[Estrogen receptor in human endometrium--energy requirement, stability and subunit structure-- (author's transl)].

1) In our previous paper, it was reported that in human endometrium the step of formation of nuclear receptor -estradiol complex was not temperature dependent but in rat uteri temperature dependent. In order to clarify whether this temperature dependency in rat uteri means an energy requirement for this step or not, experiments with 2,4 dinitrophenol as an energy uncoupler were done. Even when rat uteri or endometrium of women were incubated with 10 muc of 3H-estradiol and 10(-4)M of 2,4-dinitrophenol, 8S estrogen receptor-E2 complex in cytosol and 5S estrogen receptor-E2 complex in nuclear extract were recognized in both rat and woman. Namely, no evidence was recognized for this step to require activation energy in rat uterus as well as in human endometrium. 2) The cytosol fraction was prepared after human endometrium had been incubated with 3HE2 at 2 degrees C. Cytosol was analysed on sucross density gradient after heat treatment (at 10 degrees C, 31 degrees C or 37 degrees C). At 31 degrees C and 37 degrees C treatment, the 8S receptor peak was difficultly recognized. Namely, the 8S receptor-E2 complex was heat labile in cell free condition. This appears to be one of the reasons why 8S cytosol receptor was not visible in human endometrium incubated with 3HE2 at 37 degrees C. 3) When the cytosol fraction from the human endometrium was analysed on 3--20% linear sucrose gradient containing 0.4M KCl, the 8S peak diminished and about 4S peak appeared. This was considered to mean that 8S receptor in human endometrium was also split to a 4S binding unit at high salt condition and the 8S receptor in humans had also a subunit structure. 4) 8S receptor in cytosol and 5S receptor in nuclear fraction were recognized in one case of human endometrial carcinoma, but in another case both receptors were not recognized. 5) Estrogen binding protein in human serum was sedimented at 6S fraction by sucrose gradient.


[The reducing effect of prostaglandins on circulating eosinophils in splenectomized rats--on its mechanism (author's transl)].

It is known that Prostaglandins(PGs) have many interesting physiological effects on various tissues, but the reducing effect on circulating eosinophils was still obscure, except for our report in 1975. Our previous report revealed that the effect had not act through beta-adrenergic receptors, because a beta-adrenergic blocker did not inhibit this effect. The present report was carried out to study whether the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenocortical axis would be concerned or not on this effect. PGs(10 mug/kg) were administered intraperitoneally under thiopental sodium anesthesia and blood was drawn from the tail vein of the splenectomized rats. Both PGE1, E2, F2alpha did not decrease the number of peripheral eosinophils on the group of the adrenalectomized rats. Both PGE1, F2alpha did not decrease the number of peripheral eosinophils, but PGE2 had a significant reducing effect on the number of them 2 and 3 hours after administration in the group of the rats with hypothalamic lesions. Both PGE1, E2, F2alpha had a significant reducing effect at the group of the rats with man-made hypothalamic lesions. This effect was almost the same as for the control group just splenectomized. It could be concluded that the eosinopenic effect of PGE1 and PGF2alpha was conducted through the hypothalamus and adrenal glands, but that of PGE2 might be effected through the hypophysis or directly through the adrenal glands.


Development of malignant goiter by defatted soybean with iodine-free diet in rats.

Hyperplastic goiters were observed frequently in female rats of Wistar strain when given defatted soybean under iodine deficiency for 6 to 12 months. The findings in the thyroid were those of malignant tumors in which the features of thyroid carcinomas were seen, accompanied with metastasis in the lungs of some animals. Enlargement of the thyroid was completely inhibited in rats when a small amount of iodine was added to the diet. The role of soybean factor(s) which causes enlargment of the thyroid is discussed in relation to the development of malignant goiter, together with pathological findings in the animals.


On the regularities of distribution of Hypoderma bovis De Geer larvae parasitizine cattle herds in different parts of the range of this warble fly.

The type and parameters of the distribution of the second and third instar larvae of Hypoderma bovis in cattle herds in Czechoslovakia (54 herds, 7233 head), Mongolia (20 herds, 1809 head) and the USSR (48 herds, 4978 head) were studied. A statistical analysis showed a) that in the majority of cases negative binomial distribution serves as a model of the distribution of larvae with sufficient reliability; b) that the regularity of dependence of the distribution exponent k of the negative binomial distribution on the incidence of infestation remains constant in different parts of the range of thes warble fly. The latter fact indicates that the regulatory systems limiting the population numbers of this warble fly are associated with host-parasite relationships and do not depend on a complex of conditions specific for various natural zones. In order to understand the regulatory processes in parasite populations it is necessary to study equally the regulatory mechanisms operating primarily on the level of specimens as well as the regulatory systems operating on the level of populations.


Histopathological changes and the genesis of adiaspiromycomas in mice infected intraperitoneally with Emmonsia cresens Emmons et Jellison, 1960.

Following an intraperitoneal inoculation with a suspension of aleuries of the funtus Emmonsia crescens, characteristic adiaspiromycomas originate in the abdominal cavity; a generalisation of the infection was caused by lymphogenic and haematogenic dissemination. At first, fragments of the mycelium became implanted and started to grow on the peritoneum; these were quickly destroyed by a gradually increasing leukocytic reaction. In the first month of infection nodules were formed mainly on predisposed sites in the abdominal cavity. Inside these nodules we found aleuries in the granulation tissue and a necrotic centre enclosing the accumulated inoculum. Development was delayed in aleuries released from agar particles after their resorption and in aleuries originating from remnants of the inoculum. This accounted for an initial heterogeneity of spherules in the nodules. The original nodules fus-d and formed large fibrous adiaspiromycomas. In the following months atypical spherules produced in large numbers by minute, developmentally retarded, budding spherules from the zone bordering the centres, were found inside these cel layer succumbed to regressive changes. The viability of these large spherules was confirmed by a finding of live adiaspores even at as late a time as 19 months after infection.


[Effects of psychotropic drugs and the roles of the noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems in the lateral hypothalamic self-stimulation behavior].

A bipolar electrode was stereotaxically implanted in or near the medial forebrain bundle at the level of the posterior lateral hypothalamus of male albino Wistar-Imamichi rats. 1) Two electrode sites implanted in a rat both in the lateral hypothalamus and in the dorsal noradrenaline bundle supported self-stimulation (SS) behavior. 2) Methamphetamine facilitated the SS dose-dependently in the "threshold"-intensity reinforcement. The pretreatment of imipramine enhanced the effects of methamphetamine, but that of chlorpromazine inhibited those effects. Methamphetamine facilitated the SS also in the moderate-intensity reinforcement. Imipramine had no significant effects. On the other hand, chlorpromazine inhibited markedly the SS behavior. 3) FLA63 and U-14,624, dopamine beta-hydroxylase inhibitors, suppressed the SS behavior. Both drugs significantly reduced brain norepinephrine levels. FLA63 significantly increased the levels of dopamine, but the increase with U-14,624 was not significant. 4) Apomorphine, stimulant of dopamine receptor, did not facilitate, but rather suppressed the SS in the "threshold"-intensity reinforcement. 5) l-Norepinephrine injected into the lateral ventricle facilitated the rate of SS, dose-dependently. On the other hand, dopamine had no detectable effects. 7) These results suggest that the noradrenergic system in the brain plays a more important role in the positive reinforcement of the lateral hypothalamic SS behavior than does the dopaminergic system.


[Roles of noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems in the self-stimulation behavior of the substantia nigra].

A bipolar electrode was stereotaxically implanted in the substantia nigra of male albino Wistar-Imamichi rats. 1) Rats lifted and turned their heads and contralateral forelimb towards the contralateral side to the electrode during the substantia nigral self-stimulation (SS) behavior. 2) Methamphetamine facilitated the SS dose-dependently in the "threshold"-intensity reinforcement. The pretreatment of imipramine facilitated the effects of methamphetamine. 3) FLA63 and U-14,624, dopamine beta-hydroxylase inhibitors, suppressed the SS in the moderate-intensity reinforcement. 4) Apomorphine, stimulant of dopamine receptor, did not facilitate, but rather inhibited the SS dose-dependently in the "threshold"-intensity reinforcement. 5) l-Norepinephrine injected into the lateral ventricle facilitated the SS dose-dependently. On the other hand, dopamine had no marked effects. 6) These results suggest that the noradrenergic system in the brain plays a more important role in the positive reinforcement of the substantia nigral SS behavior than does the dopaminergicsystem.


[Pharmacological effects of [(octahydro-2-azocinyl)methyl] guanidine(guanazodine): its action mechanism and hypotensive effect].

Cardiovascular effects of guanazodine, a new antihypertensive drug, in anesthetized dogs, rabbits and rats and also isolated atria and arteries were compared with those of guanethidine and bethanidine. Guanazodine caused a sustained decrease in the systemic blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats, renal hypertensive dogs and normal cats. No tachyphylaxis developed when the drug was administered orally to the rats once a day for 10 days. The heart rate decreased. Guanazodine relaxed the cat nictitating membrane, attenuated the positive chronotropic response to sympathetic nerve stimulation in anesthetized dogs and in isolated rabbit aorta to transmural electrical stimulation. Guazazodine potentiated the pressor response to noradrenaline but attenuated the response to tyramine in anesthetized cats. The noradrenaline content of rat hearts was significantly reduced 4 hr or later after the injection of guanazodine, while the content in brains and adrenal glands was unaffected. The LD50 of guanazodine injected intravenously to male rats was 136 +/- 11 mg/kg which was approximately 4 times the value of guanethidine and 7 times the value of bethanidine. It may be concluded that the hypotensive effect of guanazodine is related to adrenergic neuron blocking action, the noradrenaline-depleting action in peripheral tissues is similar to the effect of guanethidine and bethanidine, and that the extent and the duration of the hypotension induced by guanazodine are approximately the same as those with guanethidine but appreciably greater than those with bethanidine. Toxicity and side effects appear to be less with guanazodine than with guanethidine and bethanidine.


[Distribution of lithium and its effects on electrolyte and norepinephrine metabolism in discrete areas of the rat brain].

Lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) or lithium chloride (LiCl) was administered to rats, and distribution in discrete areas of the brain as well as the effects on electrolytes in the urine, blood and whole brain were investigated. Further, the effects of Li with or without methamphetamine on electrolytes and norepinephrine (NE) metabolism in discrete areas of rat brain were examined. After a single administration of Li2CO3 (2.7 mEq/kg p.o.), the Li concentration in all regions of the brain except the hypothalamus reached the maximum level at 12 hr and decreased gradually. A relatively high concentration was observed in the hypothalamus, a short time after the administration. After repeated administration of Li2Co3 (2.7 mEq/kg/day for 5 or days p.o.), the Li concentration did not increase in any region of the brain in comparison with after a single administration and there were no marked changes in the balance of electrolytes in the plasma and brain despite significant changes in the urinary electrolytes and urine volume. Acute administration of LiCl (2.4 mEq/kg and 1.2 mEq/kgx2 for 2 hr i.p.) did not affect the levels of NE and its metabolites in any region of the brain. Subacute administration of LiCl (2.5mEq/kg X 2/day for 4.5 days i.p.) concomitant with methamphetamine increased the deaminated metabolites of NE in the hypothalamus and hippocampus, whereas no influence was observed on the concentrations of sodium and potassium in any region of the brain. From these results, it is suggested that the hypothalamus is one area where Li exerts its action.


[Depressive effects of benzodiazepines on penicillin-induced epileptic discharges].

Effects of clonazepam, nitrazepam and diazepam on penicillin induced primary, spread and reactive epileptoform discharges were investigated in gallamine immobilized cats. Different strengths of seizure foci were induced by penicillin G 1000, 3000 and 6000 U injected into the cortex, amygdala and intralaminal thalamus, and the spread of epileptic discharges in the subcortex or surrounding area and to the contralateral area was followed. Benzodiazepines 5 mg/kg i.v. shortened the duration of primary epileptoform discharges and prolonged the interictal interval in the cortical, amygdaloid and intralaminal thalamic epileptogenesis induced by a high concentration of penicillin G. When a low concentration of penicillin G was injected into the cortex, amygdala and intralaminal thalamus, benzodiazepines abolished the spread of primary epileptoform discharges and the reactive discharges, but did not suppress completely the primary epileptogenic discharges and the contralateral reflective activity. Suppression of the discharges necessitated administration of a high dose. The greatest degree of suppression was seen with clonazepam. It is concluded that the anticonvulsive effect of benzodiazepines may be due to the blackades of neuronal pathways which spread the seizure discharges from the site of origin (focus) to the effector organ, and the elevation of convulsive thresholds.


[Central activity, antihypertensive action and antiulcerogenic effects of neurotropin].

Central activity, antihypertensive action and antiulcerogenic actions of Neurotropin (NSP), an extract isolated from vaccinia virus-innoculated skin or tissues of rabbits were investigated herein. When actions of NSP were examined in isolated muscle preparations by the Magnus-method, peristalsis and ACh-induced contraction in the small intestine isolated from crayfish were not influenced, peristalsis and ACh-induced contraction in the small intestine from mice were slightly accelerated, but adrenaline-induced relaxation in the small intestine from mice was not affected. Histamine-induced contraction in the small intestine and tracheal muscles isolated from guinea pigs was antagonized slightly, or not at all by NSP in a high concentration. NSP had no direct action nor anti-ACh action on abdominal muscles from frogs. NSP had no influence on E1-mice-convulsions. Both spontaneous motor activities and exploratory movements in mice were depressed. Sleeping time induced by hexobarbital-Na was prolonged in mice. Tremorine-induced tremor in mice was inhibited by NSP, while perphenazine-induced catalepsy in rats was not. Normal blood pressure in Wistar rats was not influenced, but high blood pressure in SHR (spontaneously hypertensive rats) decreased close to normal levels after NSP. NSP had antiulcerogenic effects on Takagi's restraint-plus-water-immersing ulcers in rats and histamine-induced duodenal ulcers in guinea pigs, but no influence on Shay ulcers in Wistar rats. From the data obtained herein, it may be concluded that NSP has many central depressant-like activities.


[Behavioral pharmacology of berberine-type alkaloids. (1) Central depressive action of Coptidis rhizoma and its constituents].

Coptis root is frequently utilized as a sedative in Chinese medicines, however, the central depressant action of this compound has not been reported. Such being the case, the central depressant actions of methanol extract of coptis root, its active ingredients such as non-alkaloids fraction, tertiary base fraction, quarternary base fraction, magnoflorine fraction, berberine hydrochloride, coptisine hydrochloride and the extract from SAN O SHA SHIN TO being one of the preparations which contain coptis root were investigated in mice. The antigastric ulcer action of these substances was also examined in rats. All substances were given orally. Sontaneous movement and coordinative motor activity were not depressed by methanol extract, non-alkaloid fraction quarternary base fraction, magnoflorine fraction, berberine hydrochloride, coptisine hhdrochloride and the extract from SAN O SHA SHIN TO. There was no inhibition of chemical- and electro-shock-induced convulsion, morphine induced Straub's tail reaction, apomorphine-induced masticating motion and aggressive behavior induced by electrical stimulation. A loss of righting reflex due to hypnotics was not potentiated by the substances. The quarternary base fraction did not elicit central depression, while the tertiary base fraction slightly depressed the function of the central nervous system. Quarternary base alkaloids such as berberine exerted a slight antiulcer effect.


[Behavioral pharmacology of berberine-type alkaloids. (2) Central depressant effects of tetrahydroberberine (THB) and related compounds].

The behavioral effects of tetrahydroberberine (THB), tetrahydrocoptisine (THC), tetrahydropalmatine (THP) and tetrahydrojateorrhizine (THJ) were compared with those of chlorpromazine (CPZ) and benzodiazepines in mice and rats. Effects of THB were also determined by electroencephalography (EEG) in rabbits. THB was found to pharmacologically exert various actions similar to those of CPZ which is a major tranquilizer, however, the actions of THB were weaker than those of CPZ. Although THB alone did not induce catalepsy, it enhanced the cataleptogenic action of CPZ. At a dose over the effective levels, THB did not lower normal body temperature or induce muscle relaxation and loss of righting reflex. EEG activities in the frontal cortex areas were markedly affected by THB, e.g., fast waves in spontaneous EEG were converted to slow waves. THB and CPZ in a similar manner elicited a sustaining increase in hippocampal afterdischarge, but the action of THB was weaker than that of CPZ. The acute toxicity of THB was lower than that of CPZ and benzodiazepines and the depressant activity of THB almost equalled that of THC and THP, whereas the activity of 1-THB was 1.5 times as great as that of THB. These data indicate that THB, THC and THP may be a new type of tranquilizer.


The inhibitory effect of hydrocortisone on the chicken embryo cartilage somatomedin assay.

In a study of the effects of hydrocortisone on the embryonic chicken cartilage somatomedin assay, in the absence and in the presence of normal human reference serum (NHRS), it was found that: (1) The basal uptake of 35S into chicken embryo pelvic cartilage was reduced when hydrocortisone hemisuccinate was added to the incubation medium in concentrations ranging from 1.5 to 1.5 X 10(5) ng/ml. There was a correlation between the inhibitory effect and the quantity of hydrocortisone added (r=-0.869; p less than 0.01). (2) The 35S uptake stimulated by 1.25 and 5% serum present in the incubation medium was reduced by hydrocortisone in a final concentration range of 150-1.5 X 10(5) ng/ml incubation medium. The minimal dose was 1,000 times that required to affect the basal 35S uptake. (3) When hydrocortisone was directly added to the NHRS, its interfering effect on the 35S uptake stimulated by 1.25, 5 and 20% of serum in the incubation medium was demonstrable with 5 X 10(5) ng hydrocortisone/ml serum. This concentration exceeded the physiological level of hydrocortisone by a factor of 5,000.


Familial male internal pseudohermaphroditism; report on a case.

A rare case of male internal pseudohermaphroditism is described. The patient had normal external male sexual characteristics but unilateral cryptorchidism. Three of his four brothers had also cryptorchidism and were also involuntary infertile. One of them was later operated and a uterus found intra-peritoneallu. The patient's parents were cousins and the possible importance of an inheritable defect is discussed. The patient's karyotype was normal.


Studies on the biosynthesis of cyclitols, XXXV. On the mechanism of action of myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase from rat testicles.

The animal myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase is competitively inhibited by pyridoxal phosphate and trinitrobenzensulphonate, both compounds known to prevent Schiff's base formation. When incubated with labelled substrate and then treated with NaBH4, label can be recovered in the enzyme protein. In analogous experiments with tritiated NaBH4 the enzyme protein also becomes labelled; after hydrolysis of such protein only one labelled compound, derived from lysine and D-glucose 6-phosphate, could be isolated. Its exact structure is not yet known. From these results it can be concluded that during its action myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase forms a Schiff's base with its substrate, in analogy to the class I aldolases.


The effect of a bacterial extract on synovial cells in tissue culture.

The studies reported here were undertaken to determine if Erysipelothrix crude extract (CE) could elicit consistent, detectable alterations in synovial cells in vitro. Synovial cells of rabbits were cultured in vitro and data about normal synovial cells in vitro were presented. Such cells were consistently and characteristically affected by exposure to small amounts of CE; an effect that was neutralized in the presence of specific and anti-CE anti-serum. With an increase in the amount of CE added to the cells in culture, a decreasing number of cells was formed but protein content remained relatively constant.


Culture characteristics of cells derived from type II pneumocyte enriched fractions from rabbit and rat.

Type II cell enriched fractions were isolated from rabbit and rat lungs using density gradient centrifugation. Cultures established from these fractions contained predominantly cells similar in most morphological respects to type II pneumocytes. These were in continuous replicating culture for 1 year and still exhibited contact inhibition. Membrane-bound structures reminiscent of, but no longer strictly identical to, type II cell lamellar cytosomes were seen in cells from these long-term cultures although their numbers were reduced in comparison to lamellar bodies in freshly isolated cells. Mitochondrial numbers and sizes, determined morphometrically, were reduced after culture in comparison to freshly isolated type II cells and those in situ. Phosphatidylcholine was synthesized by these cells and released into the extracellular medium. Application of laser activated electronic sizing data, confirmed by direct micrometry, demonstrated a significant increase in cell size as a function of culture. This sizing data, after prior confirmation by electron microscopy, was used as an aid in identifying type II cells and macrophages in dispersion, especially with those cells derived from rabbit lungs.


[Clinical picture, pathophysiology and therapy of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (author's transl)].

A review of the clinical picture, the therapy and the pathophysiology of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is presented. Emphasis is put on recent evidence concerning cellular and humoral autoimmune reactions, and their relevance for the pathogenesis of the disease is outlined.


Diagnostic aspects of bladder angiography in urinary bladder tuberculosis.

Histopathological and angiographic findings were correlated in 6 cases of tuberculosis of the urinary bladder. The number of vessels was only slightly increased in the initial and fibrotic stages, whereas hypervascularization was observed in the exudative and productive stages. Otherwise the angiographic changes were nonspecific. Thus it was not possible to distinguish tuberculous cystitis from cystitis of other genesis, and in some instances from tumours of the urinary bladder either.


Malignant testicular tumors in three  brothers.

Three brothers out of four had malignant testicular tumors. The first of them had choriocarcinoma, the second seminoma, and the third teratocarcinoma of the testis.


Patterns of labor in native and immigrant population in Israel.

The application of cervical dilatation rates as a predictive index of the outcome of labor was tested among various subgroups of the Israel population. Cervical dilatation rates, gestational ages, birth weights, initial fetal head station, cervical dilatation at head engagement, and incidence of delivery problems were similar among Jewish patients, both native born and foreign; and among Arab patients. Generally, primiparas entered labor with lower fetal head station and reached head engagement with less cervical dilatation than did multiparous or grand multiparous patients. The results suggest that the rate of cervical dilatation, as measured early in the active phase of labor, can be used with equal confidence among all our population groups to forecast type of delivery. Early in the active phase of labor, women in whom the probability of a spontaneous delivery is approximately 95% can be separated from those cases in which intervention will be necessary.


Cerebral distress in full-term newborns and its prognostic value. A follow-up study of 90 infants.

The history of 90 full-term infants with neonatal cerebral distress was examined. Informations concerning pregnancy, delivery, neonatal status, clinical and laboratory evolution were compared with final outcome in each case. It was then possible to distinguish certain clinical features significantly associated with poor prognosis. After statistical analysis, different adverse criteria were selected, such as severe neonatal asphyxia, associated respiratory disorders, acute anemia, and especially neurological signs with regard to their chronology. This part of the study has resulted in a classification of the neurological signs and has permitted the description of both malignant and benign cerebral distress syndromes.


[Sugar consumption and prenatal acceleration. II. Studies on the etiology and pathophysiology of secular prenatal acceleration].

The pathophysiologic considerations support the causal relationship between the secular trend of sugar consumption in industrialized society and the development of prenatal acceleration, which is evident on the basis of epidemiological data. The excessive consumption of sugar and the other quickly absorbed "refined" carbohydrates enhances the hormonogenic effect of food which is also potentiated by the proteins. Together with the caloric overloading, provoked also by the excess in fat, characteristic for the affluent society, the excessive sugar consumption enhances in the pregnant women obesity and "protodiabetes" (PFEIFFER), in the predisposed child the tendency to hyperinsulinism with its consequences. In a prediabetic mother with normal glucose-tolerance the regularly repeated postprandial overfloating of the fetus with maternal glucose changes the feto-maternal hormonal regulation and enhances together with the overloading of substrate, i.e. energy and elements of biosyntheses, the accelerated fetal growth and especially the obesity of the large baby.


Sulfate incorporation from ascorbate 2-sulfate into chondroitin sulfate by embryonic chick cartilage epiphyses.

Radioactivity was significantly incorporated from ascorbate 2-[35S]sulfate into chondroitin sulfate by embryonic chick cartilage epiphyses. The extent of incorporation was comparable with that from inorganic [35S]sulfate. The radioactive chondroitin sulfate formed from ascorbate 2-[35S]sulfate gave two radioactive disaccharides on chondroitinase-ABC [EC 4.2.2.4] digestion. The incorporation was markedly decreased by inorganic sulfate. The time course of incorporation from ascorbate 2-[35S]sulfate and inorganic [35S]sulfate into chondroitin sulfate and the constituent disaccharides suggest that the incorporation rates from the two radioactive substances are different.


Studies on the hydrazinolysis of glycoproteins. Core structures of oligosaccharides obtained from Porcine thyroglobulin and pineapple stem bromelain.

Hydrazinolysis of porcine thyroglobulin glycopeptides and of pineapple stem bromelain [EC 3.4.22.4] permitted the isolation of almost intact carbohydrate chains of these glycoproteins. On the basis of permethylation analyses of the released oligosaccharides after reduction with NaBH4, the core structures of Unit A-type and Unit B-type carbohydrate chains of porcine thyroglobulin were deduced to be Manalpha1 leads to 6[Manalpha1 leads to 3]Manbeta1 leads to 4GlcNAcbeta1 leads to 4[Ralpha1 leads to 6]GlcNAc leads to Asn (Unit A-type, R=H; Unit B-type, R=Fuc), and that of bromelain was found to be Manalpha1 leads to 6[R'1 leads to 2]Manbeta1 leads to 4GlcNAcbeta1 leads to 4[R1 leads to 3]GlcNAc leads to Asn (R'=Xylbeta and R=Fucalpha, or R'=Fucalpha and R=Xylbeta). From these results, it appears that the hydrazinolysis method is applicable to wide variety of glycoproteins which have an N-glycosylamine linkage between the carbohydrate and peptide moieties, regardless of the type of linkage to the most proximal N-acetylglucosamine residue which is bound to asparagine.


Isolation of two forms of activated C1s, a subcomponent of the first component of rabbit complement.

Two forms of activated C1s, a subcomponent of the first component of complement, were present in preparations of C1 specifically purified from rabbit serum by affinity chromatography on IgG-Sepharose 6B and were separated by DEAE-cellulose chromatography in the presence of EDTA. These two activated C1s, designated C1s(I) and C1s(II), were indistinguishable with regard to hemolytic activity as well as C1s esterase activity, though they had different molecular weights. C1s(I) had a molecular weight of 106,000, consisting of H and L chains connected by disulfide bonds; the molecular weights of the chains were 70,000 and 36,000, respectively. On the other hand, C1s(II), with a molecular weight of 72,000, consisted of two chains each with a molecular weight of about 37,000, which were also connected by disulfide bonds. These results suggest that, in the case of rabbit C1s, the primary product of activation with C1r, C1s(I), may be susceptible to further cleavage of its H chain without any loss of C1s activity, resulting in the formation of C1s(II), though the active principle responsible for this conversion remains to be elucidated.


Classification of loops of lampbrush chromosomes according to the arrangement of transcriptional complexes.

The arrangement of transcriptional units in the loops of lampbrush chromosomes from oocyte nuclei of urodele amphibia and from primary nuclei of the green alga Acetabularia have been studied in the electron microscope using spread preparations. Loops with different patterns of arrangement of matrix units (i.e. to a first approximation, transcriptional units) can be distinguished: (i) loops consisting of one active transcriptional unit; (ii) loops containing one active transcriptional unit plus additional fibril-free, i.e. apparently untranscribed, intercepts that may include 'spacer' regions; (iii) loops containing two or more transcriptional units arranged in identical or changing polarities, with or without interspersed apparent spacer regions. Morphological details of the transcriptional complexes are described. The observations are not compatible with the concept that one loop reflects one and only one transcriptional unit but, rather, lead to a classification of loop types according to the arrangement of their transcriptional units. We propose that the lampbrush chromosome loop can represent a unit for the coordinate transcription of either one gene or a set of several (different) genes.


Scanning electron-microscopical and other observations of sperm fertilization reactions in Limulus polyphemus L. (Merostomata: Xiphosura).

Sperm fertilization reactions of Limulus polyphemus were examined by scanning electron and/or light microscopy. The following were considered: sperm motility, attachment of sperm to egg, acrosome reaction, and penetration of the acrosomal filament. The spermatozoa after semination are non-motile and become active only in close proximity to a defined region surrounding the egg. Egg materials diffusing into this region induce sperm motility and stimulate large numbers of spermatozoa to move towards the egg surface. Each sperm initially attaches by the apical tip and undergoes the acrosome reaction which causes a more permanent secondary attachment by the adhesion of acrosomal contents to the egg surface. The acrosome reaction also initiates the penetration of the acrosomal filament through the egg envelope, an event occurring in 70-80% of the attached spermatozoa (about 10(6). Shortly after this penetration, a secondary reaction occurs which involves a spiralling of the flagellum and an incorporation into the sperm body of the flagellar fibrous components, which then become closely apposed to the sperm nucleus. These sperm fertilization reactions were performed or initiated with 0-34 M CaCl2 in whole eggs, egg sections, excised egg envelopes and/or the outer basement lamina of the egg envelope. The Limulus fertilization system is very valuable since sperm reactions can be examined biochemically, which may lead to a better understanding of the chemical mechanisms involved in sperm-egg interactions in all animal species.


Signal emission and signal propagation during early aggregation in Dictyostelium discoideum.

Waves of chemotactic movement during the early phase of aggregation in Dictyostelium discoideum are of 2 kinds, concentric waves produced by cells that emit cyclic AMP signals spontaneously, and spirals generated by excitations relayed continuously around loops of excitable cells. The period of a spiral wave is the time taken for the excitation to make one complete circuit of the pacemaker loop. We have compared signal emission from the 2 types of source in time-lapse films made at a variety of temperatures. Our results show that spiral waves have a characteristic period length throughout most if not all of the early phase of aggregation, and that the period of concentric waves is generally longer and more variable. Temperature has a pronounced effect on period length and a lesser effect on propagation velocity. We find that each individual wave is propagated at constant velocity over distances of 1-2 cm but that the velocity of successive waves declines. This decline probably reflects some cumulative effect of the chemotactic excitations on the excitable properties of the aggregating cells.


[Spine-distribution of pyramidal neurons of the CAl-region of the rat hippocampus following long-term oral alcohol administration].

The distribution of the dendritic spines in the CA1 hippocampal region of adult rats was investigated by means of lightmicroscopical and statistical methods. The rats received daily equal amounts of aethanol for a period of 52 days. The average number of spines for a part of 50 mum along the apical main dendrite raised from 35 to 36.9 spines. The average spines-density for a part of 1 mum length on the apical dendritic branches raised from 0.71 to 0.94 spines. In a similar way the average spines-density on the basal dendritic branches raised from 0.65 to 0.94 spines. According to our results received after a period of aethanol application the total number of dendritic spines of one rat CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neuron was calculated with 4177 visible spines. The value was compared with the normal value of 3029 dendritic spines. The results were discussed by the aid of additional light- and electronmicroscopical findings.


The role of environmental calcium in freshwater survival of the marine teleost, Lagodon rhomboides.

(1) The marine teleost fish, Lagodon rhomboides, can only tolerate fresh water (5 mM Na) if Ca is also present (10 mM). Transfer to Ca-free fresh water is followed by a substantial increase in radioactive Na efflux with little or no change in the transepithelial potential. Addition of the chelating agent EDTA (2 mM) further increases Na efflux. Fish left in Ca-free fresh water for 2-5 h die with a total body Na less than 50% of that found in animals acclimated to Ca-supplemented fresh water. (2) Rates of Na uptake were measured on either sea-water-acclimated or Ca-supplemented fresh water-acclimated fish transferred to various low Na media. In both cases Na uptake has a high Km, is saturable, inhibited by external NH4, H and amiloride, and is not related to changes in the trans-epithelial potential. (3) It is suggested that L. rhomboides is dependent upon external Ca to decrease diffusional Na loss in low salinities so that a relatively inefficient Na uptake can balance diffusional and urinary Na loss.


Altered calcium conductance in pawns, behavioural mutants of Paramecium aurelia.

Pawns are behavioural mutants (in one of three genes) of Paramecium aurelia that have lost, to varying degrees, the reversal response which is thought to depend on the calcium influx during excitation. This report shows that all of the single and double mutants have reduced active inward (calcium) current, the reduction correlating with the degree of behavioural deficit. All of the mutants display normal resting potential, input impedance and delayed rectification. Mutants in genes pwA and pwC show normal anomalous rectification, but pwB mutants do not show anomalous rectification until the membrane is hyperpolarized further. We suggest that the pwA gene plays a role in depolarization sensitivity (the 'gate') and the pwB gene a role affecting either the wall of the channel itself or the total number of channels.


Calcium channel stability measured by gradual loss of excitability in pawn mutants of Paramecium aurelia.

Mutants of Paramecium aurelia that are unable to reverse swimming direction are called pawns. They lack the inward ionic (calcium) current required for the upstroke of the electrically excitable membrane response. By following the progressive loss of reversal response and excitability in cells that are suddenly changed from a heterozygous (wild-type) state to a homozygous mutant state, an estimate of the stability and mean lifetime of the calcium channel has been obtained. During rapid growth, channel dilution due to division occurred, but no channel decay was observed. Under conditions of slow growth, decay could also be observed; channel lifetime was found to be from 5 to 8 days.


[Effects of K+ or norepinephrine on oxygen uptake in brown adipose tissue (author's transl)].

This investigation was undertaken to clarify the mechanism of the stimulated--respiration caused by K+ or norepinephrine in brown adipose tissue. 1. The addition of 30 approximately 100 mM K+ stimulated remarkably oxygen uptake in brown adipose tissue, and similarly norepinephrine (0.1 or 1.0 mug/ml) caused a marked stimulation. 2. Even if Na+ in normal Ringer solution was replaced by Choline or Li+, oxygen uptake caused by K+ (30 mM) or norepinephrine (1.0 mug/ml) was unaffected. 3. K+ -induced oxygen uptake was not observed when a Ca2+ -deficient tissue was incubated in Ca2+ -free Ringer, while norepinephrine-induced oxygen uptake clearly observed. And the oxygen uptake of Ca2+ -deficient tissue due to K+ was recovered by the addition of 5 mM Ca2+. 4. Mn2+ (6 mM) or La3+ (10 mM) inhibited significantly oxygen uptake due to K+, but not oxygen uptake due to norepinephrine. 5. K+ -induced oxygen uptake was unaffected by 10(-4) or 10(-3)M ouabain, but norepinephrine-induced oxygen uptake was inhibited considerably by 10(-4)M ouabain. 6. The oxygen uptake due to K+ was unaffected by propranolol (33 muM), whereas that due to norepinephrine was significantly inhibited in the presence of propranolol. 7. In the tissue from reserpine-treated animal, the oxygen uptake caused by K+ was observed. According, from these positive results we are justified to suggest that K+ -induced oxygen uptake is dependent on the presence of Ca2+, and not always caused by catecholamines released secondarily from nerve terminal.


Activation of therminal components of human complement by a trypsin-activated complex of human factor B and cobra venom factor.

Cleavage of C3 by CVF-B was demonstrated by hemolytic, immunoelectrophoretic and immune adherence reactions. No cleavage of C5 was detected by immunoelectrophoresis, but C5 hemolytic activity, assayed with EAC1423, decreased although less than C3 hemolytic activity. The co-existence of C3 with limiting amounts of C5 did not reduce the final degree of hemolysis of guinea pig erythrocytes (GPE) induced by late-acting components C6 through C9 and CVF-B. Thus, a CVF-B hemolytic system composed of GPE, C5 through C9 and CVF-B provided a method for titration of terminal components of human complement. CVF-B was able to generate hemolytically active sites of C567 on GPE by activation of C5, C6 and C7. The complex C567 in the fluid-phase decayed within 1 min but C567 on GPE was quite stable. Originally insensitive sheep erythrocytes became sensitive to the CVF-B hemolytic system if C3b sites were present, suggesting that cell-bound C3b played a role in orienting the positions of C567 to be fixed. CVF-B could be recovered quantitatively from the supernatant of the reaction mixture in which the hemolytically active intermediate GPEC-5678 had been formed through the interaction between C5 to C8 and CVF-B.


An attempt to create spleno-systemic anastomosis in the rat.

A selective diversion of the splenic venous flow into the systemic circulation was attempted in the rat. A combination of the subcutaneous splenic transposition and the ligation of the splenic vein as a two stage operation was carried out in 15 rats. A rich collateral system developed rapidly from the transposed spleen to the systemic circulation. Angiography, performed four weeks after the ligation, revealed that almost all of the injected contrast medium was diverted into the systemic circulation via those newly developed collaterals. The described method as an experimental model could be of value in the search for a spleno-hepatic axis.


[Laser-treatment of the anterior segment of the eye with the new glaucoma research laser (author's transl)].

The possibilities for treatment of the anterior segment of the eye with the new glaucoma research laser, model 152, constructed by Britt-Corp. are reported on, along with the possibilities of vasodesolation, pupilplastics, iridontomies and iridectomies. Especially mentioned is the technic and possibility of laser-trabeculopuncture. This laser archieves remarkable success also in open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma provided the technic is suitable. It is shown that all operations can be carried out by an ambulant patients and practicly without any complications. There are no problems during the aftertreatment for the doctor or for the patient.


[Coccidioidomycosis in Mendoza].

3 cases of cocidiomycosis observed in the province of Mendoza (Argentina) are described by the authors. The study of the endemic cocidiomycosis in Argentina and the ecological aspects of this disease in Mendoza are studied by the authors.


[Idiopathic calcinosis of the skin].

Biochemical, radiologic and enzymatic studies are carried out in a case of idiopatic calcinosis cutis. The diagnosis has been obtained by exclusion of the other forms of calcinosis cutis. Therefore we believe that the disease may evolue in the future to a sistemic disease probably "collagen disease". However, today there is no evidence for this.


[Herpetiforme pemphigus].

The case is presented of a woman, who for seven years had vesicobullous outbreaks, typical of Dermatitis herpetiformis, with an extraordinary itching. The first biopsy had a doub acantholysis but the following one showed: "eccematoid-like spongiosis with eosinophilia" and "subepidermal bulla with eosinophilia, erythema multiformislike". The evolution of the case was to pemphigus foliaceus, and by the action of long-standing corthicotherapy ended in a typical Senear-Usher with present good health. These anomalous cases, first described clinically by Brocq, and histologically by Unna et Leredde, are best known now as "Pemphigus herpetiformis" (Jablonska et al.).


[Allergy to domestic animals].

This report concerns of 37 cases of allergenicity to domestic animals, dogs and cats. Clinical observations and skin tests confirm diagnosis showing dog and cat danders as etiologic factors. Sixteen cases were positive only to cat and dog danders and twenty one cases were associated with house dust, mould spores, feathers, etc. Bronchial asthma, rhinitis and contact dermatitis in face and lips were observed. Symptomatic treatment, elimination or avoidance when possible of contact with these animals and specific hyposensitization was carried out. Allergic symptomatology disappeared in twenty three cases, five abandoned treatment and in the others the allergic episodes showed less incidence and frequency. Shorter treatment time necessary for cases positive to dog and cat danders (a year to year and a half). In the others two or three years were required.


[Carcinoid papillomatosis].

Papilomatosis Carcinoides, presents clinical and histological characteristics that may be authentically described as a transition state between the benign papillomatous proliferations and spindle cell carcinoma. It involves a series of clinical conditions, that are described with different names that correspond to the condyloma accuminatum gigantum. [Buschke and Lowenstein) wartic carcinoma [Ackerman], Papillomatosis oral florid [Rock and Fisher], carcinomatoid [Gilbert] profuse conjuntival papillomatosis [Bazex], etc. These latter only refer to partial localizations or a special clinical form. That is why we believe the denonmination Papillomatosis Carcinoides, is preferable, which is its cutaneous, mucose or semimucose forms involves all of them. The treatments applied to the 18 cases presented have been very diverse: they vary from the elimination of the lesions by the application of topical podophylin to large surgical ablations. But most of them showed a regression or cure of their lesions by citostatics [methotrexate] not prevent the proliferative advance of the lessions. These therapeutic data can also contribute to its nosologic classification. In some cases they have an evolutive character with slow progression for years, still being curable with podophylin and in others that due to their chronic evolution with added supuration, and complications of the general health, make surgery necessary. In most cases, the antimetabolities are the therapy of choice the radiations seem inoperative. It may be noted that tumoral papillomatous lesions produced by virus, exist in veterinatian pathology (fibropapillomatosis in the bovine genitals, equine sarcoid, papilomatosis of goats, monkeys, etc.). Noteworthy are those of the oral mucosa of rabbits which are white greyish sesiles or pedunculated small nodules localized mostly on the inferior surface of tongue with a similar histology to the papilomatosis carcinoides. These observations would suggest a viral ethiology, even though all the efforts to isolate the virus of the lesions gave negative results. Our attention is drawn to case n. degrees 14. That began as a simple plantar wart. There have also been numerous cases in which from the beginning they were simple condylomas accuminatum, caused without any doubt by a virus. The carcinoid papillomatosis could be related to the spindle-cell carcinoma that developed in the areas of chronic infection with herpetic virus n. degrees 2, where the virus can be isolated from the lesions; the virus disappearing later with the development of the epithelial tumoral state [cases described previously by some authors as neophasias on vaccination scars and on recurrent genital herpes].


[Persistent scabietic nodules with cutaneous lymphoplasia].

Two patients with one year duration post-scabious nodules are reported. Lymphoid hyperplasia was found histologically and a malignant lymphoma was suspected. Six patients with pseudolymphomatous scabious nodules were found in the literature and of these only one had evidence of lymphoid follicle formation with germinal centres. Short lived and persistent scabious nodules are discussed and diagnosis with lymphomatous nodules, dermatofibroma and urticaria pigmentosa considered. A "Darier's sign" was elicited on rubbing the lesions which is probably related to the increased number of mast cells in the infiltrate and may explain the persistent pruritus. Histological criteria to separate cutaneous lymphoplasia from lymphoma are reviewed and other more common causes of lymphadenosis benigna cutis are considered. Cutaneous lymphoplasia in persistent scabious nodules is possibly an indirect evidence of the importance of immunological factors in scabies.


[Aspects of cutaneous sarcoidosis in Brazil].

This study collects all cases of sarcoidosis with cutaneous involvement referred to in the Brazilian literature. Only 40 cases could be found confirming the rarity of the disease in Brazil. With regard to these cases the following aspects of the disease were studied: age, incidence, race and sex distribution, origin of patients, clinical forms, systemic involvement, behaviour of the intradermic reactions and histopathology. Some characteristics could be established: 1) Females are most frequently affected than males. 2) No racial differences were noticed as far as the caucasian and the negroid are concerned. 3) The onset of the disease occurred between  16 and 69 years of age (mean age 37). 4) All patients originated from the south-central region of the country. 5) The most frequent cutaneous forms were associations of papulous lesions, nodular lesion and plaques. 6) Besides the skin, involvement of lymph nodes, bones, liver, eyes, spleen, salivary glands, heart, bowels and the facial nerve could be found. Heerfordt syndrome (uneoparotidic fever) was seen only once. Death occurred twice. 7) Kveim test was positive in all 11 cases in which it was done. Tuberculin and lepromin tests resulted in weak reaction or its complete absence. 8) All cases were confirmed by histopathology. Eight of the forty biopsies were reexamined by the authors themselves.


[Nonvenereal lymphangitis of the penis].

Two personal cases of Non venereal Lymphangitis of the Penis are presented in 23 and 28 men, and 38 cases from the literature are reviewed. This benign self-limiting condition is not too well known among dermatologists and urologists. The clinical changes, in particular noted by palpation are characteristic: painless firm cartilaginous cord freely movable behind the corona of glans penis in the coronary sulcus. The inguinal lymph nodes are not involved. The microscopic features in one of our patients demonstrated that the lesion results from cystic dilatation of secondary organization of the thrombus. The etiology is unknown. We favour the mecanical trauma as an important factor based on excessive sexual activity of the patients.


[Granuloma gluteale infantum].

Bibliographic review of all the published cases of granuloma gluteale infantum and study of the second observation in Argentina. In this case there was a previous Leiner's erythrodermia treated with fluorinatec corticoid creams. The typical lesions appeared suddenly. The authors made a histopathologic study and a review of the pathogenetic theories on this dermatose. In the observation of authors the lesion disappeared in spite of persistence with the treatment with fluorinated corticoid creams, one of the causes of this dermatose according to some authors.


[New drugs in the treatment of leprosy].

Two groups of patients were chosen for this treatment; the first group of 14 patients was treated with a daily dose of 600 mg. of Rifampicine and the second group with Rifampicine associated with Isoprodian (1-2 tablets). In the first group clinical and bacteriological improvement was apparent. This was parallel in bacteriological and morphological index. Two patients became negative in nasal mucous. Tolerance was good and number of leprosy reactions 65%. In the second group clinical improvement was good in general but one case that presented a continuous polyneuritis and hepatic intolerance. Bacteriological results were lightly lower than the first group and the number of leprosy reactions 85%. This treatment is considered inferior to the sulfons, which is very expensive. A longer period of time will be needed to appriase results.


[Study of the aerobic bacterial flora of onycolysis and paronychia caused by Candida].

The aerobic bacterial flora of 63 cases of onicolysis 78 of paronychis and 5 of onicomadesis produced by yeast-like fungus were studied. Bacterial isolation was carried out in nutrient agar with a concentration of 10 mug/ml of nystatin. These microorganisms were identified following the Otto Bier and Bailey & Scott's techniques (3, 1). Bacterial contamination was very frequent. One species or more were isolated from 93,6% of onicolysis and 97% of paronychis. The onicolysis presented the following flora: "Staphylococcus aureus" in 22 cases, "Staphylococcus epidermidis" in 21, Gram positive sporulated bacilli in 17, "Enterobacteriaceae" in 13, and "Pseudomona aeruginosa" in 6. The paronychial lesions showed the following flora: "Staphylococcus aureus" in 21 cases, "Staphylococcus epidermidis" in 26, Gram positive sporulated bacilli in 17, "Enterobacteriaceae" in 17 and "Pseudomona aeruginosa" in 3. It is important to emphasize that "Pseudomona aeruginosa" was isolated in a few cases of both types of candidal onixis, contrary to usual reports (2, 4, 9). No significant difference between the aerobic bacterial flora of the onicolysis and paronychia was found, that would give an explanation of the existence of these two clinical forms of candidal nails infection.


[Guatemalan cutaneous syndrome in actinic dermatitis].

The author, describes the Actinic Dermatitis and a syndrome that he named "Sindrome cutáneo guatemalense" SCG (Guatemala's Cutaneous syndrome). Its has been studied and found in 98;5% of more than a thousand patients studied since 1957. He considered the SCG a patognomonic syndrome and of practical importance in the positive and differential clinical diagnosis of Actinic dermatitis with the other photodermatoses of the face, neck and "V" of the chest. The finding of the SCG, is of great help to the clinicians and dermatologits who practise in tropical countries.


[Skin manifestations in patients with renal chronic renal failure on regular hemodyalysis].

The authors studied the skin disorders in 50 hemodialyzed patients. Pruritus appears to be the main dermatological feature by the frequency of its occurrence and by its unpleasant and even intolerable effects. This sign is more frequent among long time dialyzed patients and seems to be due to 2 factors: high urea blood concentration and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Calcinosis cutis is less frequent than pruritus. It seems to have the same origin and can be considered in the more general picture of the metastatic calcinosis in patients with renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Hypermelanosis, exceptional in the chronic renal insufficiency patients before hemodialysis, is present in 41% of our group. It is more obvious in the long time dialyzed patients. The nail disorders are mostly the absence of lunula (30%), related to the anaemia, and the half and half nail (36%) that seems specific of the severe azotaemia. Skin dryness (30%) and ichthyosis (10%) can be related to the pruritus. Alopecia, drug reactions and prurigo seems to have a particular indidence. Two patients presented bullous eruptions localized in sunlight exposed areas of skin. The clinical, histological and immunological aspect was identical to that observed in the Porphyria Cutanea Tarda but all the porphyrin levels in the urine and faeces were normal.


[A case of Nonne-Milroy syndrome associated with chyloabdomen. Immunologic study].

A case of None Milroy syndrome with chiloabdomen in a 7 year old girl is reported. The most important features are the immunological alterations (depressed delayed immunity in the affected extremity and decreased level of IgA). A review of the literature is made.


[Furunculoid myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis].

The authors report a case of forunculoid miasis by "Dermatobia hominis" ("Ura" fly). a process that being not very common in the Argentine Republic is sometimes misjudged as a furunculosis. The patient reported, a white woman, 51, travelled to a zone where this parasitose is endemid. After some time of her stay there, she noted three small nodes in her vulvar region. They grew on until reaching nearly the size of a walnut. At her first consultation with a gynecologist it was taken as a case of furuncolosis and treated with antibiotics. As the treatment didn't prove succesful, she asked for dermatological advice. It was then possible to verify the presence of three nodes. In the central hole of one of them, there could be seen a whitish body that soon disappeared inwards. This lead to the diagnosis of forunculoid miasis. An accurate and easy-to-perform treatment was carried out: a 1% solution of formaldehyde in distilled water was infused through the central hole of each node. This determined the larva's caudal extremity to appear in search of air. It was taken advantage of this situation to remove the larvae with a pair of nippers. "Dermatobia hominis" is widely spread in the warm-climated Argentine northern provinces of Chaco, Formosa and Misiones, as well as in Brazil, Paraguay and some regions of Uruguay. It is also known under the name of "Ura". It is a large fly, yellow faced, with dark-blue thorax; an almost rombic metallic-blue abdomen, orange antennae and legs, and dark-brown wings. It lives on the nutrients spared during its larval stage and both fecundation and oviposition, take place along its week-long life. The fecundated female catches different haematophagus insects on the wing, sticking sets of eggs to their abdomens. An embryo developes in each egg, being ready to emerge in a week but does this only when the bearer insect settles on a homeothermal being piercing and penetrating the skin of the new guest in about 10 minutes.


[Inflammatory verrucous epidermal nevus (IVEN)].

From the original description of Altman and Mehregan (1971) a new clinical type of linear nevus is known as inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN). Two girls of 5 and 4 years of age are reported. One of them had good therapeutical results with the use of trichloroacetic acid. The clinical and histopathological aspects of this nevus are reviewed and the differential diagnosis should be done with: lichen planus, lichen striatus, linear psoriasis, zoniform dermatitis, naevus unius lateris.


[Post-traumatic achromia in vitiligo (vitiligo facticio)].

Two patients affected with vitiligo showed achromic lesions in areas of skin apparently normal submitted to the action of external traumatic agents. In the first case the striate linear lesion might be attributed to the excoriation due to pruritus determined by scabies. In the second one an angular lesion in both feet was strictly limited to the areas exposed to the straps of sandals.


[Nail-patella-elbow syndrome].

The authors describe a typical, non familiar case of nail-patela-elbow syndrome, in which was found malformation of the nails and bones involving mainly the Knees and elbows, together with spondylolisthesis of the spine at the level L5-S1. There were no renal, ocular or psychic alterations.


[Chronic urticaria. Provocation test].

Sixty patients of ages ranging from 11 to 64, with chronic urticaria from 2 months to 50 years duration, were studied with the provocation test. We found responses in 33.3% of patients. Tartrazine was the most common inducer, specially in those patients sensitive to aspirin with increased salicilate blood levels. As we did not use aspirin as inducer the results with tartrazine are more relevant and can be used to detect a positive response to aspirin. The relation between tartrazine and aspirin was not observed in patients with pressure or cholinergic urticaria. The provocation test is most useful in patients with chronic urticaria of unknown cause. 4 hydroxybenzoic acid and sodium acid and sodium benzoate were the more common inducers in the latter patients. We feel that the provocation test is a useful tool to study patients with chronic urticaria. Tartrazine, 4 hydroxybenzoic acid, sodium benzoate, tiramin and penicilin are included in the test. The responders should eliminate the offender from their diet.


[Halcinonide-neomycin-nystatin in the treatment of dermatosis and cutaneous candidiasis].

Sixty-four patients were treated for inflammatory dermatoses or cutaneous candidiasis with a new corticosteroid combination drug, halcinonide-neomycin-nystatin (HNN). In 50 patients treated for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, eczematous dermatitis, or neurodermatitis, HNN was evaluated in a double-blind, paired comparison study with hydrocortisone (HC) as the control drug. HNN was superior in 24 patients, HC was superior in 6, and the responses were equal in 18. The overall therapeutic response was Excellent with HNN in 29 patients as compared to 14 with HC. The anticandidal properties of HNN were assessed in a parallel study with iodochlorhydroxyquin-hydrocortisone (I-HC) as the control drug. The most frequently treated conditions were "erosio interdigitalis blastomycotica" and candidal lesions of the neck region. The response with HNN was Excellent in 7 of 14 patients as compared to 4 out of 14 treated with I-HC.


Entrainment of the adrenal rhythm to photoperiod prior to puberty: effects of early experience on the adrenal rhythm and puberty.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether exposure to a cycle of light and dark before the onset of the adrenal rhythm would be necessary in order for rats to develop a normal rhythm of peripheral corticosterone when placed in a test photoperiod at weaning age. Rats were reared in constant light (LL) until weaning age, at which time they were placed in a cycle of 14 h light, 10 h dark (14:10). Females born and reared in 14:10 had peak corticosterone values at 14.00 h on days 22 and 26, and at 18.00 h on days 32 and 36. Males did not display a clear-cut rhythm at 22 or 26 days but had peak corticosterone at 18.00 h on days 32 and 36. Males and females reared in LL until weaning had no rhythm as a group in 14:10 at 24 days of age, but had a corticosterone peak at 18.00 h on days 28 and 40. Females born and reared in LL and exposed to 14:10 for 1 day developed an adrenal rhythm regardless of the age at exposure, but only 25 day old animals showed a normal pattern for their age group. Puberty was advanced in rats exposed to a single day of 14:10 at 25 days of age, but was delayed in younger rats (22 days old), and was unaffected by light exposure in older rats (28 days of age). It can be concluded that early exposure to light-dark cycles is not required for the normal development of an adrenal rhythm in the weanling rat, and that the setting of the corticosterone rhythm to the photoperiod can occur quite rapidly. Rats at 25-26 days of age are able to respond differently to a light cycle challenge than younger rats. A photoperiodic stimulus at that time can advance the onset of puberty.


Modifications of the striatal dopamine metabolism during the estrus cycle in mice.

The metabolism of striatum dopamine (DA) was studied in mice during proestrus, estrus and diestrus. The following results have been obtained: (1) the concentration of DA is higher in diestrus than in proestrus and estrus; (2) the concentration of its metabolite, homovanillic acid (HVA), is maximum in the estrus phase; (3) the DA turnover, evaluated by measuring the DA disappearance after blocking synthesis with methyltyrosine, is faster in estrus than in the other phases. These results have been discussed in view of the possible role of dopaminergic mechanisms in the control of gonadotropin secretion.


Woman dancing dreaming: Psychosocial benefits of the aboriginal outstation movement.

The establishment of an Aboriginal outstation, or small autonomous community, is described. Some of the beneficial psychosocial changes observed during an eighteen-month period are described, and some possible reasons for them outlined. The outstation movement is presented as a viable, Aboriginal-initiated solution to some of the dilemmas facing present-day Australian Aborigines.


[Microbial maps and blood cultures in acute leukemia].

Microbial maps were performed taking swabs from nose, pharinx, external auditory meatus, groin, vagina, sputum and urine cultures in 69 cases of acute leukaemia, in order: to assess the germs' incidence in an "open ward" department; to eliminate the most dangerous pathogens with local treatment or with a selective therapy without broad-specturm antibiotics; to check, in the 43 cases followed from onset, the changes occurring during the admission and the disease progression; to collect data for comparison with a "sterile" ward. The local decontamination had only a temporary effect. During the course of the disease new, particularly dangerous, pathogens were cultured. Blood cultures were positive in 15% of the patients with fever at the onset of the disease, and in 36.9% of the patients with fever during the disease progression. These values were virtually the same as those observed in the acute stage of C.M.L. (35.7%). In akute leukaemia E. coli (35%) was the most common, followed by P. aeruginosa (20%), Klebsiella (15%), S. alpha haemolyticus (10%) and others. There was little or no relationship between the germs in the maps and those in the blood cultures, though it must be remembered that no stool cultures were examined.


An unusual stingray injury--the skindiver at risk.

Serious abdominal injury following a stingray attack on a skindiver is described. Knowledge of the creature's habits and the avoidance of swimming along the seabed are recommended as precautionary measures against such an injury.


Reversible deafness as model of pressure damage to the VIIIth nerve.

Frequency-specific compound action potentials (CAP) of the VIIIth nerve were registered in patients in which surgery confirmed retrocochlear pathology. A different pathologic behaviour of threshold latency was encountered for 2 and 4 kHz CAP, respectively. This was due to the question of whether transmission of neural information by the acoustic nerve's fibres was blocked completely by retrocochlear pathology or not. A totally reversible hearing loss in a case of cystic arachnitis can offer a reasonable explanation.


Experimental labyrinthine lesions through stylomastoid foramen.

It was confirmed that the substances injected into the facial nerve through the stylomastoid foramen, reached every part of the inner ear. In sensitized animals, by repeated provocative injections of antigen, acute reversible episodes, very similar to that of Ménière's disease, were observed. The injection of various solutions and the provocative injection into the sensitized animals, resulted in completely opposite reactions. In sensitized animals, the electrophysiological phenomena of the cochlea also showed fluctuations like Ménière's disease.


Solitary schwannoma of the cervical vagus nerve.

A case of benign, solitary schwannoma of the cervical vagus nerve with ipsilateral vocal cord paralysis is presented. The differential diagnostic aspects are discussed, with special reference to neurologic deficit in association with this lesion. The possible occurrence of concomitant unrelated malignancy is emphasised.


Rhinoscleroma: a scanning electron-microscopic study.

Nasal biopsies from 6 patients with rhinoscleroma were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Numerous bacilli of different sizes were found on the epithelial surface. Few bacilli with thin spiral terminal cilia were seen over the surface of large protruding non-epithelial cells. These cells appeared to be the Mikulicz cells migrating from the tunica propria to the epithelial surface through small ulcerations. In the tunica propria, Mikulicz cells containing numerous bacilli were observed. In 4 patients, round bodies and long tubular structures were found on the epithelial surface. These bodies were suggested to be fungi, yet their exact nature and their relation to Klebsiella rhinoscleromatitis bacilli need further investigation.


Dietary salt and round heart disease in turkey poults with a note on the minimum level of supplementary salt necessary in corn-soybean diets.

Round heart disease in turkey poults has been associated with high levels of dietary salt and when it occurs in the field recommendations often include a reduction in the level of dietary salt. Poults fed diets containing up to 1.5% salt and 1.5% sodium did not exhibit signs of round heart disease. A high mortality rate occurred with poults fed a salt-free diet. Post-mortem analysis generally revealed enlargement of the kidneys with urates; exudate was present in both abdominal and thoracic air sacs. Growth trials indicated that in order to maintain an optimum feed:body weight gain ratio, corn-soybean diets should contain at least 0.1--0.2% supplemental salt, and at least 0.2--0.3% salt when growth rate is considered. Minimum salt levels could not be reduced further by adjustment of the total dietary sodium:chloride ratio to unity.


[Changes in the composition of leukocytes of carp after infection with Dactylogyrus extensus (Monogenoidea, Dactylogyridae) in the light of a new classification of formed elements].

The paper presents new data on the effect of Dactylogyrus extensus on the blood of the carp. The data have become available due to a new classification of formed elements worked out by N.T. Ivanova. One of characteristic features of dactylogyrosis is eosinophilia. Polychromatophil anaemia and anisocytosis were recorded as well.


[Indications, contraindications and legal problems in antiandrogen treatment].

The author in his present paper gives an outline of the indications, contraindications, and legal problems of Androcur treatment. Androcur (cyproterone acetate) is an antiandrogen that is capable of competitively inhibiting androgens in the organism. Accordingly, the effects obtained by drug therapy, of which the purpose is to reduce the sexual desire or libido, are similar to those produced by operative castration. The use of such drugs makes it possible to control abnormal sex drives and desires and prevent sexual offenders from becoming recidivous. Since treatment with Androcur is an intervention in the deeply personal sphere and there is not yet availability any reliable data on the full reversibility of the phenomena involved (for example, alterations to the testicles) especially in the case of long-time treatment, such therapy should be carried out on the principle of absolute voluntariness and after suitable suggestions have been furnished as to the proper treatment of the respective subject.


[State of the sympathetic-adrenal system in newborn infants (clinico-biochemical comparisons)].

A study was made of urinary catecholamine excretion in 102 newborn boys on the 1st-8th day after birth. Depending on the state at birth neonates were divided into 2 groups: the 1st group included babies born in satisfactory condition (60), and the 2nd group - at the state of mild asphyxia. Catecholamines were determined on the 1st-2nd, 3rd-5th, and 6th-8th days after birth. It was shown that at the time of birth the noradrenaline level prevailed over the adrenaline level, but as soon as the 3rd-5th day the noradrenaline content displayed a relative reduction in both groups. Asphyxia showed practically no influence on the urinary adrenaline and noradrenaline excretion of the newborn boys; however, there were significant differences in the dynamics of dophamine excretion with the urine. The children born asphyxiated urinary excretion of dophamine showed a continuous accretion.


Unusual masses in the spermatic cord: report of six cases and review of the literature.

Differential diagnosis of spermatic cord swellings includes direct inguinal hernia, hydrocele, spermatocele, hematocele, lipoma, tuberculosis, and filariasis. This communication focuses attention on other unusual swellings of the spermatic cord. Three cases of sarcoma, two cases of foreign body in the spermatic cord, and one case of vasitis are presented. Although unusual, these conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spermatic cord swellings.


Isolated galactorrhea with normal serum prolactin levels: clinical implications.

Detailed endocrine-metabolic studies were performed on five women who were otherwise well but who had had inappropriate breast secretions for variable periods of time (three months to 16 years). Our results suggest that the presence of a lactose-containing breast secretion, which strictly defines galactorrhea, does not necessarily indicate a recognizable abnormality if normal hypothalamic-pituitary function is present. In these regularly menstruating women with isolated galactorrhea, we suggest a minimum initial evaluation, but careful long-term follow-up studies to identify those cases which may progress to the other recognized, more serious amenorrhea-galactorrhea syndromes.


Brain abscess caused by Cladosporium trichoides (Bantianum): a case with paranasal sinus involvement.

Dematiacious fungi (ie, fungi with dark hyphae) are a rare and usually fatal cause of central nervous system infection. Cladosporium trichoides has been implicated most frequently. Documentation of extra-CNS involvement has been rare. Our patient had a brain abscess and paranasal sinus infection due to C trichoides. The organism was sensitive to less than or equal 2mug/ml of flucytosine. Although our patient did not receive flucytosine, it is possible that this drug, because of its excellent penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid, may be a useful therapeutic agent in cerebral cladosporiosis.


Social work information and accountability systems in a hospital setting.

Information and accountability systems for departments of social work are a major concern for the profession, particularly within the health care sector. This paper describes the development of such a system within a large university hospital, the forces that led to its development, and the multiple expectations for its usefulness in planning and implementing social work services most effectively, within the lowest cost. It includes potential for building research projects and is utilized as a communication mechanism for recording. Collaboration within the profession is essential for implementing objective standards to be utilized in reviewing delivery of professional social work services.


The use of CO2 laser in otolaryngology: a progress report.

Since 1971 the CO2 laser has been used in otolaryngology at Boston University School of Medicine, University of Illinois, and the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital, New Orleans; over 560 patients have been cared for and over 1,000 operations performed. The instruments have proved to be reliable and the use of CO2 laser relatively free of complications when appropriate precautions are taken. The nature of the laser wound is such that laser surgery has facilitated the management of numerous benign and malignant lesions of the larynx as well as the oral cavity, pharynx, and tracheobronchial tree. Laser surgery is associated with a minimal morbidity, excellent healing, minimal scar formation, and excellent residual function. The instrument has been most useful in the management of lesions situated in relatively inaccessible areas such as the nasopharynx, subglottic area of the larynx, and tracheobronchial tree. The advantages of laser surgery in otolaryngology are so significant that it can be recommended for continued usage. Many applications of this unique surgical instrument have been identified but others need to be explored in the future.


Evaluation of the epidemic potential of western equine encephalitis virus in the northeastern United States.

The problem of evaluating the epidemic potential of western equine encephalitis in the northeastern United States is presented and possible reasons are discussed for the present lack of human and horse cases of this disease even though increased numbers of isolations of the virus have been obtained in the East during recent years. Epidemiologic factors of vector bionomics and virus strain variations are considered. It is concluded that while this virus strain can no longer be regarded as uncommon in the Northeast, the evidence indicates there is little potential for epidemic expression of this agent in the human and horse population. This appears to be due to differences in the bionomics of the mosquito Culiseta melanura, which serves as the primary enzootic vector in the northeastern United States and in the bionomics of Culex tarsalis that is the vector in the western region of the United States. Other limiting factors in the epidemic potential may be variations between virus strains located in the East and West.


[Precipitation reaction and hemagglutination-hemolysis reaction in tuberculosis. I. Precipitation reaction (author's transl)].

Sera of patients, blood donors and cattle sera were examined by means of diffusion--in--gel technique using self produced antigens, prepared from H 37 Ra, one fresh isolated strain of M. tbc and BCG Jena. 38.2% of 421 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis reacted positive. Positive reactions were observed in 55.7% of 199 patients suffering from another infectious disease and in 31;7% of normal sera. Most precipitation lines were found with the antigen prepared from H37 Ra after incubation for 7 months. In human sera as well as in cattle a dependence of reactions upon mode of antigen production was evident.


[Use and importance of cytology for tumor diagnosis in internal medicine].

Many fields of internal medicine give the assumption for the ingenious application of cytodiagnostics. The respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal system and the urinary passage are the most important groups of organs. A technically unobjectionable gaining of material is the basis for this. The examination of exfoliated cells and the fine needle aspiration biopsy are the technical variants. The close cooperation of a morphologically interested clinician with a clinically interested morphologist and the guaranty of the mutual control of cytology and histology yield a promising success method for the clinical differential diagnostics and for the early recognition of cancer.


[Precipitation reaction and hemagglutination-hemolysis reaction in tuberculosis. II. Hemagglutination-hemolysis reaction by Middlebrook-Dubos (author's transl)].

Sera of patients with pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis, of blood donors and cattle sera were researched in hemagglutination reaction, using untreated and papain-treated sheep erythrocytes, and in hemolysis reaction. 58% of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and 23% of normal sera, reacted positive in at least one of the 3 reactions. 24 sera of 44 patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis were found to be positive. The titer is important for diagnosis. In normal sera the highest titers were 1:64 in all reactions. Titers of 1:128 are to be considered as proof of tuberculosis. Considering the height of titers the hemagglutination-hemolysis reaction can also be used for diagnosis of tuberculosis in cattle.


[Insulin lipoatrophy and its elimination through the use of monocomponent insulin].

Since their first description 50 years ago severe forms of lipoatrophy appearing above all in girls and women are occasionally a cosmetically significant and therapeutically problematic side effect of the insulin treatment of diabetes mellitus. On two own female patients is shown, how the hitherto recommended measures failed in distinctive cases and only the treatment with monocomponent-insulin of the pig led to the restoration of the fatty tissue. The successful therapy of lipoatrophy with monocomponent insulin in all cases hitherto published confirms the hypothesis that a local antigen-antibody-reaction to highly molecular constituents of the commercial mixed insulins causes the atrophy of fatty tissue.


[Morphometric studies of the density and diameter of capillaries in supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of unmilked and milked cows].

With mathematical-statistical methods the density and the diameter of the capillaries of the NSO and NPV were investigated by unmilked and milked cows. After the milking the diameter of the capillaries is significantly expanded in both nuclei districts. The density of the capillaries measured through the length of the capillaries pro mm3 tissue, were not significantly enlarged after the milking stimulus. The adaptation on the changed functionstate of the neurosecreoty cells arrive at a maximum 15 min after the milking, to go back afterwards, by 60 min after the milking studied cows, to the values of the beginning. It is discussed, that the intensified blood maintenance of the activated neurosecretory cells of the NSO and NPV is of a higher oxygen consumption.


The effect of lead on cells cultivated in vitro. II. Chronic exposure and development of resistance.

In a previous communication the acute effects of anorganic lead salts on L-A mouse fibroblasts cells cultured in vitro have been described. This report presents the results of long-term tests with L-A cells. Under continuous exposure lead tolerance developed, even to concentrations exceeding the LD50. The kinetics of the acquirement of resistance are demonstrated. The resistant cells adjusted more quickly to higher doses of the heavy metal than the controls. Low-resistance strains retained the growth characteristics of the parent cells, but with increasing levels of lead tolerance multiplication rates decreased significantly. After approximately 60 generations in lead-free environment the cells had to a major degree lost their resistance indicating that the induced lead tolerance is caused by adaptation rather than by mutation and selection. Lead resistance appears not to depend on lead exclusion, for the lead content of resistant cells and lead-exposed controls was found to be of a comparable order of magnitude.


[Influence of homologous n-alkanoic on functional properties of isolated skeletal muscles. II. Membrane resting potential and the osmotic effectiveness of alkanoic acid].

The influence of butyric, hexanoic, octanoic, and decanoic acid on the membrane resting potential of isolated frog skeletal muscles were studied and the osmotic effects of n-alkanoic acids tested. 1. n-alkanoic acids cause osmotic effects like impermeable non-electrolytes (sucrose). Therefore, the permeability to alkanoic acids of the resting muscle cell membrane seems to be small. There are no differences between the acids tested. 2. The membrane resting potential is differently affected. Butyric acid in high concentration effects a hyperpolarization of the membrane whereas higher homologues (C6--C10) cause a depolarization. The depolarizing action increases with increasing concentration, exposure, and with the length of the hydrocarbon chain of the alkanoic acids. 3. It is suggested that osmotic effects are the cause for hyperpolarization of the membrane by high concentrations of butyric acid. 4. The depolarizing action of hexanoic, octanoic, and decanoic acid is discussed with regard to alterations induced by alkanoic acids in the membrane permeability and/or in the metabolism of the cells.


On the significance of nipple discharge in the diagnosis of breast disease.

Nipple discharge, especially the blood-stained type, is regarded as an important symptom in breast disease. In many reports the high incidence of malignancy is stressed and an active surgical approach has often been recommended. In this series of 80 women with nipple discharge the type of secretion and the result of exfoliative cytology were evaluated. Three women had cancer but the nipple discharge was important for the diagnosis in only one case. Six women had papilloma and in all the nipple discharge was essential for the diagnosis. Fibroadenosis and duct ectasia were the most common diagnoses. The blood-stained secretion was due to fibroadenosis in about half of the cases. No cancer was found in 46 women with a serous secretion. When a tumour is present nipple discharge is of little importance for the diagnosis and treatment. In the absence of a tumour and when exfoliative cytology gives no suspicion of cancer and no atypical cells or papillomatous clusters are present, an expectant attitude towards surgery seems satisfactory. With such an approach many surgical biopsies prove unnecessary, but a prerequisite is an organized follow-up.


[Seasonal changes in the activity of the thyroid gland of the gerbil Meriones unguiculatus].

Positive correlation was observed between the thermostability level of the parental sperm and that of muscles in the progeny of the frog R. temporaria. The data obtained indicate that in animal evolution the thermostability of cells may be monitored by non-thermal factor or factors.


The influence of propanediol-1,3 on the development of the legs, wings and lower beak of the chick embryo.

In seven series of 31-34 chick embryos each, the influence of the position of the egg during incubation and of the administration of 0.05 ml propanediol-1,3 on the 5th day of incubation on the development and growth of the limbs and beak were studied. Isotonic saline injected embryos served as controls. The embryos were sacrificed at the age of 15 days. Incubation of the egg in a vertical position, with the air chamber pointing upward, proved to result in a slight, through significant reduction in the length of the limbs and beak. Propanediol was highly toxic if injected in the immediate vicinity of the embryo. If injected at some distance from the embryo, either into the air chamber or into the yolk, the agent proved to be teratogenic: measurements showed a considerable retardation of the longitudinal growth of the limbs and beak, the latter being a parrot beak in 60 per cent of the cases, whereas both the tibia and the metatarsals were, moreover, bent posteriorward. Histological studies of the tibia showed an underdevelopment of the periosteal bone collar and, at the angle of the bone, a replacement of the posterior part of this collar by endochondral bone trabeculae. The abnormalities observed are dissimilar to those demonstrated in hereditary congenital chondrodystrophy and in micromelic conditions induced by insulin or sulfonamides.


The fine structure of the epithelium of prostate glands in adult female mastomys erythroleucus Temm.

The prostate glands in adult female Mastomys were studied with the light and the electron microscope. In the light microscopy, each prostatic acinus is lined by a single layer of tall cuboidal secretory epithelial cells which are surrounded by a capsule composed of a few layers of elongated and flattened cells. The acinar secretory epithelial cells show no presence of the supranuclear light areas in their cytoplasm and tend to be more readily stained with toluidine blue in the perinuclear and the upper basal cytoplasm than in the rest cytoplasm. In the electron microscopy, sharply localized pittings are occasionally found on the luminal surface and further the secretory granules which are closely situated to the apical cell surface are recognized. In the supranuclear cytoplasm, several well-developed Golgi apparatuses appear individually and early developing secretory granules are also observed. In the perinuclear and the upper basal cytoplasm the rough endoplasmic reticulum is well developed while in the lower basal cytoplasm the smooth endoplasmic reticulum is conspicuously developed and predominates.


[Effect of aflatoxin B1, of some of its metabolites and of culture extracts from "Aspergillus parasiticus" on virulent bacteriophages (author's transl)].

Aflatoxin B1 has different effects on bacteriophages: it inhibits some virulent strains and induces lysogenic bacteria. In this experiments we have used several classes of phages of enterobacteria, streptococci, staphylococci and Bacillus. We have tested different substances: cristallized aflatoxin B1, metabolites of the same mycotoxin and culture extracts from a toxinogenic strain of Aspergillus parasiticus. The inhibitory effects observed are different for each strain, and for a given phage the substances do not show the same action.


[Embryotoxicity and the immunodepressive action of tetracycline and its epi- and anhydro- derivatives].

The toxic effect of tetracycline and its epi- and anhydro-derivatives on growing chick embryos and the spleen cells of immunized mice was studied. High acute toxicity of 4-epianhydrotetracycline with respect to the chick embryos was found. Its LD50 was 4.8 times lower than toxicity of tetracycline hydrochloride. The characteristics of the acute toxicity was confirmed by the data on the embryo survival by the time of hatching. The same survival rate, i. e. 12 per cent was observed with the use of tetracycline and 4-epianhydrotetracycline in doses of 1000 and 100gamma per embryo respectively. Comparative investigation of the effect of tetracycline and anhydrotetracycline on the spleen cells revealed high toxicity of anhydrotetracycline which induced the same decrease in the number of the antibody-producing cells as tetracycline when used in doses 40 to 100 times lower than those of tetracycline. High toxicity of the anhydro-derivatives of tetracycline was also observed with respect to their teratogenic effect. Extremely pronounced anomalies in the embryo development were observed after exposure to 500gamma of 4-epianhydrotetracycline.


[Polysaccharide biological activity dependent on structural characteristics].

Anti-Influenza and interferonogenic activity of polysaccharides from the glucane class produced extracellularly by the yeast-like organism Aureobasidium pollulans was studied on albino mice. The polysaccharides differed from each other by the branching level and content of bonds beta-C1-C3 and alpha-C1-C between the monomers. At the moment of the drugs administration to the albino mice the level of the early interferon was in correlation with the following 2 factors: the level of the polysaccharide branching and the percentage of bonds beta-C1-C3, while the amount of interferon produced in 24 hours correlated only with the percentage of bonds beta-C1-C4. The anti-influenza activity of the polysaccharides depended on the level of interferon production induced by them in the mice. Preparations stimulating production of sufficient amounts of both early and later interferon had the maximum activity.


[The effect of formamide on the achromatic apparatus and the chromosomes of dividing pleurodele eggs: an electron microscope study].

Electron microscope studies of blastulae of Pleurodeles waltlii Michah., treated with formamide (0,5 M for 17 hours), show various abnormalities concerning centrospheres, chromosomes and microtubules as well. At the prophase stage, the centrospheres may display at their outer region an accumulation of dense bodies, which shows a temporary blocking of these centrospheres. At metaphase the poles of pluripolar mitoses appear more or less separated from the material which contains the chromosomes of the equatorial region. Each of these poles contains an unique centriole and therefore it is considered as resulting of the subdivision of a normal anaphasic pole. Astral and spindle microtubules are very reduced in number and more or less shortened. The chromosomes are without any recognizable kinetochcre, they show various degrees of condensation. All these electron microscope observations confirm the light microscope ones, and we may conclude that formamide has a double action on microtubules formation and on the ultrastructure of chromosomes, the latter perhaps by a direct action on DNA protein complexes.


[Murine model for experimental studies on attenuated mutants of a Pasteurella multocida strain with pathogenicity for the calf. 1. Isolation and biological characterization of streptomycin-dependent mutants (Sm-d) and their examination for immunogenicity in comparison with thermally inactivated pathogens].

An experimental study was conducted into the immunisation of mice to a strain of Pasteurella multocida with pathogenicity for calf. Here are the results: (a) Stable Sm-d mutants were isolated. (b) The genetic stability of this mutant type was established by unsubstantiable reversion up to the magnitude of 10(-8) or - in cases in which 20 Sm-id revertants maximum occurred in 10(-8) Sm-d germs--by prolongation of the generation period of these suppressor mutants which can be defined also as minus mutants. (c) Stable attenuation of selected Sm-d mutants has been established in mice by intraperitoneal application of 108 germs. (d) Live germs with restricted reproduction exhibited more immunogenicity to thermally inactivated antigen.


[Results of vaginal cytology studies and examination of the arborization phenomenon of the vaginal mucus for the determination of estrus cycle activity in sheep].

Vaginal smears were taken by means of a metal spatula from the dorsal part of the vaginal vestibule of sexually mature sheep with intach genitals for the purpose of following up changes in the vaginal cell structure. The smears were taken daily over the whole testing period of 35 days. The cells were defferentiated by means of the dyeing method according to Papanicolaou as well as by using Shorr's staining which had been modified according to Pundel. Differentiation was made between occurrences ob basal, parabasal, intermediary, and superficial cells, with the view to figuring out the cycle phases. That vaginal smear method, when used in two or three folloow-up examinations on the basis of random checks, has proved to enable determination of cyclic activity of a complete herd. This is of great importance to heart synchronization or heart induction, since all results so far have shown that all success depended strongly on the given degree of cyclic activity of the sheep concerned.


[Grass tetany in cattle].

An optimal magnesium supply of dairy cows during pasture period is still a pressing problem in our farms and husbandry. Experiences are described concerning the application of different magnesium concentrated preparations in cases of grass tetany in 1970 to 1975 in the district of Potsdam. In 224 cows with magnesium concentrations values in the serum below 1.8 mg/100 ml a 25% MgSO4-solution, Parevert and Vers. A, a test solution of VEB Tierarzneimittelwerk Leipzig are used as a metaphylactic treatment. Losses by grass tetany could be reduced after application of the named preparations. Also in cases of low dosage a further, at least temporary drop of magnesium values in the serum could be prevented. Metaphylactic measures are recommended for andangered herds.


Artificial induction of lactation in ewes: the involvement of progesterone and prolactin in lactogenesis.

An attempt has been made to evaluate the importance of prolactin and 'progesterone withdrawal' for lactogenesis. The experimental model system used was the ovariectomized, non-pregnant ewe induced to lactate artifically by treatment with trigger hormone (either oestrogen, glucocorticoid or oxytocin) alone or in combination with progesterone. It appears from the results that prolactin is important in the lactogenic responses elicited by oestrogen and oxytocin but not as important in the response elicited by glucocorticoid. Moreover, the results suggest that, in the ewe, an appropriate positive hormonal stimulus will overcome the inhibitory influence of progesterone on lactogenesis.


The suppressive effect of halothane on DNA synthesis of immunocytes.

Mice, previously immunized with sheep erythrocytes, were anaesthetized with halothane and the splenic lymphoid cells were incubated with 3H-thymidine at 1-h intervals. Abiphasic response was observed; 0.9 and 1.5% halothane reduced 3H-thymidine incorporation into the primed lymphoid cells by 83 and 94% respectively, while 0.4% halothane stimulated it by 5% of control at 3H. Immunosuppression by halothane may be the result of reduced 3H-thymidine uptake of the dividing immunocytes.


[Enzymatic splitting of antibodies bound to immobilized antigen as a means of Fab fragments preparation].

A method of Fab fragments preparation by enzymatic splitting of antibodies bound to specific antigen immobilized on an insoluble support is described. The complex of rat muscle glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPD), immobilized on Sepharose 4B, with anti-rat GAPD rabbit antibodies was digested with papain. The antigen was inaccessible to proteolysis under conditions employed. After 4 hrs of incubation with papain the antibody was completely split into non-precipitating fragments. The products of proteolysis not bound to Sepharose, were eluted with 0.1 M givcine buffer pH 2.5, and shown to correspond to Fab fragments.