[Blood serum and liver phospholipids in rats with chronic choline-protein deficiency].

Serum and liver phospholipids were studied in rats at different stages of pathological processes induced by a diet with a high fat content, but deficient in protein and choline. Such cirrhosogenic diet caused fatty infiltration, fibrosis and nodular liver cirrhosis in rats, depending on the period of its administration. This diet resulted in a considerable decrease of the phospholipid content in the liver and the serum of experimental rats. Addition of choline to the cirrhosogenic diet prevented formation of fatty infilitration in rats, but failed to protect completely from a fall of phospholipids in the liver.


[Change in cell membrane permeability, and composition and properties of hexokinase during induced carcinogenesis].

The isoenzyme hexokinase (HK) spectrum from normal rat large intestinal mucosa consisted of 3 isoenzymes. In tumours of this localization induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine there proved to be a lack or marked decrease in the most rapid anodic isoenzyme. Only one HK isoenzyme was found in the metastases. Km (glucose) for tumour HK was 2--3 times lower than for normal intestinal HK; the HK activity was detected in the serum from the 1st month of the carcinogenic administration, and by the 5th month it was found in 80% of the tumour-bearing animals. No serum HK activity was ever found in control rats.


[Analysis of the participation of rat brain noradrenergic terminals in elaboration of conditioned passive avoidance response].

A change in a noradrenaline concentration in the noradrenergic terminals was investigated by the fluorescent histochemical method in pars ventralis nuc. interstitialis striae terminalis, nuc. septi lateralis and in nuc. preopticus medialis of male Wistar rats in the process of reproduction of conditioned passive avoidance response. In all the investigated structures of the preliminarily trained animals the reproduction of a conditioned response (without any electrical stimulation) led to a statistically reliable decrease in the noradrenaline concentration. The data obtained testified to the participation of the noradrenergic brain system in the reproductive process of the conditioned passive avoidance response.


[Difference in the cerebrovascular effects of phenoxybenzamine].

The isotope, electromagnetic and resistographic investigation showed phenoxybenzamine to be capable of producing different effects on the blood supply of different regions of the brain. The preparation enhanced the circulation of the vertebro-basilar system and decreased it in the carotic one. Phenoxybenzamine also significantly inhibited the nervous control of the cerebral circulation. It inhibited the reflex reaction of cerebral vessels, changed the cerebral blood flow by stimulation of cervical sympathetic nerves and was capable of protecting against experimental cerebrovascular disorders. These data allow one to recommend phenoxybenzamine in neurological and neurosurgical clinics for the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders in the vertebro-basilar arterial system.


[Effect of neuroleptics and antidepressants on the process of gamma-aminobutyric acid-H3 uptake by isolated rat brain nerve endings].

The effects of phenothiazine neuropleptics--chlorpromazine, trifluoperazine, fluphenazine and of antidepressants-imipramine and phthoracizine on the GABA-H3 accumulation by synaptosomes of the rat cerebral cortex were studied. All neuroleptics were found to inhibit the process of neurotransmitter uptake by the brain synaptosomes. Antidepressants were less potent. Chlorpromazine had the highest inhibitory effect on GABA uptake and phthoracizine--the lowest. It is suggested that the influence of neurolptics on GABA uptake could play a certain role in the mode of a synaptic action of these drugs.


[Histamine-like stimulator of gastric secretion--3-(beta-aminoethyl)-5-amino-1,2,4-triazole].

3-(beta-aminoethyl)-5-amino-1,2,4-triazol or IEM-759 acts predominantly on the histamine H2-receptors in the dog stomach. It produces a lesser effect on the H1-histamine-sensitive receptors of the intestine, vessels and bronchi than histamine. Unlike histalog, IEM-759 taken per os is also effective, this pointing to a possibility of its use in gastoenterology for the assay of secretory capacity of the stomach.


[Coordination of lymphocyte enzyme systems and resistance of mice to the action of staphylococcus toxin].

The activity of acid phosphatase and some dehydrogenases was studied in the blood peripheral lymphocytes of intact mice. Then this mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of LD50 of staphylococcus toxin; in 2 days 42 mice perished and 38 survived. The groups of survived and perished animals differed (the difference was statistically significant) by the extent of coordination of the enzymatic lymphocyte systems: the correlation of enzymatic indices in the survived animals was greater than in the perished ones. The data obtained are discussed from the aspect of a priori intoxication prognosis and the significance of the enzymatic coordination.


[Role of sensory signals in the development of cortical influences on hypothalamic structures].

Neuron discharges of the hypothalamic ventro-medial and posterior nuclei were registered in immobilized cats during electrical stimulation of the ipsi- and contralateral nerves of the brachial plexus, the 1st and the 2nd somatosensory regions (SI and SII) and the visual regions of the cortex and the reticular formation (RF) of the mesencephalon. A reversible cold block of the SI and SII failed to change the effect of the nerve stimulation. Stimulation of the postero-ventral thalamic nucleus did not change the initial activity of the hypothalamic neurons and gave rise to no neuron activity that appeared on stimulation of the SII. A conclusion was drawn that cortico-hypothalamic influences that appeared on stimulation of the nerves and the postero-ventral nucleus of the thalamus were pronounced weakly.


[Change in monoamine content and monoamine oxidase activity in brain structures during experimental allergic encephalomyelitis].

The serotonin, noradrenaline, adrenaline concentration in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid and some brain structures, and tissue monoaminoxidase activity (MAO) were investigated in dogs during experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. During the perparalytic period there was a tendency to reduction of the serotonin concentration and to the elevation of the catecholamine content. The stage of clinical manifestation of encephalomyelitis was accompanied by reduction of the serotonin level in the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres, and by genralized inhibition of the adrenergic structures. In this case the MAO activity displayed no significant change; this permitted to consider the disturbance of the monoamine synthesis as a result of immune aggression, as a possible cause of inhibition of the monoaminergic system.


[Diurnal variations in the duration of mitosis in the mouse esophageal epithelium].

Considerable differences were found in the morning and the evening mitotic indices of the epithelium in the oesophagus of C57BL/6J mice. By the colchamin method it was shown that the duration of mitosis was the same in the morning and the evening hours and was equal to 34--49 minutes. The results varied and depended on the dose of colchamin and duration of its action. Thus, the diurnal differences in mitotic index of the epithelium in the oesophagus depended on the differences in mitotic activity, the number of mitoses per time unit. It is emphasized that colchamin method should be used with great caution to obtain reliable results.


[Effect of hydrocortisone on the mitotic cycle of epithelial cells in the mouse pylorus].

It was shown with the aid of thymidine-H3  that the mitotic cycle of mucous-forming cells (superficial epithelial mucosal cells of the neck) of the stomach pyloric glands of mice lasted 13.5 hrs (G1+1/2M = 7.6 hrs, S = 5.3 hrs; G2+1/2M =  0.6 hrs). With the administration of a physiological dose of hydrocortisone (0.1 mg) the duration of the mitotic cycle of mucous-forming cells of the stomach pyloric glands increased by 6.7 hrs (G1+1/2M = 11.6 hrs, S = 7.8 hrs; G2+1/2M = 0.8 hrs). A high dose of the hormone had a similar effect and increased the presynthetic period to 12.9 hours and the postsynthetic one--to 2.3 hours.


Reaction of human heterochromatin and euchromatin to spermine.

The frequency of occurrence of cell nuclei with X-chromatin and Y-chromatin, as well as with diffuse and coarse chromatin network was studied, using cultured human fibroblasts 47XXY and 47XYY, after treatment of the cell with spermin. This treatment failed to change the percentage of the nuclei with the X- and Y-bodies, but significantly increased the frequency of occurrence of the nuclei, with coarse chromatin. The heterochromatic chromosomal segments retarded in metaphase condensation after the action of 5-bromdesoxyuridine increased the length and number when spermin was added to 5-bromdesoxyuridine. The data obtained were attributed to the different sensitivity of euchromatin to the condensating action of spermin and to inertness of heterochromatin.


[Influence of thyrocalcitonin on the periodic motor activity of the gastro-intestinal tract].

Experiments were conducted on dogs with fistulae of the stomach and various portions of the small intestine in which there was recorded a periodic motor activity. It was shown that intravenous injection of a highly purified bovine thyrocalcitonin (TCT) in doses of 2--10 Units/kg (considerably exceeding the doses used at the clinic in the treatment of patients with bone pathology) caused no changes in a number of indices characterizing the motor periodic activity of the stomach and various portions of the small intestine, despite a distinct reduction (by 10--20%) of the calcium level in the blood serum.


[Distribution of catecholamines in the median eminence of rats following adrenalectomy].

Distribution of adrenergic and peptidergic nerve fibers in rat median eminence was studied three weeks after bilateral adrenalectomy. Fluorescence intensity in the external zone and in some of the nerve cell-bodies proved to be increased in the nucleus arcuatus. There were many nerve fibers with a bright fluorescence in the internal zone. A great number of the peptidergic nerve fibers appeared in the external zone. Reactions in the rostral, medial and caudal regions of the median eminence differed and were described.


[Ultrastructural changes in hepatocytes in the dynamics of the development of esperimental liver cirrhosis in rats].

Both hepatocyte necrosis and organ fibrosis and intracellular reparative regeneration of the injured cells took place in the posttoxic cirrhosis development. The outcome of cirrhosis is supposed to be determined by the prevalence of one of the processes--either the irreversible destruction, restoration or the hypertrophy of the parenchymal cells. The progress of cirrhosis evidently depended on the overstraining and progressive exhaustion of the intracellular compensatory adaptive mechanisms.


[Elimination of large pyroninophilic cells due to the effect of phytohemagglutinin].

Large pyroninophilic lymphocytes adsorbed on the surface of target-cells disappeared after phytohemagglutinin (PHA) addition. Incubation during 45 minutes in the presence of PHA did not reveal cisternas of the granular endoplasmatic reticulum and the number of mitochondrias decreased. The H3-thymidine-labeled cells were almost eliminated. There appeared population of small lymphocytes with even outline and clear cytoplasm, poor in organellas, with ribosomas freely scattered in it. After 24--48 hours of incubation they transformed into blasts, large cells with clear nucleus and clear cytoplasm in which no cisternas of granular endoplasmatic reticulum were revealed.


[Kinetocardiogram recording from a freely moving person].

Radiokinetocardiogram (RKCG) recorded with the aid of telemetric system and electromagnetic kinetotransducer was sufficiently differentiated and was of the shape identical to the directly recorded kinetogram. A possibility of reliable recording of the RKCG in a freely moving man (during a micropause in the process of movement) was demonstrated under laboratory and natural working conditions.


[Changes in the capillary bed of the skeletal muscles in various periods following nerve section].

The authors studied the changes in the capillary bed of the gastrocnemius in rats at various periods after the section of the sciatic nerve. There was revealed a significant reduction of the total number of capillaries and of the number of functioning capillarites at the period of denervation and their increase during the reinnervation.


[Simple method of selection of a sample volume in ultramicroelectrophoresis of proteins].

The tentative optimal values of the protein sample quantities were determined for the ultramicroelectrophoretic fractionation in the polyacrylamide gels in the capillaries of different diameters which provided distinct and highly reproducible electrophoregramms. A simple calculation (by means of table and formula) of the volumes of protein solutions required for different concentrations and different diameters of capillaries is suggested.


[Influence of heparin on the general adaptation syndrome].

Administration of heparin led to the block of the alarm reaction of the general adaptation syndrome in rats. The results obtained could be explained by the binding of adrenal cortex hormones by heparin or by an increase in the resistance of tissues to stressors as a result of reversible block of the enzymes of the respiratory energic cycle in the cells.


[Volume rigidity of the capacitance vessels of rats in local arterial hypotension].

It was shown in experiments on rats that reduction of arterial pressure in the vessels of the posterior extremity for a period of up to three months was accompanied by a decrease of the volume stiffness of the capacitance vessels of this area.


[Peculiarities of the development of chloramine induced pulmonary edema in rabbits in various age periods].

Rabbits under three weeks of age were found to be less tolerant to chloramine (CA) than adult rabbits. For them the lethal dose of CA was 40--50 mg/kg. They perished from intoxication with the symptoms of protracted collapse without any manifestations of edema. For older rabbits the lethal dose of CA was 60--70 mg/kg. Death occurred with phenomena of acute and sharp edema of the lungs. In young rabbits atypical edema of the lungs occurred only with the administration of very high doses of CA--200--250 mg/kg. Edematous fluid is present in small amount only; there is a prevalence of hemorrhage, this being possibly caused by a direct alterating action of the CA excreted through the lungs on the walls of the arterioles and capillaries of the vascular system of the lungs.


[Lactate level as an index of the severity of the condition in massive hemorrhage].

Dynamics of the lactate, pyruvate, organic acid concentrations and of the L/P ratio in the blood was studied in 22 patients with massive blood loss and in 13 experimental dogs during the terminal states (bloos loss equal to 50+/-5.3 ml/kg weight) and during the post-reanimation period. Comparison of clinical and experimental data gives reasons to believe that the maximum lactate increase (70--80 mg%) during the early restorative period after clinical death does not necessarily predict the lethal issue. Nevertheless, the critical level of blood lactic acid (if the clinical death had not as yet developed) could serve as a prognostic criterion. The long-term increase in the lactate level could also serve as an unfavourable prognosis.


[Multiplication of the late slow fluctuation of induced potential to light under conditions of aminazin administration].

A study was made of the effect of chlorpromazine on the multiplication of late slow component of evoked potential to the flash-light (1 sec.) in experiments on nonanesthetized rabbits with electrodes chronically implanted in different brain structures. Electro-skin pain stimulation of the pore was applied simultaneously in some experiments. Chlorpromazine was found to decrease the multiplication of the late slow component to the flash-light alone, and to double this component in response to light when it was combined with pain stimulation. A supposition was made on the role of adrenergic structures in the formation of the acceptor of the action results of a defensive character, serving as one of the most important mechanisms of the functional system.


[Influence of high temperature on the enzyme activity of the small intestine in thyroidectomized rats].

It was revealed in acute experiments that exposure to high temperature changed the invertase, dipeptidase, lipolytic and alkaline phosphatase activity of the small intestinal mucosa in rats. The direction of these changes and their degree differed in the thyroidectomized and sham-operated animals. It is suggested that the thyroid hormones took part in the reaction of the fermentative systems of the small intestine to the action of the thermal factor.


[Role of estrogens in phenobarbital induction of microsomal enzymes of the liver].

The action of estradiol dipropionate (250 microgram/kg) and of phenobarbitone-sodium salt (80 microgram/kg) was studied in separate and combined (a single injection of estradiol-dipropionate after a 4-day administration of the phenobarbital-sodium salt) administration. There was an increase in the H3-phenylalanine incorporation into the cell-free protein-synthesizing system by 86% in comparison with control ovariectomized group. Under these conditions estradiol-dipropionate increased the incorporation of the labeled amino acid by 53%. A combined administration of the estrogen and of the barbiturate was not accompanied by the summation of the given effect. There was revealed a correlation between the increase in the rate of the H3-phenylalanine incorporation in vitro and an increase in the content of the cytochrome P-450 in vivo in the microsomes of hepatocytes in separate and combined administration of the preparations. The role of phenobarbitone-sodium salt as an activator of estradiol metabolism in the hepatocytes is discussed.


[Serotonin and 5-hydroxyindolacetate during acute renal ischemia].

During the acute renal ischemia (lasting up to 24 hrs) in rabbits the serotonin level displayed similar changes in the ischemic and contralateral kidney. In the tissues under study serotonin decreased during the first fifteen minutes of ischemia; then a tendency to increase with a maximal rise in the ischemic kidney after a 60-min ischemia was seen; as to the contralateral kidney--the maximal rise occurred after a 3 hr ischemia. At the further stages of ischemia serotonin content fell again, particularly in the ischemic kidney. The blood serotonin level increased somewhat during the 60-min ischemia. An increase in the 5-hydroxyindolacetate concentration in the urine coincided with the period of decrease of the tissue serotonin content.


[Influence of methochlopramide on the motor function of the esophagus and the cardial sphincter].

In acute experiments on cats and in chronic experiments on dogs the contractile activity of the esophagus and the cardiac sphincter was recorded with a ballon pulled from the stomach to the esophagus connected to a catheter. The intravenous injection of Metoclopramide in doses of 0.5--0.6 mg/kg to cats and subcutaneous injection of Metoclopramide in doses of 0.1--0.15 mg/kg to dogs elevated the pressure in the cardiac sphincter significantly increased the motility of the distal esophagus and stimulated the esophago-gastric inhibitory reflex. These effects persisted for 2.5--3 hrs; they were phasic in nature and were preserved after vagotomy in dogs. A conclusion was drawn that Metoclopramide could be useful in pathology of the distal esophagus, including the cardiac sphincter.


[Identification of proteases of staphylococci by means of an antitrypsin precipitating serum].

Specific antitrypsin precipitating sera obtained by intraconjunctival immunization of rabbits with crystalline trypsin was used to reveal in the supernant of staphylococcal cultures protease having antigenic character common with that of trypsin. This is confirmed by the trypsin accumulation in the process of staphylococcus cultivation, by the inhibition of the proteolytic activity of the antitrypsin precipitating sera and by the production of protein-precipitate as a result of incubation of the supernant with the antitrypsin precipitating sera.


[Effect of heparin on the capacity of human blood lymphocytes for blast transformation].

A study was made of the effect of heparin on the capacity of the human blood lymphocytes to blast-transformation in response to the stimulation with antilymphocytic gamma-globulin and phytohemagglutinin. Heparin proved to inhibit more intensively the transformation of lymphocytes stimulated by the antilymphocytic gamma globulin. The depressive effect arose when heparin was injected one hour before the mitogen, simultaneously with it and one hour after it.


[Reaction of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system of cats to stimulation of the cervical sympathetic nerve and the afferent fibers of the vagus nerve].

Data are presented on the functional morphology of the hypothalamo-hypophysial neurosecretory system of cats in stimulation of the cervical sympathetic nerve and of the afferent fibers of the vagus. Stimulation of the sympathetic nerve selectively activated the supraoptic nucleus and caused the discharge of the neurohormones from the posterior lobe of the hypophysis, whereas its infundibular portion contained much neurosecretory material. In response to the stimulation of the vagus all the portions of the neurohypophysis were released of the Gomori-positive substance; both the supraoptic and the paraventricular nucleus were activated.


[Some properties of the mitogenic factor induced in human lymphocytes under the influence of phytohemagglutinin].

Production of the PHA-induced human lymphocyte mitogenic factor (MF) previously described by the author and its influence on the lymphoid cells were investigated. The PHA-antiserum and immunosorbents were used for the PHA inactivation. The PHA-stimulated lymphocytes produced the mitogenic factor (MF) during the G1 period and the beginning of the S period of the cell cycle. When the cells were cultivated in the protein-free medium, the level of the DNA and the protein synthesis was significantly decreased, but the level of the MF production was 1.6 times greater than that of the MF production in the protein-containing medium. Kinetics of the lymphocyte reaction to the MF is described: DNA synthesis (as judged by the H3-thymidine uptake) began on the 5th--6th day and reached the maximum on the 6th--7th day.


[Appearance of foci of hematopoiesis and hematopoietic stem cells in the liver of mice following a single administration of cyclophosphane].

The nidi of hemopoiesis appeared in the liver and the lymph nodes of DBA/2, C57BL/6j and F1 (C57BL/6j X CBA) strains of mice of the 6th day after a single intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide in a dose of 200 mg/kg. This process was accompanied by the appearance of stem hemopoietic cells in the liver. Their maximum number was observed on the 6th and the  9th days. On the 12th day their level decreased, but it still exceeded the one in the animals which received a suspension of normal liver cells. In myelosan exhaustion the pool of the bone marrow and splenic stem cells, the subsequent cyclophosphamide injection failed to induce the appearance of the nidi of hemopoiesis and stem cells in the liver.


[Renewal time, proliferative pool and duration of the mitotic cycle of the epithelial cells of the common bile duct].

Using cholchicine and H3-thymidine the following parameters of the mitotic cycle (in hours) were calculated: T=56.6; tm=0.9; tg2=1.2; ts=6; tg1=48.5 The proliferative pool was 7.5% and the time of epithelium renewal--754.5 hours. The common bile duct epithelium should be referred to the tissue systems with slow renewal.


[Activation of parathyroid hormone by heparin in vitro].

Heparin proved to be essential component in bone resorption. In vitro heparin activated the effects of parathyroid hormone in respect to bone resorption, but heparin alone was incapable of causing the resorption.


[Electromyocartography of the thigh. Attempt at a functional analysis of the locking of the knee against resistance].

Electromyocartographic analysis of the extension of the leg in different positions has shown that: - on the whole energy developped by all superficial muscles of the thigh is more important in the position of dorsal decubitus than in a seated position; - functionnal activity of the rectus femoris muscle varies according to different subjects. Its activity is lower in the seated position, compared to dorsal decubitus, a classic notion; - in contradiction to classic notions, the most active muscle electrically is the vastus lateralis muscle. The vastus medialis muscle is however also very active; - from these results, it is possible to obtain a smaller variability owing to their relative quantification. One observes a hierarchy of electric activity levels of different surfaces, that constitutes the basis of functionnal and clinical study.


[Anatomical revision of the lymphatic system of the mammary gland (200 cases)].

The author has made an Anatomical Review of the Lymphatic System of the Mammary Gland on the Base of the study of 200 cases. Three main lymphatic pedicles and their respective subpedicles are described. It was not observed that the mammary lymph drains to the contralateral side or by a direct route to the nodes of the supraclavicular region. The author describes some nodes which are not previously mentioned in the literature, presents a new classification of the axillary lymphatic nodes from an anatomical point of view. This study is still under execution.


[Evolution of the astroglial reaction in the pyramidal pathway after injury of the rat motor cortex].

Investigation of astrocytes in the pyramidal tract of the rat 2 to 100 days after a lesion of the motor cortex indicates that the glial reaction, with increase in size of astrocytes and in affinity for Cajal's gold-sublimate, begins at the lesion and extends to the distal segments of the spinal cord. But this reaction recedes and disappears in lumbar and dorsal cord about 70 days after the operation. It persists in the cervical cord and in the brain. On the other hand, a characteristic increase in activity of glutamate andglucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases is restricted to the vicinity of the lesion and does not even encroach upon the posterior limb of the internal capsule.


[Notes on osteoclastic resorption].

Microradiography of transverse sections in diaphyseal compact bone of old dogs shows many osteons with irregularly delimited haversian canals, very similar to a resorption cavity (fig. 1). Microradiography of longitudinal sections in the same material reveals that the enlargement of the canal affects only a fraction of its length (fig. 2). After methylene blue staining, no osteoclasts have been observed but only small mononucleated cells (fig. 3 and 4). The signification of these observations is discussed.


[Variation of the mitotic coefficient and biochemical specialization. Study of the differentiation of the liver parenchyma in the goose during the embryonal period and after hatching].

An abrupt decrease of the mitotic index occurs between the 15th and the 18 day of incubation. This decrease is concomitant withthe appearance of glycogen first and of lipids later. The differenciation implicated by this biochemical specialisation is correlative of a lowering of cellular multiplication ability, according to A. Prenant's general law.


[The posterior menisco-femoral ligaments and their significance in organogenesis].

In the knee joint, there are two sorts of posterior menisco-femoral ligaments, one of them, on the lateral side binds the posterior edge of the meniscus with the femur, the other on the medial side attaches a part of the meniscal horn to the posterior cruciate ligament or to the femur. The differentiation of these ligamentous bundles seems to be bound with the organogenetic varieties of the posterior cruciate ligament.


[Study of the correlations between the volumes of the hypophysis, the epiphysis and the subfornical organ to the somatic weight and the volume of the hypothalamus in rodents].

The correlations between volume of the hypophysis, of the epiphysis and of the subfornical organ to body weight and volume of the hypothalamus were studied on 193 rodents belonging to 41 species. Concerning the volume of the hypophyseal lobes the regression slopes of Rodentia occupy an intermediate position between those of Isectivora and Prosimians studied by BAUCHOT. The volume of the epiphysis increases more rapidly with the weight of the body than that of the hypophyseal lobes, the volume of the subfornical organ increases on the contrary more slowly.


[Anatomo-functional properties of the vertebral axis].

The mechanics of the 3 segments of the vertebral column can be explained in the light of the existence of a real vertebral tripod; the modalities of the function of the three vertebral portions and of zones of transition, as well as the functional meaning of some vertebral structures or their annexes are explained. The author finally studies the vertebral curbs and denies them any value of increasing resistance or elasticity; he considers them as a factor of weakness which expresses itself mechanically by a compounded flexion to which the basical structure of the vertebral tripod and its bony, ligmentous and muscular annexes is opposed.


[New morphologic findings on the microscopic organization of the inferior colliculus in the cat].

The distribution of different cell types has been studied in the cat inferior colliculus. Morphometry by point counting on semi thin sections led to calculate SN (surface of nucleus), Sc (surface of cell), SN/Sc. Two cell types (small and large neurons) are found, their distribution delimits three nuclear formations (dorso-lateralis, dorso-medialis, ventralis). Craniocaudaly, the volume of the ventral formation decreases, while the volume of the dorsal-medial formation increases. The dorso-lateral formation remains constant. Thus the pattern of the morphological differentiation is similar to that of the functionnal differentiation.


[Effects of colchicine on the content of ribonucleic acids and total proteins of cultured nerve cells. Preliminary study].

Nervous cells from chick embryo lumbo-sacral spinal cord have been cultivated in vitro and treated with colchicine. The effects of this alkaloid on the RNA and the total protein contents of nervous cells have been studied by quantitative cytochemical methods. The RNA content has been measured by cytophotometry after DNase digestion and gallocyanine-chromalun staining; the cellular protein content has been measured after Naphtol Yellow S staining. In colchicine treated cultures, the main part of the nervous cell population consists of spheroidal and piriform neuroblasts; some cells are neurocytes with short processes. During the 48 first hours in vitro, the RNA content is approximatively identical in treated cells as in controls. The cellular total protein content is much lower in the treated cells than in the controls.


[Asymetry, correlations and sex difference in the descriptive properties of the cranium].

A biometric study of some descriptive cranial characteristics pointed out that asymmetry bears only on the jugular foramen, that sexual differentiation exists at the level of the protrusions and also of the orifices, and lastly that some correlations remain unexplained.


[Morphometric study of the dog radial diaphysis].

Cross sections in the midshaft of the radius bone from various dogs show an important polymorphism (fig. 1). However, calculation indicates that all these sections are comparable and of elliptical surface (fig. 2). The mean thickness of the cortex increases with total area (fig. 3) but is independant of the age of the animals (fig. 4).


[The venous vascularization of the pancreas].

The venous vascularisation of the pancreas has been studied in the West African on 157 pieces, by the method of injection-corrosion. The polymeric plastic used for this operation was Rhodopas A X 85.15. The results are quite comparable to those reported in Couppie's thesis (Lyon, 1957) on the European. The venous drainage of the head of the pancreas is secured by four arches: anterior, posterior, inferior and intra-glandular, formed by three pancreatico-duodenal veins (inferior-anterior, superior-posterior, inferior-posterior). Three other venous trunks, independant from that system, and which are not reported in the former descriptions, participate in the formation of secondary, inconstant new arches. For the body and the tail of the pancreas, the disposition in two types described by Calas was found, but with an inverted respective percentage. The lower pancreatic vein was often demonstrated with particular clearness. For the neck of the pancreas, the venous vascularisation is secured by the isthmic veins, sometimes linked in a pre-glandular arch.


[The division of the intra-parotid facial nerve. Morphologic and anthropometric study (128 dissections)].

The division of the facial nerve in the West African has been studied on 128 dissections. The point of division and the distribution into "morphological types" are fairly identical to those established in subjects of the white race, with two special features: 80% of the nerves divide above the middle of the Tragion-gonion line. 25% of the nerves are of a "triforked" morphological type. The variations of the cephalic index are in close connection with those of the angle of division of the nerve (brachycephalic: average angle 95 degrees; mesocephalic: 107 degrees; dolichocephalic: 125 degrees). On the other hand, the study of the morphological and physiognomical facial indexes does not show any definitive correlation as regards the place of division and the number of secondary branches.


[Problems posed by the orientation of the head].

After a brief history of the origin of the planes of section of the head, the authors state that there are two kinds of planes: "convenient" planes and those with a scientific basis. Among the latter, they study those which are based on the sensory organs and in particular, on sight (Broca's alveolocondylian plane) and balance (plane of the lateral semi-circular canal or its branches). The positioning of the head cannot be the result of a single sensory organ and even less of one part of a sensory organ. This positioning results from informations given by nearly all sensory organs.


[Ultrastructural and cytochemical study of the endocrine serotonin secreting cells of the fetal and adult rabbit intestinal mucosa].

Endocrine cells of intestinal mucosa have been studied in rabbit fetuses and adults. The problem of an ultrastructural identification of "preargentaffin" serotonin cells has been elucidated comparing cytochemical and ultrastructural datas. Since all cells exhibiting a yellow formaldehyde-induced fluorescence reacted with Sevier-Munger method and since all impregnated cells were fluorescent it has been concluded that impregnated cells at the electron microscope level are serotonin cells; these cells had generally small and round granules. Another cell type with small round granules showing deposition of silver grains on the outer rim has been identified as granular S cells.


[Neural differentiation starting with very young dissociated cells].

Before the appearance of the morphological primordium of the nervous dissociated, reaggregate selectively "in vitro" and reach high levels of neural differentiation and organization. This property allows the experimental reproduction of the neural differentiation process. Before the appearance of the morphological primordium of the nervous system, its precursory cells carry the necessary information to put in action the basic characteristics of cell differentiation and structural organization, even isolated from the influence of mesoblastic cells.


[Intrahilar anastomoses of the hepatic artery].

From dissection of thirty dead bodies, the authors describe accessory hepatic arteries and show that many arteries reach the left liver; while, the right accessory arteries are essentially posterior and very peripheral.


[Thymic ectopia and parathyroid tissue in the pangolin (Manis tricuspis Rafinesque)].

Thymic ectopies are under study in 45 Pangolin's thyroids (Manis tricuspis Rafinesque). Their frequency seems to be independent of the sex of the animal but this frequency also appears to be in relation to the age of the animal. The topographic and morphological studies suggest a close relationship between these inclusions made out of thymic tissue and the presence of parathyroid islets included into the thyroid capsule. Some pictures, showing a connection between parathyroid cells and thymis parenchym elements, plead in favour of a functional interelation between these different structures as the Mc Manus experiments suggest it.


[Neuroskeletal  radiography and relationships of the sensitive branch of the radial nerve].

The authors carried out an anatomical, roentgenological and surgical study of the ramus superficialis of the radial nerve in man. This branch springs down 1,2 cm. below the humeroradial space and crosses the posterior rim of brachioradialis 8 cm. above the tip of the radial processus styloideus. Twice the exceptional arteria antebrachialis dorsalis was found; the vessel and the radial nerve looked like a posterior pedicle at the forearm. Among the 3 ending branches, the middle one is the most vulnerable in lateral approach of radius and naviculare.


[Relative concentration of deoxyribonucleic acid in the experimental deciduoma and the blastocyst of female rats: cytophotometric study].

Polyploidy level of experimentally induced deciduomata was determined by cytophotometric measures of DNA-Feulgen, with the "Ultramikrospektrophotometer UMSP Zeiss" by scanning. The antimesometrial tissue reached 32 n, 72 H after the uterine trauma, whereas the mesometrial part did not exceed a 4 n polyploidy level. With the same technics we studied the ovarian hormone, its action upon the blastocyst cellular cycle. In delayed blastocysts, synthesis was never found. OEstradiol removed the inhibition and DNA synthesis then starts again.


[Gonad development and differentiation in the golden hamster].

Development and gonadal differentiation in the Golden Hamster embryo are studied from day 9 of development to adult stages by means of histological, histochemical and cytogenetical techniques. The gonad appears on the day 9 of development and remains in an indifferentiated stage until day 11, testicular differentiation is carried out from day 12 with testicular cords and Leydig cells. Ovarian differentiation occurs later from day 14 of development and is practically recognizable after birth.


[Vascular topography of the dorsolumbar spine in the African Black (105 cases)].

105 black african subjects were studied by plastic radio-opaque medium or anatomical dissection of the vessels in the dorso-lumbar spine. Numerous topographic variation were analyzed for pre, retro and intravertebral arteries and veins before. The results of this study are profitable to a secure surgery of the spine by the forward way. The best position for ligature is determined to avoid dangerous positions near anterior vertebral foramens and to preserve medullary circulation.


[Appearance of the uterine mucosa in the puberal female rat after continuous exposure to light or early androgenization].

Female Albino rats exposed to permanent light or androgenized at birth exhibit structural modifications of the uterine mucosa similar to the women's affected by the stein Leventhal syndrome.


[Effects of continuous exposure to light on the ovaries of puberal rats].

Female Albino Rats exposed to permanent light, have polycystic and anovulatory ovaries, with a vaginal cytology composed of cornified cells (persistent estrus) and a plasmatic hyperandrogenia. These structural modifications are similar to those of women affected by Stein-Leventhal's syndrome. The possible role of regulation of the pineal gland is considered.


[Rare variation of the cubital artery].

The author discribes a very rare abnormality of the ulnar artery and discusses its eventual origin.


[Determination of cranial capacity using endocranial dimensions].

1. The products of endocranial dimensions found on radiographies provide excellent estimations of cranial capacity. 2. The sums of their dimensions are better than the products for ancient fossils, but there is a shortage of data allowing to appreciate if these products are suitable for all fossil men or only for some of them.


[Anatomo-radiological study of the spinal venous system of the lumbo-sacral junction].

Transfemoral ascending lumbar catheterization of the epidural veins is a new radiological method in lumbar disk disease. The technique and interpretation of the venogram offer some problems: Origin of ascending lumbar vein and internal vertebral venous structures are variable. The authors use 11 corrosion preparations and 18 venograms for the study of the ascending lumbar vein and internal vertebral venous system.


[Anatomoradiological study of the variations of the internal mammary artery].

Variation of the course of the internal thoracic artery is analysed on the basis of 90 roentgenographs and 52 corrosion preparations. Origin, length, topography and diameter of the lumen of the trunk of the artery are described.


[Does estradiol act in a unique way during progestation in the female rat? I. Uptake and retention of estradiol 17beta in the uterus of castrated rats under the influence of uterine distension].

In castrated female rats, uterine distension resulted in an increased uptake of tritiated oestradiol within the period studied (from 10 minutes to 24 hours after distension), whereas progesterone 14C incorporation was not increased. Using cold hormones (progesterone or oestradiol) before injection of radioactive ones, wer were able to demonstrate the specificity of this uptake 3.5 hours or 24 hours after initiation of distension. These results suggested that the oestradiol receptor may be synthetized without direct hormonal action. They are discussed with regard to oestradiol action, particularly during progestati-n and at the time of ovum implantation.


[Significance of chemotherapy complementary to radiotherapy in stages I and II in Hodgkin's disease].

In a series of 118 cases of Hodgkin's disease in stage I and II successively treated by irradiation alone or by chemotherapy followed by irradiation or by chemotherapy + irradiation + chemotherapy, a retrospective analysis brings out the share of classical radiotherapy in the cures associated with chemotherapy, which in providing a remission rate of the order of 90 p. 100 renders superfluous the maintenance of a long course of chemotherapy and of negligible interest the performance of an exploratory laparotomy.


[Influence of treatment with ionizing radiations on the immune response of cancer patients].

We report the results of immunological surveillance of 60 patients with advanced ENT, mammary and bronchopulmonary cancers or Hodgkin's disease, treated only by physical agents. These patients were explored by blastic stimulation testing before, during and after radiation therapy. The results confirm an immunodepressive effect of radiotherapy which increase as the irradiated areas increase, thus showing the importance of immunological surveillance of the cancer patients especially after irradiation. In effect the correlation existing between the importance of immunological repair after irradiation and a good short-term prognosis lead us to plan new radio-immunotherapeutic associations in the treatment of advanced cancers or cancers with a poor prognosis.


[Immunological study in cancer of the breast].

Between 1970 and 1972, 200 patients with breast carcinomas treated by irradiation underwent immunological work up. This study was carried out before and after treatment, than at three, six and twelve months later. Immune responses were found to confine to normal at the time of treatment wether the lesions be small or large, and the doubling time short or long. Irradiation has a clear cut depressing effect on the delayed hypersensitivity skin tests and on the level of the circulating lymphocytes while the lymphoblastic transformation tests are not modified. Usually four months to more than one year are necessary for the tests to return at normal after irradiation. At the present time, this study cannot conclude on the prognostic value of these patients immune responses.


Anterior decompression of the thoracic and thoraco-lumbar spine.

The authors report their experience with six cases of acute spinal cord compression due to tumor, trauma, and infection in which the thoraco-lumbar spine and cord were most satisfactorily decompressed using an anterior transthoracic approach. Consideration is given to the appropriate pre-operative diagnostic procedures utilized to define those cases that are most amenable to an anterior approach. In addition, a consideration of paravertebral anatomy in the thoraco-lumbar area provides a basis for variance in approaching the ventral aspect of the thoraco-lumbar spine in order to minimize potential vascular complications.


[The tobacco-cancer problem].

Statistical, biological and chemical data on the carcinogenic effect of tobacco smoke are given and are discussed. The epidemiological studies have clearly shown the particularly noxious action of inhalation, and the direct ratio between the risk and the number of cigarettes smoked. The laboratory experiments on biological properties of cigarette smoke raise various problems of interpretation, however they reinforce the results given by statistical studies on man. The quantities of carcinogenic compounds which have been isolated from cigarette smoke are too small to account for the whole action. The co-carcinogenic, promoting, necrosing and toxic effects of some smoke condensate fractions could play an important part in the carcinogenic action. To cope with the health problems of the smoking habit, the tobaccoproducers and the public health organisations have taken steps, which led to a better knowledge of the problem and to the production of cigarettes which are less harmful to man.


Adreno-leukodystrophy with microphthalmia. A condition marked by general organ hypoplasia.

A 5-6/12 year old male child who was noted to have neurological impairment at birth, eventually died with widespread neurological disease. Pathological findings were compatible with adreno-leukodystrophy, but also showed microphthalmia and diffuse organ hypoplasia. A review of the clinical and pathological characteristics of adreno-leukodystrophy of previous cases and the current case suggests that the range of the disease spectrum may well involve most organs of the body. The possibility of an inherited membrane deficit is entertained.


[Epidemiologic studies on the role of tobacco in various human cancers].

The totality of epidemiological research over the last 25 years in the field of the relationship between tobacco consumption and the chance of developing certain cancers has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that the use of tobacco is implicated in the genesis of a certain number of cancers of the respiratory tract and the upper air and food passages. The most important relationship concerns carcinoma of the bronchus, currently the most frequently encountered in men, for which the incidence risk is directly related to the use of cigarettes and which rises with the amount smoked and with inhaling. Other possible aetiological factors, particularly occupational exposure to chemical and radio active agents, whilst interesting are none the less marginal. The ramifications of epidemiologic and experimental researchs lead us to envisage a multifactorial aetiology in which tobacco is a constant element. Avoidance of exposure would play a major role in prevention.


[Comparison between peak expiratory flow rate and daily report of the symptoms in asthmatic children (author's transl)].

In a group of 140 asthmatic children (6-15 years old) followed up for six months, the authors compared : (1) the daily transcription of asthmatic symptoms, of their intensity and of the use of antibiotics or corticosteroids ; (2) the peak expiratory flow rate measured daily at nine a.m. ; (3) the clinical history, coded every fifth day. A clinical score was computed by multiple linear correlation between (1) and (3), with a correlation coefficient of 0.84 (p less than 0.001), showing that the propounded quantification of symptoms and treatments was very good for estimating the clinical history. The coefficient of simple linear correlation between peak expiratory flow rate and score (r = --0.41) and between peak expiratory flow rate and clinical history (r = --0.65) was statistically significant ; however a further computation by stepwise multiple linear correlation showed that the peak expiratory flow rate was essentially correlated to the intensity of the symptoms, and to a lesser degree to the presence of breathlessness and prescription of corticosteroids. The correlation coefficient was -- 0.55 (p less than 0.01). Thus the peak expiratory flow rate does not very well account for the clinical state of asthmatics ; useful for the fast but superficial monitoring of patients, it cannot replace the daily transcription of symptoms and treatments : both methods are complementary.


The role of angiography in diagnosis and management of blunt renal trauma.

In a series of 223 patients with blunt renal injury, 40 patients underwent angiography. From this experience the following conclusions have been drawn: If a renal injury is suspected the IVP must be done as soon as possible. In most cases the diagnosis can be confirmed. Mild injuries should be managed conservatively and therefore need no angiography. In life endangering injury there is no time for angiography. The operation should be done preferably by a transperitoneal approach to allow good control of the renal pedicle. Patients with severe injuries should undergo angiography. If there is no function on the IVP, angiography should be done immediately to diagnose possible arterial thrombosis. In most cases angiography can be carried out some days after the trauma. This investigation provides an exact diagnosis and helps in deciding about further treatment. If a major part of the kidney has no blood supply, or there is a rupture with a large perirenal extravasation of urine, we recommend conservative surgery to avoid early and late complications. All operations should be done some days after the trauma. All patients with renal injuries, either operated or conservatively managed, should be carefully followed up. Angiography should be done in all cases of post-traumatic hypertension.


The Bristol Pyelonephritis Registry: 10 years on.

The reasons for the initiation and the basic structure of the Bristol Pyelonephritis Registry have been discussed. The detailed follow-up data on those patients clinically at "renal risk" has been noted, with a demonstrably low incidence of proven bacterial infection, no radiological progression and minimal interference with pregnancy. Satisfactory and reassuring information has thus accrued for the first time in a particular group of patients with often severe recurrent symptoms.


Pulmonary arterial pressure in conscious and anaesthetized dogs.

In 84 conscious mongrel dogs weighting 19.0 +/- 3.2 kg (x +/- s), the mean pressure in the pulmonary artery was found to be 14.2 +/- 3.1 mmHg. In 102 anaesthetized dogs weighting 19.9 +/- 3.2 kg, pulmonary arterial pressure was 14.3 +/- 2.8 mmHg and pressure in the abdominal aorta 121.3 +/- 16.9 mmHg ; the O2 saturation in the arterial blood recorded oximetrically at the same time was 91.9 +/- 1.3%. Statistical analysis of the data derived from  a selection of 87 of these anaesthetized dogs (body=weight : 15-25 kg ; Sao2 : 90-94 % ; mean aortic pressure : 80-150 mmHg ; mean pulmonary arterial pressure : 9-19.5 mmHg) revealed a significant relation between pulmonary pressure and O2 saturation. No significant relation was demonstrable, however, between these pressures and the animals' body-weight. The lower limit of the normal range of mean pulmonary pressure was 8 mmHg and the upper limit 20 mmHg.


[Role of the acid-base status on the changes of haemoglobin oxygen affinity in arterial hypoxemia (author's transl)].

Fifty-seven patients, all with chronic respiratory insufficiency and hypoxemia, have been classified in five groups according to their acid-base status, determined by the intra-erythrocytic pH (pHi) : A. normal acid-base balance ; B. chronic alkalosis ; C. acute alkalosis ; D. acute acidosis ; E. chronic acidosis. We have measured in the arterial blood : Po2, PCO2, plasmatic pH (pHp1), pHi, P50(7,40) and 2,3-DPG. From these values. the base-excess (B.E.) and the P50 to real pH [P50 I.V.] have been computed. There is a good correlation between 2,3-DPG and P50 (r = 0.707), none between P50 and Pao2. For a normal acid-base balance, P50 and 2.3-DPG also are normal. Increased in chronic alkalosis, the amount of DPG is decreased in chronic acidosis. The DPG-pHi correlation is very good (r = 0.691 ; pless 0.001) and the changes of the acid-base balance seem to be the main factors for controlling the DPG synthesis : it increases it in chronic alkalosis and reduces it in chronic acidosis. Thus the P50(I.V.) returns to the normal range on account of the Bohr effect adjustement. On the contrary, in acute acidosis and alkalosis, the amount of DPG is normal and the P50(I.V.) is increased or reduced. Therefore the duration of the acid-base lack of balance also interfers.


Matrix and the infective renal calculus.

From the basis of an examination of the literature, and on a personal exerience of the surgical treatment of 100 cases of calculus disease, the suggestion is made that 2 distinct mechanisms of calculogenesis should be recognised. Calculi of metabolic origin should be considered as having an entirely distinct aetiological mechanism. Phosphatic calculi are apparently determined by the existence of urinary tract infection. Partial nephrectomy does not seem indicated for either type of disease.


[A diagram to analyse airways patency abnormalities (author's transl)].

The factors contributing to airflow obstruction in chronic respiratory diseases are frequently investigated by measuring an index of airways patency : 1) at various lung volumes, which permits to detect and quantify the obstruction, 2) at different static recoil pressures (Pst) to recognize abnormalities not related to a loss of elastic recoil. A diagram has been developed which facilitates the analysis and permits a more quantitative evaluation of intrinsic and extrinsic factors : the index of airways patency (I) is plotted simultaneously against Pst and against lung volume (expressed in % of predicted TLC), the two abscissae being scaled in such a way that the normal ranges are coincident for the two curves. Then, the distance from the I(Pst) curve to the normal range may be used to estimate the  abnormalities due to intrinsic factors, and the distance between the two curves to evaluate extrinsic obstruction. Taking maximum expiratory flows as the index of airways patency, examples are shown to illustrate the use of the diagram.


Uromucoid excretion of normal individuals and stone formers.

Uromucoid excretion was measured in 49 normal subjects and 79 patients with stones. The results showed no significant differences in the uromucoid excretion rate between these 2 groups; there was no simple quantitative relationship between uromucoid excretion rate and the genesis of stones. It is suggested that uromucoid may be concerned in a protective function of tubular epithelium and also in the transport of electrolytes and hydrogen ions.


[Clinical and experimental researches about the expired CO2 origin (author's tranal)].

We are convinced on the basis of experiments made on animals and on the basis of observations made during pneumonectomies operations, that the expired CO2 does not originate only from the arterial pulmonary system. Our experineces prove that the expired CO2 originates in a not negligible quantity from the blood of the bronchial arteries and the metabolism of the lung.


[Assessment of an oxygen dilution device with a ventilatory mask (author's transl)].

Oxygen dilution devices (Venturi 3 and 4) with Multi-VentTM mask, using an oxygen flow rate of 6 1/min, are insufficient when subjects' ventilation is increased : inspired oxygen concentration is lower than predicted. This can be detrimental to patients who could benefit by oxygenotherapy during exercise.


Childhood urolithiasis in the United Kingdom and Eire.

152 children with urinary calculi were treated in the United Kingdom and Eire in the years 1972 and 1973. There was a marked male preponderance particularly evident in early life. In 124 children the urine was infected on admission to hospital; in 87, particularly the younger children, this was with the Proteus species. Awareness of the relationship between Proteus urinary infection and matrix calculi is stressed.


Stone screening and follow-up are necessary?

In a series of 120 patients with renal stones 60% were found to have a treatable metabolic abnormality. Idiopathic hypercalciuria and the incomplete form of renal tubular acidosis were the two most common abnormalities. Both conditions in the untreated form were associated with an unacceptably high stone recurrence rate and incidence of change. In view of this, follow-up is considered essential and if medical treatment is to be offered this should be in the form of a controlled clinical trial.


The technique and results of pyleocalycotomy for staghorn calculi.

In 10 kidneys treated by the sinus approach the overall recurrence rate was 40%. In 48 kidneys treated by pyelocalycotomy the overall recurrence rate was 17% but only 6% in functioning kidneys with infective stones. Infection was controlled in 75% of patients from whom all stone fragments were removed radiologically but all patients in whom fragments remained, or who developed further calculi, remained infected--with Proteus in 75% of cases. All patients with kidneys completely cleared of calculi in whom infection was controlled remained stone-free for periods up to 10 years.


The place of partial nephrectomy in the management of renal calyceal calculi.

In 416 patients with renal and ureteric calculi other than large staghorns we found that when it was possible to identify the calyx of origin of the stones, the lower poles were involved in 36-6% of males and 40-4% of females. In the follow up of the 115 lower poles originally containing stones the recurrence rate was 17% in those who were merely observed, 56% in those treated by pyelo- or nephrolithotomy, and zero in those treated by partial neprectomy. But when these cases were looked at more closely it was found that recurrences were virtually confined to lower poles which had originally harboured more than one stone, while in those with single stones to start with, the recurrence rate was not significantly different in either of these three groups. Partial nephrectomy should therefore be reserved for selected cases where the stones are originally multiple, or where the lower pole has been severely damaged. It is not necessary for small and single calyceal calculi.


Equivocal pelvi-ureteric obstruction.

A series of 40 studies have been used to assess whether or not there is obstruction in the pelvi-ureteric region in 27 kidneys. The perfusion test which is discussed has provided an answer in all cases where the technique was possible and allowed a logical decision to be taken concerning management.


A simple classification of wide ureters.

A simple classification of abnormal ureters is presented which categorises the ureters according to the presence or absence of 3 factors, namely reflux, bladder outlet obstruction and ureteric obstruction. It has been devised to try to rid the literature of many confusing and obsolete terms and it is hoped that this new classification may become internationally accepted.


Ring ureterostomy.

A method is described for temporary cutaneous ureterostomy which combines the advantage of loop ureterostomy with a well vascularised stoma with those of the Sober Y operation allowing easy restoration of ureteric integrity.


Acute urinary retention in the female.

The causes of acute urinary retention in the female are discussed in relation to 103 cases recorded over a 3-year period. The authors feel that the findings are at variance with traditional teaching on the subject. Rather than being very rare the condition is found, in fact, to be not uncommon. It is found to occur postoperatively and following childbirth. Gynaecological and neurological lesions are reaffirmed as important causes and pathology within the urinary tract is found to be a more frequent component that is usually appreciated. Our findings do not support the view that hysteria is a common cause of acute urinary retention in females.


Ultrasound assessment of residual urine in children.

Ultrasound has been used to assess residual urine in children and found to have considerable advantages over other methods. Using a B-mode scan in the sagittal plane the presence or absence of residual urine can be confidently determined. Quantitative measurements of volume are subject to considerable error but semi-quantitative information in individual cases can be obtained by comparison of records made at subsequent examinations. More accurate quantitative values might be achieved by constructing an individual calibration curve. The advantages of ultrasound for assessing residual urine are that it is simple, quick, harmless and non-invasive. Because of these features the examination can be readily repeated, is suitable for out-patient use and is acceptable to children.


The effect of adrenergic blocking drugs on outflow resistance.

Alpha blockade at a dose which produces minimal cardiovascular effects causes a significant fall in the urethral pressure profile in man. No change in profile height has been seen following the administration of a beta blocking drug in a dose producing cardiovascular changes of a similar order of magnitude.


Flat carcinoma in Situ of bladder.

36 patients with flat carcinoma in situ of the bladder have been reviewed. Those with widespread disease usually presented with dysuria or obstructive outflow tract symptoms and radical surgery appeared to give better results than radiotherapy. However, when the lesion was confined to small areas of the bladder mucosa, haematuria or pain were the main presenting symptoms and a conservative approach seemed justified. It is suggested that the term flat carcinoma in situ be used for this lesion whose behavior differs significantly from that of the commoner papillary or invasive tumours. The pathological appearances are to be reported elsewhere in full.


The effects of overstretching on the structure and function of the bladder in relation to Helmstein's distension therapy.

Measurements of the maximum bladder distensibility, cystometrograms and histological studies of the bladder after Helmstein's distension therapy show intramural fibrosis and a reduction in bladder capacity. When this is made worse by post-radiation fibrosis it may give rise to such severe contraction that diversion may be needed. There is no evidence that distension, of the type used here, ever gives rise to "stretching" or "atony" of the bladder: and it is questionable whether distension of a lesser degree, such as may be found in acute urinary retention, ever does so either.


Hyperthermic perfusion of the distended urinary bladder in the management of recurrent transitional cell carcinoma.

The clinical and histological changes following hyperthermic perfusion of the distended urinary bladder have been studied in 13 patients with transitional cell carcinoma, persistent after radical radiotherapy. Continuous epidural anaesthesia was necessary to achieve a constant state of bladder relaxation during irrigation of the distended bladder. This form of hyperthermic perfusion of the bladder was effective in arresting uncontrollable haemorrhage from bladder tumours and may be of value in the treatment of this complication. Perfusion at an outflow temperature of 44 degrees C for 4 hours caused tumour necrosis. It was, however, associated with damage to the vasculature of the bladder and frequency of micturition which persisted after mucosal recovery. Perfusion at 43 degrees C also caused tumour necrosis and the after effects were less severe.


The therapeutic application of hyperthermia in the bladder.

Experience with 10 cases of hyperthermic irrigation of the bladder suggests that irrigation with saline at 80 degrees C for 10 to 15 min will stop bleeding and destroy epithelium and muscle layers without causing visceral injury or systemic disturbance. It may be preferable to cystectomy in certain poor-risk patients, or in those who refuse cystectomy for fear of impotence.


The ultrastructure of human male urethral stricture.

Biopsy material was examined from 20 urethral strictures at the time of urethroplasty, using ultramicroscopic methods not hitherto applied to the study of the pathogenesis of stricture. Abundant smooth muscle and elastic tissue was found in the post-inflammatory strictures. The scar tissue from post-traumatic strictures merely showed dense collagen. An anatomical basis for the well known difference between the fibrous and the resilent stricture is demonstrated, and the role of smooth muscle in the development and behaviour of strictures is discussed.


Bifid urethra with pre-anal accessory track (Y duplication).

Bifid urethra with a pre-anal or perineal accessory track (Y duplication) is an abnormality insufficiently recognised and its true anatomy may be overlooked. 9 cases are reported together with a description of an operative correction.


Sexual function in hypospadiacs.

The sexual function of 82 patients treated for hypospadias was assessed. It was concluded that the sexual function in these patients was unsatisfactory only following incomplete or incorrect surgery. The aim of surgery should be to achieve a straight penis with an adequate urethral lumen and a urethral orifice situated at the tip of the glans. Proper assessment of chordee and meticulous care in surgical technique are the prerequisites for success. They are the only preventive measures of the physical, psychic, sexual and social handicaps to which hypospadiacs are subjected.


Transplantation of interstitial cells of the testis: effect of implant site, graft mass and ischaemia.

Autotransplantation of testicular tissue was performed in inbred mice to subcutaneous trunk, ear lobe and intraperitoneal sites. The results were assessed after 3 months by determining the weights of seminal vesicle and penis and by the histological appearances of the grafts and seminal vesicles. Intraperitoneal implantation produced maximal effects and as little as 5 mg of testicular tissue could be grafted with demonstrable androgenic action on the host. Spermatogenic tissue atrophied in all cases but interstitial cells were shown to survive and function 3 months after subcutaneous grafting following 48 hours ischaemia in 3 degrees C, 12 hours at 21 degrees C and 3 hours at 37 degrees C.


200 infertile males: correlation of chromosome, histological, endocrine and clinical studies.

Somatic and meiotic chromosomes have been studied prospectively in 200 subfertile males. The results have been correlated with clinical, seminal and endocrinological features, with histological findings in testicular biopsies and with response to conventional treatment. Somatic chromosome abnormalities were found in 3-5% of cases and variants of the Y chromosome were found in 10-5%. Definite abnormalities in meiotic chromosomes were observed in 20% of these patients, including supernumerary chromosomes, low chiasma frequency and asynapsis, and translocations. Many of these abnormalities occurred as mosaics, presumably a result of meiotic mutation. In 4 cases, a previously unrecognised abnormality in pachynemas has been defined. Absence of meiosis was found in 12% of cases, which correlated well with the histological findings of germinal cell aplasia and elevated urinary FSH levels.


The actions of prostaglandins on the smooth muscle of the human urinary tract in vitro.

14 experiments, 10 on bladder muscle strips and 4 on samples of ureteric muscle, were performed to examine the actions of 4 prostaglandins (PGE, PGE2, PGF1alpha and PGF2alpha) on these tissues. Each of the prostaglandins caused bladder muscle to contract and prostaglandin F2alpha was the most potent in this respect. The F series prostaglandins also caused increased ureteric muscle contraction whilst those of the E series inhibited contractions. It is unlikely that contraction is produced by the direct action of prostaglandins on urinary smooth muscle. The suggestion is made that prostaglandins may have a function in the maintenance of vesical tone.


Effect of ouabain on the innervated and noninnervated embryonic chick heart.

Attempts to assess the importance of the role played by endogenous catecholamines in the positive inotropic response to ouabain have produced contradictory results. The sympathetic nervous system is not present in the 4-day-old chicken embryo heart but is fully developed after 7 days of embryonic life. This was confirmed by the fact 4-day-old hearts do not respond to tyramine and cocaine while the usual positive inotropic and chronotropic responses were observed when these drugs were administered to 7-day-old hearts. In spite of this difference the positive inotropic response to ouabain was virtually identical at these two stages of development.


Epileptiform seizures in domestic fowl. V. The anticonvulsant activity of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

The anticonvulsant activity of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC) has been determined against seizures induced in epileptic chickens by intermittent photic stimulation (IPS) and in epileptic and nonepileptic chickens by Metrazol. Intravenous administration of the drug reduced both the severity and incidence of seizures evoked by IPS in epileptic chickens. This anticonvulsant action was accompanied by a reduction in frequency of inter-ictal slow-wave high-voltage electroencephalographic activity and by the absence of spiking during IPS. delta9-THC did not affect the incidence of Metrazol-induced seizures in epileptic or nonepileptic chickens.


Incorporation of thymidine and iododeoxyuridine into the DNA of mouse tissues.

Mice were injected intravenously with a solution containing tritiated thymidine (TdR) and iodine-labelled iododeoxyuridine (IUdR). The ratio of 3H/125I activities was measured in the acid-soluble fraction and in the DNA of several tissues at various times from 0.08 to 24 h after injection. There did not appear to be any discrimination in favor of TdR in the acid-soluble fraction of the tissues. The amount of TdR incorporated into the DNA was four to five times greater than the amount of IUdR incorporated; moreover, this value remained relatively constant throughout the period of DNA synthesis under the conditions used. Although IUdR was destroyed more rapidly than TdR in the body, particularly at high concentrations of both precursors, this factor did not account for the major portion of the discrimination observed with tracer amounts of the two DNA precursors. Discrimination in favor of TdR as a precursor for DNA must, therefore, occur at some stage in the utilization of intracellular precursor.


Endocrine effects of chronic administration of psychoactive drugs to prepubertal male rats. II. LSD.

The endocrine effects of chronic D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) administration to prepubertal animals were studied by injecting intraperitoneally three times a week for a month either 100 mug or 500 mug of the psychoactive drug per kilogram or the vehicle to groups of Sprague-Dawley male rats starting at 21 days of age. Animals injected with either dosage of LSD had smaller body weights than controls and tail length was significantly reduced in the high dosage group, plasma levels of growth hormone (GH) were decreased in the high dosage group, and pituitary levels in the low dosage group. Plasma levels and pituitary concentrations of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone were not significantly modified by the drug. The low dosage of LSD decreased the brain levels of noradrenaline and increased those of dopamine, while the high dosage decreased those of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. These data suggest that LSD, when administered chronically to developing animals, can inhibit body growth probably by altering the secretion of GH through modifications of its neuroendocrine control.


Experimental cystinuria: the cycloleucine model. I. Amino acid interactions in renal and intestinal epithelia.

The injection of cycloleucine (1-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid (ACPC) into rats produces a hyperexcretion of dibasic amino acids and cystine, an aberration resembling cystinuria. This may constitute a model of experimental cystinuria, and the transport of amino acids involved in this disease was studied with the techniques of everted intestinal sacs (in vitro) and microinjections into renal tubules (in vivo). In verted sacs from normal rats, there was a decrease in transfer and in accumulation of L-cystine (0.03 mM) and L-valine (0.065 mM) when ACPC was on the mucosal (luminal) side. Dibasic amino acids such as L-arginine and L-lysine caused a similar inhibition of the transport of L-cystine. However, when ACPC was on the serosal (antiluminal) side, a lesser effect was noted while arginine and lysine had no effect. Intestinal sacs from treated rats (ACPC, 300 mg/kg X 3 days) transferred and accumulated as much L-cystine as those from control rats. The interaction between cycloleucine and L-cystine was competitive at the luminal and non-competitive at the antiluminal side of the intestine. Cycloleucine inhibited L-lysine transport in a non-competitive fashion at either side of the intestine. L-Lysine also interacted in a non-competitive fashion with L-cystine transport at the luminal membrane. In proximal convoluted tubules, the presence of L-arginine or ACPC caused a decrease in the transport of L-cystine and L-lysine. L-Valine exerted no effect. Furthermore, L-lysine and ACPC did not impair the reabsorption of L-valine significantly. These results suggest a functional heterogeneity between luminal and antiluminal membranes of renal and intestinal epitehlia and the existence, at both membranes, of different transport sites for cystine and dibasic amino acids.


Effects of cortisol on serially propogated fibroblast cell cultures derived from the rabbit retal lung and skin.

Cortisol affects the growth of serially propogated, fibroblast cell cultures derived from the rabbit fetal lung in a manner which is dependent upon the gestational age of the material used: early in gestation (20 days), the hormone (10(-7)-10(-5) M) stimulates [6-3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA, while in late gestation (28 days), cortisol (10(-7) and 10(-6) M) inhibits this process. Cultures derived from the rabbit fetal skin are inhibited by cortisol (10(-5) M) at both gestational ages. Fibroblasts derived from lung, but not from skin, efficiently convert cortisone to cortisol and this activity increases with advancing gestation. Cortisol does not affect the incorporation of [3H]choline into lecithin by confluent cultures of any of the fibroblast types studied.


Relative influence of carotid baroreceptors and muscle receptors in the control of renal and hindlimb circulations.

In vagotomized dogs, a comparison was made of the relative ability of the carotid baroreceptors and of the receptors in skeletal muscles to cause constriction of the renal and hindlimb resistance vessels. With kidney and hindlimb perfused at constant pressure a decrease in pressure in the carotid sinuses from 250 to 40-45 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 133 N/m2) caused the respective blood flows to increase by 19 +/- 6% and 80 +/- 4% (mean +/- SE), and stimulating muscle receptors with capsaicin caused a further decrease of 49 +/- 9% and 4 +/- 2%, respectively. With perfusion at constant flow, the baroreflex caused an increase of 34 +/- 4 mm Hg in the renal perfusion pressure and of 99 +/- 10 mm Hg in the hindlimb; capsaicin caused further increases of 203 +/- 17 and 35 +/- 9 mm Hg; respectively. These responses were abolished by sympathectomy. Capsaicin injection increased mean renal sympathetic nerve activity by 111 +/- 16% over the maximal impulse frequency recorded when the carotid sinus pressure was 40-45 mm Hg. Thus, withdrawal of the restraint exerted by the carotid baroreceptors on the pool of central neurons controlling the vascular beds of the hindlimb and kidney leads to near maximal constriction of the resistance vessels in the former bu not the latter; with strong activation of muscle receptors, near maximal constriction occurs in both beds.


The effect of atropine upon acetylcholine release from cat superior cervical ganglia and rat cortical slices: measurement by a radio-enzymic method.

Atropine is known to increase the release of acetylcholine (ACh) from cerebral cortex, and the present experiments tested the effect of this drug upon ACh release in the superior cervical ganglion of the cat. The release of ACh was measured by a radio-enzymic method, which was shown to provide an estimate of the ACh content of samples collected from perfused ganglia that was similar (102%) to that obtained by the method of bioassay more usually used . Atropine (3 X 10(-6) M) increased (3.5 to 4-fold) the amount of ACh released by rat's sliced cerebral cortex incubated in a high (23 mM) potassium medium. However atropine (3 X 10(-6)-3 X 10(-5) M) did not change the amount of ACh released by ganglia during preganglionic nerve stimulation (5-10 Hz). It is concluded that cholinergic nerve terminals in different tissues appear to have different pharmacological properties.


Interaction of amphotericin B and nystatin with phospholipid bilayer membranes:effect of cholesterol.

Sodium-22 efflux was measured in multilamellar liposomes, exposed to one of the two polyene antibiotics amphotericin B or nystatin. Polyene mediated 22Na transport progressively rises with membrane sterol concentrations up to about 20 mol %, but falls with higher cholesterol concentrations. The polyene induced 22Na movement in cholesterol rich liposomes could be 'restored' by the addition of either dibucaine or propranolol (two local anesthetics) to the aqueous solution. These observations are interpreted in terms of the model of De Kruijff and Demel (Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 339, 57-70, 1974). In this model, nystatin and amphotericin B first complex with cholesterol and then these complexes aggregate to form transmembrane channels. It is here proposed that the aggregation of these complexes is inhibited by a high cholesterol content (decreased membrane fluidity) but that the two local anesthetics, by disrupting phospholipid-sterol interactions (increased membrane fluidity), can 'restore' this process of aggregation.


Dopamine beta-hydroxylase in rat serum and lymph: changes with age and effect of cold exposure.

The pH optimum for rat serum dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) (3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine, ascorbate:oxygen oxidoreductase (beta-hydroxylating)(EC 1.14.17.1) was 4.0 in acetate buffer; other requirements were as reported by others. DBH activity in serum of 20-day-old fetuses is slightly higher than in that of their mothers. Levels of the enzyme in blood a few hours after birth are almost five times greater than in the adult, remain high during the suckling period, then drop rapidly during the 4th week after birth to about three times the adult level, which is then slowly reached over the next few weeks. These fluctuations in serum DBH activity coincide with the period of intense development and maturation of the sympathetic nervous system. There was not significant effect of cold exposure on blood DBH activity when newborn, suckling, weanling or adult warm- and cold-acclimated rats were exposed to cold. Similarly, exposure to cold that elicited two- to three-fold increases in O2 consumption failed to increase DBH activity in thoracic duct lymph. Therefore serum and lymph DBH activities are not sensitive indices of sympathetic secretory activity in the intact rat.


Effects of secretin on insulin secretion and glucose tolerance.

Effects of intravenous (IV) infusion of secretin during IV infusion of glucose were examined in normal men. Secretin was administered according to three schedules: with each schedule a comparable priming dose was delivered in the first minute, but this was followed by a maintained (120 min) infusion of secretin at a relatively high rate, or by maintained infusion at one-third that rate, or by brief (15 min) infusion at the lower rate. The lower infusion rate produced increments in secretin in the blood within the range attainable during endogenous secretion. By comparison with effects of glucose alone each secretin infusion enhanced the increments of immunoreactive insulin in the blood. Enhancement of the early release (0-5 min) of insulin was similar with each type of secretin infusion, but the integrated changes in insulin levels through the total infusion period were related to the total doses of secretin. With each dose of secretin glucose tolerance was improved but the three mean glucose curves observed during infusions of secretin were not distinguishable from one another in spite of widely different integrated insulin responses. Secretin did not modify suppression of immunoreactive glucagon or free fatty acids in the blood during hyperglycemia. The results suggest that the effect of continuous administration of secretin on glucose tolerance is not simply related to its integrated insulinotropic action. It is suggested that the effect may be highly dependent on enhancement of insulin secretion early in the response to glycemia, or that it may be due to effects of secretin on glucose production or disposal which are not mediated by insulin.


Factors affecting ciliary beat frequency in the intrapulmonary airways of rats.

The influence of drugs on ciliary beat frequency in the intrapulmonary airways of rats was studied in vitro. Sympathomimetic drugs significantly increased the ciliary beat frequency. Acetylcholine, pilocarpine, aminophylline, prednisolone, potassium iodide, and ammonium chloride also caused cilioexcitation, though to a lesser degree. Phentolamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine, and acetylcysteine caused an apparent cilioinhibition. However, histamine in high doses also caused an incoordination of ciliary beat. Codeine and phenobarbital were slightly cilioexcitatory in low concentrations and ciliodepressive at higher concentrations.


Radioimmunoassay studies of intestinal calcium-binding protein in the pig. I. Identification of intestinal calcium-binding protein in blood and response to a low calcium diet.

We have developed a radioimmunoassay for porcine intestinal calcium-binding protein (CaBP) and have used it to detect CaBP in pig plasma. Plasma CaBP is identical to intestinal CaBP on the basis of immunological activity, molecular size, and molecular charge properties. The plasma CaBP concentration was greater in the portal blood than in mixed venous blood, suggesting that blood CaBP originates in the gut. Two of four 15-week-old littermate pigs were placed on a low calcium diet (0.15% calcium, 0.65% phosphorus) and two on a control diet (0.65% calcium, 0.65% phosphorus). After 2 weeks, the entire small intestine was removed and divided into nine 1.8-m segments. CaBP was assayed in both plasma and intestinal mucosa. When the two pigs on a low calcium diet were compared with two control pigs, there was a general increase in immunoreactive CaBP in both plasma and intestinal mucosa. However, there was no increment in immunoreactive CaBP in the first 1.8-m segment of small intestine. Seventy-one percent of the increment in CaBP occurred distal to the first two segments. The largest fractional low calcium diet effect occurred in the ileum. The mean CaBP concentration for the total small intestine increased by a factor of 1.9. The plasma CaBP concentration increased by a factor of 2.6. In these pigs, plasma CaBP was a more reliable indicator of change in CaBP status than was the measurement in the proximal gut segment which contained the duodenum. The assay of CaBP in blood is convenient and may obviate the sampling errors inherent in intestinal biopsy.


Radioimmunoassay studies of intestinal calcium-binding protein in the pig. II. The distribution of intestinal CaBP in pig tissues.

Using a specific radioimmunoassay for porcine intestinal calcium-binding protein (CaBP), we have measured the concentration of CaBP in the various tissues and organs of normal pigs. Intestinal CaBP was present in highest concentration in the upper small intestine, with lower concentrations in the distal small intestine. Intestinal CaBP was also found, in lower concentrations, in kidney, liver, thyroid, pancreas, and blood. In all other tissues, including parathyroid, bone, skeletal muscle, and brain, CaBP immunoreactivity was undetectable or less than in blood. The elution profile of calcium-binding activity and immunoreactivity from gel filtration analysis of kidney and parathyroid extracts suggest that the calcium-binding protein in the parathyroid gland, and the major calcium-binding protein(s) in the kidney, are chemically and immunochemically different from intestinal CaBP.


The influence of phenobarbitone on maternal and perinatal hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes in the rat.

Phenobarbitone (PB) (75 mg/kg) was administered orally for three consecutive days to pregnant or lactating rats at different pre- and postnatal stages in order that the perinatal animals would receive the agent either by transplacental passage or via the milk. Control animals received equivalent volumes of saline. The dams, fetuses, and pups were killed 24 h after the last dose. Hepatic p-nitroanisole O-demetnylase (OD), carboxylesterase (CE), and bromosulfophthalein-glutathione (BSP-GSH) conjugating enzyme activities in a 12 100 g - 20 min supernatant of a 20% w/v homogenate were measured. The morphology of the developing rat liver in the absence and presence of PB was examined by electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that the transplacental passage of PB to rat fetuses at term or 3 days prepartum had no effect on either the hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme activities or on the ultrastructural appearance of the liver. Increased hepatic OD activity was observed in the pregnant animal but no effect was observed in the lactating dam. Phenobarbitone received by the suckling rat had two distinct effects. Compared to control activities, twofold increases in hepatic OD activity were observed in rat pups as early as 4 days after birth, associated with a marked proliferation in hepatic smooth endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, PB-related significant increases in neonatal hepatic CE and BSP-GSH conjugating enzyme activities were not observed until 21 days of age. In the 4-day-old treated pups, characteristic morphological changes included numerous small membrane whorls in addition to increased smooth endoplasmic reticulum and microbodies in the liver.


On the mechanisms of coupling in adrenaline-induced bigeminy in sensitized hearts.

The mechanism of coupling in adrenaline-induced ventricular bigeminy in sensitized hearts has been investigated in intact animals, isolated preparations, and single cardiac fibers. The electrophysiological and cardiovascular dynamic changes during the development of fixed interval coupling strongly indicate that the coupled beats result from stretch of subsidiary pacemaker fibers in the specialized ventricular conduction system, induced by the mechanical response to the normally conducted sinus impulse. The resulting intraventricular pressure elicits an extrasystole when a certain critical end systolic pressure for a particular animal is reached. The interval between the normal and premature ventricular beat decreases progressively as the intraventricular pressure rises, as a result of the combined action of adrenaline and postextrasystolic potentiation. The onset of ventricular bigeminy is preceded by a shift in the pacemaker site to the A-V junctional area, due to a differential effect of the anesthetic-adrenaline combination on fibers of the S-A node and those in the junctional area. The degree of prematurity of the coupled beat shows an inverse linear relationship to the intraventricular pressure of the initiating beat at the end of systole. The premature QRS complex occurs after a period of mechano-electrical latency, the duration of which is directly related to this pressure.


Effect of cocaine and other drugs on sensitivity of the estrogen-dominated isthmus of rabbit oviduct to noradrenaline.

The influence of the adrenergic innervation on the magnitude of responses of the isthmus of rabbit oviduct to (-)-noradrenaline was examined. Tissues were obtained from estrogen-dominated animals, and isometric contractions of longitudinal and circular muscle layers separately recorded. Longitudinal muscle was significantly more sensitive to (-)-noradrenaline. Cocaine potentiated responses of both corcular and longitudinal muscle to (-)-noradrenaline, circular muscle being more potentiated. Similar results were obtained with desipramine. Tissues obtained from 6-hydroxydopamine pretreated animals did not respond to tyramine, and longitudinal and circular muscles were equisensitive to (-)-noradrenaline. Cocaine did not potentiate responses to (-)-noradrenaline in such tissues. Responses to (-)-noradrenaline were not altered by propranolol, hydrocortisone, or oxytetracycline. It was concluded that responses resulted from a predominant effect on alpha-receptors. The magnitude of responses to (-)-noradrenaline was mainly influenced by neuronal uptake of amine. Indirect evidence was obtained for a greater degree of adrenergic innervation to the circular muscle layer of the isthmus, in keeping with histological studies.


Studies of glucose production in sheep using (6-3H)glucose and (U-14C)glucose.

Simultaneous primed-continuous intravenous infusions of [6-3H]glucose and [U-14C]glucose were performed on 13 fed, 4 fasted, and 4 dexamethasone-treated sheep. In 10 of the experiments on fed sheep, glucagon or insulin was infused intraportally for 2 h after control values were obtained. The 3H-labeled glucose gave glucose production values that were only 4.4 +/- 0.5, 5.4 +/- 1.0, and 5.8 +/- 0.8% higher than 14C-labeled glucose in the normal fed, fasted, and dexamethasone-treated sheep, respectively. Glucagon or insulin infusions did not significantly alter this recycling. It is condluced that a recycling of glucose carbon through metabolic intermediates is minimal in the sheep as compared with other species and also that it is not significantly altered by fasting or by hormones that affect glucose production.


Failure of vasopressin to prevent the natruiretic and diuretic response to unilateral stimulation of carotid baroreceptors.

Unanesthetized rats treated with deoxycorticosterone acetate were continuously infused with a maximally effective dose of vasopressin (50 muU/min per 100 g). After a control period of 2 h the animals were subjected to a 2 h period of unilateral stimulation of the carotid baroreceptors. There was a large natriuretic response accompanied by diuresis and a fall in urine osmolality. It was concluded that neither the natriuretic nor the diuretic response could be explained by inhibition of vasopressin secretion. Analysis of kidney tissue indicated that the diuresis was associated with partial dissipation of the inner medullary concentration gradient.


Increase in catecholamine content of the rat adrenals after pretreatment with diazepam.

The effect of subacute pretreatment with diazepam was studied on the catecholamine content of the heart and adrenals of the rat. The results show that at all doses studied, subacute treatment with diazepam increases the catecholamine content of the adrenal glands and there is no change in the noradrenaline content of the heart and brain.


The effect of somatostatin on release and insulinotropic action of gastric inhibitory polypeptide.

Studies were carried out in conscious dogs in which the effect of intravenous somatostatin on immunoreactive gastric inhibitory polypeptide (IR-GIP) release was investigated. In addition, the inhibitory action of somatostatin on the insulin response to pure porcine GIP was assessed. Intravenous administration of somatostatin resulted in a delayed IR-GIP and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) response to oral glucose. Somatostatin also delayed the IR-GIP response to the ingestion of fat. In both types of experiments, initial depression of IRI levels was followed by a sharp rise in IRI release. Intravenous infusion of somatostatin produced 80% inhibition of the IRI response to pure porcine GIP. It was concluded that somatostatin inhibits the physiological release of IR-GIP and the insulinotropic action of exogenous porcine GIP.


Poststenotic dilatation: arterial wall mechanics in response to vibration.

A study of the relationship between the mechanical response of human iliac arteries subjected to sinusoidally varying dynamic pressures superimposed on a static pressure of 100 mm Hg (1mm Hg = 133 N/m2) and the development of arterial dilatation, with particular reference to poststenotic dilatation has been conducted. In 13 experiments, optical measurements of the amplitude of vessel wall movements in response to dynamic pressures of amplitude 5 mm Hg peak to peak indicated the presence of at least one, and at most four resonance peaks for frequencies in the mean range 0-100 Hz. Four specimens were vibrated at resonance and four at frequencies 15 Hz higher than resonance, in response to a dynamic pressure of 5 mm Hg peak to peak for 3 h. All specimens exhibited some dilatation, the average percentage increase in diameter being in the range 0.22 to 0.42% per hour. In four additional experiments, the dynamic pressure was doubled at constant frequency. This resulted in an increased amplitude of vibration and additional dilatation at an increased rate. It is concluded that the dynamic stresses present in the vessel influence the rate of dilatation.


Chemotherapy of transplanted adenocarcinomas of the colon in mice.

Transplantable adenocarcinomas of the colon in mice have been developed from primary tumors induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. Two such transplant lines, MAC-13 and MAC-15, have been used to assess the possible value of this type of tumor in chemotherapy screening. A protocol has been established and 11 standard drugs were tested against the two lines. Both tumors show sensitivity which is remarkably similar to that of human large bowel cancer, and MAC-13 would have correctly predicted the activity in man for ten of the 11 drugs. Quantitatively, CCNU, methyl-CCNU, and cyclophamide were the most effective drugs. A comparison of the predictive efficiencies of L1210 leukemia, B16 melanoma, and these new tumors as screening systems for colorectal cancer is made and discussed.


Urinary excretion of polyamines by patients with advanced malignancy.

Levels of putrescrine, spermidine, and spermine in urine were determined by means of a sensitive ion-exchange chromatographic method in patients with advanced solid tumor malignancies, in patients with diseases other than cancer, and in normal control subjects. Elevation above 2 SDS of the normal mean were found in varying number of patients in each tumor category. For those malignancies studied that involved more than 20 patients, the greatest incidences of increased excretion were 66% for spermine in patients with colon carcinoma and 50% for putrescine and spermidine in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma. The highest levels and greatest frequency of elevated polyamine levels were found in patients with Burkitt's lymphoma, and changes in clinical tumor status associated with treatment appeared to correlate well with polyamine levels in this disease. Abnormal amounts of polyamines were also excreted by some patients with diseases other than cancer, indicating that increased polyamine excretion is not restricted or specific to the neoplastic state. It was also found that the levels of polyamines were apparently not affected by the intake of meat or the diet eaten, and remained in a rather narrow excretion range for any one individual at different time intervals. This study was carried out as part of a program to determine and evaluate biologic materials present in body fluids that may be used to follow and evaluate response or progression of neoplastic disease in patients during treatment regimens. The results suggest that abnormal urinary polyamine levels may be characteristic of neoplastic growth for some patients with malignant disease. Further studies are necessary to determine if these compounds may be helpful in assessing disease status for patients with such solid tumor malignancies as colon and bronchogenic carcinoma although their potential as useful "biologic markers" appears less promising than originally anticipated.