[A.I. in pigs: influence of boar seminal plasma on breeding efficiency of diluted boar semen (author's transl)].

Ejaculates from six boars of Danish Landrace were divided into four parts, I, II, III and IV which were treated in the following way: I was diluted 1:4-1:6 with EDTA-diluter, and filled into glass vials (single doses). II was centrifugated at 1800-2000 r.p.m. in 12-15 min.; the centifugate was resuspended in the supernatant and diluted as indicated under I. III and IV were centrifugated at 1800-2000 r.p.m. in 12-15 min. The supernatant was removed by aspiration and the centrifugate diluted with as much EDTA-diluter necessary to produce the same no, of doses of 10 ml as was produced from I and II respectively. The diluted semen was stored at 18-20 degrees C and used on the day of collection. Just before insemination the semen from I, II and III was diluted with IVT-diluter to a final volume of 75 ml. Semen from IV was diluted to the same volume with IVT-diluter with the addition of 50% boar seminal plasma, procured by centrifugation of ejaculates from other boars of the A.I. Centre, and stored at divided by 20 degrees C until use. The results have been set out in Table I. Inseminations with semen from I and II resulted in pregnancy rates of 84,6% and 86,3% and average litter sizes of 10,3 and 10,1 for sows and 9,1 and 9,6 for gilts; inseminations with semen from III and IV resulted in pregnancy rates of 78,9 and 78,2% and average litter sizes of 10,5 and 10,7 for sows and 10,0 and 8,7 for gilts. None of the differences in pregnancy rates between groups were significant. The findings were: 1. By insemination with initially diluted semen without seminal plasma a tendency to a decline in pregnancy rates could be demonstrated. 2. The decline persisted after the addition of 50% boar seminal plasma to the diluter used for the final dilution just before insemination.


Pharmacological properties of bis-beta-hydroxypropylmalonic acid dilactone derivatives.

Acute toxicity and the action on CNS (employing behavioural tests) of bis-beta-hydroxypropylmalonic acid dilactone (D1) and its four derivatives (D2--D5) were investigated (Table 1) in mice and rats. The studied compounds showed low toxicity and were sometimes active just from high doses. D1 can be regarded as a sedative--hypnotic compound. In animals, the substituted dilactones induced the symptoms similar to those of tranquilizers.


The effect of lithium chloride on the activity of some psychotropic drugs.

LiCl administered for 4 days enhances amphetamine-induced locomotor stimulation, increases amphetamine toxicity in aggregated mice but does not affect amphetamine stereotypy. Administered together with nialamide, LiCl increase locomotor activity of mice and rats. The administration of this compound together with reserpine reverses central effects of its action (hypothermia, decreased motility, enhancement of hexobarbital activity).


Frequency of decisions in initial pair contests: effects of sex, observer, and feeding stimulus.

Information obtained from initial pair contests was not increased by concealing the observer behind one-way glass or by presenting feed to pairs of hungry birds.


Uric acid excretion by the chick as an indicator of dietary protein quality.

The objective of this investigation was to determine whether uric acid excretion could serve as an indicator of dietary protein quality. In the first study, 15% protein diets were formulated using either whole egg protein, soybean meal, safflower meal or casein, or the latter 3 proteins supplemented with their most limiting amino acid (methionine, lysine and arginine, respectively). Chicks fed diets supplemented with the limiting amino acid grew more rapidly and efficiently and excreted less uric acid. Good agreement was noted between uric acid excretion and protein efficiency ratio (PER) as indicators of protein quality. Two studies  were conducted with chicks fed diets containing raw soybean flakes or flakes autoclaved for varying periods of time and fed with or without methionine and lysine supplementation. Similar chick performance, uric acid excretion and PER were noted with chicks fed the soybean flakes which had been autoclaved for 20, 40 or 120 min. Poorer chick performance and PER were noted with chicks fed soybean flakes or flakes autoclaved for 10 min. When the diets were supplemented with methionine and lysine, the negative effects of inadequate heating were partially alleviated. The results indicated that adequate heating and amino acid supplementation of soybean flakes were both essential for maximal chick performance, that the two factors influence the utlization of the protein in different ways and that the two effects were additive.


Leucine imbalance in corn-soybean meal diets for laying hens.

Three experiments were conducted to study leucine X isoleucine X valine interactions in hens fed low-protein, corn-soybean meal diets. Addition of 0.75% L-leucine to diets containing 10 to 12% protein resulted in less feed intake and lowered production that could be overcome only by the addition of both 0.175% L-isoleucine and 0.35% DL-valine. Hens fed diets containing 16% and 19% protein were unaffected by the addition of as much as 2.25% L-leucine. Reduction of protein by dextrose dilution of high-protein diets resulted in improved performance when compared with regular low-protein diets because of the better amino acid balance in the diluted diets. This response was not correlated with the leucine content of the low-protein diets. It was concluded that the possibility of a leucine X isoleucine X valine interaction impairing the performance of hens fed low-protein corn-soymeal diets is very remote.


Effects of different cereal grains in diets for laying hens on production parameters and liver fat content.

Two experiments were conducted with White Leghorn laying hens to study the effects of different cereal grains on production criteria and liver fat content. The results of Experiment 1, in which pullets 21 weeks of age were used for a period of 22 weeks indicated that Gaines wheat or triticale (Trailblazer) were equal to corn in supporting egg production, egg weight and body weight, with comparable feed consumption. Henry wheat(a hard red winter class) was slightly, yet significantly (P less than 0.05) inferior to corn for the above criteria. No significant differences were observed among four treatments in wet liver weight and liver fat content. Hens fed the corn diet had significantly (P less than 0.05) lower carcass fat followed by the hens fed triticale in comparison with those fed Gaines or Henyry wheat. Mortality was very low and not related to dietary treatments. Neither dietary fat nor energy content was related to fat content of liver and carcass of the hens. Body weight and liver fat content were not closely related to each other. Wet liver weight was the only significantly (P less than 0.05) related factor to liver fat content. In the second experiment, in which hens 33 weeks of age were used for an experimental period of 20 weeks, opaque-2 corn was slightly superior to normal corn and triticale was comparable to normal corn in supporting egg production and egg weight. Supplementation of the diets containing the two corns and triticale with lysine failed to improve egg production and egg weight. Hens fed the diets containing either normal corn or opaque-2 corn as the only grain in the diet had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher liver fat content in comparison with hens fed the diet containing triticale as the only grain. Mortality, however, was much higher among hens fed triticale-containing diets in comparison with groups fed corn-containing diets in spite of the fact that they had significantly lower liver fat content. Regardless of dietary treatments or grains used, the hens that died were diagnosed to have fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome. Dietary fat content was postively and significantly (P less than 0.05) related to liver fat content. Dietary energy or body weight was not closely related to liver content. Liver fat content and mortality were negatively related to each other. The higher for content did not adversely affect laying performance.


Nervousness and hysteria of mature female chickens.

A type of abnormal nervousness and hysteria, e.g., adding nests and perches to community cages and and hysteria affecting White Leghorn female chickens 35 or more weeks of age was investigated in nine experiments. Experimental flocks in which the malady consistently occurred were housed in large group (community) cages. Limited information was obtained on three cases in commercial flocks housed on the floor. Social pressure resulting from high population density appeared to be primary causative factor, with pain apparently contributing to the final break to hysteria. Claw removal at one day of age prevented hysteria but not nervousness in one experiment. Colored light, feeding added niacin or a mild tranquilizer were not successful preventives. Short term feeding of a high level of niacin, claw trimming and forced molting afforded relief in some cases while a heavy sedative was ineffective as a curative. Modification of the environment to reduce social pressure was successful in preventing nervousness and hysteria, e.g., adding nests and perches to community cages and moving flocks to less crowded housing. Strain differences in tendency to develop hysteria were demonstrated. There were positive indications of physiological changes associated with hysteria.


Sulfur amino acid requirement and foot pad dermatitis in turkey poults.

Five experiments were conducted with Large White poults to determine the effect of methionine and other sulfur-containing compounds on the incidence and severity of dermatitis and on growth and feed efficiency to three or four weeks of age. The poults were housed in battery brooders with wire screen floors in four experiments" and in floor pens with litter in one experiment. Male turkeys were used in four experiments and female turkeys in one experiment. Either a corn-soy diet or a cornstarch-soy diet was used as the basal diet in the various studies. A high incidence of foot-pad dermatitis was observed in poults fed the basal diets unsupplemented with methionine. A high incidence of a dermatitis on the upper part of the beak was also observed in poults maintained in battery brooders but not in floor pens. Adding methionine to the diets significantly lowered the incidence and severity of dermatitis, but cystine and potassium sulfate failed to modify dermatitis. Some foot-pad dermatitis was still observed in poults fed levels of methionine more than adequate to meet the requirements for optimum growth and feed efficiency. The incidence and severity of foot-pad dermatitis generally increased with age during the experiment among poults fed methionine-supplemented diets. Although methionine deficiency is a major  cause of foot-pad dermatitis in poults, other environmental or dietary factors also appeared to be involved in the development of the  condition. The methionine requirement for optimum growth, feed efficiency, and prevention of dermatitis was approximately 0.6% or 2.1 g. per mcal. of metabolizable energy (M.E.). This is higher than the present recommendation of the National Research Council. With corn-soybean meal diets the requirement for total sulfur amino acids is approximately 1.05% or 3.7 g. per mcal. of M.E.


Arginine-lysine relationship in rapeseed meal.

A series of experiments was conducted using White Leghorn male chicks to study the arginine-lysine relationship in rapeseed meal (RSM). Semi-purified diets containing 15% protein either from RSM or soybean meal (SBM) were fed. Arginine supplementation completely reversed the growth depression caused by the addition of lysine to RSM diets. Potassium acetate was only partially effective in alleviating the growth depression caused by supplemental lysine, while polyvinyl pyrrolidone significantly reduced chick performance. Tannic acid addition (1.5%) to SBM diets resulted in a severe growth depression which was partially corrected by the supplementation of arginine in the presence of methionine. Supplementation of these amino acids to RSM had a less drastic effect. It is suggested that a portion of the arginine in rapeseed meal may be required for metabolic processes involved in tannic acid excretion.


Comparative responses of White Leghorn and New Hampshire chickens to experimental infections with Histomonas meleagridis and Heterakis gallinarium.

Experimental infections with Histomonas melegridis and Heterakis gallinarum were produced in young White Leghorn (W.L.) and New Hampshire (N.H.) chickens and Beltsville Small White turkeys (B.S.W.T.). Although the histomonads caused liver lesions and high mortality in B.S.W.T., infections in chickens were not fatal and were confined to the ceca. Cecal involvement in the W.L. was slightly more severe, but also more transitory, than in the N.H. With regard to length, survival, and reproductive capacity, the heterakids thrived best in the W.L. Furthermore, the W.L. had the greatest potential for disseminating Histomonas-bearing heterakid eggs. These findings are similar to those of a previous study with the same breeds of birds but with a different strain of W.L. Thus, the differences in responses according to breed were quite consistent, whereas any difference according to strain was insignificantly by comparison.


The influence of turmeric and curcumin on cholesterol concentration of eggs and tissues.

An experiment was conducted in order to study the hypocholesteremic effect of tumeric and its coloring principle namely curcumin both in the presence and absence of dietary cholesterol. Laying hens were used as the experimental animals and they were fed the experimental diets for a duration of 8 weeks. The results of the experiment showed that tumeric or various levels of curcumin had no adverse effect on egg production, egg weight and feed to egg ratio. Moreover tumeric or various levels of curcumin both in the presence and absence of dietary cholesterol did not reduce the fat or cholesterol levels of plasma, liver or the egg yolk. An interesting finding from this experiment was that the egg yolk cholesterol levels of cholesterol fed groups sharply increased at the beginning of the experiment, and thereafter they gradually decreased and tended to approach the normal levels at the termination of the experiment. The possible reasons for variation in egg yolk cholesterol levels of cholesterol-fed groups with time is discussed.


An evaluation of the L-methionine activity of the hydroxy analogue of methionine.

Three product forms of methionine hydroxy analogue were prepared for biological evaluation of their L-methionine activity for broiler strain chickens (Vantress x Arbor Acres). Two samples of the acid of the analogue HA-50, LMA-70 and one sample of a commercial grade (90%) MHA were standarized by gas liquid chromatography to contain a known amount of L-methionine activity as the free analogue acid. Each product form was tested in a separate experiment. The experimental chickens were fed a practical corn-soybean meal basal diet for the first seven days of the test. A semi-purified diet composed primarily of cerelose, isolated soybean protein and soybean meal was used for the remainder of the experimental period. HA-50 and the commercial form of the hydroxy analogue were formulated to contain 50% L-methionine activity. Hence, they were added to the diets at 0.1 and 0.2% and compared to the L-methionine standard which was added to levels of 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15%. LMA-70 was formulated to contain 70% L-methionine activity and was added to the experimental diets at 0.07 and 0.14% and compared to the L-methionine standard at the same levels used in the other experiments. Statistical analysis of four-week data revealed no difference between the biological response of L-methionine and the three forms of the analogue when tested at comparable L-methionine activity levels. The biological of the analogue products was in good agreement with the L-methionine activity determined by gas liquid chromatography.


Fungus-fermented soybeans benefit the life cycle of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

Feeding quail chicks diets containing soybeans fermented with two cultures of Aspergilli (A. oryzae N.R.R.L. 451 and A. oryzae N.R.R.L. 506) resulted in significantly superior weight gains (p less than 0.05) through a 4-week growth period and confirmed previous observations made with identical cultures in broiler studies. Subsequent hen-day egg production and egg size were changed little by diets containing fermented soybeans. The numerical increases in fertility and hatchability were not significant. Progeny also responded to the fermented soybean diets, some carry-over effects were evident.


A comparison of iron bioassay diets.

Two broiler chick experiments wer conducted to evaluate four basal diets for iron bioassay suitability. The test basal diets, identified according to their principal ingredients and iron content, were: (1) starch-skim milk - 15 p.p.m., (2) degerminated corn-skin milk - 18 p.p.m. (3) degermianted corn-fish meal-isolated soy - 45 p.p.m., and (4) degermianted corn-fish meal-dehulled soy - 59p.p.m. Significant differences between an iron source with known low availability (ferric oxide) and a highly available iron source (ferrous sulfate) were not detected with the degerminated corn-fish meal-isolated soy or the degerminated corn-fish meal-dehulled soy diets. Likewise, there were no significant differences found between supplemental iron levels, 10 and 20 p.p.m. The corn-skim milk and starch-skim milk diets were both found to be satisfactory for iron bioassays. However, the sample size needed to estimate the population mean was almost twice as great for the starch-skim milk fed groups, than was needed for the corn-skim milk fed groups which indicates the corn-skim milk diet obtained greater sensitivity in testing iron sources and levels. Mortality was excessively high in the starch-skim milk fed group. Ferrous sulfate was superior to ferric oxide as a source of iron.


Chronic administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol to pregnant rats: studies of pup behavior and placental transfer.

Tritiated delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol was administered orally to female rats throughout pregnancy at a dose level of 2 mg/kg/day. Chemical analysis of rat pup tissues indicated an average drug level near 20 ng/gm was attained via placental transfer. Although there was no teratogenicity, the pups showed both transient and relatively permanent behavioral effects. A deficit in acquisition of a passive avoidance response at 21 days of age was observed. This effect was not apparent during retraining and testing at 90 days of age. Rats whose dams had received the drug forced control animals to back out of a push tube in 67% of the tests at 21 days of age and 94% of the tests at 90 days of age.


Dopaminergic involvement in withdrawal hypothermia and thermoregulatory behavior in morphine dependent rats.

Thermoregulatory behavior was assessed in the rat by measuring the time taken to escape from a radiant heat source. The time to excape and the rise in core temperature accompanying exposure to heat were greater in morphine dependent (1 X 75 mg SC pellet implant for 72 hr) than in control rats. Injection of naloxone (1 mg/kg) into dependent rats produced a withdrawal hypothermia and decreased the time taken to escape from the heat source. Since rats undergoing withdrawal avoided heat at the same time that their core temperature was falling, the hypothermia is most likely due to a downward setting of the central thermostats rather than a direct activation of heat loss pathways. Both the withdrawal hypothermia and the behavioral changes were blocked by pimozide pretreatment (0.5 mg/kg) implicating a dopaminergic mechanism in the downward setting of the thermostats. Administration of naloxone 144 hr after pellet implantation produced similar effects to those in the 72 hr implanted group. Injection of morphine sulfate (4 mg/kg) 144 hr after implantation increased both the core temperature and the time taken to escape from heat suggesting that the effect of morphine in the dependent rat is to produce an upward setting of the thermostats.


Chronic morphine administration: plasma levels and withdrawal syndrome in rats.

Morphine, administered to Sprague-Dawley rats over a period of 65 hr either by the simultaneous implantation of two 75 mg pellets, or by a series of twice daily 20 or 30 mg/kg injections, produced dependence as indicated by the precipitation of the abstinence syndrome with the antagonist, naloxone. Plasma morphine levels, analyzed fluorometrically at various times during the treatment procedures, revealed peak concentrations that were 3 or 4 fold higher for injected animals than the maximum steady-state level established in the pellet-implanted animals. The calculated plasma concentration of the drug over time was not statistically different for the groups. It is noted that although the 2 methods of morphine administration produce a qualitatively identical dependent state, the pellet implantation technique causes greater weight loss and a higher incidence of jumping and wet-dog shakes during withdrawal.


Intraventricular 6-hydroxydopamine lowers isolation-induced fighting behavior in male mice.

Male mice with high isolation-induced fighting tendencies were administered 200 mug 6-OHDA or vehicle intraventricularly and tested for fighting tendency for up to 10 weeks until sacrifice, and assayed for brain NE levels. A strong correlation was found between NE depletion and reduced fighting tendency after 6-OHDA treatment. The depressed fighting by mice with less than 200 ng. NE/g persisted throughout a series of test fights, indicating no recovery in fighting behavior throughout the survival time.


Stimulus specific effect of scotophobin on mouse plasma corticoids.

Scotophobin is a peptide previously extracted from brains of rodents shocked in the dark compartment of a white/dark apparatus and identified as the behaviorally active dark avoidance-inducing factor. This study attempted to ascertain whether a  stable synthetic analog of scotophobin induced no adrenocortical stress reaction, a generalized, unconditioned stress reaction, or a stress reaction selectively triggered by the dark compartment of the apparatus. Twenty eight mice were injected IP with the synthetic substance and 28 with placebo. A day later half of each group was placed in the dark compartment and the other half in the light compartment. Fifteen min afterward, the animals were bled, and serum samples were obtained. Plasma corticoid levels were determined by radioassay. Only the animals injected with scotophobin analog and exposed to the dark box had elevated levels. The interaction effect between drug treatment and light or dark environment was highly significant.


[Dynamics of prolactin-I125 accumulation in the organs of lactating rats and its subcellular distribution in mammary tissue].

A study was made of the dynamics of prolactin-I125 accumulation in the kidneys, mammary gland and the liver of lactating rats in the course of 100 min. after the administration of the hormone. Absorption of the labeled prolactin occurred most intensively in the kidneys, where it splits. Iodides served as the principal radioactive product of prolactin-I125 splitting in the urine. The liver displayed no significant prolactin-binding activity. Prolactin-I125 accumulation in the mammary gland occurred at a constant rate. In this tissue labeled prolactin was localized outside the cells -- at first in the lymphatic and intercellular space and then -- in milk. The interval from the time of the hormone accumulation in the tissue to the appearance of radioactive products in milk was about 13 minutes. Prolactin-binding fragments of plasmatic membranes of the mammary gland cells were distributed in fractionation of this tissue by the method of differential centrifugation in the mitochondrial, lysosomal and microsomal fractions.


Tolerance to amphetamine in two species (rat and guinea pig) that metabolize it differently.

It has been proposed that p-hydroxynorephedrine, a metabolite of amphetamine, is responsible for the tolerance that occurs to this drug. To test this idea, the development of tolerance to amphetamine has been examined in two species, the rat and the guinea pig, the former of which produces p-hydroxynorephedrine from amphetamine while the latter does not. In both species, tolerance develops to the anorectic and hyperthermic actions of amphetamine, and similar changes in the pattern of behavioural stimulation are seen.


Assessment of the reliability of and the effect of neutral instructions on the symptom ratings on the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire.

The Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) Form T, was analyzed for split-half and test-retest reliability. Also, an Experimental Group (N = 47)received neutral instructions to determine if knowledge of the purpose of the questionnaire would affect symptom ratings. Results indicated that the MDQ is internally consistent and does have high test-retest reliability. Also, altered instructions did not significantly affect symptom ratings. However, the MDQ, Form T, was not able to differentiate between Ss who were in different menstrual cycle phases when completing the questionnaire. It is suggested that Form T be used instead as originally intended to compare the ratings of different Ss in different cycle phases.


The release of prostaglandin F2alpha as reflected by 15-keto-13,14-dihydroprostaglandin F2alpha in the peripheral circulation during normal luteolysis in heifers.

Progesterone and the main plasma metabolite of PGF2alpha, 15-keto-13, 14-dihydro-PGF2alpha, were determined at hourly intervals in the peripheral circulation during luteolysis in two heifers. The prostaglandin release was found to occur during 2-3 days as rapid pulses with a duration of 1-5 hours prior to and during luteolysis, which was indicated by decreasing levels of progesterone.


The synchronization of oestrus and subsequent fertility in ewes following treatment with a synthetic prostaglandin analogue (ONO 453).

ONO 453, a synthetic analogue of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) is a potent luteolytic agent in cycling ewes when given as a single intramuscular injection. The drug was effective in doses of 2 mg when administered after day 3 of the oestrous cycle. It is well tolerated by ewes, producing no apparent signs of toxicity at 5 mg and only a mild transient increase in the respiratory rate at 10 mg. To synchronise oestrus two dosing regimens were examined; a single i.m. dose of 2 mg administered without reference to the day of the oestrous cycle, and 2 injections of 2 mg administered 7 days apart. With the first method 86.6 per cent of the ewes were in oestrus within 24-50 hours of treatment, with the second, 82 per cent were in oestrus within 30-54 hours. To test the fertility of the oestrus following ONO 453-induced luteolysis, both groups of ewes were run with fertile rams and 86 per cent and 70.8 per cent of those induced by the single or double injection respectively, conceived and lambed.


The experimental production of haemolytic disease of the newborn in calves.

Haemolytic disease in varying degrees of severity was produced experimentally in 15 newborn calves. Blood group antibodies, incompatible with some of the blood group factors of the calves, were produced in the dams of these calves by inoculation with non-parasitised red blood cells from the sire in most cases. These antibodies were absorbed by the calves from the colostrum. The resultant sensitisation of the calves' red cells produced acute intravascular haemolysis causing haemoglobinuria and anaemia. The principal factor governing the severity of the condition appeared to be the amount of sensitising antibody absorbed by the calf. The finding of leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenaemia, a reduction in plasma coagulation factors and the detection of fibrinogen degradation products indicated that disseminated intravascular coagulation occurs in this condition and is the cause of death in the acute cases where a haemorrhagic diathesis, fibrin deposition and oedema of the lungs are the main clinical and post mortem observations.


[The study of platelet kinetics with 51Cr labeled platelets (author's transl)].

After infusion of 51Cr--labeled isologous platelets into one patient with no hematological disease and into four patients with thrombocytopenia, radioactivity was measured from 1 to 8 days. Normal platelets survival was determined as 7 to 8 days in the first patient, whereas the thrombocytopenic patients showed a reduced survival, between 1 to 2 days. The percentage of maximum recovery of transfused platelets was severely reduced in those patients with thrombocytopenia, ranging from 13 to 18%, as compared with the normal 50% found in the first patient. Surface scanning of the spleen, liver and precordium, served as an index for selective platelet sequestration, and it was positive only in case of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Despite the low incorporation to the platelets, 51Cr seems to be a suitable label as well as the method described. The pathological aspects of the platelets survival are discussed.


Organochlorine and mercury residues in the harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus).

Samples of blubber, liver, kidney and brain, obtained from 10 male, 6 female neonatal, and 4 lactating female harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus), were analysed for DDT, dieldrin, PCB, and total mercury. Methyl mercury levels in blood were also determined. Biocide deposition was not significantly different in female and male ten day old pups. There were no significant differences in biocide levels in the liver of the 14/+ day old males, but in blubber there were significant differences in dieldrin and DDT. There was no clear relationship between biocide levels in the 6-18 year old lactating adults and their pups. Younger adult seals (6 and 7 years) were found to have higher levels of PCB and sigmaDDT levels in their blubber than did older females (10 and 18 years). Wide intraspecific variation was noted in organochlorine and mercury residue levels. Pups taken in 1973 were found to have lower organochlorine residues than pups taken in the same area in 1971. Preliminary investigation indicates that detectable amounts of organochlorine and mercury residues are capable of crossing the placenta in the harp seal.


Genetic predisposition and stress-induced hypertension.

When chronically exposed to an approach-avoidance conflict, rats with a genetic susceptibility to hypertension showed persisten elevations in systolic blood pressure, but rats with a genetic resistance to hypertension did not. Hence, psychic stress is selectively efficacious in producing hypertensive effects depending on genetic predisposition of the animal.


Thromboxanes: selective biosynthesis and distinct biological properties.

The prostaglandin endoperoxide ring structure alone does not establish suitability as a substrate for thromboxane synthetase, but the degree of unsaturation and carbon chain length are also essential features. Thus, human platelet microsomes can synthesize thromboxane A2, thromboxane A3, but not thromboxane A1 from their respective endoperoxides. The potent vasoconstrictor property of thromboxanes can be dissociated from its capacity to produce platelet aggregation. Furthermore, thromboxane formation is not an essential process in platelet aggregation. The observations indicate the remarkable structural specificity of both the synthetic enzymes, cyclooxygenase and thromboxane synthetase, as well as the vascular and platelet receptor sites.


Memory: proline induces retrograde amnesia in chicks.

Intracerebral injection of L-proline, 1 minute after one-trial avoidance training of chicks, impaired memory 24 hours later. Chicks injected with proline 1 or 4 hours after training and controls injected with L-isoleucine at intervals after training, showed no impairment of memory 24 hours after training. The retrograde impairment of long-term memory induced by proline occurred without the convulsions or electrographic events usually associated with retrograde amnesic treatments.


Copper supplementation in quaking mutant mice: reduced tremors and increased brain copper.

Mice homozygous for the mutant gene quaking (qk) with a high frequency of axial tremors had a low concentration of copper in the brain. Supplementation during pregnancy and lactation with a high level of dietary copper greatly reduced the frequency of tremors and brought brain copper level to normal in the off-spring. It is suggested that qk affects copper metabolism.


Suceptibility of mice to audiogenic seizures is increased by handling their dams during gestation.

Fetal mice treated on days 10, 11, and 12 of gestation by injecting the mothers with (i) 50 milligrams of beta-2-thienylalanine, (ii) solvent, or (iii) sham injection had identical frequencies of audiogenic seizures when tested 23 days after birth; these frequencies were significantly higher than those of an unhandled control group. Results of the sham treatment suggest that maternal stress induced by handling, rather than the nature of the substance injected, increased the susceptibility of the offspring to seizures.


Yolk sac carcinoma.

Yolk sac carcinoma is an uncommon neoplasm which has appeared under a variety of names. It has been reported not only in gonadal sites but also in the mediastinum, pineal body, and sacral areas. The typical histologic appearance of this tumor and the variety of locations are demonstrated by four case reports. A 57-year-old patient with an ovarian tumor is thought to be the oldest patient reported to date.


Protozoan and helminthic infections of the intestines of humans in the inyanga area of Rhodesia.

A survey of the protozoan and helminth species which infest the intestines of the people in the lnyanga area of Rhodesia has revealed a wide range of species. Of the protozoa, Entamoeba coli was by far the commonest species encountered (45,8%) and of the helminths, hookworms (8,2%) were the most common.


Foods for infants allergic to cow's milk.

This article provides a reference guide to commercially available baby foods in South Africa and indicates which of these foods contain cow's milk. This information is of importance in the nutritional management of babies.


[Trials of artificial vaginas for bulls (author's transl)].

Introduction of short artificial vaginas with smooth plastic inner liners and without any internal pressure reduced the bacterial contamination of bull semen to a very considerable extent. Moreover, semen production increased, partly because of lower semen losses in short artificial vaginas with smooth inner liners which were not under pressure, partly because more intensive sexual preparation of the bulls was required to collect semen with this type of artificial vagina. When adequate sexual preparation of the bulls is practised, all bulls will accept short artificial vaginas with smooth inner liners which are not under pressure. The use of particularly rough rubber inner liners in artificial vaginas for bulls and using long artificial vaginas with internal pressure is not advisable because of unnecessarily high semen losses in the artificial vagina and unnecessary contamination of the crude semen.


The histochemical localization of cholesterol in formalin-fixed and fresh frozen sections.

The premixed cholesterol reagent (acetic acid, sulphuric acid, ferric chloride and phosphoric acid) employed in a spectrophotometric method for serum cholesterol determinations was applied to frozen sections of various rat and rabbit tissues. The histochemical reaction was compared with the results obtained by the classical Schultz reaction. The same bluish-green color was observed after treatment of formalin-fixed and fresh cryostat sections incubated in 2.5% iron alum at 37 C for 3 days. The premixed cholesterol reagent is stable for years at room temperature if stored in a brown bottle and is thus readily available for routine use.


Studies on the livestock of southern Darfur, Sudan. III. Production traits in sheep.

The results of an intensive 15 months' study of 10 flocks of indigenous sheep are recorded. Lambing rates approach 1.5 lambs per ewe per year, but a death rate of 23 per cent and an offtake of 27 per cent, means that flock numbers are probably slightly declining. Twins account for 14 per cent of all births but the death rate of twin lambs is almost twice that of single lambs up to 6 months of age. Increased productivity is therefore more likely to be achieved by improving the survival and growth rates of single lambs than by selection for twinning. The weighted average rate of lightweight gain for all surviving lambs is 82 g per day up to 1 year of age, and is better than that recorded for any other indigenous African sheep. Meat production per kg of breeding female, at 0.253 kg up to 6 months of age of the young, is almost six times the production of cattle under the same management and environmental conditions, but is inferior to that of goats.


Factors affecting the production and composition of Egyptian buffalo milk.

The data comprise 254 first and 150 second 305-day lactation records of buffaloes and their dams at Mahalet Mousa Experimental Station. These records were used for the evaluation of the effect of various factors upon 305-day milk yield. The average daily milk yield and percentage constituents were measured on 58 lactation records. Samples were taken on the seventh, fourteenth and thirtieth day post-partum and at 30 day intervals throughout the lactation. The parameters studied were: age at first calving, 305-day milk yield and butter fat, protein and total solids contents percentages. Average age at first calving was 42.9 and 40.9 months for heifers and their dams, respectively. Average 305-day milk yield was 1,004.3 kg and 1,552.7 for first and second lactations, respectively. The later age at which buffalo cows produce their first calf, the greater the milk production in first lactation. Buffaloes that calve in summer produce more milk than those which calve in winter months. Average fat, protein and total solids percentages were 6.59, 4.11 and 16.52 respectively, in the first lactation and 6.63, 3.99 and 16.48 respecitvely in the second lactation. Phenotypic correlations between milk yield and yields of constituents were high and positive. Those among constituent percentages were positive and moderate. In general, correlations between milk yield and constituents content were negative. Milk yield increased after calving towards a peak ranging between 30 and 90 days for the first and second lactations, respectively. Constituent percentages were high at the beginning, declining thereafter as milk yield increased, followed by a gradual rise till the end of lactation.


Naturally occurring and braken-fern-induced bovine urinary bladder tumors. Clinical and morphological characteristics.

Clinical and morphological characteristics of 139 naturally occurring and 20 braken-fern-induced urinary bladder tumors of cows were studied. Hematuria was prominent and occurred as early as 60 days after braken fern feeding began. Anemia and changes in leukocytes were late manifestations. Papillomas appeared as early as 1 year, whereas invasive carcinomas did not develop until 2.6 years after initiation of feeding. Twenty of 30 cows fed braken fern developed bladder tumors within 5.3 years. None of eight untreated control cows that lived 4 years or six that lived 10 years developed neoplasms. Naturally occurring and fern-induced bladder tumors were epithelial (35%) or mixed epithelial and stromal (55%). Papillomas occurred in 24% and carcinomas in 61% of naturally occurring cases, whereas there were papillomas (40%) and carcinomas (50%) in fern-fed cows. Naturally occurring tumors were metastatic to regional lymph nodes and lung. No metastases were detected in fern-fed cows.


Adenine metabolism during and after exchange transfusions in newborn infants with CPD-adenine blood.

CPD-adenine blood (adenine in a final concentration of 0.25 mmol/1) was used in exchange transfusions in four newborn infants. The amount of adenine in one exchange transfusion ranged from 27 to 29 mumol per kg bodyweight. The maximum P-adenine concentration during the exchange transfusions ranged from 4 to 8 mumol/1 but decreased to pretransfusion levels 20 minutes after the exchange transfusions. During a 24-hour period following the exchange transfusions, the total urine excretion of adenine and 2,8-dihydroxyadenine corresponded to 0.5 to 1.3 per cent of the given adenine dose calculated on a molar basis. Accumulated data indicate that CPD-adenine blood can be used even in repeated exchange transfusions in newborn infants.


The respiratory tract immune system in the pig. I. Distribution of immunoglobulin-containing cells in the respiratory tract mucosa.

The number of cells containing immunoglobulins A, G and M in the respiratory tract mucosa of pigs from birth to maturity was assessed using the immunoperoxidase technique. Immunoglobulin-containing cells first appeared at 6-7 days of age and rose rapidly to reach levels at 3-4 weeks similar to those in the adult. IgA-containing cells predominated at all sites in all age groups, although there were significant proportions of cells containing IgM and IgG. Our findings suggest that IgA is transported into secretions via the mixed mucoserous glands of the nasal and tracheobronchial mucosa, and that this route is also operative for colostral IgA absorbed from the gut in the baby pig.


The respiratory tract immune system in the pig. II. associated lymphoid tissues.

The distribution of immunoglobulins A, G and M were assessed in the bronchial lymph node and palantine tonsil of pigs from birth to maturity, using the immunoperoxidase technique. Immunoglobulin-containing cells appeared earlier in the tonsil than in the lymph node; this probably reflects the exposure of the tonsil to environmental antigens. IgG-containing cells predominated after the first 3 weeks of life, but the IgA:IgG ratio was much higher in the tonsil than in the lymph node. Extracellular, reticular staining was visible in the central region of some follicles in addition to a few immunoglobulin-containing cells that resembled large lymphocytes or blast cells.


[Impairment of several forms of lymphocyte and hematopoietic stem cell interaction during tumor growth].

The effect of the interaction between lymphocytes from tumor-bearing mice and stem cells was studied. It was found that in the process of tumor growth the property of lymphocytes to inactivate nonsyngeneic stem cells was not impaired. At the same time, during the process of tumor growth the property of lymphocytes to induce redifferentiation of syngeneic hemopoietic stem cells and to render a stimulating effect on the colony-forming activity of stem cells of the bone marrow is impaired under conditions of a manifested allogenic inhibition.


Rare Diego blood group phenotype Di(a+b-), I. Anti-Dib causing hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn was observed in the third child of a mother whose blood had rare Diego blood group phenotype Di(a+b-). The baby's blood was Di(a+b+) and gave positive direct anti-globulin test. The mother's serum contained anti-Dib antibody active in the anti-globulin method, which was judged to have caused the hemolytic disease of the newborn.


[Late results of surgery in muscular subvalvular aortic stenosis].

Pre- and postoperative clinical and hemodynamic findings of 35 patients operated for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy are presented. One early death and three av-blocks necessitating a permanent pacemaker have to be mentioned as surgical complications. In all cases, an outflow tract obstruction was abolished or greatly diminished and symptoms disappeared or were considerably improved. Two patients died after recurrence of congestive heart failure during the late follow-up. Furthermore, the occurrence of reappearance of different arrhythmias up to 10 years postoperatively are evidence of the progression of the disease despite of surgical treatment. Sudden death has not occurred in a total of 150 patient-years of postoperative follow-up. Thus, the operation abolishes the stenosis and relieves symptoms; on the other hand, it cannot be stated to what degree surgery improves the prognosis.


[Use of organ cultures of animal trachea and lung for studying respiratory viruses].

Organ cultures of the trachea and the lungs of newborn guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, cow and pig embryos supported multiplication of influenza A2 and adenovirus type 3 viruses. Trachea organ cultures were shown to be more sensitive to the viruses under study. Organ cultures of the chicken trachea can be used for diagnosis of respitaroy virus infections.


Regulation and metabolic background of polyketide formation. I. Effects of (-)-hydroxycitrate and metabolic roles of citrate and malate in fatty acid and polyketide formations.

The effects of (-)-hydroxycitrate on fatty acid and alternariol syntheses from glucose and acetate in Alternaria alternata were investigated. Fatty acid synthesis from glucose and acetate was inhibited by (-)-hydroxycitrate. The inhibition could partly be removed by the addition of malate or isocitrate. Alternariol synthesis from glucose was also inhibited by (-)-hydroxycitrate. This inhibition was not influenced to the same extent by malate addition as was that of fatty acid synthesis. It is shown that ATP -citrate lyase is essential not only for the production of cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA but also for the production of NADPH by supplying malate via oxaloacetate.


Secondary amenorrhoea and oral contraceptives.

Eight-seven cases of secondary amenorrhoea of more than 6 months' duration developing after treatment with oral contraceptives (group I) were compared with 227 cases of secondary amenorrhoea not preceded by treatment with combined tablets (group II). The two groups were collected during the same period. The average age of the patients was 4 years higher in group I than in group II. Oligomenorrhoea and previously occurred in 30% of group I and in 46% of group II. Pronounced predisposing factors., such as psychogenic trauma and stress with or without considerable change in body weight, were encountered in 26% in group I and 56% in group II. The incidence of increased urinary output of 17-keto steroids, 17-ketogenic steroids and of hirsutism was slightly higher in group II. The percentage of eosinophilic cells in vaginal scrapings was low in 20% in group I as compared with 46% in group II. Spontaneous return of pituitary-ovarian function occurred in 40% in both groups. Patients recovering spontaneously in group I presented a maximum during the first few months, followed by a steady and fairly uniform decline. Spontaneous recovery in group II was more or less independent of time. It seems reasonable to believe that oral contraceptives did promote or contribute to the development of secondary amenorrhoea in about 50%, representing cases with various predisposing factors. A causal relation between oral contraceptives and secondary amenorrhoea was indicated in the remaining 50% because of perfectly normal ovarian function before treatment and absence of predisposing factors.


Renal function as a marker of human fetal maturation.

Sixty clinically well infants of various gestational ages (27 to 40 weeks) were studied from 24-40 hours after birth to evaluate glomerular filtration rate and renal excretion rate of sodium at various stages of fetal maturation. Creatinine clearance was directly related to gestational as (r = 0.643). Fractional sodium excretion was inversely related to gestational age (r = -0.755). The renal functions of small for gestational age infants were similar to those of full-term infants whose birth weights were appropriate for gestational age. The data showed that the glomerular functions of an infant below 32 weeks of gestation were more predominant than the tubular function resulting in a greater fractional sodium excretion rate and higher urinary Na loss in infants of this gestational age, when compared with the more mature infants.


Familial hypokalaemia and hypomagnesaemia. A further family.

A family of four siblings is reported. While both parents and one sib appear entirely normal, three other sibs give biochemical evidence of impaired potassium conservation, hypomagnesaemia and decreased urinary calcium output. Affected sibs may be symptom free and of either sex. The dominant clinical abnormality, when it does occur, is tetany and may be precipitated by non-specific illness. Sustained management of the hypokalaemia seems desirable.


Serological interrelationships in avian mycoplasma serotypes.

A study of 18 standard avian mycoplasma and their antisera employing indirect haemagglutination test revealed distinct relationships among avian mycoplasma serotypes, so that they could be classified into 9 groups.


Growth of rubella virus in primary rabbit kidney cell cultures maintained with and without calf serum.

Rubella virus growth was tested in primary rabbit kidney cell cultures, maintained with or without calf serum. In fluid phase of the cultures maintained with 1.5% of heat-inactivated calf serum, the infectious virus titers were much higher than in the system without serum. The differences reached 1.5-2.0 log10 TCID50/ml. Virus multiplication curves also ran different courses. In serum-containing system virus titer increased up to the 9th day post infection, while without serum--only up to 4-5 days. The time of appearance and the type of cytopathic effect were not affected by the absence of serum or by its presence in a concentration of 1.5%.


Transsphenoidal neurosurgery of intracranial neoplasm.

Because of the benign, rapid, and nontraumatizing nature of the extracranial transsphenoidal approach to the base of the skull, this procedure is indicated as the method of choice in nearly all cases of surgery for pituitary fossa and parasellar region access. Some of the largest pituitary chromophobe adenomas with voluminous suprasellar expansion have been successfully excised from below, as well as some calcified tumors, craniopharyngiomas, Rathke's pouch cysts, chordomas, chondromas, and meningiomas. At the other extreme, the smallest intrapituitary microadenomas (as little as 3 mm in diameter) were selectively removed under optic magnification with the surgical microscope. This method is now the most appropriate for the treatment of oversecreting pituitary disorders, even with normal-sized sella turcica (acromegaly - Cushing -galactorrhea). Early detection of intrapituitary microadenoma allows achievement of its selective excision with preservation of the normal gland. Thus, the ideal goal can be achieved by immediate biological cure of hyperpituitarism with preservation of other pituitary functions, resulting in normal physiological eupituitarism.


Spectrum of coronary artery disease in idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis.

The spectrum of coronary arterial involvement is described in 42 patients with hemodynamically proved idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. Of nine patients with significant coronary arterial involvement, six had atheromatous disease and three had coronary arterial anomalies. The hemodynamic and clinical features of patients with coronary arterial involvement did not differ significantly from those of patients with normal coronary arteries. Neither the severity nor the character of the chest pain distinguished those patients with coronary disease. The diagnostic electrocardiographic features of myocardial infarction classically seen in patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis were not present in the 9 patients with coronary arterial involvement but were found in 8 of the 33 patients with normal coronary arteries. The data demonstrate a significant incidence of coronary arterial involvement in patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis after age 45 years.


Failure of hyaluronidase to alter the early course of acute myocardial infarction in pigs.

The effect of hyaluronidase on the early course of acute myocardial infarction was evaluated in closed chest anesthetized pigs. One hour after balloon catheter occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery, hyaluronidase (500 units/kg body weight) was rapidly infused in 10 animals while 9 received no treatment. The animals were than observed over the next 4 hours. Cardiac output, heart rate, mean arterial pressure and left atrial pressure were not significantly affected by treatment. Heart rate increased and arterial pressure decreased in each group to a comparable degree of 5 hours, but left atrial pressure and cardiac output were unaffected. Precordial S-T segment mapping revealed no significant difference between the two groups. S-T segments rose to a comparable degree in each group and peaked before 1 hour. Hyaluronidase had no acute effects on the S-T segment map in the first 30 minutes after infusion or during the subsequent return of the map toward control level. Slightly lower S-T segments in the hyaluronidase-treated group at 5 hours was of borderline significance but was attributed to factors other than the drug intervention. Changes in ventricular wall motion were assessed angiographically, and all animals manifested akinetic or dyskinetic segments. A significant reduction in shortening fraction of involved segments was seen after occlusion, but no difference was observed between the two groups at 5 hours. Shortening fraction of the combined anterior and anteropical segments decreased from 66 +/- 10 to 20 +/- 6 percent at 5 hours in the hyaluronidase group (no. = 7) whereas in the control group (no. = 6) it decreased from 68 +/- 6 to 28 +/- 9 percent. Comparable increases in end-diastolic volume were also present at 5 hours in each group. Volumes increased from 80.6 +/- 5.1 to 97.5 +/- 6.4 ml3 at 5 hours (P less than 0.05) in the hyaluronidase-treated group (no. = 10) compared with 86.9 +/- 8.9 to 104.8 +/- 11.0 ml3 (P less than 0.05) in the control group (no. = 8). Hyaluronidase did not alter the early course of acute myocardial infarction in pigs. Species differences may contribute to different results reported to date.


Cytological development of yolk sac endoderm and protein-absorptive mesothelium in the little brown bat, Myotis lucifugus.

The yolk sac of the little brown bat is unusual in that during the course of gestation both the inner endodermal cells (bordering the yolk sac cavity) and outer mesothelium (facing the exocelom) form simple columnar epithelia which persist throughout gestation. These endodermal cells develop an extensive system of agranular endoplasmic reticulum, numerous lipid droplets and unusual "giant" mitochondria. During development the Golgi apparatus changes position from the apical to the basal side of the nucleus, reversing the polarity of the cells. In general, the endodermal cells have cytological features suggestive of synthetic or secretory activity. The mesothelial cells develop an extensive "absorptive apparatus" in their apices, while large crystalloid-containing granules become numerous in their basal cytoplasm. The mesothelial cells have large deposits of glycogen, especially during mid-gestation, but few mitochondria and little granular endoplasmic reticulum. Endodermal cells do not absorb exogenous protein (peroxidase) even if it is injected directly into the yolk sac cavity. However, placement of peroxidase either in the exocelom or in the maternal vascular system results in the appearance of this protein in the "absorptive apparatus" of mesothelial cells as well as in macrophages in the stroma of the yolk sac. While evidence of absorption was clear, no direct evidence of transport of tracer to fetal blood vascular system was obtained. It is postulated that a major function of the hypertrophied mesothelial cells during gestation is the absorption of proteins and possibly other substances from the exocelomic fluid. The major function of the hypertrophied endodermal cells may be synthesis and secretion of substances into the fetal circulation.


Electro-acupuncture's influence on the closure mechanism of the female urethra in incontinence.

The influence of electro-acupuncture on the sphincter of the female urethra was checked on 20 patients with stress incontinence without gross anatomic variation. This was determined by means of simultaneous cysto-urethromethrometry. After 30 minutes of electric stimulation through acupuncture needles which were placed into the skin of the lower legs and lower abdomen, a significant increase in the so-called "closing pressure" was found. Seventeen patients even showed positive pressure. In a control group of another 20 patients who, however, did not undergo acupuncture, there were only two cases of slight increase in closing pressure. In addition, a second control group of 20 patients was given a placebo suppository in order to eliminate any psychic factor as far as possible. Significant change of the closing pressure could not be found in any of these cases. Even though the actual working mechanism of electro-acupuncture is not understood, these experiments seem to confirm the assumption of electro-acupuncture's positive influence on the closing mechanism of the female urethra.


Systematic isolation of the genus Alternaria in the atmosphere of the "Grande Sao Paulo" area (Brazil).

The genus Alternaria has been isolated from the atmosphere of several countries and its spores are considered as having a strong allergenic power. The description of the genus isolation with a relative frequency was noted in the following countries: Mexico, the United States of America, Canada, Great Britain, Spain, South Africa, Denmark and Argentina. Many Brazilian authors have pointed out the rare incidence of this genus excluding Faria (5) who recorded in the city of Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, a frequency of 21.1%. Several authors have failed to detect Alternaria sp. spores in the atmosphere of the city of Sao Paulo. As we were studying in our laboratory the airborne fungi of a region called Greater Sao Paulo, where the collections were made in some boroughs of the main city and its neighborhood, we began to make findings of the Alternaria sp. This gave us the opportunity of studying its incidence in that area during a period of one year. We chose 11 areas of this region where we made weekly plate expositions performing 429 trials in all. The technique of collection was the usual one with the exposition of the Petri dishes containing Sabouraud Agar distributed 72 hours before. The collection was made from September 1973 to August 1974. The exposition period was of 5 minutes duration in the open air or in a protected place when it rained. The exposition height was 1 meter from the ground. The identification was made through the colony macroscopic morphology and through the Riddell technique. The Alternaria sp. was isolated in the mentioned area through all the months of the year with its highest frequency in August (35.8%) and its lowest in December 3.7%). The average relative frequency obtained was of 17%. The highest isolation frequency was attained in Winter, the lowest in Spring; in Summer and Autumn, it remained at a medium level. In relation to the studied areas, the Alternaria sp. was isolated in all of them with a minimum frequency of 8.3% in Campos Eliseos and with a maximum frequency of 28.9% in Osasco. The authors would like to emphasize this unusual finding because in the region studied the Alternaria sp. was previously considered absent.


Plasma heparin neutralizing activity. Its use in the evaluation of thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis.

Platelets contain heparin neutralizing activity, which is released into plasma following aggregation. This material is probably identical to platelet factor 4. We describe a technic to measure heparin neutralizing activity in platelet-poor plasma based on the serial heparin dilution technic of Harada and Zucker. Heparin neutralizing activity was depressed in thrombocytopenia due to immune thrombocytopenia and bone marrow depression, and elevated in thrombocytopenia due to disseminated intravascular coagulation. Secondary thrombocytosis is characterized by markedly elevated heparin neutralizing activity, while thrombocytosis associated with myeloproliferative disorders has normal heparin neutralizing activity.


Exchange transfusion in the neonate: a controlled study using frozen-stored erythrocytes resuspended in plasma.

During a nine-month period 43 consecutive infants who needed exchange transfusions for the management of their hyperbilirubinemia randomly received whole blood less than 5 days old (control group) or frozen erythrocytes diluted in plasma (experimental groups). There was no different prior to and after exchange transfusions in total protein, albumin, globulin, immunoglobulins, bilirubin, and hematocrit in the control group versus the experimental group. The efficacies of bilirubin removal, as measured by delta bilirubin, were the same in the two groups. Advantages of exchange transfusion with freeze-preserved erythrocytes suspended in type-specific plasma are discussed.


Portal vein thrombosis resulting in portal hypertension in adults.

Attempting to elucidate the best way to treat adult patients with extrahepatic portal vein occlusive thrombosis, the experience with six such patients is analyzed. Portal vein thrombosis rarely occurs in adults but when it does, it frequently results in portal hypertension with its concomitant complications. Five patients had bleeding esophageal varices, two had massive refractory ascites. Their conventional liver function tests were not greatly altered. Thrombocytosis and history of thrombophlebitis were encountered in over half of the patients. Splenoportography is the best method to confirm the diagnosis preoperatively. In none of the six patients a decompressive portal systemic shunt could be performed although, it was attempted in five. Three patients survived. It appears that nonoperative management is the treatment of choice in these patients who can remain well for several years, however, when bleeding recurs gastric devascularization or even resective procedures are acceptable therapeutic alternatives.


Choriocarcinoma as a cause of thyrotoxicosis.

Three patients with choriocarcinoma had clinical and biochemical evidence of hyperthyroidism. Diminution in the thyrotoxicosis closely paralleled the fall in human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels. Three patients originally presented to internal medicine units as a problem of hemoptysis. Thyroid-stimulating hormone bioassay activity was demonstrated in the serum of all three patients prior to therapy. Recently evidence has been presented that hCG has intrinsic thyrotropic activity and that in conditions, such as hydatidiform mole, in which serum hCG levels are grossly elevated this thyrotropic activity can be sufficient to produce hyperthyroidism. Two of our cases supported the concept that hCG was also the substance with thyroid-stimulating activity in patients with choriocarcinoma. The third case left open the possibility that, in addition to the thyroid-stimulating activity of hCG, there may also be the production of a true ectopic thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). It is considered that the development of biochemical and clinical thyrotoxicosis in patients with choriocarcinoma depends upon the duration of the choriocarcinoma and the level of hCG.


Thrombocytopenia, macrothrombocytopathia, nephritis and deafness.

The association of thrombocytopenia, macrothrombocytopathia, nephritis and deafness is rare. Reported here is a new case of this triple association. The clinical course, the nephropathologic findings and the bilateral neurologic hearing loss were similar to those already reported, with a slowly progressive impairment of renal function accompanied by a persistent proteinuria. The platelet diameters were increased. These macroplatelets contained granules of normal structure but with an irregular distribution in the cytoplasm. In other areas the cytoplasm was rich in surface connected system. The survival of these platelets and their contraction were normal. Their aggregation and excretion in response to collagen, adenosine diphosphate and thrombin, and the values of platelet factor 3 activity were all decreased. The degranulation defect, also present, was observed in the absence of a decrease in intracellular cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) suggesting a relationship between these two findings.


Torulopsis glabrata infections in patients with cancer. Increasing incidence and relationship to colonization.

Torulopsis glabrata, an opportunistic pathogen, was found to be the etiologic agent of infections in patients with cancer. This observation prompted a retrospective review to determine the incidence and underlying factors of infection with this organism. This study showed that T. glabrata had been cultured frequently and that the incidence of infection has been progressively increasing. During a 48-month period (9/70-8/74), T. glabrata was cultured from routine surveillance and diagnostic cultures in 167 patients, 27 of whom had either presumed or documented infection. Review of clinical and necropsy records implicated T. glabrata infections as a contributory factor in the death of 14 of the 27 patients. Etiologic diagnosis of infection was established antemortem in only three patients. Pulmonary isolation in pure growth occurred in 24 of the 27 patients. Seventeen of 19 infected patients who had prior routine surveillance cultures were colonized prior to infection. Infection occurred in the setting of far advanced malignancy or leukopenia and followed the use of systemic, broad spectrum antibiotics. T. glabrata is a frequently overlooked opportunistic pathogen which, in the proper setting, appears to be producing increasing numbers of infections.


Electromyographic and pressure studies in the canine bladder.

The dog is unable to void until funnelling of the bladder neck occurs, even when the bladder is stressed with a large volume and with parasympathomimetic drugs. Nil or very little pressure rise occurs just prior to micturition. Well-coordinated voiding is associated with simultaneous electrical activity in either the upper urethra and bladder neck or these two areas plus the fundus, with predominance of electrical activity (frequency and amplitude) in the bladder neck in both circumstances. In cooordinate electrical activity is seen in bladder fundus, bladder neck, and upper urethra with incoordinate voiding.


Hyaline membrane disease in twins. A 7 year review with a study on zygosity.

We reviewed 294 pairs of twins born from January, 1966 to December, 1972. In 19 pairs one or both members developed hyaline membrane disease (HMD). Of these, both twins were affected in 12 pairs, twin B alone in six pairs, and twin A alone in one pair. The group affected (19 pairs) had lower gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, increased incidence of monozygotic (MZ) twins, and higher  mortality rate than the group without HMD (275 pairs). MZ twins were more immature than dizygotic (DZ) twins (p less than 0.02). When both twins were affected they had lower gestational age, birth weight, and increased monozygosity than when B alone was affected (p less than 0.05). When twin B alone was affected, he had lower Apgar score than twin A (p less than 0.05). We suggested that (1) HMD occurs in twins because of lung immaturity, as it does in singletons; (2) monozygosity may be a predisposing factor to HMD because of the associated prematurity; and (3) the greater risk of twin B is probably related to birth asphyxia.


Severe pre-eclampsia: another great imitator.

Twenty-eight women with severe pre-eclampsia were misdiagnosed and initially thought to have disorders unrelated to pregnancy. Their chief complaints included failing vision, liver or gallbladder dysfunction, renal failure, hemorrhage, seizures, and heart failure. Laboratory studies usually demonstrated thrombocytopenia and high hematocrit values. The development of these symptoms appears to begin with failure of the primigravida to appropriately increase her blood volume commensurate with the increase in size of her uterus. Expanding the severly pre-eclamptic patient's blood volume with intravenous albumin appears to be an effective and appropriate therapy.


The effect of pan-retinal photo-coagulation on rubeosis iridis.

Fifteen eyes of 11 patients with rubeosis iridis and angle neovascularization associated with retinal vascular disorders were treated with pan-retinal photocoagulation. In seven of the 15 eyes, the new vessels on the surface of the iris and in the angle regressed after pan-retinal photocoagulation therapy for disk neovascularization; five of the remaining eight eyes that were treated prospectively demonstrated similar involution of the rubeosis iridis. In three of the five preexisting peripheral anterior synechiae regressed and angle structures previously obscured became visible. Three to 36 months after therapy, three eyes developed a few new abnormal iris and angle vessels.


Squamous differentiation and basal lamina deposition in endometrial adenoacanthoma.

Eleven endometrial adenoacenthomas were studied ultrastructurally. Special emphasis was placed on patterns of squamous metaplasia and the appearance of the basal laminae. Tonofibrils, irregular keratohyaline, abundant desmosomes, and foci of frank keratinization were observed. However, the granule population was small, with relatively scanty keratohyaline and no definite membrane coating granules. These features resemble squamous metaplasia observed in various epithelia; experimental models utilizing estrogens also resulted in similar changes. This observation appears pertinent in view of the possible etiologic role played by high estrogen levels in the development of human endometrial carcinoma. Most tumor cell clusters were surrounded by a well-defined basal lamina; focal basal lamina reduplication was also observed. These observations suggest a high level of differentiation in respect to synthetic capabilities and cell surface recognition. They correlate well with the relatively favorable prognosis generally observed in endometrial adenoacanthomas. However, these conclusions are tempered by the finding of occasionally absent or defective basal lamine, indicative of partial dedifferentiation of some neoplastic cells.


Production of intestinal and other tumors by 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride in mice. I. A light and transmission electron microscopic study of colonic neoplasms.

Single or ten weekly subcutaneous injection(s) of 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride were administered separately to Swiss mice. The repeated application gave rise mainly to high incidences of tumors in the large intestine. These neoplasms occurred most frequently in the colorectal area and in cecum adjacent to ileum. Light microscopically, these lesions were classified as polypoid adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Most of the adenocarcinomas were highly invasive, although they metastasized rarely. The fine structure of the malignant cells exhibited features typical of columnar absorptive cells. A distinctive alteration was the disorderly arrangement and abnormal size and shape of the microvilli. In addition, the cells exhibited numerous free ribosomes, little RER, priminent Golgi bodies, and uniformly dispersed nuclear chromatin. Morphologically, the intestinal tumors were similar to those found in man. In addition, the repeated administration of 1, 2-DMH also induced significant incidences of neoplasms in blood vessels, lungs, anus, and kidneys while the single application produced tumors in blood vessels and liver. The main hypotheses attempting to explain the selective induction of large intestinal neoplasms are discussed.


A twin study of dental dimension. I. Discordance, asymmetry, and mirror imagery.

Bilateral tooth measurements in twins are partitioned into three orthogonal contrasts, each associated with one degree of freedom, to estimate three parameters: discordance, asymmetry, and mirror imagery. The probability levels of the within-pair variance ratios were used to test for significance of these estimates. The results provided strong evidences for the existence of significant genetic determinants of almost all of the individual tooth dimensions, but little or no evidence for a genetic basis of asymmetry. The analysis gave no indication that monozygotic twinning was associated with an increased degree of either fluctuating asymmetry or mirror imagery, when compared to dizygotic twins. The data on monozygotic twins further suggested that for most variables examined, the increment of environmental discordance resulting from the twinning phenomena was greater than the developmental noise that caused asymmetry within individual cotwins.


A twin study of dental dimension. II. Independent genetic determinants.

To demonstrate the presence of independent genetic determinants of multiple correlated tooth dimensions from twin data, a multivariate analysis was performed on the covariance matrices of monozygotic and dizygotic within-pair differences for mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions of 28 teeth of the secondary dentition. The results provided strong evidences that the correlation among tooth dimensions is primarily genetic in origin, probably attributable to the pleiotropic action of either independent genes or groups of genes. Among the genetic factors that were identified, one appeared to affect the maxillary teeth in general while a second influenced primarily the anterior mandibular teeth. There was a striking tendency for homologous measurements on the right and left sides to be associated with the same genetic factor. In contrast, genetic determination of the maxillary and mandibular dentition seemed to be independent of each other, and a wider range of genetic factors were found to influence the mandibular than the maxillary teeth, suggesting that a differential degree of evolutionary stability may have been achieved in the teeth of the two jaws.


A case of asymptomatic babesiosis in Georgia.

An asymptomatic infection with Babesia sp. was diagnosed in an epidemiologic investigation of transfusion-acquired malaria. This is the seventh human piroplasmosis infection that has been reported in the literature.


Bites by the night adder (Causus maculatus) and burrowing vipers (genus Atractaspis) in Nigeria.

Nineteen patients proven to have been bitten by the small African adders Causus maculatus, Atractapis dahomeyensis and A. microlepidota were studied in the Nigerian savanna region. One of the patients bitten by C. maculatus was drowsy, hypotensive and flaccid on admission but recovered without treatment. Mild or moderate local swelling, local lymphadenitis and mild fever were the only other features in this group. None of the patients bitten by Atractaspis had signs of systemic envenoming apart from moderate fever. Local blistering appeared in two cases but did not progress to necrosis. No patient showed any disturbance of blood coagulation, or evidence of spontaneous hemorrhage or of cranial nerve lesions. The small literature on the effects of Causus and Atractaspis venoms in man and in laboratory animals is reviewed. It appears that bites by these species are very unlikely to cause serious ill effects. A few deaths from Atractaspis bites have been reported, but the danger from these species has been exaggerated.


Neuroleptanalgesia for intra-ocular surgery: experience in a developing country.

A technique of neuroleptanalgesia is described for effective and reliable sedation during intra-ocular surgery under local analgesia. The absence of side effects using modified neuroleptanalgesia was of particular value in a situation in a developing country in which large numbers of patients had to be handled in a comparatively short period of time.


The exfoliating cervico-vaginal surface. II. Scanning electron microscopical studies during the estrous cycle in mice.

The exfoliating epithelial surface of the ectocervix (pars vaginalis) and the vagina from normal mice was studied by scanning electron microscopy during the four main phases of the ovulatory cycle, and after estrogen administration. At proestrus, the epithelial surface usually presented cobblestone-like structure furnished with thin microvilli; at estrus, large, flat mosaics covered by long, convoluted microrugae; at metestrus, the presenting cellular surfaces were of intermediate size (i.e., between cobblestone and mosaics) having fragmented microrugae; and at diestrus, by mosaics or intermediate structures covered by microvilli. Estrogen administration to intact and oophorectomized animals resulted in flat mosaics and large numbers of loosely attached cells with rolled-up borders which permitted the observation of the basal surface of the cells. In those animals the apical aspect of the cells which lined the lumen showed convoluted microrugae with circular configuration, while the basal aspect of such cells had club-tipped microvilli. The findings were correlated with post-scanning histological examination in all animals.


Viral particles associated with malignant catarrhal fever in deer.

Viral particles associated with malignant catarrhal fever in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and axis deer (Asix axis) are described. Morphologically, the virus resembled the togaviruses and was unlike the herpesvirus which causes wildebeest-associated malignant catarrhal fever (snotsiekte).


Vinyl chloride-associated liver disease.

Although polyvinyl chloride has been produced from vinyl chlride monomer for more than 40 years, recognition of toxicity among vinyl chloride polymerization workers is more recent. In the mid 1960s, workers involved in cleaning polymerization tanks were found to have acro-osteolysis. In 1974, the same population of workers was found to be at risk for an unusual type of hepatic fibrosis and angiosarcoma of the liver. We describe two cases of vinyl chloride-associated liver injury, one of hepatic fibrosis and one of angiosarcoma. Histologic features of these lesions are similar to the hepatic fibrosis and angiosarcomas resulting from chronic exposure to inorganic arsenicals. Preliminary studies suggest that the toxicity of vinyl chloride may result from formation, during high-dose exposure, of active metabolites by mixed function oxidases of the liver. Epidemiologic studies indicate an increased incidence not only of liver disease, but also of cancers of the brain, lung, and possibly other organs.


Choriocarcinoma with hyperthyroidism: probable identity of the thyrotropin with human chorionic gonadotropin.

A 15-year-old girl developed severe hyperthyroidism secondary to metastatic choriocarcinoma. Her serum contained high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) by radioimmunoassay and had a thyroid-stimulating activity different from that of pituitary thyrotropin (TSH) or of long-acting thyroid stimulator (LATS) in the McKenzie mouse bio-assay. Gradient ultracentrifugation localized this thyroid stimulator to a narrow zone midway between markers of transferrin and ovalbumin. On gel filtration it emerged just before albumin as a single peak coinciding with the peak for HCG. Her HCG was identical to an authentic sample of HCG in position to gel filtration columns and on gel electrophoresis. These results suggest that the thyrotropin of choriocarcinoma is HCG.


Susceptibility and resistance of Candida to 5-fluorocytosine in relation to the cell wall ultrastructure.

Studies on the susceptibility of Candida albicans to 5-fluorocytosine (5FC) demonstrated a high rate of resistance (85%) for serogroup B strains, more frequently isolated in Africa, and a low incidence (<1%) for serogroup A, predominating among Whites (Drouhet et al., 1974). Determination of the electrophoretic mobility of various strains did not provide a correlation between the charged groups of the surface and their phenotype to 5FC and antigenic groups. Adsorption of the surface antigens with a hyperimmune antiserum did not modify the phenotypic expression of Candida to 5FC. Electron microscopy studies revealed that susceptible strains had an additional granular layer dividing the inner stratum into two parts. After trypsin digestion of these strains, the disappearance of this layer was concomitantly associated with the emergence of resistance. Thus, it appears that the cell wall contains a proteinic material, which is located in the interior of the electron-transparent region and acts in the metabolism of 5FC.


Action of the peptide antibiotic leucinostatin.

Leucinostatin, an antimicrobial and antitumor antibiotic, was found to be cytotoxic to the murine leukemic cell line, L 1210. A complete inhibition of cell growth was achieved with 0.5 mug of the drug per ml. Leucinostatin showed membrane damage against L 1210 cells as well as mouse erythrocytes. L 1210 cells were partially protected from membrane damage by the addition of glucose to the medium. In contrast, no protective effect of glucose was observed with drug-induced hemolysis. The possible involvement of membrane lipid in the mechanism of action of leucinostatin is suggested by its action on liposomes. Liposomes prepared with lecithin, cholesterol, and an amphiphatic molecule, either dicetyl phosphate or stearylamine, were sensitive to leucinostatin and response to the drug was enhanced as the cholesterol level of liposomes was decreased. Changes in the net charge of the membrane did not show significant effects on leucinostatin action. In the presence of the antibiotic, on the other hand, protein synthesis in cells was markedly inhibited under conditions where the uptake of amino acids into an acid-soluble pool was not affected. However, leucinostatin did not exhibit any inhibitory effect on protein synthesis in a cell-free system from L 1210 cells. It is suggested that the inhibition of protein synthesis results from the initial interaction of the drug with membrane phospholipid.


Antibiotic action of Solanum incanum Linnaeus.

The fruits of Solanum incanum Linnaeus are extensively used in Kenya for the treatment of cutaneous mycotic infections and other pathological conditions. The therapeutic activity of the berries has been attributed to their content of solanine and related glycoalkaloids, which are saponins and cytostatic poisons. In the present study, however, a simpler more potent antimicrobial substance with a phosphorylated structure similar to the purine adenine was isolated from the berries. The crystals of this compound were effective inhibitors of the growth of gram-positive and -negative bacteria, yeasts, dermatophytes, and some pathogens of agricultural produce. High concentrations of the substance caused hemolysis of erythrocytes.


Double-stranded ribonucleic acid in Agaricus bisporus.

Double-stranded ribonucleic acid present in virus-infected mushrooms of Agaricus bisporus has been resolved through polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis into six molecular-weight forms. Identification of these six double-stranded ribonucleic acids in mushrooms by this procedure has proven to be a useful and diagnostic method for viral infection in the cultivated mushroom.


Protection of rats against nippostrongylus brasiliensis with worm antigens by oral administration.

Different types of antigens collected from adult Nippostrongylus brasiliensis were used to vaccinate rats against this parasite: somatic worm homogenate, secretory antigens and whole fixed worms. After challenge infection there was a significant reduction of worm number in immunized rats. However, vaccination with secretory antigens only induced a high level of immunity, indicating that protective antigens were probably worm metabolites.


Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in the rat: immune response in serum and intestinal secretions.

The kinetics of local and serum hemagglutinins production was observed following infections of rats with N. brasiliensis. Antibodies which appeared in the gut immediately after parasite localization had occured there 6 days following infection with 3,000 larvae. Serum antibodies were detected on day 18. Parasites were still being expelled at this time from the intestine. When rats were infected with 83 larvae, which is the smallest immunizing dose, local antibodies appeared in the same manner as in the first experiment, serum antibodies appearing only after challenge with 3,000 larvae. Local antibody activity is mainly due to IgA molecules. The presence of parasites and, at the same time, of local antibodies suggests an hypothesis for the mechanism of worm expulsion.


Microbial models of mammalian metabolism: aromatic hydroxylation of isomeric xylenes.

The ability of 11 microorganisms to convert o-, m-, and p-xylene to monophenolic metabolites was evaluated. Four organisms were found to produce qualitatively identical products to those observed with mammalian systems.


Study of Candida ingens grown on the supernatant derived from the anaerobic fermentation of monogastric animal wastes.

A pellicle-forming yeast, identified as Candida ingens, was found to grow on substrates derived from the anerobic fermentation of monogastric animal wastes. The organism used volatile fatty acids C2 to C6 and ammonia nitrogen. It had a preferential uptake of the acids in increasing order of molecular weight, removing 90% of the total titratable volatile acid. The nonwrinkled pellicle had a doubling time of 3.2 h, and the doubling time of the wrinkled pellicle was 4.2 h. Proximate amino acid and nucleic acid analyses suggested that the organism might be acceptable as a source of single cell protein. Its vitamin B group content compared favorably with that of other yeasts. It contained 6% calcium and 7% phosphorus. It could be useful in removing these minerals from effluents as well as in providing them as nutrients in livestock rations.


Kinetics of humoral responsiveness in severe thermal injury.

Severe thermal injury has the capacity to increase the rate of generation of antibody-forming cells in mice. The intensity of stimulation appears to be proportional to the extent of injury. The effect has been observed in animals burned within 1 hr before or after sensitization with test antigen(s), and persists up to 14 days after injury. Thereafter, the stimulatory effect wanes, and disappears by the 21st day after burning. Responses to T-cell (thymus derived lymphocytes) dependent antigens (sheep erythrocytes; sheep erythrocytes coupled to TNP) and to antigens not requiring T and B-cell (bone marrow derived lymphocytes) cooperation (DNP-Ficoll) appear to be equally affected by thermal injury. The mechanisms underlying this form of enhanced antibody response are not clear. The data, however, support the possibility that the burn wound may release factor(s) capable of enhancing humoral responsiveness in the injured animal. Such factor(s) do not appear to be endotoxins.


Von Hippel-Lindau disease: clinical and pathological manifestations in nine families with 50 affected members.

Fifty individuals in nine families had von Hippel-Lindau disease. Nearly all of the morbidity and mortality of the entity is associated with six of its manifestations, each of which can be successfully treated. Retinal angiomatosis, which occurs in more than half of those affected, can produce blindness if not treated. Cerebellar hemangioblastoma, which is observed in one third of patients, is the most common source of initial symptoms and caused more than half of the deaths in the series. Medullary and spinal hemangioblastomas occur infrequently. Pheochromocytoma is common in certain families and is usually bilateral. Renal cell carcinoma, which generally arises at a later age, may befall the patient who is successfully treated for the tumors that occurred earlier. However, this tumor can be treated also, if there is early detection.


[Pre-excitation syndrome in monozygotic twins].

A family group of seven members is presented, two of which have pre-excitation syndrome. These subjects are identical twin brothers. One of them has the W-P-W syndrome tipe B, and the other has L-G-L syndrome. The latter had an associated atrial-septal defect, and the other twin had no associated cardiovascular lesions. Both underwent electrocardiographic and vectorcardiographic studies, as well as His bundle electrograms. In the case with W-P-W, the diagnosis was made by electrocardiography, and was confirmed by vertocardiography. The His bundle electrogram showed the habitual findings in this type of pre-excitation. The His bundle potential was preceded by the beginning of the delta wave. The patient with W-P-W had episodes of supraventricular paroxysmal tachycardia, some of these with antegrade conduction through the normal pathway, and others with conduction through the anomalous pathway. The other had a L-G-L syndrome, demonstrated by electrocardiography and vectorcardiography. During the register of the His bundle electrogram, he did not present pre-excitation, the tracings in basal conditions as well as during atrial stimulation were normal. The conclusion is that many factors exist which back up the hypothesis that the pre-excitation syndromes occur because of anomalous pathways, and that this type of alteration might have a sex linked genetic basis. This presumption appears to be confirmed by the presence of pre-excitation in identical twin brothers. Other possibilities are also discussed.


The effect of behavioral stimulant doses of amphetamine on blood pressure.

Blood pressure responses to amphetamine have been studied both in humans and in rats. Blood pressure was monitored in patients who had experienced an adverse behavioral reaction to the drug. All of the patients had self-administereed amphetamine, and later sought medical attention for their adverse reaction. In a series of 14 patients, there was no evidence that amphetamine had evoked a sustained increase in blood pressure. In rats, experiments were conducted in two steps: (1) a determination of the doses of amphetamine that cause behavioral stimulation, and (2) an evaluation of the blood pressure effects of the same dose of amphetamine. In control animals, behavioral stimulant doses of amphetamine exerted only transient effects on blood pressure. In pithed animals, ie, animals devoid of all central mechanisms, amphetamine exerted a sustained effect on blood pressure. It is concluded that the potential ability of amphetamine to evoke sustained cardiovascular responses is damped by the central nervous system of intact animals.


[Electrocardiography, stress and the third pregnancy trimester].

Twelve patients whose ages ranged between 19 and 36 years, were studied. The gestational ages were between the 35th and the 39th week of pregnancy. The exercise performed was the one proposed by Kemp and Ellested. The analysis of the records comprised the electrocardiographic changes described by Dr. Chavez in his so called "syndrome of circulatory changes during pregnancy". Not all the characteristics were found in our cases, although this could be explained by the differences in the gestational age. The most common findings were the ST changes. In nine of our cases, they were more marked and appeared immediately after exercise and this makes us think that it could be due to the double load on the cardiac overload, that the exercise effects upon the cardiac muscle due to pregnancy. We could also advocate sympathetic and parasympathethic mechanisms, since in the final tracing this changes not only disappeared but were in some cases smoller than in the control. Regarding the cardiac rate it was found that it did not increase as shown in Robinson's Table. Nevertheless in eight cases, final tracings did not return to control levels and we could imply an "excess of heart rate" which is thought by Sheffield as a warning sign of coronary insufficiency. We will learn more about this after these same patients have had their-follow up studies when they are not pregnant. A larger series of cases is needed in the different trimesters of pregnancy as well as their reevaluation after the hormonal effects of pregnancy are over to ases the significance of this changes as well as their prognostic meaning during labor or as a warning sign of future coronary pathology.


Hemangioblastoma of the spinal cord. Review and report of five cases.

Eighty-five cases of hemangioblastoma of the spinal cord are reviewed, including five new ones. While current views of the incidence, histology, and cytogenesis are presented, the main purpose of this article is to call attention to the identifying clinical and radiological characteristics of these spinal tumors. Median age at onset of symptoms was 30 years. The ratio of men to women was 1.1:1. Presenting symptoms were usually radicular pain or posterior column sensory loss or both. The lesions were most often single (79%), intramedullary (60%), and located in the cervical or thoracic spinal cord. There was associated syringomyelia in 67% of intramedullary cases and meningeal varicosities in 48% of all cases. Lindau disease and hemangioblastomas in other central nervous system locations were present in 33% of cases. The characteristic roentgenographic picture is a densely vascular tumor in association with a larger avascular syrinx and meningeal varicosities. Surgery is the only definitive treatment.


Effects of laser photocoagulation on adenine nucleotides in rabbit retinas.

High-pressure liquid chromatography was used to provide a qualitative biochemical assessment of laser effects on retinal metabolism. The adenosine triphosphate-adenosine diphosphate ratio and the Atkinson energy charge are considerably increased in laser-treated rabbit retinas compared to the contralateral untreated retinas.


Coenurus infestation of eye and orbit.

Histopathologic examination of an eye with severe anterior uveitis and a whitish retrolental tumor in a 43-year-old woman, and of an orbital cystic tumor in a 2-year-old girl, showed the presence of Coenurus, the bladderworm of Multiceps multiceps. The single bladder of Coenurus may contain hundreds of scoleces. intraocular Coenurus is most often located in the subretinal space.


Intraocular pressure, cup-disc ratio, and steroid responsiveness in retinal detachment.

A review of the literature failed to indicate whether the high incidence of open angle glaucoma in patients with nontraumatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is due to common genetic determinants. The diurnal variation of intraocular pressure, the cup-disc C/D ratio, and the intraocular response to topically applied corticosteroids were studied in 30 subjects with unilateral, nontraumatic, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The results indicate that 20% of the subjects were high steroid responders and that 53% had a C/D ratio greater than 0.3. We shall discuss the relationship of these findings to the multifactorial inheritance of open angle glaucoma.


Application of a microtiter cell-culture method to characterization of avian adenoviruses.

A microtiter cell-culture method was developed and used to titrate virus isolates for characterization. Virus dilutions and chicken kidney cell suspensions were dispensed into the wells of disposable microculture plates, with infectivity endpoints being determined microscopically on the fifth or sixth day, or by reading crystal-violet-stained monolayers on day 6. With this method, 37 candidate avian adenoviruses isolated from diagnostic accessions were characterized as avian adenoviruses (AAV). The criteria used for characterization were production of round-cell cytopathic effect, resistance to chloroform treatment, inhibition by 5-bromodeoxyuridine, and the presence of an antigen showing identity with a known AAV by precipitation in agar gel. Statistical anlaysis of eight replicate titrations of three AAV indicated that the titration method was highly reproducible. Use of the microculture method for titrations gave substantial savings in indicator cells, media, incubator space, culture dishes, and time.


Growth hormone and drug metabolism. Acute effects on nuclear ribonucleic acid polymerase activity and chromatin.

Adult male rats, subjected either to sham operation or to hypophysectomy and adrenalectomy were maintained for 10 days before treatment with growth hormone. Results of the acute effects of growth hormone on the rat liver nuclear RNA polymerase I (nucleolar) and II (nucleoplasmic) activities as well as the chromatin template capacity were then studied and compared with the growth-hormone effects on the drug metabolism described in the preceding paper (Wilson & Spelsberg, 1976). 2. Conditions for isolation and storage of nuclei for maintenance of optimal polymerase activities are described. It is verified that the assays for polymerase activities require a DNA template, all four nucleoside triphosphates, and a bivalent cation, and that the acid-insoluble radioactive product represents RNA. Proof is presented that under high-salt conditions DNA-like RNA (polymerase II) is synthesized, and that under low-salt conditions in the presence of alpha-amanitin, rRNA (polymerase I) is synthesized. 3. In the livers of hypophysectomized/adrenalectomized rats, growth hormone increases the activity of both RNA polymerase enzymes and the chromatin template capacity within 1h after treatment. The effects last for 12h in the case of polymerase II but for only 6h in the case of polymerase I. Sham-operated rats respond to growth hormone in a manner somewhat similar to that shown by hypophysectomized/adrenalectomized rats. These results, which demonstrate an enhancement of RNA polymerase I activity in response to growth hormone, support those from other laboratories. 4. Growth-hormone enhancement of the chromatin template capacity in the liver of hypophysectomized/adrenalectomized rats contrasts with previous reports. The growth-hormone-induced de-repression of the chromatin DNA could represent the basis of the growth-hormone-induced enhancement of RNA polymerase II activity in the hypophysectomized/adrenalectomized rats, although some effect of growth-hormone on the polymerase enzymes is still suggested.


Studies on human N-acetyl-Beta-d-hexosaminidase C separated from neonatal brain.

Human brain hexosaminidase C was separated from isoenzymes A and B by Sephadex G-200 gel filtration. Properties of the enzyme were studied, particularly its isoelectric-focusing profile, pI4.80. These findings indicate that hexosaminidase C is identical with the major residual component of Sandhoff fibroblasts with respect to substrate specificity, pI and activity pH optimum.