The ventral spino-olivocerebellar system in the cat. I. Identification of five paths and their termination in the cerebellar anterior lobe.

1. The spino-olivocerebellar paths ascending through the ventral funiculus (VF-SOCPs) and projecting to the cerebellar anteior lobe were investigated in cats with the spinal cord transected in the third cervical segment sparing only the ventral funiculus on one side. The climbing fibre responses evoked in Purkinje cells by limb nerve stimulation were studied by recording the mass activity at the cerebellar surface or in the molecular layer. 2. Five VF-SOCPs were distinguished on the basis of their receptive fields, response latencies, and projection areas. 3. The projection areas consist of narrow sagittal zones. Three zones (a, b1 and b2) lie in the vermis and extend throughout lobules II--V. Two zones (c1 and c3) lie in the pars intermedia and are restricted to the classical hindlimb area, lobules II--IV. The VF-SOCPs are labelled according to their termination zones: a-VF-SOCP, b1-VF-SOCP, etc. 4. The a-, c1- and c3-paths are activated from the ipsilateral hindlimb, whereas the b1- and b2-paths are activated bilaterally from the forelimbs and hindlimbs, respectively. The latencies of the responses evoked from the ipsilateral hindlimb are relatively short for the c1-path and successively longer for the c3-, b2- and a-paths. 5. The olivary transmission showed fluctuations in efficacy independent for the different VF-SOCPs. The effect of anaesthetics on this transmission also differed between the paths. 6. It is concluded that the five VF-SOCPs relay in different compartments of the inferior olive which are tentatively identified.


The ventral spine-olivocerebellar system in the cat. II. Termination zones in the cerebellar posterior lobe.

1. Five spine-olivocerebellar paths ascending through the ventral funiculus (VF-SOCPs) have previously been distinguished on the basis of different receptive fields, different response latencies and different projection zones in the cerebellar anterior lobe (Oscarsson and Sjölund, 1977). These paths are denoted the a-, b1-, b2-, c1 and c3-VF-SOCPs according to the labelling of their projection zones. The projection zones of these paths in the posterior lobe have noew been investigated. 2. The a-VF-SOCP projects to a medial zone in the pyramis. 3. The b1-and b2-VF-SOCPs do not project to the posterior lobe. 4. The c1-VF-SOCP projects to the medial one third of the pars copularis and caudalmost folium of the pars posterior of the paramedian lobule and to the most lateral part of the pyramis. 5. The c3-VF-SOCP projects mainly laterally to the caudalmost one or two folia of the pars copularis of the paramedian lobule. The c3 projection zone merges medially with the c1-zone. 6. The a-, c1- and c3-zones in the posteior lobe are innervated by climbing fibres which also send branches to the corresponding zones in the anterior lobe. 7. The VF-SOCP projection zones are tentatively identified with the sagittal zones described by Groenewegen and Voogd (1976) on the basis of anatomical studies.


The ventral spino-olivocerebellar system in the cat. III. Functional characteristics of the five paths.

1. Five spino-olivocerebellar paths ascending through the ventral funiculus (VF-SOCPs) with different projection zones in the cerebellar cortex have been distinguished (Oscarsson and Sjöuld, 1977). The paths are denoted the a-, b1-, b2-, c1- and c3-VF-SOCPs according to the labelling of the projection zones. The functional organization of these paths has now been investigated. 2. All five paths are activated by the flexor reflex afferents from wide receptive fields (one or more limbs). Distal nerves are more effective in evoking responses than proximal nerves. 3. The a-, c1- and c3-paths are activated from the ipsilateral hindlimb only. The b1- and b2-paths are activated bilaterally from the forelimbs and hindlimbs, respectively. 4. The a-, b1- and b2-paths have long segmental delays indicating a polysynaptic linkage between the primary afferents and the tract neurones, whereas the c1- and c3-paths have short delays demonstrating a monosynaptic linkage. 5. The neurones giving origin to the paths are situated within a few segments of the dorsal root entrance. The axons cross the midline, ascend through the contralateral ventral funiculus, and activate the olivary neurones monosynaptically. 6. The spino-olivary tract of the c3-path has an upper conduction velocity of 30 m/s, whereas the other paths have upper conduction velocities of 40--45 m/s. 7. The segmental delay of the b1-VF-SOCP is much longer (mean 8.7 ms) than that of the b2-VF-SOCP (mean 3.9 ms). As a result simultaneous stimuli to the hindlimbs and forelimbs are signalled to reach the cerebellar cortex at the same time. 8. It is suggested that the information carried by the different paths is concerned with the segmental motor control.


Influence of the presentation of remote visual stimuli on visual responses of cat area 17 and lateral suprasylvian area.

Single units were recorded extracellularly from area 17 and lateral suprasylvian area (LSSA) in curarized cats. Visual stimuli, usually a 10 degree black spot, were introduced abruptly in the visual field remote from the discharge area of a neuron's receptive field and moved at a speed of about 30 degrees/sec. The effect of these remote stimuli (S2) on the reponse to a restricted visual stimulus (S1) crossing the discharge area was studied. It was found that most units in area 17 were not affected by the presentation of remote stimuli, the remainder being either slightly facilitated or slightly inhibited. In contrast the LSSA neurons were usually inhibited by the presentation of S2: this effect was strong, was present in all classes of LSSA neurons and was independent of the relative directions of movement of S1 and S2. On the basis of these data and those previously obtained from the superior colliculus it is concluded that the way the extrageniculate centres respond to a stimulus abruptly introduced in the visual field is substantially different from that of the striate cortex. Only in the extrageniculate centres a new stimulus, besides exciting the neurons which correspond to the position of the stimulus in the field, concomitantly decreases the responses of neurons located in positions of the visual field remote from that stimulus. Possible behavioral implications of the findings are discussed.


Synaptogenesis and myelinogenesis in dissociated cerebral cells from rat embryo on polylysine coated surfaces.

The appearance of myelinated axons and establishment of synaptic contracts in dissociated cells from rat embryo cerebral hemispheres grown on polylysine precoated surfaces were studied by light and electron microscopy. Typical myelin lamellae ensheathing axons were observed as early as the eighth day. Immature synaptic profiles exhibiting slight membrane thickening and few synaptic vesicles were observed after seven days. At 3 weeks, mature synapses containing many synaptic vesicles and the typical irregular membrane thickening could be seen. It is suggested that the presence of polylysine may provide a support which enhances the attachment and subsequent establishment of contacts between neuronal and glial cells, resulting in the early onset of myelin formation.


A pharmacological study of the inhibition of ventral group Ia-excited spinal interneurones.

In cats anaesthetized with pentobarbitone a pharmacological investigation was made of the inhibition by volleys in afferent fibres and ventral roots of physiologically identified Ia interneurones in the ventral horn. The recurrent inhibition of Ia interneurones by Renshaw cells, and the "mutual" inhibition between Ia interneurones, were suppressed by electrophoretic strychnine and are presumably mediated by glycine. Short latency and duration inhibitions by impulses in muscle and cutaneous afferents were also suppressed by strychnine. Electrophoretic GABA inhibited the firing of Ia interneurones and the effects of bicuculline methochloride suggested that this amino acid mediates longer latency and duration inhibition produced by afferent impulses of muscle and cutaneous origin.


Synthesis of the tripeptide L-Trp-L-Ser-L-Glu. Comparison of its biological activity with that of the delta-sleep-inducing-peptide (DSIP).

In order to test the specificity of the natural Delta-Sleep-Inducing-Peptide (DSIP), a tripeptide with the same N-terminal amino acid was synthesized. The synthesis of the new tripeptide L-Trp-L-Ser-L-Glu was carried out by the method of the mixed anhydride. Protecting groups were all oxygen-bound benzyl groups. The physical-chemical data of the newly synthesized peptides are reported. The biological activity of the tripeptide was assayed by intraventricular infusion in the rabbit under the same conditions as for the DSIP. The effects of the tripeptide on the EEG could not duplicate those of DSIP which induced a marked increase of delta activity, typical for orthodox 'Slow Wave Sleep' (SWS).


Pyrolysis of cannabidiol. Structure elucidation of a major pyrolytic conversion product.

Pyrolysis of cannabidiol, one of the major constituents of Cannabis sativa, yields a mixture of components. Next to previously identified products, a major conversion product has now been isolated and identified. The unusual and stereospecific route of formation of this compound with altered chromophore is discussed.


Kinetic behaviour of microsomal styrene monooxygenase and styrene epoxide hydratase in different animal species.

The apparent Km and Vmax values of styrene epoxide forming monooxygenase and styrene epoxide hydratase have been evaluated in the liver microsomes of male rats, mice, guinea-pigs and rabbits. Epoxide hydratase gave much higher and more uniform Km values than the monooxygenase in the species considered.


Enzymatic activities of muscle fibres differentiated, in vitro, from pectoralis major (white) and adductor magnus (red) muscles of chick embryos.

Specific activities of NADP isocitrate dehydrogenase and acetylcholinesterase were significantly higher in muscle fibres differentiated, in vitro, from myoblasts of adductor magnus (red) than pectoralis major (white) muscles 10-day-old chick embryos. This is evidence, as far as enzyme activities are concerned, that myoblasts from different types of skeletal muscles are able to give, in tissue culture, muscle fibres of different properties, even in the absence of nerve supply.


Reduction of gallstone formation by ascorbic acid in hamsters.

The addition of 0.5% of ascorbic acid to the lithogenic diet of golden hamsters whose body pool was labelled with 26-14C-cholesterol, lowered the formation of gallstones, the cholesterol concentration and half-life in blood plasma and in the liver, and accelerated cholesterol transformation to bile acids.


Microbiological transformation of cannabinoids.

Microorganisms were screened for their ability to modify 2 synthetic cannabinoid substrates (I and II). Structure analyses revealed that microorganisms transformed the substrates by (a) primary oxidation of the side chain, beta-oxidation of the side chain, ketone formation on the side chain or cyclohexene ring, (b) secondary hydroxylation on the side chain, (c) aromatization of the cyclohexene ring, and (d) tertiary hydroxylation at the b/c ring juncture.


Hyaluronic acid in elastic cartilage.

Bovine ear cartilage contains more hyaluronic acid than do hyaline cartilages of the same animal. Most of it is in the elastin-rich residue not extractable by 4 M guanidinium chloride where it is associated with chondroitin sulphate in low relative concentration and of lower molecular weight than in non-elastic cartilage residue.


Combined effect of veratridine and sodium aspartate on the rabbit retinas in vitro.

Combined effect of veratridine and sodium aspartate on rabbit retinas in vitro was studied. Observations suggested that mode of action of veratridine on the PII and PIII components of ERGs was modified by the presence of sodium aspartate in perfusate.


Uptake of noradrenaline in high altitude native's heart.

Uptake of 3H-noradrenaline by the heart was studied with sections of isolated atria obtained from high or lowlanders. In native highlanders, affinity for 3H-noradrenaline by human atria is more significant than in lowlanders. Furthermore, the Michaelis Menten constant is lower in high altitude native's heart.


The effect of fluorocitrate on urinary calcium and citrate excretion.

The renal handling of calcium and citrate was studied in dogs after the administration of fluorocitrate. The drug produced a significant increase in urinary calcium and citrate excretion. Net renal secretion of citrate occurred during the infusion of fluorocitrate since citrate clearances exceeded the glomerular filtration rate.


Peritoneal dialysis in small laboratory animals.

Healthy rats and guinea-pigs were treated with a simple method of continuous peritoneal dialysis for 12, 24 and 48 h. Increasing with time, both animal species developed severe hypoproteinemia and hemoconcentration due to protein loss into the dialyzate fluid. These changes were associated with a high mortality rate, when Sterofundin was used for dialysis. Therefore, protein loss should be substituted and the type of dialyzate must be considered in experimental long-term dialysis using these small laboratory animals.


Changes in gastro-intestinal serotonin content associated with fasting and satiation.

Rats fasted for 24 h were fed for 3 h, after which time food was removed. Food intake decreased serotonin levels in the stomach and duodenum by 30 and 40%, respectively. These changes persisted for about 3 h. Food intake did not change tryptophan content in the stomach, while, in the duodenum, tryptophan level rose by 100% at the end of the feeding period and remained elevated for about 9 h.


Effect of nerve stimulation, denervation, and duct ligation, on kallikrein content and duct cell granules of the cat's submandibular gland.

Various procedures which reduce or deplete the kallikrein content of the cat's submandibular gland correspondingly reduce the number of apical granules in the striated duct cells. The kallikrein content is greatly reduced after chronic parasympathetic but not after sympathetic nerve section which suggests that the parasympathetic innervation is required for synthesis or storage of this enzyme.


Extraction fraction at any urine flow and extraction percentage.

Extraction fraction of renal solutes is ordinarily calculated as a ratio of arterial and venous concentration differences. Calculations provided in the present manuscript illustrate the need to correct for changes in renal venous concentration when solute extraction is low and urine flow simultaneously high.


Distribution of 14C after topical application of 14C-labeled 1,3-bis-(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) in mice.

Following topical application of 14C-labeled 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU, carmustine) to the skin of mice radioactivity was found in all viscera and tissues examined. Exclusive of the gut, highest values were recorded for the liver, kidney and lung.


Analgesic effects of 3-carboxysalsolinol alone and in combination with morphine.

A biphasic dose-response pattern is generated by the isoquinoline, 3-carboxysalsolinol, in analgesia tests conducted in mice. Carbidopa pretreatment enhances this effect, as well as the morphine-induced analgesic increase by 3-carboxysalsolinol. Naloxone blockade of all of these responses suggests an interaction of the alcohol-based isoquinoline with central opiate receptors.


Daunomycin-bands are similar to Q-bands on chromosomes of Vicia faba.

Lin et al.2 discovered fluorescent bands on human chromosomes stained with daunomycin (D-bands). These bands looked like Q-bands. We demonstrate D-bands, which look like respective Q-bands, in Vicia faba and infer that the similarity between D and Q banding is general.


Enzymatic patterns in reptilian brain. Histochemical characterization of the optic tectum.

The enzymatic patterns present in the optic tectum of 4 species belonging to different reptilian orders seem related to the degree of structural and functional organization reached by the nervous centre, as in other vertebrates. In particular the AChE localization in reptiles is representative of a evolutionary sequence in the distribution of this enzyme in the optic tectum along the tetrapode series.


Specific immunostaining of CCK cells by use of synthetic fragment antisera.

Antibodies to the central fragments 9-20 dodecapeptide sequence of CCK were used for specific immunostaining of the CCK cells of the mammalian gut. The use of high specific antibodies to synthetic fragment, essential when there is a possibility of immunochemical cross reactions between antisera and hormones of similar molecular structure provides the key to increased understanding of the nature and relationships of peptide hormones.


Wasting syndrome in neonatal mice after administration of salivary gland homogenate.

A wasting syndrome, similar to that occurring after cortisol treatment, was induced in neonatal mice by means of the daily i.p. administration of salivary gland homogenate: 24 h after a single injection of the homogenate, profuse cell necrosis was observed in the thymic cortex, 48 h later the cortex was devoid by lymphocytes. It is hypothesized that the submandibular glands of mice contain substances which are capable of inducing a cortisol-like effect.


Effect of ageing on surface IgG of human peripheral lymphocytes.

An increase in the percentage of IgG bearing peripheral blood lymphocytes is observed in aged subjects as compared with young ones. Such a finding is probably due to the presence, in 'aged' sera, of a higher concentration of immune complexes, bound to lymphocytes through their Fc or Complement receptors.


A haemagglutinin in the tissue fluid of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, with specificity for sialic acid residues in glycoproteins.

An agglutinin for human red cells has a specificity for sialic acid and a high affinity for bovine salivary glycoprotein. Digestion of the glycoprotein with Pronase or neuraminidas indicated that binding of sialic acid to receptors in the agglutinin is the first step in the mechanism of formation of a stable complex between ligand and receptor.


Influence of dopamine infusion on plasma prolactin released by kidney capsule transplanted anterior pituitaries.

The infusion of dopamine into the renal artery resulted in decreased prolactin release from 3 anterior pituitary glands transplanted under the kidney capsule. Prolactin levels continually decreased over a 5 min period after DA infusion was terminated and thereafter approached preinfusion levels by the end of 10 min.


Occurrence of sepiapterin deaminase in the normal type silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Sepiapterin deaminase was prepared from the normal strain of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. After inhibition experiments, this enzyme was found to have the same properties as that isolated from the lemon mutant strain. Several new inhibitors and their Ki values are described for the deaminase.


Large scale preparation of calf liver nuclei by continuous flow centrifugation.

Large scale purification and preparation of calf liver nuclei was accomplished by high speed centrifugation of a fraction enriched in nuclei ('nuclear homogenate') through 1.8 M sucrose by means of a Beckman CF-32 Ti continuous flow rotor. In comparison with methods involving the use of conventional high capacity rotors, larger volumes of homogenate could be processed. This method was used to prepare nuclei from calf liver for the preparation of DNA-dependent RNA polymerases. The use of continuous flow ultracentrifugation avoids time-consuming manipulations, thus allowing handling of large quantities of tissue.


Amino acid composition and sequence of kassinin, a tachykinin dodecapeptide from the skin of the African frog Kassina senegalensis.

Methanol extracts of the skin of the African amphibian Kassina senegalensis contain a dodecapeptide, kassinin, belonging to the family of tachykinins or physalaemin-like peptides. Kassinin, like all other natural tachykinins, possesses the characteristic C-terminal tripeptide Gly-Leu-Met-NH2 and a phenylalanine residue in position 5 from the C-terminus. However, the amino acid sequence in the N-moiety of the molecule differs sharply from that of the other tachykinins.


Carbohydrate composition of the human cataractous lenses.

Specific chemical assays, including carbohydrate, hexosamines and hexuronic acid, were determined on the lens insoluble albumoid. It was noticed that the carbohydrate composition varies with age. The significance of carbohydrate in the lens is discussed.


The effect of thermal injury on plasma carnitine in rats.

The plasma concentration of L-carnitine in scalded rats was determined to be greater (p less than or equal to 0.05) than that of control rats at 6 h following the administration of a 20% body surface, full-thickness burn produced by scalding in a 100 degrees C water bath for 15 sec.


Isoperoxidase spectra of single tulip cultivars and their parrot mutants.

The isoperoxidase spectrums of 2 single tulip cultivars and their parrot mutants were analyzed by disc electrophoresis in leaves and tepals i.e. petals plus sepals excised from within the bulbs. It was found that the anodal isoperoxidase pattern of parrot mutant tepals differs distinctly from tepals of their mother cultivars, but no differences were observed in cathodal isoperoxidases. Both the anodal and cathodal isoperoxidase spectra of parrot mutant leaves and leaves of their mother cultivars were similar.


Collagen glycopeptides from the sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus.

Structures of several hydroxylysine-containing glycopeptides derived from the body wall of the sea cucumber have been determined. The glycosylated hydroxylysines were all the Y positions of Gly-X-Y triplets. They are thought to be distributed throughout the peptide chain, in contrast to vertebrate skin collagens. One glycopeptide demonstrated the existence of the sequence Gly-Gly-Hyp in invertebrates for the first time.


Effect and fate of intravenously administered porphobilin in rats.

In rats after i.v. porphobilin, blood pressure and pulse rate remained stable, the animals were calm and moved freely with no symptoms or signs of nervous effect. Porphobilin was rapidly excreted in the urine.


[Male sex pheromones of noctuides (author's transl)].

By gaschromatographic-mass spectrometric methods 2-phenylethyl alcohol, benzylalcohol, phenylacetaldehyde and benzaldehyde were identified from scent brushes of male Noctuidae species (Lepidoptera).


Lysergylpeptides in the course of peptide ergot alkaloid formation.

Radioactive d-lysergyl-Val-Leu-OMe, d-lysergyl-Val-Val-OMe and d-lysergyl-Val-Val-Pro-OMe were synthetized according to the dicyclohexylcarbodiimide/1-hydroxybenzotriazole procedure. These compounds are not used by intact mycelium of Claviceps as immediate precursors for cyclolalkaloid biosynthesis.


Piroplasmal sporozoites in the Argasid Ornithodoros erraticus (Lucas).

The infective forms of Nuttallia meri, a small-mammal piroplasm, first appear as spindle-shaped sporozoites in and around the salivary glands of Ornithodoros erraticus (small race) 30 days after the ticks had fed on infected blood. O. erraticus is the only soft tick so far proved to transmit a piroplasm.


The generation and identification of the hemolysin of Trypanosoma congolense.

The hemolytic activity of Trypanosoma congolense appears to be due to the presence of free fatty acids generated by the action of phospholipase A on endogenous phosphatidyl choline. Some lysolecithin also contributes to the lytic activity. Trypanosoma lewisi, being devoid of phospholipase A, does not generate free fatty acids and is therefore non-hemolytic.


Selective inhibition of reproduction in aminopterin-treated nematodes.

Aminopterin was applied to the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis briggsae and subsequent growth was recorded. Nematode populations, containing all developmental stages and selected juvenile stages, were exposed to the drug in both growth-promoting and non-promoting media. It is suggested that aminopterin creates a specific requirement for thymine in thymine-free medium. In otherwise growth-promoting medium, aminopterin-induced thymine deficiency will lead to progressively unbalanced growth and maturation and hence to sterility even after removal of the drug. The omission of essential amino acids from the medium during thymine starvation prevents larval growth and results in better reproduction and faster proliferation in aminopterin-free medium. The 4 juvenile stages exhibit a different response to thymine starvation created by aminopterin.


Pancreatic polypeptide: a possible role in the regulation of food intake in the mouse. Hypothesis.

Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) is a recently identified hormone produced by pancreatic endocrine cells. The islets of genetically obese mice (ob/ob, C57 BL/6J), which are suspected to lack a circulating satiety factor, contain relatively few of the PP-producing cells. Administration of bovine pancreatic polypeptide (bPP) reduces food intake and suppresses body weight gain in the hyperphagic obese mice. It is postulated that PP participates in the regulation of food intake in a manner as yet undefined.


Nature and the time course of the effect of CO2 on electroretinogram (ERG) in an arachnid.

Electroretinogram recorded from the median eye of the scorpion, Heterometrus fulvipes before and after exposure to CO2 indicated that the rate of recovery of 'b' wave to pre-CO2 level was slow and delayed as compared to 'a' wave. 'b' wave may therefore have a more central origin than that of 'a' wave, which finds corroboration in the results of the depth recording in this eye with the microelectrode.


5-Hydroxytryptamine binding to butanol extracts from myelin fragments.

The myelin fraction of rat brain stem was treated with butanol-water mixtures, and the extracted proteolipids were separated by Sephadex LH20 column chromatography. 2 peaks of proteolipids eluted in chloroform-methanol 4/1 showed the binding capacity for C14 - 5-HT. This finding suggests the necessity of the more careful investigations for the probability of proteolipids as receptor proteins in the central nervous system.


Comparison of bicyclic phosphorous esters with bicuculline and picrotoxin as antagonists of presynaptic inhibition in the rat cuneate nucleus.

The effects of 2 of a series of bicyclic phosphorous esters, the ethyl (EPTBO) and isopropyl (IPTBO) compounds, were compared with those of the GABA antagonists, picrotoxin and bicuculline, on presynaptic inhibition in the rat cunneate nucleus. Both EPTBO and IPTBO were found to be effective, reversible antagonists of presynaptic inhibition, with IPTBO approximately 10 times more potent than EPTBO and equipotent with bicuculline, EPTBO equipotent with picrotoxin.


Effects of cytochalasin H on the embryonic endodermal cells of Microhyla ornata.

Cytochalasin H (CH) like CB causes disaggregation of embryonic endodermal cells and reduces their adhesivity to the glass surface. These cells reaggregate on removal of the drug from the medium. Reversibility depends on the duration of drug treatment. The mechanism of drug action is explained.


Contractile filaments in cells of regenerating tendon.

An extensive cytoplasmic fibrillar system has been observed in fibroblast-like cell of regenerating tendon. It consists of bundles of actin filaments, which often show a cross-striated appearance due to electron dense bodies occurring throughout their length. The functional role of this contractile apparatus seems to be related to the process of movement and orientation of the newly formed cells and to the retraction of the regenerating tendon.


Erythropoiesis and plasma tocopherol levels in irradiated mice.

Plasma protein and tocopherol concentrations, haematocrit and 59-iron incorporation into erythrocytes have been measured in vitamin E-deficient and supplemented mice before and after exposure to 500 R of 260 kVp X-ray. Supplemented animals had greater haematocrit, plasma tocopherol and protein levels initially. After irradiation plasma tocopherol concentration decreased drastically in the vitamin E-supplemented mice.


Prostaglandin production by human polymorphnuclear leucocytes during phagocytosis in vitro.

Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes were found to be able to synthetize and release substantial amounts of PGE2' when stimulated by a phagocytic stimulus such as zymosan particles coated with complement. Hydrocortisone, at a concentration of 10(-5) M, which proved to be effective in other biological systems, failed to inhibit phagocytosis and PG release.


Effect of vincristine on glucose-induced insulin secretion in man.

60 min after the injection of therapeutic doses of vincristine for cancer chemotherapy, there is a reduction of the total (40%) and of the acute phase (43%) areas of insulin secretion inductedby 5-g i.v glucose load, and the constant of gllcose utilization is reduced by 25%. No differences are observed after 3 5-g i.v. glucose loads given at hourly intervals in control subjects.


Influence of protein free aqueous extract of parathyroid powder on serum vitamin A level in rats.

Administration of the protein-free extract of bovine parathyroid powder to rats resulted in a significant increase of the serum vitamin A level.


A new histamine metabolite, quantitatively important in chicken.

After i.v. injection of 14C-histamine to chicken, we identified one of the histamine metabolites as N-acetylmethylhistamine in the urine. This new metabolite accounted for about 20% of the urinary or 14% of the administered radioactivity.


Effect of trypsin, S-adenosylmethionine and ethionine on L-serine sulfhydrase activity.

Trypsin causes an activation of serine sulfhydrase in the liver extracts from intact animals, but inhibits enzyme activity in the liver of ethionine treated rats. Trypsin also decreases an elevation of serine sulfhydrase activity caused by S-adenosylmethionine.


Changes of the prostaglandin F2a metabolism in early human placenta.

The quantitative metabolism of PgF2a was studied in different ages of early human placentae in vitro. The 15-OH-Pg-dehydrogenase became minimal at about the 9th week.


Isotope effect studies on the dehydrogenation of delta 1-tetrahydrocannabinol in the rat.

Isotope effect studies on the metabolic dehydrogenation of delta 1-tetrahydrocannabinol in rats are described and it is shown that this process is confined to a very short period following i.v. administration. The implications of this finding are discussed.


Hepatic induction of threonine dehydratase and tryptophan pyrrolase to tyrotoxic rats.

The levels of hepatic threonine dehydratase and tryptophan pyrrolase are elevated in 5% tyrosine-fed rats, and these increases are dependent on the dietary tyrosine level. Experiments with RNA and protein synthesis inhibitors indicate that the appearance of these new enzyme activities are dependent on concomitant new protein synthesis and the inducer operates at a transcriptional level.


New observations on the karyotype of the Djungarian hamster, Phodopus sungorus.

In this paper, the C-banding pattern of the karyotype of Phodopus sungorus is presented and polymorphism is taken into consideration.


Karyological difference between Sagittarius and Cariama (Aves).

Chromosome studies of 1 species of Cariamidae and Sagittarius show great karyological differences and tend to dispel the suggestion of a possible relationship between the families.


New inversion of the pair no. 3 chromosome in the black rat.

A Japanese black rat (Rattus rattus tanezumi) with a subtelocentric pair no. 3 chromosome was found in Gotenba, Japan. By comparison of the length in both members of the chromosome pair, and from the G-band pattern, the subtelocentrics seemed to have developed from the original acrocentrics by the pericentric inversion.


Heritability as an indicator of genetical variation in fecundity.

Heritability is well known to be a poor indicator of genetical variation in fitness. We show here that it is also an inadequate measure of genetical variation in fecundity.


Robertsonian translocations in Mus musculus from Sicily.

The karyotypes of 6 mice from different places in Sicily have been determined. 3 of them had abnormal chromosome numbers of 2n = 26, 2n = 27 and 2n = 29, caused by Robersonian translocations of one acrocentric chromosome to another resulting in metacentric chromosomes. The newly described metacentric chromosomes are Rb(4.3)1Sic, Rb(15.2)2SIC, Rb(12.6)3SIC, Rb(13.5)4Sic, Rb(14.10)5Sic, Rb(17.8)6Sic and Rb(16.9)7Sic.


Increased relative growth rate of normal rat cells in vitro with crocetin.

The carotenoid crocetin (earlier found to increase relative growth of Walker 256 tumor cells and their radiosensitivity), is shown to increase the relative growth of normal Sprague-Dawley rat muscle derived cells in vitro, presumably by increasing oxygen transport.


Synthesis and properties of Praziquantel, a novel broad spectrum anthelmintic with excellent activity against Schistosomes and Cestodes.

Synthesis and properties of 2-cyclohexylcarbonyl-1,3,4,6,7,11b-hexahydro-2H-pyrazino [2,1-a] isoquinolin-4-one, a novel anthelmintic with excellent activity against all species of Schistosomes pathogenic to man and a wide range of cestodes, will be reported.


Effects of gamma-rays on DNA-cholesterol complex.

Effects of gamma-rays on the DNA-cholesterol complex have been studied. Radiation-induced changes are found and compared with those on DNA-dye or drug complexes.


Effects of electrical stimulation of periaqueductal gray matter on evoked potentials recorded in the primary somesthetic cortical areas of the rat.

The influence of focal electrical stimulation of PGM on primary cortical evoked potentials elicted by nociceptive peripheral stimulation was studied in anaesthetized and conscious rats. This analgesic electrical stimulation produces an abolition of cortical responses during its application and a significant decrease of the positive and negative amplitude waves after interruption of PGM electrical stimulation. Since these effects were observed in animals under barbiturate anesthesia and in conscious rats, they are interpreted as a supraspinal action on the primary pain pathway.


Rhythmic variations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase activity in the scorpin, Heterometrus fulvipes (C. Koch).

The activity of isocitrate dehydrogenase was assayed in the pedipalpal muscle and hepatopancreas of scorpion, Heterometrus fulvipes. The enzyme activity showed a circadian rhythmicity with a peak value at 20.00 h in both the tissues.


Measurement of the biliary tree volume in the rate under Tm-conditions.

Biliary tree capacities determined under Tm-conditions using 35S-sulfobromophthalein sodium 35S-sulfobromophthalein glutathione, and 14C-taurocholate sodium as markers exceeded markedly the biliary volumes reported until now. This may have been caused at least partly by a more homogenous distribution of the marker substance throughout the liver parenchyma in contrast to simple bolus injection studies.


The amino acid composition of rat bile.

The pattern of amino acids in the bile of rats differs from the pattern in the serum of these animals, since bile contains significantly greater amounts of acidic and sulphur-containing amino acids and glycine than serum, while the serum contained more basic amino acids than bile, indicating that secretion of amino acids into bile may involve specific transport processes.


Nerve endings isolated from chick embryonic optic tectum. 2. Developmental aspects of synaptosomal membrane.

Fractions enriched in nerve endings (synaptosomes) have been isolated from chick embryonic optic tectum during development. After osmotic shock, these fractions appeared to be enriched in membranes which during development acquire typical features of mature synaptosomal membranes.


Electro-mechanical noise in atrial muscle fibres of the carp.

Steady membrane voltage fluctuations have been observed in atrial muscle fibres of the carp. These voltage fluctuations produce minute mechanical escillations, as revealed by an interference contrast microscope. The steady voltage fluctuations may be related to abnormal automaticity in the heart.


Influence of ionic environment on intestinal oxygen consumption.

The oxygen consumption of rat small intestine in vitro is influenced by the anions, chloride and bicarbonate, as well as by sodium.


Acoustic localization in an ostariophysian fish.

Under approximate free field conditions acoustic localization could be demonstrated in an ostariophysian fish, the ide (Leuciscus idus). The efficient vibration links of both succuli with the unpaired swimbladder (via the Weberian ossicles) do apparently not prclude directional hearing in this important group of freshwater fish.


Extracellular space values and intracellular ionic concentrations in the isolated midgut of Philosamia cynthia and Bombyx mori.

Total extracellular space values have been determined in the midguts of 2 lepidopteran larvae, Philosamia cynthia and Bombyx mori. The values found are 42% and 45% tissue water respectively. Intracellular concentrations of Na+, Ca++ and Mg++ are very low, while K+ concentration is 197,2 mEq/l cell water Philosamia and 180.9 mEq/l cell water in Bombyx.


'High-affinity' binding sites for glycine in synaptosomal-mitochondrial fractions of rat CNS-regions.

'High-affinity' binding mechanisms for glycine exist in synaptosome-enriched preparations of various regions of rat CNS. Such mechanisms may represent interactions of glycine with its synaptic receptors.


Tolerance to cold and glucose homeostasis in adrenal demedullated dogs.

The rise in O2 consumption and in glucose turnover, induced by acute cold exposure is not suppressed by adrenal demedullation in dogs. However, both at neutral and cold ambient temperature, the mean plasma glucose concentrations are higher in normal (N) than in adrenal-demedullated dogs (ADMX). In the cold, the fall in rectal temperature is larger in ADMX than in N dogs.


The effect of L-Dopa on the spinal monosynaptic mass reflex.

After i.v. injection of reserpine, the monosynaptic mass reflex (MSMR) is depressed in spinalized cats. However, the complete recovery of MSMR was obtained 30 min after L-Dopa application. Pimozide, a dopamine-receptor blocking agent, blocked this action of L-Dopa. It is presumed that dopaminergic receptors are involved in the action of L-Dopa on spinal MSMR.


Changes in gentamicin pharmacokinetics after reduction of renal parenchyma.

The relationship between the elimination constant of gentamicin and the percentage of functioning nephrons in rats cannot be characterized by a simple linear relation. The results support the assumption that gentamicin elimination per residual nephron increased.


IgG deposits and Disse's space pathology in human schistosomal liver.

IgG deposits were identified in Disse's spaces of patients with advanced Symmers' fibrosis consequent to schistosomal infection.


Metabolic rearrangement of fluorenone oxime to phenanthridinone.

Fluorenone oxime is metabolized in vivo in the rat to phenanthrifinone which is excreted in the urine. The structure of the metabolite has been determined by comparison of chromatographic and spectral properties of the metabolites with authentic phenanthridinone.


The effect of clomiphene citrate and estradiol on body weight, vaginal cornification, and uterine weight after chronic treatment of ovariectomized rats.

Clomiphene reduced the body weight gain of ovariectomized rats to a much greater degree than extradiol did. Estradiol  had a more pronounced effect on vaginal cornification and uterine weight than clomiphene did.


On the biomechanical function of the liver capsule.

We have carried out histomechanical studies on the human bovine liver caps-le under tension loading. Nonlinear force-time curve under extension with constant speed, initial upper and lower summit decrease of the dynamic relaxation curve, amplitude diminution phenomenon of the dynamic relaxation in the lower nonlinear part of the extension-time curve, dynamic (cyclic) force recovery.


Sister chromatid exchanges in human lymphocytes exposed to 8-methoxypsoralen and long wave UV radiation prior to incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine.

Human lymphocytes exposed to the effects of long wave UV radiation in the presence of 8-methoxypsoralen prior to stimulation by PHA show dose related sister chromatid exchanges after 2 replication cycles in vitro. This has implications for interpreting the processes involved and for monitoring DNA damaging agents in vivo.


14-3-2 protein in rat brain synapses.

The distribution of the 14-3-2 protein in rat brain synapses was studied by immuno electron microscopy. The protein was localized to the postsynaptic web and to the postsynaptic membrane, but was also prominent both in the presynaptic membrane and in the presynaptic densities. No significant activity was observed in the synaptic vesicles.


The fine structure of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus testes.

The fine structure os Strongylocentrotus purpuratis testes has been examined. No obviously important differences appear to exist between the description reported here and the published fine structure of testes obtained from other sources. The most useful fixative was found to be a mixture of glutaraldehyde-paraformaldehyde.


Morphological evidence of a polypeptide-like secretory function of the B cells in the mouse synovial membrane.

In the synovial membrane of the mouse, morphological features associated with active secretion are unusually well developed in cells immediately subjacent to the lining layer (in the position of B cells), comparable to those of cells known to elaborate polypeptides.


The effect of concanavalin-A on the reaggregation of cells dissociated from Xenopus laevis early embryos.

The effects of concanavalin-A on the reaggregation and sorting of cells from Xenopus laevis early embryos have been studied. The results suggest that at high concentrations, concanavalin-A can prevent reaggregation.


Recombination of integral and peripheral protein fractions from human red cell membrane with homologous lipids.

Integral and peripheral protein fractions from human red cells membranes were recombined with a total red cell lipid extract and with homologous lipids in varying mixtures, by dialysis from 2-chlorethanol solutions. The 2 protein fractions were compared for lipid binding capacity and for selectivity towards individual lipids.


Delayed-type skin reactions in bursectomized or thymectomized chickens.

Chickens can easily be induced to develop delayed-type skin reactions to oxazolone when animals are sensitized 7 days before the challenge. The reaction is quantitated by assessing the increase in wattle thickness: maximum reactions occur 24 h after challenge. The reaction is inhibited by neonatal thymectomy or bursectomy; these findings therefore suggest also an important B-derived component in delayed hypersensitivity to oxazolone.


Liver homing in the rat of 111Indium labelled beef and neuraminidase-treated rat erythrocytes (studies with a gamma camera).

The rate of liver homing of 111In-labelled erythrocytes has been measured under a Gamma Camera. Homing of neuraminidase-treated or xenogeneic erythrocytes is delayed by preinjection of glycolipids or glycopeptides.


Effect of growth factors on hepatic drug metabolism in diabetic-hypophysectomized rats.

In vivo administration to diabetic-hypothysectomized rats of either the growth factor produced by the plerocercoid larvae of the tapeworm, Spirometra mansonoides, or mammalian growth hormone caused inhibition of hepatic drug metabolism measured in vitro.


A specific binding protein for the moulting hormone ecdysterone in locust haemolymph.

Specific binding of 3H-ecdysterone to a high mol. wt protein from Locusta migratoria haemolymph was shown by gel filtration. The hormone-protein complex shows a dissociation constant Kd congruent to 3.10(-7) M, and the concentration of binding sites varies during the last larval instar.


Molt induction in lobsters (Homarus americanus) by intramuscular injection of ecdysterone triacetate.

The principal component of the successful, molt-inducing ecdysterone acetate mixture was established as ecdysterone triacetate and shown to have the same activity as the acetate mixture. The triacetate induced ecdysis in male lobsters collected in winter and summer and in female lobsters collected in winter. Intramuscular injections of triacetate in ethanol were as effective as those with oil emulsions.


A method for relocation of specified regions in tissue culture dishes.

An apparatus and method are described which facilitate the rapid and accurate visual relocation of specified areas within ordinary, circular, plastic petri-dishes.


A new one-step synthesis of hexahydrocannabinoid analogs.

A one-step synthesis of hexahydrocannabinoid analogs (HHC) is described making use of the condensation of phenolic ketones and aldehydes with citronellal in the presence of pyridine.


New highly irritant euphorbia factors from latex of Euphorbia tirucalli L.

From the latex of Euphorbia tirucalli L. growing in Madagascar, 5 new euphorbia factors were isolated. They were characterized as 13-O-acetyl-12-O-acylphorbol- and 12-O-acetyl-13-O-acylphorbol derivatives carrying homologous conjugated unsaturated fatty acids as acyl groups. Furthermore, 2 mixtures of homologous 3-O-acylingenol derivatives are obtained carrying the same type of unsaturated fatty acids. Due to their highly unsaturated acyl groups all Euphorbia factors or factor groups isolated are highly sensitive to autoxidation.


(-)-(R)-1-O-Geranylgeranylglycerol from the brown alga Dilophus fasciola.

A novel ether lipid, (-)-(R)-1-O-geranylgeranylglycerol, has been isolated from the brown alga Dilophus fasciola and its structure proved by spectroscopic methods and chemical degradation.


Synthesis of (Glu-OMe)2-litorin.

The synthesis of the nonapeptide less than Glu-Glu(OMe)-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Phe-Met-NH2, corresponding to the formula of the (Glu-OMe)2-litorin, is described. The compound has the same chemical and biological properties of the second bombesin like peptide extracted from the skin of the Australian frog Litoria aurea.


(-)-Dihydromylione A, a novel tetracyclic sesquiterpene ketone containing two conjugated cyclopropane rings, from Mylia taylorii (liverwort).

A novel tetracyclic sesquiterpene ketone named (-)-dihydromylione A (III) was isolated from the liverwort, and the structure was determined together with the absolute configuration to be ent-5, 10-cyclo-aromadendr-3-one by connecting the compound with co-occurring (-)-myliol (II).


Dissociation of obesity, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes from atherosclerosis in ob/ob mice.

Genetically obese, diabetic and hypercholesterolemic C57BL/6J-ob/ob mice were placed on Purina Laboratory Chow containing 2% cholesterol for up to 4 months. They developed higher plasma cholesterol levels and accumulated an increased quantity of cholesterol in the liver but failed to develop atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta as would be expected in an obese, diabetic and hypercholesterolemic human adult.


Absorption and biotransformation of L(+)-tartaric acid in rats.

Oral or parenteral doses of monosodium 14C-L(+)-tartrate (400 mg/kg) are rapidly excreted by rats and a proportion completely metabolized to CO2. The oral dose was well-absorbed.


Reductive dechlorination of chlorobiphenylols by rats.

Dechlorinated products were isolated from the urine of rats that were administered chlorobiphenylols, the primary hydroxylated metabolites of PCB in mammals. The mechanism of chlorine loss from chlorobiphenylols is different from the mechanism of dechlorination via arene oxides whereby concomitant hydroxylation is always observed.


Preferential late replication of one of the two morphologically distinguishable X-chromosomes in a female muntjac.

In a female barking deer, Muntiacus muntjak, whose 2 X-chromosomes are mutually distinguishable from each other, one X has been found to be late replicating in 57.8% cells compared to the other which is late replicating in 42.2% cells. These data are suggestive of preferential inactivation of one X-chromosome. These findings have been discussed in the light of Lyon's hypothesis of random X-inactivation in eutherian mammals.


Effect of cadmium on polyribosome structure and function in mouse liver.

Cadmium chloride injected to mice (20 micronmoles/kg) provokes in the livers a degradation of polyribosomes and diminishes their protein synthetic ability measured in vitro. CdCl2 added in a final concentrations between 30 and 100 micron to the protein synthetic cell-free system derived from livers of control mice inhibits its activity.


The oxygen consumption of some tissues from hypophysectomized goldfish, Carassius auratus L.

Hypophysectomy has no effect on the O2 consumptios reduction in liver O2 consumption is attributed to the increased glycogen content that follows hypophysectomy which has the effect of increasing the nonmetabolizing dry weight component of the cells.


Water movement between myocardial tissue and capillary blood during and after coronary reactive hyperemia as studied by continuous measurement of colloid osmotic pressure of cardiac venous blood.

Colloid osmotic pressure (COP) of blood from the great cardiac vein was continuously measured by the use of a membrane colloid osmometer during reactive hyperemia resulting from temporary occlusion of the anterior descending branch of left coronary artery. The COP increased sharply but transit was concluded that a measurable amount of water moved from the capillary blood into the myocardial tissue and then flowed back slowly into the capillary blood.


Effect of epinephrine upon irreversible disposal and recycling of glucose in dogs.

Irreversible utilization and recycling of glucose during epinephrine-induced hyperglycemia were studied in adrenal-demedullated dogs exposed to neutral or cold ambient temperature. Whatever the ambient temperature, most of the extra glucose mobilized by epinephrine is recycled rather than irreversibly utilized by the peripheral tissue.


Binucleated neurons in the central nervous system of the laboratory animals.

Binucleated neurons were studied in the central nervous system of the rat and the rabbit. They were present in the young as well as the adult animals. The animals injected with thymidine-H3 during their embryonic development showed labelled binucleated neurons. It is suggested that the neurons become binucleated during neuroembryogenesis, and differentiate into normal neurons morphologically and physiologically.


Neurochemical correlates of alloxan diabetes: gamma amino butyric acid of amphibian brain.

The levels of gamma aminobutyric acid decreased, while glutamic acid and aspartic acid levels increased in the forebrain, and decreased in the mid and hind brain regions of frog, Rana cyanophlictis during alloxan diabetes. Since glutamic acid and GABA are intimately involved in the central nervous system (CNS) functions, the alterations occurring in their levels during alloxan diabetes may be significant in bringing about a correlation between the diabetic state and the altered functional dynamics of the CNS.


Transport of sodium, water, 3-O-methyl-glucose and L-phenylalanine in vitro in biotin-deficient rats intestine.

In biotin-deficient rats, a decreased intestinal transport of Na+, H2O and L-phenylalanine, and no transport differences of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose were observed. The lower Na+ and L-phenylalanine transport appears to be referable to a decreased energy availability and probably not to the lack of a carrier.


Absorption of pancreatic lipase from the duodenum into lymphatics.

A significantly higher lipase activity was measured in the duodenal lymph samples of 15 dogs than in each of corresponding arterial blood plasma samples collected prior to, during and after maximal hormonal stimulation of pancreatic secretion. The result may be evaluated as a sign of pancreatic lipase absorption by the duodenum into lymphatics.


Reduction of bovine pulmonary hypertension by normoxia, verapamil and hexoprenaline.

In calves with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, resistance was reduced by 40 +/- 3% with normoxia, 19 +/- 4% with verapamil, and 60 +/- 1% with hexoprenaline. It is possible that the increased resistance during normoxia is due to partly to vasoconstriction rather than solely to vascular thickening, and that the vasoconstriction is due to an abnormality in calcium metabolism by the hypertensive vasculature.


Candletoxins A and B, 2 new aromatic esters of 12-deoxy-16-hydroxy-phorbol, from the irritant latex of Euphoria poisonii Pax.

2 new aromatic esters of 12-deoxy-16-hydroxy-phorbol, known as candletoxins A and B, were isolated from the irritant latex of Euphorbia poisonii Pax. Compound A was identified as 12-deoxy-phorbol-13-O-phenylacetate-16-O-alpha-methyl-butyrate-20-acetate, and compound B was the C-20 desacetyl analogue.


Methiothepin and a 5-HT pathway to rat substantia nigra.

Methiothepin reduced both median-raphe evoked and exogenous 5-HT depression of single substantia nigra neurones. While this is compatible with a serotonin releasing pathway, additional interactions of methiothepin with exogenous dopamine suggest the need for further pharmacological confirmation.


A cannabinoid with cardiovascular activity but no overt behavioral effects.

Abnormal-delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol (ABN-delta8-THC) failed to elicit central nervous system and cardiovascular effects in laboratory animals. Abnormal-cannabidiol (ABN-CBD) was also devoid of overt behavioral effects but produced marked hypotension with only slight bradycardia in anesthesized dogs.


[Effects of a beta-adrenergic blocking drug, atenolol, on efferent renal nerve activity in rabbits (author's transl)].

Postganglionic sympathetic nerve activity (renal nerve) decreased significantly during i.v. infusion of a beta-adrenergic blocking drug, atenolol, in anesthetized rabbits. This phenomenon, at least in part reflex in nature, may contribute to the hypotensive effect of atenolol.


Effect of propylene glycol and ethanol on 3H-noradrenaline efflux from an isolated blood vessel.

Propylene glycol (14 mM), but not ethanol (17 mM), enhanced the late phase of passive 3H-efflux from rabbit isolated aortic rings preloaded with 3H-(-)-noradrenaline. We conclude that, with regard to 3H-noradrenaline release studies, propylene glycol is unsuitable for aiding the dissolution of e.g. corticosterone in physiological salt solution, while ethanol can be used for this purpose.


The calcium-magnesium-deficient rat: a study on the distribution of calcium in the spinal cord using the electron probe microanalyser.

Using the scanning electron probe X-ray microanalysis technique, calcium distribution in the spinal cord of the calcium-magnesium-deficient rat was studied. Calcium accumulations were observed within and around the perikaryon of certain unspecified motoneurons in the spinal cord.


Immunostimulation by a formula-defined diet.

A formula-defined diet (diet 3, table 1) acted as an adjuvant as an adjuvant in the response of the immune system to SRBC in the rat. Similar minimum and maximum antibody levels were measured in both males and females. In the males, the maximum was reached with diet 3 alone while females required the complementary action of diet 3 and LPS mR 595.


Effect of anaesthesia on growth hormone secretion in the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus).

Chloral hydrate, Equithesin, Althesin, Rompun, Sagatal and ether anaesthesia lowered the concentration of plasma growth hormone in immature cockerels. Handling and serial bleeding of the conscious controls had no effect on the growth hormone concentration.


Polymorphism of rifampicin.

The antibiotic rifampicin shows polymorphism. Two crystalline forms, an amorphous form and four solvates (S I and S II from water; S III from tetrahydrofuran; S IV from carbon tetachloride) have been isolated and characterized by thermal analysis, infrared and X-ray powder spectroscopy. The functional I.R. bands have been interpreted as indicative of some structural features involved in the polymorphism: the intramolecular H-bonds between C23--OH and O=C--O--C25, C4--OH and O=C11, and C1--OH and O=C15. The relative physical stabilities of the various forms are reported.


[Products of a reaction between 1H-indazol-3-ol and ethyl chloroacetate].

Ethyl esters of [(1-carbethoxymethyl-1H-indazol-3-yl)oxy]-acetic acid; (2-carbethoxy-3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-3-quinazolinacetic acid; [(1H-indazol-3-yl)oxy] acetic acid; o.aminoippuric acid; (2-carbethoxy-4-oxo-1,2,3,4--tetrahydro)-3-quinazolin acetic acid; (3-hydroxy-1H-indazol-1-yl)acetic acid; (1H-indazol-3-on-2-yl)acetic acid have been isolated and identified from a reaction between equivalent quantities of 1H-indazol-3-ol and ethyl chloroacetate in ethanol. The mechanism of their formation and, particularly, the ring enlargement of indazole to tetrahydroquinazoline is discussed. I.R. and N.M.R. spectra of these esters and of the acids obtained from them by alkaline hydrolysis are also described.


[Derivatives of 1,3-bis-(methlendioxyphenoxy)propane with antispastic activity].

A number of amines derived from 1,3-bis(3,4-methylen-dioxyphenoxy)propane have been prepared from 1,3-bis-(3,4-methylendioxy-phenoxy)propan-2-one. The acute toxicity and the activity of these compounds on isolated guinea pig ileum have been studied. The majority of the compounds showed clear antagonist activity towards BaCl2, histamine and acetylcholine contracting responses, generally grater than that of papaverine; on the contrary, their antagonist activity towards 5-HT responses was slightly lower.


[2-formyl-1,4-benzodioxane. Preparation and reactivity].

The preparation of 2-formyl-1.4-benzodioxane by reduction of the corresponding ethyl ester, and some reactions of this aldehyde carried out with the aim of obtaining new pharmacologically active derivatives, are described. Wittig reactions with stabilized, semi-stabilized, and reactive phosphoranes resulted in the formation of the 2-alkenyl derivatives. Reaction with a primary amine led to the corresponding imine. The 1.3-dithiane was also prepared and its behaviour with strong bases and alkylating reagents investigated.


[Relationship between chemical structure and sweetness. XIV. Analogs of aspartame].

Several analogs structurally related to aspartame were prepared in order to establish if chemical modifications of the molecule might improve sweetness. None of these analogs exhibited any sweet taste; on the contrary in most cases they were bitter.


[Synthesis of 2,3-diazaphenothiazine. XII. Dialkylaminoalkylic derivatives of 2-phenyl and 3-phenyl-10-methyl-2,3-dihydropyridazino/4,5-b/ /1,4/benzothiazin-1,4 (10 H)-dione].

The alkylation with methyl iodide and methyl sulfate of 2-phenyl-10-methyl-2,3-dihydropyridazino [4,5-b] [1,4]benzothiazin-1,4(10H)-dione (A) and the corresponding 3-phenyl substituted isomer (B) has been studied. Some derivatives of (A) and (B) substituted at the O atom with dialkyaminoalkyl groups are described; these have been subjected to pharmacological testing.


Isolation and characterization of 7-hydroxydiftalone beta-glucuronide.

Metabolic studies on diftalone (I), a new non-steroidal antiinflammatory agent, demonstated that 7-hydroxydiftalone beta-glucuronide (V) is the main urinary metabolite. The isolation of (V) from the urine of a dog treated with 14C-diftalone was performed by liquid-liquid partition after precolation through Amberlite XAD-2 and IRC-50 (H+). All the steps were followed by radio-detection and by thin layer radio-chromatography. Compound (V) was characterized mainly by mass spectrometry after esterification with diazomethane and silylation with BSA.


Polymorphism and H-bonding of 2-[1(2H)-oxo-2-phthalazinyl]methylbenzoic acid.

The three crystalline and one amorphous forms of the title compound, so far isolated, have been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, thermomicroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. From I was obtained by solidification of the melt at 200 degrees; form II by crystallization from water/ethanol 1/1; form III by grinding of II; the amorphous form by rapid cooling of the melt or by evaporation to dryness of a chloroform solution. From II melts of about 200 degrees and immediately crystallizes into form I, which melts at 210 degrees. Form III transforms into I at 165 degrees. The infrared spectra of form I is different from that of forms II and III, while each form has a different X-ray powder diffraction. From consideration of the infrared functional absorption bands, it can be derived that form I is a dimer with H-bonds between the carboxylic groups, forms II and III are monomers with intramolecular H-bond between the carboxylic group and the hydrazide carbonyl, displaying different crystal packings, and the amorphous form is a mixture of both monomers and dimers, the latters in greater amount.


[Studies on substances with antiblastic activity. IX. Anthramycin and analogs. IX. Synthesis of 7-methoxy-8-hydroxy-10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c] [1,4] benzodiazepine and other compounds related to oxotomaymycin].

The synthesis of some pyrrolobenzodiazepine derivatives related to oxotomaymycin, an antibiotic recovered together with tomaymycin from fermentation broths of Streptomyces achromogenes var. tomaymycetics, is described. Reaction between 2-nitro-4-benzyloxy-5-methoxybenzylbromide and pyrrole-2-carboxyaldehyde afforded 1-(2-nitro-4-benzyloxy-5-methoxybenzyl)pyrrole-2-carboxyaldehyde. Catalytic reduction of this compound with hydrogen in the presence of Pd/C gave 10,11-dihydro-8-hydroxy-7-methoxy-5H-pyrrolo[2.1-c] [1,4]benzodiazepine. Amides obtained from condensation between 2-nitro-4-benzyloxy-5-methoxybenzoic acid chloride and proline or hydroxyproline were reduced catalytically to 2,3-dihydro-8-hydroxy-7-methoxy-1H-pyrrolo [2,1-c] [1,4]benzodiazepine-5,11 (10H, 11aH)-dione and its 2-hydroxyderivative respectively. The synthesis of 10,11-dihydro-8-hydroxy-9-methoxy-5-pyrrolo [2,1-c] [1,4]benzodiazepine is also reported.


N-terminal Leu-enkephalin rearrangements.

The synthesis of H-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu-OH (Leu-enkephalin), endogenus peptide with opiate-like activity, and two rearrangements concerning Leu-enkephalin N-terminus are described.


Cyclic Gaba-Gabob analogues I - Synthesis of new 4-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidinone derivatives.

In the event that the GABA-GABOB system is involved in the initial phases of the learning and memory process, some new derivatives of 4-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidinone (I a) have been synthesized. The cyclic compounds of general formula (A) are more lipophilic than GABOB and should better enter brain fluids. The N-hydroxymethyl derivatives (II a...c) were prepared by addition of the suitable aldehydes to 4-acetoxy-2-pyrrolidinone (I b). In order to obtain the ethyl 4-hydroxy-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetate (IV a) some synthetic routes starting from (I b), (III b) and from the 3-diazotetramic acid (V) were explored. However, the N-ethoxycarbonylmethyltetramic acid (X), obtained by Dieckmann cyclization of triester (VIII) and subsequent de-etho-xycarbonylation was reduced to (IV a). Ammonolysis of (IV a) afforded the acetamide (XI a). The O-acetyl derivatives (IV b) and (XI b) were also prepared.


The effect of acute ethanol administration on phosphorylethanolamine uptake and metabolism in rat liver slices.

Double-labelled phosphorylethanolamine with a [32P]//[14IA1 ratio of 1 was incubated in vitro with rat liver slices prepared from control and ethanol-intoxicated rats, and the radioactivity measured at given time intervals in liver ethanolamine, phosphorylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine. Evidence is presented that after 10 and 15 minutes phosphorylethanolamine enters the slices as an intact molecule, which is directly converted into lipid forms by the Kennedy's pathways. At longer times a hydrolysis of the ester occurs which lowers considerably the theoretical [32P]/[14C]ratio. Fatty liver slices produced by acute ethanol intoxication uptake from the medium more phosphorylethanolamine than controls, and hydrolyze less efficiently than controls the phosphoric ester to ethanolamine and inorganic phosphate.


Antiinflammatory activity of four isomers of 2-(4-biphenylyl)-3-hydroxybutyric acid.

The degree of stereospecificity of the antiinflammatory activity of four isomers of 2-(4-biphenylyl)-3-hydroxybutyric acid was investigated in three different tests. The erythro compounds were the most active ones. As the "optical isomers effect" was not significant, this could indicate that the "diastereoisomer effect" is more important than optical isomerism.


[Methylation of tRNA in Carcinus maenas gonadal cultures: inhibition by purified androgenic gland extract].

Subcultures of ovaries and testis of the crab Carcinus maenas have been performed in the presence of L-[Me-14C]methionine. Introduction in the medium of a chromatographically-purified liposoluble fraction from the androgenic glands of the same animal inhibits the biological methylation of the tRNA of the ovaries by 62%. The inhibition of methylation of five individual bases varies from 45% to 84%. No inhibition of tRNA methylation is observed under the same conditions with testis subcultures.


The National Commission and research in pharmacology: an overview.

Participation in research of children, prisoners, or those institutionalized as mentally infirm is problematic because it appears to violate one or the other of two fundamental ethical principles: the principle of respect for persons, which requires that subjects give voluntary and informed consent, and the principle of justice, which requires that vulnerable persons not bear burdens in order that others may benefit. The National Commission recommends that conditions of constraint be minimized so that prospective subjects can make truly voluntary choices, that special protections such as third-party permission and national review be brought to bear for non-comprehending subjects, and that vulnerable persons be used only when less vulnerable persons are not suitable subjects or when the research is designed to develop or evaluate therapeutic interventions intended to benefit the individual subject. These recommendations might have the practical effect of restricting certain types of research (e.g., Phase I drug testing), but they are less restrictive than other proposals, and they reflect a conviction that research using special subject populations can be conducted in accord with fundamental ethical principles.


Prisoner subjects and drug testing.

Objections to prison research are based more often on opposition to the evils of prison life than to unethical practices and to the memories of atrocities committed in the name of science in Nazi prison camps during World War II. The National Commission's pronouncements on prison research specifically illustrate this general phenomenon. Having decided that research on prisoners can be performed ethically, and having learned that most prisoner volunteers bitterly resent being deprived of the opportunity to participate in research, the Commission has nevertheless stipulated prison conditions that cannot realistically be met and thus has de facto eliminated such research. The most serious potential loss is the elimination of the unique facility in Lexington, Kentucky--the Addiction Research Center. Predicting the addiction liability of drugs is not likely to be feasible in any nonprison setting, so that the addiction potential of new marketed drugs will be established in the future as it was in the past--by trial-and-error in patients, who will become the unwilling, uninformed research subjects in this area.


Development of drug therapy for children.

The National Commission is about to finalize its recommendations with regard to research in children. It is significant that the commission will propose that research in children is necessary and should be supported. Clinical pharmacologic studies in infants and children require encouragement, as well as support, if drugs are to be developed in the future that do not have limited indications for the pediatric-aged patient, due to incomplete pediatric studies. The ethics of conducting pharmacologic investigations in infants and children have been discussed and recommendations have been prepared by the Committee on Drugs of the American Academy of Pediatrics. These discussions and recommendations differ in some significant ways from the most recent draft available from the National Commission.


The functional organization of the respiratory phase-switching mechanisms.

Recent results support the view that inspiration gets inhibited and terminated when a centrally generated inspiratory activity (CIA) combined with afferent activity from pulmonary stretch receptors has grown to a critical threshold. CO2 acts both to increase the rate of rise of CIA and to raise the 'off-switch' threshold. Body temperature affects only the growth rate of CIA but not the threshold. Once switched off, inspiration is kept inhibited for the subsequent expiration with a decaying power that can be strongly modulated by different reflexes. The rostral pontine "pneumotaxic" structures provide the 'off-switch' mechanism with a threshold lowering input but do not seem to form part of the oscillating network. Thus, it appears that the basic network for respiratory rhythmicity depends on excitation and inhibition between the two basic neural mechanisms: the CIA-generator, and the 'off-switch mechanism. The necessary non-linearities are provided for by the threshold function of the 'off-switch' and the decay of the inhibition, which keep inspiration turned off during expiration.


Neural control of ventilation in the lamprey.

Tidal breathing of adult lampreys is produced by a single phase of excitation that compresses the branchial basket for exhalation. Inhalation is due to passive recoil. Motoneurons are located primarily in the ipsilateral motor nucleus of the vagus and exhibit periodic bursts of excitatory synaptic potentials from unidentified generator cells in the medulla. Respiratory discharges continue in the isolated brain and can be recorded from the vagal roots. The frequency of bursts increases with temperature in a manner roughly similar to that of intact animals. However, the discharges of the isolated brain are not very sensitive to altered pH or oxygen content in the bathing fluid. Mechanoreceptors in the gill can initiate "cough" responses and may modulate normal breathing.


Vagal contribution to the inspiratory 'off-switch' mechanism.

It has been suggested that vagal contribution to the inspiratory inhibition can be estimated from the difference between the amplitudes of the 'integrated' phrenic activity with and without phasic vagal feedback. At any given body temperature, there is a linear relationship between estimated vagal contribution to the 'off-switch' mechanism and the 'integrated' vagal activity recorded directly. The temperature displaces this relationship to facilitate vagal central effect. There are evidences that a temperature related activity, which is mediated from hypothalamic thermosensitive structures, may directly influence the vagal input to the R beta neurons of the dorsal group of respiratory neurons in the medulla. An increase in Paco2 results in an increase in the peak 'integrated' vagal activity and in the estimated vagal central effect. However, the inhibitory effect of CO2 on pulmonary stretch receptors seems to be enhanced by an increase in body temperature.


The respiratory motoneuron and apneusis.

A brief review is given of experimental studies on 'apneusis' (Lumsden) and the role these have played in the conceptual development of the ideas relating to the nervous mechanism of breathing. It is suggested that the terms "apneustic," "pneumotaxic," and "respiratory" (inspiratory or expiratory) centers should be abandoned in view of the convoluted epistemology of the concepts they represent. New experiments on expiratory apneusis are described, involving sagittal incisions of the brain stem in the vicinity of the obex, which have allowed study of the brain stem-mediated effects of CO2 on expiratory motoneurons, under steady-state conditions. These experiments reveal the existence of a CO2-dependent tonic excitation of expiratory motoneurons that, it is argued, depends on a simple pathway between peripheral and central chemoreceptors and expiratory bulbospinal neurons. The possible synaptic mechanisms underlying the production of CO2-dependent appneusis are discussed in relation to peripheral chemoreceptors and illustrated in relation to a model motoneuron.


The nature and effects of sensory inputs into the respiratory centers.

The reflex effects produced by sensory receptors of the lungs have been reassessed. Increase in activity of pulmonary stretch receptors causes inhibition of inspiration and bronchodilation. The low-threshold pulmonary stretch receptors are responsible for Head's paradoxical reflex and the deflation reflex. The recent observations on the effects of left atrial injections of histamine show that histamine does not produce tachypnea through stimulation of irritant receptors. It is established that gradual stimulation of type J receptors (e.g., by histamine) produces tachypnea (in cats and rabbits), increase in functional residual capacity (rabbit), reflex bronchoconstriction (cat and rabbit), increase in laryngeal resistance (cat), and cough (man).


Long-term follow-up of the apparently normal couple with a complaint of infertility.

Ninety-one couples with no obvious cause for their infertility were followed after periods of 1 to 17 years (96% were followed until they conceived or for more than 5 years). All of the couples had been fully investigated and no specific abnormality had been demonstrated. The majority of women (88%) had primary infertility of at least 2 years' duration, although a small number (12%) had had one or more first-trimester abortions and were thus classified as having secondary infertility. Cumulative conception rates (using life tables) at the end of 7 years were 36.2% for the primary infertility group and 78.8% for the women with secondary infertility. Of those couples achieving a first pregnancy and desiring a second, only 44.3% had conceived at the end of another 4-year period. These rates are markedly lower than the published conception rates of a normal population.


Pregnancy in patients with pituitary tumors.

Thirteen patients with pituitary tumors had a total of seventeen pregnancies. Nine of these patients were treated prior to conception (four by radiation therapy, four by hypophysectomy, and one with lergotrile); four patients received no treatment. The untreated group had a total of six pregnancies, two of which were complicated by visual symptoms which regressed spontaneously after delivery. One of the hypophysectomized patients developed diabetes insipidus at 34 weeks' gestation which resolved spontaneously after delivery. Of the four irradiated patients, one had a child with Down's syndrome and another had a child with multiple congenital anomalies who died. The clinical course and various modes of treatment of these patients are discussed and the pertinent literature is reviewed.


The "gonadotropin-resistant ovary" syndrome as a cause of secondary amenorrhea and infertility.

A patient with secondary amenorrhea with the gonadotropin-resistant ovary syndrome is described. The physiopathology of the syndrome is investigated and discussed. Ovulation could not be induced by using very high doses of gonadotropins. The presence of a hormone abnormality or of an inhibitor preventing hormone action could not be substantiated. It is suggested that the disease may be due to an autoimmune reaction with antibody formation against the receptor sites for gonadotropins.


Ethinylestradiol and dl-norgestrel as a postcoital contraceptive.

Six hundred and eight women were treated with 200 microgram of ethinylestradiol and 2 mg of dl-norgestrel, administered in two divided doses, as a postcoital contraceptive. Criteria for entry into the study included definite unprotected coital exposure within the previous 72 hours and the absence of any contraindications to the use of estrogen/progestin-containing compounds. Women with coital exposures outside of the 72-hours-to-treatment time frame were excluded. Four hundred and sixty-four of the patients were cycling regularly and, of these, 152 were exposed at midcycle. Only one patient became pregnant as a result of probable method failure as compared with the minimal estimated number of 12 to 30 pregnancies.


Long-term safety and use-effectiveness of intrauterine devices.

The long-term safety and effectiveness of Lippes Loops, A, C, and D, Dalkon Shields, Saf-T-Coils, and Cu 7-200 intrauterine devices (IUDs) were evaluated on the basis of 670 insertions in 588 women. Ten-year life-table rates for the Lippes Loops C (291 first insertions) and D (213 first insertions) were evaluated. The Loop C was consistently associated with a significantly higher expulsion rate but lower pregnancy rate as compared with the Loop D. Over-all, the removal rates for these two IUDs were similar. The incidence of pelvic infection and abnormal Papanicolaou smears, the time from IUD removal to conception, pregnancy outcome, and the need for any surgery post-IUD insertion were evaluated for all IUDs and all segments of use.


Translocation of the intrauterine contraceptive device: study of thirty-one cases.

Thirty-one cases of a translocated intrauterine contraceptive device were studied. Etiology, diagnosis, management, and prevention are discussed.


Meiotic indices in the oligospermic male.

Thirty-four oligospermic males were evaluated by determining the meiotic index in testicular biopsy specimens. Only 1 patient of 10 with a meiotic index of less than 15 achieved pregnancy, whereas 16 of 24 patients with a meiotic index of more than 15 had a successful outcome. Corresponding increases in the semenogram were also noted to be related to the meiotic index.


Studies on ciliated epithelia of the human genital tract. II. The mucociliary wave pattern of fallopian tube epithelium.

The ciliary activity of human fallopian tube epithelium was studied in vitro by using a technique which included registration of the light reflections from the mucociliary waves on the epithelial surface. In all registrations, the mucociliary waves moved toward the uterine end of the specimen. The frequencies of the reflections of the mucociliary waves ranged between 960 and 1368 cpm, with a mean of 1191 cpm (2 SD, +/- 176) and a median of 1210 cpm. Significant differences in the mucociliary wave frequencies were not observed between different parts of the fallopian tube nor between registrations performed during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Scanning electron microscopy of the specimens revealed no morphologic changes of the cilia during the menstrual cycle.


Hydrosalpinx simplex as seen by the scanning electron microscope.

Five cases of hydrosalpinx simplex were studied by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Comparison was made with normal fallopian tube epithelia. By light microscopy numerous ciliated cells as well as nonciliated cells were found in both hydrosalpinx and normal tubal material. In hydrosalpinx material the epithelium was found to be compressed to one-sixth its usual height. The SEM survey of large areas of hydrosalpinx did not reveal any deciliation. In fact, the mucosa of the hydrosalpinx did not differ conspiciously from that of a healthy fallopian tube. However, some nonciliated cells with collapsed areas were revealed by SEM. The significance of the compressed areas is unknown.


Duration of the seminiferous epithelial cycle in the mature guinea pig: influence of unilateral orchiectomy.

The effect of unilateral orchiectomy on the seminiferous epithelial cycle in the mature guinea pig was studied. No significant change in the cycle duration was found. Thus, the previously reported hyperplasia of the contralateral testis is due to an increased number of cells entering the maturation process rather than to an acceleration of the cycle of seminiferous epithelium.


[Effect of experimentally induced generalized convulsions on the sleep-wakefulness cycle].

Electrical stimulation of the dorsal hippocampus appeared to have obvious effect on the ratio of phases of the wakefulness--sleep cycle: during the postconvulsive period when wakefulness is prolonged, paradoxical sleep is sharply decreased, while the slow wave sleep changes are insignificant. However, this effect is less pronounced after generalized seizures evoked by amygdaloid stimulation. Thus unspecific hyperactivation of the brain during experimentally induced generalized seizures exert an acute effect on the paradoxical sleep shortening its duration. This emphasized the functional significance of paradoxical sleep that might be a periodical increase of the brain activity during sleep.


[Overall electrical responses of the superior olivary complex to amplitude-modulated signals].

EPs in the auditory nuclei of the horseshoe bats to amplitude--modulated signals (AMS) were studied. The reaction of synchronization in cochlear nuclei (only for fast component) and in superior olivary complex (both for fast and slow components) in frequency range of modulation form 50 to 2000/sec was noted. The synchronized responses in the inferior colliculus occurred only to the frequency of modulation lower than 150/sec. No such reaction was recorded in the medial geniculate bodies. For the superior olivary complex the lowest threshold of the synchronization was in the range of 15-30 and 80-86 kHz. The amplitude of the synchronizing response was the function of the coefficient of modulation, frequency of modulation, and the space localization of the sound source.


[Effect of single stimuli to the posterior hypothalmus on the visual evoked potentials of an anesthetized rabbit].

Single stimuli applied to the posterior hypothalamus evoke in the visual cortex of anesthetized rabbits a hypothalamic--cortical response with short latency, marked premarily--positive and negative components, and secondary positive wave of a large amplitude. It seems that projections from the posterior hypothalamus to the cortex are multiple, pass through different subcortical structures and terminate with different synaptic organizations. Single stimuli applied to the posterior hypothalamic nuclei with intervals from 700 to 100 msec facilitate a visual evoked potential due to enhancement of the negative component. Apart from the facilitation of the visual response, the area where the potential can be recorded is enlarged by single stimuli applied to the posterior hypothalamic nuclei.


[Organization of the hypothalamo-amygdalar system in rats].

In acute experiments on rabbits, the ascending influences of phylogenetically different parts of hypothalamus on different nuclei of amygdala were studied with the aid of EP method. In mammals a certain type of organization of hypothalamic ascending connections with amygdala was found. It was shown that phylogenetically ancient--anterior--parts of hypothalamus are projected mainly onto the oldest (cortico--medial) division of amygdala, which is the olfactory center of the forebrain. On the other hand, phylogenetically younger nuclei of hypothalamus are functionally connected with young parts of amygdala (basolateral division) which are the important regulatory component of limbic system. The properties of functional organization of hypothalamic--amygdaloid system of integration in rabbits are discussed.


[Heterochronous maturation of pathways from muscle and skin receptors to the sensomotor cortex in rabbits].

Analysis of structural and functional maturation of peripheral afferent projections from the skin and muscle receptors of the n. ischiadicus to sensorimotor cortex during postnatal ontogeny in rabbits, as the criterion of functional maturity of the peripheral nervous fibers, had their sensitivity to blocking effect of novocain during its application to the muscle and skin branches of the n. ischiadicus. During the ontogeny, the sensitivity was changing wcich was followed by changes in the shape of the cortical evoked response. The morphological maturity of the peripheral fibers was estimated by the degree of their myelinization. The afferent impulses were found to have different channels of conduction yet at the level of peripheral nervous fibers. This implies participation of different peripheral fibers in organization of EP components in the cortex. The fibers mature heterochronously during the ontogeny, the same is true for maturation of afferent projections from the muscle and skin receptors.


[Characteristics and origin of rotatory movements induced by electrical stimulation of the caudate nucleus in cats].

High--frequency stimulation of the caudate nucleus in cats elicits three types of responses: contralateral turning of the head or rotatory psychomotor excitation with contralateral rotation, and ipsilateral turning of the head and body. The latter was obtained mainly from the ventralateral portions of caudate nucleus, while the psychomotor excitation--from the dorsal portions. The rotatory movements are virtually independent of involvement of capsula interna and cortex. Slow synchronized EEG activity occurring at the moment of turning was eliminated by curarization. The caudate rotations are partially triggered by the globus pallidus, as the electrolytic lesion of the latter increases the thresholds of responses although does not completely eliminate them.


[Selective effect of decimeter waves on central brain structures].

Sensitivity of central cerebral structures to the action of the electromagnetic fields of decimetre waves (DMW) was studied with the aid of unit activity of comissural neurons. The greatest reactivity to DMW was found in neurons of hypothalamus and hippocampus. Neurons of the midbrain RF and of the specific thalamic nuclei displayed mainly an inhibitory response. The number of neurons responding to the DMW varied depending on the energetical density.


[Properties of mechanoreceptor units of mammary gland parenchyma].

Two types of mechanosensitive units were found in the parenchyma of the rat mammary gland (SA and RA). Most of SA units had a spontaneous activity 1-3/sec. and responded to an abrupt displacement with a decline in the activity for 5-10 sec. RA had no such a response. The relation between average firing rate and displacement velocity at a constant displacement amplitude was linear for both SA and RA. RA however had the velocity threshold higher than SA. The number and frequency of SA afferent impulses decreased at a repeated stimulation. Electron microscopy revealed that free nerve endings correspond to SA and RA.


[Effect of adrenaline on the contractility of different portions of the myocardium of homeotherms].

The contractility of myocardial strips from the atrium and ventricle of rabbit heart had some differences in the parameters of single contraction, interval--tension relationship, and transitional process. These differences were eliminated by increasing the concentration of epinephrine in bath solution. Epinephrine changed the mode of time--force relation of contraction and induced appearance of extremum in all the parts of the heart. The linear relation between the force of atrium contraction and that of ventricle contraction (homochromity) during change of contraction frequency in normal solution, was shown. The homochromity of atrium and ventricle was broken by high epinphrine concentrations. The level of endogenous catecholamines which modulate the excitation--contraction relations, is believed to determine the differences in the physiological reactions of atrial and ventricular strips. The use of atrium of the heart as a transducer for management of artificial heart is proposed.


[Restoration of the electrical activity and nervous apparatus following section of the stomach wall in dogs].

In dogs, transection of the gastric wall at the level of incisura angularis, followed by end--to--end anastomosis, was made. The electrodes were implanted into the muscle wall of the two stomach segments. Electrical activity of the stomach wall on the 1st postoperative day showed dissociation in the spike activity between the two segments. 10 days later, first signs of sequence in the spike activity of the stomach above and below the anastomosis appeared. Microscopic examination revealed that regenerating nerve fibers formed a bridge over the scar. On the 16th day, groups of spike potentials from the gastric wall above the section propagated also in the stomach region below the anastomosis. Since the 14th day, the microscopic examination revealed newly formed synaptic endings on the ganglionic cells distal to the scar. After the 20th day, all signs of dissociation began to disappear.


[Cardiac energetics in hypothermia].

In isolated hearts of rats pumping a fluid against hydrostatic pressure, the effect of cooling to 27 degrees C on the mechanical efficiency (ME) and oxygen consumption (MVO2) of the heart, was studied. The ME was presented by the ratio of the heart work to the total energy expense. The latter was estimated by MVO2 measured by the polarographic method. At 27 degrees C, the ME was increased while the MVO2 of the arrested heart was decreased. MVO2 of the working heart in hypothermia was less than control by the same valve as the MVO2 of the heart arrested in hypothermia was less than MVO2 of the arrested control heart. The increase of the heart ME in hypothermia seems to be due, mainly, to reduced "rest metabolism" of the heart.


[Functional alterations in the pulmonary respiratory system in dogs during alveolar hypoxia with hypercapnia].

In acute experiments on 25 dogs, interrelationships of parameters of the small circulation, ventilation, and diffusion were studied during alveolar hypoxia with hypercapnia. Two types of responses of the lung breathing system were revealed. The 1st one involved an increase of the small circulation pressure (by 84%), of volume blood flow (by 42%), of the lung blood volume (by 24%), and of the lung diffusion ability (by 47%). The 2nd type of responses involved an increase of the small circulation pressure on the average by 70%, while the other three parameters practically did not change at all. The combined action of such hemodynamic factors as the increased intravascular pressure and blood flow seem to involve previously inactive vascular areas of the lungs in the circulation. The lung vascular bed of animals with the 1st type of responses is more plastic which can provide a better adaptation of the organism for extreme conditions.


[Peripheral regulation of the cholinergic mediator process in the smooth muscles of the rat small intestine].

A physiologically active substance (X-factor) is released from smooth muscle fibers of rat's small intestine-donor under the effect of acetylcholine. This substance which seems to be a macroergic nature strengthens the spontaneous activity of isolated piece of rat's small intestine-recipient and increases its sensitivity to acetylcholine almost twofold. Participation of the X-factor in the control of cholinoreceptor activity of smooth muscle fibers of rat's small intestine following the pattern of positive feedback, is discussed.


[Role of parameters of rhythmic cortical stimulation in synaptic activation of motor neurons].

Postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) evoked by stimulation of contralateral motor cortex with trains of square stimuli were recorded intracellularly in cat lumbar motoneurons. The influence of number of stimuli in a train and of interval between them upon amplitude, duration and latency of PSPs, was analysed. Rise of stimuli frequency in a train of constant duration (i.e. rise of number of stimuli accompanied by shortening of intervals) produced a snyaptic effect that was much more pronounced than in cases of shortening of intervals between equal number of stimuli (i.e. reduction of a train) or in cases of increase of number of stimuli with equal intervals (elongation of a train). Possible neuronal mechanisms of the leading role of train frequency in supraspinal activation of motoneurons are discussed.


[Functional significance of the round nuclei of the thalamus in formation of the sleep--wakefulness cycle].

In chicken with bilaterally lesioned thalamic rotundus nuclei, cholinomimetic effect of arecolin upon duration of each stage of the wakefulness--sleep cycle, was studied. No prolongation of the paradoxical sleep characteristic of the animals with intact thalamic nuclei, was observed in experimental chicken. The latter developed mainly a king of cataleptic immobilization duration of which was enhanced by arecolin administration. The thalamic rotundus nucleus was concluded to play an essential role in the mechanisms for regulation of the wakefulness--sleep cycle in birds.


[Neuronal correlates of the cyclicity of the recruiting response].

The majority of neurons belonging to different levels of the thalamo-cortical unspecific system: anterior ventral thalamic nucleus (59%) and sensomotor cortical area (75%), were involved into cyclic activity of the recruiting reaction evoked by low-frequency stimulation of the central medial thalamic nucleus. The course of involvement differed in different neurons and was manifested by regular changes of firing rate or spindles, as well as by intervals between the spindles. Neuronal correlates of recruiting reaction cycling were stable and persisted even in changes of the neuronal spontaneous activity. The results indicate a possible significance of functional interaction of different neuronal groups involved in the recruiting reaction, for organization of the slow cycle of the thalamo-cortical nonspecific system's activity.


[Pre-synaptic effect of histidine at neuromuscular junctions].

The influence of L-histidine in different concentrations (0.2--9.0mM) on synaptic processes in neuro-muscular preparations of the frog was studied using intracellular microelectrodes. The histidine caused lowering of the frequency of m. e. p. p. In the synapses with initial quantum content of e. p. p. less than 50, the increase of quantum content occurred due to rising of the available mediator level. The possibility of the transmitter release did not change. The histidine seems to participate in positive functional feedback in a neuro-muscular synapse, the feedback maybe essential for mobilization of the inactive synapses during intense muscular activity.


[Mechanism of formation of the rheoophthalmogram and electroplethysmogram of the eye].

In cats, the rheogram of a portion of the vascular tract was recorded during changes of the eye pressure due to brief increase or decrease of the central arterial pressue. Comparison of the recorded changes with the oscillations of electrical conductivity suggest that the latter reflect primarily the changes of the blood linear speed during the time of one pulse cycle (at frequencies over 30 kHz). Slow changes of the electrical conductivity as recorded during electroplethysmography of the vascular tract, reflect primarily the changes of blood volume in the eye tunics.


[Microphonic cochlear potentials in the cat during exposure to 2-tons harmonic signals with different phase spectra].

Cochlear microphonic potentials (CM), i. e. the round window responses, evoked by the two-tone sound complexes consisting of the 1st and 2nd harmonics with different phase relation between the components were studied in cats. The spectral analysis of the CM responses showed high sensitivity of the CM potentials to phase changes in the complex sound stimuli. The 1st harmonic in the range of 350--750 Hz could be reduced at a certain phase shift of the 2nd harmonic in the complex signal. The phase and frequency limits of this phenomenon are described.


[Hemodynamics during combined nociceptive stimulation and stimulation of the amygdaloid complex following treatment of the sensomotor cortex].

In acute experiments on cats, changes of the arterial pressue (AP), intracardiac pressure (ICP), and of the blood flow rate following a nociceptive stimulus (NS), electrical stimulation of the lateral nucleus of amygdala (AL), and the combination of these stimuli before and after application of strychnine and potassium chloride on sensorimotor cortical area, were studied. After the application of strychnine and potassium chloride, the stimulation of AL produced weaker pressor reaction; while a nociceptive stimulus was followed by the same changes as in the intact cats. After the application of strychnine, combination of the AL stimulation and NS produced the increase of pressor reaction; while after the application of potassium chloride, the pressor reaction did not change at all or became weaker. After the application of strychnine, the blood flow rate response to the stimuli was similar to the control experiments; after the application of potassium chloride the blood flow rate decreased.


New evidence on the value of birth expectations.

Past national surveys regarding birth expectations have usually been restricted to currently married women, a fact which has led demographers to question the usefulness of these data. Because the June 1976 Current Population Survey includes the expectations of all women in a cohort regardless of marital status, it provides the data needed to evaluate biases due to restricted survey universes. At older ages, where there are substantial differences in lifetime expectations between currently married and single women, there are relatively few single women; at younger ages, however, where the proportion of single women in a cohort is relatively large, the differences in expectations are small. This counterbalancing effect makes the lifetime birth expectations of currently married women a close approximation of all women in a cohort. The analysis also indicates that the observed intracohort declines in lifetime birth expectations since 1967 were due largely to the addition at subsequent survey dates of previously unmarried women; nevertheless, some "true" cohort declines also seem to have occurred.