Primary angiosarcoma of the heart.

Primary hemangioendotheliosarcoma is the least common form of sarcoma of the heart, itself an uncommon tumor. A review of most of the reported cases is presented. This study revealed that although the syndrome produced by cardiac sarcoma point to a strikingly characteristic picture, the diagnosis is almost always confused, especially with pericardial inflammatory diseases, and delayed. Successful treatment generally has not been available. This is the only case we know of that has been treated by resection utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass. The appearance of metastases in unusual locations in our patient, despite total excision of the primary, suggests tumor embolization during the bypass and the need for intra-operative chemotherapy, as well as such treatment before or after surgery.


Spontaneous remission of recurring disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with prostatic carcinoma.

A 58-year-old patient with metastatic prostatic carcinoma had two well-documented episodes of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurring 1 year apart and resolving without heparin therapy. This case illustrates that DIC need not have a poor prognosis and may resolve spontaneously despite progressive cancer. The efficacy of heparin therapy is discussed.


Retroperitoneal germinoma marked by elevated serum lactic dehydrogenase.

A case of primary retroperitoneal germinoma is presented in which markedly elevated serum lactic dehydrogenase levels were present before diagnosis, but declined to normal with abdominal irradiation. It is the first report of lactic dehydrogenase serving as a tumor marker in germinoma.


Adenocarcinoma arising at an ileostomy site: report of a case.

A case is reported of a 60-year-old man, who developed an adenocarcinoma in the abdominal wall adjoining an ileostomy. Thirty-one years previously a total colectomy was performed for ulcerative colitis. Because of extensive prolapse the ileostomy was excised 6 years before the final operation, and a fresh part of the ileum, 10 cm proximal to the original stoma, was reimplanted in the abdominal wall at the same location. The pathogenesis of the malignant growth is uncertain; several possibilities as to the course of events at the ileostomy and surrounding skin are discussed.


Experimental oncornavirus vaccines in the cat.

An experimental approach to the immunoprophylatic control of feline oncornavirus-mediated diseases has included induction of antivirus immunity and antibodies to the feline oncornavirus-associated membrane (tumor) antigens. A suitable model for exploring the effectiveness of killed oncornavirus vaccines in the cat has been provided by the use of feline sarcoma virus. Immunization of seven pregnant queens over a 6-week period with ultraviolet light-inactivated Gardner-Arnstein feline sarcoma virus resulted in significant protection among 12 kittens challenged with a tumor-forming Dose 90 at 7 days of age. This immunity was not present in kittens challenged at 35 days of age. Among 12 kittens born of queens immunized during pregnancy with ultraviolet light-inactivated Kawakami-Theilen feline leukemia virus and challenged with the same live virus at 4 days of age, significant protection was noted, ranging from prolongation of survival time to complete protection in 3 kittens. In general, the higher the antibody titer in the mother, the more effective the protection afforded the kittens. Immunization of 43 kittens during their first 5 weeks of life with the same vaccines used in adult cats did not immunize sufficiently to protect against feline sarcoma virus challenge at 5 weeks of age. Neutralizing antibody responses in these kittens were significantly lower than in pregnant queens. That kittens of this age are immunologically responsive was established, since complete protection of 9 kittens to feline sarcoma virus was obtained by immunization with a crude tumor extract inactivated with 5 to 7 megarads of gamma-irradiation. All these kittens developed feline oncornavirus-associated membrane antibodies while 3 developed demonstrable levels of virus-neutralizing antibodies. The results of these studies are believed indicative that killed virus vaccines and tumor vaccines can be effective immunoprophylatic measures in the control of RNA tumor virus oncogenesis in the cat. Developments in this model system should be relevant to any consideration given similar vaccines in humans.


Human antibodies binding to the mouse mammary tumor virus: a nonspecific reaction?

Specific rabbit antisera and over 100 human sera were found to precipitate iodinated mouse mammary tumor virus (MTV). The specificity of these reactions was tested in competitive inhibition studies. Three classes of reaction could be distinguished. The Class 1 reaction was the most specific; it could be inhibited only by MTV and was observed exclusively with rabbit anti-MTV. The Class 2 reaction was apparently against mouse cell determinants; it could be inhibited not only by MTV but also by mouse lactating mammary gland and was characteristic of rabbit anti-mouse lactating mammary gland. The Class 3 reaction was the least specific; it could be inhibited not only by MTV and mouse lactating mammary gland but also by dog milk. All of the human sera tested exhibited Class 3 reactivities.


Role of the adenylate deaminase reaction in regulation of adenine nucleotide metabolism in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

The regulatory properties of adenylate deaminase (EC 3.5.4.6) from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells suggest that the reaction catalyzed by this enzyme serves to protect the cell against sharp decreases in the adenylate energy charge by removing adenosine 5'-monophosphate generated when the rate of utilization of adenosine triphosphate is suddenly increased. The enzyme is effectively inhibited under normal physiological conditions of high energy charge (0.9) and 4 to 5 mM adenine nucleotide pool size. The reaction is sharply activated by a decrease in the energy charge in the physiological range (0.9 to 0.6). At low energy charge (0.6), decrease in the size of the pool causes a marked and nonlinear decrease in the rate of the deaminase reaction. This effect presumably serves to prevent excessive depletion of the adenine nucleotide pool. Calculations based on the kinetic data obtained in this study show that the AMP deaminase reaction can account for the well-established alteration of adenine nucleotide metabolism that is observed following addition of glucose or 2-deoxyglucose to intact ascites cells.


Kinetic correlates of methotrexate transport and therapeutic responsiveness in murine tumors.

Net accumulation of methotrexate by carrier-mediated transport in different murine tumor cells in vitro exhibits a positive correlation with the relative drug pharmacokinetics and therapeutic responsiveness in these tumors in vivo. The transport of methotrexate by Sarcoma 180, Ehrlich carcinoma, P388, P288, and L1210 leukemia cells is qualitatively similar. Influx of drug exhibits saturation kinetics and is highly temperature dependent (Q10, 6.1 to 9.4). Efflux of exchangeable methotrexate from all of the different tumor cells exhibited first-order kinetics and the same high temperature dependence seen for influx (Q10, 6.1 to 8.0). The major kinetic determinant of responsiveness is the Km for influx. Values vary from 3.1 to 11.2 X 10(-6) M and are highest in cells from a nonresponsive Sarcoma 180 tumor, somewhat lower in the poorly responsive Ehrlich tumor, lower in moderately responsive P388 and P288 leukemias, and lowest in the highly responsive L1210 leukemia. Values for the influx Vmax differ to some extent, but in a manner not correlatable with responsiveness. The level of responsiveness of the P388 leukemia in vivo can also be partially attributed to an efflux rate that is lower than that measured for the other tumor cells. Steady-state levels of drug accumulation in vitro reflected influx and efflux rates and were consistently correlatable with therapeutic responsiveness. There was no significant difference in the extent to which folate and reduced 5-substituted folate derivatives compete with methotrexate for uptake in cells from all five tumors. The average value for Ki measured with folate for each tumor cell type was 50- and 80-fold higher than for 5-formyltetrahydrofolate and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate.


Tumorigenicity of beta-phenylethylhydrazine sulfate in mice.

The continuous lifetime administration of 0.015% beta-phenylethylhydrazine sulfate in the drinking water of Swiss mice, beginning at 6 weeks of age, gave rise to tumors of the lungs and blood vessels. As compared to untreated controls, the incidence of lung tumors rose from 21 to 56% in females and from 23 to 36% in males, while the incidence of vascular tumors increased from 5 to 44% in females and from 6 to 8% in males. Statistically, the increased incidence of tumors of lungs and blood vessels in females appears to be significant. The treatment had no statistically significant effect on the development of tumors in males. Histopathological examination revealed the characteristic appearance of adenoma and adenocarcinoma of the lungs, and angioma and angiosarcoma of blood vessels. This study reports for the first time the tumorigenicity of beta-phenylethylhydrazine sulfate, which is currently used to treat mental depression.


Pharmacomorphological study of denervation induced by 6-hydroxydopamine in Porichthys photophores.

The effects of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on the bioluminescent response of Porichthys photophores were investigated as part of a pharmacological study of the neural control of luminescence in this fish. Subcutaneous injections of 6-OHDA induce a luminescent response similar to that of norepinephrine (NE), suggesting a sympathomimetic action. The luminescent response to electrical stimulation is almost completely and irreversibly abolished within 24 hours following low-dose treatment of the photophores with 6-OHDA, while the sensitivity of these organs to exogenous NE is increased significantly over the few days post-treatment. During this period the photophores continously emitted a steady low-level glow. Electronmicroscopic studies of such photophores revealed progressive destruction of the nerve endings. Photophore luminescent sensitivty to NE subsequently became sub-normal, and at this stage electron microscopy revealed an increasingly larger number of damaged photocytes, supportive cells and, in one case, lens cells. From these results it is suggested that 6-OHDA initially impairs neuro-photocyte transmission by destroying catecholaminergic nerve endings. In turn, the transmitter reuptake mechanism is also impaired, thus accounting for development of supersensitive responses to exogenous NE. Subnormal luminescent responses to NE appear as a result of loss of photocyte competence due to structural deterioration. The latter are interpreted as the consequence of removal of trophic factors supplied by the photophore adrenergic innervation. Suppression of luminescent response to both electrical stimulation and exogenous NE in photophores treated with higher doses of 6-OHDA, may be due to a direct effect of this drug on the receptor sites of the photocytes.


[Study of the Rhodotorula rubra cell wall. VII Influence of chloramphenicol on its morphology and phosphatase activity (author's transl)].

Rh. rubra grown in the presence of chloramphenicol (500 mug/ml of medium) displayed morphological and biological changes, including formation of aberrant mitochondria with altered cristae, increase of the ratio fundamental element/mucilaginous sheath and electron-transparent regions in the cell walls. After treatment of the yeast with trypsin or beta-glucanase complex, acid and alkaline phosphatases remained localised within the cell wall, but the effect of the degradative enzymes on the activity of the phosphatses differed in cells grown in the presence of chloramphenicol and those grown without the antibiotic. The data suggest that chloramphenicol induced either structural fragility or increased permeability of the cell walls.


Natural history of myocardial infarction and its prodromal syndromes.

Angiographic studies have shown that the severity of obstructive coronary artery disease is a major facor determining mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. The symptomatic presentation of patients with coronary artery disease appears to be less important in determining survival than the extent of coronary artery narrowing. The extent of left ventricular dysfunction is a second major factor that determines survival. The extent of myocardial damage is also important in determining survival in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Infarct extension has been found to be a frequent occurrence in patients with acute anterior transmural infarction. Since infarct extension often occurs several days after hospital admission, an opportunity may exist to apply therapeutic interventions prophylactically to prevent or limit this additional myocardial loss. To limit the extent of myocardial damage that results from infarction may also help to reduce the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias that occur in the second week after infarction, since these arrhythmias are associated with relatively high peak CPK values and a low left ventricular ejection fraction. Studies in patients with acute nontransmural infarction suggest that infarct size may not be the major factor that affects long term survival but other factors, possibly the extent of coronary artery narrowing, may be important. Although in-hospital mortality following acute infarction may have been altered over the past decade by coronary care units, there is little to suggest that prehospital or late mortality following hospital discharge have been altered. If overall mortality associated with infarction is to be reduced, therapeutic interventions to reduce both the extent of myocardial damage and extent or effect of severe coronary artery narrowing will have to be more vigorously applied in the future.


Plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone (PA) in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (GN) and hypertension.

Patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and mild hypertension show a consistent behaviour in their renin-aldosterone-system. There is a close correlation between the elevation of mean blood pressure and destruction of glomeruli. No correlation has been found between renin values and the degree of hypertension. Thus the cuase of mild hypertension occurring in the early stages of chronic GN remains to be elucidated. Normal PRA values in spite of hypertension and expansion of ECFV accompaning progression of chronic glomerulonephritis could be a sign of "relative hyperreninemia". Apparently various mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of renal hypertension. These include sodium retention, increased cardiac output. anemia, renin, aldosterone, prostaglandins, expanded plasma volume and peripheral vasoconstriction. These factors are more or less active in the different stages of hypertension and renal failure.


Normal pregnancy and delivery following total hip joint replacement.

Total joint replacement procedures should be restricted to older individuals or persons with limited physical activities or life expectancy. However, on occasion a total joint replacement may be the only means to avoid serious disability in a young, otherwise healthy individual. This report of a 19-year-old woman who underwent a total hip joint replacement following unsuccessful treatment of a severely comminuted intracapsular hip fracture. Subsequent to the total hip joint replacement the patient experienced a normal pregnancy and delivery.


Transient osteoporosis of the hip in pregnancy.

A patient is presented with transient osteoporosis of the hip occurring in the third trimester of pregnancy. This syndrome is characterized by hip pain, limited motion, and osteoporosis of the femoral head with preservation of the joint space. The syndrome is self-limited with full recovery in three months to one year. Treatment is symptomatic with bedrest, protected weight-bearing, and analgesics as needed. The cause of this syndrome remains unknown.


Uni-compartment total knee replacement.

Twelve patients with uni-compartment total knee replacement were followed for a period of 12 to 30 months with an average follow-up of 19 months. Results in 11 out of 12 patients suggest that this operation is an alternative to high tibial osteotomy or hemiarthroplasty in selected patients. Long term end result studies are necessary to evaluate uni-compartment total knee replacement as a durable procedure for the management of knee arthritis.


Water soluble contrast myelography in spinal canal stenosis and nerve entrapment.

The use of water soluble contrast medium for myelography in lumbar spinal stenosis is illustrated in 4 typical cases. It is particularly useful in demonstrating lateral types of nerve root entrapment.


The painful scrotum: torsion vs epididymo-orchitis.

In summary, an acute disorder of the scrotum in a child without previous urologic history must be viewed as torsion until proved otherwise by surgical exploration. No deleterious effects have been reported from such an approach, which requires a minimal period of hospitalization and little discomfort to the child. The shorter the interval between the onset of symptoms and surgical exploration, the greater the likelihood that the testicle will be viable later. The diagnosis of epididymo-orchitis in a healthy child without a history of urologic abnormality or evidence of lower urinary tract infection has no place in the differential diagnosis of the child with the painful scrotum.


Congenital dislocation of the hip--diagnostic screening and treatment. A comparative study of two populations of infants and children.

To understand why congenital dislocated hip (CDH) was diagnosed late (mean age: nine months) in children admitted to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), 714 consecutive CHOP admissions, aged zero to two years, and 947 consecutive newborns delivered at the Hospital, University of Pennsylvania (HUP) were examined for CDH. The expected frequency of CDH was found at HUP. At CHOP, the children had a higher incidence of CDH, many with associated congenital anomalies, their hips were more difficult to examine, the hospital records contained few references to hip examinations. Had these children's hips been formally examined at birth, the delay in diagnosis might have been eliminated and treatment might have been easier and more successful.


The reliability of maternal recall. Mother's remembrance of their infant's health and illness.

Fifty-nine mothers were asked, when their babies were nine months of age, to recall the baby's birth date, birth weight, last recorded weight, past illnesses, illness visits, well-baby visits, and immunization history. These responses were checked against the data recorded in the baby's clinical records to determine the accuracy of the mothers' recall. Maternal education did affect the accuracy of recall while maternal age, race, and the sex and birth order of the baby did not. Health and illness related historical events require ongoing documentation in some easily retrievable form if they are to be relied upon by physicians and medical investigators when providing care or conducting research.


Estimation of the resting reflex hypoxic drive to respiration in patients with diffuse pulmonary infiltration.

1. Oxygen breath tests were performed in nine patients with diffuse pulmonary infiltration whose resting arterial PO2 (Pa, O2) ranged from 8-9 kPa to 11-8 kPa. The inspired air was suddenly replaced with oxygen for 30 s and the percentage fall in ventilation over the last 10 s was measured. 2. Pa,O2 rose rapidly and exceeded 16 kPa within 20 s in each patient. 3. The ventilation fell significantly in seven of the nine patients. It is concluded that these seven patients had a demonstrable reflex hypoxic respiratory drive at rest. This tended to be greatest in patients with the lowest Pa, O2. The percentage falls in ventilation observed were similar to those previously reported at comparable Pa, O2 levels in patients with chronic bronchitis. 4. The resting arterial PCO2 (Pa,CO2) ranged from 5-0 to 5-8 kPa. It did not change by more than 0-3 kPa during the oxygen breath tests in any patient.


The pressure-volume relationship in normotensive and permanent essential hypertensive patients.

1. Blood pressure, blood volume and renal blood flow were determined in 101 men; forty-three were normal subjects and fifty-eight were untreated permanent essential hypertensive patients with normal renal function and equilibrated sodium balance. 2. A significant negative pressure-volume relationship was observed overall. The relationship could be expressed as a hyperbola whose slope expressed the reduction in blood volume per unit rise in pressure: the higher the blood pressure, the lower the slope. Thus essential hypertensive subjects have a smaller decrement in blood volume per unit rise in pressure than normal subjects. 3. The relation between change in blood volume and change in pressure was confirmed in each individual by defining for each a ration deltaV/deltaP, statistically identical with the hyperbolic slope dV/dP. The deltaV/deltaP ratio was found to be well correlated with the renal blood flow and the creatinine clearance. No correlation existed between the total blood volume and these two renal parameters. 4. It is concluded that the present study demonstrates a blood volume regulation disturbance in essential hypertension and provides evidence from human studies that a renal defect accompanies high blood pressure.


Transitional cell carcinoma of the urethra in a cat.

A case of transitional cell carcinoma of the prostatic and anterior pelvic urethra of a cat is presented. Primary urinarty tract neoplasms in the cat are rare, and transitional cell carcinoma with major involvement of the urethra has not been previously reported. The appearance and location of this tumor made differentiation from a prostatic carcinoma difficult. The clinical presentation consisted of emaciation, constipation, anorexia, and hematuria.


Failure of attenuated canine distemper virus (Rockborn strain) to suppress lymphocyte blastogenesis in dogs.

The attenuated Rockborn strain of canine distemper virus is commonly used in commercial vaccines. Since immunosuppression is a common feature of virulent (Snyder Hill) distemper virus infection of the dog, an evaluation of the cellular immune functions of dogs given inoculums of the less virulent Rockborn strain was done using lymphocyte blastogenesis responses to various mitogens. Unlike the viruslent Snyder Hill strain, the attenuated distemper virus did not alter lymphocyte blastogenesis responses to phytohemaglutinin (PHA) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) which are considered in vitro correlates of T and B cell immunity.


Rectal mucosal stripping: a technique for preservation of the rectum after total colectomy for chronic ulcerative colitis.

Rectal mucosal stripping is a technique for removal of diseased tissue secondary to chronic ulcerative colitis. It is a technique for the preservation of a functional rectum following a total colectomy. Subsequent mucosal regeneration can allow ileorectal anastomosis without fear of recurrent disease and with maintenance of general health and acceptable gastrointestinal tract function.


Colorectal schistosomiasis: report of three cases.

The facility for mass movement of segments of our world populations creates the need for physicians to recognize and manage diseases not seen in native patients. Such a need has occurred in New York City, where schistosomiasis, with its protean manifestations has been seen with increasing frequency. The cases of three patients who had different clinical manifestations of infestation by S. mansoni are presented. Clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features are discussed. To avoid delay in treatment, physicians must consider the possibility of this disorder in cases of patients from areas of endemic schistosomiasis.


Benign solid teratoma of the fallopian tube with rupture into the rectum: report of a unique rectal tumor.

Solid teratoma of the fallopian tube is rare. A case of a benign solid teratoma of the fallopian tube that ruptured into the rectum is presented. This is believed to be the first report of this occurrence, which should be included in the differential diagnosis of the rectal mass. Any suspicion of this lesion should mitigate against a posterior approach for resection, as the rectum can be expected to be fixed to other pelvic viscera.


Premenstrual affective syndrome and psychiatric disorder.

The relationship between premenstrual affective syndrome and psychiatric disorder was investigated, using 81 women presenting to a Neurology Clinic with functional headache. Premenstrual affective syndrome was significantly associated with a history of depressive syndrome in the population studied. Patients judged to have a non-affective psychiatric disorder reported no greater frequency of definite or probable premenstrual affective syndrome than patients considered psychiatrically normal. The premenstrual occurrence or exacerbation of affective symptoms has been noted. This symptom exacerbation maybe sufficient to require hospitalization. Data presented by Coppen indicate that women with affective disorder are more likely to report the premenstrual symptom of depression than women with other psychiatric disorders. These findings suggest that there may be some relationship between depressive disorder and premenstrual affective symptoms. As part of a larger study on the personality and psychiatric correlates of functional headache, data on the relationship between depressive syndrome and premenstrual affective symptoms were obtained.


Quitting marijuana.

Marijuana quitters, continuing users and never-users were compared. Never-users are found to be more conservative, traditional, and strongly identified with their parental role models. Continuing users are more unconventional, involved in risk-taking behavior, and lacking a stable identity. Quitters are intermediate in cultural attitudes and stance. They have the highest rate of determined ego identify, but have more often reported problems with intimacy and have more often sought help for emotional problems. Three types of quitters are identified: the experimenter whose use was a social accident, the ex-rebel who used marijuana during the post adolescent stage of psychosocial moratorium, and the emotionally fragile individual for whom marijuana was psychologically threatening.


[Treatment of malignant melanoma (clinical stages I and II) (author's transl)].

The uncorrected cumulative five-year survival rate ("actuarial method") among 195 patients with infiltrative malignant melanoma of the skin was 58% (160 cases) in clinical stage I, 26% (35 cases) in clinical stage II. In addition to clinical staging, microstaging - i.e. the histologically determined depth of invasion of the primary tumour - is of great prognostic significance. In microstages 2 and 3 with the largest vertical tumour diameter below 0.76 mm, five-year survival rate was 100% while in microstage 3 with greater vertical tumour diameter it was 66% in microstage 4 55% and microstage 5 31%. Results of treatment can be reliably interpreted only if they are divided according to microstage. Propylactic dissection of the regional lymph-nodes (dissection in clinical stage I) need not be undertaken in microstages 2 and 3 with vertical tumours diameter below 0.76 mm. Whether prophylactic dissection was done in one or two sessions has apprarently no significant influence on survival rate. A single X-radiation dose to the primary tumour of 4 000 -6000 R immediately before excision of the tumour did not significantly increase the results. The results were particularly bad when the primary tumour was removed after inadequate manipulation.


[Decrease in twin births in the german federal republic (author's transl)].

The decrease in the frequency of twin births depends solely on the decrease of dizygotic twins (ZZ). Examination of birth registration forms in Baden-Würtemberg from 1955 to 1972 showed that the decrease of ZZ births is only partially due to changes in maternal age and parity. On the other hand one can assume that the proportion of women with genetically determined increased fertility, to whom ZZ mothers largely belong, is reduced among mothers due to widespread contraceptive practice so that ZZ births are also rarer. In addition, the possibility that ovulation inhibitors may have a negative influence on the numbers of double ovulations must also be considered.


[Multiple myeloma with monoclonal IgE gammopathy (author's transl)].

In a 48-year-old female patient with monoclonal gammopathy and histologically proven plasmocytoma IgE could be demonstrated in bone marrow plasma cells by means of direct immunofluorescence. Immunoelectrophoresis showed a light-chain type chi. Radiographically diffuse osteolytic skeletal lesions were found. Bence-Jones proteinuria and plasma cell leukaemia were absent. This patient represents the fourth recognized case of IgE myeloma. The chi/lambda ratio in IgE myeloma is 1:1 according to present knowledge.


Male pseudohermaphroditism of the testicular feminizing type in a horse.

Features characteristic of the hereditary syndrome of testicular feminization (tfm) were observed in a 7-year-old Quarter Horse. The horse had female body habitus and male psychosexual behaviour. Gonads located in the abdomen were testes and the uterus and cervix were absent. The vagina was normal in depth but ended as a blind pocket. The sex chromosome composition of testicular fibroblast and leucocyte cultures was XY. Construction of a family pedigree revealed a pattern of hereditary transmission similar to that reported for tfm in other mammalian species.


The treatment of equine skin infections using topical Trichlorocarbanilide.

Skin scrapings from clinical cases of equine skin disorder were examined by culture to determine the micro-organisms involved. In-vitro and in-vivo studies were then made to determine the efficacy of Trichloro-carbanilide as a topical treatment for these cases. The laboratory findings and results of treatment are described, and the value of Trichlorocarbanilide in cases of bacterial, actinomycete and fungal infection assessed.


Enzyme-linked immunoassay. Conjugation of rabbit anti-(human immunoglobulin G) antibody with beta-D-galactosidase from Escherichia coli and its use for human immunoglobulin G assay.

Rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG) was reduced by incubating with 10 mM 2-mercaptoethylamine and then treated with excess amounts of N,N'-o-phenylenedimaleimide. As a result, maleimide residues were introduced into rabbit IgG molecules. Rabbit IgG containing maleimide residues could be coupled to beta-D-galactosidase from Escherichia coli which has sulfhydryl groups in the molecule. The resulting rabbit IgG (antibody)-enzyme complex may be useful for immunoassay of antigens. As an example, human IgG was assayed by the sandwich method using the rabbit anti-(human IgG) IgG-beta-D-galactosidase complex and amounts of human IgG as small as 3 fmoles were measurable.


Effect of rubidium on responses of rabbit vas deferens to transmural stimulation and to noradrenaline.

The effects of 2 mM RbCl on adrenergic transmission in rabbit vas deferens were investigated. Rubidium, but not potassium, markedly potentiated the sustained, secondary contractile response to transmural stimulation at 2--16 Hz. This effect was not abolished by indomethacin. Significant spontaneous desensitization to (--)-noradrenaline occurred, but this was prevented by the addition of 2 mM RbCl or KCl. Addition of 2 mM RbCl, but not of 2 mM KCl, significantly increased the amount of [3H] (+/-)-metaraminol released on transmural stimulation at 5 Hz, without affecting the uptake of [3H] (+/-)-metaraminol over a 30 min period. It is suggested that rubidium mainly potentiated responses of rabbit vas deferens to transmural stimulation by increasing transmitter release, possibly as a result of prolongation of the action potential.


Aporphines. 15. Action of aporphine alkaloids on dopaminergic mechanisms in rat brain.

Of eleven aporphine analogues tested on striatal adenylate cyclase only (-)-apomorphine and (+/-)-N-n-propyl-norapomorphine (+/-(NPA)) were effective in stimulating the cyclase from rat brain. Inactive compounds included (+/-)-isoapomorphine, (-)-1,2-dihydroxyaporphine and (+/-)-10-hydroxy-N-n-propylnoraporphine. (+)-Bulbocapnine was an effective antagonist of the stimulating effects of dopamine or (-)-apomorphine on striatal adenylate cyclase. Injection of (-)-apomorphine into the lateral ventricle of rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-induced lesions of the nigro-striatal pathway caused the animals to rotate away from the side of the lesion. Intraventricular injection of 25 mug (+/-)-10-hydroxy-N-n-propylnorapomorphine was ineffective in producing rotation. The results are discussed in relation to the structural requirements for CNS dopamine receptor agonists.


The effect of mepiprazole on central monoamine neurons. Evidence for increased 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine receptor activity.

In combined biochemical, histochemical and functional studies on central monoamine neurons it has been shown that a pyrozolyl derivative with a phenyl piperazine side chain (PAP) exerts marked effects on central dopamine (DA) and particularly 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurons. The brain 5-HT turnover was reduced with doses down to 0.25 mg/kg, and spontaneous overflow of radioactivity from 3H-5-HT-labelled cortical slices was markedly increased by PAP in a concentration of 10(-6) M. PAP may therefore cause extragranular release of 5-HT stores, since the 5-HT levels were not affected. In agreement with this view, sexual behaviour in the female rat, which is controlled by an inhibitory 5-HT pathway, was inhibited by low doses (0.1-0.5 mg/kg) of PAP. The extensor hindlimb reflex, which is dependent on 5-HT receptor activity, was only increased with higher doses (2.5-10 mg/kg), suggesting that the spinal 5-HT nerve terminals are less sensitive to the releasing action of PAP. A certain direct activation of spinal 5-HT receptors may also be involved, since the actions of PAP in the spinal cord were independent of presynaptic 5-HT stores. The actions of PAP on the DA neurons mainly involve a presynaptic action in the DA nerve terminals leading to increased DA receptor activity. This action may primarily involve a blockade of DA uptake (50% inhibition at 10(-6) M) and/or an extragranular release of DA (two-fold increase in spontaneous overflow at 10(-6) M). The DA turnover was not clearly affected, although a trend to a reduction was observed especially in the nuc, accumbens, probably as a result of a compensatory nervous feedback reducing nervous impulse flow. In agreement with the view mentioned above, PAP mimics amphetamine and not apomorphine in the rotometer model which reveals changes in DA receptor activity. PAP in doses of 0.5-1 mg/kg causes a turning towards the denervated side. The brain noradrenaline (NA) turnover is only significantly increased with somewhat higher doses (5-10 mg/kg) and may be related to NA receptor blockade, since the L-DOPA-induced increase in flexor activity is blocked by PAP in doses down to 0.5 mg/kg. It is suggested that the extragranular release of 5-HT caused by PAP is partly responsible for the inhibition of conditioned avoidance behaviour and the reduction of threatening behaviour found after PAP in low doses (0.05-0.5 mg/kg). In the clinic, PAP may prove to be a new therapeutic tool in the treatment of depressions due to 5-HT deficiency. Its actions on DA terminals may also prove helpful in this respect. When combined with L-DOPA, PAP may also help to alleviate the motor deficits in parkinsonian patients with a moderate degree of degeneration of the DA system in view of its action on DA uptake and/or release.


Isolation of (-)-cryptosporiospin, a chlorinated cyclopentenone fungitoxic metabolite from Phialophora asteris f. sp. helianthi.

The (-)-enantiomer of cryptosporiopsin, a chlorinated cyclopentenone fungitoxic metabolite, was isolated from Phialophora asteris f. sp. helianthi. Next to a comparable fungitoxic activity was shown by crypstosporiopsin, the product particularly inhibits growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, an important pathogen on sunflower. Two further metabolites were tentatively identified as a stereoisomer of cryptosporiopsin and its dehydrated derivative.


[Influence of acute and chronic poisoning with dichloroethylene on the kinetics of antibody-forming cells and the plasmocytic reaction in the spleen of rats in immunization with the O-antigen of Sal. typhi].

Local hemolysis in gel demonstrated in tests on rats that with its acute action in a concentration of 25 mg/l (1/2 CL50) dichlorethylene stimulates, while with subacute action in a concentration of 5 mg/l--inhibits the formation of cells producing antibodies to the typhoid antigen, as well as the plasmocytic reaction of the spleen following immunization of the O-antigen from Sal. typhi and also without it. In poisoning subject to a dynamic changed is also the number of the antibody forming cells (ABFC) after immunization, viz. their doubling time decreased, with stimulation the antibody formation becames less intensive, whereas with chronic action of the poison the doubling time increases and the dropoff in the number of ABFC gains in speed. It may be presumed that the effect of the poison under study on the immunogenesis is conditioned by the action of the poison on the number of immunologically competent cells-precursors, released for differentiation irrespective of the antigen's action, simultaneously and immediately upon its introduction, as well as on the extent of recruitment, multiple, non-changed passage from the precursors compartment into that of the ABFC, occurring at the level of the integral organism, possibly through the intermidiary of the endocrine and vegetative nervous systems.


[Influence of acute alcohol intoxication on the synthesis of RNA and proteins in the liver of rats at various times of the day].

An acute alcoholic poisoning occurring 12 hours after intragastric administration of a 40 degrees ethanol (1.5 ml/kg) produced at 9 and 21 hours an inhibitory action on the incorporation of H3-uridine in the nuclei and cytoplasm, as well as of S35-methionine in the cytoplasm of the hepatic cells in rats. An alcohol inhibition of the RNA and protein synthesis at different time of the day proved dissimilar. Intact animals demonstrated significant diurnal variations in the intensity of the isotopes incorporation in the nuclei and cytoplasm of hepatocytes which continued after the action of alcohol, with the incorporation maximum at 21 and minimum at 9 hours.


[Biochemical mechanisms of the antihypoxic effect of amichlorphen (diethylaminoethylamide parachlorphenoxyacetic acid)].

Test set up on albino rats demonstrated a preliminary introduction of amichlophene to prevent a hypoxic fall in the level of highly ergastic compounds in the tissues owing to stimulation of the mitochondrial respiration processes and increased energy-producting effectiveness of the latter. The beneficial effect of amichlophen on the bioenergetics of the tissues in acute hypoxia is largely caused by the continued structural and functional integrity of the mitochondria, lysosomes and other cellular organellae which is due to the inhibitory action of the compound on the prosses of lipids reoxidation and to the activity of phospholipase A.


[Mechanism of the hypobilirubinemic effect of prednisolone and some pyrazolone derivatives].

The effects of prednisolone (1 mg/kg), nicophezone (10 mg/kg), phenylbutazone 30 mg/kg) and antradion (60 mg/kg) on choleresis and bilirubin passage with bile was studied in intact and CCl4-poisoned rats (by using hemolyzed blood loads). Intravenous administration of hemolyzed blood to intact animals was shown to be attended by an increased excretion of bilirubin with the bile. When superimposed upon the CCl4 poisoning--the excretion of bilirubin diminishes. The study compounds stimulated the passage of bilirubin with the bile following introduction of hemolyzed blood both in intact animals and in the ones with the CCl4-damaged liver. The data thus made available are used in interpreting the mechanism underlying the hypobilirubinemic effect of the compounds.


[Study of the pharmacodynamics of morphine and aminopyrine under conditions of alloxan diabetes].

The effects of morphine and amidopyrine were studied in tests on albino rats with experimental alloxan diabetes. Investigations showed the analgesic effects of morphine and the pupillary reflex following administration of this drug to subside, its toxicity remaining stationary. The anodyne action of amidopyrine and its toxicity grow in intensity.


[Weakening by means of phenobarbital of the immunodepressive and toxic effects of 6-mercaptopurine and imuran].

In mice of diverse lineages it is shown that 6-mercaptopurine and imuran, when used after a 3-day administration of phenobarbital, stimulate the formation of rosulae in the spleen of the animals immunized with sheep erythrocytes without raising the tires of the circulating hemolysins and hemagglutinins. In these conditions phenobarbital itself did not affect the immune responses. Upon preliminary introduction of phenobarbital the toxicity of imuran and 6-mercaptopurine for mice declined.


[Role of the hydrophobicity of polymethylene-bis-quaternary ammonium compounds in the mechanism of their curare-like action].

Lengthening of the N-alkyl radical (from--C2H5 to C10H21) in the series of polymethylene-bis-quaternary ammonium compounds was found to result in an increased hydrophobic properties of the compounds. In the presence of the N-butyl radical the mode of the action exerted by the substances changes, viz. from depolarizing they turn into antidepolarizing ones. A substitution of polyalicyclic radicals (cyclohexyl, 1-adamantyl) for methyl groups at the nitrogen atoms in the series of polymethylene-bis-quaternary ammonium compounds proved that in order to changed the mode of action hydrophobic properties of the cyclohexyl radicals appear to be good enough.


[Influence of carbidine on the noradrenaline level in the adrenergic nerve fibers in the peripheral tissues].

By employing fluorescent histochemistry and spectrofluorimetry the influence of an original psychotropic substance -- carbidine on the level, localization and accumulation of the adrenergic mediator in Vas deferens, dura mater and the kidney capsule was studied "in vivo" and "in vitro". Carbidine was shown to capable of liberating the adrenergic mediator from the sympathetic nerve fibres of the peripheral tissues without affecting the capture and accumulation of exogenous norepinephrine by adrenergic nerve fibres.


[Changes in ethanol consumption by white rats under the effect of neuroleptics and tranquilizers].

By way of multiple parenteral introduction of ethanol solutions rats developed an elective consumption of this compound. Both diazepam and agents of the neuroleptic action were found to depress the selective consumption of ethanol. Differences in the action of the compounds and their possible use in the treatment of alcoholism are discussed.


[Mechanism of the antianginal action of nonachlazine].

Experimental data on the mechanism accounting for the action of a new antianginal drug nonachlazine are presented. Nonachlazine was found to intensively (120+/-9.5 per cent) and protractedly (30--40 min) augment the blood flow in the coronary vessels, increasing the oxygen reserve of the myocardium. The contractile function of the heart and beat ejection considerably gain in their intensity, after an initial short-lived fall (by an average of 26.5+/-3.4 per cent), with the resistance of the coronary vessels declining (21+/-1.0 per cent). Administration of nonachlazine made against the background of a propranol (0.5 mg/kg) block of the beta-adrenergic structures of that by practolol (5 mg/kg) is not accompanied by the above effects. The prevalent influence of nonachlazine on the blood circulation and the function of the heart muscle may be explained by its action on the extravascular factors of the venous blood flow regulation (changes in the metabolism activity of the heart, caused by the stimulation of the beta-adrenergic structures of the myocardium).


[Influence of halidor on experimental bronchospasm].

Through local stimulation of various structures of medulla oblongata a centrogenic bronchial spasm was simulated in acute tests on cats. A peripheral bronchial spasm was reporduced by stimulating the peripheral length of the vagus. An experimental bronchial spasm caused by activation of reticular nuclei and of a single fascicular nucleus halidor suppressed with doses half as large as the ones needed to inhibit the peripheral spasm. An application of halidor to the ground of the fourth ventricle tended to immediately lessen the intensity of the bronchial spasm, this suggesting a central component in the action of the drug.


[Kinetics of the distribution of azabutyrone in the organism of rats].

Spectrophotometry was employed in enquiring into the pharmacokinetics of azabutyrone in the organs of rats. With its intravenous or peroral administration the drug was found to quickly penetrate the cerebral tissues of rats and to accumulate therein. A direct relation between the dosage, the azabutyrone concentration in the cerebral tissues and the duration of the antiphenamine effect was disclosed. The cataleptic action correlates well with the drug concentration in the brain. No correlation between the level of the drug in the brain and the intensity of thiopental sodium anesthesia is observed.


[Peroxidative oxidation of lipids and the antioxidative activity of acetylene amine].

The study acetylene amines were capable of inhibiting the processes of lipids peroxidation both in the enzymatic and non-enzymatic peroxidation system. The inhibitory effect of the study compounds depended upon the degree of the compound unsaturation. An elevation of the unsaturation degree to a definite extent is attended also by an increased inhibitory action on the processes of the lipids peroxidation.


Spermagglutinin titers and their relationship to fertility in isoimmunized female rabbits.

The sera from 48 female rabbits immunized by a series of multiple intradermal injections of washed epididymal, washed ejaculated, and beta-amylase-treated rabbit spermatozoa in complete adjuvant were examined for spermagglutinins by the Kibrick gel agglutination test and a slight modification of the Shulman capillary agglutination test. Control animals receiving the adjuvant or saline usually had no positive titers. All three antigenic preparations produced similar titers, positive at dilutions as high as 8192-fold with Kibrick test and 256-fold with the Shulman test. Maximal titer development was reached 4 to 6 weeks after starting the immunization, and positive sera were obtained from some does for 25 weeks. The correlation coefficients between positive titers obtained by the two tests were r = 0.91 during the first 10 weeks and 0.41 at 15 to 25 weeks after immunization.


[Influence of tetramethylthiuramide sulfide on the exocrine function of the pancreas].

The influence of different doses of tetramethylthiuramine sulphide (TMTDS) on the activity of the amylase, lipase and proteases in the pancreatic homogenate and the small intestine contents of albino rats was studied. Six hours after a single administration of the compound in a dose of 1/3 DL50 a 2--2.5-fold drop of the enzymatic activity in the chyme was observed and 24 hours thereafter it was inhibited in the glandular tissue as well. During the first months of a lenghty introduction of relatively small doses of TMTDS (1/20 and 1/50 DL50) a depression of the exosecretory function of the pancreas with its subsequent restoration at the 4--6th month was noted. Atropinization of the animals failed to prevent the inhibitory action of the compound on the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, this pointing to a direct effect of TMTDS on the acinal cells or to prevailing distrubances of humoral mechanisms regulating the activity of the glands.


[Study of the allergic properties of medicinal preparations in experiments].

Materials of an experimental study on allergenic properties of prolonged-action sulfanilamides and their semi-products are presented. Investigations involved the use of express-methods with intradermal administration of the substance into the ear and introduction of the agents together with the Freind adjuvant into the hind paw pad of a guinea pig. Experiments ascertained satisfactory dermal-allergic responses to the introduction of allergens differing in their strength by employing the above methods, as express ones for primary evaluation tof allergenic properties of drugs and their semi-products in conducting toxicological investigations.


Spontaneous and prostaglandin- or oxytocin-induced motility of rat ovaries isolated during different stages of the estrous cycle: effects of norepinephrine.

Ovaries isolated from rats in different stages of the sex cycle were explored for spontaneous or drug-induced contractile activity. The number of spontaneously active ovaries as well as the magnitude of the isometrically developed tension and frequency of contractions were greater during the periovulatory interval (late proestrus and estrus) than during early proestrus or metestrus. Furthermore, during estrus or late proestrus the left ovaries exhibited a mechanical activity significantly greater than that of the right ovaries. The oxytocin-triggered motility was clearly more marked immediately prior to ovulation (late proestrus) and greater in left ovaries than in right ovaries. In contrast, the contractions induced by prostaglandin F2alpha were similar during early proestrus and late proestrus. Ovarian contractile reactivity to norepinephrine indicated the presence in the tissue of alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. During early proestrus this agent stimulated the motility of left and right ovaries, whereas close to the ovulatory interval (late proestrus) it depressed the contractions of left ovaries. This last influence was blocked by propranolol. The existence of a close relationship between ovarian contractile activity and ovulation is reinforced by the present results in the rat. A tentative participation of oxytocin is also suggested. In addition, the influences of other possible regulatory agents of ovarian contraction, such as catecholamines and prostaglandins, are presented and discussed.


Histochemical demonstration of delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in ovaries of intact infant mice and mice treated with anti-rat gonadotropin.

The localization of delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was demonstrated histochemically in the neonatal mouse ovary. Histochemical studies were also undertaken in an attempt to investigate the effects of gonadotropic deprivation from birth to age 7 or 14 days on the distribution of enzymatic activity. Between birth and the age of 2 weeks, delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was observed in virtually all follicles. In the newborn mouse ovary, the activity was found in granulosa cells of follicles developing in the center of the organ. On the 14th day, the granulosa cells of some apparently normal follicles histochemically were relatively inert, while others, obviously atretic, demonstrated extensive, localized, diformazan granules. Deprivation of endogenous circulating gonadotropin by daily injections of anti-rat gonadotropin had specific effects on follicular development and histochemical patterns in animals deprived of gonadotropins for 14 days but not for only 7 days.


[Kinetic peculiarities of the immunodepressive effect of methotrexate].

The content of direct plaque-forming cells (PFC) in the spleen of sheep erythrocytes immunized mice after a single administration to them of 2.5 mg/kg methotrexate on the 48th or 72nd hour of the immune response was measured. The PFC count was determined every 4 hours for 68 hours after introduction of methotrexate. In either of the cases the curve reflecting changes of the PFC count in the spleen was of an undulating nature. The alternating rises and falls of the PFC number proceeded at a high speed, viz. the time of doubling and half-periods of drop-off on individual lengths of the obtained curves was of the order of 2--4 hours. It is suggested that the PFC population accretion is ensured by a synchronous recruitment from the cells-precursors, antigen activated upon introduction of methotrexate. The decline in the number of PFC is, apparently, dependent upon their destruction due to an "unbalanced growth".


[Histologic changes in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver and spleen following experimental lymphography by means of iophendylate].

An experimental lymphography was effected in 41 rabbits which were given the contrast medium intralymphatically in a dose of 0.3--0.5 ml/kg. The roentgenological dynamics of contrasting the lymphatic structures of the hind limbs and pelvis of the animals was studied. Iodophendylate was found in experimental lymphography to cause no damage to the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, spleen and the kidneys. In the mechanism of the contrast medium elimination of major importance are phagocytic cellular reactions.


[Interaction of sydnocarb with preparations influencing the metabolism of catecholamines].

Changes in the stimulating action of sydnocarbum and d,1-amphetamine on the locomotor activity of mice and conditioned reflexes of rats following introduction of reserpine, alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine (alpha-Mt) and nialamide were studied. The stimulating effect of sydnocarbum is in a great measure suppressed by reserpine, while that of amphetamine--by alpha-MT. Nialamide potentiates the stimulating action of both agents, the strengthening of the sydnocarbum effect, however, was more marked than that of amphetamine. The noted difference in the action of sydnocarbum and amphetamine was, possibly, due to the influence of the former chiefly on the stable, and of the second--on the labile neuronal norepinephrine depot.


Pregnancy following 2-bromo-alpha-ergocryptine (CB-154)-induced ovulation in an acromegalic patient with galactorrhea and amenorrhea.

An acromegalic patient with galactorrhea-amenorrhea who conceived following long-term 2-bromo-alpha-ergocryptine (CB-154) therapy is described. During CB-154 therapy, determinations of serum prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH)-human chorionic gonadotropin, follicle-stimulating hormone a reduction in PRL level followed by an LH peak, a rise in basal body temperature and menstruation. The patient became pregnant during the next cycle, but therapeutic abortion was performed because of the active acromegaly. These results demonstrate that CB-154 can restore ovulatory function not only to the patient with a hypothalamic disorder but also to the acromegalic patient with an enlarged sella turcica.


[Lysosomal component in the mechanism of the toxic effect of sporofusarin].

The effect of Fusarium sporotrichiella v. sporotrichioides mycotoxin (sporofusarin) on the total and non-sedimentary supernatant activity of 13 marker-enzymes of subcellular particles (2 mitochondrial enzymes-cytochrome oxidase and malate dehydrogenase; 8 lysosomal enzymes -- acid phosphatase, acid RNAase, acid DNAase, arylsulphatases A and B, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, beta-glucuronidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-glucosidase; 2 microsomal enzymes -- glucose-6-phosphatase and acetylesterase; plasma membrane enzyme -- alkaline phosphatase) of the rat liver, kidney, spleen and bone-marrow was studied in in vivo experiments. The latter demonstrated that sporofusarin effects were characterized by a significant organ and organella specificity, viz. the toxin caused a sharply increased activity, mainly of lysosomes enzymes and labilization of the lysosomal membranes, primarily in the spleen and the bone-marrow. A conclusion is drawn that the discovered selective destructive action of sporofusarin on the lysosomes may be regarded as a new phenomenon that, possibly is directly related to the characterization of the mechanism responsible for a specific effect produced by sporofusarin.


Effects of Limbic stimulation and the microinontophoresis of aminergic drugs on the single unit activity of hypothalamic neurosecretory cells (author's transl).

Attempts were made to investigate the chemical nature of hypothalamic afferents from the extrahypothalamic structures which participate in the control of hypothalamic neurosecretory cells. Experimental procedures were discribed in the preceding report, except that of the electrical stimulation and the microinontophoresis. Some part of data obtained in this study were referred in the preceding report for improvement of statistic reliability. For electrical stimulation, side-by-side bipolar electrodes were placed in the medial preoptic area (MPO), medial amygdala (mAMYG) and dorsal hippocampus (dHPC) from the parietal surface of the brain and fastened to the cranium by dental resin. Microintophoresis of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and acetylcholine (Ach) was carried out by using five-barrelled glass pipette on the antidromically activated units in the medical basal hypothalamus by the median eminence stimulation. Extracellular potentials were recorded by the central barrel of each electrode. One of the outer barrels was filled with physiological saline and used for control purpose. (1) Eelctrical stimulation of the MPO with train pulses of 0.2 msec duration and 300 muA intensity in 100 HZ for 5 sec, induced facilitation and inhibition in 26.4% and 9.4% of 106 tests, respectively. By the mAMYG stimulation with 500 muA, facilitation was seen in 18.8% and inhibition in 10.4%, of 96 tests. The HPC stimulation induced facilitation in 10.0% and inhibition in 23.3% of 90 tests. (2) Facilitatory effect of the MPO was most frequently seen in the ovariectomized and estrogen primed rats (58.8% of the tests). In contrast, the inhibitory effect of the dHPC was striking in the diestrus-I (40.0%). (3) Microiontophoresis of NE induced facilitation in 60.0% and inhibition in 10.6% of 66 identified cells. DA induced facilitation in 45%, and inhibition in 11.7% of 60 tests. Ach induced facilitation in 41.4%, and inhibition in 13.8% of 58 tests. (4) By NE infusion, facilitation was most commonly seen in the proestrus (70.6%). Inhibition was most readily elicited by Ach infusion on the diestrus-I (30%). Facilitative effect of DA was eminent in the diestrus-I (81.8%). (5) Successive administration of NE and DA on identical units revealed that in 56.0%, the units were responsive to only one agent and the other was effectless. 25.5% of the units responded to both of NE and DA. (6) The conceidence of effects, either facilitation or inhibition, between that of electrical stimulation of the microinontophoresis, was calculated on 46 units. The facilitatory effect of the MPO was most commonly mimicked by NE infusion (81.8%), and the inhibitory effect of the dHPC by Ach infusion (46.7%). NE also mimicked facilitatory effect of mAMYG stimulation (73.3%). (7) Intraventricular infusion of 20 mug of NE induced significant increase of serum LH (p less than 0.05 to saline) when measured by radioimmunoassay, whereas DA resulted in a decrease of LH (p less than 0.01).


[Study of the acute and chronic toxicity of a new preparation of the 3,5-dioxopyrazolidine series, butaglionamide, in comparison with amidopyrine and butadione].

An acute and chronic toxicity of butaglionamide, a new drug in the series of 3,5-dioxopyrazolidines, was contrasted against that of amidopyrine and butadion. The data obtained testify to a much lower toxicity of butaglionamide for rats of different age, both with a single and chronic administration.


[Hypothalamic-hypophyseal-adrenocortical dysfunction in patients with anorexia nervosa (author's transl)].

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical function was investigated in 14 patients with anorexia nervosa. Impaired suppression of plasma cortisol by dexamethasone was revealed. In 14 patients with anorexia nervosa, circadian rhythm of plasma cortisol, insulin tolerance test, rapid ACTH test and overnight dexamethasone suppression test were examined. Levels of plasma cortisol were higher than those in control subjects throughout the day, and normal circadian rhythm of plasma cortisol was not observed. Basal levels of plasma ACTH were within normal range. tthe response of plasma cortisol to insulin-induced hypoglycemia was lower than that in control subjects, while the response of plasma cortisol in rapid Acth test was normal. In overnight suppression tests, in which one mg dexamethasone was administered orally, 11 of 14 patients showed no suppression of plasma cortisol and 3 other patients showed incomplete suppression. Elevated levels of plasma cortisol and the absence of normal circadian rhythm in patients with anorexia nervosa and malnutrition have already been reported by other investigators, and these abnormalities were ascribed to the delayed half life of plasma cortisol due to impaired cortisol metabolism. However, according to our investigation, it is difficult to explain the failure of dexamethasone to suppress cortisol only by the delayed half life of plasma cortisol, and it is supposed that some kind of abnormal hypothalamic control is also involved.


[Effect of porcine calcitonin in primary hyperparathyroidism (author's transl)].

In order to investigate the effect of calcitonin (CT) on calcium and phosphorus metabolism in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), porcine calcitonin (80 MRC units) was injected intramuscularly at 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for 10-14 days in 7 patients with parathyroid adenoma. Fasting blood specimens were drawn at 8:00 a.m. every other day and 24 hour urine samples were collected through out control and test days. To examine the acute effect of CT, blood and urine were checked several times until 8 hours after the first injection. A fall in the fasting serum calcium level observed in 5 patients during the repeated administrations of CT, as well as that observed in 6 patients within 6 hours after the first injection, showed a significant correlation with the initial serum calcium level. Serum phosphorus concentration decreased in all patients 6 hours after the first injection, while fasting levels seemed to remain unchanged. During the repeated administrations, urinary excretion of calcium and phosphrus decreased correspondingly with the fall in serum calcium levels, although no definite tendancy was observed within 8 hours after the first injection. Fasting serum PTH levels during the repeated administrations were measured in 2 patients. In a patient whose serum calcium returned to the initial level on the 7th day of administration, a gradual rise of PTH was observed, while in another patient whose serum calcium was kept lower than the initial level, PTH remained almost unchanged. These results indicate that, under such a condition where there is marked increase of bone resorption as PHP, repeated administrations of CT bring about not only a hypocalcemic effect but also the reduction of calcium and phosphorus excretion through a decreased filtered load. In addition, it was suggested that, in some cases of PHP, the hypocalcemic effect of CT may be abolished by an increase of PTH secretion from the parathyroid glands during long-term administration.


Labor force participation and family formation: a study of working mothers.

Drawing upon a sample of 638 mothers aged 18 to 40, with at least some marital work experience, significant associations were found between the extent, kind, and timing of employment and a series of family formation variables. Generally lower fertility, longer first birth intervals, and earlier use of birth control were associated with the longest work durations, the highest status jobs, and work before the birth of the first child. The data failed, however, to differentiate desired family size.


The fall in household size and the rise of the primary individual in the United States.

The long-term fall in household size in the United States is discussed within the framework of the aging of the population, continuing as the effects of fertility and mortality decline accumulate. Using distributions of households by size from U.S. census data 1790-1970 and a components of change analysis on primary individuals for 1950-1974, household changes are related to demographic change for the periods 1790-1900, 1900-1950, and 1950-1974. Fertility and mortality declines have unambiguous impact on household size until the increases in primary individuals begin. But these, too, have a theoretically interesting, if indirect relationship to population structure.


Repeat abortion.

A reanalysis of the repeat abortion experience of New York City residents during July 1, 1970 to June 30, 1972 is undertaken on the basis of a probability model that generates repeat abortion ratios as a function of assumptions about fecundity, contraceptive efficiency, and exposure lengths. Tested are three hypotheses put forward by Daily et al. in a 1973 analysis: (i) the low repeat abortion ratio of .0245 is attributable in part to underreporting of registered induced abortions as repeat ones; (ii) a major part of the rise in repeat abortion ratios, from virtually zero to six percent over four consecutive six-month intervals, is explainable in terms of the rising volume of exposure time to risk of repeat abortion relative to the stream of initial abortions; and (iii) the higher abortion ratios of women in their twenties compared to those of older or younger women is ascribable to "differences in fecundity and intercourse frequency." Support is found for the first two hypotheses, and a mixed outcome for the third.


Postnatal undernutrition: an alternative method.

Rat pups were undernourished from birth by placing them for 12 hr/day with a normal lactating mother and 12 hr/day with a nipple-ligated mother each day for 25 days. The method resulted in a marked delay in the body growth of the undernourished pups, especially during the first 2 weeks of life. Observations of the behavior of the mothers towards the underfed pups were made at different times of the day and compared to the behavior of the mothers suckling well-fed pups. The results show that (1) nipple-ligated mothers are able to provide adequate maternal care for undernourished pups, and (2) both ligated and nonligated mothers caring for underfed pups spend more time with those pups than mothers caring for well-fed pups.


Perinatal hypothyroidism in rats: persistent motivational and metabolic effects.

Five groups of female rats which were exposed to thiouracil for varying periods around the time of birth were compared with a 6th group of untreated controls in motivational, metabolic, and hormonal test situations during adolescence and adulthood. The thiouracil-treated rats displayed reduced fearfulness in lever-touching and lever-pressing tasks in operant conditioning chambers and in their initial adaptation to activity-wheel and maze apparatuses. These rats also showed hyperactivity in asymptotic running-wheel performance, increased spontaneous recovery of extinguished lever-pressing, and elevated responding in lever-pressing for variable-interval food reinforcement. A supplemental study revealed significantly greater ad libitum food and water intake and oxygen consumption in male thiouracil-treated rats and elevated serum thyroxine levels in thiouracil-treated females. In general the results indicate that perinatal thyroid deficiency engenders a chronic hypermetabolic state in both sexes which may be associated with a persistent, mild hyperthyroid condition in the case of female rats.


Postprandial plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon and triglyceride responses to a standard diet in normal subjects.

Postprandial plasma glucose, insulin and triglyceride responses were determined in 12 normal subjects (7 male and 5 female) fed a standard diet composed of typical American foods; the three meals were identical for each subject. A significant postprandial rise in glucose and insulin was observed. They were closely related temporally in the early postabsorptive period. However, in the late post-absorptive phase insulin decline was generally slower than the glucose decline. A considerable difference in the glucose and insulin response was observed between males and females. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were lower in the women. Following each meal the peak plasma glucose was lower in the women, but the difference was significant only following breakfast (p less than 0.02). The area under the glucose curve following breakfast was also lower (p less than 0.01) in the women. In the men the maximal postprandial glucose concentration and the postprandial glucose area remained stable throughout the day, but there was an increase in peak insulin concentration and insulin area after dinner. In contrast, in the women the maximal postprandial glucose concentration and the postprandial glucose area increased throughout the day, but the peak insulin concentration and insulin area did not change. Plasma trigylcerides increased with breakfast and remained elevated throughout the day. Both fasting and postprandial mean triglycerides were higher in the men, but this did not reach statistical significance. The circulating pancreatic glucagon concentration, determined in 4 subjects, was unaffected by meals and remained stable throughout the day.


[On the use of an anabolic hormone in the acute myocardial infarction. Experimental trial on 486 patients (author's transl)].

An anabolic hormone, methandrostenolone, was shown to be able to decrease significantly the cicatrization-time on animals with induced sperimental acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A controlled clinical trial was performed on group of 246 patients affected by AMI, giving them methandrostenolone at dose of 25 mg im.m. per day, for the first ten days from the beginning of symptoms. An omogeneous group of 240 patients with AMI was used as control. The mortality rate resulted 13,4% in the treated group 18,7% in the control's. 10 patients in the treated group (4,2%) died of cardiac failure versus 17 (7,1%) in the control group, 9 (3,7%) of cardiac rupture in the former versus 6 (2,4%) in the latter. As far as these differences are concerned statistical significance was not reached. A larger number of patients would be requested.


Enterokinase and trypsin activities in pancreatic insufficiency and diseases of the small intestine.

The interrelationship of enterokinase and trypsin activities were investigated in 133 infants and children with a variety of gastrointestinal and pancreatic disorders. Fourteen patients with diarrhea and grade II mucosal injury revealed a significant (P less than 0.01) reduction of enterokinase, trypsin, and disaccharidase activites as compared to 59 children with normal mucosa. Nine patients with cystic fibrosis and pancreatic insufficiency had normal mucosal enterokinase activity and elevated intraluminal enterokinase activity with very low or no trypsin activity. Patients with hypoproteinemia and gastrointestinal protein loss, associated with intestinal lymphangiectasia (4 patients) and intestinal lymphoid nodular hyperplasia (3 patients), had normal or insignificant decrease of enterokinase and trypsin activities. In patients with steatorrhea, a normal sweat test, normal intestinal mucosa, and absent trypsin activity, two entities were defined. One group (3 patients) was diagnosed as Schwachman-Diamond syndrome with pancreatic insufficiency and normal mucosal and intraluminal enterokinase activity. The second group (2 patients) with absent mucosal and intraluminal enterokinase activity and normal lipase and amylase activities was diagnosed as congenital enterokinase deficiency.


Persistent obstructive jaundice, cholangitis, and biliary cirrhosis due to common bile duct stenosis in chronic pancreatitis.

Long strictures of the intrapancreatic portion of the common bile duct were found in 6 patients with chronic pancreatitis. These strictures were responsible for painless obstructive jaundice, recurrent cholangitis, secondary biliary cirrhosis, and chronic abdominal pain difficult to distinguish from that caused by pancreatitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and intraoperative cholangiography were invaluable in making the diagnosis and in planning surgical correction. Decompression of the biliary tree by anastomosis of the gallbladder or common duct to the small intestine completely relieved symptoms and allowed liver function to improve significantly. Common duct stricture as a complication of chronic pancreatitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of extrahepatic biliary obstruction and whenever surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis is contemplated.


[Microscopic changes in the ligated and resected stumps of the uterine vessels during abdominal hysterectomy (author's transl)].

30 stumps of the uterine vessels during abdominal hysterectomy were excised with the ligature 10 to 20 minutes after the original ligature. Inspite of the ligature the most important mechanism of hemostasis is an occlusive thrombosis in the lumen of the vessels. In this process damage of the wall of the vessel and the endothelium is very important.


[Radioactive gold treatment of primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube (author's transl)].

20 cases of primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube from 1958 to 1974 are reported. An operation was performed in all cases. A post-operative intra-peritoneal installation of radioactive gold was done in 14 cases. 6 patients which had radioactive gold treatment survived for more than 5 years. None of the patients survived for more than 5 years who did not have radioactive gold treatment. The positive effect on treatment of carcinoma of the fallopian tube of a complete operation with post-operative intra-peritoneal administration of radioactive gold is discussed in detail.


[Intrauterine contraceptive devices. Mode of action, experiences, complications (author's transl)].

Already in 1909 methods of an intrauterine contraception were indicated in Germany. Their practical use was intiated twenty years later by Ernst Graefenberg. Further development almost exclusively takes place in the USA, whereas the major part of basic investigations has been done. The introduction of copper bearing IUD's undoubtedly increased the safety of intrauterine contraception. Investigations concerning the morphology of the endometrial contact area (f.e. by SEM) and the evaluation of certain biochemical facts associated with the release of copper ions, lead to hypotheses of the mode of action. A randomized comparative study of CuT 200 verus Lippes Loop D demonstrates similar pregnancy rates with both types of IUD, but a moderate advantage of the CuT 200 in regard of the expulsion rate and the removal rates due to bleeding and/or pains. The author stresses that it might be medically indicated to terminate pregnancy when a woman has conceived in spite of a copper bearing IUD in situ. His statement is in correspondence to the recommendations of the Population Council, but nevertheless, this problem as yet is far of being solved unanimously. Most complications associated with the IUD are due to incorrect insertion. It is therefore postulated to insert the IUD menstrually, maintaining strictly sterile conditions, a non-deformed uterus being hooked on a bullet forceps. As already anticipated by Ludwig Fraenkel a careful insertion should be done by experienced doctors only, this fact counteracting the widespread use of this contraceptive method to be in the second place as compared to hormonal contraception.


Thoracoscopy as an aid to the diagnosis of diaphragmatic injury in penetrating wounds of the left lower chest: a preliminary report.

In an attempt to evaluate the place of thoracoscopy, the investigation was performed on 11 patients with penetrating wounds of the left lower chest, who had no definite clinical or radiological indication for operation. In 6 patients the diaphragm was seen clearly, and in 2 of these an unsuspected diaphragmatic injury was found. Both injuries were later confirmed at operation. The other 4 patients had intact diaphragms and were successfully treated conservatively. It is suggested that thoracoscopy is a useful aid in the diagnosis of left-sided, diaphragmatic injury and that the best results are obtained if it is performed within 24 hours of the injury.


Attitudes regarding drug abuse among a group of ex-addict staff members.

Thirteen male and 11 female ex-addict staff members of a therapeutic community were surveyed to assess their attitudes on nine factors related to drug abuse and the drug abuser. Each factor was assessed according to the critieria established by Marcus. Both male and female groups held positive beliefs that psychological problems were contributing factors in the development of addiction. Among the remaining eight factors there was considerable variation in agreement regarding these male and female ex-addicts' attitudes toward drug abuse and the drug abuser.


Giant condyloma or Buschke-Loewenstein tumor.

The Buschke-Loewenstein tumor has a malignant clinical character but is histologically similar to the ordinary condyloma. The tumor grows deeply without invading the tissues, but compresses them and causes an intense inflammatory reaction. The diagnosis is clinical. Treatment with podophyllin and radiotherapy are not effective but bleomycin may be effective. Surgery is the accepted treatment and the extent of resection depends on the extent of the tumor.


Voiding pressure as it relates to outlet and/or sphincteric resistance.

Electrically quantitated and controlled detrusor contraction can produce either minimal or excessive rise in intravesical pressure depending upon openness or occlusion of the bladder outlet. Higher rise in intravesical pressure thus does not imply stronger detrusor contraction but should be viewed as a reflection of the outflow resistance mechanism. Possible damaging hydrodynamic effect of sudden partial or complete functional occlusion of the bladder outlet by intermittent or sustained voluntary sphincter activity is illustrated.


Urodynamic evaluation of a chronically implanted bladder pacemaker.

A "chronic" study of an implantable bladder pacemaker revealed that, although the electrode array did not significantly impair vesical function during the 10 weeks of research, electric stimulation did spread to the voluntary perineal musculature. There was also a drop in bladder response to the same stimulation parameters, probably due to progressive development of fibrous reaction and encasement of electrodes.


Triiodothyronine radioimmunoassay and its application to thyroid disorders.

An accurate, highly sensitive triiodothyrone (T3) radioimmunoassay system is described. Direct measurement in serum is made possible by the use of T3-free serum for standards, and blocking of T3 binding to thyroxine (T4)-binding globulin with salicylate. T4 cross reactivity was less than 0.3%. Mean T3 levels in 55 euthyroid, 32 hyperthyroid and 19 primary hypothyroid patients were 1.46 +/- 0.17, 5.34 +/- 1.86 and 0.49 +/- 0.34 (SD) ng/ml, respectively. T3 was found to be a more sensitive index than T4 in hyperthyroidism; in hypothyroidism it overlapped with euthyroidism. The presence of goiter had no effect on T3 concentrations in euthyroid patients. Among the patients studied, eight were found to have T3 toxicosis, including two patients with recurrent thyrotoxicosis. A significant T3 elevation was also found in euthyroid patients after thyroidectomy whereas T4 remained normal. The extent of T4 and T3 elevation was similar during the initial phase of subacute thyroiditis. There were significantly lower T3 values and higher thyroid-stimulating hormone values in umbilical cord blood than in maternal blood. In two euthyroid subjects, thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation caused a 50% rise in T3 levels and no change in T4 levels over a 2-h period.


[Correlation between bipolar cyclothymia and psoriasis vulgaris. A case report].

Report of a case with cyclothymia and psoriasis. During the depression periods, the psoriasis got worse and during the manic periods the skin lesions improved even without any dermatological therapy.


Use of the dynamic compression plate for treatment of equine long-bone fractures.

Long-bone fractures of 6 foals admitted consecutively to the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital were treated successfully with ASIF dynamic compression plating. The cases included 2 foals with closed fracture of the metacarpus, and 1 foal each with open nonunion of the metatarsus, closed fracture of the radius, open fracture of the tibia, and open fracture of the ulna. Five of these foals became sound, with no deformity, so they could be trained for racing or showing. The 6th foal, a filly with nonunion, became "pasture-sound" and was scheduled for breeding. It was concluded that the dynamic compression plates have many advantages over conventional ASIF plates. These advantages include: the plates can be put near the end of bones; screws can be put at an angle other than 90 degrees to the plate; cancellous screws can be used in any hole; plates can be shaped and the screw heads will still fit the holes; less exposure is required; and operating time is shorter.


Evaluation of three techniques of ventral decompression of the cervical spinal cord in the dog.

Three techniques for ventral decompression of the cervical spinal cord were performed on 21 dogs (3 groups of 7 dogs each). The techniques involved cutting various-sized defects in the vertebral bodies and disks of the cervical vertebral column. The defects were not filled with bone grafts. Two of the 3 techniques (short, wide defect and long, narrow defect) were successful, and the other technique (long, wide defect) gave questionable results.


Immune deficiency in a dog with distemper.

A 16-week-old dog developed distemper 3 weeks after the 2nd of 2 vaccinations for canine distemper (CD). Symptomatic treatment was without effect and the dog was euthanatized. Prior to euthanasia, a blood sample was obtained for serologic study. The dog was found to be hypogammaglobulinemic and to have a serum-neutralization antibody titer of 1:16 to CD virus, which is considerably lower than the average 28-day response to a single CD vaccination (1:312). Histologic examination revealed absence of germinal centers in spleen and lymph nodes, generalized lymphoid depletion, and thymic hypoplasia. Comparison with primary immunodeficiencies of man and domestic animals and with CD virus-induced immune suppression led to inconclusive interpretation of these data. Thorough immune function analysis was deemed mandatory for separating primary immunodeficiency from CD virus-induced immunosuppression in dogs.


Actinomycotic peritonitis in a dog.

Actinomycotic peritonitis in a 5-year-old female German Shorthaired Pointer was characterized by abdominal enlargement, a draining tract in the paralumbar fossa, and chronic debilitation. Clinical recovery resulted from excision of a granulomatous abdominal mass in combination with initial penicillin therapy and prolonged (3 months) sulfonamide therapy.


Density of os calcis and limb dominance.

The absolute density of the right and left os calcis has been measured in a group of healthy, sedentary volunteers. There was a significant difference between the density of the right and left os calcis in 90% of the subjects. Statistically, when all of the subjects were considered, the side on which the os calcis was denser was also the side of hand preference. Since there was no evidence, in the present study, of the environment having encouraged the use of one foot rather than the other, it is concluded that the concordance between upper limb dominance and greater density of the ipsilateral os calcis must have been determined before birth.


Procedures to increase some aspects of creativity.

Instructions reinforcement (team points), and practice were applied to four behaviorally defined creative behaviors of eight fourth- and fifth-grade students. All four aspects (number of different responses, fluency; number of verb forms, flexibility; number of words per response, elaboration; and statistical infrequency of response forms, originality) were demonstrated to be under experimental control. The procedures also raised students' scores on Torrance's tests of creativity. Application of the experimental procedures may well be practical for classroom teachers.


Glycogen phosphorylase in Dictyostelium discoideum. I. Purification and properties of the enzyme.

The glycogen phosphorylase of Dictyostelium discoideum has been purified over 200-fold from cells in the culmination stage of development. Analytical gel electrophoresis of the purified enzyme indicates one major protein band with a molecular weight of approximately 210,000. Gel elution verified the presence of phosphorylase activity associated with the protein band. Electrophoresis of partially purified extracts prepared from amoebae cells revealed the absence of phosphorylase protein. Sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis on 6% gels indicated that the purified phosphorylase is composed of subunits, 95,000 in molecular weight. The purified enzyme exhibited normal Michaelis-Menten kinetics and activity was not stimulated by added nucleotides such as 5'-AMP. Nucleotide sugars (GDP-glucose, UDP-glucose, ADP-glucose) were competitive inhibitors of the phosphorylase reaction.


Glycogen phosphorylase in Dictyostelium discoideum. II. Synthesis and degradation during differentiation.

A purified preparation of glycogen phosphorylase from Dictyostelium discoideum was used to elicit specific antisera in rabbits. The antisera were used to quantitate the amount of precipitable phosphorylase protein from cell extracts prepared at various stages of the developmental cycle. Following isotope incorporation studies in differentiating cells, the specific radioactivity of enzyme isolated by antibody precipitation was compared to that of acid-insoluble protein. Prior to 5 hours of development, glycogen phosphorylase could not be detected enzymatically or immunologically. Between aggregation and culmination, the rate of enzyme synthesis increased about 6-fold, then decreased to an insignificant value in young sorocarps. The rate of enzyme degradation was negligible during the period of maximal enzyme accumulation, then increased to a peak value of 40% after culmination, coincident with a rapid drop in phosphorylase activity. The data indicated that the increase in glycogen phosphorylase activity during development results from an increase in the rate of enzyme synthesis.


Delta-Aminolevulinic acid synthase from chick embryo liver mitochondria. I. Purification and some properties.

The purification of hepatic delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase (EC 2.3.1.37) was accomplished from chick embryo liver mitochondria, which had been treated with the combination of drugs, 2-allylisopropylacetamide and 1,4-dihydro-3,5-dicarbethoxycollidine to produce a high starting level of enzyme activity. After extraction from the mitochondria by sonication, the enzyme was purified to a final specific activity of over 10,000 nmol of aminolevulinate formed/30 min/mg of protein/37 degrees, using the techniques of Sephadex chromatography, ammonium sulfate fractionation, affinity chromatography for pyridoxal phosphate, and preparative isoelectric focusing. An isoelectric point of 7.0 and a molecular weight of 87,000 were obtained for the native enzyme. The subunit molecular weight of 49,000, obtained by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, suggested it was a dimer. The enzyme was inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzoate and N-ethylmaleimide, stimulated by cations and exhibited an ultraviolet absorption spectrum characteristic of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate enzymes with absorption maxima at 325 and 420 nm.


Subcellular localization of nerve growth factor receptors. Developmental correlations in chick embryo brain.

The subcellular distribution of receptors for nerve growth factor (NGF), as assayed by specific binding of the 125I-labeled protein, during the embryonic development of chick brain has been examined. Utilizing differential centrifugation and discontinuous sucrose density gradient centrifugation, it was observed that the majority of the specific NGF receptors are localized in the crude (P2) and purified (B) synaptosomal fractions at all stages of brain development examined. However, during early stages (day 6 to 8) a significant portion of the receptors are also found in the P1 fraction, consistent with their location on dense subcellular structures. Significant 125I-NGF binding is observed in this period of development before the appearance of neurochemical markers (choline acetyltransferase, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, and 125I-alpha-bungarotoxin binding) which are associated with synaptosomes. The latter stages of development, particularly days 13 to 18, show parallel rapid increases in all neurochemical markers and 125I-NGF binding consistent with the association of nearly all late appearing NGF receptors with synaptosomes. These two apparent classes of NGF receptors may have distinct functional roles in the embryonic development of the chick brain.


Properties of succinyl-CoA:3-ketoacid coenzyme A transferase.

CoA transferase binds tightly to blue dextran; this facilitates purification. The enzyme has a molecular weight of 92,000 and consists of two subunits and 3 to 4 isozymes. Amino acid and carbohydrate analyses are reported.


The flagellar membrane of Ochromonas danica. Isolation and electrophoretic analysis of the flagellar membrane, axonemes, and mastigonemes.

The isolation and purification of the flagellar membrane of the phytoflagellate, Ochromonas danica, is described. The procedure is simple, mild, rapid, and it produces a pure membrane preparation. The method additionally permits the isolation of clean preparations of axonemes and mastigonemes from a single flagella preparation. Each component was studied by electron microscopy and acrylamide gel electrophroesis. The isolated flagella preparation was nearly free of other cellular organelles as judged by phase contrast and electron microscopy. The purified membrane preparation consisted of small vesicles (500 to 1500 A in diameter) with a trilamellar pattern about 80 A thick. Isolated membrane was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, displaying five major protein bands, five minor protein bands, and some protein which remained at the origin. The five major protein components had apparent molecular weights of 54,000, 47,000, 35,000, 31,000, and 28,000. All mastigoneme protein components are glycoproteins as judged by periodic acid-Schiff staining. The mastigoneme preparation contained three major protein bands. Two of them were revealed as doublets and migrated with an average velocity corresponding to 83,000 delatons, the other major protein band migrated with a velocity corresponding to 54,000 daltons. A heavy carbohydrate band is seen near the bromphenol blue tracking dye. The axoneme preparation showed one major protein band having an apparent molecular weight of about 54,000 and some proteins having high molecular weights which remained on top of the polyacrylamide gel.


The flagellar membrane of Ochromonas danica. Lipid composition.

The lipids of the whole flagella and the flagella membrane of the phytoflagellate Ochromonas danica were isolated and compared with those of the whole cell. The polar lipids were separated by two-dimensional thin layer chromatography. One-dimensional thin layer chromatography was used for the separation of the nonpolar lipids. In all respects the lipids of the whole flagella were identical with those of the flagellar membrane. These methods established the presence in flagellar membrane of the polychlorosulfolipids of O. danica as more than 90 molar per cent of the total polar lipids. These sulfolipids had been previously characterized as 1,14-docosanediol-1, 14-disulfate and 1,15-tetracosanediol-1,15-disulfate, containing zero to six chloro groups substituting for hydrogen on the chain. Seven unknown polar lipids were found. Both phosphorus analysis on each lipid and the molybdenum spray reagent for phospholipids on the chromatogram showed that there is no phospholipid present in O. danica flagellar membrane. Positive reactions to the diphenylamine spray reagent suggest that up to four of the unknown polar lipids are glycolipids. Of these, three reacted positively with ninhydrin. All of the unknown lipids reacted with the acidified 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine spray reagent suggesting the presence of aldehyde, ketone, glycoside, or plasmalogen. One unknown substance appeared near the origin of thin layer chromatograms. It showed a positive reaction with Dragendorff reagent, suggesting the presence of a quaternary amine group. This substance is presumed to be nonlipid, since it is not synthesized from [1-14C]acetate under the growth conditions used, as revealed by autoradiograms of thin layer chromatograms. It contained 35% hexose or hexosamine. It is devoid of phosphorus (0.7%) and is less than 4% protein (or phenolic groups or peptide), as judged by the Lowry assay using bovine serum albumin as a standard. Analysis of the nonpolar lipids of the flagellar membrane showed that free fatty acids constitute about 12 molar per cent of the total lipids. These fatty acids could be true components of the membrane or artifacts of the extraction procedure although every precaution was taken to prevent artifactual production of free fatty acids. The sterols constitute nearly 10 molar per cent of total lipids. Sterol esters were absent from the membrane. There are two additional major unknown nonpolar lipids present. The implications of such a high proportion of chlorosulfolipids as a polar lipid component in the membrane are important because of the unique structures of these lipids, which have ionic groups at or near both ends of the aliphatic chain.


Experimental disintegration of the nuclear envelope. Evidence for pore-connecting fibrils.

The disintegration of the nuclear envelope has been examined in nuclei and nuclear envelopes isolated from amphibian oocytes from amphibian oocytes and rat liver tissue, using different electron microscope techniques (ultrathin sections and negatively or positively stained spread preparations). Various treatments were studied, including disruption by surface tension forces, very low salt concentrations, and nonionic detergents such as Triton C-100 and Nonidet P-40. The highest local stability of the cylinders of nonmembranous pore complex material is emphasized. As progressive disintegration occurred in the membrane regions, a network of fibrils became apparent which interconnects the pore complexes and is distinguished from the pore complex-associated about 15-20 nm thick, located at the level of the inner nuclear membrane, which is recognized in thin sections to bridge the interpore distances. With all disintegraiton treatments a somewhat higher susceptibility of the outer nuclear membrane is notable, but a selective removal does not take place. Final stages of disintegration are generally characterized by the absence of identifiable, membrane-like structures. Analysis of detergent-treated nuclei and nuclear membrane fractions shows almost complete absence of lipid components but retention bo significant amount of glycoproteins with a typical endomembrane-type carbohydrate pattern.  Various alternative interpretations of these observations are discussed. From the present observations and those of Aaronson and Blobel (1,2), we favor the notion that threadlike intrinsic membrane components are stabilized by their attachment to the pore complexes, and perhaps also to peripheral nuclear structures,and constitute a detergent-resistant, interpore skeleton meshwork.


Control of chemotaxis in Physarum polycephalum.

Plasmodia migrate towards those situations which increase the frequency of their alternations in streaming, and away from those which decrease the frequency. Therefore peristalsis-like waves in Physarum move in the direction opposite from the net movement of the organism. The mechanism is fundamentally related to other known types of chemotaxis.


The influence of dissolved oxygen on the mitogen responses of mouse lymphocytes.

Mouse spleen cells incubated at either 30 mm Hg dissolved oxygen partial pressure (pO2) or 160 mm Hg did not differ significantly in their survival or in their proliferative response to the mitogens concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin or bacterial endotoxin in a subsequent static culture. If the mitogen  was added prior to exposing the cells to the controlled dissolved oxygen environment the incorporation of thymidine was always substanstially lower in cells held at 160 mm Hg pO2. This toxic effect of oxygen increased with the time of incubation and was not reversed by the inclusion of 2-mercaptoethanol in the medium. Incubation of cells with mitogen in the absence of oxygen had no deleterious effect on the proliferative response. A comparison of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in Con A stimulated cells indicated that the predominant effect of oxygen was on DNA synthesis.


Gas chromatography and the structural elucidation of lepidopteran pheromones.

Retention data are presented for standards which can be used in the structural elucidation of lepidopteran sex attractants. The use of gas chromatography in the analysis of the geometrical isomers of delta11-tetradecenal, the sex pheromones of the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana, is discussed.


Mefanamic acid blood and urine levels in the horse determined by derivative gas-liquid chromatography-electron capture.

Mefenamic acid is extracted from biological fluids and is acylated with pentafluoropropionic anhydride to form a derivative possessing high electron affinity. The derivative is analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography with an electron capture detector. The method is particularly valuable for determining drug levels in blood where small sample and/or drug concentrations are available.