Observations on intrauterine growth in urban Ethiopia.

A total of 3144 deliveries comprising a wide range of socio-economic groups in Addis Abeba were investigated. A positive correlation was found between family income and birth weight, with a difference of nearly 500 g between the extremes of socio-economic classes. A seasonal variation in mean birth weight was also observed. The mean length of gestation was 7.4 days shorter, and the anthropometric measures at birth were significantly lower in the Ethiopian infants as compared with the Swedish norm. The median weight and length development in relation to gestational age in the Ethiopian newborns was similar to the Swedish standard up to approximately 34--35 weeks of gestation. After that time there was very little further intrauterine growth in Ethiopian infants. The possible reasons for the observed pattern of growth are discussed.


Abetalipoproteinemia treated with parenteral and oral vitamins A and E, and with medium chain triglycerides.

An 11-year-old girl with abetalipoproteinemia was treated with parenteral vitamin A and vitamin E for two and a half years. Some improvement in neurological and visual deficits was noted. On changing to oral vitamin E and later with addition of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) to the diet, a considerable improvement in her general wellbeing, neuromuscular lesions and ophthalmological symptoms was noted. This regimen is being adhered to for five and a half years. The condition is stable with no further improvement.


Fluorescence and electron microscopic studies on the perivascular mesenchymal cells and fibroblasts after vitamin A administration.

Findings of perivascular mesenchymal cells and fibroblasts in mice receiving large doses of vitamin A were described. Liver, lung, intestine and skin were investigated by fluorescence and electron microscopy. Marked increase of fluorescence of vitamin A was observed in the sinusoidal wall of the liver, in the alveolar septa of the lungs, in the propria mucosa, submucosa and muscular layer of the intestine and in the dermis of the abdominal skin. Increased fluorescence of these organs corresponded, ultrastructually, to the appearance of numerous fat droplets in Ito cells of the liver, septal cells of the lung and fibroblasts of the intestine and of the skin. All of these cells showed the same morphological features and the same distribution in the tissue, namely in the interstitial connective tissue space. These findings indicate that vitamin A storing cells are distributed widely in the connective tissue of various organs and that perivascular vitamin A storing mesenchymal cells and interstitial fibroblasts are probably of common fibroblastic cell line.


Age-associated changes in microvasculature of human adult testis.

Age-associated architectural changes of the human testicular microvasculature from 70 autopsy cases were stereoscopically examined with a silicone-rubber injection technique. In the testis of a young subject, the interlobular main arteries run straight. The coiling phenomena of the interlobular centripetal or centrifugal arteries, which are commonly seen in adult testis, have been so far considered as physiological transformation of the vasculature. It was confirmed that the coiling changes in the interlobular main arteries of the human testis appear as an age-dependent alteration of the vasculature closely related to the volume of the gland. The practical importance of the spirallin or coiling of arteries is that it results in a considerable reduction of blood flow. The age-related coiling of the interlobular arteries is virtually accompanied by varying degrees of collapse of the peritubular capillary networks. The reduction of blood supply to the seminiferous tubules plays an active role in promoting aging of the testis. These stereoscopical observations of age-related transfiguration of testicular microvasculature were ascertained also by histometrical examinations.


Mitotic structure of aortic intimal cells induced by mechanical injury in swine.

Repair processes of the aortic wall have been studied electron microscopically after removal of the endothelium by an inflated balloon procedure in the thoracic aortae of swine. Initial responses after injury included a thrombotic reaction, the appearance of intimal cells over the denuded surface, and increased mitotic activity of medial cells adjacent to the dead cells by day 3. Cells which engaged in intimal thickening were classified as modified smooth muscle cells throughout the course of this investigation. Mitosis of intimal cells, which was initially observed at day 3, substantially increased at day 7 and decreased by day 14. Mitotic intimal cells contained the same cytoplasmic organelles as interphase modified smooth muscle cells. A detailed description of the paired cisternae as an ultrastructural feature of cell division of modified smooth muscle cells was provided. The paired cisternae were initially observed among the remnants of the nuclear envelope in late prophase; they remained at the periphery of the mitotic apparatus in meta- and anaphase, and finally attached themselves to the nuclear envelope of the daughter cells in late telophase.


A pathological study of prolonged cases of Minamata disease. With particular reference to 83 autopsy cses.

This study consists of 83 autopsy cases including 64 prolonged cases of Minamata disease. Lesions were severe in the prolonged cases with an acute onset, while they tended to be mild in those with chronic onset. Cerebral cortex showed loss of nerve cells in many of the former, with the cortex often being in a loosening or spongy state, while the thinning-out or decrease of neurons not exceeding 30% of all cells was frequent in the latter. Glial reaction was also intense in the former, but relatively weak in the latter; gradual loss of degenerative neurons without glial reaction was not rare. A given selectivity was found in the localization of lesions of the cerebral cortex, but it was not so conspicuous in those with a chronic onset as in those with an acute onset. Secondary changes corresponding to the lesions of the cortex appeared in the medulla. Cerebellar lesions in the chronic onset cases, as compared with those in the acute onset ones, were milder. The selectively localized area was diminished; the nodulus, uvula and lingula of the vermis and the medial surface of the semilunar lobules were the most likely to be damaged. Of the spinal peripheral nerves, damages to the spinal sensory nerve were found, which were more predominant than those to the motor nerve system, and in which was noted prominent regeneration and repair. The deposited mercury found in organs tended to remain in the nervous system and the kidneys during the prolonged course of this disease, and the prolonged accumulation of mercury in the nervous system appeared to have an influence on the pathogenesis of chronic Minamata disease.


An autopsy case of Menkes kinky hair disease.

An autopsy cases of Menkes kinky hair disease in a 1 year and 8 months old male infant is presented and compared with the morphological findings of the previous literatures. The main pathological changes are atrophy of the whole cerebellar cortex and bilateral temporal lobe, atrophy with demyelination of the white matter, tortuous running of the cerebral arteries, multiple diverticulosis of the urinary bladder and hyaline-like deposition in the gastric submucosa. Microscopically, the peculiar degenerative change of Purkinje cell (somal sprout) is the only characteristic lesion in our case and the others. It is suggested that Menkes kinky hair disease may be a syndrome due to metabolic disturbance appearing not only in ectoderm such as the central nervous system, but also in mesoderm such as connective tissue and bone.


Cardiovascular amyloidosis with giant cell reaction.--Two autopsy cases.

Two autopsy cases, a 77-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman, of cardiovascular amyloidosis with many giant cells were reported. These cells were always found adjacent to amyloid masses which were deposited mainly in small arteries and arterioles, and some of them contained amyloid substance in their cytoplasms. The incidence of these cells was high in the heart and in the kidneys of both cases, and in the latter case the cells were found in the majority of the organs varying in degree. The significance of the giant cells, which probably originated from macrophages, were discussed and that giant cells might appear as a foreign body reaction to amyloid substance was presumed.


Cancer of gallbladder with severe thrombocytosis.

An autopsy case of severe thrombocytosis associated with cancer of gallbladder is described as the first case in the literature. A 78-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital with abnormal hepatic functions on August 6, 1975. Laboratory examination revealed platelet count of 5,664,000/cu mm, anemia, leukocytosis and bilirubinemia. Jaundice was progressive and the patient died after a month. Severe thrombocytosis persisted throughout the course. Main autopsy findings were cancer of gallbladder with metastasis to the liver, fibrosis of spleen and purulent bronchopneumonia. A possible mechanism of unusually severe degree of thrombocytosis associated with the present case is discussed in light of the literature.


Ultrastructure of an anaplastic giant-cell carcinoma found 8 years after operation on a papillary carcinoma of the thyroid.

Light and electron microscopic studies have been made on an anaplastic giant-cell tumor that developed in a woman 8 years after an operation on the thyroid for papillary carcinoma. Many giant cells were observed in the anaplastic tumor tissue, but no follicles. Numerous tightly-packed mitochondria and abundant ribosomes were present, but there were no desmosomes. The basement membrane was not distinct.


Reliability of histo-pathological diagnosis of squamous epithelial changes of the uterine cervix.

The reliability of histological diagnosis of squamous epithelial changes was tested by letting 13 pathologists read 1,001 consecutive cervical biopsies twice. Intra-observer and inter-observer agreement, variance, and deviation of diagnosis were determined. The diagnostic ability showed great individual variation and no significant correlation to experience in pathology. The diagnosis of invasive cancer had a high diagnostic specificity, and the diagnostic sensitivity of the diagnosis of no significant epithelial changes was high too. The reliability of the diagnosis of dysplasia and carcinoma in situ proved unsatisfactory.


Heart-autopsy findings in cases of sudden death. The distribution of infarctions, coronary stenosis and thrombi.

The pathological heart changes observed have been recorded at necropsy of 55 male and 31 female patients who died during transport to the hospital or in the casualty ward. The extension of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was determined by a staining method using nitro-BT, and the infarctions were classified as transmural, combined or subendocardial. A total of 45 AMI's were found, and this is a lower frequency than normally found in sudden unexpected deaths when only death certificates are studied. The most frequent infarction type was the subendocardial infarction, which was present in 60% of the AMI-cases. Coronary thrombi were seen in only 24% of the AMI-cases, most frequently together with transmural infarctions.


Megakaryocytes in pulmonary blood vessels. 2. Relations to malignant haematological diseases especially leukaemia.

In a study of 71 autopsies in patients with malignant haematological disorders (55 leukaemias and 16 multiple myelomas) we found an increased number of megakaryocytes in the lung capillaries in only one of 55 cases of leukaemia (43 acute and 12 chronic leukaemias) with a mean value of 3 megakaryocytes per cm2. The incidence of pulmonary megakaryocytes in 16 cases of multiple myeloma was identical to that in an unselected, consecutive series of hospital autopsies. The discrepancy between the increased megakaryocytopoiesis and previously reported high number of circulating megakaryocytes in chronic myeloid leukaemia, and the few megakaryocytes in the pulmonary blood vessels of histological sections of autopsy specimens is discussed.


Ultrastructural and histochemical observations on serous ovarian cystadenomas.

One hundred and twelve serous ovarian cystadenomas (46 benign, 33 tumours of borderline malignancy and 33 malignant tumours) were investigated with histological and mucin histochemical methods. Electron microscopy was applied to 9 benign, 6 borderline and 5 malignant tumours. The epithelium of the benign serous cystadenomas contained ciliated and nonciliated columnar cells, which sometimes were edematous ("pale cells"), and smaller basal cells. The large Golgi apparatus with small secretory vesicles and occasional larger secretory granules was located in the apical cytoplasm. There were numerous pinocytotic vesicles at the basal plasma membrane. The extracellular mucin in the cystic lumen and the mucin on the apical epithelial border consisted of material with vic-glycols (1.2-hydroxyl groups) mixed with sulpho- and carboxymucin. With increasing degree of malignancy the number of ciliated cells diminished and were not found in the malignant epithelium. The number of nucleoli and the amount of carboxymucin with sialic acid residues increased with increasing degree of malignancy. However, there were no single consistent ultrastructural feature which could be considered as a reliable criterion for malignancy of these tumours in the absence of invasive growth. The findings support the view that serous ovarian cystadenomas are of coelomic origin.


Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. A quantitative glomerular investigation.

A light microscopical, quantitative glomerular examination was performed on renal biopsies from 14 patients with acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. A significant increase of 58% (p less than 0.0025) in the total number of glomerular cells was found which was mainly due to an increase of endothelial cells (97%). Mesangial cells were, however, also increased (61%) and mesangial area was increased by 34% (p less than 0.05). Biopsies from patients with persisting proteinuria and/or hematuria revealed slight hypercellularity and an increase in mesangial area during the first six months of disease. The abnormalities in the acute phase of the disease could be so slight that they only would be disclosed by a quantitative investigation.


Urothelial hyperplasia of the urinary bladder of the rat induced by mechanical perforation and phenacetin treatment.

Mechanical perforation of the urinary bladder of Sprague-Dawley rats and subsequent administration of phenacetin in the diet induced urothelial hyperplasia in 11 of 12 rats. No pathological changes were found in the bladders of the control rats only submitted to mechanical perforation or phenacetin treatment only. The hyperplastic changes varied from mild focal urothelial hyperplasia after one week to severe focal and diffuse nodular and papillary hyperplasia after 3 weeks.


Ameloblastoma of the jaws. An analysis of a consecutive series of all cases reported to the Swedish Cancer Registry during 1958--1971.

All the 49 jaw ameloblastomas reported to the Swedish Cancer Registry during the period 1958--1971 were re-examined, using the histopathologic criteria of odontogenic tumors adopted by WHO. Thirty-one cases (63.6%) fulfilled the criteria of simple ameloblastoma, whereas 12 cases were found to be other benign lesions and 6 to be malignant tumors other than ameloblastoma. The relationship between simple ameloblastoma, malignant ameloblastoma and other epithelial jaw tumors is discussed.


"Small intestinal type" and "colonic type" intestinal metaplasia of the human stomach, and their relationship to the histogenetic types of gastric adenocarcinoma.

Intestinal metaplasia in the non-tumour bearing parts of the gastric mucosa was demonstrated in 24 cases in a material consisting of 27 consecutive patients operated for carcinoma of the stomach. Two mucin histochemical types of intestinal metaplasia could be identified. 1) "Small intestinal type" which was present in all 24 cases, and which was by far the most dominating type. 2) "Colonic type" which occurred in small foci in the gastric mucosa of 11 cases, and which was significantly more frequent in stomachs bearing tumours of presumed intestinal histogenesis, than in those bearing tumours of presumed non-intestinal histogenesis.


Primary amyloidosis of the ureter simulating malignancy.

A 61-year old woman with 7 years' history of pain, infections and haematuria developed right ureter stenosis which was suspected of being a tumour. Microscopic examination of the ureter with stenosis showed primary amyloidosis. Although primary amyloidosis of the ureter is rare, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of ureter malignancy.


The incidence and clinical relevance of chronic inflammation in the pancreas in autopsy material.

In 394 consecutive autopies, tissue from the body of the pancreas showed chronic inflammation in 52 cases (13%); 32 were mild, 11 moderate and 9 severe. Only two of these cases had the clinical diagnosis chronic pancreatitis. The incidence of inspissated plugs of protein in the ducts, dilated ducts and acinar ectasia was significantly higher when chronic inflammation was present. There was a significant higher incidence of chronic inflammation in the pancreas in patients with diabetes mellitus. No significant correlation was noted between chronic inflammation in the pancreas and cholelithiasis, previous cholecystectomy, peritonitis, gastric and duodenal ulcer, abdominal operations, ascites and liver metastases.


Lipomatosis of the pancreas in autopsy material and its relation to age and overweight.

Lipomatosis, regarded as deposition of fat cells in the pancreas, was investigated and graded into four groups in 394 consecutive autopsies. In all necropsies except one fat cells were present; gr. 1:51%, gr. 2:26%, gr. 3:15% and gr. 4:8%. Age as well as overweight was significantly correlated to the grade of lipomatosis. The number of necropsies with gr. 3--4 lipomatosis was significantly less in the group with long terminal illnes, indicating that the presence of fat cells in the pancreas is to some extent reversible. No evidence of pancreatic disease was mentioned in the clinical records of the patients with gr. 3--4 lipomatosis.


The juxtaglomerular apparatus in a human kidney with polar artery stenosis.

Juxtaglomerular apparatuses (JGA) of a human kidney with stenosis of a polar artery from a hypertensive 18-year-old male patient were studied qualitatively and quantitatively on 2 mu thick serial sections from plastic embedded renal tissue. 11 JGA from juxtamedullary and 9 JGA from subcapsular cortical zones were photographed serially, the copies taped together and the cells and relationships within the JGA studied. On the copies the lenght of contact between the different juxtaglomerular structures and the basement membrane of the macula densa was measured. Futhermore we calculated the areas of surface contact and the macula densa basal area. In the juxtamedullary JGA affected by the polar artery stenosis all Goormaghtigh cells were transformed into epitheloid cells and the Goormaghtigh cell field was significantly larger than in the JGA of the subcapsular cortex, which obviously had been exposed to the systemic hypertension. The macula densa basal area was significantly greater in the juxtamedullary JGA than in the subcapsular JGA, but neither of these differed significantly from the macula densa in the normal JGA reported previously.


Transthoracic aspiration biopsy. Occurrence of non-neoplastic cells in biopsies from malignant and non-malignant lesions.

In the search for a possible distinction between false and true negative biopsies, an analysis of the distribution of the non-neoplastic cells has been performed in 100 randomized transthoracic aspiration biopsies in so many histologically verified cases. Aspiration biopsies from malignant lesions often contain many giant cells, alveolar epithelial cells, and mast cells, but a significant differences was only found for the mast cells. A negative biopsy containing many inflammatory cells and mast cells and showing a pronounced degree of necrosis may represent a chronic obstructive pneumonitis, and such a finding should always prompt further investigation.


Transthoracic aspiration biopsy. The distribution of the non-neoplastic cells in aspiration biopsies from different types of malignant lung tumours.

In an earlier paper concerning classification of aspirated May-Grünwald-Giemsa stained malignant tumour cells from lung lesions, we found the sensitivity to be 80--95 per cent for adenocarcinomas, undifferentiated carcinomas and small cell carcinomas. For epidermoid carcinomas the sensitivity was only 64 per cent. It was therefore found of interest to see if a registration of the non-neoplastic cells could be an aid in the cytological tumour cell classification. An analysis has been performed of the distribution of the non-neoplastic cells in 71 aspiration biopsies from six different types of malignant lung tumours. A variegated population of many and different types of infalmmatory cells, mast cells and alveolar epithelial cells was a characteristic finding in biopsies from neoplasms with an epidermoid differentiation.


Transthoracic aspiration biopsy. The occurrence and significance of alveolar epithelial cells.

Alveolar epithelial cells in pulmonary aspirates sometimes appear with a pronounced nuclear atypism which may give rise to diagnostic difficulties. An analysis has been performed of the occurrence and morphology of alveolar epithelial cells in a series of histologically-verified transthoracic aspiration biopsies not containing clear-cut malignant tumour cells. Alveolar epithelial cells, as well as atypism of these cells, are more often seen in biopsies from histologically malignant cases than in benigh cases. Their presence in a pulmonary aspirate may be due to a chronic obstruction atelectasis. In cases with tumour-like configuration of the alveolar epithelial cells, an open pulmonary biopsy is recommended, as it seems impossible to decide whether such findings represent a neoplastic or a reactive process.


Histochemical enzyme activity correlated to the structural segmentation of the proximal convoluted tubule in salt-depleted and salt-loaded rat kidneys.

In salt-depleted and salt-loaded rat kidneys a study was made of the structural segmentation of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) and the histochemical activity of non-specific acid and alkaline phosphatases and succinate dehydrogenase in the same segments. No quantitative structural or segmental alterations were observed, but significant changes in enzyme activity occured. These comprised: 1) A decrease in activity of acid phosphatase in segment 1 and the transitional zone in salt-depleted kidneys, and an increase in enzyme activity in segment 2 in salt-loaded kidneys. 2) a decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity in segment 2 in both salt-depleted and salt-loaded kidneys and 3) a decrease in succinate dehydrogenase activity in segment 2 in salt-depleted kidneys, and an increase in activity in the same segment in salt-loaded kidneys. Thus long-term variation in sodium intake are followed by segment-correlated variations in the activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase and succinate dehydrogenase in the PCT.


A retrospective histological study of 669 cases of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma in clinical stage I. I. Histological classification, sex and age of the patients, localization of tumour and prognosis.

A selected series of 669 primary malignant melanomas of the skin, stage I, has been classified according to Clark's system into lentigo maligna melanoma (86), superficial spreading malignant melanoma (259), nodular malignant melanoma (194) and unclassifiable malignant melanoma (130). It was often difficult to distinguish between lentigo maligna melanoma and superficial spreading malignant melanoma, and sometimes also between this last type and nodular melanoma. There seem to be borderline cases between the respective types. The 10-year specific cumulative survival rate (approximately the cure rate) was 98.3% for the lentigo maligna melanomas, 78.6% for nodular malignant melanomas and 76.7% for the unclassifiable group of melanomas. The 5-year observed prognosis ofthe 3 main types is satisfactory compared with other investigations. As the prognosis of the 3 types of cutaneous malignant melanoma differs considerably the use of this classification is recommended. The number of unclassifiable cases is likely to be reduced in the routine work when several sections of each tumour are studied.


The classification of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma. A prospective study of 60 cases using Clark's classification.

A series of 60 primary cutaneous malignant melanomas has been studied by serial block technique. The resulting 492 sections have been classified as junctional naevus with or without atypia and preinvasive or invasive malignant melanoma according to Clark (1967). No sections showed lentigo maligna (melanoma). The overall classification resultedin 49 superficial spreading malignant melanomas, 6 nodular malignant melanomas and 5 unclassifiable malignant melanomas. In 3 cases (5%) there was inconsistency between the classification of the central section and the overall classification of the tumour. Five theoretical growth patterns have been postulated ranging from thatof the pure superficial spreading malignant melanoma completely surrounded by a preinvasive area to the pure nodular malignant melanoma which completely lacks any such area. Borderline cases between these two types certainly seem to exist. Features such as intraepidermal Pagetoid growth of tumour cells, co-existence of a benign melanocytic component and histological changes indicating tumour regression have been discussed. It is recommended that at least 3 tissue blocks should be taken from all malignant melanomas up to 25 mm in diameter and more if the tumour is larger.


Pathology of mucinous ovarian cystadenomas. I. Argyrophil and argentaffin cells and epithelial mucosubstances.

The presence of argyrophil and argentaffin cells and epithelial mucosubstances was studied in 187 mucinous ovarian cystadenomas of varying malignancy. Sixty-two per cent of the benign tumours contained these cells. The corresponding figures for tumours of borderline malignancy and malignant tumours were 60 and 51, respectively. The epithelial cells of the mucinous cystadenomas characteristically contained periodic acid-Schiff reactive and diastase resistant secretory material, mixed with acid mucin which contained both sulphate and carboxyl groups. The amount of mucin diminished with increasing malignancy, as did the ratio of neutral to acid mucins. Mucin histochemistry in tumours with and without argyrophil cells in a given group of malignancy was similar, and the ages of the patients having those tumours did not differ significantly.


Pathology of mucinous ovarian cystadenomas. 2. Ultrastructural findings.

Fourteen mucinous ovarian cystadenomas of different grades of malignancy (7 benign, 4 borderline and 3 malignant) were investigated by electron microscopy. The main tumour cell type was a columnar mucous epithelial cell with short microvilli. With increasing grade of malignancy the shape and size of these cells became more irregular and the number of mucous granules in them decreased. Most of the mucous granules had a dense core and a less dense reticular component, which stained well with the periodic acid-silver methenamine (PASM) technique. Goblet cells with the usual ultrastructure were found rather frequently. The tumours in a given group of malignancy were relative similar to each other in their light and electron microscopic appearance. However, a number of tumours contained argyrophil and argentaffin cells in addition to the columnar and goblet cells. The findings of the present study support the view that the mucinous ovarian cystadenomas arise from the ovarian surface epithelium via a metaplastic process.


Observer variation in histologic classification of thyroid cancer.

Histologic slides of 696 cases of thyroid cancer reported to the national cancer registries of Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden were reviewed by 5 Nordic pathologists in order to determine the observer variation between the pathologists, as well as the reproducibility of the WHO classification of thyroid tumours. In 58% of the cases all observers agreed upon the diagnosis and in 82% at least three of them agreed. The observer disagreement was lowest for papillary carcinoma (7%) and highest for follicular carcinoma (27%). The corresponding figures for anaplastic and medullary carcinomas were 18% and 23%, respectively. The most common diverging diagnosis for cases finally interpreted as papillary carcinoma was follicular carcinoma, and for cases finally interpreted as follicular carcinoma, a benign thyroid lesion. The results of the present study clearly indicate the necessity of having all cases reviewed by the same pathologist or group of pathologists in order to obtain reliable results for comparative studies.


Cytoplasmic effects of X-irradiation on cultured cells in a nondividing stage. 3. Alterations in plasma membrane motility.

Cultured, density-dependent growth inhibited human glia cells were exposed to X-radiation, generated by an 8-MeV linear accelerator, at a dose of 200 Gy. Phase contrast microscopy, time-lapse cinemicrography and scanning electron microscopy showed the irradiated cells to have increased ruffling activity of plasma membranes and enhanced macropinocytosis with a maximum approximately 24 hours after irradiation. "Atypical" central ruffles arising from the upper cell surface were demonstrated on some irradiated cells. The turnover of plasma membranes was supposed to be increased in the irradiated cells resulting in the formation of the observed branched, thread-like cells. The diminished cell surface area was believed to result from an unbalance between degradation and renewal of the plasma membranes in the irradiated cells.


Morphological features in non-cirrhotic livers from patients with chronic alcoholism, diabetes mellitus or adipositas. A comparative study.

Consecutive liver biopsies from alcoholic, diabetic and overweight patients are compared morphologically and in addition a comparison is made between groups with a combination of two or three of the above conditions. Both fatty change and morphological activity are greater in the groups with alcoholism, and this gives good reason to believe that the activity in the form of alcoholic hepatitis is the cause for the more common development of cirrhosis in alcoholic fatty liver than in fatty liver with other aetiology.


A retrospective histological study of 669 cases of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma in clinical stage I. 2. The relation of cell type, pigmentation, atypia and mitotic count to histological type and prognosis.

A selected series of 669 primary malignant melanomas of the skin, stage I, was studied. The series includes 86 lentigo maligna melanomas, 259 superficial spreading malignant melanomas, 194 nodular malignant melanomas and 130 unclassifiable malignant melanomas. The tumour cell type was classified and the tumour cell pigmentation, the cellular atypia and the mitotic count was graded. The relation of these four tumour cell features to each other and to the tumour type was studied by X2tests. The prognostic value of these features in relation to the total series as well as to each tumour type was also examined. The most common features were mixed cellularity, little pigment, moderate atypia and low mitotic count. Most of these tumours were superficial spreading malignant melanomas. A good prognosis was related to spindle-shaped tumour cells, marked pigmentation, slight atypia and few mitoses. A bad prognosis was related to epithelioid tumour cells, little pigment, marked atypia and many mitoses. Variations of lentigo maligna melanoma tended to be more benign while variations of nodular malignant melanoma tended to be more malignant than the average. A superficial spreading malignant melanoma might vary in either direction.


A retrospective histological study of 669 cases of primary cutaneous malignant melanoma in clinical stage I. 3. The relation between the tumour-associated lymphocyte infiltration and age and sex, tumour cell type, pigmentation, cellular atypia, mitotic count, depth of invasion, ulceration, tumour type and prognosis.

A selected series of 669 primary malignant melanoma of the skin, stage I, was studied. The series included 86 lentigo maligna melanomas, 259 superficial spreading malignant melanomas, 194 nodular malignant melanomas and 130 unclassifiable malignant melanomas. The adjacent lymphocyte infiltration was graded and its prognostic value and its relation to the sex and age of the patient, tumour cell type, pigmentation, cellular atypia, mitotic count, depth of dermal invasion, tumour type and ulceration was studied. There was no significant relationship between lymphocyte response and sex and age of the patient and the tumour cell type. There was a highly significant relationship between a dense lymphocyte infiltration and superficial tumour invasion as far as the papillary-reticular interface in contrast to the weak response associated with deeper invasion. When only tumours with invasion of the papillary-reticular interface were considered, there was no significant relationship between lymphocyte infiltration and pigmentation, cellular atypia, mitotic count, tumour type and ulceration. At the same level of invasion there was no difference in prognosis in relation to the density of lymphocyte infiltration. Nodular malignant melanomas surrounded by a dense lymphocyte infiltration had a significantly worse prognosis than was associated with a simular lymphocyte response against the two other types of melanoma.


Microcalorimetric measurement of normal and adenovirus infected HeLa cells.

The use of a simple microcalorimetric technique for the study of HeLa cells and adenovirus infected HeLa cells has been investigated. The calorimetric curves obtained with these two cellular systems showed characteristic differences. It is concluded that the method can serve as a useful analytical technique for the monitoring of the overall metabolic activity of tissue cells attached to a solid support.


In vitro effect of colchicine on neutrophil granulocyte locomotion. Assessment of the effect of colchicine on chemotaxis, chemokinesis and spontaneous motility, using a modified reversible Boyden chamber.

The effect of colchicine on human neutrophil granulocyte chemotaxis, chemokinesis and spontaneous motility was examined, using a modified reversible Boyden chamber. Colchicine was shown to inhibit the attraction of neutrophils to casein and to a bacterial chemotactic factor at concentrations as low as 10(-7) M. Experiments in which the absolute concentrations and the concentration gradients of the chemotactic agent were varied, revealed that colchicine inhibited chemokinesis rather than chemotaxis. The spontaneous motility measured in the absence of chemotactic agents was not inhibited by colchicine. Pre-incubation of the cells with a bacterial chematactic factor did not change the sensitivity of the cells to colchicine. It is concluded that the integrity of microtubule function is not necessary for the ability of the cells to discern a concentration gradient or to react to this with directional locomotion. Thus the inhibitory effect of colchicine on neutrophil granulocyte chemokinesis may not depend on its inhibition of microtubule function. It is suggested that colchicine may block the still unidentified membrane mechanism involved in the translation of the recognition signal into an appropriate locomotory cell response.


Immunochemical studies on Staphylococcus aureus plasma membrane. I. Isolation and chemical characterization.

Cytoplasma membrane and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) were isolated from S. aureus Cowan I and analysed chemically. Pure membrane was obtained by using human IgG coupled to Sepharose, which then absorbed all cell wall fragments due to the interaction between IgG and protein A on the wall. LTA, shown to be a glucosylglycerol teichoic acid containing ester-linked alanine and pentadecanoic acid as the major fatty acid, was also present in the isolated membrane but only as a minor component. Other carbohydrate, protein and lipid components which were present as a chemical complex, dominated the membrane preparations.


Observations on the ultrastructure of the sporocyst and the initiation of sporozoite formation in Toxoplasma gondii.

The ultrastructure of the immature sporocyst and the initiation of sporozoite formation in T. gondii was examined in oocysts which had been allowed to sporulate for 12 or 24 hours at 27 degrees C. The sporocyst was ellipsoidal in shape and possessed a two layered sporocyst wall. A nucleus, with associated Golgi bodies, was situated at either end of the organism. The cytoplasm of the sporocyst also contained a number of polysaccharide granules, lipid globules, mitochondria and a few strands of rough endoplasmic reticulum. Sporozoite formation was initiated by the appearance of two dense plaques at either end of the organism in the vicinity of a nucleus, adjacent to the limiting membrane of the organism.


Prevalence of non-cholera vibrios in cavum nasi and pharynx of ducks.

Investigations among ducks on ten different farms showed a high prevalence of Vibrio cholerae in cavum nasi and Pharynx after the ducks were admitted to the open field. In no case was Vibrio cholerae isolated from ducks which had never been outside the houses. At least six serovars were isolated, 0:54 being the most prevalent. All the strains isolated produced a distinctive cytotoxic effect in YI adrenal cells and caused fluid accumulation in rabbit gut loops. Migratory birds were incriminated as the source of initial contamination.


Statistical aspects of the treponemal counts in the TPI test.

A method of counting treponemes in randomly selected visual fields is described. It was found that Treponema pallidum is distributed as a Poisson distribution among the visual fields and also among samples drawn from the same suspension. Immobilized treponemes are binomally distributed among the total number of treponemes. Application of the parameters of the Poisson and the binomial distributions should be made in order to determine the dosage of T. pallidum in animal experimentation and to evaluate the outcome of the TPI test. Some statistical aspects of the investigation of treponemal survival are presented.


Chlamydia psittaci infection in Danish cattle.

Intestinal tract infection by Chlamydia psittaci was demonstrated in one cattle herd by isolation from faecal specimens, using embryonated eggs. Such infections were observed in all animals younger than 12 months, in 60% of the heifers and in none of the adult cows. The presence of infection correlated (r=0.511) with the serum titre of compliment fixation antibodies against chlamydial antigen. Young calves, which were spontaneously infected with Chlamydia postnatally, developed ileitis and moderate interstitial pneumonia. The results of histological sections and isolation of the agent from tissue specimens indicated Chlamydia to be the cause of these conditions. The strain isolated (ROS DK/KVL 6/B3) was identified as C. psittaci. The morphology of the organism and it's pathogenicity in guinea-pigs were studied. In embryonated eggs, a dose-response curve was demonstrated for the ROS strain, which differed in that respect from another member of this species tested, viz. EBA (59-795).


Experimental "Runde" virus infections in embryonated eggs and chickens.

Three-day-old chicks and 11-12 day embryonated eggs were inoculated with 100 BMLD50 (baby mouse lethal doses) of Runde virus. Chicks were infected subcutaneously and eggs in the allantoic or amniotic cavities, in the yolk sac, or on the chorioallantoic membrane. "Runde" virus produced viraemia and antibody responses in 3-day-old chicks. The virus multiplied only in the amniotic cavity of the embryonated eggs and was detected in the brains of the embryos from day 5-9 p.i. Out of five eggs left to hatch, two hatched on time, while in three unhatched eggs the chicks were alive but extremely weak. Virus was detected in the brains of all five chicks, and high antibody titres were found in the two which hatched. These two chicks had "epilepsy-like" attacks. The results suggested that one passage in chicks or eggs reduced the mouse pathogenicity of "Runde" virus. No antigenic difference between chick- and mouse-passaged virus could be demonstrated by gel precipitation.


Effect of human leukocyte interferon on the permeability of the cytoplasma membrane of cultured cells.

The effect of human leukocyte interferon on the cytoplasma membrane of cultured homologous cells has been investigated. U-amnion cells were labelled with (1-14C) alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB), a low-molecular-weight non-metabolizable amino acid. Following uptake, the AIB is released spontaneously from the cells. Treatment of cells with interferon reduced the AIB release. This effect was dosedependent, was neutralized by anti-interferon serum and was strongly reduced by trypsin treatment.


Effect of halothane anaesthesia on secondary antibody response and mitogen-induced lymphocyte transformation in the chicken.

The effect of a single halothane anaesthesia on the secondary antibody response and the lymphocyte response in vitro to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A(Con A) was studied. The antigens used were bovine serum albumin (BSA) and killed Brucella abortus organisms (Brucella). IgG and IgM antibodies against these antigens were quantified by solid-phase radioimmunoassay. Lymphocyte transformation was studied by a whole blood micromethod. The chickens were anaesthetised for two hours with 2% v/v halothane. The halothane concentration of the blood was measured by gas chromatography at the end of the anaesthesia. Halothane anaesthesia had no effect on the secondary antibody response against BSA and Brucella. In contrast, it caused a significant decrease in the lymphocyte response to PHA and Con A. This suppression was transient, however, and full recovery of the lymphocyte function was observed by the first day after anaesthesia.


Crossed immunoelectrophoresis and electroimmunoassay of human IgG subclasses.

Human IgGl, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 in WHO pool 67/97, a normal serum pool, Cohn Fraction II and individual sera were examined by crossed immunoelectrophoresis and electroimmunoassay in agarose with IgG subclass specific rabbit antisera. In these methods the fact that IgG subclasses differ in the electrophoretic field is utilized: IgG4 is located anodically, IgG3 cathodically, and IgG2 and IgG1 both anodically and cathodically. The mean, S.D. and range of serum IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 in 20 normal adults found by the electroimmunoassay were given and related to the amount in the WHO pool 67/97. The IgG subclasses values obtained by electroimmunoassay agreed with the values obtained by single radial diffusion. The reproducibility of double determinations (interplate variations) was 1.5--5.5 per cent. Repeated freezing, thawing and storage of the serum at room temperature did not influence quantitation of IgG subclasses. Cohn Fraction II was found to contain smaller amounts of IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4 than those found in the normal serum pools. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis and electroimmunoassay also easily reveal failing quality of IgG subclass antisera. To obtain good antisera in rabbits against IgG subclasses immunization should be done with several myeloma proteins with different electrophoretic mobility within the same subclass.


Inhibitory and stimulatory effect of spleen cells from tumour bearing animals on the growth of syngeneic tumour cells.

When spleen cells from C3H mice inoculated with a primary spontaneously arisen C3H mammary carcinoma were added to tumour target cells of the same type in vitro, both an inhibitory and a stimulatory effect on target cell growth were seen, when compared with the effect of adding normal syngeneic spleen cells. The inhibitory effect was seen regularly when high concentrations of spleen cells were added, while there was a stimulatory effect when low concentrations were added to the tumour target cells. When transferring spleen cells from tumour bearing mice together with a tumour inoculum to groups of normal syngeneic recipients, the resultant tumour growth was enhanced, as compared with recipients given tumour plus normal spleen cells and those given tumour cells only. It was found that the spleen cells which caused the greastest enhancement in vitro caused the greatest inhibition in vitro. This relationship could be explained by assuming the occurrence in spleens of tumour bearers of a population of reactive cells which when added in high concentrations to tumour target cells in vitro cause inhibition, while they cause stimulation of tumour growth in vivo because of being transferred to recipients in relatively low concentrations.


Fcgamma receptors in human choroid plexus.

Crysotat sections of human choroid plexus adsorbed erythrocytes sensitized with IgG antibodies of human and rabbit origin. No adsorption occurred when the erythrocytes were sensitized with F(ab')2 or Facb fragments. The reaction was strongly inhibited by intact IgG and by Fc fragments and not inhibited by Facb and F(ab')2 or albumin. These properties are similar to those of corresponding receptors in human placenta. The presence of an Fcgamma receptor in choroid plexus may be of significance for the transfer of IgG from blood to cerebrospinal fluid.


Isolation and partial characterization of a mitogenic lectin from Lathyrus odoratus seeds.

A mitogenic lectin has been isolated from saline extract of Lathyrus odoratus seeds by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation and subsequent chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose and CM-Sepharose. The isolated lectin was almost homogeneous by SDS gel electrophoresis and gel filtration, but multiple bands were obtained on isoelectric focusing. The molecular weight, determined by gel filtration, was 37,000. Gel electrophoresis in the presence of SDS gave a molecular weight of 19,000, thus suggesting that the lectin is a dimer. It agglutinated human erythrocytes of the different ABO groups equally well. Human lymphocytes were exposed to the lectin or PHA, and the incorporation of thymidine was measured. Compared with PHA, which stimulated maximally in the concentration range of 0.25--1microgram/ml, the L. odoratus lectin had optimal activity at concentrations of 35 microgram/ml and higher.


Kinetics of locomotion of human granulocyte populations.

The locomotor kinetics of human granulocytes under gradient and non-gradient conditions were studied with the Boyden micropore filter method using casein as a stimulant. The in-filter distribution for 3 different incubation times, and one-level counts for a wide range of incubation times were determined photographically. Under gradient ("chemotactic") conditions, the number of responsing granulocytes depended on the sharpness of the casein gradient, whereas the average migrational velocity of the population appeared to be constant. It was not possible, by comparison with a theoretical model, to demonstrate a directional migration towards increasing casein concentrations. The previously reported Gaussian distribution under non-gradient (chemokinetic) conditions, was confirmed. In these experiments the number of responding cells appeared to depend on the absolute casein concentration, while their average velocity seemed uninfluenced.


Fc gamma receptors and IgG associated with human malignant tumours.

Thirteen solid tumours were tested for Fc gamma receptors (FcR) using tissue sections and sheep erythrocytes sensitized with rabbit antibodies as indicator cells. No alteration was found in FcR activity (FcRA) between untreated tissue and tissue homogenized for 2 min or less. More extensive homogenization abolished the FcRA. Tissues homogenized for 1 min were washed at 4C and eluted at 37, 45 and 56C. The FcRA was not altered after elution at 37 and 45C. However, elution at 56C abolished the activity indicating that the FcR were either eluted or destroyed. Tumours which showed a diffuse pattern of FcRA and no non-specifically bound IgG displayed an inverse relationship between the FcRA and the eluted IgG. Such relationship was not found with tumours containing non-specifically bound IgG.


The adrenergic innervation of the urinary bladder in the cat and man in the normal state and after parasympathetic denervation.

The adrenergic innervation of the feline and human urinary bladder was studied with the histochemical fluorescence method of Hillarp and Falck. In the normal bladder of both species the trigone area was densely innervated by thick and strongly green-fluorescent adrenergic terminals while the detrusor muscle contained a sparse innervation of very thin and weakly fluorescent nerve terminals. After parasympathetic denervation (lower motor neuron lesion in patients) the adrenergic innervation of the detrusor muscle was altered. In the cat, the first signs of altered adrenergic innervation were observed 6 weeks after parasympathetic denervation, when thick, strongly fluorescent adrenergic fibres appeared between and in the smooth muscle bundles. These fibres had the characteristics of growth cones and indicated an outgrowth of new adrenergic fibres into the detrusor muscle. Later on, the muscle bundles were densely innervated by thick and strongly fluorescent terminals, reminiscent of trigone terminals. In the patients with lower motor neuron lesions, thick, strongly fluorescent adrenergic terminals were seen in the detrusor. In both cat and man the appearance of this "new" type of adrenergic nerve terminal in the detrusor muscle coincided with the presence of alpha-adrenoceptor function (rather than the normal beta-adrenoceptor activity of the feline and human detrusor).


Aspects of present and future possibilities for intraluminal pressure recordings in the urogenital tract.

In this brief survey some aspects of present and future possibilities for intraluminal pressure recordings in the urogenital tract are considered. It is emphasized that present water-filled catheter-manometer systems are afflicted with several biotechnical disadvantages. Although the micro-transducers and centre-hole catheters seem to be superior to conventional pressure recording systems, they ought to be further improved. Feed-back pressure transducers, electronic compensation, and micro-manometers could be realistic alternatives for pressure recordings in the urogential tract in the future. Some results from pressure recordings obtained with different measuring systems are presented and discussed.


Cholinergic innervation of the human urethra and urinary bladder: a histochemical study and review of methodology.

The present work gives a survey of the various methods for the histochemical demonstration of cholinergic nervous structures. The theoretical background and the specificity and sensitivity of the various methods are compared. It is concluded that the histochemical localization of the cholinergic transmitter metabolizing enzyme acetylcholine esterase still probably is the best method, giving a fairly good reflection of the distribution of cholinergic nerves. In comparison with the Falck and Hillarp technique for the demonstration of adrenergic nerves this method is much less specific and sensitive. The present work describes a rich supply of cholinergic nerves in the human urethra and urinary bladder in comparison with the scanty adrenergic innervation. Various functional aspects of the cholinergic innervation are discussed.


Effect of colchicine on drug absorption from the rat small intestine in situ and in vitro.

The effect of colchicine (1 mg/kg intraperitoneally on two successive days) on the absorption of isoniazid, quinidine and sulphafurazole (sulfisoxazole) from the rat small intestine was studied in situ and in vitro. Colchicine produced two different types of histological damage in the small intestine, one with degenerative and the other with regenerative changes predominating. The small intestinal surface area was variably reduced. The colchicine-treated rats were lethargic and hypothermic as compared to controls. Colchicine retarded the disappearance of fluid and all three drugs from the small intestinal lumen in situ 2 days after the first colchicine injection. In vitro the total amounts of fluid and drugs passed through the intestinal wall were not significantly changed by colchicine, although there was a slight tendency towards an increased absorption of quinidine. Hence, colchicine as an antimitotic drug decreases drug absorption from the rat small intestine in situ, apparently due to the decreased surface area of the small intestine, the decreased water flux through the intestinal wall, the retarded intestinal motility and hypothermia of the rats. In vitro the changes are small, which makes the in vitro tests less suitable for studying the effect of colchicine on absorption.


Increased penetration of barbital through the bloodbrain barrier in the rat after pretreatment with probenecid.

Some weak organic acids are eliminated from the brain by an acid transport system. The question arose is this system also used to transport drugs out of the brain? In that case probenecid pretreatment (100 mg/kg subcutaneously) should influence the induction time of a slightly lipid soluble barbiturate (barbital) which penetrates into the brain slowly, more than the induction time of a very lipid soluble barbiturate (hexobarbital). In the first experiment barbital (200 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally and in the second experiment barbital (150 mg/kg) was infused intravenously during 10 min. In both experiments loss of righting reflex occurred more rapidly after pretreatment with probenecid compared with pretreatment with saline. Only in the second experiment did probenecid significantly increase the time during which the righting reflex was lost. In the next experiment hexobarbital was infused intravenously at a rate of 0.25 mg/kg/sec. until a burst suppression which lasted 1 sec. or more was seen in a concomitant EEG-record. When this "silent second" occurred the infusion was stopped and the ensuing anaesthesia times recorded. Probenecid had no effect on the induction when studied with this method, but the ensuing anaesthesia times were increased. The hypothesis of an acid transport system out of the brain was thus not refuted by these experimental results. Studies of brain concentrations of barbital also supported this finding. After 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally the concentration of barbital in the brain was higher after pretreatment with probenecid as compared to saline pretreated controls i.e. at times corresponding to the induction times in the in vivo experiments. No difference was found in the serum levels of barbital.


Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in rat brain.

Rats were injected with one of five drugs alleged to inhibit brain prostaglandin (PG) synthesis: indomethacin, diclofenac, naproxen, aspiring and paracetamol. Animals were killed after 30 min. and the endogenous formation of PGF2alpha and PGE2 in brain homogenates was measured by mass fragmentography using deuterium labelled PGF2alpha and PGE2 as internal standards. Diclofenac, indomethacin, and naproxen inhibited dose dependently, the synthesis of PGF2alpha. The ED50 for diclofenac was 0.4 mg/kg, for indomethacin 1 mg/kg and for naproxen 2 mg/kg. In equieffective doses indomethacin had the longest duration. The time taken for the inhibition to decline to half its maximal value was 32 hrs for indomethacin and about 15 hrs for diclofenac and naproxen. Under the present conditions aspirin and paracetamol failed to produce significant reduction of PG synthesis in the rat brain homogenates in doses up to 100 mg/kg.


Distribution of [14C]-labelled aflatoxin B1 in mice.

The distribution of [14C]-labelled aflatoxin B1 has been studied in mice with the aid of whole-body autoradiography. In addition to the localisation of labelled aflatoxin B1 and/or its metabolities in the liver, bile, kidney, lung and urine an uptake of 14C in the pigment of the Harderian gland and the eye was observed. Uptake of radioactivity was also found in the eyes of the foetuses although their livers did not accumulate radioactivity.


The inhibition of choline acetyltransferase in guinea-pig cornea.

The effects of different compounds on the inhibition of choline acetyltransferase in guinea pig cornea have been studied. N-hydroxyethyl-4(naphthylvinyl)pyridinium bromide inhibited the enzyme in the cornea when a 0.5% solution was applied topically to the eye. The inhibition could not be explained by redistribution of the inhibitor after homogenization of the tissue. Inhibition of the enzyme was slowly reversed and nearly full enzyme activity was obtained when the eye was left intact for 48 hrs. N-methyl-4(naphthylvinyl)pyridinium bromide was a less efficient inhibitor in vivo and no inhibition was found with bromo acetonyl trimethylammonium bromide or acryloylcholine. Corneal ChAT was inhibited by the application of 3-methyl-5-methoxyphenyl pyridinium bromide, but the mechanism was obscured by the compound causing corneal oedema. The investigation shows that epithelium of the cornea can be used to test the in vivo effect of choline acetyltransferase inhibitors.


The effect of nifedipine on isolated human peripheral vessels.

Isometric tension was recorded in ring preparations of human peripherial arteries and veins contracted by potassium (127mM) and noradrenaline (1.8 X 10(-5)M). In the veins, nifedipine had a marked relaxing effect on contractions induced by both agents, and also reduced the contractile amplitude when added prior to stimulation. The inhibiting effect of nifedipine was more marked on the potassium than on the noradrenaline-evoked responses. This was in contrast to verapamil, which inhibited the noradrenaline-induced contractions significantly more, than those produced by potassium. After immersion of the vein preparations in calcium-free medium for 30 min., the potassium contracture decreased to 26+/2.0% (mean +/ S.E.M.) of the response in normal Krebs solution, and the noradrenaline-evoked to 7.1+/0.8%. The responses to both agents were completely restored when the calcium concentration was increased from 0 to 4 mM. Nifedipine (1.5X10(-7)M) depressed the potassium contracture in calcium-free solution to 7.3+/1.6%, and the noradrenaline response to 5.5+/1.6%; on addition of calcium, the response elicited by potassium increased to 16+/1.7%, and that by noradrenaline to 56+/8.6%. Compared with its actions on the veins, the effect of nifedipine on the arterial preparations was less pronounced. In the arteries, too, the inhibiting effect of nifedipine was significantly more pronounced on the potassium than on the noradrenaline-induced contraction. Immersion for 30 min. in calcium-free medium reduced the response to potassium to 61+/6.0% and that to noradrenaline to 68+/5.6% of the control in normal Krebs. Nifedipine (2.9X10(-7)M) further reduced the potassium contraction to 20+/4.0%; the response to noradrenaline was unaffected, being 74+/6.4% of the control.


Qualitative alterations of cytochrome P-450 in mouse liver microsomes after administration of acrylamide and methylmethacrylate.

Cytochrome P-450 in mouse liver microsomes was characterized by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after intraperitoneal injection of 80 mg phenobarbital, 4.5 and 45 mg acrylamide and 60 and 600 mg methylmethacrylate per kg body weight each day for four days. Four different forms of cytochrome P-450 with molecular weights of 47,000, 50,000, 54,000 and 56,000 were identified by staining for peroxidase activity and protein. The amount of cytochrome P-450 with a molecular weight of 47,000 (MLvMcP-450(47) decreased in the phenobarbital group and in both acrylamide groups. After methylmethacrylate treatment, this form increased at the low dose but was totally repressed at the high dose. The cytochrome P-450 form with a molecular weight of 50,000 (MLvMcP-450(50) was significantly increased only in the phenobarbital group. An increase in the total amount of cytochrome P-450 was only observed following treatment with phenobarbital.


Uptake of glucuronides into isolated hepatocytes and their effects on glucuronide and sulphate conjugation.

Uptake studies, using radioactive labelled glucuronides, have demonstrated the ability of 4-nitrophenyl glucuronide and phenolphthalein glucuronide to enter isolated rat hepatocytes. Of these glucuronides 4-nitrophenyl glucuronide was distributed in a similar manner to O-methylglucose, whereas phenolphthalein glucuronide was bound to cellular constituents. Phenolphthalein glucuronide had an effect on theconjugation of harmol in the isolated hepatocytes when glucuronidation was found to be markedly inhibited and sulphation slightly stimulated. The glucuronidation of 4-nitrophenol, 4-methylumbelliferone and harmol in native microsomes was inhibited by phenolphthalein glucuronide. 4-Nitrophenyl glucuronide and also naphthyl glucuronide were without effect both in hepatocytes and microsomes. In control hepatocytes harmine was metabolized to form harmolsulphate mainly. Phenolphthalein glucuronide only affected this metabolic pattern to a minor extent. However, in hepatocytes from phenobarbital treated rats, where the rate of harmine metabolism is increased about five times and the main metabolite is harmol glucuronide, phenolphthalein glucuronide inhibited the formation of the conjugate with a concomitant increase in free harmol.


Transient supersensitivity in the partially denervated urinary bladder of the rat.

When examined 6-7 days after the unilateral removal of the pelvic ganglion, the detrusor muscle of the rat was found to be sensitized to methacholine and noradrenaline. The threshold doses were lower while the intravesical pressure responses to doses above threshold were increased. In contrast, bladders examined 25-30 days after the partial denervation lacked signs of sensitization. It is suggested that the contralateral nervous pathway is responsible for  the rapid disappearance of the supersensitivity.


Electrochemical forces for chloride transport in the proximal tubules of the rat kidney.

The electrochemical forces for chloride transport in the proximal tubule of the rat kidney were studied using micropuncture techniques. Electrical transmembrane potentials were recorded in randomly punctured tubules with Ling-Gerhard electrodes. Chloride activities in the luminal, cellular and interstitial compartments were measured with ion selective micro-electrodes. Electrical potential measurements between cell to interstitium and lumen to interstitium were -72.1 +/- 2.6 mV and +0.5 +/- 1.4 mV (mean +/- S.D.) respectively. The calculated chloride concentrations for lumen, cell and interstitium were 133.0 +/- 10.3 mM, 8.5 +/- 1.0 mM and 99.1 +/- 3.2 mM (mean +/- S.D.) respectively. The net electrochemical forces, qualitatively, offer a passive chloride ion pathway through the tubular wall and a chloride equilibrium over the luminal membrane seems to exist.


Attraction of nerve fiber outgrowth from sympathetic ganglia to heart auricles in tissue culture.

Sympathetic chain ganglia of 3-day-old rats were cultured in Rose chambers for 5 days. Each chamber contained either two ganglia or a ganglion and a piece of heart atrium. Visual examination failed to show an increased density or length of nerve fibers growing towards the other explant. However, actual measurements showed that the length of nerve fiber outgrowth towards the atrium explant was about 10% longer than the mean outgrowth to all directions, the difference being statistically significant (P less than 0.0001). In ganglion-ganglion pair cultures the nerve fiber outgrowth towards the other ganglion tended to be shorter than that to other directions. It is tentatively concluded that atrium explants exert a growth-promoting influence on sympathetic nerve fibers in cultures, possibly due to diffusion of a growth-promoting substance from the atrium explant.


Muscle fatigue and its relation to lactate accumulation and LDH activity in man.

The lactate concentration in different muscle fibre types was determined in biopsy specimens from human vastus lateralis muscle after 30 and 60 s of maximal dynamic leg exercise. In addition, muscle fibre type distribution, total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and isozymes of LDH were determined. In accordance with previous studies (Thorstensson and Karlsson 1976, Nilsson et al. 1977) it was found that an increasing proportion of slow twitch (ST) fibres corresponded to better sustained muscle force. Lactate was found preferentially in fast twitch (FT) fibres after 30 s, but after 60 s this difference was abolished. Differences between the two main muscle fibre types in muscle lactate, total LDH activity, and M-LDH activity were correlated to muscle fatigue. It was concluded that lactate or associated pH changes primarily in FT fibres could be one factor responsible for the impaired muscle function.


Transient water diuresis and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) induced by forebrain lesions of different location.

Inhibition of ADH-secretion and transient water diuresis was observed as acute effects of radio-frequency lesions in the septal region of goats. The water diuresis was not compensated for by drinking and therefore rapidly induced pronounced hypernatremia and hypovolemia. The development of hypovolemia was accompanied by a rise in plasma renin activity. Lesions of the same kind, but extending into the preoptic region near the medial portion of the supraoptic nuclei induced the inability to excrete excessive water characteristic of SIADH. Determinations of plasma arginine vasopressin suggested that the lesions causing SIADH did not produce any noticeable increase in basic ADH-secretion. The results suggest that impulses from juxtaventricular receptors regulating ADH-release and water intake to a considerable extent are transmitted via the septal region, and that elimination of this impulse traffic is sufficient to turn water balance to the negative side. However, reflex volumetric inhibition of the ADH-secretion does not seem to be mediated by pathways passing through the septal region.


The distensibility of the resistance vessels of skeletal muscle in hypertensive patients.

The distensibility of the resistance vessels of skeletal muscle was evaluated in 23 patients with essential arterial hypertension (WSHO grade I--II), and in 14 normotensive control sugjects. Five of the hypertensive patients were well treated for over 2 years and 18 were untreated. The 133Xenon wash-out rate from the anterior tibial muscle during reactive hyperemia was recorded before and during an increase of the vascular transmural pressure, brought about by application of a subatmospheric pressure to the leg. At ambient pressure the 133Xenon wash-out rate did not differ between the normotensive and hypertensive subjects, reflecting equal muscle blood flows. However, when the transmural pressure was augmented the 133Xenon wash-out rate in the normotensive subjects increased about twice as much as in the hypertensive patients. This suggests a decreased distensibility of the resistance vessels in hypertensive patients as compared to normotensive subjects, and supports the concept that structural changes of these vessels take place in arterial hypertension. Since the vascular distensibility was equally reduced in the untreated and well treated hypertensive patients it is indicated that the structural changes in the resistance vessels of the leg muscles do not readily decline during antihypertensive treatment.


Observations on stretch reflexes in lumbar back muscles of the cat.

Reflex responses to brief muscle stretch and to electrical stimulation of dorsal roots were studied in cat longissimus and iliocostalis muscles by myographic and electromyographic recordings in spinal and anesthetized preparations. Brief stretch applied simultaneously to both muscles, by pulling at an isolated segment of the iliac bone, elicited contractions only in the central region of longissimus, composed of slowly contracting fibers, the time to peak tension varying between 70 and 100 ms. No reflex responses were observed in the faster contracting parts of this muscle or in the iliocostalis under the stimulation conditions used. The total reflex time usually varied from 4.5 to 7 ms which is shown to correspond to intra-spinal conduction times, approximately between 2 and 5 ms. Only exceptionally was a central reflex delay corresponding to a monosynaptic transmission observed. Reflexes evoked by dorsal root simulation (L4, L5) have a central conduction time similar to those elicited by adequate stimulation. The possibility that the central pathway for stretch reflexes in longissimus may involve more than two neurons is considered. In decerebrate preparations the central region of longissimus displays a prominent tonic stretch reflex. With the longissimus in situ the magnitude of the reflex is highly dependent on the position of the lumbar spine relative to the pelvic girdle.


Contralateral influence on recruitment of curarized muscle fibres during maximal voluntary extension of the legs.

The force of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was compared during extension of one leg alone and during simultaneous extension of both legs. In 6 subjects MVC of two legs extension was 75 +/- 3.6 (S.E.)% of the sum of the single one leg MVC. This may indicate a reduced muscle fibre involvement during two leg extension as compared with one leg extension. We investigated the possibility that either red (type I) or white (type II) muscle fibre recruitment was restricted during two leg extension. The neuromuscular transmission in the two types of fibres was partially blocked with d-tubocurarine (dtc) or decamethonium (C10) for either type I or II, respectively. In 5 subjects receiving dtc the ratio between the reduced two leg and one leg extension forces (75 +/- 2.3%) did not change. During administration of C10, however, this ratio decreased by 16 +/- 3.1%. Partial blocking with dtc caused a two component curve during tension development with a first maximum at 0.22 s, and another maximum at 1.03 s of a 3 s attempt to reach MVC. During partial blocking with C10 results in muscle contractions where a relatively large amount of type I muscle fibres are contributing to the force developed. The experiment suggests that type I fibre recruitment is restricted during severe static exercise in normal muscles. Furthermore, it demonstrates that fibre recruitment can vary in the same muscle function performed with one leg or two legs.


A study of permanent adipsia induced by medial forebrain lesions.

Cerebral lesions involving most of the anterior wall of the ventricle, and the medial part of the septal region, induced a permanent loss of thirst in two goats. The ventral part of the lamina terminalis remained intact in one of the animals. Pronounced dehydration (10--13% loss of b.wt.) developed during periods (3--7 days) when water supplementation was omitted. Determinations of plasma arginine vasopressin in one of the animals revealed that the dehydration did not cause any significant increase in the secretion of antidiuretic hormone. However, the water deficit induced a considerable rise in plasma renin activity and tachycardia. If anything, the caroitid blood pressure became slightly elevated towards the end of 7 d dehydration periods. The lesions obviously inactivated a cerebral sensory mechanism controlling water balance. It may have been due mainly to destruction of juxtaventricular receptors in the anterior hypothalamic region, but perhaps also to a disruption of afferents from such receptors located posterior to this cerebral level.


Effect of metabolic inhibitors on phenylalanine influx in cerebral cortex slices from mature and immature rats.

Earlier investigations have shown that the transport of aromatic amino acids into cerebral cortex slices of rats changes during ontogenetic development. In order to illuminate the possible influence of the developmental alterations of energy metabolism in the brain on the changes of the amino acid transport the influx of phenylalanine into cerebral cortex slices of adult and 7-day-old rats was measured in the presence of metabolic inhibitors. Also the levels of lactate, ATP, ADP, AMP and creatine phosphate in the slices were measured. The used inhibitors cyanide, dinitrophenol and iodoacetate, which disturb certain steps of energy metabolism, had very similar effects in both age groups on phenylalanine influx and on the levels of energy-rich phosphates. The correlation between the level of ATP and the influx of phenylalanine was positive in both age groups, but the slopes of the regression lines were different. If ATP supplies energy for amino acid transport, its utilization, rather than its availability is a limiting factor in the slices from 7-day-old rats. Developmental changes in energy metabolism seem to have a minimal role in the changes of amino acid transport during the maturation of the brain. Changes in the properties of cell membrane carriers and in the transmembrane ionic gradients may be more important.


Hepatic triacylglycerol and fatty-acid biosynthesis during hypoxia in vivo.

Hepatic fatty acid biosynthesis and the activity of phosphatidate phosphatidate phosphohydrolase, the rate-limiting  enzyme of triacylglycerol biosynthesis, were studied after hypoxic periods of 1 and 7 days under hypobaric conditions at 40.8 kPa. Phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity increased 2-fold in the soluble fraction of the liver after one day at 40.8 kPa, but had returned to normal by 7 days. This was accompanied  by a significant increase in liver triacylglycerol and sn-glycerol-3-phosphate. The phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity increased continuously over 7 days in the pair-fed controls, probably due to the restriction on food. Measured as in vivo incorporation of 3H2O into lipids, the hepatic fatty acid synthesis rate increased somewhat in acute hypoxia, but returned to normal values during 7 days of hypoxia. Plasma free fatty acids increased markedly after 24 h in the fasting controls (90%) with a smaller increase in the hypoxic group (50%) due to peripheral lipolysis. Hepatic glycogen stores decreased in the hypoxic and fasting animals both after 1 and 7 days. It is concluded that hypoxia induces the accumulation of fat into the liver at least partly as a consequence of an increase in phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity in the soluble fraction of the liver.


Effects on fluid balance induced by non-febrile intracerebroventricular infusions of PGE2, PGF2alpha, and arachidonic acid in the goat.

Prostaglandins (PG) E2, F2 alpha (30 ng/kg . min-1)  and arachidonic acid (150 and 300 ng/kg . min-1) were infused for 30 min into the lateral cerebral ventricle of conscious hydrated and non-hydrated goats. Like previously shown as concerns PGE1 PGE2 was found to inhibit the water diuresis and cause some increase in the renal sodium excretion in the hydrated animal, and to elicit thirst in the non-hydrated goat. The effects of PGE2 were enhanced when hypertonic (0.25 M) NaCl was simultaneously infused into the ventricle. The antidiuretic effect of PGF2 alpha was less pronounced, and drinking only occasionally occurred when this PG was infused into the non-hydrated animal. Only a weak, post-infusion reduction of the water diuresis was observed when arachidonic acid was administered into the hydrated goat. Neither the PG:s, nor arachidonic acid affected the temperature regulation of the animals. The possibility is discussed that the lack of febrile response was due to the choice of platinum-iridium as material for the cerebral implantations. It is suggested that PGE2 might have interacted with CSF Na+ in stimulating juxtaventricular receptors involved in the control of fluid balance. The experiments do not support the concept that PG:s of the E series constitute a cerebral humoral link in pyrogen-induced fever.


Anticholeretic effect of somatostatin in anesthetized dogs.

Somatostatin, 0.2-1.0 microgram . kg-1 . min-1, was administered i.v. in 5 anesthetized dogs. Following 9-min infusions, hepatic bile output was found to decrease by approximately 50% after a latency of 6 min. The mode of action suggests that somatostatin inhibits hormone-induced bile output.


Skeletal muscle metabolism and ultrastructure in relation to age in sedentary men.

In order to find out if there are age-related changes in human skeletal muscle metabolism or ultrastructure, biopsy material from 56 sedentary men aged 22-65 years was studied by means of enzyme activity determinations, histochemistry and quantitative electron microscopy. For comparison, a younger (16-18 years) and an older (66-76 years) group were included. These subjects were relatively more active. There was an increase in percentage of slow twitch fibres with age. Mitochondrial volume fraction decreased with age, primarily due to diminished mean mitochondrial volume. In spite of this, no overall decrease in the activities of five enzymes, representative of the major pathways in energy metabolism, was observed. Thus, increased amounts of enzymes per unit mitochondrial volume are implicated. Lipofuscin was more frequently found in the older groups. Correlations were present between fibre type distribution and oxidative enzymes, as well as between different enzymes. It was concluded, that the decrease in maximal oxygen uptake and muscular strength in aging humans probably may not be explained in terms of a deteriorating skeletal muscle energy metabolism.


The vagal release of 5-hydroxytryptamine from enterochromaffin cells in the cat.

Enterochromaffin cells (EC) from the cat duodenum were studied before and after electrical efferent stimulation of the cervical vagi by means of electron microscopy and fluorescence histochemistry according to the Hillarp-Falck technique. From the same animals portal blood plasma was assayed for serotonin (5-HT) at various stages of the nerve stimulation. Within 15 min after the onset of vagal nerve stimulation there was a more than twofold increase of the portal 5-HT levels, which returned to normal after cessation of stimulation. There was also a pronounced reduction in the fluorescence intensity of EC demonstrating a lowered intracellular 5-HT level. Ultrastructurally there was evidence for basal exocytosis as well as for a release of osmiophilic material from the EC directly into the gut lumen after nerve stimulation. Together, these observations strongly suggest a vagally induced 5-HT release from EC in the cat.


Influence of phenobarbital on changes in the metabolites of the energy reserve of the cerebral cortex following complete ischemia.

The present study, which concerns the rate of changes in the cerebral cortex concentrations of phosphocreatine (PCr), ATP, ADP, AMP, lactate and pyruvate during complete ischemia, had the objective of finding out whether or not phenobarbital retards depletion of tissue energy reserves during ischemia. Ischemia was induced for periods of 10 s to 10 min in animals maintained on 70% N2O or given 150 mg.kg-1 of phenobarbital. The results showed that the barbiturate anaesthesia delayed utilization of ATP during the first 2 min. However, after 5 min of ischemia PCr and ATP concentrations, as well as the calculated adenylate energy charge, were identical in animals anaesthetized with nitrous oxide and phenobarbital. Thus, phenobarbital induces a very moderate delay in the depletion of cerebral energy reserves that occurs during complete ischemia. The results obtained after 5-20 s of ischemia allowed calculation of energy (approximately P) utilization according to Lowry et al. (1964). The closed system method gave values for approximately P utilization which were not far from those obtained by CMRo2 measurements. However, with normal values for metabolic rate (70% N2O) valid estimates are obtained only with very short ischemic periods (5-10 s) and, with such short periods, the oxygen content of the tissue may introduce an error.


Effect of sympathetic stimulation on the blood brain barrier dysfunction induced by amphetamine and by epileptic seizures.

Stimulation of the sympathetic nerves to the brain is known to make the resistance vessels able to withstand a higher blood pressure, i.e. to prevent blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and overperfusion in acute hypertension. When hypertension occurs concomitantly with a metabolic vasodilatation e.g. during epileptic seizures and after amphetamine-administration, protein leakage in the brain is more pronounced than in hypertension per se. Unilateral stimulation of the cervical sympathetic chain during the administration of amphetamine or bicuculline--the latter a GABA-receptor blocking substance that induces epileptic activity--attenuated the leakage of Evans blue-albumin and 125IHSA into the brain. Our results thus indicate a prophylactic effect of sympathetic stimulation also when hypertension is combined with a metabolically induced vasodilatation. The sympathetic nerves may constrict both extracerebral arteries and intracerebral resistance vessels. Unexpectedly the effect on the BBB of unilateral stimulation was to a great extent bilateral under the present experimental conditions.


Estrogen induced inhibition of 3H-noradrenaline release in the uterus and portal vein of the rat.

The influence of estrogen treatment on 3H-noradrenaline release, induced by potassium or calcium, was studied in isolated preparations of the uterus and the portal vein of the rat. Uterine strips of oophorectomized rats responded with contraction followed by transient relaxation when immersed in a medium containing 127 mM potassium. The transient relaxation was accompanied by an increased rate of 3H-noradrenaline efflux. When the uterine strips were bathed in calcium-free potassium solution, addition of calcium (3 mM) evoked an increased outflow of 3H-noradrenaline coinciding with a relaxation phase of the contractile response to calcium. After estrogen treatment of the rats the pattern of response was altered. The uterus then responded to potassium and calcium with sustained contractures and with a relatively small (potassium) or with no (calcium) increase of 3H-noradrenaline efflux. Normetanephrine (5 X 10(-5) M) did not influence the uptake or release of 3H-noradrenaline in either non-estrogenized or estrogen treated rats uterus. Calculations, based on the amounts of 3H-noradrenaline released by potassium and on the inhibitory effects of desipramine (10(-5) M) on neuronal uptake of noradrenaline, suggested that similar amounts of tracer were accumulated in the adrenergic nerves of both non-estrogenized treated preparations. Tyramine (10(-4) M) had a weaker stimulatory effect on 3H-noradrenaline release than potassium, and the tyramine induced release was not inhibited by estrogen treatment. Strips of the rat portal vein responded to potassium with an increased rate of 3H-noradrenaline efflux. As in the uterus, estrogen treatment reduced the release of 3H-noradrenaline in response to potassium. The adrenolytic effect of estrogen is possibly due to reduced entry of calcium ions into the nerve terminal.


Effects of dopaminergic agonists and antagonists on isolated cerebral blood vessels.

The vasomotor response of dopamine and dopaminergic agonists was studied in vitro on middle cerebral arteries from cat and pial arteries from humans. The action of various inhibitors was tested in order to define the receptors involved. A contractile response could be obtained by epinine, apomorphine and dopamine in the mentioned order of potency. The effect was blocked by alpha-receptor as well as serotonin receptor antagonists. The mode of inhibition suggested that serotonin receptors rather than alpha-adrenoceptors mediated the dopamine-induced contraction. A dose-dependent dilatation could be evoked by the dopaminergic agonists on actively contracted pial arteries. The relative potency was epinine greater than dopamine greater than apomorphine. The order of potency for the agonists, together with blocking experiments (including a parallel shift in the log dose-response curve induced by bulbocapnine), indicated that the vasodilatation is mediated by specific dopamine receptors.


A note on the single injection residue function method to determine capillary permeability.

The assumption inherent to the single injection residue function method to determine capillary permeability have been made explicit. Furthermore, it is shown that agreement between the deduced wash-out function of the transmitted molecules of the test substances and that of reference molecules does not constitute proof of the validity of the method.


Plasma catecholamine levels in the coronary sinus, the left renal vein and peripheral vessels in healthy males at rest and during exercise.

Noradrenaline and adrenaline were determined in blood samples from the brachial vein, the brachial artery, the left renal vein and the femoral vein in 6 healthy males (aged 23-35 y). In 3 of the subjects catecholamines were determined also in blood from the coronary sinus. All samples were taken simultaneously in supine postion after 30 min of rest and then in connection with exercise in supine position using a bicycle ergometer, firstly with a work load of 50 W for 9 min and secondly with a work load of 150 W for the same period of time. Under resting conditions the catecholamine levels were about the same at all locations, the mean for noradrenaline being 1.59 nmol/1 with a range of 1.30-2.11 nmol/1 and for adrenaline 0.46 nmol/1 and 0.23-0.65 nmol/1, respectively. At 50 W the noradrenaline concentration increased significantly in the brachial artery, the left renal vein and the femoral vein, whereas adrenaline increased significantly only in the femoral vein. At 150 W the noradrenaline content increased markedly in all samples, especially in the left renal vein (mean increase 13.02 nmol/1) and the coronary sinus (mean increase 13.06 nmol/1). Adrenaline concentration increased significantly in the brachial artery and the femoral vein. At 150 W the mean net output of noradrenaline as estimated from the calculated flows and actual AV-differences amounted to 2.25 nmol/min from the heart and to 0.36 nmol/min from the kidney.


The need for standardization of psychiatric assessment. The epidemiological point of view.

"Comparative psychiatry", which Kraepelin advocated 70 years ago, evolves today through the development of the epidemiological apporach in mental health. But its development is still hampered, by two methodological difficulties: 1. problems of definition of the "case"; 2. problems of evaluation, measure and classification of mental disorders. This has emphasized the need for an international common language for the description of mental health problems. The chapter V--Mental Disorders--of the International Classification of Diseases, in its 9th revision, illustrates the importance of such action. But the agreement on a diagnostic classification is only partially resolving the problem, because the concrete value of the classification is dependent on the reliability and validity of primary data on the patient. The World Health Organization is actively contributing to the standardization of assessment instruments; the Mental Health programme emphasizes the need for further efforts to elaborate a common language in mental health, both among psychiatrists from different countries, and between psychiatrists and planners of public health and other mental health personnel.


[AMDP system and psychopathology (author's transl)].

The psychopathological scale of AMDP system is voluntary limited to descriptive aspects of psychopathology. If the term psychopathology could be considered identical to psychiatric semiology, the words signs and symptoms go above the descriptive stade: the greek name sumptôma contains sun (with) and piptein (appear), while the word sign is an intellectual deduction of observed symptoms. In the AMDP-3, the sense of evaluated symptoms results from the configurational approach, for example a factor analysis. The splitting of german psychopathological concepts in items and the evaluation of these items in relation to observable compounds bind to their configurational structure will, no doubt, permit to avoid the obstacle of a different conceptualisation of the same symptoms from one school to the other. Furthermore, the AMDP-3 scale and its manual constitute a remarkable teaching instrument for psychopathology, not always enough appreciated.


[AMDP system and clinical psychopharmacology (author's transl)].

A more coherent development of clinical psychopharmacology and a generalisation of its results, limited by the variability and approximation of judgments, become possible through a standardisation of evaluation methods for mental troubles. The AMDP system is a sensible enough instrument to apply statistical methods in clinical psychopharmacology. The french version, elaborated and revised by psychiatrists of different nationality, language and background, should favor communication of informations in this area and should validate it.


[Empirical and bibliographical reflexions on the AMDP somatic scale (author's transl)].

The author complemented the AMDP-4 scale by some somatic items from the Liege psychiatric record, the code of Devroye, Pinchard and Timsit. He compares the frequency of the symptoms of the AMDP scale and the DPT code in 63 patients before treatment and their sensitivity to change after psychotropics in 49 patients. On the 27 DPT items added to the AMDP, 20 appear to be frequent and 6 are sensitive to therapeutic change. Two other modifications from the original AMDP scale are reported: the grouping of symptoms by system, and a standard interview aimed at limiting positive answers in relation to the interview. The author considers that the AMDP scale so modified is superior to other classical somatic scales, but deplores that functional symptoms are confused with psychopathological symptoms, neurological symptoms, toxic signs, general examination signs and even laboratory tests in the original scale.


[A semi-structured psychopathological interview conceived for the AMDP-3 scale and time-blind evaluation of videotapes (author's transl)].

In the process of adapting the German AMDP Psychopathology Scale into French and of analyzing its interrater-reliability, free AMDP interviews were tape-recorded and played back. It became rapidly evident that such interviews are incompatible with a comprehensive and reliable evaluation of psychopathology: the collected information is incomplete and variable from one interviewer to the other and even from one interview to the other by the same interviewer, which is particularly invalidating in case of video ratings. The present semi-structured interview is based on 140 videotaped recordings of non-psychiatric patients, of depressives and psychotics. Formulation of questions is seldom imperative; their sequence is only suggested and may be modified according to the interviewer's style and to the patient's pathology. Have been avoided questions too dependent on setting (community, hospital) or likely to disclose the first-interview or retest nature of the recording, thus allowing time-blind evaluations. The mean duration of the interview is 28 mn (less than 30 mn in 70% of the cases) for 126 items.


[Psychophysiological aspects of emotional stress. I. Use of an adjective list for university examinations (author's transl)].

An adjective list, derived from Sokolow et al's work, has been used to study mood fluctuations in medical students, during university examinations. This list is a sensible and reliable instrument, which can be used in human psychophysiology.


Sexual adjustment of male alcoholics.

This study set out to describe the sexual attitudes and behaviour of 50 hospitalized alcoholic men by comparing them with a sample of the general population, matched in age and social class. This control sample was identified by random selection from a company register, and subjects were recruited into the study with the assistance of a trade union. All subjects completed the same assessment by semi-structured interview and the Eysenck Inventory of Attitudes to Sex. A method of scoring this questionnarie was derived, and comparison between samples showed the alcoholics differed from the controls only in describing less sexual satisfaction and not in other sexual attitudes. This difference probably arose from their greater interest in sex, loss of erectile potency and lack of a sexual partner.


[Present state and evolution of the law of social defence (author's transl)].

The law of April 9, 1930 concluded to the non responsibility of the insane. It applyed a measure of social defence and treatment of some length. The evolution of ideas, the psychological and biological discoveries had bring a change in July 1964. The measure was finalized, not for the "insanes", but demented people, severe mental disturbed patients and severe mental retarded patients. The measure became non determined in time. The role of the lawyer is important, not only for the decision, but following the decision. The role of the physician is also important and the creation of a center of guidance becomes urgent. Therapy can be extended by ambulatory care with the necessary security measures.


Measuring sexual attitudes.

The study set out to examine theoretical and practical aspects of measuring sexual attitudes. Using the replies to a sexual attitude questionnaire developed by Eysenck given by 135 males (50 alcoholics, 50 matched normals and 35 sex offenders), item and factor analysis led to the composition of nine short scales measuring sexual satisfaction, heterosexual nervousness, sexual curiosity, tension and hostility, pruriency, sexual repression, heterosexual distaste and sexual promiscuity. The reliability and validity of the scales are demonstrated and their relationships to each other and to other aspects of sexuality are described. It is pointed out how relevant the scales may be in assessing and monitoring treatment of sexual deviants and others with sex problems. Tentative norms are provided.


[Automated treatment of Rorschach data (author's transl)].

Apart from automated systems analysing Rorschach data, one can develop with the computer other systems aimed as a research instrument. Selection, definition and coding of informations permit not only its memorisation, but also the analysis according to various mathematical methods. Tabulation and frequence analyses are facilitated, while other analyses (discrimination analysis, inverse factor analysis, covariance analysis) are made possible. The collaboration psychologist--mathematician--computer specialist open interesting avenues.


Schizophrenia and communication efficiency. A modified replication taking ecological variation into consideration.

An earlier study (Sølvberg & Blakar (1975)) testified to subtle differences in communication efficiency over different communication situations by parental couples with and without schizophrenic offspring. The present study is offered as a replication of this study, but whereas the participating couples in the original study were recruited from a big city (Oslo), the parental couples in the present replication come from a typical rural district. The main findings of the original study are reproduced, but the very same method which was sensitive with respect to the "normality-schizophrenia" variable, also proved to be highly sensitive with regard to the cultural variation represented by the rural-urban dimension. Therefore, the present study is used as basis for discussing more general methodological problems involved in communication-oriented studies on psychopathology. In particular the underlying (often implicit) model of "normal communication", from which pathological communication deviates, is seriously questioned.


[Relations with Social Defence Commissions and utility of leave techniques (author's transl)].

The authors insist on the importance of relations between Social Defence Commissions and institutions. The Commission has large powers, allowing a better resocialisation of the individual. Measures such as leaves of greater length are a king of trial for the patient. These measures avoid the patient to move in an unreal situation, and even if sometimes there is failure, this failure can still be used for therapeutic purpose. These leaves are the subject of discussions within the group, so that all members of the treating team are concerned.


14-year outcome in early schizophrenia.

Of 45 first admission schizophrenics from 1963, an incidence by first admission group for northern Alberta, 43 were followed-up 14 years later. Based on these figures the expectancy was found to be 0.49%. The proportion of patients who were married was less than expected in comparison with the general population, but amongst the married, fertility was probably comparable to the population's. At follow-up about half the patients were managing well with little or no disability, one quarter had moderate to marked disability and the remainder were socially, psychiatrically and occupationally disabled. From the time of first admission, patients had spent an average of 15% of their time in hospital and lost 28% of the total time due to psychiatric disability.


[The problem of the treatment of the committed in Paifve (author's transl)].

After 2 years of functioning, the Institution of Social Defence in Paifve reports on its activities. We shall be modest in our results, but see with satisfaction the climate in this House. Starting with a non-prepared personnel, we were able to train it in the live of an homogeneous and dynamic team: lectures, seminares, discussion and psychotherapy groups, frequent dialogue between personnel and direction, between personnel and committed people. All these relationships took place in a democratic way allowing people to invest the most. We can now trust the all team who has understood the aim: the resocialisation and revalorisation of the greatest possible number of patients.