Parasites of the relict fauna of Ceylon. VI. More new helminths from amphibians and reptiles, a new host-record and redescription of Acanthocephalus serendibensis Crusz and Mills 1970.

A monogenetic trematode Polystoma hakgalense sp. nov. is described from the urinary bladder of the frog Rhacophorus cruciger eques, from the Hakgala Strict Natural Reserve (1 707 m). The following combination of characters distinguishes it fromm all other species of the genus: the random and reticulate anastomoses of the gut, the entire nature of the base of the opisthaptoral hooks, and the lack of vitellaria in the spaces between the opisthaptoral suckers. Acanthocephalus serendibensis is redescribed after a study of the original type specimens, and of fresh specimens from the horn-nosed lizard Ceratophora stoddarti from the Hakagala S.N.R. and from the gecko Cnemaspis kandianus kandianus from Haputale (1 418 m). The gecko is a new host record for A. serendibensis. The original description has been modified as regards the proboscis, which carries 10-12 longitudinal rows of hooks with 3-4 hooks in each row, the embryo within the egg, which bears minute spines over its body-surface and a row of hooks at one end, and the bursa of the male, which lacks bursal rays.


Traumatic disorders of pituitary-hypothalamic function. I. Excretion of follicule-stimulating hormone after closed head injury. A preliminary investigation.

In an investigation done in a group of 20 patients with cerebral concussion and skull fracture, 5 of whom showed definite EEG signs of brain-stem function disorder, one patient, a member of this subgroup, was found to have a reduced excretion of FSH. This patient also showed amenorrhoea of 4 months duration and olfactory disturbances.


[Remarks on the ecological adaptation of the snail aquatic fauna in saline medium of the Dallol ponds. (Republique du Niger) (author's transl)].

Human vesical and intestinal bilharziasis, bovine fasciolosis and paramphistomosis, equine gastrodiscosis and ovine carmyeriosis, are frequent in the Dallols'region, (12 degrees - 13 degrees 30 N. lat. ; 3 degrees E. long.), Republique du Niger, Africa. Dallols are fossil valleys pouring water from late Saharian lakes. They are also tributaries of the Niger River. During the dry season, they become dry and many residual ponds of varied dimensions; from tens feet to one or two miles long, are lying along the valley bottom. The water is sometimes fresh but more frequently salt, (sodium, calcium and potassium, chlorides, sulfates, carbonates and bicarbonate), are in solution of variable proportions. From november to april, the total salt concentration is increasing by high evaporation and the medium becomes non likely to live for aquatic vector snails, Bulinus truncatus, Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Bulinus forskalii, Lymnaea natalensis and Afrogyrus coretus.


[Contribution to the study of Microphallidae travassos, 1920 (Trematoda). XXXI. On the shortening of microphallid life-cycles, concerning Maritrema oocysta (Lebour, 107)].

In France, the larval forms (daughter sporocysts, cercariae and metacercariae) of M. oocysta develop in Hydrobia ulvae Pennant living on Norman coasts of the Channel; they are described again. The microphallid family offers two kinds of development: the first sort concerns the appearance of a progenetic metacercaria, the second concerns that of a confined cercaria. Twelve examples illustrate the tendencies of this evolution.


Pattern of ipsilateral clinical extinction in brain-damaged patients.

A test of double tactile simultaneous stimulation was given to 212 patients affected by focal (178) or diffuse (34) cerebral lesions to study the order of dominance between face, hand, and foot. Both in focal and in diffuse brain-damaged patients, a striking dominance of the face over the hand and foot was found. No significant difference between hand and foot was seen, but a mild prevalence of the foot over the hand was suggested by a cumulative analysis of our results. These findings do not support the hypothesis of a continuous downward gradient of dominance from rostral to caudal regions of the body.


[About some observations on aestivation of Lymnaea (Galba) truncatula Müller non- or infested by Fasciola hepatica L. (author's transl)].

The authors studied vertical and horizontal distribution of L. (Galba) truncatula in two series of dry natural habitats: draining ditches, bovine footprints. The observations show:- the location of most surviving snails on ditch sides and in low parts of footprints; - the presence of broken shells (by predators) on ditch bottom and in high parts of footprints; - the existence of a connection between the infested snails distribution and parasitic development-degree: the mature infested snails are seen in lower parts of habitats than the parts of the immature infested snails.


[Contribution to the study of Trematodes in Amphibians from the Cameroon (author's transl)].

Some 800 Amphibians representing 88 species were dissected for parasitic Trematodes of the digestive tract, the lungs and the bladder. 37 species of Anurans (244 specimens) harboured Trematodes. Nine species already found in Africa were observed. A new species, Haematoloechus ocellati n. sp. parasite of the lungs, is described. We propose the transfer of the species Haplometroides eburnense Maeder, 1969 into the genus Plagitura Holl, 1928. A large number of Anurans were examined for the first time in order to study Helminthes. This work brings in the new elements in the biogeography of african Trematodes Amphibians and increases the number of hosts for already mentioned species.


Prognostic value of visual evoked potentials in occipital blindness following basilar artery occlusion.

Three patients suffering from sudden occipital blindness following basilar artery occlusion underwent electroretinography and visual evoked potential (VEP) examinations. The VEPs performed early in those blind patients and repeated later seem to be of prognostic value. Responses of normal shape and amplitude after monocular and binocular stimulation were followed by complete recovery of vision. Unequal and subnormal VEPs obtained following monocular stimulation, and even smaller responses reached after binocular stimulation, accompanied permanent unilateral occipital damage resulting in homonymous hemianopsia. Lack of VEP was proved to be a preceding sign of permanent blindness.


[Experimental Schistosomiases. I. Study of S. mansoni fecondity as regards to its adaptation to different Biomphalaria glabrata strains (author's transl)].

We compared the infestation of different strains of B. glabrata from Brasil (Recife). Guadeloupe, Martinique and Porto-Rico with 6 to 8 miracidia of S. mansoni (from Recife. We noted the four following points: 1. The planorbid snails from Martinique and Guadeloupe had a low resistance to infestation. 2. The guadeloupean snails showed the lesser rate of positivity and the lower medium amount of emitted cercaries but, in the four strains of snails, the level of the issued cercaries is quite the same. 3. many planorbid snails in the groups studied during more than 2 months, showed significant periodic variations in the emission of cercaries, We thought that those variations might be caused by the alternate maturations of sporocysts born from the same miracidium or from different miracidia. 4. Infestation by S. mansoni had a strong effect on fecondity of the snails but the laid eggs had a normal development.


[Oestradiol does not modify the proportion between male and female S. mansoni worms in experimental infestation of the golden female hamster (author's transl)].

We describe here an experiment, the results of which confirm the protecting effect of hormone oestrogen during an experimental infection with Schistosoma mansoni in golden female hamster. Furthermore this experiment shows that the hormone oestrogene does not modify the sex-ratio of the worms.


New Haven survey of joint diseases. XVII. Relationship between some systemic characteristics and osteoarthrosis in a general population.

In a survey of the general population the presence or absence of osteoarthrosis of the hand was determined radiologically in 685 adults (300 males and 385 females). Of these, 261 (124 males and 137 females), chosen randomly, were given a complete clinical examination of the musculoskeletal system which included x-ray of joints elsewhere in the body. Osteoarthrosis (OA) scores for the hand and for all body sites were computed for each subject by summing the number of affected joints. For all subjects soical class, height, weight, total serum protein, serum uric acid, haemoglobin, antistreptolysin O, (ASO), C-reactive protein (CRP), and rheumatoid factor were also measured. Analyses were carried out by simple comparison of means and by calculating multiple regressions and correlations.


Wrist cysts and fistulae. An arthrographic study of the rheumatoid wrist.

An arthrographic study of the wrist joint, in which 65 rheumatoid wrist joints were satisfactorily shown, gave a high incidence of significant abnormalities even in the absence of clinical signs of wrist involvement. Several synovial protrusion cysts were shown and corresponded to localized clinical swellings on the volar aspect of the wrist joint. These cystic swellings may be apparent before the onset of polyarthritis and may be differentiated from ganglia arthrographically by their association with other features suggesting erosive synovitis. Cystic swelling over the lower end of the ulna is shown to be frequently due to synovial hypertrophy of the inferior radioulnar joint in either a dorsal or volar direction. In one case a fistulous tract was delineated connecting the midcarpal joint with the volar surface of the wrist by a flexor tendon sheath.


Human anti-DNA antibody: reference standards for diagnosis and management of systemic lupus erythematosus.

A technique for the measurement of DNA binding activity of sera is described which uses primary internal reference standards in a Farr assay. This allows the DNA binding activity of test sera to be measured in relation to the reference standards and the results are expressed as units/ml. The use of this standardized assay has led to diminished interassay variation and close interlaboratory correlation, and has provided a clinically useful test. In survey using the standardized assay, normal sera were found to have binding activity which did not exceed 15 units/ml; 71% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had levels greater than 25 units/ml; while only 8% of patients with diseases other than SLE had levels above 25 units/ml. Values between 15 and 25 units/ml appeared to have little diagnostic significance.


Prognostic significance of DNA-binding capacity patterns in patients with lupus nephritis.

The time course of DNA binding capacity (DNA-bc) was found to correlate with the clinical course in a group of 21 patients who had biopsy-proven lupus glomerulonephritis and were treated with immunosuppressive agents. Eight patients showed a sequential DNA-bc pattern in which a high titre of anti-DNA antibody was present for a prolonged period of time all having an unfavourable clinical course. Persistently high values of DNA-bc preceded by as much as 10 months evidence of renal deterioration obtained by conventional renal function tests. Thirteen patients showed a low titre of anti-DNA antibody throughout most of their course, 12 having a favourable outcome. An initially high value of DNA-bc had no prognostic significance. These results suggest that the persistence of a high titre of anti-DNA antibody in patients with lupus glomerulonephritis is a poor prognostic sign.


Hypertension in relation to musculoskeletal disorders.

Generalized osteoarthrosis was found to be significantly more common in older males with high than with low diastolic blood pressure. The excess of osteoarthrosis in those with hypertension was mainly in the hips, knees, carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joints, and was independent of obesity in the hypertensive group. It was not associated with a higher cholesterol or uric acid level in the serum. Radiological evidence of avascular necrosis was present in 36% of males with osteoarthrosis of the hips and diastolic blood pressure above 100 mmHg, in 20% with a diastolic pressure of 81-100 mmHg, but was found in none of those with osteoarthrosis and blood pressure of 80 mmHg or below. Only those with osteoarthrosis and a diastolic pressure above 100 mmHg had significantly more avascular necrosis that expected. Osteoarthrosis of the knee in female was more frequent in the hypertensive groups independent of obesity. It is concluded that vascular disorders are involved in this form of generalized osteoarthrosis.


Xeroradiographic techniques applied to assessment of Achilles tendon in inflammatory or metabolic diseases.

Ten patients with inflammatory disease (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's disease) or metabolic disease (gout, pseudogout, tendinous xanthomatosis) affecting the Achilles tendons are presented and discussed. Radiological lateral views of heel were obtained with xeroradiographic techniques, which permitted the recording on the same image of details of both bone and soft tissue and the evaluation and quantification of the changes in the Achilles tendons. Xeroradiography seems to be a very suitable radiological technique for routine use in the evaluation and follow up of rheumatic diseases of the foot.


Fistulization of rheumatoid joints. Spectrum of identifiable syndromes.

Eight patients with rheumatoid arthritis developed cutaneous fistulae adjacent to affected joints. Rheumatoid factor was positive in eight patients; subcutaneous nodules were noted in seven. Two patients had features of rheumatoid vasculitis. A spectrum of syndrome characterized by cutaneous fistulae was observed. Three patients showed classical fistulous rheumatism. Four patients developed septic arthritis which subsequently fistulized; in two, infection was associated with total joint replacement. One patient showed a cutaneous sinus accompanying a large calf cyst. A variety of diagnoses must be considered when cutaneous fistulae appear near joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.


Ectopic calcification around joints of paralysed limbs in hemiplegia, diffuse brain damage, and other neurological diseases.

Mechanical deformity associated, with neurological disease is commonly encountered in the form of contractures, or pre-existing arthritis. Less common is the occurrence of ectopic calcification around the joints of a paralysed limb. Two forms of this are presented in a series of twenty patients. Para-articular calcification with the appearance of myositis ossificans around large joints of the affected limbs occurred most often. The interior of the joints was not affected, nor was there evidence of bony injury. In some cases, however, the excessive outgrowth of bone around the joint eventually resulted in a functional ankylosis by a uniting bar of bone outside the joint. The second form of calcification was periosteal, which unlike the first type was resorbed and left an area of cortical bony thickening.


Effect of intra-articular inj-ction of radioactive colloids of erbium and yttrium on the growth of rabbit legs.

The effect of the intra-articular injection of radioactive erbium 169 and yttrium 90 on the growth of the leg in rabbits has been studied. I colloid state these isotopes are used clinically for synovial ablation. These beta emitters slow down bone growth in proportion to the amount of radioactivity injected. If the joint has previously been damaged by an inflammatory arthritis the effect of the radiation on the bone growth is reduced.


Potassium metabolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Effects of treatment with depot tetracosactrin, spironolactone, and oral supplements of potassium chloride.

(1) Plasma and urine electrolytes and whole body potassium have measured before and after a 2-week administration of depot tetracosactrin 0.5 mg on alternate days to eight patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA.) The effects of adding supplements of potassium chloride (48 mmol/d) and spironolactone 200 mg daily have been investigated. (2) Acute changes in red blood cell water and potassium content, plasma electrolyte concentration, and plasma 11-hydroxycorticosteroid levels were measured for 48 hours after a single intramuscular injection of 0.5 mg depot tetracosactrin in six patients with RA. (3) The measured total body potassium was significantly less than that predicted from the height, weight, and age formula in patients with RA. (4) Treatment with depot tetracosactrin resulted in an acute fall in plasma and red cell potassium independent of external potassium loss. (5) Two weeks of treatment with depot tetracosactrin resulted in hypokalaemia and a rise in plasma sodium and bicarbonate. There was no associated electrocardiogram changes or a rise in blood pressure. (6) Neither oral potassium supplements nor spironolactone altered total body potassium. (7) The significance of the findings and the physiological mechanisms underlying them are discussed.


Neurofibrosarcoma following radiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis.

Twenty-six years after radiotherapy to the spine for ankylosing spondylitis a patient developed a neurofibrosarcoma initially around the left sacroiliac joint. It is likely that this was a long-term complication of the radiotherapy.


[Nanism caused by water deprivation, with transitory growth hormone deficiency].

Report of a case of a girl admitted for alcoholic poisoning then for a toxic syndrome with considerable hypernatremia. Clinical examination showed a dwarfism (-4 S.D.) with break of the growth curve and bone-age retardation. History revealed cruelty and thirsting since the age of 2 years. Isolated somatotropin insufficiency was found. Separation from the family and free drinking induced a spectacular recovery of growth and normalization of growth hormone level. The relative role and relationships between growth hormone deficiency and chronic dehydration due to water deprivation in the physiopathology of dwarfism due to frustration are discussed.


[Nephroepithelioma of children manifested by isolated recurrent hematuria. Diagnostic problems apropos of 3 cases].

In children, nephroepithelioma represent less than 10% of the malignant tumors of the kidney. Reporting 3 cases, the authors emphasize that the clinical expression of nephroepithelioma, often made only of recurrent hematuria occuring over years, may mislead adequate diagnostic approach. Thus, a kidney arteriogram should be included in the investigations of nephroepithelioma. Earlier diagnosis may improve the rate of recovery from nephroepithelioma which, in children, is about 30%.


[Dwarfism and hyperlaxity, facial dysmorphism and multiple dislocations. Larsen's syndrome?].

Five similar cases of children ranging from 6 months to 6 1/2 years of age are reported. The presented with dwarfism, generalized hyperlaxity, characteristic facial appearance, constant dislocations of elbows and knees. Bone-age was advanced and bones were slender and osteoporotic with metaphyseal thickening. All the cases appeared separately in normal families. These associated malformations resembled Larsen's syndrome, in spite of some different features.


[Coprologic anomaly in mucoviscidosis. Presence of albumin in low concentration in the feces].

With an immunological technique, presence of albumin was searched in the stools of 47 patients with cystic fibrosis and 54 controls. Albumin was found in 93% of cystic fibrosis, at a mean level of 90 mg/100 g of fresh stools. The test was negative in the 54 healthy controls. It was positive in one case of congenita IgA deficiency and in one untreated case of Hirschprung's disease. When found in the stools, albumin may give a useful additional diagnostic element.


[Congenital mitral abnormalities in children. Apropos of 44 cases].

Forty-four cases of mitral malformation were studied. Thirty times it was a mitral regurgitation, 10 times, a mitral stenosis. High frequency of associated malformations was observed. Tolerance was almost always very bad, leading to surgery in spite of the young age. Operative mortality was high (30%). To a certain extent, surgery should be palliative: commissurotomy in case of stenosis, with almost always bad results; annuloplasty in case of regurgitation, with sometimes good results. Good surgical results were observed in one third of the cases.


[IgG type autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a 7-week-old infant].

A 7 week old infant was admitted for auto-immune hemolytic anemia, of progressive onset. Auto-antibodies were of IgG nature and of anti-e and anti-nl specificity. Treatment associated transfusions of leukocyte-free blood and corticosteroids reaching 4,5 mg/kg/day. Hemolysis stopped after 15 days and corticosteroid therapy was stopped without incident over 30 days. One month later, the clinical status was excellent, blood count was normal and immuno-hematological tests were negative. This case is a new one of the few auto-immune hemolytic anemias in children under 3 months of age. All showed an adequate immune development allowing the typical clinical and biological picture of an auto-immune disease, in spite of the classical idea of immunological immaturity, at this age.


[Familial hemolytic-uremic syndrome with normal renal biopsy].

Five children from 3 different families, presented several attacks of hemolytic-uremic syndrome with peculiar features:--in 4/5 children the disease was familial; 4 presented 2 attacks, the 5th 3 attacks, separated by several months or years of time-interval;--the "bouts" were constantly marked by the initial high level of reticulocytes, rapid recovery of hematuria, renal failure and thrombocytopenia;--overall, repeated biopsies of the kidney never showed any lesion of the basement membrane of the glomerular capillaries or of the arteriolar walls leading to the diagnosis of thrombotic microangiopathy;--all etiological enquiries to precise the cause of chronic hemolysis were negative.


[Neonatal jaundice due to anti-D allo-immunization with negative direct Coombs' test].

The case is reported of a newborn with jaundice due to anti-D Rh iso-immunization, with a negative Coombs' test. The finding of a positive red cell auto-agglutination test, the red cells being treated with bromelin and incubated in their own serum, suggests an immune phenomenon. Free antibody with anti-D specificity reacting with bromelin treated R.B.C.'s was found in the sera of the mother and infant.


[Cardiac malpositions. Apropos of 5 observations in the neonatal period].

Five cases of cardiac malpositions, discovered in the neonatal period, with early death are reported. The determination of the position of the cardiac cavities is essential for appropriate studies of angiocardiograms and appreciation of the possibilities of surgical treatment.


[Agenesia of the pulmonary valves manifested by ventilation disorders. In the newborn].

Agenesia of the pulmonary valves is often responsible for severe disorders of ventilation by bronchial compression in newborns. This may be involved in case of respiratory distress, with a double murmur, expressing the stenosis of an avalvulated pulmonary ring and the massive pulmonary regurgitation. The bad tolerance is due to the association with an interventricular dilatation of the pulmonary artery, which characterizes this malformative complex. The prognosis is severe and the treatment is disappointing since all surgical attempts failed at this age.


[A comparative microspectrophotometric study of the concentration of DNA in the cells of laryngeal tumors in histologic and cytologic preparations].

A microspectrophotometric study of DNA content in nuclei of cells of the normal larynx mucosa, papiloma, epithelial layer of fibromas, areas of atypical hyperplasia of the epithelium of papillomas, intraepithelial cancer, squamous-cell carcinoma of the larynx, matastases in the regional lymph nodes, was carried out on the basis of bioptic and operation materials. A total of 82 histological sections and 50 cytological preparations (impressions) obtained from the same specimens of the tissue were investigated. The microspectrophotometric investigation revealed the growth of DNA "accumulation indices" from stratified squamous epithelium (2.5) through atypical proliferation (3.9) to squamous-cell carcinoma of the larynx (8.2) and its metastases (12.4). The DNA content in intrapithelial cancer was higher than that in invasive squamous-cell carcinoma. Determination of the type of distribution of nuclei of cells of a tumour in cytological and histological preparations (in growth zones) according to ploidity and of characteristic features of the tissue with the help of the generalized "accumulation index" of DNA may be helpful as objective tests in morphological diagnosis of precancer and cancer processes in the larynx and in taking decisions concerning their prognosis.


[Cytologic diagnosis of different histologic forms of lung cancer].

Parallel cytological and histological investigations in 511 patients with of the lung cancer confirmed the possibility of verification of a tumour form on the basis of cytological preparations. Determination of cancer forms is carried out on the basis of the same principle criteria which are used in a histological investigation. The first stage of diagnosis consists in search for cellular, structural and functional signs of epidermoid and glandular differentiation. In the absence of these, there are grounds to consider the diagnosis to be non-differentiated cancer with subdivisions into micro- and macrocellular variants. Squamous-cell carcinoma with cornification highly differentiated adenocarcinoma and non-differentiated microcellular cancer possess characteristic features ensuring a highly reliable-cytological diagnosis. Cytological diagnosis of squamous-cell cancer was correct in 95.3% of cases, that of non-differentiated microcellular cancer-in 87.1%, and that of glandular cancer-in 81.2% of cases. The majority of errors made in verification of squamous-cell and glandular cancer were made with respect to their poorly differentiated forms which have no reliable cytological characteristics. The last statement is also true with respect to non-differentiated macrocellular cancer of the lung.


[Blood histamine during submaximal muscular work].

Blood histamine was measured in 20 healthy males before and after performance of rectangular type submaximal work. The results show that following muscular work there is an increase in the blood concentration of the substance in all the subjects examined, the average increase being 33% although variations from one subject to another were considerable. It is hypothesized that the increase in the histamine level can be explained by admitting an increase in histidine-decarboxylase activity at tissue level with consequent synthesis of a greater quantity of histamine. It is also hypothesized that an excess of blood histamine may be of importance in the organism's general adaptation reaction to stress.


[Some considerations on the postphlebitic syndrome].

After a brief description of the aetiopathogenetic aspects of the phlebitic and postphlebitic syndrome, medical and surgical therapies for this syndrome are reviewed. A derivative of the phenybutazone group (Febutol) is then discussed and its considerable effectiveness emphasized.


[Gastric biopsy in the diagnosis of stomach diseases].

An analysis of changes in the mucosa typical of chronic ulcer, polyp, gastric cancer and chronic gastritis was carried out on the basis of gastrobiopsy specimens. All these diseases were characterized by rearrangement of the mucosa, which manifested itself in atrophy of the specialized glandular parenchyma, proliferation of pavement-cuboidal and colomnar epithelium, intestinal metaplasia, and hypermucoidization of the stomach glands. Certain difficulties presents diagnosis based on gastrobiopsy specimens of cricoid, granulating and trabecular cancer. Of a decisive significance in the diagnosis of carcinoma is the presence in the mucosa proper of cricoid cells, which are stained with mucicarmine and give positive Schick-reaction, or pironinophilic epithelial ligaments not forming glandular lumens. The author analyses, on the basis of his personal experience, cases of hyperdiagnosis of gastric carcinoma. Proliferating glandular parenchyma, proliferation of pavement-cuboidal and colomnar epithelium, epithelial regenerates, and elements of the granulation tissue from the fundus of an ulcerative defect were taken for cancer.


[Use of methyl partricin suspension in the oral diseases due to Candida species].

The effect of a new polyene antibiotic prepared in an oral suspension (SPA methyl-partricin) was studied in 29 nurselings with thrush. The results are compared with those obtained in two uniform groups treated with nystatin and gentian violet respectively. The new substance proved more effective in each case. Local and general tolerance were excellent.


[Malignant African lymphoma].

The article sets forth clinico-anatomical characteristics of Burkkit's lymphoma (50 observations). The investigation was carried out in the granted hospital in Kenya, were the authors had worked from 1967 to 1971. A histological feature of the tumour was a peculiar picture of the "starry sky", which was associated with the presence of large histiocytesmacrophages among prolypherating lymphoid cells, a cytological feature being the availability of vacuoles in the nucleus and cytoplasma. In the majority of cases Burkkit's tumour had multicentrical growth, most often localizations were jaws and ovaries. The authors observed in some cases considerable therapeutic effect of chemical preparations.


[Bases of infusional therapy. Note. I. Fluid balance].

The complex hydroelectrolytic problem is examined by a study of the physiology and physiopathology of fluids, electrolytes and proteins. A number of interesting critical and clinical problems of use in the pre- and postoperative treatment of surgical patients and in cases where a change in the hydroelectric balance takes place, are involved. Therapy is facilitated if needs are calculated on the basis of the three basic principles: 1) daily physiological need; 2) replacement of physiological losses; 3) elimination of the existing deficiency.


[Effect of x-rays on the hemolytic substances of the Yoshida ascites tumor].

Ricinoleic-like haemolytic substances were isolated from tumour cells and peritoneal liquid fractions in rats with Yoshida's ascities hepatoma. Their activity was measured by means of photometric techniques. Crossed haemolytic tests showed differences in the choice expressed by these substances for the red cells of animals of various species. Whole body irradiation led to changes in the quantity of these substances. Their metabolism was examined by administering 3H2- and 14C6-labelled oleic acid. A variety of results was observed. Microscopic examination of target red cells in a study of the oleic acid-lysine-membrane bond confirmed the results given by the densitometer.


[Combined lung cancer and systemic scleroderma].

The article presents data of the literature and the author's personal two observations on combination of systemic scleroderma and cancer of the lungs. According to the data obtained, the most frequent forms of neoplasms in this combination were tumours of an adenomatous structure. A decisive role in the machanism of development of adenomatosis of the lungs was played by septo-alveolar sclerosis which led to rearrangement of the lung tissue. Potential malignancy of adenomatosis of the lungs in systemic sclerodermia was closely connected with participation of a "defective" collagen of the embryonic type in the formation of the basal membrane of the alveolar epithelium, as well as with the predominance among the tumour cells of granular pneumocytes of the B type characteristic of the embryonal period of mammals.


[The relationship between age, different degrees of atherosclerosis and comparative morphofunctional characteristics of the adenohypophysis].

A total of 65 adenohypophyses of male and female patients who had suffered from latent and manifesting forms of atherosclerosis, and 43 adenohypophyses of practically healthy people (withoug atherosclerosis) were studied. The morphometrical method of investigation was broadly used in this work, which made it possible to carry out mathematical treatment of the data obtained. The most drastic changes in the structure of the adenohypophysis were noted in cases in whom death had occurred as a result of acute coronary insufficiency which was considered as a variant of stress situation in the organism. An intimate connection between the morphofunctional state of the adenohypophysis and histomorphological changes in the peripheral endocrine glands depending upon age, sex and manifestation of atherosclerosis is shown.


[The morphologic basis for the mechanism of increased serum acid phosphatase activity in patients with viral hepatitis].

The activity of acid phosphotase in the blood serum and punctates of the liver was studied in 49 patients with acute cyclic form of viral hepatitis of slight and medium-grave course with the use of histological and histochemical methods. The degree of manifestation of necrotic changes in the punctate tissue was determined with the help of the stereometric method. As a result of the studies conducted, it was established that the degree of hyperfermentemia was the highest at the period when the disease was in full swing, and that it did not depend on the form of its course and extent of necrotic changes observed in the liver punctates. The authors consider a morphological evidence of high activity of acid phosphotase in the blood serum aggregations of large hepatocytes, cytoplasm of which was loaded with mature lipofuscin, the topographic identity of the latter with acid phosphotase at present being proved.


[A large hepatocellular adenoma of the liver in an 82-year-old patient (histologic and cytometric findings)].

A very rare case of tumour of the liver--hepatocellular adenoma is described. A solitary tumour of the liver was observed in 82-year-old man who had died of myocardial infarction. The tumour was 10 cm in dimetre, consisted of one-type cells which were considerably smaller than hepacytes (their diametres were respectively: 11.6+/-0.0107 and 18.33+/-0.163 mum the diametre of nuclei was--5.64+/-0.048 and 7.25+/-0.074 mum). These lesions were combined with adenocarcinoma of the gastric stump, the stomach having been resected 17 years previously due to malignization of a polyp.


[A study of the processes of development of malignant tumors using somatic cell hybridization].

A survey of the latest data associated with the analysis of the mechanisms of cancerogenesis with the help of hybridization of somatic cells is presented. Results of the investigations showing that malignization is not a dominant feature are discussed. A possible role of hybridization of cells in vivo in the genesis of tumours is indicated.


Pathogenicity of a strain of feline calicivirus for domestic kittens.

A strain of feline calicivirus, isolated from a cheetah exhibiting ulcerative glossitis and conjunctivitis, was administered by aerosol to 4 domestic cats and by contact to a fifth cat. Despite the limited number of animals available for the experiment, the pathogenicity of the virus strain for domestic cats was established. In aerosol-infected animals, clinical signs were referable to infection of both upper and lower respiratory tracts. The virus produced an interstitial pneumonia which, early in infection, was uncomplicated by secondary bronchopneumonia. The in-contact cat exhibited clinical signs referable to infection of the oral cavity only and no lesions were noted in the lower respiratory tract at autopsy. Ulcerative glossitis was a feature of the disease in aerosol-infected and in-contact cats. The virus was isolated from the pharynx of all cats for up to 21 days after infection and from the tonsils at autopsy. The tonsils were considered to be a probable site of multiplication of virus in "carrier" cats.


Cardiac monitoring during exercise tests in the horse. 1. Magnetic tape recording in preference to radio-telemetry.

Different techniques for monitoring cardiac responses to exercise in the horse have been described and evaluated. For experimental work of this type in a normal training and racing environment, the electrode system described when used with a portable magnetic tape recording system provided the best means of obtaining useful and reproducible data.


Immunity to Streptococcus equi.

Using the long chain test, and in some cases the bactericidal test, to measure antibody, the development of the immune response in horses to Str. equi has been followed. Long chain indices in excess of 5.0, accompanied by strong bactericidal capacity, were recorded in serums after the full 3-dose immunisation course with a commercial vaccine. The full course elicited the most satisfactory antibody titres declined within the 12 month post-vaccination period, thus providing support for the recommendation that yearly booster doses should be administered. The immune response in horses during 2 strangles outbreaks was compared with the response following vaccination. Recovered animals showed declining antibody levels 9 weeks after infection, and the evidence does not support longevity of the immune response after natural infection. Reaction to vaccination was observed in those animals with high initial antibody titre.


A comparison of commercial Mycoplasma gallisepticum antigens in the rapid serum agglutination test.

Twenty-three chickens, aged 9 weeks, were housed in contact with a similar group of chickens which were infected with M. gallisepticum. The onset and development of the serum agglutinin responses which were detected by 3 commercial antigens using rapid serum agglutination tests up to 20 weeks of age, differed greatly both between the infected and in-contact groups and, within the latter group, between the antigens. Few reactions, which were weak and transient, were detected in 2 similar groups of chickens, neither infected with M. gallisepticum but 1 vaccinated at 12 and 17 weeks of age with killed Pasteurella multocida oil adjuvant vaccine.


[Experimental venous thrombosis induced in dogs by electric stimulation of venous wall (author's transl)].

The Authors describe an experimental method to induce venous thrombosis in dogs by venous walls electric stimulation. The aspects of thrombogenesis, the evolution of thrombus and venous wall lesions at level of primary thrombus as well as extensive thrombosis, are studied. These studies based on histological findings at different steps from electric stimulation.


[Cesarean section and breech presentation (author's transl)].

Out of 14,285 babies born in the 5-year period from 1970 to 1974, the AA. observed 3,39% of breech presentations, of which 46,80% assisted through the vagina and 53,20% by cesarean section. The perinatal mortality was 13,19% (with respect to the total number of breech presentations) and 1,93% in cases where cesarean section took place. If, however, we exclude cases of deaths in newborn whose weight was lower than 2,500 gms., the total mortality from breech delivery can be reduced to 1,69% of all breech presentations. From this we can deduce that the most important cause of death is connected not so much with difficulties related to presentation as with premature delivery and low birth-weight. In breech delivery by vaginal assistance, the risk of perinatal mortality proved to be not much greater in the primipara than in the pluripara. The criteria guiding the choice between vaginal assistance and cesarean section are examined in the light of various suggestions made by different Authors in recent years.


[Comparison between the way of intravenous administration of flagellin from Salmonella typhosa to the margial vein in the ear and into the mesenteric superior vein. Preliminary note].

Rabbits receiving three injections of PFA intravenously in ear, after that first treatment gave a weak antibody response, after the second one a rapid and copious increase of agglutination titre; the third injection induced a very small increase. In rabbits injected with PFA in superior mesenteric vein the first injection produced a little effect, the second induced a little effect too; the third injection performed in auricular vein, gave a substancial rapid and copious antibody response. This behaviour is similar to that obtained after the second injection in the first set of experiments. The PFA injected two times in mesenteric vein caused certainly a massive phagocytosis of antigen by Kupffer cells. Nevertheless this copious phagocytosis can exercise only an action of "priming", not a response of secondary type. For this purpose it is necessary an injection in the ear vein to provoke a direct intervention of lymphonodal reticular phagocytes. The phenomenon can be related to the proteic nature of the antigen.


[Osteomalacia from phosphate-binding substances (author's transl)].

A case is told with osseous fractures occurred during uremia in a periodically dialyzed man treated with phosphate-binding substances in excessive doses. The healing time is studied to value the effectiveness of normalized phosphatemia and the vitamin D treatment necessity.


[The physics in radiotherapy (author's transl)].

The knowledge of the physics is enphasized for the comprehension of the theoretical and practical application of radiotherapy and radiobiology.


[HBsAg and HBsAb in carriers and their families].

Relatives of 98 Au antigen carriers were examined (positivity by AUSRIA II-125), already donors at the Immunotransfusion Centre of Trieste General Hospitals, totalling 106 cases: 98 out of same were represented by their wives and children, older than 7 years. 8 of the wives were HB,sAg (8.2%) positive and 90 negative: children were all antigen negative. In wives and children the presence of eventual anti-HBsAg antibodies by means of AUSAb technique (Abbott) was investigated obtaining 29 positive (29.3%) and 69 negative sera. With Dr. Lacy's (Abbott Diagnostic Division) collaboration the typing of HBsAg and HBsAb found was performed in order to obtaine epidemiological informations.


[Maternal and foetal aminoacidaemia and amino acids contents of amniotic fluid in normal, gestosic and diabetic pregnancy (author's transl)].

The AA. have examined 9 cases of normal pregnancy, 5 cases of E.P.H. gestosis and 5 cases of diabetes mellitus, for which cases caesarean section had been planed, determining the aminogram of the amniotic fluid, of the mother's venous plasma and of the umbilical venous plasma; the 3 samples were performed about contemporaneously. Both in the normal pregnancies and in those complicated by E.P.H. gestosis and by diabetes mellitus, the concentration of amino acids was higher in the umbilical venous plasma than in that of the mother and higher in the latter than in the amniotic fluid, with the exception of glycine, taurine, glutammic acid and aspartic acid in the normal pregnancies, of taurine in the gestosic pregnancies, of taurine, citrulline, glutammic and aspartic acid in the diabetic pregnancies.


"Transfer factor" therapy in infectious diseases.

The world literature on transfer factor treatment in infectious diseases was examined. Even with the limits due to the incomplete knowledge of the substances, its use is worthy of further study in the field of infectious diseases.


[Mathematical determination of treatment schedules according NSD concepts in radiotherapy (author's transl)].

A number of formulae are given enabling to solve mathematically, on the basis of the NSD concepts, many problems in practical radiotherapy. Detailed examples are reported.


Histochemical examination of lysosomal exzymes in necrotic proximal renal tubules of albino rats.

The lysosomal enzymatic activity of the necrotic proximal tubules was examined by light microscopy and electron microscopy in 24- and 48-h focal renal cortical necrosis induced by administration of oestrogen and posterior pituitary extract in rats. Organelles exhibiting acid phosphatase activity can also be seen in the necrotic cells but these differ in size and structure from the lysosomes of normal cells. The cytoplasmic nonspecific esterase and thioacetic acid hydrolase activities decrease considerably or disappear, although some morphologically damaged, but active, lysosomes can be observed. The role of thelysosomal enzymes is seen not in the development of the necrosis but rather in the breaking down of the already necrotic cell constituents.


A light and electron microscopic study of the changes in the duodenal mucosa induced by sustained pentagastrin stimulation of gastic acid secretion in young rats.

The histological and electron microscopic changes in the duodenal mucosa have been studied over an 8-week experimental period in rats whose gastric acid secretion was stimulated by pentagastrin in a medium of beeswax and mineral oil, and in controls that received injections of beeswax and mineral oil only. The changes leading of final disintegration of the epithelium are described in detail. The main aim of the experiment--to induce mucous change in the duodenal mucosa--was not realized.


The influence of experimental distemper infection on the distribution of lead in dogs previously subacutely intoxicated with lead carbonate.

The ability of experimental canine distemper infection to mobilize body lead deposits has been studied in Beagle dogs previously subacutely intoxicated with lead carbonate. For comparative purposes dogs were included which had either received lead only or distemper only or remained undosed. It was found that in dogs predosed with lead, distemper infection resulted in a significant increase in lead levels in blood and urine; this coincided with the peak body temperatures reached on the third day post infection. It was also found that the lead content of the liver and bone of these dogs was considerably higher than that of dogs receiving lead alone; at the same time bone phosphorus showed a marked decrease while bone calcium values remained similar to undosed controls.


A comparison of the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs on thermal oedema.

The efficacy of a group of anti-inflammatory drugs with similar modes of action was tested on thermal oedema. Of these, coumarin and sodiumrutin-sulphate were most effective. A combination of these, marketed as Venolot, although still beneficial, was not as effective as either given singly. The other drugs tested--levamisole, Reparil and Venoruton--although also of some benefit in treatment of this oedema, did not approach the overall effectiveness of coumarin of sodium-rutin-sulphate. Both drugs are characterized by a very wide safety margin between the therapeutic and the toxic dose. In addition, they are cheap, easy to obtain and can be taken orally. They work by stimulating phagocytosis, enzyme production and thus proteolysis and a subsequent removal of protein and oedema fluid from the injured tissues.


Studies on the effect of bile salt and colipase on enzymatic lipolysis. Improved method for the determination of pancreatic lipase and colipase.

The rate of hydrolysis of long chain triglycerides by pure bovine pancreatic lipase has been determined in the presence of variable amounts of bile salts and colipase. Cofactor-free lipase is strongly inhibited by sodium taurodesoxycholate and by mixed bovine bile salts at concentrations higher than the critical micellar concentration. Bile salt inhibited lipase is reactivated by the addition of bovine colipase. Gel filtration of pancreatic juice from several species (Cow, dog, pig) on Sephadex G 100 allows the separation of lipase from colipase. It is found that the enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis of long chain triglycerides by pancreatic lipase from one species is activated by the addition of colipase from other species. Studies on the activation of pancreatic lipase by colipase in the presence of bile salts allowed the re-evaluation of optimal conditions for the determination of lipase and the development of a procedure to assay colipase.


Isolation and partial characterization of bovine pancreatic colipase.

Three molecular forms of colipase (colipases A, B and C) with the same specific activity have been isolated from an acid extract of bovine pancreas. Purification includes ammonium sulfate precipitation, ethanol treatment, chromatography on SP-Sephadex, chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and chromatography on QAE-Sephadex. The most basic form of bovine colipase (colipase A) has a molecular weight of 11,000-12,000 daltons and contains 104 residues. Its aminoacid composition is very similar to that of the intact form of porcine colipase isolated by Borgström et al. Colipases from both species have the same N-terminal residue (valine). It is likely that bovine colipases B and C represent partially degraded forms of colipase A. Their cofactor activity, however, is the same.


Study on mammalian ribosomal protein reactivity in situ. III. Effect of trypsin on 40S and 60S subunits.

Rat liver 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits were treated with increasing concentrations of trypsin. The activity of both trypsin-treated subunits, when assayed for polyphenylalanine synthesis, progressively decreased, but the 60S subunits were inactivated at much lower trypsin concentrations than were the 40S ones. The sedimentation coefficients of trypsin-treated subunits were identical to those of control subunits when sucrose gradients containing 0.5 M KCl were used. When the sucrose gradients were prepared with a low salt buffer (80 mM KCl), dimer formation was observed with control subunits, but not with trypsin-treated ones. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis of the proteins extracted from trypsin-treated subunits revealed that all ribosomal proteins in the subunits were accessible to the enzyme. However, several proteins were more resistant to trypsin in compact subunits than when they were free or in unfolded subunits. Proteins of the 60S subunits were generally digested by lower trypsin concentrations than those of the 40S subunits. From the quantitative measurements of the undigested proteins, a classification of the proteins from both subunits according to their trypsin sensitivity was established. These results were compared with those previously obtained concerning ribosomal protein reactivity to chemical reagents.


Transfer of the methyl group of methionine to choline and to tRNA in the honeybee Apis mellifica L.

Contrary to some previous reports on the absence of biological transmethylation reactions in some insect species, the transfer of the methyl group of methionine-methyl 14C leading to choline and to methylated bases in tRNA was shown in the honeybee Apis mellifica. The addition of antibiotics to the food of the insect does not diminish the incorporation of radioactivity, proving that intestinal bacteria are not responsible for the methylation reactions observed.


Human platelets as a source of HL-A antigens : a study of various solubilization techniques.

The efficiency of various methods of solubilizing HL-A platelet antigens was investigated. The yield of soluble material was compared with that obtained from lymphocytes in culture in order to judge the quality of platelets as a source of HL-A antigens. The conclusion was reached that platelets, easily obtainable, can be considered as a good source of HL-A antigens.


[Polymorphism and glycoprotein character of Ricinus communis lectins purified by affinity chromatography].

Two lectin fractions (S20W = 6,8 and 4,9 S) were purified from Ricinus communis seeds. The purification was carried out in four steps : ammonium sulfate fractionation, affinity chromatography on Sepharose 4 B, gel filtration on Sephadex G 150 and chromatography on CM celluloes. The purified lectins were glycoproteins whose chemical composition was determined. Amino terminal analysis of the two fractions revealed glycine and serine. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the higher molecular weight fraction allowed the separation of several components with different affinity for PAS staining.


A double coil chromatin sub-unit model.

A model is proposed for the structure of DNA in chromatin sub-units. Each sub-unit is proposed to contain two turns of an inner coil, with a pitch of about 40 A and an external diameter of 70 A. Around the inner coil is wound, in opposite handedness, a slightly larger amount of DNA at a diameter of about 150 A. The total contour length consistent with the electron micrographs and X-ray scattering is 600-700 A, or about 200 base pairs. It is suggested that the inner coil is protein rich and contains all of the histones except H1, which is associated with the outer coil. The double-coil model is consistent with previous biochemical and biophysical studies of chromatin. The existence of 200 and 100 base pair digestion fragments and a 6 to 1 DNA compaction are readily explained. This model is based upon the electron microscopic observation of replicas of frozen chromatin and X-ray and neutron scattering. Structural details of 25 A are preserved and visualized by the freeze electron microscopy techniques employed.


Transcription of chromatin from mouse fibroblasts.

Chromatin purified from mouse fibroblasts can be fractionated after shearing by sedimentation in a sucrose gradient into an extended "light" and a compact "heavy" component. Further purification of these classically described components can be achieved by a second cycle of centrifugation of the light and heavy components through an equilibrium density gradient of metrizamide. The light component purified from sucrose gradient sediments faster (peak I) on metrizamide than its heavy counterpart (peak II). Template activity for DNA directed RNA synthesis in the presence of E. coli RNA polymerase is negligible in peak II but very pronounced in the peak I fraction. The difference in template activity appears to be connected with differences in propagation rather than initiation rates. Comparison of gel electrophoresis patterns of proteins indicate that the active subcomponent includes high molecular weight components not present in the inactive one, but that its histone content is somewhat lower. Using a very highly sensitive automatic recording apparatus for the measurement of melting profiles, no clear cut difference has been observed in the behaviour of active and inactive chromatin subcomponents nor in that of their total DNA.


Methylation process of mammalian ribosomal precursor RNA.

The analysis of RNA from L5178 Y cells, by electrophoreis in 1.7% polyacrylamide gel, after short time labelling with [methyl-3H] methionine, shows that the three molecular species 47S, 46S and 45S RNA from the ribosomal RNA "45S fraction" are methylated. Comparative studies of the kinetics obtained after labelling for short periods with [methyl-3H] methionine and [3H] uridine, and brief labelling experiments with [methyl-3H] methionine in the presence of actinomycin D, show that the methylation of ribosomal precursor RNA occurs after the transcription process has been completed, and that methylation and transcription are not coordinated. These results lead us to propose the following scheme for ribosomal RNA biosynthesis : 1) transcription of ribosomal genes, 2) methylation of 47S RNA (and possibly 46S RNA), 3) maturation of these molecules which are converted to 45S RNA.


Phosphorylation and protein kinase activities of chromosomal non histone proteins from chick embryo fibroblasts.

Confluent chick embryo fibroblasts were cultured in vitro in (i) medium which prevented the cells from dividing, (ii) medium which stimulated the cells to divide synchronously, (iii) medium without lysine in which the cells were blocked in G1. Chromosomal non histone proteins (NHP) were extracted from cells pulse labelled with 32P phosphate, and the radioactivity analyzed by acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Several radioactive peaks were found all along the gel in the NHP from confluent and stimulated cells. The highest phosphorylation was found in the fast moving proteins, but the stimulation of the cells increases the phosphorylation of the slower moving proteins. In the NHP from cells cultured in the medium without lysine only the slow migrating proteins were phosphorylated. NHP were extracted from unlabelled cell cultures in the three different media, incubated with [gamma-32P] ATP and analyzed by acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Highly labelled peaks were observed in the fast moving proteins from stimulated cells and from cells cultured in a medium deprived from lysine. By comparing in vivo and in vitro phosphorylation, it can be concluded that in confluent cells the turnover of bound phosphate is slow. In stimulated cells there is a fast turnover of the phosphate bound to fast turnover of the phosphate bound to a small group of fast migrating proteins and very little turnover of the phosphate bound to slow migrating proteins. The cells were incubated with labelled lysine and NHP analyzed by gel electrophoresis. The radioactivity of individual NHP varied with the culture conditions, but in all cases, there was little radioactivity in the fast moving proteins. The phosphate groups submitted to a fast turnover are bound to stable proteins. Phosvitin and casein kinase activities were measured in the NHP fractions. Nine-ten peaks of activities were observed with each substrate. Some variations were observed which apparently correlate with the culture conditions.


[Acetylcholinesterase. I. Kinetic aspects of interaction with reversible effectors].

Interaction of an effector M with acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) according to the model of Krupka and Laidler was analysed. Some usual functions of [M] : 1/VM, [(VO/VM)-1]/[M] (where VO and VM are the steady state rates in the absence and in the presence of modifiers, respectively), vertical intercept 1/VM, slope KM/VM and absolute value of reciprocal horizontal intercept KM of Lineweaver-Burk plots are investigated and corresponding plots described. It is particularly shown that if Dixon plots are curves concave downwards, plots of [VO/VM)-1]/[M] and 1/VM against [M] are hyperbolas concave upwards and downwards respectively. If Dixon plots are curves concave upwards, plots of [(VO/VM)-1]/[M] and 1/VM versus [M] are hyperbolas concave downwards and upwards respectively. Moreover plots of KM/VM against [M] are linear. However, this model does not explain some observations, under conditions of high ionic strength (gamma/2 greater than or equal to 0,1), where Dixon plots are curves concave upwards, plots of [VO/VM)-1]/[M] versus [M] strainght lines, the plot of 1/VM against [M] is a straight line or a curve concave upwards of positives slopes and the plot of KM/VM versus [M] a curve of positive slope concave upwards. These experimental data might be interpreted by an extension of the preceding model to a mechanism with two enzymatic binding sites under kinetic conditions that are determined.


[Characterization of histones from beef pancreas].

The total histone of ox pancreas was fractionated by electrophoresis on 10 and 25 cm polyacrylamide gels according to Panyim and Chalkley (1969). The presence of an additional subfraction within the lysine rich histone was stated. In the course of the fractionation of total histone according to the method of Oliver et al. (1972) this additional histone component was extracted together with F1 histone.


Studies on free or haptoglobin-bound hemoglobin and derivatives (semihemoglobins and porphyrinated semihemoglobins). Some aspects of their peroxidatic activity.

The peroxidatic activity of hemoglobin (Hb) is known to be enhanced when this hemoprotein is bound to haptoglobin (Hp). The peroxidatic reaction (H2O2, guaiacol as donor) has been kinetically studied (Steady-state) in the presence of free or rabbit-haptoglobin bound human hemoglobin and some of its derivatives, all in ferricyano-form. With free Hb+ CN, we observed linearity of Lineweaver and Burk plots in a wide range of concentrations, the donor's behaviour was therefore assumed to obey the Michaelis-Menten mechanism. When Hp-Hb+ CN is the enzyme, the donor's behaviour is more complicated, analysis shows the existence of two kinds of donor's binding sites. The possibility whether this behaviour might correspond to the intrinsic properties of Hb chains, as revealed after combination with Hp, was examined. The peroxidatic activity of free and Hp-bound alpha and beta chains of Hb were studied. The alpha chains of Hb combine with Hp whereas the beta chains fail to do so. In order to make useful comparisons, the peroxidatic activity of Hp-bound alpha and beta chains were studied by the use of Hp-semihemoglobin complexes where the semihemoglobins carried heme on only one type of chain (alpha or beta). Results did not show an evident correlation between the activities of the two free or bound types of chains and those of the two classes of binding sites revealed in Hp-Hb+ CN. Moreover, it appeared that the heme-free complementary chain might influence the activity of the heme-carrying alpha or beta chain in semihemoglobins and Hp-semihemoglobin complexes. The binding or protoporphyrin on free and Hp-bound semihemoglobins leads to species which exhibit structures close to that of Hb and Hp-Hb complex respectivley. Results of studies on these derivatives brought up new interesting data : when the porphyrin ring alone is bound to the heme deficient chains (alpha or beta), in Hp-semihemoglobin complexes, the same peculiar behaviour, already observed with Hp-Hb complex, is found again. The structural implications of these results are discussed.


[Comparative study of phosphopeptides in various animal tissues].

We determined the phosphopeptide (PP) level in several tissues and compared the values to the phosphoprotein and phosphatide level. We studied whole organs and subcellular fractions isolated from these organs. The results showed that the PP were preferentially localised in membranes. Among all the organs analyzed, the electrical organ of "Torpedo marmorata" had the highest PP level. The phosphoprotein distribution was different from the PP one; the highest level of phosphorproteins was found in nuclei. There was also an increase in phosphoprotein level comparing whole tissues and membranes isolated from the same tissue. The preferential localisation of PP in membranes is also suggested by the parallelism between PP and phosphatide level, which is also higher in membranes than in whole organs. The peculiar polyanionic structure, as well as the active metabolism and the membranous localisation of PP support the hypothesis that these compounds might be good intermediates in active transport mechanisms.


Modification of pyruvate kinase isozymes in prolonged primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes.

Pyruvate kinase isozymic changes were studied in the adult hepatocyte cultures, by electrophoretic, kinetic and immunological methods. We were able to maintain parenchymal cells from normal adult rat liver in non-proliferating monolayer cultures up to 10 days. Hepatocytes appeared to contain a dominant PK I type up to 4-5 days of culture. After day 5, PK III type was regularly present with PK I and after 7 days PK III type was always the only isozyme detected in culture. It must be pointed out that, by the Ouchterlony method and sometimes by electrophoresis, concentrated extracts from freshly isolated hepatocytes or starting hepatocyte cultures did also contain Pyruvate kinase PK III type. These results suggest that Pyruvate kinase III is present but partly repressed in the adult parenchymal cells and becomes derepressed in culture.


[Substrates and products of fatty acid elongation in mouse brain microsomes].

In brain microsomes, palmitate and stearate elongation involve a membrane lipid-bound substrate. After elongation by malonyl-CoA, acyl-products are partially bound to proteins. Acyl-proteins are not found when endogenous fatty acid elongation takes place. In the dysmyelinating Quaking mouse mutants, "stearyl-membrane" substrate formation is normal; thus, the deficiency observed in very long chain fatty acid formation is not due to a lack in substrate formation.


Special features of Pi transport in pig heart and rat liver mitochondria as revealed by 6,6'-dithiodinicotinic acid (CPDS).

CPDS (6,6'-dithiodinicotinic acid), a non permeant thiol agent which affects several mitochondrial functions in a way different to that of mersalyl [18-19] revealed striking differences between the phosphate translocating systems of pig heart and rat liver mitochondria. Pi entry was measured either by swelling in 0.12 M ammonium phosphate or by rapid centrifugation in 32Pi medium. Pi efflux was measured after preloading of mitochondria with 32Pi, by exchange against Pi or malate; the "ATP-FCCP" system has been tested previously [19]. In pig heart mitochondria, Pi entry seems to proceed exclusively via the Pi/OH- carrier; CPDS completely inhibits this transport and the energy-linked functions. In contrast n-butyl-malonate does not affect the Pi-entry and the energy-linked functions. The Pi efflux is not affected either by CPDS or mersalyl, which do not produce a swelling in the "ATP-uncoupler system". In rat liver mitochondria, CPDS inhibits only the Pi/OH- carrier; both CPDS and n-butylmalonate are necessary to inhibit completely Pi entry. CPDS as well as mersalyl provokes a swelling in the presence of the "APT-uncoupler system". The results suggest two distinct functions of phosphate transport in both types of mitochondria.


Purification and characterization of ovine pancreatic alpha - amylase.

Ovine pancreatic amylase has been purified from pancreas homogenate by ammonium sulfate, acetone precipitation, DEAE-cellulose chromatography and finally by specific adsorption on polydextran gel. The enzyme is homogeneous and found as a single form as shown by disc electrophoresis, SDS gel electrophoresis, electrofocusing and ultracentrifugation. Its specific activity is similar to that of porcine amylase. The amino acid composition indicates a high content in aromatic and acidic amino acids as for the porcine enzyme; however the methionine and half cystine content differ widely. The N-terminal end is blocked. Also ovine amylase is glycosylated. The molecular weight (56,000-58,000) is slightly higher than for the porcine enzyme. The isoelectric point is acidic (pI = 3.2).


Significance of precancerous lesions in the colon and rectum.

The turnover of the colonic mucosa sheds some light on the understanding of the precancerous stages. The colon mucosa operates through a constant and regular epithelial renewal. The regularity of this cycle is controlled by two membranous systems: the basement membrane as a sliding support- coat and the as a brake in the cells progression and thus in the mitosis. Any disturbance, in these system, brings about a large extension of the proliferative area, according to modalities common to all varieties of precancerous, polypous or non-polypous condition. On this poll of undifferentiated cells, with frequent mitosis risks of cancerous changes are, all the higher, that the undifferentiated areas or growing areas are more extended. This explains the unequal tendency to malignancy of colitis, solitary polyps, villous polyps in layers, and multiple polyps.


Different types of DNA synthesis and their importance in cancer growth and therapy.

Three main types of DNA replication has been recognized: spontaneous, stimulated and induced synthesis. The spontaneous synthesis requires, in addition to the building blocks assembled by a series of enzymes, a preexisting DNA chain which plays both as template and primer. Such pattern, operatively completed during S phase of the cycle, is strictly dependent on the structural integrity of DNA molecule and on the energy level which provokes the signal of initiation.


The relation between the proliferative activity and the differentiation pattern of bone marrow cells from Rauscher leukemia virus infected BALB/c mice.

The proliferative activity of bone marrow from Rauscher Leukemia Virus infected mice was studied during the course of the disease. Spleen colony assay and thin-layer agar technique, both presumably reflecting the number of pluripotent hemopoietic stem cells, showed a 2.6 times increase in colony forming units (CFU-S resp. CFU-A) at 12 days after infection. The Bradley method of culturing colonies in agar, which is stated to reflect the number of myeloid precursor cells, resulted in a slower rise in colony forming units (CFU-C) with a maximum of 2.3 times increase at 19 days after infection. These results were compared to the differentiation patterns of the bone marrow at similar intervals after infection. The course of the CFU-C curve parallelled the rise in the number of the myeloblasts in the bone marrow. The pattern of CFU-A and CFU-S curves preceded the rise in number of CFU-C by 7 days. It was found, that RLV infection apart from causing an erythroblastosis in the spleen and a severe anemia is followed by a disappearance of neutrophil granulocytes from the bone marrow. The latter phenomenon is probably the primary cause of the increase of hemopoietic stem cells.


Impaired exchange of autotranfused blood lymphocytes between intra- and extravascular pools in patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Autotransfusion of 3H-cytidine labeled blood lymphocytes was performed in 4 normal subjects, 3 patients with non-leukemic malignant lymphoma (1 reticulum cell sarcoma, 2 lymphosarcoma), 2 treated, non-leukemic patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and 11 untreated CLL patients. Immediately after autotransfusion on the average only 41.3% and 47.5% of the infused labeled lymphocytes were recovered in the blood of the normal subjects and of the untreated CLL patients, respectively. During the first hour, in the normal subjects a higher proportion of labeled cells disappeared from the blood that in untreated CLL patients. Thereafter, this initial rapid decrease ceased and levelled off into a plateau with rather constant recovery values. At this time (1-4 hours after autotransfusion), on the average only 6.7% of the normal lymphocytes, but 27.8% of the untreated CLL lymphocytes were recovered in the blood. In the non-leukemic lymphoma of the untreated CLL lymphocytes were recovered in the blood. In the non-leukemic lymphoma patients and treated CLL patients the autotransfused lymphocytes exhibited circulation kinetics similar to those of the normal lymphocytes. The majority of blood lymphocytes from untreated patients with CLL seem to be characterized by a poor exchange rate between intra- and extravascular lymphocyte pools and a prolonged intra-vascular life span. These findings agree with the impaired recirculation kinetics of CLL lymphocytes and their abnormal 0ehaviour in several "in vitro" tests dealing with other lymphocyte functions.


[Attempt at characterization of 2 erythrocyte variants of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in a patient with a partial enzymatic deficit].

The electrophoresis shows, in red blood cells of a North African man affected by a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, the presence of two enzymes differing by their electrophoretic mobilities: one of them presents in the same mobility as variant Gd (+) B, the other being faster. After partial purification of the enzymes by ionic exchange chromatography on cellex D BIO-RAD, the preparation obtained shows some kinetic abnormalities: an increased value of 2-deoxy-glucose-6-phosphate utilisation and a non linear plot of 1/v versus 1/s, inadequate for Km determination. Assuming that our preparation contains two enzymes differing by their affinities for glucose-6-phosphate, were carried out a study of their Michaelis constants for glucose-6-phosphate by a method based on the densitometric determination of colored spots corresponding to these two variants after electrophoretic separation on cellogel strips. One of these variants is similar to Gd (+) B, the other being characterised by increased values of: electrophoretic mobility (+ 110%), Km for glucose-6-hosphate (194 +/- 38 muM, normal range being 55 to 70 muM), utilisation coefficient of 2-deoxy-glucose-6-phosphate.


[Thermogenesis of breast cancers. V. The effects of 60Co radiotherapy and the correlations with expectations of a cure].

The action of ionizing radiation on the metabolic heat production by cancers has been investigated on a group of 24 small breast carcinomas (T1 and T2), all treated exclusively by radiotherapy under equivalent conditions (60Co) and then followed up regularly (mean recall period of five years). Following techniques have been used: intratumoral thermometry and fluvography for computing the specific heat power of the tumour, infrared thermography for analysing the skin thermal pattern quantitatively. Comparison between clinical, radiographical and thermal findings has more especially shown; a) the constant agreement between the final loco-regional results of radiotherapy and the evolution of both the heat production by the tumour and the related hyperthermia on the skin; b) the early appearance of the thermal signs of either a regression or a recurrence of the tumour, compared with the corresponding morphological signs. The fundamental and practical consequences can be summarized as follows: 1 degree distinction between radiosensitive and radioresistant carcinomas accroding as the specific heat power of the tumour is reduced or not after irradiation; 2 degrees definition of three types of thermal evolution by normalization, regression followed by re-increase, and continuance of both tumour heat production and malignant skin hyperthemia, and corresponding to the clinical concepts of sterilization, recurrence and nonsterilization respectively; 3 degrees justification of the systematic use of thermal methods for post-irradiation follow-up, especially to detect a local recurrence earlier and to specify the nature of a doubtful remaining opacity; 4 degrees description of objective thermal criteria allowing to decide a repairing mastectomy within shorter delays.


[Report on the study of hyaluronic acid in the diagnosis of pleural mesotheliomas: study of 100 hyaluronic acid rich effusions].

Hyaluronic acid was measured in 1580 pleural effusions. We report 100 cases of hyaluronate-rich pleural fluids. Correlations betueen clinical, radiological and histological diagnosis of mesothelioma and the characterization of hyaluronate are discussed. These data suggest the possibility of a biochemical approach for the diagnosis of pleural malignant tumours.


Effect of catecholamines on renin release in vitro.

Beta receptor activation by isoproterenol stimulates renin release by kidney slices "in vitro". This effect is dose-dependent and blocked by propranolol. High norepinephrine concentration has an inhibitory effect on renin secretion which is reversed by phentolamine: activation of alpha receptors probably decreases renin release.


Failure of permanent marrow ablation to induce a myeloproliferative disorder in rabbits.

Rabbits in which bone marrow necrosis is induced often develop myeloproliferation with extra-medullary hemopoiesis. There is a study suggesting that a similar event ensues after mechanical marrow ablation. To investigate the latter phenomenon, we flushed and curretted the long bones of rabbits and then plugged their marrow cavities permanently preventing marrow regeneration. Four-8-long bones per rabbit were ablated by this technique. Serial blood evaluations were performed and upon death or sacrifice autopsies were performed. Some animals were followed up to one year. None developed any sigh of a myeloproliferative disorder as judged by leukocytosis, peripheral blood morphology and organ examination for extramedullary hemopoiesis.


The oncostatic and immunosuppressive action of new nitrosourea derivatives containing sugar radicals.

Four new nitrosourea derivatives represent an appreciable progress in the treatment and cure of L1210 leukemia. Their therapeutic index is higher than that of CCNU and MeCCNU. Of these compounds, RFCNU may prove the most promising, as its therapeutic index is the highest of those for all the four compounds studied; moreover, unlike the other products, it is not immunosuppressive, whether administered before or after the antigen.


[Identification by means of heat denaturation of chromosome aberrations in 6 human metastatic tumors].

The method of chromosome reverse banding was applied to cancer cells. 95 mitotic figures, obtained from 6 histologically different metastatic effusions, in man were studied. This method gives a precise identification of numerical and structural abnormalities in chromosomes. Every possible type of chromosome mutation was observed. The chromosome accidents are different according to their frequence and their stability. This seems to be linked with the genetic contents.


Human erythrocytic calcium concentration in hemolytic anemia.

In order to elucidate the role of the Ca2+ accumulation in hemolytic process, erythrocytic calcium concentration has been studied by atomic absorption spectroscopy in 18 cases of congenital hemolytic anemias and in 19 cases of acquired auto-immune hemolysis. An increased erythrocytic Ca2+ level was observed in some, but not in all, congenital (10 cases) or acquired (6 cases) hemolytic anemias. It seems that the loss in erythrocytic deformability induced by calcium accumulation probably was not the common state leading to hemolysis.


Combined use of immunocytochemical and autoradiographic techniques for studying the renewal of gastrin cells.

The combined use of immunocytochemical labelling of gastrin cells and of autoradiographic labelling after a single injection of tritiated thymidine, showed that these endocrine cells are renewed in the antrum of adult mice.


[Micro-determination of hemoglobin by measuring the peroxidase activity].

A simple and rapid method is described for the determination of serum hemoglobin. Free hemoglobin shows no peroxidase activity but human hemoglobin-human haptoglobin complex presents a peroxidase activity which permits hemoglobin determination. It is shown that a good source of haptoglobin is constituted by pools of non-hemolyzed human serums.


Renal hemodynamic response to l-dopa during acute renal failure in man.

Twelve patients with acute renal failure underwent L.dopa infusion into a renal artery and 133Xenon wash-out recordings before and during the infusion. Urine volume and sodium output were also compared during two 24 hours periods, before and after the procedure. Hemodynamic data were compared with data obtained from a matched group of patients receiving Furosemide (8 patients) in place of L.dopa. Only L.dopa infusion significantly increased outer cortical distribution (p less than 0.005 using paired t-test). No blood flow change could be demonstrated in any component nor did the drug improve urinary excretion or the general course of the disease. Control data shows that reduced cortical distribution is the most consistent feature of acute renal failure, so that L.dopa does partially improve intrarenal hemodynamics in this condition. The failure of the drug to restore kidney function may be explained by the following reasons: a) Inability of the agent to restore a normal wash-out pattern; b) Involvement of non-hemodynamic factors, as suggested by comparing similar wash-out improvements after L.dopa in acute glomerulonephritis and in reversible acute renal failure.


Letter: Effect of BCG on haemopoietic stem cells.

The i.v. administration of living BCG to (DBA/2 X C57Bl/6) Fl mice pushd quickly the quiescent stem cells of bone marrow into S phase of the cell cycle. This treatment can be used to shorten the intervals of hemopoietic restoration after administration of combination cytotoxic chemotherapy.


Culture of chondrocytes from the proliferative zone of epiphyseal growth plate cartilage from prepubertal rabbits.

Chondrocytes from epihyseal growth plate cartilage of prepubertal rabbits were cultured. Cells from the proliferative zone showed a very different adhesiveness: they did not stick to the flasks until the 8th to 10th days. They need more oxygen tension to develop and grew in small separated colonies. Each colony was composed by several layers of round or polygonal cells, metachromatic with toluidine blue and they were surrounded by one layer of fibroblastic-like cells. At the end of primary culture the colonies looked like "craters". Cells from the resting zone multiplied as monolayer culture identical to articular chondrocytes. The stage of differentiation of the two different kinds of cells is discussed.


Study of cellular immunity in rheumatoid arthritis: inhibition of leucocyte migration by a synovial extract.

The antigenicity of aqueous extracts of osteoarthritic and rheumatoid synoviale was studied in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, other diseases and in normal controls by the mean of leucocyte migration test, lymphoblastic transformation test and cutaneous reactions. In 59% cases of rheumatoid arthritis an inhibition of the migration of leucocytes was found but there was no relation between this test and the clinical state, the evolution, rheumatoid serology and other laboratory parameters. In some cases of rheumatoid arthritis an inhibition of the migration of leucocytes was observed also with a pericardial and hepatic extract. In normal controls the leucocyte migration test is always negative, but it is positive in 37% of cases of various inflammatory and neoplastic diseases and the difference is not significant considering the percentage of positivity of the test in rheumatoid arthritis. The lymphoblastic transformation test and the cutaneous reactions were always negative in rheumatoid arthritis and in controls. Thus, the leucocyte migration  test using a synovial extract as an antigen does not bring evidence in favour of an auto-immune conflict in rheumatoid arthritis.


Relationship between Hb and HbA2 concentrations in untreated and Fe-treated iron deficiency anaemia.

The absolute concentrations of Hb (x) and HbA2 (y) were statistically correlated (a = 0.0208; b = 0.0170; r = 0.4700; P less than 0.05) in 29 subjects with iron deficiency anaemia. 15 days after a month course of iron therapy the mean percentage increase of HbA2 was greater (123.9%) than that of Hb (62.0%). HbA2 concentration was still correlated with that of Hb (r = 0.6632; P less than 0.001), but the values for intercept and slope (a = - 0.1476; b = 0.0383) indicated a relatively greater production of HbA2.


Hl-A antigens associated with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis in an ethnic homogeneous population.

The HL-A phenotypes of 52 patients with rhematoid arthritis and 26 patients with ankylosing spondylitis from an ethnic homogeneous population have been determined. No definite association has been established with rheumatoid arthritis, while a very significant association has been found between ankylosing spondylitis and HL-A 27 antigen. This finding suggests that certain patients with ankylosing spondylitis have a genetically determined susceptibility to their disease which could be due to a cross-tolerance mechanism enabling infectious agent antigens to mimic certain histo-compatibility antigens, or to a linkage between HL-A genes and those controlling immune responsiveness.


Renal tubular sodium reabsorption during the recovery from the oliguric phase of acute nephritis.

The urinary excretion of sodium, calcium, phosphorus and the reabsorption of solute free-water, were studied in seven water-restricted patients with post-streptococcal acute glomerulonephritis. During the recovery from the initial salt-retaining phase, there was a progressive increase in the urinary excretion of sodium, phosphorus and calcium either in absolute values or when expressed as their tubular rejection fractions. A progressive increase in free-water reabsorption as percentage of creatinine clearance was also demonstrated. The data suggest that in this phase of the disease there occurs a non specific supression of proximal tubular activity.


[Dynamic comparative study of the intraalveolar cell population after intratracheal injection of beryllium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide in the rat].

A sequential quantitative analysis of free alveolar cells was performed on S.P.F. rats after intratracheal injection of Be (OH)2 and Al (OH)3. The induced lesions were entirely restored 20 days after the initial injection. Beryllium hydroxide inhibited DNA synthesis in the free alveolar macrophages and the transeptal cellular flow could be evidenced. Aluminium hydroxide increased the number of free cells without inhibiting DNA synthesis. Quantitative variations of polymorphonuclears, lymphocytes and macrophages were correlated with changes in the alveolar environment. A strong direct correlation between the number of lymphocytes and DNA synthetizing macrophages was shown out. This reaction was not observed in beryllium treated rats.


Characteristics of messenger ribonucleoprotein and putative messenger RNA from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

Ehrlich ascites tumor cell messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) and putative messenger RNA (mRNA) were isolated under conditions minimizing RNA degradation by ribonucleases and non-specific protein-RNA interaction, mRNP dissociated from polysomes by puromycin and EDTA sedimented to 185S. Putative messenger RNA released by proteinase K sedimented from 50 to 97S, with a maximum molecular weight approximating 6-25 X 10(6) daltons.


Growth hormone release by glycine injected intravenously in 22 healthy sexually immature children.

A solution of 10% glycine (250 mg/kg of body weight) was injected in within 5-10 minutes in 22 healthy, sexually immature children who were previously tested for insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Blood specimens were collected before, 10, 30, 60 and 120 minutes after injection for glucose, HGH and total alpha-amino nitrogen determination. The mean peak post-glycine level of serum HGH was 11.47 +/- 1.558 ng/ml (+/- SEM) and did not differ significantly from the corresponding post-insulin mean value (15.63 +/- 0.247 ng/ml). The highest post-stimulatory mean value (8.88 +/- 1.694 ng/ml) was observed 30 minutes after the end of the injection of glycine. Glycine is a reliable GH stimulating agent, which may be tentatively used for detection of hyposomatotropism in children.


A study of the metabolism of zinc its metalloenzymes in diabetes mellitus.

In a study of 24 diabetics, hyperzincuria was observed, especially in females. In the female diabetics serum lactic dehydrogenase activity was related to the serum zinc level and urinary zinc excretion. In male diabetics serum zinc and alkaline phosphatase were correlated as were serum lactic dehydrogenase and urinary zinc excretion.


Effect of pyrazole administration on the isopropanol induced fatty liver.

The isopropanol induced fatty liver is prevented in the rat by prior administration of pyrazole. Acetone administration, on the other hand, determines an increase in the hepatic triglyceride level. These results suggest the implications of acetone in the induction of the fatty liver following acute isopropanol administration in the rat.


[Study of blood amino acids during a phenylalanine loading test].

A study of serum amino-acids during a L-phenylalanine loading test was performed in controls, heterozygotes and phenylketonuric patients with and without restricted diet. Abnormalities in plasma-amino acids were found in phenylketonuric patients at time zero with a fall of the level of some amino-acids (except for phenylalanine) when compared with the levels found in controls. These results are statistically valid only for threonine and proline. These abnormalities of the plasma amino-acids disappeared when patients were treated by a restricted diet. At the end of a loading test, there was no statistically valid changes of the blood amino-acids in controls, heterozygotes nor in patients with a restricted diet. There was no enhancement of the abnormalities in phenylketonuria.


[Autoradiographic analysis of the incorporation of uridine-H3 into hyperchromic motoneurons of mouse spinal cord].

Under conditions of local administration of uridine-H3 solution a study was made of the dynamics of the isotope incorporation into the RNA of the nuclei and the cytoplasm of the perikarion of the hyperchromic motor neurons of the ventro-lateral nucleus of mouse spinal cord. An increase in the content of hyperchromic neurocytes in the population under study was reached in mice as a result of swimming for four hours. A different character of the label regression curves for the hyperchromic and normochromic motor neurons was shown.


[Intertubular cells and their relation to the renal cambium].

The intertubular cells (ITC) of the cortex of the human kidney (from the fetus, newborns, children aged from 1 to 5 years, adults aged from 30 to 70) were studied. The ITC in the kidneys with an undeveloped structure (fetus, newborns) amounted 21.4--12.6% of the epithelial cells of the convoluted tubules and for children over one year and adults--7.6%. When the kidney was affected by nephrotoxic poison (ethylene-glycol) and deep hypoxia and ITC were activated, began to multiply and made up 14.5% of the epithelium of the convoluted tubules. It is suggested that the ITC represented a peculiar cambium of the renal tubules which formed due to the transferring of a part of the cells of the metaneophrogenic tissue into position of rest (R-period).


[Participation of smooth muscle cells in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques].

A study of the participation of the smooth muscle cells in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions was made on the autopsy material with the use of specific antiserum to the smooth muscle actomyosin and of indirect Coons' method. Typical forms of atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta, cerebral vessels and coronary arteries were studied. Smooth muscle cells were detected in the thickened intima alongside the atherosclerotic lesions, in fatty streaks, in the fibrous tissue of the atherosclerotic plaque, but they were not found in the atheromatous masses. The proliferation and migration of the smooth muscle cells is regarded as an essential factor in the pathogenetic mechanisms of atherosclersis.


[Quantitative stereological evaluation of the processes of intrafollicular colloid accumulation and excretion in the thyroid gland].

The paper treats the biological importance of the correlation between the inner (resorbing) surface of thyroid follicles and their colloid content. The morphometric method for determination of this parameter based on the sterological principles is presented. The validity of this method is demonstrated by a model experiment.


[Effect of bradykinin on blood circulation in the human celiac artery bed].

Selective angiography and direct measurements of the arterial pressure in the celiac artery was used to study the influence of bradykinin on the blood circulation in healthy organs in the celiac region in 24 patients. A high sensitivity of the vessels to the action of bradykinin (0.1--10 mkg) was revealed: it decreased the blood pressure, increased the rate of blood flow, increased the diameter of arterial and venous vessels, arterio-venous anastomosis, increased the number of functioning capillaries. No differences were found in the reaction of the vessels of the liver, spleen pancreas, duodenum and the stomach to bradykinin.


[Competitive relations between tetanus anatoxin and toxin].

Experiments were conducted on albino mice; it was shown that preliminary injection of tetanus toxoid enhanced the animal resistance to tetanus toxin, this being expressed in increase in LD50. The effect increased the higher doses of the toxoid and their fractional injection. By using protagon and crude mitochondrial fraction isolated from the brain as a receptor of tetanus toxin in the nervous tissue there were established competitive relations for the receptor between the tetanus toxoid and the toxin. The results of investigations confirmed the authors' earlier statement that the molecule of the tetanus toxin contained different functional groups responsible for the toxin binding with the receptor in the nervous tissue, for the pathogenic action of the toxin and for the binding of the toxin with antitoxin.


[Age changes in rat vasomotor reflexes and sympathetic neuron ultrastructure following chemical sympathectomy].

Prolonged administration of guanethidine (20 mg/kg) to newborn rats caused a marked reduction in the number of cells in stellate ganglia. The administration of guanethidine for 14 days decreased the amount of cells to 30% of the normal (partial sympathectomy), and for 28 days--to 0.5% (complete sympathectomy). At the age of two months the blood pressure pressor reflexes to asphyxia and femoral nerve stimulation were absent in both groups of the sympathectomized animals. These responses, however, were restored in the partially sympathectomized animals at the age of four months. No restoration took place in the completely sympathectomized animals. The electron microscopic studies of neurons in the partially sympathectomized animals showed the presence of a great number of neurofibrils. According to literature data this fact was typical of cells in which an active growth of axon fibers took place.


[Effect of pharmacological block of individual sections of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenal system on its function in acute hemic hypoxia].

Experiments on 228 male albino rats revealed an increase in the functional activity of all the sections of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal adrenal neurosecretory system. A degree of a functional activity of this system was of great significance in the development of the organism's resistance to hypoxia. The leading section of the activation of this system was secretion of the corticotropine-releasing factor of the hypothalamus.


[Analysis of the causes of increased tremor in thyroid hyperfuction].

The authors present the results of examination of tremor (hand and trunk) of the amplitude of H- and T-reflexes and of the H-reflex inhibition during the contraction of antagonistic muscles and of facilitattion of T- and H-reflexes during the Yendrassik maneuvre in 33 children with hyperfunction of the thyroid gland and 20 normal subjects. It was established that the amplitude of tremor was greater and the frequency was less in these patients than in normal subjects; the amplitude of the H- and T-reflexes was enhanced, and the intensity of reciprocal inhibition of the soleus muscle motor neurons was less in the patients. Comparison of the amplitude of the T- and H-reflexes indicated that against the background of the Yendrassik maneuvre facilitation of the T-reflex was less intense and facilitation of the H-reflex was more intense than in normal subjects. The authors supposed that the enhanced tremor in the patients was due to the motor neurons pool depolarization, to decrease the efficacy of reciprocal inhibition and to diminished suprasegmental influences spread to the gamma-motor neurons.


[Corticofugal factors in the development of feeding motivation].

The influences of various cortical areas in the mechanisms of feeding motivation, forming a directed response, were investigated in chronic experiments on rabbits. Electric stimulation of the frontal and antero-temporal cortical areas inhibited the feeding response elicited by the hypothalamic feeding centre stimulation. Inhibition of the frontal cortex proved to be more expressed. Stimulation of the postero-temporal and occipital cortical areas decreased the threshold of an evoked feeding response or elicited this response in the satiated animals.


[Effect of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine on the development of neurogenic dystrophy in the gastric wall and on its noradrenaline content].

A study was made of the effect of alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (50 mg/kg) on the development of hemorrhagic erosiions of the wall of the stomach caused by electrostimulation of immobilized rats and on the content of noradrenaline in it. Alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine increased the number of hemorrhagic erosions in the wall of the stomach and intensified the reduction of the noradrenaline level in it.


[Catecholamine content and electrolyte balance of the rabbit myocardium during poisoning with 2,4-dinitrophenol].

At the initial stages of energy deficiency in rabbits caused by an intravenous injection of 2,4-dinitrophenol (10 mg/kg) there occurred in the cardiac ventricles an increase in the noradrenalin content and a fall in the potassium level. In case of a more pronounced energy deficiency (20 and 30--40 mg/kg of 2,4-dinitrophenol) noradrenaline stores in the heart became exhaustated, whereas the potassium level in the myocardium became greater. There is a fall of adrenaline stores in the heart, whereas the potassium level in the myocardium increased. The amount of adrenaline in the heart and the adrenal glands decreased. Deep energy deficiency is accompanied by the syndrome of hyperkaliemia associated with the exit of potassium into the blood from the depot tissues.


[Effect of stress on parietal hydrolysis of saccharose in rats].

Experiments were conducted in albino rats of both sexes and different age; a study was made of the activity of the intestinal invertase directly after 4-hour immobilization. There was revealed a depressive effect of stress on the activity of membrane digestion and enzyme production in the intestinal epithelal cells, and a definite dependence of the observed effect on the animals' sex age. The latter was expressed in a greater fall of the invertase activity in young females and in its marked variations in old female rats.


[Insulin content of rat blood following injury to the ventromedial section of the hypothalamus].

Experiments were conducted on albino rats; injury of the ventro-medial portion of the hypothalamus or section of its nervous bonds was accompanied by hyperinsulinemia, which may serve, along with hyperphagia, as a direct cause of adiposity.