Interrelationships between Sertoli cells and germ cells in the Syrian hamster.

The interrelationships of the Sertoli cells and germ cells in the Syrian hamster were examined using the electron microscope. Demosome-like junctions were observed attaching Sertoli cells to spermatogonia and spermatocytes. In the region of the junctions dense plaques lay on the cytoplasmic surfaces of the plasmalemma of the opposing cells. Sertoli cell cytoplasmic filaments converged in the area of the junctions and inserted into the subsurface densities. Filaments were not observed associated with the subsurface densities of the germ cells. In the region of the junctions a 15...20 nm gap, filled with an attenuate amorphous substance, separated the plasmalemmata. Another attachment device termed "junctional specialization" occurred between Sertoli cells, and preleptotene spermatocytes and all successive developmental steps in the germ cell line in the hamster. The junctional specializations consisted of a mantel of Sertoli cell cytoplasmic filament lying subjacent to the Sertoli cell plasmalemma and an opposed cisterna of the endoplasmic reticulum. In stages VII-VIII preleptotene supermatocytes were observed in transit from the basal compartment to the adluminal compartment. While Sertoli-Sertoli junctions adluminal to the spermatocytes remained intact, typical Sertoli-Sertoli junctions formed between opposed Sertoli cell processes basal to the spermatocytes. It is proposed that, during the passage of spermatocytes in to the adluminal compartment, junctional specializations associated with preleptotene spermatocytes in the basal compartment migrate basal to the spermatocytes and contribute to formation of Sertoli-Sertoli junctions. Treatment of seminiferous tubules with hypertonic media was used to demonstrate that the junctional specializations function in cell-to-cell adhesion. Data indicated that these junctions function to retain the developing spermatids within the seminiferous epithelijm until the time of spermiation. At spermination the junctional specializations disappear and the spermatids drift off into the tubule lumen.


Studies of calcitonin cells and parathyroid gland of house shrew, Suncus murinus in response to experimental hypercalcemia.

1. Hypercalcemia was induced in S. murinus by alternate day intramuscular injections of vitamin D (25 000 IU) and by providing them 1% CaCl2 solution (prepared in tap water) for drinking. 2. After such a treatment the serum calcium values recorded a rise as compared to those of the control specimens. 3. The histological picture of the thyroid of the treated specimens reveals increased number of calcitonin cells. This observation is supported by the occurrence of mitotic figures among them. 4. Perpetual calcium challenge results in degranulation of the secretory material (calcitonin) among these cells (at 26th and 30th day of treatment). 5. It also results in degenerative changes in certain number of C cells. 6. The blood capillaries around these cells get dilated and secretory granules of C cells tend to gather at the periphery of cytoplasm and towards vascular pole. 7. The parathyroid shows atrophic changes.


Degeneration and regeneration of some mechanoreceptors. An ultrastructural study. I. Ultrastructure of denervated Herbst corpusles.

The degenerative changes in the HERBST corpusles have been investigated at ultrastructural level during the 3rd h to 1 year after nerve section. The earliest changes have been established in the nerve ending followed by the remaining nonmyelinated and myelinated portion of the receptor nerve fibre. The changes reflect the retrograde character of the degenerative process. The receptor cell elements pass through the stage of activation followed by their destruction and elimination. The Schwann receptor cells fullfill the pagocytotic role in the elimination of the axonal debris, after that they have been also completely eliminated. Their places are occupied by the activated fibroblasts and developed collagen fibrils. One part of the perineural cells persist a long time after denervation and they preserve the common although modified receptor configuration.


Degeneration and regeneration of some mechanoreceptors. An ultrastructural study. II. Ultrastructure of denervated Grandry corpuscles.

The ultrastructure of denervated Grandry corpuscles reveals the retrograde character of degenerative changes in the receptor nerve fibre. The denervation affects also the specific cell elements: the Schwann receptor cells and specialized cells. The both cell types pass through the phase of activation followed by degeneration and elimination. The process is significantly prolonged by the specialized cells. The Schwann receptor cells appear more dynamic and sensitive elements in the process of degeneration. After the full elimination of the specialized cells the denervated receptors cannot be established.


A comparative study on the distribution of non-specific esterase amongst the various constituents of retinas of some vertebrates.

A wide coverage of the retinae of a large number of animals (Calotes, Varanus, Naja, Athene, Passer, Streptopelia, Psittacula and Funambulus) from the point of view of the histoenzymological distribution of non-specific esterase amongst the various constituents reveals mostly identical patterns. They are as follows: 1. Outer segments - positive in all cases. 2. Outer plexiform layer - equipped with enzymatic activity in all the instances. 3. Inner nuclear layer - thin cytoplasmic rim of the neurons characterized by positive activity; the nuclei of the neurons are completely negative. 4. Inner plexiform layer - this layer is endowed with the enzymatic activity. 5. Ganglion cells - negative in all cases. 6. Nerve fibres of the layer of nerve fibres, situated adjasent to ganglion cells are positive in all the animals; in case of squirrel oligodandroglial cells present in the region have demonstrated activity of a high order. On of the high-lights of the present contribution is demarcation of the inner plexiform layer into three stratified zones, equipped with enzymatic activity in Calotes, Streptopelia, Naja and Funambulus. Such stratifications are not seen in Varanus, Passer and Psittacula. The significance of the various patterns and the equipment of the enzyme in various constituents at various locals have been discussed in relation to the metabolic functions, zone-wise and interzone-wise in visual processes of various animals.


Observations under the electron microscope on the localization of phosphatases in epithelial cells of Cowper's glands in rats.

The positive results of the reactions for alkaline and acid phosphatases were obtained in epithelial cells of Cowper's glands in rats. Observations under the electron microscope allowed us to state that alkaline phosphatase was localized in the cell's areola, in membranes of smooth intraplasmic reticulum and in the basement membrane of the epithelium. The acid phosphatase was seen in primary lysosomes as well as in the secondary ones, which are seldom seen on unincubated specimens.


[Inhibition of a conditioned reflex evoked emotional response as an "instrument" of avoidance].

A method has been elaborated of training the human subjects to avoid electric shocks by overcoming the "fear" caused by a warning signal. A previously elaborated differentiated conditioned skin-galvanic response (SGR) to a sound stimulus served as a criterion of the emotional reaction. The SGR was projected on an oscilloscope screen. The electric shock was automatically delivered at the moment when the amplitude of the conditioned SGR exceeded the level marked on the screen. The subject was instructed, by overcoming the "fear", to retain the SGR amplitude below the level. If the subject succeeded in overcoming the conditioned SGR to the signal, the shock was not delivered. Since, the suppression of the conditioned SGR served as a "instrument" of avoidance and became consolidated as a habit based on a positive reinforcement. The subjects developed a stable attraction to repetition of training sessions in which they learned to suppress the "anxiety" caused by a signal of "threat".


[Changes in evoked potentials during differentiation inhibition].

Evoked responses (EPs) of the auditory and the sensorimotor cortical areas were studied in experiments on cats during formation of a positive food-procuring conditioned reflex to a rhythmic sequence of clicks and during formation of the differentiation inhibition in response to the clicks of the same parameters, but with different frequency. In the positive conditioned reflex the EPs amplitude in the sensorimotor cortex increases; they are enriched by late components and in their general configuration they become much similar to EPs in the auditory area. The EPs patterns both in the auditory and in the sensorimotor areas considerably change in response to the differentiation stimulus, but differently in each of the sites.


[Program and feedback in the systems organization of a motor act].

After simultaneous visual dereceptation, aimed jumps in cats, reinforced by electric shocks, are restored, while those with food reward are irreversibly lost. Yet, after a two-stage dereceptation, the aimed jumps reappeared even in case when they had food reinforcement. The adequacy of their performance depended on the stability of the distance between the starting sites. The possibility of local cortical control of motor units was demonstrated which is considered as a component of the general mechanism of urgent identification of the motor system state, via somatic afferent pathways. The ablation of their higher link (the medial lemniscus) at the level where it enters the thalamus, disturbs the biomechanics of the aimed jump, increasing the number of multisensory responses of single sensorimotor cortical units. It is suggested that the motivation and the program of the movement corrected by feedback, provide for its adaptive character.


[Stable shifts in systemic arterial pressure in a controlled experiment with feedback].

On the bases of experiments with bio-control feed-back connection (automatically triggering electro-cutaneous, stimulation), a model evolved permitting to achieve stable directed changes in the levels of the systemic arterial pressure (AP) in curarized rabbits and cats. Two variants of reactions are possible: 1) gradual formation of a new raised or lowered level of AP with its pronounced retention after the end of learning, and 2) reaction of following type with directed rise in AP, which is observed only during learning. It is found that the stable shifts of the AP level are accompanied by changes in the periodicity of the third order AP waves, the heart rate showing no significant changes. It is assumed that the changes in the characteristics of the third order waves reflect the rearrangement of the mechanisms providing for homeostasis.


[Visual cortical evoked potentials in emotionally unstable persons threatened with electrocutaneous stimulation].

In preliminarily selected (by a number of parameters) highly emotional subjects, evoked potentials were recorded from parietal, central, frontal and temporal cortical areas, in the first part of the experiment -- in response to indifferent light flashes (which served as a signal to achieve a precise movement), and in the second part -- in response to the same flashes, but with preliminary information of the subject on a possible electrocutaneous stimulation (in case of an error in task performing). It is found that with the threat of the electro-cutaneous stimulation the major changes are observed in the frontal, temporal and central areas. An increase in the latencies of the IV, V, VI components and P300 wave was recorded. At the same time the amplitude of the V component and that of the P300 wave decreased. The IV component was enhanced. In extreme situation the activity directed to avoid the electrostimulation was disturbed (errors of movement performance increased by 3.7 kg). The cortical mechanisms of the organization of the emotional behaviour in extreme situations are discussed.


[Complex form of adaptive behavior in rats].

Two problems have been dealth with: a) are rats able by self-learning to form purposive associations, involving elements of reasoning object activity and b) at what age period are they most capable of purposive tool activity. The experiments were performed on 55 rats aged from two to three, five to six and eight to ten months. It was established that tool activity in rats appeared on the 14th to 34th experimental day in 14.5% of all the experimental animals. By age groups the activity was distributed as follows; at the age of two to three months the problem presented was solved by 10% of the individuals, at five to six months -- by 30% and at eight to ten months, by 0%. Thus tool thinking as one of the forms of animals' higher adaptation to surroundings, is inherent not only in anthropoids but in species much lower in the evolutionary scale. By the form of its realization thinking activity in rats is less plastic than in apes and in our experimental conditions, it was not exhibited by all the rats.


[Effectiveness of different types of reinforcement in a controlled experiment].

The paper shows the possibility for animals to learn to change the form of their own evoked electrical brain activity in the course of a controlled experiment. The stimulation of the brain and cutaneous pain stimuli served for rats as the reinforcing factor. The presence of two factos, functioning throughout such reinforcement, is shown: specific one, providing for the adaptive change in the evoked response, and non-specific one, always lowering the EP amplitude due to general activation. The learning is successful only in case when both factors act in one direction.


[Differences in hypothalamic monoaminergic mechanisms in heterogeneous conditioned reflexes in rats].

Monoamines and aminoacids were microinjected in the middle medial hypothalamus of rats following the elaboration of conditioned food-procuring or avoidance reflexes. The glutamine acid had no effect on the avoidance reflex (AR), but stimulated the motor activity and the food-procuring reflex (FR), shortening its latencies, increasing the number of the conditioned food-procuring movements and the reflex size. Dopamine decreased the motor activity, but did not influence the AR latencies, whereas norepinephrine prolonged the AR latencies without changing the motor activity. Both catecholamines, while having no effect on the muscle tone, suppressed FR, prolonging the latencies and decreasing the reflex and the number of conditioned food-procuring movements. Local administration into the hypothalamus of GABA prolonged the latencies of heteromodal conditioned reflexes, whereas the serotonin had no effect on the recorded FR parameters, but facilitated AR significantly reducing its latencies.


[Visual evoked potentials to structured stimuli in children with cataracts].

EPs elicited by diffuse light flashes and check patterns, were studied in children and juveniles with congenital and traumatic cataract, during different periods and various durations of deprivation, as well as in a control group of children and juveniles with normal vision. Specific age characteristics were found in the EPs to check patterns in seven years-old children. In children with congenital cataracts significant changes in the shape and amplitude-temporal EP parameters were recorded. In children with traumatic cataracts, presumably developed after the end of the sensitive period, the changes in EPs were much less pronounced. The obtained data are discussed from the point of view of the duration of the sensitive period of the formation of the visual function in humans and of informative value of different EP components.


[Horseradish peroxidase study of the associative connections of the motor region of the cerebral cortex in cats].

Somatotopic organization of the body representation in the motor cortex of the cat's brain and a high degree of differentiation in the organization of associative projections between the motor and the somatosensory cortex was shown by means of retrograde transport of horse-radish peroxidase. Pyramid and stellate neurones of the second and the third cortical layers participate in the formation of these projections and interconnections.


[Comparative study of interneuronal relations in the auditory cortex of awake and anesthetized cats].

The character of interneuronal relations in the auditory cortex of alert and anaesthetized cats (nembutal) with chronicly inplanted electrodes was studied with the method of statistic analysis of cross-intervals of the two impulse series. The analysis of the histograms, obtained by means of processing a neuronal activity, showed that nembutal did not eliminate the dependent relations between neurones and that in the majority of cases the types of these relations are either retained or supplemented with new components. Experiments with a reduced dose of nembutal permitted to trace in time the changes in the amount of the inhibitory and excitatory interrelations in the anaesthetized state, and to compare these changes to the changes in the frequency of spike activity. It was found that nembutal predominantly suppresses the activity of the neurones, generating small spikes. The number of inhibitory connections is reduced simultaneously. Such synchroneity permits to assume the participation of the neurones generating small spikes in the establishment of inhibitory interrelations in the cat auditory cortex.


[Synaptic reactions of sensomotor cortex neurons to stimulation of emotionally significant brain structures].

The study deals with synaptic and spike responses of neurones in the rat sensorimotor cortex to stimulation of the lateral and medial hypothalamus, locus coeruleus and raphe nuclei. The activity of 57 neurones was recorded, 41 of them intracellularly and quasi-intracellularly, in response to the stimulation of sites in these structures, which were previously identified as "emotionally/ significant. No considerable differences in the effects of the stimulation of different "emotiogenic" zones were found. The stimulation parameters, differing from the "behavioural" ones by a greater strength, elicited in the majority of neurones clear post-synaptic responses, often in the form of EPSP-IPSP. Latencies of the responses varied from 3 to 80 msec. The most stable and pronounced responses were obtained to the stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus. No significant correlations of the latencies of the responses to the stimulation of different "emotiogenic" structures were found.


[Space-time organization of recruitment in rabbit cerebral cortex].

The spatio-temporal organization of the recruiting responses in the cerebral cortex was studied in an acute experiment on alert rabbits. Local low-frequency stimulation of the thalamic central medial nucleus leads to the appearance of both "generalized" and "local" spindles. Temporal shifts of 0.1--2 sec. occur in the appearance of the "generalized" spindles. The performed analysis permits the assumption that under local stimulation the spatio-temporal dynamics of the recruiting response is connected with the appearance of several spindle pacemakers which differ in their characteristics, e. g. in the speed of the excitability recovery and in their interrelations.


[Genetic analysis of laterality in house mice (Mus musculus L.)].

An attempt was made to obtain with the help of selection-genetic method, mice lines with genetically determined differences in lateralization of the fore-legs (right-, left-handedness). In 5 generations of selection, 302 animals-offsprings were studied, obtained through crossing of the lines CBA X C57BL/6. Two parameters of asymmetry were investigated: direction and degree. It is shown that the genotype controls the degree of the lateralization of the fore-legs, whereas the direction of lateralization is not subjected to a rigid genetic control. In the studied mice population, "right-handed" mice prevail over "left-handed" ones, which seems to be due to their dwelling conditions in the early ontogenesis.


[Characteristics of the neuronal activity of structures of the hippocampal formation (presubiculum)].

Analysis of neuronal activity of presubiculum was performed in unanaesthetized rabbits. The level of spontaneous activity was high, in 33% of neurones it consisted in high frequency bursts which periodically followed regularly with alternating frequencies from 0.5 cps up to 15.0 cps. Presubicular neurones responded to sensory stimuli of various modalities, but visual stimuli were the most effective. Responses of specific, patterned type dominated over simple phasic and tonic effects. Various types of incremental dynamics were observed with repeated stimulation, habituation was present only in a limited number of neurones (15%). Comparison of presubicular neuronal characteristics with those of other sub-divisions of the hippocampal formation revealed a significant resemblance between presubiculum and the entorhinal cortex and a strong difference from subiculum.


[Occupational medicine in Switzerland].

In this text, sent to the editors shortly before his death, the author makes some personal comments concerning the articles on the organization of occupational medicine that appeared in this Journal in March, 1978 (vol. 23, No. 1). The author points to the fact, that the discipline of Medicine of Accidents has almost entirely disappeared from the curriculum of Swiss Medical Schools, and that Occupational Medicine is given very little attention. As a Founder of the Swiss Society of Social Medecine he feels that the old Medicine of Accidents, having developed in part into Occupational Medicine, and Social Medicine form two distinct branches of Medicine, each with its own field of activities.


[Tobacco consumption in Switzerland 1950-1978].

This article discusses the statistical bases for the estimation of tobacco consumption in Switzerland. Estimates for cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco are given from 1950 to 1978.


[Alcohol in an industrial organization. Reflections on the practical health, social and political aspects].

From figures obtained during prophylactic examinations in a large enterprise of the metal branch, the author reflects about the consumption of alcohol and its consequences. He treats the problem not only on the level of a tight working community, but he also mentions several aspects of the alcohol problem in a societal framework.


[Analysis of the forms of cross correlation functions of cortical neuron spike activity].

The study concerns the distribution of significant extremums on the graphs of crosscorrelation functions of unit activity in the visual and sensorimotor cortical areas of alert, non-immobilized and unanaesthetized rabbits. It is assumed that the major factor determining a relatively high level of concordance between the discharges of the neurones in the same cortical microvolume is the parallel influence they receive from a common source. At the same time, for units which are far apart, such influence may be only one of the conditions determining the degree of efficiency of their functional interaction.


[Analysis of the power spectra and coherence functions of neocortical biopotentials during formation of a posture dominant].

The computer analysis was given to simultaneous records of the electrical activity of the premotor, motor, parietal and visual areas of the right and the left hemispheres during the creation of the posture dominant through polarization of the premotor area of the right cerebral hemisphere of a rabbit. The formation of the dominant was accompanied by a general rearrangement of the whole neocortex electrical activity toward an increase in the power of delta-frequency and the rise of the level of the coherence between biopotentials within the same range. After switching off of the direct current, the same form of biopotentials' rearrangement pertained, as during the current action; in some rabbits a small rise in the power spectrum as well as an increase in the coherence function was also noticed within the beta-range.


[Follow-up survey of vasectomy in Finland].

A follow-up study of 107 healthy males was conducted on average 4.7 years after vasectomy. Altogether 24 % of the subjects mentioned great satisfaction with the outcome of the surgical procedure; 74 % of the patients reported "general satisfaction", and only 2 % appeared dissatisfied with regard to the performed vasectomy. In no instance had postoperative psychiatric complications been observed. In 32 % of the patients the sexual potency was said to have improved after vasectomy, whereas 3 % reported impairment of sexual function following the operation.


[Typing ACP isoenzymes in blood stains: test limits and temperature dependancy (author's transl)].

Two series of test blood stains of known red-cell acid phosphatase types A, AB, AC, B, BC, and C are applied to two different types of stain carriers (glass and cotton) and stored at different temperature ranges: (a) 37 degrees C at high air humidity, (b) 22 degrees C, (c) 4 degrees C, and (d) - 20 degrees C. Electrophoresis is carried out either on cellulose-acetate-foils or on thin agarose layers. Visualisation of the isoenzyme sites is achieved using umbelliferyl phosphate as a substrate. The most important results are: Electrophoresis on "Cellogel"-foils turns out advantageous compared to agarose since (a) less stain material is required, (b) reproducibility is rather reliable, and (c) electrophoretic separation is clearer. Blood stains on glass are identified after longer periods of storage than stains on cotton. If stains are stored at room temperature the time limits of demonstration are in the range of 3 to 6 weeks. The size of the sample necessary for demonstrating varies widely. Approximately twenty to twenty-five per cent of a blood drop are needed. The method described is recommended as practicable and reliable.


[Injury pattern of the hyoid bone].

Based on the classification of hyoid bone into hyperbola-, parabola-, and horseshoe-shaped types, conditions were stimulated under planar and punctiform ventral force as well as in case of strangulation in photoelastic experiment. The results thus obtained were compared to those from former investigations in the field of bone tissue density. Hence, each hyoid type shows characteristic patterns of lesion of its own. The patterns of fractures and localizations which had been expected theoretically could be verified when compared to lesions that occurred in vital state. Then it turned out that horizontal fractures were typical of lesions of hyperbolic hyoid bones and vertical fractures of the cornu maius typical of lesions of parabolic hyoid bones.


Amino acid content in fresh sperm and sperm stains.

Seminal fluid was studied biochemically for sperm identification in stains. The qualitative and quantitative distribution of amino acids in samples of fresh sperm has been alayzed. These findings were compared to the results of a similar study of fresh samples and stains of urine, saliva, vaginal fluor, and sweat. The results obtained show a specific and relatively constant level of amino acids in each of five biological liquids. There was no significant variation in results between fresh samples and stains.


[Investigations to determine the time of death, late post mortem, by means of electrophoresis of inner organs (author's transl)].

In CAF-electrophoresis, extracts of cardiac muscle and of kidney tissue, after storage at 4 degrees C, show a roughly linear increase of the equivalent to the Albumin fraction. This increase depends on the time elapsed and is explained by the relatively high stability of this fraction compared to organ proteins, which appear in the globulin region. Thus, a sort of internal standard exists and can be used as a parameter for the determination of the post mortem period. Hepatic tissue is less suitable for this kind of investigations as the relation of the post mortem period and the values of the relative concentration of the fraction do not show the linearity found in cardiac muscle and kidney tissue. Splenic tissue shows no distinct trend and the findings are of little value. The present investigations were arranged in such a way that taking the order of magnitude for the equivalent of the Albumin fraction as a guideline led to a determination of the maximum post mortem period, i.e., the maximum period of time the body lay after the hour of death. The tables of this paper show the figures for the individual organs.


Erosive intervertebral osteochondrosis in association with generalized osteoarthritis and chondroc alcinosis; anatomico-radiological study of a case.

This paper concerns a radiological and postmortem study of an 81-year-old woman with diffuse intervertebral osteochondrosis (T12-L1 severe erosion) in association with generalized osteoarthritis and articular chondrocalcinosis. Varying degrees of cartilage plate flaws with cartilaginous Schmorl's nodes and vertebral plateaux erosion are shown to occur without calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposits in situ. Differential diagnosis between intervertebral osteochondrosis and infectious spondylitis may require a combination of tomographic evolution over time, bone scans and biopsy, the latter being not always conclusive.


[Pathomorphosis of the stratum synoviale].

The stratum synoviale is a sort of central point in the synovial system. That is the reason why we also find corresponding modifications in the stratum synoviale in most of the joint diseases. They will be discussed in the appropriate shortness, summarized in tables and their histological appearance form will also be partly represented.


[Venous pseudothromosis of the lower leg after popliteal cyst rupture in rheumatoid arthritis].

During the course of only one year popliteal cyst ruptures simulating deep venous thrombosis were diagnosed in six patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The characteristic history and some specific physical findings are reported which are indicative of a pseudo-thrombophlebitis. Laboratory investigations were of limited value whereas a simplified contrast-arthrography demonstrated the synovial ruptures. In the rheumatoid patient a synovial cyst rupture rather than deep venous thrombosis should  be primarily suspected and arthrography should be the first radiographic measure.


[Contact thermography in assessing inflammatory joint diseases].

Cutaneous hyperthermia represents a symptom of inflammatory joint diseases and "activated" arthroses. Arthritis and arthrosis may be differentiated by the different distribution and extent of hyperthermia. In an equal number of different joint diseases the symptoms and signs and the course of the diseases were investigated with the aid of contact thermography. The results indicate different exact localisations of temperature changes in the affected joints which together with the clinical findings may make it possible to establish differential diagnostic definitions between arthrosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In the authors' opinion contact thermography is, however, not suited for observations of the course of the diseases.


[DNFB reaction in bladder cancer, an immunological study].

It is stated that the determination of the reactivity against the primary antigen dinitrofluorbenzol by means of the epicutaneous skin test before the beginning of a therapy may give an essential reference to the spreading of the tumour and to the prognosis. The course control in patients with carcinoma of the urinary bladder should therefore consist not only of clinical but also of immunological examinations.


[Immunological studies after the cryosurgical treatment of urologic tumors].

It is stated that a general final evidence is not yet possible from the existing results of immunological investigations and it may be possible only when taking into consideration the extensive furthering controls mentioned. On the basis of the therefore further existing uncertainty in the evaluation of the immunological valency of the cryotherapy, which is expressed also in literature, the originally optimistic suggestions concerning an increased immune response to the cryotherapy must be judged critically. Even when the clininically favourable courses after cryotherapy, above all in the treatment of the penis carcinoma, may be impressible--a cryospecific immune reaction was not to be proved by the test systems at our disposal.


[Organ preservation in intra- and extracorporeal kidney surgery].

With the help of cases of own patients is reported on the possibility of organ preservation in intra- and extracorporal renal surgery. In 5 patients with tumours, 3 patients with coral calculi and one patient with an extended disease of the ureter five times the extracorporal renal surgery with following autotransplantation and initial pulsatile fall stream perfusion was performed. Four times the in-situ-perfusion with hypothermic Collins solution and in-situ-operation was performed. Indication and advantages for the different methods are demarcated.


[Effect of anticholinergics on bladder tonus and on the voiding function].

When the anticholinergic drugs with an effect which above all peripherally and selectively affects the urinary bladder the following may be proved: 1. Increase of the capacity of the urinary bladder according to the initial situation, 2. no influence on the intravesical pressure in maximum filling of the bladder, 3. decrease of the maximum intravesical pressure during the miction, 4. decrease of the rate of the flow of the urine and 5. increase of the maximum urethral pressure as well as no influence on the functional length of the urethra. From these parameters the adequate clinical application in diseases of the urinary bladder may be derived and at a strong indication good successes in treatment can be achieved.


[Lesions of the cervical spine (author's transl)].

The authors stress the advantage of the operative treatment of fresh lesions of the cervical spine versus conservative treatment. The anterior approach after Cloward with additional osteosynthesis of the adjacing vertebrae proved to be superior.


[Interlocking medullary nailing in closed fractures of the tibia (author's transl)].

The indications for operative treatment of fractures of the tibia are relative. The use of medullary nailing can be enlarged by the interlocking method. A convenient device for insertion of the screw-bolts simplifies the action.


[Cartilage transplantation in the knee joint experiment - clinic - technique (author's transl)].

In the knee joints of 195 animals autologous, stored and fresh homologous osteochondral grafts were implanted. Even after 2 years the ultrastructural examination indicates that autologous and fresh homologous grafts survive. The stored grafts are absorbed. The clinical results after transplantation of 38 patients as well as the technique of transplantation are demonstrated.


[Hip near osteosynthesis, total hip replacement and prevention of thromboembolism (author's transl)].

The effect of physiotherapy and pharmacological treatment in preventing thromboembolic disease at hip-near operations was compared from 1971 to 1978 in 787 patients being more than 60 years old. Physiotherapy alone and its completion by Dextran and Acetyl-salicylic-acid turned out to be insufficient. It was only by low-dose Heparin in combination with Dihydroergotamin (Dihydergot) and continuing physiotherapy that the rate of thromboembolism could be lowered effectively.


[Wound infections in orthopaedic surgery (author's transl)].

From 1967 to 1977 we analysed the healing of wounds from orthopaedic surgery. We directed our special attention to the results of the year 1977, as a result of efforts toward permanent hygienic education of the staff and personnel. We observed disturbed wound healing in 5,7% and manifest wound infections in 1,4%. The spectrum of pathogens consisted of 50% grampositive and gramnegative bacteria respectively.


[Breast cancer detection and treatment (author's transl)].

The records of the district offices for cancer control in Berlin and Königs Wusterhausen were used in order to analyse changes in the detection and management of female breast cancer between 1955 and 1974. The proportion of new cases younger than 45 years has increased from 8 percent to about 13 percent. Since 1970 there has been an increase in stage I and a decrease of stage IV. From 1960 to 1969 only 71 percent of all patients were radically operated upon, but in 1973/74 the proportion rose to nearly 75 percent. The tendency to extend the indication for radical surgery affects elderly women (65 to 74 years) more than younger patients. Survival rate depends on clinical stage, age and mode of treatment. It can be expected that the survival rate will increase with more radical surgery.


[The importance of early detection concerning treatment of cancer of the female breast (author's transl)].

This analysis of 1100 cases with cancer of the female breast treated by classical radical mastectomy demonstrates an improvement of the 5-year-survival-rate from 53,0% (1960-1964) to 61,2% (1968-1972). In this period we observed an increase of cases with cancernegative lymphnodes from 39,0% to 50,8%. This improvement is the result of earlier diagnosis because there has been no selection for surgical treatment during this period. Additional methods of treatment (irradiation, chemotherapy) are without convincing influence on survival rates. Therefore, earlier detection and radical surgical treatment will play the dominating role in the near future.


[Thoracic surgery in Sweden; its structure and perspective (author's transl)].

In Sweden thoracic surgery is a surgical specialty. Treatment is organized by 5 hospitals for thoracic surgery. In 3 clinics there is although open heart surgery. From 1969 to 1977 the number of interventions on the lung, mediastinum and chest wall rose by 35%, the reason is the increasing number of patients with bronchogenic cancer. Vascular surgery (peripheral vessels) is mostly performed by general surgeons, pacemaker surgery in district hospitals. From a prospective study there is no reason to change the organization of thoracic surgery in Sweden during the next years.


[Cardiac tamponade following open-heart surgery (author's transl)].

Cardiac tamponade occurred in 9 (1,8%) of 488 patients following open-heart surgery. Delayed cardiac tamponade was observed in one case (0,2%). The mediastinal tamponade was caused by early occlusion of the chest tubes, pericardium closure and administration of anticoagulants. A reliable sign of mediastinal tamponade is the expanding cardiac silhouette demonstrated by roentgenogram. In outpatients receiving anticoagulants following open-heart procedures a life-threatening delayed cardiac tamponade may develop.


[Legal aspects of acute alcoholic intoxication (author's transl)].

This paper deals with the legal aspects of acute alcoholic intoxication. Everybody is obliged in case of helplessness to organise help. Every doctor confronted with an acute alcoholic should careful examine the situation not to overlook other concomitant acute diseases.


[Urgent care of alcoholics; problems and expenses (author's transl)].

The burden for the medical staff in the emergency and Surgical Department of the Friedrichshain-Hospital, Berlin taking care of intoxicated alcoholics and the expenses to society are discussed.


[Clinical problems in the ambulatory care of injured patients under the effect of alcohol].

During a 10 months period in 1978 we observed 609 emergency patients suffering from alcoholic intoxication in combination with traumatic lesions of the skull. 10% of these patients had to be sent to the surgical department after 7 hours of observation at the ambulance-station. The mortality rate of these patients came up to 13%.


[Alcohol intoxication and its differential diagnosis (author's transl)].

Acute alcohol intoxication causes a lot of diagnostic problems. Every doctor should be well informed about its differential diagnostic aspects. Carelessness concerning diagnosis can be detrimental to the patient and the physician as well.


[Determination of phospholipids in amniotic fluid in second half of pregnancy (author's transl)].

Phospholipids were established from amniotic gluid, between the 34th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy, using a modified technique of thin-layer chromatography to identify lecithin and sphingomyelin according to Gluck. Two different approaches were taken to quantitative determination of phospholipids.


[Studies into aetiology of hyaline membrane disease (author's transl)].

The courses of gestation were re-examined of 171 newborns who had died of hyaline membrane disease. Premature births accounted for 91.81 per cent of the cases reviewed, while 73.24 per cent had undergone gestation between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. Premature placental detachment, hydramnion, and twin pregnancy were among the major factors contributive to gestational complications. Perinatal asphyxia played a substantive role in 53.21 per cent of all cases under review. In newborns delivered on term the development of RDS was in almost all cases attributable to acidosis. Early complications were analysed for newborns involved in steroid prophylaxis. The frequency of cerebral haemorrhage was nearly identical with findings recorded from a control group. A significant difference was not even recorded from cases of inflammatory complications.


[Lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio "its prognostic importance to pregnancy" of diabetics (author's transl)].

The lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio was determined by the authors, applying Gluck's technique to 98 amniotic fluid samples of 55 pregnant patients with diabetes, depending on gestational age. Amniocentesis was preceded by ultrasonic placentography. Carbohydrate metabolism of this group was kept under optimum management and regulation. Its L/S ratio (3.1) was twice as much as that recorded from another group of patients (1.5) without adequate management of the carbohydrate metabolism. The rate of complications in the first group was below that in the second. -- It has been emphasised by the authors that variation in the L/S ratio along with gestational age depended not only on the severity of the given course of diabetes but, as well, on the management of the carbohydrate metabolism during pregnancy. They found that in any pregnancy under the conditions of diabetes the L/S ratio was an important criterion for diagnostic assessment of foetal lung maturity.


[Animal experiments to study placental passage of Sombrevin and Hexobarbital and their concentrations in various foetal organ systems (author's transl)].

Studies were conducted into 55 rabbits and their 327 foetuses to measure the two intravenously applied anaesthetics, Sombrevin and Hexobarbital, for their passage through the placenta and for the concentrations which eventually settle in various organ systems of the foetuses. Fast placental passage, but in different concentrations, was established for either anaesthetic. Sombrevin was found to reach the foetal organism only in low quantity and for short-time retention, whereas Hexobarbital passed the placental barrier in much higher concentration to stay detectably for a longer period of time in the foetal blood. While Sombrevin was not recordable from foetal organs, its intraplacental buildup reached higher concentrations. Relatively high concentrations of Hexobarbital were recordable from both the placenta and vital foetal organs. The conclusions so far derived from those animal experiments seem to suggest a superiority of Sombrevin over Hexobarbital and regard to applicability to obstetric anaesthesia.


[Lymphadenitis caused by toxoplasmosis during gravidity -- an aetiological factor in congenital damage to the child (author's transl)].

Even simple lymphadenitis during pregnancy may possibly be an acquired lymphatic form of toxoplasmosis with all detrimental consequences to the foetus.


[Carcino-embryonic-antigen (CEA) in adenocarcinoma of uterine corpus (author's transl)].

Sandwich radio-immune assay was used before, parallel with as well as following surgical and radiation therapies on 73 patients in a follow-up check for an assessment of the clinical value of CEA im adenocarcinoma of the uterine corpus. CEA levels were increased in only 17 per cent of all cases. The strongest drops in CEA levels in correlation with patients' clinical response to therapy were recorded from those probands who had undergone surgery followed by Co60 irradiation. While CEA determination is, generally, recommended for monitoring of therapy and for the detection of recurrent corpus carcinomas, only pathological CEA levels should be considered as being relevant to clinical action, since the rate of false negative values has been as high as 34 per cent.


[Betaglucuronidase activity in ovarian carcinoma (author's transl)].

Beta-glucuronidase activity was recorded from the tissue of 45 ovarian carcinomas and compared to the activity in normal human ovarian tissue. Mean activities were 1442 micrograms Ph./h/g tissue in ovarian carcinomas and 574 micrograms Ph./h/g in intact ovarian tissue. No relationship was found to exist between the amount of beta-glucuronidase activity and the stage of the disease.


[Malignant ovarian tumours in young women up to 35 (author's transl)].

Fourteen malignant ovarian tumours in women up to the age of 35 years under treatment at the Gynaecological Department of Charité, between 1958 and 1957, are reported in this paper. They accounted for 3.9 per cent of all malignant ovarian tumours treated over the above period of time. Histological findings and curative results are discussed. Five-year healing was conspicuously high and accounted for 66.6 per cent. Twin malignoma developed in two cases and was accompanied by gravidity in one of them.


[Results of cytological routine checks (author's transl)].

Reported in this paper are 1930 cytological routine smears taken from patients on the gynaecological ward. Findings included Pap. III eight times and Pap. IV in nine cases. Histological elucidation of all Pap. IV and the repeated Pap. III findings revealed the presence of six carcinomas in situ, two carcinomas of pavement epithelium, and two severe dysplasias. This shows that cytological routine checks can be meaningful and useful to the patients, even if undertaken in a small hospital.


[Results of sociogynaecological examination for fitness of working women (author's transl)].

Gynaecological fitness examinations were made on 25,413 women in employment by medical officers affiliated to the Industrial Medicine Research Association of the GDR, between 1972 and 1977. Gynaecological findings and diseases with impact upon occupational fitness were recorded from 22 per cent of the probands. Resulting limitations of employment were established for one to two per cent of them. - Significant correlations between occupational factors, on the one hand, and gynaecological diseases, on the other, so far have been established only for descent of genital organs in response to heavy physical work. - Gynaecological findings and diseases were recordable in the following order: 1. menopause (only for age group beyond 44), 2. tumours, 3. discorders of cycle, 4. positional alterations, 5. inflammatory disease, 6. mammary diseases. - The findings recordable from women on night shift (n = 1,339) were not higher than those recorded from women doing day shift work only. - No differences regarding the incidence of gynaecological findings were established either between women in full employment, on the one hand, and those doing reduced working hours, on the other.


[Preliminary experience obtained from pregnancy attitude questionnaire (author's transl)].

An approach to measuring attitudes towards pregnancy (S-S-G by Lukesch and Lukesch, 1976) is described in this paper together with preliminary results so far obtained from random samples in the GDR. Findings have suggested an obvious need for adjusting the Normal Category to GDR conditions. Attitudes taken during pregnancy also were found to depend more strongly on whether the given pregnancy had been planned or not. Differences between attitudes towards pregnancy were quite clearly associated also with the education factor and resulting occupational status.


[Relevance of complementary methods to examine patients with intra-uterine pathological phenomena (author's transl)].

The following examination procedures have been used for diagnosis of intra-uterine pathological signs: hysteroscopy, prior to and following curretage, radio-isotope diagnosis of the endometrium, quantitative measurement of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) in the endometrium, determination of mitosis in the endometrium, assessment of hormonal condition in the organisms, with reference to findings of the karyopycnotic index, and quantitative radio-immunochemical hormone determination. The best possible effect of all methods will be obtainable from their complex use. Particular attention will have to be given to the use of additional and complementary diagnostic methods within the course of a given therapy. The need is stressed by the authors for very careful examination of all patients hospitalised for endometrial complaints. Diagnosis should be focused at the pathological process in the endometrium proper, in the first phase, and at the detection of a general disease as well as at an assessment of the patient's hormonal situation, in the second phase.


[Diagnosis of blastomyces infection in genital region (author's transl)].

Bismuth-containing Sabouraud's glucose agar was used as an indicator medium. Preliminary experience is reported in this paper. Blastomyces infection was properly identified in some 82 per cent of all cases checked, and falsely negative results cropped up in 18 per cent. The causes are discussed. The medium is considered by the authors are being suitable for the diagnosis of blastomyces infection in the genital region of women.


[Experience in paediatric gynaecology from practice in Debrecen (author's transl)].

A ten-year record of experience obtained from an outpatient centre of paediatric gynaecology is reported in this paper. Reference is made in greater detail to organisational setup, examination techniques, diseases established, and principles of the therapy. A new instrument for vaginal discharge sampling is described.


[Therapeutic application of clomiphen to women with functional sterility (author's transl)].

Clomiphen citrate doses of 50 mg or 100 mg per die were administered over five days to 150 infertile women with menstrual disorders. The conception rate eventually achieved was 38.7 per cent (58 cases). The most favourable results were obtained from patients with anovulatory oligomenorrhoea (53.9 per cent), secondary infertility (63.3 per cent), and those treated between one and three months (81.2 per cent).


[Induced abortion in primigravidae and subsequent pregnancy, with particular consideration of underweight (author's transl)].

Attention was given to the relationship between induced abortion in primigravidae and the course as well as outcome of subsequent pregnancy. Reference is made to the women hospitalised for childbirth in the obstetric ward of the Regional Hospital of Schwerin, between 1969 and 1977. Chi-square testing revealed highly significant differences between women with preceding legal abortion, on the one hand, and those without, on the other, with regard to birth weight of the newborn, duration of pregnancy, cervical insufficiency, need for cerclage, imminent abortion, morbidity during pregnancy inside and outside hospital, and the need for using shute forceps on delivery. No difference was established regarding the occurrence of Rh incompatibility, pyelonephritis of the pregnant women, iron deficit anaemia, and gestosis during pregnancy.


[Polydimensional studies into frequency of "infants of low birth weight", with reference to age, parity, and occupation (author's transl)].

Retrospective polydimensional studies were conducted into correlations between age, parity, and occupation (social status) of gravidae, on the one hand, and deliveries of "infants of low birth weight", on the other. The reference group amounted to 16.729 newborns, twins and stillbirth excluded, with 5.85 per cent of those newborns with low birth weights up to 2,500 g. Included in the above figure are all newborns delivered in the Regional Hospital of Schwerin, between 1969 and 1977.--Any single factor quoted, age, parity, and occupation, was found to affect birth weight, effects being by the following order: parity, age, occupation.


[Typical ultrasonographs of primary abdominal pregnancy with surviving child (author's transl)].

The rare case of a primary abdominal pregnancy, developed up to the 29th week, is shown. Ultrasonographic pictures (Vidoson Siemens) of different situations and stages in the course of the pregnancy are demonstrated. Despite all fears, there was no difficulty in operating due to the location of placenta and fetus. So far the child's development has been satisfactory.


[Dilatol for hypertension therapy in pregnancy (author's transl)].

Dilatol (Nylidrin), a betamimetic used for tocolysis, was applied to ten hypertensive women in advanced pregnancy and produced in them characteristic effects with favourable impact upon oxygen supply to the foetuses, such as significant lowering of diastolic pressure, decrease in total peripheral resistance which reflected increase in uteroplacental blood flow, as well as rises in heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output. Nylidrin, therefore, may be recommended as a hypotensive drug in the treatment of arterial hypertension in pregnancy.


[Indications for induction of labour beyond full term (author's transl)].

Reported in this paper are diagnosis, therapy, and results in the context of suspicion of overdue pregnancy of cases recorded between 1974 and 1977. The presumed data of delivery rather than the calculated date is taken for reference. That approach has been taken against the background of a high-accuracy determination scale which, in turn, is based on complete case history data and current findings. The intention has been widest possible limitation of the probability of having deliveries overdue by 14 days. Such overdue deliveries were reduced to 240 in 13,172 pregnancies (1.82 per cent) by using this approach. In that context, an unambiguous differentiation was made between testing for possible labour onset and induction of labour, the latter being defined as strictly indicated obstetric action for the unlimited purpose of complete childbirth. Absence of possible labour onset, 14 days beyond term, was an indication for induction of labour in 188 women. Peripartal and real perinatal mortality (one malformation) was zero in 240 cases. Acidosis, but not in advanced stage, was recorded from five per cent of the newborns. The risk now can be more conveniently calculated. In other words, it is more systematically taken in unavoidable cases, an aspect meeting not only the demand on efficient obstetric action but legal requirements, as well.


[Blood pressures in gestosis patients under general anaesthesia following hypotensive treatment (author's transl)].

A retrospective evaluation was made of the blood pressures of 131 patients with hypertensive late gestosis who had undergone caesarean section for maternal or foetal indications, between 1971 and 1977. Rauwolfia preparations should be avoided in both long-term and acute hypotensive treatment of late gestosis patients not only for their unfavourable impact upon circulation at large, but also for their cumulative effects in terms of drastic depression of blood pressure in case of anaesthesia necessary for whatever reason. Acute hypotensive-sedative treatment should be discontinued and resumed, only if necessary, not until anaesthesia is over following surgical termination of pregnancy. Imminent eclamptic fit would be the only exception acceptable. Anaesthesia should be induced, using the base anesthetic propanidid which worked extremely well in terms of circulatory stabilisation. It is obviously superior to barbiturates in that particular respect.


[Parturition of women with cardiac defect (author's transl)].

Reported in this paper are 115 childbirths of 98 women with concomitant cardiac defect hospitalised in the Obstetric Department of the Regional Hospital of Karl-Marx-Stadt, GDR. Coincidence of childbirth and defect accounted for 0.3 per cent, with mitral faults clearly taking first position with 40 per cent. Forty-seven per cent of the defects were congenital. The cases were subdivided by severity according to the N.Y.H.A. scale, with 76 per cent coming under State I, 19 under State II, and only five under State III.--Spontaneous births occurred in 56 per cent, while 27 per cent were forceps deliveries and 13 per cent caesarean sections, but no section performed for purely cardiac indications. No remarkable complications were experienced intra-operatively nor postoperatively. Five per cent (five cases) of all vaginal deliveries had to be completed by vaginal extraction for cardiovascular complications, including three cases of cardiac defects in State III.--No peripartum loss of cardiac patients was recorded. Two patients with State III mitral defects, however, died of aggravating cardiovascular decompensation, five or six years after delivery. Perinatal mortality was as low as 0.8 per cent. Premature births accounted for 13.6 per cent, while hypotrophic infants were found in 6.8 per cent of the cases under review.--The above findings and their implications are discussed and conclusions drawn for obstetric practice, with some emphasis being laid on programmed delivery as the optional method, more generous indication of primary section for State III cardiac defects, and long-term aftercare in the context of internal medicine.


Endocrinology of pregnancy. I. Denominations of concentrations of triiodothyronine, thyroxine, effective thyroxine, thyreotrophin and growth hormone in normal pregnancy, labour and in cord blood.

Concentrations and activities of the following agents were estimated: triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), effective thyroxine (ETR), thyreotrophin (TSH), and growth hormone (HGH). Blood samples were collected in pregnancy, labour and from the umbilical cord of the newborns. It was demonstrated that in normal pregnancy the concentrations of T3, ETR, and TSH did not differ significantly from the values considered as normal in non-pregnant women. The concentration of T4 was distinctly higher in the course of pregnancy (139 to 157 nmol/l versus 110 nmol/l in non-pregnant subjects). The HGH concentration increased during pregnancy from 5.6 to 14.3 micrograms/l. The cord blood demonstrated comparable values of ETR and HGH and in half of the cases of TSH also with those observed in the mothers. In the other one half of the cases, TSH activity was fourtimes higher than the material value. The T3 and T4 were lower than values in the mothers. The results presented are the normal values for further planned investigations of endocrinology of pregnancy, especially for studies into course of pregnancy in women who work in noxious conditions.


Experimental studies on the neurohormonal control of female puberty.

Experiments were performed in rats to study the role played by ovarian estrogens, the hypothalamus, the medicortical amygdala, and the ventral hipopcampus in the neurohormonal control of female sexual maturation. The results obtained demonstrated that the ovulation-inducing effect of a single administration of estradiol benzoate (EB) to immature female rats is not tantamount to the induction of precocious puberty. Long-term treatment with very low doses of EB, however, can accelerate sexual maturation, although it was established that the endogenous ovarian estrogen secretion during prepuberal life is not essential for the maturation of the cyclic ovarian function. Implantation of very low quantities of EB into the mediobasal hypothalamus of ovariectomized immature and postpuberal female rats revealed that the hypothalamic sensitivity to the LH-inhibiting effect of estrogen exhibits a gradual decrease that begins some days prior to the onset of puberty. It may be responsible for a temporary elevation of the LH level in the blood triggering final maturation of the ovarian follicles and an increase of estrogen secretion. - Studies on the influence of the limbic system on female sexual maturation lead to the following conclusions: 1. The mediocortical amygdala has an essential function in the maturation of the positive estrogen feedback. 2. An LH-inhibiting activity not related to the negative estrogen feedback is exerted by this nuclear region during critical periods of sexual maturation. It may form an additional protective mechanism against precocious stimulation of the ovaries. 3. By means of its stimulatory action on growth hormone and FSH secretion, the ventral hippocampus may be involved, by cholinergic mechanisms, in the interrelationships between metabolism and the onset of female puberty. The results which suggest a significant role of the limbic system in the control of female sexual maturation will be discussed with regard to recent data obtained in girls and women.


Soluble fibrin-monomer complexes in normal pregnancy.

The protamine sulphate test of Lipinski and Worovski was used by the authors investigate the amount of soluble fibrin-monomer complexes (SFMC) in women with normal pregnancy. Those complexes were found to increase considerably during the second and even more the third trimester of pregnancy. The high level of SFMC in plasma, probably, reflected increased activity of blood coagulability toward the end of normal pregnancy.


Changes in maternal circulation provoked by uterine contractions.

The authors investigated changes in blood flow to the lower half of the body of pregnant women in supine and lateral positions toward the end of pregnancy and during uterine contractions. Electroplethysmographic recordings taken to that end from the legs of probands revealed significant decline in blood supply during uterine contractions. The changes recorded were statistically significant. In some cases, no change at all was caused by uterine contraction or positioning. Uterine activity was recorded by intra-uterine pressure registration. With the parturient in lateral position blood flows under review proved to be better than in supine position.


International cooperation to collect obstetric data.

Reported are preliminary results of an international collection of data initiated by FIGO. Data of 33.000 deliveries in 19 countries, five countries each in South America, Africa, and Asia and four in Europe provided a good basis for comparison and called attention to shortcomings in each individual country and to the need for more progress in obstetric treatment. - Sociological and demographic items in a questionnaire bring into focus the importance of both family planning and sexual education. - The authors consider this data collection a preliminary study for modernisation of Tauffer Statistics.


Developmental changes in uptake of 3H-progesterone by rat ovaries.

3H-progesterone uptakes by the ovaries and skeletal muscles were compared in newborn female Wistar rats and in other females aged five, ten, 15, 20, 25, and 50 days, two hours after one single intraperitoneal injection of 50 muCi/100 g body weight. The ratio of the concentration of radioactivity between the ovaries and the skeletal muscle increased significantly at the age of 15 days. The increase in ovary/skeletal muscle raio (characterised by a logistic curve) suggests the first appearance of specific binding capacity for progesterone, coinciding with an increase in plasma progesterone level and beginning of the distince atretic changes in compact and cavitated follicles simultaneously with the attainment of capability to ovulate following adequate exogenous gonadotropic stimulation. The early postnatal period of protective short-term treatment, using progesterone, against the early androgen or oestrogen syndrome of anovulatory sterility and/or noxious long-term treatment, using progesterone, inducing a delayed anovulatory syndrome precedes the beginning of preferential accumulation of 3H-progesterone in the ovary.


Haptoglobins act similar to antibodies. Steps of discovery. Analogous conclusions from pure preparations, umbilical cord sera and animal sera.

The haptoglobins in man and in mammals are agglutinin-like-substances for streptococci having the T4 antigen. The kind of the agglutinin-like behaviour depends on the genetic type of the haptoglobins. Haptoglobins of the types Hp 2-2, Hp 2-2 like and Hp 2-1 are hightitred complete agglutinins (titre in the range between 1:200 up to 1:3000 and higher) whereas haptoglobins of the type Hp 1-1 are "blocking antibodies". - The steps of the discovery and evidence are presented in detail. Different questions dealing with the clinical significance are discussed.


[Activities in social gynaecology for prepartal - prenatal attention (author's transl)].

An account is given of what is being done in the GDR in the context of social gynaecology, with reference being made to the subject proper as well as to its position in society and the tasks relating to it. Prepartal attention is described as an example. An appraisal of various concepts of social gynaecology has shown that these have always depended on the social conditions under which they have come into being. Their potentials and outcome are in conformity with those conditions, as well. Attempts have been made to define social gynaecology by the ways it is practised in certain "charitable" institutions or with closer reference to certain groups of people. However, such attempts have proved to be unacceptable to practitioners in the GDR where social gynaecology is considered a discipline of research and education to provide a profound scientific basis for action in reality. It is a social component of public health and an integral element of gynaecology and obstetrics.


[Oestriol - its application to clinical practice in gynaecology (author's transl)].

Oestriol preparations were applied to 107 patients with genital decent or genital prolapse. The treatment was both presurgical and postoperative. Oestriol was found to have strong effects on the vaginal epithelium, and the absence of any proliferative effect upon the endometrium was confirmed. The defence position of both the vagina and the lower urinary pathways was improved by oestriol. Microcirculation in central and peripheral vascular zones was increased in response to the administration of oestriol preparations. The postoperative period was without any complications. Postsurgical hospitalisation was reduced from 18.6 +/- 1.5 to 15.6 +/- 0.7 days.


[Interaction of placental hormones in mother-embryo system (author's transl)].

Described in this paper is the relationship between chorionic gonadotrophin, placental lactogen, progesterone, oestradiol and oestriol in the blood of mother and embryo. The concentrations of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and human placental lactogen (HPL) in the mother's blood toward the full term of pregnancy were found to be between 300 and 800 times as high as those in foetal blood. No arteriovenous difference in concentration between the same hormones was recorded from the vessels of the umbilical cord. While the concentrations of progesterone, unconjugated oestriol, and total oestriol in the mother's blood were lower than those in foetal blood, the opposite was true for oestradiol which was lower in foetal blood. Clearly reduced levels of progesterone, unconjugated oestriol, and oestradiol but increased levels of total oestriol were recorded from the umbilical artery, as compared to the umbilical vein. The above findings are intended to encourage thinking about selective penetrability of the placenta, whenever hormone preparations are prescribed in advanced pregnancy.


[Late sequels EPH gestosis (author's transl)].

The courses of the following three groups of pregnancies were studied in the context of 146 women, with twelve years, on average, having elapsed from their first pregnancies: 1. Normal pregnancies without EPH gestosis (58 cases); 2. Pregnancies with EPH gestosis (58 cases); 3. Pregnancies with eclampsia (30 cases). - All clinical findings and statistical calculations were evaluated by means of electronic data processing. - Average systolic and diastolic blood pressures were established in follow-up checks, usually twelve years from pregnancy. They were normal, following normal pregnancies. Statistically secured blood pressures measured from patients with gestosis or eclampsia during their first pregnancy were higher than those recorded from patients in a control group, but pathological values were established in but few cases. - The following, more specialised checks proved or particular importance for an evaluation of EPH gestosis and its effects on liver function following pregnancy: serum electrophoresis, thymol test, SGOT, SGPT, direct and indirect bilirubin, blood and urinary sugar, serum cholesterol, and total fats. - The above results are likely to show that EPH gestosis and its effects are relatively well tolerated by the liver. However, discrete disorders characterised by dysproteinaemia without cellular decay and icterus may occur in certain instances.


[Effects of labour on parameters of carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism in blood (author's transl)].

The influence of several types of uterine contractility in labour on the essential compounds of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism was studied. It has been concluded that the quality (type) of uterine activity is the defnite factor of the dynamic changes of free fatty acids concentration and of the proportions between the aerobic and anaerobic metabolism carbohydrates. The results obtained are discussed.


[Use of types W 401 external tocometer and BMT 504 foetal monitor for external tocography and recording of foetal movements (author's transl)].

Described in this paper is an external tocometer, Type W 401, for complementary use to Type BMT 504 foetal monitor (VEB Messgerätewerk Zwönitz, GDR). Its applications can be expanded by combination with additional measuring and recording instruments of the BMT series. This will widen possibilities for differentiated external tocography and systematic monitoring of foetal movements. Recording examples are given.


[Rare position of transcervically penetrated IUP DANA-Super in intact gravidity (author's transl)].

Reported in this paper is an IUP (DANA-Super) which, after penetration of the uterine cervix, took an unusual position in the excavatio vesica uterina. The proband concerned was a case of intact intra-uterine gravidity in the second-to-third month, following 18 months of sterility.


[Surgical treatment of prolapse of vaginal stump (author's transl)].

Prolapse of the vaginal stump, following hysterectomy, is relatively rare. Its treatment is not always gratifying for its high rate of recurrence. -- While there is a great number of proposed surgical approaches to prolapse, the author actually resorted to one vaginal and one abdominal method for his own surgical treatment of 24 patients with prolapse of the vaginal stump. The vaginal method was the one proposed by Symmonds and Pratt and the abdominal was promontory fixation. The latter method appeared to be the safest with regard to recurrence.


[New aspiration technique in gynaecology (author's transl)].

Described in this paper is a vacuum pump for endometrial biopsy and hysterosalpingography in attention to sterility patients on an outpatient department basis. The pump provides several advantages over other equipment, though it is easily applicable and inexpensive.


[Diagnosis and therapy of carcinoma of the cervix wtih metastasation and recurrence (author's transl)].

Reported in this paper are 201 patients who had been treated for carcinoma of the cervix with recurrence and metastasation, between 1960 and 1970. -- Three quarters of all cases had been irradiated before. Standardised methods of metaphylaxis are described together with their relevance to early detection of recurrence. Reference is made also to the present approach taken to carcinoma of the cervix with recurrence and metastasation following exclusive surgical treatment or surgery plus irradiation or exclusive irradiation. Various radiotherapies, surgical techniques, and methods of treatment, using cytostatics, are expounded.


[Experience from use of Cardiff system (author's transl)].

Reported in this paper are 128 tocometrically controlled oxytocin infusions, using the Cardiff system. The oxytocic intervals were clearly shorter in comparison to conventional oxytocin drip infusion. However, more deliveries had to be completed surgically for foetal emergency situations, which, probably, was attributable to excessive rapid increase in oxytocin infusion rate due to the instruments used.


[Risk of infertility following foetography and amniofoetography (author's transl)].

Prenatal diagnosis was made of 297 women. Amniocentesis was performed on 220 women to set up an amnion cell culture and on 77 women (26 per cent) for foetography and amniofoetography. Abortion occurred to nine per cent of those women following intra-amniotic injection of contrast medium, while premature delivery occurred to another 28.6 per cent of the probands. Perinatal mortality accounted for 13 per cent. Amniocentesis for amnion cell culturing was following by abortion of 3.2 per cent of the probands and by premature delivery of 2.3 per cent, while perinatal mortality was but slightly increased, the rate being 2.3 per cent. The differences were statistically secured. Foetography and amniofoetography should be followed by prophylactic cerclage.


[Infertility--a risk factor in obstetrics (author's transl)].

Definitions are offered for the concepts of sterility and infertility. The notion of infertility is expanded to cover not only habitual abortions (three or more miscarriages) but, as well, deliveries of defective children. --Five-hundred and fifty-five pregnancies so far have occurred to 240 infertile probands, among them 78 with habitual abortions and 162 with damaged children. Only one in ten of those pregnancies resulted in clinically intact live birth. --Abortion was the result of 95 per cent of all pregnancies of the women with habitual abortion. The same applied to 25 per cent of all pregnancies of the above women with defective children (e.g. Down's syndrome, neural tube defects, diaphragmatic hernia, hydrocephalus, and progressive muscular dystrophy). A damaged child was born in more than 50 per cent of the latter pregnancy cases. --The number of children born by 162 women has been 181, with only 96 of them alive. The causality relationship between abortion and birth of defective children is discussed. --Infertile women should be given special attention, before conception takes place, and they should be kept under intensive care to the end of pregnancy.


[Noise and pregnancy (author's transl)].

1. The response of women to aural and extra-aural effects of noise is not stronger than that of men. --2. General response of pregnant women does not differ from that of non-pregnant women or men under the impact of noise. --3. Foetal heart rate responses usually do not exceed generally known spontaneous variation of instantaneous foetal heart rate up to an equivalent permanent sound level of 90 dB (AI). Pulse noise produces startle reflex in the foetus. --4. For pregnant women in the GDR, the permissible limit in terms of equivalent permanent sound level of vocational environments has been reduced from 90 dB to 80 dB (AI), which reflects the extraordinary standards of health protection introduced for mother and child.


[Space-demanding intracranial processes in puerperium (author's transl)].

Reference is made to aspects of differential diagnosis in the context of three space-demanding intracranial processes in puerperae. Puerperal psychosis with no organic cause had been the primary appraisal due to the absence or only discrete appearance of neurological symptoms and the superficial, apparent presence of psychopathological phenomena. --Comprehensive neurological testing is required, if cerebroorganic disorders are to be ruled out safely. Neuroradiological methods, such as cerebroscintigraphy and cerebral angiography, may be necessary. Close interdisciplinary cooperation will be essential to effective diagnosis with minimum stress on mother and child.


[Abdominal reposition of puerperally inverted uterus (author's transl)].

Inversion of uterus in puerperium is an extremely rare case and always accompanied by severe shock. To the obstetrician such event is almost always unexpected and calls for immediate decision and action. Dry manual reposition usually is impossible for tough inversion pressure, while severe disadvantages are implied in vaginal surgery with incision of the anterior and posterior walls of the uterus. Therefore, an abdominal method is recommended by the author, leaning on Huntington's technique. First, the shock is brought under control. Then the inverted uterus is levered out of the inversion funnel to complete reversion, step by step, with a pair of bullet forceps inserted after each step, four altogether. The uterus of two cases was completely reversed by means of that simple method in 30 minutes only. Even the most careful and vigilant obstetrician may find himself trapped in such rare situation of spontaneous uterus inversion due to the constitution of a particular patient. The procedure suggested in this paper, therefore, may be an approach practicable even in smaller and less equipped hospitals, when it comes to the need for immediate remedial action to cope with that most dangerous complication.


[Release of ovulation by application of gonadotrophin as well as by radio-immunological assay of oestradiol and progesterone in serum (author's transl)].

The use of gonadotrophins to release ovulation is indicated for women with urgent desire for children and no positive response to clomiphene therapy. (Hence, a negative selection is made.) --The authors checked 100 therapeutic gonadotrophin series, with 69 patients involved. Oestrogens and progesterones were followed up by radio-immunological hormone analysis. --Ovulation occurred in 54 cases. Twelve patients developed ovarian reaction with oestrogen rise, while no ovarian response at all was recordable from 34 patients. Six women became pregnant under gonadotrophin therapy and two following the treatment. The results are compared with literature data.


[Pregestational secretory change in endometrium in infertility (author's transl)].

The degree of secretory transformation in connection with infertility was studied by morphologico-histochemical analysis. The results seem to provide evidence to the effect that severe secretory insufficiency of surface epithelium is the major pathological phenomenon recordable from the endometrium in cases of infertility. Defective function of epithelial oestrogen receptors and disorders in endometrial regeneration during one cycle have to be taken into consideration regarding the pathogenesis of segmental insufficiency of secretory endometrial transformation. More elucidation will depend, last but not least, on immunological response which often lies within all endometrial strata.


[Fructose--its importance to quality of human ejaculate (author's transl)].

No statistically significant differences regarding fructose in one millilitre and ejaculated volume were established from a comparison between 95 ejaculates, among them 14 normospermatic, 47 asthenospermatic, 16 oligospermatic with more than ten million of spermia in one millilitre, six oligospermatic with less than ten million, and twelve azoospermatic. Very low and statistically insignificant correlations, also, were found to exist between the fructose level in a given ejaculate and other qualitative parameters, such as volume, sperm count, as well as morphology and motility of spermia one hour and five hours after ejaculation. The correlation coefficient usually was close to zero. These results seem to cast doubt at the diagnostic value of fructose determination in spermatological routine tests. However, studies into the correlations between fructose, glucose and, perhaps, other sugars in both clinically intact males and patients with metabolic disorders might produce new insights into the dynamics of glucose metabolism in ejaculated semen.


[Primary ovarian echinococciasis (author's transl)].

Ovarian echinococciasis is reported, with reference being made to three cases. Primary intra-ovarian settlement of parasites usually is rejected. The condition rather is similar to that of common ovarian tumours, and the echicococcal vesicle is detected not until laparotomy is performed. Hints as to the type of tumour can be derived only from the given case history. A characteristic shadow caused by calcareous deposits sometimes is depicted in the radiograph. Hysterectomy, with both adnexae included, is the optional treatment in the majority of cases.


[Diagnosis of spinal diseases by cerebrospinal fluid examination].

In this work, changes in the cerebrospinal fluid in acute and chronic polyneuritis as well as in the Guillan-Barré-Strohl syndrome are discussed and and it is pointed out that a specific coordination of the inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid syndromes to certain pathogens or noxae cannot be made. For the differentiation of the Guillain-Barré-Strohl syndrome and existence of increased gamma-globulin bands with identical mobility in the serum is pointed out. In myelitic disease pictures, acute and chronic cerebrospinal fluid syndromes are distinguished also in the cerebrospinal fluid according to the clinical course; regular changes, however, cannot be derived. Syphilitic cerebrospinal-fluid syndromes can easily be differentiated by their immunoactive findings. In multiple sclerosis, we distinguish between typical and atypical changes in the cerebrospinal fluid. Above all, the oligoclonal bands, i. e. the discontinuous proceeding of the gamma-globulin zone and the existence of several bands in the agar gel electrophoresis, play an essential role. In 95 per cent of the cases, oligoclonal bands can be shown. There are no greater differences with respect to oligoclonal bands between intermittent and chronic-progressive courses. For the differential diagnosis of haemorrhagic syndromes, the cerebrospinal fluid cell picture can make a considerable contribution. Macrophages loaded with erythrocytes indicate that a haemorrhage occurred 12 to 18 hours before; macrophages loaded with haemosiderin indicate a haemorrhage that occurred 6 to 8 days before; and macrophages loaded with erythrocytes and haemosiderin indicate a seeping haemorrhage or an event that occurred several times. The Nonne-Froin syndrome indicates a massive protein increase often with a regular or only slightly increased number of cells. The importance of the Queckenstedt tests is pointed out. A particular role is played by meningitis carcinomatosa et sarcomatosa with the demonstration of a great number of tumour cells.


[Long-term results of plastic skull repairs with acrylic resins].

In the period from the beginning of 1956 until June 1978, we closed 312 skull gaps with acrylic resin. We used Palacos G (group I) 205 times and Refobacin Palacos R (group II) 107 times. Owing to the antibiotic action of Palacos, the infection rate, which was 6.8 per cent in the first group, could be lowered to 1.07 per cent even with a larger range of indications. The cosmetic results were very satisfactory. Owing to only slight changes in consistency and elasticity, a good protection of the brain was ensured. With the exception of one patient who temporarily showed psychic alterations, the acrylic resin was not felt as a foreign body. Disagreeable sensations, especially in case of the action of heat and cold such as are occasionally mentioned by wearers of metal plates, did not occur in our patients. Formation of neoplasms caused by polymethyl methacrylate has been found in none of the patients during the observation period of 20 years. The plastic repair with acrylic resin can be carried out quickly and in a simple manner. It may be used in all regions of the cranium. Even larger defects can be closed in this way.


[Electron microscopic study of the structural variability of activated Schwann cells].

The structural variability of Schwann cell is studied on transsectioned sciatic nerves of rats using the electron microscope. Corresponding to histological and cytological changes in the proximal nerve stump and in the growing sprouts processes of regression and progression take place in different phases of nerve regeneration. Under this conditions the Schwann-cells can show a considerably varying ultrastructural cytology. Besides typical Schwann cells modulations can be distinguished differing in their organelle composition, such as light-cells, macrophage-like cells and highly synthetic active and roliferative forms. The importance of these cell modulations is discussed in relation to the functional properties of Schwann cells.


[X-ray diagnosis of meningiomas in childhood and adolescence].

In a period of 15 years, 16 intracranial meningiomas of the childhood and adolescence were examined radiologically. The neuroradiological findings obtained are analysed and compared with those obtained in adults. The particularities resulting from this comparison, which above all concern the angiographic picture of meningiomas in juvenile patients, are worked out and discussed. As a result, some conclusions can be drawn which may be of practical importance: As is the case with other cerebral tumours in childhood, meningiomas in most cases give rise to reliable radiological signs of an increase in intracranial pressure. The changes of the cranial bones indicating the presence of a meningioma, which are well-known signs in adults, are found in children almost as frequently. While pneumo-encephalography in most cases permits a reliable localisation of the tumour, it does not permit a diagnostic statement with respect to the kind of the tumour. In three patients the air filling made larger cysts visible which obviously occur more frequently in children than in adults. The angiographic picture of meningiomas in childhood often differs from that in adults with regard to the vascularisation type as well as the phase course, so that differential-diagnostic difficulties may arise. However, when considering the above mentioned peculiarities of the vascular picture of memingiomas in children, it appears to be possible to make a preoperative diagnosis of the kind of the tumour with the help of the angiogram also for children. The increased vascular supply via branches of the A. carotis externa, which is frequently found in neningiomas, cannot in our opinion be considered as a decisive type-diagnostic criterion; it must be considered as an expression of an increased participation of the dura and thus also occurs in other space-occupying intracranial processes.


Choroid plexus carcinoma. Case report.

Plexus-chorioideus carcinomata or malignant plexus papillomas are very rare; only few cases have been described in the literature. A further observation is added now. In a 13-year-old girl, signs of brain pressure occured two weeks before admission to a hospital. Scintigraphy and vertebral angiography showed a process in the atrium of the right lateral ventricle which was removed by temporo-parietal trephination. The tumour had the size of an apricot and a reddish colouration, it proceeded from the plexus. After-irradiation with 5 000 rad. Six years after the operation, signs of brain pressure appeared again. Neuroradiologically the process was located in the right cerebellar hemisphere. After trephination of the cerebellum, the largely vascularised tumour, which appeared to originate from the tela choroidea of the 4th ventricle, could be removed. The further course was without pathological findings. Histologically, the typical criteria were found: Invasion of surrounding brain structures, loss of the regular papillary structure, malignisation of the cells and originating from the plexus choroideus.


Medullary emergency.

32 patients with symptoms and signs of medullary compression were submitted as emergencies to clinical and radiological examination in our hospital during a 5-year period. None of the patients was able to walk on admission. 27 emergency operations were performed to relieve medullary compression. If a single lesion in plain radiographs was well correlated with clinical symptoms and signs, the myelogram did not reveal crucial information. Young patients--aged 29 years or less--or patients with moderate symptoms on admission usually regained their ability to walk; as well as patients with a negative myelogram. On the other hand, old patients--aged 60 years or more--were only exceptionally able to walk later on. Other unfavourable signs were: a lesion of the thoracic spine, a total block in the myelogram, and a metastatic lesion. Our results of an emergency treatment were not better than the results of unhurried series reported in the literature.


[Extra-intracranial arterial bypass for cerebral trauma].

A report is given on a young patient with a cerebral haemorrhage due to an occlusion of the A. carotis interna and the median main stem in which a regression of the one-sided symptoms could be achieved by a microneurosurgical establishment of an extra-intracranial anastomosis. The improvement of the cerebral perfusion could be objectivated angiographically and scintigraphically. The case shows that the prognosis of the cerebro-vascular lesion, especially in young and middle-aged patients, can be improved by surgical formation of collaterals. This gives hope for a further development of this method of treatment.


[Sciatic pain and intervertebral disc prolapse after gynecologic operations].

Among 65 patients operated by lumbar disc in 1977 we encountered 5 women after gynecological tumour operations. 4 of those patients not became symptom free. The relation of mechanical factors, obstruction and circulation changes seemed to be of importance for the evaluation of ischialgia in those cases and led to spinal root and root sheath damages.


Electrophoretic characterization and subcellular distribution of hexokinase isoenzymes in red blood cells of rabbits.

The isoenzyme pattern of hexokinase in rabbit red cells (erythrocytes, fetal erythrocytes and reticulocytes) were determined by means of agarose gel and disc electrophoresis. One duplicated hexokinase (4a and 4b according to the IUPAC-nomenclature) was detected in rabbit erythrocytes as also described for human erythrocytes. Besides the isoenzymes 4a and 4b reticulocytes also contain hexokinase 2 and 3 like rabbit and rat liver. The high KM glucose phosphorylating enzyme, hexokinase 1 could be demonstrated only under specific conditions in the reticulocytes during the initial stage of the anemia. After the fractionation of reticulocyte homogenates the total hexokinase activity was recovered in the mitochondria and cytosol to nearly equal amounts as revealed by the distribution of markers. Hexokinase 2 and 3 were detectable in reticulocytes and in isolated mitochondria only after the addition of certain dissociating agents. In contrast to the tightly bound mitochondrial hexokinases 2 and 3 the type 4a and 4b are more loosely bound and exhibit a bilocal distribution between mitochondria and cytosol of reticulocytes.


Effect of magnesium on ATP-generating and ATP-utilizing reactions in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells.

The effect of magnesium on the energy metabolism of Ehrlich ascites tumour cells was investigated using a method which allows to change the cellular content of magnesium rapidly at constant low calcium concentration. Cells, which have lost some of their magnesium, accumulate lactate slightly faster than non-treated cells. Mg-loading of these cells decreases the glycolytic flux rates to about 20% under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The corresponding changes of some glycolytic metabolites suggest an inhibition of the HK-PFK-system. A similar inhibitory effect of Mg on O2-consumption in the absence and presence of glucose to about 20% and 15%, respectively, was observed. Despite the inhibition of the ATP-generating systems the ATP concentration increases under all conditions investigated, indicating an inhibition of ATP consuming systems. From experiments in the presence of ouabain, which inhibits the aerobic glycolysis to about 40% and 20%, in Mg-depleted and Mg-loaded cells, respectively, it is concluded that magnesium affects the active monovalent cation transport. Removal of magnesium increases the activity of the (Na+-K+)-ATPase and vice versa, presumably via changes of the cell membrane permeability.


[Relationship between Na+ and monosaccharide influx across the microvilli membrane depending on the energy state of the intestinal mucosa wall].

1. An energy dependence of the Na+ influx and of the "extra-Na+ influx" across the microvilli membrane was demonstrated in an in vitro preparation of the rat jejunum by adjustment of low ATP/ADP quotients. The monosaccharide influx does not show this dependence. 2. The similar relationship of monosaccharide-dependent Na+ influx and Na+ influx without monosaccharide with the energy state in the mucosa cells suggests a common control system. 3. A constant stoichiometry between monosaccharide and "extra-Na+ influx" can be maintained only under constant intracellular conditions. 4. The changes of the Na+ and K+ influxes by so-called Na+ dependently transported monosaccharides correspond to those which can be elicited by lowering the ATP/ADP ratio in the in vitro preparation. 5. A mechanism is discussed in which an ATP-utilizing reaction is stimulated in the microvilli owing to the monosaccharide transport, thus locally discontinuing the condition for uncoupling of an (Na, K)-ATPase and eliciting an "extra-Na+ influx".


Succinate dehydrogenase activity in rat kidney after repeated administrations of p-aminohippurate or sodium chloride.

During PAH excretion and 18 h after repeated PAH administrations to rats, renal cortical SDH activity was unchanged in comparison with untreated controls. On the other hand, 18 h after repeated administrations of 0.9% or 1.8% NaCl solution, SDH activity was decreased by about 20% in kidney cortex. In outer medulla SDH activity was decreased 18 h after all pretreatments. The decline of SDH activity was observed whenever an increased urinary Na excretion occurred, except that PAH was repeatedly administered. The probability is discussed that substrate-induced stimulation of the carrier system for weak organic acids is accompanied by an increase of mitochondrial activity in kidney cortex.


[A fast and simple micromethod for estimating proteins].

The assay is based on the property of proteins to form a complex with bromophenol blue. In alkaline solution this complex shows an intensive blue colour which is well measurable at 598 nm. The method is especially useful for small volumes (5-50 microliter) with a content of 5-30 micrograms of protein. By modification the test can be also used for the measurement of higher amounts of protein.


Effect of oestrogenic, and androgenic and gestagenic hormones on the gametogenesis (oogenesis and spermatogenesis) in the snail Helix pomatia.

In the ovotestis of Helix pomatia both oogenesis and spermatogenesis were influenced by treatments with steroid hormones produced in the gonads of higher vertebrates. Testosterone influenced gametogenesis to a small degree. Progesterone and oestrone-acetate at first stimulated ovogenesis, but they also acted on spermatogenesis. All three hormones examined influenced oogenesis in a conspicuous and significant way, while their effect on spermatogenesis was indistinct.


The use of acridine orange for testing blood platelet integrity.

Two processes are involved in the accumulation of acridine orange in human blood platelets. One follows a diffusion like kinetics and is independent of the ATP level whereas the second one can be completely abolished by ATP depletion. The acridine orange incorporation rate seems to be a suitable parameter for testing platelet integrity. It reflects very sensitively the influence of the preparation method as well as of anticoagulating substances used on the stability of platelet suspensions. The rates of acridine orange incorporation and of aggregation were measured in platelet-rich plasma and in saline suspended platelets after gel filtration, respectively, over a period of 120 min storage. Both rates are influenced to a different degree by anticoagulating agents such as citrate, heparin and EDTA. When contact with anticoagulating agents during platelet preparation is avoided, platelets show a constant acridine orange incorporation and aggregation during storage and the smallest morphological alteration.


[Membrane current and Ca++-transport during the action potential of the rabbit atrium changed by acetylcholine and extracellular Ca++-concentration].

Using a modified sucrose gap technique action potential and phase plane trajectories of trabeculae from the left rabbit's auricle were recorded. By means of a numerical treatment and some mathematical model interpretations from these measurements current-voltage-(I-V)-relationships and the amount of inward transported calcium are calculated. A time independent K+-current shows that a voltage region within the anomalous rectification should exist. By acetylcholine the anomalous rectification is abolished and the inward transported amount of Ca-ions by the action potential (Q) decreases. A conductance of the K+-current gK will be dimished by decreasing the extracellular calcium concentration. The amount of inward transported calcium does not change significantly by variation of the extracellular calcium concentration. The calcium amount Q should contribute 17% of the calcium necessary for maximum contraction.


[Effect of cesium ions on the electrotropic actions of acetylcholine in the rabbit atrium].

Cs+ (15-20 mM) decreases the electrotropic vagal effects on an isolated vagal innervated rabbit atrium. By means of investigating the action potentials and the phase plane trajectories of trabeculae from the rabbit atrium using a modified single sucrose gap technique the anomalous rectification disappears and also the effect of acetylcholine (ACh) on action potential duration. We presume that the anomalous rectification should be a necessary condition of electrotropic vagal (ACh) action on the rabbit atrium.