Carbamazepine as an anticonvulsant in children.

Forty-five children with major motor or psychomotor seizure disorders were treated with carbamazepine in place of sedative anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, primidone) because of chronic behavioral difficulties. A batter of measures believed to reflect attentional and perceptual abilities was administered initially and repeated 4 to 6 months later following the drug crossover. At the conclusion of the study, 37 of the 45 children were judged to be drug "successes"; that is, general alertness and attentiveness were improved, while seizures were adequately controlled. This study indicates that therapeutic regimens of carbamazepine are less likely to interfere with mental functions in children than are equivalent doses of sedative anticonvulsants.


Rapid fluorometric assay for cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin G.

Using a new quantitative immunofluorometric procedure, we measured cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin G levels in 59 patients and compared the results with values obtained by the most precise currently available method--the immunoprecipitin method of Kabat--and a radial immunodiffusion technique. The absolute immunoglobulin G values determined by the fluorometric assay correlated closely with the other methods. This technique offers several advantages over most conventional techniques for measuring low levels of immunoglobulin G: (1) Small, drop-sized (5 to 10 micronl) samp les of cerebrospinal fluid are used, (2) a large number of samples can be tested, (3) the range of sensitivity is sufficiently wide that cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels can be determined simultaneously, and (4) the technique is fast, requiring 3.5 hours to perform. The fluorometric method is rapid, reproducible, and easy. It suitability for laboratories engaged in the measurement of cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin G appears promising.


Imidazole myopathy. Production of the myopathy and its dependence on acetylcholine.

An acetylcholine-mediated myopathy has been produced in the soleus muscle of the rat by the daily injection of imidazole, a compound that accelerates the metabolism of adenosine 3':5' cyclic phosphate by activating the enzyme phosphodiesterase. The imidazole-treated muscles were found to have a lowered resting membrane potential. This study suggests that a decrease in resting membrane potential may make skeletal muscle more vulnerable to necrosis by acetylcholine released during normal activity.


Korsakoff's syndrome resulting from bilateral fornix lesions.

A patient with a well-circumscribed neoplasm, which destroyed the posterior fornix bilaterally, developed a profound disturbance of recent memory. Unlike previously reported patients who had undergone anterior fornix sections and whose memories were not severely disturbed, this patient's posteriorly located lesion may have cut off hippocampal input into the mamillary bodies and the dorsomesial nucleus, thereby producing a severe amnestic state.


Polyradiculoneuropathy in Addison's disease. Case report and review of literature.

A 19-year-old woman is described who had features of adrenal insufficiency and the Guillain-Barré syndrome. We presume these entities are causally related. The patient responded well to treatment with steroids. The literature has been reviewed for a possible relationship between adrenal disease and disorders of the nervous system.


Neurologic complications of cardiac catheterization.

A retrospective survey was made of neurologic complications of cardiac catheterization. Of 10 patients, only one had a diffuse disorder, with seizures of a type associated with reaction to contrast agents. Disorders in the other nine patients appeared to be embolic in nature. Five of these nine involved deficits indicating damage in the vertebrobasilar territories, suggesting local trauma to vessels as a source of the embolic material.


Attitudes of departments of medicine in the United States toward provision of internal medicine training for prospective neurologists.

A questionnaire was sent to directors of training programs in internal medicine to assess attitudes towards providing a year of internal medicine training for prospecitve neurologists. Such applicants are handled in a variety of ways. Among the 92 responding institutions with neurology training programs, three were not willing to accept prospective neurologists for 1 year of internal medicine. Seventy-three percent would either reserve places for prospective neurologists, arrange with neurology for a position through the intern matching program, or arrange medical rotations for candidates accepted by neurology. Twenty-four percent would accept neurologists for a single year without specifying any special arrangement.


The pulmonary metastases of choriocarcinoma.

The radiographic appearance of the pulmonary metastases of choriocarcinoma and other malignancies of gestational trophoblastic origin is described. Quantitative, though not qualitative, differences from other large series in the literature are noted. These observations may more accurately reflect the experience with this disease in North America. Three basic types of metastases are described--typical, alveolar, and embolic with emphasis placed on the most common typical metastatic lesion. The possible relation of methotrexate therapy to alveolar metastases is queried. That residual pulmonary nodules in the appropriate clinical setting need not represent viable tumor is noted.


[Parinaud's syndrome with false localization signs in supra-and infratentorial space-occupying lesions].

Parinaud's syndromes may occur in infra- and supratentorial space-occupying lesions, but very careful differential diagnosis must be made in those cases. Occurring peripheral signs are due to brain mass displacements caused by transtentorial brain herniae. The prognosis is relatively good if the space-occupying lesions may be entirely or at least sufficiently removed. Five corresponding cases are described and clinical, neuroradiological and surgical findings discussed.


[Williams-beuren-syndrome (author's transl)].

In the initial descriptions of the elfin-facies-syndrome by Williams and Beuren, supravalvular aortic stenosis was considered to be a constant feature of the syndrome, combined with retardation of mental and physical development, dentition anomalies and the peculiar face. According to newer findings, the missing of this deformity is no proof against the existence of the above-mentioned syndrome. Usually an elevation of the calcium-level is not found in the serum of these children, although there seems to be some relation to the calcium-metabolism. The characteristic picture of this deformity is demonstrated by two, very typical cases.


A new hybrid haemoglobin: haemoglobin Strumica/Beograd occurring in an individual with four haemoglobins.

An investigation of the cord blood from full term twin infants revealed an additional haemoglobin F component due to an abnormal alpha chain. The father of the twins, whose blood picture was normal, was shown to have normal alpha and beta polypeptide chains together with variant alpha and beta polypeptide chains. Electrophoresis showed that he had four major haemoglobin components. Separation of the haemoglobin fractions by column chromatography, globin preparation, chain separation, tryptic and chymotryptic digestion and peptide map preparation led to the identification of haemaglobin A, haemoglobin Strumica (alpha2 112His leads to Arg beta2), haemoglobin D Beograd (alpha2beta2 121 Glu leads to Val) and a hybrid haemoglobin Strumica D/Beograd (alpha2 112His leads to Argbeta2 121Glu leads to Val).


Temperature greater than or equal to 40 C in children less than 24 months of age: a prospective study.

In a prospective study, 330 consecutive children less than 24 months old coming to the emergency room of Yale-New Haven Hospital with a temperature greater than or equal to 40 C were evaluated. Nearly all patients had a white blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (Wintrobe), blood culture, and chest roentgenogram. Eighty-eight percent were evaluated 24 to 48 hours later. The mean WBC count and ESR were significantly elevated in children with positive blood cultures or pneumonia. The risk of bacteremia was increased threefold and the risk of pneumonia was increased twofold in children with a WBC count greater than or equal to 15,000/cu mm or an ESR greater than or equal to 30 mm/hr compared to children without leukocytosis or elevated ESR. Sixty-one percent of children with bacteremia or pneumonia. 63% of children in whom these diagnoses were not apparent on physical examination, and 86% of children with otitis media complicated by pneumonia or bacteremia had either a WBC count greater than or equal to 15,000/cu mm or an ESR greater than or equal to 30 mm/hr. A WBC count greater than or equal to 15,000/cu mm and an ESR greater than or equal to 30 mm/hr were more effective than a polymorphonuclear leukocyte count greater than or equal to 10,000/cu mm and/or a band count greater than or equal to 500/cu mm in screening young children with high fever for bacteremia, pneumonia, or complicated otitis media.


Soy protein intolerance: four patients with concomitant cow's milk intolerance.

An infrequently encountered and poorly understood infantile disorder is gastrointestinal soy protein intolerance. Four patients who had intractable diarrhea of infancy and who failed to thrive were tested by oral challenge with soy protein isolate and were found to have soy protein intolerance. All four exhibited concomitant sensitivity to cow's milk protein. The response to challenge with soy protein included diarrhea, vomiting, hypotension, lethargy, and fever. These symptoms were immediate, of short duration, and occurred with each subsequent challenge dose. No patient exhibited cutaneous, pulmonary, or hematologic evidence of allergy although it was prominent in their families. A diet devoid of intact soy and cow's milk protein allowed symptomatic recovery and rapid weight gain. Oral disodium cromoglycate therapy was ineffective in one trial. Soy protein intolerance should be suspected in infants with diarrhea resistant to therapy with soy based formulas.


Electrophysiological and contractile properties of the levator ani muscle after castration and testosterone administration.

Electrical and contractile properties of the levator ani muscle were studied in normal rats, in castrated rats and in castrated rats treated with testosterone. 2. No significant changes in the frequency of miniature end-plate potentials were found 6 months after castration. The frequency increased already 6 h after testosterone treatment; an increase of about 100% was observed after 7 days of testosterone treatment. 3. Castration led to a 2-fold increase of the input resistance of the muscle fibres. After 7 days of testosterone treatment the input resistance was only slightly higher than normal. 4. The weight of the muscle was decreased to 18% of the control value after 6 months castration. It increased to 46% after 7 days of testosterone treatment. 5. The muscles of castrated animals revealed a prolongation of contraction time and marked changes in maximal rate of tension development and half relaxation time. Partial recovery of these parameters was found after 7 days of testosterone treatment. 6. Long-term castration did not induce any denervation-like changes of action potential parameters, and no tetrodotoxin resistance was found in spite of marked muscle atrophy.


Relative organ blood flow in rats exposed to intermittent high altitude hypoxia.

Circulating blood volume, cardiac output and relative organ perfusion changes were studied, using the Sapirstein method of 86RB tissue uptake, in male 75-day-old rats exposed to intermittent high altitude hypoxia (gradually up to 7000 m, 4 h daily, 5 days a week; the total number of exposures was 24). Intermittent hypobaric exposure caused a significant rise of the erythrocyte volume, whereas the plasma volume remained unchanged. The relative perfusion of the left and particularly of the right ventricular myocardium, as well as of the spleen, liver, lung, small intestine and skeletal muscle, was significantly higher. The cardiac output determined in other experimental animals similarly treated was significantly higher after 24 exposures to the intermittent high altitude hypoxia. We suggest that these changes are triggered by tissue hypoxia and a greater blood flow demand.


Factors controlling the release of renin. A micropuncture study in the cat.

Blood was collected by micropuncture from the efferent arteriole and superficial venules of the cat's kidney. Blood samples were also collected from the femoral artery and the renal vein. The blood renin concentrations (ng A1 m1-1 2h-1) in a basal state were 37.2 +/- 3.5 (S.E.M.) (n equal to 60) (artery), 32.5 +/- 5.2 [7] (efferent arteriole), 53.5 +/- 4(116) (superficial venule), 54.2+/- 5.4 (43) (renal vein). The corresponding values after haemorrhase were 389 +/- 98 (21), 345 +/- 115 (6), 963 +/- 208 (37), 907 +/- 290 (17), ng A1 m1-1 2h-1. The efferent arteriolar renin did not differ from that in the artery but the concentrations in superficial venular blood and renal vein were higher than arterial concentration. Thus renin entered the circulation between the efferent arteriole and the superficial venule. The blood renin concentration of different superficial venules at a steady arterial renin concentration varied markedly. Into certain venules there appeared to be little or no renin secretion, into others a marked renin secretion, suggesting a heterogeneity of renin secretion by the different nephrons. When the flow of tubular fluid to the macula densa of a group of nephrons was blocked, the renin concentration fell and was significantly less than the renin concentration in venules draining non blocked nephrons and less than in the renal vein. These results suggest that the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the nephrons do not release renin in a synchronous fashion. The release appears to be episodic and is inhibited when flow to the macula densa is ceased. This implies that a high sodium concentration at the macula densa stimulates renin release.


An automatic device for single-breath CO diffusing capacity in dogs.

We describe a very simply operated system by which single-breath CO diffusing capacity (DLCO) can be measured in anesthetized dogs. All controls and the automatic system are operated pneumatically. Cams forming an integral part of the pistons of the inspiratory and expiratory syringes activate push buttons which control the valves, enabling dead spaces to be flushed, a specific volume of air to be injected into the dog's lungs, and expiratory samples to be taken. Our results, due account being taken of the dogs' weight, are in the upper range of normal values published in earlier studies; the reproducibility of the method is good.


The influence of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and other buffers on the potential of antimony microelectrodes.

Antimony microelectrodes were calibrated at 37 degrees C in phosphate buffers, in different bicarbonate solutions at various CO2-partial pressures and in buffers like TRIS1, TES2, MES3 and malonic acid. By use of the latter buffers (with exception of malonic acid) the most reliable calibration curves were obtained ("normal values"). The usual calibration in 67 mmol/l standard phosphate buffers turned out to be unacceptable because the obtained mV-values were too high (negative) in comparison to all other buffers. Different calibration curves resulted from the use of pure bicarbonate solution whether the pH-values were changed by variation of pCO2 or of the bicarbonate concentration. Low bicarbonate concentrations in combination with low pCO2 gave mV-values which were too low relative to the other buffers. Both the increase of pCO2 as well as of the bicarbonate concentration caused a shift of the potential of the antimony electrodes toward "normal values". In solutions containing other buffers the influence of bicarbonate and pCO2 became negligible with increasing buffer concentration. Decreasing oxygen partial pressure was found to cause an increase of the potential of the antimony electrodes. The influence of liquid junction potentials at the reference electrode is discussed.


Photoelectric device for contact-free recording of the diameters of exposed arteries in situ.

A photoelctric device is described which permits contact-free recording of the diameter of an in situ exposed artery. The light emitted by the filament of a bulb (6 W) is collimated by a projection lens (1:2.8, 50 mm) and directed onto the surface of a silicone photocell (12.6X6.2 mm) covered by a neutral light filter. The voltage drop caused by the photocell current flowing through an adjustable load resistor represents the signal voltage which is fed into the input of an instrumentation amplifer. The artery under investigation is positioned above the photocell parallel to its short axis. The signal voltage decreases linearly with increasing area of the shadow cast by the artery on the photocell and thus the output voltage of the amplifier is linearly proportional to the diameter of the artery. The combined frequency response of photocell and amplifier was examined by sinusoidally modulated light emitted by a luminescent diode. The amplitude ratio was constant up to 200 Hz and the time lag was about 0.2 ms. The device was used on the canine carotid and femoral arteries. An example is shown.


A simple method for beveling micropipettes for intracellular recording and current injection.

A simple equipment for beveling intracellular microelectrodes has been made by modifying a conventional turntable. An agar disc containing ceric oxide polishing compound which was put on a flat glass disc was found to be suitable for beveling of Pyrex single- and double-barreled micropipette electrodes with a tip diameter larger than 0.1 mum. Although the beveled microelectrodes have not always been shown to give better cell penetration into the frog retinal rods than unbeveled find ones, better records could usually be obtained when electric currents were injected into cells, probably being due to their lower resistance, noise, tip potentials and coupling resistance between two barrels.


Nucleus of the solitary tract and the J reflex.

Experiments were carried out on cats anaesthetized with chloralose-urethane with a view to defining certain central pathways for the J reflex elicited by the right atrial injection of phenyldiguanide. The resulting motor inhibition was manifested by reduction in the amplitude of the knee jerk. The dorsal surface of the medulla was exposed and free riding platinum quartz electrodes were introduced into the nucleus of solitary tract. Lesions were made in the NTS by passing current of know intensity through the electrodes. The J reflex was abolished by bilateral lesions in the NTS. It was concluded that the nucleus of solitary tractisan essential part of the central pathway of the J reflex.


Origin of the impedance cardiogram investigated in the dog by exchange transfusion with a stroma-free haemoglobin solution.

In an anaesthetized dog an exchange transfusion was carried out with stroma-free haemoglobin solution. The total circulating blood volume was kept constant. The heart-syncronous changes in the thoracic electrical impedance (Zo) were measured before and after the exchange transfusion. Zo consists of a parallel connection of a tissue impedance (Zt) and a blood impedance (Zb). With the aid of this model for Zo the relative variations in Zb (delta Zb/Zb) were calculated from the relative variations in Zo (delta Zo/Zo). The marked decrease of delta Zb/Zb during the experiment can only be explained by the fact that apart from the heart-synchronous changes in vascular volume the impedance changes are also caused by flow dependent changes in the electrical conductivity of blood caused by variations in orientation of the erythrocytes.


Stress relaxation compared with relaxation after contraction in smooth muscles.

The time courses of relaxation after contraction and of stress relaxation were found to be different. In the first case, but not in the latter, the time curves have a sigmoid shape. Furthermore, stress relaxation is characterized by a remaining higher resting tension. The differences can be explained by different functional conditions underlying both events.


Left atrial pressure and postprandial diuresis in conscious dogs on a high sodium intake.

5 conscious, well trained, female dogs kept on a high sodium intake (14 meq Na/kg bw) were used to measure left atrial pressure (LAP), urine volume (V), sodium and potassium excretion (UNaV, UKV) as well as plasma osmolality (Posm) before and up to 180 min after food intake. The dogs were fitted with a catheter in the left atrium (thoracotomy). In all experiments (n=23) LAP increased postprandially (pp) above fasting controls. The mean peak increase ranged from 4 to 6 cm H2O and was observed as early as 61-80 and as late as 161-180 min pp. Increase in LAP was closely correlated to V which rose from 36+28 to 160+51/ul/min. kg. pp V was also correlated to pp UNa V, which increased from 4.8 +/- 3.3 to 34.O+/-8.5/ueq/min-kg. The pp increase in LAP and its close relation to pp V and pp UNav emphasize the assumption that intrathoracic receptors are involved in the regulation of body fluids.


Depletion and accumulation of potassium in the extracellular clefts of cardiac Purkinje fibers during voltage clamp hyperpolarization and depolarization.

1. Voltage clamp hyperpolarization and depolarization elicited current records consistent with depletion and accumulation, respectively, of potassium in the extracellular clefts of cardiac Purkinje fibers. Hyperpolarization was shown to shift the reversal potential for the pacemaker current, ik2, a measure of Ek, to more negative potentials. Upon depolarization, a slowly increasing outward current was observed. Analysis of the tail currents elicited by hyperpolarization revealed that a time-dependent change in gx could not explain the time-dependent outward current. However, the tail currents were consistent with a shift of Ek to more positive potentials during the depolarization. 2. Alteration in potassium driving force over time results in a time-dependent ik1 even though the underlying conductance is time-independent [29]. This time-dependent current may contribute to the currents usually identified as ik2 and ix. 3. The potential at which ik2 reverses direction is altered by the clamp program used to elicit it and is obscured by the superimposition of a time-dependent current due to depletion. 4. Records consistent with the extracellular cleft potassium concentration being less than that of the bulk phase in the quiescent fiber were obtained. However, an unequivocal interpretation of these current reocrds could not be made. 5. These results suggest that conclusions based on the assumption that potassium driving force remains constant during a voltage clamp pulse may be in error. Thus, time-dependent currents cannot be assumed to result solely from time-dependent conductance changes.


Effect of hypertonic urea and mannitol on distal nephron permeability.

The paracellular pathway permeability is known to increase in perfused amphibian kidneys if the luminal fluid is made hyperosmotic with mannitol or urea. To investigate whether luminal hypertonicity increases paracellular pathway permeability in the mammalian nephron, early rat distal tubules were micropunctured and perfused through one micropipette with either isosmotic saline (IS), hyperosmotic urea (HU) or hyperosmotic mannitol (HM) solutions. A second micropipette was placed down-stream in the same tubule and test solutions of 30 nl of a mixture of 14C-inulin and 3H-mannitol or of 3H-inulin and 14C-urea were injected. Similar intratubular injections of tracers were performed in a second group of rats undergoing diuresis induced either by infusing intravenously saline alone (VS) or receiving saline plus 0.4 M urea (VU). In the latter group (VU) luminal urea concentration was increased without the tubular lumen being made hyperosmotic to its peritubular fluid. Urinary unulin recovery was essentially complete and unaffected by experimental procedures. Difference between mannitol recoveries in isosmotic saline and hyperosmotic urea perfusions IS-HU was 2.6 +/- 0.8% (P  less than 0.001). Difference in urea recoveries IS-HM was 4.1 +/- 5.1% (P greater than 0.40), IS-HU was 13.9 +/- 5.3% (P equal to 0.015) and, VS-VU equal to 17.0 +/- 3.4 (P less than 0.001). Therefore, elevated luminal urea concentration increased tracer mannitol and also tracer urea permeability, both in the presence and absence of tubular hyperosmolarity. Electron microscopic observations showed changes in geometry of tubular junctional complexes compatible with the observed increase in permeability.


Antidiuretic responses to thermal stimulation of hypothalamus and spinal cord in the conscious goat.

At various ambient temperatures the effects of hypothalamus temperature and spinal cord temperature on urine formation and heat production were studied in conscious goats with chronically implanted thermodes. At neutral air temperature cooling hypothalamus or spinal cord induced a fall in urine volume and a rise in urine osmolality. This antidiuretic response was concurrent with a rise in heat production. Simultaneous occurrence of antidiuresis and increased heat production was also found after cessation of hypothalamic warming. At hot ambient temperature cooling hypothalamus affected neither urine formation nor heat production. Since hypothalamic cooling and spinal cord cooling produce identical effects on kidney function it is concluded that this response is linked to the complex cold defence activity as a whole. The predominent change of free water clearance is tentatively interpreted as caused by an increased ADH concentration in the blood during the cold defence activity.


Response of rapidly and slowly adapting mechanoreceptors and vibratory sensitivity in human hairy skin.

Single unit activity was recorded percutaneously with microelectrodes from 38 rapidly adapting (RA) mechanoreceptors of the dorsal surface of the hand in 49 awake human subjects. Tuning characteristics were determined for 28 RA-fibers at various frequencies between 5 and 100 cps of sinusoidal mechanical stimulation. In separate experiments human thresholds of vibration perception were studied under comparable conditions. Several RA-mechanoreceptive fibers were broadly tuned, showing no clearly defined best frequency in the range between 5 and 20 cps. Other RA-fibers had a minimum of sensitivity between 20 and 40 cps. For either lower or higher frequencies, stronger stimuli were required to elicit one nerve impulse per stimulus cycle. These RA-receptors may be related to the perception of low frequency oscillation (flutter). They cannot account for human vibration sensitivity in the higher frequency range, since tuning of the receptors required considerably higher amplitudes than perception. Sixteen slowly adapting (SA) mechanoreceptors of Type I and II showed a frequency modulation in phase with low frequency mechanical oscillations of stimulus amplitudes far below human thresholds for perception of movement.


Stationary microperfusion study of phosphate reabsorption in proximal and distal nephron segments.

Micropuncture studies demonstrate phosphate reabsorption in proximal tubules and between the late proximal and early distal convoluted tubule accessible to micropuncture. To further define the sites of phosphate reabsorption, the stationary microperfusion technique was applied to proximal and distal nephron segments. Phosphate reabsorption was evaluated in superficial loops of proximal tubules, descending segments beyound late proximal tubules accessible to micropuncture, ascending segments up to the point of micropuncture in the distal tubule, and superficial loops of distal tubules of thyroparathyroidectomized rats. Microperfusates of 1.3 or 2.6 nl (100 mmol/1 mannitol, 100 mmol/l NaCL, 32P-phosphate and 3H-inulin) were injected and then withdrawn after contact times of 2--108 s. Phosphate recovery relative to that of inulin was determined. A steep exponential decline of phosphate recovery (R) iwth increasing contact time (t) was observed in the superficial proximal tubule and descending segments. The slopes of the logarithmic regressions (10log R)/t, +/- SEM) were: -1.68 +/- 0.33 and -1.21 +/- 0.24min-1 in superficial proximal tubules and descending segments respectively. In contrast, no significant decline in phosphate recoveries (-0.02 +/- 0.04 and + 0.11 +/- 0.10 min-1) was apparent in the ascending segments and distal tubule. It is concluded that phosphate is reabsorbed in the proximal convoluted tubule and adjacent descending segments of the superficial nephron and that there is no significant phosphate reabsorption in distal convoluted tubules and adjacent ascending segments.


Effect of adrenalectomy on medullary collecting-duct function in rats before and during blood volume expansion.

Adrenalectomized rats, kept on tap water for 3 days and infused with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone during the experiment, were compared to similarly treated sham-operated rats. Using the microcatheterization technique, reabsorption of fluid, sodium and potassium in the medullary collecting duct was studied before and after infusion of donor blood (2.3% of body weight). Before intravascular volume expansion sodium excretion in adrenalectomized rats was greater than in sham-operated ones. Extensive overlap between the two groups made this difference not statistically significant. However, the fraction of filtered sodium excreted was significantly greater after adrenalectomy, indicating the expected tubular transport defect. Fluid reabsorption from the medullary collecting-duct system was comparable in both series. Adrenalectomy did not inhibit net sodium reabsorption from the inner medullary duct, although reduction of Na transport in the outer medullary collecting system could be inferred. Renal excretion of potassium was not associated with net K secretion in the collecting duct in either group. During hypervolemia induced by intravenous infusion of donor blood, marked diuresis, natriuresis and kaliuresis were observed in all animals, associated with inhibition of net fluid and sodium reabsorption along the collecting system in both inner and outer medulla. Small, but statistically significant secretion of potassium became evident. The relatively reduced renal response in adrenalectomized animals could be attributed in part to a decreased filtered load compared to sham-operated rats. It is concluded: (1) that lack of mineralocorticoid does not prevent the normal fluid and sodium reabsorption from the lumen of the inner medullary collecting system, and (2) that the inhibition of this reabsorption consequent to hypervolemia is independent of changes in plasma aldosterone levels.


The influence of the position of the oxygen dissociation curve on oxygen-dependent functions of the isolated perfused rat liver. III. Studies at different levels of anaemic hypoxia.

The influence of a 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG)-induced displacement of the oxygen dissociation curve (O.D.C.) on the isolated perfused rat liver was studied at different levels of anaemic hypoxia. Rat livers were perfused either with fresh or with 2,3-DPG-depleted human erythrocytes at different haematocrit values (from 30% to 2.5%) at constant Po2 of the inflowing perfusate and at constant blood flow rate. The 2,3-DPG-induced difference in oxygen affinity of the red cells did not cause a significant difference in perfusion pressure during the perfusion experiments. Therefore, there is no evidence that 2,3-DPG did alter the vascular resistance of the liver, since blood flow rate could be adusted at equal values. The decrease in oxygen supply brought about by decrease of haematocrit caused a decrease of O2 consumption, of bile flow rate and of venous Po2 and an increase of lactate/pyruvate (L/P) ratio and of beta-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate (betaOH/Acac) ratio. There was no influence of a difference in 2,3-DPG content of the erythrocytes on the above-metioned parameters during severe anaemic hypoxia. At moderate anaemic hypoxia the venous Po2 was higher during perfusion with fresh erythrocytes than during perfusion with 2,3-DPG-depleted erythrocytes. Thus, although 2,3-DPG may play a compensatory role during conditions of mild anaemia, no such effects can be observed during conditions of severe hypoxia.


Effects of sytemic hypoxia and hypercapnia on cutaneous and muscle vasoconstrictor neurones to the cat's hindlimb.

1. Reactions of cutaneous and muscle vasoconstrictor neurones to the hindlimb on systemic hypoxia and systemic hypercapnia were investigated in chloralose anaesthetized cats. Mainly four types of preparations were used: brain intact and decrebrate (pontomedullary) animals with and without carotid sinus (CSN) and vagal nerves (VN). 2. In brain intact animals with intact CSN and VN most cutaneous vasoconstrictor neurones were depressed and most muscle vasoconstrictor neurones were excited during systemic hypoxia and hypercapnia. The responses to hypercapnia were smaller than those to hypoxia. 3. In brain intact deafferented animals and in decerebrate animals with and without intact CSN and VN systemic hypoxia and hypercapnia induced excitation in both cutaneous and muscle vasoconstrictor neurones. The responses to hypoxia were significantly smaller in deafferented preparations when compared to those in preparations with intact CSN and VN. Furthermore in muscle vasoconstrictor neurones the size of the responses was not significantly different in decerebrate preparations from that in brain intact preparations. 4. These results indicate a distinct neuronal organization of the chemoreceptor reflexes in the vasoconstrictor systems in the brain stem. Suprapontine brain structures are most important for producing the inhibition of the cutaneous vasoconstrictor neurones during hypoxia and hypercapnia.


Effects of pulmonary gas embolism on circulation and respiration in the dog. I. Effects on circulation.

Mongrel dogs weighing 15-25 kg and anesthetized with thiopental-gamma-hydroxybutyric acid were used to investigate the effects of pulmonary gas embolism on pulmonary arterial pressure (Pap), systemic arterial pressure (Pa) and cardiac output (Q). Pulmonary gas embolism was produced either by venous injecton or by venous infusion. The most marked effect of pulmonary gas embolism on circulation was an increase in Pap which returned to the original level after stopping the gas administration. 1. After gas injection Pap rose to a maximum within 30--60 s. The extent of this rise in Pap showed a positive correlation with the volume  of the injected gas. The kind of gas (oxygen, helium, neon, nitrogen, air), however, did not influence the extent of the rise in Pap, but did influence the time of return of Pap to the original level. Carbon dioxide showed an exceptional behavior in that it had almost no effect on Pap at all. P a hardly changed with the volume of the gas injections (20--60 ml injected within 1 s); Q was not measured after gas injection (the direct Fick method is not usable in this situation). 2. Gas infusion caused a slow rise of Pap, its steepness and extent depending on the rate of infusion and on the physical properties of the infused gas. When the right ventricle was able to maintain its output, a constant level of Pap was reached after 10--15 min. In this circulatory steady state Pap appeared to be a measure of the degree of embolization. However, this relationship no longer held when the right ventricle failed as evidenced by a fall in Pap, Pa and Q. It may be concluded that pulmonary gas embolism produces a transient partial obstruction in the pulmonary circulation and that the performance of the right ventricle determines the maximum degree of embolization compatible with a sufficient circulation.


Effects of pulmonary gas embolism on circulation and respiration in the dog. II. Effects on respiration.

In mongrel dogs weighing 15--25 kg and anesthetized with thiopental-gamma-hydroxybutyric acid the effects of venous gas infusion and injection on several respiratory variables were investigated. During spontaneous respiration pulmonary gas embolism caused an increase of the ventilatory minute volume depending on the degree of embolization. The contribution of breathing frequency and tidal volume to the increase of ventilatory minute volume varied from one animal to the other. During constant artificial ventilation pulmonary gas embolism impaired the pulmonary gas exchange depending on the degree of embolization. How far a steady-state phase in gas exchange can be reached during continuous venous gas infusion depended on the adaptation of the circulation. At severe degrees of embolization circulation as well as gas exchange became deficient. Increasing artificial ventilation during pulmonary gas embolism improved the wash-out of carbon dioxide, but hardly affected the uptake of oxygen. The most important origin of the disturbed gas exchange in pulmonary gas embolism seemed to be an increased inequality of the ventilation-perfusion ratio distribution.


[Testicular choriocarcinomas masked by predominating seminomas].

Testicular choriocarcinomas may be disguised by the histological appearance of pure seminomas with apparently normal HCG levels. As demonstrated by the 5 cases reported here, a definite diagnosis by further histological specimens, more often by the development of abnormal HCG levels, may be delayed. Early chemotherapy appears to offer the best chance to such patients. Suspicious signs: HCG levels at the limit of normal before castration, suspect histology (marked hypertrophy of the interstitial gland, zones of necrosis, an unusual clinical appearance with large lymph node lesions, an unusual course with early lymph node or metastic recurrences, may suggest the presence of choriocarcinoma and lead to routine chemotherapy.


Resuscitation of the newborn.

Effective resuscitation of the newborn requires knowledge of the cause of depression. Four major causes are trauma, asphyxia, medication, and malformation. More than one of these may contribute to depression in a single infant. The first principles of resuscitation are to avoid cooling the infant and to establish an airway. Infants with an Apgar score of 3 to 4 at one minute usually need bag-and-mask ventilation, while those with scores of 0 to 2 require immediate ventilation, preferably by means of endotracheal intubation. Severely depressed infants may also require chemical resuscitation and closed cardiac massage. Fetal depression caused by narcotic analgesics given to the mother can be reversed with the use of naloxone hydrochloride (Narcan). Infants asphyxiated on the basis of malformations may benefit from expeditious diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in the delivery room.


Activity pattern and convulsions in the abstinence period after barbital treatment in the rat.

Barbital solution was given as the only drinking fluid to male rats for 50 weeks (daily dose around 200 mg/kg). During the treatment and in the abstinence period activity and convulsive episodes were recorded with jiggle cages. Sensitivity to hexobarbital was tested with a threshold method. A 12:12 HR L:D schedule was used. During the barbital treatment the activity of the treated rats started earlier (prior to light off) and ended earlier (prior to light on) compared with controls. A clear 24-hr pattern remained and the total activity was same as in the controls. In the first part of the abstinence period there was a large increase in activity with loss of the 24-hr pattern. Later in the abstinence period the activity was still increased both during light and darkness but a 24-hr pattern influenced by the L:D cycle was re-established. The changes in activity seemed to occur in a least two phases with the second phase lasting between abstinent Days 20-60. A similar two phase pattern was seen also in the changes of the hexobarbital thresholds. The convulsive episodes had several maxima during the abstinence period. The first one occurred around abstinent Days 3--4 and the second one was seen around Day 12. After Day 37 no convulsions were seen. All recorded changes can tentatively be explained by a common increased excitation in the central nervous system.


Biochemical correlates in mouse-killing behavior of the rat: prolonged isolation and brain cholinergic function.

After 30 days of isolation, 45% of the rats exhibited mouse-killing behavior. The killing response was suppressed by atropine (5 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg, IP) and scopolamine (8 mg/kg, IP), whereas methylatropine was ineffective. Acetylcholine (ACh) content and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were measured in 5 discrete areas of rat brain. As compared with the aggregated rats only the killer rats exhibited higher ACh levels in the diencephalon. The activity of AChE in all brain areas was unchanged by isolation; no significant difference was found between the killer and nonkiller rats. These results suggest that central cholinergic mechanisms participate in the mediation of mouse-killing behavior in the rat.


Retrograde amnesia production by the intracisternal injection of 20 micronl of saline in rats.

The intracisternal injection of 20 micronl of saline into a rat within an hour after training it in an active avoidance response was found to induce retrograde amnesia. The results obtained by combining this procedure with the intracisternal injection of 2,6 Diaminopurine (DAP), which inhibits RNA synthesis and prevents long-term memory formation when administered at the proper time and in the correct dosage, suggest the existence of a medium term memory (MTM) mechanism. MTM was normally evident up to 75 min after training but was demonstrable up to 210 min when LTM formation was prevented by DAP.


Deficits in food and water intake after knife cuts that deplete striatal DA or hypothalamic NE in rats.

Knife cuts ventral or medial to the striatum were used to interrupt some of the principal connections of this structure. All of the cuts depleted striatal dopamine and produced aphagia and adipsia but there was no indication that the two classes of effects were always correlated. Cuts medial to the striatum produced the most severe DA depletions, persistent aphagia and adipsia, and the full complement of deficits in responding to glucoprivic and hydrational challenges that characterize rats that have recovered from lateral hypothalamic lesions. Cuts ventral to posterior portions of the striatum produced comparable periods of aphagia and adipsia (but few of the persisting impairments in responsiveness to regulatory challenges) even though their effect on striatal DA was relatively small (the average depletion was 51% compared to 89% for rats with cuts medial to the striatum). A second group of rats with cuts below more anterior aspects of the striatum sustained severe DA depletions (70%) but only very brief periods of aphagia and adipsia and only slight deficits in responding to osmotic challenges. The effects of the DA depleting cuts were compared with the behavioral consequences of coronal cuts in the midbrain tegmentum which selectively depleted hypothalamic norepinephrine. These cuts did not produce reliable effects on either food or water intake but abolished the normal feeding response to 2-deoxy-d-glucose without affecting the response to insulin. A correlational analysis of the biochemical and behavioral results of our cuts indicated a significant positive relationship between drinking in response to cellular thirst stimuli and hypothalamic NE as well as striatal DA. The postoperative body weights of our experimental animals were positively correlated with striatal dopamine and negatively related to hypothalamic norepinephrine.


Effects of chlordiazepoxide on tail pinch-induced eating in rats.

The effects of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg chlordiazepoxide on tail pinch (TP)-induced behavior were investigated. Five mg/kg enhanced TP-induced eating in terms of both latency and duration. Twenty mg/kg had decremental effects. All doses of the drug reduced the incidence of clip-directed behavior, but increased locomotor activity during the TP trials in a dose-dependent manner. On control trials, the drug increased locomotor activity at the low dose and eating at the high dose. The results are examined in terms of the various behavioral actions of the minor tranquilizers. The implications for the behavioral and neuropharmacological mechanisms underlying TP-induced and other forms of stimulus-bound behavior are discussed.


Influence of fasting on the absorption and effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol after oral administration in sesame oil.

Tissue levels of 3H were higher 2 hr after oral administration of 3H-delta9-THC (10 mg/kg in sesame oil) to male Fischer rats in the morning compared with treatment in the afternoon. A corresponding reduction in potency was seen for the impairing effect of delta9-THC on performance of a conditioned avoidance response (CAR). The hypothesis that these effects were related to the interval between feeding (which normally occurs during the night in the nocturnal rat) and drug administration was supported when they were mimicked in overnight fasted and ad lib fed rats. Food deprivation decreased the rate of gastrointestinal absorption of 14C-delta9-THC in sesame oil. Peak plasma levels of 14C occurred 2-4 hr after administration in fed rats compared with 8 hr in fasted rats. When tested 2 hr after oral administration, delta9-THC caused significantly greater impairment of CAR performance in fed than fasted rats, whereas the opposite was found after 8 hr. Extraction and subsequent thin layer chromatography of plasma and brain from fed and fasted rats sacrificed 2 or 8 hr after oral administration of 10 mg/kg 14C-delta9-THC showed that brain levels of 11-hydroxy-delta9-THC rather than delta9-THC were correlated with the behavioral effect.


Caffeine potentiation of amphetamine: implications for hyperkinesis therapy.

Neither 0.05 mg/kg d-amphetamine nor 15 mg/kg caffeine alone produce amphetamine-like responding in rats trained in two-lever operant chambers to discriminate 0.8 mg/kg d-amphetamine from saline. The co-administration of the two drug doses produced responding similar to the 0.8 mg/kg d-amphetamine dose. A suggestion for the mechanism of action and a regimen of administration for caffeine in hyperkinetic children are discussed.


A study of agoraphobic housewives.

Thirty married agoraphobic women referred to out-patient clinics in Edinburgh were compared with 'normal' controls (selected from GP records and screened for the absence of psychiatric symptoms) matched on age, sex social class and marital status. The agoraphobics' husbands were similarly compared with the husbands of the controls. On most measures of attitudes, behaviour, domestic organization and marital interaction, the 2 groups were strikingly similar.


Imidazole: a selective inhibitor of thromboxane synthetase.

Imidazole inhibits the enzymic conversion of the endoperoxides (PGG2 and PGH2) to thromboxane A2 by platelet microsomes (IC50: 22 MICRONG/ML; DETERMINED BY BIOASSAY). The inhibitor is selective, for prostaglandin cyclo-oxygenase is only affected at high doses. Radiochemical data confirms that imidazole blocks the formation of 14C-thromboxane B2 from 14C-PGH2. Several imidazole analogues and other substances were tested but only 1-methyl-imidazole was more potent than imidazole itself. The use of imidazole to inhibit thromboxane formation could help to elucidate the role of thromboxanes in physiology or pathophysiology.


Demethylation of O-methyl metabolites of catecholamines in erythrocytes: a methanol-forming reaction.

When lysates of erythrocytes of 11 species, including man, were incubated at pH 7.8 with L-3-methoxy-4-hydroxy [U-14C]phenylalanine or with [7-3H]normetanephrine, these were demethylated and formed 3,4-dihydroxy[14C]phenylalanine or [3H]norepinephrine. These catechols were identified by column and paper chromatographic methods. When [14C-methoxy]normetanephrine was incubated with lysates of rat erythrocytes, the one-carbon product was identified as [14C]methanol by the isolation in the incubation mixture of [14C]methanol-3,5-dinitrobenzoate and its recrystallization to constant specific radioactivity. Metanephrine, 3-methoxytyramine, vanilmandelic acid, and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol were also O-demethylated by rat erythrocytes; epinephrine was not N-demethylated. The reaction was not influenced by the addition of S-adenosylmethionine. The reaction appears to be different from that catalyzed by the "methanol-forming enzyme" previously described in erythrocytes and in other tissues.


Hypothalamic self-stimulation under the chronic morphine treatment in the rat.

The influence of morphine on self-stimulation (SS) under chronic morphine administration (30 injections for 15 days) in increasing doses (from 20 to 20 mg/kg/injection) has been studied. Initial doses had a depressive effect varying in degree in different animals. Subsequent injections activated "reward" behavior. This activation is suggested as one of the neurophysiological mechanisms of morphine abuse and addiction.


Morphological changes in the organs of ewes grazing oestrogenic subterranean clover.

The morphological effects of phytooestrogen exposure were determined in 10 ewes exposed to subterranean clover for 60 days, compared with 10 controls. In a second experiment, the time course of the development of the changes was studied. Typically oestrogenic changes were observed in ovary, oviduct, uterus, cervix, vagina and mammary glands. There was an early increase in cervical mucus, followed by a decrease. The delta basophils of the pituitary became degranulated, and hyperactive in appearance. The adrenal and thyroid glands increased in weight, and thyroid epithelium increased in height. There appeared to be a temporary increase in neurophysin storage in the hypothalamus, and shrunken, hyperchromatic neurones were observed in the hypothalamus of some affected ewes. All changes were observed within three weeks of exposure.


[Catherer embolization of malignant urological tumors].

Transcatheter therapeutic arterial embolization with Spongostan was performed in 10 patients with inoperable malignant tumors of the urinary tract. It resulted in prompt and to some extent permanent relief and/or reduction of local tumor symptoms. Despite frequent transient side effects following occlusion, no permanent or serious complications have been directly attributable to the embolization.


Sesquiterpene progenitor, germacrene A: an alarm pheromone in aphids.

Germacrene A, the elusive biogenetic "parent" of many sesquiterpenes, has been isolated from the spotted alfalfa aphid and identified as a new intrageneric aphid alarm pheromone.


African trypanosomes: cultivation of animal-infective Trypanosoma brucei in vitro.

Trypanosoma brucei grew in the presence of bovine fibroblast-like cells in Hepes-buffered RPMI 1640 medium with 20 percent fetal bovine serum for more than 220 days at 37 degrees C. The organisms grown in this system were infective to mammalian hosts, retained the  morphological and biochemical characteristics of long slender bloodstream forms, and displayed variant-antigen on their surfaces.


Licking behavior: evidence of hypoglossal oscillator.

Action potentials and slow waves were recorded from the hypoglossal nucleus of rats during licking of water from a drinking tube. Periods of licking and of rhythmic neural activity were usually highly correlated, as were their frequencies. Neural activity sometimes continued after cessation of licking; at other times, it stopped during a short interruption of licking and resumed in rhythm with licking. These observations are consistent with an oscillatory model of the control of licking.


Cardiac malformations presenting as congenital atrial flutter.

A case of congenital atrial flutter with tetralogy of Fallot is presented. Fetal tachycardia was detected three weeks prior to birth and digitalization converted the arrhythmia to a normal sinus rhythm at two days of age. The seven previously reported cases of congenital atrial flutter associated with congenitally malformed hearts are reviewed.


Mycetomas in Madras.

In 90 of 150 cases clinically diagnosed as mycetoma in the Department of Pathology, Madras Medical College, from January 1964 to June 1975, histopathological study revealed granules. Besides special staining procedures, cultural methods were undertaken in recent cases. The age and sex incidence, site of lesion and the species of fungi identified on the basis of histological morphology of the granules are analysed. The disease was predominatly seen in the age group 21-40. Men were more frequently affected than women and the commonest site of the lesion was foot. Actinomycotic mycetoma (68-9%) was more often found than the maduromycotic type. Madurella mycetomi (37-8%) and Actinomadura madurae (26-7%) were the commonest causal agents. Nocardia spp. were the next most common (21-1%) followed by A. pelletieri (15-5%), S. somaliensis (5-6%) and presumably Allescheria/Cephalosporium spp. from only 3 cases of white grain mycetoma.


Radiology of blunt abdominal trauma.

Blunt abdominal trauma can produce injury to any of the intra-abdominal organs. While diagnostic studies may be necessary to help determine the most appropriate therapy, all these procedures take time, which in some instances can be better used to treat the patient actively. The condition of the patient and the clinical findings take precedence in the handling of the injured patient. Certain skeletal injuries are often a first clue and can help focus further investigations. Plain films and regular contrast examinations are adequate to evaluate most intra-abdominal injuries. When time is available, a variety of other radiologic techniques are available in most hospitals. Nuclear imaging is of considerable value in studying the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Thus far, ultrasound techniques have left much to be desired although theoretically of considerable potential. Angiography can be of great diagnostic and potentially of some therapeutic value. No diagnostic test beats a good history and careful examination. Radiologic studies, ideally, should be done to confirm a clinical suspicion, not just for the sake of "completeness."


The use of multivariable standard curves in the radioimmunoassay of testosterone and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone.

Multivariable calibration curves have been used to enable testosterone and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone to be assayed directly in plasma extracts without further pre-purification of the sample. Two antisera were used, both with relatively high, but different affinities for the substances measured, and with relatively low affinity towards all other substances tested. The antisera were obtained from rabbits immunized against testosterone-3-BSA and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone-3-BSA. The technique was of adequate precision, accuracy and specificity. The last was examined by comparison of values obtained by the present method and those obtained following pre-purification by thin layer chromatography.


Q fever and animal abortion in Cyprus.

Seventy-eight British soldiers stationed in the Eastern Sovereign Base Area (ESBA) in Cyprus contracted Q fever in the period December 1974 to June 1975. Pneumonia developed in 59% of cases. Of 31 patients  tested, 81% had biochemical evidence of hepatitis although only one became clinically jaundiced. Three patients (4%) suffered pericarditis. Treatment with tetracycline had no apparent effect on the course of the disease. Investigation revealed an abortion epidemic involving 21 mixed flocks of sheep and goats in the south-eastern coastal region. 11 of the flocks grazed in and around the ESBA. A serological survey of 10 affected flocks, and evidence collected from previous years, indicated that the abortion epidemic was the result of infection with Coxiella burneti. Infection in the humans was almost certainly acquired by inhalation of dust from brush contaminated with rickettsial parturition products of the aborting flocks. A human serological survey revealed a number of cases of subclinical Q fever in a susceptivle military population, and an asymptomatic epidemic in a largely immune local position.


Urodynamic study of 15 patients with postmicturition dribble.

Fifteen patients presenting with postmicturition dribbling as their only symptom were studied in the urodynamic laboratory. Seven of these patients had no urodynamic abnormality but left a significant bulbar residue after micturition. Five patients had normal detrusor function but failed to milk back contrast from the prostatic urethra during voluntary interruption of the steam. Two of these also had a small amount of bulbar residue. The remaining three  had unstable detrusor function. One had classic bladder neck obstruction. One had a bulbar residue and the other failed to milk back properly. Despite the various mechanisms for postmicturition dribble, the management is the same in all cases. The patient is instructed to press the bulbar urethra manually in the perineum after micturition and evacuate the residue, and symptomatic relief is almost always obtained. Urodynamic studies in these patients are not justified unless this maneuver fails to alleviate the symptoms.


Chondrosarcoma of spermatic cord.

A case of extraosseous chondrosarcoma arising from the spermatic cord is reported and the literature reviewed. Chondrosarcoma arising from nonosseous tissue is rare, and only a handful of cases have been reported. However, unlike chondrosarcoma of bone, extraosseous myxoid chondrosarcoma behaves in a less aggressive fashion making the distinction between the two entities prognostically significant.


Uropharmacology: IV. Parasympathomimetic drugs.

Parasympathomimetic drugs include (1) acetylcholine and several synthetic choline esters and related derivatives, and (2) naturally occurring cholinomimetic alkaloids and certain related synthetic compounds. Pharmacology of acetylcholine, the prototype parasympathomimetic, is presented, as well as an introduction to other parasympathomimetic drugs and choline esters.


Spontaneous glomerulonephritis in dogs. II. Correlation of glomerulonephritis with age, chronic interstitial nephritis and extrarenal lesions.

A morphologic study of 103 dogs, including two with renal amyloidosis, showed that different types of diffuse glomerulonephritis are correlated with different age groups. Membranous and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis were more common in middle-aged and older animals, whereas mesangial lesions were found predominantly in younger dogs and considered to be early glomerular changes. Glomerulonephritis largely occurred independently of interstitial nephritis. The incidence of interstitial lesions was 71%. Chronic interstitial nephritis was rare in dogs under 1 year old. Glomerulonephritis did not seem to induce interstitial nephritis. Glomerulonephritis occurred not only in kidneys with severe interstitial damage, but also in those with slight damage. The indicated that glomerulonephritis occurred independently of interstitial nephritis. In end-stage kidneys with severe fibrosis, mesangial changes seemed to predominate.


Studies on the biosynthetic pathway of human P erythrocyte antigen using genetic complementation tests between fibroblasts from rare p and Pk phenotype donors.

Using the indirect immunofluorescence technique, P antigen is not detected on skin fibroblasts from Pk1, Pk2 or p donors. P antigen is reexpressed on polykaryon cells obtained by fusion of Pk x p fibroblasts. On the contrary, P antigen is not expressed on polykaryon cells from Pk x Pk or p x p fusion. All these data suggest that in Pk and p fibroblasts, at least two distinct genes are modified, one in the p phenotype, and the other in the Pk phenotype. The two Pk phenotypes studied seem to be homogeneous from a genetic point of view, as do the five p phenotypes.


The social behaviour of captive muntjacs Muntiacus reevesi (Ogilby 1839).

The social behaviour of 8 captive muntjacs was studied from May to October 1970 and 1971. In 1970 close range observation and photography resulted in a descriptive account of the animal's social behaviour patterns. In 1971, 450 h of observation of undisturbed muntjacs living in a 2200 m2 enclosure were devoted to a quantitative study of social interactions. It was found that the social relationships of muntjacs are complex and subtale, maybe more than one might expect from a solitary and primitive mammal. Because of the animal's similarities with the ancestors of the Artiodactyls, a knowledge of the muntjac's social behaviour is essential for a proper understanding of the evolution and social behaviour of the order.


[Formation of combined stereotypes of systems of secretory conditioned reflexes].

A rhythmic stereotype, followed by a rhythmic-mozaic one of positive and inhibitory conditioned secretory reflexes were successively elaborated in dogs with stabile stereotype of three heteromodal randomely organized systems. Thus a combined stereotype was formed of five randomely and stereotypically organized systems of conditioned reflexes, achieved at intervals of 24 hours or longer in a regular sequence. It has been shown that in the course of formation of the combined stereotype the general functional state (tone) of the cerebral cortex is enhanced. The preliminarily formed specialized systemic nervous process with a similar structure is of major importance for the rate of formation of the complex rhythmic-mozaic stereotype.


[Neurotic disorders in monkeys during increased stress on analytic-synthetic processes].

It has been shown in experiments on three rhesus monkeys that an enhanced stress of analytical-synthetic processes consisting in learning to differentiate a sequence of tones, leads to neurotic disorders of monkeys higher nervous activity. They are manifested individually and consist in disturbances of general behaviour, in forced movements, breakdowns of differentiations, the missing of positive responses in the previously elaborated conditioned stereotype and in typical dynamics of the formation of positive and negative conditioned reflexes to a chain of tones (2000 + + 4000 c/s; 2000 + 2000 c/s; 4000 + 2000 c/s; 4000 + 4000 c/s).


[Interrelationship between the neocortex and limbic system in emotional stress and epileptiform syndromes].

The paper describes bioelectrical correlates of negative emotional states on three models: 1) states caused by local, chronic electric stimulation of negative emotiogenic zones (in cats, rabbits); 2) by a neurogenic stress in rats resulting from a conflict of afferent excitations; 3) by an experimental syndrome--"expectation stress". The data attest that hypersynchronization of bioelectrical activity in limbic and cortical structures is a sufficiently significant correlate of an emotional stress. It is assumed that hypersynchronization reflects one of the general mechanisms of involvement of brain structures in a state of neurogenic stress and its manifestation.


[Taxonomical investigations in sexual strains of Rhodotorula glutinis (Fres.) Harrison, Rh. aurantiaca (Saito) Lodder and Rh. rubra (Demme) Lodder (author's transl)].

Several strains of Rhodotorula were crossed with the strains IFO 0559a and IFO 0880alpha of Rhodotorula glutinis. We found nine new sexual Rhodotorula strains, belongong to the species Rh. glutinis, Rh. aurantiaca and Rh. rubra. 22 combinations, whose physiological and biochemical qualities were found out, followed from crossings of all sexual strains. The cell walls of some selected mycel combinations contained a pore in the center. Resting spores and life cycles of all combinations correspond to Rhodosporidium toruloides Banno. Results and taxonomical problems are being discussed.


[Moulds of bakery dusts (author's transl)].

A total of 260 samples from bakery dusts were investigated. The samples were taken in the great part with the sedimentation-method. A large concentration of moulds was found in the meal-room. The fungal flora was here charcterized by species of Rhizopus nigricans, Mucor and Circinella. With a new volumetric sampler a total quantity of 8 680 fungus spores of particles in 1 m3 was registrated. By a re-examination we found 4473. In the baker's rooms besides moulds (Aspergillus, Penicillium etc.) the yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida krusei) dominated. With the swab-method it was possible to found reservoirs of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus ochraceus, and Aspergillus niger. In the small bakeries the fungus Endomycopsis burtonii (Trichosporon variable) was most isolated.


[Evaluation of fetal maturity using various components of amniotic fluid].

It is reported on the lecithin-sphingomyelin-ratio, the total phospholipids, creatinine, glucose and content of orange cells in the liquor amnii in dependence on the age of pregnancy. All methods are criticized in their value for the diagnosis of fetal maturity. Basing on the results of this report is proposed a table of points of maturity like the model of womens hospital at the University of Halle (GDR). This table enables the shure judgement of the actual fetal maturity from the amniotic fluid.


[Decapitation using the Wenner-Lacreta procedure].

The author describes a modification of Wenner's decapitation technic. A guitar string placed around fetus neck is used as the cutting instrument. Based on 23 cases published in medical literature, the author concludes that the decapitation technic by the guitar string (6 degrees string) is simple, easy and harmless to the mother.


[Participation of the hippocampus in regulating a pathologic inactive motor reaction in dogs].

A local pathological inert motor reaction, involving a forced flexion of the forepaw, was formed after simultaneous stimulation with NaCl solution of a part of the tongue brought out to the cheek and electrical stimulation of the forepaw. The reaction decreased (by 70 to 80%) after electrical stimulation of the dorsal hippocampus (beyond CA3). At the same time the animal's emotional stress diminished, as evidenced by the reduced heart rate and a reduced theta-rhythm in the hippocampus.


The effects of denervation on the localization of delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the rat ovary during pregnancy.

The effect of denervation on delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) activity with pregnenolone as substrate was studied during pregnancy. The enzyme activity, that is interpreted as the capacity to secrete progesterone, was studied in both control and experimental pregnant rats. The ovaries of experimental rats were denervated 96 h prior to sacrifice. Denervation during early pregnancy did not affect 3beta-HSD activity in the interstitial gland (IG) and corpus luteum (CL). However, denervation resulted in decreased activity in both the IG and CL on days 10, 14 and 18. This reduced activity is interpreted as a decreased capacity of denervated ovaries to synthesize progesterone at this time in pregnancy.


Effects on hamster vaginal development of a single dose of testosterone or estradiol given neonatally.

Postnatal injections of a single dose of testosterone propionate or estradiol benzoate to newborn female hamsters produce a precocious vaginal opening at 5 days of age. Vaginal postnatal development, histologically, has shown that in testosterone-propionate-injected animals sinusal vagina is absent. The Müllerian vagina presented a stimulated epithelium at early ages. After 40 days, the Müllerian epithelium was stratified keratinized, with zones of stratified cuboidal epithelium. In estradiol-benzoate-treated animals, the Müllerian epithelium rapidly changes to stratified keratinized epithelium (10 days), with zones of stratified cuboidal after 20 days of life. The sinusal epithelium was stratified squamous at 10 days, and after 40 days changes to stratified keratinized epithelium were seen. Probably, early changes are due to a direct effect of steroid action. Later effects are due to ovarian secretion. Histologically, no significant changes were observed in the preputial and urethral glands. The clitoris showed malformations.


Postnatal development of vagina, clitoris and urethral glands of the golden hamster.

We have made a histological study of the postnatal development of the clitoris, preputial glands, urethral glands and vagina of the golden hamster. The 'phallic groove' of the clitoris is closed at 10 days of life, then the urethra has a cuboidal stratified, a stratified squamous and a stratified keratinized epithelium. The preputial glands are composed of branched saccular glands. These glands develop, with few changes during their maturation period. Formation of the urethral glands begins at 5 days and the alveoli are fully developed at puberty. The hamster vagina has two origins; the upper part is Müllerian, the caudal part is sinusal. The wall of the Müllerian vagina has a cylindrical epithelium at birth, which becomes 'double epithelium' at puberty and thereafter changes cyclically in connection with the estrous cycle. The sinusal vagina is solid at birth, its lumen being formed in the first 10 days of life and its wall having a cuboidal stratified epithelium. At 15 days it becomes a stratified keratinized epithelium, which will later line the vaginal pouch. At the 5th day, an ectodermic invagination (stratified keratinized epithelium) is observed in the zone of the future introitus. At the time of vaginal opening this zone forms the distal segment.


Lymphomatoid granulomatosis with cerebral involvement. Light and electron microscopic study of a case.

Light and EM study of a case of lymphomatoid granulomatosis revealed a pleomorphic lymphoreticular cell infiltrate, angitis and necrosis with involvement of the brain, lungs, skin and right ear of a 30 year old woman. Cells comprising the infiltrate were classified as lymphocytoid, plasmacytoid, immunoblastic (histocytic) and phagocytic. A number of elements partook of the ultrastructural features of two cell types and were considered to be intermediate forms (plasmacytoid lymphocytes, lymphocytoid immunoblasts, and plasmacytoid immunoblasts). It is believed that the various cell elements form part of a wide spectrum in which transformation of cell types takes place by maturation. This suggests an immunologic process as the main pathogenetic factor in the development of LG.


Noonan syndrome with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

A case of a 20 years old female who had Noonan syndrome associated with obstructive cardiomyopathy was presented. It is well known that Noonan syndrome is frequently complicated with cardiac anomaly, and although no autopsies were performed two cases have been diagnosed clinically as Noonan syndrome accompanied with idiopathic cardiomyopathy in our country. The present case would be the first autopsied case in Japan of Noonan syndrome associated with idiopathic obstructive cardiomyopathy.


Parameters for argon laser surgery of the lower human turbinates. In vitro experiments.

On 8 human lower turbinates in vitro, experiments were performed using an argon laser with a power of 1-10 W, a beam diameter of 0.2 and 2 mm. For clinical laser surgery of the turbinates 1-2 W is sufficient. Drilling, incision, coagulation and vaporizing experiments, were done on the tissue of the lower turbinates. The results of this laser surgery are discussed and compared with present-day surgical methods such as conchotomy, cutting of the posterior ends by slinging, and electrocautery of the lower turbinates.


Ultrastructure of pericytes in mouse heart.

The pericytes of mouse myocardium are extensively branched cells that form an incomplete layer around the endothelium of capillaries and postcapillary venules. The membranes of pericytes and endothelial cells are connected by specialized junctions. Microtubules, intermediate (10-nm) filaments and microfilaments are oriented within circumferentially-arranged cytoplasmic processes of pericytes so as partially to encircle the endothelial cylinder. The intracellular organization of these myocardial pericytes suggests that they are smooth muscle-like cells which may be capable of influencing microvascular dynamics in the heart.


Nonpuerperal galactorrhea and hyperprolactinemia. Clinical findings, endocrine features and therapeutic responses in 56 cases.

The clinical and endocrine features, and the responses to different treatment modalities, were examined in 56 patients with galactorrhea and/or hyperprolactinemia after a two month to six year follow-up period. A pituitary adenoma was diagnosed in 17 patients. A prolactin-cell adenoma was identified histologically in eight patients. Other etiologic factors were myxedema (two patients), phenothiazine ingestion (six patients) and breast manipulation (four patients). In 27 patients, including three with abnormalities of the sella turcica, no causal factor was found, and their condition was labelled as dysfunctional in origin. Symptoms were preceded by childbirth in 11 patients and by estrogen-progestin contraception in 22; pituitary adenomas were discovered in both groups in approximately the same frequency (30%) as in the over-all study group. Aside from roentgenographic studies, as well as visual field perimetry in a few cases, a serum prolactin level above 100 ng/ml was the only indicator of a pituitary prolactin-cell adenoma. Prolactin-suppression tests (L-DOPA and 2alpha-Br-ergocryptine) were found to be of no value in discriminating between tumoral and dysfunctional conditions. No significant alterations in prolactin levels occurred after water loading irrespective of basal levels or the nature of the pathologic process. Selective pituitary tumor excision (eight patients) was followed by rapid normalization of prolactin levels and disappearance of clinical abnormalities. Conversely, after pituitary irradiation (eight patients), improvement tended to be slower. Treatment of infertility in those patients without an apparent organic lesion was more successful with 2alpha-Br-ergocryptine (three of three) than with clomiphene (two of seven). Pregnancies following the administration of drugs or after surgical treatment were uneventful. Since follow-up resulted in the early diagnosis of pituitary tumors from seven to 56 months after initial investigation, and since no diagnostic tools are currently available which help to discriminate between tumoral and dysfunctional conditions before abnormalities become evident on roentgenograms, prolonged observation of these patients remains essential.


Low 'gynecologic': an obstetric risk factor.

The records of patients who were 17 years of age and younger at delivery were reviewed in order to ascertain whether or not a patient's gynecologic age (GA, defined as chronologic age minus age at menarche) independently relates to pregnancy risk. Low GA in a pregnant adolescent increases the chance of delivery of a low--birth weight infant. However, pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy complications studied were not related GA.


Effects of salbutamol and isoxsuprine on uterine and umbilical blood flow in pregnant sheep.

The effects of salbutamol and isoxsuprine upon uterine artery blood flow (UtBF) and umbilical vein blood flow (UmBF) were investigated in near-term, nonlaboring chronic sheep preparations. During both intravenous salbutamol and isoxsuprine infusions to the ewe, UtBF and mean maternal arterial pressure decreased significantly. Also, dose-related maternal tachycardia, hyperglycemia, and relative acidemia occurred. There were no significant changes in UmBF, mean fetal arterial pressure, or fetal heart rate (FHR) during salbutamol infusions, but UmBF and FHR increased during isoxsuprine infusions. During the 120 minute postinfusion recovery period, UtBF rose significantly after the salbutamol infusions but not after the isoxsupine infusions. The effects and structure-activity relationship of these two drugs are comparable to those of ritodrine and fenoterol, two other beta-adrenergic agonists.


Paralysis of accommodation in infectious mononucleosis.

A case report of a 22-year-old patient with accommodative paralysis is presented including (1) the five-year history beginning with infectious mononucleosis; (2) recent clinical examination showing accomodative paralysis and reduced pupilary responses to light and near; (3) objective recordings confirming both the absence of any accommodation and the presence of pupillary responses to monocular and binocular near stimuli and to light, the latter with pupillary escape; and finally (4) neuropharmacological tests showing 7-diopter accommodative responses to pilocarpine (an acetylcholine substitute acting directly on the ciliary muscle receptor sites) and absent responses to demecarium bromide (a cholinesterase blocking agent which potentiates neurally released acetylcholine). Infectious mononucleosis includes ocular signs and symptoms. In young persons with accommodative difficulties, infectious mononucleosis should be suspected.


Family functioning and childhood accident occurrence.

The relationship between family functioning and childhood accident occurrence is examined, and family assessment is suggested as a diagnostic tool capable of identifying children prone to repetitive accidents. Implications for clinical intervention are discussed.


Histomorphological and histochemical studies on the female genitalia of ageing goat. IV. Histomorphology of ovarian cortex.

The germinal epithelium of goat ovary was found to be lined with simple cuboidal cells which became taller and then pseudostratified columnar towards its continuity with the epithelium lining the fallopian tube. Flattened germinal epithelium and interruptions in it were common in animals older than 3 years of age. Thickness of tunica albuginea increased with age. Total number of follicles per unit sectional area and percentage of primary follicles were computed to increase upto one year of age, whereafter decreased considerably by over five years. Percent secondary follicles, percent large follicles (including those at very early stages of atresia) and percent advanced atretic follicles were recorded to increase with age over one year and onwards. Considering estrous cyclic changes it was interpreted that the tunica albuginea was thickest at proestrus and gradually thinned towards diestrus, whereas, total number of follicles and number of primary follicles per unit sectional area and percent primary follicles were calculated to be the highest at proestrus showing decreasing trend towards diestrus where it was the lowest. However, percent secondary follicles, percent large follicles and percent advanced atretic follicles showed increasing trend towards the end of diestrus though comparatively greater variation was recorded at early periods in the cycle.


[Tribuliphorus salilotae gen. et spec. nov., a new representative of the monogena].

Belonging to the Monogenean family Diclidophoridae, Tribuliphorus salitotae nov. gen. nov. spec. is described from a gadiform fish, Salilota australia (family Moridae). Its specific characteristics are: big and sharp clasps at the anterior lateral and the posterior lateral plates of the adhesing valves. All 8 valves are structured in the same manner, but they differ in their situation and size: the first 3 pairs are smaller and are inverted (180 degrees to the body's length exis) the hind pair is twice as big and situated normally. --In respect to its morphology, Tribuliphorus nov. gen. could belong to the lowes (most primitive) genera of the subfamily Diclidophorinae, which parasitize the Macruriformes. On the other side, the genus shows affinities to Anchophorus, whose only representative (A. sinensis Bychovsky & Nagibina, 1958) has been found on cynoglossids (an apart group of the Pleuronectiformes), and which has been put in a monotypic family Anchophoridae. By this, the parasitological data again support the previously expressed view (by one of the authors) regarding the relationship of the Pleuronectiformes to the Gadiformes and Goryphaenoididae = Macruriformes).


Individual differences in aggressiveness of female hamsters: response to intact and castrated males and to females.

The aggressive behaviour of female hamsters was studied while they were housed in large enclosures with males and in brief tests with males or females. Some females are not aggressive with any male, whereas others are very aggressive toward all males in both testing conditions. Females that are not aggressive toward intact males may be very aggressive toward castrated males or females. When the animals are housed together for long periods of time, males dominate only if they are much heavier. Male dominance takes a relatively long time to establish and often there is an equivocal period characterized by reversals of dominance. Female dominance is rapidly established. Unless the male is much heavier, the female determines the presence or absence of agonistic behaviour.


[Correlation between the 'active' and 'passive' mechanisms of chlortetracycline penetration in the cells of a sensitive and resistant strains of mycobacteria].

The value of chlortetracycline physical diffusion into the cells of the strains of Mycobacterium citreum sensitive and resistant to tetracyclines was estimated. Exclusion of the active transport was achieved with the use of 4 per cent formalin. It was shown that the scale of the 'passive' penetration of chlortetracycline into the cells of the sensitive and resistant strains was the same. Because of the physical diffusion up to 1/3 the absorbed antibiotic appeared to be transferred into the cells of the sensitive strain. When the sensitive strain was grown on the glucose medium, partial repression of formation of the transport system common for chlortetracycline and oxalacetic acid observed. In case of resistant strains the 'glucose effect' was absent.


[Biotransformation of rifampicin in pulmonary tuberculosis patients].

Biotransformation of rifampicin in 39 tuberculosis patients treated with the drug was studied. The studies showed that biotransformation of rifampicin was most intensive during the first 3--6 hours after its use, which was confirmed by excretion of maximum amounts of rifampicin and its metabolites with the urine. 2--4 weeks after the beginning of the treatment with rifampicin excretion of its metabolism products decreased. When rifampicin was used simultaneously in a single dose with tubazid excretion of rifampicin transformation product and desacetylation of the antibiotic slowed down.


Adequacy of expressed breast milk for early growth of preterm infants.

Poor weight gain observed in preterm infants who were fed expressed breast milk compared with those fed a cows' milk formular prompted a detailed study of early postnatal growth in preterm infants fed these two milks. 68 infants were divided into two categories by gestational age at birth (i) 28-32 weeks (n=28), (ii) 33-36 weeks (n=40). They were randomly allocated to a feed of expressed breast milk or a milk formula (Ostermilk 1). Rates of weight gain, linear growth, and head circumference growth were evaluated over two periods: birth-1 month, 1-2 months. The younger group who were fed breast milk showed slower overall growth rates over the first month than those fed formula. In the second month, and for the older infants over both of the 2-monthly periods, growth rates were similar in the two feeding regimens. It is concluded that expressed breast milk is inadequate for the growth of very immature preterm infants during early postnatal life.


[Studies on development of the phycomycete Allomyces arbuscula. III. Polysome formation and RNA metabolism during differentiation of gametangia (author's transl)].

Polysomes were isolated both from growing gametophytes of Allomyces arbuscula and from gametangia prepared from mycelia at different periods during gametogenesis. Analysis of polysomes by sucrose gradients showed that ribosomes present in the gametangia monosome pool were shifted into polysomes. This shift was found to be correlated with gametangia differentiation. The ribosome distribution remained virtually unchanged during the early stage of gamete formation. In mature gametes and swarming zygotes a low level of polysomes was detected. Labeling of rRNA by 32PO4 demonstrated a de novo synthesis of monosomes throughout the period of gametangia differentiation. No incorporation of 32PO4 was found to be present in ribosomes prepared from gametangia after onset of gamete formation. On the basis of these labeling experiments it is concluded that radioactivity in polysomes extracted from mature gametes and swarming zygotes can be attributed in part to conserved mRNA. Synchronous formation of gametangia was induced by transferring the vegetative mycelia from growth medium into a low salt buffer. Under these conditions the incorporation of either 32PO4 or 3H-uridine into RNA, particularly into rRNA, was found to be markedly decreased. This obviously indicates a shutdown of RNA synthesis. rRNA from induced mycelia examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was found to be severely degraded. In contrast to this, rRNA isolated from ribosomes of developing gametangia and from gametes exhibited no degradation products. It is suggested that endonucleases cause rRNA hydrolysis in the hyphal cytoplasm during gametangia differentiation. Ribosomes compartmentalized in gametangia seem to be inaccessible to nucleases during the later process for gametogenesis.


Increased norepinephrine levels and decreased dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity in primary autism.

The sympathetic nervous system was evaluated in 11 primary autistic patients and their families. The plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE), the neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system, was higher in the patients than in age-controlled normal volunteers both while supine and after standing. The plasma activity of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, the enzyme that converts dopamine to NE, was significantly lower in the autistic patients and their healthy relatives than in control groups. Dopamine-beta-hydroxylase does not appear to provide an index of sympathetic activity in this group of patients who, on the basis of the elevated plasma levels of NE, may demonstrate a chronic state of hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Low enzyme activity found in both the autistic patients and their immediate families may be associated with this disorder.


Effect of hyperbaric oxygen on second-degree burn wound healing.

We present a controlled study that indicates faster epithelialization of blister-removed second-degree burn wounds in guinea pigs treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). Assessment of vascularity by india ink perfusion indicated earlier return of capillary patency in the HBO-treated group. An examination of the question of a comparative increase in DNA synthetic activity in the HBO-treated animals showed a slightly higher absolute ratio of labeled to unlabeled cells, but the difference was not statistically significant. It is likely that the mechanisms whereby HBO influenced the above events were mediated not only by increased oxygen delivery, but by increased atmospheric pressure on the wound.


An electron microscopic study of MDBK cells persistently infected with Newcastle disease virus.

Ultrastructural examination of a line of MDBK cells persistently infected with Newcastle disease virus (MDBKpi cells) revealed the presence of cytoplasmic aggregates of both smooth and granular nucleocapsids. Only granular nucleocapsids aligned under modified areas  of plasma membrane and were incorporated into virus particles. On the grounds of morphogenesis, there was no apparent explanation for the persistent, not-cytocidal nature of the infection. Both nuclear and cytoplasmic aggregates of smooth nucleocapsids were present in MDBKpi cells which had been held without subculture for between 40 and 130 days (aged MDBKpi cells). Modified areas of plasma membrane with associated alignment of nucleocapsids were not present in aged MDBKpi cells, and neither budding nor released virus particles were observed, indicating a block in virus maturation. It is suggested that the granular material coating granular nucleocapsids allows them to interact with modified areas of plasma membrane, thereby inducing virus budding. A deficiency of this material, as apparently occurs in aged MDBKpi cells, would therefore cause a block in virus maturation. The nature of this granular material is discussed, and we suggest that it consists of M protein.


[Intrauterine mycoplasmosis].

Comparative studies of pathological anatomy of intrauterine mycoplasmosis of man and cattle were carried out. On the basis of investigations of 22 deceased newborns and of 3 stillborns with uterine infection caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia descriptions of lesions of various organs are presented. They most regularly were defected in the liver. In the respiratory organs in this infection, in contrast to respiratory mycoplasmosis, lesions of respiratory departments, not of the respiratory tract, were predominantly observed. The investigation of 18 liveborn and 5 stillborn calfs with intrauterine infection caused by Mycoplasma bovirhinis revealed the same regularities of the pathological process. The localisation of lesions and the presence of changes in the placenta justify the conclusion that the disease developed, as a rule, as a result of hematogenic transplacental infection.


Ocular penetration of chloramphenicol. Effects of route of administration.

Chloramphenicol was applied topically to the eye in ointment, as a powder, or injected subconjunctivally and intravenously in rabbits. Aqueous humor samples were taken at varying time intervals up to six hours and analyzed for chloramphenicol using gas-liquid chromatography. The topical route using ointment and the subconjunctival injection route produced bacteriostatic concentrations of chloramphenicol in the aqueous humor lasting for several hours, while the topical powder and intravenous routes yielded relatively low concentrations. As compared with the other means of drug delivery, ointment was the most efficient in that it provided the highest aqueous concentration per total amount of drug administered.


Is obesity an endocrine condition?

Obesity is an extremely common condition, affecting one-third of the adult population of Australia. In the great majority of cases, the problem is due to calorie imbalance resulting from an excessive food intake coupled with inadequate exercise. Endocrine causes of obesity are relatively uncommon, but should be excluded in every case. This article compares the clinical features of primary obesity and endocrine obesity, and outlines the investigations which may be used to exclude endocrine causes for obesity.


[Use of normalized velocities in the echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular performance].

The mean circumferential contraction rate of the myocardial fiber cell (Mvcf) and the ejection fraction (EF) are echocardiographic parameters commonly employed in the assessment of left ventricular performance. In cases where septal asynchonism due to fibrosis or bundle-branch block make their determination impossible, however, one is forced to use parameters obtained from movement of the posterior wall. Investigation of normal subjects and patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis showed that the "normalized" systolic velocity of the posterior wall (Vpws) and the non-normalized mean velocity (PWV) closely fitted Mvcf and that Vpws offered a good fit with EF. It is suggested that a non-invasive way of obtaining sufficiently reliable data for the evaluation of cardiac performance is offered by these two parameters.


The prevalence of tapeworms in dogs during the Hydatid Limitation program in Tasmania.

The hydatid Limitation Program in Tasmania began in 1965 with the annual purging of dogs to identify areas of high prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus combined with a strong educational program aimed at preventing access to offal by dogs. From 1969 to 1975 aenia spp detected in dog purges were submitted for identification and changes in annual prevalences analysed for each species. Despite a significant reduction in the prevalence of E. granulosus since the beginning of the program, the control measures involved have apparently not predisposed to any significant change in the prevalence of T. ovis and T. hydatigena during the period of this survey.


Comparison of clinical features in HLA-B27 positive and negative patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

The clinical features of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) were compared in 63 HLA-B 27 positive (+) and 15 B27 negative (-) individuals with this disease. There were no differences in age at onset, functional class, degree of deformity, pain, severity of X-ray changes, or frequency of peripheral joint involvement or of reconstructive orthopedic surgery. These data demonstrated that skeletal manifestations of AS were essentially the same in B27(+) and (-) patients, and provide no evidence for the speculation that AS in B27(-) patients is milder or is a different disease from that occurring in B27(+) patients. On the other hand, acute anterior uveitis was found to be significantly more common in B27(+) patients, a fact suggesting that the "uveitis of AS" may in fact be an independent condition occurring in B27(+) individuals, rather than a manifestation of AS per se.


[Biological properties of 1,2-benzisothiazole compounds. Spasmolytic effect of N-(cyclohexylaminoethyl)-1,2-benzisothiazole-3-carboxyamides benzene-substituted on segments of human myometrium in virto].

A report is given on the spasmolytic effect of two benzisothiazolcarboxyamides (compound A and compound B). These drugs were able to inhibit the stimulant action of histamine on human isolated myometrium. The potency of the two compounds exceeded by ten times that of ritodrine (a beta adrenergic stimulant), the efficacy was slightly higher (20-30%) than that of papaverine. This pharmacological effect is discussed on the light of the spectrum of activites of the benzisothiazolcarboxyamidic compounds.


Experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits fed cholesterol-free diets. Part 7. Interaction of animal or vegetable protein with fiber.

Rabbits were maintained for 10 months on a semipurified, cholesterol-free atherogenic regimen. All diets contained sucrose (40%) and hydrogenated coconut oil (14%). The protein (25%) was either casein or soya protein and the fiber (15%) was either wheat straw, alfalfa, or cellulose. Within either protein group the order for induction of cholesteremia was cellulose=wheat straw greater than alfalfa. For atherogenesis, the effect was cellulose greater than wheat straw greater than alfalfa Soya-wheat straw or soya-cellulose diets were less cholesteremic and atherogenic than their casein counterparts. When alfalfa was the fiber, the two types of protein were almost equivalent. Our results show that casein may be more cholesteremic and atherogenic than soya protein under certain conditions (cellulose or wheat straw as fiber) but the addition of alfalfa to the diet renders the two proteins equivalent.


Acute dietary effects on diurnal plasma lipids in normal subjects.

The effects of different dietary carbohydrates and different dietary fats as well as of differently spaced dietary constituents on 24-h plasma free fatty acids and triglycerides were determined in healthy young males. If, in an isocaloric diet containing 15-20% protein, 37% fat and 43--48% carbohydrates, sucrose is compared with glucose, 24-h plasma triglycerides are significantly higher with the former carbohydrate. When palm oil (mainly 16 : 0 fatty acids) is compared with olive oil (mainly 18 : 1 fatty acids), 24-h triglycerides are significantly higher with the latter. If the carbohydrate component of a mixed meal is removed, alimentary lipemia is considerably greater. Our findings supplement long term studies regarding the effect of different dietary fats and carbohydrates on plasma lipids and allow calculation of "upper normal limits" for 24-h plasma triglycerides and free fatty acid patterns on isocaloric diets of "prudent" composition.


Type and amount of dietary fat affect relative concentration of cholesterol in blood and other tissues of rats.

The effects of diet on tissue cholesterol disposition in the rat were studied. Growing rats were fed a nonfat dry milk supplemented with two levels of soy-bean oil (SBO) and tallow (T) such that either 30% or 50% of total dietary calories came from fat. Two of four groups of rats fed the diets with 50% of calories from fat were supplemented with 20% ground whole oats. Considering all diets, rats fed SBO had higher blood and kidney cholesterol than did rats fed T; supplementation of the diet with oats increased the plasma cholesterol of the "50%" SBO rats and , conversely, decreased plasma cholesterol of the "50%" T rats. Muscle cholesterol content was not affected by variations in dietary fat and oats. In all treatments, cholesterol concentration of epididymal fat and liver were greater in the SBO-fed than in the T-fed rats.


[Indirect measurement of intracranial pressure, with special reference to its principles and experiments with animals].

A new technique for measurement of intracranial pressure was presented. By using this method a) absolute value of pressure, b) easy, simple and inexpensive long-term measurement and c) decrease in danger of infection are obtained. The apparatus consists of an external device which converts displacement of its membrane into quantitative change of beam and an internal chamber with two membranes that is implanted in a burr hole between scalp and dura mater. These devices have the same diameter and no direct connection each other. When a pressure in the external device is varied, a pressure-displacement curve of its membrane is resulted. The pressure of the external device at the point of inflexion of the curve is representative of the pressure in the internal chamber. In the animal experiment, satisfactory results were obtained.