[Organization of prenatal diagnosis of genetic defects].

The prenatal detection of genetic defects can make concrete predictions on definite diseases that are to be expected. In the indication catalogue of the prenatal diagnosis from the amniotic fluid the chromosomal anomalies are predominant. The basis and the potential consequences of the prenatal diagnosis are surgical treatments and highly differentiated methods which may have consequences on the fetus and on the pregnant woman. Therefore the structure of a prenatal diagnostics centre must to a great extent observe the "Nihil nocere". The most important functions in the prenatal diagnostics are incumbent on the surgical gynaecologist. His duties are the indication and the carrying-out of the surgical treatments and measures for the prenatal diagnostics under consideration of the risks existing. The gynaecologist has either further to care for the pregnancy as a risk pregnancy or at corresponding indication to interrupt it even after the 12th week of pregnancy. On these grounds it is recommended to build up a prenatal diagnostic centre in a gynaecological hospital.


[Behavior of urinary estriol level before normal labor].

The levels of oestriol in urine of 30 healthy pregnant women in the last 22 to 25 days of pregnancy were determined and the statistical analysis was performed. It was found that the levels of oestriol in urine were the highest in 19-th and 9-th days before labour. This form of curve of oestriol levels was found to be characteristic for pregnant women before normal labour.


[Level of estriol in the amniotic fluid before labor].

The level of oestriol in amniotic fluid was estimated in 17 women in pregnancy and in labour. The correlation between level of oestriol and the time of labour was found. However no influence of foetal sex and weight on the level of oestriol was observed. There was also no correlation between the level of oestriol and placenta weight and the type of employment of these women.


The lecithin/spingomyelin quotient as determined using  a modified method and human placental lactogen in the amniotic fluid.

Thirty amniotic fluid samples in late gestational age were analysed for HPL-values and the L/S-ratio. The pregnant women used in this study were healthy except three patients who developed a rh-incompatibility. The amniotic fluid was only obtained by abdominal amniocentesis. We found a decreasing tendency of the HPL-values in late pregnancy. The L/S-ratio increased. A significant correlation of both values could not be observed. In all three cases of rh-incompatibility the decrease of HPL and the increase of the L/S-ratio occurred obviously earlier and steeper. Further studies will prove the significance of these results.


[Pathogenesis of amniotic fluid embolism].

The reason for existant of amniotic fluid embolism is the disposition, which will be favoured by the overaction of the sympathic system, by age and the number of pregnancy. It happens especially by premature rupture of membrane, pathologic contents in the amniotic fluid, high pressure in the uterus, bad uterine muscel with laceration and with opened endymyometric veins. Pathophysiologic connection between the stages of amniotic fluid embolism are discussed in detail.


[Prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome through the administration of prednisolone in the fetal period].

The clinical effectiveness of antenatal prednisolone medication (prednisolone hemisuccinate) for the prophylaxis of idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) was studied in 114 premature infants with a gestational age between 28 and 36 weeks. There was a statistically significant difference (chi2 - test, p less than 0,01) between the frequency of IRDS in this group and in another one consisting of 137 premature babies with a nearly identical distribution of gestational age, whose mothers did not get prednisolone before delivery. It could be shown that the time interval between medical induction and delivery should not exceed 2 weeks, since the effect decreases with time. At present prednisolone medication during the fetal period may serve as useful prophylactic measure for IRDS in cases of premature birth. As there are a lot of contraindication against prednisolone and as we do know very much about side effects, it seems necessary to seek for other, less dangerous inductors.


[Methods of combined antenatal diagnosis of maturity].

A combined diagnosis of maturity is described, which is harmless in a correct technique. The method can be carried out in each of obstetrical hospital together with a routine laboratory. By means of the combined diagnosis a "maturity-index" is performed, which permits a certain assessment of the survival-chance of the praemature delivered children. In connection with the ultrasound-cephalometrie also there is an exact evidence to the duration of pregnancy and the tendence of intrauterine growth of the fetus.


[Clinical significance of surgeon's residual bradycardia].

In connection with the observation of new quantitative electronic dates we undertook bradycardia résiduelle from Sureau a critical value in account. The investigations result from non-digital method. We didn't find statistical significant coherence between bradycardie résiduelle and Apgar-score past 1, 5, 10 and 60 minuts p.p., the pHf and the delta pHf. Also in relation to the neurological investigations of the corresponding children we hadn't statistical significant correlations. The causes for this perception are discussed.


[Behavior of serum alkaline during pregnancy. II. Pathological pregnancy].

832 estimations of heat stable alkaline phosphatase (HSAP) and of heat alkaline phosphatase (HLAP) were carried out simultaneously in late pregnant women at 25th to the 42nd weeks of pregnancy. 147 of them delivered children with normal birth-weight. All these women suffered from pre-eclampsia, hypertension or any kind of superimposed pre-eclampsia. 110 other pregnant women with or without symptoms of pre-eclampsia gave birth to small for dates babies. In addition, the values of these patients were compared with 372 estimations of the same enzymes carried out in 120 patients with normal pregnancy and outcome of normal weighted children. The site of the values of every group showed no typical correlation to the course and outcome of their pregnancy. Regarding four special criterions it was possible to give a good prediction by serial determinations for the weight of the newborn in 80 per cent of the cases. A correlation between the urinary excretion of total oestrogens as well as HLAP and the values of HSAP was to be found only in some groups of patients.


[Epidemiology of cervix carcinoma in pregnancy].

It is reported about the prevalence-rate of the precancerous and invasive cancers ofthe cervix uteri with 22,450 pregnant women at the age-groups from the 13th to 48th year, which are registrated by help of the cytological and expanded colposcopical examination from 1968 to 1974. There were found 57 heavy dysplasies (= 0,25%; sp = +/- 0,133), 42 carcinomas in situ (0,18%; sp = +/- 0,113) and 12 invasive cancers of the cervix uteri (= 0,053%; sp = +/- 0,061). It seems to be, that the prevalence-rate of the precancerous and cancers of the cervix uteri is the same at pregnant and non-pregnant women in the generative age.


[Intrauterine gas gangrene in the 37th week of pregnancy].

A report is given on an infection of intrauterine gas gangrene of stage 2 according to Dieminger (Tumpania uteri) in the 37th week of pregnancy which turned out well. The clinical progress of gas gangrene is discussed. The abstention from a caesarian section by reason of indication of the child with suspicion of a severe intrauterine infection, the vaginal delivery which was forced subsequently, the prevailingly prophylactic administration of antibiotics, and the largely initiated infusion and transfusion therapy have in a high degree determined the positive end of the disease. The intensive observation of the woman in labor, who at first had only been clinically conspicuous, led to an early recognition of toxic symptoms, so that an aimed intensive therapy could be carried out.


[Analysis of gestationally conditioned morbidity in the German Democratic Republic].

During the last years the analysis of the perinatal mortality with its casuistic and statistical aspect has gained importance as an instrument in organizing the health protection services for females. For further achievements in the ante-, intra- and postnatal care according to the social and scientific progress and to the needs of the people a sound knowledge of the morbidity structure is of great value. Relating to these points available data sources are analysed regarding their information contents and significance. Under the aspect of their prevalence the most important diseases during pregnancy are presented.


[Effect of the protein-free calf-blood-extract (Solcoseryl) on the excretion of estrogens in chronic placental insufficiency].

In a double blind study the action of Solcoseryl was tested in 31 patients during late pregnancy with chronic placental insufficiency. Under treatment with Solcoseryl a significant increase in urinary estrogen excretion occurred in relation to the placebo-group.


[Diagnosis and therapy of blood coagulation disorders in intrahepatic cholestasis].

The reduction of prothrombin level below 5% in a patient with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is reported. The necessity of controlling the Quick level or better factors II, VII, IX and X is discussed. A well-timed Vitamin K therapy in all cases with impaired secretion of bile during pregnancy is recommended.


[Carbohydrate- and lipid-metabolism changes in monosynaptic H-gestosis].

The parameter of carbohydrate and fat metabolism (FFA, glyzerin and blood sugar) was tested among forty pregnant women with a monosymptomatic H-gestosis in the thirty-eighth and forty-second week of pregnancy. With a clear rise of all tested metabolic parameters in the single control group and the current significance of an excessive increase in the values of women in late pregnancy further correlations could be statistically proved in respect to the combination group of late pregnancy and second degree hypertonus. A definitive statement on the EPH-gestosis would necessitate further experimental tests.


[Excrement of the meconium and the intra-partum cardiotocogram].

Of 2233 parturients, 170 cases with evidence of meconium during delivery were examined. We tried to establish the correlation between the appearance of meconium and the occurance of contraction induced FHR-decelerations in continuous intra partum monitoring. In addition we purposed to determine, whether the appearing of meconium during labor can be used as a clinical prognosite sign for fetal outcome. Our data support the assumption that the passage of meconium during any stage of labor only represents a sign of potential fetal distress showing the intra partum records pathology FHF-patterns. The appearance of meconium alone -- diagnosed at the time of the entrance of parturients or in an advanced stage of labor -- demands supplemented diagnostic methods for a better interpreting of an actual or compensated fetal distress.


[Combination of cerclage and drug tocolysis in threatened premature labor].

The paper reports on the combination of cervix cerclage and tocolysis for treating imminent abortus and premature delivery. Up to now 59 patients have undergone treatment by this method. 37 children were delivered in good health at the approximate date of birth as estimated and survived. The number of survivals out of 15 prematures is 10, bringing the total number of survivals for these children whose life is in peril up to 47 (79,6%). The combined treatment of imminent abortus and premature delivery represents a reasonable alternative to other proven methods.


[Unilateral fallopian tube twin pregnancy].

Report of a rare case of unilateral fallopian twin pregnancy in which the fetuses had been arrested in the uterine tube left in place at an earlier operation by reason of ectopic pregnancy.


[Results of cytological and histological studies on the uterine cervix after long-term intake of hormonal contraceptive agents].

Cytologic examinations with 880 women having constantly used oral contraceptives from one to eight years show no agglomeration of epithelial atypias if the primary status was clearly in the negative. Among 669 histologically sure atypias of cervix uteri the part of women using oral contraceptives for at least one year is significantly lower in carcinoma in situ as well as in early invasive carcinoma. The differences in dysplasia are not significant. The results are also discussed with regard to the efficiency of permanent control examinations before and during the use of oral contraceptions. The demand of a further intensification of cytodiagnostic is derived from these examinations.


[Diagnosis and classification of pre- and early stages of cervix carcinoma].

The cytological and histological possibilities for detection of pre- and early stages of cervical carcinoma are shown. The suggestion of nomenclature should improve the understanding between gynecologists and pathologists.


[Incidence of hospital treatment in carcinoma in situ in the German Democratic Republic].

1. In the period 1969 to 1974 the average frequency of in-patient treatment of carcinoma in situ has more than doubled in the GDR according to the results of an analysis of the hospital case records. There is considerable variation between the different countries and districts. 2. Treatment of carcinoma in situ was provided in 95% of all gynaecological in-patient services in the GDR. 3. The application of a uniform nomenclature of carcinoma in situ based on the agreed concept of its characteristics as a defined intermediate stage in the development of a malignant process should become common practice in order to achieve better comparability.


[Case contribution on ovarian carcinoma in monovular twins].

There is a report of a case of a bilateral ovarian cancer in a 51-years old woman whose monocygotic twin sister had died of the same carcinoma one year before. In both cases it was partly a solid partly an adenocarcinoma of the ovaries. According to general statistics of carcinoma here it is an accidental event. Developmental aspects allow us to think of a common genetic disposition. The question is whether in case of a carcinoma of the ovaries in a monocygotic twin the adnectomia in the twin sister should be done.


[Primary, multiple neoplasms in gynecologic carcinomas].

Among 4358 malignant tumours of the female genital tract during a period of 15 years (1958 to 1972) there were 108 primary multiple cancers, of them 53 as first tumours prior to and 55 as second tumours during or after genital carcinoma. The different localisations are demonstrated by tables. The number of the second tumours occured after carcinoma of the cervix and the corpus uteri are compared with a calculated rate of incidence. A satisfacting agreement of the levels allows the conclusion: Primary multiple carcinoma determined by accident and corresponds to the general expectation of carcinoma.


[Genital carcinoma in pregnancy].

From 1949 to 1974 there had been found and treated 131 malignant genital tumours during pregnancy post partum and post abortum at the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of Jena. The 5-year rate of surival of cervical carcinomas was 59,6%. That is no difference to cases discovered outside of pregnancy. It is discussed the possible influence of pregnancy on the growth of cervical cancer.


[Iatrogenic provocation in female genital tuberculosis free of symptoms].

Clinical symptoms of the disease are: sterility, relapsing, adnexitis, chronic peritonitis or perimetritis, primary or secundary lack of menstruation, even spontaneous abortion with fever and tubal pregnancy. Any kind of physicotherapy causing hyperaemia or congestion, surgery or sexual hormontherapy may enhance local exacerbation even spread of the disease. Congestion may further enhance the growth of bacteria by supplying more oxygen, and the sex hormones are incorporated by them. These circumstances influence the pathogenesis in a particular manner. The iatrogen provocation can prevented by profilactic antituberculous care. Lack of the mentioned prevention results to local progression, exsudat, fistulas, severe adhaesions, which cannot be solved by surgery. The iatrogen damages can only be prevented if gynecologists and phthysiologists cooperate.


[Late recurrence of female genital tuberculosis].

5 years patient-material: 336 cases (1042 case-sheats) were analysed for the purpose of studying the cases with relapse. 28 recurrence--7,62 per cent--were registered. Relapse is regarded, if the properly treated patient remained well for at least 5 years, without any signs and symptoms and after negative check-ups carried out at regular intervals became actively ill again. If active disease ocurred earlier this was not regarded a relapse but rather the progression of the original disease, which could be explained either by drug-resistance or insufficient conservative treatment.


[Total estrogens and estrogen-creatinine ratio in pregnancy].

The ratio of estrogen excretion in urine (milligrams per 24 h) divided by creatinine (grams per 24 h) was determined in 571 specimens of 307 pregnant women and compared with total estrogen determinations. Use of estrogen-creatinine ratio reduced the daily variations of total estrogen values by one third resulting in a mean curve with less standard deviation.


[Ultramicroscopic studies on the human corpus luteum menstruationis and graviditatis].

In high active steroid producing cells of the human corpus luteum we can find in the cytoplasm a well developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum in form of smooth tubules and homogenously spread vesicles resulting from an active metabolic process. We also find specific concertinalike folded membrane complexes which too belong to the endoplasmic reticulum. Numerous mainly tubular mitochondria contain dense lipoid inclusions. Their close conection with the endoplasmic vesicles is expression of a direct interaction of both cell organelles in progesterone production. The transport of the intracellular formed steroid hormones to the capillary takes place via locally enlarged intercellular spaces which communicate with the pericapillary space. On the other hand there are pericellular canaliculi which are coated with a membrane. They have no direct connection to the pericapillar space.


[Anticoagulants and fibrinolytics in pregnancy].

1. Cumarin-derivates are said to be contraindicated during pregnancy. 2. Heparin, and heparinoides certainly took may be given during pregnancy. 3. Streptokinase is recommended--if indicated--also during pregnancy.


[Statistic evaluation of anamnestic and clinical findings in a premature labor collective of 245 cases].

245 cases of premature birth were compared from the point of view of frequency of aetiologically significant factors with 200 cases of normal birth. The perinatal progress of these premature and normal births was also followed up. It was possible to obtain statistical confirmation of the connection between prematurity and frequent occurrence of some of these parameters. Prominent amongst these are previous abortions and premature births, cervical insufficiency and malformation of the uterus, multiple pregnancies and anomalous foetal position, also placental insufficiency. Increased mortality and morbidity--including perinatal complications--were recorded at the same time. Knowledge of predisposing factors will in many cases make it possible to recognize in good time when pregnancies may be at risk and give adequate supervision and treatment where appropriate.


[Significance of umbilical cord anomalies within the frame of perinatal mortality].

Anomalies of vessels of the umbilical cord (especially the aplasia of one arteria) are besides abnormal placental implantations and pathological alterations of the placental tissue itself of particular importance for the perinatal mortality. In 3 out of 11 cases of perinatal death of the University Clinic of Jena of the years 1971 and 1972 there had been found 3 times anomalies of vessels of the umbilical cord. Each of these 3 cases showed severe malformations. This emphasizes the necessity of checking the presence of the 3 vessels on the cross-section of the umbilical cord in every case of inspecting secundinae.


[Function of thrombocytes during gestation and puerperium as well as their relations to thrombosis. 1. Function of blood platelets in normal pregnancy, during labor and puerperium].

Platelet functions during late pregnancy and puerperium were observed. It was found pregnancy variations of the number of platelets, platelet spreading, -aggregation, adhesiveness and thrombelastographic investigations. In this observations is not conclude from increase risk developing a thromboembolic disease during pregnancy and puerperium.


[Early diagnosis of uterine rupture after previous cesarean section].

A new diagnostic measure for the early detection of still uterus rupture before birth and previous cesarian section is reported. With a portio ready for birth, which permits the finger to pass readily, the possibility exists, after stripping of the membranes, to examine digitally the old caesarian scar in respect of a beginning or already existing scar dehiscence. In 112 investigated patients with this method, once a beginning, six times an incomplete and once a complete uterus rupture prior to another partus was seen. In six cases a stenosis was found in the old section region with retention of the foetal head and threatening uterus rupture.


[Diagnosis of Asherman's syndrome (intrauterine synechiae)].

On the basis of 120 cases, the authors discuss the diagnostic problems of the Asherman's syndrome. They propose the accomplishment of hysterography in all cases when amenorrhea, hypomenorrhea, sterility or infertility develops after curettage during gestation period and puerperium. They describe the technical difficulties of X-ray examination, the appraisal of medicine certificates and the problems of differential diagnosis. The diagnosis of intrauterine synechia is usally based on the roentgen examination, but uterine sounding must also be performed, and these findings must be compared with the symptoms.


[Effect of immunization of pregnant women with staphylococcal toxoid on the immunologic status of the child].

A study was made of the effect of immunization of women during pregnancy of the immunological status of puerperants and their neonates, and also on the course of pregnancy in women and on development of a child aged under one year. Elevation of the IgG level in the blood serum, of the IgA -- in the milk of puerperants, and of the IgM -- in the blood serum of neonates, and also a marked increase in the antistaphylolysin titre in the mother and the neonate was revealed as a result of immunization. Clinical obervations showed such immunization to be harmless for the women, the neonate and the child the first year after birth. Immunization had a favourable effect on the state health of the children the first year after birth; this was expressed in a greater, in comparison with other children, resistance against infections diseases.


[Significance of indices of potential epidemiologic valency of natural foci of tick-borne encephalitis and methods of determining them].

Potential epidemiological valency (PEV) of the natural foci of tick-borne encephalitis was characterized by the quantity of the infected ticks per unit of the area of the focal territory, and also by the section of the pathway of man's passage along this territory, at which encounter of a single viroforic tick is possible. PEV indices reflected the epidemiological intensity of the natural foci of infection both in the mastered and in the poorly developed areas, and therefore could be used for the epidemiological prognosis on tick-borne encephalitis and in epidemiological search of this infection on the newly-developing territories. The extent of PEV reduction as a result of anti-tick treatment of forests endemic by tick-borne encephalitis which as caricides with a prolonged residual action of the tick-vectors offered a possibility of assessing the epidemiological efficacy of the measures carried out the most objectively.


[Lysogenic clones of wild-type plague bacteria and characteristics of the phages produced by them].

Comparative population analysis of 3 lysogenic clones of plague bacteria of wild type by lysogenic properties demonstrated that they failed to show any difference from one another by immunity to homolgous and heterologous phages, but differed by the number of cells capable of producing the phage spontaneously. Lysogenic properties were transmitted by heredity both after the ten-fold passage in the presence of a homologous antiphage serum and after a 10-fold colning. Phages produced by the wild lysogenic clones of plague bacteria were capable of provoking lysogenization of bacteria sensitive to it, they were serologically affiliated and differed by the range of action on plaque and pseudotuberculosis bacteria sensitive to it.


[Biologic effect of atypical mycobacteria against a background of BCG vaccination].

A study was made of the specific sensitivity to tuberculin  in the animals vaccinated with BCG in case of their additional sensitization with various atypical mycobacteria. The mentioned experimental study appeared to be necessary for the purpose of a more proper treatment of the epidemiological date referred to the sensitivity of man to tuberculin and sensitins against the background of mass BCG vaccination. Preliminary BCG vaccination of the animals with their subsequent infection with atypical mycobacteria altered the allergic response to the antigens from the mycobacteria increasing the response reactions not only to tuberculin, but also to sensitins from mycobacteria of the I--III groups by Runyon's classification, closely connected in antigenic respect with mycobacteria tuberculosis. Skin reactions to sensitins from the saprophytic mycobacteria which had in their composition much less common antigens with mycobacteria tuberculosis, remained at the low level. Sensitization with atypical mycobacteria of animals preliminarily vaccinated with BCG failed to cause significant influence on the production of immunity to the subsequent virulent infection with tuberculosis.


[Ultrastructure of Cl. oedematiens spores].

As a result of study of the ultrastructure of Cl. oedematiens, type B it was found that the first signs of spore formation were anlage of the prespore membrane by invagination of the cytoplasmic membrane. The prespore forms later; the cortex forms between the external and the internal layers of the prespore membrane. Internal spore coat forms by joining of the osmiophilic plates, and exosporum forms simultaneously with the spore coat and is localized externally. Mature spores consist of sporoplasm covered with a membrane, light cortex, external and internal spore coat and and interstitial layer between them and the exosporium.


[Patterns in the body's immune response to administration of El Tor vibrio cholera toxin to experimental animals].

A study was made of some regularities attending the mechanisms of antibody production in the organism of experimental animals after the administration of El Tor cholera vibrio toxin. As revealed, the indices of the immune response depended on the chosen model, the method of its determination, the method of administration and the amount of the toxin administered. Dynamics of the primary and secondary responses of the immunocompetent cells of mouse spleen was determined. With the action of the El Tor toxin on the lymphoid tissue of mice there were expressed the general biological regularities of the response -- the optimal amount of the antigen-antibody complexes caused activation of the antibody-producing cells; high doses depressed the most reactive immunocompetent Y-cells. Apparently, there existed a genetic determinination of the immune response of the organism to a definite antigen -- the toxin of the El Tor cholera vibrio. It is supposed that it is necessary to choose groups which mostly require cholera vaccination.


[Microflora of the intestine and biliary tracts in patients with viral hepatitis].

The authors present the results of studying the microflora if the intestine and of the biliary tracts in patients with viral hepatitis; dysbacteriosis was revealed in 53% of the cases. This percentage proved to decrease with clinical recovery. Bile proved to be often contaminated with microbes -- 77% of the samples; this was particularly true in cases with cholestatic variant of the disease and in cases of moderate severity. The fact of prolonged habitation of the microorganisms in the bile system is of importance -- 68% of the patients still had microbial flora in the gall bladder and the biliary tracts by the time of discharge from the hospital.


[Epidemiologic aspects of using the dysenterin skin test in institutions for pre-school children for the purpose of detecting potential sources of infection].

A possibility of considerable reduction of dysentery morbidity in creches and kindergartens by isolation of portential sources of infection among the personnel and children revealed as a result of repeated bacteriological examination, positively reacting to dysenterin was demonstrated in two controlled epidemiological trials. The efficacy of this measure became much less when the test and the corresponding bacteriological examination were performed in the personnel alone. As a whole, the high incidence of positive results of the skin-allergic test in practically healthy children and adults, with an extremely rare isolation of shigellae in persons positively reacting to dysenterin, even in their repeated bacteriological examination, pointed to rather limited possibilities of an effective use of this test in antiepidemic practice for detection of potential sources of infection.


[Specific polysaccharides of alkali-forming enterobacteria. II. Separation of a hydrolysate of B. faecalis alcaligenes specific polysaccharide on a column with cellulose].

Paper and gas-liquid chromatography was applied to the study of monosaccharide composition of specific polysaccharide from B. faecalis alcaligenes. Lipophilic sugar of unknown chemical nature was revealed in the composition of this polysaccharide. Conditions for separation of acid hydrolyzate of the specific polysaccharide of this culture in a column with cellulose powder for the purpose of preparative obtaining of the unknown sugar were elaborated.


[Change in specific antigen binding by rabbit lymphocytes during immunization with human serum albumin].

Dynamics of specific binding of the antigen with rabbit blood lymphocytes in the process of immunization was studied by radioimmunochemical method with the use of human serum albumin, I125-labeled. Three types of response to the antigenic stimulant were revealed: biphasic with two maximal of the antigen-binding activity -- on the 5th--10th and the 15th--20th day; uniphasic -- with the maximum activity on the 15th--20th day, the absence of increase of the antigen-binding activity of blood lymphocytes and a high mean level of specific antigens; the absence of primary cell reaction to the administration of the antigen and low level of specific antibodies. A correlation was revealed between the intensity of the humoral response and the sum total amount of the immunocompetent lymphocytes entering the circulation in the course of the whole immunization period.


[Indentification of staphylococci of hospital origin. I. Specific identification of staphylococci].

In 22 biological tests a study was made of the properties of 1117 strains of staphylococci isolated from patients and medical personnel surgical departments. The significance of each of the tests for species identification of staphylococci was assessed on the basis of correlation of its results with the results of study of 3 main signs characteristic of S. aureus: the presence of coagulase, anaerobic mannite fermentation, and of DNA-ase. Besides the ones pointed out the following could be considered as properties characteristic of S. aureus: flocculus-forming factor, fibrinolysin, hyaluronidase, lysozyme, golden pigment, tellurite-reductase, aerobic fermentation of mannite and tregalose. A standard system of species identification of staphylococci was elaborated; on its basis assessment was made of the diagnostic value of a number of simple systems used in practice for determination of staphylococcus species.


[Biochemical characteristics of strains from the Citrobacter and Hafnia genera and their laboratory identification].

A study of biochemical properties of 176 strains of coprocultures isolated from the patients and persons who sustained various acute enteric diseases, and also from contacts and persons examined for prophylaxis showed that they corresponded to the taxonomic definition of the Citrobacter and Hafnia genus. In connection with the similarity by biochemical properties between bacteria of Citrobacter and Salmonella genus and bacteria of Hafnia and Shigella genus it is of expedience in their identification and differentiation carried out in bacteriological laboratories in the diagnosis of enteric infections to use several biochemical tests.


[Discriminant studies of immunoglobulins in diseases of the liver and biliary tract].

Discriminant-analytical studies of immunoglobulins G, A and M in 54 persons with a healthy liver and in 476 persons with various diseases of the liver and biliary tracts, and also calculation of correlations between the extent of proliferation of the hepatic mesenchyma and the concentrations of serum immunoglobulin led to the following conclusions: changes in the behaviour of immunoglobulins were specific of the organ and the disease, of limited significance in the diagnosis of diseases of the liver and biliary tracts. Dependence of the quantitative values of immunoglobulins on the activity of hepatic mesenchyma permitted to determine the significance of the indices for the observation over the course of the disease and for its prognosis. However, in the assessment of these changes one should take into consideration the influence produced on the immunoglobulinogram of extrahepatic concomitant disease, and also different individual capacity of the organism to immunoglobulin synthesis.


[Use of computers and mathematical methods in epidemiologic work. IV. Methodical approaches to the epidemic process in dysentery using a computer (image recognition theory)].

The authors present methodical ways of diagnosis of the type of the epidemic process in dysentery with the aid of computers base on the application of the theory of recognition of imapes.


[Experimental concentration and purification of cultural antirabies vaccine].

A study of 6 series of concentrated and purified -- by ultracentrifugation -- dry cultural rabies vaccine inactivated with ultra-voilet rays demonstrated that in case of a 31--316 increase of concentration immunogenicity of the preparation rose 3--13-fold. Purification of the vaccine took place with its concentration. Additional purification of the concentrated vaccine on aluminium oxide led to a partial loss of the viral protein and to reduction of immunogenicity.


[Specific stimulation of the lymphocyte blast transformation reaction in patients with rheumatism under conditions of exposure to delagil, mephenaminic acid and amidopyrine].

Antirheumatic preparations chiefly inhibited (in vitro) the specific microbial stimulation of the reaction of blast transformation of lymphocytes (RBL) in the patients with torpid rheumocarditis caused by addition of streptococcus nucleoproteid into the medium. Specifically stimulated RBL became intensified in healthy donors on addition to the culture medium of amidopyrin and mephenaminic acid; as to delagil, it depressed the specifically stimulated RBL both in healthy donors and in patients.


[Comparative characteristics of the cytotoxic activity of antibrain and different antilymphocyte sera in vitro].

The cytotoxic test was used to assess the specificity of the action of antisera obtained by immunization of rabbits with the tissue of mouse brain, mouse intact lymphoid cells of various origin, and cells preliminarily filtered through a column of cotton. Anticerebral sera proved to react strictly specifically with the thymus-dependent population of lymphoid cells; antithymus sera behaved in analogous way both against the intact and against the filtered thymocytes. The action spectrum of the sera against the cells of the lymph nodes and the spleen depended on the methof obtained them. The sera against the intact cells of the lymph nodes reacted chiefly with the T-cells, killing 20% of the cells of bone marrow origin. The sera against the lymph node cells enriched by filtration were strictly specific; in comparison with the sera against crude cells, the sera against filtered splenic cells contained much more antibodies reacting with T-cells; admixture of antibodies against B cells was the same in the sera against crude and against filtered cells. Immunization of rabbits with mouse bone marrow cells permitted to obtain antiserum which gave a strictly specific reaction with B-cells after a corresponding absorption with thymocytes.


[Repeated immune response in gnotobiotic rats].

Repeated immune response to diphtheria toxoid was investigated in monocontaminated rats. It was shown that repeated immunization of these animals led to a sufficiently intensive immune response by the secondary type, but it ended much earlier than in the usual animals (by the 12th day). A supposition is put forward that earlier termination of the secondary response in gnotobionts is caused by the absence in their lymph nodes of an additional differentiation of cell-precursors at the late periods of secondary immune response.


[Effect of cholerogen on tissue culture cells].

A study was made of various series of cholerogen on the cultures of human continuous cells of normal (F1, Rh) and tumour nature (HeLa). Cholerogen proved to produce a marked toxic action on the cultures of F1, Rh and HeLa cells causing a reduction of the number of living cells, depression of mitotic activity, a reduction of the intensity of staining on the sum total protein and RNA, a reduction of the activity in the cells of acid phosphatase and succinic dehydrogenase, and also a reduction of production of protein-polysaccharide layer. Different cholerogens produced a different toxic action on the cells of the same type.


[Etiologic role of klebsiella in children with acute intestinal diseases].

A study was made of possible etiological association between klebsiellae and acute enteric diseases in children of creches age. The mean frequency of isolation of klebsiellae from these children constituted 22.3%, and from somatic patients - 38.5%. Both in the patients with enteric diseases and in somatic patients with intestinal disturbances the appearance of klebsiellae was preceded by oher diseases or by prolonged treatment with antibiotics leading to reduction of general resistance of the organism. Clinical manifestations were unitypical in the patients of both categories. In healthy children the incidence of klebsiellae was less (4.7%) and without any clinical manifestations. I is suggested that there is an etiological association between klebsiellae and acute enteric diseases under definite conditons.


[Characteristics of strains of Citrobacter 037 (5396/38) isolated from guinea pigs in a gnotobiologic experiment].

No changes in the principal biochemical properties characteristic of the given genus occurred in a gnotobiological experiment of passing Citrobacter bacteria through microbe free and exmicrobe-free animals. Of 28 strains of this genus isolated in the course of investigation two strains lost their arginine-decarboxylase activity. In the cultures studied the quantitative content of the Vi-antigen had a tendency to reduction in comparison with the initial culture used for the association. some of the strains studied had one more common antigen with typhoid bacilli (strain Ty2-4446) along with theknown cross by the Vi-antigen. Bacteria of the Enterobacter and Excherichia genus isolated after the conventionalization had common antigens with typhoid bacilli (Ty2-4446).


[Immunologic reactions in man following oral immunization].

Prolonged clinico-immunological investigation was carried out on a volunteer; it was shown that a single oral vaccination with living B. citrobacter culture produced a marked immunological reaction in the form of increase of the typhoid Vi- and O-coproantibodies revealed in the fecal filtrate. The greatest rise of the preventive activity of the blood serum was noted after a 4-fold vaccination, whereas the maximum antibody formation--after a five-fold immunization in doses tested in the experiment. There was revealed no correlation (in time or intensity) between the three tests with the aid of which was the oral vaccination assessed.


[Antigenic structure of non-agglutinating vibrios and bacteria of the genus Aeromonas].

The authors carried out a comparative study of the antigenic structure of nonagglutinating vibrios and the respresentatives of Aeromonas genus. A number of common antigens (some of which were of protein origin) were revealed in the so-called enterotoxins of nonaggultinating vibrios and aeromonas and also in the cytoplasm and ribosomes of these strains. "Enterotoxin" of Aeromona s strain contained the factor of vascular permeability. The serum to "enterotoxin" of the Aeromonas strain neutralized the enterotoxin of nonagglutinating vibrio.


[Indices of phagocytosis of staphylococci with different biological activity].

An index of completion of phagocytosis was studied for staphylococcus cultures of various biological activity in experiments with surviving polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Among the coagulase-forming staphylococci virulent strains proved to be nonviable in a lesser percentage of cases than the avirulent ones. Coagulase- and mannite-negative cultures proved to be most unstable. Staphylococcus toxin depressed the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to the focus of irritation, inhibited ingestion of the virulent, and, to a lesser degree, of avirulent coagulase-forming staphylococci, but failed to influence the ingestion of coagulase-negative epidermal staphylococci. The influence of staphylotoxin on the phagocytosis completion index was either the minimal or absent entirely.


[Experimental latent typhus].

Asymptomatic typhus infection was regularly modelled in guinea pigs with increased resistance to Rickettsia prowazeki; this infection was characterized by the presence of immunological shifts in the blood and immunity to reinfection, persistenc of rickettsia in the organs of animals in the absence of pyretic reaction and periorchites. Modelling in guinea pigs of asymptomatic infection is also possible against the background of passive immunity created by specific immune serum obtained during convalescence. Investigations demonstrated that rickettsiocidal activity (in experiments on chick embryos) and antiinfectious activity (in experiments on guinea pigs) of the sera was caused by 7S-antibodies.


[Use of Soviet semipermeable acetate-cellulose membranes for concentration and purification of typhoid antigens].

A study was made of a possibility of using Soviet made membranes "Vladipor" with a pore diameter of 16--17 nm for the purpose of concentration and purification of antigenic extracts from stab cultures of S. typhi obtained by the action of typsin, hydrogen peroxide and detergents. Preparations, complete by antigenic structure, were obtained by ultrafiltration, with a good yield. The maximal rate of ultrafiltration was noted in case of "peroxide" antigenic preparations. The use of diafiltration provided a significant reduction of the ash content in the end products.


[Change in the non-specific resistance of the body to influenza and acute respiratory diseases following immunization diphtheria-tetanus vaccine].

A single vaccination of animals with diphtheria-tetanus vaccine caused changes in non-specific resistance of the organism to influenza of phasic character: a reduction of resistance to influenza was observed at the early periods after the vaccination, with its subsequent restoration to the initial level and increase at the remote periods after the immunization. Immunization of children with diphtheria-tetanus vaccine also led to a short-term reduction non-specific resistance to influenza and acute respiratory diseases during the second decade after the vaccination, and its subsequent increase at periods from the 40th to the 60th day.


[Methods of detecting the agent of melioidosis in objects of the external environment and other material].

On the basis of literature data and personal investigations the authors elaborated a scheme of detection of the causative agent of melioidosis in the objects of external environment, including fluorescent microscopy of crude material, seeding on meat-peptone agar with crystal violet, seeding material treated with penicillin on fluid medium with subsequent transfer on solid Levin medium and infection of animals, seeding on a medium with beta-alanine and neonmycin and infection of sensitive animals with crude material.


[Palatine tonsils and immunity. VIII. Soluble factors produced by lymphocytes of the palatine tonsils and other lymphoid formations in rabbits].

A comparison was made of the activity of solbule factors produced by thelymphocytes of the palatine tonsils, the appendix, the spleen and thelymph nodes of rabbits in stimulation with a specific antigen (complete antigen of streptococcus, group A) and PHA. The blastogenic factor produced  by the lymphoid cells of the spleen and the lymph nodes was highly active. Lymphocytes of the palatine tonsils and of the appendix produced a factor withlow activity after PHA stimulation. A factor intensifying the transformation in the presence of a complete streptococcus antigen was produced by lymphocytes of the spleen and the lymph nodes of the immunized animals. The lymphocytes of the palatine tonsils and the appendix failed to produce this factor.


[Use of the passive hemagglutination test for diagnosis of meningococcal infection].

A considerable percentage of patients with meningococcus infection displayed an increase in the actibody titres to meningococcus, group A, detectable in the passive hemagglutination test (PHAT). An increase in the antibody titre was mose frequent in the patients with clinical manifestations of meningococciemia and meningitis. The PHAT can be used as an auxiliary method of diagnosis permitting to establish the meningococcus etiology of the disease in a number of cases.


[Experimental model of transient cerebral circulatory disorders by way of embolization of cerebral arteries with fresh blood clots].

A total of 85 experimental animals received through the blood flux of the carotid arteries clots of autogenic blood of 1 hour age. A histomorphological study after 40 minutes following an embolism there were revealed clots in the cerebral arteries in 13 out of 14 animals. After 1.5 hours in 1 of 17, and after 24 hours in none of the 10 animals. Directly following the administration of clots in all the 20 animals of this series, there were symptoms of focal brain lesions: hemipareses, ptosis and myosis, a "trot around circles", etc. In all 20 animals there was a complete regress of the symptom at different times (from 10 min to 18 hours). In all cases there was an increased amount of lactic acid in the cerebral blood outflow while subsequently was reduced, correlating with the time of clot lysis. The morphological control did not depict brain infarctions. It is assumed that the reason of brain dysfunctions is an obturation by blood clots of cerebral arteries, while their normalization is due to a spontaneous lysis of the embols which obturated the cerebral arteries.


[Thrombocyte lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in patients with ischemic stroke].

It was established that in the acute period of the ischemic stroke in the maiority of cases a change of isoenzyme structure of LDG thrombocytes was due to a decrease of LDG3 activity. In a number of patients the dominant change in the spectrum was determined by LDG and LDG4 fractions. The changes were of a stable character up to 10 weeks. LDG4 increase was characteristic of the isoenzymes spectrum in the patients with a severe development of the disease and in the patients in the remote period of the stroke. The obtained data can serve as a criterion for evaluating the adaptive changes in acute brain ischemia.


[Comparative concentration of serum free amino acids in patients with incipient and manifest organic neuropsychiatric disorders of vascular origin].

The authors conducted a study of the quantitative content of amino acids in the blood serum of patients with initial and expressed organic neuro-psychic disorders of a vascular genesis and in a group of normals of the same age. In patients with initial organic syndromes the content of cystin-cystein and treonine in the blood serum increased. In patients with expressed organic syndromes the content of cystin-cystein increased, while the content of arginine acid and leicyn-isoleicyn decreased as compared to the control group of elderly people. A comparative study of the two groups of patients with organic psychopathology of a vascular origin demonstrated that in vascular dementia there are more severe changes in the content of amino acids in the blood serum.


[Combined quantitative analysis of electro- and rheoencephalograms at different ages and features of their individual indices with use of vasoactive drugs].

The polygraphic studies with the calculation of the complex of the EEG and REG quantitative parameters which were conducted in 20 individuals of young age and 20 adult individuals, displayed that there was an increase of the vascular tone and a decrease of the brain pulse blood-content which were observed not rarely with the EEG irritation at the same time in the mature age. Papaverine and euphilline action revealed dependence on the initial tone of the brain vessels and expressiveness of the general hemodynamic shifts.


[Role of interruption of the circle of Willis in the genesis of hemorrhagic stroke].

The author describes the anatomical findings among the variants of brain arteries in 360 deceased where 160 of them had a hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, while 200 had no brain diseases. Those cases where strokes were revealed the author found a separation in the posterior part of the circle of Willis--between the carotid and vertebro-basillar systems. This could happen due to an aplasia of one or both posterior connective arteries, or due to the absence of a connecting vessel between an atypically diverging posterior brain artery (posterior trifurcation) and the basillar artery. It is assumed that this circumstance has a definite significance in the pathogenesis of hemorrhages.


[Role of craniocerebral trauma in the development of Alzheimer's disease].

The report deals with a clinico-anatomical description of 3 cases of Alzheimer's disease, developing after a brain trauma. The evolution of the disease justifies the question concerning the role of traumas in the pathogenesis. The atrophical process, lying at the basis of the disease is considered in the aspect of the aging of the colloid brain system under the influence of a mechanical action of a trauma.


[Hippocampal pathology as one of the possible factors in the pathogenesis of several dementias of old age].

In the light of comtemporary concepts concerning the functional significance of the limbic system, the author reports of some results in the subiculum in young and old individuals (39 cases) with different forms of dementia of old age (senile and vascular dementia, Pick's and Alzheimer's disease). The authors assessed the thickness of the subicular cortical stratum, the relative and absolute amount of nervous and glial cells and capillaries. In old age the thickness of the subicular cortical stratum is decreased by 28%, while the absolute amount of neurons by 29%. In old age dementia the thickness of the subicular cortical stratum decreased by 47--71% and the absolute amount of neurons becomes 2--3 times less. In old age in general and in dementia of old age in particular there was no "substitutional" gliosis because the absolute amount of glial cells in the cortical stratum is reduced in this group of individuals by 20--50%.


[Features of episodes of mental disorders in chronic renal insufficiency (clinico-morphologic study)].

The authors studied the traits of psychotic attacks in 40 patients with terminal stages of chronic renal insufficiency. They were expressed in atypical delirious, delirio-amentive and amentive conditions. 8 cases were studied morphologically. The pathological process in the brain was characterized as toxico-dyshomeostatic encephalopathy. The pathogenesis of such disorders is discussed.


[Changes in the ultra-fine structure of capillaries of the embryonic brain in the presence of schizophrenia in the mother].

The report is concerned with a study of fine structures of brain capillaries in 9 embryos received during medical abortions from schizophrenic mothers. The authors established some traits in the ultrastructure of endothelial cells in most of the studied cases--an increase of the surface of endothelial cells at the expense of a tortuosity of their plasmatic membranes and a formation of growths, vacuolization of the cytoplasma. There were also some changes in the structure of basal membranes. In 2 cases there were also peculiar pathological changes in the vascular endothelium: granules of an unknown nature in the endothelial cells and a focal lysis of the plasmatic membranes of endothelial cells.


[Morphologic characteristics of the pituitary-adrenal system in schizophrenia (according to early autopsy findings)].

The presented data are concerned with the morphology of the hypophysis (neurohypophysis, intermittent lobe and adenohypophysis) and cortical layer of the adrenals in 30 schizophrenic patients with different forms of the disease, duration and causes of lethal outcomes. The studied material was taken during the first 6 hours following death. The author gives an assessment of the functions in separate glands (different variants in the morphological picture) and the hypophysis adrenal system in general. In 60% of the cases there was a sufficient activity of the studied glands (including cases where the morphology of the glands was close to normal conditions, increased activity and exhaustion after an increased functional tension).


[Ultrastructure of schizophrenic patients' lymph nodes].

By means of the electron microscopic method it became possible to study the structure of the lymph groin node (bioptic material) in 4 cases of schizophrenia and in 2 normals. All the schizophrenic patients had continuous forms (nuclear) of the disease, while their mental state during the period of examination was characterized as terminal. An analysis of the cell structure in the lymph node demonstrated that in both groups the functional activity of the lymphoid tissue was sufficiently high and in relation to some indices this activity was even higher in the group of schizophrenics (a more expressed pynocytose activity of the reticular cells and macrophages, a higher amount of blast forms of the lymphocytes, plasmatic cells and activated lymphocytes). The authors stress that these data are purely preliminary.


[Quantitative electron-microscopic analysis of the lymphocyte population in the peripheral blood of schizophrenic patients].

The author conducted a quantitative submicroscopic analysis of a population of recently isolated lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of schizophrenic patients. At the basis of the analysis there lies a subdivision of lymphocytes into 3 types according to their ultrastructure: narrow-plasmatic (I), widerplasmatic (II) and activated (III) cells. In the blood of schizophrenic patients the correlations of these cells were 54%, 24% and 22%, while the same figures for normals were 63%, 24% and 13%. These data may indicate that in schizophrenia the peripheral blood contains 1.7 times more activated lymphocytes than in normals. The activated lymphocytes possess an increased adhesiveness. They probably are atypical lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of schizophrenic patients which can be seen through an optical microscope.


[Clinico-morphologic characteristics of cases of alcoholic delirium with lethal outcome].

The authors conducted a clinico-morphogicaly analysis of 12 cases (10 males and 2 females) of alcoholic delirium with a lethal outcome. All 12 patients were alcohol abusers (from 5--22 years). Pathoanatomical changes of the brain and internal organs were characterized by traits of chronic alcoholic encephalopathy accompanied by elements of toxic damage of the nervous tissue. The main factor in the genesis of this severe disorder is a diffuse acute toxic damage of the minor vessels of the cortex and white brain matter (more expressed in the frontal areas of the hemispheres). The authors discuss the pathogenetical role of hepatic lesions in alcoholic delirium.


[Thiamine deficit in acute alcoholic psychoses].

In 35 females and 22 males with acute alcoholic disorders and in 44 individuals of a control group the author studied the indices of thiamine balance--the content of thiamine and pyruvic acid in the blood and urine, concentration of citric acid in the blood, activity of transketolase of erythrocytes and TDP-effect. The results demonstrated that a thiamide deficiency in excretion and insufficiency in coenzyme functions of oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid and in the pentose cycle is seen not only in alcoholic psychoses, but in the withdrawal syndrome. Sex differences of these indices and their development were not noted. It is assumed that the clinical traits of alcoholic disorders in females are not related to changes in the thiamine metabolism.


[Clinico-biochemical study of epileptic children and adolescents and their relatives].

The observations were convened in the framework of clinico-genetical study of epilepsy. It was established that in the blood serum of epileptic children and adolescents and their relatives there is an increase of general activity of LDH. With the aid of electrophoresis in agar and polyacrylamid gel it was possible to show an increase in the content of LDH-1 and a drop in LDH-3. These shifts are more expressed in the blood serum of patients and sibs, rather than in parents. It is assumed that an increase of general LDH and LDH-1 activity are conditioned by an increased membrane permeability of brain cells. There were no differences in the degree of these indices depending upon the genesis, sex and frequency of paroxysms.


[Use of the Soviet preparation methindione for injections in convulsive conditions].

The author studied the action of a Soviet preparation Metindion in 22 patients with serial epileptic seizures and in 16 patients with an epileptic status. The studies demonstrated a high anticonvulsive activity in serial fits. In epileptical states the action of metindion was less expressed. Its combination with diazepam preparations and barbiturates appeared to have a more expressed and prolonged anticonvulsive action. Metindion is most effective when used at initial stages of a convulsive condition.


[Value of pendulum-like oculonyorhythms and myorhythms of other muscles for prognosis of restoration of cerebral cortical function following hypoxia].

In clinical and EEG studies of 92 patients where the preterminal and terminal states were arrested it was possible to demonstrate that the phenomenon of a spontaneous discharge of pendulum-like oculomyorhythms and myorhythms of the orbital muscles is a significantly negative sign pointing to irreversible cortical lesion. Conditioned by oculomyorhythm the artefacts seen in the EEG of comatose patients simulate an intactness of the brain electroactivity and are a source of an erroneous evaluation of the EEG.


[Quantitative assessment, sex traits and types of chronograms of the Achilles reflex].

The time of Achille's reflex was measured with the aid of an independent electronic device tirocron in 104 normal natives of the Zambian Republic. In males the time of the reflex was significantly shorter (299.8+/-4.6 msec for the right and 303.4+/-4.9 msec for the left foot) than in mussles (326.1+/-5.6 and 329.9+/-5.9 respectively). Difference in the time of the reflex on the right and left foot in males and females was not noted. The "warmup phenomenon" was more frequently seen in females with the same frequency on the right and left feet. Three types of chronograms of Achille's reflex were depicted: stable, relatively stable and disseminated. The stable type prevaled on the right foot as compared to the left one and in males as compared to females. The disseminated type was more frequently seen in females on the left side. In determing the time of Achille's reflex it is necessary to use the arithmetical mean not less than 15--20 measurements.


[Neuron-capillary interrelationships in the lateral horn of the spinal cord].

The authors depicted some regularities in the interrelationships of capillaries and different types of neurons in the lateral horns of the spinal cord in rats. It was established that with an increase of the area of the profile field of the nervous cell there is an increase of the amount of capillaries, their total length and the area of the capillary channel in the zone of vascularization. However, the index of capillary-neuron relationships reveals a reverse dependency. The greatest amount of capillaries is stituated in the radius from 5--15 mum from the cell body. The capillaries form around the cell body structures of a different configuration.


[Determination of the gliotoxie and demyelinating properties of serum in organ cultures of brain in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis].

The report contains some results of a study of the blood serum taken from guinea pigs and macacus rhesus with allergic encephalomyelitis to a glyotoxic and demyelinizing effect in an organ culture of the brain in newborn rats and adult macacus rhesus. It was demonstrated that the test has a high specificity to a glyotoxic effect of the blood serum in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis and a less specificity to demyelinization in vitro. The authors describe in detail the method of studying the serum in organ brain cultures.


[Development of synaptic contacts in the human brain during the early stages of embryogenesis].

The author studied the ultrastructure of forming synaptical contacts in the human brain at the early stages of development (7--8 and 9--11 week embryos). It was established that during the 7--8th week of the embryo ontogenesis the brain has already contacts of the puncta adhaerentia type and structures which by several signs can referred to transitory stages in the formation of synapses. During this period of development contacts between the axons of neuroblasts were encountered more frequently that those between the axons and bodies of nervous cells. During the 9--11th weeks of embryogenesis the human brain acquires more contacts between both the axons and the neuroblasts. At this stage there is a first appearance of synaptical structures, similar to functionally and morphologically mature synapses.


[Changes in the neurons of the lateral geniculate body under the effect of prolonged darkness (cytochemical study)].

With the aid of the cytospectrophotometry method the author studied the influence of light deprivation (the exposure of animals to darkness during 8 weeks following birth) on neurons of the dorsal nucleus of the external geniculate body of rats according to the index of glutamatedehydrogenase activity. It was established that unlike the visual cortex, separate groups of neurons which react differently to light deprivation, the majority of nervous cells in the external geniculate body demonstrate similar changes: a drop in the medium activity of glutamatdehydrogenase in neurons and its neurological satellites, a shift of neuron histograms according to this index to the left. These changes are accompanied by an increase of smaller neurons as compared to normal, as well as a drop in the amount of neurons with satellites. The found differences of reactions to light deprivation between the cortical neurons and switch areas of the visual analyzer are discussed in the light of functional traits of such neurons.


[Cytochemical indices of intercentral interrelations of the motor and visual analyzers during light deprivation].

The authors used the interferometrical method to determine the content and concentration of the proteins in the neuron cytoplasma of the III and V layer in the motor and visual areas of the brain cortex in rabbits in normal conditions and prolonged light deprivation (from the moment of birth up to 2 1/2 months). These data were accompanied by measurements of the neuron area. It was demonstrated that the absence of visual impulses leads to a morphochemical underdevelopment of the neurons in the visual cortex layers. Such underdevelopment was expressed in a decrease in the size of the neurons and protein content in the cytoplasma compared to the control group. In the neurons of the III and V layer of the motor cortex of the same animals there were changes of a compensatory character (an increase in the size of the neurons, content and concentration of proteins in the cytoplasma). In this respect the authors discuss the question of the influence of specific visual and other forms of impulsation on the morphochemical differentiation of neurons in the studied brain cortex.


Effect of adrenal demedullation on urinary excretion of catecholamines in thermal trauma in rats.

The urinary excretions of adrenaline and noradrenaline were determined before and after a moderate thermal trauma in rats with intact adrenal glands, after adrenal demedullation and after adrenalectomy with grafting of adrenal cortical tissue. The basal excretions of adrenaline were 0.28 mug, 0.06 mug and 0.04 mug/24 h/rat, respectively. In rats with intact adrenal glands the adrenaline excretion was greatly increased already in the first 24 hours after the burn. In both the demedullated and adrenalectomized rats only a very slight increase of the adrenaline excretion was noted, but this may indicate a slight reaction of the extramedullary chromaffin tissue to the trauma. The basal excretion of noradrenaline was not affected either by demedullation or adrenalectomy, indicating that it consisted mainly in noradrenaline released from peripheral sympathetic nerve endings. From the second day after the burn there was an increase in the noradrenaline excretion, of equal magnitude in all experimental groups, indicating an increased liberation of peripheral adrenergic transmittor substances.


The strength of suture knots after one week in vivo.

The strength of knotted thread for 12 different types of suture knot in combination with 11 types of suture material used in surgery was investigated one week after insertion in subcutaneous tissue in rabbits. The results were compared with similar investigations on knot strength carried out with 'dry knots'. The thread dimension used in both experiments was 000 (USP). As in vitro, the weakest point of a suture loop subjected to traction was the knot. The incidence of thread rupture within the loop but outside the knot was 1.4% in vitro and 5.9% in vivo, and was commonest with plain catgut. With one exception, however, thread breakage occurred at greater strain than the average required to produce knot failure with the material in question. A greater proportion of knots slipped in vivo then in vitro (72% and 35% respectively), with reduction of the strength of the suture loop as result. There was also greater scatter of measured values under in vivo conditions (standard deviation: 11% in vitro, 23% in vivo). For 7 of 11 suture materials the results indicated a reduction in knot-holding power after one week in situ in the living animal compared with in vivo conditions. This was naturally enough most marked with the two types of catgut (chrome 48%, plain 57%). In contrast, Dexon apparently remained unchanged after one week in vivo. The non-absorbable materials tested showed an estimated average fall in knot-holding power from 100% to 88% (range 109-65%), viz, an average of 12% units. The loss of holding power in vivo was, however, apparently never greater than 1/3 compared with 'dry knots' and calculated on average for all types of knot with non-absorbable materials.


The strength of tissue against individual sutures in structures involved in the repair of inguinal hernia.

The strength of tissue against individual sutures in structures used in the repair of inguinal hernia was tested in situ in 19 cadavers. Altogether 465 measurements were made. Three different layers were investigated, and the mean tissue strength to a single suture was recorded as the mean of all means for each preparation and aspect as follows. (1) The superficial layer (external oblique aponeurosis). Superior aspect 5.3 kp, inferior aspect 5.5 kp. (2) Middle layer. Superior aspect (internal abdominal oblique), 5.9 kp; inferior aspect (inferior border of the inguinal ligament), 6.8 kp. (3) Deep layer. Superior aspect (transversalis fascia), 5.3 kp; inferior aspect (ilio-pubic tract), 6.9 kp. In Cooper's ligament the mean holding power of the tissue against a single suture was found to be 9.1 kp. The site of the most medial of the sutures in the superior aspect of the middle layer corresponds to the conjoined tendon, and the mean tissue strength to this suture was 11.0 kp. The findings thus suggest that the strengths of the tissues of the anterior and posterior walls of the inguinal canal are roughly equal. The structures making up the conjoined tendon and Cooper's ligament were strongest, however, and showed tissue strengths nearly twice those of other structures.


Abdominal angina. Results of arterial reconstruction in 12 patients.

Twelve patients suffering from abdominal angina have been operated upon with revascularization of the superior mesenteric artery. Preoperatively, all had the classical symptoms: postprandial pain, wieght loss and abnormalities of the stools. The surgical procedure of choice was endarterectomy with patch grafting; in two cases a vein by-pass have been used. In general, it will be sufficient to reconstruct one artery, even with two or three of the mesenteric arteries afflicted. Peroperative measurements of pressure gradients and flow may guide in choice of procedure. Two patients died postoperatively, both had additional extensive reconstruction of the aorta and the renal arteries. The remaining 10 patients were all relieved of their symptoms after the operation and gained considerably in weight. They were followed over 25 months in mean. During the period of observation 2 patients have died from other diseases. The good longterm results after arterial reconstruction in contrast to the poor prognosis without operation call for early diagnosis and surgical treatment. The difficulties involved with the diagnosis of abdominal angina are discussed and a functional diagnostic test is proposed.


Fibrinogen related antigens in acute pancreatitis.

The fibrinogen related antigens were measured in 22 consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis. During the attack a marked elevation was seen, the values normalizing in the quiet phase. This may be due to either intravascular and/or extravascular degradation of fibrinogen-fibrin. As other authors have demonstrated intravascular coagulation experimentally in animals with pancreatitis, the authors stress that intravascular coagulation may play an important role in the patheogenesis of acute pancreatitis.


Blood flow and oxygen consumption in the feline small intestine; responses to artificial distension and intestinal obstruction.

Relations between blood flow and oxygen consumption were studied in denervated and homologously perfused small intestine of the cat. Under "resting" conditions, oxygen uptake was independent of blood flow within rather wide limits, whereas fractional oxygen extraction displayed a highly significant correlation to flow. Upon artificial distension of the bowel, oxygen uptake became a function of blood flow. It is suggested that there may exist an "autoregulation" of oxygen uptake, striving to satisfy theoxygen need of the bowel irrespective of the current blood-flow rate. It is also suggested that this "autoregulation" is abolished upon distension of the bowel. With respect to intestinal obstruction, the continuing distension of simple obstruction causes an inability of the bowell-wall vasculature to extract and consume the oxygen currently needed, probably a result of disturbed "autoregulation" of oxygen uptake. An intervening decompression seems to re-establish "autoregulation" in the obstructed bowel. The present results afford evidence for "autoregulation" of intestinal oxygen uptake. They further suggest deterioration of "autoregulation" in intestinal obstruction and corroborate the previous suggestion that intra-operative decompression of obstructed bowel restores the ability of its capillary circulation to withstand with retained function, renewed increments of strain and distension.


Ruptured arteriosclerotic aneurysm of the splenic artery.

A case of arteriosclerotic aneurysm of the splenic artery with rupture into the transverse colon resulting in secondary perforation of the cecum is presented. Symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment of aneurysms of the splenic artery are briefly illustrated. Aneurysm of the splenic artery must be suspected by the presence of uncharacteristic upper abdominal pain and the annular calcification in the left upper quadrant on roentgenogram. The diagnosis is verified by arteriography. Operation of all symptomatic splenic artery aneurysms is recommended. Asymptomatic aneurysms measuring more than 3 cm in diameter and aneurysms with radiographic evidence of enlargement, should be operated too.


Acute segmental gastro-intestinal gangrene probably of clostridial origin. Report of a case.

A 29-year-old female suffering from acute terminal ileitis was subjected to laparotomy undertaken on the tentative diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The appendix was found to be normal and was removed. The course was complicated with segmental gastro-intestinal gangrene with fatal outcome. The involvement of histotoxic clostridial infection as a causative factor is discussed.


Effect of cadmium chloride on testis and seminal vesicular fructose contents of shrew (Suncus murinus anderson), gerbil (Meriones hurrianae jerdon) and hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus collaris).

A single subcutaneous injection of cadmium chloride (0.04 m mol/kg body weight) did not cause any change in the macroscopic and microscopic features of testes and caput epididymis of Suncus. Testes and sex accessory glands did not show any significant change in their weights. Seminal vesicular fructose concentration remains unchanged. The tetes and sex accessory organs of gerbil under comparable condition showed significant weight loss and shrinkage in tubule diameter. The seminiferous epithelium was totally destroyed. A single intratesticular injection of CdCl2 (0.5 mg/kg body weight) in hedgehog resulted in testicular necrosis. The small temperature difference between cremaster sac and rectum, absence of testicular artery and pampiniform plexus and insuficient concentration of cadmium within the testis when administered subcutaneously may be responsible for insensitivity of Suncus testes to cadmium.


[Management of cervical incompetence with cerclage according to Shirodkar. A report on 110 cases].

The authors report a 110 cervical cerclage operations for cervical incompetence. Shirodkar's technique was used and cerclage was carried out between the 9th and 20th week of amenorrhea. Out of 110 patients submitted to the procedure, 98 gave birth to a live infant weighing more than 1000 g which amounts to a success rate of 89%. Duration of pregnancy ranged between 26 and 41 weeks. If only pregnancies having proceeded to 37 weeks of amenorrhea are considered, the success rate amounts to 68%.


Hemodynamic drug interaction: peridural lidocaine and intravenous ephedrine.

Hypotension following peridural anesthesia with lidocaine was treated by intravenous injection of ephedrine. The ephedrine relieved the cardiovascular depression, but was associated with a concomitant increase in plasma lidocaine concentrations. This increase may push the plasma lidocaine concentration into the toxic region.


Suxamethonium apnoea terminated with commercial serumcholinesterase.

A case of prolonged suxamethonium apnoea successfully terminated by the infusion of a commercial preparation of serumcholinesterase is reported. The patient appeared to be homozygous for the dibucaine resistant gene, having only 15% of normal activity in his serum. His dibucaine number was 21, and the Michaelis constant was 5.5 times that of normal sera. One and a half hours after receiving 110 mg suxamethonium for oesophagoscopy, the patient was still apnoeic with no response to ulnar nerve stimulation. Intravenous administration of 90 mg commercial serumcholinesterase, the equivalent to 1000 ml fresh human plasma, restored twitch and tetanic responses and the patient could lift his head 15 min after the beginning of the enzyme injection. The serumcholinesterase activity of the patient's serum increased by 55% (from 15% to 70%) following the injection. This rise was halved over the next 8 days.


Effect of ketamine anaesthesia on the content of monoamines and their metabolites in the rat brain.

The effects of ketamine anaesthesia (100 mg/kg i.p.) on the content of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA), noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) were studied in male Wistar rats. Fifteen min after ketamine injection, when the rats were deeply anaesthetized, the 5HT content in many brain regions tended to be increased. An opposite tendency was found in the brain 5HIAA content. In rats treated with probenecid, which markedly lengthened ketamine anaesthesia, the accumulation of 5HIAA was significantly reduced by ketamine. In addition to ketamine anaesthesia, probenecid was found to lengthen thiopental anaesthesia. One hour after the ketamine administration, when the rats were no longer anaesthetized but were excited, the brain NA concentration was increased by 17% (P less than 0.02). The brain DA content was unchanged, but at 15 min and 1 hour after ketamine administration the striatal HVA content was increased by about 55% (P less than 0.05), suggesting an increased turnover of DA. The results suggest that during recovery from ketamine anaesthesia the increased NA content and the increased DA turnover may be associated with the postanaesthetic excitement of the rat, whereas the decreasamine anaesthesia.


Respiration and circulation after total hip replacement surgery. A comparison between parenteral analgesics and continuous lumbar epidural block.

The cardiopulmonary effects of two different types of postoperative analgesic regimes were compared in 31 cardiorespiratorily healthy patients subjected to total hip replacement surgery. The investigation was performed preoperatively on the morning of the day of surgery and during the first 3 days postoperatively. All patients received continuous lumbar epidural analgesia preoperatively, during surgery and up to the end of the first measurement period, which started 2.5 h after surgery. Ten patients were subseuqently given pentazocine (Fortalgesic) intramuscularly on demand for pain relief throughout the investigation, while 14 patients received 0.4% plain lidocaine (Xylocain), and seven patients 0.4% lidocaine with adrenaline (1/400,000) as a continuous lumbar epidural drip for analgesia thorughout the investigation. It was confirmed that the operative procedure itself did not significantly influence the postoperative arterial oxygenation, while the type of postoperative analgesic regimen was of considerable importance in this respect. Thus, patients given pentazocine showed a significant increase in pulmonary venous admixture, due both to an increase in true shunt and to an increase in ventilation/perfusion disturbances. This pattern of poor pulmonary function still persisted on the third postoperatively. In patients given an epidural block no significant changes in pulmonary venous admixture were noted postoperatively, and thus there was no reduction in PaO2. All patients, irrespective of the type of analgesic regimen used, had a significantly increased cardiac index and oxygen uptake postoperatively, although patients given an epidural block showed a greater increase in cardiac index, and thus a tendency towards a more hyperkinetic circulation than those given pentazocine.


Misplacement and loop formation of central venous catheters.

Exact placement is an essential prerequisite for long-term use of a central venous catheter. Reported data show an extremely wide range of catheteral misplacements: from less than 1% to more than 60%. Some approaches appear to be less advantageous than others, but the highest rates of misplacement occur in the cubital, external jugular and saphenous veins. A series is presented of 378 radiographically controlled central venous catheters analysed for aberrant placement and loop formation. The total occurrence of faulty positioning and coiling reached 5.3%, while the respective incidences were 30% for the external jugular vein, 5.7% for the internal jugular vein, 5.5% for the infraclavicular technique of subclavian venepuncture, 5.3% for the innominate vein and 1.4% for the supraclavicular approach of subclavian venepuncture. The total frequency for pure loop formation was 2.9%. The authors discuss numerous reported data on catheter malpositioning, according to the specific techniques used, and compare them with thier own results. The relatively low incidence in the present series is possibly due to the high proportion of cases where the supraclavicular subclavian approach was used, the omission of the sphrenous/femoral and cubital techniques, and to pre-determining the length of the inserted catheteral segments.


Postanaesthetic use of naloxone hydrochloride after moderate doses of fentanyl.

A consecutive series of 273 anaesthetics is presented. All patients were given moderate doses of droperidol and fentanyl intravenously to supplement nitrous oxide and oxygen anaesthesia. 28.6% of the patients needed reversal of the analgesic respiratory depressant effect at the end of anaesthesia to establish stable spontaneous respiration. The opiate antagonist, naloxone hydrochloride (Narcan), was found to give rapid and reliable reversal of the respiratory depression. A mean dose of 2 mug/kg body weight of naloxone was found adequate in that no patient required further doses in the post-operative period in order to maintain adequate ventilation. Neither does the dose seem to have been too large. Patients in the naloxone group had no need for additional analgesics during the first 5 3/4 hours postoperatively, as compared to the painfree interval of 3 1/4 hours in the control group.


The effect of segmental epidural analgesia on maternal and foetal acid-base balance, lactate, serum potassium and creatine phosphokinase during labour.

Maternal and foetal acid-base balance, PaO2, lactate, potassium and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were studied during the course of 28 induced labours. Every second mother received segmental epidural analgesia during the first stage of labour (epidural group), while the remaining mothers (who were given pethidine for pain relief, if necessary) acted as a control group. In the epidural group the patients had only minimal changes in acid-base balance and lactate concentration during the first stage. During the second stage lactate concentration increased. In the control group, on the other hand, the acid-base balance showed signs of hyperventilation and lactic acid accumulation during the first stage. The potassium changes were quite minimal and were not significantly different between the groups. The CPK level did not change during labour, but 2 and 4 h after delivery it was significantly elevated in both groups. The foetal acid-base balance, potassium, lactate and PaO2 values revealed no differences between the groups at any time. The CPK level in umbilical venous blood was significantly higher in the epidural group.


Mast cells in mammalian brain.

Mast cells, which had until recently been believed to be not present in the mammalian brain, were studied in the brains of 29 mammalian species. Although there was considerable intraspecific and interspecific variation, mast cells were most numerous within the leptomeninges (especially in those overlying the cerebrum and the dorsal thalamus - most rodents, most carnivores, chimpanzees, squirrel monkeys and elephant), the cerebral cortex (most rodents, tiger, fox, chimpanzee, tarsier, and elephant) and in many nuclei of the dorsal thalamus (most rodents, tiger, lion, and fox). In some mammals, mast cells were also numerous in the stroma of the telencephalic choroid plexuses (chimpanzee, squirrel monkey), the putamen and the claustrum (chimpanzee), the subfornical organ (pack rat, tiger, chimpanzee), the olfactory peduncles (hooded rat, albino rat), the stroma of the diencephalic choroid plexus (lion, chimpanzee, squirrel monkey), the pineal organ (chimpanzee, squirrel monkey), some nuclei of the hypothalamus (tiger), the infundibulum (hooded rat, tiger, fox) the area postrema (pack rat, chinchilla, lion, spider monkey, chimpanzee, fox) and some nuclei and tracts of the metencephalon and the myelencephalon (tiger). Neither the sex of the animal nor electrolytic lesions made in the brains of some of the animals at various times prior to sacrifice appeared to effect the number and the distribution of mast cells. Age-related changes in mast cell number and distribution were detected in the albino rat.


[Morphology, topography and nomenclature of the human papillary muscles compared with mammalian].

On the internal or parietal surface of the left ventricle in man and in mammals are two papillary muscles, which are almost identical and well developed. In man, these muscles are known as the m. papillaris parietalis anterior sinister and the m. papillaris parietalis posterior dexter, in mammals, the m. papillaris parietalis cranialis sinister and caudalis dexter, or, in shorter form, mm. papillaris parietalis sinister et dexter. In the right ventricle in man, there are two papillary parietal muscles: the mm. papillares anteriores et posteriores. On the septum of this ventricle there is, as in mammals, a muscle called the m. papillaris septalis medialis seu subarteriosus. Beside it are one or several smaller muscles, varying from one individual to another: the mm. papillares septales accessorii seu parvi. In the right ventricle of the mammalian heart is found, in addition to the m. parietalis septalis subarteriosus, already mentioned, a m. papillaris caudalis, more or less well developed in some species and, in the majority of mammals, the m. papillaris septalis cranials, which is always well developed. In certain mammals, there is, in rare cases, a m. papillaris septomarginalis seu parietalis. It may be said, in conclusion, that, in a large number of mammals, there is, on the internal surface of the external wall of the right ventricle, a reasonably well developed m. papillaris parietalis.


Effects of sialoadenectomy and parotin hormone on the development of rat sponge-induced granulation tissue.

A study was made concerning the effects of sialoadenectomy and parotin hormone administration upon sponge-induced granulation tissue of young adult rats. The effects of sialoadenectomy alone and sialoadenectomy plus a single subcutaneous injection of parotin hormone, in two different doses (0.15 and 0.30 mg), on the development of 15-day-old granulation tissue were observed. The action of parotin hormone administration without sialoadenectomy was also investigated. The results have shown that sialoadenectomy produces a retardation effect upon the development of the tissue. This effect was partially inhibited by 0.15 mg and totally eliminated by the administration of 0.30 mg of the hormone. When administered in rats which were not sialoadenectomized, the dose of 0.30 mg caused increased fibroplasia and vascularization of granulation tissue, while a dose of 0.15 mg did not cause any significant difference when compared to the control tissue.


Secondary cartilages in growth and development of the symphysis menti in the hamster.

The early growth and development of the symphyseal joint and pertinent adjacent regions of the mandible in the hamster, Mesocricetus auratus, are described. The joint is patent throughout life and in adults contains a large fibrocartilage which mediates mandibular movements. Evidence is presented to show that this cartilage is formed by the fusion of Meckel's cartilage with two secondary cartilages that appear within the joint space. Evidence is also presented which suggests that cells of the symphyseal cartilage have the capacity to produce bone.


Histochemical studies on the liver of Heteropneustes fossilis treated with carbon tetrachloride.

The effect of carbon tetrachloride on the liver of Heteropneustes fossilis has been studied. It results in centrolobular necrosis and cirrhosis. The hepatocyte nuclei are enlarged and balloon-shaped cells are visible at a few places. There is an increase at this stage in the DNA content of the hepatocyte nucleus. The cytoplasm is heavily laden with glycogen. Fatty infiltration starts and the fat content in the cytoplasm of the liver cells is increased. After 5 h of injection, the nuclei undergo lysis followed by ruptures in the cell membrane. The DNA content is greatly reduced. There is a marked depletion in the glycogen content. The bile canaliculi are filled with the extruded cell contents. The fatty infiltration increases at this stage.


Ultrastructural development of bone marrow adipose cell.

The postnatal development of bone marrow adipose cells was studied by sequential examination of marrow tissue obtained from the tibia and femur of 1- to 8-week-old rabbits. The bone marrow adipocyte begins to develop 2 weeks after birth. Its cellular origin differs from the "fibroblast-like" cell that is the progenitor of the extramedullary adipocyte. The marrow pre-adipocyte is associated with the sinus endothelium and adventitial cells, but is not associated with collagen and does not contain abundant organized rough endoplasmic reticulum. Unlike the extramedullary adipocyte, the course of differentiation of the medullary adipocyte is not characterized by the appearance of glycogen; furthermore, during the coalescence of lipid droplets to form larger fat globules, cytoplasmic organelles, such as mitochondria and ribosomes, are trapped within the lipid substance to form intralipid vacuoles containing degraded cytoplasmic organelles. The possible significance of these morphologic differences between the developing bone marrow adipocyte and that of its extramedullary counterpart is discussed.


Ultrastructural study of nerve terminals in the submucous plexus and mucous membrane after extirpation of the myenteric plexus.

An attempt is made to separate in the submucous plexus and mucous membrane of the chronically isolated intestine of the cat the fibers originating from the myenteric plexus and those originating from the submucous plexus by secondary degeneration after the extirpation of the myenteric plexus. A considerable part of the nerve processes in the submucous plexus originate from the cells of the myenteric ganglia and establish direct synaptic relationships between the ganglion cells, or are very close to the blood vessels. The numerous intact synapses between the different nerve elements in the submucous plexus point to local reflex connexions within the plexus itself. The degeneration of sub-epithelial nerve elements, containing always clear and dense-core (1,000-1,200 A in diameter) vesicles besides the numerous intact nerve elements, might indicate the presence of real sensory nerve processes in this layer. The terminal fibers remaining intact after removal of the myenteric plexus contain numerous medium-sized dense-core vesicles in potassium permanganate-fixed material. This suggests that there are cells containing 5-hydroxytryptamine in the submucous plexus.


Nuclei and tracts of the di-mesencephalon of the parakeet.

A number of nuclei and fibre systems of the parakeet di-mesencephalon, as visible in transverse series stained with the methods of HAGGQVIST and of KLUVER and BARRERA, have been described. In the preparations used, in which both neurones and myelinated fibres are visible, a relatively great number of elements can be distinguished, because of differences in cell and fibre content. Probably these elements are more sharply circumscribed than in the pigeon and therefore more readily visible. A few of them have been described for the first time, but they require experimental substantiation. Typical features of some nuclei and fibre systems of the parakeet have been pointed out. Attributing a certain type to the di-mesencephalon of the parakeet proved to be unfeasible, because of a deficient knowledge both about the elements studied and to their aspect in a sufficient number of other avian species. The pictures produced may be helpful in recognizing nuclei and fibre systems in other birds in which they are less distinct.


Constitution and body proportions in different strains of rats. A study of race formation in breeding isolates.

(1) There are considerable differences in body constitution in different strains of rats, ranging from very robust to very gracile forms. The differences are greater in the larger males than in the smaller females. (2)Craniofacial and postcranial proportions of the trunk in domesticated strains of rats differ either uniformly or mosaically from the wild form. (3)Nasal shape differs greatly in rats ranging from extreme leptorrhine to extreme platyrrhine forms, giving a total range greater than in human populations. (4)Fisher 344 rats have long tails and extremities and Buffalo and GRL short tails and extremities. (5)Wistar and ACI rats have longer tails than wild rats but do not differ significantly from wild rats in the relative length of their other extremities. (6)The relationship between tail and extremity length is under genetic control which is concordant in Fisher, Buffalo and GRL rats, but discordant in the Lewis, Wistar and ACI strains. (7)There is no connection between relative extremity length and total body constitution since short-limbed strains occupy both the highest (Buffalo) and lowest (GRL) levels o f robusticity, and strains that do not differ in relative extremity length from wild rats differ greatly from each other in constitutional type (Wistar and ACI). (8)Differences of relative extremity length and nasal shape in rats have their parallels in human populations. But in human populations they follow Allen's ecological "rule" and can be duplicated experimentally. In rats here used, however, they do not result from any known ecological pressures, but from the genetic factors acting in breeding isolates.


[Differention of the neural tube. Experimental study in chick and quail embryos].

In order to study the possible influence of adjacent structures upon differentiation and proliferation of the chick spinal cord, a piece of neural tube of chick embryos incubated for 2 days (stages 12-14 of HAMBURGER and HAMILTON) was extirpated and replaced by an equal graft from a donor embryo of the same age. The grafts were rotated 90 or 180 degrees around their longitudinal axis. The examination of the serial histological sections and the analysis of the distribution of mitotic density in the rotated spinal cord of embryos fixed 2-8 days after the operation led to the following results: the differences in morphogenesis and histogenesis between dorsal and ventral sectors of the spinal cord are already determined in 2-day-old chick embryos. The reversal of the neural tube at this time has no effect either upon the typical differentiation or the characteristic distribution of the mitotic cells in the spinal cord.


Localization of acid phosphatase activity in the medulla oblongata of the small brown dove, Streptopelia senegalensis, and white-throated munia, Uroloncha malabarica.

In the present study, acid phosphatase activity has been histochemically localized in the medulla oblongata (facialis part) of Streptopelia senegalensis and Uroloncha malabarica. It was noticed that the enzyme is present particularly in the motor nuclei and lysosomes of neuroglial cells of the medulla oblongata. However, enzymatic deposition appears to be somewhat more vigorous in S. senegalensis than in U. malabarica, thereby indicating their respective metabolic turnover and neuronal excitability. Simultaneously, the functional significance has been discussed in the light of differential localization.


Effect of corpora lutea grafted under renal capsule on pregnancy in the rabbit.

Implantation of the blastocyst and maintenance of pregnancy were examined by autografting corpora lutea under renal capsule in rabbits. Implantation of the blastocyst did not occur when the corpora lutea were autografted because of small amounts of lutein tissue, low secretory activity of lutein cells, and the period required for functional activity of grafts. Autografts of 4-day-old corpora lutea were capable of maintaining pregnancy after 15 days post coitum, when follicles and interstitial tissue remained intact. Pregnancy was maintained in a limited number of fetuses when 6-day-old corpora lutea were autografted in ovariectomized estradiol-treated does.