Enzyme activities in tissues of clinically normal Large White pigs. Variations with age and sex.

The activities of eight enzymes (glutamate dehydrogenase, sorbital dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, alpha-hydroxy butyrate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase) were determined in tissue homogenates of liver, kidney, spleen, lung, small intestine, cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle, from 15 Large White pigs of three different ages (1.5 weeks, 18--22 weeks and 113 weeks). The results showed that variation in tissue enzyme concentration due to differences in sex is minimal. Variation due to differences in age, however, appears to be of greater importance, particularly when considering young animals. These age differences may affect the interpretation of plasma enzyme changes due to tissue damage, and the use of additional enzyme assays as an aid to interpretation in these cases is advisable.


The blood composition of different breeds of bulls undergoing beef performance tests.

Blood samples taken on three occasions from each of 66 bulls undergoing beef performance tests were analysed for packed cell volume, blood glucose, haemoglobin, serum albumin, urea nitrogen, total protein, inorganic phosphate, Ca, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Fe and total iron binding capacity. The bulls were individually fed and situated at two centres, one accommodating Lincoln-Red, Devon and Sussex breeds and the other, Hereford. Significant differences between the Lincoln-Red, Devon and Sussex breeds were observed in concentrations of glucose, urea nitrogen, total iron binding capacity (P less than 0.001), Ca (P less than 0.01), Na and Cu (P less than 0.05). There were no significant correlations between the growth rates of individual bulls and their blood composition.


Staining of glycosaminoglycans in intervertebral disc cells.

Disc material from horse, ox, sheep, pig, dog and cat was stained by the Alcian-blue-critical electrolyte concentration technique and with the standard and two-step periodic acid Schiff methods. The effects of pretreatment with hyaluronidase and with chondroitinase was also evaluated. There appears to be a small increase in total cellular glycosaminoglycan content with age in all species: cellular material of high molecular weight however only increases in aged animals. The degree of sulphation of cellular glycosaminoglycans does not vary with age or with position in the disc.


Alkaline phosphatase reaction of canine mammary mixed tumours: a light and electron microscopic study.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALK-P) reactions at the light and electron microscopic levels were performed on eight canine mammary mixed tumours. In the morphologically normal gland next to the tumours, the myoepithelial cells and the stromal tissues near the acinar basement membranes both showed a positive ALK-P reaction by light microscopy. At the electron microscopic level, those parts of the myoepithelial cell membrane that were in contact with other cells--myoepithelial or lumenal epithelial--showed an ALK-P-positive reaction, as did the adjacent stromal tissue. The characteristic tumour cells, at sites of early proliferation, were ALK-P-positive, while in the mucoid and chondroid areas of the mixed tumours they were largely ALK-P-negative by light microscopy. By electron microscopy, those neoplastic cells which were in contact with other cells typically showed a positive ALK-P reaction, while those cells which were in contact with mucoid or chondroid matrix were largely negative. Although the cytoplasmic filaments of the neoplastic cells were 10 nm thick, and those of normal myoepithelial cells were 6 to 8 nm thick, the observations reported provide further evidence for the view that the essential cells of the canine mammary mixed tumour are derived from myoepithelial cells.


Vaccination of lambs against Taenia ovis infection using antigens collected during in vitro cultivation of larvae: passive protection via colostrum from vaccinated ewes and the duration of immunity from a single vaccination.

Fifty Merino-cross ewes were vaccinated approximately four weeks before parturition with antigens collected during in vitro cultivation of Taenia ovis larvae. A further 50 pregnant ewes were sham-vaccinated at the same time. When the first 20 lambs from each group of ewes were one to two weeks old they were placed, with the ewes, on an experimental paddock heavily contaminated with T ovis eggs. After six weeks the lambs were killed and their total carcase musculature and hearts examined for cysticerci. The results showed that the ewes vaccinated in late pregnancy had conferred a very high degree of transcolostral immunity upon their lambs against the T ovis challenge infection. Eighty T ovis-free Merino-cross weaner lambs, four months old, were divided into two groups of 40. One group was vaccinated with T ovis culture antigens and the other group was sham-vaccinated. At intervals of one, four, eight and 12 months after vaccination 10 lambs from each group were allowed to graze on the plot contaminated with T ovis eggs. After six weeks the lambs were killed and examined for cysticerci of T ovis. The results indicated that the single vaccination had stimulated a high level of immunity which persisted for at least 12 months.


Anaesthetic and surgical technique for bilateral adrenalectomy in stress sensitive pigs.

A technique for anaesthesia of Pietrain pigs using thiopentone or ketamine, ventilation with nitrous oxide and oxygen and muscle relaxation with pancuronium, is described. Bilateral adrenalectomy was carried out by a mid line laparotomy and details of the surgical technique are illustrated. Four of the 10 animals died 7--13 hours after surgery with a hyperthermic response.


The surface antigens of Campylobacter sputorum subspecies mucosalis.

Campylobacter sputorum subsp mucosalis is the vibrio associated with a group of porcine enteropathies in which it is believed the primary lesion is that of adenomatosis. The surface antigens of mucosalis were investigated and individual factor sera were produced; these were used to examine a range of field strains from adenomatosis, necrotic enteritis, regional ileitis and proliferative haemorrhagic enteropathy. Neither these not sequential isolants from the same farm showed any distinctive antigenic pattern and it is suggested that changes in the surface antigens take place during the intracellular existence of the organism.


The anthelmintic efficacy of fenbendazole in the control of Moniezia expansa and Trichuris ovis in sheep.

The anthelmintic efficacy of fenbendazole (methyl 5-(phenyl-thio)-2-benzimidazole-carbamate) against Moniezia expansa and Trichuris ovis was tested. At dose rates of 5 mg per kg and above, efficacies were found to be greater than 91 percent against M expansa and greater than 92 per cent against T ovis. At these dose rates efficacy on egg suppression was 100 per cent for Moniezia and greater than 97 per cent for Trichuris.


Cell-mediated immunity in tropical theileriasis (Theileria annulata infection).

Migration of peripheral leucocytes collected from Theileria annulata carrier cattle was inhibited in the presence of piroplasmal antigen. The degree of inhibition was antigen density dependent. The same antigen did not inhibit migration of leucocytes obtained from clean animals, raised under tick-free conditions. The carrier animals exhibited typical skin sensitivity reaction on intradermal inocluation of the piroplasmal antigen. The known negative animals failed to evince a similar reaction.


Variation in the phosphorus content of bone samples obtained from the last three ribs of cattle.

Variation in the phosphorus content and specific gravity of bone samples taken from the 11th, 12th and 13th ribs of cattle was examined in relation to the selection of a site for the acquisition of such samples by biopsy, in experiments where changes in skeletal phosphorus storage required to be monitored. The degree of mineralisation of the 11th rib was significantly higher than that of the 12th, which in turn was greater than that of the 13th. It was concluded that valid comparisons may be made between bone samples obtained during an experimental regime, provided they are taken from the same numbered rib; it is recommended that the 13th rib be avoided in such studies.


HLA antigens in different age groups.

HLA typing was performed for 17 antigens on cells from 189 unrelated, normal white Caucasians. No significant differences (p greater than 0.05) in distributions of different markers were found among the age groups. There does not seem to be a relation between heterozygosity at HLA-A and HLA-B loci and survival until old age.


Partial trisomy 3q in a newborn female.

Partial trisomy 3q was observed in a newborn female with multiple malformations, who died in the first month of life. A balanced translocation t(3q--;15p+) was present in the mother and in other family members. The correlation between the cytogenetical and the clinical aspects is briefly discussed.


Scanning electron microscopy of podocytes of the renal glomerulus of rats with nephrotoxic serum nephritis.

Nephrotoxic serum nephritis was produced in rats by intraperitoneal injections of rabbit nephrotoxic serum. Heterologous and autologous phases of nephritis were demonstrated by immunofluorescence and ultrastructural studies. Scanning electron microscopy showed changes in the surface of the podocytes, swelling of the arm-like cytoplasmic processes, and disappearance of the pedicles. The podocyte alterations are discussed.


133Xe regional lung perfusion and ventilation study with the computer-assisted gamma-camera.

A new method of studying regional lung functions using 133Xe and the computer-assisted scintillation camera is described. The method and the computer processing give details of the distribution of 133Xe during perfusion and ventilation and also measures of lung function. Some cases are described in detail, and the clinical significance of the method was confirmed in 45 cases.


201Tl for the differential diagnosis of cold thyroid nodules.

We used 201Tl-chloride for studying and differentiating thyroid areas shown to be 'cold' in previous 131I or 99mTc scanning. We investigated sixteen thyroid neoplasms that were removed surgically shortly afterwards. We found an intense intranodular accumulation of 301T1 in five scintigraphs shown to be of histologically malignant neoplasms, and an intense accumulation also in one of those shown to be histologically benign. We did not detect any 201Tl-chloride accumulation in two cases of thyroiditis; one of these had shown an intense accumulation in a previous 131Cs scintigram.


Excretion of metroindazole in human bile. Investigations of hepatic bile, common duct bile, and gallbladder bile.

Excretion of metronidazole (MNZ) in the normal and in the diseased biliary tract was investigated in 58 patients after oral or intravenous administration of MNZ. After oral administration MNZ appeared rapidly in hepatic bile, and throughout the period of absorption and elimination almost identical concentrations of MNZ were found in serum and hepatic bile. After intravenous administration no significant differences were found between concentrations of MNZ in common duct bile and serum in the non-obstructed common duct; in common duct obstruction, concentrations of MNZ in common duct bile were 56--99 per cent of corresponding concentrations in serum. MNZ was concentrated in normal gallbladders. In patients with gallbladder stones and preserved function of the gallbladder and in patients with no function of the gallbladder but a patent cystic duct, no significant differences were found between concentrations of MNZ in gallbladder bile, common duct bile, and serum. In most gallbladders with the cystic duct blocked by a stone, no MNZ was found in gallbladder bile.


Paracortical activity of the regional lymph nodes as a prognostic determinant in gastric carcinoma.

One hundred and thirty eight gastric carcinomas were assessed histologically with special attention focused on the nuclear grade of the tumor, the stromal lymphocyte reaction, and the morphology of the paracortical areas of the regional lymph nodes. Nuclear grade of the carcinoma was closely correlated with the 5-year survival rate of the patient, but no favorable prognostic influence could be attributed to the stromal lymphocyte reaction. The activity of the regional lymph node paracortex was directly positively correlated with the survival and inversely related to the appearance of the nodal metastases which were ominous prognostic signs. The value of the morphology of the regional lymph node paracortex in assessing the criteria of host resistance in association with gastric carcinoma is emphasized.


Morphology of the regional lymph nodes of gastric carcinoma and ulcer of the stomach in relation to immunological function.

One hundred regional lymph nodes from 55 patients with gastric carcinoma and the same number of regional nodes from 51 patients with ulcer of the stomach were evaluated histologically by using the standardized reporting system of Cottier et al. (9). A special attention was focused on the immunological response in these nodes. The cellular elements of the antibody-response were found to be active more often in the ulcer-series than in the cancer-series. On the other hand, the elements of the cell-mediated immune system were depressed more often in the nodes of the carcinoma-patients. The significance of the different immune response evoked by these two diseases is discussed, and the applicability of the standardized reporting system used is emphasized.


Coeliac disease diagnosed by means of duodenoscopy and endoscopic duodenal biopsy.

Nineteen patients with suspected coeliac disease were examined by duodenoscopy and biopsy. In all patients a histopathology consistent with coeliac disease was demonstrated in endoscopic biopsies of the duodenal mucosa. On close-up view villous atrophy was seen in vivo. Fourteen patients were re-examined on a gluten-free diet. In 13 patients a restitution of the duodenal mucosa was shown. Duodenoscopy combined with biopsy seems to be a reliable method for the assessment of the mucosal change in coeliac disease.


Humoral and cell-mediated immunity to hepatitis B virus antigens in acute and chronic liver disease.

The humoral immune response to hepatitis B virus antigens and the cell-mediated immunity to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were investigated in 12 healthy persons and 56 patients with various liver diseases. In patients with acute viral hepatitis type B, anti-hepatitis B core antigen was present constantly in serum in all phases, and after clinical recovery simultaneously with anti-HBs. A transitory cellular immune response to HBsAg was demonstrated at the time the antigen was cleared, while a patient with persisting HBs antigenaemia and another with transient hepatitis Bc antigen showed no response during the course of the disease. Cellular immune response to HBsAg was present only infrequently in patients with chronic liver disease type B and non-B, thus suggesting that a cellular immunity to HBsAg is not a prerequisite for the development of these conditions.


Crohn's disease. A long-term study of the clinical course in 186 patients.

A series of 186 patients with Crohn's disease treated during the period 1956--1968 was followed up. During the follow-up period about 95% of the patients had undergone resection or by-pass surgery. The patients operated on between 1956--1968 were followed up with reference to recurrence rate. The mean observation time was 10.5 years. The recurrence rate after resection was 51%. "Radical" resection gave 29% recurrences. "Non-radical" resection gave 84% recurrences. Patients who had undergone a primary "radical" resection needed fewer re-operations, had fewer recurrences and a better "quality of life" than patients with a "non-radical" first operation. The total mortality in operations or due to complications of Crohn's disease in the series was 5.4%. The mortality in connection with operations was 3.4%. The general health of the patients examined in 1975 (165 patients) was estimated; 87% were in very good general health, 9.1% had moderate subjective symptoms, and 3.6% had pronounced subjective symptoms.


Leucocyte migration test with autologous colonic mucosa as antigen in patients with ulcerative colitis.

The leucocyte migration agarose technique (LMAT) was applied in a study of the migration of peripheral leucocytes in 16 patients with ulcerative colitis using three different autologous types of tissue as antigen: rectal mucosa, skin and buccal mucosa. In all cases the migration indices were within normal limits, and they did not differ from a group of control patients suffering from peptic ulcer, irritable colon or haemorrhoidal tumours. The present study does not support the theory of cellular hypersensitivity against colonic mucosa in patients with ulcerative colitis.


Maximum acid output in duodenal ulcer patients with different length of history and controls without dyspepsia.

Recent studies suggest a normal maximum acid secretion in duodenal ulcer patients with a history of less than three years, but an increase of secretion in those with longer history. The validity of this hypothesis was investigated in groups of patients with operatively verified duodenal ulcer and history for less than 3, 3--6, and 7--10 years. Each group, including 21 men and nine women, was compared to two male and one female group of age-matched controls without dyspepsia. In smaller groups of 16 men it was possible to compare age-matched groups from a population of 376 men with histories for up to 22 years. Finally, 11 men with an ulcer history of less than one year were compared to 11 controls. All subjects had measurements of MAO by the augmented histamine test. MAO was significantly higher in patients with a history less than one year and less than three years, respectively, compared to controls. After correction of MAO for weight or lean body mass the difference remained significant in men, but not in the smaller groups of women. MAO in men with a history of from less than three up to 22 years did not show any maximum. Thus, the study did not support the assumption that gastric hypersecretion is a result of duodenal ulceration.


Influence of food on the effect of propantheline and L-hyoscyamine on salivation.

The absorption of a quartenary (propantheline, 30 mg) and a tetiary (1-hyoscyamine, 0.8 mg) anticholinergic compound was studied in 8 healthy volunteers by measuring the effects on salivation. Both compounds were administered as rapidly disintegrating tablets, 1-hyoscyamine also in a slow-release formulation (Egazil Durules). The three preparations and placebo were administered under fasting conditions and with a standardized light meal using a randomized cross-over design. Salivation measurement were performed with a citric acid stimulation method every hour for 10 hours. In the fasting patient, all three anticholinergic test preparations decreased the salivation significantly. When taken with food, the effect of propantheline was almost abolished, while the effects of the 1-hyoscyamine preparations were uninfluenced. It was concluded that the clinical effects of proprantheline might be extremely varying depending how the drug is taken in relation to meals. In contrast the clinical effects of 1-hyoscyamine seem to be independent of food intake.


Bacterial flora of the small intestine and bile acid metabolism in patients with hepatico-jejunostomy Roux-en-Y.

Duodenal and jejunal bacterial flora and bile acid metabolism were investigated in 14 patients with hepatico-jejunostomy Roux-en-Y. Anaerobic culture procedures were based on the use of a glove-box with an oxygen-free atmosphere and pre-reduced, anaerobically sterilized media. Anaerobic transport was based on evacuation of atmospheric air from transport-tubes and transport-time less than 30 minutes. Bile acid metabolism was evaluated from concentrations of toal bile acids and deconjugated bile acids, glycine/taurine ratio and breath test. In 92 per cent of the patients an abnormal flora-containing anaerobic and/or aerobic bacteria was found in the most proximal part of the jejunum at the site of the entero-entero anastomosis (cf. Fig. 1 and Table 1). Total bile acid concentrations were low in half of the patients, whereas deconjugated bile acids or elevated glycine/taurine ratio was found in one patient only (cf. Table II). An abnormal breath test was found in 5 patients, but without any clear correlation between the breath test and the bacterial flora.


Gastric emptying after different surgical procedures for duodenal ulcer.

Gastric emptying has been studied in patients operated upon for duodenal ulcer by either 1) parietal cell vagotomy without or 2) with pyloroplasty, 3) truncal vagotomy combined with pyloroplasty or 4) antral resection, 5) gastric resection a.m. Billroth I or 6) Billroth II. Isotonic saline and 10% glucose solution have been used as test meals. Volumes of meal remaining 10 and 30 minutes after the instillations of the saline and the glucose meal respectively have been estimated. After parietal cell vagotomy without pylorplasty (PCV) the gastric emptying rate of 10% glucose solution was significantly faster than in unoperated duodenal ulcer patients. After all the other surgical procedures the gastric emptying rate of saline as well as of glucose solution was in turns significantly faster than after PCV. These results indicate the importance of the antrum-pyloric region for the control of gastric emptying rate of isotonic saline and hyperosmolar glucose solution.


Effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide and pancreatic polypeptide on small bowel propulsion in the rat.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and the newly discovered pancreatic polypeptide (PP), both having been proposed as pathogenetic factors in the watery diarrhea syndrome (WDRA), were intravenously infused into rats in order to study the effect on small bowel propulsion. Simultaneously with the infusion of hormone, radioactive test substance was continuously infused into the duodenum of the conscious animal through a permanent catheter. By recording the distribution of radioactivity along the excised gastrointestinal tract, analyses of small bowel propulsion were possible. After infusion of VIP small bowel transit time was significantly prolonged, and the local propagation velocity was retarded both in the proximal and the distal part of the small bowel. PP did not alter small bowel populations. The heavily retarded transport rate after VIP is a propulsive dysfunction and not inconsistent with the clinical sign of diarrhea.


In vitro effects of gastrin on the movement of electrolytes across the human colon.

Using an in vitro system, the effect of gastrin on the colonic handling of water and electrolytes has been investigated. Gastrin converted the normal mucosal absorption of water and sodium into a net secretion. The colonic response to gastrin was done-related with respect to sodium, and the effects were greater when it was added to the serosal side. The potassium handling of the isolated colonic mucosa was not altered by gastrin. At a concentration of 800pg/ml, gastrin signficantly reduced the normal movement of sodium from mucosa to serosa (absorption) but  significantly increased serosal to mucosal movement (secretion). This alteration in the bidirectional flux of ions under the influence of gastrin may be clinically important and could account in partt for the diarrhoea associated with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.


Increased sensitivity of lymphocytes from atopic individuals to histamine-induced suppression.

Histamine depressed lymphocyte reactivity to phytohemagglutinin and, to a lesser degree, concanavalin A, when administered simultaneously with mitogen to lymphocyte cultures. Addition of histamine at later times to the cultures appeared to have a slightly enhancing effect on the lymphocyte response. Stimulation of lymphocytes with pokeweed mitogen was in some cases enhanced, even by high concentrations of histamine. Lymphocytes from atopic individuals were more sensitive to the inhibitory effect of histamine than lymphocytes from nonatopic individuals. The sensitivity appeared age-dependent, but within each age group histamine evoked significantly more suppression on lymphocytes from atopic than from nonatopic individuals. The possibility that the altered reactivity of lymphocytes to histamine, which appears to be associated with atopic allergy, is of pathogenic importance, is discussed, and a hypothesis for the development of atopic disease is proposed.


A survey for circulating immune complexes in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Use of a C1q-binding assay with soluble protein A as indicator.

A new assay for the detection of circulating C1q-binding immune complexes (IC) is described. The assay makes use of solid-phase C1q and iodinated soluble protein A, extracted from the cell wall of Staphylococcus aureus. In a model system the assay could detect heat-aggregated IgG down to a concentration of about 50 ng/ml. This method and three other assays, previously described, were used to survey the appearance of IC activity in sera from hospitalized patients with acute myocardial infarction. Depending on the assay system used, from 56% to 66% of the patients investigated were found to develop circulating IC. The earliest appearance of circulating IC was noted 5 days after infarction. The highest incidence of positive reactions and the strongest reactions occurred 2 to 3 weeks after hospitalization; thereafter the IC positiveness tapered off, and all patients were negative 6 weeks after infarction.


Antibody-dependent cytotoxicity mediated by cells eluted from synovial tissues of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Cell suspensions containing an average of 78% lymphocytes were obtained from synovial tissues of 26 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 10 patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. These cells were shown to mediate cytotoxicity against 51Cr-labeled chicken erythrocytes sensitized with a rabbit anti-chicken erythrocyte antiserum. Nylon column filtration of the cells increased the proportion of lymphocytes and usually also the cytotoxicity, which suggested that at least some of the effector cells were lymphocytes. The cytotoxic activity of the cells obtained from rheumatoid synovial tissue was always lower than that obtained with the patients' peripheral blood lymphocytes. No significant change in cytotoxicity of normal peripheral blood lymphocytes was observed after these cells had been treated in the same manner as the rheumatoid synovial tissues.


A rapid spot immunoprecipitate assay method applied to quantitating C-reactive protein in pediatric sera.

A simple, rapid spot immunoprecipitate assay (SIA) technique is compared with the rocket electroimmunoassay and a latex agglutination method for determination of C-reactive protein (CRP) in pediatric sera. The SIA reaction conditions are special, since the antigen is made passively available in a gel for reaction with an abundance of antibody. In the present study the antigen-antibody interaction occurs in the presence of alternating electric current. The reaction is visualized by protein staining and quantitated by comparison with simultaneously run standards. Highly significant (P less than 0.001) Spearman's coefficients of correlation between SIA and rocket results were found along with evidence of discrepancies between the methods which could be related to the heterogeneity in electric charge of the CRP molecules. In this respect some sera with negative (greater than or equal to 10 mg CRP/l) rocket results had two- to ten-fold higher SIA ratings. In contrast to the rocket method, SIA could differentiate sera that were negative and low positive in agglutination. Some discrepancies between an agglutination technique and SIA estimates were noted in low-positive sera differing in electromobility from the cathodic traveling CRP standard. Reproducibility of photometrically registered SIA was +/-16.2%; visually evaluated it was +/-9.7%. As little as 0.5 ng CRP was demonstrable in a human serum pool dilution at 0.17 mg/ml.


Interaction between a synthetic polypeptide, TIGAL, and Fc receptors on non-bursa-derived chicken lymphoid cells.

Autoradiographic studies have shown that radioiodinated TIGAL binds in vitro to a small but varying fraction of lymphoid cells from bursectomized, agammaglobulinemic chickens, whereas no binding of radioiodinated TGAL or a variety of other radioiodinated antigens can be observed. The binding of [125I]TIGAL is inhibited by antigen-antibody complexes. Radioiodinated antigen-antibody complexes are bound to a similar proportion of the lymphoid cells from bursectomized chickens, and this binding is inhibited by preincubation of the cells with unlabeled TIGAL but not with TGAL. These results indicate a cross-reaction at the level of Fc receptors between determinants on TIGAL and on IgG.


Boosting of secretory IgA antibody responses in man by parenteral cholera vaccination.

The occurrence of specific antibodies to Vibrio cholerae lipopolysaccharide in serum, milk, and saliva of Pakistani women from a very low socioeconomic group was studied before and after a single subcutaneous cholera vaccination. Before immunization all women had low levels of specific antibodies in serum, primarily of IgM class, and in many cases cholera IgA angibodies were found in milk and saliva as well, indicating earlier natural exposure. The vaccination consistently induced a marked rise in serum antibody titer, and notably also produced significant titer increases in 70% of the milk and in 45% of the saliva samples. Whereas the serum antibodies induced were predominantly of the IgG class, secretory IgA was responsible for most of the titer increase in the secretions. The results indicate that parenteral cholera vaccination can boost local secretory IgA antibody responses in intestinally primed individuals.


Mutagen-induced diploid human lymphoblast variants containing altered hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase.

The human lymphoblast line MGL8 was treated with HAT and subsequently "mutagenized" with EMS (200 microgram/ml) to give 15% survival, and 6-thioguanine-resistant cells were selected by cloning in soft agarose containing the drug (1 microgram/ml). Eighteen sublines of independently derived resistant clones were isolated and studied in detail. One subline had a low residual HGPRT activity of about 1% of the parental cells. The HGPRT of this subline had a higher Km for PRPP, was more sensitive to heat, and was degraded faster by trypsin than the enzyme in extracts of MGL8 cells. This resistant subline and three others contained CRM levels of 1--38%, compared to the wild-type, so they probably represent true structural mutants of the HGPRT gene. All the variants maintained the karyotype of the parental line (46, XY, 6p-).


Microcarrier cell culture: new methods for research-scale application.

A positive-charge-carrying, dextran microsphere has been developed which serves as an excellent surface for the attachment and growth of anchorage-dependent cells in microcarrier culture. With standard cell culture media, saturation cell concentrations in excess of 4 X 10(6) cells/ml are routinely obtained for secondary chicken embryo fibroblasts or normal diploid human fibroblasts. The use of microcarriers reduces the time, expense, and apparatus complexity required for the routine propagation of anchorage-dependent cells.


Segregation studies in CHO hybrid cells: I. Spontaneous and mutagen-induced segregation events of two recessive drug-resistant loci.

The process of segreation or phenotypic expression of two recessive drug-resistant loci from heterozygous Chinese hamster ovary hybrid lines is examined. The spontaneous segregation rates of phytohaemagglutinin resistance (Phar) and a temperature-dependent 8-azaguanine-resistant locus (Azarts) from heterozygous quasitetraploid lines using Luria-Delbruck fluctuation analysis were 5 X 10(-5) and 10(-5) events/cell/generation, respectively. In quasihexaploid lines, the latter rates increased 40- and 200-fold, respectively, and were dependent on the number of presumptive drug-sensitive allelel. The mutagens EMS, MNNG, ICR-170, ICR-191, and gamma rays significantly increased the frequency of segregation events. The mutagen-induced frequency of dominant mutations to ouabain (Ouar) and alpha-amanitin (Amar) rsistance in the same hybrid line was much lower in comparison to segregation events and was mutagen specific. The chromosome number per metaphase cell was more variable than DNA content in quasitetraploid lines. These properties of marker segregation are consistent with mechanisms of either restricted chromosome loss, rearrangement, or mutation.


Enhanced expression of alkaline phosphatase in hybrids between neuroblastoma and embryonal carcinoma.

Three independent hybrid cell lines were isolated from the fusion of clonal lines of embryonal carcinoma and neuroblastoma. A series of subclones was subsequently derived from the original hybrid clones. In early hybrid generations all hybrid lines showed enhancement of alkaline phosphatase activity, expressing 2--8 times the activity of the teratoma parental line. The overexpression of APase appears to take place in the stationary phase of the growth cycle. Segregation for very high levels of APase activity was observed among subclones of one hybrid line. Specific activities of the segregants ranged from 0.1 to 133. Results of heat denaturation studies are consistent with the hypothesis that it is the embryonal carcinoma APase that is being expressed in the hybrids.


A procedure for the fusion of cells in suspension by means of polyethylene glycol.

The nuclei of chick and human fibroblasts are readily distinguishable in Leishman stained heterokaryons. The use of these two types of cell has allowed development of a method for fusion in suspension based on the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) of MW 1000 in Dulbecco's medium containing 15% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO).


A simple method for polyethylene glycol-promoted hybridization of mouse myeloma cells.

A simple method is described for promoting the fusion of mouse myeloma cells in suspension with polyethylene glycol (PEG 1000). By carefully controlling the concentraion of PEG and the time of exposure of the cells, it was possible to obtain hybridization frequencies several-hundred-fold higher than those obtained with Sendai virus.


Human mitochondrial thymidine kinase is coded for by a gene on chromosome 16 of the nucleus.

The expression of human mitochondrial thymidine kinase (mt TK) was investigated by polyacrylamide electrophoresis in 19 independent human-mouse somatic cell hybrids which allowed all human chromosomes to be analyzed. In 8 hybrid clones the presence of this enzymatic activity could be demonstrated. Human mt TK segregated concordantly with human adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) and human chromosome 16. Discordant segregation with all other human chromosomes was demonstrated by karyotype and isozyme analyses. These results suggest that human mt TK is coded for by a gene on chromosome 16 of the nucleus. Thus human mt TK is genetically different from human cytosol thymidine kinase which is coded for by a gene on chromosome 17. The appearance of one heteropolymer band after electrophoretic separation of human and murine mt TK supports the notion that both enzymes have dimeric structures.


Properties of teratocarcinoma-thymus somatic cell hybrids.

A series of teratocarcinoma-thymus hybrid cells (PCT hybrids), which had been shown previously to give rise to multidifferentiated tumors and hence to be pluripotent, was tested to see whether these cells resembled their embryonal carcinoma parent in other ways as well. PCT hybrid cells looked like embryonal carcinoma parent in other ways as well. PCT hybrid cells looked like embryonal carcinoma cells by phase contrast and electron microscopy, have high levels of alkaline phosphatase, and fail to express Thy 1 alloantigen (which is present on thymocyte parental cells, but not on embryonal carcinoma cells). PCT hybrids do, however, exhibit H2 antigens, which are present only at very low levels, if at all, on embryonal carcinoma cells.


Variant Chinese hamster cells resistant to the proline analog L-azetidine 2-carboxylic acid.

Variants resistant to the toxic effects of the proline analog L-azetidine 2-carboxylic acid (AZCA) have been isolated from the Chinese hamster tissue culture line G3 by a three-step selection procedure using increasing concentrations of AZCA. Cells surviving each of the three selective steps have been examined for AZCA resistance and for proline uptake, biosynthesis, and degradation. The largest increment in AZCA resistance is acquired in the third step and is due to overproduction of proline as a result of increased activity of the enzyme system responsible for the conversion of glutamic acid to glutamic gamma-semialdehyde. It is not accompanied by an increase in the rate of formation of proline from ornithine or in the rate of proline uptake or degradation.


Mutants of Chinese hamster ovary cells with altered glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity.

Two mutant clones of a Chinese hamster ovary cell line deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity have been characterized. In each case, there is evidence that a structural gene mutation has taken place. The first mutant produces 11% specific enzyme activity compared to wild-type parental cells, but this residual activity is much more heat sensitive than that of the wild type. The second mutant contains no residual activity, but a revertant was isolated that exhibits a partial restoration of G6PD activity with, again, an increased heat sensitivity. The selection of G6PD+ cells from G6PD- populations can be effected by exploiting the increased sensitivity of the latter to diamide, a compound that depletes the cell of reduced glutathione.


Cybrid formation in mouse L cells: the influence of cytoplast-to-cell ratio.

The frequency of cybrid colony formation was measured in fusions between enucleated chloramphenicol (CAP)-resistant mouse cells and CAP-sensitive mouse cells in varying ratios. By labeling the CAP-resistant cytoplasts with polystyrene beads and then performing the same fusions with CAP-sensitive cells, the frequency of cybrid fusions could be measured. Comparison of the frequency of viable cybrids (cybrid colonies) with the frequency of cybrid fusions showed that, with increasing fusion ratios of cytoplasts to cells, the proportion of cells fused to cytoplasts increased. Further, the viability of cybrid fusions increased from about 1 in 500 to nearly 1 in 60 over the range of cytoplast-to-cell ratios studied.


Complementation between two temperature-sensitive mammalian cell mutants, each defective in the G1 phase of the cell cycle.

Two mammalian temperature-sensitive (ts) G1 cell cycle mutants of different species origin (Syrian hamster and mouse) have been tested for complementation using somatic cell hybrid analysis. All hamster-mouse hybrid clones tested were found to exhibit normal growth properties at the restrictive temperature, while neither mutant alone was capable of normal growth at this temperature. The two mutant lines therefore complement for growth in a somatic cell hybrid and most likely represent ts lesions in different cellular functions specific to the G1 phase of the cell cycle.


Histocompatibility antigens and myocardial infarction.

HLA typing was carried out in 50 Edinburgh men aged 45 years or under who had experienced a myocardial infarction and in 96 healthy 40-year-old men radomly selected from the same community. No significant differences in antigen frequencies were found, and our results therefore fail to support the hypothesis suggesting an association between HLA-B8 and haplotype A1-B8 with ischemic heart disease.


HLA gene and haplotype frequencies in spina bifida. Population and family studies.

The search for HLA association in spina bifida is particularly interesting since this condition can be associated with the effects of the T locus in mice. Gene and haplotype frequencies in 32 unrelated patients suffering from spina bifida were studied. Gene frequency of HLA-B5 and haplotype frequency of A2, B5 were increased without reaching signification levels. Fourteen families were examined clinically and radiologically. A high frequency of spina bifida occulta and other vertebral abnormalities was found without evidence of linkage with HLA haplotypes.


Difference of hepatic circulation between alcoholic and non-alcoholic hepatic cirrhosis.

Comparisons were made of hepatic circulation between alcoholic and non-alcoholic cirrhosis. The wedged hepatic venous pressure and per cent intrahepatic shunt measured by the method of continuous infusion of D-galactose-1-14C were similarly markedly increased. On the other hand, the wedged hepatic venography showed the main portal trunk and extrahepatic collaterals, namely, the tendency of reverse or stagnant portal flow, more frequently in alcoholic cirrhosis than in non-alcoholic cirrhosis. The nodules shown by slow low-pressure hepatic sinusoidography were larger in non-alcoholic cirrhosis than in alcoholic cirrhosis.


Measurement of digital arterial blood pressure and its recording on usual electrocardiograph paper.

A simple method for measuring digital arterial pressure and its recording on usual EKG heat-writing paper was devised. The method enabled us to measure exactly the digital systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure without providing the calibrating scale of pressure, since the pressure scale is recorded on the paper automatically as pulse signals at the interval of 10mmHg. The pulse waves are also registered on the same paper by means of the finger plethysmograph. By use of a right-angled triangle transparent rule, we could estimate the value of digital systolic pressure at which the pulse wave began to appear when the cuff pressure for compressing the artery was gradually lowered. Estimated values of the digital arterial pressures were compared with those obtained by another method of Mendlowitz and his coworkers.


Scintigraphic evaluation of cold thyroid nodules.

Scintagraphic patterns of cold thyroid nodules taken by the scintillation camera with radioactive iodine-131 were reported. Previous reports published by others on this subject were based on the scintillation scanner which gave us less sharp resolution than the scintillation camera. Our data indicate that the defect pattern is largely dependent upon the existence of the capsule as well as the size of the nodule. In general, a benign nodule shows defect having a rather smooth margin with somewhat distended normal thyroid tissue, whereas malignant one, if it has no capsule, shows an irregular or straight margin. However, the defect pattern of malignant nodule covered with a capsule is similar to that of benign nodule. A defect of the entire unilateral lobe and highly irregular-shaped defect spread over bilateral lobes are suggestive of malignancy. These findings seem to be generally similar to those reported by others. However, pull-up phenomenon of lower pole coexisting with the defect in the upper half is highly suggestive of malignancy, especially of papillary type. As long as defect (negative) pattern is investigated, the diagnosis of cold nodule inevitably meets certain limitations. To avoid this problem, the radiopharmaceutical which exclusively concnetrates in malignant nodule should be searched. Then, the scintigraphic diagnosis of thyroid nodule will become more reliable.


Plasma cortisol concentration in newborn infants.

Plasma cortisol was measured in cord and neonatal blood. Cortisol concentration in neonates decreased rapidly during the first three days after delivery and thereafter remained at an almost constant level. The more the delivery was stressful, the higher the cortisol in the 1-day-old infant, but the concentration came down to the same level as in the less stressful delivery on the 3rd day of the infants' life. The cortisol level in vaginal delivery after spontaneous labor was not different from that in vaginal delivery after oxytocin induced labor. Cortisol in small-for-date infants or infants with hyperbilirubinemia was lower than in average-for-date infants or infants without hyperbilirubinemia.


Ultrasonic studies on endocardial fibroelastosis.

Four patients with endocardial fibroelastosis were studied by two-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography. The two-dimensional echocardiography showed the characteristic echo from the abnormally thickened endocardium of the left ventricle in every case. Of the 4 cases, 2 were still suffering from congestive heart failure at the time of the study and the other 2 had been already free from clinical symptoms. In the former group, the ultrasonic findings revealed an enlargement of the left ventricle (large left ventricular dimension index) and poor movement of the anterior mitral leaflet which was indicated by a decrease in the diastolic descent rate. The latter group presented almost normal findings concerning the above points. The ultrasonic method is thus proved to be very useful for the diagnosis and evaluation of clinical conditions in cases of endocardial fibroelastosis.


Ultrasonic diagnosis of intrascrotal contents.

Our brief experience of the use of ultrasonography and ultrasonic Doppler method for the diagnosis of intrascrotal contents were described. Five cases of testicular tumor, two cases of hydrocele and one case of epididymal tuberculosis were successfully diagnosed by ultrasonography. Only one case of chronic inflammation was misdiagnosed as a testicular tumor. Two cases of testicular torsion and two cases of acute epididymitis were easily differentiated by the ultrasonic Doppler method. We suggest that this is the most reliable technique for differentiation between these two diseases.


Insulin and growth hormone secretion stimulated by intravenous administration of arginine in the low insulin responders (prediabetes?).

Twelve apparently healthy subjects who showed a low insulin response to glucose were selected from two different age groups, 6 from youngers aged 19 to 22 and 6 from olders above 65 years old, and responses of insulin and growth hormone secretion to an intravenous administration of arginine were investigated. Incidence of low insulin responders, who showed the peak value of plasma insulin during GTT below 45 muU/ml, was 9% among the young subjects and 24% among the old ones. Insulin secretion stimulated by arginine in 6 young low responders was not different from that in the control group matched with regard to age and body weight, and the values of growth hormone during arginine infusion were higher than those of the control group. In the old low insulin responders, insulin secretion stimulated by arginine was significantly lower than that in the control group, but the growth hormone secretion was not different from that in control. The present study showed that insulin and growth hormone secretion stimulated by arginine in young low-insulin-responders were different from those in the old ones. The low insulin responders are discussed in regard to prediabetes.


Lipid-chemical features of human gastric cancerous, polypous and ulcerative tissues.

Fourteen cases of gastric cancer, 9 cases of gastric polyp and 4 cases of gastric ulcer were studied on their tissues lipid-chemically with the aim to clarify the biochemical differences between malignant and benign growth of the human gastric tissue. Tissues were collected by surgical operation or a biopsy together with the normal tissues surrounding the lesions. One part of each tissue was subjected to histologic examination and the other part to lipid analyses by means of TLC and GLC. The total lipid content was dcreased in 71% of gastric cancerous cases and in 75% of both cases of gastric polyp and gastric ulcer as compared with the respective control tissues. The phospholipid fatty acid content of the lesions was decreased in 83% of cancerous cases but in 50% of polypous cases as compared with the respective control tissues. As for the phospholipid fatty acid composition, the percentage value of C20:4 was increased and the percentage value of C18:2 was decreased in gastric cancerous tissues when compared with those of gastric polypous tissues. Such a change of the phospholipid fatty acid composition may produce the change of the fluidity of the cell membrane and may provoke a malignant growth of human gastric cancer cells.


Inhibition of cellular DNA synthesis by rat peritoneal macrophages.

The DNA synthesis in syngeneic, allogeneic and xenogeneic cells was inhibited by peritoneal macrophages of normal WKA rats. This inhibitory effect of macrophages was found to be mediated by a soluble factor (MfID) released into a culture medium from macrophages which was heat-stable and non-dialyzable. The MfID was also responsible for the inhibtion of lymphocyte DNA synthesis by MLC reaction. The action of MfID was indicated to suppress rather than to kill cell growth. It was interpreted that the inhibitory effect of macrophages on cellular DNA synthesis is their inherent property and macrophages may play the role of regulating the proliferation of lymphocytes and other cells.


The effect of iodoacetamide-induced fundic ulcers on gastric carcinogenesis produced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in rats.

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of ulcer induced by iodoacetamide on the development of gastric carcinoma by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in male Wistar rats. Fifty-six of the 62 ulcers induced by IAM were located in the fundic gland area along the limiting ridge. The incidence of fundic carcinoma was 16% in the groups treated with IAM and MNNG, while no fundic carcinoma was found in the group treated with MNNG alone. This difference was statistically significant. All the carcinomas in the fundic gland area were confined within the ulcer itself or its scar tissue, produced by IAM. These findings indicate that if an ulcer is present, carcinoma develops even in the fundic mucosa which is, if intact, resistant to the carcinogenic stimulation of MNNG. It was concluded that gastric ulcer predisposes the development of gastric carcinoma.


Phytohemagglutinin-induced cytotoxic action of normal lymphocytes on cells in tissue culture using 14C-leucine incorporation.

Stimulation of normal peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and production of PHA-induced cytotoxicity were investigated. PBL transformation stimulated by PHA was measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation, and the cytotoxicity was assayed by measuring the reduction of 14C-leucine incorporation in to target cells after interaction with PHA-treated PBL. The cytotoxicity of PHA-treated PBL showed dose response curves which corresponded with that of PBL transformation. Reduced 14C-leucine incorporation of target cells caused by cytotoxic PBL would be a reliable measure of immune reactions.


A secular trend in age at menarche in Sendai city and its surroundings.

A secular trend in age at menarche was examined for 1,333 women living in Sendai city and its surroundings by applying the birth-year cohort analysis and the cross-sectional probit analysis. The trend toward younger menarcheal ages was consistently observed by both analyses, and it started off soon after the second World War. The speed was 0.11 year/year for the observation period of 1946 to 1966.


Synthesis of fluorine-18 labeled 21-fluoroprogesterone.

21-Fluoroprogesterone has been synthesized by the nucleophilic displacement of the mesyl group of the 21-hydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione 21-methanesulfonate by fluoride ion, as formed from the solvolysis of potassium fluoride in acetonitrile, using 18-Crown-6 as the catalyst. In a similar manner, the synthesis of 21-fluoroprogesterone labeled with fluorine-18 has been accomplished, producing approximately 800 muCi of product from 6 mCi of K18F in one hour. This demonstrates that 18F labeled molecules of potential values as readiopharmaceuticals can be prepared rapidly in sufficient yield to allow animal investigation.


Specificity of the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme system of adrenal cortex.

Incubation of lanosta-8, 24-dien-3beta-o1-1,2-3H and lanost-8-en-3beta-o1-1,2-3H with an adrenocortical bovine mitochondrial acetone-dried preparation did not yield any significant (less than 0.01%) 3beta-hydroxy-4, 4, 14-trimethyl-5alpha-pregn-8-en-20-one. Under the same conditions cholesterol-1,2-3H yielded 8.3% pregnenolone. Incubation of (20S)-17alpha, 20-di-hydroxycholesterol-7-3H yielded 0.6 to 1.6% (20S,22R)-17alpha, 20, 22-trihydroxycholesterol, 1.0 to 3.2% of 17alpha-hydroxy-pregnenolone, but no significant (less than 0.02%) (20S,22S)-17alpha,20,22-trihydroxycholesterol. In another experiment incubation of cholesterol-1,2-3H yielded 5% pregnenolone, 0.5% 17alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, 0.2% (20R,22R)-20,22-dihydroxy-cholesterol, but no significant ( less than 0.01%) 17alpha-hydroxy-cholesterol, (20S)-17alpha, 20-dihydroxycholesterol or (20S,22R)-17alpha, 20,22-trihydroxycholesterol.


Steroid structure and function:I. Conformational transmission in 17alpha-acetoxy progesterone.

The molecular conformation of 17alpha-acetoxy progesterone has been determined crystallographically and is compared with that of progesterone. The 17alpha-acetate substituent restricts the flexibility of the progesterone side chain, strains bond lengths in the C- and D-rings, and has long range effects on the A-ring conformation. The A-ring adopts a perfect sofa conformation similar to that observed in one conformational isomer of progesterone. Consequently this progesterone isomer is proposed to be that best suited to binding in the rabbit and human uterus.


Strategy in drug research. Synthesis and study of the progestational and ovulation inhibitory activity of a series of 11beta-substituted-17alpha-ethynyl-4-estren-17beta-ols.

Using the strategy based on the Hansch method which analyses effects of substituents on biological activity in terms of their hydrophobic, electronic and steric effects we selectively synthesised a series of 11beta-substituted-17alpha-ethynyl-4-estren-17beta-ols that combine ease of synthesis with good discrimination between these factors aiming at finding the compounds with optimum biological activity in that series. The compounds were tested quantitatively in the Clauberg test (rabbit) and the ovulation inhibition test (rat). The differences in biological activity could reasonably be correlated with two steric effects introduced by the 11beta-substituent. These were a change in the overall shape of the 11beta-substituent and the angular methyl group, and direct steric hindrance of the steroid-receptor protein binding. Some exceptions were found possibly due to metabolic conversion of these compounds to the corresponding 11beta-substituted-17alpha-ethynyl-1,3,5(10)-estra-triene-3,17beta-diols.


Chemical and radiochemical stability of the adrenal-scanning agents, 6beta-iodomethyl-19-norcholest-5(10-en-3beta-ol and 19-iodocholest-5-en-3beta-ol.

The chemical stabilities of the adrenal-scanning agents, 6beta-iodo-methyl-19-norcholest-5(10)-en-3beta-ol (6-iodomethylnorcholesterol) and 19-iodocholest-5-en-3beta-ol (19-iodocholesterol), and several of their derivatives were examined by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. Neat 6-iodomethylnorcholesterol, sealed in glass under nitrogen and stored at 0 degrees C, remains 98 mole% chemically pure for 3 months. Neat 19-iodocholesterol, stored in the dark at 25 degrees C, remains 98 mole% chemically pure for 3 months. Either 6-iodomethylnorcholesterol-125I or-131I, informulation and stored at 5 degrees C, will remain greater than 97% radiochemically pure for at least 15 days. Labelled 19-iodocholesterol, formulated and stored under the same conditions, shows 20% decomposition after 3 weeks and 40% after 6 weeks.


Androgen metabolism by rat epididymis. Metabolic conversion of 3H 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol, in vitro.

The epididymis of adult rats metabolizes 3H 5alpha-androstane-3alpah,17beta-diol (3alpha-diol) by experiments in vitro. After incubation of tissue slices at 37 degrees C for 2 hours, 2% of the radioactivity was found in the water-soluble fraction whereas 98% was found to be ether soluble (free steroids). Further investigation of the free steroids showed the following to be present: 3alpha-diol 39.9%, DHT (17beta-hydroxy-5alpha-androstan-3-one) 33.7%, androsterone (3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-androstan-17-one) 9.2%, 3beta-diol (5alpha-androstane-3beta,17beta-diol) 2.6%, 5alpha-A-dione (5alpha-androstan-3,17-dione) 1.1%, delta 16-3alpha-ol (5alpha-androst-16-en-3alpha-ol) 1.0%, delta16-3beta-ol (5alpha-androst-16-en-3beta-ol) 2.6%, delta 16-3-one (5alpha-androst-16-en-3-one) 2.9%, and polar compounds 3.3%. When segments of the epididymis (caput and cauda) were incubated in the same way, qualitatively similar metabolites were formed but a greater amount of 3alpha-diol was metabolized by the cauda epididymis. This increase was mainly accounted for by an increased formation of delta 16 compounds (14.3% in cauda, 4.3% in caput). This is most probably due to the presence of larger numbers of mature spermatozoa, which, as we have previously shown, form delta16 steroids from 3alpha-diol and DHT (5).


Metabolism of bile alcohols in the perfused rabbit liver - C26 bile alcohols.

The metabolism of a C26 bile alcohol (I, 24-nor-5beta-cho-lestane-3alpha, 7alpha,25-triol) was studied in the isolated perfused rabbit liver. The new bile alcohol and bile acid metabolites secreted into the bile were isolated and identified by a combination of TLC, GLC and GLC-MS. The following bile alcohols were found: II, 24-nor-5beta-cholestane-3alpha,7alpha,12alpha,25-tetrol, III, 24-nor-5beta-cholestane-3alpha,7alpha,12alpha,25,26-pentol; IV, 24-nor-5beta-cholest-23-ene-3alpha,7alpha,12alpha-triol; and V, 24-nor-5beta-cholest-23-ene-3alpha,7alpha-diol. In the bile acid fraction, 24-nor-cholic acid and 3alpha,7alpha,12alpha-trihydroxy-24-nor-5beta-cholest-23-en-26-oic acid were present. The perfused nor-triol was not resistant to 12alpha-hydroxylation.


Short term culture of human midterm and term placenta: parameters of hormonogenesis.

Monolayer cultures of human midterm and term placentae have been established following trypsin dispersion of placental minces. Maintenance of endocrine function was monitored by the concentrations of specific hormones in the culture media. At either gestational age the cultures 1) secret estradiol-17beta(1) and estrone (in a ratio of about 1:20) and aromatize 3H- or 14C-dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and 14C-androstenedione, estrogen production being markedly enhanced by addition of dehydroepiandrosterone (10(-6)7) to the culture medium; 2) metabolize 3H-pregnenolone to progesterone and 14C-cortisol to cortisone; and 3) produce increasing amounts of chorionic gonadotropin and decreasing amounts of placental lactogen during the first week in culture. It is proposed that the model is highly suited to the study of factors affecting hormonogenesis by the human placenta whether they be of maternal or of fetal origin.


Schistosoma haematobium egg counts in a Nile delta community.

A study of Schistosoma haematobium egg counts was made in a community near Alexandria. This showed that the intensity of infection was similar to that which has been reported in some of the comparable surveys which have been made in sub-Saharan Africa. This finding highlights the need for further studies in defined communities of the pathogenicity of the infection. The egg counts of subjects who recalled treatment with tartar emetic within the last two years were similar to those who said they had never been treated. This suggests that the cost effectiveness of chemotherapeutic methods needs further evaluation.


Recovery of infective Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula from liquid nitrogen: a step towards storage of a live schistosomiasis vaccine.

Successful recovery of infective schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni following storage at -196 degrees C is reported. The technique involves a two-step cooling procedure--slow cooling (0.65 degrees C min-1) to an intermediate temperature of -28 degrees C, followed by rapid cooling into liquid nitrogen (10,000 degrees C min-1). Rewarming (10,000 degrees C min-1) and rapid dilution to remove the cryoprotectant (17.5% methanol) yielded motile organisms some of which developed to adult worms in mice after intramuscular injection. The percentage of schistosomula developing to adult worms was small (0.44%), but is a significant step towards storage of trematode larvae and of a live attenuated vaccine for schistosomiasis.


Arbovirus isolations from, and serological studies on, wild and domestic vertebrates from Kano Plain, Kenya.

Arbovirus infection and presence of haemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies in small mammals, birds and livestock were examined over a period of five years on the Kano Plain in western Kenya. Eleven isolations were made from mammals and birds. The viruses were identified as Arumowot and Germiston while three different agents could not be shown to be related to 188 African arboviruses. Prevalence of antibodies against arboviruses suspected of occurring in the area was generally low.


Efficacy of albendazole against inhibited early fourth stage larvae of Ostertagia ostertagi.

Twelve untreated controls and 12 treated beef yearling steers were used in trials of albendazole (Smith Kline Animal Health Products) at 7.5 mg per kg (oral drench) against natural infections of inhibited fourth stage larvae of Ostertagia ostertagi. Albendazole had an efficacy of 83.8 per cent in removal of inhibited larvae. The mean number of inhibited larvae in untreated controls was 48.9 per cent. Efficacy against developing stages and adults of O ostertagi was 92.8 and 99.7 per cent, respectively. Efficacy against other worm genera in the abomasum, primarily thaemonchus and Cooperia adults, was 99.4 per cent. No signs of toxicity were observed following administration of albendazole. Some aspects of inhibition of O ostertagi in cattle in the USA are reviewed.


Dynamic pulmonary compliance as a measurement of lung function in dogs.

Measurement of the dynamic pulmonary compliance was carried out on 27 normal dogs weighing 11-8 to 26-4 kg Variations in the results of repeated observations and difficulties in allowing for differences in lung size between dogs limited the usefulness of the measurement as a test of lung function. Pulmonary compliance was found to correlate better with trunk length than with bodyweight or chest circumference. The mean value for dynamic pulmonary compliance measured during inspiration in 27 normal dogs was 0-117 litre/cmH20 with a standard deviation of 0-046 litre/cmH2O. Measurements were made on six dogs with clinical respiratory disease.


Changes in serum B hydroxybutyrate concentrations in dairy cows kept under commercial farm conditions.

beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB) serum concentrations were measured at regular intervals throughout a lactation in groups of animals from three commercial dairy herds. The period of study covered all the major seasonal management changes. BHB levels changed significantly only when the dietary intake of the cows was altered either in quantity of quality. The changes in concentrations of serum BHB were of particular interest during the two grazing seasons when the deteriorating quality of the pasture was reflected in significantly higher concentrations. It is considered that serum BHB concentrations are worthy of further investigation as a parameter for inclusion in preventive medicine monitoring schemes for commercial dairy herds.


The effect on egg-shell thickness of the inclusion of the calcinogenic plant Solanum malacoxylon in the diet of laying hens.

The leaves of the plant Solanum malacoxylon contain 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol, the active form of vitamin D. The effect on egg-shell thickness of supplementing the diet of laying hens with a dry powdered preparation of the leaves (DLSM) has been studied. A significnat increase in shell thickness was evident for eggs laid on the second and subsequent days of the DLSM-regimen but nor for those laid during the first 24 hours. It is suggested that the provision of high doses of the vitamin D metabolite in the form of a DLSM supplement may restore calcium binding protein levels in birds approaching the end of the first laying year and hence improve dietary calcium absorption and consequently egg-shell quality.


[Effect of the lighting intensity on the raising of broiler turkey poults].

Experiments were carried out with turkey poults of the Ten 30 breed with the purpose to establish the changes in some hematologic and biochemical indices that had taken place under the influence of illumination intensity. It was found that the light regime influenced hemopoiesis as well as the intensity of metabolism. Both the hemoglobin content and the erythrocyte count were higher at illumination of higher intensity. The amount of the blood serum total protein and the vitamin A content of the liver under lower light intensity proved higher by the end of the experiments than in the controls. The weight of poults at lower intensity of light was 5--6 per cent higher, and the intake of forage per kilogram of weight gain was 150 g lower than with poults raiseatd higher intensity of illumination.


[Epizootiology of foot rot in sheep].

Investigations were carried out on the outbreak and spread of foot rot in sheep as well as on the ways of its restriction and eradication. It was found that the disease had been introduced with the import of breeding animals, its further spread being associated with the activity of the Breeding Centers for pedigree animals. The diseased animals have been 25 per cent, on an average, for the whole country, and the economic losses, as expressed in production parameters, have amounted to: produce of animal origin--20 per cent; culling of animals--15 per cent; mortality--1 per cent. Best in the group treatment of the affected animals prove: the dipping in a 5--10 per cent solution of formalin or a 20 per cent solution of copper sulfate, combined with the respective surgical and orthopedic handling and the disinfection of premises. The individual parenteral treatment and the local application of antibiotics and chemotherapeutics have proved suitable and successful in the cases of moderate spread of the disease. The eradication of foot rot can be achieved only via the planned and complex application of pertinent measures.


[Electron microscopic studies of Pasteurella multocida bacteriophages].

Studied was the morphology of four Pasteurella multocida phages, Nos. 115, 32, 967, and 1075, with the use of an electron microscope. The bacterial phages had hexagonal heads of a 55 x 55 nm diameter, and were of an isometric polygonal form themselves. The tail of the phages was 120 nm long and was non-contractile. By these characters the P. multocida phages are to be referred to the morphologic group of phages of noncontractile tails--group B after Bradley and group IV after Tihonenko.


Synchronisation of oestrus and fertility in buffaloes using a prostaglandin analogue.

Cloprostenol, a prostaglandin analogue, was administered intramuscularly to a total of 35 cycling buffalo cows and heifers in two doses, each of 0.5 mg, given 11 days apart. Out of five cows and 12 heifers subjected to observations after the second injection of cloprostenol (day 0), all except one heifer responded. Signs of oestrus were most marked on days 3 or 4. Eighteen treated heifers were kept with buffalo bulls for four days after the second injection while a control group of nine heifers was kept with bulls for 21 days. The first-service conception rate, diagnosed by rectal palpation at 60 days, was 33 1/3 per cent in both groups. Twelve treated heifers were artificially inseminated at 72 and 96 hours after the second injection of cloprostenol, using fresh semen diluted in egg yolk--citrate extender. The first service conception rate at 60 days was 30 per cent.


[Sensitivity testing of chick embryo subcultures to the Newcastle disease virus].

A total of five passages of subcultures were produced from chick embryos with the use of a medium enriched with a 10 per cent solution the previous passages of the cells. The form, number, and size of the plaques obtained at the cultivation of the Newcastle disease virus in the cells of the various passages of the subcultures did not differ. The virus production per cell did not also change substantially with the increase in the number of subculture passages.


Rabies in the dog.

The presenting signs are described of 19 dogs that were observed from the time of presentation until death. Rabies was confirmed by laboratory tests in each case. Vicious behaviour was seen in only six dogs. Paralytic signs and/or abnormal behaviour--the so-called "dumb" rabies--were more frequent. Six of the dogs had received Flury strain LEP vaccination. Intense conjunctival congestion was an important diagnostic feature.


[Vibration of the uterine arteries during pregnancy in cows].

A clinical examination was carred out via the rectum to follow up the initial moment of vibration as established on the medium and rear uterine arteries in a total of 410 cows of the Bulgarian Brown breed by groups of first to eighth pregnancy. The vibration of the uterine arteries may serve as a good clinical sign to determine the age of the fetus. The following more important conclusions were drawn: 1. The uterine arteries start vibrating as pointed below: a. uterina media--in the pregnant horn from the 93rd to the 142nd day (on the 122.2 +/- 0.57 day); in the unpregnant horn from the 167th to the 210th day (on the 188.2 +/- 0.54 day, on an average); a. uterina caudalis--in the pregnant horn from the 200th to the 248th day (222.6 +/- 0.54 day, on an average); in the opposite horn from the 235th to the 279th day (256.7 +/- 0.55, on an average). 2. The initial moment of vibration of the uterine arteries is dependent on the number of previous births. 3. Closest to the average values are those established at the fourth and fifth pregnancy. At the previous pregnancy periods vibration starts earlier, and at the following ones--later.


[Pathomorphological studies of trichocephaliasis in sheep].

The morphologic study of 22 sucking and weaned lambs (8 experimentally and 14 spontaneously infected with Trichocephalus) revealed that in its biologic development in the host Trichocephalus fixes itself firmly and penetrates deeply at its head and into the mucous membrane of the caecum and the large intestine. Besides, at these sites morphologic lesions in cases of strong infection have been established in the liver, kidneys, spleen, and lung. The desquamated epithelial cells and the erythrocytes found in the digestive canal of the parasite showed that sheep Trichocephalus sp. are hematophages. The indented chitin cover and its morphologic peculiarities is a structural anatomic and biologic adaptation enabling the fixing and dependable adherence to the intestinal mucous membrane of the host.


Biochemical changes under the effect of carbon tetrachloride intoxication.

The present study deals with investigations on the general features of protein and iron metabolism under several conditions of chronic and acute liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride. Data revealed a drop in the levels of serum total protein and albumin. The levels of alpha1, alpha2 and beta globulins were found to be increased. Gamma fraction was found to be proportionate with dosage accumulation and to varying extent. There were changes in haematocrit and haemoglobin values in all groups of chronic and acute carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rats. Also, there were no changes in reticulocyte count, plasma iron and total iron binding capacity levels in chronic intoxicated animals. However, in acute carbon tetrachloride plasma iron and total iron-binding capacity were significantly elevated.


Blood glucose, glutathione, and total keto-acids levels in alloxan-diabetic rats.

This study deals with investigations in diabetic disorders. Experiments were carried out on alloxan-induced diabetes in albino rats. Blood glucose, keto acids, and glutathione were determined before and after induction of alloxan diabetes. Blood glucose and keto acids showed an increase after administration of alloxan. Glutathione showed a drop after 1/2 hour, then began to increase till it reached its normal level after 48 hours from the beginning of the diabetic state. The results are discussed.


[Coffee and health].

Coffee as a rule develops stimulating effects on the central nervous system, heart and circulation which are mainly caused by caffeine. In certain cases coffee may also have a sedative effect and sometimes even it is useful to fall asleep quickly. Furthermore coffee may be advantageous in the treatment of some functional disorders caused by lacking of dopamine, because coffee is able to increase the dopamine formation in brain. Concerning the effects of coffee in the gastrointestinal-tract and liver-bile system caffeine is only of secondary importance. Hereby certain roasting substances, possibly also chlorogenic acid or caffeic acid should be responsible for the stimulating effects observed in these organs. These stimulating effects could be caused whether directly or indirect e.g. by liberating gastrin or other gastrointestinal hormones. Vitamin niacin, which is formed in greater amounts from trigonelline during the roasting process, may also be important from the nutritional standpoint. Therefore coffee may be prescribed as a true drug in cases of deficiency in vitamin niacin or also in the pellagra disease. By extensive epidemiological studies performed lately it could be demonstrated that there exists no correlation between coffee consumption and certain risk factors as hypertension, heart infarction, diabetes, gout or cancer diseases. Furthermore there was no evidence that coffee or its caffeine content are able to induce genetic alterations or even malformations.


Serum enzyme changes associated with carbon disulfide hepatotoxicity in experimental animals.

Investigations were performed to evaluate the activities of serum glutamic oxalacetic and glutamic pyruvic transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and lactate-dehydrogenase enzymes in rats intoxicated by different doses of carbon disulfide. Serum GOT and GPT activities were elevated which may be due to CS2 effect on cell membrane permeability. Serum-alkaline-phosphatase activity showed also increment, which was again attributed to the liver affection. A significant rise in serum-lactate-dehydrogenase activity which was referred to be as a result of muscle-lactate dehydrogenase release into the blood circulation.


[Incidence of diabetes mellitus in the Neubrandenburg district].

As result of the examination of the movement of diabetes mellitus in the Neubrandenburg district in 1958 to 1975 it is stated that the increase of the number of patients is to be traced back to diagnosis and treatment. In this connection there is not only a structural change of the age of the diabetics, but the relation between unrecognized and recognized patients is displaced, too. The total number of the carriers of a pathogenic hereditary disposition within the population is increasing. Very probably the portion of the diabetics within the population will settle down on a higher balance value. The most important prophylactic measure to avoid complications above all is the early recognition of the sick persons.


[Value of antibiotic combination therapy in chronic pyelonephritis--study on a large number of patients over a period of 15 years].

1. 448 patients with chronic pyelonephritis were treated over periods ranging from a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 15 years with our special form of intermittent long-term therapy with chemoprophylaxis in the intervals, the antibiotics - mostly in the form of combinations - and chemotherapeutics in the treatment-phases were always used only on the base of several antibiograms. During the last 11 years synergistic bactericidic combinations of antibiotics were used to an increasing degree. 2. A comparison of the efficacy of our form of therapy used now (since 1965/1966) with the results already published: 1966 (therapy span 1960-1965), 1970 (therapy span 1960-1969), and 1972 (therapy span 1960-1971) showed the following quotes of a transmission into a standstill (questionable healing) of the disease: 1966 (without periodic change of the urinary pH) 36,1% 1966 (with periodic change of the urinary pH) 69,4% 1970 (synergistic combinations of antibiotics) 68,3% 1972 (synergistic combinations of antibiotics) 78,7% 1976 (synergistic combinations of antibiotics) 82,1%. 3. On the basis of our results we consider the combinations of synergistic bactericidic antibiotics as a real enrichment of the therapy of chronic pyelonephritis.


[Case of nodular non-suppurative paniculitis (Weber-Christian syndrome)].

It is reported on a 42-year-old female patient with panniculitis nodularis non suppurativa (Weber-Christian's syndrome). Anamnesis and histological findings are discussed and the therapy is explained. In the discussion the finally still unknown etiology (allergic, autoimmunological) as well as the differential diagnosis (focal panniculitis, lipomatosis subcutanea, erythema nodosum and others) are explained.


[Complication-free labor in operated-on Cushing's syndrome].

By the casuistical report on a successfully carried out gravidity of a 21 years old female patient without suprarenal glands which have been removed totally because of a hyperplasia of the suprarenal cortex on both sides, the problems of gravidities and their successful carrying to the term of operated femal patients with Cushing's disease are dealt with. Under experienced substitution therapy and an intensive care a gravidity without complications is to be expected. The apprehension is unfounded that overdosage of corticoid during gravidity could induce malformations of new-born children. The substitution dosis during gravidity is discussed by literature.


[Significance of suprapubic puncture of the bladder in routine diagnosis].

516 urines of 258 persons urologically ill with and without infection of the urinary tract collected in routine work were comparatively examined. Only such patients were taken into consideration who did not undergo an antibiotic therapy or who had made a pause of at least 3 days in the antibiotic therapy. The collection of the urine was carried out by means of puncture of the bladder as well as according to the mid-stream principle or by means of catheterisation. The qualitative and quantitative diagnostics of germs did not result in a significantly increased exactness of the examined urines collected by puncture of the bladder compared with the catheter or mid-stream urines.  Therefore, the collection of urine by means of puncture of the bladder should be reserved for aimed indications and should not be taken into routine work. The catheter and mid-stream method is further entitled as screening method. Above all the falsely positive results condition the inexactness of this method. But also the urines collected by puncture of the bladder showed contaminations which account for our critical estimation.


[Significance of test results in drug hypersensitivity].

For the diagnostics of allergic drug reactions in 2,246 patients tests of the skin and in vitro tests were carried out. As causes of the drug rashes analgetics/antipyretics, antibiotics, sulfonamides, local anaesthetics, oral anticonceptive drugs, remedies for the circulation, psychopharmaca and many others have been established. In these cases by means of skin test in 81.5%, by means of the lymphocyte transformation test in 42.9% and by means of the migration inhibition test in 35.9% of the patients a concordant result could be achieved concerning the clinical course of the disease. Relevant to practice from the results must be derived that in sensibilisation proved the avoidance of the pharmacon and of immunochemical related substances is necessary as well as principally in every anamnesis the question for drug tolerances must be asked. The possibility of the development of side effects of pharmaca when these facts are not taken into consideration is emphasized with the help of examples.


[Indication for alloplastic heart valve prosthesis].

The indication for the alloplastic substitution of the cardiac valve results from the expectation of life with natural course of the disease on the one hand and with the operative risk and late results on the other. For the diagnosis of heart diseases intracardial methods are necessary in much cases. Contraindications result from heavy myocardial and coronary changes which increase the operative risk considerably and no postoperative improvement is to be expected. In the low-pressure system the implantation of artificial cardiac valves is used cautiously and plastic methods are preferred.


[Comparative studies on the firmness of the tracheal wall in goiter and chronic bronchitis].

The changes of the lumen of the trachea according to the tests of Valsalva and Müller in 231 test persons (71 normal persons, 129 struma patients and 31 patients with chronic bronchitis caused by an emphysema) are analyzed in radiologic way. The comparison of the average of the tracheal widths shows significant decreases in the struma patients in relation to the normal collective. On the contrary the tracheal diameters in chronic bronchitis caused by an emphysema shows no statistically evident deviations in comparison with the normal persons. According to calculations of the lumen changes (Valsalva minus Müller) the average in the normal collective is 2.1 mm, in the struma patients 3.4 mm an in chronic bronchitis caused by an emphysema 1.6 mm. The comparison of the statistical average after calculation of these differences results in significant differences only between normal collective and struma patients, too.


[Influence of the mode of collection on the result of blood cultures].

In a prospective study of 133 patients with suspicion of a septic process the influence of the withdrawal modus on the bacteriologic result was examined using an open blood culture system. For patients without pretreatment with antibiotics or without high temperature the "one time" withdrawal of the blood culture should be preferred to the "multi-time" method. A multi-time withdrawal showed similar and better evidence quotas with patients without fever and under influence of antibiotics. The result depends on the number of blood cultures for each patient. If there is presupposed a minimum of 2 positive blood cultures for each patient as indication of a septic process, a 83 per cent indication quota is attained with 12 one-time blood cultures, a 70 per cent indication quota with 8 blood cultures, and a 53 per cent indication quota with 4 blood cultures. In multi-time withdrawal the comparable indication quotas are 55, 45 resp. 32 per cent.


[Tolbutamide as a stimulator of somatotropin secretion from the hypophysis].

Our clinical experiments should point at the potential quality of tolbutamide as a stimulator of the secretion of the growth hormone. This could not be ascribed to the hypoglycaemic action of tolbutamide, because during the 240 minutes' time of the duration of the test, the glycaemic levels in the blood have been kept stabilised at the same levels as in fasting conditions before the application of tolbutamide, by a continuous intravenous drop of a 10% solution of glucose. The values of the growth hormone after application of tolbutamide raised two to fourfold in comparison to the initial value.


[Coumarin necrosis in Klinefelter's syndrome].

A coumarin necrosis of the buttocks skin occurred in a patient with a Klinefelter's syndrome. In the acute stage of the complication the oestrogen activity was increased which is decreased in other persons with this arrangement of chromosomes. It is proposed to analyze the oestrogenes in urine of male patients or of females in the postclimacteric period with coumarine necroses before a treatment with sexual hormones.


[A critical review of abdominal version in the terminal phase in breech presentation (author's transl)].

Attention is drawn to the possible risks of abdominal version in the terminal phase (prolapse of the cord, fetomaternal transfusion, premature liberation) on the basis of a prospective study. The author's experience points to restricted indication. In this connection, it is particularly important to pay attention to the seat of the placenta.


[Treatment of premature labour and antagonization of the side effects of tocolytic therapy with verapamil (author's transl)].

167 cases of threatened premature birth were treated with Fenoterol, Fenoterol + Verapamil and Ritodrine. In 70-79% of cases a newborn of over 2500 g was achieved. In 70-76% it was possible to prolong the pregnancy for over 7 days and in 61-64% a gestation age of 37 weeks and more was reached. Special attention was paid to the facts as to whether the general side effects of Fenoterol can be antagonized with Verapamil.


[Dilatation of the os uteri in various types of amniotic rupture and in induction of labor (author's transl)].

Basing on the "partial dilatation" ("Teileröffnungszeiten" (W. Wolf), ie the time in which the os uteri opens from a certain size to its full potential, the process of openning of the os uteri was compared between various types of rupture of the amnion and in programmed induction of labor. Both in the case of primiparas and pluriparas, opening is fastest after early rupture of the amnion, followed by premature amniotic opening and opening at induction of labor. Opening is slowest in the case of timely rupture of the amnion. However, the differences in the opening process between induction of labor and premature amniotic rupture on the one hand, and between induction of labor and timely amniotic rupture on the other, are not significant. The differences in opening following spontaneous onset of labor are attributed to the individual varying circumstances relating to the mechanism of birth. In regard to the temporal course of birth, neither the mother nor the child is subjected to an increased stress of labor resulting from induction of labor.


Induction and augmentation of labor in hypertensive patients with intravenous prostaglandin E2.

Labor was successfully induced or stimulated with intravenous Prostaglandin E2 (0.1-2.0 microgram/min) in a group of twenty-nine hypertensive gravidae at 36-41 weeks' gestation. No adverse maternal or perinatal effects of the drug were recorded.


[Performance of uteroplacental perfusion in contrast to hormone-analytic investigations in intrauterine retardation and under the influence of intravenous long-term application of heparin (author's transl)].

The digital estimation of utero-placental circulation by means of nuclear-medical examinations with help of 113 m In-Cl and regarding to the "region of interest" gives no depositions in cases with an intrauterine retardation. This concerns the activity as well in the placenta as in the uterus too. Exceptions represents intrauterine retardations on the base of heaviness EPH-gestosis and placenta previa. Herewith the rise of activity corresponds with the thickness in the III. trimester of pregnancy. A treatment about several weeks with Hepain under bed conditions leads to no proofed influence of the uteroplacental circulation, on the contrary to a rise of estriol and HPL-values, meaning a improvement of placental performance. The estimation of the utero-placental circulation by means of nuclear-medical examinations is situated to the problem of fetal condition by EPH-gestosis, placenta previa and other.


[Iron therapy and hemoglobin regeneration in pregnancy anemias and postpartum anemias (author's transl)].

The influence of oral doses of iron on the hemoglobin regeneration of pregnancy anemias and postpartum anemias was examined. The examinations were carried out in 45 pregnant women and in 70 puerperae. Other hematologic parameters besides hemoglobin were determined before, and 4 and 6 weeks during treatment with 110 mg iron sulfate daily. In pregnancy anemias, hemoglobin regeneration took place at a much slower rate under the iron therapy than was the case in postpartum anemias. Postpartum anemias of medium severity require for elevating the hemoglobin values to 12.0 g% at iron absorption rate of 22%, a treatment period of 35 days with a total amount of 3.8 g ferrous sulfate. In milder forms of anemia iron absorption diminished to 15% as hemoglobin conditions improved. An iron treatment course of 6 weeks will not be sufficient to cover the maternal iron deficiency during pregnancy and lyingin. To achieve optimum iron compensation, the daily supply of 100 mg iron will be necessary during pregnancy from the 16th week until delivery. In mild to medium anemias, postpartum iron treatment of 10 to 18 weeks' duration will be necessary until the exhausted iron deposits have been replenished.


Schistosoma mansoni: localization of calcium-detecting reagents in electron-lucent areas of specific preacetabular gland granules.

In an attempt to establish the exact location of calcium within the preacetabular glands of cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni, these larvae were exposed to reagents (potassium oxalate, potassium pyroantimonate, chloranilic acid, and silver nitrate) useful in the detection of calcium, and were subsequently observed with the aid of light and electron microscopes. Cercariae incubated in potassium oxalate and viewed in polarized light showed birefringence only in the preacetabular gland funduses. At the ultrastructural level, the preacetabular glands of potassium oxalate-treated cercariae had no electron-dense precipitate, but instead had translucent, irregularly shaped inclusions, similar to spaces left by volatilized calcium oxalate as described by others. Pyroantimonate treatment, on the other hand, localized the reaction in the electron-lucent areas of the light-spotted granules. The von Kossa silver nitrate procedure destroyed the secretory granules; therefore, an electron-dense precipitate was distributed throughout the gland. However, pretreatment with chloranilic acid before fixation preserved the granules, and subsequent exposure to the von Kossa silver nitrate gave a reaction identical to that obtained with the pyroantimonate alone. When viewed in polarized light, chloranilic acid-incubated cercariae showed birefringence in the fundus and duct areas.


The fine structure of spermatogenesis in Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda) with a description of the mature spermatozoon.

The processes of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis in Hymenolepis diminuta were studied by electron microscopy using improved preparative techniques. Spermatogonia (Type A) are characterized by nuclei 3.79 (+/- 0.17) micrometer in diameter, dense cytoplasm packed with free ribosomes and aggregates of mitochondria. After mitoses, certain spermatogonia (Type B) assume syncytial rosettes containing eight nuclei. Primary spermatocytes maintain the rosette syncytium and have large nuclei (4.28 +/- 0.24 micrometer in diameter), smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and polysomes. The secondary spermatocyte is short-lived and is characterized by nuclei (2.0 +/- 0.11 micrometer in diai (2.0 +/- 0.11 micrometer in diameter) and perinuclear membranous lamellae. The syncytial spermatid cluster contains avoid nuclei which condense and elongate to a final diameter of 0.22 +/- 0.04 micrometer. Once elongated, these nuclei become delimited from the syncytium by invaginations of the plasma membrane. During delimitation, cortical peripheral microtubules arise beneath the spermatozoon plasmalemma and a 9 + 1 axoneme extends the length of the mature lance-shaped spermatozoon.


Immunization of NMRI mice against virulent Toxoplasma gondii. Differing efficacy of eleven cyst-forming Toxoplasma strains.

Mice were infected with eleven cyst-forming Toxoplasma strains of varying virulence and challenged 1 month later with highly virulent BK strain parasites. The early cellular reaction in vivo was estimated by collecting the peritoneal exudates 24 h after challenge. This consisted of 54.34--77.61% lymphocytes and 0-8.88% infected macrophages in the eleven immunized groups in contrast to 27.17% lymphocytes and 18.64% infected macrophages in the control group. The peritoneal exudate 72 h after challenge comprised of 55.88-73.86% lymphocytes and 0-6.97% infected macrophages compared to 25.88% lymphocytes and 92% infected macrophages in the control group. Following the virulent challenge, deaths occurred in seven of the eleven groups immunized with live strains and ranged 5-42% at the end of a 6-week observation period. The most virulent of the Toxoplasma strains used - Alt and Gail - gave higher mortality while the least virulent ones - 558, 1070, K8 and KSU - were solidly resistant. The significantly different mortality obtained with strains Alt, Gail and Witting in a similar experiment performed at an interval of 7 months is discussed.


The penetration of Fasciola hepatica miracidia into the snail host Fossaria bulimoides. A scanning electron microscope study.

Snails of the species Fossaria bullimoides were exposed to miracidia of Fasciola hepatica for given periods of time. The course of penetration was followed by means of scanning electron microscopy. Topographical features of miracidial morphology were studied with emphasis on epidermal plates and body shape. Comparisons are made on the rate of penetration into this snail host.


On Schistosoma margrebowiei Le Roux, 1933: the morphology of the egg, miracidium and cercaria, the compatibility with species of Bulinus, and development in Mesocricetus auratus.

The morphology of the egg, miracidium, and cercaria of Schistosoma margrebowiei are described. The compatibility of S. margrebowiei with species of Bulinus has been examined. The parasite develops well in the diploid, tetraploid and octoploid snails of the truncatus/tropicus complex with overall infection rates of 38.1%, 30.1% and 29.1% respectively, and in reticulatus group snails (Bulinus wrighti) with an infection rate of 45.8% of those snails surviving the prepatent period. Only two species of the forskali complex (Bulinus bavayi, Aldabra; Bulinus beccarii, South Arabia) are slightly compatible, and snails of the africanus group are incompatible. The overall worm return from 24 hamsters exposed individually to 100 cercariae was 39.8%; 82.1% of the worms were paired, the remainder unpaired. The growth of the paired worms was recorded from 28-60 days. The prepatent period in hamsters in 33 days, in sheep 38 days. The mean egg production was 837 eggs/day in infections ranging from 33 to 60 days. Most eggs (80.9%) were deposited in the intestine, and only 18.2% were deposited in the liver. The parasite is pathogenic in hamsters, and peak death rate occurred in the 50-60 day group infections which coincided with the period of peak egg production.


[Contributions to the micromorphology of the miracidium of Schistosoma mansoni. I. Fine structure of the tegument and its "associated structures" (author's transl)].

The body wall of the miracidium of S. mansoni has been studied by light and electron microscope. It has been found that the tegument layer contains so-called membrane-bound bodies. The tegument layer will be separated from muscle layer by means of a basal membrane. Special attention was focused on the associated structures of the tegument; these are cilia, microvilli-like appendices amounting to six in number at our test-organisms and finally two types of sensory papillae on the so-called terebratorium. After treatment of the miracidium in antiserum, fine granulated precipitate was formed around the cilia.


Experimental double infection of Biomphalaria glabrata snails with Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Schistosoma mansoni.

Two groups of Biomphalaria glabrata snails primarily infected with Angiostrongylus contonensis were secondarily exposed to infection with Schistosoma mansoni. To investigate any anatagonistic effect of the first infection on a superimposed one and to compare to singly and non-infected snails, a series of experiments was undertaken in which snails were individually exposed, variously, to 1,000 and 2,000 first-stage larvae of A. cantonensis and then to 5 and 10 miracidia of S. mansoni 1 day and 3 weeks later. Snails became infected with S. mansoni in both groups of snails with double infections and shed cercariae after the same incubation period as in the singly infected groups. The number of snails shedding cercariae simultaneously was similar in single and double infection groups during the first two weeks of shedding, after which this number decreased somewhat in doubly infected groups. Snails with double infection showed higher cumulative mortality rates than in snail groups with single infection with either A. cantonensis or S. mansoni. Therefore, initial infection of B. glabrata with A. cantonensis produced no inhibitory or retarding effect on subsequent infection of snails with S. mansoni.


Stereoscan studies of rediae, cercariae, cysts, excysted metacercariae and migratory stages of Fasciola hepatica.

The external surface of the redial body of Fasciola hepatica is provided with microvillus-like projections or short lamellae, and short cilium-like structures are common anteriorly. The anterior part of the cercarial body possesses a pattern of regularly arranged small depressions each containing a spine. Both long and short cilium-like structures occur anteriorly. The tail is spineless and provided with dorsolateral folds. The outer cyst wall is formed by granules secreted from the tegument all over the body apart from the ventral sucker. Most granules transform into fibrillae which form the thick outer spongy layer. The precursor of the inner cyst wall is at the beginning closely attached to the metacercarial surface, but later the membrane-like cyst wall extends, and when fully formed the metacercaria lies free in the flattened circular inner cyst. The ventral plug is formed by the ventral sucker. The tegument of newly excysted metacercariae is provided with simple pointed spines, but later during migration in the mouse the spines become flattened and multipointed. Very young migratory stages may be attached with host cells.