Hormonal stimulation of arachidonate release from isolated perfused organs. Relationship to prostaglandin biosynthesis.

The lipids of isolated Krebs perfused rabbit kidneys and hearts were labelled with [14C]arachidonic acid. Subsequent hormonal stimulation (e.g. bradykinin, ATP) of the pre-labelled tissue resulted in dose-dependent release of [14C]prostaglandins; little or no release of the precursor [14C]arachidonic acid was observed. When fatty acid-free bovine serum albumin was added to the perfusion medium as a trap for fatty acids substantial release of [14C]arachidonic acid was detected following hormonal stimulation. The release of [14C]arachidonic acid was dose-dependent and greater than 3 fold that of [14C]prostaglandin release. Indomethacin by inhibiting the cyclo-oxygenase, completely inhibited release of [14C]prostaglandins and only slightly inhibited release of [14C]arachidonic acid. These results demonstrate that in both rabbit kidney and heart much more substrate is released by hormonal stimulation than is converted to prostaglandins. This suggests that either the deacylation reaction is not tightly coupled to the prostaglandin synthetase system or that there are two deacylation mechanisms, one which is coupled to prostaglandin synthesis while the other is non-specific. It has previously been shown that prostaglandin release due to hormones such as bradykinin is transient despite continued presence of the hormone (tachyphylaxis). By utilizing albumin to trap released fatty acid, it was found that hormone-stimulated release of arachidonic acid is also transient. This directly demonstrates that tachyphylaxis occurs at a step prior to the cyclo-oxygenase.


Conversion of PGE2 to PGF2alpha by fetal sheep blood.

In an attempt to explain the differences in the concentration of primary prostaglandins in the circulation of adult and fetal sheep, we have examined the ability of whole blood from adult and fetal sheep to reduce PGE2 to PGF2alpha in vitro. PGF2alpha was the principal radioactive product formed from 3H PGE2 by both adult and fetal blood. The enzyme initial reaction velocity was significantly higher (P = 0.02) per ml of fetal than adult blood. The optimum enzyme pH (7.0 - 7.5) was similar for both adult and fetal blood. The Km of the enzyme in fetal and adult blood were 3.59 x 10(-7) M and 5.02 x 10(-7) M respectively (P greater than 0.05). There was no detectable metabolism of PGF2alpha by either adult or fetal sheep blood. The results indicate that prostaglandin 9-ketoreductase is present in both adult and fetal sheep blood. Differences in the activity of this enzyme are unlikely to explain the higher concentrations of PGE reported in the plasma of fetal lambs.


Platelet rich plasma transforms exogenous prostaglandin endoperoxide H2 into thromboxane A2.

Platelet rich plasma transforms exogenous prostaglandin endoperoxide H2 into thromboxane A2 immediately prior to the initiation of irreversible aggregation. Selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitors block thromboxane A2 formation and aggregation. Thromboxane A2 formation appears to be essential during arachidonate mediated aggregation. The results presented reconcile the previously accepted paradoxical behavior of thromboxane synthetase in platelet rich plasma toward the prostaglandin endoperoxide H2 substrate.


Thromboxane synthetase inhibitors as pharmacological tools: differential biochemical and biological effects on platelet suspensions.

The comparative effects of three so called "thromboxane-synthetase-inhibitors" (imidazole, N-0164, and U-51605) on arachidonate metabolism and on platelet aggregation were studied. All three compounds blocked platelet microsomal thromboxane synthesis from prostaglandin endoperoxides without affecting platelet adenyl cyclase. Imidazole, blocked thromboxane synthesis in intact platelets either from arachidonic acid or PGH2, without affecting aggregation. U-51605 simultaneously inhibited thromboxane synthesis and platelet suspension aggregation. N-0164 inhibited aggregation probably at extracellular sites, at concentrations that did not alter arachidonate or PGH2 metabolism. High concentrations of N-0164 simultaneously inhibited PG cyclo-oxygenase and thromboxane synthetase. The lack of specificity of these compounds requires that other actions of these compound must be considered when they are used as pharmacological tools to inhibit thromboxane synthetase.


Radioimmunoassay of main urinary metabolite of prostaglandin F2alpha in normal subjects.

Radioimmunoassay of 5alpha, 7alpha-dihydroxy-11-keto-tetranor-prosta-1,16-dioic acid, main urinary metabolite of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha-MUM), was performed in normal subjects. Twenty-four hours secretion of PGF2alpha-MUM were 29.04 +/- 9.73 microgram in males and 18.22 +/- 5.88 microgram in females on an average. And an oral administration of aspirin resulted in the remarkable decrease of PGF2alpha-MUM in both sexes.


Myo-inositol in physiological concentrations stimulates production of prostaglandin-like material.

In physiological concentrations myo-inositol stimulated production of prostaglandin (PG)-like material in a rat mesenteric vascular bed preparation. There were five lines of evidence: 1. Inositol potentiated pressor responses to both norepinephrine and potassium in a manner similar to PGE2. 2. Inositol had no potentiating effect in preparations in which endogenous PG production was blocked by indomethacin. 3. Inositol caused no further potentiation in preparations already potentiated by arachidonic acid, the PG precursor. 4. The inhibitory effect of the PG antagonist chloroquine was reduced in an apparently competitive manner by inositol. 5. As indicated by rat stomach bioassay inositol caused a three fold rise in the outflow of PG-like material from the preparation.


Evidence for additional mediator in prostaglandin-induced choleresis.

PGA1 and PGF2alpha were administered to isolated perfused porcine and canine livers to determine whether these hormones could induce hepatic choleresis. PGA1 (25 microgram/kg/10 min) decreased portal venous resistance, but had no effect on bile flow, oxygen, pyruvate, or lactate consumption in canine livers. PGF2alpha increased portal venous resistance and weight gain while decreasing bile flow and oxygen consumption in canine livers. At high doses (50 microgram/kg/10 min) these effects resulted in irreversible outflow block. At low doses (5 microgram/kg/10 min) these trends were reversible. Porcine livers did not exhibit the outflow block syndrome after PGF2alpha administration (100 microgram/kg/10 min); however, choleresis was not observed. Thus, the in-vivo choleretic effects of prostaglandins previously reported are probably mediated partially or wholly by extrahepatic release of other hormones, neurological stimulation or alterations in mesenteric blood flow.


The induction of labour by the intravenous infusion of prostaglandin F2alpha.

Labour was induced by the intravenous infusion of prostaglandin F2alpha in 106 patients at 36-44 weeks of pregnancy. The induction was successful in 80% of the women. The total dose needed ranged from 0.1 to 14.2 mg of PGF2alpha. The uterine activity and fetal heart rate were recorded by cardiotocography. The contraction pattern and induction-delivery time were the same as reported for induction with oxytocin. In one case uterine hyperactivity occurred after rupture of the membranes. No serious adverse effects were seen, but in a few cases local irritation was noted at the site of infusion. The condition of the infants was generally good. It might be concluded that PGF2alpha seems valuable for the induction of labour, but due to the risk for over-stimulation careful supervision is needed.


[Clinical indications for radiotherapy of the mediastinum (author's transl)].

The clinical and radiobiological problems associated with radiotherapy of the mediastinum are discussed with reference to the efficacy of such treatment on various forms (therapeutical and palliative management and its indications) and the damage caused to normal organs.


[Radiotherapy techniques of the mediastinum (author's transl)].

The principal techniques of mediastinal irradiation are discussed with reference to the need for rational space distribution of the dose, one reason being to respect healthy tissues (particularly the bone marrow); numerous examples are presented.


[Photographic dosimetry in irradiation of the mediastinum (author's transl)].

Photographic dosimetry was used to ascertain the space distribution of the dose in mediastinal irradiation with sagittal median fields by means of cobalt therapy; the discrepancy between values in tissue-equivalent dummy and homogeneous dummy was minor and is discussed; comparisons are also made with computer values.


[The effect of albumin and furosemide administration in children with primary nephrotic syndrome (author's transl)].

The authors have studied the effect of the infusion of sodium poor albumin on the primary nephrotic syndrome edema in children. The albumin dose used was 1 g per kilo, administered intravenously during four hours. A variable weight loss of 5.7% to 8.3% related to the initial weight was observed. The urinary volume increased considerably during the study period, as well as the urinary sodium excretion and creatinine clearance. The study of the relation of the urinary Na/K suggests that the secondary hyperaldosteronism is blocked by the albumin infusion probably due to an increase in the intravascular volume. They have concluded that the administration of sodium poor albumin whether or not associated to diuretics is effective in controlling the Primary Nephrotic Syndrome edema in children.


Anti-benzene compounds. Conversion of benzene to toluene by methyl donors, in man.

The level of benzene in blood can be efficiently reduced, an its noxious effect neutralized, by the concurrent administration of either of two groups of organic compounds: 1) methyl donors such as choline and betaine; and, 2) cysteine-HCL. Methionine acts as a precursor of cysteine in the body as uell as a methyl donor like choline and betaine. The appearance of toluene in blood was demonstrated after the sequential ingestion of choline plus betaine, benzene. The results are discussed in relation to clinical application in workers chronically exposed to benzene.


[Cytogenetic studies on hypospadia in males (author's transl)].

The karyotypes of 30 male hypospadiacs were studied. Of these, the G-bands patterns for 4 cases were established. The chromosomal abnormalities showed great variations from one hypospadiac to another and no definite etiological correlations were established. Abnormalities of G-bands patterns were not found.


[Production of inoculates for leguminous plants. Production of cellular suspensions of Rhizobium (Lotus group)].

The influence of culture medium composition and operative conditions on the cellular growth of Rhizobium sp (group Lotus) strain is studied. As much as 1 x 10(9) cell/ml were obtained in 16 hours using sucrose in the medium as carbon source. The best growth rate was obtained (mu = O,22 h-1) when the experiments were performed at 400 r.p.m. and one volume of air/volume of medium x minute (OAR = 793,0 ml of oxygen/1 h).


[Electrical strain gage method for measurements of "in vivo" deformations. Preparation and implantation of the units (author's transl)].

Measurements of strain in live bone have been done through the use of the electrical strain gage method. For this purpose these transducers must be prepared to become electrically insulated, water proofing and biologically compatible. A technique which permit to use these devices in experimental animals as well as in human beings is described.


[Clinical and E.E.G. study of 9 cases of cortical blindness (author's transl)].

The authors report 9 cases of cortical blindness (7 of vascular origin, 2 due to septic embolism). These were characterised by blindness, loss of the blink reflex in response to threat, and of optokinetic nystagmus, conservation of the pupil reflexes, a confusional state with memory disturbances and anosognosia. The accompanying E.E.G. changes were basically impoverishment of occipital alpha activity, with theta and delta waves mainly in posterior regions on one or both sides; blocking to eye opening was absent, and following of the occiptal background rhythm in response to photic stimulation was rare and partial. One patient developed repetitive slow waves in the left occiptal region, another developed bi-occipital spikes and a third developed bi-occipital paroxymal activity, more predominant on the right. These abnormalities resemble those seen during extraterritorial circulatory insufficiency or air emboli.


[E.E.G. changes in 15 patients with bismuth encephalopathy (author's transl)].

The authors describe the E.E.G. changes found in 15 cases of iatrogenic encephalopathy caused by bismuth salts. All the patients had been taking bismuth, for periods varying from 6 weeks to 30 years, in doses from 5 to 20 g per day. The clinical picture included mental confusion to varying degrees, disturbances of standing and walking, myoclonus, dysarthria, and convulsions in 5 cases. Myoclonic jerks were not occompanied by E.E.G. paroxysmal features in any of the cases observed. Eleven of the patients presented similar E.E.G. findings at one time or another during the course of the condition: monomorphic, stable 4-6 c/s activity, present bilaterally in the temporo-fronto-rolandic regions, unaffected by eye opening and by photic stimulation. In the other four patients, the above E.E.G. features were not found (recording performed too early or too late? co-existing electrical or metabolic disturbances? post-critical recording?).


[Insomnia in bismuth encephalopathy (author's transl)].

Myoclonic encephatopathy caused by the insoluble salts of bismuth may be accompanied by a state of total insomnia. This insomnia has been confirmed by polygraphic recordings in 3 subjects. The recovery of sleep has a stereotyped course, with a step-wise reappearance over time of sucessive stages of NREM sleeps tarting with stage age I, and parallel re-establishment of REM sleep. Return to normal sleep lags behind clinical recovery. A pharmacological analysis with the phobenecid test was attempted in 2 of the 3 subjects. The results were the same in both as regards renewal of lumbar 5 HIAA, which paradoxically is not changed much; as regards the rate of lumbar HVA renewal, the results were quite different.


[The E.E.G. in ruptured cerebral aneurysms before operation. Use of carotid compression and the controlled hypotension test (author's transl)].

In 45 cases of ruptured intra-cranial aneurysms the authors studied the standard E.E.G. data under carotid compression and controlled hypotension; the changes observed were analysed and their value assessed for judging the state of the patient's cerebral circulation. A normal resting E.E.G. carries a good prognosis. Carotid compression and controlled hypotension provide a useful assessment of the supply and elasticity of the cerebral vessels; the occurrence of slow waves during controlled hypotension is an alarm signal which often helps in anaesthetic procedure.


[Alerting effect of vincamine in rats (author's transl)].

The alerting effect of vincamine, an indole alkaloid of Vinca minor, has been demonstrated using three electropharmacological tests: 1) the sleep-wakefulness cycle of freely moving rats implanted with cortical electrodes, 2) the sleep induced by 200 mg/kg i.v. sodium 4-hydroxy-butyrate (GHB) in the curarized rat, 3) the duration of spindle activity in the E.E.G. of curarized rats provoked by an acute asphyxia in which the E.E.G. activity was abolished for 20 sec. Vincamine increased the total duration of wakefulness at the expense of sleep, decreased the number of phases of paradoxical sleep (PS), increased the latency of the first phase of PS, but had no effects on the sleep-wakefulness cycle in a further test 24 hours after administration. Vincamine induced neither stereotyped behavior nor hypermotility. Vincamine also decreased the duration of GHB-induced sleep and the duration of post-asphyxic spindles. All effects observed were dose dependent. By means of these electropharmacological tests we have been able to discover two further agents which have more potent alerting effects than vincamine: desoxyvincaminamide and N-cyclopropyl-desoxyvincaminamide.


[The Vasalva manoeuvre and the E.E.G. in a study of professional and trainee diverse (author's transl)].

The E.E.G., the oculocardiac reflex (OCR), the Valsalva manoeuvre and respiratory capacity, were studied and compared in 183 professional or trainee divers. There was a positive correlation between an alpha rhythm at or below 9 c/sec and a positive OCR. The Valsalva was more often positive in young subjects and trainee divers than in older subjects and professional divers. Also the Valsalva response was more likely to be positive when the subject's respiratory capacity was greater. These observations are used to make conclusions about the significance of a positive response to the Valsalva manoeuvre and about the value that can be attached to these various tests in subject selection.


[Activation with amitriptyline: electroclinical comments on 120 epileptic patients (author transl's)].

The sleep-inducing and epileptogenic effects of amitripyline (0.5 mg/kg i.m.) were studied in 120 epileptic patients. Sleep occurred in 94 p. 100 of the patients: 92 p. 100 showed stages I and II, 42 p. 100 also showed stages III and IV, but only 12 p. 100 showed REM. Major activation of inter-ictal abnormalities occurred in 41 p. 100 and seizures were provoked in 17 patients (14 p. 100). Neutral results were obtained in 23 p. 100 of cases. The results obtained and the complete absence of drawbacks recommend amitriptyline for use in studying epileptic patients, at least before turning to other pharmacological techniques which are more dangerous and probably less reliable.


Motor conduction velocity and the Hoffman reflex in diabetes.

The motor conduction velocity (MCV) and various parameters of the Hoffman reflex were studied in 55 diabetics compared to a control population of the same age. In the diabetics there were statistically significant alterations of the MCV, the Hmax/Mmax ratio and the H index, which are closely connected. These changes were more precise when there were clinical signs of neuropathy (absence of the Achilles reflex) but they still existed in the absence of signs. The older the diabetics, the more the electro-physiological parameters were altered. However, the H index is abnormal earlier than the Hmax-Mmax ratio or the MCV. Changes in the excitability cycle to double shock involve mainly phase IV of secondary facilitation and may be related to central disturbances.


[Determination of the degree of mental alertness in the enderly (author's transl)].

Telemetric polygraph recordings lasting from 10-18 hours were performed in 22 elderly and institutionalised patients whose ages ranged from 82 to 97 years in an attempt to determine whether they were able to maintain alertness throughout the course of the day. By combining the standard E.E.G. data with that from the telemetric recording it was possible to subdivide the patients into 4 groups: 1 Normal E.E.G. Stable state of awareness varying only between active waking and relaxed waking, apart from a clearly demarcated siesta period (8 subjects). 2 Normal E.E.G. State of awareness moderately stable but containing as well as one or two clearly defined, siestas some somnolent episodes (6 subjects). 3 Numerous fluctuations of alertness with several levels of drowsiness corresponding either to the classical stages of sleep or to undifferentiated stages (5 subjects, 4 with normal E.E.G.). 4 Abnormal E.E.G. and only two levels of alertness which were difficult to correlate with the behavioural state. All 4 subjects in this group had severe organic impairment. There was a good correlation between the data obtained from the standard E.E.G. and that from the telemetric recording. Patients having a normal E.E.G. maintained their alertness well, and those with the highest proportion of fast activity best of all. The possible limits of variation become very narrow in severe organic impairment.


[Real-time automatic analysis of sleep-waking behavior in the rat recorded by telemetry (author's transl)].

The authors present a method of real-time automatic analysis of the sleep-waking cycle in the rat recorded by a miniature telemetry system. This method detects seven behavioural phases second by second. The correspondance computer-corrector is 88 p. 100 for the three principal phases: waking, slow sleep and paradoxical sleep.


[Paroxysmal discharges in children (author's transl)].

The temporal organisation of infra-clinical paroxysmal discharges was recorded in waking children using biotelemetry. This was studied in terms of two hypotheses: firstly regulation of discharges by an "internal clock" which would explain their periodic modulation; secondly the influence of certain induced or spontaneous psychophysiological situation which could increase or decrease their density. By statistical analysis using semi-automatic programmes, the density of paroxysmal discharges was studied for each experimental situation; the chronological evolution of density was also worked out. These programmes were applied to 6 long biotelemetric recordings. The results obtained show that neither of the hypotheses alone can explain the phenomena observed, and that the paroxysmal discharges probably occur at times determined by a combination of internal factors and multiple situations: modulation linked to more or less stable biological rhythms, and the role of the environment and the subjects' reactions, which intervene to a varying extent to mask natural rhythms.


[Radiotelemetric study of heart rate and electroencephalogram during parachute jumping (author's transl)].

Twelve subjects, experienced parachutists, have been recorded by telemetry before, during and after free-fall parachute jumps. The heart rate showed a statistically significant tachycardia during the different events of the jump (exit, free-fall, opening, open parachute and landing) compared to the baseline before boarding the aircraft. This tachycardia indicates a stress reaction confirmed by a significant increase of adrenalin and noradrenalin in urine. The electroencephalographic invesitgation does not show any adnormalities. Alpha rhythms have been recorded from alpha reactive subjects during free-fall stabilization.


[Biotelemetric studies in an autistic child (author's transl)].

Three biotelemetric examinations and a whole night sleep recording were carried out in a 8 year old child whose behavior alternated between exicitation and autism. The E.E.G. showed 5 Hz. temporo-parietal sharp wave discharges lasting from 1 second to 20 minutes. These discharges were at times unilateral and predominantly right sided, at other times being bilateral without clinical signs and unrelated to changes in behavior. The possibility of internal regulation of discharge of discharge production or their dependence on induced situations or psychophysiological states is considered.


[The induction of seizures in "Papio papio" following allylglycine alone or in combination with intermittent photic stimulation (author's transl)].

Allylglycine, an inhibitor of GABA synthesis, produces increased sensitivity to photic stimulation and in convulsant doses spontaneous seizures arising occipitally in the baboon (Horton and Meldrum, 1973). In this study, convulsant doses of allylglycine induced either sharp wave and polyspike frontorolandic discharges (FR) or critical posterior discharges which then reinforce the fronto-rolandic spikes. A seizure may then arise from the fronto-rolandic region and secondarily spread to the rest of the cerebral cortex. Intermittent photic stimulation produces a reinforcement of the fronto-rolandic sharp waves and can also induce self-maintaining mechanisms similar to those just described. In this situation, however, and with the animals paralysed with Flaxedil no seizures arising occipitally have been observed. The role of the occipital cortex as the sensory visual and somatic afferent in photosensitive epilepsy in the baboon is discussed in the light of these results.


[Oxidative phase of pentose-phosphate cycle in sea mussel (mytilus edulis l.) (author's transl)].

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.1.1.49) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.1.1.44) activities measured in tissue extracts from sea mussel exhibit a potential unbalance which could cause an accumulation of 6-phosphogluconate. Nevertheless elevated levels of this metabolite are not detected in mussel tissues. The Entner-Doudoroff pathway has not been found in hepatopancreas, adductor muscle and gill tissues. Hepatopancreas glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase apparent kinetic parameters at 25 degrees C, were determined. The enzymes are competitively inhibited by NADPH with respect to NADP+. Oxidized Glutathione at nearly physiological concentrations counteracts NADPH inhibition.


Effects of physical training on rat myocardium. An enzymatic and ultrastructural morphometric study.

Rats subjected to physical training through swimming increased their weight at a slower rate than controls, which initially had the same characteristics. The ratio heart weight/body weight was 23% greater in the trained rats. However, the absolute weights of the hearts were only 7% greater. The ultrastructural morphometric study, backed up by and analysis of the hierarchical variance, did not reveal significant changes neither in the myofibrillar and mitochondrial volume nor in the number of mitochondria per surface unit of myocardium. Furthermore, no variations were recorded, due to training, in the amount of mitochondrial protein nor in the specific mitochondrial activities of malate dehydrogenase, cytochrome c oxidase and ATPase. It is therefore suggested that the increase in the measured parameters, due to training, is proportional to the increase in weight and size of the heart. On the other hand, the specific activity of LDH increased by 15% after the first weeks of training.


[Determination of serum testosterone using radioimmunoanalysis without previous extraction].

A modification to the radiochemical assay method to measure testosterone in serum, that renders unnecessary the extraction of testosterone from a serum sample is described. The serum is heated at 60 degrees C for 1 hour, thereby testosterone binding proteins are destroyed, then radioimmunoassay follows as usual.


Nitrate reductase from Spinacea oleracea. FAD and the reactivation of the enzyme treated with p-Hydroxymercuribenzoate.

Spinach nitrate reductase complex previously inactivated by treatment with mercurials p-hydroxymercuribenzoate or p-hydroxymercuriphenyl sulphonate can be reactivated by incubation with dithioerythritol. The reactivation of NADH-diaphorase seems to be FAD-dependent, whereas that of FNH2-nitrate reductase is not. The requirement of FAD for NADH-inactivation of nitrate reductase treated with p-hydroxymercuribenzoate disappears after treatment with dithioerythritol.


[Selective photooxidation of methionine, tyrosine and tryptophane using thionine and toluidine blue as sensitizers (author's transl)].

Thionine and toluidine blue were used as sentizers on photooxidation processes of methionine, tryosine and tryptophane. They were more effective than methylene blue. Methionine was photooxidized to sulfoxide and tryptophane to kinurenine. A tyrosine-sensitizer addition compound was postulated. Dye concentration, pH, temperature and EDTA presence conditions were determined on each one of the modification reactions. Methionine at acid pH was selectively modified. On the basis of obtained results and published references, a direct interaction of singlet oxygen with methionine and tryptophase and the excited dye with tyrosine was respectively discussed.


[The effect of Ca/P relation on utilization of both nutrients in laying quails (author's transl)].

The effect of two Ca/P relations (2.1 y 4.5) in the diet on nutritive utilization of both minerals, egg production and egg characteristics (weight, size, resistence and shell Ca content) was studied. Nutritive utilization and absolute body retention of Ca were higher with a Ca/P relation of 4.5, while the lower Ca/P relation (2.1) produced a greater utilization of P, without differences as high as in the case of Ca. As a whole, the diet with a Ca/p relation = 2.1 was more efficiently utilized but egg production did not rise optimal levels got on the diet with a Ca/P relation = 4.5 Egg characteristics were similar with both treatments.


[Seasonal variations in frog liver glycogen metabolism (author's transl)].

Glycogen metabolism in frog (Rana ridibunda) liver is subject to seasonal variations. Hepatic glycogen and glycogen synthase levels are highest in the fall and winter months and lowest in the summer months, whereas glycogen phosphorylase activity is highest in spring and summer and lowest in fall and winter months. Blood glucose levels show a clear increase during the months of March, June-July and November over the mean level for the rest of year (19.0 +/- 5.5 mg glucose/100 ml serum). Results indicate that the animal accumulated glycogen in the fall to be consumed during the winter. Glycogen levels are in direct proportion to glycogen synthase activity levels (I-form and total activity) and in inverse proportion to glycogen phosphorylase (phosphorylated form) activity levels, which would suggest that these enzymes exercise a direct control over glycogen levels.


[Experimental cardiogenic shock (author's transl)].

An experimental model fo cardiogenic shock has been developed in anesthetized dogs. The shock was produced by injecting mercury into the second diagonal branch of the descending anterior coronary artery. Arterial and venous pressure E.C.G., aortic, renal and circumflex flow were directly measured. Other parameters such as O2 consumption and arterio-venous difference were also studied. The present model seems very useful to make therapeutic studies. Open chest surgery has been used for simplicity and economic reasons.


Effects of hypo and hyperthyroidism on the response to glucose loading of blood glucose, ketones and insulin and liver glycogen as studied in the fasted rat.

After receiving an i.p. glucose load, 24 h fasted thyroidectomized rats showed a progressive increase in blood glucose and a slow decrease in blood ketone bodies. Both liver glycogen and plasma insulin levels showed no differences within 60 min of the glucose administration. It is suggested that the glucose intolerance in these animals is partly due to an insulin deficiency. Thyroidectomized rats treated daily with 25 microgram of L-thyroxine/100 g body weight for 40 days responded to the glucose test with a supranormal and more persistent elevation of blood glucose but with a faster and a greater fall in blood ketone bodies, as compared to controls. Sixty min after the glucose loading, liver glucogen levels were lower and plasma insulin were slightly higher than controls. It is suggested that a diminished extraction of glucose during transhepatic passage can be responsible for the impaired glucose tolerance observed in the hyperthyroid animals.


Highly polar non-glycerol containing lipids present in our mitochondrial membranes.

Aqueous 80% ethanol extracts from the outer mitochondrial membranes contained a series of compounds, insoluble in chloroform-methanol (2:1) and soluble in chloroform-methanol-water (10:10:3). These compounds contain fatty acids, amino acids and hexoses. Procedures are described for the extraction, purification and cromatographic separation of these compounds. Five of them have been partially characterised. Some structural data are given. It is suggested that some relationship could exist with the glycosylation of the outer membrane proteins.


An index of protein hydrophobicity. Its application to membrane proteins.

A hydrophobicity index is proposed for proteins. The calculation of this index is made, assuming a direct relationship between the hydrophobicity of each aminoacid and its Rf in a partition chromatography. This index is applied to membrane proteins and offers statistically significant differences between integral and peripheral proteins.


Response of plasma aldosterone to orthostatism during follicular and luteal phases of the normal menstrual cycle.

The responses of plasma aldosterone (A) and plasma renin activity (PRA) to orthostatism have been evaluated in 47 women during the follicular and/or luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Three postmenopausal women and 51 men were also studied for control. Fourteen cycling women and 11 men were studied on a low sodium diet (20 mEq/day) while the rest of the subjects were on normal sodium intake. In addition, 18 women (including those postmenopausal) and 17 men were studied after intravenous administration of 20 mg frusemide. The response of A to orthostatism in women during luteal phase on normal sodium diet with or without frusemide was much greater than in men or women during follicular phase (p less than 0.01) or menopuase (p less than 0.05). However, no differences between groups could be observed in A response while on a low sodium diet. PRA response was similar during follicular of luteal phase fo the cycle as well as in men either on low or normal sodium intake with or without frusemide.


Respiratory damage caused by long-term inhalation of high concentration of sulphur-dioxide in dogs.

It has been tried in this study to produce chronic obstructive bronchitis in dogs by exposing them to high concentrations of SO2. The study was extended to 175 days and during that period the animals were exposed to 300-500 ppm SO2 for a total of 435 h. None of the three dogs developed serious respiratory damage. Most of the symptoms were transitory. Histological examinations showed increased number of goblet cells in trachea, main- and lobar bronchi and a slight alteration of the bronchial glands.


Fatigue of airway obstruction during long-term exposure to allergen aerosol.

The response to prolonged antigen exposure and the potentiation of airway resistance increase to ACH challenge, after this exposure, were studied on sixteen boxer dogs. One group of animals presented fatigue to A.E. after 3 hours of exposure. This group developed an increased response to ACH aerosol after fatigue to antigen was present. In a second group of dogs, absence of fatigue during prolonged exposure to allergen was observed. A growing tendency of Edyn (as an index of airway resistance) was observed after 5 hours of exposure. The therapeutical influence of bilateral vagus blockade was tested in these last animals. Blockade of nervus vagus released airway obstruction during prolonged allergen exposure and no bronchoconstriction was observed after ACH challenge during blockade.


Mucosal transferrin and ferritin factors in the regulation of iron absorption.

1. A standardized decompensation and recompensation of iron homeostasis has been produced by a change-over from normal to iron deficiency and back. 2. Under these conditions the 59Fe uptake into transferrin and ferritin of the mucosal "cytosol" and SDS treated "membrane" fraction has been measured together with the 59Fe amount transferred into the body. 3. The increase of the intestinal 59Fe absorption due to a progressive iron deficiency is associated with an increase of the 59Fe uptake into the mucosal transferrin of the "cytosol" and the "membrane" fraction; the reverse is observed with regard to mucosal ferritin. 4. Three days after the re-establishment of normal conditions the 59Fe absorption was lowered to normal values, while the 59Fe uptake into mucosal ferritin achieved again normally high values. 5. The high apparent rate of absorption in iron deficient animals decreased during the last 50 min after injection of the 59Fe labelled test dose. The 59Fe content in the ferritin fraction increased simultaneously, whereas the 59Fe content in the transferrin fraction remained the same. 6. The conclusion is drawn that the intestinal iron absorption is regulated by both mucosal iron binding proteins. Mucosal transferrin is responsible for the increase of absorption in iron deficiency while mucosal ferritin is responsible for the inhibition of iron absorption when the iron homeostasis recompensats.


The mechanism of the changes in splanchnic blood flow after feeding.

Introduction of hydrolysed protein solution into the duodenum increased in the dog hepatic artery and portal venous blood flow. The reaction is, however, smaller than after the introduction of 0.1 N HCl. The introduction of 30% glucose solution has no effect an splanchnic circulation. Splanchnicotomy combined with coeliac ganglion denervation as well as the blockade of the sympathetic alpha receptors abolished the circulatory reaction. Both interventions leads, however, to a decrease is splanchnic vascular resistance similar to that observed after intraduodenal introduction of acid in normal dogs. It is concluded that the circulatory reaction occuring in consequence of the acidifying of duodenal contents after feeding is due to the reduction of abolition of the sympathetic vasomotor tone in the splanchnic vascular bed.


The effect of increased inferior vena cava pressure on hepatic circulation in the dog.

Inferior v. cava pressure (IVCP) was raised in the dog by a baloon catheter introduced via the jugular vein. Hepatic artery flow (HAF) and portal venous flow (PVF) were measured with the electromagnetic flow meter. The increase of IVCP reduced uniformly HAF and PVF, the relative contribution of the two vessels to the HBF did not change. The relationship between IVCP increase and HAF reduction and between the decrease of AP-IVCP and the reduction of HAF was linear. There was no sign of autoregulation or vasomotor regulation of HAF. The changes in IVCP are only partially transmitted to the portal venous pressure (PVP). There was no change in intrahepatic portal resistance with increased IVCP. The increase in PVP did not lead to resistance changes in the splanchnic circulation. As a sign of the autoregulation of splanchnic circulation of the AP-PVP versus PVF curve was concave to the pressure axis. It is concluded that as a result of opposing autoregulatory and vasomotor influences in the intact animal the hepatic circulation appears to react passively to the increased outflow pressure.


Muscle capillary basement membrane thickness in lipoatrophic diabetes.

A 21 years old female patient with lipoatrophic diabetes, a distinct syndrome of insulin resistant diabetes mellitus, loss of subcutaneous fat, hepatosplenomegaly, hyperlipidemia, increased basal metabolic rate, subvalvular aortic stenosis and cystic bone lesions is described. She exhibited all clinical signs of diabetic microangiopathy. Quantitative estimation revealed severely thickened basement membranes of muscle capillaries. It is concluded that the extent of her microangiopathy is a consequence of her excessive metabolic abnormalities.


Preleukemic change in the bone marrow of whole-body irradiated RFM/Up mice.

In the whole-body irradiated mouse, various late effects of radiation are observed after the recovery from acute radiation injury. Some of these account for the familiar proneness of certain mouse strains to develop leukemias. The two experiments described below were designed to (a) identify such preleukemic changes in blood-forming tissues and (b) to find ways to manipulate them experimentally with the purpose of preventing leukemia. Preleukemic change of the bone marrow appears to be a mere quantitative departure from normal in a qualitatively non-malignant tissue. It entails increased proneness of immature (precursor) cells to react with latent virus. Our data are consistent with the assumption that this proneness is enhanced (or brought about) by removal of a controlling influence exerted by the mature cells over their precursors (feed-back inhibition). Re-irradiation combined with intravenous bone marrow substitution offsets the leukemogenic influence of an earlier radiation exposure. The effect of re-irradiation on bone marrow displaying preleukemic lesions corroborates conclusions from earlier experiments on the nature of these lesions.


A simple test for erythropoietin.

In Gelfiltration on Sephadex G-100 crude protein prepared from the urine of anemic patients incubated with 59Fe+++ -ions was separated and a distinct fraction isolated having high erythropoietic activity and a high 59Fe+++ -absorption. Increased amount of erythropoietin resulted in a higher incorporation of 59Fe+++ -ions in this fraction. From this we propose to replace the time consuming and very expensive bioassay for erythropoietin in poly-cythemic mice by gelfiltration of the material under investigation preincubated with 59Fe+++ -ions to test the Fe+++ uptake in the forementioned fraction.


Lactate dehydrogenase--X--separation of human spermatozoa isoenzymes by extraction with detergents.

Proteins with known enzymatic properties are attractive molecules as possible agents for immunological contraception. Therefore a new technique for the selective isolation of LDH-X from human spermatozoa is described. Applying the detergents hyamine 2389 and triton X-100 LDH-X is extracted from the sperm surface membrane without the other LDH-isoenzymes. Ultrasonification of spermatozoa yields all LDH-isoenzymes together. After cell disruption the separation of LDH-X and the isoenzymes is performed by discelectrophoresis. With lactate as substrate tetrazolium staining identifies all LDH-enzymes. The technique represents an attractive method for the selective isolation of LDH-X and opens further purification steps.


Iatrogenic cardiovascular foreign bodies.

The incidence of iatrogenic cardiovascular foreign bodies is increasing. The most common source is a fragment of an in-dwelling venous catheter. These objects have resulted in severe sequelae and death in many instances. Most should be removed. Percutaneous extraction is the method of choice. Surgery should be reserved for cases with failed percutaneous extraction.


The breast as a mirror of systemic diseases.

This paper reemphasizes that xeromammographic changes in the skin, parenchyma, and vascular structures of the breast may be manifestations of a host of systemic diseases. Xeromammographic examples of such diseases as congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, collagen vascular diseases, and endocrine diseases are presented and discussed.


The ultrasonic spectrum of benign and malignant renal "cystic" masses--differential diagnosis and diagnostic difficulties.

This paper discusses the differential diagnosis of renal cystic masses with non-grey scale ultra-sound scanners, and presents some limitations of the equipment. Included among cystic masses are serous cysts, hemorrhagic cysts, calcified cysts, hydronephrosis, abscesses, and necrotic tumors. Technical aspects of scanning of very important. Only single sweep scans are performed, usually as a series of closely spaced scans during suspended respiration. Breathing during scanning, and compound scanning, degrade image sharpness and can completely obscure small cysts. Serous cysts and hydronephrosis usually present distinct and different ultrasonic appearances. Necrotic tumors, hemorrhagic cysts, and abscesses can not be differentiated. Cysts with calcified walls can not be identified as cystic masses because the calcium within the wall prevents sound from penetrating through the mass. To confirm the diagnosis of a renal cystic mass, percutaneous puncture under ultrasonic guidance can be performed. Fluid is removed for laboratory studies and radio-opaque contrast material is instilled within the cavity. X-rays are then to better define the contours and internal architecture.


Detection of a temporary cardiac pacing catheter in the left ventricle by chest X-ray.

This is the first reported case of detection by chest radiograph of a temporary cardiac pacing catheter inadvertently placed in the left ventricle. The unusual catheter position seen in the first chest radiograph was confirmed by a second film following reinsertion of the catheter into the right ventricle. The importance of roentgenographic confirmation of temporary cardiac pacing catheters, especially those inserted without fluoroscopy, is reemphasized.


Environmental radioactivity in the Faroes in 1976.

Measurements of fall-out radioactivity in the Faroes in 1976 are presented. Strontium-90 (and 137Cs in most cases) was determined in regularly collected samples of precipitation, grass, milk, fish, sea water, bread, and drinking water. In addition, analyses were made of spot samples of lamb, sea birds, potatoes, sea plants, vegetables, eggs, and human bone. Estimates are given of the mean contents of 90Sr and 137Cs in the human diet in the Faroes in 1976.


Environmental radioactivity in Greenland in 1976.

Measurements of fall-out radioactivity in Greenland in 1976 are reported. Strontium-90 (and Caesium-137 in most cases) was determined in samples of precipitation, sea water, vegetation, animals, and drinking water. Estimates are given of the mean contents of 90Sr and 137Cs in the human diet in Greenland in 1976.


[Medical considerations in relation to quality control in diagnostic radiology (author's transl)].

The introduction of quality control in Diagnostic Radiology needs several steps: (a) the examination of technical parameters, which have influence on picture quality, (b) the judgement of routine plain films, (c) the judgement of the reports, and (d) finally the judgement of the indication.


[The value of sialography (evaluation of 251 cases) (author's transl)].

Sialography is of value for showing opaque or nonopaque stones in the maxillary glands. Possible complications (inflammation, abscess and fistula) can also be shown. Acute and chronic inflammation and sialadenoses show typical pictures. The diagnosis of tumors is less certain, genignity or malignity cannot be determined.


[Selective spinal arteriography. Its bearing on diagnosis and therapy of spinal processes, particularly arteriovenous malformations (author's transl)].

Selective spinal arteriogrpahy is a neuroradiologic technique not yet generally known. For the experienced examiner it is not more dangerous than cerebral catheter-angiography. It is most important for the diagnosis of spinal arteriovenous malformations. Here it is an essential examination even when myelography has already shown clear findings. In certain cases in can be used for therapy (artificial embolisation). In other spinal processes further experience will be needed.


[Complications with ossovenography and discography in the cervical area (author's transl)].

Report on 3 cases of incidents or complications in discography and ossovenography. 1 patient developed reversible damage of the glossopharyngeal and recurrent nerve through hematoma following assovenography. Another patient developed aseptic discitis, the third infective discitis with parpharyngeal involvement. Pain and defects disappeared in all patients after treatment. Their causes are discussed. These rare complications do not represent contraindications considering the value of the diagnostic techniques.


[Automatic dose-rate control during linear tomography (author's transl)].

Investigations on test grids, phantom-kidneys filled with contrast medium and a phantom skull in the case of linear tomography with various angles and constant, triangular or V shaped dose-rate function during tomograms showed that constant exposure over a certain angle of cut leads to minimum thickness. The V shaped distribution remains unregarded since it produces doublepictures. Radiographs exposed mainly in the middle projection give less contrast than those with constant dose rate and smaller planigraphic angles. Concentrating exposure on outer components leads to double pictures.


Comparison of the practical diagnostic value of different tomographic movements.

The practical results of linear and circular tomography with angles of 6, 20, 30 and 45 degrees and spiral tomography were compared. The spiral proved to be suitable as a tomographic movement for different purposes. In zonography, circular movement with 6 degrees of deviation proved suitable. The linear movement presented no advantages when compared with the multidirectional movements.


[Micro-computerised x ray generator, its advantages in clinical use (author's transl)].

The uses of the micro-processor are increasing in various fields. The micro-computer as part of an X ray generator has so many advantages for production, service, medical and economy, that it will soon be generally used. Experience with micro-computerised generators during 2.5 years routine use have been very positive. In productive total systems the experience has been the same.


Circadian variations of certain blood components currently investigated.

The circadian variations of serum components such as: cholesterol, LDH, GOT, alkaline phosphatase, proteins, bilirubin, ferrous ions and creatinine were investigated. Blood collection was made two times in 24 hrs.: 5-6 p.m. and 7-8 a.m. on the next day. The data obtained allowed the classification of the subjects into two groups: stable and variable. The most interesting observations were: evening decrease of cholesterol, evening increases of LDH with a tendency of intensification of the LDH5 fraction in the zymogram and evening decreases of ferrous ion.


RNA biosynthesis in lymphocytes from various chronic diseases (cytochemical, cytoautoradiographic, optic and electronic study).

In lymphocytes of patients with myasthenia gravis and systemic lupus erythematosus high indices of uridin labelling were very often encountered, similar to those observed in evident malignant diseases such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and Hodgkin's disease. The electron cytoautoradiographic investigations showed particularly that large sized nucleoli and even the giant ones are sometimes not the result of an RNA-hypersynthesis but of an RNA accumulation. The utility of such data for the therapy with immunodepressing drugs is discussed.


Pathogenic role of intravascular coagulation in immune diseases.

The tests for the detection of intravascular coagulation and of secondary fibrinolysis performed in 79 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and 30 patients with other collagenoses were positive in over 63% of the cases. A highly significant correlation was found between the presence of fibrinolytic degradation products (FDP) and the incidence of nephropathy and renal insufficiency, as well as between the presence of fibrin monomers (Godal's ethanol-gelification test) and the evolutive signs of the primary disease (fever, accelerated ESR).


Radioimmunoassay of serum gastrin in chronic digestive diseases with epigastric pain.

Basal and stimulated (after a standard meal) serum gastrin was determined by means of the radioimmunoassay method in 27 patients with epigastric pain that could not be diagnosed in the outpatient departement. An individual study of the patients with high (up to 300 pg/ml) basal and stimulated serum gastrin levels showed that most gastroduodenal diseases are situated within this range while levels of 500 pg/ml suggest Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The test of serum gastrin stimulated with a standard protein-rich meal was proved more valuable than the basal one. Further investigations would be necessary to demonstrate the value of this test in the diagnosis of gastroduodenal ulcer, gastrites or gastric cancer.


Prevalence and patterns of hyperimmunoglobulinemia in acute viral hepatitis convalescents.

The 99th-percentile values of a large control group were used to determine the frequency and patterns of hyperimmunoglobulinemia (HIg) in 119 convalescents from viral hepatitis in whom Ig quantitation was performed on two occasions within 6 1/2 months after their acute episode. The mean levels of IgG, IgA and IgM, but not of IgD, were significantly higher in convalescents than in controls. There was no significant difference (p greater than 0.1) in the overall frequency of HIg (at least one Ig-class value greater than or equal to 99th percentile of controls) between the initial (30.2%; n = 119) and repeat (20.6%; n = 97) samples, though differences in the distribution of HIg patterns occurred between the two samples. At the time of repeat testing, 7 out of 77 subjects with normo-Ig, but 13 out of 20 with HIg had clinical and/or laboratory abnormalities (p less than or equal to 0.001).


Dexamethasone isonicotinate aerosol therapy in patients with chronic bronchial asthma.

Dexamethasone isonicotinate aerosols were used for the management of 106 patients (33 men, 73 women) with bronchial asthma (mean age 32.7 years); 62 of the patients were steroid-dependent (maintenance dose 1 to 25 mg prednisone/day for 0.5 to 11 years) at the start of the study. A diary of symptoms (including consumption of antiasthmatic drugs) was kept; physical examination and measurement of pulmonary function (peak flow rate, forced expiratory volume in one second) were performed during a one-to-four week control period, as well as at various intervals (up to 14 months) after the start of corticosteroid aerosol therapy. Clinical subjective and objective improvement was accompanied by a significant increase in ventilatory function indices (e.g. the FEV1.0 rose from a control average of 55.5% of predicted to 72% after 4 weeks and 85% after 12 months). The antiasthmatic drug consumption decreased markedly. Administration of systemic steroids could be withdrawn in 49 of the 62 steroid-dependent patients (79%); in the remaining 13 the dose was only lowered. The side-effects were minor (hoarseness of the voice, oropharyngeal candidosis), and limited to a few cases. It is concluded that bronchial asthma can be successfully controlled in four fifths of the patients by very low doses of dexamethasone isonicotinate aerosols, with practically no systemic effects.


Study of serum intestinal alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme in correlation with the ABO blood group system and secretory status in ulcer patients.

Serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) electrophoretic phenotype and the level of its activity inhibited by l-phenylalanine 5 mM (the stereospecific inhibitor of the intestinal AP isoenzyme) were investigated in 312 subjects (132 healthy controls, 89 patients with duodenal ulcer, 31 with gastric ulcer and 60 family members of the duodenal ulcer patients) in correlation with the ABO blood group system and secretory status. In the control subjects, those with A(II) blood group showed a predominance of the p degrees electrophoretic phenotype while phenotypes p+ and p++ were more frequent in the controls with O(I) and B(III) blood groups and in the secretory ones. In the patients with duodenal ulcer and their family members the frequency of phenotypes p+ and p+ was significantly higher than in the controls. The same distribution of frequencies was observed for the level of AP activity inhibited by l-phenylalanine. The results obtained are discussed in the light of a possible genetic linkage.


Blood histamine level in bovine leukemias.

Based on previous observations showing that in human chronic myelocytic leukemias blood histamine is about 50-100 times the normal level, this substance was studied in the blood of cows with chronic lymphocytic leukemias. The blood histamine level was found normal, thus confirming the assumption that a very high blood histamine level is specific for chronic myelocytic leukemia, in which it is a sure diagnostic element.


Aortic intimal thickenings in tortoises.

The aorta and coronary arteries of two tortoise species, Testudo graeca ibera and Emys orbicularis are investigated. The elastic aorta of the first species showed minimal focal intimal thickenings while the muscular aorta of the second presented marked diffuse hyperplasia narrowing the caliber of the vessel. The author discusses this striking finding of the aortic structural differences between the two species investigated as well as the significance of such lesions for atherosclerosis development.


Effect of propranolol on experimental periinfarction block and myocardial ischemia.

The effects of propranolol on periinfarction block, myocardial ischemic injury and left ventricular performance following anterior descending coronary artery occlusion were studied. Experiments were made in 14 dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium. Two minutes of reversible myocardial ischemia was induced by occlusion of descending left coronary artery. The severity of myocardial ischemia estimated by summing S-T segment elevation (sigma ST) from epicardial ECG mapping, heart rate, femoral arterial pressure and left ventricular (LV) dp/dt was determined before, during coronary occlusion alone and following propranolol infusion (0.25 mg/Kg) and coronary occlusion. Periinfarction block aspects on epicardial ECG appeared in four dogs following five repeated coronary occlusions. Propranolol infusion before coronary occlusion prevented the periinfarction block in every animal. The decrease of myocardial ischemia (sigma ST elevation), heart rate, arterial blood pressure and LV dp/dt following propranolol and coronary occlusion might be partly due to the beneficial effect of this drug on periinfarction block.


Attitude changes following speechreading training.

Twelve hearing impaired adults were enrolled in intensive speechreading training classes following formal audiologic evaluation. They were given a video taped test of speechreading skill before and after twelve weeks (18 hours) of training. They were also given a post-treatment experimental questionnaire which asked for their opinions in the general areas of class procedures, communicative ability, feelings about the group and other related topics. The responses on the questionnaire were examined with regard to each individual's opinion, the total group feelings and the results of the speechreading test. It was found that although the speechreading test scores showed no significant pre- and post-treatment differences, the responses on the experimental questionnaire were generally positive. It was felt that this questionnaire may well be a useful tool as part of the evaluation of one's total communicative ability. Moreover, it was felt that the group experiences provided significant insights into hearing impairment and hearing handicap. The participants took on a more assertive approach to their communication difficulty. They tended to accept their handicap, had a greater understanding of the limitations and were able to offer suggestions to others so that they could understand more in various person-to-person social-communication situations.


Circadian variations of ascorbic acid and cholesterol in the testis of intact and pinealectomized rats.

The circadian variations of the testicular ascorbic acid and testicular cholesterol in the intact and pinealectomized rat were followed up. The results show that in both lots there are diurnal variations of these biochemical indices. Pinealectomy does not alter the values curve as concerns the testicular ascorbic acid but causes a reversal in the testicular cholesterol curve especially during the darkness period (the intact rat has an increased value of 2400 hrs whereas the pinealectomized one has the lowest value for the same hour).


The radioimmunological measurement of thyroglobulin secretion in vitro under the influence of some herbicides.

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique of human thyroglobulin (Tgl) was developed using 125I-Tgl and a rabbit anti-Tgl serum at the initial dilution of 1:100,000. The sensitivity of the technique was of 2.5 ng/ml. The RIA of Tgl was applied as a screening test for the in vitro secretory activity of human thyroid cells under the influence of two herbicides of the heterocyclic group (Amitrol and Atrazin). Three levels of concentration of Amitrol and Atrazin were administered to the tissue culture tubes containing in the first series of experiments perinodular tissue (Typ), and in the second one nodular tissue (TyN). The thyroid gland was surgically obtained from a patient with the diagnosis of polynodular goiter. Only the high levels (10 mg and 1.0 mg/tube, respectively) of herbicide concentration inhibited the secretion and release of Tgl, the nodular tissue being more resistant to the toxic. However, parallel studies including the dosage of the active hormones (T3, T4) are necessary in order to appreciate the value of Tgl determination as an indicator of hormogenesis in this type of experiments.


An approach to calculating gain requirements for severely deaf children as a function of hearing loss which is independent of frequency response.

In an attempt to provide optimum listening conditions for hearing aid wearers a number of gain formulae have recently appeared in the literature. Required gains have invariably been measured at 1 kHz and expressed as a function of hearing loss. Recent research has shown that for children suffering from severe and profound deafness the 1 kHz required gain is highly dependent upon the low frequency response characteristic of the hearing aid. The present study proposes that the use of a 0.25 kHz gain formula would be advantageous with such children as it appears to be independent of the frequency response characteristic of the hearing aid.


The action of chlorpromazine upon the serum and hypophyseal levels of prolactin and TSH in the pinealectomized male rat.

The action of chlorpromazine (CPZ) administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) in a single dose of 1.0 mg (0.2 ml) upon the serum and hypophyseal levels of prolactin and TSH was investigated in sham-operated (Sh-O) and pinealectomized (Px) male rats. Fourteen days after surgery the animals received 0.2 ml of CPZ or 0.2 ml of isotonic natrium chloride solution and were killed one hour after. The following data were obtained: a) CPZ released pituitary prolactin in both Sh-O and Px groups; b) The TSH circulating levels were increased in the Px group receiving CPZ (p less than 0.01); however, the same sense of variation was observed also in the Sh-O group. The results are suggesting the lack of intervention of the pineal in the mechanism of action of CPZ on the pituitary hormones with or without target gland.


Frequency following auditory brain stem responses in man.

The most interesting electrode positions for recording the FFR are the Vertex and the mastoid. The response is greatest at the Vertex. At the mastoid it comes earlier and probably in a different phase. As a combined result of these relations the responses are in opposite phase with a 500 Hz stimulus, and at 400 Hz they are in-phase. The Vertex-derived response is contaminated by the Jewett waves and at the mastoid there is in addition a CM-like activity. In order to simplify the interpretation we recommend use of the Vertex only as active electrode position, with reference electrodes on the neck, which is largely neutral. A very effective stimulus is a 500 Hz tone-burst with rise-fall times of 2 msec and a plateau of 6 msec. Shorter stimuli yield a smaller response, and with longer stimulus duration, adaption becomes a problem. The Jewett wave contamination can be eliminated by means of recording the response twice with opposite stimulus polarity and subtracting the two from each other.


The effect of partial or total medial hypothalamic isolations on lipid metabolism in rats.

Medial hypothalamic isolation in the rat occurring under free food acces or after 24 hours starvation determines a significant increase in serum lipemia, serum esterified fatty acids and carcass fat. A significant rise in carcass fat was evident in rats made hyperphagic by medial hypothalamus isolation and maintained on limited food intake. It has been concluded that the VMH nuclei are involved in the control of the lipid metabolism primarily through the inhibitory effect exerted on the lateral hypothalamic parasympathetic area.


Electrocochleographic response patterns in a group of patients mainly with presbyacusis.

The latency, amplitude and wave-form of the action potential were studied in a group of patients, mainly presbyacusics and a few with noise-induced hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss of unknown etiology and conductive loss. Electrocochleographic recruitment with short latency of the AP "threshold" and very rapid increase in amplitude with increasing click intensity was seen in 22%. Partial recruitment with long latency at AP "threshold" but steep amplitude-intensity curves was present in 33%. Only 17% of the subjects showed both electrocpchleographic recruitment (or partial recruitment) and recruitment in the acoustic reflex test. Subjects with conductive loss had normal amplitude and latency intensity curves but they were shifted to the right. The action potential wave-form was normal. Broad action potentials with multiple peaks were the most common in sensorineural hearing loss.


Release of growth hormone, prolactin, LH, FSH and IRI in serum through orally administered 1-proline in high dosage.

Orally given 1-proline in high dosage (500 mg/kg b.w.) resulted in growth hormone (GH) release in 9 healthy, sexually immature children investigated (5 boys and 4 girls). A slight, unsignificant decrease of the mean prolactin level was also noted. Serum immunoreactive insulin (IRI), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations in serum were not influenced. The possible use of proline loading in high dosage for the detection of GH deficiency especially in small children and in infants is suggested.


The frequency selectivity of the 500 HZ frequency following response.

In order to evaluate the frequency selectivity of the 500 Hz FFR we applied narrow-band masking at closely spaced center frequencies in the range 0.25 to 4 kHZ. The results show clearly that it is the apical part of the cochlea that generates the 500 Hz FFR, but the area of the basilar membrane that contributes is rather broad. It was evident that some of the masking effect that was observed in the Vertex-derived response stemmed from as yet obsure brain stem mechanisms. Examination of 3 patients with selected types of hearing impairment confirmed the masking results. When there is a low frequency loss there will still be a 500 Hz FFR and the same is true when the loss is in the medium to high frequencies. It is possible that precise determination of the latency to single waves in the response may allow a more exact prediction with regard to which location on the basilar membrane generates the response in the individual patient.


Association of autonomous thyroid adenoma with chronic thyroiditis.

Coexistence of an autonomous thyroid adenoma (ATA) with chronic thyroiditis suggests a complex pathogeny pointing to the autonomous character of the nodule and to the presence of immunitary disorders. The rarity of this association and the paucity of data prompted us to present 4 cases of a series of 71 thyroidectomized ATA cases. The rarity of ATA associated with chronic thyroiditis, accumulation of radioiodine under the conditions of euthyroidism only at the adenoma level as well as the possibility for the disease to occur in hypopituitarism, all support the hypothesis of an initial thyreotropic deficiency, with subsequent hyperplasia "of necessity". Later on there is an autonomous hyperfunction increasing pituitary depression, with total extinction of the thyroid tissue outside the adenoma. When the two lesions are associated, we consider that initially there was the TSH-dependent thyroiditis that developed during which, by accidental depression of TSH secretion a local hyperplasia occurs which later becomes autonomous.


Adenine metabolism in man. 1. After intravenous and peroral administration.

The basal plasma concentration of adenine and its renal excretion was studied in two men. For its analysis partly new chromatographic techniques were developed. The plasma concentration varied around 70 nmol/l; the renal excretion rate was, as reported earlier by other investigators, around 10 nmol/min. Loadings, intravenously during about 3 h and orally, both with about 30 nmol adenine per kg body mass revealed that most of the adenine was metabolized to nucleotide form. In the experiments with intravenous administration of adenine only about 2% of the given dose appeared in the urine as adenine and somewhat less as the easily precipitable metabolite 2,8-dihydroxyadenine. In the peroral loads, with higher plasma adenine concentrations, the ratios of the renally excreted two compounds were one to a few per cent higher.


Serum lipids and lipoproteins during abstinence after heavy alcohol consumption in chronic alcoholics.

Serum lipids, liver function tests and liver histology were studied during a withdrawal period in sixty-one male chronic alcoholics with a well-documented earlier clinical history. In these alcoholics with a mean daily ethanol consumption of 340 g during the débauche, the FFA were initially high and decreased during the first week, concomitantly with an increase in serum triglycerides. 38% of the patients had a type IV hyperlipoproteinaemia with elevated serum triglycerides still after 17 days of abstinence. 51% were normolipidaemic at that time. The cholesterol content in the alpha-lipoproteins were initially elevated and normalized during the first week of abstinence. No relationships were observed between serum lipids and liver function tests or degree of liver steatosis or alcohol consumption. The present findings stress the importance of stating the duration of abstinence in studies of biochemical changes after withdrawal.


Fetomaternal relationships of serum bile acids in uncomplicated pregnancy.

Simultaneous umbilical cord arterial, cord venous, and maternal peripheral venous blood samples were collected in labour in twenty-five uncomplicated human pregnancies at term, and the concentrations of serum bile acids were determined by a gas chromatographic method. Cholic acid (C) predominated in the maternal and chenodeoxycholic acid (CD) in the fetal serum samples; the mean ratios of C to CD were 1.50 and 0.92, respectively. Mean concentrations of C and CD were significantly higher in the cord venous (1.27 and 1.55 mumol/l, respectively) than in the maternal venous (0.81 and 0.63 mumol/l, respectively) serum samples. Paired cord arteriovenous comparisons showed that concentrations of C and CD were slightly higher in the cord arterial as compared with the cord venous serum. These results indicate that the placenta is capable to maintain a considerable concentration difference of bile salt between the fetal and maternal compartment. It seems on the basis of cord arteriovenous differences that C and CD are to some extent eliminated from the fetal to the maternal compartment by transplacental passage.


Effect of heparin on the substrate utilization during prolonged exercise.

Leg and splanchnic exchange of free fatty acids (FFA) and glucose was determined during 90 min bicycle exercise after heparin administration in six healthy male volunteers, and the results compared to those obtained previously under identical exercise conditions without the administration of heparin. Heparin elicited a marked elevation of plasma FFA at rest but the exercise values were not higher than during exercise without prior heparin administration. The FFA uptake in the exercising legs was, however, augmented after heparin due to an increase in the fractional leg uptake. Leg glucose uptake and splanchnic glucose production during exercise were not affected by heparin administration. It is concluded that inhibition of glucose uptake by FFA is of minor importance in the regulation of muscle substrate utilization during exercise in man.


Renal blood flow in cirrhosis: relation to systemic and portal haemodynamics and liver function.

The RBF was measured by means of the 133Xe washout method in seventy patients with cirrhosis. The average RBF in controls was 3.72 ml/g-min compared with 2.34 in the patients without ascites, 1.82 in the decompensated patients, 1.47 in the patients with azotaemia and 1.13 in the patients with additional oliguria. The RBF was not significantly correlated to changes in the systemic or portal haemodynamics. Likewise it was not correlated to any biochemical test of liver function except the serum albumin concentration (P less than 0.01). From the present results it can be concluded that a reduction in RBF in cirrhosis frequently is present before sodium and water retention is clinically evident and before laboratory proof of impairment of renal function, and that a subnormal serum albumin concentration may be a factor among several leading to renal hypoperfusion in cirrhosis.


Increased transcapillary escape rate of albumin in patients with cirrhosis of the liver.

The transcapillary escape rate of albumin (TERalb), i.e. the fraction of intravascular mass of albumin that passes to the extravascular space per unit time, was determined from the disappearance of intravenously injected 125I-labelled human serum albumin during the first 60 min after injection in nine patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Six of the patients had ascites. The wedged hepatic venous pressure or splenic pulp pressure ranged from 20 to 30 mmHg, mean 26 mmHg. Plasma albumin concentration was low, but plasma volume was slightly enlarged, and thus the intravascular mass of albumin was only moderately reduced. The transcapillary escape rate of albumin was significantly elevated in all the cirrhotics, mean 10.2%/h, range 8.8 to 12.3%/h, in comparison to values for twenty-eight normal subjects 5.4%/h, range 3.5-7.2%/h. Our results can best be explained by increased filtration out of the vessels in the portal system, due to the increased portal venous pressure. The increased TERalb probably contributes to the formation of oedema and ascitic fluid.


Skin perfusion pressure measured as the external pressure required to stop isotope washout. Methodological considerations and normal values on the legs.

The skin perfusion pressure was measured as the external pressure required to stop blood flow, as evidenced by cessation of the washout of an intracutaneous depot of [131I-]antipyrine mixed with histamine. The external pressure on the skin was measured by an 11 x 11 cm slack air-filled plastic cushion connected to a mercury manometer and interposed between the labelled area and a blood pressure cuff. The 'flow cessation external pressure' (FCEP) varied parallel to the intra-arterial femoral mean blood pressure, but was on the average 10.8 mmHg (SD 6.4) lower. FCEP was measured on twenty normal subjects at four different segments of the leg. The average differences between auscultatory brachial mean blood pressure and FCEP were: thigh 12.0 mmHg (SD 7.6); calf 10.4 mmHg (SD 7.4); ankle 12.9 mmHG (SD 10.1); foot 20.2 mmHg (SD 12.1). The SD of the difference between measurements on two different days, performed in forty-four patients with different degrees of occlusive arterial disease, varied between 5.6 and 8.3 mmHg at the different levels. The present data indicate that the skin perfusion pressure on the legs in normal subjects lies approximately 10 mmHg lower than the systemic mean arterial blood pressure.


Lateral-hole catheters compared with shielded-hole catheter systems in oesophageal manometry.

Water-filled catheters with lateral holes in the distal ends are frequently used in oesophageal manometry. However, the outward position of the recording holes makes mucosal interference a possible risk. A pilot study of oesophageal manometry was performed in five healthy volunteers comparing a conventional lateral-hole catheter with the orifices directed to the centre of the catheter bundle, protected from the mucosa. The centre-hole catheter curves showed a lower resting pressure in the upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS) showed a lower resting pressure in the upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS) and a more rapid decline of the UOS peristaltic wave. The motility curves of the oesophageal body were identical with both catheters.


Improvement in quality of life following jejunoileal bypass surgery for obesity.

Psychological and physical adaptation to jejunoileal bypass surgery for obesity was evaluated in 55 patients observed 15 months to 6 1/2 years postoperatively after a weight loss of about 50 Kg. The response to weight loss, as assessed by a comprehensive, structured questionnaire was an improvement in working capacity, interpersonal relationship, leisure time activity and adjustment to daily life. Sexual activity improved, particularly in men, and irregular menstruation normalized. Body image improved. Major postoperative psychiatric complications were not seen, which may be due to meticulous selection of the proper patients.


Effect of acid on the motility of the oesophagus of the pig with experimentally induced oesophagitis.

The mucous membrane of the oesophagus of 6 pigs was experimentally damaged with hydrochloric acid to create changes similar to reflux oesophagitis. The passage of contrast medium through the oesophagus of the pigs was observed by using spot radiography and pressure measurements. Acid contrast medium caused spasms and nonperistaltic pressure waves during the act of swallowing. Conventional contrast medium traversed the oesophagus normally and the swallowing complex was normal. On the basis of this experimental model it is concluded that the acidity of a bolus is of fundamental importance in the aetiology of spasms in oesophagitis.


Fatty liver in patients with moderate alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus and overweight.

A relationship between the occurrence of fatty liver and moderate alcohol intake, maturity onset diabetes, overweight--and combinations of these three factors--was searched for in 112 patients. Fifty-three of 59 patients with moderate alcohol consumption, 49 of 57 overweight patients, and 42 of 51 diabetic patients had fatty liver. Patients who had a moderate alcohol consumption or suffered from a combination of diabetes and overweight were found to have a significantly higher frequency and degree of fatty liver than patients in the control group. Diabetes alone, and overweight alone were not significantly related to fatty liver. Whether the diabetic state was overt of latent, there was no influence on the frequency or degree of fatty liver. A correlation between the degree of overweight and the degree of fatty liver was found only in the group of overweight patients with moderate alcohol consumption. The degree of fatty liver produced by the combination of overweight and diabetes was not significantly increased by moderate alcohol consumption.


Release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) by intraduodenal stimuli.

The effect of intraduodenal infusion of amino acids, glucose, fat, HCl, ethanol, or saline on plasma VIP concentration was investigated in 7 normal subjects, 5 post-vagotomy patients, and 12 anaesthetized pigs. Furthermore, the concentrations of VIP in plasma after ingestion of a mixed meal were measured in 6 normal subjects. In normal subjects the median peripheral concentration of VIP in the basal state was 4.3 pmol X  I-1 (range 0--12.0). No significant changes occurred after amino acids, glucose, saline, or ingestion of a meal. In contrast infusion of HCl, fat, or ethanol resulted in a rise in plasma VIP concentration in all the subjects studied. The peak values (medians and ranges) after HCl, fat, or ethanol were 9.8 (5.9--12.6), 7.5 (2.4--10.2), and 12.6 (7.8--16.8)pmol X I-1, respectively. Truncal vagotomy did not change the response of HCl. The results from measurements in portal plasma of pigs confirmed the findings in peripheral plasma of normal subjects and showed that the levels of VIP in portal plasma are 1.6--2.9 times higher than the levels of VIP in arterial plasma. The pH threshold to release of VIP was pH 1.1--2.1, and the effect of HCl was not abolished by ganglionic blockade.


Impaired enteric degradation of pancreatic endopeptidases in antibiotic-treated rats.

Conventional Sprague-Dawley rats were fed by gastric tube for 5 days with either benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, doxycycline, or clindamycin. In contrast to the pretreatment period fibrinolytic activity and active and immunoreactive trypsin and immunoreactive elastase were present in fecal extracts after 4 days of antibiotic administration. This is consistent with findings in germfree rats and represents an alteration in the intestinal microflora. The germfree characteristics persisted until a suspension of cecal contents from normal rats was administered by enema on the 26th day. In fecal extracts from the clindamycin-treated rats considerable amounts of active and immunoreactive enzymes were, however, still found 10 days after the enema. A possible explanation is that clindamycin or a metabolite remains in the intestinal tract for a long time. The pathophysiological significance of this finding is unknown.


A comparison of a new non-ionic (metrizamide) and a dissociable (metrizoate) contrast medium in endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP).

Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) was performed on 12 patients with a non-ionic contrast medium (metrizamide) and a traditional dissociable medium (metrizoate). All patients were examined with both media at an interval of one week. The study was based on double blind and a cross-over randomization. There was a significantly lower rise in serum amylase 2 (p = 0.05), 4 (p = 0.04), and 6 hours (p = 0.03) after the examination using the non-ionic contrast medium than after using a dissociable one. The pain during contrast filling of the pancreas was significantly lower (p = 0.015) when using metrizamide than when using metrizoate. All, except one patient, preferred the examination with the non-ionic contrast medium (p = 0.0002). A positive correlation was found between pain and degree of pancreatic filling when using the dissociable medium (r = 0.77). Such a correlation could not be detected following the non-ionic contrast medium (r = 0.009). There was a positive correlation between rise in serum amylase and degree of pancreatic filling with both contrast media. The coefficient of correlation was lower after metrizamide (r = 0.21) than after metrizoate (r = 0.56). It is concluded that a non-ionic contrast medium in this study was better tolerated than a dissociable medium, and that metrizamide was more suitable for endoscopic retrograde pancreatography than the traditional hypertonic contrast medium.


Quantitative determination of pyloric regurgitation in response to intraduodenal bolus injection.

Employing 99m Tc-colloid and external scanning, a test has been developed to measure duodeno-gastric regurgitation quantitatively. The test is relatively simple and its reproducibility is good. Thirty-two patients with type I gastric ulcer had a median reflux of 14%, significantly higher than nine controls and nine duodenal ulcer patients with a median reflux of 4% and 5%, respectively.


Colonic haustral pattern in relation to pressure activity and presence of diverticula.

The correlation between the haustral pattern in the sigmoid colon, on the one hand, and the pressure activity and presence of diverticula, on the other, was examined in 184 patients, subjected to both X-ray examination and sigmoid pressure measurement. No correlation was found between an increased haustral pattern and a high pressure activity. Only a special S-shaped haustral pattern showed a slight correlation to an increased pressure activity. An interpretation of colonic haustral pattern in terms of muscular activity, therefore, seems unwarranted. A significant correlation was found between an increased haustral pattern and the presence of sigmoid diverticula.


Complement system studies in adult coeliac disease.

Detailed complement system studies were performed in 22 patients with adult coeliac disease. Activation products of C3 were observed in the fresh sera of all untreated patients, while only 4 had activation products of factor B of the alternate pathway. Levels of C4 and C3 were lower than normal mean, but only the depression of C4 reached a level of statistical significance. The amounts of circulating C3 activation products were significantly reduced when the patients were on a gluten-free diet. There is thus evidence that activation of the classical pathway of the complement system takes place in adult coeliac disease, and there is an association between gluten ingestion and the complement activity. We suggest that a possible mechanism of tissue injury in this disease is activation of complement factors by a humoral immune reaction to dietary gluten in the intestinal wall.


Comparison between the use of oral contraceptives and the incidence of surgically confirmed gallstone disease.

A causal relationship between the use of oral contraceptives and gallstone disease has been proposed. If this is true, it is reasonable that the incidence of cholecystectomy in women of exposed ages should increase. In the present study a statistical analysis of the change in the incidence of cholecystectomy in women between 1961, i.e. 4 years before, and 1971, i.e. 6 years after, the introduction of oral contraceptives in Sweden was performed. To delimit uncontrolled factors, such as diet and attitude towards surgery, the change in incidence of cholecystectomy in women was compared with the corresponding change in men during these years. The results indicate an increased incidence of cholecystectomy in women in age groups exposed to oral contraceptives. These findings support a causal relationship between the use of oral contraceptives and the incidence of gallstones in the population.


Anaemia in middle-aged men. Prevalence and aetiology in a population study.

A health examination survey showed that 5.7% of 2322 middle-aged men had a haematocrit value below 40%. Only 1.2% had two consecutive low values. 14 men had no bone marrow haemosiderin and increased their haematocrits following iron therapy. In 13 men with no cause of the anaemia detected there was also a significant increase in haematocrit following therapy. The true prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in this population may be estimated to about 1%.


Kinetics of erythropoiesis in the liver induced in adult mice by phenylhydrazine.

Phenylhydrazine treatment of normal mice elicited a rise in the numbers of CFU-S in blood, spleen and liver. High numbers of CFU-S were found in blood and liver 4 d after the first phenylhydrazine injection. CFU-S in the liver decreased slowly and were absent after 2 weeks. Blood CFU-S returned to normal levels by day 6, whereas spleen CFU-S numbers remained high upto day 12 with a 20-fold increase being apparent between days 5 and 8. Bone marrow CFU-S numbers were relatively unaffected except for a dip between days 4 and 7 with a nadir at day 5 where numbers decreased to 50% of the control levels. Approximately 40% of liver, spleen and blood CFU-S present on the 4th d after initiation of phenylhydrazine treatment, were killed with a single dose of hydroxyurea whereas bone marrow CFU-S numbers were not significantly reduced by the drug. Splenectomy performed before (21 d) or during phenylhydrazine treatment did not diminish the number of CFU-S found in theliver on day 4. A 3 d interval was observed between peak numbers of CFS-U and erythroblasts in the liver which suggests that hepatic CFU-S are able to undergo differentiation along the erythroid pathway. The presence of maceophages was correlated with that of erythroblasts in the hepatic central veins. These macrophages may be essential to the liver environment for induction of erythropoiesis.


An inhibitor of activated factor XIII, inhibiting fibrin cross-linking but not incorporation of amine into casein.

An inhibitor of fibrin cross-linking was studied. The inhibitor was quantitatively separated together with the IgG fraction of plasma, but attempts to neutralize the purified inhibitor by commercial anti-IgG sera gave inconstant results, possibly due to anti-factor XIII activity demonstrable in these sera. The inhibitor prevented cross-linking by activated factor XIII, even when tested on preformed fibrin, but was inactive when assayed by the use of a synthetic substrate (monodansylcadaverine). Since, the inhibitor remained in the supernatant after defibrination, and was thus not associated with clottable proteins, the present findings suggest inhibition of activated f. XIII and not blockade of cross-linking sites on fibrinogen.


Studies on the regeneration of the CFU-C population in blood and bone marrow of lethally irradiated dogs after autologous transfusion of cryopreserved mononuclear blood cells.

In a group of 8 lethally irradiated (1200 R) dogs, that were transfused autologously with cryopreserved mononuclear cells (MNC) derived from the peripheral blood by leucapheresis the concentration of colony-forming units in agar (CFU-C) in bone marrow and peripheral blood was estimated at regular intervals after irradiation and transfusion of MNC. The numbers of MNC transfused per kg body weight ranged from 0.32 x 10(9) to 1.63 x 10(9) with an incidence of CFU-C between 0.02 x 10(5) and 1.38 x 10(5). In 6 dogs the CFU-C levels in the bone marrow reached the normal pre-irradiation values between days 15 and 20. But in 2 dogs that had received the lowest CFU-C numbers the regeneration of the bone marrow CFU-C was markedly delayed. In general the time course of the bone marrow repopulation by CFU-C for single dogs was reflected by a corresponding regeneration pattern of the blood CFU-C. The time course of the curves for the blood CFU-C levels on the other hand was of the same kind as for the granulocyte values in the peripheral blood, thuations were seen in the blood CFU-C levels of single dogs before irradiation and after mononuclear leucocyte transfusion. Despite of such limitations the blood CFU-C content appeared to be a useful indicator of haematopoietic regeneration of the bone marrow.


Prognostic factors in Hodgkin's disease. I. Analysis of histopathology, stage distribution and results of therapy.

An unselected material of 83 consecutive and previously untreated adult patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD) from the Stockholm area is presented. The distribution of patients according to age was characteristically bimodal. The histopathological subtypes were 16% lymphocyte predominance (LP), 33% nodular sclerosis (NS), 37% mixed cellularity (MC) and 11% lymphocyte depletion (LD). The patients were treated with aggressive megavoltage irradiation and multidrug chemotherapy. Major factors affecting prognosis were age, clinical stage and constitutional symptoms. Patients with LP and NS subtypes had only slightly better prognosis that patients classified as MC and LD. The overall survival was 68% at 41/2 years, which is close to that reported from other groups with similar composition of their materials with regard to age, histopathology and stage.


Serum cholesterol and triglycerides in children with anaemia.

Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were determined in 17 children with various forms of anaemia and varying rates of red cell production. Anaemic patients had low serum cholesterol values, and a good correlation between Hb and serum cholesterol levels was found. The serum triglyceride levels were also low in most patients, but the results were less closely related to Hb. No relationship could be demonstrated between the rate of red cell production as judged by reticulocyte counts, and serum cholesterol or triglycerides. Apparently all lipoprotein classes are reduced in individuals with uncomplicated anaemias. This hypolipidaemia can only partly be explained by the diluting effect of the increase in plasma volume accompanying anaemia.


A reference system in crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis.

A reference system for crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE) has been developed. The system takes into account the variable quality of the 125I-labeled anti-IgE and permits a direct comparison of the results from one experiment to another. Simultaneously with the preparation of the CRIE slides, a standard series of small paper discs are prepared containing varying, defined amounts of 125I-labeled anti-IgE. These paper discs are laid out for autoradiography together with the CRIE slides. After short periods of exposure, only paper discs with large amounts of isotope are visible on the X-ray films. Longer exposure times permit paper discs with smaller amounts of isotope to be visible. Each precipitate is assigned to a Crie class depending on the number of paper discs visible when the precipitate is detected for the first time.


Depression of rat neutrophil exudation and motility by influenza virus.

Purified influenza A and B viruses (3000 HA units) were injected intraperitoneally into rats. 1 h later the animals were given starch solution intraperitoneally, after which the number and composition of the exuded cells were determined at intervals. Both influenza A and B viruses depressed neutrophil exudation into the peritoneal cavity for a period of 10 to 17 h after the starch injection. The exudation of leukocytes other than neutrophils (a mixture of mononuclear cells and 5% to 10% eosinophils) was depressed for 17 h after starch injection by influenza A virus. When tested in vitro by a modification of the Boyden method, the peritoneal exudate neutrophils from virus-treated animals exhibited significantly depressed chemotaxis and consistently, although not always significantly, reduced chemokinesis (migration in the presence of a chemoattractant without a gradient) and random locomotion. Both influenza A and B viruses inhibited in vitro the motility of starch-induced peritoneal exudate neutrophils in Boyden chambers after a virus-cell interaction of 60 min at 37 degrees C. The present findings support the concept that impaired neutrophil exudation caused by depressed motility is one mechanism responsible for the increased susceptibility to bacterial superinfection during influenza.


Binding properties of radiolabeled basic protein of myelin: reassessment in relation to diagnostic immunoassays.

The binding of radioiodinated basic protein of myelin ([125I]BPM) to a sheep lymphocyte cell pellet, sheep erythrocytes, and cell-free tubes used in the assay was investigated as a possible diagnostic procedure in multiple sclerosis. [125I]BPM apparently bound to 5 x 10(6) sheep lymphocytes incrementally with no plateau, up to 300 ng, and also to sheep erythrocytes; when cells were transferred to fresh tubes, over 90% of the radioactivity remained on the original tube, regardless of the tube surface. Various substances, including BPM and unrelated basic proteins, competitively inhibited the binding of basic protein of myelin to sheep cells and assay tubes. Binding was inhibited by sera from patients with multiple sclerosis, but equally so by normal sera. The large capacity of BPM to bind nonspecifically could limit its use in the above type of binding assay and would need to be allowed for in conventional radioimmunoassays.


Active surgical management of primary vesicoureteral reflux in adults.

Of 27 adults with primary vesicoureteral reflux, 23 were treated surgically. These patients had suffered from chronic urinary-tract infections with poor response to conservative therapy. Urography revealed inflammatory changes in one or both kidneys in 18 patients, as well as other renal or ureteral deformities. Micturition cystography showed reflux reaching the renal pelvis and dilatation of the pelvis and ureter in 18 patients (28 ureters). An antireflux operation was performed on 32 ureters and in all cases was followed by disappearance of the reflux. No ureteral stricture developed postoperatively. During an observation period averaging more than three years only three patients had postoperative urinary-tract infections. These occurred when a short period of medication was terminated. On the basis of present experience we consider that antireflux surgery is indicated for all adults with vesicoureteral reflux and urinary-tract infections or progressive dilatation of the upper urinary tract.


Vein patch grafting for repair of short ureteric strictures.

The generally accepted treatment for short and medium-length strictures of the ureter has been to split the stricture and splint the ureter for a month or more. A new method is here described in which the ureteric stricture is split and the opening is covered with a vein patch-graft. The length of hospital stay is considerably reduced by this operation. Four successfully treated cases with follow-up periods of six months to ten years are presented.


Total replacement of ureter with a segment of ileum.

Replacement of ureter with a segment of ileum was successfully performed in two patients. One had ureteral cancer and the other recurrent calculi due to cystinuria. The first patient had only one kidney. In the second both ureters were replaced with ileum. Formation of a papilla at the distal end of the ileal segment in the bladder may reduce the risk of vesico-ileal reflux.


Delimitation of plasma creatinine concentration values for assessment of relative renal function in adult patients.

Plasma creatinine concentrations and glomerular filtration rates (GFR) were determined simultaneously in 200 females and 180 males of various ages (20-79 years) covering all degrees of relative renal function: normal (greater than 75%); moderately impaired (75-52%); considerably impaired (51-28%); and severely impaired (greater than 28%). The percentages express GFR relative to corresponding age--and sex-dependent normal means. This relative parameter evaluates whether--and to what extent--the combined function of the two kidneys is affected by nephro-urological disorders. For practical purposes plasma creatinine was found to be independent of age in all function groups for both sexes. The data were used to delimit plasma creatinine concentrations for the assessment of relative renal function. For females the limits of plasma creatinine (mumol per litre) were: "normal" (less than 115); "moderately elevated" (115-150); "considerably elevated" (151-250); and "profoundly elevated" (greater than 250). The corresponding figures for males were: less than 128; 128-170; 171-270; and greater than 270.