dependent mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of water distribution and ion gradients among the different tissue compartments. The characteristics and the regulation of these mechanisms are discussed in detail.


Amoxycillin absorption and penetration in pelvic inflammatory disease.

Five patients with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) had thin polyethylene catheters introduced percutaneously through the abdominal wall into the pouch of Douglas for sampling of peritoneal fluid. At hourly intervals specimens were aspirated, simultaneously with the sampling of finger tip capillary blood. In both the concentration of amoxycillin was determined by the micromethod of Jalling et al. (1972). One hour after the oral ingestion of 0.5 grams of amoxycillin, a therapeutic level was recorded in blood plasma, the peak level being achieved in 2 hours. The concentration of amoxycillin in the peritoneal fluid showed some delay, mainly in the cases with a thick purulent exsudate, but the peak levels were similar to those in blood plasma. After a single dose of 0.5 gram of amoxycillin, a therapeutic level was maintained in blood and in peritoneal fluid for 7-8 hours. The drug was well tolerated and showed an excellent clinical effect.


Choroidal fluorescein angiography in rabbit.

The extreme permeability of the choriocapillaris to sodium fluorescein makes angiography with this tracer unsuitable to show the choroidal vascular bed. In order to prevent this profuse leakage, the choroidal circulation is visualized with fundus angiography after injection of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labelled dextrans of different molecular weight: 20 000, 40 000, 70 000, and 150 000. It is shown that the two first dextrans leak out of the choriocapillaris rather rapidly, whereas the last two dextrans remain intravascularly long enough to enable good demonstration of choroidal vessels. The practical application of these findings is discussed, and it is concluded that the dextran with molecular weight 70 000 should be preferred for use in humans.


Recurrences and metastases in carcinoma of the uterine body correlated to the size and localization of the primary tumor.

Hysterography was used for judging the size and location of the primary tumor in 475 patients with stage I carcinoma of the uterine body. No increased frequency of recurrence and metastases was noted in patients where the tumor involved the uterine cervix. Large tumors, however, were accompanied by an increased frequency of recurrences, metastases in the pelvic nodes and remote metastases.


Improved radiological technique for evaluating the lacrimal pathways with special emphasis on functional disorders.

A radiological study of the lacrimal drainage apparatus was made in 50 patients with temporary or permanent epiphora. The authors state that the present radiologic technique (macrography, seriography, subtraction) allows the detection on the various lacrimal levels of not only organic lesions but also of functional disorders. They assert the definite superiority of dacryocystography over the other clinical and radiological investigations (scintigraphy, roentgencinematography) in identifying the site and the nature of the various organic lesions, in evaluating and interpreting the functional alterations as well as following and judging the effectiveness of treatments.


Tear flow in normal human eyes. Determination by means of radioisotope and gamma camera.

Tear flow was measured in normal human eyes by means of a radioisotope (technetium as pertechnetate in a normal saline solution), a gamma camera and a computer. By "region of interest" technique the elimination was shown to have two phases: an initial rapid elimination followed by a slower elimination after 5--7 min. The mean fractional turnover rate in the initial phase was 0.197 min.-1 (n = 35, SEM = 0.013) and in the basal phase 0.083 min.-1 (n = 35, SEM = 0.003). Assuming a constant tear volume these values corresponded to a tear flow of 1.4 microliter min.-1 and 0.6 microliter min.-1, respectively. There was no significant difference between the fractional turnover rate in the upright and supine position. No difference was found in tear flow between males and females. With the eyes closed the fractional turnover rate was low with intermittently rapid outflow of tears. Irritation to the contralateral eye with a filterpaper caused a stimulated tear flow of 4.4 microliter min.-1. A nomogram facilitating background corrections was constructed.


Phagocytosis of latex microspheres by the epithelial cells of the guinea pig conjunctiva.

The capability of conjunctival epithelial cells to phagocytize particulate foreign matter was studied experimentally in the guinea pig. Perilimbal conjunctival epithelium was prepared for transmission electron microscopy by perfusion fixation 4 and 24 h after instillation of latex microspheres (0.79 mu in diameter) into the lower conjunctival  fornix. A varying number of microspheres were internalized by the superficial epithelial cells in both cases. The intracellular microspheres, single (at 4 and 24 h) or aggregated (only at 24 h), were always membrane-enclosed, corresponding to primary phagosomes. Some indications of secondary phagosomes were seen as well. In the 24 h specimens, microspheres were present also in the intermediate epithelial cells, implying a transfer from superficial to deeper cells. Thus, superficial as well as intermediate epithelial cells of the guinea pig conjunctiva are capable of active phagocytosis of inert particles.


Contractile properties of extraocular muscle in cats reared with monocular lid closure and artificial squint.

Kittens were raised with amblyopia by monocular lid suture or esotropia by transection of extraocular muscles in one eye at the age of 2--3 weeks. Isometric contractions in the inferior oblique muscle were recorded at 20 weeks or at adult age, and the results were compared with those of similarly aged cats with normal visual development. The speed of contraction and the fatigue resistance was reduced in the lid sutured animals. In the esotropic cats studied, fatigue resistance was also reduced but the speed of contraction did not change much. It is suggested that the postnatal eye muscle development can be modified by manipulation of the visual input at an early age. Presumably the impaired binocular vision in the lid sutured and esotropic cats reduced the demand for fusion vergences, and this might be reflected in the changes of eye muscle properties. In monocularly lid sutured cats, eye muscle changes were the same on both sides, suggesting that amblyopia per se did not affect eye muscle development.


A clinical study on the detection of strabismus, anisometropia or ametropia of children by simultaneous photography of the corneal and the fundus reflexes.

Twenty two strabismus and 106 straight eyed patients with anatomically normal eyes were first photographed with a conventional camera equipped with a weak 100 mm teleobjective and coaxial flashlight and then examined clinically. The possibility of detecting strabismus, anisometropias and ametropias in the photographs by noting the localisation of the corneal reflexes and examining the appearance and lightness of the fundus reflexes and their possible asymmetry were tested in a double blind study. Even small angled strabismus cases could be found because of the asymmetrical localisation of the corneal reflexes. In 18 of the 22 strabismus cases (82%) there was asymmetrical lightness of the fundus reflexes and the fundus reflex of the deviating eye was lighter than that of the fixating eye. All the straight eyed anisometropias of 3.0 diopters or more (five cases) were observed in the photographs because of the asymmetrical appearance of the fundus reflexes. In straight eyed anisometropias of under 3.0 diopters, the fundus reflexes were symmetrical in 90 cases and asymmetrical in 11 cases (11%). Only three out of eight hyperopias of fomr +4.5 to +6.0 diopters were found because of the light crescent in the low part of the pupil. All myopias of over -4.0 diopters (14 cases) were observed because of the light crescent appearance in the upper part of the pupil. No pupillary crescents appeared with refractions of less than -1.75 diopters myopia or less than +4.5 diopters hyperopia; 172 eyes came within this range. Even a technician can perform, without premedication, the method tested here for rapid and simple screening to detect strabismus and straight eyed anisometropias of 3.0 diopters or more in small children or other patients who do not co-operate well in normal clinical examination. Over -4.0 diopters myopias can also be found. The method was rather unreliable for finding hyperopias, presumably because no cycloplegic drops were used.


The colour receptors in amblyopia investigated by specific quantitative perimetry.

With a method combining static colour perimetry and the two-colour threshold technique of Stiles, characteristic sensitivities of the cone mechanisms have been studied in amblyopic eye; the depression was more pronounced the higher the degree of amblyopia. For the blue cone mechanism no significant difference was found between the amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes. For the red and green cone mechanisms, a central depression of sensitivity was found between the amblyopic and non-amblyopic eye, except at the fixation point where the mean threshold sensitivity was significantly higher in the amblyopic eye than in the leading eye. By registration of blue receptor curves, a distinct age factor was observed. In the younger patients (aged 10--16) the sensitivity level at peripheral positions for both the amblyopic and the non-amblyopic eye was significantly higher than in the older patients (aged 39--50). This difference is evidently due to the higher absorption of blue light in the ocular media in older patients. In our cases with eccentric fixation, the true fovea represents the relatively best sensitivity of the red as well as of the green cone mechanism.


Clinical electro-oculography.

In clinical routine EOG we are dealing with a base line or lightinsensitive potential and a lightsensitive potential, the latter consisting of at least two different oscillations, a fast negative and a slow positive one. Any judgement of EOG without referring to the absolute level of the baseline is an incomplete one. It is no longer justified to refer to the Arden ratio as a unique parameter for EOG normalty or abnormalty. Our knowledge about the generating mechanisms of the different EOG components is insufficient. Clinical EOG examination is one way to better understanding. Statistical evaluation is not easy because of the considerable inter- and intraindividual variations. The study of uniocular diseases or affections may solve some of our problems.


Effect of oily vehicle on ocular pilocarpine concentration.

The effect of 1.4% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) vehicle and of castor oil vehicle on ocular pilocarpine concentration was studied by radioactive method in the rabbit eye. Statistically higher radioactivities were measured from the anterior surface structures of the eyes dropped with oily vehicle when compared to PVA vehicle at 120 min. It is concluded that the conjunctiva and the cornea serve as a drug reservoir for the longlasting drug effect observed in the literature after oily pilocarpine drops.


Infantile glaucoma: electrophysiology.

Thirty-eight children with congenital infantile glaucoma (hydrophthalmia) were examined using electrophysiological methods. In contrast with adult glaucoma, hydrophthalmia is characterized by early changes in the electro-retinogram and rise of the threshold of electrical phosphene, which points to serious pathological changes in the retinal optic nerve. In such cases surgical intervention is indicated.


Orbital abscess in two neonates, deriving from conjunctival malformations.

A report is given of two infants who developed an orbital abscess within their first month of life. Generally they were unaffected, and malignancies were initially suspected. Ultrasonography showed partly cystic, partly solid lesions. The likely infectious foci were conjunctival malformations, a mucosal fistula in case No. 1, a conjunctival cyst in case NO. 2. There was rapid and complete recovery after surgery. The infections were caused by Staph. aureus and by diplococcus pneumoniae, respectively. Additional findings: Infant No. 1 had a fibroma of the tongue. Infant No. 2 had pes equino-varus.


Direct ophthalmoscopy with simultaneous colour television transmission.

The authors have developed a direct ophthalmoscope with simultaneous television transmission. The ophthalmoscope is used clinically for student as well as postgraduate teaching and for intercollegial discussion of retinal changes which give rise to differential diagnostic difficulties.


The optimum illuminance level for clinical electro-oculography.

The variation of Arden Index with the level of illuminance used for the light adaptation phase in electro-oculographic examination is investigated. A level of 300 Lux is suggested as producing maximum response and minimum patient discomfort. Situations where greater levels of illuminance are specifically required are discussed.


Racemose haemangioma of the retina. Report of three cases with long term follow-up.

Racemose haegiomas of the retina are rare developmental anomalies. The basic lesion is an abnormal arterio-venous communication. Three new cases with long term follow-up are presented. In two of the cases the first symptom was loss of vision due to retinal and vitreous haemorrhage. In the third case gradual reduction of vision was due to vascular leakage into the macular area. The recent literature is reviewed and the association to midbrain haemangiomas discussed. The ophthalmological differential diagnosis, the prognosis and the present status in treatment is presented.


Age variations in normal human contrast sensitivity.

The visual contrast sensitivity (the reciprocal of contrast threshold) was studied as a function of age. Psychophysical measurements of binocular and monocular contrast thresholds were made for 33 normal observers at spatial frequencies within the range 0.5 to 40 cycles/degree. The observers were divided into three different age groups: young, middle-aged, and old subjects with the age ranges 6--10 years, 20--40 years, and 60--70 years, respectively. All observers had healthy eyes, normal vision, and Snellen visual acuity of 1.0 or better in both eyes. In all groups, contrast sensitivity for binocular and monocular viewing peaked at a spatial frequency around 3--5 cycles/degree and showed the typical attenuation at low and high spatial frequencies. The binocular contrast sensitivity was higher than the monocular. There was no significant difference between young and middle-aged subjects with regard to contrast sensitivity. Subjects aged 60 years or more showed significantly lower contrast sensitivity than younger subjects for most spatial frequencies above 4 cycles/degree. We may thus conclude that both the binocular and monocular contrast sensitivity seemed independent of age within the range of 6 to 40 years. For higher ages studied (above 60 years), there was a loss of sensitivity in the middle and high frequency regions.


Conjunctival transport of technetium-99m pertechnetate.

Using a gamma camera coupled to a computer and a tape unit the transport of pertechnetate (Tc99m) across the conjunctiva was determined by the 'region of interest' technique in human subjects. In 11 patients with their lacrimal sacs removed a fractional turnover rate of 0.021 min-1 was found. In 21 patients with inflammed conjunctiva due to chronic dacryocystitis a fractional turnover rate of 0.027 min-1 was found, whereas the value in 11 normal individuals was 0.015 min-1. Neglecting the relatively small transcorneal route of disappearance, the values found for technetium disappearance could be regarded as representative for the transconjunctival transport of the radioisotope. This assumption was confirmed by correlating the radioactivity in the blood with the fractional turnover rate.


Timolol maleate in treatment of open angle glaucoma.

The effect of Timolol maleate on the intraocular pressure in open angle glaucoma has been examined in 37 patients, of these simple glaucoma in 26 (48 eyes), capsular glaucoma in 9 (14 eyes) and chronic secondary glaucoma in 2 patients (2 eyes). These cases constituded a group which was relatively difficult to manage. The average pressure reduction caused by Timolol maleate alone was about 23%. In 18 patients the intraocular pressure was adequately controlled on Timolol as the only drug and in 10 on additional drug therapy. Five patients failed on drug treatment, and the remaining four failed on one eye while the fellow eye was well regulated. Tonography indicates that the effect is caused by a reduction of the aqueous humour production. Side effects of locally applied Timolol maleate have not been observed. This drug may be the drug of choice in many instances.


Cavernous haemangioma of the retina.

Seven cases of retinal cavernous haemangioma are presented. Three cases have been followed for more than 6 years, and three cases between 1 and 2 years. Six cases had no eye symptoms related to the vascular tumour, while in one case vitreous haemorrhage occurred on two occasions. On both these occasions full vision was regained. None of the vascular tumours were treated. Two patients had grand mal seizures. They also had convulsive disease in the family history. In three cases family members of two generations were found to have normal eyes on examination.


The pallor of the optic disc. A quantitative photographic assessment by purple filter.

By employing purple colour filters with a large blue and a small red transmission, normal and atrophic optic disks were photographed on colour transparencies. Normal optic disks reflect red light, and atrophic optic disks reflect blue light. The degree of atrophy estimated by colour contrast is quantitated by microdensitometry in the blue (470 nm) and in the red (640 nm) region of the transparencies. The difference between the blue and red density is used as an expression of optic disc colour.


Bioplast fibrin film for conjunctival replacement.

The study includes 43 cases of conjunctival grafting in chemical burns and traumatic pterygium. Resorbable Bioplast fibrin film was used as a readily available, biocompatible conjunctival subsitute. The implant was absorbed and the site occupied by fresh conjunctival tissue in a few weeks. The composition of tear proteins was restored to normal as fast as after free conjunctival grafting. The results were also satisfactory in terms of cosmetics.


Keratitis dendritica. An epidemiological investigation.

One hundred and seven outbreaks of dendritic keratitis have been registered by the ophthalmologists over a 2-year-period in a region with a population of approximately 446 000 persons. The incidence was found to be 12/100 000/year. The average age of our sample was 46.5 years with the same age distribution for males and females, and with a non-significant predominance of males. No seasonal variation of dendritic keratitis was observed. 50% of the patients had previously suffered from dendritic keratitis. In 25% of the patients the onset of the disease had been preceded by an infectious disease, while 6% were on local steroid therapy for non-dendritic eye diseases prior to the dendritic outbreak.


Presenile corneal arcus in healthy persons. A possible cardiovascular risk indicator in younger adults.

The results of blood-lipid screening of 200 39--49-year-old participants with incidentally diagnosed corneal arcus from the Copenhagen City Heart Study are reported. A large sample of study-participants of the same age-group without arcus served as controls. In general, the arcus-group had higher se.-cholesterol than the control-group (P less than 0.01 in males and less than 0.02 in females). The se.-triglycerides in the two groups did not differ. A trend towards positive correlation between arcus-intensity and cholesterol-level was demonstrated by non-parametrical statistics. By use of the same statistics, an association between lipids and arcus-localisation was searched out. Dense arcus in the nasal/lower limbal regions occurred together with hypercholesterolemia more often than did a marked upper/outer arcus. Consequently, based on the present investigation, se.-cholesterol-screening of middle-aged persons with marked lower/nasal arcus seems justified, since hypercholesterolemia might will be an underlying cause. Finally, the importance of diagnosing and treating hypercholesterolemia is briefly discussed.


Semiquantitative interference study of fatty layer of precorneal film.

Reflecting colours from the fatty layer of the precorneal film have been studied using mat filter (grease-proof paper, parchment paper, tracing paper) in front of the slit lamp mirror, maximally open light slit in a half-lit room, and magnification x 15. The palpebral fissure was narrowed until occurrence of red interference colour (2000 A). In 206 normal eyes the fatty layer was 102 +/- 3nm (+/- SEM), or about 0.1 micron, independent of age, sex and BUT (break up time). Maximum on awakening. Coefficient of variation 12.7 per cent. An increased fatty layer was noticed in cases of blepharitis (129 +/- 8 nm), in 91 per cent wearing hard contact lenses and 73 per cent wearing soft contact lenses. The fatty layer was likewise seen to be augmented in patients with acute infectious conjunctivitis (193 +/- 3 nm), chronic infectious conjunctivitis (164 +/- 7 nm), and in all states complicated by bacterial infection. The fatty layer is normal in allergic and chronic simple conjunctivitis. Silicone oil was found to effect reduction of the fatty layer.


Quantitative measurements of the fluorescence in limbal vessels by dynamic television angiography.

A method for dynamic angiography and quantitative measurement of fluorescence in ocular vessels in an in vitro experiment and in corneo-conjunctival angiography is described.


Ergophthalmological studies in the electronic industry.

162 employees, the majority women, in an electronic industry were examined in a joint study involving several ergonomic aspects. Some results concerning visual skills are here extracted from a more comprehensive report. No natural selection of fitted workers could be demonstrated. The visual function was found to be only one component of a multifactorial system, which determines the psychological and physical well-being and productivity of industrial workers. The lack of a sufficient number of abnormal persons and comparable working conditions made it difficult to define limiting visual standards for job performance. Ordinary tests for visual acuity, near vision, heterophoria and stereopsis revealed few facts of importance. More intersting results were obtained when spectacles were evaluated as suitable for the job. 43% of the spectacles were considered insufficient. The use of bifocals did not seem to be related to the need of head movements, and 68% of all the spectacles had tinted glasses, in spite of the fact that the majority of persons wearing them considered the working illumination inadequate. An analysis of the working posture and the visual capacity of the worker should precede the prescription of spectacles for industrial workers.


Presenile cataract. A follow-up investigation with special reference to occupational aspects.

A retrospective investigation was carried out of 100 patients below the age of 60 years operated for presenile cataract. The material has been divided into three occupational groups, depending on the visual requirements. The complaints prior to and after operation have been related to the patient ability to retain their employment. Of 78 patients who were still employed, only 45 were able to return to their former occupation after the first cataract extraction. The final result was that 62 patients could continue their former work, 12 changed their occupation due to aphakia problems, while four had to retire. The vision in the fellow eye, the type of work and the optical appliances have been found to be of primary importance. It is concluded that operation for unilateral cataract is inadvisable, if the vision of the fellow eye is good and contact lenses cannot be used, that the time between operations for bilateral cataract should be as short as possible, and that the use of contact lenses is essential.


Influence on vision of extremely low frequence electromagnetic fields. Industrial measurements, magnetophosphene studies volunteers and intraretinal studies in animals.

The strong electric currents used for heating purposes in welding and steel industries set up related magnetic fields (generally 0.1--10 mT and 50 Hz). Such fields 10--50 Hz, 0--40 mT) were used to induce visual light phenomena, magnetophosphenes. Threshold values for magnetophosphenes were determined as a function of magnetic field frequency as well as colour and intensity of the background illumination. A typical sensitivity maximum was found at 20--25 Hz. Differences between volunteers with normal colour vision and colour defective ones were observed. The frog retina was exposed to the same type of fields. Retinal activity, induced by the fields, was registered from the ganglion cell layer by means of microelectrode technique. The results indicate that magnetophosphenes are generated in the retina and in the same channels that are normally propagating signals induced by light of different qualities. The findings may be of guidance when formulating threshold limit values for extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields in industry.


Chloroquine keratopathy in chloroquine workers after topical dust exponation. A case report.

A report of acute corneal changes in workers employed in the chloroquine industry is presented. The workers were exposed to chloroquine phosphate dust in the manufacture of chloroquine tablets, and the corneal alterations were similar to those described after long continued systemic chloroquine therapy.


New aspects on the heredity of open angle glaucoma.

Oen angle glaucoma is known to be inherited, but detailed knowledge of the primary genetic factor and its mode of inheritance are lacking. By studying both the glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous members in afflicted pedigrees, it has been established that premorbid goniodysgenesis, inherited in an autosomal dominant mode, plays a decisive role for the eventual development of glaucoma. Goniodysgenesis has been documented not only in infantile congenital glaucoma but also in late congenital glaucoma (often misinterpreted as glaucoma simplex) and in families with pigmentary glaucoma and exfoliation glaucoma. In addition, there is evidence that goniodysgenesis is the morphological prerequisite of the high elevation of the IOP on provocation with topical steroids. The article contains a short survey of the literature and presents three families with intrafamilial variations of open angle glaucoma based on a dominant genetic trait, viz. goniodysgenesis.


Contrast sensitivity in macular disease using a small-field and a large-field TV-system.

The spatial contrast threshold for a sinusoidal grating of varying contrast and frequency generated with a small-field or a large-field TV-display was examined in normal subjects and in patients with macular disorders. Impairment of contrast sensitivity (reciprocal of contrast) was observed in the different maculopathies investigated. Attenuation of the high- and middle-frequency ranges was an early finding in macular disease, whereas changes including the low-frequency range was observed in more advanced maculopathies. Comparison of results obtained using the small (1.4 degree) or large-field (6 degree--24 degree) TV-system demonstrated a field-dependence of the contrast sensitivity attenuation in localized macular disorders. In more wide-spread lesions in the posterior pole, a contrast attenuation over the whole frequency range was found also with the largest (24 degree) stimulation field used. The study of the contrast sensitivity function supplements the traditional acuity measurements in quantifying the visual loss for objects larger than the resolution limit. I conclude that contrast threshold measurements are not only useful for describing visual loss, but also for tracking progression or recovery. The findings provide some additional insight into the visual difficulties of daily life of patients with a macular disorder. However, the definite role of contrast sensitivity measurements for diagnosing different visual disorders is still lacking.


Optical principles for estimation of endothelial cell density with the non-contact specular microscope.

In non-contact specular microscopy of corneal endothelium, endothelial cell density is overestimated due to the angle of observation and the curvature of cornea. On the basis of theoretical considerations, it is concluded that if the angle of observation is kept at a small value the curvature of cornea contributes only insignificantly to this overestimation, the major determinant being the angle of observation. When an angle of 46 degrees is chosen between slit illumination and optical axis of the microscope it is calculated that estimates of endothelial cells should be multiplied with a factor of 0.959 to correct for the angle effect. Six eye were photographed with both a contact and non-contact specular microscope and endothelial cell density estimated. Mean observed difference in cell counts was +5.5% without correction and +1.2% with correction for angle effect. 95% confidence limits for the difference with correction were -3.7 and +6.0% respectively showing that estimates of endothelial cell density obtained with the non-contact specular microscope agree closely with those obtained by contact specular microscopy when corrected for angle of observation.


Toxicity of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) to human corneal endothelium in vitro.

Human cadaver corneas were obtained 10--12 h after clinical death, incubated in organ culture for 20--28 h and exposed 2, 4, 6, 8, 6, 4, and 2% DMSO successively for 10 min at each concentration. Endothelial cell damage was recognized by morphological alterations during reformation of a coherent cell sheat after expulsion of damaged cells. DMSO was found to cause latent cell damage at 31 degrees C. No cell damage was found at 4 degrees C when DMSO was dissolved in minimum essential medium (Eagle) plus Dextran or when DMSO was dissolved in human albumin plus sucrose. DMSO was found to be toxic at 4 degrees C in pure serum and in Dulbecco's medium.


Ocular  trauma. Observation in 105 patients.

A report on 105 cases of ocular trauma hospitalized in St. Joseph's Hospital in Reykjavik during a 12-year period is presented. Of these patients 94 were males and 11 females. Thirty-nine patients were children, and only six patients were older than 50 years. Most common were occupational accidents (43 cases) and of these 29 were connected to industry. Other main causes were traffic accidents, sport and dangerous play by children. Of the total 105 cases, 70 had perforation of the bulb. All but nine underwent some kind of operation, and enucleation was performed in 10 patients. Nearly two thirds of the patients were hospitalized within six hours of the accident and 84% within 24 h.


Automatic perimetry in a population survey.

Automatic perimetry was performed in 2998 eyes of 1511 subjects comprising 78% of all persons born 1907--1921 and resident in a certain small area. Unreliable or abnormal tests were repeated. The average number of tests per person was 2.25. About 90% of all tests in normal eyes were performed in less than 3 min. The screening was considered negative in 2887 eyes, incomplete in 20 eyes and positive in 91 eyes (3%). Eighteen of the positives were previously unknown glaucomatous defects. There was only one unexplained "false positive". We concluded that the method is quick, sensitive, specific and dependable. The apparatus is simple to manage and cheap to run.


Bone thickening in osteoarthrosis. Observations of an osteoarthrosis-prone strain of mouse.

Estimations were made of the amount of bone (histologically) and the rate of bone formation (85Sr incorporation) in the epiphyses of the knees of osteoarthrosis-prone (STR/ORT) and normal (CBA/ORT) mice. Though the bone was significantly thicker in the STR/ORT mice, this was not the cause of the articular degeneration. Bone sclerosis and cartilage breakdown were chronologically very closely related with perhaps the cartilage changes occurring initially. In male STR/ORT mice bone formation was depressed in the cancellous bone of the epiphyses as, unlike the normal mice, it was at the same level as the compact bone of the femoral shaft. As there was no elevation of the osteoblastic activity in knee joints with developing osteoarthrosis, it would appear that bone sclerosis associated with the disease was due to decreased osteoclasis.


Bone-marrow pressure and bone strength.

The pattern of bone-marrow pressure changes differed with the mode of stress application. Intra-medullary pressure remained steady during most of the slow loading. During rapid dynamic loading, however, a slight rise in intra-medullary pressure was observed. Contraction of the femoral muscles also resulted in a greater bone-marrow pressure increase. A correlation of 0.98 (P less than 0.001) between stimulus strength and intra-medullary pressure was obtained. The rise in intra-medullary pressure with femoral muscle contraction is suggested to have a possible role under extreme stresses in living conditions.


Synoviorthesis with radioactive gold in hemophiliacs. Clinical and radiological follow-up.

Twenty-seven patients with hemophilia treated with intra-articular injection of radioactive gold were followed up clinically and radiologically for 3 to 9 years after treatment. To assess the radiological changes, a new classification was designed, with a score describing the severity of the changes in a more accurate manner than the methods previously used. The treatment decreased the bleeding frequency and stopped the progress of the arthropathy if applied at an early stage when the arthropathy was still reversible. If the treatment was begun at a later stage, the arthropathy seemed to progress independently of the effect on the bleeding frequency. No negative effect of the radioactive gold was observed on the joint or the growing zone.


Observations on long bone medullary pressure in relation to mean arterial blood pressure in the anaesthetized dog.

To study the influence of variations in mean arterial pressures (MAP) on long bone medullary pressures, seven anaesthetized dogs were investigated. The medullary pressures were measured in the epiphyseal, the metaphyseal and the diaphyseal regions and remained rather constant when MAP was above 80 mmHg. Below this level of MAP a statistically significant (P less than 0.01) reduction of the medullary pressures was seen. Comparing the mean medullary pressures obtained with ranges of MAP of 81--100 mmHg (the control medullary pressures) and of 61--80 mmHg, the greatest decline was seen in the epiphyseal and the diaphyseal regions, from 25.2 mmHg to 8.1 mmHg and from 26.7 mmHg to 8.3 mmHg, respectively. The corresponding decrease in the metaphyseal region was from 18.9 mmHg to 10.9 mmHg. The mean values of intraosseous pressure measured by our technique were between 20--30 mmHg and this is in accordance with measurements in normal humans found by other authors.


Physical and chemical investigation of free bodies in articular osteochondromatosis.

Physical and chemical analysis of the newly formed calcified bodies in articular osteochondromatosis was carried out. X-ray diffraction showed that these bodies consisted of carbonate apatite from the group Francolite-Dahllite. Infrared spectroscopy, and chemical and differential thermal investigations supported the data gained from the X-ray diffraction analysis.


Remodelling after distal forearm fractures in children. I. The effect of residual angulation on the spatial orientation of the epiphyseal plates.

The effect of residual fracture angulation on the distal radial and ulnar epiphyseal plates was studied in children aged 1 to 15 years. Thirty-eight fractures located in the distal fifth of the forearm bones were observed for 1 to 25 months after the fractures had healed. The forearms were examined radiographically on two to five occasions and the inclinations of the epiphyseal plates in relation to the long axis of the proximal fragments were measured. The results showed that an abnormal inclination of the epiphyseal plate after healing of a distal forearm fracture induced an alteration of growth in the epiphyseal plate. The redistribution of growth tended to correct the abnormal inclination. The rate of correction followed an exponential course. The age of the child at the time of the fracture and the distance from the fracture to the epiphyseal plate did not influence the capacity for correction.


Traumatic hip dislocation in childhood. A report of 26 cases and review of the literature.

Twenty-six cases of traumatic hip dislocation in children are presented. Although closed reduction was achieved in most instances, open procedures had to be employed in two cases of soft tissue interposition and in a patient with ipsilateral fracture of the femoral shaft. In 16 patients, with a follow-up averaging 14 years, the incidence of complications (avascular necrosis, coxa magna and arthrosis) was significant. Factors predisposing to abnormal results were delayed reduction and severe trauma. Neither the method of immobilization nor the interval without weight-bearing over 4 weeks were of influence. Principles of treatment are suggested.


Osteotomy in osteoarthritis of the hip. A prospective study.

Ninety-two patients (94 hips), who in 1971--1972 underwent intertrochanteric osteotomy for painful osteoarthritis of the hip, were assessed and graded according to a well-defined rating system immediately before operation and 1 and 5 years postoperatively. At the 1-year follow-up pain was absent or only slight in 73.5 per cent of the patients. Five years postoperatively this figure had decreased to 45.5 per cent; 41.5 per cent of the patients deteriorated between the two investigations. Nineteen patients had been reoperated upon and total hip replacement performed. It was not possible to predict the effect of the osteotomy from the preoperative clinical and roentgenological picture. Nor was the operative procedure (amount of medial displacement, varus angulation, tenotomy of the iliopsoas) found to have any influence on the results. Though the effect of the osteotomy is not as long-lasting as previously believed, it is concluded that it still has a place in the operative treatment of painful osteoarthritis of the hip in younger patients.


A comparison of the funtional performance of patients with Charnley and Müller total hip replacement. A two-year follow-up of eighty-nine cases.

Measurements of functional performance in 35 cases with Charnley total hip replacement were compared with those of 54 cases with Müller replacement before surgery and at 6- and 24-month follow-up intervals. The measurements included strength of the hip abductor and adductor muscles, hip motion, the amount of weight borne on the involved limb during standing posture, multiple components of free-speed and fast walking, and force applied to canes and crutches. Both replacement groups improved significantly in most components of function. In fact, both groups reached or nearly reached the lower limits of normal variability in weight-bearing ability, cadence, and some components which relate to smoothness of walking performance. The groups with Müller and Charnley replacement differed most in some components of range of hip motion, hip muscle strength, and lateral lurching during walking.


Distal blood pressure measurement in lower-limb amputees.

Reamputation above the knee after failure of primary below-knee amputation was related to the distal blood pressure. With pressures of 20, 30 and 40 mmHg, two-thirds, one-third and one-seventh, respectively, of the below-knee amputations required reamputation above the knee.


The painful chronic anterior lower leg syndrome. A prospective clinical and experimental study.

A presumed painful chronic anterior lower leg syndrome was diagnosed in 51 patients (73 legs), 30 women and 21 men, aged 11 to 70 years, over a 2-year period. The duration of the syndrome varied from 1 month to 10 years. The patients' main complaint was pain when walking located in the medial ventral muscle compartment of the lower leg. In addition 10 of the patients (15 legs) had leg pain at rest as well and 12 (15 legs) had paresis of the extensor muscles. Thirty-four paired intracompartmental pressure recordings with the wick technique in 6 patients suggest that the more severe the syndrome the lower the pressure in the tibialis anterior muscle. Blind diathermic fasciotomy in 25 patients (36 legs) with a typical history relieved the pain and paresis completely or partly in 33 (92 per cent) out of 36 legs. No postoperative complications worth mentioning were observed. It is concluded that: 1) a chronic painful anterior lower leg syndrome should be suspected in patients with pain on walking and at rest located in the ventral part of the lower leg; 2) intracompartmental pressure measurements seem to be of little preoperative diagnostic value in non-selected patients; 3) blind diathermic fasciotomy of the anterior, medial compartment of the lower leg, including the extensor retinaculum, gives relief from pain and paresis in most patients with a typical history.


Popliteal cysts (Baker's cysts) in adults. I. Clinical and roentgenological results of operative excision.

Forty patients were re-examined between 6 months and 15 years (mean 4 years) after excision of a popliteal cyst. Forty-six operations had been performed, including one bilateral cyst and five recurrent cysts. The history was reviewed with respect to the preoperative symptoms, clinical and roentgenological signs, the operative and histopathological findings and the postoperative course. Fifteen operations were followed by wound healing complications or tense swelling of the calf simulating deep venous thrombosis. At clinical follow-up a reccurent cyst was found in 63 per cent of the knees. A simplified follow-up arthrography was performed in all knees, and revealed a cyst-like cavity in all but one knee. The majority of the recurrent cysts displayed irregularities of the wall that had not been seen in the preoperative arthrograms. Despite this high rate of recurrence most of the patients had fewer symptoms from the popliteal space at the time of follow-up than before the operation. as associated knee disorders were present in the majority of patients, popliteal cysts (Baker's cysts) should be regarded and, if possible, treated as secondary to the basic pathological condition of the joint. Only if the knee disorder is not curable and if the symptoms from the popliteal region are troublesome should excision of the cyst and tight closure of the communication with the joint be considered.


Tibial shaft fractures. The frequency of local complications in tibial shaft fractures treated by internal compression osteosynthesis.

Ninety-two tibial shaft fractures in 90 patients over the age of 15 were treated by compression osteosynthesis according to the AO method, but using plates and screws of Vitallium. Fifteen fractures (14 patients) were excluded, because the follow-up period was less than 12 months. The frequency of complications in the remaining 77 fractures, 44 per cent comminuted and 30 per cent open fractures, were: skin necrosis over the osteosynthesis material: 5.2 per cent, osteitis: 1.3 per cent, delayed osseous healing necessitating secondary operation: 2.6 per cent, loosened screw (not requiring secondary operation): 5.2 per cent, loosened screw + refracture: 1.3 per cent, plate bending: 1.3 per cent, plate fractured: 1.3 per cent, and refracture after removal of the plate (new relevant traumas): 4.8 per cent. In this series there was a markedly high frequency of complications in comminuted fractures with laceration of skin and muscles, whereas an increased tendency for complications to develop in the remaining injury groups was not seen.


Bilateral hallux saltans. Report of a case.

A case of bilateral hallux saltans in a 13-year-old girl is reported. The signs and symptoms were a tender nodule behind the medial malleolus and a "trigger toe" as well as pain radiating up the lower leg. Operation revealed thickening of the flexor retinaculum superficially to the flexor hallucis longus tendon which showed compression and proximal thickening. Resection of the retinaculum afforded a satisfactory result.


A child's experience of imminent death.

We relate here the experiences and thoughts of a 7-year-old girl about her situation during the last three months of life as she lay dying of Ewing's sarcoma. Our experience with this girl--and that of other children in the same situation--indicates that they have a realistic and even confident view of death. Their anxiety is centred on the disease and how it affects their appearance and their activity. We most often underestimate children's capacity for understanding their own situation. We ought to be sensitive to appeals for contract.


The excretion of C6-C10-dicarboxylic acids in the urine of newborn infants during starvation. Evidence for omega-oxidation of fatty acids in the newborn.

The excretion of C6-C10-dicarboxylic acids, i.e. adipic, suberic and sebacic acids, was measured during the three first days of life in 3 fasting newborns, 2 newborns fed with isocaloric glucose and 2 newborns given mothers'-milk. On the second and third day of life the starved children excreted 27-84 mmol adipic acid/mol creatinine, 6-22 mmol suberic acid/mol creatinine and 4-7 mmol sebacic acid/mol creatinine. The excretion of C6-C10-dicarboxylic acids in the neonates given glucose or mothers'-milk was, for the first three days of life, 0-9 mmol adipic acid/mol creatinine, 0-10 mmol suberic acid/mol creatinine and 0-4 mmol sebacic acid/mol creatinine. The latter amounts are equivalent to the excretion of dicarboxylic acids in older children. It is argued that the detected dicarboxylic acids are formed by omega-oxidation of long-chain monocarboxylic acids followed by beta-oxidation, and that the excreted amounts reflect omega-oxidation activity. It is speculated that the substantial omega-oxidation activity in the starving newborn serve to provide succinyl-CoA-substrate for the citric acid cycle and for gluconeogenesis.


Serum IgA in the neonate. Molecular size, concentration and effect of breast feeding.

IgA concentrations in the serum of 48 six-day-old neonates (23 exclusively artificially fed, 25 exclusively breast fed) were measured using a double antibody radioimmunoassay. In 24 of the neonates, umbilical cord blood was also studied. Gel filtration was used to estimate the molecular size of IgA present in cord and neonatal serum. The arithmetic mean concentration of IgA (+/- S.E.M.) found in the 48 neonates was 2.6 +/- 1.45 mg/l. No significant difference was detected between the breast fed and artificially fed neonates. Only 7S IgA was detected in cord blood and in neonatal serum. Six days of exclusive breast feeding therefore has no influence on total serum IgA levels on the sixth day of neonatal life nor does it result in detectable circulating 11S IgA at that time.


Hyperviscosity of the blood and haemostasis in the newborn infant.

15 newborn infants with the hyperviscosity syndrome due to polycythaemia i.e. a central haematocrit of at least 65% and a raised whole blood viscosity, were examined for changes in their coagulation and fibrinolytic systems. 5 were thrombocytopenic but showed no other signs of activated coagulation. Neither did the only patient with positive ethanol gelation test measuring circulating fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) appeared in only two and, with only one exception, an assay for fibrinolytic activity in plasma was negative. No defects were found in the coagulation system. Thus, in most of the patients there was no demonstrable abnormal proteolysis in the circulation. However, in such infants the normally low levels of antithrombin III (heparin cofactor activity) in combination with the impairment of the microcirculation might increase the risk of thrombotic complications. Haemodilution, preferably with plasma, is therefore advocated in the symptomatic patients.


Medicinal iron to low birth weight infants.

Serum ferritin concentrations were measured during the first 6 months of life in 28 low birth weight infants (mean birth weight 1820 g range 900-2460; mean gestational age 34 weeks range 29-37) fed a standard formula fortified with ferrous sulphate. Fifteen of the infants received supplementary medicinal iron (ferrous succinate) from 3 weeks of age, and 13 only from 2 months of age. All were given vitamin E from 10 days of age. The serum ferritin values did not differ between the groups at 1-2 days, 8-10 weeks or at 6 months. Furthermore, there were no signs of hyperhaemolysis at 8-10 weeks in the group receiving medicinal iron early. The data indicate that the iron content in the formula is sufficient until 2 months of age, but also that thereis no disadvantage in starting medicinal iron at 3 weeks of age, if the diet is sufficient in vitamin E.


The number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in relation to gestational age in the newborn.

173 distressed newborn infants without evidence of bacterial infection were investigated at 12-hour intervals for the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes during the first 5 days of life. The results showed a significant difference in the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in relation to both gestational and post natal ages. The study stresses the necessity of taking into account these differences in interpreting neutropenia as a sign of bacterial infection in neonates.


Umbilical artery catheterization in newborns. III. Thrombosis--a study of some predisposing factors.

Thrombosis following umbilical artery catheterization is a relatively frequent complication. Low fibrinolytic activity in the vessel walls, high factor VIII and low antithrombin III (AT III, Heparin cofactor activity) in blood are factors known to favour the formation of thrombosis. In 30 newborns who died and in 2 foetuses the fibrinolytic activity determined in the aorta and the femoral vessels was in the normal 'adult' range except for a few very immature infants and the foetuses. The five cases with arterial thrombosis were not associated with low fibrinolytic activity. The various factor VIII activities (VIII:C, VIIIR:Ag, and VIIIR:RCF) ant AT III were studied in 30 sick newborns and in 20 healthy newborns. The sick exhibited increased levels of various factor VIII activities (VIIIR:Ag and VIIIR:RCF mainly) and markedly reduced levels of AT III. The high factor VIII activities and the low AT III found will add to the existing risk of thrombosis due to the presence of a foreign material. AT III substitution is suggested as a possible prophylactic.


Sensory nerve conduction velocity and vibratory sensibility in juvenile diabetics. Relationship to endogenous insulin.

Sensory nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and the vibratory sense (biothesiometry) were determined in 67 children and adolescents with insulin dependent diabetes. Age at onset of diabetes varied between 1-14 years (mean +/- S.D. 6.5 +/- 3.6) and the duration of diabetes between 4-17 years (7.7 +/- 3.4). Within +/- 3 months of the nerve function tests blood was drawn for determination of C-peptide and insulin antibodies (IgG and IRI). A low NCV (less than 50 m/s) in the sural nerve and/or an abnormal vibratory sense (greater than or equal to 1.0 microns) were found in 34 patients (50.7%). Measurable fasting serum C-peptide 0.04-0.60 pmol/ml (0.17 +/- 0.15) was found in 16 patients (23.9%). All but one patients had insulin antibodies with IgG 0.130-11.029 mU/ml (2.957 +/- 2.509) and total IRI 10-9120 muU/ml (1204 +/- 1723). In multiple regression analysis we did not find any correlation between nerve function and sex, age, or age at onset of diabetes, and there was only a weak relationship between NCV and duration. However, there was a positive correlation between NCV and C-peptide (p less than 0.001). Vibration sense was also better among patients with C-peptide (p less than 0.05). The results support the view that insulin deficiency contributes to peripheral diabetic neuropathy.


On the epidemiology of human toxoplasmosis in Scandinavia especially in children.

A random sample representing approx. one-third of pre-school children and approx. 95% of school children in age groups 8, 11, 13, and 15 years in a suburb of Stockholm were examined for antibodies to Toxoplasma. Antibodies were uncommon in small children. They gradually appeared throughout childhood but especially in adolescence and adult life. Antibodies were more common in females than in males. Even small girls were more often infected than boys of corresponding age. The difference becomes marked in puberty and is significant in adults. A family study revealed evidence of familial aggregation of the infection albeit with borderline significance. No correlation was found between occurrence of antibodies and the presence of cats in the families or reported consumption of raw meat. The majority of representative samples of Lapps and Skolt Lapps in northern Scandinavia lacked antibodies to Toxoplasma.


A boy with severe infantile gastrogen lactose intolerance and acquired lactase deficiency.

A 10-year-old boy with severe familial lactose intolerance in infancy (vomiting, failure to thrive, lactosuria (5.25 g/l), sucrosuria (12 g/l), and aminoaciduria. Intestinal disaccharidases (including lactase and sucrase) normal at age 6 and 20 weeks. Oral lactose tolerance test at this age resulted in lactosuria (4.6 g/l); sucrose tolerance test, in sucrosuria (18.5 g/l). In contrast, intraduodenal lactose tolerance test gave only low lactose excretion in urine (0.28 g/l). He improved rapidly and had no lactosuria on intraduodenal feeding with citric acid milk. The lactosuria diminished as age increased, but was still higher at age 6 years than that of controls. He tolerated normal disaccharide containing food after 1.5 years of age. At 5.5 to 6 years, he had symptoms of lactose malabsorption, and an isolated lactase deficiency was proved. At 10 years, he still tolerates only limited amounts of milk. The defect in severe familial infantile lactose intolerance seems to be localized in the gastric mucosa. Acquired lactase deficiency can appear later in childhood in this syndrome.


Pneumonia associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection in an infant.

Chlamydia trachomatis was isolated from the epipharynx of a 10-week-old baby girl taken ill with pneumonia but without signs of conjunctivitis. The infant developed specific antibodies to the organism. The course of the pneumonia was protracted, with cough and tachypnea. The baby, who was afebrile, improved on antibiotic therapy but pulmonary infiltrates persisted for several months. To our knowledge, this is the first case of pneumonia in an infant associated with C. trachomatis infection reported elsewhere than North America.


The 49XXXXX syndrome. Report of a case with 48XXXX/49XXXXX mosaicism.

A patient with 48XXXX/49XXXXX mosaicism is presented. Clinical findings include severe growth and developmental retardation, hypertelorism, mongoloid slant of the palpebral fissures, clinodactyly of the fifth fingers, retarded bone age and radio-ulnar synostosis. The findings are similar to those of the cases with a penta-X chromosome complement already described, and are also similar to the signs of the more common 49XXXXY syndrome of males. In both instances the dysmorphic features are less impressive than the mental retardation and the skeletal malformations. This report contributes to a better delineation of the 49XXXXX syndrome. The possible mechanisms of the chromosomal aberration are discussed.


Neonatal respiratory insufficiency due to centronuclear myopathy.

Two neonates showing generalized hypotonia, weakness of limbs, trunk, and oral musculature died because of muscular respiratory distress. The diagnosis of centronuclear (or myotubular) myopathy was established by histological and histochemical techniques. The genetic situation and routine laboratory data including electromyography were compared with similar cases in the literature; findings were inconclusive with respect to this diagnosis. These results indicate the need for a muscle biopsy and the use of histochemical stainings and/or electronmicroscopical investigation for a proper diagnosis in hypotonic newborns under respiratory distress after exclusion of etiologies other than neuromuscular diseases. Still the diagnosis of centronuclear myopathy in a neonate does not allow a precise prognosis. Increased awareness of this disorder and adequate diagnostic workup is needed in order to extend our understanding and to clarify the prognosis.


Localized scleroderma following varicella in a three-year-old girl with IgA deficiency.

A three-year-old girl with isolated IgA deficiency developed localized scleroderma immediately after varicella infection. Physiotherapy was started without any drug therapy. Only a minimal clinical improvement was achieved. The connection between IgA deficiency, viral infection and collagen diseases is discussed.


A retrosepctive histological study of 669 cases of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma in clinical stage I. 6. The relation of dermal solar elastosis to sex, age and survival of the patient and to localization, histological type and level of invasion of the tumour.

A selected series of primary malignant melanoma of the skin, clinical stage I, was studied. The series includes 37 lentigo maligna melanomas, 301 superficial spreading malignant melanomas, 194 nodular malignant melanomas and 137 unclassifiable malignant melanomas. Dermal solar elastosis was graded. The most common finding was lack of solar elastosis which together with slight elastosis was mostly found on the trunks of young men and on the legs of young women in cases of superficial spreading malignant melanoma. Marked and moderate elastosis was found almost exclusively on the head, especially in old women with lentigo maligna melanoma. Nodular malignant melanoma was related neither to any special grade of solar elastosis, nor to localization, but showed some relation to the male sex after 50 years of age. The present study does not permit any conclusions to be made about a possible causal relationship between the three types of malignant melanoma and previous sun-exposure, because of lack of clinical information and a control series concerning solar elastosis in the normal population. Level of invasion and prognosis of the patient did not show any covariation with grade of solar elastosis.


Growth stimulation of aged cells in culture.

Human glial cultures of any passage consist of two populations of cells: those with mitotic ability, and the non-dividers. The fraction of non-dividers increases with age of the culture, and dominates in late passages. When cells from midphase II cultures (passage 28) were sparsely seeded in dishes containing agarose partially covered by small, isolated, palladium squares (haptotactic islands) they settled on the palladium squares but not on the agarose. 58% of the cells divided, and formed mini-clones which became density growth inhibited within 10 days in medium with 5% serum. The non-dividers comprised 42%. They showed a characteristic indolent motility pattern. When these cultures were exposed to 15% fetal calf serum and 2 ng/ml mEGF (mouse epidermal growth factor) for another 5 days, nine per cent of the solitary cells had divided, and DNA measurements showed another 20% to have entered the S phase. About 40% of the initial single cells presented morphological alterations after the stimulation which are known to be early signs of entrance into the cell cycle after blockage in G1/G0. The present results in combination with earlier findings suggest that "old" cells approaching the non-dividing state become increasingly insensitive to stimulation by growth-promoting factors.


An ultrastructural study on the excystation of the sporozoites of Toxoplasma gondii.

The ultrastructural changes which occur during the in vitro excystation of the sporozoites of Toxoplasma gondii were examined. The excystation was carried out at 37 degrees C on suspensions of oocysts which had been ground and then treated with an excysting medium containing 0.25% trypsin and 0.75% sodium taurocholate in phosphate buffered saline, pH 7.3. It was found that sporocysts within intact oocysts were unaffected while sporocysts exposed to the medium ruptured. The sporocyst wall consisted of two layers and during excystation the four plates which form the inner layer started to curl inward. At the same time changes were seen at the specialized junctions between these plates. When the junctions finally break, the plates separate. The outer layer of the sporocyst wall is then ruptured at points directly above where the plates were joined. Each of the four portions of the sporocyst wall curled inward to form a tightly wound whorl. The sporozoites can escape through the openings created between the portions of the sporocyst wall.


Chemotaxis or migration inhibition of rabbit peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes caused by chemoattractants at various concentrations.

Purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Veillonella incubated in normal rabbit serum was tested for chemotactic activity on rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in modified Boyden chambers. In doses above those giving optimal response (over-optimal dose), a decrease of the PMN migration activity was found. This decrease also correlated well with an increase in the migration inhibition of the PMNs as demonstrated with the capillary tube assay. The PMN chemotactic factor isolated from LPS-induced inflammatory exudate (LPS-CF) in rabbits, produced both a decrease in chemotactic response and a migration inhibition of PMNs in over-optimal doses. This inhibitory effect was not due to cytotoxicity, proved by the trypan blue exclusion test. Also, a reduced locomotion of PMNs first preincubated with chemoattractants and then reactivated, was shown when the same PMNs were restimulated to migration using the same chemoattractants. This was interpreted as a deactivation of the cells. A cross-deactivation was demonstrated between LPS-CF and casein. The results from the experiments reported show that the Boyden chamber may be used to disciminate directional chemotaxis and migration inhibition. It may also be concluded from the study that the reduced migration activity of PMNs at over-optimal doses of chemoattractants is not due to cytotoxicity, but most probably is caused by a deactivation of the cells.


Pleural effusion disease in rabbits. Interferon in body fluids and tissues after experimental infection.

The distribution of interferon in body fluids and tissues was studied in 18 rabbits infected experimentally with the agent of pleural effusion disease (PED). Circulating interferon of the classical type was demonstrable 12 h after inoculation, and a maximum response was attained 2-3 days later. Circulating interferon disappeared between 6 and 8 days after inoculation. Interferon titres of serum were closely correlated with the early phase of febrile response and probably also with the initial growth phase of the PED agent. The interferon titres of pleural fluid exceeded by far the titres of other body fluids and tissues. No interferon could be demonstrated in brain, liver and urine.


Experiments to illustrate the effect of chlorpromazine on the permeability of the bacterial cell wall.

The present investigation has been made to illustrate whether the cell walls of micro-organisms are affected by membrane stabilizers. In vitro experiments were carried out with S. aureus under the influence of chlorpromazine (CPZ). De-pigmentation and a bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect of CPZ on the micro-organisms were seen. It has been shown that concentrations of CPZ near the bacteriostatic value, in combination with bacterial haemolysins, alters erythrocyte membranes (horse and rabbit) in such a way that they become resistant to haemolysis. It has been shown that CPZ in bacteriostatic concentration probably changes the transport of potassium through the bacterial membrane in the same manner as described for mammalian muscle tissue.