Hormonal steroids: effects on the vascular system.

An increase in the incidence of thromboembolic disorders has been associated with oral contraceptive use, though the causative mechanisms remain unclear. Our studies indicate that the contraceptive steroids, irrespective of the intermediary metabolic processes involved, cause changes in the surface charge characteristics of the blood vessel wall and blood cells in the following cases: (i) in experiments using dogs, the hormonal steroids result in a greater reduction in the pore surface charge of veins than in arteries; (ii) in rats, the current induced mesenteric occlusion times are significantly lowered following administration of combined contraceptives steroids; (iii) in humans, the electrophoretic mobilities of erythrocytes and platelets from women taking Ovral and Demulen are lower than in controls, and (iv) there is no significant alteration of plasma coagulation times of women who are on injectable progestin therapy. Demulen and Ovral appear to result in a slight decrease in activated partial thromboplastin times compared to controls.


Experimental production of aneuploidy in mouse oocytes.

The normal course of meiosis can be interrupted in cultured mouse oocytes by exposre to low temperature (23 degrees C). Re-transfer of the oocytes to a 37 degrees C environment will permit the meiotic process to resume and progress as usual to second metaphase. However, a significant number of oocytes treated in this manner prove to contain abnormal numbers of chromosomes.


Serum unconjugated estriol in the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy.

A radioimmunoassay for serum unconjugated estriol in the menstrual cycle with a sensitivity of about 5 pg/ml is described. 8 cycles were studied. In 2 cycles, single spikes of 22 and 30 pg/ml were obtained. In 3 cycles, concentrations of 4-5 pg/ml were found whereas in the other 3 studies, no estriol was detected. In general, peaks of estriol corresponded to peaks in estradiol plus estrone. Patients in 4-12 weeks of gestation were also studied. Concentrations as high as 262 pg/ml were found but in isolated instances, no estriol was detected. The results support the view that in contrast to the pregnant state, in the normal menstrual cycle, the bulk of the estriol produced is conjugated before release into the blood.


[Osteoid-osteoma of the hand skeleton].

According to the literature it seems that osteoid-osteoma is quite often seen in the skeleton of the hand. Three cases (os scaphoideum, os hamatum, metacarpus III) are described. The clinical diagnosis may be difficult. Priority is given to the symptomatology which may lead to the diagnosis in spite of difficulty in radiological evaluation.


[Contusion of the ulnar nerve with fibro-lipomatous hypertrophy. A case report].

The autor describes a case of compression syndrom of the ulnar nerve at the elbow after a blow-injury. At the operation the nerve presented a considerable fibro-lipomatous intraneural hypertrophy with extention over almost the whole length of the extremity. Furthermore, a similar case of the deep branch of the radial nerve is mentioned, presenting the same pathological condition. Till now, only cases affecting the median nerve, have been described in the world literature.


[Variations of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel].

In over 250 operative procedures in 135 cases the median nerve was subjected to a close study in the carpal tunnel. In 13 cases modifications of its regular branching were found. These variations have been described together with those reported in the literature. A double motor branch (6 cases) and a high division of the median nerve (4 cases) were the most common. In very few cases an accessory motor branch was found to leave the nerve proximal to the carpal tunnel.


[Clinical significance of the styloid bone].

This article deals with the clinical importance of the os styloideum carpi, and the differential diagnosis and therapy of painful styloid boss. Emphasis is laid on the importance of further studies, especially in pathomechanics.


[Experience with the AO smallest-fragment set in fractures of the phalanges].

When treated conservatively, fractures of the proximal and middle phalanges require long immobilization with results usually being poor. Operative treatment with K-wires has also been found not to be entirely satisfactory. Therefore small screws and plates (AO) were developed for internal fixation and used in 31 phalangeal fractures. The technique and instruments used are described. Functional results appeared to be superior with this method reported here.


Studies on thyroid therapy and thyroid function in depressive patients.

A number of cases of depressed patients have latent hypothyroidism, possibly due to hypothalamo-pituitary dysfunction, and become refractory to antidepressant drugs. The dramatic effect or thyroid medication combined with tricyclic antidepressants is often observed in such persistently depressed patients. This effect seems to pertain to the catecholamine hypothesis of depression, but this requires further elucidation.


Hippocampal seizure and secondary epileptogenesis in the "kindled" cat preparations.

The behavioral, electrographic and transference characteristics were investigated in hippocampal kindled cats. All animals developed generalized convulsions following daily hippocampal stimulation (mean 51.8 days). A distinct sequence of behavioral events was observed prior to the seizure and classified into six stages. Motor seizure manifestations appeared along with the emergence of an entirely independent after-discharge and interictal discharge in the bilateral globus pallidus (GP) and amygdala (AM). Secondary site convulsions were triggered with initial stimulation in the GP, contralateral dorsal hippocampus and in most AM sites. This finding suggests that after the primary site was kindled, these previously unstimulated secondary structures attained a response potency equal to that of the primary site. Furthermore, the "all-or nothing" response was confirmed both in the primary and secondary site convulsions.


Chronic meningoencephalomyelitis with spastic spinal paralysis: a case report.

A case of chronic meningoencephalomyelitis in a 48-year-old housewife is presented. The onset was characterized by spastic paralysis of the lower extremities. The course was progressive with repeated remissions and exacerbations, and the patient died approximately seven years after the onset of disease. Laboratory tests showed slightly increased cell count in the spinal fluid, accelerated sedimentation rate, positive CRP and RA, and increased ASLO and gamma globulin levels. Neuropathologic examination revealed such changes as perivascular cellular infiltration, glial nodules, poorly demarcated demyelination and recent necrosis in the spinal cord and basal ganglia. Only mild inflammatory findings were noted in the telencephalon and brain stem. The clinico-pathologic findings in this case supported a diagnosis of chronic meningoencephalomyelitis which could not be classified as any known type of encephalomyelitis.


Involvement of central nervous system in pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

A 24- year-old female with typical pseudoxanthoma elasticum of the skin, angioid streaks of the optic fundi and cardiovascular involvement developed neurasthenic symptoms, epilepsy, progressive mental deterioration and focal neurological deficits. Cerebral angiography revealed marked generalized arteriosclerotic change and occlusion of the left internal carotid artery. The literature of pseudoxanthoma elasticum is reviewed with special reference to central nervous system (CNS) manifestations. The possible role of the involvement of cerebral arteries in the genesis of CNS manifectations is discussed. And the importance of neurasthenic syndrome as an initial sign, which suggests that CNS involvement has already started in this disease, is stressed.


Frequency of Alzheimer's neurofibrillary tangles in the basal ganglia and brain-stem in Alzheimer's disease, senile dementia and the aged.

The authors studied the frequency of neurofibrillary tangles in the basal ganglia and brain-stem of two cases with Alzheimer's disease (average 55 years of age), six cases with senile dementia (average 82 years) and ten cases with cerebral softening and arteriosclerosis in old age (average 79 years). The distribution pattern of ANC was almost the same in Alzheimer's disease and senile dementia, i.e. plenty of ANC were found in the nucl. dorsalis raphe, nucl. centralis superior, nucl. mamilloinfundibularis and nucl. basilaris, but in senile dementia ANC were much fewer in the thalamus and lenticular nuclei. In the aged with cerebral softening and arteriosclerosis, a negligible number of ANC in the brain-stem made a marked contrast to a large quantity of ANC in the cases with senile dementia. Hence, as far as ANC in the brain-stem is concerned, no continuum seems to exist between normal senility and senile dementia.


Post-mortem blood concentration of methanol in 17 cases of fatal poisoning from contraband vodka.

Recently in Tehran 57 persons were poisoned and admitted to hospitals after consumption of vodka. Seventeen of the 57 died and two others became blind. Analyses of the remaining vodka samples showed that they were contraband and were mixtures of methanol and water. Post-mortem samples of blood from 15 victims' hearts and two samples of viscera were analysed for methanol, the concentrations ranging from 23 to 268 mg per 100 ml blood and per 100 g viscera, respectively.


[Wounds caused by firearm projectiles : interpretation of the physical-physiological mechanism of the lesions].

An explanation is offered of the morphology of the entry wound caused by a firearm projectile, of the projectile path through the body, and of the exit wound. Special consideration is given to pressure and shock waves caused and their relation to the speed of the projectile (below, equal to or superior to Mach1). The action of both pressure and shock waves is very significant, more so than ts and derm and so causing their rupture.


ABO(H) group substances in human inner ear fluid.

Tests were carried out on 89 specimens of human inner ear fluid and the results compared with those of blood and salivary gland tests. It was found that ABO(H) group substances are present in the perilymph of secretors.


[The prevention and treatment of laryngeal and tracheal stenoses in children].

During long-term intubation and tracheotomy in childhood there is risk of stenosis in 3 regions: 1. in the area of the cricoid (ring) cartilage, 2. in the area of the tracheostomy, 3. in the area of the inflated cuff of the tube. To prevent this it is recommended to take an endoscopic look at the mucous membranes when changing the intubation tube or the tracheal cannula; to use for long-term intubation the naso-tracheal approach, combined with a tube with the smallest possible diameter; to use the "open-type tracheotomy" with a mucous membrane-epidermis suture and without the removal of cartilage. Careful inflation of the cuff and rhythmical changing of the position of the cuff in the cervical segment of the trachea lower the risk of pressure-induced damage. If there is an infection or a metabolic disease the mucous membranes are extremely sensitive to pressure. Serious stenoses frequently make laryngical and tracheal plastic surgery in several sessions necessary. The curvature and stiffening of the ventral wall of the trachea can be achieved by implantation of arched cartilage from the cartilage bank.


[Proceedings: The clinical effects of human growth hormone. Report on an international symposium of the German Kabi Corp. on February 15, 1975 in Munich].

Report of an International Symposion (Febr. 15, 1975, Munich). Human growth hormone (HGH) acts on proliferation of cartilage, the basal process of growth, by the way of somatomedine and changes in protein metabolism. Growth can be enhanced in hypopituitary dwardism and with higher dosage in other forms of failure to thrive. HGH also seems to have a beneficial effect in patients with muscular dystrophy as shown in a preliminary report but not in thrombocytopenia. First observations on patients with osteogenesis imperfecta and on patients with non healing fractures of the long bones (pseudarthroses) have shown significant improvement. Of importance are the reports on stopping severe gastric hemorrhage in patients with stress ulcera.


Demonstration of placental aminopeptidase isozymes by disc electrophoresis and its application to the forensic pregnancy test from blood stains.

Serum and placental aminopeptidase isozymes were characterized by means of disc electrophoresis. Human pregnancy sera exhibited three bands with leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activity. The fastest moving LAP band was also present in nonpregnancy and foetal sera. The other two cystine aminopeptidase bands (CAP1 and CAP2), characteristic of pregnancy, were demonstrated in lysosomal extracts and hence suggested to be derived from the lysosomes of the placenta. These two CAP bands of lysosomal origin appeared in sera of pregnant women at different times during the course of gestation; CAP1 band in the 3rd month and CAP2 band in the 6th month. The information obtained from serum samples was applied to the medicolegal diagnosis of pregnancy from blood stains. Excess haemoglobin in blood stain extracts could be eliminated by subjecting them to a P-cellulose column. The results and their implications were discussed. This technique proved to be of practical use in the examination of blood stains up to periods of about 2 weeks after stain formation.


Gm(1) factor in human inner ear fluid.

The authors carried out investigations on the possibility of determining the Gm(1) factor in endolymph taken from human cadavers, as compared with tests of the blood. No difficulties or anomalies were found in the determination of Gm(1) factor either in the endolymph or the blood taken from cadavers.


Generalized fatal BaSO4 embolism from vaginal application of colonographic enema. A case report.

A 72-year-old woman died due to BaSO4 embolism from a ruptured vagina during colonography. The agony lasted for only 30 minutes. Post-mortem X-rays revealed opaque material in the region of the uterus and in the lungs. A tear, including a ruptured vein, filled with white material (BaSO4) was found in the vaginal wall. Barium was demonstrable in the microscopic sections of lungs, brain, liver and kidneys with rhodizonate staining. The case was classified as a therapeutic accident.


Criminal poisoning with anaesthetic drugs: murder, manslaughter, or not guilty.

Criminal poisoning is uncommon and the use of anaesthetic and related drugs for this purpose is very rare. Seven cases, involving the use of morphine, chloroform, hyoscine, thiopental, and succinylcholine, are described. In three cases the accused was found guilty of murder, in two guilty of manslaughter, in two not guilty and in one the verdict is not known.


[The value of motor tests in neuro-developmental diagnosis].

Recording and judgment of (psycho) motor behavior are important tools in developmental and neuropediatric diagnosis: During infancy and early childhood the developmental course of various motor functions has to be registered, and the alterations of spontaneous or provoked movements have to be assessed by neuropediatric evaluation. Present knowledge of underlying neurophysiological mechanisms is scarce; therefore, in the stage of collecting data, it is essential to gather information about motor phenomena by a valid and comprehensive assessment of motor skills and movement patterns together with the modifying and influencing variables. Motoscopic methods are useful in recording motor skills and movement patterns; however, they are influenced by subjective errors depending on the examiner's training and experience. Motometric tests yield information about the coordinative functions and gross motor skills (e.g. body coordination test; KTK) or about manual dexterity and fine motor functions (e.g. the "insertion test"; Gleiss). For an objective recording of motor performance and particularly for assessment of the course of movements in performing motor tasks motographic methods are necessary (e.g. diadochometry). Problems and possibilities of these (psycho) motor tests are discussed briefly. Development and application of motodiagnostic methods are still in an early stage so that conclusions about underlying neurophysiological mechanisms have to be drawn very carefully, e.g. in the diagnosis of so-called cerebral dysfunction.


[Sleep disorders in blind children].

In 4 cases of blind children also suffering from a cerebral damage disturbances of the natural sleep were observed. Such disturbances of sleep could be characterized by a dissociation of the daily sleep volume into some epoches which lasted not more than 5-6 hours each. The EEG, submental EMG and heart rate as well as respiration were recorded continuously during the sleep periods. Eye movements, however, as they are not detectable by electric recording, were observed visually. In our 4 cases of blind children eye movements disappeared during sleep and sleep stages characterized by desynchronized EEG were found to be reduced. This suggests that there might be an injury of nervous mechanisms responsible for the paradoxical sleep stage.


[Studies on cerebrospinal fluid diffusion of trimethoprim in children].

Full quantitative fluorometric analysis of TMP in serum and cerebrospinal fluid in 91 infants and children (all anyhow designed for lumbar puncture for other reasons) 1/2 - 12 hours after i. v. injection of TMP in a single dose of 4 mg/kg (73 cases, tab. 1-2, fig. 1) or 12 mg/kg (18 cases, tab. 3, fig. 2). TMP in serum and cerebrospinal fluid showed regularly high plateaus for the whole time investigated, i.e. 12 hours after i. v. injection (fig. 1-2). The c.s.f./serum ratio for TMP (2-12 hours after injection) was 30-40%(fig. 1). After a dose of 12 mg/kg the ratio was even 50% and more (fig. 2). There were  - in our material - no differences of the ratio according to c.s.f. state (normal - tab. 1, or pathological-tab. 2), or age. Considerating published data on enteral resorption of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and c.s.f. diffussion of SMZ together with our results, we can expect a very intensifying proportion TMP: SMZ near 1:10 in cerebrospinal fluid after intake of officinal TMP-SMZ (Co-trimoxazol). This might have diagnostic and therapeutic consequences.


[The effect of Piracetam on adolescent brain function].

A report on investigations with Piracetam, recently introduced into therapy, is given. Piracetam is mainly characterized by cerebral metabolic effects, leading to an activation of cerebral functions as well as to brain protection. Experimental studies showed the highly selective activity of Piracetam on cerebral cortex, which is responsible for higher mental functions as consciousness, vigilance and memory. Therapeutic results in 48 adolescents with poor school results are reported. These patients were treated with Piracetam for a continuous period up to 14 months. The therapy lead to convincing improvements in terms of school results.


Prolonged suppression of insulin release by insulin-induced hypoglycemia: demonstration by C-peptide assay.

Pancreatic beta cells secrete the proinsulin connecting peptide (C-peptide) and insulin on an equimolar basis. The C-peptide can thus be used as an indicator of endogenous insulin secretion in the presence of exogenously administered insulin. Using this approach, we have shown suppression of endogenous insulin release in healthy subjects during hypoglycemia induced by intravenous infusion of porcine insulin. Moreover, the suppression persists after the plasma glucose returns to fasting levels, suggesting that the recovery of beta cells from the effects of hypoglycemia is not immediate.


Glucose, insulin, pancreatic glucagon and glucagon-like immunoreactive materials in the plasma of normal and diabetic children. Effect of the initial insulin treatment.

Pancreatic glucagon (PG) and other glucagon-like immunoreactive materials (GLI) were measured in the plasma of normal and of newly diagnosed untreated diabetic children, using an antiglucagon serum (AGS) highly specific for pancreatic glucagon (AGS 18) and an AGS which crossreacts with extracts of intestinal mucosa (AGS 10). Gut GLI was considered to be the difference between "total" GLI (AGS 10) and PG (AGS 18). Glucose and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) were also measured. PG, total GLI and gut GLI were significantly elevated in children with severe insulin insufficiency and were reduced to normal by insulin treatment, even though a significant fasting hyperglycemia was still present. In three diabetic children who had high initial plasma IRI levels the three glucagon fractions were normal. We conclude that insulin insufficiency is characterized not only by high plasma levels of PG as previously reported, but also of gut GLI. These abnormalities can be corrected by the administration of insulin.


Jejunal factor stimulating insulin release in the isolated perfused canine pancreas and jejunum.

In the present study using an isolated perfused preparation of canine jejunum and pancreas, an insulin-releasing factor was found in the venous effluent of the jejunum. Insulin secretion by the pancreas rose twofold after 10% glucose was infused in the lumen of the jejunum and remained at a high level even after the stimulus was discontinued. No modification of the exocrine pancreatic secretion occurred during the insulin release, and therefore it seems unlikely that gastrin, secretin or cholecystokinin-pancreozymin were released by the jejunal mucosa. In control experiments the values of hyperglycaemia observed previously and intraluminal hyperosmolarity were tested: at these levels, they did not affect insulin secretion. The nature of this intestinal insulin-releasing factor remains unknown however, but may be identifiable when intestinal hormones in blood can be assayed reliably.


Turnover of plasma free arachidonic and oleic acids in men and women.

The turnover of plasma free arachidonic and oleic acids was determined in healthy men and women. The plasma pool of arachidonic acid in the men was 75 per cent higher than in the women. The fractional turnover of arachidonate was 0.80 +/- 0.04 min(-1) in the women and 0.47 +/- 0.04 min(-1) in the men. The turnover rate of arachidonic acid was similar in both sexes; calculated per kg body weight it was significantly higher in the women. No sex differences were observed in the concentration or turnover of plasma free oleic acid when corrected for differences in body size. The composition of the free fatty acid fraction differed between the sexes, the female subjects having a lower proportion of saturated fatty acids and higher proportions of oleic and eicosenoic acids. The results indicate that the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids in man is influenced by gonadal steroid hormones.


Effect of fat cell size, restrictive diet and diabetes on lipoprotein lipase release by human adipose tissue.

The lipoprotein lipase activity (LPLA) eluted from human adipose tissue was measured after percutaneous biopsy in the fasting state. A positive and significant correlation was found between LPLA per 10(6) cells or per cell surface unit and cell volume in 27 normal and obese subjects in weight balance and on maintenance diet. Such a correlation was also found in 13 diabetic subjects before treatment. In 11 obese subjects subjected to a restricted diet, LPLA dropped dramatically without a significant change in cell size, blunting the cell size effect. In diabetic subjects the LPLA per cell was significantly lower than in nondiabetic people with similar adipose cell volume.


Activity of some enzymes of energy metabolism in striated muscle of obese subjects with respect to body composition.

The effect of obesity on the activity of some enzymes of energy supplying metabolism was studied in male and female groups of different body weight, using tissue samples of m. quadriceps femoris obtained by a biopsy needle. Both obese males and females displayed a distinct tendency towards anaerobic metabolism (high lactate dehydrogenase activities). The assumption that cytoplasm has an increased capacity in the muscle of the obese for reduction syntheses is supported by the increased ratio of malate dehydrogenase to citrate synthase activities. Compared with controls, less activity of enzymes associated with fatty acid and glucose degradation (hexokinase, hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, citrate synthase) was observed in obese males. In obese females the latter enzyme activities did not differ from those in the controls; however, lactate dehydrogenase and triosophosphate dehydrogenase activities were significantly higher. Significant inverse correlations between hexokinase and hydroxyacyl- CoA dehydrogenase activities, on the one hand, and indicators of body composition and body weight, on the other, were found in males. The female group did not display analogous significant relations between the enzymatic organization and indicators of body composition.


The lipoprotein lipase activity of brown adipose tissue during early post-natal development of the normal and hypothyroid rat.

The heparin-releasable LP lipase activity of BAT (brown adipose tissue), and the TG (triglyceride) content of plasma were determined in normal and hypothyroid rats during early post-natal development. The TG content of plasma increased sharply after the onset of suckling and decreased during the weaning period in normal rats, while it stayed at a high level in hypothyroid rats. LP lipase activity was maximal during the perinatal period and decreased later, being practically undetectable in one month old control animals; in contrast, LP lipase activity was still present in cretin rats at this age. The effects of several forms of treatment were also tested in weaned rats: a high-fat diet was not able to maintain the high LP lipase activity of suckling rats, but the activity was high if the animals were bred at a cold temperature. Thyroxine injections had no effect. These results are discussed in terms of the possible factors regulating the LP lipase activity in BAT.


Role of growth hormone in lipid mobilization stimulated by prolonged muscular exercise in the rat.

The effects of prolonged muscular exercise (swim in tepid water for 60 min) on blood glucose, plasma FFA and R-GH were studied in a group of normal rats and the effect on blood glucose and plasma FFA in a group of hypophysectomized rats. The data obtained showed that, whereas in normal rats plasma FFA rose after muscular exercise, plasma R-GH fell sharply. In Hypophysectomized rats, however, muscular exercise did not increase plasma FFA levels.


On an attempt to treat primary and secondary osteoporosis with human growth hormone.

Three male patients with severe osteoporosis were treated with human growth hormone. One of them had a primary osteoporosis, the two others osteogenesis imperfecta. The duration of therapy was 8 to 15 months and average doses per day were 1.45 to 2.3 mg. While clinical and 47calcium kinetic data failed to prove marked influences of the treatment, histomorphometry of bone biopsies showed indisputable changes. There was an increase of periosteal new bone formation as well as of intracortical bone resorption, while at the same time the relative activity of osteoblasts on endosteal surfaces showed a significant increase.


Protein metabolism in hypo- and hyperstimulated rat thyroid glands. I. Protein synthesis of different thyroidal proteins.

The comparative study of the in vivo synthesis of thyroglobulin and proteins other than thyroglobulin was carried out in thyroid glands from animals submitted to different levels of TSH stimulation. The different levels of hormonal stimulation modify neither the rate of labeling after injection of the isotope, nor the level of the free labeled amino acid in the glands (percent of the total uptake), but they have a very significant effect on the level of incorporation of the isotope into total proteins. In hypostimulated thyroids the total protein synthesis is very much reduced, while in hyperstimulated glands it is significantly increased. In both hyper- and hypostimulated animals, the proportion of radioactivity bound to the particulate protein fraction is higher than in control rats. However, the solubilization by digitonine of these proteins is lower in hypostimulated and higher in hyperstimulated animals than in controls. Thyroglobulin synthesis is significantly modified qualitatively and quantitatively in both hypo- and hyperstimulated glands. Qualitative modifications are characterized by a changed ratio of 19 S/12 S molecules with respect to the controls. This is probably caused by a more important dissociation of 19S molecules, due to the lower level of halogenation in both hypo- and MTU treated glands. The quantitative modifications of thyroglobulin synthesis, expressed either in absolute values (DPM/mg of tissue), or relatively to the total proteins (percent of total newly formed proteins), are characterized by a very important inhibition of this synthesis in hypostimulated glands, and its stimulation in glands chronically submitted to the TSH action. The modifications of synthesis observed for the proteins other than thyroglobulin are less significant in both types of treated glands than are those observed for thyroglobulin. The level of hormonal stimulation has no effect on the distribution of these proteins between soluble and the particulate fraction, but seems to have a slight effect on the solubilization of the latter ones. Comparative evaluation of the TSH effect on the synthesis of different thyroidal proteins shows that it has a much more specific and significant action on thyroglobulin than on other proteins. The differential effect of TSH on the synthesis of thyroglobulin and proteins other than thyroglobulin suggests that different mechanisms may exist by which TSH regulates the synthesis of these two types of proteins.


Extended somatostatin treatment of a patient with bleeding ulcer.

The results of a 67 hour cyclic somatostatin continuous infusion in a patient with a bleeding ulcer are reported. The subject was a 65 year old male with very heavy gastrointestinal bleeding on the 9th postoperative day following a high BI-resection. Endoscopy revealed the bleeding to be caused by two residual ulcers in the area of the anastomosis. Somatostatin treatment led to an immediate cessation of the bleeding after 1 hour. Gastric secretion as well as gastrin, insulin and growth hormone levels were significantly inhibited by somatostatin. Endoscopy at the end of the treatment period showed two ulcers in the process of healing. The raised blood glucose levels caused by somatostatin were easily controlled with max. 14 IU cristalline insulin daily. Except for dryness in the mouth, no adverse side effects were apparent. There was no evidence from laboratory investigations of hemostatic defects or bleeding tendency in the patient.


Analogues of human calcitonin. II. Influence of modifications in amino acid positions 1, 8 and 22 on hypocalcemic activity in the rat.

The calcitonin analogues [Val8] -HCT and [Tyr22] -HCT, each with a single modification, and [Val8, Tyr22] -HCT and [Bmp1, Val8] -HCT, with two replaced amino acids were compared with synthetic human calcitonin (HCT) in respect of their hypocalcemic effects in the rat. The introduction of either valine in place of methionine in position 8 or of tyrosine for phenylalanine in position 22 of the HCT molecule yielded analogues 4 to 5 times as potent and nearly twice as long-acting as HCT. The doubly substituted peptide [Val8, Tyr22] -HCT displayed properties closely similar to those of [Val8] -HCT and [Tyr22] -HCT. The analgoue [Bmp1, Val8] -HCT, with a deaminated cysteine residue at the N-terminus, was about 6 times more potent than HCT and slightly longer-acting than [Val8] -HCT.


[Stereochemistry and mechanism of the methanol oxidase from Candida boidinii (author's transl)].

Under nitrogen atmosphere, methanol oxidase isolated from Candida boidinii catalyzes no hydrogen exchange of ethanol. Reactions with (1R)[1-3H]ethanol or (1S)[1-3H]ethanol occur stereoselectively. The ratio of hydrogen abstraction in the oxidation of ethanol is about 7:1 in favor of the pro R hydrogen atom. The isotope effect kH/k3H is 2 - 2.5 for (1R)[1-3H]ethanol. The isotope effects on Km and V have been determined for four different deuterium-labelled ethanols. The Km for [2H3]methanol is nearly twice that for CH3OH. That is about the same ratio as for ethanol/methanol. For the oxidation of CH3OH and 2H3COH, the ratio of VH/V2H3 = 2.44, while the ratio for methanol/ethanol is only 1.3. It has been conformed that catalase from bovine liver eliminates only the pro R hydrogen atom from ethanol. The isotope effect for the catalase-catalyzed oxidation of (1R)[1-3H]ethanol is 2.1.


[Identification and biological activity of peptides containing a partially benzyloxycarbonylated L-arginine on their amino terminus (author's transl)].

Nomega-Z-L-Arg-L-Phe-L-Phe was shown to be the antibiotically active compound in a peptide mixture which was obtained by treating Z3-L-Arg-L-Phe-L-Phe with hydrogen bromide/trifluoroacetic acid or 4N HBr/glacial acetic acid, respectively. Identification of this compound was achieved by thin-layer chromatography, enzymatic digestion and autobiograms with fungi. The pure Nomega-Z-L-Arg-L-Phe-L-Phe was not the only compound with antibiotic qualities; generally it could be said that all peptides with the sequence Nomega-Z-L-Arg-X-L-Phe (X might be any amino acid) are antibiotically active. All of them are antagonized by L-aspartic acid and asparagine in the crossstrip test (on fungi). The antibiotical activity of all these peptides must be due to the Nomega-Z-L-Arg-residue provided that it is coupled to a dipeptide X-L-Phe, or to an aromatic system (e.g. L-Phe or benzyl amine).


Studies on the chemistry of arterial wall, XVII. Metabolic characteristics of different types of chondroitin sulfate-dermatan sulfate hybrids in arterial tissue.

1) Chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate of bovine arterial tissue exist as copolymers with a varying degree of hybridization between chondroitin and dermatan sulfates. A fraction rich in dermatan sulfate hybridized with 20% chondroitin sulfate (termed DS-rich hybrid) and a fraction rich in chondroitin sulfate containing 17% DS as copolymer constituent (CS-rich hybrid) can be isolated by the subfractionation of the arterial tissue CS-DS preparation. 2) When arterial tissue segments were preincubated with [14C]glucosamine, 95% of the radioactivity incorporated into the glycosaminoglycans was found to be present in the galactosamine moiety of all of the CS-DS subfractions, whereas the relative proportion of 14C radioactivity incorporated into the galactosamine and uronic acid components was 51:49 following preincubation with [14C]glucose. In both experiments the specific radioactivity of the DS-rich hybrids was twice as high as that of the CS-rich hybrids. 3) Enzymatic degradation of the hybrid CS-DS subfractions by chondroitin AC and ABC lyases revealed that the specific radioactivity of the CS and DS disaccharide units released from the DS-rich hybrids was twice as high as those isolated from the CS-rich hybrids, but within each hybrid fraction the galactosamine moieties of the CS and DS units and their glucuronic and iduronic acid components exhibited equal specific radioactivities. 4) The results strongly support the assumption that distinct compartments exist for the formation of hybrid CS-DS proteoglycans with different proportions of CS and DS.


Reduction of S-sulpho groups by tributylphosphine: an improved method for the recombination of insulin chains.

All 4 S-sulpho groups of the S-sulpho substituted insulin A-chain could be removed with 4 mol of tributylphosphine. Reduction of a 1:1 mixture of both S-sulpho insulin chains with tributylphosphine followed by air oxidation gave insulin which was isolated in pure form and high yield. Removal of excess reducing agent was not necessary, in contrast to the usual procedures employing thiols for the reduction step. This constitutes a rapid and simple method for the generation of insulin from its chains. A new method for the purification of S-sulpho-A-chain has been developed.


[The role of the hypophysis and the hypophyseal hormone prolactin in maintenance of the sexual specificity of the metabolism of testosterone and 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone in rat liver slices].

Hypophysectomy of rats 55 days after birth causes profound changes in the sexually differentiated liver metabolism of testosterone and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, which were studied when the rats were 80 days old. 1. Metabolism of testosterone after hypophysectomy: The turnover of testosterone decreased significantly to the same level in both sexes. The effect was especially marked in the female, which normally has a high turnover of this compound. The sexual differences in the patterns of metabolites were also lost, owing to the following changes: In the male, the high level of metabolites of the 3beta-hydroxy-5alpha-androstane type falls to the low level found in the female controls. The low level of 4-androstene-3,17-dione in the female increases to the high level found in the male controls. The concentrations of testosterone increase and those of the metabolites of the 3-oxo- and 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-androstane decrease to values that are significantly much higher or lower, respectively, than the normal values found in the control animals. 2. Metabolism of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone after hypophysectomy: In comparison with the controls, the turnover of this substrate is significantly decreased by the same factor in both sexes; thus the difference between the sexes persists. In the pattern of metabolites, the sexual differences are still apparent, but less marked. The levels of metabolites show two opposing changes: a significant increase in the concentration of 3beta-hydroxy metabolites, and a significant decrease in the concentration of 3alpha-hydroxy metabolites; although the activity of the microsomal 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase increases by a factor of 3 - 4 in both sexes after hypophysectomy[1]. This discrepancy indicates a compartmentalization of androgen metabolism in the liver cell, in which delta4-5alpha- and 3beta-hydrogenation occur on the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, whereas 3alpha-hydrogenation occurs in the cytosol. 3. Action of prolactin on the metabolism of testosterone in hypophysectomized animals: Prolactin (125 mug twice daily from the 70th to the 79th day of life) causes a significant acceleration of the delta4-5alpha-hydrogenation, which is recognized as a significant increase in the concentrations of 5alpha-androstane metabolites; the 3beta-hydroxy compounds in both sexes reach the normal level of male control animals. The significant increase in the concentration of 3alpha-hydroxy compounds is accompanied by a partial reestablishment of the sexual differences. The sex differences in androgen turnover and metabolite pattern are subject to a hypophyseal regulation, which is separate from the gonadotropic partial function. The hydroxylation activity of the liver, measured as the production of C19O3-steroids, is not significantly affected by hypophysectomy or by treatment with prolactin.


[Problems associated with the labelling of RNA with radioactive precursors in vivo (author's transl)].

The radioactivity of RNA, DNA and proteins in the liver, muscles and cerebrum of 30-day-old rats after labelling with [3H]uridine, [14C]uridine, [3H]cytidine or [3H]orotic acid was measured. It was found that after administration of [3H]uridine, the proteins were 5 - 10 times more radioactive than the RNA. After administration of [14C]uridine, the proteins were 1 - 2 times more heavily labelled than the RNA. Hydrolysis of the proteins followed by chromatography of the amino acids revealed that the protein labelling was mostly due to [3H]glutamate. In the liver, [3H]orotic acid produced very specific labelling of the RNA. The radioactivity of the proteins is very slight. However, the specific labelling of the RNA in the muscles and cerebrum is not so pronounced with this precursor. [3H]Cytidine is an ideal precursor for RNA. The labelling of protein in all three organs examined is very slight, and furthermore, the specific activity of the RNA is 10 - 20 times higher than after labelling with uridine. We were also able to show that after labelling with radioactive uridine, the method of isolation of RNA by alkaline hydrolysis gives incorrect results, because [3H]amino acids interfere with the measurement of the specific activity of the RNA. The heavy labelling of proteins by [3H]-uridine must also be taken into account in histoautoradiography, because our experiments showed that in liver, the proteins in the cell nucleus are 3 times as radioactive as the nucleic acids. The particulate components of the cytoplasm are even 20 times more radioactive than the nucleic acids.


[In vivo studies on the metabolism of pyrimidine nucleosides (author's transl)].

3H-labelled metabolites were determined in the perchloric acid-soluble fraction of blood plasma and liver of adult male Wistar rats, following the application of [5 - 3H]uridine. Ten minutes after the injection of uridine, only 20% of the total 3H activity of the plasma could be attributed to [3H]uridine. The remaining radioactivity was found chiefly in [3H]uracil (40%) and 3H2O (20%). In the liver, at 10 min, [3H]-uridine and [3H]uracil together accounted for less than 0.5% of the total radioactivity; about 70% of the radioactivity was due to [3H]beta-alanine, and 15% to 3H2O. 45 min after the injection, 70% of the radioactivity in the plasma was due to 3H2O, whereas uridine and uracil represented about 4% and 6%, respectively. At this time, about 55% of the radioactivity in the liver was due to [3H]beta-alanine, about 40% to 3H2O, and about 5% to unidentified metabolites; [3H]uridine and [3H]uracil were not observed. A comparison of the rate of catabolism of [5-3H]-uridine, [5-3H]cytidine and [6-3H]thymidine showed that cytidine is degraded in the organism 25 times more slowly than uridine or thymidine. The biological half lives for the total degradation of the [3H]nucleosides to 3H2O, based on the values in the plasma, were: uridine 1.1 h; thymidine 1.3 h; cytidine 25 h. Furthermore, the turnover time of exogenous uridine in the plasma was found to be 9 min, which gives a half life of 6 min for the metabolism of exogenous uridine to uracil.


Total synthesis of a structural gene for the human peptide hormone angiotensin II.

Seven oligonucleotide chains containing between 6 and 11 nucleotide units were synthesized. The segments were phosphorylated by T4 polynucleotide 5'-hydroxyl-kinase and joined by T4 polynucleotide synthetase (ATP) to give the double-stranded DNA consisting of 33 base pairs. The DNA sequence was deduced from the known peptide sequence according to the genetic code.


Some new bifunctional reagents for the conjugation of a protein with an amino compound in water.

Five symmetrical bifunctional reagents (I-V) have been synthesized and tested for their usefulness for the conjugation of albumin with tryptophan, in aqueous solution. With I and II about 17, with IV and V about 8 tryptophan residues could be introduced in the native protein. The difference is discussed. Reagent III has a very low solubility in water but may be useful if organic solvents are permissible.


[A new bifunctional reagent for the intramolecular crosslinking of insulin (author's transl)].

Reaction of bis-[2-(succinimidooxycarbonyloxy)ethyl]sulfone [SO2(Eoc-ONSu)2] with insulin in 1N NaHCO3/dimethylformamide forms NalphaA1,NepsilonA1,NepsilonB29-2,2'-sulfonylbis(ethoxycarbonyl)insulin [SO2(Eoc)2-insulin] in 20 - 35% yield. The product can be purified by partition chromatography. After cleavage of the disulfide bridges, reoxidation in very dilute solution reconstitutes about 60% of the original insulin activity. Cleavage of the crosslinking moiety can be achieved with 0.5N NaOH at 0 degrees C in only a few seconds, rendering a biologically fully active insulin.


[(A1-D-alanine) insulin (author's transl)].

Starting from porcine insulin, A1-glycine was substituted by D-alanine and by L-alanine for comparison. Replacement of A1-glycine by L-alanine revealed the known decrease in the biological activity. [A1-D-Alanine]insulin, however, has the same blood sugar lowering activity as insulin and is slightly more active in its influence on the glucose uptake into the rat diaphragm. The specific binding to insulin receptors of rat liver is decreased as, compared to insulin, but increased as compared to the L-alanine analogue.


[The amino acid sequence of the double-headed protein proteinase inhibitor from dog submandibular glands, I. Structural homology to the pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitors (author's transl)].

The primary structure of the broad specificity proteinase inhibitor from dog submandibular glands was elucidated. The inhibitor consists of a single polypeptide chain of 117 amino acids which is folded into two domains (heads) connected by a peptide of three amino acid residues. Both domains I and II show a clear structural homology to each other as well as to the single-headed pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitors (Kazal type). The trypsin reactive site (-Cys-Pro-Arg-Leu-His-Glx-Pro-Ile-Cys-) is located in domain I and the chymotrypsin reactive center (-Cys-Thr-Met-Asp-Tyr-Asx-Arg-Pro-Leu-Tyr-Cys-) in domain II, cf. the Figure. The inhibitor is thus double-headed with two independent reactive sites. Whereas head I is responsible for the inhibition of trypsin and plasmin, head II is responsible for the inhibition of chymotrypsin, subtilisin, elastase and probably also Aspergillus oryzae protease and pronase. Remarkably, the structural homology exists also to the single-headed acrosin-trypsin inhibitors from seminal plasma[12] and the Japanese quail inhibitor composed of three domains[13].


Immunological identity of human and porcine growth hormones. Application to determination of growth hormone in porcine serum.

In two radioimmunoassay systems with iodinated human growth hormone as tracer and anti-human growth hormone or anti-porcine growth hormone as binding site, the standard curves for human and for porcine growth hormone were parallel. In both systems the porcine growth hormone preparation had to be added in about the same excess as compared to the human hormone. It was concluded that the human and the porcine hormones behave in an identical way and that the values obtained in radioimmunoassay for human growth hormone represent the amount of immunologically active molecules in the porcine growth hormone preparation. As parallel standard curves were obtained with porcine serum, the concentration of growth hormone is porcine serum may be determined by radioimmunoassay for human growth hormone.


[A new mandelonitrile lyase from the cherrylaurel (Prunus laurocerasus) (author's transl)].

Mandelonitrile lyase has been isolated from the seeds of Prunus laurocerasus and characterized. The enzyme is a glycoprotein and contains FAD as prosthetic group. It has an absorption spectrum of the hydrophobic type. The molecular weight is 60000. The new mandelonitrile lyase catalyses both formation and cleavage of D-(+)-benzaldehyde cyanohydrin. Despite the existence of marked morphologic and biochemical differences between P. laurocerasus and P. amygdalus (var. sativa) (sweet almond) the enzymes isolated from the seeds of the two Prunoideae species are closely related, as judged from their immunological properties. However they exhibit specific differences in the isoelectric points and quantitative distribution of the three isoenzymes.


[Identification of a methionine residue as the reactive site for chymotrypsin in the double-headed proteinase inhibitor from the canine submandibular gland (author's transl)].

The canine submandibular inhibitor is double-headed with two independent reactive sites. Whereas the trypsin-reactive center (-Ala-Cys-Pro-Arg26-Leu-His-) is located in domain I, the chymotrypsin-reactive site (-Met-Cys-Thr-Met78-Asp-Tyr-) is located in domain II. The presence of a methionine residue in this inhibition center is supported by the findings that nitration with tetranitromethane abolishes neither trypsin nor chymotrypsin inhibition, whereas after alkylation of the methione residues, only trypsin inhibition is retained. Remarkably, another inhibitor from microbial sources [10] which also contains a methionine residue in the presumed reactive site also inhibits subtilisin but not chymotrypsin (or trypsin).


The amino acid sequence of the double-headed proteinase inhibitor from canine submandibular glands, III. Sequencing studies.

Canine submandibular glands contain 3 polyvalent, double-headed proteinase inhibitors. The amino acid sequences of the two main inhibitors were determined. They differ only in the substitution of one Lys for a Glu residue. The inhibitor molecules are composed of two halves (domains), one antitryptic and one antichymotryptic. The two domains are covalently linked by 3 amino acid residues. The domains are structurally related to each other and to the sequenced monovalent secretory pancreatic trypsin inhibitors.


Characterization of pig pancreatic kallikreins A and B.

Pig pancreatic kallikreins A and B are both composed of the same 229 amino acids, a figure resembling the number of amino acid residues found in other serine proteinases of pancreas. Both forms of the enzyme contain N-terminal isoleucine and alanine and C-terminal leucine/serine (about half a mol each per mol kallikrein) and proline. Values for the glucosamine content of the kallikreins obtained on the amino acid analyzer after hydrolysis with p-toluenesulfonic acid, a procedure also used for the determination of amide ammonia, agreed with those determined by a gas-chromatographic method. Neuraminidasetreated kallikrein B differs from the A form only in containing roughly double the amount (on the average a total of 11.5 vs. 5.6% by weight) of carbohydrate (glucosamine, mannose, galactose, and fucose) and possibly by a higher content (20 vs. 17 residues) of amide ammonia. From the composition, molecular weights of 26800 and 28600 are calculated for sialic-acid-free kallikreins A and B, respectively, and of 25300 for the protein part of kallikrein. The molar absorbance of both forms of the enzyme has been determined as (50.6 +/- 1.3) X 10(3)M-1 cm-1 at 280 nm. A comparison of kallikreins A and B with kallikreins d1 and d2 described by Zuber and Sache reveals as principal difference a much lower specific activity of the latter preparations with all reagents tested. Conceivably, the reported lower carbohydrate contents of kallikreins d1 and d2 and their separation into three instead of two major subunits are related to this finding.


The amino acid sequence of toxin V II 2, a cytotoxin homologue from banded Egyptian cobra (Naja haje annulifera) venom.

Toxin V II 2 comprises 60 amino acid residues and is cross-linked by four disulphide bridges. The complete amino acid sequence of this toxin was elucidated. The reduced and S-carboxymethylated toxin was digested with trypsin and chymotrypsin and the peptides were purified by ion-exchange chromatography and chromatography or electrophoresis on paper. The Edman procedure, either through the use of the automatic sequenator or by manual manipulation, was employed to obtain the sequence of the intact toxin and the pure peptides. The chymotryptic digest provided the necessary overlapping peptides which allowed the alignment of tryptic peptides. The amino acid sequence of Naja haje annulifera toxin V II 2 shows a high degree of homology with cytotoxin V II 1 of the same venom.


The purification and amino acid sequence of toxin CM-13b from Naja haje annulifera (Egyptian cobra) venom.

Toxin CM-13b was purified from the venom of Naja haje annulifera by gel filtration on Sephadex G-50 and by ion-exchange chromatography on CM-cellulose. The toxin comprises 65 amino acid residues and is cross-linked by five disulphide bridges. The complete amino acid sequence of toxin CM-13b was elucidated. The reduced and S-carboxymethylated toxin was digested with trypsin and chymotrypsin and the peptides purified by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and chromatography or electrophoresis on paper. The amino acid sequences of the intact toxin and its constituent peptides were determined by the Edman-Begg procedure, either through the use of the automatic sequenator or by manual manipulation. The chymotryptic digest provided the necessary overlapping peptides for aligning the tryptic peptides. The primary structure of toxin CM-13b shows a high degree of homology with that of protein S4C11 from Naja melanoleuca venom[1], but their toxicities are very different.


An acrosin inhibitor in ram spermatozoa that does not originate from the seminal plasma.

Ram seminal plasma, and ejaculated ram spermatozoa that have been washed with 0.25M sucrose, both contain acrosin inhibitor. The aim of this work was to determine whether the intracellular inhibitor originates from the seminal plasma. The amounts of inhibitor in ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa were measured and compared with the amounts present in the seminal plasma of normal and vasectomized rams. One ejaculated ram spermatozoon contained 2.1 amol (2.1 X 10(-18) mol) of inhibitor and one epididymal spermatozoon contained 3.3 amol of inhibitor. (All molarities are mean values based on pooled ram semen or on single ejaculates from three vasectomized rams.) Calculations from results in earlier publications indicated that one ejaculated ram spermatozoon contains about 3 amol of acrosin; thus the inhibitor: acrosin ratio in washed ram spermatozoa is approximately 1. One ml of ram semen contains, on average, 3 X 10(9) spermatozoa and not more than 0.8 ml of seminal plasma. This number of ejaculated spermatozoa would contain 6.3 nmol of inhibitor, while the same number of epididymal spermatozoa would contain 9.9 nmol of inhibitor. These values exceed the quantities of inhibitor present in 0.8 ml of normal seminal plasma (approximately 1.6 nmol) or in 0.8 ml of seminal plasma from vasectomized rams (approximately 2.3 nmol). We conclude that seminal plasma is not a major source of the acrosin inhibitor that can be recovered from washed ejaculated ram spermatozoa.


Boar acrosin, I: modified isolation procedure, active-site titration and evidence for the presence of sialic acid.

Boar acrosin was isolated to electrophoretic homogeneity by modification of the method described by us previously.  Titration with p-nitrophenyl p-guanidinobenzoate revealed a molar activity of 8900 toward BzArgOEt and of 780 towards BzArgNHNp.  Treatment with neuraminidase led to an altered electrophoretic mobility, indicating that acrosin is sialogycoprotein


Cleavage specificity of boar acrosin on polypeptide substrates, ribonuclease and insulin B-chain.

The cleavage specificity of boar acrosin is, like that of trypsin, strictly limited to the arginyl and lysyl bonds, as demonstrated for the oxidized B-chain of insulin. In addition, in this polypeptide substrate as well as in reduced and carboxymethylated ribonuclease, these peptide bonds are hydrolyzed by acrosin and trypsin with nearly identical velocities.


Disengagement theory revisited.

Cumming and Henry erected the basic frame for a socio-cultural theory of normal aging in their 1961 book, Growing Old. The basic postulates of this theory are reviewed, and the overall structure of the theory briefly examined. Critical data necessary either to accept or reject disengagement theory are not yet available, although useful information has been gathered since the theory first appeared. Part of the difficulty in amassing "proof" or "disproof" is inherent in the intricate and complex nature of the aging process itself. This orienting paper introduced a set of contributtions by other commentators on disengagement theory.


Engagement with an old theory.

The co-author of Disengagement Theory restates the central propositions, suggests new studies that might test its usefulness, and examines some of the controversy that has been generated over the years either by the theory itself or the context in which it was set forth. The four key propositions focus upon decreasing life space with advancing age, the individual's own anticipation and participation in this process, a change in style of interaction, and the momentum of the disengagement process once it has begun. Although some useful research has been done, the theory remains poorly operationalized and largely untested. A measure of life space variety is proposed, and attention also directed to neuro-physiological findings. Several misunderstandings and misapplications of Disengagement Theory are discussed, including the erroneous idea that disengaged people necessarily are either higher or lower in morale than others, and the unenlightening controversy over "activity versus disengagement."


The meaning of engagement.

A distinction should be made between disengagement as a means of conceptualizing and as a means of explaining changes that take place with aging. The author is critical of those aspects of Disengagement Theory that emphasize inevitability, determinism, the separation of the individual from society, and the "crucial phase" model of development. An alternative viewpoint is sketched from the interactional analysis approach. Attention is given to the constant reinterpretation of self and situation, with consequent modification of actions. The facts of Disengagement Theory as seen from this perspective take on new meaning. Age-related changes are the outcome of the social circumstances within which they take place, along with the cultural values operating in that context.


The orchestration of disengagement.

In the clamor of many institutional and special interest "orchestras," it is possible to lose sight of their common object of concern-human welfare and dignity. In the sphere of scientific endeavor, this problem can show itself as a mistaken attempt to separate theory from technique and practice. Disclaimers that Disengagement Theory is "only a theory," not a policy statement, are regarded here as inaccurate and naive when the effects of the theory are examined. Other areas of criticism pertain to activity-passivity dynamics, the appreciation of coping behavior in later life, and, in general, the inadequate representation within Disengagement Theory of the full spectrum of experience, behavior, and dynamics, both personal and social, in the lives of elderly people.


A disengaged look at Disengagement Theory.

This paper suggests that Disengagement Theory can be used as a theory of the middle-range, but not as a general theory about normal aging. This proposition is supported by an examination of key concepts, postulates and methods used to formulate the theory. By use of phenemological notions, we can see the concept of disengagement forces us to pay attention to the subjective meanings of aging people. It is necessary to disengage from the core statements of the theory and engage in a search for new methods to study the lived experiences of human beings in order to further our understandings of the processes of growing old.


Provision of on-site services in retirement housing.

The present paper addresses the question of on-site supportive services in retirement housing facilities for the well-elderly. Six hundred residents were interviewed, 100 at each of six widely varied sites in California: retirement hotel, urban highrise apartments, life-care home, and three retirement villages. Data were also collected on 600 matched controls in age-integrated housing. Questions were asked pertaining to caring for health needs, desire for counseling services, and expected support in crises. Results showed for the most part a good match between personal needs and environmental provisions. However, at one site considerable insecurity was expressed with regard to medical provisions and support in crises, and a desire was expressed for counseling services. There was no evidence of an erosion of independence at the sites where services are provided.


Cognitive abilities: use of family data as a control to assess sex and age differences in two ethnic groups.

Four cognitive factors were extracted from test data obtained on 997 families (3,268 individuals) in Hawaii. Factor loading profiles for the two largest ethnic groups (Caucasians and Japanese) are nearly identical, as are profiles for three different age groups. Age curves are presented for factor scores and for four specific cognitive tests. The younger respondents on the age curves are biological offspring of older respondents represented on the same curves, facilitating an unusual control for between-family variance. When the data were stratified by ethnicity, differential rates of cognitive development were indicated.


Change and sameness in personality development: unwarranted conclusions.

A recent paper by Haan and Day reports personality characteristics displaying change and sameness during the course of a longitudinal study. The personality characteristics had been classified according to statistical criteria following which the personality qualities within each category were interpreted. Thus the usefulness of the interpretation depends upon the basis for classification of the personality characteristics. The present note calls attention to three fundamental statistical errors in the Haan and Day classification scheme, errors which influence dramatically and adversely the consequent interpretations.


A strategy of approaching the fit of a compartmental model applied to the behaviour of aspirins in humans.

A compartmental model has been set up with five parts. Formulation and testing of the model have been performed by simultaneous experiments involving measurement of blood levels of ASA and SA for four different preparations of aspirin investigated in four different patients. The hypotheses of the present study had been based upon a four-compartment model. However, such a model did not appear to be adequate and a new model with five compartments has been substituted for the former one. The five-compartment model has led to the formulation and testing of new physiological hypotheses; it has also provided the development of a fitting method using powerful convergence algorithms. A general analytical formulation has been set up which has made it possible to circumscribe the multiple roots of the characteristic polynomial when they have to be taken into consideration.


Trend detection of pseudo-random variables using a exponentially mapped past statistical approach: an adjunct to computer assisted monitoring.

The early detection of deterioration in a patient depends on recognising trends: a capability poorly developed in monitor systems. Using exponentially mapped past (EMP) statistical variables, it has been proved that the difference between two EMP means is a function of only one variable, trend of input. Some of the signal variance appears on the difference signal, and so interpretation depends on a statistical approach based on knowledge of the normal variability of the monitored variable. The programs developed and built in a dedicated form utilise parallel hybrid computation of continuous data, but the principles are equally applicable to digital techniques with discrete data.


Kinematics of spontaneous breathing: the ventilatory system as a non-linear oscillator.

The kinematics of spontaneous breathing at rest and during moderate exercise is described exactly by a non-linear differential equation, the parameters of which are determined by observation with a pneumotachograph. Analogue circuits are used for the determination of the coefficients and for the comparison by superimposition of the actual spirogram with its simulation. The ventilatory system, taken as a whole and without any assumption concerning its structure, works as a non-linear oscillator. If the classical distinction between a passive and an active ventilatory system is accepted, the concept of a linear equivalent of a non-linear oscillator is valid for the description of the properties of the passive system. It affords some of the advantages of linear mechanics and indicates the restrictions put upon the use of a linear hypothesis. The role of the different terms in determining the pattern of breathing is displayed and the correlation of scale factors with body size is shown. The physiological meaning of the components of muscle action is discussed.


Mechanisms of memory in learning automata.

If neural activity is modelled within an automaton framework, neural processes may be conveniently described in terms of state trajectories. Mechanisms of memory are investigated in such a model and it is shown how short-term and long-term storage may be explained in terms of simple and interrelated feedback configurations.


[Neurophysiologic application of a system for the study of simple and multiple time series analyses].

By means of the most used methods at present of time series analysis, the authors describe a modular package allowing a non-specialised user to process by himself experimental results. Probability sets may be calculated, drawn and statistically tested from direct or transformed data. The use of this package is made easier by means of an automation table which chooses the necessary parameters and memorises responses so as to avoid superfluous problems. The FORTRAN IV coded program is run on a PDP 10 under time-sharing for the analysis of the data concerning action potentials in neurophysiology.


A computer program for deriving the rate equations of enzyme catalysed reactions with unbranched mechanisms.

This paper describes a simple program for a desk-top computer which determines the relative concentrations of enzyme-containing intermediates appearing in an enzyme catalysed reaction where the intermediates lie in an unbranched sequence originating and terminating in one enzyme intermediate. This information, the distribution function, then gives the rate equation by the usual means (Wong and Hanes, 1962). The method is rapid and has the advantage that the distribution function may be presented in its complete form or in terms of its dependence on the concentration of the substrates and products. It is also possible to determine the effects of dead-end inhibition.


Hypothesis processing as a new tool to aid managers of mental health agencies in serving long-term regional interests.

Mental health planning is partly a political process, involving the articulation of the long-range interests of a regional community, formation of consensus among key people and the appropriate investment of authority, power and responsibility. Conflicts between the short-term self-interests of planners and the long-term general interest usually arise. This paper claims that it is feasible to increase the expected number of cases in which a region's longer-term interest is served without radical changes in existing planning processes or ideologies. The means for doing this are new kinds of information systems that serve planners as tools to increase their awareness about assumptions, hypotheses and problem representations. The conceptual and technological bases for developing such systems stem from progress in artificial intelligence in the direction of hypothesis-processing algorithms. The proposed application to mental health planning is described. Arguments are presented to show how the use of such tools would increase the likelihood that longer-term regional interest are served.


New aspects of the tolerance of retinol in humans.

A review is given of the evaluation of 517 cases of acute vitamin A intoxication and chronic hypervitaminosis A. Whereas acute vitamin A intoxication has lost numerical importance during the past 15 years, chronic hypervitaminosis-A, especially that caused by self-medication, has provoked world-wide discussion concerning the safety of retinol intake. Evaluation of the 132 cases of chronic hypervitaminosis-A showed that approximately one quarter cannot be considered as genuine cases, whereas the rest is divided almost equally between vitamin A prescription and self-medication. A significant positive correlation could be shown between the dose administered and the duration of treatment. Moreover, with comparable doses the symptoms of chronic hypervitaminosis-A appear significantly earlier (by a factor of 6) after emulsified or equivalent preparations than after oily emulsions because of their better absorbability. As soon as the liver vitamin A storage capacity is exhausted, hypervitaminosis-A symptoms appear and the liver vitamin A concentration is at least 10-fold the normal. The calculated vitamin A concentration in the liver of the individual cases of hypervitaminosis-A is highly correlated with the daily intake of vitamin A per kg of body-weight and its duration.


Incorporation of labelled retinol in bovine spermatazoa. II. Effect of calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium on the incorporation, in vitro.

A study of the effect of different concentrations of the bulk cations, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, as additives, on the incorporation of 3H retinol in bovine spermatozoa, in vitro, is described. Five different levels of these cations were chosen and added separately. It was found that maximum incorporation of vitamin A was obtained by the addition of (mg/100 ml): Ca++ 34, Mg++18, K+432 and Na+164.5, to the incubating medium.


Influence of vitamin A on formation and excretion of end products of nitrogen catabolism in chicks.

The effect of vitamin A deprivation at different stages, and of dosing with different levels of the vitamin of some parameters of protein catabolism was examined in chicks. Plasma uric acid and plasma urea were increased in vitamin A deficiency. Dosing with vitamin A caused a decrease in the plasma uric acid concentration only in deficient chicks which received the higher dosing level (3000 mug retinol equivalent), whereas plasma urea concentration increased in all cases after dosing. Nitrogen retention and uric acid excretion were not changed in chicks in the first stages of vitamin A deficiency, but excretion of urea was increased in comparison to pair fed chicks. Liver xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and kidney arginase were both increased even in the first stages of vitamin A deficiency. The increase in XDH activity was shown to be partially due to the stress of overnight fat caused by pair feeding, whereas this factor had no part in the increase of the kidney orginase. Dosing with vitamin A had almost no effect on the plasma vitamin A of chicks fed a high dietary level of the vitamin (9000 mug/kg) while there was a clear response in control chicks (fed 900 mug/kg) or deficient ones.


Coenzyme Q deficiency in mice following infection with Friend leukemia virus.

The specific activities of the succinate dehydrogenase-coenzyme Q reductase were assayed on mitochondrial preparations of this enzyme from spleen, liver, blood and peritoneal macrophages of mice infected with Friend leukemia virus, and of control mice. Significant increases in the deficiency of coenzyme Q-enzyme activity were found in the spleen and blood of infected animals as the infection progressed. No significant deficiency was observed in the liver or the peritoneal macrophages. The development of the deficiency and splenomegaly during infection seemingly correlate with previous data which showed that administration of coenzyme Q resulted in a reversal of splenomegaly and a reduction in mortality. A limiting factor in the resistance of mice to Friend leukemia virus appears to be the availability of coenzyme Q.


The effects of vitamin E deficiency on some enzymes of steroid hormone biosynthesis.

The effect of vitamin E deficiency on three enzyme systems involved in steroidogenesis was investigated. No change was found in vitro activity of cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme in adrenal or testicular tissue, or of 11-beta-hydroxylase activity in adrenal tissue. Significantly less 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was found in ovarian tissue from female rats given a diet deficient in vitamin E for 141 days, and in testicular tissue and adrenal glands from male rats given the deficient diet for 280 days. Testicular tissue from male rats given the deficient diet for 91 days showed considerably less 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity than did tissue from control rats, but the difference was not statistically significant.


Electrocortical activity characteristic of vitamin B6 deficiency in the rat.

Vitamin B6 deficiency is characterized by a variety of changes in the central nervous system. Weanling male white rats, fed different levels of pyridoxine for 60 days, showed consistent differences in both amplitude and frequency of their electrocortical activity. The more deficient animals displayed higher EEG voltages and a higher dominant frequency. These two effects were systematically related to pyridoxine intake and provided similar dose-response curves. The nutritional requirement for vitamin B6, as estimated from the EEG data, was in good agreement with that estimated from growth response data.


[Activity studies of an iron-vitamin B6 preparation for euteral treatment of iron deficiency anemia].

In 17 respectively 15 children with iron deficiency anemia the effect of a combined orally applicated iron-vitamin B6 therapy and iron therapy only was studied. Pyridoxal phosphate, activities of pyridoxal kinase and red cell GOT, and excretion of 4-pyridoxic acid in urine were measured as indices of vitamin B6 nutriture before therapy was started, on the 3rd and 6th day with therapy and on the 1st and 4th day after therapy was stopped. Red cells, concentration of hemoglobin, reticulocytes and hematokrit were simultaneously counted, whereas serum iron had been measured once only before therapy. A group of 22 hematologically healthy children was studied as controls. After iron therapy a decrease of vitamin B6 nutriture occured as a consequence of an increased requirement for pyridoxal phosphate for heme synthesis. Additional vitamin B6 was followed by a normal vitamin B6 nutriture and a significantly accelerating effect on heme synthesis.


The amino acid composition of the oviduct of the folic acid-treated and the folate-deficienct, oestrogen-treated immature domestic fowl.

Two experiments are described in which the effect of folate deficiency on the amino aicd content of the oviduct of oestrogen-treated, folic acid-treated and folate-deficient, immature domestic fowl is investigated. Oviducts from non-oestrogen treated, folic acid-treated and folate deficient birds are also compared. A third experiment was carried out in which the effect of folate deficiency on the amino acid composition of the five oviduct sections was examined. An attempt has been made to explain the differences in oviduct amino acid composition in terms of amino acid metabolism and the degree of structural development of the oviduct. It is concluded that folate is most essential for the response of oviduct tissue to oestrogen stimulation in areas where a specialised secretory function is involved. No direct evidence was obtained to indicate that the function of folate in glycine-serine interconversion or methionine regeneration was significant in the inhibition of oestrogen-stimulated oviduct growth.


Influence of lead administration on L-ascorbic acid metabolism in rats: effect of L-ascorbic acid supplementation.

1. Lead toxicated rats became severely anaemic which could be recovered to a considerable extent by simultaneous supplementation of L-ascorbic acid to these rats. 2. The concentrations of L-ascorbic acid in the liver tissues and in the urine of the toxicated rats were increased significantly while that in the kidney tissues was markedly reduced and supplementation of L-ascorbic acid to the toxicated rats could not raise appreciably this reduced L-ascorbic acid level in the kidney tissues. 3. The kidney of rats maintained on lead supplemented basal diet were enlarged significantly; the normal histological pattern of the kidney tissues was severely disturbed under the experimental condition exhibited by cellular necrosis and membrane rupture. 4. In the liver tissues of lead toxicated rats, the rate of L-ascorbic acid synthesis was enhanced and this was brought to the basal level by supplementation of L-ascorbic acid. Synthesis of L-xylulose in the kidney tissues of rats was drastically reduced under lead toxicosis and administration of L-ascorbic acid to the toxicated animals could not protect this effect.


A nutritional survey in the elderly: blood and urine vitamin levels.

In this survey of vitamin levels in 93 acute geriatric admissions to hospital, none had a completely normal nutritional profile. Twenty-two patients had over 50% of test abnormal and for all patients the average % of abnormal tests was 29%. The most common abnormalities were albumin, leucocyte vitamin C, vitamin E, carotene and nicotinic acid where over 50% of patients had abnormal results. Transferrin and vitamin A levels were abnormal in over 30% of patients while there was little evidence for riboflavin or thiamine malnutrition. It is postulated that an inadequate dietary intake, due to disease or to physical and mental deterioration was the most likely cause of these multiple nutritional abnormalities.


Blood serotonin in schizophrenic children. A preliminary study.

Blood serotonin levels were measured in schizophrenic children, all of whom showed manifestations of illness in the first 2 years of life, and controls. Serotonin levels were higher in patients (mean = 0.267 mug/ml) than in controls (mean = 0.218 mug/ml), although the difference did not reach statistical significance. Serotonin levels were significantly higher in patients with florid psychosis and those with lower IQs than in patients in remission or partial remission or higher IQs.


Purification and chemical studies on rat urinary kallikrein.

A highly purified kallikrein was obtained from rat urine by chromatography on DE-32 cellulose, affinity chromatography on Bio-gel P-200-Aprotinin and gel filtration over Sephadex G-100 coarse and superfine. A molecular weight of 32,000 by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis was estimated. The aminoacid composition and the esterase activity of the purified material were determined. Biological characterization of the purified kallikrein was tested by liberation of a kinin from rat plasma kininogen, by direct action on the isolated rat uterus and by the lowering of rat arterial pressure after intravenous injection of the enzyme. The preparation of insoluble derivative of Aprotinin is described herein. The polymer used as insoluble support (Bio-gel P-200) was before changed to its corresponding azide, which reacts with Aprotinin; the product maintained the binding property of the Aprotinin with urinary kallikrein.


Urinary trypsin-inhibitor: extraction from pregnancy urine by affinity chromatography.

Affinity chromatography has led to the extraction of a trypsin inhibitor from urines of pregnant women, with a recovery of about 85%. The inhibitor obtained by this method is fairly pure, but heterogeneous, according to several criteria. The heterogeneity is not the result of the extraction procedure, but it seems to pre-exist in the urine itself.


Subcellular localization of renin and kallikrein in rat kidney.

The subcellular localization of renin and kallikrein in rat kidney cortex homogenate was investigated using both differential and density gradient centrifugation techniques. Highest specific activity of renin was found in the heavy mitochondrial fraction. Mitochondrial localization of renin was further supported by the behaviour of succinic dehydrogenase. By differential centrifugation, highest specific activity of kallikrein was found in the light mitochondrial fraction, while by density gradient centrifugation kallikrein was almost completely recovered in the lysosomal fraction. Lysosomal localization of kallikrein is further supported by the behaviour of acid phosphatase. The different subcellular localizations of renin and kallikrein are confirmed and the suggestion that kallikrein is located in the lysosomes is advanced.


[Rare melanocytes and nevus-cell nevi].

This review considers the following melanocytic and nevocytic nevi: nevus spilus, cellular blue nevus, benign juvenile melanoma, mongolian spot and nevus of Ota. Clinical aspects, histopathology and prognosis are outlined, based on data from the recent literature.


6-(14C)-orotate uptake and rna synthesis by liver from thyroidectomized rats treated with 3,5,3'-triiodo-1-thyronine (t3).

It has been shown that T3 administration to thyroidectomized rats induces a marked increase of the in vivo labelling of liver nuclear RNA by 6-[14C]-orotic acid and, although to a lesser extent, of the radioactivity of the acid-soluble fraction. Therefore, in evaluating the real increase in RNA synthesis induced by T3 administration it has been taken into account that the hormone stimulates the uptake of the labelled precursor by the liver and enhances the specific activity of the nucleoside and nucleotide pool. The greater penetration of orotate into the liver does not depend on the increased RNA synthesis since it is not prevented by the administration of actinomycin D which markedly inhibits the transcriptional process. These findings indicate that the increased uptake of orotate and the stimulation of RNA synthesis represent distinct effects of the thyroid hormone on its target tissue.


[Is the lupus miliaris disseminatus of tuberculous origin?].

Lupus miliaris disseminatus is differentiated from tuberculosis and from the group of tuberculids on the basis of clinical observations, laboratory data and therapeutical results of the past 20 years. Histopathology, frequent recurrences and dissemination provide evidences for the allergic etiology of lupus miliaris disseminatus. Treatment with tetracyclines is effective.


Studies on the photosensitizing properties of angelicin, an angular furocoumarin forming only monofunctional adducts with the pyrimidine bases of DNA.

The bioligical photosensitizing properties of furocoumarins are due to the formation of adducts with the pyrimidine bases of DNA under irradiation with long wavelength ultraviolet light. The greatest importance is attributed to the difunctional adducts, which form cross-linkings between the 2 strands of DNA. As angelicin, photoreacting with DNA, forms only monofunctional adducts, and therefore no cross-linkings, its photosensitizing properties have been studied in order to evaluate the ability of monofunctional adducts to produce biological effects. The results obtained studying the inhibition of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in Ehrlich ascite tumor cells after irradiation in the presence of angelicin and psoralen (for a comparison), and the inhibition of the ability of identically treated cells to transmit the tumor showed a remarkable ability of monofunctional adducts to produce biological effects.


[Hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia].

This paper reports a family with typical features of hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (h.e.d.). Although some members of the family showed phenotypical similarities to anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, there is no doubt about the classification of this disorder into hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia because of its manifest symptomatology (hypo- and dystrichosis deformity of nails, autosomal-dominant heredity, normal sweating). This suggests that the phenotypical similarities are obvious and important findings of h.e.d.


Fromation and stoichiometry of a lysozyme-phospholipid-mitochondrial protein ternary complex.

Mitochondrial membranes reconstituted from lipid-depleted mitochondria and aqueous phospholipid dispersions still have the phospholipid negative charges available for ionic interaction with the basic protein, lysozyme. The stoichiometry of the binding is of about 6 nmoles of lysozyme per 100 nmoles of phospholipid in membranes reconstituted with Asolectin, and of 10 nmoles of phospholipid phosphorus in membranes reconstituted with cardiolipin. Unextracted submitochondrial particles ETP also bind lysozyme (about 3 nmoles per 100 nmoles of phospholipid). These observations indicate that the phospholipid anionic groups are not completely shielded by the mitochondrial proteins, which might occupy areas between the nonpolar groups of the lipid molecules.


[Chronic percutaneous salicylic acid poisoning].

The uncontrolled, long-term (18 months), widespread (almost 3/4 total body skin surface), application of a concentrated (10%) salicylic acid ointment in a 62 year old psoriatic female led to chronic percutaneous salicylism. Salicylic acid levels in the urine (200 mg %) and serum (223 mg %), the highest values ever recorded in this type of intoxication, contrasted with the discrete clinical picture. The acute and chronic percutaneous salicylism is discussed with a review of the literature. It is warned against the uncontrolled use of topicals containing salicylic acid.


[Dermatome excision of multiple basaliomas of the trunk skin].

Superficial basal cell carcinomas of the trunk may be removed by dermatome excision. The procedure following the usual excision of a split-skin graft with a thickness of 0,6 mm. Histological control of the tumor excision is possible when the split-skin graft, including the tumor, is rolled before sectioning. In this way the adequate tumor removal, both in depth and at the peripheral margin, can be judged.


Nucleolar and nucleoplasmic RNA polymerase activity in different regions of rat brain during postnatal development.

RNA polymerase activities of whole nuclei, of isolated and purified nucleoli and of the nucleoplasmic fractions obtained from cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum and brain stem of rat at different days of postnatal development have been determined. In the whole nuclei the fraction of RNA polymerase which is sensitive to alpha-amanitin, is strongly affected by salt concentration; at low ionic strength most of the activity is resistant to the drug while at high ionic strength the enzymatic activity shows a greater sensitivity to the drug. In isolated nucleoli RNA synthesis is not inhibited at all by alpha-amanitin. The biosynthesis of RNA, at low ionic strength, is inhibited by low doses of actinomycin D, whereas at high ionic strength it is remarkably inhibited only by higher doses of the drug. The sensitivity of the reaction to alpha-amanitin and actinomycin D provide good evidence that UTP or GTP incorporation into RNA in purified nuclei and nucleoli, is dependent on RNA polymerases acting on DNA template and is not dependent on homopolymer formation. These results show that in the whole brain nuclei at low ionic strength there is a preferential synthesis of rRNA, whereas at high ionic strength the synthesis of heterogenous RNA predominates. In isolated nucleoli the synthesis of RNA is restricted to rRNA.


Immunoglobulin secretion by mouse myeloma cells; involvement of an energy-requiring step.

The process of Immunoglobulin secretion has been extensively studied but the cellular mechanisms underlying assembly and transport of these molecules are still poorly understood. Evicence is presented in this paper for the presence, in the secretory pathway of mouse myeloma cells, of an energy requiring step, as indicated by the strong inhibition of Immunoglobulin secretion by a variety of respiratory chain inhibitors and of oxidative phosphorylation uncouplers.


[The simultaneous occurrence of psoriasis, sarcoidosis and gout. Report of 3 cases].

The author reports three further cases of simultaneous occurence of psoriasis, sarcoidosis and gout, additionally to the hitherto known observations. The occurence of gout is questionable in this connection, relevant seems to be only the coincidence of psoriasis and gout. A probable causal connection is discussed. This could theorectically be due to a common genetic sphere, to similar pathophysiological principles or to an alternatively manifestation of each other.


[Penetration and side effects of local estrogen application in alopecia androgenetica].

In 30 male patients aged 17-37 with definite androgenetic ("male pattern") alopecia (AA, telogen hair rate greater than 20%) the total urinary estrogen level was estimated before and after topical treatment: In 18 patients estrogen in a alcoholic vehicle (0.05% dienestroldiacetate) was daily applied on the scalp skin; whereas 12 patients were treated with a corresponding preparation without estrogen and served as controls. Before treatment the average estrogen level of all patients with AA was 23.3 mum/24 hrs (individual data ranged from 9.4-45.6 mum/24 hrs) and was thus slightly elevated but still within the normal range. 3 and 6 months after treatment no significant differences of the urinary estrogen level were found between the controlled patients of the two groups and, similarly, no clinical side-effects of the estrogen application (gynecomasty etc.) were recorded. It seems, on the basis of this study, that a long-term topical treatment with estrogen does not involve considerable risks regarding side-effects on male adults, in contrast to children and youngsters. On the assumption that estrogen may be effective in AA, a local mechanism of action on the hair follicle is considered.


[Anorectal symptom complex in zoster sacralis].

Disorder by hemorrhoids can occasionally be caused by sacral herpes zoster. Only exact local inspection in connection with the anamnestic statement of neuralgic pain as well as hurting sensations of the rectum leads to the proper diagnosis.


[The development of the guinea pig gallbladder epithelial cells. I. Light microscopical and carbohydrate-histochemical investigations (author's transl)].

The development of the guinea pig gallbladder epithelium was studied from the 19th day of intrauterine life to the 31st postnatal day by means of histological and histochemical staining reactions. At first, the epithelium is a columnar pseudostratified one. Its transformation into a simple columnar eptihelium is terminated by the 31st day of the intrauterine life. Then the epithelial cells become more columnar and their nuclei acquire a basal position. Somewhat later the epithelium invaginates the underlying mesenchyme. Up to the 57th day the epithelium contains much glycogen. Neutral and carboxylated mucosubstances are demonstrable after the 30th day. From the 48th day onwards sulphated mucosubstances can be visualized in some cells in the depth of the invaginations and from the 51st day in the epithelial cells of the gallbladder. "Light" mucoid cells appear first in the epithelium of day 58. After the 6th postnatal day the "light" cells are rarely seen in the invaginations. The development of the gallbladder epithelium is completed about the 10th postnatal day. The epithelial mucosubstances of the gallbladder of the adult animal could be classified as GC- mucins and S-mucinsA, 1.0 MgCl2.


Inhibition of the alkaline phosphatase of equine, bovine and rat neutrophilic leukocytes with levamisole at low concentrations.

In this light microscopic study, the inhibitory effect of levamisole on the alkaline phosphatase of equine, bovine and rat neutrophilic leukocytes was examined histochemically, using 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 mM levamisole in the incubation mixture. Levamisole proved to be a potent inhibitor of neutrophilic alkaline phasphatase already at very low concentrations. Statistically significant differences in the rate of inhibition of the enzyme were found between the species examined. Some observations of the eosinophils were also made; equine eosinophils were found to be considerably resistant towards alkaline phosphatase inhibition with levamisole at the concentrations used.


Histochemical localization of acetylcholinesterase in the cerebellum and optic tectum of four freshwater teleosts.

A histochemical study has been carried out on the localization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the cerebellum and optic tectum of four species of freshwater teleosts. AChE distribution in the cerebellar cortex of teleosts shows differences among the species examined and, in the trout, also differences between different cerebellar areas. This uneven kind of enzyme distribution corresponds to a similar variety of AChE patterns noticed in other vertebrates, especially mammals. AChE distribution in the optic tectum shows a prevalent pattern characterized by precise laminar distribution of enzymatic activity which is alternatively strong, weak or absent in the different tectal layers. The results suggest that most of sensitive imput and many systems of stimuli propagation may be mediated by cholinergic mechanisms in the optic tectum of telecosts.


Studies about the specificity of the histochemical localization of choline acetyltransferase.

1. Tissues examined for the histochemical localization of choline acetyltransferase are best fixed by acetone. 2. Topographical identification of choline acetyltransferase by its reaction products is not only substrate-dependent because a slight staining also occurred in the absence of the substrates choline and acetyl-coenzyme in the incubation medium. 3. Histochemical localization of choline acetyltransferase was inhibited by sarin but not by DFP or eserine. 4. According to Burt and Silver's method cells and cell organelles, of which the enzymatic content is doubtful, where stained. 5. Chloroacetylcholine-perchlorate did not inhibit the histochemical localization of choline acetyltransferase. 6. The staining of acetylcholinesterase showed a different topographical distribution although both methods were inhibited by sarin.


Enzyme activity during the metabolism of glycogen. I. Demonstration of phosphorylases in the sensory cells of the tuberous organ of Gnathonemus petersii (Mormyridae). Histochemical and ultrastructural methods.

Phosphorylase activities were investigated by histochemical and ultrastructural procedures in the electroreceptive sensory cells of the tuberous organ of Gnathonemus petersii. Ater incubation in G1P, G1P activated by AMP (Takeuchi and Kuriaki medium) or in G1P activated by ATP+MgSO4 (Guha and Wegman medium) newly formed polysaccharides were analysed with the iodine and P.A.S. reactions under light microscopy and, under electron microscopy, with the periodic acid thiocarbohydrazide (TCH) silver proteinate (PATAg reaction, Thiery), The newly formed polysaccharides proved the presence of glycogen phosphorylase (2.4.1.1) activities and of their branching enzymes (2.4.1.18). When G1P was activated by ATP+MgSO4, they appeared as glycogen particles with the same constitution as native glycogen. After incubation in G1P and in G1P activated by AMP they appeared as glycogen and polyglucose filaments too. In the latter case they were high concentrated. The results show that the phosphorylases are principally present in this sensory cell in their inactive form.


Incorporation of Arginine-3H into chromatin of mouse eggs shortly after sperm penetration.

Mouse oocytes were fertilized in vitro in a complete cultivation medium enriched by L-arginine-5(3)H monohydrochloride. The oocytes were isolated four hours after insemination. The incorporation of this precursor, as detected by means of autoradiography, was significantly higher in swollen sperm heads and female chromosomes at anaphase/telophase of the second meiotic division than the incorporation into ooplasm.


Proliferative capability of parietal and zymogen cells.

Six to eight week old male mice of C3Hf/Bu strain were killed and studied at various times from 30 minutes to 30 days after tritiated thymidine (3H-TdR) injection. Labelling of parietal and zymogen cells was observed in autoradiographic histological specimens. There were 590 +/- 22 gastric glands per circumference at the body of the stomach. Parietal cells were counted as 16-2 (14-0-18-4) per gland or 9600 per circumference. There were 11-4 (9-4-13-7) zymogen cells per gland or 6700 per circumference. Two labelled immature parietal cells per circumference were seen 30 minutes after 3H-TdR injection, equivalent to a ratio of 1:5000; more mature labelled parietal cells were seen at later times up to 30 days. There was evidence for proliferation during maturation and downward migration of cells toward the body and the lower part of the gastric gland. Our data support earlier evidence that immature parietal cells constantly supply mature parietal cells through migration from a proliferative zone. Whether the parietal cells are derived from the same stem cell compartment as surface epithelium cells is unclear at the present time. An average of 2-6 zymogen cells per circumference, or 1:2500, was found to be labelled. While most zymogen cells were not proliferating, cells entered the proliferating cycle at random. Based on the findings reported in this paper and the radiation responses of both parietal and zymogen cells, it is postulated that they form part of a slow renewal system.


Ultrastructural study of pericytes in the rat supraoptic nucleus.

Pericytes of the supraoptic nucleus of normal rats have been studied with the electron microscope. These cells are morphologically similar to those of pericytes in other parts of the nervous system. The pericytes and their cytoplasmic processes were surrounded by basal membrane. The nucleus contained large masses of heterochromatin. The cytoplasm, less dense than that of the endothelial cells, contained numerous free ribosomes, cisternae of granular endoplasmic reticulum, various dictyosomes of the Golgi complex, isolated microtubules, a few mitochondria, and, occasionally, a diplosome. The presence of numerous lysosomes in some pericytes suggested that the cells are phagocytic even in normal circumstances.