Aspirin and lymphocyte transformation.

Twelve healthy subjects were placed on aspirin in a dosage of 600 mg five times daily for 14 days. The capability of their lymphocytes in culture to incorporate 3H-thymidine in response to phytohemagglutinin and allogeneic lymphocytes (one-way mixed lymphocyte culture) was measured before and after the course of aspirin. The results were compared with those obtained simultaneously from non-aspirin-treated control subjects. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between lymphocyte response in the pretreatment and posttreatment periods or between aspirin-treated and non-aspirin-treated subjects. In contrast to previous reports of lymphocyte suppression resulting from addition of aspirin directly to lymphocyte culture and from orally administered aspirin, we conclude that comparable dose ranges in vivo do not suppress lymphocyte responsiveness to either phytohemagglutinin or allogeneic lymphocytes, at least within a 2-week period of treatment.


Cyclic premenstrual unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Report of two cases.

Two young women developed unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia that fluctuated with the menstrual cycle. They were otherwise healthy, and there was no evidence of hematologic or chronic liver disease. Serum unconjugated bilirubin rose concomitant with the rise of basal temperature during the premenstrual period, and it declined immediately after the end of menses. Administration of progesterone during the postmenstrual period elevated unconjugated bilirubin. A close relation of hyperbilirubinemia to female hormones was suggested. The condition may be called "constitutional unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia with a menstrual cycle.


Lithium salts: 1970-1975.

Lithium ion provides a useful and specific form of chemotherapy for manic and hypomanic episodes, although its antimanic effect may be delayed for as long as a week or more, requiring the use of an antipsychotic agent in the initial period to control the behavior of very disturbed patients. The mechanisms of action of lithium remain obscure, but probably involve effects on neuronal and hormone-target cell membranes. Lithium has interesting antithyroid and anti-antidiuretic hormone effects that are potentially useful medically. The main limitation of the use of lithium is its narrow therapeutic index and requirement of close medical supervision. The most promising aspects of the use of lithium are its encouragement of better psychiatric diagnosis and its "prophylactic" effectiveness in at least reducing the frequency and severity of manic and depressive attacks in manin-depressive illness.


Paradoxical action of penicillin G on Staphylococcus aureus: a time study of the effect of a zonal antibiotic concentration gradient on bacterial growth.

The killing rate of a zonal concentration gradient of penicillin G on Staphylococcus aureus was studied by using a previously described triple-layer technique, enzymatic inactivation of the antibiotic, and an automatic image analyzer. This gradient determines a target image, whose center is the reservoir of antibiotic (constituted by a paper disk containing 100 U of penicillin G) and whose successive concentric zones are: a zone of slow bactericidal activity (corresponding to high levels of penicillin G), a zone of maximal bactericidal activity (corresponding to optimal levels of penicillin G), and a zone of overgrowth situated in front of the antibiotic wave.


In vitro evaluation of BL-S640, a new oral cephalosporin antibiotic.

BL-S640, a new oral cephalosporin analogue, was evaluated in vitro against 102 gram-negative and 80 gram-positive bacteria. The antimicrobial spectrum was similar to that of previous cephalosporin analogues. Good antimicrobial activity against strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, staphylococci, and streptococci was demonstrated. Relatively poor activity and/or resistance was noted among most strains of Proteus, Providencia, Pseudomonas, and Serratia. In comparative studies BL-S640 had better activity against strains of Hemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterobacteriaceae than many cephalosporin analogues. Variation of susceptibility results was dependent upon the type of media and inoculum size. Cross-resistance between BL-S640 cephalexin, cephalothin, and cefazolin was demonstrated. Among strains of Klebsiella the more rapid selection of resistance ot other cephalosporins was in contrast to BL-S640. Experience in vitro with BL-S640 has documented its antimicrobial activity,and further studies of pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy are indicated.


Effect of inoculum and of beta-lactamase on the anti-staphylococcal activity of thirteen penicillins and cephalosporins.

Because there are few persuasive data for selecting one semisynthetic penicillin or cephalosporin over another for treatment of serious staphylococcal infections, 118 recent clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were studied to determine to what extent the presence of beta-lactamase affected the relative anti-staphylococcal activity of six penicillins and seven cephalosporins. In addition, the effect of inoculum was studied for its possible effect on the anti-staphylococcal activity of the 13 beta-lactam antibiotics. By all criteria, methicillin and nafcillin were clearly more resistant to both the inoculum effect and the production of staphylococcal beta-lactamase, whereas benzylpenicillin and cephaloridine (especially benzyl-penicillin) were the most susceptible to these effects. Cephazolin was clearly more susceptible to staphylococcal beta-lactamase and heavy inocula than the other cephalosporins (with the exception of cephaloridine), whereas cephalothin was the most resistant cephalosporin to these factors. The minimal inhibitory concentration for benzylpenicillin for tests with undiluted inoculum, compared to results with inoculum diluted 10(-4), differed by a factor up to 16,384, whereas with methicillin and nafcillin the differences were rarely more than twofold. Ratios for the other 10 antibiotics fell between these extremes. These results suggest that methicillin or nafcillin is most stable to staphylococcal beta-lactamase, and that benzylpenicillin and cephaloridine are the most susceptible.


Antibacterial activity of tropilidine and tropone.

The seven-membered ring compounds tropilidine and tropone were shown to be bacteriostatic and bactericidal for a wide range of bacterial species.


Toxic epidermal necrolysis. A review of 75 cases in children.

From 1965 to 1973, 75 patients were admitted to the Children's Hospital of Buffalo, with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). A review of their records show an equal ratio of males to females, with 73 whites and only 2 blacks. No patient was septic with staphylococci, and there was only one death. A comparison of treatments indicates that the disease is probably self-limited and not influenced by antibiotics or corticosteroids.


Complement component analysis in angiodema. Diagnostic value.

Complement component analysis is valuable for differentiating the various types of angioedema. Patients with hereditary angioedema have decreased levels of C1 esterase inhibitor and C4 in the presence of normal amounts of C3 and C1q. Acquired C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency secondary to malignant disease is also manifested by depressed C1 esterase inhibitor and C4, but decreased C1q levels distinguish it from hereditary angioedema. Normal values for these complement components are found in persons with allergic angioedema.


Pustular patch test reactions in atopic dermatitis.

Pustular patch test reactions to 5% nickel sulfate were regularly produced in patients with atopic dermatitis when patches were placed over areas of skin with (a) follicular papules, (b) erythema, (c) lichenification, and (d) minimal trauma. The pustular patch test reactions seldom occurred in the normal-appearing skin of these patients. However, if the skin was traumatized prior to the patch test, the reaction was produced in the normal-appearing skin of atopic as well as control individuals. No pustular reactions occurred in the follicular lesions of keratosis pilaris, supporting the view that follicular lesions of atopic dermatitis differ from keratosis pilaris. It is suggested that pustular patch test reactions are caused by primary irritation.


Topical methenamine therapy for hyperhidrosis.

Methenamine, in a gel stick formulation, effectively decreased palmar and plantar sweating in 24 of 26 individuals studied. All patients had essential hyperhidrosis and were evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Even though methenamine is believed to act by the slow release of formaldehyde, one patient, who had a formaldehyde sensitivity that was proved by a patch test, was able to use the methenamine gel stick without difficulty. Approximately one third of the patients experienced some continuing relief for one to three weeks after discontinuing the trial medication. I conclude that methenamine is a safe, effective addition to the available types of topical therapy for essential hyperhidrosis.


Sea-blue histiocytes in mycosis fungoides.

A patient with tumor-stage mycosis fungoides and lymph node involvement had sea-blue (ceroid-containing) histiocytes in her bone marrow. Leukopenia, eosinophilia, and a mild type II beta-hyperlipoproteinemia were also features. Sea-blue histiocytes were demonstrated in the skin after the mycosis fungoides infiltrate had cleared with treatment. There is a possible interrelationship between the sea-blue histiocytes, the abnormal mycosis cells in the skin, and lipid metabolism.


Photosensitivity reaction to vinblastine.

A photosensitivity reaction to vinblastine sulfate occurred in a patient receiving chemotherapy for Hodgkin disease. Ultraviolet light (UVL) testing revealed a decreased minimal erythema dose (MED), which returned to normal following discontinuation of the drug. Photoreactions to intradermal injections of vinblastine were produced in the patient and in five normal controls with a suberythema dose of UVL. Spectrophotometric studies confirmed absorption of vinblastine sulfate in the sunburn range. The clinical lesions and phototests could not be reproduced through window glass or aminobenzoic acid as sunscreens.


Dermal duct tumor.

A dermal duct tumor occurred on the left leg of a 66-year-old man. The lesion first occurred as a solitary lobulated tumor of approximately 20 years' duration. This apparently brings the total number of recorded cases to 12. It is believed to be a benign tumor of the intradermal portion of the eccrine sweat duct and is distinctive and diagnostic histologically. The spectrum of benign tumors of the eccrine sweat duct epithelium includes hidroacanthoma simplex or intraepidermal eccrine poroma, eccrine poroma, and dermal duct tumor.


Multiple minute digitate hyperkeratoses.

A 56-year-old man had multiple minute digitate hyperkeratosis. His clinical and histological findings are compatible with those of the only other case reported in the literature.


Restoration of bones in mycetoma.

In a case of actinomycotic mycetoma caused by Streptomyces madurae with extensive destruction of the bone, the foot was saved from amputation by appropriate antibiotic therapy given for a period of 2 1/2 years. Periodic x-ray examinations gave a valuable guide to the progress of the patient. Chemotherapy and antibiotics play an important role in the present day management of mycetoma. Cutaneous amelioration is not the criteria for cure. The bone restoration that occurs much later should be the guide for the duration of therapy.


Effect of body position on gastric emptying in the neonate.

The effect of body position on gastric emptying was investigated in 48 neonates. The rate of gastric emptying is the same for healthy term, preterm, and small-for-dates infants. Infants with respiratory distress syndrome have delayed gastric emptying and a high incidence of abdominal distension and pooling of feeds in the stomach in the supine position. The stomach empties more rapidly in the prone and right lateral positions than in the supine and left lateral positions. These findings indicate that the prone or right lateral positions are to be preferred for nursing neonates, especially those in whom intolerance to the volume of feeds is likely to be a problem. Supine or left lateral positions have little merit in helping gastric emptying and should not be used routinely in hospital nurseries.


Congenital myotonic dystrophy in Britain. II. Genetic basis.

Genetic analysis of 54 sibships containing 70 patients with congenital myotonic dystrophy has shown paternal transmission in only one case, the disorder being maternally transmitted in 51 sibships. No instance of new mutation was found. At least half the sibs were unaffected; 9 sibs were affected without definite congenital involvement. No evidence for genetic heterogeneity was found, most affected mothers having few or no symptoms. There was no disturbance of sex ratio for the affected grandparents, nor in the sibships of the affected parents. The genetic data from this study and from previous published reports support the clinic evidence that the congenital form of myotonic dystrophy results from a maternal intrauterine factor affecting those individuals carrying the myotonic dystrophy gene.


Food antibodies in malnutrition.

Antibodies to several food proteins were detected in the serum of 13 out of 20 malnourished children. Antibody activity was found mainly in the IgG and IgA classes. On ingestion of food items to which antibodies were demonstrated, no untoward symptom occurred nor was complement activation observed in vivo. It is suggested that food antibodies in malnourished children result from atrophied gut mucosa and reduced secretory immune response, which permit passage of intact or incompletely digested protein molecules, and impaired phagocytic function of hepatic reticuloendothelial system. Such antibodies do not appear to play any immediate immunopathological role.


Effect of salbutamol in infants with wheezy bronchitis.

Using the technique of whole body plethysmography, lung mechanics were measured in a group of infants with wheezy bronchitis. Compared with a group of normal infants previously studied, airway resistance and thoracic gas volume were found to be raised. Nebulized salbutamol was then administered and measurements were repeated when it was found that there was no objective improvement. It is concluded that salbutamol may not be an effective form of treatment of wheezy bronchitis in young infants and the reasons for this are discussed.


Metabolic rate of neonates with congenital heart disease.

Seven infants under one month of age with controlled congestive heart failure showed a mean oxygen consumption of 9-4 +/- 1-6 SD ml/kg per min, a mean respiratory quotient of 0-71 +/- 0-05 SD, and a mean metabolic rate of 63 +/- 12 SD cal/kg per 24 h. This compares with a group of infants with congenital heart disease not in heart failure with Vo2 of 6-5 +/- 1-2 SD ml/min per kg, respiratory quotient of 0-80 +/- 0-11 SD, and basal metabolic rate of 45 +/- 8 SD cal/kg per 24 h. These differences are significant (P less than 0.001). The findings of a greater metabolic rate associated with congestive heart failure are thus extended to the newborn period.


Assessment of Doppler ultrasound to measure systolic and diastolic blood pressures in infants and young children.

A recently developed instrument uses the Doppler shift technique to detect vessel wall movement, and it has been suggested that in conjunction with a conventional sphygmomanometer systolic and diastolic blood pressures can be measured. A controlled study was carried out in 20 children recovering from cardiac surgery where direct intra-arterial measurements (one observer) were compared with independent measurements using the Doppler instrument (2 observers). Systolic pressures measured directly and by Doppler technique correlated well and there was no significant difference between intra-arterial and indirect measurements whether the latter were taken by doctors or by nurses. In contrast, direct and indirect diastolic pressure measurements correlated poorly and were significantly overestimated with a mean difference of 6-25 mmHg (range +25 to -10) for doctors, and 4-25 mmHg (range +20 to -10) for nurses. Thus, the instrument adequately measured systolic blood pressure, but in our hands did not give precise measurements for diastolic blood pressure.


Slipped epiphyses in renal osteodystrophy.

Clinical, biochemical, roentgenological, and histological features of slipped epiphyses (epiphysiolysis) in 11 out of 112 children with renal osteodystrophy have been analysed. Characteristic age-related patterns of involvement of different epiphyses are described. Quantitative measurements of iliac bone histology, serum parathyroid hormone levels, and clinical history show the presence of more advanced osteitis fibrosa in children with epiphysiolysis than in those without. A good correlation was found between serum parathormone levels and osteoclastic resorption, endosteal fibrosis as well as osteoid. Histological studies show that the radiolucent zone between the epiphyseal ossification centre and the metaphysis in x-rays is not caused by accumulation of cartilage and chondro-osteoid (as usually found in vitamin D deficiency rickets) but by the accumulation of woven bone and/or fibrous tissue. The response to vitamin D therapy in most cases was good. Parathyroidectomy was required in only one case.


Acute lymphopenia, stress, and plasma cortisol.

Plasma cortisol levels were determined in 51 children on admission to hospital for a variety of acute illnesses which were associated with a lymphopenia, and again when the lymphocyte count had returned to normal. The ratio cortisol level/lymphocyte count was much higher in the acute phase of the illness than later when the lymphocyte count had returned to normal. It is concluded that the lymphocyte count is a useful means of detecting an acute stress condition, and the time of return of normal plasma cortisol levels.


Serum tri-iodothyronine, thyroxine, and thyrotrophin concentrations in newborns during the first 2 days of life.

The serum concentrations of tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyrotrophin (TSH) were measured in 10 term newborn infants between birth and the age of 2 days by radioimmunoassay. The mean concentration of T3 in maternal serum was 1.62 mug/l, and it increased from the low cord blood level of 0-63 mug/l to the peak value of 1-76 mug/l within the first 2 hours of life. Mean serum T4 concentrations increased from the cord blood level of 145 mug/l to the peak value of 205 mug/l within the first 24 hours of life. The postnatal increase of the mean serum TSH concentrations from the cord blood level of 5-7 mU/l to the peak value of 20-6 mU/l within 2 hours was similar to the increase of T3. These data confirm earlier reports which show that T3 secretion is low at birth and TSH secretion is stimulated strongly but transiently after birth, and that the low T3 secretion is rapidly normalized in 2 hours along with the TSH release. Because of these strong and rapid changes, we recommend screening of the function of the pituitary-thyroid axis in neonates after the age of 24 hours.


Raised serum TSH in hypothyroidism.

It is desirable to detect early hypothyroidism of the mildest degree even before conventional tests of thyroid function become abnormal. Serum TSH levels (normal: undetectable to 4 muU/ml) rise in patients with mild hypothyroidism long before serum T4 and T3 levels fall. In the patient described the serum TSH level was 310 muU/ml, while other tests of thyroid function gave normal results. After treatment with thyroxine, serum TSH returned to normal. It should now be accepted that patients with mild hypothyroidism have a raised serum TSH and that thyroid insufficiency can be confidently excluded if the serum TSH concentration is normal. It is thus important to assay serum TSH when suspicion of hypothyroidism is aroused.


Neonatal respiratory failure due to myotonic dystrophy.

Myotonic dystrophy should be included in the differential diagnosis of neonatal respiratory failure accompanied by hypotonia. The effect of this disorder in an infant who died from it 49 hours after birth is described, and the importance of examining the mother of a possible case is emphasized.


Effect of thermal environment and caloric intake on head growth of low birthweight infants during late neonatal period.

In order to assess the effects of ambient thermal conditions on postnatal head growth in low birth weight infants, 42 asymtomatic neonates were reared under 4 combinations of caloric intake and thermal environment after the first week of life. Exposure to a subthermoneutral temperature (abdominal skin temperature of 35 degrees C), together with a relatively low caloric intake (120 cal/kg per day), was associated with significant retardation of head growth over a 2-week study period.


[Alterative and repair processes in lymph nodes under the direct and mediated effects of radiation].

Under study were the popliteal lymph nodes of rats at different times after total irradiation of animals (the 1st series), total irradiation with screening the left node (the 2nd series) and local screening of other parts of the body (the 3rd series). X-ray irradiation in all experiments was performed under standard conditions in dosage of 800 r. The amount of mitoses (MC 0/00) in light centers and cortical substance was counted in addition to histological alterations. In shielded lymph nodes (2nd series) mediate effects of irradiation were observed characterized by a decrease of the MK amount and massive death of lymphocytes in later terms than after direct effects (1st series). In irradiated nodes (3rd series) the reparative process was more rapid than in the first series due to migration of lymphocytes from non-irradiated parts of the body. The mediate effect of radiation results also in increased amount of plasma cells in lymphatic nodes of animals subjected to total irradiation (1st and 2nd series). It is suggested by the absence of such increase of amount of plasma cells in locally irradiated lymphatic nodes when screening other parts of the body (3rd series). availability of individual distinctions in the character of the lymphoid tissue response to effects of ionizing radiation puts a question of division of experimental animals at least into 2 subgroups which have different indices of proliferative processes.


[New findings on the structure of normal blood vessels according to rastral electron microscopy data].

Under rastral electron microscopic study were the internal surface of the aorta of 48 humans from 2 weeks to 75 years of age, the large cutaneous vein of the shank in 14 humans from 12 to 58 years of age, the femoral artery and vein in 8 mongrel dogs. It was established that the internal surface of blood vessels was not a smooth-walled cylinder but a structure with a complicated relief. The microrelief of the internal surface is formed of subendothelially disposed collagenous-elastic formations and configuration of the endothelial cells cytoplasm. It consists of folds of the first and second order, which make the internal square surface of the blood vessels 3-4 times larger. There are some peculiar features in the structure of the internal surface of arteries and veins which, to the author's opinion, might be due to differences in the structure of collagenous-elastic constructions of the wall of these vessels. Certain developmental changes of the internal surface of the aorta are described. The authors believe that the special microrelief of the internal surface of blood vessels is of particular significance for hemodynamics, the exchange of substances between the blood and vascular wall and for the thrombus formation. These new findings should be presented in manuals and textbooks on anatomy, histology and embryology.


[Lymphatic and blood vessels of the liver in acute and chronic cholecystitis].

Changes in lymph and blood vessels were studied in 110 dogs with acute and chronic cholecystitis. It was established that in the period of development of acute inflammatory processes in the gall bladder the monolayer network of hepatic capillaries was changed into bi-layer, took place the formation of plane networks at the side of the lobule and lacunary dilatations in the site of fusion of lymph capillaries, dilatation and deformation of lymph capillaries and vessels. Under conditions of chronic cholecystitis fibrosis and sclerosis of the portal tracts were accompanied by intensive growth (and reduction - in parallel) of lymph capillaries. Thick small-looped network was observed to develop around false lobules during development of cyrrhosis. A conclusion is made that early cholecystectomy is necessary in cases of inflammatory diseases of the gallbladder.


[Structure of the circulatory bed in the walls of arteries of the elastic type in elderly and aged persons].

The work presents data on the structure of intramural blood vessels of the aorta arc and initial portions of common carotid arteries of men. It was shown that in elderly and old people there were clear manifestations of transformation of the microcirculatory bed and larger intramural arteries and veins, which might be due to altered conditions of metabolism.


[Adrenergic innervation of the extramedullary arteries of the spinal cord of cats].

The adrenergic nerves of the radical and longitudinal arteries and the dura mater at the level of cervical, thoracic and lumbar segments of the ventral and dorsal sides of the spinal cord were studied in 70 mature cats by methods of Falck and Glenner. The adrenergic fibres form developed plexuses different in the density of disposition of nerve conductors on the arteries of different segments of the spinal cord. The adrenergic fibres are also found in the pia mater tissue. Nerve fibres containing active monoaminoxidase are less in number than adrenergic ones found by Falck's method. It is probably due to activation of catecholamines being realized by other ways in addition to oxydative desamination.


[Luminescent-histochemical study of the sympathetic innervation of the large intestine in some mammals].

It has been established that specifically fluorescening fibres and their endings as well as neurons along the length of the large intestine and in the thick of its wall have uneven distribution in cats, albino rats and dogs. A considerable part of fibres are concentrated in the muscular-intestinal, submucose plexuses and in the circular muscular layer. The greatest amount of fibres can be found in the rectum wall. They form various synaptic contacts mainly with parasympathetic neurons. Such connections with the bundles of smooth muscles are not very numerous. An exclusion is the rectum because in its wall there are equally many endings of both kinds. Solitary fibres and their endings are referred to the neurons of intramural ganglia. Their amount here is not great, most frequently they are found in cranial portions of the large intestine.


[Changes in the spinal cord of rats following the effects of single and multiple gravitational overloads of the "head-pelvis" direction].

The state of the neurons of the spinal cord and intervertebral ganglia in rats was studied morphologically after effects of single (12 units) and repeated for ten days with increase (from 3 to 12 units) gravitation stresses of the head-pelvis direction. Single and repeated gravitation stresses caused both hemodiscirculatory and considerable dystrophic alterations in the spinal cord. These processes were of undulatory character and were better pronounced during a month after single stresses. After repeated stresses they were less pronounced.


[Structure of the osteon lamella].

The structure of osseous laminas of osteons was studied by methods of translucent and rastral electron microscopy. All laminas were shown to consist of collagenous fibrils and crystals of hydroxyapatite. The collagenous fibrils in the lamina are united into interwining bundles. The adjacent osseous laminas are different in orientation of fibrils and bundles in relation to the axis of the Haversian canal. The laminas are bound by bundles and solitary fibrils passing from one lamina into the other. In decalcificated sections of laminas of osteons have different relief. The laminas with longitudinally disposed fibrils project over the laminas with transversely disposed fibrils.


[Seasonal morphological peculiarities of the structure of the adrenal cortex in ground squirrels (Citellus erythrogenys)].

The morphological state of the adrenal cortex was studied in Citellus erythogenus in different periods of their year cycle: May, July, January. The morphological criteria of Selye - Stone (1950) and the ratio between dark and light cells were used for estimation of the morphological state of the adrenal cortex. It was shown that a number of morphological parameters under study had distinct seasonal dynamics. The thickness of the glomerular zone and of all the adrenal cortex was maximal in the period of hibernation. It became thinner in the period of waking up and it was minimal in July. Light cells prevailed in the period of waking up, in July the amount of dark and light cells was approximately equal and in winter dark cells prevailed. The comparison of the character of morphological changes of the glomerular and bundle zones shows that the distinctions are pronounced only during deep winter hibernation.


[Blood vessels of the hypophysis].

The construction of the intraorganic vessels of the hypophysis was studied by different injectional methods in cats and partly in dogs. The obtained data confirmed the portal microcirculation in the hypophysis of the animals under investigation. Anatomical and some experimental data speak in favour of the blood flow direction in the portal system from the medial eminence towards the anterior part of the adenohypophysis. The capillaries of the portal system were demonstrated to anastomose with arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and with the caudal parts of the neurohypophysis. The experiments with intravital accumulation of the trypan blue revealed macrophagal activity of the perivascular connective tissue elements of the portal system. An attempt was made to objectively analyze the capillary architectonics of the hypophysis portal system. The obtained data on its peculiar features are discussed in connection with the capillary construction and peculiarities of the metabolism of the hypothalmic neurosecretory nuclei.


[Neuronal organization of the inspiratory center (Baumgarten's nucleus)].

The inspiratory center or the Baumgarten's nucleus consists of large multipolar neurons and small reticular cells of the associative field. This nucleus is divided into a number of less populations with more close anatomical connections. In its turn each such population consists of groups of nerve cells characterized by the presence of large central (one or two) neurons surrounded by small reticular cells. Basing on available microelectrode studies and the personal investigations, the author puts forward a supposition that the group under study (the respiron) as the main part of the population represents the least structural unit on which the integrative activity of the inspiratory center is based.


[Morphology of the reparative processes in the early period following chemical burns of the esophagus].

Changes in 25 esophaguses following burns with cauterizing substances in patients treated with hormonal steroids and by bougienage were studied using histochemical methods. Effects of acids and alkalies were revealed at early stages of burn disease and consisted of lesions of a various depth of the esophagus wall. Formation of scars started from the first days after burns and led to the rearrangement of the esophagus wall. A year following the burn the healing of the damaged esophagus was not completed, and changes therein acquired a character of necrotic-ulcerative esophagitis. Hormonal treatment brought about a decrease in leucocytic infiltration in the esophagus wall. The periods of development of scars in the esophagus of patients treated with hormonal preparations according to the conventional scheme and treatment by bougienage coincided.


[Surface structure of the macrophages and lymphocytes in their interaction under conditions of antigenic stimulation observed with the scanning electron microscope].

The surface structure of macrophages, lymphocytes of peritoneal exudate and lymphocytes from the lymphatic node of intact, stimulated with meat-pentone broth and induced with antigen mice was studied using raster electron microscopy. Lymphocytes outwardly did not differ from each other irrespective the source of their origin. Macrophages obtained from the peritoneal cavity of the stimulated mice morphologically differed from those isolated from intact mice. Antigenic stimulation of macrophages made it possible to investigate the dynamics of absorption and digestion of sheep corpuscles, as well as the morphology of this process. It was established that in combined cultivation of macrophages and lymphocytes under conditions of antigenic stimulation the number of contacts between lymphocytes and between lymphocytes and macrophages considerably increased. The cytoplasmic ponticulus connecting cells was formed mostly at the expense of a single finger-shaped growth of the lymphocyte membrane.


[Morphological changes in the joint tissues and synovial fluid in rheumatoid arthritis and arthrosis deformans].

A simultaneous morphological investigation of bioptic material of the synovial sheath, articular cartilage, and synovial fluid from patients with various forms of rheumatoid arthritis (100 patients with a typical articular form, 10 with benign evolution, and 20 with lesions of visceral organs) was carried out. It was noted that in the usual articular form of rheumatoid arthritis the most common morphological component in the synovial sheath was lympho-plasmo-cellular infiltration. In the "benign" form of rheumatoid arthritis immunomorphological shifts were manifested but slightly, in the articular-visceral form in the immunocompetent cells there were observed karyopycnosis and plasmorrhexis. Cells and the main matter of the cartilage apparently underwent an enzymatic lysis, the intensity of which correlated with the degree of phagocytosis of the synovial fluid. In the deforming osteo-arthrosis (150 observations) in the synovial sheath there were usually noted drastic sclerosis and atrophy of organ-specific structures, impairmement of the production of the synovial fluid, and dystrophic falling into fibers of the articular cartilage with intensive proliferation of the cartilage cells. It is probable that distructiion of the cartilage in arthrosis depends upon an impairment of the function of the synovial sheath to produce synovial fluid.


[Cytological variants of lymphogranulomatosis].

It is shown that in the course of a cytological investigation it was possible not only to diagnose lymphogranulomatosis but in the overwhelming majority of cases to determine a morphological variant of the disease in accordance with Lukes et al. classification. Cytological pictures of the three histological variants of lymphogranulomatosis are described: mixed-cellular, reticular and nodular sclerosis. Cytological criteria for diagnosis of nodular sclerosis are identified.


[Morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of the epithelial cells of the parathyroid glands].

Histochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of the main, oxyphilic and C-cells of 50 parathyroid glands of man and 105 ones of animals (rats) is presented. Types of the structure of the structure of the parathyroid glands (compact, retiform, lobular) are identified and their morphological changes under conditions of impairment of the phosphorus-calcium metabolism are described.


[Method for the functional evaluation of contrasted vessels of the lungs with the aid of stereoroentgenogrammetry and morphometry].

A complex method for measuring vessels of the lungs is suggested; the method includes a number of successive procedures: contrasting of vessels under physiological pressure, stereoscopy of the preparation of the lung in a non-atelectatic and non-fixed state and obtaining of stereopaired angiograms, marking the levels of branching of vessels and determination of their lumen by means of stereocomparator, fixation of the lung, spot cutting and morphometry of the wall of the same segments of the lung vessels. The size of the lumen of the vessel approximating the intravital one, was combined with morphometric parametres of its wall and indices were calculated characterizing a morpho-functional state of the blood flow bed of the lungs.


[Results of the total hip replacement operations (author's transl)].

A review of the hip replacement operations performed by the department of orthopaedics of the University Hospital of Freiburg follows. The operation brought "very good" results for 14.4% of those operated upon, "good" results for 50.6% and satisfactory results for 29.7%. The results of the operation were unsatisfactory for 5.6% of the patients. In view of the possible complications, the results will be discussed.


[Clinical and experimental experiences of important factors concerning the permanent anchorage of hip-joint-prostheses (author's transl)].

Amomg a lot of conditions influencing the permanent anchorage of hip-joint-prostheses the following factors are very important: form and surface conditions of the material, in addition to a valgus position of the prostheses. The importance of these parameters in changed biomechanics after arthroplastic replacement is confirmed by measurements of spherical shape, morphology of the surface and diameter of the material. Furthermore, the vectorial distribution of weight by the different varus and valgus positions were examined. The experimental results were confirmed by clinical studies on 1407 prostheses during the course of 5 years.


[Investigations of strength of tibia osteosynthesis (author's transl)].

Transverse strength of tibia osteosynthesis with wire bracings, nails, screws and self-tensed pressure plates was determined in biomechanical researches. The mechanical limits determined of the various kinds of osteosynthesis were compared with calculated transverse moments that are found at early mobilisation. The osteosynthesis with 3 single wire bracings shows neither sufficient rotary nor bending stability, however, the osteosynthesis with 3 twin wire bracings appears to be sufficient providing participation of medical guidance and possible inactive support is assured. The osteosynthesis with the modified Küntscher nail is only stable under additional utilization of bone weight and muscle power. The nailing is not stable without muscular guarantee. The osteosynthesis with screws and self-tensed pressure plates is sufficient stable, additional application of the broad plate is not necessary because of over dimension.


[Knee results of the treatment of traction contractures using the quadriceps plasty by Bennett (author's transl)].

Authors report on the results of 51 quadriceps-plasties according to Bennett in the treatment of the extension contracture of the knee. The result was influenced among others by the number of the functioning muscle fibers, by the grade of the preoperative muscular contracture and the postoperative physiotherapy and by the physical and mental development of the patients. In nearly two thirds of the cases very good and good results were achieved. Special questions of the operative technique and the postoperative function are discussed.


[Intertrochanteric displacement osteotomy. Is displacement useful (author's transl)].

When displacement intertrochanteric osteotomy is performed for osteoarthritis of the hip, the factor "displacement" does not affect at all the pressure exerted on the articular faces of the hip (basic aim in prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis). The good effect of osteotomy should be attributed to the factor "biological stimulation" or "blood circulation". Therefore displacement should be avoided because it causes complication (pseudarthrosis) and difficulties when eventually total arthroplasty has to be performed which is (sooner or later) necessary in most cases.


[Experiences with the dynamic compression plate (DCP) in 418 fresh fractures of the tibial shaft (author's transl)].

A consecutive series of 435 fresh fractures of the tibial shaft was internally fixed by the new dynamic compression plate (ASIF-DCP). All but 2 cases could be reviewed personally within 1--2 years postoperatively, while 15 patients had died. The functional results and postoperative complications are reported separately for the 334 closed and 101 open fractures. Inspite of a higher rate of complications in the open fractures, their functional results were about as good as in the closed cases. In our experience the new dynamic compression plate proved to be very satisfactory for internal fixation of fractures of the tibia.


[Deterioration of the ileo-sacral joints through serious unilateral hip joint diseases (author's transl)].

Based on the clinical and radiological examinations of 95 patients with unilateral restricted movement of the hip, the deformities of ileosacral joint and symphysis are described. The pathological changes of ileosacral joints and symphysis could be demonstrated in cases with severe contractures of the hip. Low grade contractures under 15 degrees have been tolerated over many years.


[Investigations of oxide layers on pure metals using ESCA technique (author's transl)].

The principals of the ESCA technique are described in details. Oxide layers on pure metals are investigated regarding composition and growth velocity. The valence state of a metal and the thickness of its oxid layer at the time of implantation into human body tissue are highly responsible for the corrosion resistance of this metal. Compared with Iron, Cobalt and Nickel and oxid layers of pure Titanium, Chromium and Molybdenum did not show further growth of thickness after several days in air. Immediately after removal of the passive layer only the stable and not the reactive oxids of the metal were restored.


Studies on the apoproteins of the major lipoprotein of the yolk of hen's eggs. I. Isolation and properties of the low-molecular-weight apoproteins.

In a continuing study of protein-lipid interactions in egg yolk, the total apoprotein mixture (i.e. the 'apovitellenins') from the high-lipid, low-density lipoprotein (density 0.97 g/ml) of the yolk from hen's eggs has been isolated in a soluble form. By gel-filtration chromatography in 6M urea the mixture has been separated into several fractions from which three new low-molecular-weight proteins (I, Ia, and II), making up about 30% of the total, have been isolated. The most plentiful of these (I) consists of stable aggregates with several identical subunits each of molecular weight about 10 000. This protein is analogous to the principal protein from the corresponding lipoprotein of emu's egg yolk, i.e. emu's apovitellenin I. Hen's apovitellenin I has a slightly different amino acid composition from that of the emu; notably it contains a sulphydryl group. The hen's protein also forms more stable aggregates that are dissociated by detergent and by guanidine hydrochloride but are stable in urea. The molecular weight of Ia is similar to that of I and the amino acid composition is the same, with the exception that Ia has a higher proportion of amide groups. It aggregates less readily than I under the same conditions. The third new protein (II, 'hens's apovitellenin II') has a molecular weight of about 20 000. It has no tyrosine or methionine residues, but contains glucosamine and has several disulphide groups. It has been isolated in very small amount only.


Pole cells of Drosophila paulistorum: embryologic differentiation with symbionts.

The pole cells of young D. paulistorum embryos are destined to form the germinal cells of both male and female imagoes. In addition, specialized portions of the midgut may be derived from pole cell progenitors. In this initial study of their embryogenesis by means of electron microscopy, various stages of pole cell development are shown in both non-hybrid (potentially fertile) and intersemispecific hybrid (potentially sterile as males) materials. Originally, approximately 5 or 6 cells emerge to form the early polar cap and subsequently divide asynchronously until the 35-50 cells of the late polar cap are derived. Unlike other Drosophila species, however, mycoplasma-like symbionts, apparently an hereditary infection, have been traced to locations within the cytoplasm of these pole cells. They are depicted as arriving there after transmission via the egg cytoplasm, implicating this as their probable route of entry into the future germinal tissues of adult flies. It is postulated that these microorganisms function as an infectious reproductive isolating mechanism fostering hybrid male sterility between D. paulistorum semispecies.


Rates of passage of digesta and water absorption along the larg intestines of sheep, cows and pigs.

In 5 cows, the mean length of the large intestine was only slightly greater than that of 21 sheep and 3 pigs. At about one-fifth of the way along the large intestine of the sheep and cows, corresponding to the end of the proximal colon and start of the spiral colon, there were marked reductions in the amount of digesta present and in the lumen diameter. In pigs these parameters decreased gradually along the large intestine. In all parts of the large intestine, the cows had more water in the digesta than did the sheep or the pigs. Nevertheless, the decrease in water content between the caecum and the rectum was similar for the cows and the sheep but less in the pigs. The rate of passage of digesta increased gradually along the large intestine of the pigs, but in the cows and sheep the rate was least in the caecum and proximal colon and greatest in the spiral colon. The total retention time for digesta in the large intestine was approximately 30, 20, and 9 h in the pigs, sheep, and cows respectively. The rate of water absorption from the large intestine was most rapid in the cows and slowest in the pigs. Differences in faecal water content between the species were not due to differences in retention times in the large intestine.


Amino acid imbalance in the liquid-fed lamb.

Eleven Poll Dorset times Merino crossbred female lambs 4 weeks of age were trained to suck liquid diets from bottles. In three separate experiments liquid diets providing 14-2% (expt 1) 10-6% (expt 2) or 8-0% (expt 3) of gross energy as protein and amino acids were fed. Responses in voluntary intake, growth rate and changes in plasma amino acid concentrations were studied when complete or incomplete mixtures of amino acids were added to the liquid diet. These mixtures supplied either: (1) all amino acids in quantities to bring the total of protein plus amino acids to provide more than 20% of dietary gross energy, the amino acids being provided in proportions estimated to meet adequately the lamb's requirements ('complete'); or (2) as the same total amount of amino acids but with the amino acid supplement devoid of threonine ('low-threonine', expts 1 and 2) or isoleucine ('low isoleucine', expt 3). In experiment 1, there was no food intake or growth depression after feeding the amino acid mixture lacking threonine. In both experiments 2 and 3, voluntary food intake was depressed to about 50% of that observed in lambs fed the low protein diet, when the amino acid mixture devoid of threonine or of isoleucine, respectively, was fed. Addition of the missing amino acid to the low threonine and low isoleucine diets resulted in recovery of voluntary intake in experiments 2 and 3 respectively, but no significant improvement above that found after feeding the low protein (basal) diet. In experiments 1 and 2, after feeding the low threonine diet the threonine concentration in the blood plasma decreased markedly, while concentrations of total amino acids were elevated. Although there was no improvement in growth or food intake, the feeding of the diet containing the complete amino acid mixture resulted in an elevation of all essential amino acids including threonin. Similarly in experiment 3, plasma isoleucine concentration decreased in the lambs fed the isoleucine imbalanced diet. Results indicate that the suckled, preruminant lamb exhibits sensitivity to dietary amino acid imbalance, in a manner analogous to that found in simple-stomached animals. These results also clearly illustrate a depression in food intake associated with the deletion of a specific essential nutrient from the diet of the lamb.


Artificial induction of lactation in cattle by use of dexamethasone trimethylacetate.

Injections of dexamethasone trimethylacetate initiated lactation in nulliparous Ayrshire heifers previously given a series of injections of oestradiol benzoate plus progesterone to develop mammary glands. Essentially normal lactation occurred following injection of 20 mg/day dexamethasone for 3 days, whereas injection of 40 mg/day for 4 days initiated secretion of smaller volumes of milk-like fluid containing relatively high levels of lipid. Milking alone failed to initiate lactation.


Extracellular polysaccharides of some basidiomycetes.

Culture filtrates of four basidiomycete fungi, Stereum strigoso-zonatum, Fomes australis, Trametes lilacinogilva and Polyporus tumulosus were fractionated and examined for polysaccharide content. Acid hydrolysis showed the presence of galactose, mannose, xylose, fucose and glucose. Their relative amounts were estimated by gas chromatography of the corresponding alditol acetates. Galactose and mannose were the major constituent sugars, amounting to more than 50% of the total. One of the polysaccharides, a fucogalactomannan elaborated by P. tumulosus, was isolated in a purified form. It was shown to have [alpha]D +42 degrees and contained galactose, mannose, fucose and xylose in the relative proportions 2 : 1 : 1 : 0-2.


The isolation of Mycoplasm hyosynoviae and exposure of pigs to experimental infection.

Arginine-utilising mycoplasmas isolated from the pneumonic lungs of 4 pigs were identified as M. hyosynoviae by their growth characteristics, biochemical activity and serological similarity to each other and to 2 type strains of M. hyosynoviae in growth inhibition tests. A purified culture of one M. hyosynoviae isolate was inoculated intravenously into 3 pigs which were killed 9 days later. Although arthritis was not observed clinically, M. hyosynoviae was isolated from 8 of 9 joints cultured, the tonsils and retropharyngeal lymph nodes of all 3 pigs and the lungs of 2 pigs. No histopathological changes were observed in synovial membranes of the joints cultured or lungs but severe depletion of lymphocytes in the cortex of lymphoid follicles in lymph nodes and tonsils was observed.


The influence of age on the susceptibility of bulls to Campylobacter fetus subsp venerealis.

Observations were carried out on 22 Hereford bulls to determine the age at which they bacame carriers of C. fetus. During preliminary investigations, 5 bulbs were repeatedly exposed to the organism by artificial or natural means from the age of 18 months. All animals became longterm carriers on reaching an age of between 40 and 70 months. Prior to this, a temporary carrier state lasting from 4 to 29 days was produced in 4 bulls. In a subsequent experiment, 17 bulls of 3 different age groups were artificially exposed to C. fetus on 5 occasions over a 2-year period. Thirteen bulls became long-term carriers, including 9 (53%) when less than 4 years old. A transient carrier state occurred in 4 bulls, 2 of which subsequently became long-term carriers. It usually lasted 1-2 weeks, although in 1 animal the organism persisted for 11 weeks. These results are discussed in relation to the findings of other workers and it is concluded that the use of young bulls to limit the spread of C. fetus in infected herds is of dubious value.


Wastage of ova in young Merino ewes.

Eight sub-flocks each of 48 to 51 Merino ewes were mated for 18 days with 1 ram to each subflock. Four of the sub-flocks were of non-parous 1.5-year-old ewes and the other 4 were of parous 2.5-year-old ewes. Fertilisation rates for the subflocks of 1.5-year-old ewes varied from 83 to 94%, and the sub-flocks of 2.5-year-old ewes ranged from 81 to 94%. By day 29 post coitum 42% and 56% of 1.5-year-old ewes in sub-flocks 1 and 2 respectively were no longer pregnant. Embryonic mortality was low in other sub-flocks of 1.5- and 2.5-year-old ewes. Virtually all embryonic death occurred after day 12 post coitum. The sporadic occurrence of high ova wastage in maiden 1.5-year-old ewes in this experiment and in others is discussed in relation to the short duration of oestrus in young ewes and the great variation in service activity of rams.


Zamia palm (Macrozamia reidlei) poisoning of sheep.

Sheep mortalities caused by the ingestion of leaves of the zamia palm (Macrozamia reidlei) were recorded from 6 properties in Western Australia from 1966 to 1971. Deaths occurred in sheep less than 2 years of age and involved from 2 to 9% of the flock. The primary lesion was acute hepatic necrosis, neurological effects were not recorded. The condition was reproduced experimentally when crushed kernel, mascerated leaf or leaf extract was administered by stomach tube.


Levamisole as a microfilaricidal agent in the control of canine dirofilariasis.

The effectiveness of levamisole hydrochloride as a microfilaricidal agent when used 3 weeks after thiacetarsamide sodium therapy for canine dirofilariasis, was studied in 6 experimental dogs and 20 clinical cases. The drug, when administered orally in gelatine capsules daily, cleared microfilariae from the circulation in the experimental dogs in 7 to 11 days. A dose rate of 10mg/kg appeared as effective as 15mg/kg. In the clinical group 70% of dogs had zero microfilarial counts after 4 to 8 doses at 10mg/kg daily. Vomiting, diarrhoea and inappetence were observed in some animals, but were not a significant problem. Elevations in plasma GPT and AP levels were recorded during the administration of levamisole in some dogs while GOT levels rose in 1 dog only. Urea and creatinine levels were unaffected in all dogs. The only haematological parameter affected was the eosinophil count which rose during levamisole administration. All levamisole-treated animals, were successfully commenced on daily DEC, as a prophylactic measure, while an anaphylactic-type reaction occurred when this drug was administered to 1 of the 2 control animals.


Candida ingens as a potential fodder protein.

Pig wastes were fermented and the supernatant was inoculated at the surface with Candida ingens which grew as a pellicle. This was harvested, dried and incorporated with wheat into 2 rations of 20% and 17.9% crude protein as were 2 similar rations using casein and wheat. Using rats the rations were compared for 43 d. There was no significant difference in weight gain or feed conversion between the yeast and casein fed rats at 20% crude protein nor was there a difference in weight gain at 17.9% crude protein; there was a significant difference in feed conversion at 17.9% crude protein (P less than .05). Rats fed C. ingens showed no abnormality at autopsy.


Sub-total cystectomy in a Santa Gertrudis bull.

A Santa Gertrudis bull developed hydroperitoneum due to multiple perforating lesions of the ventral urinary bladder wall. It was believed that the urinary bladder was beyond repair, so a sub-total cystectomy was performed in order to extirpate as much of this organ as possible. An uneventful recovery followed with fertility and libido unaffected.


The major human erythrocyte membrane protein. Evidence for an S-shaped structure which traverses the membrane twice and contains a duplicated set of sites.

The structure of the major human erythrocyte membrane protein (protein E) was investigated by studying the products of proteolysis of the native protein in the membrane. The distribution and location of the tyrosine residues labelled by radioiodination by lactoperoxidase was determined. Proteolysis of the extracellular region of the protein by thermolysin released four tyrosine-containing peptides, all of which were also found to remain in the major fragment that is retained in the membrane. The presence of these duplicated sites in the extracellular region of the protein was confirmed by limited trypsin digestion of the intracellular region of the protein. Two groups of fragments were obtained. Both groups contained a set of the extracellular labelled sites, but they differed in containing distinct groups of intracellular sites, showing that the two sets of extracellular sites are linked by an intracellular region of the protein. The polypeptide chain thus traverses the membrane twice. An S-shaped model which is consistent with these data is proposed.


An allosteric model for ribonuclease.

Data from two assay systems show that the kinetics of the hydrolysis of cytidine 2':3'-cyclic monophosphate by bovine pancreatic RNAase (ribonuclease) is not consistent with conventional models. An allosteric model involving a substrate-dependent change in the equilibrium between two enzyme conformations is proposed. Such a model gives rise to a calculated curve of velocity versus substrate concentration which fits the experimental data. The model is also consistent with the results of an examination of the tryptic digestion of RNAase. Substrate analogues are able to protect RNAase against hydrolysis by trypsin and the percentage of RNAase activity which remains after digestion increases sigmoidally as the analogue concentration is increased. The model also explains the pattern seen in the Km values quoted in the literature and is consistent with strong physical evidence for a ligand-induced conformational change for RNAase reported in the literature.


Identification of amino acid thiohydantoins directly by thin-layer chromatography and indirectly by gas-liquid chromatography after hydrolysis.

A method is described for the identification of amino acid thiohydantoins by two-dimensional t.l.c. An indirect method for the determination of amino acid thiohydantoins is described which, after hydrolysis, the corresponding amino acids are determined by g.l.c.


Ribosomal and informational ribonucleoprotein complexes of animal cells. Study on rat liver ribonucleic acids as constituents of ribonucleoprotein complexes by chromatography on nucleoprotein-celite columns.

A novel method of RNA fractionation has been developed. Nuclear and cytoplasmic rat liver RNA species were fractionated as constituents of corresponding ribonucleoprotein particles, which were previously adsorbed on a Celite-column by their protein component. The fractionation is based on a dissociation of the particles (linear concentration gradient of LiCl and urea with subsequent temperature gradient), which results in a gradual release of the RNA molecules from ribonucleoprotein complexes. Thus the fractionation is in accordance with the tightness of the RNA-protein bonds. A gradient elution of RNA from a nucleoprotein-Celite column permitted fractionation of both ribosomal and rapidly labelled non-ribosomal RNA. The latter, both nuclear and cytoplasmic, could be separated by chromatography on nucleoprotein-Celite columns into two main fractions (components I and V). In cytoplasmic RNA components I and V presumably correspond to mlRNA (messenger-like RNA of free cytoplasmic particles) and mRNA (template RNA associated with ribosomes) respectively.


Purification of multiple forms of the soluble 17alpha-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase or rabbit liver.

Eight distinct forms of the soluble 17alpha-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase of rabbit liver were resolved by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and isoelectric focusing. Five of these enzymes were homogeneous as judged by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Substrate-specificity studies carried out with oestradiol-17alpha and oestradiol-17alpha 3-glucuronide revealed a variation in activity toward these substrates among the different purified enzyme forms. Three forms of the 17alpha-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase exhibited equal activity toward both oestrogen substrates, whereas three forms of the enzyme displayed a greater activity toward the glucuronide derivative of oestradiol-17alpha. One enzyme in particular is essentially specific for oestradiol-17alpha 3-glucuronide, its activity toward oestradiol-17alpha being only one-thirtieth that observed with the 3-glucuronide derivative.


Glutamate decarboxylase from barley embryos and roots. General properties and the occurrence of three enzymic forms.

Glutamate decarboxylase in extracts of barley has a Km value for L-glutamate of 22 mM and is activated by the addition of pyridoxal phosphate by up to 3.5 times. Sucrose-density-gradient experiments indicate the presence of two enzyme forms with molecular weights 256000 and 120000. The lower-molecular-weight form appears to be relatively inactive and spontaneously associates to the higher-molecular-weight form on storage. The enzyme is inhibited by thiol reagents and the distribution of activity on density gradients is altered in favour of the lower-molecular-weight form by the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol. After removal of the 2-mercaptoethanol spontaneous association to the higher-molecular-weight form occurs. The presence of oxygen in the extraction buffer and in the water during imbibition leads to a relative increase in the higher-molecular-weight form compared with situations where oxygen is excluded. In contrast, glutamate decarboxylase in extracts of 3-day-old barley roots has a Km value for L-glutamate of 3.1 mM and is activated up to 10% by addition of pyridoxal phosphate. The root enzyme occurs as a single species with molecular weight 310000 and this is unaffected by 2-mercaptoethanol although thiol reagents do act as weak inhibitors. The molecular weight is also unaffected by the presence or absence of oxygen in the extraction buffers.


The amino acid sequence of dromedary pancreatic ribonuclease.

Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) RNAase (ribonuclease) was isolated from pancreatic tissue by affinity chromatography. Peptides obtained by digestion with different proteolytic enzymes and CNBr were isolated by gel filtration, preparative high-voltage paper electrophoresis and paper chromatography. Peptides were sequenced by the dansyl-Edman method. All peptide bonds were overlapped by one or more peptides. The polypeptide chain consists of 123 amino acids. A deletion (position 39) was observed in an external loop of the polypeptide chain (residues 35-40), as was found earlier to horse RNAase (Scheffer & Beintema, 1974). A heterogeneity was found at position 103 (glutamine and lysine). Dromedary RNAase differs at 23-32% of the positions from all other pancreatic RNAases sequenced to date. In evolutionary terms this indicates that dromedary RNAase has evolved independently during the larger part of the evolution of the mammals. Detailed evidence for the sequence has been deposited as Supplementary Publication SUP 50046 (14 pages) at the British Library (Lending Division), Boston Spa, Wetherby, W. Yorks. LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies may be obtained on the terms given in Biochem. J. (1975) 145, 5.


Chemical and metabolic properties of adenosine diphosphate ribose derivatives of nuclear proteins.

1. ADP-ribose is found in rat liver nuclei covalently bound to histone F1, to a non-histone protein, and to a small peptide. 2. A single unit of ADP-ribose, covalently bound to phosphoserine, was isolated from an enzymic hydrolysate of histone F1. ADP-ribose-bearing peptides were isolated from a tryptic digest of the histone. 3. It is proposed that the 1'-hydroxyl group of ADP-ribose is linked to the phosphate group of phosphoserine in histone F1. 4. The incorporation of 32P into ADP-ribose on histone F1 a parallels the DNA content through the cell cycle. An increased incorporation of the nucleotide into the other derivatives is observed during S phase. 5. It is suggested that the ADP-ribose derivative of histone F1 has a role in maintaining the G0 state and that one or both of the other derivatives is concerned with control of DNA synthesis.


Quantitative interpretation of concentration-dependent migration in gel chromatography of reversibly polymerizing solutes.

A theoretical expression is derived for concentration dependence of elution volume in the gel chromatography of a non-interacting solute. Experimental results for bovine serum albumin on Sephadex G-100 are shown to be in good agreement with the predicted gel-chromatographic behaviour. The theoretical treatment of concentration dependence is extended to include a solute undergoing rapid reversible polymerization (nA in equilibrium C). Computer simulation of gel-chromatographic data for monomer-dimer systems on Sephadex G-100 is used to illustrate the deficiencies of earlier empirical approaches, and also the potential of the present treatment, of allowing for non-chemical concentration dependence in gel chromatography of polymerizing solutes.


Chemical structure of two fragments of human serum albumin and their location in the albumin molecule.

1. 'Inhibitor fragment' isolated from human serum albumin degraded by rabbit cathepsin D is composed of one peptide chain with two intrachain disulphide bonds. There are two kinds of inhibitor molecules having different N-terminal amino acids: one is threonine and the other glutamine. 2. Fragment F1, isolated from inhibitor degraded by trypsin, is composed of two chains linked by a disulphide bond. There are three kinds of fragment F1. All have one alpha chain in common, which has an intrachain disulphide bond. They differ by the nature of the chain, which is linked to the alpha chain by a disulphide bond. The epsilon chain is present in trace amounts. The two other chains, beta and gamma, differ by their C-terminal amino acid, which is respectively arginine and lysine. 3. Inhibitor is composed of the last 92 or 89 residues of the human albumin molecule and fragment F1 is composed of two parts of this C-terminal portion of the albumin molecule.


The preparation of nylon-tube-supported hexokinase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and the use of the co-immobilized enzymes in the automated determination of glucose.

Triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate was used to O-alkylate nylon-tube thus producing the imidate salt of the nylon which was further made to react with 1,6-diaminohexane. 2. Hexokinase (EC 2.7.1.1) and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49) were immobilized on the amino-substituted nylon tube through glutaraldeyde and bisimidates. 3. The effect of varying the conditions of O-alkylation and the amount of enzyme immobilized on the activity of nylon tube-hexokinase derivatives was determined. 4. The effect of varying the amount of enzyme immobilized on the activity of nylon-tube-glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase derivatives was determined. 5. The thermal stability of nylon-tube-hexokinase and nylon-tube-glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase derivatives was studied. 6. Different ratios of hexokinase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase were co-immobilized on nylon tube, and the rate of conversion of glucose into 6-phosphogluconolactone was compared with the individual activities of the immobilized enzymes. 7. Hexokinase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase co-immobilized on nylon tube were used in the automated analysis of glucose.


The effect of cortisone treatment and reoperation on reactive changes in the facial nucleus after axotomy.

The material, with few exceptions, consists of PAS-gallocyanin stained paraffin sections from 4- to 6-month-old male rabbits fixed by perfusion first with saline and then with Bouin's solution. (1) In animals treated with cortisone prior to and subsequent to axotomy, the neurons exhibit an accelerated dispersal and delayed reconstitution of Nissl substance (ribosomes). While mitotic activity is depressed at various sites, formation of new microglial cells is evident. Neuronal degeneration with karyorrhexis is occasionally noted in single neurons in the lateral parts of the facial nucleus. An increase in intraneuronal glycogen deposition is manifested by a greater number of glycogen-rich neurons; such neurons are depleted of their glycogen after axotomy. (2) In other animals, reoperation of the facial nerve on the 6th, 22nd, 60th and 120th day, followed by survival of 3 days, results in dispersal of restored Nissl substance and in increased extravascular mitotic activity which is of less intensity than in single-operated animals.


The effects of althesin on arterial pressure, pulse rate preganglionic sympathetic activity and barostatic reflexes in cats.

We have studied the effects of Althesin on preganglionic cervical sympathetic nervous activity, arterial pressure, pulse rate and barostatic reflexes in cats. Normal, baroreceptor denervated and decerebrate animals were studied. On the basis of our finding it is concluded that Althesin severely depresses sympathetic nervous activity by action on the vasomotor centre. The depression of arterial pressure however was only moderate due to two compensatory mechanisms: a vagolytic action of Althesin and a peripheral vascular effect believed to be caused by an enhanced action of catecholamines caused by Althesin. Barostatic reflexes were found active under conditions where Althesin did not totally abolish sympathetic tone.


New system for automated extraction and simultaneous determination of serum cholesterol and triglycerides.

We describe an automated system for serum lipid extraction and simultaneous determination of cholesterol and triglycerides, with use of continuous-flow equipment. A sample volume of 100 mul of serum is required, and samples are processed at the rate of 20 per hour, which may be increased with slight loss in precision. Time from sample pickup to recorder readout is about 25 min. The system makes use of established colorimetric reactions, and the values obtained agree with ranges currently reported in the literature. Correlation coefficients for results of the automated and manual methods were 0.98 for cholesterol and 0.99 for triglycerides, and the day-to-day coefficients of variation were 1.8% for cholesterol (1 SD equal to 34 mg/liter) and 3.4% for triglycerides (1 SD equal to 37 mg/liter). The small sample volume, precision, accuracy, speed, and comparative economy of reagents make this system particularly suitable for multiphasic screening, pediatrics, and small-animal research.


The effects of vasectomy on spermatogenesis in the dog, Canis Familaris: a meiotic analysis.

It was observed (1) that reversible meiotic changes did in fact take place following vasectomy, as evidenced by the changing profile of the various stages of meiosis, resulting in a spermatogenic arrest accompanied by a drop in the frequency of mature spermatids and depletion of spermiocytes. (2) By 15 weeks postvasectomy, repair had progressed from the earlier meiotic stages, with a return to the normal, control, meiotic distribution. (3) The time from the observation of degenerative changes to the restoration of control values, according to our data, was approximately 100 days.


The Paneth cell: a source of intestinal lysozyme.

An antiserum prepared against lysozyme isolated from mucosal scrapings of mouse small intestine was used to stain sections of mouse small intestine with the indirect fluorescent antibody technique. Mucosal fluorescence was confined to the base of the crypts of Lieberkuhn, where Paneth cells are located. After the intravenous administration of 4 mg of pilocarpine fluorescence was no longer found in the Paneth cell but in the crypt lumen. Perfusion studies confirmed these findings. The basal lysozyme output of 0-1 to 0-4 mug/ml was raised to peak rates of 1-8 to 6-5 mug/ml after the intravenous administration of 1 mg of pilocarpine. Our results demonstrate that the lysozyme of the succus entericus is, at least in part, derived from the Paneth cell, and is probably present in the Paneth cell granules. Its secretion is stimulated by pilocarpine. Our model could be very useful for studying the function of the Paneth cell, which probably forms part of an intestinal defence system.


Biochemical characterization of crystals from the dermal iridophores of a chameleon Anolis carolinensis.

The biochemical characteristics of dermal iridophore crystals from Anolis carolinensis have been investigated.  Iridophores isolated by collangenase-hyaluronidase treatment were sonicated and their contents fractionated through sucrose.  Pure iridophore crystals so obtained were examined by chromatography and electron diffraction.  They were found to be pure hydrated crystalline form.  The suggestion is made that the subcrystalline structure of this guanine does not play a role in color production by the iridophore.


Suppression of antidiuretic hormone secretion by clonidine in the anesthetized dog.

Studies were performed to determine the mechanism by which the antihypertensive agent clonidine increases urine flow (V). In 11 anesthetized, hydropenic dogs, i.v. administration of clonidine (30 mug/kg) increased arterial pressure from 128 +/- 4 to 142 +/- 3 mm Hg and slowed heart rate from 138 +/- 7 to 95 +/- 7 beats/min within 30 min of injection; blood pressure then fell to 121 +/- 5 mm Hg 30 to 60 min after injection, and 112 +/- 5 mm Hg in the next 30-min period. V increased from 0.36 +/- 0.09 to 0.93 +/- 0.13 Uosm ml/min and urine osmolality (Uopsm) decreased from 1378 +/- 140 to 488 +/- 82 mOsm/kg of H2O 30 to 60 min following injection (P less than 0.001). These changes were accompanied by a decrease in TcH20. This increased V was not associated with increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or solute excretion, and occurred in acutely denervated kidneys and kidneys protected from the initial increase in arterial pressure by constriction of a suprarenal aortic clamp. By contrast, V TcH2O and UOsm were not altered by clonidine administration in seven acutely hypophysectomized dogs receiving a constant infusion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) (80 muU/kg/min), despite similar hemodynamic changes produced by the drug. The results suggest that clonidine increases V through inhibition of ADH release, possibly via an indirect pathway mediated by the drug's alpha-adrenergic on the circulation.


Depth perception in the rat (Rattus Norvegicus): prepotency of three-dimensional over two-dimensional surfaces.

The descent behavior to two- and three-dimensional surfaces in a depth situation was measured and compared for 45-50 days-old hooded rats. When depth differences between surfaces were controlled, significantly more descents were made to three-dimensional than to the two-dimensional surface. The results suggest that a three-dimensional surface--more representative of an animal's natural terrain--provides a more informative environment for motion parallax than does a two-dimensional one.


Observations of possible thiaminase activity in scallop viscera fed in broiler diets. Case report.

Five-week-old broilers were submitted to the diagnostic laboratory showing sudden onset of incoordination, ataxia, anorexia, dehydration and coma. Groups of birds were being fed the New England Conference (NECC) broiler diets in which scallop viscera was added. Moribund birds receiving thiamine hydrochloride recovered without complications.


Effects of phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride on canine lower urinary tract: clinical implications.

The results of our study show that phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride, a potent long-acting alpha-adrenergic blocker, has clearly demonstrable effects on urethral function. In a dose of 0.5 mg. per kilogram of body weight it caused a significant lowering of the resting urethral pressure, a decrease in the arterial pressure, and no change in the intravesical pressure. Higher doses caused similar but more pronounced and prolonged effects. The combined use of phenoxybenzamine and bethanechol increased the intravesical pressure and decreased the urethral pressure. It appears that the predominant mechanism of urethral resistance is alpha-adrenergic activity in smooth muscle. A review of the medical literature, our experimental studies, and limited clinical application lead uo to conclude that phenoxybenzamine could be useful in treating neurogenic vesical dysfunction of various types, urethral syndrome, urgency incontinence, functional outlet obstruction with or without vesicoureteral reflux, drug-related obstructive urinary symptoms, partial prostatic obstruction, and ureteral colic. The combination of phenoxybenzamine and bethanechol could be used in managing patients with atony of the bladder of neuropathic or myopathic origin.


Metabolism and temperature regulation in young harbor seals Phoca vitulina richardi.

Metabolism and the ability to regulate core and peripheral temperatures under a variety of ambient conditions were studied in five unrestrained pups (less than 5 wk old) and four 3- to 5-mo-old harbor seals. Pups born with nonlanugo (adultlike) hair and little fat were able to swim in 5 degrees C water for several hours without becoming hypothermic. They were also found to tolerate 5 degrees C air temperature with the fur wet and exposed to a 35-knot wind. Basal metabolism in pups averaged 0.8 ml O2 g-1 h-1, which is 2.6 times the predicted value for an adult mammal of the same weight. Lower critical temperature in air was about 3 degrees C. Oxygen uptake in 3- to 5-mo-old seals under basal conditions was 0.5 ml g-1 h-1. Minimal thermal conductance values were .02 and .015 ml O2 g-1 h-1 degrees C-1 in pumps and 3- to 5-month-old seals, respectively. Appendages, and to a lesser extent the skin on the torso, cooled appreciably at lower air temperatures, and the flippers were kept just above freezing in subzero air. Tissue insulation provided by low peripheral temperatures and a high resting metabolic rate enable newborn and developing harbor seals to tolerate the low temperatures encountered in their natural environment.


Sulphate recycling and metabolism in sheep and cattle.

Merino wethers and Brahman x Shorthorn steers, offered lucerne or spear grass hay, were used to study the movements of sulphate through pools in plasma and ruminal liquor. The irreversible loss of sulphate from ruminal liquor was 60 and 76% of sulphur ingested for both species fed lucerne and spear grass respectively. The irreversible loss of sulphate from the plasma averaged 67 and 56% of sulphur ingested for animals fed lucerne and spear grass respectively. Daily recycling of sulphate to the rumen of sheep was 98 mg sulphur on the lucerne diet and 3.9 mg sulphur on the spear grass diet. Sulphate recycling in cattle fed lucerne was 533 mg sulphur; in cattle fed spear grass the value was 234 mg sulphur. Over 6 days following an intravenous injection of [35S]sulphate into sheep and cattle fed lucerne, 5-10% of the dose was excreted in the faeces and c. 10% was retained. Corresponding values for animals fed spear grass were 23-31% in faeces and 40-51% of the dose retained. After intraruminal injections of [35S]sulphate, animals fed lucerne excreted 15-18% of the dose in the faeces and retained 25-30% of the dose over 6 days. Values for animals fed spear grass were 22-26% in faeces and 62-70% retained. It was concluded that sulphate recycling to the rumen is a limiting factor in microbial synthesis for sheep fed low-quality roughage, and that secretion of endogenous sulphur into the postruminal tract of ruminants is of importance in the metabolism of sulphate.


Effects of mimosine, a potential chemical defleecing agent, on wool growth and the skin of sheep.

Twenty-two Merino sheep were dosed with various amounts of L-mimosine, given either as an intravenous or an intraperitoneal injection, or as a continuous intravenous infusion for periods of 1-4 days. Single injections of mimosine (1-16 g) had no effect on the strength of wool, and wool growth rates were not appreciably altered by injections of small amounts (4 g or less). Injections of larger amounts slightly reduced both length growth rate and diameter of tibres during the 4 days after dosing. The effects of intravenous infusions of mimosine depended on the rate and the duration of administration. Small amounts (0.5 or 1 g/day given for 4 days) has no effects on the strength of wool or on wool growth rates. Infusions of a total of 8 g, either at the rate of 2 or 8 g/day, weakened the wool but not sufficiently to allow the sheep to be defleeced. Both these treatments caused a temporary reduction in length growth rate and in diameter of fibres, and transient degenerative changes were observed in wool follicles. A region of the fibres representing 1-2 days' growth was constricted to about half the pre-infusion diameter when 8 g was given for 1 day. Infusions of at least 8 g mimosine over a period of 1 1/2-2 days were effective for defleecing all sheep dosed. This corresponded to a daily rate of infusion of about 80 mg/kg. No toxic effects were observed with infusions given for periods of 2 days. Defleecing was judged to be possible by 6-7 days after the start of infusion, and was readily carried out by about 14 days. Defleecing was associated with follicle retrogression and an abrupt cessation of wool growth within 2 days of the start of the infusions. It was estimated that fibre growth stopped for about 10 dyas; regrowth was first observed 17-18 days from the beginning of dosing. Low rates of infusion of mimosine (up to 2 g/day) resulted in plasma levels below 0.1 mmol/l. Infusion at the rate of 4 g/day or above, which produced defleecing, quickly resulted in levels of mimosine in plasma above 0.1 mmol/l; after 2 days the concentration was steady at aboug 0.2 mmol/l. Injections of 8 or 16 g mimosine resulted in very large, but transient, rises of the level in plasma.


The etiology of swine dysentery. III. The role of selected gram-negative obligate anaerobes.

A disease resembling swinee dysentery occurred in gnotobiotic piglets previously colonized with Escherichia coli and given a mixture of five enteric anaerobes and spirochete B-78, orally. No disease occurred in germ-free piglets exposed to four Gram-negative obligate anaerobes or to the spirochete; however, if the four respective anaerobes were introduced into gnotobiotic pigs previously colonized with the spirochete, or when the spirochete was introduced into gnotobiotic pigs colonized with the anaerobes, a disease occurred that simulated swin dysentery. Swine dysentery is probably caused by the specific interaction of one or more enteric Gram-negative obligate anaerobes and a spirochete.


The effect of different anamnesis during ontogeny on higher nervous activity in rats.

The consequences of malnutrition, experimental experience and sensory deprivation during early postnatal life were investigated in adult rats. The higher nervous activity of experimental animals was evaluated by means of a battery of tests (exploratory activity, avoidance reaction, preference of a small chamber and a water maze). Rats were divided into 5 groups, i. e. control, trained (with previous experimental experience), light deprived, malnourished naive (12-14 animals in the litter) and malnourished trained. From experimental data obtained it may be concluded that the level of nutrition as well as sensory deprivation or additional stimulation during development are important factors the influence of which persists and modifies the somatic development and the higher nervous activity in adult animals. Light deprived and malnourished rats showed retarded somatic development and worse parameters of higher nervous activity. The difference between groups could be altered by augmented stimulation. Previous experimental experience and intensive handling seems to be an important factor which influences the higher nervous activity of experimental animals.


Seven-year follow-up study of rubella syndrome in Ryukyu with special reference to persistence of rubella hemagglutination inhibition antibodies.

Rubella hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibodies in 266 children with rubella syndrome born in 1965 in the Ryukyu Islands and their mothers were followed for seven years. Titers of rubella HI antibody in the mothers declined slowly, while those in the children declined rapidly up to 40 months of age. Thereafter decline of titers became extremely slow and only seven cases (three per cent) became seronegative for rubella HI antibody. Rubella HI antibody titers seemed to have no particular correlation to the severity of clinical manifestations.


Cerebral infarction diagnosis by computerized tomography. Analysis and evaluation of findings.

CT has been found to be of value in cerbrovascular disease. In acute infarcts, the CT (before anticoagulation) excludes intracerebral hemorrhage. The CT may not exclude small petechial hemorrhagic infarctions (with negative cerebrospinal fluid). Angiography, otherwise, is more informative, disclosing ulcerative, irregular plaques, senosis, emboli, etc. In old infarcts, the CT may differentiate an old infarct from a tumor in a patient with focal seizures. Angiography and radionuclide scans are less informative. CT is a valuable investigative agent for clinico-anatomic correlation in cerebrovascular disease.


Bone marrow sinus cell packing: a determinant of cell release.

Ultrastructural studies of erythropoietin effects on the bone marrow of control and hypertransfused (65 hct) mice revealed a decrease in adventitial cell cover of the sinus apertures in erythropoietin-treated animals. A more striking finding, however, was the marked inhibition of erythropoietin-induced reticulocytosis by hypertransfusion itself. Hypertransfusion of the erythropoietin-treated animals appeared to decrease the reticulocyte response by inhibiting reticulocyte response by marrow cords in addition to inhibiting erythroid proliferation. This inhibition of reticulocyte response was associated with clustering of reticulocytes around the marrow sinuses which were packed with red cells. Acute lowering of the hematocrit of erythropoietin-treated, hypertransfused animals to normal at the time of maximal reticulocyte response in control animals resulted in more than a twofold increase in reticulocytosis with 2 hr. It is suggested that (1) elevated levels of erythropoietin are associated with a diminution of the normal marrow-peripheral blood barrier, thereby contributing to the premature release of marrow elements and (2) the hematocrit is an important determinant of cell release from the marrow into the peripheral circulation.


Heterogeneity of in vitro colony- and cluster-forming cells in the mouse marrow: segregation by velocity sedimentation.

C57BL bone marrow cells were separated on the basis of their sedimentation velocity at unit gravity and cell fractions cultured in agar using three types of colony stimulating factor (CSF). Colony-forming cells separated as a single peak (s equal 4.4 mm/hr) in cultures stimulated by mouse lung conditioned medium (CSFMLCM) or endotoxin serum (CSFES). Cluster-forming cells were separable into two peaks and the majority were larger than colony-forming cells (s equal 5.7 mm/hr). Partial segregation of colony-forming cells was observed according to the morphological types of colonies generated, large cells tending to generate macrophage colonies and small cells, granulocytic colonies. Large colony-forming cells were more responsive to stimulation by CSF than small cells. Human urine (CSFHU) appeared unable to proliferation of most small colony-forming cells. Colony-forming cells appear to be a highly heterogeneous population with intrinsic differences in responsiveness to CSF and with differing capacities to generate colonies whose cells differentiate to granulocytes of macrophages.


Enrichment of colony forming cells by methotrexate and isokinetic density gradient centrifugation.

Purification of target cells responsive to granulopoietic regulators would be of importance in understanding their mechanism of action. Previous studies have shown that mouse marrow could be enriched 3- to 7-fold with respect to agar colony forming cells (CFU-C) by appropriately scheduled doses of Methotrexate. To further increase this enrichment, such marrow has been subjected to centrifugation through an isokinetic gradient of Ficoll in culture medium. Under optimal conditions (17.5 min at 77.5 X g) the combination of chemotherapy and velocity sedimentation yielded a 17-fold enrichment of CFU-C's.


The prognosis in aplastic anemia.

The biphasic shape of the survival curve of 99 patients with aplastic anemia suggested that there may be at least two subgroups of patients with this disease, one with a very short survival and another with a longer survival. Patients who survived for 4 mo or less after the first clinic visit (group A) were different from the patients who survived longer (group B) with respect to their modes of onset, sex, intervals from the onset of symptoms to first clinic visit, and initial hematologic values. These differences suggested that short survival could be predicted from data available at the first contact with the physician. From these measurements, a prognostic index could be calculated which was useful in identifying the patients in group A. Although this method of prognostication needs further testing, if validated, it may prove useful in selecting patients for therapeutic trials and could explain the divergent results in previous studies of androgen treatment of aplastic anemia. When our androgen-treated subjects were compared with subjects with a similar prognostic index who had not received androgens, a beneficial effect of androgen therapy on survival could not be demonstrated.


Receptors for C3 and IgG on macrophage, neutrophil and eosinophil colony cells grown in vitro.

Macrophage, neutrophil, and eosinophil colony cells from bone marrow culture in semisolid agar medium were studied for membrane C3 and IgG receptors. The capacity of these cells to bind either erythrocytes-19S antibody-complement (EAC) or erythrocyte-7S antibody (EA7S) complexes was measured using the rosette method. Whereas macrophage and neutrophil colony cells showed receptors for both C3 and IgG, eosinophil colony cells appear to bear only IgG receptors. Studies correlating colony age and the presence of receptors showed that 60 to 70% of the cells from 3-day-old macrophage colonies were reactive for EAC and EA7S contrasting with 80 to 90% of the cells from 6- to 12-day-old colonies. Neutrophils behaved somewhat differently: EAC and EA7S reactive cells were seen in colonies after 4 or 5 days in culture and comprised only 50 to 60% of the colony population. Eosinophilic colonies showed 50  to 60% EA7S reactive cells after 6 to 7 days in culture, but no EAC reactive cells were found among these colonies at any time. The characteristics and properties of the receptors detected on colony cells were similar to those on macrophages and neutrophils from normal peritoneal fluid or bone marrow. Most macrophage colony cells were actively phagocytic whereas neutrophils and eosinophilic colony cells failed to show phagocytosis under the same conditions.


Reactivity of mast cells to Mycoplasma salivarium.

Mice were sensitized to Mycoplasma salivarium and then challenged with heterologous and homologous antigens. The number of degranulating tissue mast cells was used to assess the degree of local tissue hyperactivity after antigenic challenge. Significant differences existed between homologous and heterologous antigenic challenges.


Ontogeny of human fetal lymph nodes.

Developing lymph nodes from 30 human embryos and fetuses with crown-rump lengths (CRL) of 18 mm (5.6 wk) to 245 mm (26 wk) were examined by light microscopy. The nodes were embedded in araldite, and the sections examined were approximately 1 mu in thickness. The development of nodes was divided into three stages: 1. the lymphatic plexus and connective tissue invagination (30 mm to 67 mm CRL); 2. the early fetal lymph node (43 mm to ,5 mm CRL); and 3. the late fetal lymph node (CRL greater than 75 mm). The lymphatic plexus was formed by connective tissue invaginations and bridges which divided a lymph sac into a meshwork of channels and spaces. Connective tissue invaginations were endothelially-lined and were surrounded by lymphatic space. Reticular cells, macrophages, and blood vessels were found in these invaginations. Early fetal lymph nodes were formed from invaginations when the cellular density and lymphocyte content increased. The lymphatic space surrounding the early node was the developing subcapsular sinus. With further development the early node became packed with lymphocytes, increasing the cellular density and size of the node. The connective tissue surrounding the subcapsular sinus condensed to form the capsule. Afferent lymphatic vessels pierced the capsule. Capillaries, veins, postcapillary venules, and occasional arteries were found in early and late nodes.


The effect of vitamin A on growth and differentiation of human keratinocytes in vitro.

Epithelial outgrowths (keratinocytes) from normal human skin in vitro were exposed daily for 30 min to vitamin A alcohol for periods up to 5 weeks. There was a markedly decreased number of keratohyaline granules in treated cultures, indicating an effect on the differentiation process, but there was no evidence for mucous metaplasia. The area of vitamin A-treated outgrowths was greater than that of controls at all times. In addition, there was a higher mitotic index, higher labeling index, and larger growth fraction in treated cultures. The combination of altered differentiation and enhanced proliferation of keratinocytes would appear to account for the larger outgrowth area found in vitamin A-treated cultures.


The normal surface of conjunctiva epithelium.  A scanning electron microscopic study.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the cellular surface of the rabbit conjunctiva show the monotonous appearance of fine, finger-like cytoplasmic protrusions (microvilli) covering the polygonal cells.  Many of these surface cells contained a variety of intracytoplasmic vesicles, unroofed vesicles, and full-thickness holes of different sizes.  These surface changes were interpreted as occuring in a sequential pattern leading to cell destruction and exfoliation.  Interspersed among these light and dark polygonal cells were goblet cells representing various stages in their maturation.  Specialized filopodia were found between epithelial cells only in the area just proximal to the tarsi.  Duct openings of many glands were shown to enter onto the conjunctival surface.  The relation of these finding to the tear film is discussed.


Ultrastructural changes in the kidney following chronic exposure to low levels of halothane.

Rats were subjected to chronic exposure to low levels of halothane (10 and 500 ppm for 8 and 4 weeks, respectively). The ultrastructural changes in the kidneys were studied. Animals exposed to 10 ppm halothane demonstrated chronic degenerative changes in the proximal convoluted tublues, including proliferation and membranous whirling of the basal infoldings of some epithelial cells and membranous degeneration of the mitochondria to form membranous bodies within the cellular cytoplasm. These pathologic changes were even more extensive and exaggerated in animals exposed to 500 ppm halothane. Fusion of the membranous bodies to form large membranous plaques and coalescence of lysosomes to form irregulary shaped cytoplasmic dense bodies were frequently found. Swelling of the mitochondria and areas of focal cytoplasmic degradation were also observed. Extrustions of large cytoplasmic masses containing mitochondria. clusters of smooth endoplasmic retriculum and ribosomes into the tubular lumen were frequently observed. Accumulation of spherical microparticles within the tubular basement membranes were also a prominent finding. The present investigation clearly indicated that halothane is nephrotoxic and may be considered as an occupational hazard.


The anatomy of a compartment border. The intersegmental boundary in Oncopeltus.

In the insect Oncopeltus (Hemiptera, Lygaeidae), after blastoderm formation, labeled cells in one segment never give rise to cells in another; clones always respect a sharply defined line, the segmental boundary. Similarly, demarcation lines defining "compartments" have been recently found within the imaginal disks of Drosophila and promise to be of first importance in developmental genetics. In Oncopeltus the segmental border is a straight line in a smiple epithelial monolayer and is marked by a change in pigmentation that is visible in the electron microscope. Reconstructions from serial sections show that there is a change of cell shape at the boundary, but attachment desmosomes, septate junctions, and gap junctions link cells of different segments as well as cells of the same segment. The form of the epithelium at different stages of the molt cycle is described, and the possibility that there may be an abrupt change of cell adhesiveness at the segment boundary is discussed.


The detection of aberrant DNA synthesis in a member of a high-risk cancer family.

Relatives of patients with multiple polyposis are among those at high risk for development of neoplasms in the colon. Examination of 4 siblings, 3 men and 1 woman, of a patient with multiple polyposis was conducted for the possible presence of colonic polyps. All patients were over 40 years of age and received barium enemas for the radiological detection of excrescences. Proctoscopic examinations were also carried out during which time a biopsy and colonic wash were obtained. Polyps were absent on films as well as on endoscopy, and colonic cytologies of all 4 subjects were within normal limits. However, isotopic incorporation studies revealed the presence of an abnormal labeling pattern in some crypts of the biopsy incubated with TdR-3H of 1 family member. Along with normal crypts with label in the lower two-thirds of the colonic crypts, some were seen to have cells labeled at the surface, a proliferative lesion thought to precede the apperarance of a polyp. Among the surface cells removed by the colonic wash, some were found to be isotopically labeled, that is, engaged in DNA synthesis. Thus, a defect in the regulation of colonic epithelial cell replication was found, suggesting the need for close surveillance in the interest of early colon cancer detection.