Survival of 16-celled and morula stage rabbit embryos frozen to -196 degrees C,.

Preimplantation stage (16-celled and morula) rabbit embryos were successfully frozen to -196 degrees C. The cooling rate (from a room temperature to 0 degrees C), the presence of the mucin layer surrounding embryos, the ice-seeding treatment and the thawing procedure were examined to determine their effects on the survival of the frozen embryos of Japanese white, New Zealand white and Dutch-Belted rabbits. A high proportion (51%; 16-celled, 69%; morula) of Dutch-Belted rabbit embryos developed in vitro, when they were frozen to -196 degrees C, applying the ice-seeding at -4 degrees C in the presence of 12.5% DMSO, after being cooled to 0 degrees C at the rate of 7-9 degrees C/min, and were diluted by a stepwise addition of 4 different strength PBS on thawing. The highest rate of in vitro development (81%; Japanese white, 75%; New Zealand white, 82%; Dutch Belted embryos) was obtained when the morula stage embryos were frozen to -196 degrees C applying seeding at -4 degrees C after being cooled to 0 degrees C at the rate of 1 degrees C/2.5 min and were diluted, on thawing, by stepwise addition of 6, 3 and 1% DMSO solution and a culture medium. No great difference was found in the survival rate between the embryos covered with the mucin layer and those which had not the coat. All the embryos frozen without applying seeding treatment failed to develop in vitro after being thawed and diluted. Nine out of 27 does each of which received 6 reimplantations of the embryos frozen-thawed became pregnant and were found to be carrying 37 normal fetuses on the 12th day of pregnancy.


[Effects of the population density on growth of SD-JCL rats (author's transl)].

The effects of the population density on growth and life span of 21 to 26 months in SD-JCL-rats were investigated. The mean life spans of males and females were 23 and 24 months, respectively. The population density had no definite influence on increase in body weight of females, whereas a most accelerated growth of males was seen with 2 rats per cage. The total amounts of food intake of each animal throughout its life were about 15 and 11 kg for males and females, respectively, and those of water intake were about twice the food. No correlation was observed between the population density and the weights of the liver, kidney, heart and femur, though mals reared at 5 animals per cage had lightest adrenals among all the animals.


[Occurrence of the heterozygosity at Es-1 locus in a sub-strain of the NZB mice].

In the course of inspection of the biochemical marker genes in inbred strains of mice maintained in our laboratory, a female mouse of the NZB strain was found to be heterozygous for the Es-1 locus. Namely, it was Es-1a/Es-1b type. After this finding, many heterozygous mice were found among her sisters and the descendants. However, these heterozygotes (Es-1a/Es-1b) showed no heterozygosity for other 11 characters, i.e., the 6 biochemical markers (Hbb, Trf, Es-2, Id-1, Mod-1, Gpd-1) and the 5 coat colour markers (A, B, C, D, AND S) were idential as those previously described. It was, moreover, observed that they possessed the immunological characteristics typical of the NZB mice. Therefore, it could be concluded that the heterozygosity had been originated from a single mutation at the Es-1 locus, i.e., from Es-1a to Es-1b or vice versa. With regard to the alleles at the Es-1 locus, an investigation was carried out in two sub-strains of the NZB mice having different breeding history and the followings were clarified. One substrain imported from Karolinska Institute, Sweden, had been fixed with the Es-1a allele and the other imported from England was found to be Es-1b/Es-1b type. The NZB mice which displayed the heterozygosity had been derieved from the Karolinska sub-strain. Importance of biochemical marker genes for inspection of proper maintenance of inbred strains has been discussed.


[Application of the RaBA-System to clinical blood chemistry test in experimental animals].

Blood samples from rats, rabbits and beagles were subjected to simultaneous analyses for ten parameters using the RaBA-System and the results were compared with those obtained by the routine manual methods. Although the mean values measured by the two methods differ in several items, a significant correlation between the two methods in the majority of the determinations makes the use of the RaBA-System acceptable. The RaBA-System is thus considered to be applicable to evaluation of hemoglobin, total protein, glucose, BUN, total cholesterol, GOT, GPT, and alkaline phosphatase in blood samples from rats, rabbits and beagles. Plasma LDH and albumin, however, cannot be determined with accuracy by the system.


[Clinical blood chemistry values in normal Wistar-Imamichi rats using the RaBA-System (author's transl)].

In order to establish the normal baseline of blood values in rats using the RaBA-System, the following eight parameters were analyzed in 8-22-week-old Wistar-Imamichi rats of both sexes: hemoglobin, total protein, glucose, BUN, total cholesterol, GOT, GPT, and alkaline phosphatase. With the exception of glucose, all these parameters were significantly different depending upon ages. Significant sex differences were observed in the values of hemoglobin, total cholesterol, GOT, and alkaline phosphatase.


[Establishment of two rat strains for testing coat color genes (author's transl)].

Two tester strains of the rats for testing coat color genes were established. The names, the origins and the genotypes of the rats were as follows: (1) abh (F4) Origin: selected from (BN/fMai X Kyo: Wistar) F2. Genotype: C/C, a/a, b/b, h/h. (2) bhd (F2) Origin: selected from (abh X Tester Moriyama)F2. Genotype: C/C, a/a, b/b, h/h, D/d and C/C, a/a, b/b, h/h, d/d.


[Dynamics of autonomic and bioelectric shifts in rats under emotional stress].

Obvious changes in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and in the electric activity of the limbic structures were observed following time--scheduled stimulation: stage of anxiety, stage of adaptation, stage of exhaustion. The hippocampal structures were also involved in the process suggesting participation of the hippocampus in prognostication of the events. Three types of cardiovascular and respiratory responses were distinguished in the "anticipation of the stress" model: increased frequency, decreased frequency, relative stability of the rhythm. Prevalence of the sympathetic tonus was noticed.


A freeze-fracture and concanavalin A-binding study of the membrane of cleaving Xenopus embryos.

The freeze-fracture appearance and concanavalin A-binding capacity of the plasma membrane of cells of the cleaving Xenopus embryo have been examined up to the 16-cell stage. It was found that membrane on the outer surface of the embryo, which faces the vitelline membrane and is remote from cleavage furrows, and membrane in the shallow regions of the furrow possessed a high population of intramembranous particles on the PF-face (1171 per mum2). The EF-face of these membranes showed a lower particle population (245 per mum2). By contrast, membrane deep in the furrow and bounding the blastocoel did not display a face with high particle numbers. Both faces of this membrane, which is newly exposed as the furrow grows, were relatively poorly supplied with particles (93 per mum2). Therefore it appears that, in this tissue, newly added membrane possesses fewer intramembranous particles than the pre-existing membrane. Concanavalin A, as detected cytochemically using peroxidase and haemocyanin techniques, bound extensively to both particle-rich and particle-poor membrane. Thus there was no correlation between intramembranous particle frequency and degree of concanavalin A binding.


[Systolic time intervals in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The effects of adrenergic beta-stimulation and beta-blockade in 38 cases (author's transl)].

The authors report on the behaviour of systolic time intervals, studied with a noninvasive poligraphic technique, under normal conditions, after adrenergic beta stimuls (orciprenaline) and successive beta blocker (pindolole) in 38 patients with obstructive cardiomyopathy. Under normal conditions, the authors observed a marked dispersion of PEP and TEVS data, which have, however, average normal values. The IPEP was reduced in 29% of cases, was normal in 47.3% and raised in 23.7%; the ITEVS was reduced in 55.2% of cases, was normal in 21.1%, raised in 23.7%; the PEP/TEVS was reduced in 23.7%, normal in 31.6% and raised in 44.7%. The beta stimulation demonstrated a number of behaviour patterns: the most frequent cause was a reduction of PEP in the cases where it had been raised or where it had remained within normal limits, an increase of TEVS in the cases where it had been diminished or normal, a reduction of the PEP/TEVS correlation where these values were increased or normal. The beta blocker, followed by beta stimulus, brought on variations opposite from those of the beta stimulation. Thus, one can consider the hypothesis that the possible behaviour patterns and combination of PEP and TEVS result from different anatomical and functional expressions that can become obstructive cardiomyopathy, according to the seriousness of the obstruction, the ventricular compliance and the contractility.


[Experimental skeletal teratogenesis: a disturbance of relative osteo-neural growth].

The previously suggested concept of the closest growth relations existing between the bony and the nervous tissue at the organ level of the spinal cord and the peripheral (including the facial) nervous trunks is experimentally buttressed. It is shown that the normal gross-morphological features of the vertebrae as well as of the tubular bones (viz., their length, physiological curvatures and terminal expansions) result from the adaptation of the bone growth to the slower proceeding and vulnerable neural extensive growth, viz., from a physiological osteo-neural growth disproportion. The more or less conspicuous growth in length of the facial skeleton depends upon the phylogenetically established, more or less evolved extensive-growth potentially of the facial nervous trunks as well. The growth relation existing between the developing brain and its bony case applies essentially even for the axial organ, the extremities as well as for the facial skeleton. The experimental findings speak in favour of the theoretical expectation that the typical teratogenic deformities of the extremities (micromelia), of the spine (scoliosis, defects of the vertebrae and of the ribs) as well as of the beak (jaws) which may be produced by a great number of most diverse teratogens, result from the adaptation of the bone growth to the growth-insufficient nervous trunks, viz., from the pathologically enhanced osteo-neural growth disproportion. The cleft palate and the digital defects (syndactylia, oligodactylia) may be readily explained by the growth-inhibition of the palatal and digital nervous structures as well. The vertebrate body may be thus conceived as composed of 2 growth types, viz., the neural-extensive and the cellular-divisional (mitotic). The former is represented by an extremely dense feltwork of nerve fibers and trunks (the DONALDSON'S "nervous skeleton") which is "stuffed" with the other, mostly mitotically growing tissues. The 2 growth types are closely related partly at the macro-(organ-) level concerning the normal and teratogenic morphogenesis of the skeleton, partly at the micro-level of the utmost periphery, viz., of the terminal extensive meshwork and the individual cells or groups of cells. The cells which escape from the extensive feltwork (i.e. from the "nervous skeleton") such as the superficial cells of the epidermis or mucous membranes and, in all probability, the elements of the haemopoetic organs, perish under normal conditions, suffer a planned, highly purposeful death. With regard to the lack of normal nerves within malignant tumours, the malignant cell may be conceived as the one which escaped from the limiting confines of the extensive feltwork and, inspite of that, continues to live instead of "committing suicide."


The development of the Chondrocranium in the golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus (Waterhouse).

3 -stages of development of the chondrocranium of the golden hamster have been described. The chondrocrania of the gerbil, mouse and white rat have been compared with the chondrocranium of the golden hamster and the main differences noted. In several respects, the chondrocranium of the golden hamster is primitive.


[Pathologic discharge from the breast. Galactography and histologic clarification (author's transl)].

Up until 31 December 1975, 1646 galactograms were made in 1150 female patients. The intentional segment resection and then the histologic preparation via complicated technique adapted to the excision was conducted 371 times. - In 99 out of 100 cases, an anatomic substrate could be found for the discharge. We were unable to discover any pathological finding to explain the discharge in only 3 cases (0.8%). Included in the benign processes were 170 cases of duct papillomas (45.8%). In these cases segment resection is also adequate therapy. - Approximately 8% of the excisions revealed cancer. In additional 12%, serious proliferative processes in the breast were found which should, at least, be kept under careful clinical supervision. - Galactography used in combination with an adapted surgical and histologic technique to diagnose not only a carcinoma which has evaded other methods of detection but also possible preliminary stages is a valuable procedure.


[Chronic recurrent mastitis associated with galactorrhea: case report (author's transl)].

The problems in the pathophysiology of chronic recurrent mastitis in association with galactorrhea are discussed. The discussion was centered around the role of Prolactin. Treatment consists of inhibition of Prolactin by Bromocryptin following exclusion of other conditions of importance in the differential diagnosis.


Allosomal and autosomal control of sex ratio in PHH and PHL mice.

When male mice from inbred PHH (sex ratio .535) and PHL (.435) are mated to females of various inbred lines, the sex ratio follows the male parent. The sex ratios from litters sired by reciprocal cross F1 males (letting A represent a set of autosomes) are 0.510 from AH/AL, XL/YH and 0.469 from AH/AL, XH/YL. The difference is statistically significant but only half the difference between pure strains. The paternal effect, presumably due to the Y, persists in progeny of the two kinds of F2 males. In backcrosses to the female parent, resulting finally in AH/AH, XH/YL and AL/AL, XL/YH, and in outcrosses, the effect of the Y chromosome does not persist, indicating that neither the Y alone, nor the autosomes alone, will cause the sex ratio to depart significantly from equality of sexes. When pairs of males in all possible combinations were presented with C57BL/6 females mating success gave the following ranking: AH-YL, AL-YL, AH-YH, AL-YH. The combination of autosomes from PHH and Y-chromosome from PHL seems to confer the greatest competitive advantage.


[Development of spontaneous mutations in somatic mamalian cells and DNA replication. II. Expression of gene mutations in cultured cells].

The dependence of spontaneous rate and phenotypic expression of 6-mercaptopurine resistance mutations of DNA replication synthesis was studied in cultured Chinese hamster cells. Spontaneous mutations arising with a constant rate per cell per time unit independently on DNA replication rate were shown to be expressed only in the course of subsequent cell divisions. The frequency of N-nitrosomethylurea induced mutations in cells with reduced and normal DNA replication rate is approximately the same. However, DNA replication synthesis is necessary for the phenotypic expression of both induced and spontaneous mutations. The causes of the phenotypic lag are discussed.


[Use of the integral parameter of dermatoglyphic differences for determining the type of zygosity of twins].

A method is described increasing the reliability of twin zygosity diagnosis in cases when the possibility of using a large number of mendelian markers is restricted. The method is based on the determination of generalized index of dermatoglyphic differences between members of twin pair for 18 characteris of finger and palm dermatoglyphics and on principles of multivariate genetic analysis, which is worked out to determine the degree of heritability of multifactorial character and to study the structure of hereditary predisposition to multifactorial diseases. The efficiency of the method with respect to determinating the type of twin zygosity is approximately equivalent to the efficiency of using 5--6 mendelian marker systems.


Nematodes parasitizing domestic ruminants in Afghanistan.

A total of 12 nematode species were determined in the collection recovered from domestic ruminants in Afghanistan. Ten of them were found for the first time in this region: Trichocephalus globulosus, Trichostrongylus probolurus, Cooperia bisonis, Nematodirus spathiger, N. abnormalis, Thelazia rhodesi, Bunostomum phlebotomum, Haemonchus contortus, Dictyocaulus filaria and Oesophagostomum radiatum. Morphological and metrical characteristics of T. globulosus, T. skrjabini and C. bisonis, based on our own material, are added.


Localization of some enzymes in polycephalic larvae of two species of the genus Multiceps (Cestoda).

The histochemical distribution of alkaline phosphatase (AIP), acid phosphatase (AcP) and nonspecific esterase (NE) has been determined in polycephalic larvae of the species Multiceps multiceps Leske, 1870 and M. endothoracicus Kirschenblat, 1948. In the scolex anlages of both species, an activity of these enzymes has been determined in sites associated with growth and with the transport of metabolites. In a young larva of M. multiceps, the activity of AIP, AcP and NE was strong in the entire proliferating bladder wall surrounding groups of scoleces, but absent in the remaining part of the bladder wall outside the area of these scolex groups. In young larvae of M. endothoracicus, AlP and NE activity was highest in the modified bladder wall forming a verrucose mound, and at the site of the opening of the invaginated canal. No activity of these enzymes was demonstrated in mature and aging larvae.


Interspecific affinity among keratinolytic fungi associated with birds.

Twelve species of keratin decomposers isolated from 923 samples of feathers, nests and pellets of 90 species of free-living birds were clustered in 4 "econs" (numerical ecological groups): (A) Artroderma tuberculatum, A. ciferrii, A. multifidum, A. cuniculi (associated with the birds nesting in hollows); (B) Ctenomyces serratus, Arthroderma quadrifidum, Chrysosporium evolceanui (moderately alkalophilic species associated with the birds having a frequent contact with the soil); (C) Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Aphanoascus fulvescens, Chrysosporium tropicum (alkalophilic and hygrophilic species); (D) Arthroderma curreyi, Aphanoascus terreus (the species common in water habitats and associated frequently with exoanthropic birds). Two simple numerical procedures were used and compared: (1) Jaccard's association coefficient, and Sörensen's complete linkage clustering; (2) Forbes's association coeficient adjusted with chi-square, and the 3-linkage clustering technique. The method (2) seemed to be more effective.


[Absorption, distribution, excretion and metabolism of a basic ether compound (R97) with antispasmodic activity].

The absorption, distribution, excretion and metabolism of 14C labelled 2-chlorophenyl-1-phenyl-3-(2 methyl-piperidino) propyl ether methyl iodide (14C-R97) were studied by means of direct measurement of radioactivity and autoradiographic technique in rats. 1) With intravenous administration, radioactivity was found in all the tissues and organs immediately after dosing, with particularly high levels in the liver, kidney, heart and lung. Five minutes after administration, the level of radioactivity in blood decreased to about 6% of the initial level, indicating the rapid absorption of radioactive material by other tissues and organs. Radioactivity was not detected in the brain and eye. Thirty minutes after administration, the concentration of radioactivity in the gastrointestinal contents was very high and a certain amount of radioactivity uptake was noted both in gastric and intestinal mucosa. Approximately 12% and 40% of radioactivity administered was excreted in the urine and feces respectively during the first 24 hours, however, the excretion of radioactivity by expiration was not determined. 2) With oral administration, radioactivity was restricted to the gastrointestinal tract. Activities in other tissues and organs were not detectable. Approximately 94% of the radioactivity administered was recovered in feces during the first 24 hours. 3) Radioactivity was not observed in either the foetus or placenta after both intravenous and oral administrations. 4) The results from autoradiographic study were in good accord with those described above.


[Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on bile secretion and bile components. Comparison with chenodeoxycholic acid and dehydrocholic acid].

Effects of some bile acids on the biliary flow, BSP output and composition (phospholipid, cholesterol, bilirubin and bile acids) were studied in dogs. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UD), chenodeoxycholic acid (CD) and dehydrocholic acid (DC) caused a dramatic increase in biliary flow and BSP output. Relative potencies of these effects were DC greater than CD greater than or equal to UD. UD increased the phospholipid, bile acids and cholesterol concentration but had little effect on bilirubin concentration. Furthermore, UD greatly increased the output of four bile components. CD slightly decreased the phospholipid, cholesterol and bilirubin concentration without the bile acids, while CD increased the output of bile components. After UD or CD administration, the bile acid of each appeared markedly in the bile, dose dependently. On the other hand, DC caused a dramatic decrease of phospholipid, cholesterol and bilirubin concentration but had little effect on bile acids concentration. Output of bile components was increased by DC the first 1 hr but decreased at 2 hr. After DC administration, 3alpha, 7alpha-dihydroxy-12keto-5beta-cholanic acid appeared in the bile while DC did not. Therefore, it is concluded that UD and CD are cholanereticas and DC is a hydrocholeretica.


[Conditioning of emotional behavior caused by hypothalamic stimulation (4). Effects of drugs on conditioned avoidance and escape behavior].

In the present study, effects of psychotropic drugs were analyzed by observing avoidance and escape behavior or rabbits under hypothalamic electrical stimulation. In avoidance behavior, chlorpromazine (CPZ) and diazepam (DZP) depressed avoidance response and extended avoidance response latency and head movement latency. Autonomic behavior such as opening of palpebral fissure and pupil size were also delayed. The locus of movement and count of head movement were depressed by the administration of each drug. On the other hand, unlike CPZ, DZP extended escape response latency. On escape behavior, effects of CPZ and DZP were apparently different. Unlike CPZ, DZP induced avoidance behavior and increased locus of movement. With methamphetamine, no avoidance behavior was observed, but under conditional stimulation, the behavior and the escape response latency were decreased. Chlordiazepoxide induced avoidance behavior.


[A shift to diurnal feeding following chronic administration of theophylline in rats].

Influence of chronic administration of theophylline on feeding behavior in rats was studied in contrast with the saline controls under a 12 hr light-dark cycle. The results obtained were as follows: 1) total amount of food intake per 24 hr was not affected by either chronic administration of theophylline or saline administration; 2) theophyllinized rats, however, ate more food during light time (0900-2100) and less food during the dark (2100-0900); 3) the amount of food intake during the dark in the control group was approximately 80% of total intake, while that in the theophylline group decreased to below 60%; 4) increase in ratios of body weights in the theophylline and the control groups did not differ significantly throughout the entire experimental period. Feeding behavior of the rat is closely correlated with a daily light-dark cycle as was seen in the control group. The feeding circadian pattern disappeared in theophyllinized rats, i.e., the behavioral characteristic of a nocturnal feeder could not be preserved following theophylline administration. The disappearance of the feeding cycle may result from a phase shift of the cycle, which was induced by facilitatory effects of theophylline on food intake during light time.


[Conditioning of emotional behavior caused by hypothalamic stimulation (3): The learned behavior caused by hypothalamic stimulation in rabbits].

In the present study, the learned behavior caused by hypothalamic electrical stimulation was examined in order to determine the effects of psychotropic drugs. Subjects were albino male rabbits with electrodes chronically implanted in the hypothalamic area. A shuttle box, which was adjusted for behavioral pharmacological estimation of drugs in rabbits, was used. A buzzer sound (85dB) and electrical stimulation of hypothalamus (100 HZ, 1 msec, 1.2-2.0V) were used as the conditional stimulation (CS) and unconditional stimulation (UCS), respectively. The same animal was trained in habituation to a buzzer sound as the CS. For avoidance conditioning in a two-compartment situation, the animal was placed in a shuttle box divided by a hurdle situated at the middle of two-compartments. After the CS was presented for 10 sec, the UCS was given. The animals were subjected to 15 conditioning trials per day. The avoidance and escape behavior model became as distinct by hypothalamic stimulation as by UCS. After termination of the experiments, extinction trials were carried out after which the animals were sacrificed, and localization of the stimulating electrodes was determined histologically.


Prostaglandin Falpha, progesterone and oestrogens in relation to parturition in sheep.

Six hourly blood samples were collected from either the uterine vein or posterior vena cava of 8 conscious ewes over a period of about 1 week prior to and 2 days after parturition. In addition blood was also collected simultaneously from the jugular vein. Using sensitive radioimmunoassay techniques, these samples were analyzed for PGF2 alpha, progesterone and oestrogens. The results indicate that concentrations of PGF2 alpha in sheep blood started to rise before a fall in progesterone concentrations. A rise in total oestrogens also preceded the fall in progesterone concentrations. It was however not possible to show a temporal relationship between the rises in oesterogens and PGF2 alpha concentrations.


[Comparative studies in cholesterol metabolism in the salivary glands and the livers of mice (author's transl)].

The comparative radioisotopic studies in cholesterol metabolism between salivary glands and livers were done. 1. In the salivary glands, the cholesterol biosynthesis from acetate-1-14C or mevalonic acid-2-14C in vitro and in vivo, the elimination rate of cholesterol-4-14C and the uptake of cholesterol-4-14C following a single subcutaneous injection, were lowered compared with liver. 2. The rate of cholesterol catabolism in the salivary gland, determined by cholesterol-4-14C injection, were very less than in liver. 3. When the animals were consuming a diet labeled with cholesterol-3H of constant specific activity using cholesterol balance techniques, the isotopic steady state in both salivary gland and liver was within about 20 days and remained essentially constant thereafter, while specific activity of the salivary glands were remarkably lower than that of livers.


[Effect of nicotinic acid derivatives on the cholesterol metabolism with special regard to biosynthesis, absorption and excretion of cholesterol in the salivary gland (author's transl)].

The cholesterol metabolism of the salivary gland of mice fed on a diet containing 0.5% nicotinic acid derivative, 2, 2, 6, 6, tetrakis--(nicotinoyl-oxymethyl)--cyclohexanol (K-31) was as follows. 1. Total cholesterol level of sublingual and submaxially glands decreased in mice fed on normal diet as well as cholesterol-added diet. 2. The in vivo cholesterol biosynthesis from the acetate-1-14C increased in the sublingual gland, while it was not affected in the submaxillary gland. However, in vitro cholesterol synthesis decreased in both sublingual and submaxillary glands. 3. The disappearance of cholesterol-4-14C injected into the mice was more rapid in the K-31 treated mice than in the control after 30 days. 4. The incorporation of cholesterol-7-3h with a constant specific radioactivity administered orally for 37 days was reduced in the sublingual and submaxillary glands of K-31 treated mice. 5. When the mice were maintained on cholesterol-added diet for 21 days after cholesterol-4-14C injection, the excretion of sterol-14C in the feces was increased in K-31 treated mice. Thus, it was considered that the decrease of the cholesterol level of salivary glands by oral administration of K-31 is due to the increase of the excretion of cholesterol, the decrease of the uptake of the external cholesterol and the increase of excretion of sterol in the feces. These alterations of the cholesterol metabolism appear to induce cholesterol biosynthesis.


[Gross and light microscopic observations of the pudendal nerve of the guinea pig (author's transl)].

Using thirty six adult guinea pigs, the course and distribution of the pudendal nerve was observed macroscopically and then the constitution of the myelinated nerve fibers in these branches was studied with the fan-wise split preparation method (Fukuyama) and the cross sections embeded in paraffin wax. The main findings are summarized as follows: 1) The pudendal plexus in the guinea pig is formed most frequently by a bigeminal nerve which arises from the ventral ramus of the second sacral nerve at an average rate of 55.0% and the pudendal nerve is so independent from the sciatic nerve that the most part of the bigeminal nerve runs into the pudendal nerve. 2) The perineal nerve of the guinea pig arises most frequently with four roots (43.3%). The myelinated fiber constitution of this nerve is as follows: The small-sized fibers occupy 49.8%, the medium--sized 21.9%, the large--sized 15.1%, the maximum--sized 13.1% on an average, and the nerve fiber diameters observed in the cross section shows a bimodality in their distribution, of which the fibers in the higher peak are 1 mu to 2 mu and in the lower peak 5 mu to 8 mu. 3) The dorsal nerve of the penis or clitoris of the guinea pig arises most frequently with one root from the originating roots of the perineal nerve. The relationship between the sciatic and dorsal nerve appears to be scanty. The myelinated fibers of this nerve comprise 50.8% of small--sized, 28.4% of medium--sized, 14.7% of large--sized and 6.2% of maximum--sized fibers on an average. The fiber sized histograms constructed in the cross section shows a unimodality laying at 1 mu to 3 mu and the dorsal nerve of the clitoris contains more medium fibers 3 mu to 6 mu than the perineal nerve. From these results, it seems clear that the genital corpuscles are supplied by these medium fibers. 4) The inferior rectal nerve of the guinea pig arises from the perineal nerve in all cases, however, it is very slender. 5) The branch to the Obturator internus arises from the originating root or main trunck of the perineal nerve (51.7%). The myelinated fiber constitution of this branch is as follows: The maximum--sized fibers occupy 67.6%, the large--sized 16.2%, the small--sized 9.5% and the medium sized 6.8%. On the other hand, the fiber diameters observed in the transverse section are distributed around three peaks lying at 1 mu, 8 mu to 9 mu and 12 mu to 13 mu. 6) The branch to the accessory head of the Semitendinosus arises from the pudendal nerve at an average rate of 91.7%, of which this branch arises most frequently with one root from the originating root of the perineal nerve. The myelinated fiber constitution is as follows: The maximum--sized fibers 50.0%, the large--sized 23.9%, the small--sized 15.9% and the medium--sized 10.2% on an average. The histogram shows that myelinated fibers in this muscular branch consist of two groups of 1 mu to 2 mu and 12 mu to 14 mu...


[Phonocardiographical studies in hypertensive subjects (author's transl)].

Phonocardiographical (PCG) studies were made to evaluate the relation of the PCG to blood pressure, ECG, chest X-ray finding and changes of fundi in hypertensive subjects. One hundred and thirty hypertensive patients and sixty normal adults were examined. Results were as follows: 1) There were abnormal second heart sounds such as, narrow splitting or ringing in most cases of hypertensive subjects with high both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These phenomena seemed to be delay and accentuation of aortic component. 2) Ejection murmur was found in majority of constantly hypertensive cases. 3) The third and fourth sounds had no definite correlation to blood pressure. However, accentuation of the fourth sound was found only in subjects with severe myocardial changes in ECG. 4). Q-I time in hypertensive group was found to be prolonged as compared to normal. 5) In normal subjects, I-IIA interval was related closely to square root R--R. It was not clear in hypertensive group, and the most cases of this group showed that I-IIA interval was prolonged as compared to square root R--R. Prolonged I-IIA interval was seen in the group with only high voltage and no myocardial abnormality in ECG. In conclusion, characteristic phonocardiographical findings in hypertensive subjects were the prolonged mechanical contraction time involving isovolumic one and this time became shorter when myocardial damage was increased in its severity.


[Electron microscopic studies of lymphocytes in the bone marrow of the mouse. I. Effect of hydrocortisone on marrow small lymphocytes (author's transl)].

In male dd-mice given two subcutaneous injections of 0.5 mg of hydrocortisone at 35 and 36 days of age, lymphocytes in the bone marrow were studied qualitatively and quantitatively by electron microscopy. In normal 35-day-old mice, lymphocytes comprise 16.4% of nucleated free cells of the marrow. Marrow lymphocytes were, for the most part, of small type which constituted 15.5% of nucleated marrow cells. Small lymphocytes consisted of two types; dark and light small lymphocytes. At 35 days of age, dark small lymphocytes constituted 94.4% of all the marrow small lymphocytes and light small lymphocytes were the remaining 5.6%. After administration of hydrocortisone, lymphocytes in the marrow decreased markedly. The proportion of lymphocytes failed to 6.1% at 1 day, 4.5% at 5 days and 3.5% at 10 days after injection. Thereafter it slightly increased to 5.0% at 20 days after injection. The percentage of marrow lymphocytes at 20 days after injection was almost the same as that of controls at 60 days of age. Of the two types of marrow small lymphocytes dark small lymphocytes decreased rapidly after administration of hydrocortisone. They found 22.4% of the marrow small lymphocytes at 1 day and 10.7% at 5 days after injection. Thereafter, they increased gradually and occupied 58.0% of marrow small lymphocytes at 20 days. On the other hand, light small lymphocytes appeared more resistant to hydrocortisone than dark small lymphocytes.


Separation and estimation of short-chain fatty acids and organic acids by thermodetective liquid chromatography.

Short-chain fatty acids and organic acids in aqueous solution were separated quantitatively by using a liquid chromatography. JLC-2A, which posseses a thermodetector with ion-exchange resin. A peak height of thermogram showing a thermal difference caused by adsorption and desorption of substance was proportional to the concentration. Each sample was detectable at least between approximately 10(-5) and 2 X 10(-3) moles. The "inter-day" coefficient of variation obtained from two peak heights of acetic and n-butyric acids was 1.9 and 2.3%, respectively.


Cytotoxicity of cysteine in culture media.

When added to Eagle's Minimum Essential Medium supplemented with 10% bovine serum (MEM-10BS), 1mM cysteine was highly toxic to cultured cells. This toxicity was eliminated by (a) preincubation of the medium at 37 degrees C for 24 hr before use, or (b) presence of 5mM pyruvate. Similar results were obtained with freshly prepared CMRL 1066 supplemented with 10% bovine serum (CMRL-10BS), which contains 1.5 mM cysteine as an original ingredient. Medium L 15 supplemented with 10% bovine serum (L-10BS), which contains both 1 mM cysteine and 5 mM pyruvate, supported cell growth. On incubation of MEM-10BS supplemented with 1 mM cysteine (MEM-10BS-1CySH) or CMRL-10BS without cells for one day, the cysteine concentrations decreased to about one-tenth or less of the original concentrations. The cysteine concentration in L-10BS did not decrease so much on similar incubation. Pyruvate reduced the rate of disappearance of the cysteine in MEM-10BS-1CySH or CMRL-10BS as assayed with p-chloromercuribenzoate, although less than that in L-10BS. This effect of pyruvate was concentration dependent. These paradoxical effects of pyruvate on cysteine, i.e. the reduction of its cytotoxicity and the stabilization as an SH compound, are probably due to the formation of a dissociable complex between these two compounds, which is not cytotoxic and resistant to oxidation.


Spread and control of mycoplasmal infection of cell cultures.

Environmental sampling was performed during trypsinization and passage of 3T-6 cell cultures that contained a mean of 4.3 X 10(7) colony forming units (CFU) per ml supernatant of A. laidlawii. The lip of the culture flask and the outside of the used pipet were always heavily contaminated. The outside of the culture flask (3/7), the work surface (8/12) and the outside of a pan of disinfectant (4/5) were regularly contaminated with mycoplasmas. Airborne mycoplasmas were detected eight of 32 times (25%) by settling plates; simultaneous forced-air samplers by two different methods were always negative. The technician's hands were contaminated two of 15 samples. When hands were contaminated, more contamination was detected in the environment. Droplets of A. laidlawii and M. orale inoculated onto work surfaces survived drying for a minimum of 3 days, even in laminar airflow cabinets. Twenty-five of 31 (80.6%) cell culture technicians carried M. salivarium in their throats; only two carried M. orale. It is concluded that mycoplasma-infected clltures are the most common source of further infection. Recommendations for prevention and control of mycoplasmal infection are listed.


Cardiocirculatory and biochemical effects of dextran 1.8% and ringer's lactate after minor surgical procedures.

The effects of dextran 1.8% in Ringer's lactate solution were compared with infusion of Ringer's lactate alone in two groups of 12 patients after minor surgical interventions. Plasma volume increased significantly only in the dextran treatment patients. We observed a marked hemodilution with both infusions, but all changes had disappeared after 24 hours. No adverse effects on the coagulation process, hepatic and renal function were noted. These results suggest that dextran 1.8% in Ringer's lactate is an effective and safe solution in plasma volume expansion for this type of patient.


[Hypoproteinemia--consequence of cause of diseases, particularly in long-term hospitalized patients].

In most cases hypoproteinemia of our patients is a result of the disease leading to hospitalization. Moreover, it may also be a consequence of unappropriate nutrition, so that it has to be pointed out with emphasis that clinics being able to furnish a great number of ferment analysis should be in a position to answer the simple question: are patients receiving adequate nutrition or not? Necessary assumption for this purpose is-besides analyses of serum-protein-in acute cases the control of nitrogen excretion in urine and in case of exact balances also in stool, in order to exactly answer the question, whether the nitrogen supply will suffice special requirements.


[Dietetic and antibiotic preparation in surgery of the large intestine].

Besides patient's cardiac, pulmonary, renal and hepatic status, a correct operative technique and mechanical bowel cleansing the protein status is of central importance to prevent anastomotic leakage and wound infection in colon surgery. Using an oral elemental diet prior to surgery both sufficient caloric and protein intake and reduction of intestinal flora can be achieved. Wound infection and anastomotic leakage are reduced significantly without the side effects of antibiotic bowel preparation. If oral antibiotics are used preoperatively only a short term low dose regimen is effective for the control of infection after colon surgery which reduces the concentration of aerobes and anaerobes.


The postnatal development of the alimentary canal in the opossum. II. Stomach.

The postnatal development of the gastric mucosa in the opossum has been traced with the light, transmission and scanning electron microscopes. The formation of fovea and gastric glands occurs simultaneously during the postnatal period. During the first 60 postnatal days the developing gastric glands are composed of undifferentiated cells, parietal cells and scattered endocrine cells. Chief cells are not present until just before weaning (13 cm, i.e. ca. 75 days). Juvenile and adult animals show only a small population of chief cells, and these are confined to the bases of the gastric glands. The pH of stomach contents ranges from 6-0 to 6-5 until the time of appearance of solid food within the stomach, when it drops to 2-0-2-5. The surface cells lining the gastric lumen contain a considerable amount of what appears to be lipid during the first 3 weeks after birth, and this may indicate that the gastric mucosa is involved in the absorption of lipid during this period. The mode of lipid absorption appears to be different from that described for the intestinal tract of several other species.


RIT 2214, a new biosynthetic penicillin produced by a mutant of Cephalosporium acremonium.

A number of lysine-requiring auxotrophs of Cephalosporium acremonium were investigated for incorporation of side-chain precursors and for accumulation of beta-lactam compounds. One of the auxotrophs, Acremonium chrysogenum ATCC 20389, producing cephalosporin C and penicillin N only if grown in media supplemented with DL-alpha-amino-adipic acid (DL-alpha-AAA), was found to use L-S-carboxymethylcysteine (L-CMC) as a side-chain precursor for the synthesis of a new penicillin (RIT 2214). No corresponding cephalosporin was detected. The penicillin present in the culture filtrate, was concentrated by adsorption on activated carbon and successive column chromatography on Amberlite IRA-68 and Amberlite XAD-4. Final purification was achieved by cellulose column chromatography. RIT 2214 was identified as 6-(D)-[(2-amino-2-carboxy)-ethylthio]-acetamido]-penicillanic acid by spectral analysis, bioactivity spectrum, elucidation of side-chain structure and finally by semisynthesis. Its biological properties were also evaluated.


A cytoplasmic inhibitor of DNA polymerase from the plasmodia of Physarum polycephalum.

A factor which inhibited DNA polymerase [EC 2.7.7.7] activity was isolated from the cytoplasm of plasmodia of true slime mold, Physarum polycephalum. This factor was purified by DEAE-Sephadex and CM-cellulose column chromatographies, heat treatment and gel filtration. This inhibitor was heat-stable, insensitive to trypsin [EC 3.4.21.4] and was not digested by RNase [EC 3.1.4.22] or DNase [EC 3.1.4.5]. The molecular weight was 16,000 as determined by gel filtration, and the isoelectric point was determined to be pH 10.1. In the presence of the inhibitor, Km for DNA in the DNA polymerizing reaction was markedly increased. The inhibitory effect was eliminated by addition of excess DNA, but the addition of excess enzyme or deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates had no effect on the inhibition.


The H+/site ratio of mitochondrial electron transport.

The number of H+ ejected during passage of 2e- through each energy-conserving site of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (the H+/site ratio) was measured in three ways. In each case transmembrane movements of endogenous phosphate were minimized. (1) Measurement of the uptake of weak acids during loading of mitochondria with Ca2+ demonstrated that 2.0 weak acid anions were accumulated per Ca2+ ion. Since 1.7 to 2.0 Ca2+ ions were were taken up per site, these data correspond to an H+/site ratio of 3.5 to 4.0. (2) More direct measurement of H+ ejection using the oxygen pulse technique demonstrated that the H+/site ratio was 3.0. In these experiments phosphate movements were prevented by addition of N-ethylmaleimide to inhibit phosphate-hydroxide antiport, by washing the mitochondria to remove endogenous phosphate, or by working at 5 degrees C to reduce the rate of phosphate transport. When phosphate movements were allowed, H+/site ratios of 2.0 were observed. (3) Measurement of the initial steady rates of oxygen consumption and H+ ejection following addition of substrate to aerobic, substrate-limited mitochondria yielded H+/site ratios of 2.0, which were elevated to 4.0 when phosphate transport was prevented as described above. Previous determinations of the H+/site ratio were thus underestimates due to the unrecognized movements of endogenous phosphate; our results show that the H+/site ratio is at least 3.0 andmay be as high as 4.0.


Magnesium deprivation reproduces the coordinate effects of serum removal or cortisol addition on transport and metabolism in chick embryo fibroblasts.

A variety of unrelated effectors stimulate or inhibit coordinately the same array of metabolic reactions in chick embryo fibroblasts, including the uptake of 2-deoxy-D-glucose and uridine, and the incorporation of uridine and thymidine into acid insoluble material. The coordinate inhibition of these reactions by omission of serum or addition of cortisol is reproduced quantitatively by lowering the concentration of magnesium (Mg2+) in medium containing 0.2 mM Ca2+. The response times for the utilization of uridine and thymidine following the removal of addition of Mg2+ are similar to those which follow removal or addition of serum. The effect of serum on the incorporation of choline, which is not part of the coordinate response to unrelated effectors, is not reproduced by varying Mg2+ concentrations. The results support the hypothesis that the availability of Mg2+ within the cell plays a central role in the coordinate control of transport, metabolism and growth by external physiological effectors.


Stimulation of sugar uptake in cultured fibroblasts by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGF-binding arginine esterase.

Mouse epidermal growth factor causes a rapid increase in 2-deoxyglucose uptake in stationary phase mouse (3T3) cells or human fibroblasts. Maximum effect is approximately two fold over control levels for 3T3 cells and about 50% over controls for human fibroblasts. Maximum effect on 3T3 cells is seen about two hours after addition of 10 ng/ml EGF to the culture medium. Stimulation is easily measureable within the first fifteen minutes after addition of the hormone and may be detected at hormone concentrations as low as 0.1 ng/ml. The EGF-binding arginine esterase found associated with EGF in the mouse submaxillary gland causes an enhancement of the EGF effect. In serum-free medium, the EGF effect is still readily observed, but no enhancement by the esterase is seen. SV40 virus-transformed 3T3 cells show no effect on deoxyglucose uptake after addition of 10 ng/ml EGF to the culture medium, but a response may be demonstrated after these cells are incubated for 12 hours or more in serumless medium. EFG stimulates transport of 3-O-methylglucose in stationary phase 3T3 and human fibroblasts but no EGF stimulation of alpha-amino-isobutyrate uptake in 3T3 cells is seen under conditions is reproted to inhibit intracellular degradation of human EGF by human fibroblasts, does not diminish the EGF effect on deoxyglucose uptake in human fibroblasts.


Current status of the thiol redox model for the regulation of hexose transport by insulin.

Data obtained over the last two years pertinent to the thiol redox model for the modulation of hexose transport activity by insulin is summarized. The model proposes that activation of hexose transport in fat cells involves sulfhydryl oxidation to the disulfide form in a key protein component of the fat cell surface membrane. Theoretically, the rapid activation of transport by insulin may involve either the conversion of inactive membrane carriers to the active form as originally proposed, or the conversion of a low Vmax transport system to a high Vmax form. The present experiments showed that the percent inhibition of insulin-activated transport rates by submaximal levels of cytochalasin B was decreased compared to its effects on basal transport. Treatment of fat cells with N-ethylmaleimide inhibited cytochalasin B action but not transport activity. When insulin or the oxidant vitamin K5 was added to cells 5 minutes before the N-ethylmaleimide, the elevated transport activity was also resistant to the sulfhydryl reagent, but cytochalasin B retained its potent inhibitory effect on transport. The data demonstrate that unique properties characterize basal versus insulin-activated transport activity with respect to the sensitivity of cytochalasin B action to sulfhydryl blockade in isolated fat cells. The data are consistent with the concept that activation of transport activity reflects the conversion of a reduced (sulfhydryl) system characterized by a low Vmax to an oxidized (disulfide), high Vmax transport system.


Regulation of glucose transport in chick fibroblasts: bicarbonate, lactate and ascorbic acid.

The rate at which chick embryo fibroblasts in primary or secondary culture transport glucose or 3-O-methyl glucose is strongly influenced by the presence of bicarbonate ion in the culture medium. Cells growing or maintained on glucose at physiologic concentration (5.5 mM) have an 8 to 10 fold higher rate of glucose uptake than their counterparts cultivated without bicarbonate. These cells also produce more lactate as a consequence of their more rapid intake of glucose. The hydrogen acceptors, methylene blue and dehydroascorbate added to the culture medium reduce the cell capacity to transport glucose and 3-O-methyl glucose to levels obtaining in the bicarbonate-free medium. There is a concomitant reduction in glucose utilized by cells during 24 hours and further reduction in lactate formed per molecule of glucose metabolized.


Cooperative binding of concanavalin A to thymocyte membrane vesicles augments uptake of alpha aminoisobutyrate.

(1) Membrane vesicles from rabbit thymocytes accumulate alpha-aminoisobutyrate in the presence of 0.1 M NaCl. Uptake is 1/2 maximal after about 2 min and reaches a plateau value (61 pmoles/mg protein) after 30 min. (2) Up to 25 mug concanavalin A/ml, binding of the lectin describes a sigmoid curve indicative of a cooperative process. (3) At lectin concentrations up to 8 mug/ml, lectin binding enhances the uptake of alpha-aminoisobutyrate (maximally 30%).


Uptake of amino acids in reconstituted vesicles derived from plasma membranes of Ehrlich ascites cells.

To obtain a clearer concept of the mechanism of organic solute transport in mammalian cells, we have attempted to reconstitute a functional transport system for amino acids from plasma membranes of Ehrlich ascites cells. Purified plasma membranes were dissolved in 2% Na cholate--4 M urea, a mixture which brought over 85% of the membrane proteins into solution. After centrifugation of the solubilized material for 2 hrs at 100,000 x g, the supernatant was dialyzed in the cold for 20 hrs with additional lipid. The reformed vesicles were tested for the ability to transport amino acids. The preliminary results obtained show that the uptake of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid can be inhibited by L-methionine and much less by L-leucine as would be predicted from the known properties of alpha-aminoisobutyric transport in the intact cells. In addition, it has been possible to show accelerated efflux of intravesicular phenylalanine when phenylalanine is added to the trans side (medium side). The data are consistent with the conclusion that there is carrier mediated transport in the reconstituted vesicles.


The mechanism of interaction between high-affinity probes and the uridine transport system of mammalian cells.

The carrier of uridine transport in hamster cells in culture is highly susceptible to the inhibitory effect of probes like S-benzylated derivatives of mercaptopurine nucleosides. The interaction between the probes and the carrier is competitive and reversible and it takes place at a site different from the substrate binding site. The Ki for the most potent derivative p-nitrobenzyl-6-mercaptoinosine is 0.15 n Molar at 20 degrees C. The effect of the probes is interpreted in terms of conformational change induced on the carrier upon binding of the probe. The carrier assumes distinct conformations depending on whether it is probe-free (form A) or probe bound (form B). Kinetic as well as chemical evidence supports the predictions of the allosteric carrier model. A single component of kinetics is observed either in the absence of inhibitor (Km form A) or at high concentrations of inhibitor (Km form B). A two component kinetics is observed at intermediate concentrations of inhibitor (some carriers in form B and others in form A). The two forms have distinct Km values for uridine: form A50 muMolar and form B 250 muMolar. Two forms have also different susceptibilities to the action of organomercurials: form A is insensitive whereas form B is highly inhibited by the chemical modified of SH groups. The existence of putative allosteric sites in carriers is discussed in terms of modifier sites capable of modulating transport activities as a result of specific membrane-ligand interactions.


On a new nematode Leipernema leiperi n.g., n.sp. (Strongyloididae), parasitic in the pangolin Manis pentadactyla from Hyderabad, India.

Leipernema leiperi n.g., n.sp. is described from the pangolin Manis pentadactyla in India. Both parasitic free-living generations have been examined. Features which differentiate the parasite from Strongyloides and Parastrongyloides are described.


Stability of resistance to neguvon in the fly Musca domestica L. after cessation of laboratory selection.

Stability of resistance to neguvon was studied in three strains of Musca domestica L. after selection using different numbers of generations and different degrees of resistance. It has been found that the stability of resistance to neguvon is not always the same after cessation of selection. The loss of resistance depends on the duration of selection, i.e., on the degree of homogenization of populations with respect to resistant specimens. The degree of resistance is the function of the duration of selection to the same extent as the loss of resistance depends on it. The period of time during which the insecticide has been used is of decisive importance for the stability of resistance. The process of loss of resistance, similarly to that of its development, takes its course according to a zigzag curve, but in the opposite direction. This variation of resistance, occurring also in its development, can be explained by the heterogenity of the strains.


Residual disinfection of some preparations and substances.

The results of our experiments over many years point to the possibility of practical application of disinfectants of residual effect. In our opinion, further investigations should be carried out in the following two directions: detection of new means and preparations showing uniform properties and development of an optimum method of their application. We believe that residual disinfection will play a role in the prophylaxis of hospitalism.


Genus Microsporum dermatophytes in Eastern Bohemia.

The authors presented a taxonomic survey of dermatophytes of the genus Microsporum. From the 19 species described so far, they isolated ten species in the region of Eastern Bohemia. Only the species Microsporum cookei and M. gypsem are considered to be endemic species. The remaining are regarded as imported dermatophytes which are not able to maintain their existence permanently in the conditions of the mentioned region. Data on the findings of the individual species were completed by the authors' remarks on their primary hosts and/or substrates of heterotrophy, frequency of occurrence and geographical distribution.


Human infections caused by V. parahaemolyticus in Czechoslovakia.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus was isolated in two subjects with acute gastroenteritis. The patients' history included stay in Pakistan or India. They probably contracted the infection on board an aeroplane where they ingested cold meal containing sea products. The possibility of this conditioned pathogen occurring also in an inland country is pointed out.


Nephelometric density adjustment of leptospiral antigen.

In testing leptospirosis by microagglutination, reproducibility of the results is affected by population age and germ concentration. These undersirable factors can be avoided if antibody identification is made with cultures incubated for 7 to 21 days and adjusted to 50 X 10(6) leptospires per millilitre. Most suitable for the purpose is an analogue mode based on nephelometry and the probability theory. The obtained statistical data furnish calculated and tabulated apparatus values which are used for standardizing with the aid of a newly developed nepheloflask with compression-spring stirrer.


Diurnal variation and the episodic release of plasma gonadotrophins in Japanese quail during a photoperiodically induced gonadal cycle.

Blood samples were taken every 3 h, over a 27 h period, from (1) a group of 12 intact male quail on short days (lights on 09.00-17.00 h) and during the 2nd, 15th and 36th day of photostimulation (lights on 09.00-05.00 h); (2) 12 castrated male quail on the 2nd, 20th and 43rd long day, and (3) 12 intact male quail on the 12th long day. Plasma LH was measured in all samples and FSH in the 43rd long day castrate and 12th long day intact male samples. Although there was considerable variation in the levels of LH and FSH, both between birds and between samples taken from the same bird, statistical analyses failed to reveal any diurnal (or circadian) rhythm at any time. There was a marked correlation between the LH and FSH levels in all samples. Possible episodic LH secretion was investigated by taking blood samples every 15 min for between 3 and 6 h from six intact male quail and six laying females on long days. Samples were obtained from each bird at three time-periods which were arranged so as to overlap and cover the first 12 h of the daily photoperiod. Statistical analysis suggested that episodes of secretion occurred 6-10 times/day in males, and 4-8 times/day in females. The pulses appeared to occur at random.


Influence of 16-aryloxyprostaglandins on the production of progesterone by human granulosa cells in vitro.

16-Aryloxy analogues of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) are potent luteolysins in laboratory and farm animals. When their effect on progesterone production by luteinized human granulosa cells in tissue culture was investigated inhibition of both basal gonadotrophin-stimulated progesterone production was observed, so revealing characteristics expected of potential human luteolysins. The analogues were, however, unable to inhibit progesterone production stimulated by PGE2, suggesting that like PGF2alpha these compounds may act by specifically blocking LH-activated adenylate cyclase. The 16-aryloxyprostaglandins similarly inhibited progesterone production by porcine granulosa cells, so that the effects observed with the 16-aryloxyprostaglandins in vitro may be indicative of their potential in vivo.


Direct exposure of postimplantation mouse embryos to 5-bromodeoxyuridine in vitro and its effect on subsequent chondrogenesis in the limbs.

As maternally administered 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BudR) is very quickly degraded by the liver, a combination of whole embryo culture and organ culture techniques was adopted to expose postimplantation mouse embryos to the analog and to study the effects of long-term embryos were exposed to increasing concentrations of BudR for 12 or 24 h. Forelimbs of the treated embryos were then organ-cultured in drug-free medium and the extent of cartilage development in the explants examined. Exposure of embryos to 50-150 mug/ml of BudR for 24 h resulted in significant inhibition of chondrogenesis in the subsequent limb cultures and the effect was related to dose. After treatment with 150 mug/ml of the drug, the forelimbs of the early 11-day embryos (somite stage 26-29) showed an almost complete lack of cartilage, while the limbs of mid-11 th-day embryos (somite stage 32-34) were not nearly as sensitive and exhibited about 50% reduction in the amount of cartilage development. We conclude that if embryos in which the limb development is at a very early stage of development are exposed to BudR, the future course of limb differentiation is permanently and irreversibly damaged, resulting in a partial or even complete suppression of chondrogenesis in the organ. As both the dose and perhaps also the duration of treatment were critical, we suggest that the rather low frequency of reported limb malformations after in vivo injection of teratological doses of BudR may be due to only a small amount of the chemical reaching the embryos.


Cell patterning in migrating slugs of Dictyostelium discoideum.

When front quarters of migrating slugs of Dictyostelium discoideum are isolated by surgery and induced to friut immediately they produce fruiting bodies with disproportionately large stalks (Raper, 1940). The data in this communication show that the 'stalky' character of fruits derived from front quarters persists even if the cells of the front quarter are disaggregated and hence to reaggregate before fruiting. The data also demonstrate that friuts derived from rear quarters of slugs have disproportionately large spore heads, and that this effect becomes more pronounced with increasing age of the slugs. These observations support the view that the cells of the front and rear of migrating slugs are to some extent committed to different fates.


[Enzyme activities in serum of rabbits and rats-reference values and circadian alterations. Serum enzymes and factors that influence their activity,I (AUTHOR'S TRANSL)].

The activities of aspartate transminase (EC 2.6.1.1), alanine transminase (EC 2.6.1.2), alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1), acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2) leucine arylamidase (EC 3.4.1.1), aldolase (EC 4.1.2), lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27), malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.38) and cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) were measured in serum of male rabbits and albino Wistar rats in dlplicate by means of microliter techniques. Furthermore, the diurnal alterations of enzyme activity were established in 8--10 animals of both species. Aspartate transaminase activity in the serum of rats was found to be significantly higher than in the serum of humans and rabbits, and essentially lower alkaline phosphatase values were obtained from the serum of rabbits in comparison with those found for the serum of humans and rats. Relatively high acid phosphatase and aldolase values as well as a very low cholinesterase activity were found in the serum of rabbits and rats. The mean malate dehydrogenase-activity was found to be twice as high as the mean lactate dehydrogenase, which is the contrary of the situation found in human serum. No significant diural alterations of the examined enzyme activities were established. The differences found between the animal and the human enzyme activities in serum are explained by species-determined peculiarities of metabolism or specific enzyme configuration.


Nuclei, septation, branching and growth of Geotrichum candidum.

A study was made of growth, septation and branching in Geotrichum candidum, a mould which forms physiologically complete septa. A correlation was observed between septation and branch initiation; branches were almost invariably formed just behind septa. Primary branches and their parent intercalary compartments initially increased in length at an exponential rate before eventually attaining a constant rate of extension. The whole branching system (which eventually contained seven tips) produced by an intercalary compartment increased in length exponentially until it attained a total length of at least 1-5 mm. The total length and the number of nuclei of undifferentiated mycelia increased exponentially at the same specific growth rate. The results suggest that nuclei divide just before or just after arthrospore formation.


The relationship between the uptake of glucose and 3-O-methylglucose and soluble carbohydrate and polysaccharide in the fungus Dendryphiella salina.

When mycelium of Dendryphiella salina, pre-incubated in D-[I-14C]mannitol such that this is the only major labelled soluble carbohydrate present, absorbs glucose or the non-metabolized sugar 3-O-methylglucose, there is a specific stimulation of incorporation of 14C into alkali-insoluble, trichloroacetic-acid-soluble (1 leads to 4)-alpha-glucan, probably glycogen. There is also a net increase in the amount of glucan caused by stimulation of synthesis and inhibition of breakdown. Addition of 3-O-methylglucose results in the loss of mannitol into the medium. This loss and the reduced rate of replenishment from the glucan is important in the osmotic regulation of the hyphae. If osmotic adjustment does not occur, the hyphae do not show the specific incorporation of 14C into the glucan.


A chemically-defined medium for the growth of a ureolytic strain of Streptococcus faecium.

A chemically-defined medium was developed which supported growth of Streptococcus faecium and permitted synthesis of urease. This streptococcus cannot utilize ammonia and needs a complex medium, but its requirements are probably provided in the rumen. The specific activity of urease was inversely related to growth and in no medium was there high growth and high urease activity. Anaerobic culture and the presence of urea in the medium were essential for urease activity, but not for growth.


Occurrence of familial spastic paraplegia in only one of monozygous twins.

Three patients who suffer from spastic paraplegia are described who belong to two generations in one family. One of the patients, who has had symptoms and signs for at least 10 years, has a monozygous twin who is unaffected. Using blood groups and chromosomal polymorphisms, the probability of monozygosity is estimated to be 0.99986. The observation of nonpenetrance in familial spastic paraplegia suggests that environmental factors may be involved in provocation and emphasises the need for careful genetic counselling in this and related diseases.


Isolation of 4-ribitylamino-5-amino-2,6-dihydroxypyrimidine from a high flavinogenic mold Eremothecium ashbyii1.

The addition of glyoxal, a trapping agent, caused simultaneously the accumulation of a green fluorescent compound and the inhibition of riboflavin formation in non-growing cells of Eremothecium ashbyii. The fluorescent compound purified was identified as 8-ribityllumazine from the results of spectrophotometric and fluorometric analyses. Accordingly, the fragment, except for the glyoxal portion on the 8-ribityllumazine molecule, 4-ribitylamino-5-amino-2,6-dihydroxypyrimidine, is believed to be an intermediate in the riboflavin biosynthetic pathway.


Identification of the second product of the riboflavin synthetase reaction.

This study was concerned with the detailed identification of the second product involved in the riboflavin synthetase reaction with riboflavin synthetase from Eremothecium ashbyii and a trapping agent, glyoxal.Thus, a green fluorescent compound accumulated during the incubation. The compound was purified through various column chromatography steps, and was examined by UV, IR, excitation and emission spectra and paper chromatography to prove that the isolated compound was 8-ribityllumazine. Accordingly it was concluded that a second product in riboflavin synthetase reaction was 4-ribitylamino-5-amino-2,6-dihydroxypyrimidine, the fragment, except for C-6 and C-7 of 8-ribityllumazine, being an incorporated glyoxal portion.


Electrical excitability of cultured adrenal chromaffin cells.

1. Adult human and gerbil adrenal medullary cells were maintained in dissociated cell culture and studied by micro-electrode penetration. 2. In the best recordings, chromaffin cell transmembrane potentials exceeded -50mV. 3. Chromaffin cells were capable of generating all-or-nothing over-shooting action potentials, similar to those generated by sympathetic neurones. 4. The action potentials were blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX, 10(-6)g/ml.) but were not blocked by removal of Ca or by CoCl2 (10 mM). We conclude that the action potentials are probably generated by a Na mechanism. 5. Chromaffin cells are depolarized by the iontophoretic application of acetylcholine (ACh). This depolarization was accompanied by an increased membrane conductance and could trigger action potentials. 6. Action potentials were also found in cells in fresh slices of gerbil adrenal medullae.


[Classification of oscillatory states of blood pressure after bleeding in cats (author's transl)].

Blood pressure and heart rate responses were recorded on bleeding of blood volume of 1 ml/kg body weight (test input) from the abdominal aorta of cat. Forward path gain, backward path gain and minification were determined from blood pressure responses to test input. Oscillations in blood pressure were elicited spontaneously or artificially after bleeding of blood volume of 5 ml/kg body weight (conditioning input). The oscillatory states are classified into latent state, underdamped oscillatory state and harmonic oscillatory state. Open loop gain decreased in the latent state but increased in the other states. Therefore, oscillation was hard to elicit in the latent state. Minification, however, enlarged in the latent state, making the system irritable to disturbances and reducing its control accuracy. In the latent state, an insensible disturbance increased backward path gain and open loop gain to induce the oscillations. There was an increase of heart rate at an elicitation of oscillation in any state and a decrease of heart rate made it damped. Therefore, the heart rate regulatory system plays a main role in the feedback path of the blood pressure regulatory system and an increase of heart rate by an insensible disturbance or test input increases backward path gain.


Control of blood pressure oscillation elicited by bleeding.

1) A control objective regarding the blood pressure oscillation is to decrease the heart rate. 2) The transfusion of a small amount of blood at the bottom of a cycle in the oscillation is usually useful as a control plan for the blood pressure oscillation. 3) A partial occlusion of the abdominal aorta is effective in arresting the oscillation, but the oscillation starts again after releasing the abdominal aorta from the partial occlusion.


[Neuron activities of the motor cortex during conditioned eye blink reflex in rabbits (author's transl)].

Effects of the tone (CS) on neurons of the motor cortex were investigated in naive, pseudoconditioned, and conditioned rabbits. Conditioning to eye blink reflex was made by a combination of CS and air puff (US). Effects of electrical stimulation of the subcortical structures were also observed on the cortical neurons associated with the conditioned reflex. The results were as follows. (1) Proportion of neurons which significantly increased the firing rate in response to the CS, type E, was higher in the conditioned group than in other two groups. On the other hand, no group difference was found in the proportion of neurons which significantly decreased the firing rate to the stimulus, type I. (2) Most of the type E neurons in the conditioned rabbits began to fire at latencies of about 50 to 100 msec after the CS, preceding about 200 msec to the appearance of the peripheral conditioned responses (EMG). (3) Most of the type E neurons in the conditioned animals were more easily affected by stimulation of the medial geniculate body and the brain stem reticular formation. Based on the results mentioned above, it is concluded that in the rabbits conditioned to the eye blink reflex, excitability of neurons in the motor cortex is enhanced by the tone (CS), and by electrical stimulation to the medial geniculate body and the brain stem reticular formation.


[Mondor's disease. A radioclinical diagnosis, concerning one case (author's transl)].

The authors present a typical case of Mondor's disease of the superior external quadrant of the breast. They discuss two specific points: --the absence of superior-internal venous drainage; --the radiological picture given by a thrombosed vein.


Preparation of cultured cells for SEM: air drying from organic solvents.

Air evaporation from organic solvents of differing polarities and surface free energies was used in the preparation of cultured murine peritoneal macrophages for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface structural features of these cells were compared to the surfaces of similar cells prepared by the critical-point procedure. In general, all organic solvents produced a marked collapse of cell structure resulting in an increase in surface irregularity. Fracture surfaces and sharply defined contours including numerous flaps and ridges were characteristic of the non-polar solvent dehydrated samples. Polar solvent dehydrated samples, including those dried from solvents of low surface free energy, exhibited a secondary flowing and settling of the cell membrane. Primary collapse was apparent but cell contours were smoothed and rounded. Overall cell shape and cell-to-cell relationships were retained regardless of solvent type. It is suggested that solvent evaporation may prove useful in certain cases, though investigators are advised to use caution when interpreting the results obtained by such procedures.


Issues in the use of psychophysiology to assess female sexual dysfunction.

The viability of psychophysiology as an assessment approach for female sexual function and dysfunction revolves around physiological measurement issues, subjective measurement issues, and the nature of the sexual difficulty. Recent data are presented and discussed as are the potentials and limitations inherent in a psychophysiological study of human sexuality. A case is made for the use of vaginal pressure pulse as a primary measure, vaginal blood volume as a secondary measure, correlations between subjective and objective measures of sexual arousal, and intercorrelations between various subjective affect scales.


Androgens and male sexual function: a review of human studies.

The scope of this article will be a review and brief discussion of recently gathered information on androgens and sexual behavior in men. It will include experimental observations on the covariance between androgens, mainly testosterone, and sexual functioning in normal heterosexual men and studies on sexual dysfunction and homo-sexual behavior. The effects of castration, hypogonadal conditions, hormonal replacement, and endogenous testosterone variations on sexual behavior are examined. Further psychoendocrine studies, are necessary to evaluate the role of gonadal hormone production in impotency. Current pharmacological research does not furnish specific evidence, that the administration of androgens or preparations that stimulate the secretion of endogenous androgens have beneficial effects on functional impotence. After reviewing the studies on male homosexuality and androgen levels, the article concludes that it has not been established that homosexual men are characterized by abnormalities in plasma testosterone.


[Sub-urethral pouches in the adult female (author's transl)].

With reference to 15 cases, the authors carried out a diagnostic and therapeutic study of "suburethral pouches" in the adult female. They emphasize the importance of the micturition phase of intravenous pyelography and retrograde cystography. Retrograde urethrography is rarely necessary. Surgical indications must be limited by the undisputable risks of this form of surgery.


[The 3- and 4-point experiments and a test of homogeneity in binocular visual space (author's transl)].

The variability of the 2 parameters in the Luneburg model, sigma (the degree of depth perception) and K (the curvature of binocular visual space), was examined. The 3- and 4-point experiments were performed to estimate these parameters by using various sized stimulus configurations. For 2 of the Os used, it was found that the value of K was inversely related to the size of stimulus configuration (SSC) while the value of sigma was constant. This finding was discussed referring to previous investigations and problems: The discrepancy in the estimated values of K between the alley experiment and 3- and 4-point experiments, equidistance tendency, and angular separation problem in the traditional size constancy experiment.


[Effect of tone on perception of figures in children (author's transl)].

This experiment was designed to examine the effect of tone on the perception of figures in children, presenting a tone together with figures. On the basis of studies concerning sensory interaction, the factors producing perceptual changes of figures were also examined. It was found that the change of figure perception was caused by tones, not by suggestions nor by differences in pitch. Significant difference was obtained between the conditions with and without tones. The changes in color, shape, size, position and color shade were observed. As the extreme case of the inhibitional effect of color shades, the disappearance of figure perception was also observed. The results obtained in this experiment were discussed in relation to the sensory developmental study.


Experimental gastric ulcers in the fundic gland area following transplantation of the gastric-wall pedicles.

Using adult mongrel dogs, a portion of the anterior gastric wall of the pyloric gland area was transplanted into the fundic gland area using the Z-plastic procedure forming an islet. Three weeks postoperatively, 2 per cent histamine in sesame oil was injected intramuscularly in a daily dose of 2 mg/kg body weight. Ulcers developed in the graft in nine of 19 animals. The factors responsible to the development of the ulcers may well be circulatory disturbance and reduction of mucosal resistance following surgical insult, and continuous irritation caused by gastric juice. When a portion of the anterior gastric wall of the fundic gland area was transplanted into the fundic gland area followed by administration of histamine in sesame oil, ulcers developed in the graft only in four of 12 animals. Histological examination revealed the regenerated epithelium at the margin of the ulcers. Thus the ulcers presently induced may provide an useful experimental model for ulcers in the fundic gland area.


[Changes of arterial pressure and biosynthesis of corticosteroids in rats with neurogenic stress].

By way of a "psychogenic stimulation" (crowding for 1, 7 and 15 days) neurogenic hypertension was induced in male rats that developed in them within 11--15 days of the tsne of the stress. The biosynthesis of aldosterone, corticosterone, 11-dehydrocorticostrone and desoxycorticosterone by the adrenal glands of the rats in vitro from progesterone-14C appeared to greatly increased on the 1st day of stress. In 7 days of the beginning of stress the production of labelled corticosteroids fell to controlvalues (with the exception of 11-dehydrocorticosterone which production was growing still further). By the 15th day of stress reduction of the biosynthesis of aldosterone, corticosterone and desoxycorticosterone was observed, as well as normalization of the biosynthesis of 11-dehydrocorticosterone.


Effect of certain nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds on carotenogenesis in Verticillium agaricinum.

Pyridine, isonicotinoylhydrazide and 1-methylamidazole have been used to investigate carotenoid biosynthesis in V. agaricinum. The results suggest that both torulin (C40) and neurosporaxanthin (C35) are formed from the precursors phytoene and phytofluene. These was no evidence of lycopene accumulation under these conditions. After 4 days' growth in the presence of isocotinolyhydrazine the fungus contained torulin and neurosporaxanthin only, whereas after 7 days, seven other carotenoids appeared as well, some of which were at the early stages of carotenoid biosynthesis. There results cannot be explained on the basis of a system consisting of free enzymes but of an enzyme aggregate already proposed for Phycomyces.


Mycobacterium marinum infection from a tropical fish tank. Treatment with trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole.

A paronychial granuloma on the left thumb, in a man who kept tanks of tropical fish, was followed by cutaneous nodules on the left upper limb and tender lymph nodes in the left axilla. Mycobacterium marinum was isolated from the lesion on the thumb and also from the tank water. Subsidence of the lesions followed administration of trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole.


[Morphogenetic action of trichothecin on Trichothecium roseum].

Trichothecin and some conditions of cultivation, especially high concentrations of carbon favour differentiation of the submerged mycelium of Trichothecium roseum, i.e. formation of submerged conidia, bud forming cells, chlamidospores, chains of barrel-shaped cells capable of germination and development of new generations of the submerged mycelium. Biosynthesis of trichothecin is connected with growth of these generations of the mycelium which are characterized by a high dehydrogenase activity. Synthesis of fibrinolytic enzymes is also possible in the period of growth of a weakly differentiated mycelium.


[Possible participation of mitochondria in formation of peroxisomes in yeasts].

The origin of peroxisomes in yeast organisms is still unknown. These organelles are believed to be formed, similar to animal cells, from the endoplasmatic reticulum. However, this has not been confirmed directly. Peroxisomes are often found to be in contact with channels of the endoplasmatic reticulum and, in our experiments, with mitochondria of yeast organisms, especially those which utilize oleic acid, n-alkanes and methanol as a sole source of carbon. In Rhodotorula, peroxisomes are characterized by the same "bean" configuration and paired arrangement imitating "copulation" as mitocondria. In Kloeckera boidinii, a mitochondrion was transformed into a peroxisome and cristae were lost. A part of the peroxisome still possessed a double membrane typical of mitochondria while another part had a single membrane characteristic of peroxisomes. Further studies are being carried out in order to find if this is a general relationship or one of possibilities.


Isolation and characterization of compatible diploids of Schizophyllum commune.

Common-AB diploids with several heterozygous biochemical markers were mated with appropriately marked haploid strains of S. commune in an effort to obtain compatible, common-A, and common-B diploid progeny with biochemical markers identical to those of the common-AB parent. The spores from these crosses were germinated on minimal medium. Five compatible diploids, but no common-A or common-B diploids, marked as desired, were isolated by this method. Two possessed some dikaryotic cells and two had many dikaryotic cells. One of the latter was shown to have peculiar behaviour associated with one of its B mating-type factors.


The dominant lethal effect of dietary triethylenemelamine.

Triethylenemelamine (TEM) was administered in the diet to adult male mice at doses of 0.1, 0.3, 1, 10 or 50 mg/kg body weight for 45 days or at doses of 0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg b.w. for 10 days. As a comparison, male mice were treated intraperitoneally with 5 daily doses of 0.25 or 0.5 mg TEM/kg b.w. At the end of the treatment period, males were mated sequentially with 2 untreated virgin females each for 2 or 3 weeks. Near mid-pregnancy the number of implantation sites and fetal deaths were determined. TEM, administered in the diet at 10 or 50 mg/kg b.w. for 45 dyas, was lethal to male mice. Surviving males from the 1 mg/kg level failed to impregnate any females during the two matings. TEM, given in the diet at 0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg for 10 or 45 dyas, decreased fertility and increased dominant lethal mutations in a dose and time dependent manner. These results were comparable to those obtained from males treated i.p. with TEM at 0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg b.w.


Production of immunoglobulins by tumor cell lines from avian lymphoid leukosis.

Two avian lymphoma cell lines, 1104-X-5 and 1104-B, were examined for ability to produce immunoglobulin. They were found to produce and release the components of immunoglobulins related to IgG and IgM. The analysis of sucrose density gradient and gel electrophoresis suggested that these components might consist of light chains and fragments of heavy chains.


Activity of the nigro-striatal dopaminergic system during precipitated morphine withdrawal investigated in rats with acute unilateral inactivation of the striatum.

The activity of the striatal dopamine system during precipitated morphine withdrawl was studied in rats using a model in which the striatum was unilaterally inactivated by the local injection of KCl. In naive rats dopamine agonists administered just prior to KCL induced ipsilateral turning or circling, while dopamine antagonists in the same situation caused contralateral turning. Withdrawal precipitated by morphine antagonists in rats made dependent by repeated implantation of morphine pellets induced contralateral circling during unilateral inactivation of the striatum. This contralateral circling was only slightly enhanced by haloperidol, but strongly enhanced by a low dosage of apomorphine as well as by some weak dopamine agonists such as CB 154 or By 101. However, high doses of apomorphine completely reversed the withdrawal-induced contralateral circling into ipsilateral circling. Other dopamine agonists, such as d-amphetamine, L-Dopa and piribedil, did not abolish the withdrawal-induced contralateral circling, however, they caused the appearance of an additional ipsilateral circling. Other types of drugs which are known to intensify withdrawal-induced jumping (desipramine, atropine, caffeine) enhanced contralateral circling. There are also other parallels jumping and contralateral circling induced by withdrawal. The direction of naloxone-induced asymmetric behaviour during acute unilateral inactivation of the striatum suggests that striatal dopaminergic activity is reduced during precipitated withdrawal; the other results reported point to the possiblity that extrastriatal dopaminergic mechanisms or different dopamine receptor types within the striatum are involved.


Re-analysis of radiation-induced specific locus mutations in the mouse.

A re-analysis of published data on mouse mutation rates induced by X and gamma rays suggests that the kinetics of induction can be analysed by fitting the data to a parabolic curve. We interpret this to mean that a substantial proportion of the induced mutations results from gross chromosomal changes such as deletions, some of which are one-track and some of which are two-track. This analysis is based on the assumption that the shape of the dose curve, which in the female is concave upward, reflects the manner in which the mutations are induced rather than representing a one-track (linear) curve whose shape has been modified by differential repair.


[Maxillary artery to middle cerebral artery anastomosis in dog-- a new experimental model (author's transl)].

End-to-side anastomosis between the maxillary artery and a branch of the middle cerebral artery was performed in the dog. The technique was devised as a new experimental model for extracranial-intracranial arterial shunt operation. The middle cerebral artery was ligated at the origin through a subtemporal small burr hole under the operating microscope in 13 dogs. Then, the shunt operation was carried out in 8 dogs 4 hours after the ligation(acute state), and in 5 dogs 3 weeks after(chronic stage). The patency of the anastomotic site was evaluated by the selective external carotid angiography 2 weeks after the shunt operation. In the acute stage of 8 dogs, 7 cases showed patency of anastomosis (88%), and in the chronic stage of 5 dogs, arteriogram revealed 4 patent anastomosis (80%). In successful cases, arteriogram showed excellent filling of the entire territory of the middle cerebral artery through the shunts (Fig. 4, 5). Various types of experimental shunt operation were attempted in our review of the literature. Among them, the anastomosis between the superficial temporal artery and a branch of the middle cerebral artery by Yasargil (1967) is rather popular and this procedure has been used by some investigators including us to investigate the effect of the extracranial-intracranial shunt on experimental acute stroke. So far as dog's experiment is concerned, the superficial temporal artery appeared to be not suitable for a donor artery, because the superficial temporal artery runs far from the middle cerebral artery and its distal part is extremely small in caliber. Therefore, the superficial temporal artery was often obstructed by compression, kinking or narrowing by surrounding tissues and by adhesion to the bone edge of the burr hole. On the other hand, the maxillary artery of the dog, which is the largest terminal branch of the external carotid artery, has plenty of blood flow and suitable size for end-to-side anastomosis to the middle cerebral artery. In addition, maxillary artery is located very close to the proximal part of the middle cerebral artery. These anatomical and spatial advantage of the maxillary artery seemed to be favorable donor artery to the middle cerebral artery and have brought hight patency rate in our series of anastomosis than that of the other previous experimental extracranial-intracranial shunts. To our knowledge, this is the first report on successful patent shunt formation after long-term occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in animals. Now, it is in our mind that progress of the study can be expected  in the field of extracranial-intracranial shunt operation for cerebral infarction by this experimental procedure.


[Endocrinological evaluation of sellar and suprasellar tumor cases (the seventh report)--endcrinological study on four cases of pituitary adenoma with intratumoral hemorrhage (author's transl)].

Four cases of pituitary adenoma with intratumoral hemorrhage were studied endocrinologically. 1) It would be suggested that ACTH and TSH secretion of these cases was strongly impaired but LH, FSH and PRL secretion was fairly preserved immediately after hemorrhagic episode. 2) Two of these four cases revealed normal TSH secretion and normal thyroid function following the period of excessive TSH secretion and impaired thyroid function.


[Cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics in cerebral infarction--Numerical study with RI Anger camera (author's transl)].

Although the cerebral blood flow dynamics in cerebral infarction has already been studied by many investigators, the CSF flow dynamics in cerebral infarction has not been well discussed. The purpose of this paper is to investigate CSF flow dynamics in chronic cerebral infarction by RI cisternography and our new quantitative method. In 12 patients with cerebral infarction, the flow of CSF was estimated following intrathecal injection of 169Yb-DTPA or 111In-DTPA. In this study, in addition to the conventional cisternograms, quantitative evaluation of CSF flow was performed in 6 patients by our method. Our previous work included the quantitative CSF flow dynamics in 26 various cerebral disorders using RI Anger camera. This method consisted of following procedure: 30 minutes after RI injection, RI activity was studied continuously for 30 minutes, afterwards playing back the record to calculate the changes of RI activity in the optimal regions of interest. These operations were performed with Anger camera, accessory digital ratemeter and tape-recorder. The changes of RI activity which appeared to be linear is called flow rate in our study for convenience. In this report, the region of interest was selected at Sylvian cistern. 6 patients had abnormal cisternograms consisting of reflux of tracer into the ventricle and delayed migration of tracer to the basal cisterns and diminished flow of tracer in the affected hemisphers. In 5 patients whose cisternograms could not demonstrate the laterality of RI perfsion over the cerebral hemishere, a marked difference of flow rate between right and left Sylvian cisterns was found. These findings probably indicated the correlation between cerebral blood flow dynamics and CSF flow dynamics in cerebral infarction. Moreover, it was confirmed that our method could be of clinical use to evaluate CSF flow dynamics quantitatively. The possible mechanisms of CSF flow disturbance in the affected hemisphere following cerebral infarction was discussed.


[Intracranial collision tumor--A case report (author's transl)].

A 21-year-old man with nasopharyngeal tumor was  first admitted to the Nagoya University Hospital on April 15, 1972. He had difficulty in speaking and swallowing, and developed double vision prior to admission. A soft and yellow tumor was found in the nasopharynx and revealed typical features of chordoma. The patient underwent Co60 irradiation after the operation. On January 25, 1973, the patient developed double vision of severe degree. Microscopic examination of the specimen which was obtained at the time of the second operation in February 9, 1973, disclosed a coexistence (collision) of chordoma and hemangioblastoma. The two different tumors were situated in juxtaposition on histological examination. Co60 irradiation was added during his second hospitalization. Three months after the second operation, he developed symptoms of meningitis and was hospitalized for the third time on June 3, 1973, at which time the tumor tissue extended through the right frontal and middle fossa. The third operation was done with frontal craniotomy and tumor was partially removed. The histological diagnosis was hemangioblastoma. Postoperatively the patient went downhill and died on September 19, 1973. The report of a collision tumor of intracranial chordoma and hemangioblastoma is not found in the previous literature. There have been many theories as to the origin of collision tumor. Some investigators have proposed that the existence of hyperplastic blood vessels within the glioblastoma is responsible for the collision tumor of sarcoma and glioblastoma. Since the advent of radiotherapy, several examples of sarcoma have been discovered at postmortem examination in patient irradiated for treatment of cerebral neoplasm, both gliogeneous and nongliogenous, suggesting a possible relationship between the tumor and the radiation therapy. In our case, the chordoma showed neither hyperplastic blood vessels nor malignant pattern on histological examination. It was suspected that post-operative radiation induced the hemangioblastoma. The etiology was discussed from the review of literature.


[Co-existing aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation--case report (author's transl)].

A patient was presented with both an aneurysm of the frontobasal branch of the right anterior cerebral artery and an arterio-venous malformation fed by the same artery. A 36-year-old man with sudden headache, nausea and vomiting was admitted to the emergency clinic on July, 4, 1974. On admission, he was slightly lethargic and complained of severe headache. The blood pressure was 112 systolic and 64 diastolic. He showed no abnormal findings except for nuchal stiffness and bloody liquor (pressure 260 mmH2o). A right carotid angiogram revealed an aneurysm, 1.0 cm in diameter, on the frontabasal branch of the right anterior cerebral artery and distal to the aneurysm the artery continued to an arteriovenous malformation. No other vascular lesion was observed by other angiographies. On July, 24, 1974, the parent artery (frontobasal branch) of the aneurysm was clipped and the part of right frontal lobe containing the nidus excisted. The patient's post operative course was uneventful.


[Dermoid tumor in left cerebellum--A case report (author's transl)].

This paper describes a dermoid tumor which developed in the dorso-lateral area of the left cerebellar hemisphere. It is the first to be reported in Japan. The patient was a 31 year old female who suffered from severe occipital headaches, frequent vomiting and gait disturbances. Neurological findings on admission included marked bilateral choked discs, horizontal nystagmus on gaze to the left, and poor coordination on the finger to nose test, nose-finger-nose test and and heel-shin test on the left side. Left suboccipital craniectomy was performed. A tumor was found which displaced the left cerebellum anteromedially and inferiorly. The postero-lateral surface of the tumor was adherent to the overlying dura matter. It was completely removed and found to be about the size of a hen's egg. It contained a yellow, porridge-like substance and short hairs. Histological examination of the capsule of the tumor showed stratified squamous epithelium and cutaneous structures, such as hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The diagnosis was dermoid tumors. We could find as many as 78 cases of the posterior fossa dermoids in the literature. In 72 cases (92.4%), the mass existed along the midline in the posterior fossa. The dermoids developed in the cerebellar hemisphere were reported in only 6 cases (7.6%) including the present case. Laterally growing dermoids are considered to be very rare. The pathogenesis is discussed and the literature reviewed.