Normal computed tomography anatomy of the suprasellar subarachnoid space.

To assess normal variants of the suprasellar subarachnoid space, 680 CT scans were reviewed. Three main configurations with subgroups of the suprasellar cistern could be found: a large hexagon (60.7%), a small hexagon (17.6%) and a small tetragon (21.7%). In about a third of the scans, the region of interest was not visualized sufficiently. The large variety of CT appearance of the normal suprasellar space could be attributed to anatomical and technical reasons. To exclude a suprasellar mass lesion it is necessary to be aware of the anatomical variations, investigate the suprasellar region with additional intermediate cuts or contrast enhancement and define the cut level and osseous structures by a lateral skull radiograph.


Computed tomography in isodense subdural hematoma.

Isodense subdural hematomas, particularly bilateral ones, may be difficult to diagnose with CT. Forty-three cases of subdural hematomas were studied by CT, 7 of which were isodense collections. Obliteration or displacement of the cortical sulci in the zone of the extracerebral collection was present in all 7 cases. Infusion scans demonstrated displacement of a cortical vein away from the inner table of the skull in 3 of the 7 cases. This findins is helpful in accurately predicting the size of the extracerebral collection.


Computed tomography of the mediastinum.

Findings from the first 430 CT examinations of the thorax performed at the Mayo Clinic were compared with results of film studies and the most certain later diagnoses in the same cases. Results were analyzed by disease and by mediastinal compartment. CT was superior in staging bronchogenic carcinoma, detecting abnormal masses, and in demonstrating mediastinal normally when plain films were equivocal. It generally gave clear delineations of lesions and distinguished them better from normal structures, and, in correlation with clinical data, it was more accurate in suggesting whether they were benign or malignant.


Computed tomography in the evaluation of musculoskeletal neoplasms.

In a study of 62 musculoskeletal neoplasms, computed tomography contributed little to establishing tissue diagnosis. Its primary value lay in the assessment of intraosseous and/or extraosseous extent of disease. CT also established the presence or absence of disease in a small number of cases with clinically questionable findings. In most cases, conventional radiographic methods were superior in diagnosing musculoskeletal neoplasms.


Computed tomography of the spine and spinal cord.

Configurations of 50 normal lumbar canals at each vertebral level were assessed and the dimensions of the canal at these levels measured. The appearances of the contents of the canal and their absorption values were carefully analyzed in the lumbar, cervical, and thoracic regions. Of 75 scans of patients with specific spinal symptoms, 38 showed abnormalities representing 19 pathological entities. The appearances of these lesions on scans are compared with normal scans, and the usefulness of CT scans in assessing lesions of the bone and within the canal is discussed.


Hilar and mediastinal adenopathy caused by bacterial abscess of the lung.

Enlargement of hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes commonly accompanies a lung abcess. Of 27 patients with lung abscesses, 14 had hilar or mediastinal adenopathy or both. The problem resolved promptly with clearing of the abcesses and was absent on clinical and radiographic follow-up.


Radiographic manifestations of broncholithiasis.

Calcifications within the lung may produce symptoms when they erode surrounding tissue and move. Lithoptysis, or symptoms related to bronchial obstructions may occur. Under these circumstances, careful attention should be paid to evidence of movement of a calcific focus and its relationship to the bronchi. Six examples are described. Tomography and bronchography are useful. Histoplasma organisms can be demonstrated in most broncholiths in an endemic area. In other areas this entity is becoming unusual, probably because of the declining incidence of tuberculosis. Not all hilar or parenchymal calcifications are innocuous.


Sand aspiration in drowning and near drowning.

Aspiration of sand and other foreign material is often discovered at autopsy in victims of drowning, but is not commonly seen radiographically. Two such cases are described, one of drowning and one of near drowning. In each case, the sand was radiopaque because of its calcium carbonate content and created a "sand bronchogram", i.e., sand in the tracheobronchial tree. With early recognition, successful bronchoscopic removal of the aspirated sand is possible.


Transverse folds in the human esophagus.

Fine transverse folds can be seen by double contrast technique in the human esophagus which are similar to those seen regularly in the feline esophagus. These folds are transient in nature and possibly represent contraction of the muscularis mucosae. This fold pattern can be seen in patients with gastroesophageal reflux and in those with no symptoms of esophageal disease. The marginal serration should not be mistaken for diffuse ulceration on barium filled views of the esophagus. Distortion of interruption of the normal fold pattern can be seen in patients with superficial ulceration due to reflux esophagitis or other invasive mucosal lesions. Although the pathophysiologic significance of this phenomenon is uncertain, the demonstration and recognition of these folds allows for better definition of mucosal surface abnormalities.


The barium enema: a reassessment looking toward perfection.

In a crossover study of more than 300 double contrast colon examinations, including 2,200 radiographs, many common and some uncommon views were taken and compared. An optimal series of "routine" films and the order in which they should be taken are presented. This will produce a complete colon examination in the most efficient way. Some technical considerations are presented which proved necessary to produce a superb examination. This new routine represents a reduction in the number of films advocated by Welin and Miller in earlier publications. The findings are compatible with both air contrast and full column techniques.


Colitis in Behçet's syndrome. Two new cases.

Two new cases of Behçet's disease with colitis are presented and the radiographic features described. The changes in the colon resemble Crohn's disease more closely than ulcerative colitis but show some features which are distinct from both. One patient had perforation of a cecal ulcer and severe bleeding, stressing the serious nature of this form of colitis.


Therapeutic applications of catheter cholangiography.

Percutaneous transhepatic catheterization of the biliary tree was performed in 23 patients. In 21 the catheter was advanced past an obstructing lesion into the distal common bile duct and duodenum to establish antegrade biliary drainage. The catheter was left permanently in place as a form of endoprosthesis in 5 patients.


The normal seminal vesiculogram.

Vasoseminal vesiculography was performed on 69 asymptomatic men. Considerable variability in the appearance of the normal adult seminal tract was seen. On the left, the normal seminal vesicle averaged 5.6 cm long, 2.0 cm wide, and 0.6 cm in luminal diameter; on the right, it averaged 5.0 cm long, 2.0 cm wide, and 0.6 cm in luminal diameter. The normal ejaculatory duct averaged 16.0 mm long and 1.5 mm wide on the left and the same on the right. Criteria for normality are presented and the radiographic techniques reviewed.


Urinary tract after abdomino-perineal resection.

Uroradiological examinations on 33 patients subjected to abdomino-perineal resection were analyzed. The most common finding was medial displacement of both ureters, with the right one frequently crossing the midline. Bladder deformity, sometimes severe, was present in all patients. Localized ureteral narrowing due to stricture or recurring neoplasm was found in 30% of the patients examined. Other common complications included retrovesical abscesses, periurethral abscesses, urethral fistulas and strictures, and bladder retention. All these findings were more prominent in men.


Pear-shaped bladder caused by large iliopsoas muscles.

A case of pear-shaped bladder resembling pelvic lipomatosis was shown to be caused by large iliacus and psoas muscles.


Melnick-Needles syndrome: radiographic alterations in the mandible.

After the adventitious finding of bilateral loculations in the mandibular rami and erosion of the coronoid processes of the mandible of a patient with Melnick-Needles syndrome (osteodysplasty), the jaws of four other individuals with the same disorder were examined for similar changes. The coronoid process of the mandible was grossly hypoplastic in all patients, and the rami were markedly abbreviated. In four of the five patients the angle was rounded. In three of five patients, loculations of unknown nature were found in the mandibular rami. Several patients exhibited impacted molar teeth.


An interesting normal variant of the temporal bone.

The purpose of this brief communication is to call attention to a small, rounded bony knob which is infrequently present on the superior margin of the petrous bone. This finding is more often unilateral but may rarely be bilateral. The bony excrescence has the same osseous density as the surrounding dense petrosa from which it arises. Lack of familiarity with this normal variant may lead to the erroneous diagnosis of a petrosal meningioma.


Calcific tendinitis of the neck.

When a calcific deposit in the shoulder, hip or elbow ruptures, it results in severe pain and tenderness. Few clinicians are aware that the longus colli muscle of the neck is also subject to acute tendinitis. When it occurs, the pain and spasm mimic infectious spondylitis or meningitis. Four patients are presented with acute tendinitis of the longus colli muscle and the classic radiographic findings of soft-tissue swelling and amorphous calcium deposits in the tendon.


Benefit/risk analysis of aggressive mammographic screening.

Based on the results of aggressive screening of 20,000 women and an annual average midbreast absorbed dose of 1 rad per year, the authors describe a model for estimating the benefit/risk ratio for mammography in screening populations of asymptomatic, randomly selected women. Benefits in terms of breast-cancer deaths averted over not screening are estimated. The "worst-case" estimate of the benefit/risk ratio for five annual mammographic examinations on randomly selected asymptomatic women age 35-49 at the start of screening is 3.4 +/- 1.1 to 1. The corresponding "most probable" estimate is 8.0 +/- 3.1 to 1.


Computed tomography of acoustic neurinoma.

Thirty-seven patients with 39 acoustic neurinomas were studied with computed tomography (CT). Six tumors (15%) were seen on the nonenhanced scans and infusion of contrast material demonstrated 23 more tumors. Ten tumors (26%) were not seen as soft-tissue masses on the enhanced CT scans. However, these same 10 cases yielded 4 ipsilateral abnormal internal auditory canals when viewed with a bone window. Findings suggestive of acoustic neurinomas were found in 85% of proven sites. Important factors in the CT diagnosis of acoustic neurinomas are good-quality, motion-free scans, contrast enhancement and analysis of bone detail.


Comparative sensitivity of CT scans, radiographs and radionuclide bone scans in detecting metastatic calvarial lesions.

CT scans of 100 patients with histologically diagnosed extracerebral neoplasms were reviewed and compared with either radionuclide bone images or skull radiographs. The results of this correlative study indicate that CT scans are more sensitive than skull radiographs in detecting corresponding calvarial lesions; conversely, radionuclide bone scans appear to be more sensitive than CT in detecting similar lesions.


Computed tomography and gray scale ultrasonography of the adrenal gland: a comparative study.

A prospective analysis of computed tomography and gray scale ultrasonography of the adrenal gland in 34 patients is presented. The diagnostic probabilities were similar for both modalities. Pitfalls common to both procedures and specific to one technique are demonstrated. The relative role of computed tomography and gray scale ultrasonography in evaluation of adrenal abnormalities is discussed in light of specific pathologies and other noninvasive imaging procedures.


The detection of inferior vena caval thrombosis with computed tomography.

Two cases are reported in which computed tomography demonstrated inferior vena caval thrombosis following intravenous administration of contrast material. This observation appears to have its greatest application in the staging of abdominal neoplasms, particularly renal-cell carcinoma.


Angiographic diagnosis of fourth ventricle tumors.

Twelve primary fourth ventricle tumors and 22 medulloblastomas occupying mainly the fourth ventricle were analyzed, with emphasis on the differential diagnosis, vascularity, and some unusual findings. Though both types of tumor often have identical manifestations, the correct diagnosis can be made in most cases by careful evaluation of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery, particularly the choroidal and nodular branches. Unusual findings in primary fourth ventricle tumors mimicking tumors of the pons and medulla oblongata are described, and possible explanations for these findings are discussed. The results of this study underscore the importance of angiotomography in the diagnosis of tumors of the fourth ventricle.


Venous-phase angiography in subclavian-steal syndrome.

The value of demonstrating the venous phase of angiography in patients with subclavian-steal syndrome was evaluated in 17 patients. In patients with mild symptoms, there was no difference between the left and right jugular-vein opacification, but minimal or no opacification was observed in patients with severe symptoms. The authors believe evaluating venous phases in angiography in patients with subclavian-steal syndrome is useful because the findings correlate well with the severity of symptoms.


Diagnosis of cerebral lesions by Thallium 201.

The authors describe the diagnostic possibilities of Thallium 201 in cerebral lesions of various kinds. Two radiopharmaceuticals were used in 124 patients: thallium 201 citrate and technetium-99m pertechnetate labelled. When 201Tl was used, all cases of definite cerebral lesion gave a positive result within 10 minutes of injection. In 85.4% the definition was better, and small metastases which were invisible with 99mTc could be demonstrated. More than two-thirds of the time, neoplastic lesions were better defined and distinguished from adjacent normal areas of hyperactivity. 201Tl promises greater diagnostic usefulness with an examination time of only 30 minutes.


Diagnosis of coronary artery disease with 201Tl. Computer analysis of myocardial perfusion images.

The diagnostic sensitivity of visually interpreted and computer-analyzed 201Tl myocardial perfusion images was compared to that of exercise electrocardiograms in 8 angiographically normal subjects and 24 patients with significant coronary artery disease. Visual interpretation was not significantly better than exercise ECGs. An index of perfusion homogeneity, derived from computer analysis of the 201Tl images, was more sensitive than visual interpretation (79% vs. 58%) and much more sensitive (p less than 0.05) than the exercise ECG (79% VS. 46%). The best overall sensitivity (88%) and specificity (75%) were achieved by combining computer analysis with exercise electrocardiography. The computer also permits enhanced detection of subtle perfusion changes which may not seem significant to the eye.


Ventricular uptake during brain scanning. A case report of ventricular lymphomatosis.

Visualization of the cerebral ventricles during radionuclide brain scanning is rarely reported. A case demonstrating the lateral ventricles by brain scanning with 99mCc-stannous glucoheptonate in a patient with lymphoma is presented.


Bowel stenosis as a late complication of acute necrotizing enterocolitis.

Bowel stricture as a late complication of acute necrotizing enterocolitis in 10 neonates is discussed with respect to time interval to development, number of strictures, location, sexual and racial distribution and possible contributing factors. This is compared with previous reports in the literature. Differences in the distribution of acute and late sites of involvement are discussed.


A new ultrasonic real-time scanner featuring a servo-controlled transducer displaying a sector image.

This paper describes a new real-time servo-controlled sector scanner that produces high-resolution images similar to phased-array systems, but possesses the simplicity of design and low cost best achievable in a mechanical sector scanner. Its unique feature is the transducer head which contains a single moving part--the transducer. Frame rates vary from 0 to 30 degrees and the sector angle from 0 to 60 degrees. Abdominal applications include: differentiation of vascular structures, detection of small masses, imaging of diagonally oriented organs. Survey scanning, and demonstration of regions difficult to image with contact scanners. Cardiac uses are also described.


Ultrasonography of necrotic hepatic metastases.

Twelve patients with sonolucent hepatic metastases studied with gray scale ultrasonography are presented. Extensive necrosis presumably accounts for the sonolucent appearance of the hepatic lesions. The spectrum of ultrasonographic features and correlations, particularly with computed tomography, are presented. The similarity between anechoic hepatic metastases and benign conditions of the liver is emphasized.


Ultrasound diagnosis of hydrocolpos and hydrometrocolpos.

Two neonates, one with hydrocolpos and one with hydrometrocolpos, were studied with ultrasound. In each case a primarily cystic abdominal mass arose from the pelvis but contained internal echoes. It is concluded that ultrasound evaluation of these disorders should aid in the preoperative diagnosis.


Ultrasonography in the evaluation of post-nephrectomy renal cancer patients.

The role of ultrasonography in the evaluation of 12 patients who had previously undergone nephrectomy for renal carcinoma is discussed. Ultrasonography is a useful, noninvasive means of evaluating such patients for recurrence of disease. The ultrasonographic features of retroperitoneal recurrence and a potential diagnostic pitfall of bowel loops in the renal bed are emphasized.


Gray-scale ultrasonic demonstration of nephrocalcinosis.

Nephrocalcinosis was diagnosed by means of gray-scale somography in a premature infant with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The examination provided a way of localizing faint calcifications seen on a plain abdominal radiograph.


Combined treatment methods for carcinoma of the esophagus.

From 1950 to 1973, 129 patients received irradiation for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma at the University of California, San Francisco. From this group, 26 received surgical and irradiation treatment. Twelve did not receive irradiation until recurrence became evident and among them were no 5-year survivors. Among the other 14 were six 5-year survivors (43%). The authors believe that planned sequential irradiation and surgery offer the best chance for cure in squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Selection factors, treatment details, and therapeutic regimens are presented and a management plan proposed for this group of operable patients.


Complications of high dose preoperative irradiation for advanced laryngeal-hypopharyngeal cancer.

The authors studied 162 patients with advanced cancer of the laryngopharynx who were treated over the same period of time by standard techniques. High dose preoperative supervoltage irradiation to 5000 rads/5 weeks through large opposed lateral fields and a lower anterior neck field is not accompanied by a prohibitive increase in mortality or morbidity for patients with stage III-IV largynogopharyngeal cancer. Rescue surgery for recurrence after definitive irradiation can be accomplished.


Treatment of testicular tumors.

A total of 145 consecutive primary testicular tumors were treated with radiation therapy at the University of Michigan Hospital from 1955 through 1974. In patients with seminoma, the 5-year survival rate was 98% for Stage I and 88% for Stage II regardless of whether retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was done. The 5-year survival rate for embryonal carcinoma was 63% for Stage I and 66% for Stage II. For teratocarcinoma it was 100% for Stage I and 54% for Stage II. Adjuvant chemotherapy appeared to be beneficial for patients with Stage II teratocarcinoma but made no difference in patients with embryonal carcinoma.


A multislice positron emission computed tomograph (PETT IV) yielding transverse and longitudinal images.

We designed, built, and tested a positron emission tomograph (PETT IV) capable of providing seven slices of the human body simultaneously. PETT IV utilizes a moving hexagonal array of 48 scintillation detectors placed around the subject. Each detector consists of a cylindrical activated sodium iodide crystal optically coupled to two photomultiplier tubes. The multislice capability is achieved by comparing the light outputs of the two photomultiplier tubes in each detector. The images are displayed either as transverse or as longitudinal tomographic sections. This system provides high sensitivity and resolution, and permits rapid and accurate three-dimensional imaging of the head and body.


Radiation-induced inhibition of compensatory renal growth in the weanling mouse kidney.

Weanling mice were given 500, 1,000, 1,500, or 2,000 rads single-fraction renal irradiation immediately following unilateral nephrectomy and sacrificed 3 days or 3, 6, 12, or 24 weeks later. Inhibition of compensatory renal growth was related to both radiation dose and time following treatment; it was transient following 500 and 1,000 rads but persisted following 1,500 and 2,000 rads. Renal growth was inhibited more than body growth. These studies indicate that the weanling mouse kidney is more sensitive to radiation-induced inhibition of compensatory renal growth than adult mice or other rodents.


Ventricular fibrillation from diatrizoate with and without chelating agents.

The toxicity of Renografin 76% was compared with that of Hypaque 76% by selective injection of each into the right coronary artery of dogs. Renografin contains the chelating agents sodium citrate and disodium edetate, while Hypaque contains calcium disodium edetate and no sodium citrate. Ventricular fibrillation occurred significantly more often with Renografin, suggesting that chelating agents contribute to toxicity in coronary angiography.


Differential effects of sodium meglumine calcium metrizoate on the inotropic state of normal and ischemic myocardium.

Sodium meglumine calcium metrizoate was injected into isolated blood-perfused canine hearts to evaluate the effect of contrast agents containing calcium on normal and ischemic myocardium. Under normal perfusion pressure and mild ischemia, this contrast agent produced a positive inotropic effect, but during profound ischemia, this positive effect was followed by a period of myocardial depression. These findings indicate that the addition of an inotropic agent to contrast medium can produce a paradoxical depressant effect which can be deleterious to the ischemic myocardium.


Drainage of the rectum: a simple maneuver to improve the accuracy of colon examinations.

In double contrast enemas, the rectum and distal sigmoid can easily be examined with a high degree of accuracy. This requires adequate drainage and good air distension of this segment of the colon. Methods are outlined by which this can easily be accomplished.


A localizing device for x-ray sources.

The author describes a localizing device which permits accurate placement of x-ray sources in relation to both the patient and the cassette. Radiographs can be reproduced exactly using this device.


Shielding the hand during cross-compression angiography.

A simple method of shielding the hand during cross-compression angiography is described. A standard lead glove with the fingertips cut out of the palmar aspect is used, allowing sensation and mobility while still protecting the hand.


A method of increasing the linear activity of 192Ir sources for interstitial implantation.

The authors suggest that low-intensity 129Ir wires be twisted together to increase linear activity and dose rate for interstitial implantation. This technique saves time and expense for the patient and reduces radiation to personnel.


A film changer for small animals.

A 70mm spot-film camera was modified for use in small-animal studies. The film is exposed directly by x rays and yields a high-quality image.


Two projection computed tomography: the axial and Towne projections.

It is occasionally necessary in evaluating lesions around the third ventricle and posterior fossa to supplement the axial view with another projection. The authors have routinely used the coronal projection as a second projection. However, the Towne view for computed tomography can be used as a second projection instead of the coronal; it is technically easier and faster to perform than the coronal projection, and provided good evaluation of the posterior fossa and para third ventricular areas in children.


A radioimmunoassay for 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha.

A radioimmunoassay for 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha has been developed. The assay is accurate and sensitive but since the antiserum cross-reacts 5-10% with prostaglandins (PGs) of the E and F series, solvent extraction and thin layer chromatography are required for absolute specificity. The assay has been validated by comparison with a radiochemical assay and by the use of an inhibitor of 6-keto PGF1alpha formation, 15-hydroperoxy arachidonic acid. 6-Keto PGF1alpha was found to have a low cross reaction with antisera directed against PGE2, PGF2alpha and thromboxane B2.


Synthesis of prostaglandin 6-keto F1alpha by cultured aortic smooth muscle cells and stimulation of its formation in a coupled system with platelet lysates.

Lysed aortic smooth muscle cells, when incubated with [14C] arachidonate, synthesized only one radioactive product, which was identified as 6-keto-PGF1alpha. Formation of this product from smooth muscle cell lysates was stimulated when human platelet extracts were added to the system, and further stimulation was observed when imidazole, a selective inhibitor of thromboxane synthesis, was added to this coupled system. These observations indicate that the cyclooxygenase of the smooth muscle cells was rate-limiting, that the prostacyclin synthetase of these cells can utilize endoperoxides produced by platelets, and that blocking of thromboxane synthesis might, under certain conditions, shunt arachidonate metabolism toward prostacyclin formation.


Synthesis of the four isomers of 5-hydroxy-PGI1.

We wish to report here the syntheses of (5S, 6R)-5-hydroxy-, (5R, 6R)-5-hydroxy-, (5R, 6S)-5-hydroxy-, and (5S, 6S)-5-hydroxy-PGI1 and their methyl ester derivatives. Treatment of (5R, 6S)-epoxy- and (5S, 6R)-epoxy-PGF1alpha methyl esters with acid washed silica gel afforded (5R, 6R)-5-hydroxy- and (5S, 6S)-5-hydroxy-PGI1 methyl esters; correspondingly, silica promoted cyclization of (5S, 6S)-epoxy- and (5R, 6R)-epoxy-PGF1alpha methyl esters yielded (5S, 6R)-5-hydroxy- and (5R, 6S)-5-hydroxy-PGI1 methyl esters. Alternatively, the 5-hydroxyl group was introduced into the PGI1 skeleton via reaction of the 5-mercuric halides with sodium borohydride in the presence of oxygen. Stereochemical assignments were based on their mode of synthesis and 1H nmr shift differences.


Prostaglandin E and mitogenic stimulation of human lymphocytes in serum-free medium.

Sera used in cell cultures contain significant ammounts of prostaglandins (PGs). In order to avoid any effects of contaminating PGs, the present study employed a serum-free culture medium and confirmed the inhibitory effect of prostaglandin E (PGE) on the human lymphocyte activation which had been observed previously employing a serum-containing medium. PGE1 displayed a significantly stronger inhibitory effect on the cells than previously shown. Furthermore, reported enhancement of PGE synthesis by mitogen-activated lymphocytes could not be reproduced.


The effect of prostaglandin E2-induced echinocytic transformation on the potassium loss, viscosity and osmotic fragility of normal and sickle cell erythrocytes.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-induced discocyte leads to echinocytic transformation has no effect on the viscosity or osmotic fragility of normal or sickle cell erythrocytes. Membrane permeability, reflected as potassium efflux, is significantly affected in normal erythrocytes when greater than 90% of the cells are morphologically transformed to the echinocytic III stage (PGE2 concentration of 1--2x10(6) ng/ml blood). This potassium loss is significant in sickle erythrocytes when 50-70% of the cell population has been transformed (PGE2 concentration, 5x10(5) ng/ml blood). This change in membrane permeability represents one-half to one-third the flux that occurs with sickling (i.e., greater than 80% of the erythrocytes sickled).


The influence of some prostaglandins on DNA synthesis and DNA excision repair in mouse spleen cells in vitro.

In vitro experiments were performed on mouse spleen cells to establish possible influences of some naturally occurring prostaglandins on DNA synthesis and DNA excision repair. The prostaglandins A1, B1, E1, E2 and F2alpha were tested in concentrations of lopg, 5ng and 2.5microgram per ml cell suspension. DNA synthesis was significantly increased by PgF2alpha in all the three concentrations tested, while the other tested prostaglandins were essentially ineffective. DNA excision repair was significantly inhibited by PgE1 and PgE2 at 5ng/ml and at 2.5microgram/ml but increased by PgF2alpha in the two lower concentrations. The rejoining of DNA-strand breaks after gamma-irradiation was slightly reduced by PgE1, PgE2 and PgF2alpha at 2.5microgram/ml.


Release of prostaglandin-like substance from inflamed synovial tissue of rat.

Influence of inflammation on the release of prostaglandin-like substance (PG) from synovial tissue of rat was studied. 1) In carrageenin inflammation, PG release was proportional to the increase in synovial tissue weight. 2) PG release was only increased in the later phase of dextran inflammation. 3) Aspirin suppressed PG release from both non-inflamed and inflamed synovial tissues, but hydrocortisone suppressed that only in inflamed tissue.


A comparison of responses of guinea-pig isolated trachea to six prostaglandins.

Effects of prostaglandins (PG) E1, E2, F2alpha, A1, A2 and B2 were studied on guinea-pig isolated tracheal chains. PGF2alpha, B2 and A2 produced contraction, PGE1 and E2 relaxation of the chain, but A1 produced no response. 1) From the cumulative dose response curves, PGF2alpha was more active in producing contraction than B2 or A2, though its effect was less than that of acetylcholine (ACh). PGE1-induced relaxation was less than the response to isoproterenol. 2) PGE1 and E2 1 microgram/ml caused a 26.1 +/- 3.83% (n=5) or a 9.5 +/- 3.36 (n=6) decrease of ACh (1 microgram/ml)-induced contraction respectively. The degree of relaxation produced by E1 was greater than that by E2 (P less than 0.01). 3) After five minutes preincubation with each of PGA1, A2, B2 and F2alpha in concentrations which did not produce any effect, ACh-induced contraction was augmented only after PGA2 (P less than 0.05).


Lordosis induction in the rat by prostaglandin E2 systemically or intracranially in the absence of ovarian hormones.

Within 20 minutes of an intraperitoneal injection, PGE2 induced lordosis responding to manual stimulation in 6 of 9 rats that were ovariectomized-hysterectomized and hormonally untreated. Similarly, intracranial application of PGE2, through guide cannulae that were chronically-implanted in the basal hypothalamus, induced lordosis responding to manual stimulation within 10 minutes in ovariectomized, hormonally-untreated rats.


[Improvement of Cherenkov counting method (author's transl)].

Cherenkov counting efficiency has been considerably improved by a specified measuring geometry. Radioactive sample and wavelength shifter are separately dispositioned, where a butyl-PBD has been employed as a wavelength shifter in the form of liquid and solid solutions. This technique can get rid of the shortcoming of the method usually used, in which wavelength shifter is directly incorporated to Cherenkov medium.


[Distribution of 14C-pipemidic acid in the guinea pig ear (author's transl)].

Macroautoradiographic studies on distribution of 14C-pipemidic acid in the guinea pig ear were performed after administration of the drug to provide its disposition for its application in the otolaryngological field. Petrosal bone, cochlea and auditory ossicles contained extremely low levels of 14C-pepemidic acid; blood, mucous tissues of tympanic cavity and tympanic membrane, low levels; tissues of external ear, moderate levels; and outer surface tissues of petrosal bone possibly including periosteum, significant levels. These otological tissue distributions of pipemidic acid suggest the effective applicability of the drug in the field.


[Sublimatographic separation of fission products by beta-diketones complexes (author's transl)].

The sublimatographic separation of volatile beta-diketone, pivoloyltrifluoroacetone (PTA), chelates of fission products was studied. When Zr carrier was added, the sublimated radioactive chelates deposited on only one zone at the position of 45-60 cm (85-50 degrees C) from the position of the sample. The position agreed with the deposited position of inactive chelates of Zr. The nuclide presented in the zone was almost 95Zr. On the other hand, when Y or Eu carrier was added, the sublimated radioactive chelates deposited on two zones at the position of 20-40 cm(150-120 degrees C) and 60-75 cm (50-25 degrees C), respectively. The zone at higher temperature side agreed with the deposited position of inactive chelates of each carrier and the nuclei presented in this zone were mainly lanthanide elements (141Ce, 144Ce, 147Nd, 140La. 103Ru, 95Zr). The zone at lower temperature side was mainly carrier-free state of 95Zr, but the position of carrier-free 95Zr shifted to lower temperature side than the deposited position of inactive chelates of Zr carrier.


[Determination of thorotrast amount deposited in patients (author's transl)].

Thorotrast amount deposited in patients, chiefly in the liver and the spleen, was determined with a NaI detector and a Computerised Axial Tomography (CT). In the measurement of the gamma-rays with the NaI detector, the geometry-factors, that are the distance from the detector to the source, the attenuation of the gamma-rays in the tissue and the shapes of the liver and the spleen, were studied, and the mean amount deposited in the organs was determined. In the measurement with CT, the relationship of CT-Number and the amount of thorium was got, and the localized amount and the distribution in the organ were measured.


An evaluation of hepatobiliary scintigraphy with 99mTc-pyridoxylideneisoleucine.

From our experience with 30 cases, we conclude that 99mTc-PI is useful for assessment of hepatobiliary diseases and is much preferable to the 131I-labeled compounds.


[Residual radioactivity measurement for high purity silicon irradiated by pile-neutron (author's transl)].

Residual radioactivity measurement is described for high purity silicon (purer than tennine) irradiated by pile-neutron to produce n-type silicon semiconductor. The silicon samples were irradiated in four different atomic reactors with thermal neutron fluxes of 0.12, 1.48, 1.8 and 5.5 X 10(13) n/cm2. sec. After irradiation, the sample was dissolved in HF-HNO3, and the solution dried. The residual radioactivity was measured by a 2pi gas-flow low background GM counter. The only active species found was 32P, which was formed by the consecutive reaction of 30Si(n, gamma)31Si beta- leads to 31P followed by 31P(N, GAMMA)32P. The observed production rate for 32P was in good agreement with the calculated one. This technique can be applied to estimate amounts of not only doped phosphorus but impurities such as gold in irradiated silicon. Tail part of a float-zone silicon rod contained about 0.01 atomic ppb of Au, but no activity was observed in its middle part. The present technique is suitable for checking and characterizing silicon rods before their neutron-doping.


[Neutralization of static electricity charged on running vinyl chloride sheet by the use of soft beta-ray sources (author's transl)].

The feasibility of 147Pm and 3H beta-ray sources as static eliminator was experimentally investigated. A sheet of vinyl chloride of 0.1 mm in thickness was used as an example of electrified materials. Its surface charge densities before and after beta-ray neutralization were measured as the function of electrostatic charge changing the speed of the sheet and the distance between the beta-ray source and the sheet. With a 147Pm beta-ray source of 200mCi in effective activity, almost complete neutralization was found for the sheet with the charge density less than 6 X 10(-6) C/m2 running at the speed of 0.18 m/s. In the case of the running speed of 0.5 m/s frequently used in industry, the electrostatic charge below 3 X 10(6) C/m2, where corona discharger is not so effective, was also perfectly eliminated. It was found that the optimal distance between the beta-ray source and the  sheet was 10 cm in the case of 147Pm. The use of 3H beta-ray source of 1 Ci was not satisfactory. These results demonstrate that 147 Pm beta-ray source operates most efficiently as static eliminator when the charge density of material and/or its moving speed is not high.


[Non-specific abnormality (so called "hot spot") on 99mTc-phytate liver scintigraphy of patients associated with superior vena caval syndrome (author's transl)].

We have recently observed two patients with superior vena caval syndrome who showed a unique abnormality, so called "Hot Spot", on the 99mTc-phytate liver scintigraphy. This phenomenon seems to be related to the collateral venous circulation. It is supposed that its manifestation depends on the degree of venous dilatation of the chest and abdominal wall.


[The E.E.G. in non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia (author's transl)].

12 cases of non-ketotic hyperglycinemia in neonates diagnosed at a time of neurological distress were studied. A characteristic tracing was observed permitting correct diagnosis in 6 cases. It consisted of a burst suppression characterized by high voltage complexes separated by low amplitude sequences. This appearance remained until the 15th day, with no electroclinical changes. In cases followed the trace closely resembled hypsarrhythmia.


[A case of cerebral lipidosis with an atypical presentation (author's transl)].

The authors have reported a case of cerebral lipidosis (type Jansky-Bielschowsky) in which the presenting features appeared at the age of 2 years 10 months, and consisted of clonic seizures followed by atonic attacks and atypical absences. The association of seizures, severe mental disturbances and EEG abnormalities with an interseizure abnormality (diffuse slow waves) led to an initial misdiagnosis of the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The diagnosis which is suspected on the basis of clinical features (epilepsy, mental deterioration, pyramidal features), EEG signs (spikes on photic stimulation at low frequency or isolated) and ophthalmological investigations (ERG reduced response, abnormal VERs) was eventually made by rectal biopsy.


[Computer analysis of the EEG as an aid in terminating diet therapy in phenylketonuria].

In 6 patients with PKU, being on a low phenylalanine diet, the effect of reintroduction of phenylalanine on the E.E.G. was studied. The children, therefore, received daily loads of 100 or 150 mg phenylalanine/Kg bodyweight, equally divided over the meals. Computerized spectral analysis of the E.E.G's was performed during and after the loading tests. This made quantification possible of the following E.E.G. changes: 1) the increase of activities in the theta frequency band (4-8 Hz); 2) the frequency change of the alpha rhythm; 3) the change of the degree of synchrony between identical frequencies occurring in different derivations. A linear relation was found between these quantified E.E.G. parameters and the phenylalanine blood-level. After stopping the loading test E.E.G. abnormalities reversed suggesting that they could be considered as a measure for the degree of intoxication caused by the phenylalanine and/or its metabolites. It is suggested that the E.E.G. data may be useful parameters for alleviation or termination of the diet.


[E.E.G. appearances in hyperphenylalaninaemia (author's transl)].

Since 1973 the authors have studied the EEG appearances in hyperphenylalaninaemia : 82 children were studied, comprising : 68 children with phenylketonuria, 33 of whom had been treated within the first 3 months of life, whilst 35 had only started therapy after 9 months; 14 patients with hyperphenylalaninaemia. The morphological appearances seen commonly were compared with those described in the literature: the abnormalities and maturational changes were observed, including background rhythm changes, characteristic appearance of high amplitude, sharp spindles and percentages of generalised fast rhythms. Incidence of re-evaluation tests was also studied. Serial changes represented the most important aspect of this study, correlations being possible between the tracings and the child's development. The effects of correct dietary management, nonadherence to treatment, and the changes occurring on stopping treatment were also assessed. An assessment of the value of the EEG in following these cases could thus be made.


[Electro-clinical aspects of leucinosis].

Maple syrup urine disease, or leucinosis usually presents between the 4th and 10th day of life with neurological and gastro-intestinal symptoms. A distinctive odour of maple syrup on the child's skin or of his urine enables diagnosis to be made clinically, confirmation coming from amino-acide chromatography which reveals increased levels of the branched amino acids, leucine, valine and isoleucin in the blood and urine. The disease, untreated, is fatal, death occurring rapidly. With early diagnosis and treatment with a diet deficient in branched amino acids and purification methods the prognosis is quite good. E.E.G. appearances are clearly, therefore, of considerable interest: --burst suppression or "pseudo burst suppression" in the acute phase, suggesting severe cerebral insult and warranting amino acid chromatography. --rolandic "picket fence" waves seen between the 2nd and 4th weeks of life, which are strongly suggestive of the disease. --good correlation between clinical, biochemical and E.E.G. parameters, improvement of the last two indicating a good prognosis. --E.E.G. observation at regular intervals is justified after the acute phase to aid forecasts concerning the eventual outcome.


[The E.E.G. in methylmalonic acidaemia (author's transl)].

The EEG study was carried out on 8 cases of methylmalonic acidaemia, in the neonatal period (3 cases), developing later with a ketotic coma, hyperglycinemia, hyperammonaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia (3 cases) and detected before birth (2 cases). The tracings of the neonates in the first group had a periodic appearance. The 2 children detected pre-natally had essentially normal EEGs bar a slightly faster rhythm. The tracings of the children in ketotic coma were similar to those seen in metabolic coma of other cause. The value of this study was, besides characterizing the EEC pattern which resembled that seen in other metabolic illnesses in the neonatal period, to study the changes in the EEG trace and their improvement during dialysis treatment. In one case recordings were made throughout the duration of dialysis.


[Neonatal myoclonic encephalopathy (author's transl)].

The authors studied 5 patients with neonatal myoclonic encephalopathy commencing in the hours immediately after birth and consisting of erratic, asynchronous, non-periodic myoclonus associated with generalized jerks in 4. The EEG showed bursts of pseudo-periodic activity on a low voltage background rhythm. Neuropathological study showed poliodystrophy in one case and a disturbance of cortical lamination in another. The relation of these cases with non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia is discussed.


[Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase from sea mussel hepatopancreas (author's transl)].

Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase activity was found in the subcellular components of the sea mussel Mytilus edulis L., most of it, 99.42%, in the supernatant (cytosolic) fraction. A mitochondrial form of glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase of diverse exhibiting coenzyme specificity towards NAD+ and NADP+ was solubilized. The inhibitory effect of some phosphate compounds on cytosolic glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase activity, has been studied. The inhibition constants for fructose-1,6-diphosphate, and phosphoenol pyruvate in relation to the glucose-6-phosphate substrate, have been determined. Cytosolic enzyme activity dependence on pH has been tested with and without fructose diphosphate. Lastly, the inhibition rate of various fructose diphosphate concentrations against constant substrate concentrations have been determined, as well as the inhibitory effects by the simultaneous action of fructose diphosphate and NADPH.


Significance of a new isovolumetric technique for the study of the myometrial dynamics in vitro.

Above usual values for active tension are measured in 10 uterine horns of rat under electric stimulation through an original isovolumetric technique. At the maximum length increase attained were 1.79 +/- 0.2 kg/cm2, with passive tension from 9--10% total tension. These values are within the range for other smooth and striated muscles. The isometric techniques efficacy to record total uterine tension, as well as the application of isometric activity to the analyse of uterine dynamics are discussed.


Exerimental evaluation of antianginal drugs.

A technique for testing antianginal drugs has been developed measuring hemodynamic variables, such as heart rate, left ventricular pressure and its dp/dt, aortic root and coronary sinus pressure, Veragut's index and area under the curve of LVP and metabolic variables, such as A-V difference of oxygen and lactate, oxygen content in coronary sinus, percentage extraction of oxygen, excess lactate. Physiological experimental conditions included spontaneously breathing dogs, catheters introduced under X-rays control and closed chest. A commentary about activity criteria, usefulness and inconvenients of this technique is presented.


Study of a set of chromatographic parameters for the determination of estrogens.

Optimum chromatographic parameters for the separation and detection of estrogen TMS derivatives are described. Estrogens are best separated by using a 2 m glass column with 1% SE-30 load; an 8' iso temperature program, 230 degrees C, 3 degrees C/min, 296 degrees C; 24 ml/min nitrogen flow; 33 ml/min hydrogen flow and 1.5 Kg/cm2 air pressure.


[Intestinal transport of cycloleucine (author's transl)].

Cycloleucine transport across the epithelial cells of the turtle intestine has been studied. It was assumed that the epithelium constituted a single homogeneous compartment. The results obtained by tracer techniques show that the epithelium, in transport, comprises more than one compartment, a separate one, at least, for intestinal absorption and secretion processes. This heterogeneous character makes impossible to attribute a tissue concentration to the epithelium as a whole, so that the existence of an aminoacid accumulation cannot be affirmed.


Complex phosphoglycerides from rat liver outer mitochondrial membranes.

The ethanolic extract from rat liver mitochondrial membranes contains a number of highly polar complex lipids, which are found in the aqueous layer when subjected to the usual chloroform-water partition procedures. Two of these lipids have been purified by thin-layer chromatography, and their structures partially elucidated. Apparently, both are derivatives of phosphatidylglycerol, with a bulky polar head containing sugars and aminoacids. They are specifically located in the outer membrane. Several structures are suggested, as well as a possible functional rôle for these compounds.


Aminoacid composition and hydrophobicity index of mitochondrial polypeptides.

The aminoacid composition of protein stained bands in polyacrylamide gels, after electrophoresis of proteins from inner mitochondrial membranes, was investigated hydrolyzing directly the gel slices. The Hydrophobicity Index of 18 prominent polypeptide bands was calculated after their aminoacid analysis. The polypeptides less related to the membrane have low hydrophobicity as inferred from their Hydrophobicity Indexes.


[Molecular forms of guanine aminohydrolase (author's transl)].

Guanine aminohydrolase (E.C. 3.5.4.3) has been purified 11-fold from the supernatant fraction of guinea-pig liver homogenates in 0.25 M sucrose (centrifuged at 50,000 X g) through thermic denaturation at 60 degrees C and ammonium sulphate fractionation (30--60% saturation). The enzyme in the homogenates and purified preparations exhibited two Km values. In both preparations four enzymatic electrophoretic bands have been detected. Purified guanine aminohydrolase is chromatographically resolved on DEAE-sephadex in three components whose active forms appeared separately on their pherograms. The enzymatic form eluted at lower ionic strength has the least anodic mobility, is inhibited by guanine (4 X 10(-5) M) and presents only one Km value (1.5 X 10(-5) M). The enzymatic form eluted at greater ionic strength exhibits the highest anodic mobility, is also inhibited by guanine (7 X 10(-5) M) and its Km value seems to be 6.3 X 10(-6) M. Molecular weight of enzymatics forms determined by Sephadex G-200 chromatography, is 120,000 +/- 5,000. The preceding results, correlated with the chromatographic homogeneity of guanine aminohydrolase, purified in Sephadex G-100, suggests that the four molecular forms of the native enzyme may be considered as isozymes.


[Studies on the release of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase by nicotine (author's transl)].

Comparative studies were made on the release of DBH by adrenal medullary slices after colinomimetic stimulation with acetylcholine, DMPP or nicotine. The in vivo effects of nicotine on the circulating plasma dopamine-beta-hydroxylase were tested in habitual and non habitual smokers after five cigarettes (12.5 mg of nicotine). The rise of plasma enzyme activity may reflect the increased catecholamine release from adrenal and peripheral adrenergic nerves.


Stimulation of ketogénesis after glycogen depletion by nicotinic acid in perfused rat liver.

Treatment with nicotinic acid produced an enhancement of ketone bodies production from endogenous, substrates, either oleate or octanotate. The enhancement was accounted for by an increase of acetoacetate synthesis. These results suggest that the increase of acetoacetate production may be due to the enhancement of extramitochondrial ketogenesis as a consequence of the inhibition of lipogenesis.


Microsomal enzyme induction following repeated oral administration of LAAM.

The oral administration of 1-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM) in the mouse was shown to cause a significant elevation in the hepatic LAAM N-demethylase activity. Compared to the self-induction phenomena found with methadone and propoxyphene, LAAM was three and two times more potent, respectively, on a molar basis than these two structurally similar narcotic analogs. Moreover, microsomal induction by LAAM resulted in significant elevations of aminopyrine N-demethylase and aniline hydroxylase activities. These effects were also correlated with a dose related decrement of pentobarbital sleeping time. Thus LAAM appears to be a relatively potent inducer of microsomal metabolism.


Inability of accumulated metabolic byproducts of uremia to alter the extent of warfarin binding in charcoal treated plasma.

The addition to charcoal treated normal and charcoal treated uremic plasma of four metabolites which accumulate during uremia--uric acid, beta -phenylpyruvic acid, guanidinosuccinic acid, and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid--failed to produce a warfarin binding defect. Charcoal treatment corrected the warfarin binding defect in uremic plasma, however it diminished the extent of warfarin binding to normal plasma. These observations rule out the possibility that uric acid, beta -phenylpyruvic acid, guanidinosuccinic acid, or p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid contribute to the warfarin binding defect in uremia, and suggest that free fatty acids have no role in the warfarin binding defect.


Effects of L-cysteine, L-cysteine derivatives and ascorbic acid on lead excretion in rats.

Urinary and fecal excretion of lead in rats were compared after intravenous administration of L-cysteine and a number of its derivatives. In terms of increasing total lead excretion, L-cysteine ethyl ester was about half as effective as D-penicillamine, whereas L-cysteine and all other derivatives tested were only marginally effective. Interestingly, L-cysteine ethyl ester appeared to increase lead depletion mainly through biliary excretion. This compound may, therefore, have lower renal toxicity than other chelating agents which promote lead excretion principally by increasing urinary elimination. Dietary supplements containing 1% cysteine, 1% ascorbic acid of 1% of both substances did not dramatically increase lead elimination.


In vitro studies on interaction of mercuric mercury and selenite in rabbit blood.

The behaviors of inorganic mercury and selenite in rabbit blood, added in vitro individually or in combination, were investigated. Inorganic mercury incorporated into erythrocyte in the absence of selenite was mainly present in the fractions which were eluted from Sephadex G-200 column just after hemoglobin. On the other hand selenium incorporated into erythrocyte in the absence of mercury was eluted in hemoglobin fractions and also in those which are almost completely retained by the column. In the combination experiment, however, the incorporation of mercury and selenium was remarkably enhanced and the increased amounts of both the compounds were eluted together with each other around the void volume region of the Sephadex G-200 column. The existing state of mercury and selenium in the high-molecular weight fractions and the effects of some metabolic inhibitors on the behavior of these compounds in blood were also studied.


Comparison of prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time on Dade Auto-FI and Bio-Quest Fibrometer.

Plasma assay results for prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time obtained on the fully automated Dade Auto-FI were compared with those obtained on the more traditional semi-automated Bio-Quest Fibrometer. The precision data showed in a majority of cases the superior reproducibility of the Auto-FI over the fibrometer. However, we found that results of APTT utilizing both methodologies were not at present interchangeable.


Resistance of a substrain of Wistar rats to salt hypertension.

Male rats of the Wistar substrain, in which 2/3 nephrectomy was performed, did not develop hypertension when placed on a high salt intake, while rats of the Long-Evans substrain become hypertensive under the same conditions. The described substrain of Wistar rats represents a useful experimental model for studying the mechanism of resistance to the hypertensive stimulus of salt overload.


Pentobarbital intoxication in the pregnant rat.

Pregnant rats were treated intraperitoneally with low doses of pentobarbital (5, 15 or 25 mg/kg) on days 9 through 12 of gestation. There was no significant differences in fetal weight, length, or placental weight. Other than minor ossification delays, there were no external, skeletal or visceral abnormalities and no treatment-related variation in fetal mortality. Microscopic examination of various maternal and fetal tissues revealed no major deleterious effects of short-term pentobarbital intoxication.


Muscle proteolysis induced by neural colchicine cuffs cast in situ.

The effects of neurotrophic factors on muscle protein degradation in rat leg muscle were studied. In order to inhibit axoplasmic transport and therefore transport of "trophic" factors, the colchicine cuff method of Albuquerque et. al. (1972) was modified so that the cuffs were cast in situ. Protein degradation was estimated by monitoring the release of tyrosine from the muscle. Our observations that colchicine cuffs increased tyrosine release are consistent with the concept of nerve-muscle trophism.


Lack of evidence for sustained blood acetaldehyde concentrations during alcohol detoxification.

Contrary to a published report, blood acetaldehyde concentrations become undetectable in patients 1--2 days following admission for alcohol detoxification. The persistently elevated blood acetaldehydes reported by others probably were due to artifactual formation during analysis. Nevertheless, our admission blood acetaldehyde concentrations are significant enough to support the contention that acetaldehyde has a cytotoxic role in alcoholic disease.


Studies on the effect of tobacco smoke on the biotransformation of vasoactive substances in the isolated perfused rabbit lung. II. Angiotensin I conversion.

Cigarette smoke administration was previously found to have a pronounced inhibitory effect on metabolism of nicotine and benzo[a]pyrene in the isolated perfused rabbit lung. These observations suggest the possibility of tobacco smoke inhibition of biotransformations associated with non-ventilatory pulmonary functions such as the biotransformation of endogenous vasoactive substances. However, the present study provides no evidence of an effect of smoke on the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II in the isolated perfused rabbit lung.


Steric influence on inhibition of monoamine oxidase forms by 2,3-dichloro-alpha-methylbenzylamine.

The (+) isomer of 2,3-dichloro-alpha-methylbenzylamine inhibited the oxidation of serotonin (a substrate of type A MAO) by rat brain mitochondrial monoamine oxidase (MAO) more effectively than it inhibited the oxidation of phenylethylamine (a substrate for type B MAO). In contrast, the (-) isomer inhibited phenylethylamine oxidation more than it inhibited serotonin oxidation. These apparently are the first pair of stereoisomers observed to have opposite selectivity as inhibitors of types A and B MAO.


Interaction of d-propoxyphene and diphenylhydantoin in rat liver microsomal preparation.

Inhibition of diphenylhydantoin biotransformation by d-propoxyphene and the ihibition of d-propoxyphene metabolism by diphenylhydantoin was studied in rat liver microsomal 9000 x g supernatant preparations. The parahydroxylation of diphenylhydantoin was inhibited 98% by 5 x 10(-4)M concentration of d-propoxyphene in a noncompetitive manner with a Kj of 3.2 +/- 1.6 x 10(-5)M. Only 18% inhibition of the N-demethylation of d-propoxyphene was observed at clinically unrealistic diphenylhydantoin concentrations of 10(-3)M. The in vitro studies suggest that the inhibition of diphenylhydantoin metabolism by d-propoxyphene may result in toxicity when the two drugs are chronically administered together.


Plasma corticosteroid levels in rats maintained on a long-acting naltrexone delivery system.

A long-acting delivery system for naltrexone has been described, which blocked the antinociceptive action of 10 mg kg-1 s.c. dose of morphine in rats for a period of 2 to 3 months. Male Wistar rats implanted s.c. with such a delivery system showed highly significant depression of plasma corticosteroid levels (40.2% in one week and 22.4 to 27.2% in 3 months) as compared to placebo pellet-implanted animals. Morphine-dependent male rats implanted with 75 mg morphine pellets showed a small (17.5%) but significant increase in plasma corticosteroid levels as compared to the placebo controls 72 hr. after pellet implantation.


The effects of cannabinoids on body temperature and brain catecholamine synthesis.

delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-OH-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and 9-nor-9beta-OH-hexahydrocannabinol produced hypothermia and increased catecholamine synthesis in mouse brain. The potencies of the effects of these compounds were correlated. Cannabinol and cannabidiol were inactive in both tests.


Synthesis of two enzyme resistant enkephalin analogs possessing enhanced analgesic activity.

Two enzyme resistant analogs of methionine enkephalin (H-Try-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met-OH) have been synthesized and tested for morphine-like properties in the stimulated guinea pig ileum, rat tail-flick, mouse tail-flick and for stability in whole brain homogenates. The two analogs are: Nalpha-Methyl-Tyrosyl-Glycyl-Glycyl-Phenylalanyl-des-carboxy-Norleucine (I) and Tyrosyl-D-Alanyl-Glycyl-Phenylalanyl-des-carboxy-Norleucine (II). Both peptides were completely stable for 90 minutes when incubated with whole brain homogenate (rat) while methionine enkephalin was rapidly destroyed (t1/2=4 min at 37 degrees C). In addition each was more potent than methionine enkephalin in the stimulated guinea pig ileum assay and had good activity in the tail-flick test when given intraventricularly in mice or via indwelling catheters into the periaqueductal gray of rats. Each of these activities were blocked by naloxone. Interestingly, the antin-ociceptive activity of these peptides was much reduced in morphine tolerant animals.


Augmentation of in vitro pituitary biotransformation of testosterone due to orchidectomy and its relation to serum gonadotropins in the rat.

The biotransformation of testosterone to its metabolites by the anterior pituitary gland and the relation between the products formed and the circulating levels of LH and FSH were examined in male rats at various stages of sexual maturation. The animals were either intact controls or castrated 4 and 7 days prior to the investigation. Castration greatly increased testosterone biotransformation to its 5alpha-reduced products, but did not affect the formation of androstendione. It was concluded that castration and the eventual rise of LH-RH stimulated the 5alpha-reductase activity but not the 17beta-ol-dehydrogenase system. This is reflected in the significant relationship between the circulating gonadotropins and 5alpha-metabolites of testosterone but not androstendione.


Technique of continuous collection of parotid saliva in the rat.

A method is described, which is suitable to collect continuously and quantitatively saliva from both parotid glands in rats under in vivo conditions and which allows to investigate salivary electrolyte composition in relation to flow rate during several hours. This might be of expanding scientific interest in disturbances of transepithelial electrolyte transport in various pathophysiological situations (for instance different forms of experimental hypertension, endstage renal failure and so on).


Scanning electron microscope study on flat type membrane oxygenator after prolonged extracorporeal circulation.

Despite adequate anticoagulation, thrombi may develop onto any foreign surface subjected to circulating blood. Although the efficiency of membrane oxygenators can decrease, distal embolization can be more critical and dangerous. Scanning electron microscope observations carried out on the Travenol Modulung oxygenator used both on dogs and on patients for prolonged partial cardiopulmonary by-pass pointed out the following observations. Caution must be observed when translating the results from dogs to human beings. Heparin management can be delicate and critical. The problem of blood transfusion can be extremely important and must be extensively investigated.


[Creation of reaction-less pseudoarthrosis on the ulna of the dog (author's transl)].

The model situation of so called "avital, avascular" pseudoarthrosis was surgiclly induced in 25 beagle dogs using defectosteotomy and heat-necrotization of both ulna bones. The clinical evolution was examined weekly using roentgengraphy and each 4th week by scintigraphy. According to roentgen pictures three stages can be identified: 1. Reaction of the bone on surgical trauma (until 4th week). 2. Sequestration or asepticosteolysis (until 18th week). 3. Consolidation of the pseudoarthrosis model-situation (after 18th week). Scintigraphy revealed by the continuing so called "avital" pseudoarthrosis an enhanced metabolism activity at the tips of both bone fragments. The cause for these active metabolic processes evoking enhanced activity on both fragment ends during scintigraphy wich is not demonstrable with roentgen device are the pulling, pushing and tensile strengths originating from a connective-tissue-cord existing between them. The results of scintigraphy lead us to use the term "reaction-less pseudoarthrosis" instead of "avascular" or "avital" for this model of pseudoarthrosis.


[The potentiation of betazol stimulated gastric acidity by prednisolone in dogs (author's transl)].

In a total of 46 dogs divided into 5 groups the acute effect of a high dose of prednisolone (40 mg/kg i.v.) on betazol stimulated gastric seccretion (5mg/kh s.c.) was investigated. There was no effect of prednisolone alone. The combination of betazol and prednisolone showed a significant potentiation of betazol stimulation. This effect was not seen after truncal vagotomy before stimulation. The mechanism is either cholinergic or an interaction in the metabolism of histamine.


Effects of abnormal hemoglobin concentration in human blood on membrane diffusing capacity of the lung and on pulmonary capillary blood volume.

In 13 patients with chronic anemia or polycythemia but normal lung function, and in 7 healthy students a statistically significant correlation between hemoglobin concentration and membrane diffusing capacity of the lung for CO was found. A membrane diffusing constant resulting from extrapolation for hemoglobin concentration 0 g/ was 13.4% of the predicted value (100% for Hb = 14.5 g%). A change of 1 g hemoglobin/100 ml changes membrane diffusing capacity for 6.3% of the predicted value. This result confirms the theory of Koyama and Mochizuki that the diffusing capacity of the pulmonary membrane is a function of the hemoglobin concentration of pulmonary capillary blood. In 3 healthy subjects with normal hemoglobin concentration the effect of DL/VA inhomogenities in the lung on single-breath diffusing capacity and its subdivisions was examined. An increase of DLCO for 20% of predicted normal at decreasing apnea time (tA = 5 sec) resulted from an increased pulmonary capillary blood volume for 50--90% of the predicted value (at tA = 10 sec), whereas membrane diffusing capacity remained unchanged over the range of apnea times. The reasons for this finding are still unknown; alteration of pulmonary perfusion at changing apnea time is taken into account.


Changes in volume of trapped gas in the lungs during provoked asthma followed by beta-2 receptor stimulation.

The volume of trapped gas (VTG) that could be mobilized by maximal breaths at the end of a nitrogen washout to 2% N2 was measured in 11 subjects with a history of asthma before and after provocation with specific allergens. The change after salbutamol was also measured. VTG was found to be more specific and sensitive for demonstrating early bronchospasm than changes in FEV1, VC or nitrogen washout. Salbutamol relieved all symptoms of bronchospasm.


Erroneous classification of a pleural effusion. The role of a traumatic thoracentesis.

The separation of pleural effusions into exudates and transudates is based on the pleural fluid LDH and protein content compared to the simultaneous serum LDH and protein content. A patient in biventricular failure presented with a right pleural effusion that met the criteria of a transudate. After a traumatic thoracentesis the fluid met the criteria of an exudate.


Airway obstruction in patients with carcinoma of the bronchus.

Two types of airway obstruction can be displayed by patients with carcinoma of the bronchus: localised obstruction due to the tumour alone and generalised obstruction due to the tumour plus bronchitis. The presence of bronchitis is known to increase the risk of cardiopulmonary complications after lung resection. The patients studied who had function-related post-operative complications differed from those without complications in the levels of the maximal mid-expiratory flow rate determined before operation. This difference is suggested as displaying the presence of significant degrees of bronchitis. A possible explanation for the maximal mid-expiratory flow rate findings in the two types of airway obstruction is put forward and the use of this measurement is recommended in the pre-operative assessment of patients with carcinoma of the bronchus prior to thoracotomy. Values below 1.2 litres/sec are considered to imply increased risks of the complications, whilst values above 1.8 litres/sec are thought to indicate decreased risks.


Bronchofiberscopy in asthmatics: a method for minimizing risk of complications.

Reasoning from known effects of salbutamol on the bronchial smooth muscle cell and their enhancement in asthmatics through steroids, this communication proposes a method employing these substances in such a way as to prevent bronchospasm during fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Following split-dosage administration of 100 mg prednisolone prior to bronchoscopy, a total of 3.75 mg salbutamol in a diluted saline solution is instilled intrabronchially through the biopsy channel. Transnasal fiberoptic bronchoscopy incorporation this method was performed in 15 asthmatics with neither laryngospasm nor bronchospasm being observed. In fact, comparison of FEV1 and FVC rates before and after bronchofiberscopy showed increases of 17% (t = 6.5513, p less than 0.0005) and 12% (t = 5.2718, p less than 0.0005), respectively. In a control group of 17 chronic bronchitics showing an improvement of 15% in flow rates after bronchodilators, no significant change was seen in FEV1 and FVC following fiberbronchoscopy. This procedure not only renders the diagnostic bronchofiberscopy relatively safe in asthmatics, but may be of use within the context of intensive care in serious bronchospasm refractive to conventional therapy.


Computation of the equivalent airway resistance: a comparison with routine evaluations of plethysmographic measurements.

Equivalent (effective) values of airway resistance were determined for total breaths, inspiration and expiration in spontaneously breathing patients by means of an off-line processing system. An improvement in the alveolar pressure determination was achieved by subtracting thermal pressure drifts of the pressure plethysmograph and by taking into account instantaneous values of the intrathoracic gas volume. Equivalent resistance values were compared with the results of several simulated routine evaluations. It was found that the equivalent resistance is best approximated by the graphical procedure using average pressure points at +/- 0.5 liter/sec flow levels.


A forced expiration end-segment flow rate to improve diagnosis of reversible bronchial obstruction: a spirographic examination.

An inhalatory bronchodilatory test was performed in two groups of 130 healthy and 89 asthmatics comparable in age, height and weight. All were males aged about 20 years. The bronchodilatory response was assessed by the percent increase after bronchodilation of FEV1, MEF200-1200, MMEF25-75 MEF50-75 (E50-75) and MEF75-90--at last three flow rate percent increases measured before and after bronchodilation at the same level of control FVC. It was found that only MEF75-90, measured as described, could probably significantly improve the diagnostic value of a bronchodilatory test if used in cases in which the FEV1 percent increase remains within the normal range.


Evaluation of the distribution of air and blood in emphysema patients using radioisotopic tracers.

Continuous recording of the respiratory cycle with the simultaneous or sequential radionucleic exploration (gamma camera) of ventilation (133Xe) and perfusion (MAT-99) was performed to determine the V/Q index in regional areas (Polaroid photography, mini-computer, memory visualization system, Benson incremental tracer, etc.) from the level of 1,024 points. An average ratio per sector was calculated and only three median sectors were retained. The wash-in and wash-out curves were traced by computer, and the calculation of the average T 1/2 for the different compartments of each median sector (apex--middle and base) was done in about 22 observations: in 18 diffuse emphysema, 11 of which were associated with giant cystic emphysema (spirometric, plethysmographic and radiographic data), T 1/2 values were greater than those of normal subjects (compartments C1 and C2) in diffuse emphysema and can become indefinable in zones of cystic emphysema. The values of the index V/Q approach the normal in diffuse emphysema with a tendency toward equalization of the ratios from the apex to the base. Extremely large divergence is observed in the elevated V/Q ratios in cystic emphysema.


[An improved modification of the micro-method according to Niesel and Thews for the measurement of O2-hb binding curves in whole blood and concentrated Hb solutions (author's transl)].

An improved modification of the photometric micro-method according to Niesel and Thews is described, which employs the diffusion principle. The O2-Hb binding curves of whole blood or concentrated Hb solutions (0.1-30 g%) can be measured within 0.5 h. Sample volume is approximately 7 microliter, wavelength is 578 nm. Several reproductions of the curve may be measured with one sample. The reproducibility of P50 is 0.5 Torr. In comparison with the Van Slyke method no systematic error is found.


The alteration of CO2 respiratory sensitivity in chickens by thoracic visceral denervation.

We measured respiratory movements in nine groups of six cockerels, 20-24 weeks of age. We opened the thorax and all air sacs, and unidirectionally ventilated each lung separately. The right lung received constant P(CO2), while the P(CO2) was altered to the left lung. There were only small differences in response to P(CO2) alterations whether both pulmonary circulations were intact, the left pulmonary circulation was blocked, or the left lung was denervated and the right pulmonary circulation blocked, suggesting (1) that the extrapulonary and pulmonary P(CO2) -sensitive afferents (in one lung) have equivalent influence, and (2) the influences of the two afferent systems are not additive. Respiratory sensitivity after bilateral vagotomy is small despite pulmonary innervation by CO2 -sensitive spinal afferents, perhaps one reason for abnormal respiration after vagotomy. The respiratory influences of pulmonary vagal and spinal CO2-sensitive afferents are also non-additive, suggesting that non-additive interactions among afferents controlling respiration may be common in the chicken. Rates of response to altered intrapulmonary P(CO2) are determined by central mechanisms and not the time for CO2 distribution or receptor response.


Responses to exercise in the pregnant pygmy goat.

Pregnant Pygmy goats were trained to walk on a treadmill up a 10 degree grade at a rate of 1.5 mile/hr for 10 min. Hemodynamic measurements were made in duplicate during late pregnancy and postpartum, at rest and after 3 min of exercise. All kids were weighed within 12 hr of delivery to assess the effect of exercise on fetal growth. Pulse rate, cardiac output and oxygen consumption were higher during pregnancy than postpartum, at rest and also during exercise. Stroke volume increased significantly with exercise. Peripheral vascular resistance (pvr) at rest was lower during pregnancy than postpartum, and decreased significantly during exercise, especially in pregnancy. Exercise was associated with a fall in arterial P(CO2) during pregnancy and postpartum. In goats, as in humans, the increased oxygen demands of pregnancy, during exercise and at rest, are met by an increased cardiac output rather than by increased peripheral oxygen extraction. The individual birth weights of twins, triplets and quadruplets from Pygmy goats who were exercised during late pregnancy were smaller than birth weights of matched newborns from control animals.


Ventilatory response to low levels of CO2.

Ventilation and Pa(CO2), were measured in six subjects after 10-12 min of breathing 1-2% CO2 during hyperoxia and hypoxia. These inspired CO2 concentrations were achieved in two ways: by enriching the inspirate with CO2 and by having the subjects breathe through dead spaces of 100-400 cm3. Breathing through dead space gave the same results as CO2 enrichment of the inspirate when the effect of the dead spaces on mean inspired CO2 was allowed for. During hyperoxia all subjects demonstrated isocapni hyperpnea in response to mean inspired CO2 concentrations of 1%; ventilation increased without change in PA(CO2). When mean inspired CO2 concentration approximated 1.5% two subjects showed isocapnic hyperpnea, and one subject demonstrated isocapnic hyperpnea in response to mean inspired CO2 concentrations of 2%. The increase in PA(CO2) observed in each subject in response to 2% CO2 in O2 correlated negatively with the slope of that subject's rebreathing CO2 response curve. Hypoxia (PA(O2Y = 45-50 mm Hg) depressed the response to 1% CO2 in that, while hypoxic, no subject showed isocapnic hyperpnea in response to 1% CO2. The isocapnic hyperpnea we observed was chiefly due to increased tidal volume, and was therefore not analogous to the isocapnic hyperpnea observed by others in dogs in response to increases of CO2 in lung gas. When low levels of CO2 produced an increase in PA(CO2) the associated change in ventilation (delta Ve/delta PA(CO2)was much less than that observed while rebreathing 7% CO2. Isocapnic hyperpnea in response to low levels of CO2 is common among normal individuals, and is depressed by hypoxia; the stimulus responsible for this response is unknown.


Adaptation of the growing lung to increased Vo2: III. The effect of exposure to cold environment in rats.

This study was undertaken to further test the hypothesis that increased Vo2 operates as a stimulus for enhanced lung growth leading to a pulmonary diffusing capacity adapted to the body's O2 requirements. Vo2 was augmented by raising 4-week-old rats for 3 weeks at 11 degrees C ambient temperature, with controls kept at 24 degrees C; this led to an increase in Vo2 averaged over 24 h by 64%. In contrast to previous experiments with waltzing mice this regime did not affect body growth, as the final body weights were identical in both groups. In the cold-exposed rats the lung volume was larger by 24%, due to an increase by 26% in air volume (at about TLC), 13% in capillary blood volume and 19% in tissue volume. The alveolar and capillary surface areas were increased by 18%, and Dm and Dl by 17% and 21% respectively. It is concluded that the hypothesis of adaptation of pulmonary gas exchange capacity to increased Vo2 cannot be rejected. Whilst in previous experiments some doubts had to be retained as to the specificity of the stimulus, because of its rather marked effect on body weight, this reservation does not hold in this case. The structural modifications which lead to increased Dl in the various experimental models are discussed.


A modern approach to the concept of familial endemic nephropathy.

Complex epidemiological investigations carried out in the affected zone, enabled the author to notice that familial endemic nephropathy (FEN) starts, in the population, as an asymptomatic renal involvement which affects all the age groups from the first decade to the ninth, its incidence increasing with age. Clinically, early renal involvement represents the "silent" form of disease, predominant in urinary syndrome carriers, while progressive renal insufficiency (PRI) appears only as a late and irreversible accident, less frequent than the urinary syndrome. To explain renal involvement, the author suggests the presence of an inflammatory process as an initial pathogenetic impulse, while immunological activation - under the influence of stress factors - would explain the appearance of PRI.


Cancer research in China.

A general review of medical care organization and cancer research in popular China is presented. Emphasis is laid on the fast development since 1949, and especially in the last decade, of up-to-date methodology for cancer early diagnosis, therapy and prevention in a population of over 500 million people. Large-scale actions in search of etiologic factors, particularly in the rural areas, are carried out by national and regional coordinating groups all over the country. A combination of traditional medicine with Western medicine has led to a high rate of improvement of the survival rate and even of cure in various forms of cancer.


Particular aspects of the children coronary artery remodelling.

Coronary media shows a very reduced capacity to add after birth new rows of smooth muscle cells to the preexisting ones, in contrast to the media of other organ arteries. This medial deficiency is compensated by a rapid and diffuse intimal thickening which acts as an atherogenic factor. In addition the prevalence of longitudinally arranged smooth muscle cells in many segments of the coronary bed suggests that these segments react in a different manner to nervous stimuli, catecholamines and drugs.


Precordial electrocardiographic mapping technique.

Using an original device, unipolar electrograms in 36 points on the anterior thoracic wall were recorded. The equal intensity contour lines of the amplitudes of electrical events were drawn as precordial maps, by mathematical procedures.


Inter- and intra-individual variation of carbon monoxide production in young healthy males.

Duplicate studies of endogenous CO production (Vco) were performed in three groups of young healthy males. In group A (eleven subjects) Vco studies were performed with an interval of approximately 1 week. In group B (ten subjects) duplicate studies were done on the same day and in group C (ten subjects) duplicate studies were also done on the same day but with the subjects strictly resting between determinations. The error of the single determination estimated from duplicate measurements (formula: see text) was +/-4.3 mumol/mmol TBH.day (TBH = total body haem) in group A and +/-3.7 and +/-1.0 in group B and C, respectively. Thus the intra-individual variation in Vco was considerably diminished when the duplicate determinations were performed with the subjects strictly resting between determinations. A possible explanation for this might be less variation in blood flow or metabolic processes in tissues engaged in haem breakdown in the resting group compared with the other groups.


Mechanisms for inhibition of free fatty acid mobilization by nicotinic acid and sodium salicylate in canine subcutaneous adipose tissue in situ.

Mechanisms for reduced free fatty acids (FFA) mobilization effected by nicotinic acid (NA) and sodium salicylate (SS) were studied in canine adipose tissue in situ. Both drugs inhibited adipose tissue lipolysis as evidenced by reduced release of glycerol. In addition, although the total amount of FFA re-esterified was not significantly changed, the amount of FFA re-esterified relative to the amount of FFA liberated intracellularly was significantly increased by both drugs. These effects were most pronounced during isoprenaline-stimulated lipolysis. Thus NA and SS reduced mobilization of FFA from canine adipose tissue through a combined effect on re-esterification and lipolysis.


Clinical aspects of cardio-respiratory homeostasis.

Starting from general assumptions on the clinical aspects of homeostasis and on the functional correlations lung-heart in physiological and pathological states, the difficulty to diagnose an individual pulmonary heart disease is stressed, as well as the necessity to differentiate it from the cases of coronary heart disease, when respiratory failure aggravates the latent cardiac ischemia and induces a global cardiac failure. The diagnosis criteria of the two distinct pathological pictures are established, emphasizing the importance of this differentiation for clinical practice and epidemiological research.


Effects of physical training in intermittent claudication.

Mechanisms for increased claudication distance following physical training were studied in ten patients with peripheral arterial insufficiency. The exercise capacity on a bicycle ergometer increased by an average of 26% after 3--4 months of training (P less than 0.05). Neither maximum lower leg blood flow during the exercise test nor oxygen uptake at exhaustion changed significantly after training (-8% and +5%, respectively), whereas popliteal-venous O2-saturation was lower at exhaustion after the training than before (8.5 +/- 3.2 and 11.4 +/- 4.6, respectively, P less than 0.05). Anaerobic glycolysis, as evidenced by the lactate release, was also lowered after the training (P less than 0.05). In conclusion, the present study shows that the increased exercise capacity following physical training in claudicants is associated with an increased local aerobic working capacity despite a virtually unchanged blood flow. This increased aerobic exercise capacity might partly be explained by an increased O2 extraction in the lower leg during exercise.


Capillary permeability and maximal blood flow in skeletal muscle in athletes and non-athletes measured by local clearances of 133Xe and 131I-.

The effect of heavy endurance training on capillary diffusion capacity (CDC) and maximal blood flow (MBF) in skeletal muscle was studied in eleven highly-trained athletes and ten sedentary adult volunteers. MBF was estimated from 133Xe clearance and CDCI from 133Xe and 131I- clearances in the anterior tibial muscle after ischaemic exercise. The athletes had a significantly greater MBF, 131I- clearance and CDCI than the control subjects (P less than 0.001). The average increment of MBF was 37% and that of CDCI 48%. Increase in CDC is considered to reflect an increase in capillary surface area due to physical training.


Plasma clot retraction assay with standard platelet count.

After classifying the phases of blood clot retraction within the mechanism of blood coagulation and the factors on which this phenomenon is depending, the authors briefly review the methods employed for its investigation. An improvement based on the determination of plasma clot retraction, performed in a plasma with a standard count of platelets (100,000/mm3) is presented. The authors have employed it for the investigation of 100 normal subjects and 25 patients with platelet dysfunctions, and have obtained very good results.


Effects of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade on metabolic rate and mixed venous blood temperature during dynamic exercise.

Mixed venous blood temperature and energy exchange were measured in sixteen healthy male volunteers at rest and during bicycle exercise of 12 min duration performed before and after intravenous administration of propranolol. The rise in blood temperature induced by exercise was about 30% greater following propranolol. This effect was probably due to a reduction of skin blood flow, which impaired the conditions for heat loss from the blood. The exercise induced rise in total energy exchange was reduced after propranolol by around 20 W. In consequence, the calculated mechanical efficiency increased significantly. Since the respiratory quotient showed no increase but rather the reverse, the observed effect could not be attributed to any transient changes in body oxygen stores. The results thus indicate that propranolol caused a true deceleration of the metabolic rate. This effect might be secondary to inhibition of catecholamine-dependent oxygen consuming metabolic processes in peripheral organs. A possible hypothalamic mechanism, triggered by the blood temperature level, is also discussed.


Apex-carotis diagram in ischemic heart disease with angina pectoris.

The apex-carotis diagram (ACD) is a new mechanocardiographic, non-invasive method consisting of integration of the carotidogram and left apex-cardiogram synchronously recorded. The values of the amplitude height of these curves every 0.02 sec are transferred to an orthogonal coordinate system, and the points are then connected in chronological order, thus obtaining the ACD. In ischemic heart disease with angina pectoris, the ACD showed a decrease of the areas of ventricular filling and ventricular ejection, and an increase of the diastolic subsegment A. In 18 of the examined patients the decrease of the ventricular ejection area showed a significant negative correlation with the increase of left ventricular ejection time.


Renal haemodynamics before and after splanchnic block in patients with hypertension.

In eighteen patients with hypertension of presumed renal origin the haemodynamics of the kidney were studied by arterial pressure recording, blood flow measurement and selective arteriography before and after a splanchnic block. The material was divided into kidneys with and kidneys without arterial stenosis. In these patients with hypertension a positive correlation was found between mean arterial pressure and renal vascular resistance both before and after the splanchnic block. In patients with renal arterial stenosis the change in relative renal vascular resistance was negatively correlated to the initial resistance, implying that in kidneys with a high initial vascular resistance the resistance decreased to a relatively greater extent than in kidneys with a low initial resistance. At high blood pressures ischaemic areas in the kidney were found. The volume of these areas is dependent upon sympathetic tone, such that a high sympathetic tone results in ischaemia of a larger volume of the kidney. This applies both to kidneys with and to those without arterial stenosis. The results of this investigation thus support the assumption that in the presence of hypertension a kidney is under the control of a sympathetic tone that may form a part of the pathogenetic process in hypertension.


A programme for computer-aided recognition of electrocardiographic patterns.

A programme for pattern recognition and automatic diagnosis on digitally converted electrocardiograms is described. Pattern recognition is carried out on the 12 classical leads and diagnosis is given in the Minnesota Code, 1968 variant. The programme was written in FORTRAN and tested in a FELIX C 256 computer.


Plasma and urinary aldosterone and their interrelations with blood pressure, plasma renin activity and urinary electrolytes in normotensive subjects.

Plasma aldosterone (PA), urinary aldosterone excretion (Aldo-U), urinary sodium and potassium excretion and supine and sitting blood pressure (BP) were studied in 120 normotensive subjects. PA was determined after 1 h supine rest (basal PA), after ambulation for 3--4 h (upright PA) and after stimulation with 80 mg frusemide orally (stimulated PA). Aldo-U and urinary electrolytes were measured the day before the PA determinations. PA and Aldo-U were determined by specific radioimmunoassays. Basal PA rose approximately two-fold after upright posture and about three-fold after frusemide stimulation. However, there was a very wide scatter in PA values between individual subjects. A significant correlation existed between basal PA and Aldo-U (r = 0.42), P less than 0.001). Aldo-U decreased with increasing age. The PA values correlated fairly well with the concomitant values for plasma renin activity (r = 0.26--0.40, P less than 0.004 for basal PRA and P less than 0.001) for both upright and stimulated PRA). No relationships could be found between Aldo-U and urinary electrolyte excretions. No correlations were observed between aldosterone and BP.


Effects of oral phenylalanine load on plasma glucagon, insulin, amino acid and glucose concentrations in man.

An oral phenylalanine load provokes a significant drop in serum tyrosine levels in children with phenylketonuria [8]. The aim of the present investigation was to examine the response of insulin and glucagon to oral phenylalanine loading as these hormones are known to have a hypoaminoacidaemic effect. Six adult normal weight and healthy men were loaded orally with 0.6 mmol L-phenylalanine per kg body weight after an overnight fast. Serum phenylalanine increased within 10 min after the load and reached a maximum concentration at 30 min. Serum tyrosine increased within 10 min after the load and reached a maximum concentration at 2 h. Plasma glucagon and insulin increased during the first 10 min after the load and reached a peak twice the fasting levels at 30 min after the load. The molar insulin/glucagon ratio remained unchanged during the first 20 min after the load but then declined by 50% at 2 h. Associated with this decline plasma amino acid concentration (except phenylalanine and tyrosine) declined by approximately 15%. The decline was most marked for isoleucine, leucine, methionine and valine. As the hypoaminoacidaemic effect of insulin and glucagon is known to be most marked for these four amino acids plus phenylalanine and tyrosine, the response of insulin and glucagon to a phenylalanine load may influence not only the fate of phenylalanine given but also the blood tyrosine level.


Ion exchange analysis of porphyrins in urine.

An easy and cheap analysis of total prophyrin in urine is described based on the ion exchange resin Dovex 2 X 8, 50--100 mesh. Recovery of added porphyrin varied between 65 and 90% for uro- and 70 and 95% for coproporphyrin. The use of the method with internal standard is described and exemplified. Ammoniacal solutions of crystalline free porphyrins were used as standards.


Comparisoin between mass spectrometry and Haldane technique in analysing O2 and CO2 concentrations in air gas mixtures.

We have evaluated a mass spectrometer for use as a gas analyser in air gas mixtures. Simultaneous determinations of O2 and CO2 concentrations with both the mass spectrometer and the Haldane technique were done in ninety-nine different samples of expired air from ordinary laboratory experiments. The mean differences (+/- SD) between the two techniques for O2 and CO2 concentrations were 0.003% (+/- 0.049%), and 0.001% (+/- 0.045%) absolute values, respectively, (P greater than 0.05 for both), r values being 0.996 for O2 and 0.994 for CO2. There was a drift in the apparatus, which decreased with operating time. Proper calibration is necessary for accurate readings. A cost-benefit balance is made.


Heterogeneity of hereditary methaemoglobinaemia: a study of 4 Cuban families with NADH-Methaemoglobin reductase deficiency including a new variant (Santiago de Cuba variant).

NADH-methaemoglobin reductase deficiency has been found in 4 Cuban families; 3 subjects carried the mild form of the deficiency while in 2 sibs of the fourth family the deficiency was associated with neurological involvement. The parents in this family were consanguinous and the sibs were shown to be homozygous for a new fast electrophoretic variant. It was named Diaphorase Santiago de Cuba.


Hypercatabolism of the third component of complement (C3) in angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy.

A metabolic study with radioactively labelled C3 has been performed in a patient with angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy (AILD). The labelled protein was metabolized at a faster rate in the patient than in normal individuals. This indicates that the humoral immune system may be of pathogenetic significance in the AILD syndrome.


Paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria in children: 3 cases encountered within a period of 7 months.

3 children who fulfilled the criteria for the diagnosis of paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria of the classical Donath-Landsteiner type are described. The benign clinical course of this illness is confirmed. A serological study of two of the Donath-Landsteiner antibodies revealed the anti-P specificity in one, but not in another serum.


Preleukaemia and reticulocytosis: a case report with in vitro evidence for abnormal reticulocyte maturation.

A case of preleukaemia with marked reticulocytosis and a slightly reduced red cell 51Cr survival is presented. An in vitro 'reticulocyte survival' test suggested that the apparent reticulocytosis was due to delayed maturation of reticulocytes. The globin synthesis ratio suggested an abnormal ribonucleic acid. At autopsy, in addition to the findings of acute leukaemia, mesenteric lipodystrophy was discovered. This abnormality has been seen in patients with malignant diseases, especially lymphomas, but heretofore has not been reported in acute leukaemia.


Electron microscope autoradiographic studies of the erythroblasts of a case of congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia, type II.

The bone marrow cells of a patient with congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia, type II, were incubated with 3H-thymidine, 3H-uridine or 3H-leucine for 1 h and studied using the technique of electron microscope autoradiography. Several of the erythroblasts which either displayed the characteristic subsurface double membranes or showed various non-specific abnormalities of the nuclear membrane were found to be actively engaged in DNA, RNA and protein synthesis. Both members of some pairs of erythroblasts which were joined together by a spindle bridge were found to be engaged in DNA synthesis, indicating that some spindle bridges persist for a period longer than the duration of the G1 phase. A small proportion of mononucleate and binucleate late (non-dividing) erythroblasts showed a marked depression or arrest of protein synthesis and some or all of such cells were presumably destined to be phagocytosed by the bone marrow macrophages.