Double contrast examination in disease of the anorectal region.

Patients with symptoms from the anorectal region will not always be rectoscopically examined and sometimes lesions of the ano-rectal region are overlooked by the rectoscopist. In order to increase the overall diagnostic accuracy and make possible an early diagnosis of pathological changes in the ano-rectal region, the radiologist should take responsibility also for this part of the bowel. Minor lesions are often difficult to demonstrate by the conventional barium enema, but they are readily seen on an adequately performed double contrast examination. Of special importance is the diagnosis of small polypoid  tumors which may become malignant. An early diagnosis and subsequent surgical removal of these tumors prevent spread and minimizes the surgical procedure.


[An unusual cause of an "intramural" gas collection in the right colon (author's transl)].

A case of subserous gas collection in the right colon following surgical repair of an iatrogenic uterus perforation is presented. The patient showed an ileus-like roentgen symptomatology when ischemic necrosis of the bowel was suspected. Laparatomy demonstrated the remainder of the gas collection in the area of the right pelvis extending retroperitoneally towards the right colon, thus presenting intramural pneumatosis. Therefore the differential diagnosis of intramural gas collection as a sign of ischemic bowel necrosis has to include the harmless subserous pneumatosis following abdominal trauma (especially iatrogenic uterus perforation).


[Which are the complications one has to expect in cerebral vasography with modern contrast media?].

Cerebral angiography was performed in 501 patients with a new contrast medium. There was good contrast and the vessels were very well visualized. 15 patients (2,9%) had side effects. These were reversible; there were no persistent distrubances. These were almost exclusively seen in patients with vascular cerebral lesions.


[Myelographic findings in multiple sclerosis in combination with cervical spondylosis].

Differential diagnostic problems are considered in 8 patients suffering from multiple sclerosis and cervical spondylosis simultaneously. When a clinical suspicion for multiple sclerosis is combined with a relatively normal sagittal diameter of the cervical vertebral canal, myelographic findings due to cervical spondylosis must be evaluated carefully.


[Significance of discography and ossovenography in patients with cervical ventral fusion].

The value of ossovenography and discography is analysed. These examinations are indicated in operativ assessment of patients submitted to cervical ventral fusion. Discography revealed more advantages than ossovenography. The importance of oblique views in discography for evaluation of the site of disc damage is stressed. Ossovenography is superior to discography in severe degenerative lesions and patients with short neck.


Influence of the position of the side chain hydroxy group on the gastric antisecretory and antiulcer actions of E1 prostaglandin analogs.

The influence of transposing the C-15 hydroxy group of prostaglandin E1 methyl ester (PGE2ME) on gastric antisecretory and antiulcer actions was investigated. The compound (+/-)15-deoxy- 16alpha, beta-hydroxy PGE1ME (SC-28904) was equipotent to the reference standard PGE1ME in suppressing histamine-stimulated gastric secretion in the Heidenhain pouch (HP) dog. In contrast to PGE1ME, SC-28904 was longer acting when administered intravenously and also showed significant oral activity in the histamine-stimulated gastric fistula dog. SC-28904 was also equipotent to PGE1ME (range of active doses of 0.5 to 5.0 mg/kg, s.c.) in inhibiting forced-exertion gastric ulceration in rats. The compound (+/-)15-deocy-17alpha, beta-hydroxy PGE1ME (SC-30963) was an inactive antisecretory agent in the dog at the 1.0 mg/kg i.v. bolus dose. This dose was 100 times greater than the active antisecretory dose of PGE1ME. Likewise, SC-30693, when administered subcutaneously at a 5.0 mg/kg dose, was also totally inactive in preventing gastric ulcers induced by forced exertion in rats. The important implications of this work are that some of the receptor sites for the PGE1 molecule could easily accomodate the side chain hydroxy group either in the C-15 or C-16 position. Moreover, the hydroxy group in the latter position significantly improved the biological activity of PGE1ME.


Potentiation of bradykinin-induced vascular permeability increase by prostaglandin E2 and arachidonic acid in rabbit skin.

The activity of prostaglandins (PG) in producing vascular permeability was quantitated by dye extraction method in skin of anaesthetized rabbits. PGE1 and PGE2 (0.01-10 mug) produced increase in vascular permeability. Activity was approximately equal to that of histamine (Hist) and 1/20 of that of bradykinin (BK) on a weight basis. The activity of PGF1alpha and PGF2alpha was only 1/20 of that of PGE1 or PGE2. In spite of the relatively low potency of PGE1 and PGE2 in the rabbit, near threshold doses (0.1 or 1 mug) of PGE2 could potentiate permeability responses to bradykinin (0.1 mug) by 10 or 100-fold, respectively. Equivalent doses (0.1 or 1 mug) of histamine could not potentiate the bradykinin responses. Arachidonic acid (AA) at 1 mug, produced a 10-fold potentiation in the permeability response to bradykinin (0.1 mug). Pretreatment of the rabbits with indomethacin (20 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the responses of BK (0.1 mug) + AA (1 mug) down to a similar magnitude of those seen with bradykinin alone. However, indomethacin did not block responses to either, BK alone, BK + PGE2, or BK + Hist. Various doses (1, 10, 100 and 300 mug) of arachidonic acid alone also produced increase in cutaneous vascular permeability, although its potency was only 1/3-1/8 of that of PGE2. This activity of arachidonic acid was attributed in part to its bioconversion to PGE2, since its activity was significantly reduced by the prostaglandin antagonist, diphloretin phosphate (DPP) (60 mg/kg, i.v.) and by indomethacin (20 mg/kg, i.p.), which blocks conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Arachidonic acid may owe some of its permeability increasing effects to histamine release, since its effects were also reduced by the anti-histamine, pyrilamine (2.5 mg/kg, i.v.).


Effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha on propulsive activity of the isolated segmental colon of the guinea-pig.

The effects of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF 2alpha) on propulsive activity in segments of isolated colon and on isolated strips of guinea-pig colon were investigated. Using experimental conditions under which spontaneous propulsive activity was negligible, PGF2alpha (5X10(-8)X1X10(-6)M), added to the bathing medium increased propulsive activity in a concentration dependent manner. This increase of propulsive activity was abolished in the presence of atropine or tetrodotoxin (1X10(-7)g/ml). The contractions produced by PGF2alpha (5X10(-7) -1X10(-5)M) in isolated longitudinal and circular smooth muscle strips of guinea-pig colon were unaffected in the presence of atropine or tetrodotoxin (1X10(-7) g/ml). From these results it is concluded that under the conditions employed in this study propulsive activity stimulated by PGF2alpha may depend on the contractions of both muscle layers and stimulation of the peristalic reflex.


Prostaglandins and cholera: the occurrence of prostagland in-like smooth muscle contracting substances in cholera diarrhoea.

Prostaglandin-like smooth muscle contracting substances were identified in acid lipid extracts of diarrhoeal faeces taken from patients presenting clinical symptoms of cholera. Five out of the eleven cases studied were bacteriologically confirmed as cholera. The PG-like activity in the individual samples ranged from 3-27 mg PGE2 equivalents /ml of diarrhoeal stool. Parallel bioassay and thin-layer chromatographic analysis of the extracts indicated that about 60% of the activity was due to an F-type PG, 15% to an E-type PG and the rest to unidentified lipid substanc(s). It is proposed that increased PG production in cholera (indicated by these findings) may at least contribute to the disease.


Kinetic measurements of the release of prostaglandins from perfused rat lungs.

Prostaglandins released from isolated ventilated and perfused rat lungs were measured by a simple modification of the Vane technique using the rat stomach fundus as a continuous bioassay tissue. Exogenously supplied arachidonic acid was converted mainly to PGF2alpha which was determined by bioassay. A novel method for mixing a stream of inhibitors with the perfusate was used to determine PGF2alpha in the presence of substrate amounts of arachidonic acid. Using this system the apparent Km for PGF2alpha production with arachidonic acid as the substrate was found to be 1.90 X 10(-4)M, while the Ki for aspirin was found to 2.47 X 10(-4)M. These kinetic parameters are close to those reported for cell free systems and subcellular fractions suggesting that both substrate and inhibitor have ready access to the site of prostaglandin synthesis. The method appears to be generally useful to determine the effect of drugs and environment factors on the release of prostaglandins by the lung.


Molecular basis of prostaglandin potency. II. Proton NMR studies of the conformation of prostaglandin F2alpha.

The proton nmr of PGF2alpha (dissolved in aqueous tBuOH) in the presence of PrC13 and limited amounts of base shows LIS shifts for the terminal methyl indicating an average effective chain length (C-1 to C-20) like that of octanoic acid, further evidence that the alpha and omega carbons of prostaglandins are closer in space than would be expected based on a random distribution of confermers with alternate zig-zag sections of  hydrocarbon chains. Assessing the exact nature of the sidechain alignment will require further experiments.


Synthesis of dl-4,5,6-trinor-3,7-inter-m-phenylene-3oxaprostaglandins including one which inhibits platelet aggregation.

The synthesis of dl-4,5,6-trinor-3,7-inter-m-phenylene-3-oxaprostaglandins of the E1 and F1alpha series from 6-endo-(1-heptenyl)-bicyclo[3:1:0]hexan-3-one (III), is described. Preliminary biological screening data for gerbil colon smooth muscle stimulation, rat blood pressure and substrate specificity toward 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase is presented. Platelet function studies, both in vitro and in vivo of dl-4,5,6-trinor-3,7-inter-m-phenylene-3-oxa-PGE1, methyl ester (VIII) are presented.


Effects of aspirin on renal sodium excretion, blood pressure, and plasma and extracellular fluid volume in salt-loaded rats.

The effect of aspirin administration and presumed blockade of prostaglandin synthesis on renal sodium excretion, plasma and extracellular fluid volumes, and blood pressure were examined in rats on a high sodium intake. After acute salt loading aspirin treated rats showed an impaired sodium excretion, while no changes in glomerular filtration rate were observed. In chronically loaded rats (7 weeks) administration of aspirin induced significant increases in both plasma and extracellular fluid volume, but no significant changes in blood pressures were found. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that prostaglandins mediate renal sodium excretion and therefore participate in extracellular fluid volume regulation.


Disappearance of prostaglandins F2alpha and 15-methyl F2alpha from amniotic fluid as measured by radiommunoassay.

A sensitive and relatively specific radioimmunoassay for 15 (S) 15 methyl prostaglandin F2alpha was used to determine the levels of the drug in amniotic fluid after it had been injected intra-amniotically for termination of second trimester pregnancy. The disappearance of the free acid (tham salt) and methyl ester of the prostaglandin analogue were similar. The results of this preliminary study suggest that the drug rapidly equilibrates in the fluid and this followed by a slow removal from the amniotic sac. A comparison with a similar study with PGF2Alpha revealed that the analogue had a longer half-life in the amniotic fluid.


Intracerebral prostaglandin E2: effects upon sexual behavior, open field activity and body temperature in ovariectomized female rats.

A single 27 gauge implant of PGE2 into the periventricular region of the hypothalamus resulted in a significant increase in sexual receptivity in estrogen primed, ovariectomized female rats. Open field activity levels were only slightly decreased while rectal body temperature increased significantly over control values. It is postulated that the effects upon sexual receptivity might be mediated by PGE2 stimulated LRF release.


Prostaglandins and post-abortion luteolysis in early pregnancy.

This study was undertaken to determine if post-abortion luteolysis in early pregnancy could be accelerated by the administration of 15(S)15-methyl-PGF2alpha(15-me-PGF2alpha) or delayed following pretreatment with indomethacin. Thirty-nine women were divided into four groups: 7 women were given 400mug 15-me-PGF2alpha extra-amniotically one hour prior to vacuum aspiration; 14 were pretreated with oral indomethacin (50 mg X4) over 24 hours; 7 were given indomethacin (50mg X 6) over 36 hours and 11 served as controls. Plasma progesterone and estradiol were measured at fixed intervals before and after abortion. There was a rapid drop in the plasma progesterone within the first hour after abortion followed by an exponential decline over the next 23 hours. The plasma estradiol fell rapidly duriing the same period. Under the experimental conditions of this study neither 15-me-PGF2alpha nor indomethacin exerted a significant effect on the decline in luteal function. These results are interpreted as suggesting that factors other than prostaglandins have a more significant role in post-abortion luteolysis.


[Present status of research on delusions].

Regarding the definition of the concept of delusion it is stated that up to now delusions can be diagnosed only with the aid of phenomenological intuition. The decisive criterion is the high subjective certainty in the sense of an elimination of the possibility of chance coincidences without any narrowing of affect. The current hypotheses are presented, concerning the choice of theme, the acute elimination of chance without narrowing of affect, the persistence of certainty and incorrigibility. The relationship between age at the onset of the illness and the choice of the illness and the choice of theme are discussed in the light of my own findings. Reasons emerge to believe that, depending on the respective cultural setting, certain age specific themes can play a role in the formation of the content of delusions. The acute subjective certainty, as well as the incorrigibility are linked with organic or endogenous syndromes.


[Nosological aspects of paranoid psychoses].

The author stresses the lack of nosological entities in psychiatry, and also the necessity of a classification system. Paranoid symptoms are found in most types of psychoses, both functional and organic psychoses. Among the functional psychoses the schizophrenias often have a paranoid picture, and paranoid traits may be found even in the affective psychoses. The Scandinavian concept of reactive psychoses is presented, including reactive psychoses is presented, including reactive psychoses of paranoiac, paranoid and schizophreniform type. Finally, the author presents his own personal follow-up study of paranoid psychoses after an observation time of 5-18 years. This study demonstrates 81% cured, of the patients with the discharge diagnosis of reactive psychoses, as against 23% cured, of the patients with the discharge diagnosis of schizophrenia. The author suggests a continuum of the paranoid psychoses from the schizophrenias via the schizophreniform and paranoid reactive psychoses to the more affective psychoses with slight tendency to paranoid symptomatology.


[Prognostic and therapeutic aspects of catathymis delusions].

The prognostic and therapeutic aspects of catathymic delusional formations, excluding those associated with organic psychoses, are comprehensively presented from five points of view: (1) the present possibilities of psychiatric prognostication; (2) prognostic implications of nosological classifications; (3) prognostic significance of nosographic characteristics; (4) relationship to general rules of psychiatric prognostics; (5) therapautic points. Under (3) we report our own findings concerning the long-term development of delusional formations and the long-term course of delusional illnesses classified as 'schizophrenia of late onset'; we report their relationships to the formation of defect syndromes and to the psycho-organic deterioration in old age.


[Clinical-psychopathological and electroencephalographic studies on patients with delusions of the paranoic and the paraphrenic types].

Clinical-psychopathological and electroencephalographic investigations are reported, carried out on patients with delusions of the paranoic and of the paraphrenic types. Abnormal EEGs were found more frequently in patients with a paraphrenic syndrome, and there was also a relatively more frequent response to flickering lights than in the paranoic group. There was also a more frequent response to flicker in patients with auditory hallucinations. Psychopathologically more florid delusional syndromes appear to produce abnormalities in the EEG more readily than do psychopathologically less elaborate syndromes.


[Prognosis of catathymic delusions in the light of their long-term medical record].

Two groups of patients with delusional illnesses (previous paranoics and previous 'late schizophrenics' with delusional syndromes) with similar backgrounds, were followed up after many years and were re-examined in the same way. They were compared with each other as regards further developments of delusional formations and their psychopathological determinants. In the group of 'late schizophrenics' the delusions disappeared more frequently than in the groups of paranoics, and the delusional productivity diminished more often. On examination of various psychopathological characteristics and their influence on the further development of delusional formations (core syndromes of the general psychiatric symptomatology, appearance of affective changes, further development of the delusional productivity) only  tendencies are shown, never obligatory relationships. The order of the relationships which we found remains uncertain; it is not likely that we are dealing with relationships of the first order.


[The nosological problem of catathymic delusion from the genetic point of view].

After pointing to the heterogeneous results of past investigations into the genetics of catathymic delusional illnesses we present our own findings. By grouping the primary probands according to their psychopathology we showed that the relatively few schizophrenic secondary probands are fairly equally distributed over all the subgroups of the case material, whereas the relatively frequent manic depressive secondary probands are related exclusively to those primary probands whose general psychiatric symptomatology, irrespective of the catathymic delusional syndrome, was classified psychopathologically as manic-depressive.


[Hypothalamic stimulation effects on duodenal motility of rat. IV) Vias hypothalamo-duodenal (author's transl)].

Changes in duodenal motility, induced by electrical stimulation of hypothalamus, have been studied in rats, and registered by the baloon method. Localization of stimulated points was made by stereotaxic method, or by hostological control. Four animals were previously adrenalectomized. In 13 rats, the experiment has been repeated after bilateral cervical vagotomy. In 5 animals after total spinal cord transection, in the first dorsal segment. In 7 rats the experiment was reproduced after venous injections of atropine solution. In 5 rats after venous injections of dibenamine solution, and in other 5, after venous injection of hexamethonium solution. 1) Impulses that produced excitatory duodenal effects were mediated by the vagi nerves. 2) Impulses that produied inhibitory duodenal effects were not transmitted by the vagi nerves, but by sympathetic pathways.


Reappearance of embryonal antigens in planarian regenerates.

A transient and apparently orderly re-expression of embryonal antigens in planarian regenerates has been demonstrated. This finding seems to corroborate the hypothesis that regeneration in planarians is based on a recapitulation of mechanisms that operate the embryogenesis of these animals, andgives some support to the concept of cancer as a misprogrammed regeneration when contemplated against the background of facts pointed out in the literature.


[Human genetics studies in areas of high natural radiation. VII. Genetic load].

Two methods to estimate the inbreeding load (Morton, Crow and Muller17 1956; Freire-Maia and Freire-Maia6 1965) are reviewed. Both are employed in the analysis of our data. Besides the total population, a sample constituted of individuals with no alien ancestral is also analysed. No clean effect of natural radioactivity, as measured by genetic load models, has been found (this is especially valid for abortions, pre-natal mortality, anomalies, and abnormalities in general). The results on stillbirths and post-natal and total mortalities are discussed, and it is concluded that most probably the differences found are due to uncontrolled concomitant variables (if not to chance alone). Further analysis are under way.


Experimental protein deficiency in adult rats.

Male adult rats of the Wistar strain were fed "ad libitum" either a protein-free or a 20% casein diet for a period of 28 to 32 days. At the end of the experimental procedure, the animals given the protein-free diet presented a marked loss of body weight plus low levels of plasma protein and albumin concentration. Their livers showed diffuse fatty changes; most of the animals had moderate to severe fatty liver infiltration. They had a negative cumulative nitrogen balance; on the contrary, rats fed the 20% casein diet showed nitrogen retention. The animals of one of the two protein-deficient groups had a significant lower food intake than its control group. However, when food intake was related to animal body weight (g/100 g), the rates of rats on the 20% casein diet and those on protein-free diet were not significantly different.


[Genetics and public health in Brazil (author's transl)].

The author discusses the effect of genetic disorders on public health, considering not only the affected persons but the importance of assisting their relatives. Sickle cell anemia and consanguineous marriage are specially considered in Northeastern Brazil due to its frequencies and possibilities of being explained to the public through genetic counselling.


Inhibition of intestinal sugar transport by phenformin.

The effect of phenformin on the absorption of D-glucose and D-galactose by hamster and rat intestine, was studied. Phenformin did not affect D-glucose absorption by rat intestine, but it inhibited at 10(-3) to 10(-2) M the absorption of D-glucose and D-galactose by hamster intestine. The inhibition was higher when D-glucose was tested. Phenformin also inhibited active accumulation of these sugars by rings of hamster small intestine, in vitro; this effect was greater when D-glucose was utilized. The drug inhibits the oxygen uptake in the tissue in the absence or in the presence of added substrate. Phenformin, as previously suggested, does not seem to act as a specific inhibitor on D-glucose transport, but most likely by its inhibitory effect on mitochondrial respiration.


Sodium dependence of intestinal active transport of sugars in snail (Cryptomphalus hortensis Müller).

Active transport of sugars (D-galactose, D-glucose, 3-0-methylglucose and L-arabinose) by sacs of everted intestine of snail (Cryptomphalus hortensis) was strongly inhibited, but not abolished, when all Na from the bathing solutions was substituted by K, Tris, Mg or Ca. Absence of Na produced also a marked inhibition of O2 consumption by the tissue. Omission of other cations (K, Ca, Mg), substituted by Tris, did not affect sugar transport or O2 uptake. Sodium seems to play a specific and important but not indispensable rôle in sugar active transport by snail intestine. Since anaerobiosis did not affect sugar transport, this Na role is independent of its effect on O2 uptake.


Studies on bradycardia mechanism in the moderately hypothermic dog.

Chronotropic action of isoprenaline on the heart was studied in anesthetized dogs, in euthermic and moderate hypothermic conditions, before and after intravenous administration of atropine and oxprenolol or a cervical bilateral vagotomy. In moderate hypothermia we observed: i) larger duration of the positive chronotropic response to isoprenaline with a delayed and slightly lesser intensity in its maximum; ii) relating to euthermic conditions, delayed but superimposed potentiation of the chronotropic isoprenaline response in atropinized or vagotomized dogs; iii) a small negative chronotropic response to isoprenaline 15 min after oxprenolol, that diminished after atropine; iiii) oxprenolol induced a marked bradycardia nearly twice as intense as in euthermic dogs, almost completely blocked subsequently by atropine. It is concluded that progressive bradycardia in the moderately hypothermic dog is due, among other factors, to a cholinergic action but not to a lesser ability of beta-adrenergic cardiac effectors to chronotropic responses.


Pine seed ribonucleases. I. Preparation and properties.

The enzyme preparation, about 100 fold purified, shows optimal activity at pH 4.8 and 5.9. This activity lessens rapidly at 40-60 degrees C, and retains 20% at 100 degrees C. These results of heat stability and optimal pH might suggest that the enzyme preparation contains two enzymes. The use of gel filtration clearly shows that pine RNAses are endonuclease.


Rapid biochemical test for seed germinability.

Sugar and aminoacids were investigated in sterile distilled water after Pinus pinea seeds had been soaked in it during 24 hours at 37 degrees C. Germination viability decreased with the ageing of the seeds and was accompanied by sugar and aminoacids increase in the exudate. The sugar content from seeds with loss of germinability was about 50 to 80 times greater than that from seeds with good germinability. Paper chromatography showed that there was an increase in mono, di, oligosaccharides and amino-acids in seeds without germinability, but these substances were only found as trace quantities in viable seeds. The methods already described by TKAYANAGI and MURAKAMI to determine germinability could be applied with some modifications to Pinus pinea seeds. The presence of sugar in the exudate could be detected by urine sugar test after 24 hours at 37 degrees C. It was necessary to concentrate the exudate till a final volume of 2 ml.


Effect of epinephrine on the synthesis of glyceride glycerol in adipose tissue in vitro.

In order to study the effect of epinephrine on the rate of esterification of fatty acids in adipose tissue, pieces of epididymal fat pad were incubated in KRB in the presence of purified albumin, glucose and either 1-14C-glycerol, 1-14C-glucose or 6-14C-glucose. Epinephrine enhances the production of glycerol but reduces the uptake of 1-14C-glycerol by the tissue and its conversion to 14CO2, 14C-fatty acids and 14C-glyceride glycerol. When the change in specific activity of the tracer is taken into account the effect of epinephrine on the utilization of glycerol by the tissue is only observed in the reduction of glyceride glycerol synthesis. When 14C-labelled glucose was used as tracer, epinephrine enhances both the production of 14CO2 from 6-14C-glucose and the synthesis of 14C-glyceride glycerol from 1-14C and 6-14C-glucose. The contrasting effects of epinephrine on the glyceride glycerol formation from glycerol and from glucose can explain the difficulties found in observing any change in the net rate of esterification of fatty acids by adipose tissue.


Regional distribution of 5-hydroxytryptamine in cat brain.

The regional distribution of serotonin (5-HT) in the brain of the cat is poorly understood. In this work, serotonin was analyzed fluorometrically along the brain stem and prosencephalon of the cat. The hypothalamus had the highest concentration of serotonin. Serotonin decreased gradually at the mesencephalon, preoptic area, medulla oblongata, hippocampus, pons, visual cortex, spinal cord and frontal cortex. Significant differences were found between the raphe (3 mm thick) and the lateral blocks of the brain stem. The concentration of serotonin is higher in the raphe blocks, though it decreases caudally. There is no significant difference between the raphe (4 mm thick) and the lateral block of the brain stem. The results demonstrate the regional concentration of serotonin in the CNS of a normal cat, the relationships between serotoninergic neuron groups and serotonin concentration,and the probable significance of nerve terminals and varicosities in storing serotonin.


[Action of the sexual hormones on the endogenous norepinephrine of the central nervous system (author's transl)].

The effects of ovariectomy and the injection of sexual hormones on the norepinephrine (NE) content in different areas of the central nervous system were studied in the Wistar female rat. The ovariectomy increased the NE in the hypothalamus, cerebellum and the medulla oblongata. The estradiol benzoate did not modify the NE levels in the ovariectomized rats. Progesterone decreased the NE in the hypothalamus and testosterone dipropionate increased it in the brain hemispheres. It seems possible that the hypersecretion of FSH would increase the synthesis of NE in castrated animals through the potentation of the tyroxine-hydroxylase activity. Increase in testosterone synthesis was probably responsible for the raise in NE levels. The progesterone moderated the effects of the ovariectomy, probably through feed-back mechanisms involving the hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract.


[A study of the o-toluidine method for glycogen measurement (author's transl)].

The application of the o-toluidine procedure for glucose estimation was studied in the determination of glycogen. Decrease in final colour formation, caused by the acid used on hydrolising glycogen, was the major problem. 90 minutes incubation periods with 1N sulphuric acid at 100 degrees C, produced best results. Some other steps of this method and their application to glycogen measurement are also discussed. The proposed procedure leads to a stable colour formation, proportional to glycogen concentration, and allows determination of polysaccharide in small biological samples.


Reversibility of thermal injury to myocardial protein synthesis.

The ability of transient temperature variations for up to 120-min duration to affect myocardial protein synthesis (MPS) with return to normal temperatures was evaluated using 14C-phenylalanine incorporation into total protein of isolated rabbit right ventricular papillary muscles as in vitro model. Muscles were incubated in oxygenated Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer containing tracer amino acid at temperatures of 28-43 degrees C or incubated without tracer at the same temperatures for up to 120 min and then incubated at 37 degrees C for an additional 2 hr with the tracer amino acid present for the final hour of incubation. Higher as well as lower than physiological temperatures depressed MPS. Recovery from thermal injury to MPS was significantly incomplete when the experimental temperature deviated by 6 degrees C or more from the control (28 and 43 degrees C, respectively) and exposure exceeded 60-min duration. Specific activity of the intracellular amino acid pool was directly measured, and variations in specific activity of the tracer pool were not responsible for the observed effects on MPS. Methylprednisolone (10(-5)M), chloroquine phosphate (10(-5) M), and glucose (15 mM) if present during hyperthermia did not ameliorate thermal damage. It is concluded that hypothermia causes inhibition as well as a degree of irreversible inactivation of the protein synthetic mechanism whereas hyperthermia causes predominant denaturation and irreversibile damage to MPS.


Autoradiographic analysis of label distribution in mammalian atrial and ventricular cardiocytes after exposure to tritiated leucine.

Radiolabeled leucine was used as a marker for newly synthesized proteins in rat atrial and ventricular muscle. The fate of these proteins was assessed during time-course experiments using high resolution autoradiography. Special attention was paid to the labeling pattern in the central sarcoplasmic cores of atrial cardiocytes. The data obtained are compatible with the view that these cells synthesized, concentrate, and a store a product of protein nature in a fashion similar to that observed in some secretory cell types.


Protective role of increased myocardial glycogen stores induced by propranolol.

Glycogen is an essential substrate during myocardial anoxia. Since porpranolol may maintain myocardial glycogen levels after acute stress by blockade of catecholamine-induced glycogenolysis, we evaluated the effect of propranolol treatment in the isolated perfused isovolumic paced rat heart. Forty-one rats were studied after 10 min of ice-water immersion: half were pretreated with propranolol, 20 mg/kg/day x3, and half with saline. Glycogen content of unperfused propranolol-treated hearts exceeded controls by 46% (146 +/- 9 vs. 100 +/- 4 mumoles/g dry wt, p less than 0.02), and this difference persisted during aerobic perfusion. Propranolol did not affect adenine nucleotide concentration or left ventricular hemodynamics. Following 5 min of anoxic perfusion, propranolol hearts showed improved ventricular performance concomitant with enhanced glycogenolytic flux and lactate production. Propranolol augmented high energy phosphate production (ATP/AMP = 5.19 +/- 0.42 vs. 3.39 +/- 0.42, p less than 0.02) and increased coronary flow (22.1 +/- 1.6 vs. 16.6 +/- 1.4 ml/min, p less than 0.02) during anoxia. Thus, propranolol supported glycogen stores following acute stresses, enhanced glycogenolytic energy production, increased coronary flow, and improved ventricular function during subsequent anoxia.


Glycogen content in human embryonic heart.

Glycogen concentration in the human embryonic heart is about 10 times higher than in that of human adults. Glycogen content of embryonic right atrium is significantly higher than that in ventricles.


Studies on the control of energy metabolism in mammalian cardiac muscle cells in culture.

Myocardial cells in a monolayer culture are a myogenic model system wihch shows functional differentiation and in which the intracellular metabolism and energy utilization do not differ markedly from those of the fresh tissue. In the myocardial cells, as in numerous other muscle tissues, the concentration of high energy phosphate compounds, primarily phosphorylcreatine, correlates well with the functional integrity of the cells. The decline of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) below a critical level leads to the cessation of rhythmic contractions of the cells in culture, and, conversely, an increased steady state level of ATP correlates with an increased rate of excitability. When creatine, in the concentration range known to be present in the cardiac tissue, is added to the growth medium of the cultured myocardial cells, the intracellular concentration of phosphorylcreatine increases up to 100%. Since the only metabolic path known for phosphorylcreatine synthesis is via creatine phosphokinase, the rate of transphosphorylation and ATP synthesis must have been increased. This stimulation of energy production is due to the regeneration of mitochondrial ADP brought about by the phosphosphorylation of creatine to phosphorylcreatine and possibly, also, to an enhanced rate of glycolysis. No net transfer of approximately P from ATP to creatine was observed under any of the experimental conditions. The high steady state level of phosphorylcreatine was not maintained upon the addition of either oligomycin or 2-deoxyglucose, and the addition of both metabolic inhibitors simultaneously resulted in a depletion of phosphorylcreatine and ATP and in cessation of rhythmic contractions. The excitability was also inhibited upon the addition of 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, a creatine phosphokinase inhibitor, and the accompanying depletion of approximately P was primarily reflected in a decrease of ATP concentration. These findings support the following conclusions: (1) phosphorylcreatine serves as a source of approximately P for the resynthesis of ATP at the site of utilization (i.e., myofibrils, membrane) and thus maintains the optimal energy charge; (2) production site; (3) the regeneration of phosphorylcreatine is coupled to oxidative phosphorylation and possibly to glycolysis. Creatine-phosphorylcreatine system operates as a undirectional shuttle for approximately P and as a control system regulating energy production according to demand. Reports of studies on intact mitochondria and on isoenzymes of creatine phosphokinase give further support to the above conditions.


Importance of calcium in the inotropic effect of hyperosomotic agents, norepinephrine, paired electrical stimulation, and treppe.

The data obtained from these studies demonstrate that the inotropic effect of hyperosmolar mannitol and sucrose and of paired electrical stimulation is critically influenced by extracellular calcium concentration. The inotropic effect of norepinephrine is not prevented by maximal functional extracellular calcium concentrations. Inhibition of systolic calcium flux at the cell membrane by D600 does not prevent the inotropic effect of hyperosmolar mannitol or of paired electrical stimulation but it does prevent the inotropic effect of hyperosmolar intropic effect of treppe. Thus, intracellular calcium regulation appears to be of major importance in the inotropic effect in isolated cardiac muscle of mannitol and paired pacing while systolic calcium flux at the cell membrane appears to be of major importance in the inotropic effect of treppe.


Calcium, tropomyosin, and actomyosin as controls of calcium binding by troponin.

A nonlinear least squares analysis of Scatchard plots of Ca++ binding to troponin, native tropomyosin, and myosin B demonstrates that troponin does not possess two classes of independent binding sites. Since the data cannot be accounted for by assuming more than two classes of independent sites, we conclude that binding of one Ca decreases the affinity of troponin for binding the next. Negative interaction is increased in the presence of tropomyosin and further increased by actomyosin. The maximal Ca++ affinity of troponin at low fractional occupancy is not affected by tropomyosin but may be significantly reduced by actomyosin. Because of negative interaction, troponin's Ca++ affinity should vary during the course of contraction. This variation could profoundly affect translocations of Ca between troponin and reticulum and the time course of the active state.


Oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria isolated from stressed rat heart.

Oxidative phosphorylation was measured polarographically in mitochondria isolated from rat heart. With regard to ADP/O ratio and respiratory control index, no differences were found among mitochondria isolated from normal, acutely (increased pneumatic resistance of the heart-lung preparation) and chronicly (renal hypertension) stressed heart. However, the acute stressed heart induced by strangulating the outflow tract of the heart-lung preparation showed clear depression and tendency to depression, respectively, in the level of ADP/O ratio and respiratory control index in mitochondria. The results indicate that there is no change in the oxidative phosphorylating mechanism of the myocardial mitochondria of nonfailed heart despite acute or chronic pressure loadings; however, there is an uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria of the failed heart after acute strangulation of the outflow tract.


Relationship between coronary flow and adenosine triphosphate production from glycolysis and oxidative metabolism.

The relationship between coronary flow and adenosine triphosphate ATP production was determined in isolated rat hearts and in situ pigs hearts. The major source of ATP in ischemic hearts was oxidative phosphorylation. Oxidation of glucose accounted for most of the residual oxygen consumption in ischemic hearts when the concentration of fatty acids was low, but at 1.2 mM palmitate fatty acids were oxidized in preference to carbohydrate, as in aerobic hearts. The rates of ATP production from both glycolysis and oxidative metabolism were decreased in proportion to the reduction in coronary flow in oxygen-deficient hearts. Glycolysis was reduced to below aerobic rates when coronary flow was about 0.5 ml/min/g tissue in both rat hearts perfused with bicarbonate buffer and blood-perfused pig hearts. Tissue level of high energy phosphates reflected the rates of ATP production and declined in proportion to the reduction in coronary flow. In addition, tissue lactate and H+ accumulated in proportion to the restriction in flow.


Posthypoxia stimulation of ribonucleic acid synthesis in the isolated perfused rat heart.

To determine whether hypoxia per se could initiate myocardial ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis, isolated rat hearts were subjected to varying degrees of hypoxic perfusion in a modified Langendorff apparatus. Following a 30-min aerobic stabilization period the hearts were perfused for 30 min with media gassed with mixtures containing O:96% O2, 4% CO2, balance N2. Immediately following the stress period, the hearts were perfused for an additional 30 min with oxygenated media containing radiolabeled uridine, and the incorporation into RNA was determined. Exposure of hearts to 48% O2 resulted in a slight but nonsignificant increase in uridine incorporation. Reduction of perfusate oxygen to 24% caused a significant increase in label incorporation into RNA over that of the aerobic controls. Further reductions in oxygen tension resulted in concomitant increases in uridine incorporation, with the highest levels seen following 30 min of anoxia. Performance was not significantly different from that of controls during the aerobic labeling period. Exposure of hearts to brief (5 min) anoxic perfusion also resulted in significant increases in RNA synthesis during the posthypoxic perfusion period. It is concluded that intermittent hypoxia can initiate the biochemical mechanisms which result in increased myocardial RNA synthesis.


Impairment of mitochondrial function following reperfusion of acutely ischemic myocardium.

This study examines indices of respiratory function in mitochondria prepared from transiently ischemic myocardium that had been reperfused in order to evaluate the validity of performing early surgical revascularization procedures. Experiments were performed in pigs with temporary ligation (15-80 min) of an anterior descending coronary artery followed by a 2-hr reperfusion period. Mitochondria preparations were studied simultaneously from normal and reperfused mitochondria in malate and glutamate substrates using the polarographic method. Results revealed a marked decrease of oxygen consumption of mitochondria from reperfused myocardium with relative preservation of oxidative phosphorylation (near normal ADP/O ratio). These results are compatible with a block in electron transport, a theory which was further supported by the data obtained using dinitrophenol as an uncoupler. Additional studies suggested the block was located at site I in the electron transport chain since mitochondrial oxygen consumption, including ATP-linked oxygen consumption, was enhanced by the use of succinate in combination with glutamate. The abnormal mitochondrial function observed is probably due to ischemia persisting despite reperfusion.


Scanning electron microscopy of infarcted myocardium.

The scanning electron microscope had been applied to the study of cellular alterations which are caused by myocardial ischemia. This instrument allows rapid tissue preparation and, while resolution is less than can be obtained with the transmission electron microscope, it provides a somewhat three-dimensional appearance of the cell's ultrastructure. The early alterations consist mainly of swelling of organelles, separation of fibrils, and clumping of nuclear chromatin. Within 5 hr disruption of the T-tubules and sarcoplasmic reticulum occurs, nuclear distortion is frequent, and fibrillar destruction is commonly seen but is often focal. Extensive fibrillar alterations occur after 10 hr and become more exaggerated at 24 hr after the onset of ischemia. However, even after 24 hr many mitochondria and nuclei, though damaged, are recognizable. This study suggests that scanning electron microscopy may play a useful role in the study of pathological alterations at the ultrastructural level.


Pressure versus flow stress: the response of cardiac protein synthesis.

Cardiac stress produced by hypertension or excess volume loading results in different types of hypertrophy. Elevated left ventricular pressure rapidly results in increased myocardial protein synthesis in vivo and in vitro, but such rapid alterations are not consistently seen in volume loading. The difference in response is difficult to clarify since it is not possible to effect alterations in left ventricular pressure or perfusion without profoundly affecting coronary perfusion. The present study describes cardiac protein synthesis in the right ventricle of the young guinea pig heart in vitro utilizing a perfusion model in which the right ventricle could be stressed by elevations of pressure or volume loading in the presence of constant and restricted coronary perfusion. With coronary flow maintained at 25 ml/min/g dry wt, an increase in right ventricular pressure from normal levels of 3 mm Hg to 11 mm Hg resulted in a 60% increase of myocardial incorporation of lysine-14 C into protein. However, with further increases of right ventricular pressure to 22 mm Hg, protein synthesis dropped back to normal levels. The fall-off in protein synthesis was not due to decreased contractility, alterations in intracellular lysine pool specific activity, or alterations in total coronary flow or pressure. A 60% increase in coronary perfusion was associated with a similar response of protein synthesis to progressive elevations of pressure. Since the ATP levels rose and lactate production fell, a deficiency of O2 did not entirely explain the decline of protein synthesis with maximal pressures. At all levels of coronary perfusion, volume loading for 3 hr did not result in increased protein incorporation of lysine-14 C. The studies indicate a relationship between ventricular pressure and protein synthesis unrelated to coronary flow per se and suggest a pressure receptor triggering protein synthesis within the ventricular wall. Such a relationship is not apparent in short term volume loading in vitro.


Dose-relation of thyroxine-induced changes in myocardial energy stores.

Experimental hyperthyroidism was produced in guinea pigs by daily intraperitoneal injection of l-thyroxine (T4) in various doses (0.7, 0.35, 0.175, and 0.07 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. Controls received solvent only. The following metabolites were determined in heart muscle (freeze-stop technique, enzymatic tests): Pi, adenosine tri-, di-, and monophosphates (ATP, ADP, AMP), creatine phosphate (CP), glucose 6-phosphate (G-6-P), fructose diphosphate (FDP), pyruvate, and lactate. Thyroxine induced a dose-related decrease of CP and a corresponding increase of Pi even in the lowest dose used in this study (0.07 mg/kg) and became more pronounced with increased doses. No remarkable changes of adeninenucleotides (ATP, ADP, AMP) were observed. G-6-P and FDP levels were markedly elevated in all dosages. Besides other possible effects (thyroxine-induced activation and induction of enzymes) the dose-related decrease of CP and increase of Pi may be due to the increasing contractility. In the physiological and pathophysiological range of thyroxine doses (T4 less than 20 mug%) high energy phosphates stores are dose-related decreased but not to a critical level. In the toxic range heart failure as a consequence of a deficit of CP may occur.


Myocardial mechanics and oxygen consumption in experimental hyperthyroidism.

Myocardial mechanics and oxygen consumption were studied in right ventricular papillary muscles taken from cats (N = 15), pretreated with cristaline L-thyroxine (1 mg/kg/day, i.p.) 8-18 days prior to the examination. Isotonic afterload and isometric contractions were employed. Oxygen consumption was determined polarographically. Data obtained were compared with control studies on papillary muscles taken from euthyroid cats (N = 15). In isotonic afterloaded contractions the extent of shortening was nearly identical in both groups. However, maximal rate of isometric tension development and velocity of isotonic shortening were considerably increased in hyperthyroid myocardium (by 48 and 42%, respectively). Myocardial oxygen consumption was significantly increased in hyperthyroidism (by 47%), primarily because of an increased maximal rate of isometric tension development and-to a small extent-increased isotonic contraction velocity.


Dietary control of cardiac lysosomal enzyme activities.

Prolonged starvation in rats is accompanied by consistent increases in the total cardiac activity and the nonsedimentable activity of cathepsin D, the major detectable lysosomal acid proteinase in the heart. Fluorescent staining of rabbit hearts with specific anticathepsin D antiserum reveals that the increase occured predominantly in myocytes, but increased formation of autophagic vacuoles cannot be demonstrated in the myocardial cells by electron microscopy. No changes in cathepsin D occur in animals fed pure carbohydrate or pure fat diets for similar periods, indicating that it is caloric deficiency and not dietary protein deficiency that alters catheptic activity. At the same time that cardiac cathepsin D activity increases markedly, acid phosphatase increases slightly, and the activity of beta-acetyl-glucosaminidase is significantly lower than in hearts of fed rats. The data are compatible with the hypothesis that increased activity of lysosomal acid proteinase may contribute to the net protein catabolism and cardiac atrophy that accompany starvation, especially late in the period of food deprivation. A generalized activation of all lysosomal enzymes does not occur with starvation, however, and the activities of some lysosomal enzymes in the heart decrease.


Carciac muscle cytoplasmic and nuclear development during canine neonatal growth.

Morphological aspects of cardiac myocytes during neonatal growth were studied in isolated cell preparations from 23 dog hearts (newborn to 38 weeks old). Additional hearts were perfused with glutaraldehyde for electron microscopic study. At least 200 isolated cells in stained smears of each ventricle were examined for nuclear number, and at least 25 cells were measured with an eyepiece micrometer to calculate cell volume. At birth, 96-100% of myocytes contained a single nucleus. By 2 weeks, 15% of cells contained two to four nuclei; multiple nuclei were present in 55% of myocytes at 4 weeks, in 85% at 6-10 weeks, and in 55-60% at 15, 28, and 38 weeks. Although left ventricular weight increased lenearly from birth, there was no increase in single nucleated cell size until 4-6 weeks, indicating cellular hyperplasia; by 38 weeks single nucleated cells were 9 times the volume at birth. Double nucleated cells steadily increased in size, reaching a volume at 38 weeks 19 times that of newborn myocytes. At birth, myocytes were small and spindle-shaped; intercalated discs were poorly developed, but lateral connections between cells were common. As the cells increased in size, the lateral attachment areas appeared to move to the cell ends to form the intercalated discs. Myofibrils appeared to be assembled at the lateral connections and at the intercalated discs. Hyperplasia is the prevalent means of cell growth at birth in the dog and is gradually replaced by cell hypertrophy from 2 to 6 weeks of age. Double nucleated cells occur in hypertrophying cells by karyokinesis without subsequent cytokinesis, perhaps in response to the intense protein synthetic demands of normal growth.


Duration of antinociceptive action of morphine, methadone and alpha-l-acetylmethadol subcutaneously in rats.

The duration of antinociceptive action of alpha-l-acetylmethadol (LAM), determined in the rat tail pinch test, was 6 times that of morphine and 3 times that of methadone. Onset of activity was considerably later after LAM than after morphine or methadone.


Differential effects of alphaMT on anorectic and stimulatory action of amphetamines.

Pretreatment of rats with a dosage regimen of alphaMT that has no effect on the anorectic action of a single dose of 2 mg/kg of d-amphetamine or methamphetamine causes a marked reduction in the rate of continuous avoidance responding evoked by that same dose. Similar pretreatment followed by a dose of 8.0 mg/kg of benzphetamine was without effect on the drug's action on both systems.


Definitive characterization of the para-hydroxyphenyl metabolite of glutethimide in human urine.

The compound, 2-ethyl-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-glutarimide was prepared synthetically. Spectral data is presented which identifies this compound to be a metabolite of glutethimide isolated from enzymatically hydrolyzed human urine, following an overdose of the parent drug. New data supporting the structure of a minor metabolite, 2-ethyl-2-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxy)-glutarimide, is considered. Finally, gas chromatographic techniques have been perfected and are presented which yield complete purification of new metabolites of glutethimide.


The role of adrenal catecholamines in the release of corticosterone and fatty acids by nicotine in the rat.

Subcutaneous injection of 0.4 mg/kg nicotine to rats caused an increase in the plasma levels of corticosterone and free fatty acids. Similar rises occur when the same animals were stressed by placing them on an elevated platform. Bilateral adrenal demedullation abolished the response of both corticosterone and free fatty acids to nicotine. Stress, however, still resulted in a significant elevation of plasma corticosterone whereas fatty acid levels were only marginally affected. It is suggested that the principal effect of nicotine is mediated via adrenal release of catecholamines and that centrally mediated stimulation is not significant.


Pharmacology and toxicology of chaconine and tomatine.

The pharmacological responses produced by alpha chaconine and tomatine on guinea pig ileum, on the isolated electrically stimulated frog ventricle, and recordings of EEG, ECG, respiration and blood pressure in the rabbit showed no essential differences from those produced by alpha solanine. The LD50 values of chaconine and solanine in the mouse and rabbit are also similar and suggest that compounds other than these are probably responsible for the predominant toxic effects of certain hybrid potatoes in man and animals. The failure of the three glycoalkaloids to produce a significant teratological effect in the chick embryo lends no support to the hypothesis that they may be the teratogens responsible for certain congenital malformations in man.


The effect of dieldrin-contaminated feed on rat hepatic microsomal epoxide hydrase and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase.

Adult male rats were exposed to dieldrin-contaminated rations. The hydroxylation of benzpyrene (AHH) and hydration of styrene oxide (EH) by the hepatic microsomal fraction were followed. At dieldrin levels of 5 to 25 ppm for one week, the EH activity increased from 19% to 115% above control levels respectively. Animals exposed to 25 ppm developed elevated EH activities after a few days, with a maximum increase of 2.5 times control levels after two weeks. AHH activity was not elevated over control levels at any dose or time studied. Slight but significant increases in levels of cytochrome P-450 were observed. Pentobartibal sleeping time was decreased to 61% of control levels after exposure to 20 ppm dieldrin-contaminated food for 7 days. Two days of intraperitoneal administration of technical grade dieldrin, analytical grade dieldrin and analytical grade aldrin gave similar increases in EH activity within this group. Again, no changes in AHH activity were seen.


P-Chloro-N-methylaniline demethylation by rat kidney subcellular fractions.

Subcellular fractions prepared from kidney homogenates catalyzed the demethylation of p-chloro-N-methylaniline (PCMA). The activity of the renal preparations were forty-one percent of the liver 9,000 xg supernatant fraction activity. A differential susceptibility to the addition of carbon monoxide, p-chloromercuribenzoate or the omission of NADPH and magnesium characterized the two preparations. Comparison of the Lineweaver-Burk plots of the PCMA demthylation activities indicated that the maximal velocities and the apparent Michaelis constants (Km) of the two preparations differed. The apparent Km of the renal enzyme was approximately two fold greater than that of the liver. The PCMA demethylation activity of renal preparations is distributed between the cytosol and microsomal subcellular fractions. The results suggest the presence of tissue-related differences between renal and hepatic enzymes which catalyze the demethylation of PCMA.


Ribosomal proteins synthesis in the fetal and neonatal rat brain as influenced by maternal ethanol consumption.

Effects of long-term ethanol consumption by pregnant rats have been investigated on the protein synthesis by fetal and neonatal brain ribosomes. Chronic ethanol-feeding to pregnant rats resulted in about 30% decrease in the rate of 14C-leucine incorporation by the fetal cerebral ribosomes. The rate of 14C-leucine incorporation by the cerebral ribosomes from neonatal rats suckling on ethanol-fed mothers showed about 60% decrease as compared to the corresponding control group. The brains from both fetuses and neonates of the ethanol-fed group showed a decrease in the amount of t-RNA formed compared to the corresponding controls. The highest rates of 14C-leucine incorporation into ribosomal protein were observed by ribosomes from neonate brains. The ribosomes from fetal brains showed the highest sensitivity to the in vitro addition of ethanol. Pretreatment with cycloheximide significantly inhibited the rate of 14C-leucine incorporation into the ribosomal protein. The cerebral content of both total RNA and DNA was significantly lower in the brains of developing neonates suckling on ethanol-fed mothers compared to the corresponding controls.


The effect of swimming exercise of rat myocardial ornithine decarboxylase activity.

Within 30 minutes of swimming exercise there was an increase in myocardial ornithine decarboxylase activity. The activity continued to increase throughout the two hour period of exercise, after which it decreased again. Two hours after exercise, the enzyme activity had returned to the resting level, and four hours after exercise myocardial ornithine decarboxylase activity was slightly less than the resting level. Repeated daily exercise was associated with a diminished response on the second and third days. Subsequently however, myocardial ornithine decarboxylase activity was again stimulated by two hours of swimming exercise.


Cardiac glycoside effects on rat and guinea pig phospholipids.

The phospholipid content of adrenal glands, heart, intestinal mucosa, kidney, liver, pancreas, plasma, skeletal muscle, and spleen was compared in adult male rats and guinea pigs after intraperitoneal injection of 0.15 M NaCl (saline), 40% propylene glycol-10% ethanol (vehicle), or digoxin (rats 1 mg/kg; guinea pigs 0.1 mg/kg). In control (untreated) rats and guinea pigs total phospholipid phosphorous was twice as high in cardiac muscle as in skeletal muscle (800 vs. 400 mug/g tissue); lysophosphatidyl choline (LPC) values were similar in the two tissues (24 vs. 21 mug/g) in guinea pig; 11 vs. 15 mug/g in rat). Comparative phospholipid values between the two animals were similar in all tissues except adrenal glands (rat approximately 1200 mug/g; guinea pig approximately 1900 mug/g) and plasma (rat approximately 32 mug/ml; guinea pig approximately 11 mug/ml). In digoxin treated compared to control rats no differences between individual phosphatides were noted in any of the tissues examined whereas in guinea pigs the same comparison revealed differences in 8 instances, 4 of which were in LPC. Phospholipid levels in both species changed as a result of saline and vehicle injection.


Effect of radio-thyroidectomy and thyroid hormone replacement therapy on cardiac protein kinase activity and ATP hydrolysis.

The regulatory effect of thyroid hormone on cardiac protein kinase activity and ATP hydrolysis was studied in developing rats. Experimental hypothyroidism induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 200 muCi of 131I led to a significant impairment of body and heart growth and elevated the activity of membrane-bound protein kinase (measured in the absence of cyclic AMP). However, a slight (11%) but statistically non-significant decrease was observed in soluble protein kinase activity in hearts of hypothyroid rats. Furthermore, thyroid deficiency produced in neonatal life significantly decreased (34%) the rate of cardiac ATP hydrolysis. Treatment of thyroidectomized animals with L-triiodothyronine initiated early in life produced a time-dependent increase in heart weight as well as the activity of soluble protein kinase and the rate of ATP hydrolysis in cardiac tissue. Maximal rise in these parameters was observed in hypothyroid rats receiving L-triiodothyronine treatment for 24 days beginning from 7 days after radioiodine injection. These animals also showed a marked cardiac hypertrophy. In contrast, replacement therapy with L-triiodothyronine produced a decrease in the activity of the membrane-bound protein kinase, which seemed to be inversely proportional to the duration of L-triiodothyronine treatment. Our data provide evidence suggesting that thyroid hormone plays an important role in controlling ATP turnover in hearts of developing rats.


L-Thyroxine and monoamine oxidase activity in the kidney and some other organs of the rat.

L-Thyroxine (T4) (10,30 and 300 mug/kg. S.C. for 5 days) increased kidney monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and decreased that of the liver, using tryptamine as the substrate. These changes were dose-dependent. Time-dependent changes were found with the 30 mug/kg dose. Heart MAO activity was increased by the high dose while small decreases were found with the lower doses. No changes were found in the whole brain, vasa deferentia, the thyroid or adrenal glands. Hypophysectomized rats showed a 50% reduction in kidney MAO which was fully restored following T4 (10 mug/kg/day) treatment. Evidence was obtained that both T4 and L-triiodothyronine can activate the deaminating activity of MAO in vitro. Thus, T4 and/or its metabolites may play a physiological role in the maintenance of kidney MAO activity. The mechanism(s) whereby T4 and/or its metabolites alter kidney MAO activity is not resolved but direct effects upon the various forms of MAO and/or influences upon regulating substances seems likely to be involved.


A possible role of the kidney in activating a renin preinhibitor.

In order to verify the possibility than human plasma and kidney can activate a renin preinhibitor (Phospholipid) into inhibitor (lysophospholipid), constant quantities of preinhibitor were added to plasma and kidney homogenate. Addition of preinhibitor to plasma did not modify the quantity of Angiotensin I that developed. On the other hand, addition of preinhibitor to crude kidney homogenate, followed by incubation with human angiotensinogen, caused a significant fall in the quantity of Angiotensin I generated. While plasma is deficient in the specific enzyme delegated to the transformation of preinhibitor into inhibitor, it appears that this enzyme is present in the kidney.


[Comparative studies in blood, bile and urine to the biliary excretion and multicompartmental analysis of glycocholic acid in the unanaesthezized pig (author's transl)].

A new model for experimental research in pigs is reported. It allows comparative analyses in blood, bile and urine in the unanaesthetized pig. Preliminary results to the physiology of biliary excretion and multicompartmental analysis of conjugated bile acids emphasize the applicability of the experimental model. On the basis of these results it is pointed out, that it is possible to analize the distribution and excretion kinetics of conjugated bile acids, namely C14-glycocholic acid, by a 3-compartmental analysis.


Daily fluctuation of lithogenicity in bile in the postoperative period in cholecystectomized patients.

The lithogenicity of bile samples taken over 14 hrs from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on two consecutive days at 4-5 hrs intervals has been measured in 7 freshly colecystectomized patients on the 7th to 9th postoperative days. The values have also been estimated additionally in 4 patients 1 and 2 hrs after meal intake. It was found that the lithogenicindex is higher at 16 and 21 hrs than at 7 and 11 hrs. The lithogenicity began to increase 2 hrs after lunch. The observed difference between our results and those of other authors could be due either to the changed enterohepatic circulation before the begin of our study or to the different types of populations studied.


[Cholestyramine for stress ulcer prophylaxis (author's transl)].

In rats the prophylactic effect of cholestyramine on the restraint stress ulcer formation was studied. After 9 hours of immobilisation animals, which were treated intragastrally with 0,3 g/kg cholestyramine, had only the fifth part of the ulcers of the controls, treated with Ringer solution. That demonstrated a very high effectivity of cholestyramine in the prevention of stress ulcers. The pathogenetic role of the bile for stress ulcer formation is as well discussed as the efficacy of cholestyramine. A clinical use for stress ulcer prophylaxis has to be considered.


[Mechanisms of bile secretion in mini-pigs (author's transl)].

The mechanisms of bile excretion are investigated in 27 experiments in 21 mini-pigs. The results confirm the known three fractions of bile flow for mini-pigs, too: a canalicular bile acid dependent, a canalicular bile acid independent and a ductular bile acid independent bile flow. These different fractions of bile flow may be stimulated either by taurocholate, by phenobarbital and ioglycamide or by secretin and pancreozymin. The total bile acid pool amounts 4,4 mMol. Measurements of its distribution over the gallbladder and the enterohepatic circulation after fasting for 18-24 hours emphasize the importance of the gallbladder resp. the fasting as factors that may be responsible for the secretion of lithogenic bile.


[Renal changes by treatment with azatioprine (author's transl)].

Results of three months' treatment of 10 glomerulonephritic, 10 normal guinea pigs and of 10 normal rats with imurek (20 mg/kg/day) were as follows: 1. The morphological picture of glomerulonephritis was demonstrable even three months after treatment with imurek. 2. Predominant glomerular changes were demonstrated in both of guinea pigs and rats after treatment with imurek. These changes consisted of mesangial activation, focal glomerular necrosis and deposits of an amorphous clumped material in the mesangium. 3. In some animals, streptococci and staphylococci could be cultivated from the blood of the vena renalis and from the renal surface. The results of the present study indicates that treatment of glomerulonephritis with immunosuppressiva is not always effective. It is probable that morphological deteriorations may be caused by a direct effect of the immunosuppressiva on the renal structure.


Plasma levels following administration of sodium meclofenamate by various routes.

Sodium meclofenamate, an anti-inflammatory and anti-anaphylactic agent, was administered to cattle intravenously, orally and by intraruminal injection. Plasma levels of the free drug were estimated fluorimetrically at intervals after administration by each route. Levels fell rapidly, particularly during the first hour after intravenous injection. Differences between those plasma levels resulting from oral administration and those following intraruminal injection indicated that direct passage into the abomasum was achieved by the former method. Simultaneous intravenous and intrauminal injections achieved immediate high plasma levels and maintained levels adequate for efficacy for 24 h.


Effects of various induced local environmental conditions and histopathological studies in experimental Dermatophilus congolensis infection on the bovine skin.

Although localised to the site of inoculation, experimental cutaneous streptothricosis was readily produced on scarified and/or defatted bovine skin infected with nutrient broth cultures of Dermatophilus congolensis. There was no difference in the extent and duration of lesions produced by either method. D congolensis failed to infect intact normal skin. Simulated rainfall and insect bite did not effect spread and production of generalized streptothricosis. On the other hand, localised experimental lesions regressed more rapidly when subjected to simulated rainfall. The histopathological changes were characterised by invasion of hair follicles by the germinating hyphae and mycelia of D gongolensis, accumulation of neutrophilic exudate beneath the infected epidermis, migration of some neutrophils through the epidermis resulting in intra-epidermal microabscess formation and regeneration of new epidermis from follicular sheath epithelium.


The effect of environment on sebum output and composition in cattle.

In an investigation into the effect of short-term exposure to different temperatures and humidities on the sebaceous glands of Ayrshire calves it was concluded that temperature had no appreciable effect on sebum output or its fatty acid composition. At a low humidity, however, the cutaneous outputs of palmitic and myristic acids were higher. On prolonged exposure to a warm environment, a higher output of sebum occurred together with an increase in the percentage of linoleic acid in the sebum.


Oxygen affinity responses to 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, and methaemoglobin formation in horse and human haemoglobins.

The oxygen affinities of horse and human haemoglobins were compared in the absence and presence of the allosteric effector 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG). Horse haemoglobin solutions showed significantly smaller responses to the presence of 2,3-DPG, and this difference may be due to different amino acid substitutions at position NA2(2)beta. Horse haemoglobin solutions from erythrocytes containing different ratios of the two different haemoglobin types showed similar oxygen affinities in the absence and presence of 2,3-DPG. Horse haemoglobins in solution were found to autoxidise to methaemoglobin much more readily than human haemoglobin under the same conditions, and this is an important consideration when measuring the oxygen affinity of horse haemoglobin solutions. This difference could be due to different amino acid residues at position NA2(2)beta.


Epidemiological studies on Nematodirus species in sheep.

Faecal egg count and pasture larval studies on N battus and N filicollis in lambs showed distinct differences in epidemiology, the infective larvae of N battus hatching over a short restricted period in spring, whereas those of N filicollis show an extended period of hatching, beginning in autumn and increasing steadily through the winter to reach a spring peak. This difference was considered to be responsible for the much slower annual rate of increase recorded for N filicollis. Pasture infection with both species survived ploughing and reseeding, though in very small numbers, and one year's rest from sheep by alternate grazing with cattle proved equally effective in reducing the carryover of infection, and offered a practical method of controlling these species.


Spontaneous and experimental aflatoxicosis in goats.

Naturally occurring aflatoxicosis is described in goats fed a concentrate mixture containing polkudu meal (defatted residue from grated coconut after juice extraction). Toxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus were present in the concentrate and aflatoxins were recovered from the liver and urine of affected animals. Hepatic lesions in poisoned goats consisted of bile duct hyperplasia and periportal fibrosis; renal lesions included necrosis of tubular epithelial cells and proteinaceous exudation in the glomerular space. Similar lesions were produced experimentally in goats with aflatoxin and the coconut cultures of A flavus. High doses of aflatoxin B1 produced, in addition, hepatic centrilobular congestion, haemorrhage and periportal fatty change.


Resistance in cattle to Fasciola hepatica induced by gamma-ray attenuated larvae: results from a controlled field trial.

A significant resistance to natural infection in the field was obtained in calves inoculated with metacercariae of Fasciola hepatica attenuated at a gamma-irradiation level of 3 Krad. The mean fluke burden of vaccinated calves was 29 per cent of that of the controls. The resistance was reflected not only in reduced parasite burdens and low faecal egg counts, but also in the stability of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase levels of the vaccinated calves compared with non-vaccinated controls. The gamma-ray dose of 3 Krad did not prevent a small proportion of the irradiated larvae reaching and maturing in the bile ducts.


The effect of dietary dilution on the intestinal anatomy of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

There was an increase in the length of the small intestine, caeca and colon when Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)were fed on a diet diluted with fibre. No differences were found in the length of the villi and the thicknesses of the submucosal layers throught the large and most of the small intestine between birds fed on the normal diet compared with those fed on the diluted diet. The birds fed on the normal diet appeared to have more mucous goblet cells and lymph nodes in the caeca than those fed on the diluted diet.


Enhancement of in vitro phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureas by polymorphonuclear leucocytes.

Polymorphs collected from ewes which had been infected with live staphylococci and immunised with a killed staphylococcal vacccine, had significantly enhanced capacity for phagocytosis of staphylococci compared with polymorphs from ewes which received only a killed vaccine. The numbers of viable bacteria were greatly reduced when blood serum or whey were incorporated in incubation mixtures compared to incubation mixtures containing only polymorphs and staphylococci. When serum was used in the incubation mixtures, the numbers of staphylococci which survived were significantly less than when colostral or milk whey was used. No significant  difference was observed between whey collected from locally immunised mammary glands and that from non-immunised glands within each group.


The population dynamics of nematode parasites of sheep in northern England.

An investigation into the population dynamics of sheep nematodes was carried out between April 1970 and September 1971. Faecal egg counts were made from both ewes and lambs at weeks intervals while grass samples were taken fortnightly throughout the summer and monthly during the winter. From these results absolute numbers of nematode eggs and infective larvae were estimated and these figures used as a basis for determining the level of mortality occurring during development from egg to infective larva. The figures were also used to assess the relative importance of the ewe 'spring rise' and the egg output of the lambs in June while grazing contaminated pasture. These calculations suggest that larval mortality was very high and that it may vary considerably from year to year depending upon the climatic conditions prevailing. There was also an indication that the ewe 'spring rise' was the major source of the wave of infection which occurs in the lambs in late August and September.


Genetic factors in the maturation of the canine intervertebral disc.

The composition and structure of the intervertebral discs have been studied in a group of six four-month-old beagles which were full or half-siblings. The animals were raised in identical environment and were comparable weight and size at sacrifice. Collagen, hexosamine, uronic acid, sialic acid and non-collagenous protein analysis (via indirect method) were performed on the nucleus pulposus (NP), transitional zone (TZ) and a annulus fibrosus (AF) of the discs for the lumbo-sacral, lumbar and thoracic spinal levels. Parallel histochemical and morphological examinations of the discs were also performed. The knee joint meniscus, and articular cartilage was also examined for the components described. The results of the analysis for the discs revealed that within this single age group there co-exist two statistically different compositional states. These differences reside largely in the NP and TZ regions and from the analytical values are interpreted as indicating the chondroid and non-chondroid conditions. No such compositional variation was observed for articular cartilage and fibrocartilage (knee joint menisci).


Fatty haemorrhagic liver syndrome in laying hens on diets supplemented with rapeseed products.

Livers of laying hens of Hy-Line No 934E on low erucic acid rapeseed meals and rapeseed oil were studied. Gross lesions in the livers of hens on experimental diets were moderate to severe fatty degeneration, focal necrosis and moderate to severe haemorrhage. Histological examination revealed oedematous foci and lysis of hepatocytes along with large amounts of lipid droplets in the necrotic lesions. Necrotic lesions were not always associated with large haemorrhages. Connective tissue infiltration of older degenerative and haemorrhagic lesions was not extensive. Abdominal haemorrhage from livers occurred when extensive necrosis in the form of hepatocyte lysis and some vascular changes were present, suggesting hepatocytic degeneration caused by toxic products or their metabolites present in rapeseed by-products.


The relationship of maxillary cheek tooth development to age in young Friesian cattle.

Radiographs were taken of both the right and left sets of maxillary teeth in 23 Friesian cattle of known age. The stage of development of each permanent tooth was ascertained and the degree of root resorption in the deciduous premolars was noted. All stages in individuals were later than for those of the mandibular cheek teeth except in the case of the first permanent premolar. As with mandibular cheek tooth development stages of formation occurred within certain age limits.


Laboratory investigations on pigs with the new anthelmintic fenbendazole.

The efficacy of fenbendazole was investigated in piglets infected artificially with Hyostrongylus rubidus and Oesophagostomum spp. After administration of 3.5 mg/kg, five-day-old stages of H rubidus were reduced by 72.5 per cent; an effect of 78.4 per cent, 96.0 per cent and 100 per cent was achieved against five-day-old, 16-day-old and 42-day-old stages, respectively, of H rubidus using a dose of 5 mg/kg. A 55 per cent effect was obtained against five-day-old stages after the administration of 3.5 mg/kg. A dose of 5 mg/kg reduced five-day-old, 16-day-old and 42-day-old stages of Oesophagotomum spp by 72.6 per cent, 44 per cent and 100 per cent respectively.


The absorption of magnesium from the forestomachs, stomach and small intestine of sheep.

The passage of magnesium from the mouth to the proximal duodenum and from the proximal duodenum to the terminal ileum was measured continuously in two rams for 24 and 19 days. The results indicate a net disappearance of 25 per cent and 34 per cent of ingested magnesium from the forestomachs and stomach, and no set absorption from the small intestine.


Preservation of Cowdria ruminantium at low termperatures.

A Nigerian isolate of Cowdria ruminantium was rapidly frozen with or without 10 per cent dimethyl sulphoxide at -85 degrees C and -196 degrees C. All animals inoculated with the frozen stabilates died of heartwater fever.


Efficacy trials in turkey poults with tylosin tartrate against Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma meleagridis.

Tylosin tartrate, administered in the drinking water at a concentration of 0.55 g/litre for the first three days after hatching, was highly effective in controlling the adverse consequences of a Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection, established by air sac injection at one day of age, in turkey poults. Tylosin was ineffective in controlling M meleagridis infections established in embryo or at one day of age when administered in the drinking water of poults. Both mycoplasma isolates used were inhibited in vitro by a tylosin concentration of 0.1 mug/ml.


Attempted infection of sheep with Echinococcus granulosus equinus.

No evidence of hydatid infection was detected at post mortem examination of sheep which had been inoculated intraperitoneally, four to 11 months previously with protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus equinus.


Organ weights in the dog.

The masses of the major organs in eight large dogs, mostly of alsatian type, which had been subjected to about 8 h anaesthesia and surgery, were determined by post mortem weighing. The organ masses as percentage of the total body mass (29.6 +/- 6.0 kg, mean +/- sd) were: brain 0.28 +/- 0.05, gut 2.61 +/- 0.49, heart 0.73 +/- 0.04, kidneys 0.40 +/- 0.07, liver 2.36 +/- 0.38.


The life span of glutathione-deficient red cells in Tasmanian Merino sheep.

59FeCl3 was used to measure red cell life span in GSH-low type sheep to the Tasmanian Merino breed, whose GSH deficiency is due to a diminished activity of gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthetase. The 59Fe survival slopes fell within normal limits, indicating that red cells with this type of GSH deficiency do not have a shortened life span.


[Role of the frontal lobes in language. (A neuropsychological and experimental study)].

An experimental study carried out on 30 patients suffering from localised frontal lesions (16 left, 9 right, 5 bilateral lesions) using a battery of twenty tests (17 language tests and 3 visuo-spatial tests) showed: 1) frontal lesions disturb verbal control; 2) these disturbances seem to be proportionate to the extent of the lesion, that is, the area of the frontal lobe put out of action. As a result, there is a diversity of conditions ranging from quasi mutism in the extensive lesions, to an impossibility of producing accurate propositional and appropriate language indicating shades of meaning, in limited lesions; 3) the most frequently encountered disorder is characterised by an elementary level of language being well preserved but with difficulty of even impossibility in producing complex propositional language. This disorder, already obvious in spontaneous language, can be easily shown by means of appropriate verbal tests. 4) It seems to us of the utmost importance to emphasize that this syndrome appears irrespective of the side affected by the lesion. In fact, we have found that in 10 of the tests involved in our study which do in fact require replies which are appropriate to situations of a certain degree of complexity, similar failures were recorded for left frontal lesions (10 cases) and for right frontal lesions (11 cases). These findings prove that both the frontal lobes have a part to play in the exercise of verbal control. 5) It should however be emphasized that, in our group, the most serious deterioration in language was observed in left or bilateral frontal lesions. The same characteristics were found in these cases: elementary language better than propositional language but the level of achievement possible was very low being limited to brief replies which gave little information although they were usually correct. These findings justify the conclusion that a syndrome exists: disturbances in verbal control caused by frontal lesions. The function of the frontal lobes in language and verbal control in normal subjects is discussed.


[Painful, alternating and recurrent ophthalmoplegia. Contribution to the study of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome].

A case of the syndrome of Tolosa-Hunt is presented in which the points of interest were the high number of attacks (four in two years and half) and the varying side of the symptoms with an involvement of the left sixth cranial nerve during the first, third and fourth attacks, and of the right third cranial nerve during the second attack. The trigeminal pain was always on the same side as the ophthalmoplegia. Bilateral carotid and vertebral angiography, orbital phlebography and air encephalography did not reveal anomalies. The sedimentation rate was moderately high during each attack. Corticotherapy begun during the last attack was very effective against the pain, but less so against the paralysis. The authors review the literature concerning this rare syndrome, the cause of which is thought to be an inflammatory process involving the cavernous sinuses.


[Reflections on 19 cases of asbestosis discovered by chance in the population of an industrial region in the Basse-Sambre].

The authors describe 19 cases of definite or highly probable asbestosis which were observed among unselected out-patients at a hospital in the industrial area of the "Basse-Sambre". These cases were of various types and were, almost exclusively, of occupational origin. The variety and severity of the asbestosis in many of the cases justify a more thorough survey in this area. Those people who have handled and inhaled asbestos fibres at work will be examined in the first place. A radiological pulmonary survey will also be organized among the people living in the neighbourhood of factories using asbestos. Precise information about the origin, quality and characteristics of the inhaled dust as well as the intensity and duration of exposure will be obtained. Cases discovered in the survey will be investigated systematically by means of an extensive range of techniques: frontal and oblique X-rays with an appropriate kilovoltage for the detection of pleural calcifications and of the reticular thickening of the parenchyma; spirometry and measurement of the transfer factor for CO; arterial blood gases at rest and during exercise; search for ferruginous bodies in sputum; pathological studies of pulmonary and pleural tissues and of the ultrastructure of pleural tumours.


[Hypotonic examination of esophagus in pediatric radiology (author's transl)].

Report on 22 children whose esophagus was radiologically examined under maximum hypotonia, using i.v. Buscopan in a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight (highest 50 mg). The main indication are varices of the esophagus which can be shown much better than with conventional techniques. But also small axial hiatus herniae and esophageal stenoses are better shown.


[Child abuse and neglect (author's transl)].

In this paper the "verschleierter Pflegeschaden" is defined. The syndrome is well discribed by the English expression "child abuse and neglect". However the German expression is used to avoid prejudice and offense to the caretakers before the culprit is found. The clinical and mainly the radiological symptoms are listed with reference to recent literature dealing with the diagnostic value of these symptoms. The "verschleierter Pflegeschaden" includes problems of malnutrition and rickets as well as scurvy. They are partly evidence of neglect. Short reference is made to differential-diagnosis. Psychological, socioeconomical and family problems involved are briefly mentioned in respect to statistical data. They are included in this brief survey in order to lead from the mere collection of radiological symptoms to an understanding of the many different aspects of the clinical syndrome. The necessity of early diagnosis and rapid information of the referring physician and/or institution is pointed out. Both, the high incidence of reocurrence rate and the high risk for siblings requires immediate action.


[Vaginal discharge in childhood (author's transl)].

Report on 4 children suffering from vaginal discharge. Various radiographic techniques helped to show that this had different causes: 1) vaginal foreign bodies which could be shown in vaginography. 2) vestibular ureteral ectopy shown in IVP with increased contrast medium and retrograde pyelography. 3) rectogenital fistula in granulomatous colitis shown by direct contrast filling of the fistula. Radiologic diagnosis led to causal therapy after which the discharge disappeared.


[Electronic film analysis of nuclei of the fetal knee joint in amniotic shadows (author's transl)].

Fetal shadows between LM IX and LM X were analysed with electronic film-improvement (harmonization). Altogether 108 nuclei of the knee joint were investigated. This techniques permits better and quicker analysis of pictures uhich at times are difficult to assess owing to overlapping. Addition radiographic exposures of mother and fetus can thus be avoided. Electronic improvement of films provides an important contribution to the reduction of exposure.


[On vrolik's syndrome (author's transl)].

The rare condition Vrolik's syndrome and its typical radiological signs are described with reference to two cases.


[Ascites during the first week of life (author's transl)].

Retrospective analysis of 22 cases with neonatal ascites showed the most common cause to be anomalies of the urogenital system (urethral valve, hydronephrosis, rupture of bladder, rupture of ovarian cyst). Next came malformations of the gastro-intestinal tract and of the liver and congenital infections (toxoplasmosis, cytomegaly). In 4 cases the cause was not found. More than one half of the cases permitted a definitive radiologic diagnosis, mainly in malformations requiring surgery. We suggest a standardized procedure of investigation of all cases with neonatal ascites. If this procedure does not result in a positive diagnosis and if the ascites fluid does not contain blood or bile, we fell that laparotomy is not indicated.


[Röntgen appearances of pulmonary edema and their clinical and physiologic correlates (author's transl)].

With the rapid increase in the number of intensive care units in surgical and medical departments knowledge of early radiologic signs of pulmonary edema gains in importance. On the basis of investigations by American authors typical changes in the distribution of pulmonary blood supply can be shown, in good correlation with pressure changes in the pulmonary vein in left heart failure. When pressure rises in the pulmonary vein the well-know changes of interstitial or alveolar (acinary) pulmonary edema arise. Differential diagnosis between pulmonary edema due to left heart failure and edema from other causes is aided on the one hand by the presence of interstitial pulmonary edema and redistribution of blood, on the other hand by the abnormaly large heart and configuration. Neither Röntgen appearances nor type of distribution of pulmonary edema are specific for any given cause. In all cases of pulmonary edema, the primary-peripheral excepted, clinical signs either occur later than X ray findings or will be absent altogether. Respiratory physiology permits, according to the severity of the edema, proof of hypoxemia with pronounced differences in the regional ventilation-perfusion quotient up to marked reduction of compliance and increase of resistance.


[Transvenous cardiography and pulmonalis angiography for differentiating between pathologic mediastinal shadows (author's transl)].

A technique of contrast-medium radiology of cardiac cavities and the great vessels without catheter is described. The contrast-medium (30 ml) is injected rapidly and bilaterally into the cubital veins. This is sufficient to differentiate between pathologic changes in the mediastinum of vascular of non-vascular origin and between pericardial effusion and myogenous cardiac dilation. The effectiveness of this not demanding technique is discussed on 4 cases. The risks of this investigation are not greater than those of any other method using larger amounts of contrast medium without general anesthesia.


[The cervical collateral network in subclavian steal syndrome and block of the vertebral artery (author's transl)].

A case of rightsided subclavian steal syndrome and block of the right vertebral artery is reported. The importance of the collateral cervical network is emphasized. The diagnostic criteria of a steal phenomenon in the area of the branches of the aorta are discussed.


[Early showing of veins in arteriography of the lower limbs (author's transl)].

Report on incidence, frequency and localization of early venous filling of the leg in 518 aorto-arteriograms. No relationship to arterial block could be found. The data suggest that premature venous filling is a phenomenon influenced by various factors which cannot be connected with any constant entity and has no diagnostic value.


[Comparative measurements of the plane-dose-product, the surface dose and organ exposure in radiodiagnostic routine-examinations (author's transl)].

Measurements have been carried out using an Alderson-Rando-Phantom. Their purpose was a comparison between the surface- and organ-doses of radiobiologic interest and the plane-dose-product, important for the documentation according to the Röntgen rules (RoV).


[Experiences in using the auto altenator system in a teaching hospital (author's transl)].

Attention is drawn to the advantages of the auto-alternator system in the everyday assessment of films, in comparative investigations and in a teaching and training.


[Astigmatism - a cause for misinterpretation of x-ray photographs (author's transl)].

With increasing age a corneal, inverse astigmatism may develop, leading to an unequal projection upon the retina depending on the different angles of view. Fine details, like fissures in a X-ray photograph, will only be recognized in turning the photograph for 90 degrees.


[Testing a pure methylglucamin salt of joxitalamin acid for contrast and side effects in angiography (author's transl)].

The pure methylglucamin salt of 5 acetamido-N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl). 2,4,6-trijodisophthalamic acid has been tested on 163 arterio- and venograms. Density of contrast and side effects proved favorable. Since it is easily injected, this substance is suitable for angiography.


[Arteriographic data in circulation disorders of the upper extremity].

Evaluation of 74 Arteriograms of the upper limb. At the shoulder-girdle arteriosclerotic obliteration is most common. Arteriography is essential for preoperative diagnosis. The same applies to post-traumatic changes in the upper arm. In fore-arm and hand inflammatory and systemic disease predominate. Here arteriograms may provide the diagnosis in part of the cases but almost always important data for the differential diagnosis.


[Theoretical considerations for improving oral cholegraphy (author's transl)].

Oral cholegraphy is one of the most accurate procedures in diagnostic radiology. Nevertheless it is not without shortcomings. To achieve an enhancement of its reliability the biochemical and physiological processes involved in an ultimately sufficient biliary-tract opacification are analysed. From these theoretical considerations some conclusions are drawn which could be important for the improvement of oral cholegraphy and which appeared to be worth testing in practice.


[Experience with the Contrac III syringe in carotid angiography (author's transl)].

Report on a comparison between the use of the Contrac III syringe and manual injection for carotid angiography. 100 cases of injector angiograms were compared with 100 unselected manual arteriograms. The injector angiograms needed less contrast fluid and were distinctly better than the manual angiograms. Evaluation was based on the frequency of visualization of the posterior cerebral artery, the anterior cerebral arteries on either side and the filling of lenticulostriary vessels. Using the injector raises the percentage of bilateral filling of the anterior cerebral artery; the posterior cerebral artery, too, is rendered visible much more often. The quality of filling of the basal arteries depends largely on the speed of the injection. According to our present experience complications with the injector are no more frequent than with manual injection. Injection with the Contrac III syringe is, therefore, a definite advance, since it permits producing angiograms of very good, even, reproducible quality.


[Mediastinal hemorrhage complicating combined streptokinase-anticoagulant therapy (author's transl)].

Case-report. A mediastinal hemorrhage occurring spontaneously following combined streptokinase-anticoagulation therapy is described and its diagnosis and treatment discussed.


[Cancer arising on cirrhosis of regenerative node (author's transl)].

12 patients with cancer arising from a cirrhosis of the liver and 8 patients with regenerative nodes in a cirrhotic liver have been examined with scintigraphy, serial scintigraphy, angiography and biopsy. The results show that defects in the parenchyma of the liver can be shown with relative certainty using conventional scintigraphy with radiocolloids. But nothing can be said about their nature. Because of the simplicity of this technique and the minor claims on the patient scintigraphy should be the first diagnostic step. If angiography is contra-indicated serial scintigraphy may further elucidate the effects. When, however, angiography can be done, it will offer the best chance of differentiating between cancer and regenerative nodes on the basis of cirrhosis.