Extraocular muscle degeneration and regeneration after exposure of rats to incandescent radiant energy.

Exposure of albino rats to incandescent radiant energy for a short period of time in an elevated environmental temperature (39 degrees C) causes degenerative changes in the extraocular muscles. The muscle fibres regenerate and the muscles reorganize if the animals are returned to room lighting and temperature. Extraocular muscles (EOMs) were damaged first near their insertion on the eyeball. All EOMs of both eyes were affected, but the degeneration did not extend the entire length of the muscle. The peripheral fibres of each muscle were damaged before the more central fibres. Mitochondria were swollen and often contained dense bodies. Numerous vesicular profiles, possibly from the sarcotubular system, were present. Myofibrils of the more severely damaged fibres lacked typical Z-disk structures, and I-bands had disappeared by 24 h after the exposure period, a degenerative pattern which seems to be unique for this method of EOM damage. EOM degeneration appeared to be dependent on the interaction between thermal and radiant energy on the orbital contents. However, EOMs were only rarely and very slightly affected when rats were exposed to elevated temperature in the absence of incandescent radiant energy. When an opaque, black, ocular occluder was placed over one eye and the contralateral eye was left unoccluded, EOMs and retinas of occluded eyes were undamaged, while those tissues were severely damaged in unoccluded eyes. Therefore, the most critical single variable in inducing EOM degeneration appears to be exposure to radiant energy.


Insect peripheral nerves: accessibility of neurohaemal regions to lanthanum.

During incubation in vivo, exogenously applied ionic lanthanum comes to surround the numerous neurosecretory terminals which are found lying within or immediately beneath the acellular neural lamella ensheathing the nerves from fifth instar and adult specimens of Rhodnius prolixus. The lanthanum does not penetrate beyond the cellular perineurium, which completely surrounds the non-neurosecretory axons in these nerves and constitutes a form of 'blood-brain barrier'. In some cases, however, lanthanum is found in the vicinity of a neurosecretory axon lying beneath the perineurium, where it can be assumed to have leaked in from the neurosecretory terminal lying free in the neural lamella. When nerves are incubated in calcium-free media, regions with an attenuated perineurium become 'leaky', in that lanthanum is found lying in those extracellular spaces between axons and glia which lie immediately below the thin part of the perineurial layer. Bathing solutions made slightly hyperosmotic to the haemolymph with sucrose have no apparent disruptive effects on the barrier. When the tissues are incubated in more hypertonic solutions, the perineurial barrier becomes 'leaky' throughout, and tracer pervades beyond its cells into all the intercellular spaced between glia and axons. The possible role of the zonulae occludentes in both the maintenance of the perineurial barrier and in the formation of interglial occlusions to local penetration of exogenous substances is considered.


Affinity chromatography of DNA-binding proteins from human, murine and man-mouse hybrid cell lines.

About 60 proteins from human and murine cell lines were isolated by their ability to bind to different preparations of DNA. In the intact cell, the majority of these proteins are to be found in the cell nucleus. The electrophoretic mobilities of the DNA-binding proteins from human, murine and man-mouse hybrid cell lines were compared in two-dimensional acrylamide gels. Few, if any, species-specific differences were found. These observations suggest that the structures of the vast majority of the proteins that interact with DNA are conserved through evolution. A molecular basis is thus provided for the intracellular of hybrid cells derived from different animal species.


Correlation between resistance to actinomycin D, karyology, agglutination by concanavalin A and tumorigenicity in Chinese hamster hybrid cells.

Subclones isolated from a Chinese hamster hybrid line, derived from fusion of an actinomycin D-resistant and an actinomycin D-sensitive strain, were studied with respect to their resistance to actinomycin D, karyology, transplantability and agglutination by concanavalin A. Statistical analysis of the results allowed the establishment of a classification of the strains based on increasing resistance to actinomycin D. There appeared to be an inverse correlation between actinomycin D-resistance and tumorigenicity and a positive correlation between this resistance and the presence of a marker chromosome.


Intercellular adhesion and formation of aggregates in normal and Talpid-3 mutant chick limb mesenchyme.

It is demonstrated, using the Couette viscometer method, that talpid-3 mutant chick wing mesenchyme cells are more adhesive to one another than are normal cells. The relation of this to differences in the size and shape, and the internal architecture, of aggregates produced in rotation cultures of these cells was investigated. Sequences of sections through aggregates in all stages of formation, from 2-cell aggregates up to those with large cell numbers, were prepared. These confirm the theoretically predicted relationships among adhering cells which would produce the observed small, spherical talpid-3 aggregates and the larger, unevenly shaped normal aggregates. The cell contacts are further analysed with electron micrographs.


Sensitive method for the routine determination tricyclic antidepressants in plasma using a specific nitrogen detector.

The sensitivity of the alkali flame ionization detector to the tricyclic antidepressant drugs has been studied and limits of detection measured. A backflush system has been used to enable measurement in plasma extracts. A general method for the estimation of tricyclic plasma levels has been developed and exemplified by the measurement of imipramine at therapeutic levels.


Fluorimetric assay of dopamine, norepinephrine and their 3-O-methyl metabolites by using fluorescamine.

Fluorescamine was subjected to reaction with dopamine and norepinephrine (catecholamines) and with 3-methoxytyramine and normetanephrine (3-methyl metabolites of catecholamines) in phosphate or borate buffer. Catecholamines gave the highest fluorescent intensity at pH 8.0 in phosphate buffer but lower fluorescence in borate buffer. The fluorophores produced in phosphate or borate buffer were the same but the fluorescence intensities were suppressed in borate buffer. The dopamine and norepinephrine fluorophores were separated by high-pressure liquid chromatography on Hitachi 3011 gel with methanol-0.10 M Tris buffer of pH 8.0 (7:3). They were measurable at the 100-pmole level. The metabolites were also measurable by the same chromatography. By using methanol-0.15 M borate buffer of pH 8.0, cate-chol-O-methyltransferase activity might be assayed.


Chromatographic and spectroscopic methods for the identification of alkaloids from herbarium samples of the genus Uncaria.

A combination of thin-layer chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, ultraviolet spectroscopy and mass spectrometry techniques for the alkaloid screening of herbarium samples of the genus Uncaria (Rubiaceae) is described. Some sixty alkaloids are distinguished by the screening procedure, and they represent heteroyohimbine, oxindole, roxburghine, simple beta-carboline, pyridino-indolo-quinolizidinone and gambirtannine types.


Gas chromatographic method for the microdetermination of barbiturates in blood using a nitrogen-selective flame ionization detector.

A rapid, quantitative gas-liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of as little as 10 ng of unmodified barbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital, and hexobarbital from whole blood is described. The method involves one extraction from whole blood into chloroform with subsequent injection into a gas chromatograph equipped with a nitrogen-sensitive flame ionization detector. This method has the advantages of small sample size high specificity, sensitivity, and rapidity.


Gas chromatography of volatile fatty acids. Method involving separation from biological material by vacuum distillation.

A method is described for the quantitation of C2-C5 volatile fatty acids present in biological tissues. It involved recovery of the acids from their biological matrix by vacuum micro-distillation at room temperature, followed by gas phase separation of aqueous solutions on orthophosphoric acid-modified Phasepak Q columns. The subsequent gas chromatographic procedure resolved iso from normal isomers and showed a linear response for each volatile acid over the range 10-400 ng. There was no evidence of ghosting, isomer peak broadening, or peak tailing. Relative molar response values were shown to be linear with carbon number for all the volatile  fatty acids studied.


Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry of derivatives of amino acids. Oxazolin-5-ones of several acyl-leucines.

By the action of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide on fourteen different acyl-leucines in ethyl acetate solution, the corresponding oxazolin-5-ones were formed. The reaction was quantitative and very rapid. The oxazolin-5-ones were separated on a gas chromatograph on OV-7 and EGA columns. The mass spectra of the oxazolin-5-ones showed characteristic fragments that could be used for identification.


Determination of trichloroethanol at therapeutic and overdose levels in blood and urine by electron capture gas chromatography.

A specific and sensitive gas chromatographic method for the determination of trichloroethanol, the active metabolite of chloral hydrate, in blood and urine is reported. A simple dilution of the sample with an ethanolic solution of internal standard followed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection is described. The method has been used to determine plasma levels after therapeutic dosing with chloral preparations.


High-pressure liquid chromatographic determination of propoxyphene hydrochloride in tablets and capsules.

The determination of propoxyphene hydrochloride by gas chromatography (GC) has been examined. Under a number of operating conditions significant on-column decomposition has occurred. The amounts of decomposition have been found to be dependent on sample size, flow-rate, column temperature, liquid phase loading, and solid support material. In view of this work a high-pressure liquid chromatographic procedure for quantitating propoxyphene hydrochloride has been developed. This method has been found to be specific for propoxyphene hydrochloride in the presence of its heat decomposition products formed with and without acetaminophen. This method does not suffer from problems associated with GC procedures.


Fractionation of mammalian DNA on deae-cellulose.

Chromatography on a DEAE-cellulose (DE-52) column of native and denatured DNA from P388F cells has been studied. The main bulk of native DNA is eluted at 0.8M NaC1 and a minor fraction is eluted with 0.5N NaOH. The proportion of the DNA components obtained depends on the type of isotopic labelling used and the method of storing of the DNA preparation following isolation. Heat-denatured DNA elutes in 2 M NaC1 mainly within the pH gradient form 0.1 M NH4OH. When native DNA is chromatographed on DEAE-cellulose, a small fraction of the DNA elutes at 0.5 N NaOH. This fraction is double-stranded, as determined by hydroxyapatite chromatography. A similar component predominates, however, when "newly synthesised" DNA is fracionated. The profiles obtained with "newly synthesised" and "template" labelled DNA differ in their undenatured and heat-denatured configurations. The presence of formaldehyde during the chromatography of undenatured DNA leads to an increased homogeneity of the profile and during heat denaturation considerable modifications to the profile are observed. Some of the changes can be explained in terms of a decrease in the heterogeneity of the charge distribution on the DNA. The technique appears to combine a high degree of reproducibility with sensitivity to charge clustering along the DNA.


Thin-layer chromatographic method for determining carbamazepine and two of its metabolites in serum.

A sensitive and highly specific thin-layer chromatographic method for determining simulataneously serum levels of carbamazepine and two of its major metabolites, carbamazepine-10 11-epoxide and 10, 11-dihydroxycarbamazepine, is presented. Serum (1 mug) was spotted directly onto the thin-layer plate and, after irrigation, the separated spots were converted into fluorescing compounds by exposing the plates to hydrogen chloride gas for 5 min and then to strong ultraviolet radiation from a mercury lamp for 20 min. The fluorescence was measured quantitatively using a spectrofluorimeter equipped with a thin-layer chromatogram scanning attachment. Two microlitres of serum are sufficient for a duplicate determination.


Quantitative determination of cortisol in human plasma by high-pressure liquid chromatography.

A method is described for the determination of cortisol in human plasma by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The simplified extraction procedure makes the method applicable to routine clinical assays. Partition chromatography is carried out on a Zorbax-Sil column with the eluent system dichloromethane-ethanol-water. A 78% recovery was obtained for cortisol. The detection limit is 1 mug per 100 ml in 1 ml of plasma. Cortisol values were determined in samples from a random selection of patients.


Improved method for the simultaneous determination of phenobarbital, primidone and diphenylhydantoin in patient's serum by gas-liquid chromatography.

A quantitative gas-liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of phenobarbital, primidone and diphenylhydantoin in human serum is described. A double extraction is employed to improve the removal of interfering substances. The N,N-dimethyl derivatives of the compounds are prepared by "oncolumn" methylation with 50% Methelute. Decomposition of phenobarbital to N-methyl-a-phenylbutyramide was negligible if the contact time with Methelute was less than 10 min. The drugs were stable in serum for at least two weeks. This procedure provides a rapid, sensitive, selective and accurate method for the routine determination of serum concentrations of three of the most commonly prescribed anticonvulsant drugs.


Quantitative thin-layer chromatography of pesticides.

Thus, it may be seen that quantitative TLC for pesticide residue analysis is still in an exploratory stage. Most work to date has been in method development with few actual field applications. At its best, quantitative TLC offers a viable alternative to gas chromatography or high speed liquid chromatography in terms of flexibility, cost, convenience and sensitivity. The availability of good instrumentation and sensitive methods of analysis for many compounds should lead to a wider acceptance and application of these techniques.


Plasma chromatography of pesticides.

Plasma chromatography (ion-drift spectrometry) has not yet been fully exploited as an analytical technique, and there are few reports of applications available. The high sensitivity of this technique would seem to make it potentially valuable for the analysis of pesticides and metabolites at residue levels. This article presents ion mobility (plasma chromatographic) spectra for twenty-three pesticides and/or metabolites, predictions on limits of detection, an analytical curve, an application to the analysis of liquid chromatographic fractions and several other observed phenomena.


Sampling and analysis of pesticides in the environment.

Environmental monitoring is now recognized as essential in areas of pesticide use in order to assess the impact of these pesticides on the environment. During the last two decades, advances in instrumentation in terms of detection limits and specificity, along with the growing expertise of residue chemists, have made reports of pesticide residue levels in the parts per billion range commonplace. Using this technical ability and carefully assessing the significance of the data obtained, pesticides can be used in a more efficacious manner with less possible damage to the environment.


Immunoglobulins and complement components in synovial fluid of patients with acute rheumatic fever.

Three components of complement and six other serum proteins were assayed in synovial fluid and serum samples from 25 patients with acute rheumatic fever in Trinidad.  The resulting data indicate a relative decrease in both early and late components of complement within the synovial fluids which suggests local activation by immune complexes. Such activation of complement within the joint spaces may play a primary role in development of the  inflammatory arthritis of acute rheumatic fever.


The ontogenesis of human fetal hormones.  III. Prolactin.

The synthesis and release of human prolactin (hPRL) in the human fetus was assessed by radioimmunoassay analysis of the content and concentration of hPRL in 82 pituitary glands and the concentration of serum hPRL in 47 fetuses of gestational age 68 days to term. Fetal hPRL exhibited parallelism with the reference standard (Lewis 203-1). hPRL was detected by 68 days of gestation (10 wk), the earliest fetal pituitary gland studied; 8 out of 33 pituitaries had a prolactin (PRL) content above 2.0 ng between 10-15 wk gestation. The mean ocntent of PRL in the pituitary gland increased sharply from 14.8 plus or minus 4.6 ng at 15-19 wk to 405 plus or minus 142 ng at 20-24 wk and 542 plus or minus ng at 25-29 wk gestation. By term, the mean content was 2,039 plus or minus 459 (range 493-3,689) and the mean concentration 15.9 plus or minus 2.4 ng/mg (range 7-20). There was a significant positive correlation (P less than 0.001) between the hPRL and human growth hormone (hGH) content of fetal pituitary glands; at term the hPRL/hGH ratio was 1/290. The concentration of serum hPRL between 12 and 24 wk ranged from 2.9 to 67 ng/ml, mean 19.5 plus or minus 2.5 ng/ml )n = 21); by 26 wk fetal serum hPRL increased sharply and attained levels of 300-500 ng/ml in late gestation. At delivery, the mean plasma concentration of hPRL was 167 plus or minus 14.2 ng/ml in 36 umbilical venous specimens and 111.8 plus or minus 12.3 ng/ml in the matched maternal venous specimens. No correlation between serum hPRL and the pituitary content or concentration of hPRL was demonstrable in 12 matched fetal specimens. In five anencephalic infants, umbilical venous hPRL levels were between 65 and 283 ng/ml. In two anencephalic infants, thyrotropin releasing factor (TRF) (200 mug IV) evoked a rise in serum hPRL in one patient from 43 to 156 ng/ml at 30 min, and in the other from 65 to 404 ng/ml at 120 min. In both patients, plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) rose from undetectable base-line levels to peak levels of 97 and 380 muU/ml, respectively. The pattern of change in serum hPRL in the human fetus contrasts sharply with that of serum hGH, luteinizing hormone, or follicle-stimulating hormone. These observations in the fetus and in anencephalic infants suggest that the striking elevation of serum PRL in the fetus is neither mediated by a putative PRL releasing factor or by TRF, nor is a consequence of suppression or absence of PRL release inhibiting factor alone, as a functional hypothalamus is not required to attain the high PRL concentration at term. Several lines of evidence support the view that high plasma estrogen levels characteristic of gestation act directly on the fetal anterior hypophysis to stimulate PRL secretion or to sensitize the secretory mechanism of the lactotrope, increasing its responsiveness to other stimuli.


Complement breakdown products in plasma from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and patients with membranoproliferative or other glomerulonephritis.

A dynamic estimation of the involvement of the complement system in various diseases was obtained by the direct quantitation of breakdown products of C3 and of properdin factor B. The methods used were based, first on the separation of native and fragmented molecules according to their molecular size through a precipitation with polyethylene glycol and, secondly, on an immunochemical quantitation, using specific antisera for the major antigens of C3 and factor B. The sensitivity and the specificity of these methods were demonstrated by activation of complement in vitro with generation of C3 and factor B fragments. A clinical investigation was carried out in 41 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 31 with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), 26 with other types of glomerulonephritis, and 6 with severe alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. The following observations were made: (a) an elevated plasma level of C3d fragment of C3 was found in 68% of SLE patients, in 87% of MPGN patients, in 62% of patients with other hypocomplementemic nephritis, and in 15% of those with normocomplementemic nephritis, but in only 33% of patients with liver cirrhosis and very low levels of C3; (b) a significant difference was observed between the levels of C3 obtained with either anti-"native" C3 or anti-C3c sera for immunochemical quantitation, in patients with SLE or MPGN, indicating the presence of "altered" or fragmented C3 in plasma; (c) an elevated plasma level of Ba fragment of properdin factor B was found in 46% of SLE patients, in 67% of MPGN patients, in 50% of patients with other hypocomplementemic nephritis, and in 9% of patients with normocomplementemic nephritis, while the level of properdin factor B was only slightly decreased in these diseases; (d) in SLE and MPGN there was an inverse correlation between the levels of C3d and Ba and the level of C3 in plasma. The level of these fragments was directly correlated with the clinical manifestations of SLE; (e) some patients with a normal C3 level exhibited an elevated plasma concentration of C3 and factor B fragments, suggesting the coexistence of an increased synthesis with a hypercatabolism of complement components. Therefore, the quantitation of complement breakdown products by simple immunochemical methods provides additional information concerning the involvement of complement in disease and new features for the evaluation of the intensity of immune reactions during immune complex diseases.


Effects of acute unilateral renal denervation in the rat.

Studies were undertaken to characterize the renal responses to acute unilateral renal denervation and the mechanisms involved in these responses. Denervation was produced in anesthetized nondiuretic rats by application of phenol to the left renal artery. Studies were also performed in sham-denervated nondiuretic rats. Whole kidney and individual nephron studies were performed before and after denervation or sham denervation. Denervation increased urine volume from the left kidney to about twice its control value (P less than 0.001) and increased urinary sodium excretion from 332 neq min minus -1 to 1,887 neq min minus -1 (P less than 0.001). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) remained unchanged in both kidneys after the procedure. The innervated right kidney showed no changes in urine volume or in sodium excretion. After denervation, late proximal ratio of tubular fluid inulin concentration to that of plasma [(F/P)In] decreased from 2.23 to 1.50 (P less than 0.001) while single nephron GFR remained unchanged. Absolute reabsorption decreased from 16.5 to 9.9 n. min minus -1 (P less than 0.001). (F/P)In ratios were also decreased in early distal (from 6.21 to 3.18, P less 0.001) and late distal convolutions (from 16.41 to 8.33, P less than 0.001) during the experimental period. (F/P)Na ratios remained unchanged in the early distal convolutions, but increased from 0.18 to 0.38 (P less than 0.01) in late distal convolutions after denervation. Absolute Na reabsorption after denervation increased in the loop of Henle, distal convolution, and collecting ducts. Any changes in intrarenal hydrostatic pressures after denervation were always small. There were no changes in GFR, RPF, urine volume, urinary sodium excretion, or late proximal (F/P)In after sham denervation. We conclude that the diuresis and natriuresis seen after acute renal denervation were caused by a marked depression of sodium and water reabsorption in the proximal tubule with partial compensation in more distal nephron segments. These responses appeared to be unrelated to systemic or intrarenal hemodynamic changes. The results demonstrate an effect of the renal nerves on proximal tubular function.


Effect of continuous infusion of pentagastrin on lower esophageal sphincter pressure and gastric acid secretion in normal subjects.

Bolus injections of gastrin or pentagastrin (PG) cause a marked elevation in lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), and it has been suggested that serum gastrin concentration is the main physiological and pathophysiological regulator of LESP. We evaluated this hypothesis by measuring LESP and gastric acid secretion simultaneously in normal subjects during continuous infusion of PG (0.004-12 mjg/kg per h), since continuous infusion of a hormone probably simulates physiological hormone release better than bolus injection. In groups of 8-13 subjects there was no statistically significant increase in average LESP with any of seven PG infusion rates. However, a bolus of PG superimposed on the continuous infusion of PG resulted in a 20-mm Hg increase in LESP. Examination of results in individual subjects suggested that PG by infusion might be stimulating LESP in some subjects and inhibiting it in others. Therefore, individual dose-response studies were performed in two normal subjects. These revealed that 0.9 mug/kg per h PG by infusion elevated LESP by 10-12 mm Hg. This dose of PG also elicited maximal rates of gastric acid secretion. In one of the subjects an infusion of PG calculated to give one-half maximal acid secretion (D50) elevated LESP by 8 mm Hg; in the other the PG-D50 for acid secretion had no effect on sphincter pressure. Infusion of smaller amounts of PG had no effect on LESP, even though gastric acid secretion was stimulated submaximally. Thus, the parietal cells are more sensitive than the lower esophageal sphincter to the effect of PG by infusion. We conclude that PG by continuous infusion elevates LESP to only a modest degree (compared with the contraction that occurs after bolus injections of PG) and that the contraction occurs only within a narrow dose range between the D50 and D100 for acid secretion. Higher doses cause transient relaxation of LESP. Additional studies showed that basal LESP varied between 16 and 71 mm Hg in two subjects studied on 29 separate occasions, but there was no correlation with basal acid secretion. This suggests that the wide day-to-day fluctuations in basal LESP are not due to changing concentrations of gastrin in serum. The results of these experiments cast doubt on the hypothesis that serum gastrin concentration is the major determinant of LESP.


Bile alcohol metabolism in man.  Conversion of 5beta-cholestane-3alpha, 7alpha,12alpha, 25-tetrol to cholic acid.

To study the role of C25-HYDROXY BILE ALCOHOLS AS PRECURSORS OF CHOlic acid, [G-3-H]5beta-cholestane-3alpha,7alpha12alpha,25-tetrol was administered intravenously to two subjects with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) and two normal individuals. One day after pulse labeling, radioactivity was present in the cholic acid isolated from the bile and feces of the subjects with CTX and the bile of the normal individuals. In the two normal subjects, the sp act decay curves of [G-3-H]-cholic acid were exponential, and no traces of [G-3-H]-5beta-cholestane-3alpha,7alpha,12alpha,25-tetrol were detected. In contrast, appreciable quantities of labeled 5beta-cholestane-3alpha,-7aopha,12alpha,25-tetrol were present in the bile and feces of the CTX subjects. The sp act vs. time curves of fecal [G-3-H]5beta-cholestane-3alpha,7alpha,12alpha,25-tetrol and [G-3-H]-cholic acid showed a precursor-product relationship. Although these results suggest that 5beta-cholestane-3alpha,7alpha,12alpha,25-tetrol may be a precursor of cholic acid in man, the possibility that C26-hydroxy intermediates represent the normal pathway can not be excluded.


Simulation of lung tissue properties in age and irreversible obstructive syndromes using an aldehyde.

Weak solutions of CHOH alter tissue properties, probably by forming intermolecular cross-linkages. The maximum length (Lmax) to which alveolar wall can be extended is reduced. If exposed to CHOH while extended, the resting length (LO) of alveolar wall increases. Maximum extensibility (Lambdamax equal to Lmax/LO) decreases. Similar changes are found in the alveolar wall of man with aging and are significantly more marked in patients with irreversible obstructive pulmonary syndromes. A reduction in the energy loss of the length-tension cycle (hysteresis) was seen after exposure to CHOH, however, that does not occur with age or in obstructive syndromes. Because an exposure of alveolar wall to elastase increases LO and hysteresis, we used a staged exposure to CHOH followed by elastase. Tissue suitably prepared by exposure to CHOH followed by elastolysis better simulates the tissue changes of age and irreversible obstructive syndromes.


The measurement of nephron filtration rate and absolute reabsorption in the proximal tubule of the rabbit kidney.

Micropuncture studies were performed in the rabbit to determine nephron filtration rate and absolute fluid reabsorption in the proximal tubule in order to compare the latter value with data obtained with the in vitro microperfusion technique.  New Zealand white rabbits, 2-2.8 kg, were studied.  Nephron filtration rate was 21 nl/min (n equal to 48) and absolute reabsorption along the length of the accesible portion of the proximal convoluted tubule was 10.3 nl/min.  Correcting this value for tubular length gives a fluid reabsorption of approximately 1.9 nl/mm per min.  In view of the marked difference between the in vivo and in vitro techniques and the various sources of error with each, this is reasonably similiar to the value of 1.3 nl/mm per min obtained in the isolated proximal convoluted tubule.


A molecular defect in thrombasthenic platelets.

An IgG antibody found in the serum of a thrombasthenic patient reacted in complement fixation with platelets from 350 normal individuals but was nonreactive with platelets from eight other thrombasthenic patients. ADP-induced aggregation of normal platelets was inhibited by the patient's antibody. Family studies using the quantitative complement fixation test showed that healthy heterozygotes were easily distinguishable from normal or thrombasthenic individuals since their platelets had an intermediate amount of the reactive antigen. Indirect immunoprecipitation tests using this serum and soluble membrane antigens labeled with iodine-125 that had been extracted from normal platelets by the detergent Nonidet P-40 gave a single radioactive peak at 120,000 mol wt in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A similar estimate of the molecular weight was obtained from Sephadex G-200 filtration of the soluble antigens extracted from normal platelets by spontaneous release or chaotropic agents and tested in complement fixation with the patient's serum. These findings strongly suggest that the molecule recognized by this antibody is absent or structurally modified in thrombasthenia cases and that it may be involved in platelet aggregation.


Binding of the products of prothrombin activation to human platelets.

Binding of prothrombin and activation intermediates 1 and 2 to human platelets was tested with 125-I-labeled protein preparations.  None of these precursors of thrombin bound to platelets under conditions in which high affinity binding of thrombin was observed,nor did they cause platelet aggregation or serotonin release.  The molecular conformation required for binding to platelets as well as for induction of platelet aggregation and release is present, therefore, only after the final step in prothrombin activation.


Metabolism in immunoreactive parathyroid hormone in the dog.  The role of the kidney and the effects of chronic renal disease.

The role of the kidney in the metabolism of parathyroid hormone (PTH) was examined in the dog. Studies were performed in awake normal and uremic dogs after administration of bovine parathyroid hormone (b-PTH) or synthetic amino terminal tetratricontapeptide of b-PTH (syn b-PTH 1-34). The renal clearance of immunoreactive PTH was determined from the product of renal plasma flow and the percent extraction of PTH immunoreactivity by the kidney. Blood levels of circulating immunoreactive PTH were determined by radioimmunoassay. The normal dog kidney extracted 20 plus or minus 1% of the immunoreactive b-PTH delivered to it, and renal clearance (RC) of immunoreactivity was 60 ml/min. When RC was compared to an estimate of total metabolic clearance (MCR) of immunoreactivity, it accounted for 61% of the total. Both MCR and RC were markedly decreased in dogs with chronic renal disease. However, the percent extraction of immunoreactive PTH was unchanged in chronic renal disease, and the observed decrease in RC was due to changes in renal plasma flow. The largest portion of the reduction in total MCR was accounted for by the decrease in RC, and there was no compensation for the decrease in RC by extrarenal sites of PTH metabolism.


A quantitative ultrastructural study of microtubule content and secretory granule accumulation in parathyroid glands of phosphate- and colchicine-treated rats.

Microtubule involvement in secretory events of the parathyroid gland was investigated in rats treated with colchicine and/or phosphorus, agents which have been shown to modify parathyroid secretion.  Quantitative ultrastructural techniques were used in an effort to assess the cytoplasmic microtubule and secretory granule content of chief cells 3 h after treatment, when hypocalcemia was well established.  After cochicine administration, the chief cells appeared to have lost all assembled microtubules and accumulated greater than normal amounts of cytoplasmic secretory granules.  On the other hand, phosphorus treatment was associated with increased microtubule content although the cytoplasmic content of secretory granules remained unchanged.  When colchicine and phosphorus were given concomitantly, microtubules were again absent, but the secretory granule content of the cells was markedly increased.  These data provide direct evidence that colchicine disrupts assembled microtubules in chief cells of rat parathyroids; the consequence of this effect appears to be a blockage of hormone release which is reflected in the accumulation of secretory granules in the cell.  The fact that microtubules also show a significant increase in content when hormone release from chief cells is presumed to increase, suggests that microtubules may participate in the physiological control of parathyroid hormone secretion.


A perinatal mortality survey in south-east London, 1970-73: the pathological findings in 726 necropsies.

The primary necropsy finding are presented for 726 perinatal deaths; the classification of the 1958 British Perinatal Mortality Survey is used, and results of the two surveys are compared. Lethan malformation has replaced intrapartum hypoxia as the most common cause of perinatal death. There has been substantial reduction in intracranial trauma but an increase in intraventricular haemorrhage and, possible, extrapulmonary infection. Chromosome abnormalities occurred in 28 of 500 karyotyped infants (5-6 per cent). Indications for genetic counselling, and antenatal diagnosis in any subsequent pregnancy, were apparent in 10 per cent of cases.


Resolution of antibiotic mixtures in serum samples by high-voltage electrophoresis.

The use of high-voltage electrophoresis and bioautography for the separation mixtures of antibiotics received in clinical serum samples is described. The electrophoretic characteristics of 39 antibiotics are given as is the accuracy of the method  for quantitating three antibiotics. In screening 189 consecutive serum samples submitted for routine antibiotic assay, undisclosed antibiotics were revealed by the technique in 35.


Toxoplasma encephalitis complicating Hodgkin's disease.

A case of Toxoplasma encephalitis is described in a patient who had received much immunosuppressive therapy for Hodgkin's disease. Such cases have been reported in immune suppressed patients outside the United Kingdom, but a search  of the literature has not revealed any previous reports from this country. Since Toxoplasma gondii is a frequent pathogen and states of immune suppression are becoming more common, further cases, can be expected. Recognition of the clinical and pathological features is important because the condition can be treated.


Effect of clotrimazole on Naegleria fowleri.

The sensitivity of 18 strains of Naegleria fowleri to clotrimazole (Bay b5097) was tested. They showed minimal inhibitory concentrations in the range 0-03-0-125 mug/ml, and minimal amoebicidal concentrations in the range 0-125-0-25 mug/ml. Mice inoculated with N. fowleri were not protected from infection by doses of 100 mg clotrimazole/kg per day given  for five days after inoculation. Mice had serum levels of up to 6 mug/ml in the first 32 hours after inoculation. Therefore clotrimazole appears to be ineffective in protecting against infection with N. fowleri.


Cor pulmonale due to tumour embolism derived from intrasinusoidal metastatic liver carcinoma.

Two cases of primary breast carcinoma are described, both terminating in acute cardiorespiratory failure due to multiple tumour micro-embolism. In both cases the source of the  emboli was extensive metastatic intrasinusoidal carcinomatous infliltration of the liver. The association of these two uncommon conditions has not previously been reported. A brief review of the literature pertaining to diffuse intrasinusoidal metastatic carcinomaof the liver and to carcinomatous pulmonary embolism is included. The latter condition may be commoner and of greater clinical significance than his hitherto been appreciated. Some of the factors which may be responsible for this peculiar type of tumour dissemination are discussed.


Inverted follicular keratosis.

Attention is drawn to a benign skin tumour which has escaped recognition in the British lieterautre. Inverted folliculr keratosis can be mistaken clinically for basal cell carcinoma and a variety of benign skin lesions. Pathologically it is easliy confused with squamous carcinoma, a serious error because this lesion occurs dominantly on the face. The lesion is thought to arise from the infundibulum of hair follicte.


The renal pathology in a case of lithium-induced diabetes insipidus.

A case of lithium-induced diabetes insipidus is reported. At necropsy microscopy shoed unique and extensive damage to cells lining the distal nephron. It is suggested that these changes represent a specific toxic effect of lithium, reported here for the first  time in man.


Systemic endotheliomatosis: a case report.

A 48-year-old Caucasian man was found to have a rare neoplastic process of vascular endothelial origin. The clinical presentation was that of plum-colored cutaneous plaques of the lower extremities. The histopathology, natural history, and treatment of this case are discussed and compared with previously reported cases. It is suggested that this disease entity represents a malignant state with systemic involvement and a poor prognosis.


Postmortem assay of digoxin by radioimmunoassay.

Analysis of postmortem blood samples from patients previously on maintenance digoxin therapy suggests that the results are of value in assessing the degree of digitalization at the time of death. Control cases gave results within the normal therapeutic range wheras of six cases in which digoxin was suspected of being implicated in the death five had 'serum' digoxin levels above the therapeutic range. Differences in digoxin concentration were noted in blood collected from three sites in the body, and it is suggested that postmortem blood should be collected from the leg veins if assessment of antermortem digitalization is to be made.


Behaviour of commercially prepared I-125 fibrinogen in metabolic studies.

In-vivo studies of fibrinogen metabolism were carried out using an I-120 labelled preparation of fibrinogen  supplied commercially by the Radiochemical Centre, Amerhsham for use in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis. These studies show that the material is suitable for obtaining the main metabolic parameters of clinical interest, though degradation products may be present initially or appear during storage. If suitable corrections are applied the results agree well with those of other authors.


Anticoagulant activity of heparin in intravenous fluids.

The anticoagulant activity of heparin dissolved in intravenous solutions was measured by two different methods of heparin assay. Both procedures showed markedly reduced anticoagulant activity within four hours after the addition of heparin to the solutions. When measured according to the procedure of Yin, heparin  in the intravenous solutions fully regained its lost anticoagulant activity after 24 hours at room temperature. When measured by the thrombin time, however, the heparin anticoagulant activity reamained reduced. The source of heparin, from either the lung or intestine, does not explain the reduction in anticoagulant activity. Although its cause is unknown, the erratic behaviour of heparin in intravenous solutions stresses the importance of a  laboratory monitor of heparin therapy.


Effect of oral contraceptives on factor VIII clotting activity and factor VIII related antigen in normal women.

The factor VIII clotting activity (VIIIc1 and factor VIII related antigen (VIIIRAg) were determined repeatedly in 24 pairs of age-matched normal women, one of each pair being on oral contraceptives. No significant differences in either parameter or in the VIIIc/VIIIRAg ration were found between the two groups ,although the mean factor VIII clotting activity and VIIIc/VIIIRAg ratios for women on oral contraceptives were very slightly higher than for those not on oral contraceptives.


Eosinophil chemotaxis of supernatants from cultured Hodgkin's lymph node cells.

Cultured lymph node cell supernatants from five out of six cases of Hodgkin's disease were relatively more chemotactic for peripheral blood eosinophils than neutrophils. In contrast, supernatants from two cases of lymphocytic lymphoma and four nodes showing reactive hyperplasia were chemotactic for neutrophils but had little eosinophil chemotactic activity. In most instances the dgree of eosinophil infiltration observed histologically in the Hodgkin's lymph node correlated with elaboration of eosinophil chemotactic activity from the cultured cells. Following gel-filtration of three of the Hodgkin's lymphnode supernatants, four peaks of eosinophil chemotactic activity were demonstrated in each case. One of these corresponded in molecular size to th previously described eosinophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis (ECF-A). It is suggested that the eosinophil chemotactic activity of cultured lymph node cell supernatants may be on value in the diagnosis and classification of Hodgkin's disease.


Diagnositic value of serum bile acid estimations in liver disease.

Bile acid concentrations  were estimated enzymatically in fasting and postprandial (two-hour) serum samples from 18 normal subjects and 30 patients with  histologically proven hepatobiliary disease. The serum bile acid concentration was less than 15 mumol/1 in normal subjects and did not increase postprandially. The fasting serum bile acid concentration was raised in 27 of the patients with hepatobiliary disease, and following a meal was outside the normal range in all 30 patients. Other liver function tests were abnormal less frequently. These results suggest that the estimation of serum bile acids in the postprandial state is a sensitive screening test of hepatobiliary disease. They should be of particular value in patients in whom liver disease is suspected but not proven, and in those recovering from liver disease, especially following therapy.


Variations of deop size in disposable administration sets used for intravenous infusion.

The variation of drop size with drip rate has been studied for giving sets made by two major United Kindgom manufacturers. Data are given for the variation using Sodiun Chloride Injection (BP), Sodium Chloride and  dexerose Injection (BP) and blood. All sets investigated conformed to BS 2463. A table is provided to enable more accurate delivery of infusion for the three fluids examined.


Studies on the milk composition of West African dwarf, Red Sokoto and Saanen goats at different stages of lactation. I. Total solids, butterfat, solids-not-fat, protein, lactose and energy contents of milk.

Nine West African dwarf (Fouta djallon), Red Sokoto (Maradi) and Saanen lactating goats, hand-milked, were used for these studies, which lasted 12 weeks. The Saanen goat's milk was obtained weekly from the Western State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Urban Dairy Farm at Iwo Road, while similar samples were collected from the herd at the University of Ibadan Teaching and Research Farm. The goats were balanced for stage of lactation, namely early, mid- and late-lactation. They were each maintained on giant star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis) ad lib. and 1 kg dairy concentrate mixture daily. The mean contents, with standard deviations, of the milks of Saanen, West African dwarf and Red Sokoto goats at mid-lactation respectively were: (in percentages), total solids 12-25 plus or minus 0-078, 18-18 plus or minus 0-392, 15-85 plus or minus 0-077; solids-not-fat (SNF) 8-91 plus or minus 0-42, 10-48 plus or minus 0-471, 10-53 plus or minus 0-140; butterfat 3-34 plus or minus 0-141, 7-78 plus or minus 0-621, 5-32 plus or minus 0-098; protein 3-04 plus or minus 0-139, 5-30 plus or minus 0-292, 4-74 plus or minus 0-021; lactose 4-56 plus or minus 0-167, 5-19 plus or minus 0-176, 4-77 plus or minus 0-053; energy (kj/g dried milk), 21-08 plus or minus 1-11, 25-51 plus or minus 1-74, 22-17 plus or minus 0-51. Breed differences were significant (P less than 0-01). The milk of West African dwarf goats contained more of these milk components than the milk of the Red Sokoto or Saanen goats. The Red Sokoto goats gave milk of higher content than did Saanen goats, even at an early stage of lactation. Butterfat, protein, lactose and energy values were significantly affected by stages of lactation (P less than 0-05) and tended to rise with advancing lactation; this was particularly so with West African dwarf goats.


Glucose metabolism in cows fed low- and high-roughage diets.

Six lactating first-calf Holstein cows were used to test the effect of dietary roughage on glucose metabolism. Cows were fed either a low-roughage or high-roughage diet at isocaloric digestible energy intakes in a double changeover design experiment. Mean values (plus or minus standard deviation) for milk yield (kg/day), fat (%), lactose (%), and protein (%) for cows fed low-roughage were 19.0 plus or minus 4.4, 3.11 plus or minus .78, 5.19 plus or minus .27, 3.44 plus or minus .48; values for cows fed high-roughage were 17.5 plus or minus 5.1, 3.99 plus or minus .58, 4.94 plus or minus .25, and 2.78 plus or minus .33. One hour post-feeding on the 20th day of each period 2 mCi of tritiated glucose were administered to each cow by single injection to measure glucose kinetics. Mean values (plus or minus standard deviation) for plasma concentration (mg/100 ml) pool size (mg/kg), half-time (min), and utilization rate (mg/kg--75 per min) of glucose, and plasma insulin concentration (muU/ml) for cows fed low-roughage were 63.1 plus or minus 3.9, 17.9 plus or minus  3.4, 30.4 plus or minus 5.2, 8.55 plus or minus 2.44, and 22.0 plus or minus 3.9; for cows fed high-roughage values were 54.9 plus or minus 2.2, 114.5 plus or minus 17.2, 40.0 plus or minus 2.2, 4.06 plus or minus .38, and 16.2 plus or minus 2.4. A glucose load was administered intravenously to each cow on the last day of each period. Glucose half-times and mean plasma insulin following the clearance test were not affected by diet. Compared to high-roughage, low-roughage diets greatly affect metabolism in lactating cows when isocaloric intakes of each are fed. Fat depression, however, may or may not occur simultaneously.


Feeding value and nutrient preservation of high moisture corn ensiled in conventional silos forlactating dairy cows.

Sixty-one Holstein cows were used at varying stages of lactation to evaluate the feeding value of high moisture shelled corn ensiled in conventional silos. Control rations consisted of comparable amounts of conventional shelled corn dried in commercial drying facilities. Cows fed high moisture corn produced milk of higher fat content (3.09 versus 2.64%) and greater quantities of fat (.73 versus .64 kg) while they consumed less concentrate (9.28 versus 9.84 kg), resulting in the crude fiber content of the dry matter being 14.60% compared to 13.82% for control cows. Covariate adjustment of treatment means to equal intake of crude fiber eliminated differences above. Milk, 4% fat corrected milk, silage, total dry matter intake, and rumen volatile fatty acids were not significantly different between groups. Dry matter recovery following the ensiling process was 96.0 plus or minus 1.9% with 3.0 plus or minus 1.1% classified as spoiled corn, resulting in a total of 7% loss. Recoveries of all proximate constituents were similar to dry matter with the exception of ash (82.4%). Costs of the two systems were evaluated for varying corn prices and moisture.


Genetic relationship between birth weight and adult weight in Holsteins.

Records of body weight for 1026 Holstein females from two herds included birth weight and all available subsequent calving weights for the first six parities. Birth weight differed between herds and between sires within herds. Years also differed; however, partial nesting of sires within years could account for part of this. Month of birth had no influence on birth weight. Calving weights differed between herds only at the second and fifth parities. Calving weights differed between sires within herds for the first five parities. Intraherd correlations between the birth weight of a heifer calf and later calving weights for her first six parities ranged from .22 to .34. Correlations between the birth weight of a calf and the average birth weight of her paternal half-sibs were .37 and .48 in the two herds. Heritabilities for birth and calving weights were of the same magnitude within herds but differed between herds. Genetic correlations between birth and adult weights were above .5 in one herd but erratic in the other herd.


Composition of milks of dairy cattle. I. Protein, lactose, and fat contents and distribution of protein fraction.

Milks from commercial dairy herds in Southeastern Pennsylvania were analyzed for total protein, casein, whey protein, beta-lactoglobulin, nonprotein nitrogen, and lactose contents. Data for fat contents and milk yields were from Dairy Herd Improvement Association records for the same lactation. Milk samples were from a single milking of healthy cows (151) in midlactation. Since the remainder of the milk was returned to the bulk milk of the farm, the data represent market milk composition. The data were grouped and analyzed by breed and beta-lactoglobulin phenotype; there were 18 to 33 cows per breed. In true protein percentage, the breeds ranked: Jersey 4.07 plus or minus .49, Brown Swiss 3.84 plus or minus .47, Guernsey 3.56 plus or minus .53, Ayrshire 3.30 plus or minus .52, Milking Shorthorn 3.17 plus or minus .47, Holstein 3.07 plus or minus .43. Breeds differed in all other components and in milk yield. Brown Swiss ranked highest in yield of protein. Only whey protein and beta-lactoglobulin contents were influenced by the beta-lactoglobulin genotype with beta-lactoglobulin A greater than AB greater than B in whey protein content.


Rumen modeling: rumen input-output balance models.

Two models of rumen fermentative relationships expressed as systems of simultaneous linear equations and based on requirements for maintenance of balances of elementary imput and output and metabolic pathways are presented in matrix format consistent with solution by linear programs. Matrix entries defining the two models were verified carefully based upon a survey of the literature, and conceptual bases of the models were validated by comparisons of model outputs with experimental data not used in model construction. The models then were used to evaluate interactions among feed composition, volatile fatty acid yields and patterns, microbial growth yields and efficiencies, and microbial metabolic pathways.


Excretion of polybrominated biphenyls into the milk of cows.

Four cows each were fed 10 mg/day polybrominated biphenyl for 60 days. Concentration in milk fat reached a steady state at 3.07 ppm within 30 days. When feeding polybrominated biphenyl was stopped, the concentration declined 71% in the first 15 days. The decline was slower thereafter, with a half-life of 58 days. Effects on health and production of the cows were not adverse for as long as 1 yr after the compound was fed.


Rapid determination of (carbon-14) glucose specific radioactivity for in vivo glucose kinetics.

Specific radioactivity of blood glucose was determined by use of a Dowex-1 anion-exchange column after (carbon-14) glucose was infused for in vivo kinetics. The first 20-ml eluate of protein-free blood filtrate from the column was discarded; then 10 ml was collected, lyophilized, and counted in a liquid-scintillation counter. Glucose concentration was determined and specific radioactivity calculated. Kinetic results were comparable to those obtained with the more laborious glucose-pentaacetate procedure.


Integrating the Jewish Dietary Laws into a dietetics program. Kashruth in a dietetics curriculum.

A clinical and community dietetics program integrates Kashruth, the Jewish Dietary Laws, into its curriculum. Simply defined, kosher means fit for consumption. Emblems used throughout the United States and Canada to indicate a program of rabbinic endoresment and supervision of canned, boxed, and bottled products are included. An existing kosher unit is described, and guidelines for establishing a kosher food science laboratory unit are offered. Suggestions for instituting kosher foodservice in health care facilities are given. Therapeutic applications of Kashruth are suggested, and approved therapeutic food products are listed.


Fasting in Islam.

Summarized are the significance of fasting in Islam, the rules and regulations of fasting, types of fasting, nullification of fasting, and food practices and habits of Muslims during the fasting month of Ramadan. Some problems pertaining to fasting and their solutions are also considered, and applications of fasting to America have been pointed out. It is hoped that this paper may bring a new dimension to the sphere of cultural nutrition and encourage partial fasting as a means of curbing inflation and helping the poor, the needy, and hungry all over the world.


Dietary-atherosclerosis study on deceased persons. Relation of eating pattern to raised coronary lesions.

Eating patterns of 456 New Orleans males, ages twenty to sixty years, indicate that clock-time and frequency of ingesting foods may help define life styles related to raised coronary lesions. Age, race, and occupation were also related to raised coronary lesions. The multiplicity of variables and strong interrelationships make evaluation difficult, but results from correlation studies, analyses of variance, and discriminant function analyses suggest that the number of meals plus heavy snacks, frequency of intake of caffeine and alcoholic beverages, and cigarette smoking rate for the last ten years of life may be valid factors in relation to development of atherosclerotic lesions. In other words, not only what we eat, as is now generally accepted, but how and when we eat it, merit consideration in studying the etiology of atherosclerosis.


A tool for individualized management of fat-controlled diets.

Presently recommended fat-controlled dietary plans are rigid in pattern and require omission of some foods and substitution of others with little regard for the individual's food preferences. A tool for individualized management of fat-controlled diets has been developed. Commonly eaten foods have been grouped according to their fat content. After the patient's habitual dietary intake is analyzed by computer or food composition table, changes in the diet are recommended, using the food groups, so that the guidelines of a fat-controlled diet may be met with a minimum deviation from individual food preferences.


Developing helping relationships in dietetic counseling.

Counseling involves (a) the development of rapport between conselor and conselee and (b) the use by the counselor of strategies to create behavior change in the counselee. Dietetic educational programs have apparently focused on the latter, action-oriented procedures, with little attention being given to training in the development of helping relationships. A training program,  designed to build such skills in human resource workers, is described. Listed are six steps considered essential, all of which involve an understanding of self by the counselor, some knowledge of the helping skills, and experience in practicing them. Steps in skill training are also enumerated. The program merits inclusion in dietetic education programs.


Comprehensive evaluation of fatty acids in foods. III. Eggs and egg products.

To prepare a comprehensive table of lipids and fatty acids in foods, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has has conducted an intensive survey of the world's literature published since 1960. Examination of an extensive number of reports on the fatty acid composition of the lipids of eggs of the domestic hen shows the composition to be relatively stable and subject to alteration only by major changes in dietary fat. Large eggs contain more lipid and fatty acids on a per-egg basis than do small eggs. Complete extraction of bound lipid in egg yolk is necessary for quantification of lipid classes and cannot be achieved with apolar solvents. Lipid class compositional studies indicate that 83 percent of total egg lipids are fatty acids. This percentage figure provides the basis for converting fatty acid data expressed as weight per cent methyl esters to the gram-per-100-gm,-food basis used in nutrient tables. Reliable, up-to-date tabulations of total lipids and fatty acids in eggs of different species and egg products are presented.


Nutritional knowledge of health food users in Oahu, Hawaii.

A survey to learn the nutritional knowledge and dietary practices of health food users on Oahu was conducted at fourteen health food stores. Most of the participants were under thirty years of age, followed no specific dietary regimen, used health foods in combination with supermarket foods, would seek help from physicians if they became sick, and have obtained nutritional information through popular publications. Reliance on such publications has produced a population which is fairly well informed regarding some nutritional facts but which has acquired a host of incorrect nutritional information. Since this population is dedicated to obtaining proper nutrition and would be guided by their knowledge of nutrition, problems of dietary practices have arisen. Education in schools does not provide young people with tools and knowledge to choose food properly. In general, teaching of nutritional facts and activities, on which health and well-being depend, appears to be low in priority as far as school authorities are concerned. Elementary school teachers do not have the background to teach nutrition. Nutrition teaching should begin during the preschool years and should continue through elementary grades, since they are important growth periods when food habits are formed.


Food habits and nutrient intakes of Filipino women in Los Angeles.

Food habits, dietary changes, and nutrient intakes of forty-seven college-educated, empolyed Filpino women who have moveed from the Philippines to Los Angeles were studied. One-third started drinking mikk in the United STAtes. They said that they were eating more meat, vegetables, frit and less starchy food since they left the Philippines. Eighy per cent continued to eat ricedaily, and seafood was eaten frequently. Daily intakes of protein, niacin, and thiaminment 100 per cent of the 1974 u.s. Recommended Dietary Allowances for almost all subjects, but intakes of calcium and vitamin A were less than two-thrids of the allowances fo 61 and 22 per cent, respectively. The daily caloric intake was higher, with twice as amny calories coming from protein and three times as many from fat as was reported for diets in Philippines.


Hydroxyproline index: an indicator of nutritional status. Study of Mississippi children.

The hydroxyproline index was used to evaluate nutritional status of four- to five year-old black children in two Mississippi counties. Positive partial regression coefficinets were highly significant for weight in both counties and significant for height  in one. These data seem to confirm results of other workers that changes in the  index may reflect change in body weight rather than in hydroxyproline; creatinine ratio. Eighty per cent of the children had high serum gamma globulin levels suggesting infection, which has been shown to cause a high degree of variability in hydroxyproline excretion. Results indicate that hydroxyproline  index may not be a valid indicator of nutritional status for this popualtion group.


The problems of a medical editor.

An editor's problems are real; they are legion; they are unending. They range from such major considerations as the selection or rejection of submitted papers, the maintenance of the Journal's prestige, and the protection of the readers interests, to the everyday routine of rendering the written word clear, the thrust of the message effective, and the correction of errors, oversights, and omissions. All these objectives must be achieved without altering or trifling with factual content or destroying the author's style. Balancing the problems are the joy and satisfaction inherent in a successful editorial process, together with the expressed appreciation of authors and readers.


Uncontrolled diabetes in psychogeriatric subjects.

In a group of 20 long-term psychogeriatric patients with uncontrolled diabetes, data on body weight, blood pressure and blood sugar concentration (fasting and postprandial) were correlated with the electroencephalographic (EEG) findings. The patterns were similar for the study subjects and for healthy subjects of the same age. The psychogeriatric patients with diabetes in contrast to psychogeriatric patients with chronic hypoglycemia, showed an increase in body weight and blood pressure and increase in blood sugar concentration with ageing; they also showed a normal EEG whereas chronically hypoglycemic patients usually had an abnormal EEG. In terms of blood glucose levels and excess glucose in the urine despite treatment, the diabetes had to be considered uncontrolled. However, these patients were clinically asymptomatic. Apparently, in these particular circumstances, the diabetes may be an adaptive biologic phenomenon.


Evaluation of a multidisciplinary care program for stroke patients in a day care center.

With funds received by the Rehabilitation Center at Martin Place Hospital East from the Michigan Association of Regional Medical Programs, a Rehabilitation Day Care Center was established. Initially it was called the Stroke Day Care Center (SDCC). Its purpose was to provide comprehensive care to patients with disabilities due to stroke and related diseases according to the "day at the hospital, night at home" concept. A complex of medical and allied services was furnished, based upon the patient's attendance at the SDCC from one to five days a week. The goal was to promote for the patient an earlier return of functional vocational, social and home activities by effectively providing him and his family with multidisciplinary care. In this SDCC program the main emphasis was on testing the feasibility of lowering the cost of stroke-patient care by: a) shortening the hospital stay; b) reducing the need for in-patient care in facilities for non-acute illness; c) shortening the stay in extended care facilities; d) returning younger stroke victims earlier to the labor force; e) identifying the number of stroke patients who could live at home if provided with a modified day care program; and f) assessing the need for purely recreational and social activities in future programs. The evaluation was based on a comprehensive study of 108 patients during the period February 1972 to June 1973. This project is offered as a model for the development and expansion of rehabilitation-recreation day care centers for the handicapped of all ages.


Effect of dantrolene sodium on spasticity associated with hemiplegia.

The effects of dantrolene sodium (Dantrium) were studied in 23 patients with hemiplegic spasticity, 13 of whom were younger than 50, and 10 older than 50. The dosage of dantrolene ranged from 100 mg per day initially to 600 mg per day maximally. The drug was most effective in reducing or abolishing clonus and somewhat less efficacious in decreasing  the resistance to stretch and the tendon reflexes. Functionally, gait was improved and the patients found it easier to take care of their personal needs. In general, motor performance was improved. The observation that patients in the 50+ age group responded less well remains unexplained. Dantrolene sodium is a valuable tool in the management of spasticity due to hemiplegia.


Failure by a group of elderly men to use a preventive health service.

The perceptions of 25 white males (age range, 53-62) were studied in relation to use of multiphasic screening. Each of these men had been urged repeatedly to take advantage of this service but had failed to do so. The multiphasic examination itself was free, so cost was not an inhibiting feature. This report deals with the proffered reasons why these men did not take the screening examination. The factors could be classified as: 1) social influences, 2) health care setting, 3) beliefs about health, 4)use of alternative forms of care, 5) the time involved for testing, and 6) disinterest. A discussion of some individual responses is included. Recommendations are made for structuring  more effective delivery of health care services for the elderly.


Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in anginal patients: lack of correlation with New York Heart Association's functional classification.

The New York Heart Association (NYHA) recently designated functional classifications I, II, and III, for angina. In the authors' series of 80 male anginal patients, observations were made on the mean left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) at rest and after left ventriculography and on the percentage of anginal patients with an abnormal LVEDP under these respective circumstances. The findings indicated no significant differences on the basis of NYHA classifications I, II, III. In the author's opinion, the NYHA functional classification cannot be used to distinguish the presence of abnormal left ventricular function in class I, II, and III anginal patients.


Behavioral disorders in the elderly.

Based on the study of 40 patients in a unit of a large geriatric center, as well as on long overall experience, the problems of aged men and women with various emotional disorders are discussed. Case abstracts are presented to illustrate chronic organic brain syndrome, delirium, hallucinatory behavior, paranoid ideation, depression, and reactions triggered by physical illness. The geriatrician should be fully aware of all the interlocking factors in the patient's adjustment to his condition. Only in this way can the geriatrician and staff choose the best relevant therapy.


Left ventricular filling pressures in cardiac patients.

Pulmonary artery end-diastolic pressure (PADP), pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP), and pre-"a" wave left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP) were correlated with post-"a" wave left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in 51 patients with coronary disease and in 43 cardiac patients with non-coronary disease, excluding mitral stenosis. In patients with coronary disease, the PADP was more closely correlated with PAWP (r=0.83) and LVDP (r=0.84) than with LVEDP (r=0.62). In patients with non-coronary disease, the PADP also was more closely correlated with PAWP (r=0.82) and LVDP (r=0.77) than with LVEDP (r=0.70). In patients with coronary disease, the PAWP was well correlated with LVDP (r=0.94) and with LVEDP (r=0.84). In patients with non-coronary disease, the PAWP was well correlated with LVDP (r=0.81) and with LVEDP (r=0.81). The PADP and PAWP may be helpful in evaluating left ventricular function at the bedside.


The brain ganglioside pattern in presenile and senile dementia.

Ganglioside lipid fractions in the cerebral gray matter were studied in 13 patients with various forms of dementia. In 2 patients with Alzheimer's disease and 1 with senile dementia an abnormal ganglioside pattern was observed, i.e., a decrease of G1 and G3 in association with an increase of G2. In the light of the total clinical and histologic data on the patients, it would seem that this disturbance in ganglioside metabolism may be a phenomenon accompanying extensive degradation of brain tissue rather than a factor in the etiology of dementia.


Suicide by overdoses of medicines among the aged.

The current literature on suicide by medicinal overdose among the elderly population of the United States and Britain is discussed. The older white male is a high risk in this regard. Physical and mental illnesses contribute to the problem of suicide among the aged, and some of the drugs prescribed for treatment (e.g., barbiturates and psychotherapeutic agents) are often accessible to the older person for misuse in suicide. The responsibilities of the prescribing physician and the practices of the dispensing pharmacist are considered in relation to the exposure of the elderly patient to potentially lethal drugs. Prediction of suicidal attitudes in the elderly is complicated by the fact that any attempt at suicide usually is serious and rarely preceded by gestures. Depression, based on social factors, is common among older people. Some of them face problems of declining income and prestige, as well as a loss of physical and mental powers. A change in the attitude of society towards the elderly may help to alleviate the depressive state which so often contributes to the suicidal potential.


Challenging residents to assume maximal responsibilities in homes for the aged.

A program for activating residents of homes for the aged to assume maximal responsibilities is described. Promoting maximal physical and mental health through various modalities including activity programs, appropriate exercise and participation in democratic self-government mechanisms, will result in a happier, healthier population of residents in institutions for the aged. The increased demands on staff time and patience will be compensated for by relief of the too-frequent feelings of hopelessness and boredom endemic among the staff of long-term care facilities. Such programs demand constant effort by all staff members, patients, volunteers and relatives because if they succumb to the usual human dislike of persistency, short-term gains can easily be lost.


A small pliable humidity sensor, with special reference to the prevention of decubitus ulcers.

In an investigation of some of the external causes of decubitus ulcer, a small flexible sensor has been developed as a clinical device to measure the relative humidity (RH) of the environment between the patient and the surface on which he lies. The sensor (described in detail) can indicate RH in the range of 20 to 90 per cent by a color-matching method (chemically impregnated circles); accuracy is within 5 to 10 percent. In a preliminary study on 28 patients, the readings showed that RH was higher in the sacral region than in the scapular region, and higher for patients who were inactive than for those who were active. The device was well accepted by both patients and nurses.


Patent ductus arteriosus in old age.

An unusual case of patient ductus arteriosus (PDA) in a 78-year-old man is presented. The patient was known to have PDA since the age of 30, but it had remained well compensated until shortly before death. He had undergone some difficult operations successfully, and had no specific pulmonary complaints. Death at age 78 was caused by arteriosclerotic heart disease following myocardial infarction. Autopsy revealed a smooth patent ductus arteriosus with no perforation. The survival of a PDA patient to such advanced age is a comparatively rare occurrence.


Aerobic power of females, ages 10 to 68.

This study was designed to determine how aging and individual activity patterns affect females' response to maximal exercise. Two treadmill tests for maximal aerobic power (Vo2 max) were administered to 109 females, ages 10 to 68. Subjects were classified as above or below age group means for Vo2 max reported for Scandinavian and Canadian females. Aging effects on cardiovascular and respiratory variables were minimal within each group until age 50, although there was a significant linear decrement in Vo2 max (L/min) with increasing age for the low fitness group. VE max, oxygen debt, postexercise blood lactate, vital capacity, and maximal breathing capacity were also lower for these women. Aging patterns were similar for both groups for Vo2 max ml/kg times min- minus 1 and ml/kg (LBM) times min- minus 1. Responses to an Activity Questionnaire suggested that habitual levels of activity rather than age per se determines levels of Vo2 max for women in the 20-49 age range.


A fine structural study of degenerative changes in the dorsal column nuclei of aging mice. Lack of protection by vitamin E.

The dorsal column nuclei of young, old, and vitamin E-supplemented old mice were examined by light and electron microscopy. Evidence of neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) was found in young (3-mo.-old) mice and increased with age. Vitamin E, added to the diet in the amount of 0.3%, did not protect the nuclei from age-associated degeneration. The NAD was characterized by enlarged profiles containing patches of smooth reticular networks and groups of vesicles. Various stages of mitochondrial alteration, producing multivesicular bodies as intermediate stages, were found, and other unusual forms of dense bodies were also observed. Axons, synaptic terminals, and possibly glial cells were affected, and, by 23 mo. of age, a large number of nerve fibers in nucleus gracilis were dystrophic, while nucleus cuneatus was affected to a lesser extent.


Significance of brain-reactive antibodies in serum of aged mice.

The possible role of damaged neurons as an antigenic stimulant in the formation of brain reactive antibodies (BRA) has been studied. When neurons of the ventral horn of the spinal cord were damaged by axonal injury, the damaged cells showed no evidence of antigen-antibody reaction within 12 weeks, nor could BRA be demonstrated in the blood during that time in young mice. The possible migration of radio-labeled gamma-globulin across the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) has also been investigated in young mice. Only a very low rate of migration has been observed across the BBB and this might account for the scattered loss of nerve cells in the brains of old animals.


Assessment of biological age by multiple regression analysis.

In order to generate a reference value of aging, estimation of chronological age of healthy subjects was made by multiple regression analysis. It was shown that the estimated ages of hypertensive subjects by the formula used were significantly higher than their chronological ages. It was further observed that parameters representing various ability of movements might yield an alternative regression formula and that the accuracy in age estimation was improved with application of a second-order regression formula.


Reaction and movement time as a function of age and physical activity level.

The SRT, DRT, and MT of older men (OA) who have experienced a life style of chronic physical activity were compared to those of nonactive men of similar age (ONA), and also to active (YA) and nonactive young men (YNA). Although activity level and age were significant factors, most of the activity level-by-age interaction in all but DRT was attributed to the slower performance of the ONAs. At least in this study, a life style of physical activity appeared to play a more dominant role in determining SRT, DRT, and MT than age. The hypothesis that most of the slowing of responses in the aged is attributable to CNS processing rather than MT decrements is repudiated, since MT results paralleled those of SRT and DRT.


Similarities and differences between psychological deficit in aging and brain damage.

This study compared education matched young brain-damaged, young nonbrain-damaged, old brain-damaged and old nonbrain-damaged groups on a battery of measures of cognitive, perceptual, and motor skills. By means of a factor analysis, the 26 original measures were reduced to four, called nonverbal memory, language ability, motor ability, and psychomotor problem solving. Factor scores were obtained for each of these measures and were subjected to a linear discriminant analysis; 48.3% of the cases were correctly classified. Plotting of the canonical variable suggested that the first discriminant function separated the young nonbrain-damaged group from the others, but did not discriminate well otherwise. The second discriminant function was noncontributory. Multi-variate analysis of variance produced significant main effects for the "age" and "brain damage" factors, but the interaction term was nonsignificant. Inspection of the cell means indicated that the four measures interacted differentially with age.


Feedback effects on the performance and self-reinforcing behavior of elderly and young adult women.

A total of 64 college-aged and elderly women participated in an experimental study of the effects of noncontingent positive feedback on simple speeded performance, performance self-evaluations, and self-reinforcing behavior (i.e., the number of S&H Green Stamps taken following feedback). Younger women self-reinforced more and held higher self-evaluations of their performance than elderly women. The treatment produced increases in all three dependent measures, and greater increases in self-reinforcing behaviors and self-evaluations were demonstrated for the elderly than for the younger women. The results are discussed in terms of age-associated differences in the susceptibility to external feedback.


A life-span look at person perception and its relationship to communicative interaction.

Two experiments were conducted in order to discover (a) the expressed attitudes of young adults about the intellectual abilities of seven target groups ranging in age from infant to elderly, and (b) if and in what manner young adults differentially explain the rules of a simple game to these same target groups. In Experiment I, questionnaires requiring the attribution of intellectual capabilities of infants, preschoolers, preadolescents, adolescents, and young and middle-aged, and elderly adults were completed by 243 subjects. Intellectual ability was seen as increasing with age until old age. The elderly were consistently perceived as less competent than both young and middle-aged adults. The result of Experiment II, in which 60 subjects participated, suggested that young adults modify the complexity of their communications to different aged listeners in accordance with their expressed perceptions of the intellectual attributes of their auditors.


The participation of the black aged in voluntary associations.

Racial differences in membership in and attendance of voluntary associations were analyzed for comparable samples of 753 black and 260 white residents of Philadelphia age 65 and over. A hypothesis suggesing aged blacks have higher rates of participation than aged whites was derived from the literature and tested by regression analysis. Potentially confounding variables, e.g., health and socioeconomic status, were entered into the regression equation as controls. The results of the regression analysis indicated the black aged belonged to more associations than the white aged and had higher rates of attendance. Examination of findings previously reported by Kent and Hirsch (1972) indicates part of the difference is due to the greater participation of aged blacks in church-related groups. Implications of the findings are briefly discussed.


Intraurban location of the elderly.

Are the aged concentrated in the inner-city? Are they confined to lower value housing in older neighborhoods? Although the spatial pattern of the elderly in Toledo, Ohio, is dissimilar from that of the nonelderly, they are widely distributed throughout the city. The associations between the location of the elderly and variables such as distance to the Central Business District, age of neighborhood, value of housing, and multiple-family dwelling units are statistically significant. However, these associations are weak and at no time between 1940 and 1970 are more than 40% of the variations in the aged's distribution explained.


Mutual assistance and support in retirement housing.

Among the advantages claimed for elderly residents of age-concentrated housing are the networks of mutual assistance among neighbors that may ensue. The extent to which these serve compensatory functions to replace mutual assistance with children has been a source of debate. The present paper compares networks of mutual assistance reported (in peronal interviews) by 600 residents of six facilities for the well-elderly with such assistance reported by matched controls living in dispersed housing. An earlier paper reported that site residents, relative to their controls, had less frequent contact with children but more frequent contact with neighbors. The present analysis shows, however, that there was little test-control difference in help received from children. More mutual assistance with neighbors, relative to controls, was found at two sites, less mutual assistance at two sites, and no difference at two. Finally, a cumulative rather than a compensatory effect was found between mutual assistance with children and with neighbors.


Chemical pathology of neurofibrils. Neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer's presenile-senile dementia.

A subcellular fraction enriched in twisted tubules was obtained by differential centrifugation of a homogenate of neurons isolated from areas of the brain with many neurofibrillary tangles from patients with Alzheimer's presenile-senile dementia. A unique protein (molecular weight 50,000 daltons) which does not co-migrate with either of the two tubulin monomers of the major neurofilament protein, both purified from human brain, was found in this subcellular fraction on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Similarly processed tissue from areas of the brain poor in neurofibrillary tangles contained low levels of this new protein. The new protein band could not be seen in control patients.


Genetic variation in plasma prealbumin of the house mouse.

Rate of electrophoretic migration of prealbumin-2 of mouse blood plasma was found to be controlled by three autosomal codominant alleles. Presence and absence of a component next to albumin (prealbumin-4) was shown to be controlled by autosomal dominant and recessive alleles, respectively, and to be affected by sex. Evidence was presented for close linkage of the Pre-2 and Pre-4 loci, and for the control of albumin conformation by a separate locus.


Detection of hepatitis B antibody by a single-antibody radioimmunoassay.

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the measurement of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HB-s) in human and non-human sera is described. The principle is based upon our earlier observation that anti-HB-s and hepatitis B surface antigen (HB-s-Ag) are soluble in 4.5% w/v polyethylene glycol 4000 but that anti-HB-s-HB-s-Ag complex is precipitated. The use of activated charcoal suspended in polyethylene glycol and dextran solution facilitated the separation of this complex by centrifugation, thus improving reproducibility and sensitivity. The test is approx. 3-5000 times as sensitive as counterelectrophoresis. In a survey of a normal blood donor population, with an incidence of approx. 0.1% positive for HB-s-Ag by RIA, 7-8% were found to have anti-HB-s by this method.


Inexpensive automation of the Leitz orthoplan microfluorometer using pneumatic components.

An automated version of the Leitz Orthoplan MPV I measuring microscope is described. Air powered cylinders are used to place shutters  in the main light paths and to move mirrors. Valves connected to the cylinders are sequentially activated by a motor driven shaft provided with cams, which also activates a microswitch connected to a digital voltmeter. Thus a fixed time relationship is obtained between exposure to excitation light and measurement of photomultiplier output. The system described offers a cheap and highly reliable method for fast automatic microfluorometry.


A YY male goldfish from mating estrone-induced XY female and normal male.

A YY male of the goldfish, Carassius auratus, was detected among offspring of an estrone-induced XY female mated with a normal XY male. There is convincing evidence of the reality of inversion of sex differentiation in the XY zygote by estrone as well as male heterogamety (hence, female homogamety) in the goldfish.


Refinements in the automated fluorometric histamine analysis system.

The automated continuous flow system for the extraction and fluorometric analysis of histamine has been further improved. Samples with or without protein can be analyzed. The use of a single pump, added nitrogen, and lower concentration of o-phthalaldehyde increase the sensitivity by 5-10 fold and allow the analysis of samples at the rate of 30 per hour. Samples which are less than 0.5 ml in volume and contain 0.1 to 10 ng/ml histamine can routinely be analyzed. The sensitivity of the system is now 0.05 ng and compares favorably with isotopic techniques.


A genetic maternal effect on egg surface in Tribolium castaneum.

Females homozygous for an autosomal recessive gene, wd, produce "weird" eggs that are dry when laid. The wd gene has some important population consequences and also provides a very useful example of a genetic maternal effect for laboratory courses.


A 14/14 marker chromosome lymphocyte clone in ataxia telangiectasia.

A lymphocyte clone with a 45, XY karyotype with a 14/14 tandem translocation marker, the frequency of which is time-variable, has been observed in an ataxia telangiectasia patient. Cells with the marker chromotosome were not observed in fibroblasts cultures derived from a skin biopsy, nor was the marker observed in leukocyte cultures from the patient's two affected sibs.


The use of a pocket-size, programmable calculator for phenotype tallying of a three-point cross.

A program is presented which permits use of a pocket-size programmable calculator, the HP-65, to tally phenotypes resulting from a three-point cross. For practical purposes the total number recorded for any of the eight possibel phenotypic combinations is unlimited. Although programmed operation of the calculator for tallying purposes is slower than a single purpose instrument designed for tallying, this deficiency is componensated by the computational capability of this instrument.


The relationship of transepidermal water loss to skin temperature in psoriasis and eczema.

Transepidermal water losses (TEWL) from psoriatic and eczematous skin were measured while skin temperature was varied between 29 degrees C and 37 degrees C. The relationship of TEWL to skin temperature in these diseases is different from that obtaining in normal skin. These differences are thought to be due to the altered filtration properties of diseased stratum corneum. Formulae were devised to allow TEWL rates in psoriasis and eczema to be expressed at a standard temperature for comparative purposes.


Cutaneous effects of topical indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, on UV-damaged skin.

Topical application of a 2.5 per cent indomethacin (IM) solution to the sunburned skin of humans and guinea pigs resulted in a marked decrease in ultraviolet light (UVL) -induced erythema. In humans, a decrease in skin temperatute and hyperalgesia to near normal levels was also observed. Epidermal responses to UVL injury such as keratinocyte cell death and altered DNA synthesis proceeded unmodified by IM. Repeated applications of IM in the 48-hr period following UVL exposure did not improve upon the results obtained following a single treatment. Guinea-pig skin provides a relevant model system for evaluating the effects of topical nosteroidal anti-inflammatory agents on sunburn.


Influence of prostaglandins E1, E2, and arachidonate on melanosomes in melanocytes and keratinocytes of anagen hair bulbs in vitro.

Anagen hair bulbs were collected and maintained in organ culture for periods up to 24 hr. Prostaglandin E1, E2 and arachidonate were introduced to the cultures and stimulated a series of cellular events characterized by peripheral orientation of microfilaments in the dendritic processes of melanocytes, complexing of melanosomes; and degradation of melanosomes within keratinocytes. These events were dependent on the concentration of prostaglandins. In addition, the most potent agent for these events was arachidonate. The action of arachidonate was hypothesized to occur through the production of endogenous prostaglandins since arachidonate was ineffective in the presence of inhibitors of prostaglandin synthetase.


The effect of anthralin and its derivatives on epidermal cell kinetics.

An attempt was made to clarify the effect of anthralin on epidermal cell kinetics. Commercial anthralin powder was separated by column chromatography into three components: pure anthralin, 1,8-dihydroxyanthroquinotne, and anthralin dimer. The effect of these on the diurnal mitotic variation and the cell cycle of the hairless mouse epidermis was studied. Neither anthroquinone nor the anthralin dimer had any influence on these parameters. Both the chromatographically pure and commercial anthralins had similar effects. Mitotic activity was considerably reduced, although not to zero, with concomitant elimination of the diurnal peak. The G2 and S phases of the cell cycle were approximately doubled in length. Application of the pure and commercial anthralin also resulted in some irritation not seen with either the anthroquinone or dimer.


Lead in human scalp hair: some factors affecting its variability.

The accumulation of lead in human scalp hair was compared in male and female children and adults from various locations in the United Sates, Japan, Yugoslavia, Iran, and South Africa. The most significant variables which influenced the concentration of lead in hair were ingestion of lead-containing substances, exposure to lead of environmental origin, place of residence, site from which the hair specimen was sampled relative to its distance from the scalp, and age. The least significant variables were sex and nutritional deficiencies.


Studies on the contact sensitization of man with simple chemicals. IV. Timing of skin reactivity, lymphokine production, and blastogenesis following rechallenge with dinitrochlorobenzene using an automated microassay.

An automated microassay was adapted to the sutdy of specific in vitro lymphocyte transformation to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) erythrocyte complexes (DNCB-antigen). Studies of culture conditions indicated that in flat-bottomed microtiter culture plates, 0.2ml culturese containing 4x105 leukocytes and a total culture time of 4 or 5 days yeild satisfactory results for the relatively low responses seen with specific antigens such as DNCB-antigen. Culture were incubated for 3 hr with tritiated thymidine and harvested with the Multipe Automated  Sample Harvester(MASH II). The effect of DNCB rechallenge on in vitro lymphocte transformation was stuided using this automated microassay. DNCB rechallenge boosted  the in vitro response to DNON 25  TO 31 MM Hg; four patients (hypercapnic, group II) at a co2 from 54 to57 mm Hg. AH 8165 0.25 mg/kg (one quarter of the dose required for intubation) was given by rapid central venous injection. Haemodynamic responses were similar in the two groups; these were increase in heart rate ranging from 45 to 60 percent, increases in mean arterial pressure of 17-20 pre cent, and increases in cardiac output of 22-32 per cent. The intensity of neuromusclar blockade of the forearm muscles after AH 8165 was similar in the two groups, and there was no significant difference in recovery rates; roup I patients were 80 per cent recovered in 36.6 min, group II patinets in 47.3 min. It was concluded that the activity of AH 8165 was not influenced by moderate changes in respiratory acid-base status.


Prostaglandin and DNA synthesis in human skin: possible relationship to ultraviolet light effects.

The effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on DNA synthesis in human skin was evaluated. PGE2 (1 mug) was infected intradermally into normal buttock skin of 15 volunteers followed by tritiated thymidine for autoradiographic quantitation of DNA synthesizing cells. Controls of normal saline, histamine (50 mug), and lower doses of PGE2 were also injected into 8 of the volunteers. Forty-eight hours after injection of 1 mug and 0.1 mug PGE2 there was a 264% and 62% increase, respectively, in the number of DNA synthesizing epidermal cells/high-power field as compared to saline controls. These differences were statistically significant (p smaller than 0.01). Histamine (50 mug) produced a statistically significant 36% higher labeling index compared to its saline controls (p smaller than 0.05). Many types of skin injury, including ultraviolet light (UVL) irradiation, produce an increase in the number of DNA synthesizing cells about 48 hr after the stimulus. Our findings suggest that PGE, a putative mediator of UVL-induced inflammation, may be one of the chemical mediators for the UVL-induced increase in DNA synthesizing cells. Histamine may also contribute to the increase in DNA synthesizing cells following UVL-induced inflammation.


Esterification of (4--14C)cholesterol by cutaneous bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Propionibacterium acnes, and Propionibacterium granulosum).

Cholesterol and cholesteryl esters constitute 3 to 5% of the lipids derived from human sebaceous glands. The present study demonstrates that cutaneous bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and to a lesser extent Propionibacterium acnes, and Propionibacterium granulosum, esterify [4--14C]cholesterol to steryl esters in vitro. The degree of esterification is a characteristic of the strain of organism, ranging from 0 to 32.7% in the organisms tested. Cholesterol esterification in these experiments was dependent on the addition of homogenates of isolated, pooled sebaceous glands to the incubation medium. Indirect evidence suggests that the fatty acids from sebaceous triglycerides are utilized for cholesterol esterification by the bacteria. These results indicate that the proportion of steryl esters in skin surface lipids may be influenced by the density of the microbial population in the skin.


The effects of a nonsteroid antiandrogen, flutamide, on sebaceous gland activity.

Flutamide (alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluoro-2-methyl-4'-nitro-m-propionotoluidide), at daily oral doses of 20 mg/day for 24 days, reduced the number and size of skin sebaceous gland cells, and reduced sebum production in ovariectomized, testosterone-stimulated rats. The weight of the preputial glands was also reduced. Unilateral topical application of flutamide (0.1-3.0 mg/day) to flank organs (androgen-sensitive cutaneous sebaceous structures) of testosterone propionate-treated female hamsters for 14 days resulted in bilateral reductions in flank organ weight and in inhibition of in vitro incorporation of 14-C from sodium [1--14C]acetate into lipids. Flutamide inhibition of flank organ weight paralleled the drug effect on lipogenesis. Unilateral topical application of flutamide to flank organs of intact male hamsters for 14 days resulted in significant bilateral reductions of flank organ weight at doses as low as 0.375 mg/day (the lowest dose tested). These weight changes were marked by reduction in sebaceous gland size, accompanied by focal cytoplasmic degeneration, and reductions in cytoplasmic organelles and in the size of the lipid bodies. Flutamide did not, however, seemingly alter the pattern of endogenous total lipids in sebaceous glands, nor did it alter the pattern of 14-C-incorporation into the lipids of male flank organ epidermis and isolated sebaceous glands, when compared to control, untreated preparations.


Vasoconstrictor activities of some novel synthetic steroids in alcoholic solution.

Ethanolic solutions of 8 new, topically active, anti-inflammatory steroids and 1 standard (betamethasone 17-valerate) were assessed with a modified vascoconstrictor assay. Pallor was graded at 17 reading times for determination of complete blanching curves. The compounds were ranked by three methods: (1) summed % total possible score, (2) area under the blanching profile, and (3) square root transformation of sum of scores divided by number of volunteers, for statistical differentiation of the solutions. Conclusions on structure-vasoconstrictor activity relationships were that substitution or removal of 21 hydroxy provided compounds with a wide range of activity. Poor activity correlated with a hemisuccinate salt grouping at position 21, or the absence of 11beta-hydroxy.