Effects of the actin-binding protein DNAase I on cytoplasmic streaming and ultrastructure of Amoeba proteus. An attempt to explain amoeboid movement.

Microinjection of DNAase I, which is known to form a specific complex with G-actin, induces characteristic changes in cytoplasmic streaming, locomotion and morphology of the contractile apparatus of A. proteus. Light microscopical studies show pronounced streaming originating from the uroid and/or the retracting pseudopods, which ceases 10--15 min after injection of DNAase I, at a time when ultrasctructural studies show that the actin filament system is very much reduced. These results suggest that a controlled reversible equilibrium between soluble and polymerized forms of actin is a necessary requirement for amoeboid movement. The topographic distribution of contractile filaments beneath the plasma membrane visualized by correlated light- and electron microscopy of DNAase I-injected cells establishes the importance of the membrane-bound filamentous layer for three major aspects of streaming: (1) Streaming originates by local contractions of a cell membrane-associated filament layer at the uroid and/or retracting pseudopods, creating a pressure flow. (2) This flow continues beneath the membrane, which is stabilized by filaments in the lateral regions between the posterior end, with a high hydrostatic pressure, and the anterior end, with a low hydrostatic pressure. (3) Pseudopods or extending areas are created by a local destabilization of the cell periphery caused by the separation of the filamentous layer from the plasma membrane.


Ultrastructural reactions of spinal ganglia to tri-ortho-cresyl-phosphate: effects of neurotoxicity.

The ultrastructure of neurons in spinal ganglia of the domestic fowl poisoned with tri-ortho-cresyl-phosphate (TOCP) shows characteristic changes. The light neurons react to TOCP by a marked increase in the number of neurofilaments. These neurons also contain mitochondria in various degenerative stages. Several of the altered mitochondria show an increasing osmiophilia. Some of the darker neurons display a hypertrophy of the endoplasmic reticulum or a relative increase of neurofilaments. The mitochondria in some of these cells show early stages of degeneration. These changes appear 13 days after TOCP ingestion.


Soy versus cow's milk in infants with a biparental history of atopic disease: development of atopic disease and immunoglobulins from birth to 4 years of age.

Forty-eight children with a biparental history of atopic disease were followed from birth to 4 years of age. One group was fed soy and the other cow's milk from weaning to 9 months of age. Two-thirds of the children developed symptoms of atopic disease with no significant difference between the groups. No difference was found in the serum immunoglobulins (IgE antibodies, IgA, IgG and IgM) during the observation period. The soy fed children showed transiently lower levels of IgG antibodies to cow's milk but higher levels of IgG antibodies to soy protein. Six children showed cow's milk intolerance and a further five had symptoms possibly related to the use of cow's milk. Withholding cow's milk during the first 9 months did not reduce the incidence of symptoms of cow's milk intolerance from birth to 4 years of age. Thus, no benefit was found from replacing cows' milk with soy. A prolonged breast feeding seems most rational for infants at risk of developing atopic disease, even if the present study did not show evidence of a prophylactic effect of breast milk against the development of atopic disease.


Intra-individual variation in commonly analyzed serum constituents.

Concentrations of 27 commonly estimated serum constituents were measured in blood sampled from 20 apparently healthy volunteers at 0830, 1230, and 1630 hours on each of four days, at weekly intervals. Time-dependent statistically significant (p less than or equal to 0.01) variation was observed in 12 of the constituents. The 15 constituents that showed no statistically significant diurnal variation included the immunoglobulins, other specific proteins, enzymes, cholesterol, calcium, copper, and magnesium. On the different days of the study consistent temporal patterns were observed in urea, creatinine, phosphate, zinc, bilirubin, triglyceride, total protein, and albumin. The magnitude of variation was particularly great in potassium, iron, zinc, and bilirubin. In general, day-to-day changes in concentration exceeded within-day changes, except for potassium, phosphate, and zinc, for which greater changes could be observed within-day than from one day to another at the same time.


Superficial or membrane digestion of peptides in dinitrophenol-inhibited rat small intestine.

1. Hydrolysis of peptides has been measured in isolated rat small intestine perfused with a pancreatic digest of lactalbumin in the presence of 2,4-dinitrophenol. 2. Although transport of water and amino acids was severely inhibited by 2,4-dinitrophenol, peptide hydrolysis to free amino acids was apparently unimpaired. 3. Only a small fraction of the hydrolysis observed could be accounted for by leakage of enzymes into the lumen. 4. The results show that the brush-border enzymes proximal to the transport mechanism(s) can be an important site of hydrolysis of peptides to amino acids under conditions where the transport of unhydrolysed peptides is inhibited. The results are consistent with the concept of membrane (contact) digestion, although the significance of intracellular hydrolysis and of transmural transport of intact peptides is also discussed.


The effect of high animal protein intake on the risk of calcium stone-formation in the urinary tract.

1. Studies were carried out on six normal male subjects to determine the short-term effect of increasing the dietary consumption of animal protein on the urinary risk factors for stone-formation, namely, volume, pH, calcium oxalate, uric acid and glycosaminoglycans. 2. An increase of 34 g/day of animal protein in the diet significantly increased urinary calcium (23%) and oxalate (24%). Total urinary nitrogen increased by an average of 368 mmol/day. The accompanying increase in dietary purine (11 mmol of purine nitrogen/day) caused a 48% increase in the excretion of uric acid. 3. The overall relative probability of forming stones, calculated from a combination of the risk factors, was markedly increased (250%) throughout the period of high animal protein ingestion.


Some estrogenic effects of two oral contraceptives consisting of norgestrel and two different doses of ethynylestradiol.

Some biological and biochemical effects (i.e. KPI, cervical mucus, SHBG and ceruloplasmin) as well as serum ethynylestradiol and serum norgestrel, following the use of two oral contraceptives containing the same amount of norgestrel (dl-norgestrel 0.5 mg) and either 30 microgram or 50 microgram of ethynylestradiol were compared. There was no difference in the clinical features in either group of patients. There was a statistically significant difference in the levels of unconjugated ethynylestradiol but not in the other biochemical parameters studied. It is concluded that the absence of any such difference might be attributable to the strong antiestrogenic effects of dl-norgestrel.


Growth and reproductive development in freemartins hormonally treated from 1 to 79 weeks of age.

Postnatal growth, steroid hormone profiles and response to steroid hormone treatment were studied in 18 freemartins and one normal female born co-twin with a bull. They were either treated postnatally with testosterone or estrone at one week of age, or left untreated until 50 weeks of age when they received silastic implants calculated to release either 12.9 microgram of estrone or 2.6 microgram of estradiol per day per kg of body weight. Later a dihydrotestosterone-treated group was added. Reproductive development was studied by palpation per rectum and by examination when animals were slaughtered at 79 weeks of age. Treated animals grew slightly faster than untreated animals. Testosterone in untreated freemartins averaged 76 and 87 pg/ml of blood plasma during weeks 1 to 48 and 52 to 56. Corresponding values for those animals with small testosterone implants (weeks 1 to 48) and with larger implants (weeks 52 to 56) were 130 and 272 pg/ml. Estrone and estradiol values appeared to fluctuate between 10 and 50 pg/ml but values are uncertain because they were below the sensitivity of the assay then available. Thus, circulating steroid hormone concentrations were similar to those reported for castrates. Testosterone stimulated clitoral development prenatally and postnatally. None of the treatments influenced vaginal depth, which averaged 4.0, 9.0 and 10.9 cm at 1, 24 and 52 weeks of age. Vaginal depth at birth was not a reliable indicator of freemartinism. Androgen may have inhibited udder development, whereas estrogen appeared to be stimulatory. The reproductive organs of the freemartin were characterized by differences in underdevelopment and the general presence of seminal vesicles. The latter structures, plus clitoral development at birth in 3 animals and postnatal response of the clitoris to testosterone is interpreted to indicate that the presence of androgens is one factor in abnormal development. Otherwise, gross morphology of the reproductive tract was not related to hormone treatment, postnatal gonadal histology, endocrinology or lymphocyte chromosomal karyotypes.


Amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine penetration into blood and fibrin clots.

The fungicidal effect of amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) on fungi incorporated into blood and fibrin clots was investigated. Amphotericin B was ineffective against fungi incorporated into blood clots, but effective in the eradication of fungi in fibrin clots. 5-FC was ineffective both against fungi incorporated in blood clots as well as in fibrin clots. The combination of 5-FC and amphotericin B was likewise ineffective against fungi incorporated into blood clots. The failure of these drugs to penetrate blood clots may explain the treatment failure in fungal endocarditis.


Squint in monozygotic twins.

In a group of monozygotic twins, in which at least one of the pair squinted, strabismus was observed in both twins in only about half of the cases. Within the concordant group there was variation in the way in which the anomaly became manifest.


Experiences with laser trabeculopuncture.

54 eyes with glaucoma simplex and 21 eyes with secondary chronic glaucoma were treated once by laser trabeculopuncture and followed up for at least 1 year. The results in the first group were encouraging, in the second group disappointing. L.T.P. appears to be a technique with which, in the majority of cases of glaucoma simplex, a sustained moderate decrease in pressure can be obtained.


[Antibody treatment of digoxin intoxication in a patient with renal failure (author's transl)].

A 72-year-old man with coronary heart disease and renal failure required hospitalization because of digoxin intoxication with severe arrhythmias and generalised heart failure. The intoxication was successfully treated and sinus rhythm rapidly restored after administration of heterologous digoxin-specific F(ab')2 antibody fragments. There were no side-effects and the heart failure improved after treatment.


The effects of elevated circulating prolactin in rats with hereditary hypothalamic diabetes insipidus (Brattleboro strain).

Administration of ovine or rat PRL to animals, including man, has resulted in decreased urine volume and increased urine osmolality. Contamination of PRL preparations with vasopressin is the most likely explanation for the apparent antidiuretic effect. In this study, diabetes insipidus rats lacking vasopressin(homozygous Brattleboro rats) had extra anterior pituitary glands implanted under the kidney capsule, resulting in hyperprolactinemia. The urine of such rats was not more concentrated than that of unoperated littermates or sham-operated littermates with diabetes insipidus. In fact, hyperprolactinemic male rats produced even less concentrated urine than control rats. Furthermore, the hyperprolactinemic rats responded to exogenous vasopressin in a manner similar to normoprolactinemic rats. These studies provide strong evidence against an antidiuretic action of PRL in mammals.


Progesterone "receptor" in rat ovary.

A soluble thermolabile protein with many characteristics of a progesterone receptor has been identified in ovaries of estrogen-stimulated, hypophysectomized, immature female rats. A potent synthetic progestin R5020 (17,21-dimethyl-19-nor-pregna-4, 9-diene-3, 20-dione) and a progestin-receptor complex stabilizer (glycerol) were employed. After the incubation of [3H]R5020 with ovarian cytosol, fractionation of a Sephadex G-200 column revealed a peak of radioactivity which eluted with the void volume. This peak, which represented saturable binding, disappeared after heating (37 C for 20 min) and trypsinization. In the absence of glycerol, binding decreased by 84%. Scatchard analysis of the binding curve showed the R5020 binding to be of moderately high affinity (Kd  4 nM), with 232 fmol binding sites/mg cytosol protein. Binding site number rose linearly with increasing cytosol protein concentration. The relative abilities of various steroids to inhibit [3H]R5020 Binding were: R5020 greater than progesterone greater than estradiol greater than testosterone greater than cortisol greater than diethylstilbestrol. [3H]R5020 was not metabolized and did not bind specifically to serum. In summary, we have identified a protein with characteristics of a progesterone receptor in the cytoplasmic fraction of ovarian tissue.


Stimulation of dopamine release into hypophysial portal blood by administration of progesterone.

To test the hypothesis that progesterone is involved in the regulation of dopamine release into hypophysial portal blood, female rats were adrenalectomized and ovariectomized at 1200 h on the day of proestrus and, immediately after the operation, injected sc with sesame oil or progesterone. Approximately 24 h later, hypophysial portal blood was collected and the plasma from this blood was analyzed for dopamine. The concentration of dopamine in portal plasma from rats given sesame oil or progesterone (50 mg) was 1.8 +/- 0.24 or 6.0 +/- 1.2 ng/ml (mean +/- SE), respectively. At the time of collection of portal blood, the progesterone concentration in arterial plasma was less than 0.8 ng/ml in rats given sesame oil and was 93 +/- 11 ng/ml in animals given progesterone. Conversely, the circulating concentrations of PRL was less (25 +/- 3 ng/ml) in animals given progesterone and higher (42 +/- 5 ng/ml) in animals given sesame oil. Twenty-four hours after the injection of progesterone (50 mg) into intact proestrous rats, the dopamine concentration in portal plasma was 5.8 +4- 1.29 ng/ml, a concentration which was significantly (P less thann 0.01) higher than that in untreated proestrous rats (1.1 +/- 0.24 ng/ml) but only slightly higher than that in untreated estrous rats (3.7 +/- 1.0 ng/ml). It is proposed 1) that progesterone administered sc can lead to an increased secretion of dopamine into hypophysial portal blood and 2) that the increased concentration of dopamine in portal plasma of intact pregnant rats relative to that of proestrous rats is, in part, a consequence of augmented progesterone secretion.


Corneal clouding, subvalvular aortic stenosis, and midfacial hypoplasia associated with mental deficiency and growth retardation--a new syndrome?

Two siblings, a 17 year-old female and a 15 year-old boy, with a hitherto unidentified malformation syndrome are reported. Both presented with corneal clouding, subvalvular aortic stenosis, midfacial hypoplasia, skeletal anomalies, and a variable degree of growth- and mental retardation.


Nuclear blebs in oocytes of the fish Clarias batrachus.

Large nuclear blebs have been observed in oocytes of the fish, Clarias batrachus. The bleb, which contains nucleoplasm, is finally extruded from the nucleus. The extruded body is DNase-sensitive, and it implies that some amount of DNA is extruded from the nucleus of these oocytes.


Effects of captivity on glucose tolerance in dogs.

Captivity decreased tolerance to glucose and increased blood serotonin levels in 6 normal dogs investigated. Return to freedom brought normalization in the glucose tolerance test and reverted blood serotonin to control levels.


The effect of chloroquine upon the developing lens.

Applied to the developing lens of the 14-day-old chick embryo, in organ culture conditions, chloroquine prevented the elongation of the primary lens fibres, destroyed the equatorial ones and provoked vacuolisation and/or destruction in the epithelial cells.


Genetic characterization of the new morphological and UV-sensitive mutants in Coprinus cinereus. I. A UV-sensitive mutation rad 1 associated with elevated frequencies of mitotic and meiotic recombination.

Studies on the effect of an UV-sensitive mutation, rad 1, in meiotic and mitotic recombination in Coprinus indicated that, in homozygous condition, rad 1 increased the spontaneous meiotic recombination by 50% and UV-induced mitotic intergenic recombination by about 5-fold. The homozygous rad 1 diploid was shown to be much more sensitive to the recombinogenic effects of polyfunctional than than of mono- or non-functional alkylating agents.


Liver vitamin A stores in chronic alcoholism in rats: effect of propylthiouracil treatment.

Administration of alcohol to rats through drinking water for 8 weeks produced a significant decrease in the liver vitamin A stores without causing any change in the plasma vitamin A levels. Treatment of the alcoholic rats with propylthiouracil for 2 weeks restored the liver vitamin A reserves to control levels.


Production and characterization of antibody against aflatoxin M1.

Antibody against aflatoxin M1 was obtained after immunization of rabbits with bovine serum albumin-afla M1 oxime conjugate. The antibody has greatest binding efficiency for afla M1, and was less efficient for afla B1. Cross-reaction of antibody with aflatoxin Q1, aflatoxicol, and aflatoxin B2a was weak. Aflatoxin B2, G1, and G2 and afla B1-guanine adducts showed almost no cross-reaction with the antibody. The sensitivity of the binding assay for aflatoxin M1 detection is in the range of 1-10 ng per assay. Detailed methods for the preparation of the conjugate, production of immune serum, and methods for antibody determination are described.


The effect of acute ethanol administration on phosphorylcholine uptake and metabolism in rat liver slices.

Liver slices obtained from normal and acutely ethanol-intoxicated rats were incubated with labelled choline plus unlabelled orthophosphate or labelled phosphorylcholine (PC). After variable times of incubation hydrosoluble compounds and choline phosphoglycerides (CPG) were extracted from the tissue and analyzed. When compared to controls, the slices obtained from intoxicated livers accumulated more PC and synthesized more CPG when incubated with PC; on the other hand, when incubated with choline, they accumulated less PC. From these results it can be concluded that PC is a better lipid precursor in intoxicated livers, than in normal ones. In any case CPG becomes better labelled after incubation with choline than with PC; base-exchange could be liable for this result.


Genetic and ethanol-related differences in maternal behavior and offspring viability in mice.

Primiparous female mice of 2 lines genetically selected for different narcotic responses to ethanol were administered 10% (v/v) ethanol in their drinking water during Days 2-14 of lactation. Ethanol treatment resulted in a marked decrease in growth and viability of pups in both lines. Fewer offspring of the ethanol-sensitive line survived to weaning, apparently because of the failure of a large number of dams to exhibit maternal care. The combination of ethanol treatment and an additional environment stressor (mouse hepatic virus) had a devastating effect on maternal behavior and offspring survival in the ethanol-sensitive line, but far less effect on the ethanol-insensitive mice. Thus, ethanol-sensitive animals appear to be more susceptible to a variety of stressors, including ethanol.


Attachment and separation distress in the infant guinea pig.

This study systematically examined separation-induced distress vocalization in the infant guinea pig. Experiment I found that under maximum separation from both social and physical surroundings, the distress vocalization rate remained high for the 1st 4 weeks and then continuously declined to near zero by Week 12. Repeated testings had no effect on habituation of the rate during Week 5. Experiment II, using separation distress vocalization responses to the social (the mother) and the physical (the home pen) environments, showed that when the mother was present the vocalization rate was extremely low, and when she was absent the rate was moderate if the subject was isolated in the home box and high if the subject was in an unfamiliar box. Experiment III confirmed the finding that primary social attachment took place toward the mother. These results corroborate other attachment measures, and indicate the usefulness of the vocalization technique for the study of attachment in the infant guinea pig.


[Immunotropic activity of new hydroxypyrimidine derivatives].

The studies on immunotropic activity of the new hydroxypyrimidine derivative, 2,4,6-trimethyl-5-oxypyrimidine, have shown the compound to exert a predominant suppressant action on cell-mediated immune reactions without inhibiting antibody formation. After single intraperitoneal administration at doses within 50-500 mg/kg the drug produces a marked lymphotoxic action (27-46% of survived colony-forming cells), with the mitostatic effect being absent. No direct correlation between the drug dose and its action was recorded: an increase in the dose up to 500 mg/kg does not induce the effect potentiation. HPM-III inhibits hypersensitivity reaction of delayed type, depending on the administration regimen (prior to antigenous effect). Antiproliferative activity of the drug is little pronounced. At concentrations of 100, 250 and 500 mcg/ml of the lymphocyte culture, DNA incorporation of the labeled precursor is inhibited by 7, 13 and 35%, respectively. A slight decrease in the number of antibody-forming cells is noted only at secondary response. The synthesis of humoral antibodies is not inhibited.


Effect of oral administration of 'essential' phospholipid, beta-glycerophosphate, and linoleic acid on biliary lipids in patients with cholelithiasis.

6 patients with radiolucent cholelithiasis underwent randomized successive 3-week trials on each of the following medications: beta-glycerophosphate, linoleic acid, or purified soybean lecithin. Bile-rich duodenal fluid was obtained prior to the study and following each treatment period. Soybean lecithin feeding effected a qualitative change in biliary lecithin with increased fatty acid unsaturation, but no significant improvement in biliary cholesterol saturation or lipid composition changes including a proportionate increase in biliary phospholipids resulted from any treatment program. A 6-month therapeutic trial with soybean lecithin plus cholic acid failed to show a therapeutic response indicative of gallstone dissolution in the 6 patients.


Protein-synthesizing machinery in the growing oocyte of the cyclic mouse. A quantitative electron microscopic study.

A quantitative ultrastructural evaluation of the oocyte ribosomal population was carried out during the oocyte growth, bearing in mind that this period of the mouse oogenesis displays the greatest activity of ribosomal RNA synthesis. At the onset of growth almost 3/4 of the oocyte ribosomes exist as singles, these become polysomal ribosomes as growth progresses. At the same time the number of ribosomes increases. Once the major growth period has elapsed, the number of ribosomes starts to decrease just when lattice-like structures exhibiting a periodic organization begin to accumulate in the oocyte cytoplasmic matrix. Evidence, like the particulate organization of these lattices, the size of their particles, its digestion by RNase, and the time of the lattice appearance, together with data reported by several authors, allows one to suggest that near the end of the oocyte growth a great part of the ribosomes are stored in the lattices to be used during early development.


Fine structure of target neurons of antischizophrenic drugs in the neostriatum--ultracytochemical observation of dopamine and acetylcholine interaction.

In order to show the fine structure of target neurons of antischizophrenic drugs in the neostriatum, acetylcholinergic neurons were identified by means of choline acetyltransferase (ChAc) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) cytochemistry. Two types of neurons were revealed to have ChAc activity and at the same time to be synthesizing sites of AChE. It was observed that both types of neuron receive boutons containing ChAc positive synaptic vesicles at the soma and/or the dendrite. Moreover, both types of neuron were revealed to be postsynaptic sites of dopaminergic synapses from the fact that degenerated boutons after coagulation of the substantia nigra and boutons containing granular synaptic vesicles after incubation with alpha-methylnoradrenaline, contact the soma of the cholinergic neurons. It is speculated that both cholinergic neurons may be reciprocally influenced as in the case of motor neurons and Renshaw cells in the spinal anterior horn.


Metabolic effects of combined sulphonylurea and metformin therapy in maturity-onset diabetice.

Twelve hour metabolic studies have been performed in two groups of maturity-onset diabetics treated either by sulphonylurea and metformin therapy or sulphonylurea therapy alone. There was no significant difference in blood glucose concentration between the two groups although serum insulin concentration was significantly higher in the group treated by sulphonylurea therapy alone. Concentrations of several intermediary metabolites were higher when metformin formed part of the therapy. Thus, mean blood lactate, pyruvate, alanine and total ketone body concentrations and the lactate/pyruvate ratio and 3-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate ratio were all significantly elevated during sulphonylurea and metformin therapy. It is concluded that the use of metformin with a sulphonylurea results in widespread abnormalities in blood concentrations of intermediary metabolites.


Diurnal variations of fecal and urinary iodine excretion in rats.

The present study was carried out to elucidate whether there are differences between the renal and fecal iodine patterns over 12-hour day and night intervals. Normal rats fed 125I-LID ad libitum and thyroidectomized animals maintained with 125I-labeled l-thyroxine showed diurnal changes in urinary and fecal iodine excretion, the highest values corresponding to the night period. The urinary volume and fecal weight were also increased during darkness hours. A positive correlation was found between the urinary loss of iodine and the quantitative iodine intake during any urine collection period. The changes of periodicity and timing of food intake alter the diurnal pattern of iodine metabolism. These observations suggest that the difference in food iodine intake between both periods constitutes the best explanation for the spontaneous cyclicity of urinary iodine excretion. However, as a significant difference in urinary iodine content exists between day and night periods in rats fed with the same amount of food within each period, and the morning corticosterone injection increases the renal loss of iodine in this period, it would indicate that other influences may be operative in regulating the diurnal variation of iodine excretion. In conclusion, the present results indicate that the high extrathyroidal metabolism of thyroid hormone and the high proportion of the hormone excreted into the feces during night hours may trigger off the TSH secretion in these situations, where an extrathyroidal pool of thyroid hormones were just adequate for normal peripheral requirements.


The quantitative analysis of polymorphism on human chromosomes 1, 9, 16, and Y. I. Description of individual karyotypes.

This study was made to establish a stable quantitative characteristic of C segments on chromosomes 1, 9, 16, and Y in an individual karyotype that was reproducible in successive experiments. The C segment of these chromosomes were measured in successive cultures of cells from three males and the C segments of chromosomes 1, 9, and 16 in cells from three pairs of female monozygotic twins were measured. The results show that the absolute lengths of C segments tend to vary considerably with the cell samples analyzed, while the relative length, i.e., the length of a single C segment as a percentage of the total length of all C segments of the chromosomes being studied, is more stable and can be used for individual characteristics.


G-banding patterns of high-resolution human chromosomes 6--22, X, and Y.

A precise schematic representation of the number, height, position, and staining intensity of the Giemsa bands of late prophase, prometaphase, early metaphase, and mid-metaphase chromosomes 6--22, X, and Y is presented. Late prophase chromosomes were found to have 2--2 1/2 times the length and 3--3 1/2 times the number of bands previously observed in mid-metaphase, whereas prometaphases and early metaphases were intermediate in length and number of bands. In this work, the maximum number of bands observed per haploid set in late prophase was 1353, while more than 350 were generally found in mid-metaphase.


Effect of immune serum on the growth of Babesia microti in hamster erythrocytes in short-term culture.

Short-term in vitro culture of Babesia microti was obtained. Immune hamster serum had an inhibitory effect on the growth of B. microti in vitro. It is suggested that these antibodies act by preventing penetration of erythrocytes by the parasite.


A detection tube for cholinesterase inhibiting compounds.

The enzyme butyrylcholinesterase from horse serum catalyses the hydrolysis of certain esters. The orange-red 2,6-dichloroindophenyl acetate will be converted by the enzyme into a deep blue alcohol. The colour transformation does not occur when the enzyme is inactivated. By making use of this biochemical reaction a cheap and simple, but very sensitive and specific detection tube could bedeveloped. The tube comprises a breakable ampoule with an aqueous buffer solution, a freeze-dried preparation of the chromogenic ester with a filler promoting its dissolution, a freeze-dried preparation of butyrylcholinesterase with a filler promoting its stability, and an indication layer. DDVP can be detected at concentrations as low as 0.4 mg/m3, when the sampled airvolume is 21.


Choice of handedness measures in studies of hemispheric specialization.

Left-and right-handers have been reported to differ in lateral hemispheric specialization for cognition. We compared different methods of dividing subjects into handedness groups: preference(a 12-item questionnaire), performance(speed, strength, dexterity), and preference plus performance, and determined which method of handedness classification indicated the greatest group differences on EEG and dichotic measures of lateral specialization. All handedness measures were significantly intercorrelated. These handedness measures were significantly correlated with the dichotic test over the whole population but were significantly correlated with EEG asymmetry only in females. Scoring degree of handedness showed significant relationships to lateral specialization which were not seen when subjects were classified into discrete handedness groups. Ambidextrous subjects performed as well as right- or left-handers on unimanual tasks despite a lack of hand preference. The hand used for writing was shown to be too limited to be used as the sole index of handedness in studies related to cognition.


Effects of habitual variations in napping on psychomotor performance, memory and subjective states.

Effects of habitual variations in napping on psychomotor performance, short-term memory and subjective states were investigated. The subjects were 32 healthy male university students who napped twice or more weekly in themorning and at night. Sixteen were randomly assigned to a control group and 16 to a nap(treatment) group. The experiment comprised two conditions of electrographically (EEG) recorded sleep for the nap group and two EEG monitored conditions of wakefulness for the controls. These conditions were scheduled from 9:35 to 11:35 a.m. and 12 hr later between 9:35 p.m. and 11:35 p.m. Measurements were obtained from: (a) a continuous 10-min auditory reaction time task, (b) a free recall task of short-term memory, (c) an activation-mood adjective check list, and (d) the Stanford Sleepiness scale. Except for memory the dependent variables of waking function were assessed 20 min before and 20 min after all conditions. Following each sleep condition the nap group as opposed to the controls showed a statistically significant improvement in reaction time performance, higher short-term retention, less reported sleepiness and elevated subjective states reflected by fice factors on the adjective mood-activation check list. Among the correlations computed the largest significant coefficients were of stage 4 and REM with posttreatment Stanford Sleepiness ratings. After naps, increased postdormital sleepiness was correlated with stage 4 and decreased sleepiness with REM sleep. Although few strikingly divergent functional effects were associated with morning and nocturanal naps, these did covary with sleep psychophysiology. It is postulated that the phase, the EEG-sleep stages and possibly the duration of accustomed naps are less salient factors influencing performance when the time since awakening until behavioral assessment can be kept constant.


Quantitative fluorescence histochemistry of combined formaldehyde-chloral-induced fluorescence of amino-terminal tryptophyl-peptide in model experiments and in the pars intermedia of the rat hypophysis.

The relationship between the intensity of combined formaldehyde-chloral vapour-induced fluorescence and the concentration of amino-terminal tryptophyl-peptide in model experiments was found to be non-linear. At a certain concentration the intensity began to increase more slowly than the concentration, and when the concentration further increased the intensity even began to decrease. Based on the studies previously reported and on the above findings it seems that fluorescence induced by combined formaldehyde-chloral vapour, glyoxylic acid vapour and possibly also other combined formaldehyde and carbonyl compounds in the hypophyseal cells containing amino-terminal tryptophyl-peptides is quenched in normal conditions due to the high local concentration. Thus, small to moderate changes in the amounts of amino-terminal tryptophyl-peptides cannot be observed by measuring the fluorescence intensity. In tissue experiments the intensity of combined formaldehyde-chloral vapour-induced fluorescence in the rat pars intermedia was measured after reserpine treatment, which decreases the number of hormone storage granules as demonstrated electron microscopically. The fluorescence intensity measurements were combined with an estimation of the amounts of amino-terminal tryptophyl-peptides extracted from hypophyses and separated in thin-layer chromatography, and subsequently demonstrated by combined formaldehyde-chloral vapour and a protein stain (amido black). Reserpine treatment decreased the fluorescence intensity in the pars intermedia and in thin-layer chromatography, and the staining of the fluorescent band with amido black was also decreased. Amino-terminal tryptophyl-peptides appeared to be depleted from the pars intermedia cells together with endorphins and other hormones of the ACTH/MSH cells containing tryptophan.


Demonstration of succinic dehydrogenase in mitochondria of fern egg cells at electron microscope level.

The use of ferricyanide in the presence of Cu++ to capture the ferrocyanide generated proved a reliable method for the location of succinic dehydrogenase in fern egg cells. The response of mitochondria-like nuclear evaginations was largely negative, but small patches of apparently authentic reaction product, absent in the controls, were occasionally encountered in their envelopes. From the point of view of deciding the nature of the nuclear evaginations the results were therefore equivocal.


Extraction of light filth from ground nutmeg: collaborative study.

The official method for extracting light filth from ground nutmeg, 44.116, gives variable recoveries of filth elements and results in large amounts of interfering plant material in the light filth extraction. A new method has been developed using a chloroform pretreatment for heavy filth followed by a water-40% isopropanol-mineral oil flotation of light filth. A comparison of the methods in the collaborative study showed a higher recovery of insect fragments, 90.6 vs. 65.2%, and of rodent hairs, 86.5 vs. 66.5%, for the new method over the present official first action method, 44.116. Frothing, an additional problem with the official method, has been reduced by the new method. The new method has been adopted as official first action to replace the existing method.


Modulation of glycosaminoglycan synthesis during cell growth as observed in an embryonic chick tendon cell culture.

Glycosaminoglycan synthesis during cell growth has been studied in terms of unit cell numbers, using 16-day-old embryonic chick tendon cell cultures. Hyaluronic acid production was found to be inversely proportional to the cell density, while the levels of sulfated-glycosaminoglycan synthesis remained constant. On the other hand, hyaluronic acid production remained constant during cell proliferation, though chondroitin sulfate synthesis increased rapidly during an actively growing phase of the cultured cells, and dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate syntheses increased gradually.


Stability of ester sulfates in heparin to solvolysis and dilute acid treatment.

The stability of ester sulfates in porcine intestinal heparin to solvolytic desulfation (100 degrees C, 9 H) with dimethylsulfoxide containing 2% pyridine was examined, in comparison with the case of dilute acid treatment (0.1 M HCl, 100 degrees C, 70 min). The resulting heparin modifications were deaminated and the deamination products were fractionated by the procedures reported previously (1978) J. Biochem. 83, 1567-1575). The yields of disulfated disaccharide (b-2) and monosulfated disaccharides (e-2-1 and e-2-3) indicated that 2-O-sulfates in L-iduronic acid residues of heparin were more libile than 6-O-sulfates in glucosamine residues to the dilute acid treatment, whereas the opposite was the case for the solvolysis. The product of heparin modification by solvolysis was similar to whale heparin in the distribution of ester sulfates.


The 5'-terminal structure of poly(A)-containing RNA of soybean seeds.

Poly(A)-containing RNA from soybean seeds was isolated by affinity chromatography on poly(U)-Sepharose. Translation of poly(A)-containing RNA was inhibited by the addition of m7GMP. Treatment of the poly(A)-containing RNA with periodate followed by aniline (a chemical removal of 5'-terminal m7G) resulted in a marked reduction of mRNA activity. mRNA activity of the treated RNA was partially restored when S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) was included the wheat germ cell-free system. End groups of the poly(A)-containing RNA were labeled by oxidation with periodate and reduction with [3H]borohydride. Analysis of nuclease digests of 3H-labeled poly(A)-containing RNA showed the existence of materials with a charge between --2 and--3 and/or between --3 and--4 which contain pyrophosphate linkages. These results imply the presence of 5'-terminal capped structures, m7G(5')PPp(5')N and m7G(5')PPP(5')Nm, in soybean poly(A)-containing RNA.


The primary structure of cytoplasmic initiator transfer ribonucleic acid from Torulopsis utilis.

Cytoplasmic initiator transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNAinit) was purified from bulk Torulopsis (Candida) utilis tRNA by a series of column chromatography procedures. Sequence analysis of the products of complete and partial digestion of this tRNA with ribonuclease A [EC 3.1.4.22] and ribonuclease T1 [EC 3.1.4.8] enabled us to determine the complete primary structure of the molecule. The chain length of this tRNA was 76, including 11 modified nucleotides. The structure of the tRNA was arranged into a cloverleaf model and compared with those of other initiator tRNA species. As in the cytoplasmic initiator tRNA's of most other eukaryotic cells, the sequence -A-U-C-G- is contained in this tRNA in place of the usual -T-psi-C-G (or A)- found in other tRNA's.


Immunochemical comparison of vitamin A binding proteins of rat.

Specific antibodies against cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP), raised in rabbit, were detected by sucrose gradient centrifugation and gel filtration using tritium-labeled CRBP, prepared by reductive methylation. By means of radioimmunoassay, pure CRBP from liver and testis as well as CRBP present in a crude extract of liver were compared. All preparations showed identical immunoreactivity, suggesting CRBP is not tissue-specific. In contrast, two other vitamin A-binding proteins, cellular retinoic acid-binding protein, and serum retinol-binding protein, showed no cross-reaction in the radioimmunoassay.


The isolation and characterization of a specific antibody population directed against the prothrombin activation fragments F2 and F1 + 2.

We have raised antisera against human prothrombin activation fragment F2 in rabbits and have chromatographed the respective immunoglobulin G fractions on prothrombin-Sepharose, Pr1-Sepharose, and F2-Sepharose immunoadsorbents. The specific antibody population obtained was utilized to construct a double antibody radioimmunoassay capable of measuring as little as 0.8 ng/ml of this component. Our studies suggest that the immunoreactive site defined by this antibody population is most probably located within the negatively charged COOH-terminal region of F2. The immunologic expression of this area is unaffected by denaturation or reduction-alkylation of F2 as well as by attachment of polypeptide to the NH2-terminal of this component. However, the presence of covalently bound polypeptide at the COOH-terminal of F2 reduces its immunologic reactivity by 300- to 400-fold. Prothrombin, Pr1, and Pr*1, which contain the F2 region as part of their covalent structure, are at least 4000 to 7000 times less immunoreactive than F2 on a molar basis. Conversion of these components to thrombin as well as activation fragments generates the theoretically predicted level of immunoreactivity. Masking of the immunoreactive site within these zymogens is due to two phenomena. Firstly, covalent attachment of polypeptides on the COOH-terminal of the F2 segment significantly depresses the reactivity of this region. Secondly, a critical S--S bridge aids in the sequenstration of the immunoreactive site. This cross-link may facilitate interactions between the COOH-terminal of the F2 segment and other regions of the zymogen.


The terminal web. A reevaluation of its structure and function.

The apical cytoplasm of epithelial cells of the small and large intestines has been examined by freeze-etch techniques as well as conventional and high voltage electron microscopy of sectioned material to gain a better understanding of the fine structural organization of the terminal web region. In the small intestine the terminal web exhibits a distinct stratification caused by the association of different sets of filaments with the three members of the junctional complex. Individual filaments of this network are closely associated with the sealing elements of the tight junctions, the surface of the core microfilament bundles, and the intermicrovillar plasma membrane. This region of the terminal web is the apical zone. The adherens zone appears as a band of interwoven filaments of two different diameters extending across the cytoplasm at the level of the intermediate junction. Within this region of the terminal web, individual 60-70 A actin-like filaments separate from the bundles of core microfilaments to interact with one another and with filaments of similar diameter from the zonula adherens. 100 A tonofilaments also contribute to the adherens zone, presumably stabilizing the orientation of the actin-like filaments. The basal zone which underlies the adherens zone consists of closely interwoven bundles of tonofilaments that are anchored to and interconnect the spot desmosomes. Within the large intestine the cytoplasmic microfilaments form a looser and less clearly stratified network which nevertheless retains the same basic organization found in the small intestine. Transmembrane linkers appear to originate within the cytoplasmic plaques of the spot desmosomes, pass through the plasma membranes, and meet in a staggered configuration in the intercellular space; these linkers may thus mediate the actual  mechanical coupling between the cytoskeletal networks of tonofilament bundles of adjacent cells. This integrated system of cytoplasmic filaments and intercellular junctions endows the apical cytoplasm with both the flexibility and the stability necessary for the normal functioning of the epithelium.


A versatile immunoadsorbent capable of binding lectins of various specificities and its use for the separation of cell populations.

A procedure for cell fractionation using lectin-affinity chromatography is described. It consists of a single affinity adsorbent, hog gastric mucin blood group A+H substance covalently coupled to Sephadex or Sepharose, to which lectins of various specificities can bind. The complex formed, lectin in equilibrium hog A+H substance-Sephadex, then serves as an affinity probe for isolating and fractionating cells. The lectins from Ulex europaeus, Lotus tetragonolobus, Helix pomatia, Dolichos biflorus, and Phaseolus lunatus were used with the same blood group substance as adsorbent. The affinity columns retained erythrocytes with blood group specificity for the adsorbed lectin and thus fractionate cells in mixtures. Cells as well as lectins are eluted by specific sugar inhibitors. Mixtures of two kinds of cells can be separated when the proportion of the adsorbed cells is not too low.


Actin in triton-treated cortical preparations of unfertilized and fertilized sea urchin eggs.

Triton-treated cortical fragments of unfertilized and fertilized sea urchin eggs prepared in the presence of greater than or equal to 5 mM EGTA contain 15-30% of the total egg actin. However, actin filaments are not readily apparent by electron microscopy on the cortical fragments of unfertilized eggs but are numerous on those of fertilized eggs. The majority of the actin associated with cortical fragments of unfertilized eggs is solubilized by dialysis against a low ionic strength buffer at pH 7.5. This soluble actin preparation (less than 50% pure actin) does not form proper filaments in 0.1 M KCl and 3 mM MgCl2, whereas actin purified from this preparation does, as judged by electron microscopy. Optical diffraction analysis reveals that these purified actin filaments have helical parameters very similar to those of muscle actin. Furthermore, the properties of the purified actin with regard to activation of myosin ATPase are similar to those of actin from other cell types. The possibility that actin is maintained in a nonfilamentous form on the inner surface of the unfertilized egg plasma membrane and is induced to assemble upon fertilization is discussed.


Luteinizing hormone-accelerated redistribution of lysosome-like organelles preceding dissolution of the nuclear envelope in rat oocytes maturing in vitro.

Maturation of the mammalian oocyte is characterized in part by dissolution of the nuclear envelope, or germinal vesicle breakdown (GVB). By fluorescence microscopy after vital uptake of acridine orange (AO), redistribution and perinuclear accumulation of organelles corresponding to lysosomes occur before GVB in rat oocytes undergoing meiotic maturation in vitro. In follicle-enclosed oocytes explanted during the preovulatory gonadotropin surge (GS) and individually cultured as such in chemically defined medium at approximately 22 degrees C, lysosomes aggregated into disperse clusters after 30 min; by 60 min, perinuclear concentration of lysosomes and their essential disappearance from the cortical ooplasm were observed. GVB occurred within 120 min. In contrast, follicle-enclosed oocytes explanted before the GS displayed a generally homogeneous distribution of lysosomes and intact GV for up to 5 h in culture. In oocytes aspirated from follicles before the GS, partially denuded of granulosa cells, and cultivated without added hormone, most lysosomes concentrated around the GV within 60 min, with GVB occurring generally by 120 min. Luteinizing hormone (LH) added in vitro to the isolated preparation at 3 or 30 x 10(-8) M sharply accelerated these events. The effects of LH, not seen with 1.5 x 10(-8) M hormone, were blocked by anti-LH IgG. Up to 60 x 10(-8) M follicle-stimulating hormone or 80 x 10(-8) M prolactin were ineffective in accelerating lysosome redistribution or GVB. After GVB, lysosomes became once again uniformly dispersed and unresponsive, even to 60 x 10(-8) M added LH, a finding consistent with tachyphylaxis of target cells by independent criteria. The present data, all statistically significant at P less than 0.05, demonstrate that mobilization of lysosomes before GVB is a specific response to factors that promote resumption of meiotic maturation of rat oocytes.


Actin in spindles of Haemanthus katherinae endosperm. II. Distribution of actin in chromosomal spindle fibres, determined by analysis of serial sections.

We have studied the arrangements of actin-containing filaments in 13 bundles of kinetochore microtubules in glycerinated, heavy meromyosin-treated Haemanthus endosperm cells: 7 bundles were in a cell at anaphase, and 6 were in a cell at metaphase. Actin-containing filaments were present in each of the 13 bundles of kinetochore microtubules: they were in amongst the microtubules in the bundle and seemed to be associated with the microtubules. Actin-containing filaments in each bundle seemed to terminate at the kinetochores. Actin-containing filaments associated with the kinetochore microtubules were of consistent polarity (the arrowheads pointed towards the kinetochores) whereas those associated with other microtubles and those not associated with microtubules did not have consistent polarity (some pointed towards the spindle pole, others pointed away from it). Roughly, there were as many individual stretches of actin-containing filaments identified per bundle of kinetochore microtubules as there were microtubules which terminated at the kinetochore. These data suggest that actin-containing filaments in spindles have a functional role. We used 2 glycerination procedures in our studies (one for each cell), and neither seemed to disrupt the basic microtubule arrangements: the arrangements of spindle microtubules seen after glycerination of Haemanthus endosperm were identical to those described previously by others in non-glycerinated glutaraldehyde-fixed Haemanthus endosperm. Thus we argue that spindle structure is not disrupted by the procedures, and therefore that the arrangements of actin-containing filaments are not artifacts of the glycerination procedures. The only difference between microtubules in glycerinated cells and microtubules in untreated cells is that there seem to be fewer in the glycerinated cells. The possible role of actin-containing filaments in the spindle is discussed.


Mechanism of cleavage of newt eggs.

Cytokinesis by contraction of the base of the cleavage furrow and the dependence of the position of the future furrow on the arrangement of cytoplasm under it have been demonstrated at relatively earlier stages of cleavage in amphibian eggs. The following experiments and observations on dividing eggs of the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster indicated the presence of the contracting force at the base of the furrow and revealed that the above cleavage mechanisms occurred throughout cleavage. (1) Deformation of the animal surface induced conversion of an early furrow to a ridge, the base of the furrow forming the top of the ridge. (2) A needle placed in the path of the furrow blocked its deepening, not only at the point of contact but also in neighbouring regions. Any part of the plane of cleavage could be blocked in this way. (3) A microfilamentous band was found under the plasma membrane at the base of the furrow at a late stage of cleavage. (4) Alteration in the position of the furrow base could be induced in the middle of cleavage by outflow of egg cytoplasm.


An ultrastructural study of the effects of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) on cell cortex organization during the first cleavage of Xenopus laevis eggs. I. Inhibition of furrow formation.

Xenopus laevis fertilized eggs have been treated with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) before the onset of the first cleavage, at the stripe stage and during groove deepening. The ultrastructure of the animal cortex of the arrested embryos has been compared with that of the same region of control embryos at different stages of first furrow formation and of cytochalasin B-treated embryos. The outer side of the plasma membrane of WGA-treated embryos is covered with a coat which is different from the diffuse material observed in either control or cytochalasin B-treated embryos and which is distributed in patches in the groove region. Narrow indentations of the plasma membrane in the cortex of WGA-treated eggs have been observed, particularly in the blocked or regressed groove. In WGA-treated eggs, a few bundles of microfilaments are located under the plasma membrane at the animal pole, but they are never arrayed in a continuous layer as in the control eggs. In the latter, many microtubules are located in close proximity to the microfilament layer at the beginning of cleavage, but they are only occasionally observed in the same region of WGA-treated eggs. It is concluded that the binding of WGA molecules to their receptors on the surface of the Xenopus zygote interferes with the alignment of microfilaments in the furrow region and provokes the disorganization of the aligned microfilaments once the cleavage has begun. Internalization of portions of the nascent membrane in the groove could play an important part in the arrest of cleavage.


An ultrastructural study of the effects of wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) on cell cortex organization during the first cleavage of Xenopus laevis eggs. II. Cortical wound healing.

Uncleaved fertilized eggs of Xenopus laevis treated with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) have been pricked at the animal pole both inside and outside the regressed furrow region. The wounded cortex of both regions has been studied with the electron microscope and compared with the same region of wounded, untreated eggs. In all 3 cases, filaments are organized in an annular zone in the damaged cortex. When the surface is pricked outside the regressed furrow of WGA-treated embryos, bundles of microfilaments radiate from the ring and extend in deep folds which form a 'star' around the wound at the surface of the embryo. However, when the surface is pricked in the new membrane of the regressed furrow, filaments are intermingled with internalized portions of the plasma membrane. It is suggested that, when the surface is pricked outside the furrow region, more filaments are mobilized to counteract the tangential retraction of the membrane which has acquired more rigidity after WGA binding.


High pressure liquid chromatographic separation of two major toxic compounds from Gymnodinium breve davis.

Cultured Gymnodinium breve cells were extracted in acidified ether and fractionated by a new, convenient procedure utilizing thin layer chromatography or elution dry column chromatography. The most toxic fraction was further separated either directly by analytical high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) or in subsequent work by preparative, followed by analytical HPLC. Two toxic compounds, designated T46 and T47, were isolated; purity of each was demonstrated by rechromatography in analytical HPLC with both adsorptive and reverse phase packings. Both the single pass and recycle modes of operation were used with two detector systems in each to demonstrate a single entity. UV, fluorescence, and stability data differentiated these compounds from previously described, less toxic components from G. breve.


Prolactin in human cerebrospinal fluid.

PRL was measured radioimmunologically in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples obtained simultaneously in 31 patients with various neurological or infectious, but non-endocrine diseases (group A), 12 patients (7 pregnant women and 5 newborns) with physiological hyperprolactinemia (group B),10 psychiatric patients with pharmacologically induced hyperprolactinemia (group C) 12 normoprolactinemic patients with pituitary adenoma and suprasellar extension (SSE) (group D), And 14 hyperprolactinemic patients with pituitary adenoma with and without SSE (group E). Plasma PRL and CSF PRL concentrations (ng/ml, mean and range in brackets) of the various groups were: group A, 6.2 (1.3-14.5) and 1.3 (0.6-4.7); group B, 85.2 (31-200) and 13.2 (3-28); group C, 54.3 (3.5-160) and 6.5 (0.7-18); group D, 17.2 (5.4-30) and 9.7 (2.7-34); and group E, 2,529 (115-10,000) and 1,449 (6-13,000). The plasma to CSF concentration ratios (mean and range in brackets) were: group A, 5.2 (1.4-13.0); group B, 7.0 (2.9-10.3); group C, 7.3( 3.9-11.3); group D, 2.6 (0.9-7.1); and group E, 10.9 (0.2-34.9). The ratio was greater than 3 in 87% of the non-tumor patients; in 42% of the tumor patients the ratio was less than 3. The correlation between plasma and CSF PRL levels of all 53 subjects without a pituitary tumor (groups A, B, and C) was positive (r=0.9097; P=0.00001); in the 26 tumor patients (groups D and E) the correlation was also positive (r=0.7141; P=0.00002). These results indicate that 1) PRL is a normal constituent of CSF, 2) the CSF PRL level is a function of the plasma level, 3) detectable, or even high, CSF PRL levels per se are not indicative in the presence of a pituitary tumor, with or without SSE, and 4) abnormally low ratios may be found in patients with a pituitary tumor with SSE.


The interrelationships among prolactin, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and parathyroid hormone in humans.

Serum PRL, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D]concentrations were measured in 6 women and 2 men with hyperprolactinemia, 6 normal men and 7 normal women, 4 men and 4 women with primary hyperparathyroidism, and 16 men and 4 women with Ca nephrolithiasis. Plasma 1,25(OH)2D and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations were normal in the women and men with hyperprolactinemia. In patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and elevated serum PTH, plasma 1,25(OH)2D concentrations were elevated but serum PRL levels were normal. Likewise, serum PRL levels were normal in patients with Ca nephrolithiasis who had significantly elevated plasma, 1,25(OH)2D concentrations and normal serum PTH concentrations. Thus, hyperprolactinemia due to pituitary adenoma or idiopathic hypersecretion is not accompanied but elevated plasma concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D.


Effect of acute administration of salmon and human calcitonin on blood urate and renal excretion of uric acid in patients with Paget's disease of bone.

The sc injection of salmon calcitonin (CT) (100 MRC U) or human CT (50 MRC U) to Pagetic patients reduces the plasma urate concentration and increases the renal excretion of uric acid. This effect is independent of the natriuretic, phosphaturic, or glycosuric actions of CT and is not due to the transient increment of the glomerular filtration rate noted after CT administration. Our results suggest that the hypouricemia observed during CT treatment is related, at least in part to a direct action on the renal handling of uric acid.


Hyperreactivity, muricide, and intraspecific aggression in the rat produced by infusion of local anesthetic into the lateral septum or surrounding areas.

Intracranial infusions of a local anesthetic (lidocaine, 2%) were made bilaterally (4 microliter over 20 min) through permanently implanted cannulas ending in the lateral septum or adjacent areas. Increases in irritability and reactivity to the experimenter, muricide, and intermale aggression were produced by injections into the lateral septum and the region ventral to it. The increases in reactivity and interanimal aggresion occurred in varying degrees and were independent of one another, but intermale aggression occurred only in animals showing muricide. The most effective site for eliciting the entire spectrum of aggressive behaviors was the region ventral to the anterior septum. The region ventral to the posterior septum (medial preoptic area, anterior hypothalamic area, straia terminalis) was unique in that it tended to produce a high incidence of muricide, with only modest increases in reactivity. The lateral septum was moderately effective in producing the entire range of aggressive behaviors. No changes in behavior were noted with infusions into the medial septum or th medial forebrain bundle/lateral preoptic area ventrolateral to the septum. It is suggested that the hyperreactivity and irritability may be relat to hyperdefensiveness and that muricide and intermale aggression are points on a continuum of interanimal aggressiveness.


Experiential determinants of postpartum aggression in mice.

The objective of this research was to explore the experiential determinants and the social controls of postpartum aggregation in mice. In Experiment 1, a group of seven lactating females was tested repeatedly from Day 2 to Day 22 postpartum against male mice; attacks by the females continued through Day 18. Two other groups of seven females tested only once showed diminished attacks against males by Day 14 postpartum. In Experiment 2, eight females were paired with a male for a week prior to parturition; they showed reliably fewer attacks on Day 2 postpartum than a group of nine females that were isolated prior to parturition. All of these results were obtained in a standard 3-min test. A 24-hr test on Day 4 of Experiment 2 revealed that in both groups female attacks dropped to near zero after 30 min. After female attacks declined, males initiated social behavior which occasioned vocalizations by the females. Further, males attacked in 65% of the tests and destroyed the litters of the females in 53% of the tests. The behavior of the male exerted important influences on the structure of extended female-male interactions.


Acute homeostatic imbalances reinstate sensorimotor dysfunctions in rats with lateral hypothalamic lesions.

It has previously been demonstrated that rats recovered from aphagia and adipsia after large bilateral electrolytic lesions of the lateral hypothalamic area do not show the normal feeding response to 2-deoxyglucose or drinking response to polyethylene glyol. The present work reveals that such homeostatic imbalances reinstate the profound sensorimotor impairments that are seen in the immediate postoperative period but abate in parallel with the gradual recovery of ingestive behaviors. Administration of alpha-methyltyrosine or spiroperidol produced sensory and motor dysfunctions in rats with lateral hypothalamic lesions that were similar to those observed after 2-deoxyglucose. These results suggest that the residual feeding and drinking deficits of rats with lateral hypothalamic lesions after apparent recovery of function do not reflect specific loss of putative gluco- and volume-regulatory contributions to ingestive behavior. Instead, they may indicate continued impairments in nonspecific activational components of motivation that normally are mediated, in part, by central dopaminergic neurons.


Effects of medial preoptic-anterior hypothalamic lesions on development of sociosexual behavior in dogs.

Bilateral medial preoptic-anterior hypothalamic lesions in adult male dogs eliminate or impair copulatory behavior and reduce urine-marking responses but do not affect aggressive behavior. The present study examined the emergence of the adult forms of these same male sociosexual behavioral patterns when the lesions are made prior to puberty. The subjects were allowed to interact with male peers during development. Animals with lesions had reduced frequence of juvenile mounting and an almost total absence of male copulatory activity in adulthood. Urine-marking and aggressive behavior in the juvenile and adult periods were not affected by the lesions. The findings reveal a sparing of function with regard to urine-marking but not sexual behavior.


Catecholamine depletion in mice upon reexposure to stress: mediation of the escape deficits produced by inescapable shock.

Immediately following exposure to 60 inescapable shocks, Swiss-Webster mice had significantly reduced hypothalamic norepinephrine (NE). Within 24 hr NE levels returned to control values. Reexposure to as few as 10 shocks 24 hr after initial stress exposure resulted in a significant decline of hypothalamic NE. Moreover, at this interval after inescapable shock, escape performance was severely disrupted, with a large proportion of mice exhibiting numerous failures to escape shock. Increasing brain dopamine (DA) and NE by L-dopa treatment prior to inescapable shock prevented the escape deficits. Conversely, pairing five inescapable shocks with NE depletion by FLA-63, or both DA and NE depletion by alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, disrupted escape performance 24 hr later. Residual drug effects, state dependence, or sustained amine turnover could not account for the behavioral changes observed. Data are discussed in terms of catecholamine mediation of escape performance through variations in response maintenance abilities. Furthermore, it is suggested that the long-term effects of inescapable shock may be due to sensitization effects or conditioned amine depletion.


Prelordotic behavior in the hamster: a hormonally modulated transition from aggression to sexual receptivity.

The behavioral responses of the female golden hamster to a sexually experienced male were analyzed as a function of the stage of the female's estrous cycle. Exogenous estradiol or estradiol followed by progesterone was given to ovariectomized females to determine the role of these hormones in the regulation of cyclic changes in the female's response to the male. Females were paired on a daily basis with sexually active males for 10 min, and behavioral interactions were recorded. Significantly more fighting occurred during early diestrus than later in the cycle. During the 24 hr preceding sexual receptivity, fighting was infrequent. BY 8 HR PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF SEXUAL RECEPTIVITY, 86% OF THE POPULATION EXHIBITED A BEHAVIOR RESEMBLING THE ONSET OF LORDOSIS WITHOUT IMMOBILIZATION (PRELORDOSIS). Following ovariectomy fighting was at a high level (80%--90%). Estradiol replacement, over a 28-day test period, resulted in a significant decrease in aggression and a significant increase in the display of the prelordotic response without inducing lordosis. Initially, the treatment with progesterone following 7 days of estradiol treatment caused the female to display lordosis. After 24 hr a significant increase in aggression, which continued as long as progesterone was present, was observed. After removal of progesterone a significant decrease in aggression occurred. Thus, estradiol causes the female to become tolerant of the male's approach, the female exhibiting prelordosis in response to the male's investigation. Estradiol and progesterone are necessary for normal sexual receptivity; however, after 24 hr, estrogen-progesterone-treated females become agonistic to the male.


The molecular size of adenylate cyclase in the absence and presence of nucleotide and hormone effectors.

The molecular size of adenylate cyclase solubilized from frog erythrocyte membranes by digitonin extraction has been determined by chromatography on Sepharose 6B. Regardless of whether the membranes are exposed to catecholamines, GPP(NH)P, NaF or no effector prior to solubilization, the apparent molecular size of the adenylate cyclase enzyme is the same. Furthermore, a similar elution profile for the enzyme is observed when the catalytic activity in the eluates is measured in the presence of Mn++, rather than Mg++. Since it is generally assumed that the persistent activation of adenylate cyclase by GPP(NH)P requires interaction of the catalytic moiety with the guanine nucleotide regulatory site, it appears that the adenylate cyclase activity detected in the column eluates represents an intact catalytic-regulatory site complex. The adenylate cyclase activity derived from catecholamine pretreated frog erythrocyte membranes does not co-elute with catecholamine-occupied beta-adrenergic receptors, indicating that the agonist-promoted increase in apparent receptor size observed here and in earlier studies does not represent a physical coupling of the receptor and the adenylate cyclase enzyme.


Cook/chill foodservice systems. Predicting cooling time of a ground beef entrée chilled in bulk.

Mathematical formulas which incorporate thermal properties of the food, geometry of the food mass, and process conditions during cooling were used to predict the time required for a cooked ground beef product chilled in bulk to cool to 45 degrees F. (7 degrees C.). Formulas predicted cooling time within 36 min. (11 per cent) of the actual cooling time. For widespread application, additional information on thermal properties of entrée products of the type served in foodservice operations needs to be obtained.


[The effects of oral contraceptives on the cytology of the inferior segment of the female urethra].

The examination of urethral smears of women with different contraceptive agents shows the presence -- in 20 p. 100 of cases -- of very high rates of columnar cells compared with reference smears; with these first smears, the superficial columnar cells and bare nuclei in degeneration increase compared with underlying columnar cells. The presence of the columnar cells is followed by disappearance of the clusters of squamous cells and therefore the cytohormonal interpretation of these smears is difficult. The most frequent cellular modifications consist of squamous parakeratosis and squamous or columnar anisocytosis. Some hypothesis are given.


[Incidence of antispermatozoidal antibodies in the serum of fertile women (author's transl)].

The authors describe a simple and reproducible-microagglutination technique for the detection of antispermatozoa antibodies. A positive reaction is detected in 2 p. 100 of women with a normal fertility (12/516), in 10 p. 100 of pregnant women (4/40) and in 32.5 p. 100 of patients with recurrent abortions. There is no relation between anti-HLA antibodies and the sperm agglutinating activity of a serum.


[Intra-uterine gestational age. The value of calcification of dental crowns (author's transl)].

Calcification in the first decidual molar tooth first appears at the 33-34th week of gestation; and the second at the 36-37th week. It is therefore a stable and precise index of gestational age. It can be estimated in over two-thirds of films of the intra-uterine contents chosen at random. The search for this sign can complement or take the place of looking for epiphyseal centres in the knee. It gives information about gestational age in pathological conditions where bony maturation is abnormal.


Ultrastructural characteristics of freeze-dried smooth muscle.

The rapid freezing and vacuum dehydration of tissue has been employed to study the intracellular distribution of diffusible substances at the electron microscopic level. Hower, the ultrastructural detail of freeze-dried tissue is difficult to retain. Consequently, the ultrastructural preservation of freeze-dried smooth muscle has not been sufficient to permit satisfactorily definition of intracellular organelles. Therefore, determinations of the intracellular distribution of soluble ions have not been achieved in freeze-dried smooth muscle. In this study a freeze drying method is presented which provides more satisfactory definition of intracellular organelles than has been available in the past. Using this merens have been preserved. When these muscles are compared to convention preparer of surface vesicles that are observed, and the mitochondria are extremely electron opaque in the freeze-dried tissue. The smooth muscles which have been examined do not have the inherent contrast of other types of tissue nor do they contain the different types of mitochondria that have been observed in nonmuscle tissue.


Early ultrastructural changes in the cerebral cortex of rat during ischemia.

The conducted investigation of the cerebral cortex of the rat during different survival periods following reduction in the cerebral circulation demonstrated an early occurence of ischemic changes characterized by different states of nerve and glial cells. The largest group was made up of neurons of deeper layers exhibiting reactive state of the nucleus and nucleolus and signs of chromatolysis in the cytoplasm. A less common pathology was represented by "dark" type changes observed in small stellate and pyramidal neurons of superficial layers. Changes of glial units manifested mainly as swelling and partial melting. The changes observed in neurons are indicative of variability of neurons of superficial and deep layers in sensitivity as well as of different mechanisms underlying structural regulation of cell metabolism and ensuring its optimum level and organization for each functional state.


Characterization of human breast milk macrophages cytostatic for human cell lines.

Approximately 40% of the cells in human early lactation milk possessed the characteristics of macrophages, being adherent, phagocytic, alpha napthyl acetate esterase positive, and possessing C3b and Fc receptors. These cells were also cytostatic for MDA 157, a cell line derived from a pleural effusion of human breast cancer, and HEL 23, a strain of human fetal lung fibroblasts. Investigations into the cytostatic phenomenon indicated that the cytostasis could not be mediated by macrophage-conditioned medium and that very close contact between breast milk macrophages and target cells was required. Cytostasis was not fully effective until 18 hr after the initial interaction between macrophages and target cells.


Role of L-alanine in the response of human lymphocytes to PHA and Con A.

The response of umbilical cord blood lymphocytes (UCBL) to PHA and Con A is strongly dependent upon the presence of dialyzable plasma components. The impaired response of human cells in the presence of dialyzed human plasma was restored by calf thymus extract. In the present experiments we have further purified calf thymus extract by means of paper electrophoresis and chromatography on thin-layer cellulose plates. We reached the conclusion that the active material in this model is a single amino acid, alanine. When the different isomeric forms of alanine were tested, we found that L-alanine is the only biologically active material. In addition, we have observed here that the allogeneic response of UCBL is also dependent upon the presence of dialyzable plasma components. This impaired allogeneic response of UCBL in the presence of DHP was restored by addition of L-alanine. The present findings suggest that, under in vitro conditions, for human cells to respond to mitogenic or allogeneic stimulation L-alanine is essential.


The specification of metameric order in the insect Callosobruchus maculatus Fabr. (Coleoptera). I. Incomplete segment patterns can result from constriction-induced cytological damage to the egg.

Eggs of the pea-beetle Callosobruchus were divided into two at different stages of development. Both fragments were allowed to develop into partial larvae. The segment patterns of normal and partial larvae are described using cuticular markers of cell differentiation. To study the contribution of cytological damage to the segment gap phenomenon three different types of constriction were performed: complete and incomplete permanent constriction and complete temporary constriction. Changes in the structure of the egg can produce absence of segments resulting from two different effects. First, partial absence of segments results from a decreased egg circumference in the constriction region and involves the disturbance of a morphogenetic process (dorsal closure). Secondly, cytological damage can result in a gap between two arrays of segments. The loss of segments in the gap occurred in two different ways. In a spatial segment gap the two arrays of segments were physically discontinuous, whereas in a non-spatial gap the segments bordering the gap were juxtaposed in a physically continuous cuticle. The extent to which the gap phenomenon can be attributed to cytological damage is discussed. We also discuss, on the basis of certain dorsal defects, a possible stepwise specification of the dorsal transverse cuticular pattern.


Changes in protein synthesis during the development of Xenopus laevis.

Patterns of protein synthesis during the development of Xenopus were studied by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Up to the end of the blastula stage we find no newly synthesized proteins which are not already made in the oocyte. The first new proteins are seen during gastrulation, and they increase in number during neurulation. Some of these are restricted to the 'ectodermal' region, and some to the 'endodermal' region of embryos divided into two parts. These new, region-specific proteins include alpha-actin. When the oocyte matures the number of detectable newly synthesized proteins decreases, reaching a minimum in the unfertilized egg. Some, such as beta- and gamma-actin, re-appear at the end of cleavage. This could not be shown to be a recovery artifact. The relation of the total mRNA to these changes in protein synthesis was studied by translation in the lysed reticulocyte cell-free system. The mRNAs that code for oocyte proteins that cease synthesis in the unfertilized egg and re-appear in blastulae are nevertheless detectable in total RNA made from eggs. These proteins therefore seem to cease and resume synthesis through translational control. mRNAs for new proteins first appear after gastrulation, just when these proteins are first detected in vivo. This strongly suggests, though it does not prove, that new gene activity is involved. It is therefore likely that region-specific gene activity is already present by the gastrula stage of development, and has an impact on the most abundant kinds of proteins made in the embryo.


Cyclic changes in the cortical layer of non-nucleated fragments of the newt's egg.

Various changes in the cortical layer of the amphibian egg have been observed during cleavage; for example, rounding up in the animal hemisphere, increase in stiffness of the surface and reactivity of the cortex to furrow-inducing cytoplasmic components. The three kinds of change occur synchronously with the cleavage cycle. The present experiments were aimed at determining whether the above changes in the cortical layer are caused exclusively by the nucleus or autonomously by the cytoplasm. Uncleaved fertilized eggs of the newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster, were divided into two parts, one nucleated and one non-nucleated, by cutting with a fine glass needle. Special attention was paid to the behaviour of the non-nucleated fragments, where the above-mentioned changes were also observed. The cycle of these changes did not necessarily start synchronously with the cleavage cycle of the nucleated partner, but, once started, the rhythm of both cycles had almost the same timing. These results suggest that some change in the cortex necessary for cleavage furrow formation in the amphibian egg is brought about by cyclic change in the cytoplasm, independently of the nucleus.


[Familial translocation 22/Y and partial autosomal trisomy in a young girl].

Report on a translocation t(22;Y)(q12;p 13) with conservation of the NOR in normal members from 2 generations of a family. The proposita has in addition a small autosomal duplication, probably (1)(q44-ter) which could explain her mental deficiency.


Day and night rhythms in the methylation of N-acetylserotonin/5-hydroxytryptophol in the pineal gland of males rats of different ages.

Next to a night rhythm of the methylation of N-acetylserotonin/5-hydroxytryptophol the presence of a daytime rhythm could also be established. Rhythmicity was studied in May during the night and in June during daytime in 21, 42 and 70 days old male Wistar rats. In 21 days old rats, moderate HIOMT activity was observed from 12 p.m.--4 a.m. In rats aged 42 and 70 days HIOMT activity was increased showing a peak at 4 a.m. In September this night maximum is observed at 12 p.m. in rats, aged 42 days. This points to the presence of a seasonal change in HIOMT rhythmicity during the night. During daytime a moderate HIOMT activity is present, which reaches a maximum at 2 p.m. in the 21 and 42 day old animals, while in the adult 70 days old rats activity starts to increase at 2 p.m. probably reaching a maximum at 6 p.m.


Cutaneous masking. I. Psychophysical observations on interactions of multipoint stimuli in man.

1. Psychophysical masking of cutaneous sensation at the locus of punctate test stimulation has been quantitatively examined with phasic mechanical and brief air-pulse stimuli using a conditioning-test stimulus paradigm. 2. Masking was maximal at the minimal interstimulus distance effective with this paradigm, varies inversely with interstimulus distance, and is demonstrable with the conditioning and test stimuli up to 10 cm apart on the forearm. 3. The degree of masking was found to be a direct function of the relative intensity of the conditioning stimulus with respect to the test stimulus. 4. Variations in the interstimulus interval permitted an investigation of the temporal features of cutaneous masking. It was detectable from 10 ms before to 70 ms after conditioning stimulation. Maximum masking occurred when the test stimulus was delivered about 10 ms following conditioning stimulus onset. 5. We also noted the much less marked, but still significant, enhancement phenomenon, in which weak conditioning stimuli, at just-threshold intensity levels, lowered the detection threshold for sensation at the test stimulus locus. We found this enhancement of sensation to have the same spatial distribution as did masking, but a much reduced time course. It began with the test stimulus presented simultaneously with the conditioning stimulus, peaked with 10--15 ms interstimulus intervals, but decayed in less than 40 ms. 6. Since psychophysical experiments often form the framework for the understanding of physiologic processes, it is suggested that these behavioral determinations of enhancement and masking may be correlated with the electrophysiologic properties of excitation and inhibition in neurons of the major primary somatic pathways of the central nervous system.


Pneumonectomy in infants and children: the use of a prosthesis to prevent mediastinal shift and its complications.

Twenty cases of pneumonectomy in infants and children performed over a 35-yr period have been reviewed. Pneumonectomy may be necessary for inflammatory, congenital, neoplastic, and traumatic conditions. The postoperative complications of progressive mediastinal shift can be minimized by the use of a pleural prosthesis.


Synergistic actions of propantheline bromide with cimetidine and thiopropazate hydrochloride in the prevention of stress ulcer formation in rats.

The effects of propantheline bromide (PB), cimetidine (CM) and thiopropazate hydrochloride (TP) on the course of stress ulcer formation were investigated. Gastric ulcers were induced by subjecting rats to forced exertion. Intragastric administration of PB, CM or TP produced dose-dependent inhibition of gastric ulceration with parallel dose-response curves. PB was found to be 10 times more potent than TP and 44 times more potent than CM. Administration of subtherapeutic doses of PB and TP in combination produced significant synergistic antiulcer activity. Similarly, PB significantly potentiated the antiulcer actions of CM. However, TP in combination with CM showed no more than simple additive effects. The basis for these enhanced antiulcer activities is not fully understood, but they may be related to suppression by PB of one or more factors in the pathophysiology of stress ulcer formation separate from those affected by TP and CM. This finding supports the concept that a combination of anticholinergic drugs with either histamine H2 antagonists or with tranquilizers may be very useful in the prevention of stress ulcer disease in man.


Effects of oestrous cycle and exogenous ovarian steroids on 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolism in rat lung.

1. The metabolism of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in homogenates of lung and in perfused isolated lungs, was measured, using [14C]5-HT, over the 4-day oestrous cycle in rats. 2. In lung homogenates, 5-HT metabolism (reflecting monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity) was greater during met-oestrus than during the rest of the cycle. 3. In homogenates, the apparent Km for MAO activity was lowest during met-oestrus whereas the, Vmax value was highest during di-oestrus. 4. In perfused lungs, 5-HT metabolism and uptake was greater during pro-oestrus than during met-oestrus. 5. In lung homogenates prepared from female rats treated with 17 beta-oestradiol or progesterone for 8 days, the metabolism of 5-HT was increased. 6. We conclude that although the lung is not usually considered a target organ for ovarian hormones, its metabolic activity is affected by changes in the levels of endogenous or exogenous ovarian steroids, an effect comparable with those already observed in uterus, ovary and other more commonly accepted target organs.


Effect of PGF-2 alpha on serum progesterone levels in the swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Induction of some oestrous phenomena was achieved. Treatment with 25 mg PGF-2 alpha cuased mucous discharge, within 48-72 h after injection, which lasted for 4-5 days. Rectal palpation indicated rapid regression of the CL, and in 9 treatments of 6 buffaloes serum progesterone levels declined from 1.76 +/- 0.01 (s.d.) ng/ml before treatment to less than 0.25 ng/ml within 24 h after injection. Concentrations increased at about Day 11 and reached a peak of 1.78 +/- 0.62 ng/ml on Day 18.50 +/- 2.45.


The effects of oestradiol benzoate, progesterone, relaxin and ovariectomy on cervical extensibility in the late pregnant rat.

Cervical extensibility increased from Day 16 to term in the pregnant rat. Following ovariectomy on Day 16 of pregnancy the cervix became as inextensible by Day 20 as that of non-pregnant animals. Fetal growth was maintained in rats ovariectomized on Day 16 if given oestradiol benzoate plus progesterone but cervical extensibility only increased to a small extent. Relaxin given to these animals further increased cervical extensibility, suggesting a role for this hormone.


Enhanced and co-ordinated movement of the hamster oviduct during the periovulatory period.

The movement of the hamster oviduct in vivo was examined after injection of a small quantity of India ink into the lowermost region of the isthmus. An active and co-ordinated movement of both the isthmus and ampulla that caused a rapid transport of the ink to the upper ampulla (and eventually to the ovarian bursa) was observed shortly before, during and within a few hours after ovulation. During the rest of the oestrous cycle, no ink was transported to the upper ampulla despite active contractile movement by the isthmus. These observations suggest that the oviduct as a whole exhibits an efficient contractile movement suited for sperm transport only during the periovulatory period.


In-vivo myometrial electrical activity in the cyclic mare.

Uterine electromyography was performed by means of chronically implanted surface electrodes in 3 Pony mares during spontaneous oestrous cycles and following luteolysis induced by a prostaglandin analogue (fluprostenol). Three distinct patterns were recognized during the oestrous cycle. (1) During oestrus well defined phases of activity with closely grouped high-amplitude spikes were separated by long periods (10-45 min) of complete inactivity. (2) During dioestrus more diffuse phases of activity with low-amplitude spikes were separated by variable periods of relative inactivity. (3) During luteolysis, short and frequently occurring phases of activity were propagated between the two electrodes on one uterine horn; a similar pattern also occurred between 1 and 3 h after injection of fluprostenol. Peripheral plasma progesterone, but not total inconjugated oestrogen, concentrations were closely related to characteristics of the myographic activity during the cycle. Insemination during oestrus and injection of fluprostenol during dioestrus caused a marked and prolonged increase in myometrial electrical activity. Almost any non-specific environmental stimulus, including entry by palpation of the genital tract per rectum and vaginoscopic examination, but these were of brief duration and the normal resting pattern of activity was quickly re-established after completion of the manipulations.


Effect of actinomycin D on uterine prostaglandin production and oestrous cycle length in guinea-pigs.

Intrauterine, but not systemic, administration of actinomycin D on Day 10 increased oestrous cycle length in guinea-pigs. Peripheral plasma progesterone levels remained elevated during these lengthened cycles presumably because luteal life-span had been extended. Prostaglandin (PG) F-2 alpha production in vitro, on Day 15, by the uterus of guinea-pigs which had received intrauterine actinomycin D was much lower than control values. This decrease in PG production was not due to lack of precursor, increased metabolism, re-direction of synthesis towards PGE-2, or a direct inhibition by actinomycin D of the conversion of arachidonic acid to PGs. The effects of actinomycin D treatment were not reversed by oestradiol. It is proposed that actinomycin D prevents the increase in uterine PG synthetase levels that normally takes place after Day 11, thereby reducing uterine PGF-2 alpha synthesis and output in vivo, and resulting in luteal maintenance and longer oestrous cycles.


Plasma oxytocin and vasopressin concentrations in response to prostaglandin injection into the pig.

A single i.m. injection of 5 mg PGF-2 alpha evoked a significant elevation of plasma oxytocin values in sows 6 days post partum and during dioestrus. Plasma vasopressin levels in dioestrous sows were not significantly affected by PGF-2 alpha. It is concluded that circulating steroid levels do not interfere with the response of oxytocin levels to PGF-2 alpha.


Plasma gonadotrophins and progesterone concentrations during various degrees of underfeeding in pregnant mice.

Daily reduction of the normal (ad libitum) food consumption by as little as 35% significantly reduced (P less than 0.05) the percentage of mice with implantation sites at Days 7 and 9 of gestation. Underfeeding decreased body weight and reduced the weight of the ovaries and uterus. Plasma progesterone was decreased (P less than 0.05) as dietary intake was restricted and was associated with regression of the corpora lutea. No significant alterations in the plasma values of LH and FSH were observed in mice underfed between Days 1 and 9 of pregnancy. The decrease in plasma progesterone in the absence of reduced LH values may indicate that progesterone secretion between Days 5 and 9 of gestation is not controlled solely by LH.


Glucose movement into rat interine fluid.

The uterine horns of anaesthetized rats were cannulated and 2.5 ml 0.9% NaCl at 37 degrees C were recirculated for up to 90 min. Glucose appeared in the medium, reaching a concentration of approximately 1 mM. Various aspects of the transport process were examined, and it is suggested that the glucose is mainly derived from the plasma, and probably enters the uterine lumen by a process involving facilitated diffusion.


LH contamination may explain FSH effects on rat Leydig cells.

Treatment of immature, hypophysectomized male rats with 50 micrograms ovine FSH (NIH-FSH-S12) twice a day for 5 days stimulated the maximum quantity of 17 beta-hydroxyandrogen produced by isolated Leydig cells in response to hCG. Pretreatment of the FSH preparation with an LH antiserum in one study markedly reduced and in another study completely abolished this stimulatory effect of FSH, but only slightly impaired the capacity of the hormone to stimulate the Sertoli cell in vivo (epididymal androgen-binding protein). Administration of another highly potent FSH preparation (LER-1881) had no discernible effects on the dose-response characteristics of the Leydig cells but was superior to the NIH-FSH-S12 in its capacity for stimulating the Sertoli cell. When all hormone preparations were tested for their ability to stimulate steroid secretion from normal Leydig cells in vitro, a close correlation was obtained between their Leydig cell-stimulating activity (a measure of LH contamination) and their capacity to alter Leydig cell responsiveness after in-vivo treatment. FSH treatment had no effects on specific LH binding per 10(6) Leydig cells. It is concluded that the stimulatory influence of FSH on rat Leydig cells may to some extent be a result of the LH contaminating the hormone preparation.


Effect of androstenedione on the oestrous cycle of the rat.

The implantation of Silastic capsules containing androstenedione (release rate 63.2 +/- 4.4 micrograms/24 h) into 4-day cyclic rats resulted in a prolongation of the cycle (P less than 0.001), most rats showing 5-day cycles after the first, largely unaffected cycle. There was a reduction in ovulation rate (P less than 0.01) and lower serum LH levels on the morning of oestrus (P less than 0.01) but serum FSH levels were unaffected.


The effects of serum oestrogen-binding components on the unbound oestradiol-17 beta fraction in the serum of developing female rats and on inhibition of [3H]oestradiol uptake by uterine tissue in vitro.

Total oestradiol concentrations in the serum of young female rats were high and decreased after about 21 days of age. High affinity serum oestradiol-binding components (EBP), however, fell steadily from 5 to 23 days of age while the unbound oestradiol-17 beta fraction, which was low early in development, increased between 21 and 28 days of age. Injection (i.v.) of immature (EBP-rich) oestradiol-free serum into 21-day-old female rats led to a decrease in the unbound oestradiol fraction and an increase in serum FSH concentrations. Incubation of uterine tissue with [3H]oestradiol, with or without the addition of diethylstilboestrol (DES), showed the rate and degree of total and DES-suppressible uptake of [3H]oestradiol to be greatest from buffer, less from adult (EBP-poor) serum and negligible from immature (EBP-rich) serum; moreover, there was a positive correlation between the degree of uptake of [3H]oestradiol and the unbound fraction of [3H]oestradiol in the incubate. It is concluded that, at least in young rats, oestradiol activity depends more on the availability of free oestradiol than on its total plasma concentrations.


[Two years feeding toxicity study of tamarind seed polysaccharide in rats (author's transl)].

Tamarind seed polysaccharide (Glyloid) was incorporated at the level of 4, 8, 12% in a standard commercial diet and fed ad lib. to male and female rats for 2 years. No significant changes were noted in the behavior, mortality, body weight, food intake, biochemical analysis of urine and blood, hematological test, organ weight and histopathological findings of rats receiving Glyloid. In all groups containing control group, spontaneous diseases with aging, such as myocardial change, nephropathy, mammary tumor (in female), pituitary tumor etc., were seen. These diseases played important role as the cause of death of the dead rats.


Traumatic rupture of the female urethra.

The clinical course of 4 female patients with complete traumatic rupture of the urethra was evaluated in an effort to propose guide lines for the investigation and initial management of this unusual injury. Treatment modalities are determined by the level of urethral injury and the subsequent effect on continence. We recommend a retropubic approach for bladder neck injuries, a transvaginal approach for proximal urethral ruptures with reanastomosis over a stenting catheter and acceptance of a hypospadiac neomeatus for distal urethral ruptures.


[Cryo- and photocoagulation for choroidal metastases of a thyroid carcinoma (author's transl)].

A 47-year-old patient underwent surgery in 1972 for a metastasising medullary thyroid carcinoma. 4 years later he developed choroidal metastases in the left eye and then, after another 3 months, multiple small metastases appeared in the right eye. The metastases were cryo- and photocoagulated because medullary thyroid carcinoma do not respond to radiation or chemotherapy. Although the single very large metastasis in the left eye was scarcely affected, the multiple metastases in the right eye were destroyed. As a result the patient has retained useful vision in this eye for the past three years.