Complete androgen insensitivity with a normal amount of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone-binding activity in labium majus skin fibroblasts. We have studied labium majus skin fibroblast strains from six unrelated, previously unreported, patients with complete androgen insensitivity (CAI). Four have markedly reduced specific 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone-binding (DHT-binding) activity (receptor-negative). The other two (receptor-positive) have normal activities in whole-cell homogenates, the 100,000g supernatant of cell sonicates prepared in 0.4 MKCl, purified whole nuclei, and the nuclear fraction that resists extraction with 0.4 MKCl. In one of the two, the DHT-binding macromolecules in the cytosol and 0.4 M KCl-extractable nuclear fraction have normal molecular sieving profiles and binding activities. One of the receptor-positive patients has maternally related affected relatives in three successive genetations. Appreciable unexplained interexperimental variation of the DHT-binding activities in genital skin fibroblast strains demands that multiple assays be performed on a strain before its receptor status is classified quantitatively. In our experience to date with genital skin fibroblasts, four of 13 propositi with CAI have been receptor-positive.


[Contribution to the definition of reference values in the hare: hematology -- blood biochemistry (author's transl)]. The following hematological and biochemical reference values were determined in 150 hares: hematocrit, blood count and leucocytic formula, Na, K, Cl, P, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, glucose, urea, creatinine, uric acid, cholesterol, bilirubin, triglycerides, proteins and fractions, PAL, PAC, TGO, TGP, amylase, GGT, LDH. Once the effects of sex and age have been established, the references defined here will be used as a base for interpreting disturbances linked either to pathology or nutrition.


[Binding capacity of testosterone estradiol binding globulin (TeBG) in normal children and in children with endocrine pathology]. The binding capacity of plasma TeBG was measured by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In normal prepubertal children the values are identical in the two sexes boys (6.23 +/- 1.72 microgram/dl); girls (6.21 +/- 1.93 microgram/dl). In boys puberty induces an immediate and highly significant (p less than 0.001) drop in TeBG (1.79 +/- 0.75 microgram/dl) while it remains unchanged in girls (5.34 +/- 0.92 microgram/dl). In newborn males there is a physiological rise in plasma testosterone in the first months of life with a parallel rise in TeBG. In boys with precocious puberty the drop in TeBG is delayed in comparison to the rise in plasma testosterone. The pubertal drop of TeBG is delayed and incomplete in boys with male pseudohermaphroditism. The data indicates that the measurement of TeBG binding capacity can be used as an indirect method to evaluate the peripheral effect of testosterone. The lack of effect of HCG on TeBG means that this test is of no value as a functional assessment of prepubertal subjects.


Effect of human plasma apolipoproteins on the activity of purified lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase. An active preparation of lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT, EC 2.3.1.43) was isolated from human plasma by density ultracentrifugation, high-density lipoprotein affinity chromatography, DEAE-Sepharose and hydroxylapatite chromatography. This enzyme preparation gave a single band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in 8 M urea and on sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. Upon analytical isoelectric focusing the enzyme separated into at least five isoforms with isoelectric points ranging from 5.1 to 5.5. The enzyme with an apparent molecular weight of 66,000 +/- 2,000 was characterized by a high content of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine and glycine and contained approximately 31 moles of glucosamine/10(3) moles of protein and no galactosamine. The purified enzyme, stored at 20-40 microgram/ml at 4 degrees C, had a half-life of 26 +/- 4 days. The effect of purified human plasma apolipoproteins A-I, A-II, C-I, C-II, C-III and D on the activity of purified LCAT was studied, using egg-yolk lecithin (40 microM): cholesterol (10 microM) vesicles prepared in 1.25% ethanol in the absence or presence of 0.5% albumin. Addition of albumin to the incubation mixture nearly doubled the esterification rate of LCAT with A-I as activator (n=4), whereas it inhibited esterification by approximately 35% (n=3) if C-I was the activator. Maximum activation by C-I yielded only 13 +/- 6% (vesicles with albumin) or 42 +/- 5% (vesicles without albumin) of the LCAT activity obtained with A-I. Each of the apoproteins A-II, C-II, C-III and D inhibited the LCAT reaction in the presence of A-I or C-I at concentrations needed for maximal activation. Contrary to previous work, apolipoprotein D does not appear to be an activator of LCAT. LCAT activity is significantly affected by albumin and the apolipoproteins A-II, C-II, C-III, and D.


[Freshwater snails and vectors of schistosomiasis mansoni in Martinique (French West Indies)]. An inventory of the freshwater Molluscs in Martinique was worked out during 1972 to 1978. Each of the 19 species is shown with its main characteristics. The distribution of Biomphalaria glabrata and Biompharia straminea was studied. The epidemiological importance of these two snails is discussed.


Measurement of endothelial fibrinolytic activity in aorta and vena cava in rabbits: a fibrin-agar plate method. The fibrin-agar plate method was used to estimate fibrinolytic activity from the luminal surfaces of aorta and vena cava with or without denudation of endothelium in rabbits. Diffuse endothelial denudation was accomplished by air-dry injury to the luminal surfaces for 24 hours prior to sacrifice. The segments individually obtained from the aorta and vena cava were immediately turned inside out in a cylindrical fashion and soaked in a vial containing plasminogen-rich solution. The vials were kept in a refrigerator at 4 degrees C for 4 hours. Five microliter of the solution was dropped on a fibrin-agar plate containing 0.08% fibrinogen (plasminogen free) and 1.4% agar in 0.01 M phosphate buffer with a pH of 7.4. A thrombin solution was then added to the plates, which were incubated for 18 hours at 37 degrees C in a moist chamber. The fibrinolytically digested areas revealed no comparative difference in fibrinolytic activity between the aorta and the vena cava either in the experimental or control group. However, a plasminogen activator was detected on the luminal surfaces of both the aorta and the vena cava with endothelial denudation as well as in normal controls. These results suggest that luminal fibrinolytic activity may be located not only in endothelial cells but possibly in other sources as well. Further examination of the interaction between the tissue activator and the inhibitor and determination of their localization are needed. Thrombogenesis may be an important factor in atherogenesis; in certain circumstances, detachment of the endothelial cells exposes underlying collagen fibrils and subsequently initiates the aggregation of platelets and cellular proliferation in the intima. There are, however, many unresolved questions concerning the precise mechanisms of development, resolution and organization of thrombi.


[Specialization of the ovocytic endoplasmic reticulum near the contact of the hind gut in Trichinella spiralis (author's transl)]. In Trichinella spiralis, the bigger ovocytes show contacts with the cuticula of the hind gut. Near these contacts, the ovocytic endoplasmic reticulum is hypertrophied. This device is described with details and compared to that one of the stichocytes; its possible role is discussed.


Depressed incidence of oestrus in ewes with clover disease at the beginning of the breeding season. The incidence of oestrus was depressed in ewes with permanent clover infertility running on non-oestrogenic pasture, particularly in the first part of the breeding season. The depression was due to the failure of some ewes to display oestrus, and to a more erratic pattern of oestrous activity in the other ewes. The incidence of oestrus was restored to normal by treatment with progesterone. In contrast, the incidence of oestrus was reduced in affected ewes grazing in oestrogenic pasture.


Isolation and characterization of binding proteins for retinol from the cytosol, nucleosol and chromatin of the oviduct magnum of laying hens. Protein fractions that bind retinol were isolated from the cytosol, nucleosol and chromatin of the oviduct magnum of laying hens. The proteins isolated from the three sources showed similar elution profiles on chromatography through Sephadex G-75 and G-50 columns, and comparable mobility during electrophoresis on sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gels. Their molecular weights were calculated to be around 14500. When oviducts from vitamin A-depleted and vitamin A-repleted immature chicks given oestrogen injections for 6 consecutive days were incubated with [3H]retinyl acetate, uptake of the radioactivity in the nuclei of the vitamin A-depleted tissue was severalfold higher than that in the nuclei from the vitamin A-repleted tissue.


A study of the copper-binding proteins in liver and kidney tissue of neonatal normal and mottled mutant mice. The Cu2+-binding proteins from liver and kidney tissue of 7--8-day-old brindled (Mobr) mice and their normal littermates were compared. (1) Separation over Bio-Gel P-10 showed that the differences in the Cu2+ content of mutant tissues were largely associated with a low-molecular-weight protein fraction (mol.wt. 14 500). (2) Further purification of this low-molecular-weight fraction by anion-exchange chromatography revealed four subfractions. The Cu2+ content of each subfraction reflected the Cu2+ status of the tissue of origin; the Cu2+ contents of the mutant kidney subfractions were elevated and those of the mutant liver were depressed compared with normal. In contrast, the protein contents of the subfractions were less variable and did not reflect the differing Cu2+ contents. (3) Amino acid analysis of the four subfractions from CuCl2-treated mutant and normal animals revealed clos similarities. The proteins showed high glycine, glutamic acid, serine, alanine and lysine contents and a rather variable cysteine content. Differences were apparent in the normal liver subfractions, which showed a higher cysteine content and lower glutamic acid content than did either the mutant liver or normal and mutant kidney subfractions. These observations, together with the recorded presence of aromatic amino acids, indicated that these proteins are not thioneins.


Effects of manganese ions and magnesium ions on the activity of soya-bean ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. The Michaelis constants of soya-bean ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase for CO2 in the carboxylation reaction and for O2 in the oxygenation reaction depend on the nature of the bivalent cation present. In the presence of Mg2+ the Km for bicarbonate is 2.48 mM, and the Km for O2 is 37% (gas-phase concentration). With Mn2+ the values decrease to 0.85 mM and 1.7% respectively. For the carboxylation reaction Vmax. was 1.7 mumol/min per mg of protein with Mg2+ but only 0.29 mumol/min per mg of protein with Mn2+. For the oxygenation reaction, Vmax. values were 0.61 and 0.29 mumol/min per mg of protein respectively with Mg2+ and Mn2+.


Synthesis and chemical properties of N- and O-phosphorylated derivatives of creatinol. N-Methyl-N-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-guanidine O-phosphate (creatinol O-phosphate) was synthesized from creatinol by phosphorylation with partially hydrolyzed phosphoryl chloride or by dehydration of its phosphate salt. Creatinol N-phosphate was obtained by addition of N-methylamino ethanol to bis-p-nitrobenzylphosphocyanamide, followed by hydrogenolysis. The chemical properties of both compounds were investigated; creatinol N-phosphate was rearranged to creatinol O-phosphate by heating.


Acute clinical tolerance of creatinol O-phosphate. Acute clinical tolerance to N-methyl-N-(beta-hydroxyethyl) guanidine O-phosphate (creatinol O-phosphate, COP) was investigated in volunteer human subjects without heart or renal disease and without other serious illness. COP was administered i.v. at three different dosages, 1020 mg (group A), 2040 mg (group B) and 3060 mg (group C), in comparison with a placebo (group D). Arterial pressure, heart rate, ECG pattern and a complete blood analysis showed no change at any COP dosage, with the exception of blood phosphate, which increased in groups B and C. Cumulative urinary excretion of phosphate and creatinine and diuresis increased, whereas other urine parameters did not change. The phosphate and creatinine increases derived from the COP molecule and the increase in diuresis from a simple osmotic process required to dilute the phosphate in the tubular fluid. All these alterations were statistically significant and dose-related with COP and had been expected. COP proved to be a very well tolerated drug without any evident side effect.


An analysis of the reduction by creatinol O-phosphate of the myocardial lesions evoked by isoprenaline in the rat. The distribution and the size of lesions evoked in rat heart by the injection of isoprenaline 30 mg/kg have been estimated in rat pretreated or not by various dosages of N-methyl-N-(beta-hydroxyethyl)guanidine O-phosphate (creatinol O-phosphate). It has been observed that the number of lesions was inequally distributed in the various parts of the heart. Creatinol O-phosphate pretreatment reduced both the number and the size of the reactive areas. The reduction of the number of foci was dose-dependent. The action of the lowest creatinol O-phosphate doses was increased by a pretreatment during 4 days instead of the 4 h pretreatment initially used. The size of the reactive area was also reduced but in a manner indicating an action of large creatinol O-phosphate dosages on the microcirculation. It is concluded that, due to its protective action against cardionecrosis, creatinol O-phosphate has great potential value in patients with myocardial infarction in whom the extent of the infarct size may be limited by an action on the jeopardized area.


The action of creatinol 0-phosphate on the inotropic effect of isoprenaline in isolated rat atria and in anesthetized dogs. The action of N-methyl-N-(beta-hydroxyethyl) guanidine O-phosphate (creatinol O-phosphate) was studied on the contractility of the heart, in vitro on isolated rat atria and in vivo in anesthetized dogs. Creatinol O-phosphate was without action on the contractility of isolated rat atria stimulated by isoprenaline 10(-8) mol/l which produced the maximum inotropic effect. Creatinol O-phosphate increased the contractility evoked by isoprenaline 10(-5) mol/l and impaired the development of the negative inotropic effect evoked by prolonged treatment with this large dose. In dogs, creatinol O-phosphate pretreatment increased the positive inotropic effect of large but not low isoprenaline dosages. It is concluded that creatinol O-phosphate increased the contractile efficiency of the heart submitted to the action of an excess of catecholamines.


Ionic changes evoked by isoprenaline in rat hearts in vivo and in vitro and their reduction by creatinol O-phosphate. The action of large doses of catecholamines on the Ca and Mg content of rat heart has been examined both in vivo and in vitro. It was observed that the ionic changes evoked in vitro by isoprenaline 10(-5) mol/l were similar to those evoked in vivo by isoprenaline 30 mg/kg and that both were reduced by N-methyl-N-(beta-hydroxy-ethyl)guanidine O-phosphate (creatinol O-phosphate) in a dose-dependent manner. ED50 was equal to 3 x 10(-7) mol/l. These results indicate that the cardionecrotic action evoked in vivo by isoprenaline and its reduction by creatinol O-phosphate may be attributed to a direct action on the myocardial cell.


Protective action of creatinol O-phosphate against serum CPK activity enhanced by isoprenaline in the rat. Isoprenaline (ISP) in the rat (500 mg/kg s.c.) was shown to be able to enhance the creatin phosphokinase activity (CPK) in serum from 135 U/l in the control animals to about 600 U/l in 5 h, i.e. at the peak. When the rats were pretreated with N-methyl-N-(beta-hydroxyethyl)guanidine O-phosphate (creatinol O-phosphate, COP), the CPK enhancement was reduced to an extent related to the doses of COP (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg i.p.). COP protection was about 16% with the lower dose but increased to 50% with the highest dose according to linear regression (COP doses versus CPK levels, p less than 0.01). The protective action against serum CPK enhancement evoked by ISP is common to other classes of drugs, such as beta-blocking agents, calcium antagonists and corticosteroids. In the case of COP and calcium antagonists a common mechanism, which has the effect or reducing myocardial calcium overload due to ISP, may be assumed on the basis of other previous investigations on the ion balance across the heart cell membrane and on the uptake and subcellular distribution of COP in the isolated perfused rat heart.


Protective effect of creatinol O-phosphate (COP) on ventricular fibrillation and death induced by intravenous CaCl2 in mice. The activity of N-methyl-N-(beta-hydroxyethyl)guanidine O-phosphate (creatinol O-phosphate, COP) on the acute toxicity of CaCl2 in mice was studied. The results obtained in the present investigation show that COP administered i.v. is able to antagonize, in a dose-dependent way, the lethal ventricular fibrillation provoked by CaCl2 in unanesthetized mice. Prenalamine and cinnarizine, two calcium antagonistic compounds, proved to be active in a way qualitatively similar to COP.


Protective effect of creatinol O-phosphate (COP) on some experimental arrhythmias in vitro and in vivo. The activity of N-methyl-N-(beta-hydroxyethyl)guanidine O-phosphate (creatinol O-phosphate, COP) on two in vitro and in vivo experimental arrhythmias was investigated. The substance proved to be active in delaying the onset time of aconitine induced arrhythmias in guinea-pig atria. COP showed also a definite antagonizing activity against chloroform-induced ventricular fibrillation in mice.


Effects of creatinol O-phosphate on serum enzymes in acute myocardial infarction. Two groups of 23 patients, each with acute myocardial infarction, were treated. The first group (control) received glucose-insuline-K+ (GIK) over a 3-day period, and the second GIK and N-methyl-N-(beta-hydroxyethyl) guanidine O-phosphate (creatinol O-phosphate, COP) (3.06 g i.v./24 h), again for a 3-day period. The six enzymes investigated, i. e. GOT, GPT, LDH, HBDH, CK and MBCK, all decreased between 33 and 49% in the COP group as compared with the control group, reaching a degree of statistical significance of less than 0.01. The decrease in these enzymes was attributed to the protective action of COP on the cell membrane permeability, in agreement with a series of previous papers.


Preliminary report on electrophysiological effectiveness of creatinol O-phosphate (COP) in human subjects. N-Methyl-N-(beta-hydroxyethyl) guanidine O-phosphate (creatinol O-phosphate, COP), in previous pharmacological and clinical research showed useful effects on both normal and ischemic heart. These effects can be reconduced to a protective action of COP on cell membrane. In this investigation the possible electrophysiological effects of COP were ascertained in 6 patients, some of whom were free of excitation-conduction disturbances, while others were suffering from sinusal automaticity of A-V conduction alterations. When the nodal A-V conduction was slowed by iatrogenic or functional factors, COP as well as atropine improved it. Thus both COP and atropine act in the non-organic component of the conduction disturbances. The organic component was not affected by both the drugs. The effect of atropine was more evident than that of COP. All the electrophysiological parameters were not affected by COP. This fact allows COP to be administered with absolute safety even in the presence of alterations in the formation and conduction of the stimuli.


[Effect of emotional-pain stress on the contractile function and sensitivity to noradrenaline of cardiac muscle]. The effect of variations in the Ca concentration in the perfusate on the function of isolated hearts of control rats and of those who sustained the emotional-pain stress (EPS) was studied. It was found that the EPS sharply increased the cardiac response in the animals to shifts in the Ca concentration. A rise in the main parameters of the cardiac contractile function in response to an increased Ca concentration was more pronounced in rats after the EPS than in the controls. The sensitivity to noradrenaline decreased 2-fold as compared to the control animals. It is suggested that the growth of the relationship between the cardiac function and the Ca concentration in the animals after the EPS is caused by the damaged membranous mechanisms of Ca transport in the myocardial cells.


Purification of a basic somatomedin, from human plasma Cohn fraction IV-1, with physicochemical and radioimmunoassay similarity to somatomedin-C and insulin-like growth factor. A basic somatomedin (SM) was purified from human plasma Cohn fraction IV-1 using an initial acid--ethanol--acetone extraction procedure followed by alternating molecular size or charge protein separation techniques. The final recovery of SM bioactivity was approximately 2% of that present in the starting Cohn fraction. The purified SM has an approximate molecular weight of 7500, pI 8.6, 4000 SM bioactivity units per milligram (as measured by a hypophysectomized rat bioassay) and a parallel approximately equipotent radioimmunoassay dose--response curve to SM-C and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I). Sodium dodecyl sulfate--polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of this purified SM revealed a single protein band. The preliminary determination of the amino acid sequence of the N terminus suggested that this SM preparation was over 75% pure and the first five N-terminal amino acids were identical with those of IGF-I.


A modified pork plasma agar for the enumeration of Staphylococcus aureus in foods. The coagulase reaction of Staphylococcus aureus on the PPSA (pork plasma for S. aureus) agar of Devoyod et al. was found to be fibrinogen-deficient. By including bovine fibrinogen (BFG) in the medium, the fibrin halos around S. aureus colonies became more distinct, preparations of pork plasma previously unacceptable for inclusion in the original PPSA agar were performing well, and the amount of pork plasma required in PPSA agar could be reduced by nearly 90%. In the modified medium, designated PPF (pork plasma fibrinogen) agar, the agar base (Baird-Parker agar without egg yolk) was unchanged. After surface plating, the base was covered with 8 mL of a modified overpour agar: 2.5% pork plasma, 0.38% BFG, and 0.0015% soy trypsin inhibitor in 0.7% Bacto agar. Most S. aureus strains could be enumerated after 24 h of incubation at 35 degrees C; the others required 44 h. Without soy trypsin inhibitor, a number of strains showed considerable fibrinolysis between 24 and 44 h of growth; this activity was neutralized by the inhibitor. The S. aureus counts of 27 food samples on PPF agar were essentially the same as the confirmed S. aureus counts obtained by the Baird-Parker method.


Effect of a single dose of glucocorticoid on the diurnal variations of TSH, thyroxine, 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine, 3,3'5'-triiodothyronine and cortisol in normal men. Plasma thyrotropin (TSH) and cortisol concentrations were suppressed immediately after an intravenous bolus dose of 8 mg betamethasone in 6 male subjects. The circadian variations of these hormones disappeared for 40 hr (TSH) and 44 hr (cortisol). Plasma thyroxine (T4), 3, 5, 3'-triiodothyronine (T3), 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (reverse T3) levels did not show diurnal variations before betamethasone administration. Plasma T3 levels decreased to 66% of the basal levels 20 hr after batamethasone administration, whereas plasma reverse T3 levels increased to 163% of the basal levels at 24 hr. These changes were reversed by 3 to 5 days after betamethasone. The earlier recovery of the diurnal rhythm of TSH than that of cortisol suggests that the TSH rhythm is not under the direct control of circulating cortisol.


[A bloodless evaluation of the gradient of valvular and subvalvular aortic stenosis. Correlations with the hemodynamic picture. (author's transl)]. 53 patients affected by congenital valvular or discrete aortic stenosis have been evaluated in order to compare the observed gradient with the one expected according to multifactorial analysis based on electrocardiographic and auscultatory data deviced by Ellison et al. There Authors employed this formula for the evaluation of the valvular form only. In our experience all cases of valvular stenosis showing an estimated gradient less than or equal to 40 mmHg were found to have a gradient less than or equal to 40 mmHg at the catheterization. This statement is true in the discrete form as well, only if the estimated gradient was less than or equal to 30 mmHg. The regression curve between the two gradients shows a r = 0.718 (p less than 0.01); an even better correlation was found in the valvular forms (r = 0.816; p less than 0.01). These results are very useful since they allow to restrict indication to catheterization only to the cases in which the obstruction is estimated to necessitate a surgical intervention.


Biochemistry of intestinal development.

Biochemistry of intestinal development. In biochemical terms, the rat small intestine is relatively immature at birth and for the first two postnatal weeks. Then during the third week a dramatic array of enzymic changes begins, and by the end of the fourth week the intestine has the digestive and absorptive properties of the adult. Selective examples of these changes are discussed with emphasis on their implications for toxicological studies. The review also includes a detailed consideration of the roles of the dietary change of weaning and of glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones in the regulation of intestinal development.


[Pharmacological studies of 4-ethoxy-2-methyl-5-morpholino-3(2H)-pyridazinone (M73101). (5) Action of M73101 on the central nervous system (author's transl)]. M73101 decreased spontaneous locomotor activity in both mice and rats and prolonged sleeping time induced by hexobarbital in mice. There was no evidence of cataleptogenic action, anti-tremorine action and antagonistic effect on reserpine-induced hypothermia in mice. M73101 did not inhibit convulsions induced by maximal electroshock and pentylenetetrazol but slightly inhibited the convulsion induced by strychnine in mice. Moreover, M73101 depressed only the monosynaptic action potential in intact and spinal cats, indicating that this compound exerts an inhibitory action on spinal function. On the EEG of rabbits, M73101 produced an arousal pattern in the spontaneous EEG and inhibited the recruiting response, but had no marked influence on the EEG arousal response, augmenting response and hippocampal afterdischarge. The arousal pattern in the spontaneous EEG induced by M73101 and the inhibitory action of this compound on the recruiting response were absent in the cerveau isolé preparation of the rabbit, indicating that M73101 may stimulate the brainstem reticular formation and that the inhibition of recruiting response may be related to the stimulatory effect. These properties of M73101 on the central nervous system are similar to those seen with aminopyrine though the potency was weaker. M73101 like aminopyrine showed no marked activity on the motor function.


Cellular and humoral adjuvant activity of mistletoe extract. The adjuvanticity of the mistletoe preparation Iscador was investigated. The cellular response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was augmented after intracutaneous immunization with antigen and different doses of Iscador. Iscador did not change the cellular response to 2 x 10(7) intraperitoneally administered SRBC. The IgM plaque forming cell response was accelerated and followed by an augmentation of the IgG and IgA plaque forming cell response. Evidence is presented that the immunogenic and inflammatory capacities of Iscador contribute to its adjuvant activity. Both micro-organisms and soluble, filter-adherent constituents in Iscador possess adjuvant activity. The relation between the immunostimulating properties of Iscador and its anti-tumour activity is discussed.


Can schizophrenic be prevented? Empirical results obtained by the examination of schizophrenic twins and schizophrenic children. Concrete findings indicate the possibility of preventing schizophrenia, but it cannot be too strongly emphasized that the findings only relate to certain forms of theillness. Schizophrenias running an insidiously progressive course could very seldom be obsserved in monozygotic twins. So these pairs provide evidence that forms with this course can be prevented. It is to be supposed that the close communication usually found in identical twins, prevents withdrawal from environment and in consequence prevents schizophrenia. This assumption seems to be confirmed by our observation in insidiously progressive childhood schizophrenias which accumulate in only children and sometimes break out already in early childhood while the infants, staying in a hospital or a home, are suffering lack of communication. So it seems possible to prevent these forms of schizophrenia when we succeed in providing a close contact of the child and the adolescent with an intimate friend who directs his thinking outwards and protects him from withdrawal. But, unfortunately, in cases with phasic course the provoking factors correlate with the factors preventing the insidiously progressive forms. However, in detail, not quite the same factors prevent the one forms as precipitate the others, so that we can avoid doing harm simultaneously when we succeed in doing good. Besides, we must take account of the fact that some schizophrenias running a remitting course, especially periodic catatonia, are of hereditary origin and cannot be prevent psychosocially.


Cleft palate development in hamster embryos following triamcinolone treatment. Development of the palate was studied in normal and triamcionolone-treated hamster fetuses. The results demonstrated that normal palatogenesis was completed between days 12 and 13 of gestation. Following triamcinolone treatment the reorientation of the palatal shelves was delayed before there was any general retardation of fetal growth (as indicated by crown-rump length and body weight). Since triamcinolone affected palatogenesis at an earlier stage than hydrocortisone, the view that the former is a more potent teratogen was supported. Chronological age, fetal weight and crown-rump length were reliable predictors of normal palatogenesis in the hamster, whereas the numerical morphological rating systems were not. Neither measures of general fetal growth, nor numerical rating, were useful in predicting the stages of experimentally induced cleft palate, since triamcinolone appears to be site-specific, and the drug does not produce a general retardation of embryonic development.


Variability in 24-hour urine sodium excretion in children. How many 24-hour urine sodium measurements are adequate for characterizing a child's salt intake? Can overnight urine specimens accurately replace 24-hour collections for salt assessment? A sample of 73 6th-8th grade children was taken from two parochial schools in Chicago to investigate systematically these questions. Seven consecutive 24-hour-urine specimens were collected from each child. The estimated ratio of intra- to inter-individual variances was 1.94 for 24-hour-urine sodium. Based on this value, eight 24-hour specimens are necessary to limit to 10% the diminution of the estimated correlation coefficient between 24-hour-urine sodium and blood pressure. Six measurements are required to reduce to 0.01 the probability of misclassifying a child in tertile 1 versus tertile 3. The overnight specimens show a moderate consistency with the 24-hour collections in detecting children with high or low salt intake. For example 92% and 85% of children in the fifth quintile and the third tertile respectively of the true mean overnight sodium have their true mean 24-hour Na in the upper half of the distribution. These results suggest that in a large scale epidemiologic study, overnight specimens may be reasonable alternatives when 24-hour-urine sodium is practically very difficult to collect.


Antiviral and interferon-inducing activities of a new peptidomannan, KS-2, extracted from culture mycelia of Lentinus edodes. Oral (PO) administration of KS-2 to adult DDI mice resulted in a peak serum interferon (IF) titer of 800 units (U)/ml 20 hours after administration with detectable levels persisting until 30 hours. After intraperitoneal (IP) injection, a peak serum IF titer of 1,600 U/ml was detected and it followed the same time course as that of oral administration. The IF induced by KS-2 shared certain physico-chemical properties with the standard preparation of immune IF and was not neutralized by an antiserum against type I IF. In mice infected intranasally (IN) with influenza A2 (H2N2) virus, KS-2 was found to possess significant protective activities. Efficacy of the agent was evidenced by an increase in survivor number, a prolongation of mean survival time, an inhibition of the development of lung consolidation induced by the viral infection and a decrease in virus titer in lung tissues. Both PO and IP administrations of KS-2 protected mice against infection and significant antiviral activities were achieved not only by prophylactic but also chemotherapeutic administration. The protective activities of KS-2 against influenza virus infection in mice are discussed in view of the immunopotentiation of the host animals.


Oxocarboxylic acids, pyridine nucleotide-linked oxidoreductases and serum factors in regulation of cell proliferation. When serum is made rate-limiting for clonal multiplication of human diploid fibroblasts, the presence of a 2-oxocarboxylic acid in the medium becomes essential. The requirement is independent of the 20 amino acids and glucose. Glyoxylic, pyruvic, 2-oxoglutaric, and oxalacetic acids are most effective. The types of 2-oxocarboxylic acids that support multiplication are oxidized substrates for several, pyridine nucleotide-linked intracellular oxidoreductases. The requirement is not satisfied by carboxylic acids, oxidized substrates for oxidoreductases that are not lniked to pyridine nucleotides, or by nonspecific electron acceptors. The quantitative requirement for 2-oxocarboxylic acids in cell multiplication is markedly affected by the concentration of serum proteins in the medium. Therefore, 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism may be related to the mechanism by which serum growth factors regulate cell multiplication.


[Splenoportography: still important technic. New prospects (author's transl)]. Splenoportography still plays today an important role among angiographic examinations used in the study of portal hypertension. The authors arrived at these conclusions after studying the results obtained in more than 500 examinations carried out. In the text, they give a few details of the technic used to improve the photographic result and to reduce the risk of the examination.


Evaluation of high protein oat forage for dairy cattle. Spear, a high protein oat variety, was evaluated during 2 consecutive yr for yields of forage dry matter and for feeding value as a silage to heifers, steers, and lactating cows. In yr 1 and 2, Spear yielded 7% and 13% less forage dry matter per hectare than Burnett, a comparative oat variety. Crude protein contents in silages were similar for varieties both years. In yr 1, Holstein heifers fed high protein and medium protein oat silages gained the same amount of weight but less weight than heifers fed alfalfa-brome hay. In a total collection digestion trial with six lactating cows, digestibilities of Spear were less than Burnett oat silage or alfalfa-brome hay. In yr 2, Spear and Burnett silages were fed ad libitum without a concentrate mixture to seven Holstein heifers each. Average daily gains were higher with Spear than Burnett. Apparent digestibilities as determined with steers tended to be less for Spear than Burnett. Dry matter intakes, milk yield, and composition were similar in a switchback lactation trial with ten cows fed spear or Burnett in oat silage supplemented with a concentrate at 1 kg per 3 kg milk produced.


Colostral immunoglobulin transfer in calves. IV. Effect of suckling. The greater absorption of colostral immunoglobulin in neonate calves suckling their dams over bottle-feeding pooled colostrum was studied to determine if age (hours postpartum) at initial feeding, amount of colostrum ingested, or mothering effect of being with the dam were responsible. Rate of absorption and maximum absorption were superior in calves that suckled, regardless of age or amount of colostrum ingested. Though the mothering effect is questionable, there is evidence that something labile is being transferred to the calf in the fresh colostrum, acting as a messenger to stimulate rapid absorptive activity in the intestinal epithelium.


Hypodontus macropi Mönnig, 1929, a hookworm-like parasite of macropodid marsupials. Hypodontus macropi Mönnig, 1929, is redescribed and its taxonomic affinities discussed. H. macropi is recorded for the first time from Wallabia bicolor, Macropus robustus, M. fuliginosus, M. dorsalis, M. agilis and Thylogale billardierii. The method of attachment of the parasite and gross and histopathological changes associated with it are described. Free living larval stages are described. Experimental infestations were attempted but were not successful. Hypodontus thetidis Johnston and Mawson, 1939, is made a synonym of H. macropi.


Respiratory oscillations and heat evolution in synchronous cultures of Candida utilis. Synchronous cultures of the budding yeast Candida utilis prepared by continuous-flow size selection showed respiratory oscillations when the energy source was either glucose, acetate or glycerol. The period of the oscillations was about one-third of the cell cycle time (i.e. about 0.5 h). No fluctuations in heat evolution could be detected. In organisms growing with acetate or glycerol, the effects of cyanide, N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodi-imide and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (maximum inhibition of respiration at respiratory maxima, maximum uncoupling of energy conservation at respiratory minima) suggest that the control mechanism responsible for the oscillations is mitochondrial respiratory control in vivo. The effects of cyanide and N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodi-imide on the respiration of cultures growing synchronously with glucose were different from those for cultures growing with the non-fermentable substrates; this suggests that the mitochondrial respiratory system interacts with the early reactions of glucose utilization.


Perturbation of respiration in Candida utilis: induction of metabolic oscillations. The effects of potentially perturbating influences on the respiration of glucose-grown Candida utilis were studied using an open oxygen electrode system. Periods of anaerobiosis as short as 2 min produced an oscillation in respiration after the air supply was restored. Longer exposure to anoxia was followed by an overshoot in dissolved oxygen after switching back to a gas phase of air. Centrifugation, cold shock or nutrient starvation caused less disturbance to respiration rates than did anaerobiosis. The high frequency oscillations (period about 5 min) resulting from anaerobic-aerobic transitions are contrasted with the slow cell cycle-dependent oscillations previously observed in synchronous cultures.


Assemblies of particles in the cell membranes of developing, mature and reactive astrocytes. Orthogonal arrays of small intramembranous particles characterize freeze-fractured astrocytic plasma membranes. The normal variation of assemblies in plasma membranes of subpial astrocytic processes in mature and developing rats was established and compared with assemblies in plasma membranes of reactive astrocytes. In mature rats, subpial astrocytic processes had the greatest number of assemblies. As the parenchyma was approached, this number decreased in each successive layer of astrocytic processes. The advent of assemblies within the plasma membrane is a new criterion of astrocytic differentiation. The foot processes of subpial astrocytes in foetal rats began to acquire assemblies between day 19 and 20 and continued to mature postnatally by a constant addition and rearrangement of assemblies. In contrast to the paucity of assemblies in deeper laminae of the normal brain, reactive astrocytes comprising the lower lamellae in glial scars had an increased number of assemblies while the most striking feature of the superficial, astrocytic processes within the scar was a rearrangement of assemblies. Although the function of these intramembranous particles in still unknown, it appears from our measurements that they are localized primarily in the outermost astrocytic foot process and to a progressively lesser degree in the underlying astrocytic lamellae.


Effect of Schistosoma mansoni infection on fecundity and perivitelline fluid composition in Biomphalaria glabrata. Egg production in the snail, Biomphalaria glabrata, infected with Schistosoma mansoni declined on day 23 postinfection, and was significantly lower than uninfected control snails by day 28 and thereafter. Protein and galactogen content of eggs produced by infected snails did not change during the period of reduced fecundity. This suggests that decreased hemolymph nutrient levels (rather than depleted albumen gland reserves) are responsible for inhibition of snail egg production. Growth rates of infected and uninfected snails were indistinguishable from days 14 through 35 postinfection. The hatching success of eggs produced by infected snails decreased slightly beginning at day 21 postinfection.


Dipetalonema (Acanthocheilonema) didelphis sp. n. (Nematoda: Filarioidea) from opossums, with a redescription of D. (A.) pricei (Vaz and Pereira 1934). Dipetalonema (Acanthocheilonema) didelphis sp. n. recovered from the subcutaneous and periesophageal connective tissues of Didelphis virginiana from several localities in the United States and of D. marsupialis from Colombia is described. Dipetalonema didelphis sp. n. resembles D reconditum and D. mansonbahri in size, in lacking a two-segmented buccal capsule, and in the female having a long, digitiform tail. Dipetalonema reconditum, however, has a much longer glandular esophagus and D. mansonbahri has a rounded cephalic extremity delimited by a necklike region. The male of D. didelphis sp. n. differs from both in the structural details of the spicules and in having a higher spicular ratio. The microfilaria is much shorter than that of either D. reconditum or D. mansonbahri. Dipetalonema (A.) pricei adults are redescribed from the paratype specimens, and the microfilaria is also described. Dipetalonema pricei most closely resembles D. dracunculoides in size and in the presence of a well-developed, two-segmented buccal capsule, but the latter species has a much longer glandular esophagus. These two species also differ in the appearance of the spicules.


Microbial transformations of natural antitumor agents. 9. O-Demethylation of 9-methoxyellipticine. Microbial transformation studies were conducted with 9-methoxyellipticine (1). Several microorganisms including Botrytis allii (NRRL 2502), Cunninghamella echinulata (NRRL 1386), C. echinulata (NRRL 3655), and Penicillium Brevicompactum (ATCC 10418) achieved O-demethylation of (1) in good yield. P. brevicompactum was used to prepare 9-hydroxyellipticine (4) from 1 for isolation and complete identification. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to verify the identity of the major metabolite (4) in other cultures.


[Lasermicrosurgery of benign lesions of the vocal cord and functional results (author's transl)]. There exist two different lasers for the endolaryngeal microsurgery: Carbon-dioxid-Laser (lambda = 10,6 micrometer) and Neodymium: YAG-Laser (lambda = 1,06 micrometer). We have performed with the Nd: YAG-Laser mediLas experimental studies with animals as well as clinical investigations. Now we do endolaryngeal lasermicrosurgery in selected cases as a method of treatment. The surgical method is reported. Our number of cases as well as the follow-up-study allow us to give a first statement upon the functional results obtained by lasermicrosurgery of benign vocal-cord-lesions.


Production of plasminogen activator and inhibition of embryonic cell aggregation by cultured human normal and neoplastic cells. The plasminogen activator (PA) production and the capacity to inhibit embryonic neural retina (NR) cell aggregation by human normal and neoplastic cell lines have been studied. The PA production was detected by both iodinated fibrin and casein lysis assays, and by changes in cell morphology at the presence of activated PA, using dog serum. Since the casein lysis assay and morphological changes proved to be less sensitive than 125I-fibrin lysis assay, a good correlation between these three assays could be observed provided that PA production measured by fibrinolysis exceeded 10--20%. The neoplastic cell lines exhibited the PA production to quite a large extent. The highest fibrinolytic activity (78%) was found in the case of bladder carcinoma cells T24, while the B-5GT cells from giant cell tumor of bone failed to produce any detectable amount of the PA. The cells from synovial sarcoma and both glioma lines exhibited fibrinolytic activity of about 10% and four sarcoma cell lines over the range 20--50%. Out of 13 normal cell lines tested, 7 were negative or exhibited very low fibrinolysis not exceeding 3% of total radioactivity. Four cell lines derived from kidneys, lungs, intestines, and from mixed embryonic tissues showed a marked fibrinolytic activity of about 10--37%, a slightly elevated fibrinolysis being found in embryonic lung cells LEP and cells from fetal skin tissue only at the presence of dog serum. The fibrinolysis detected in the neoplastic cloned cell populations showed considerable differences in the PA production between individual cell clones isolated from the same parental cell line. Unlike the normal fibroblastic cells B-41FB derived from bone, all neoplastic cell lines tested possess the capability to inhibit embryonic NR cell aggregation significantly. The results suggest the effect not to be dependent upon the PA production.


The structure and formation of the egg-shell of Syphacia obvelata Rudolphi (Nematoda: Oxyurida). The egg of Syphacia obvelata is a flattened elipsoid. The egg-shell consists of 5 layers: external uterine layer, internal uterine layer, vitelline layer, chitinous layer and lipid layer. An operculum is present at one pole of the egg. The opercular groove consists of a break in the uterine layers and the modification of the chitinous layer by the deposition of lipoprotein material. On the curved side of the egg the uterine layers are modified to form alternate ridges and depressions. Discrete spaces are present in the internal uterine layer between the ridges. These are open to the exterior via pores in the external uterine layer. The structure of the uterine layers is quite different on the flattened side of the egg. The morphology of the reproductive system and the formation of the egg-shell is described. It is suggested that the complex structure of the uterine layers of oxyurids forms by a self-assembly process.


Brugia malayi microfilaraemia in mice: a model for the study of the host response to microfilariae. Microfilariae of Brugia malayi were obtained from the peritoneal cavities of infected gerbils and were then injected intravenously into mice. A sub-periodic, nocturnal microfilaraemia was produced. The level of microfilaraemia was proportional to the number of parasites injected, with approximately 1-3% of microfilariae being found in the peripheral circulation. The duration of microfilaraemia was proportional to the number of parasites injected; it subsided by 30 days after injection of 104 microfilariae but was still present at a low level 120 days after injection of 2 x 105 microfilariae. A transient splenomegaly developed after injection of microfilariae. Histopathological examination revealed large numbers of microfilariae free in the lumens of pulmonary small blood vessels and without any accompanying inflammatory reaction. Lesser numbers of microfilariae were seen in the cardiac blood and hepatic and renal blood vessels for the first few days after injection. There was cellular proliferation in the splenic white pulp and vascular congestion of the red pulp. Microfilariae labelled with 51Cr were injected intravenously; 57% of radioactivity was found in the lungs, 8.5% in the liver and 2.9% in the spleen. Mice developed immediate hypersensitivity reactions to B. malayi antigen by 4 weeks after injection, but Arthus and delayed hypersensitivity reactions were not seen at any time. when mice which had been injected 5 months previously were challenged with a 2nd injection of microfilariae, there was an accelerated clearance of parasites over 2 weeks and a marked peripheral blood eosinophilia developed. In contrast with natural infections, in which the continuous production of microfilariae complicates assessment, this model provides a system in which factors controlling the circulation of microfilariae in the bloodstream can be studied independently.


On the control of prostaglandin release during the bovine estrous cycle. Effects of progesterone implants. Progesterone implants were inserted subcutaneously on day 12 of the estrous cycle in three heifers. The implants were known to release an amount of progesterone sufficient to maintain the peripheral blood plasma at a level of about 1 ng/lm. All three heifers showed luteolysis in a similar way with peaks of 15-keto-13, 14-dihydro-PGF2 alpha of normal magnitude and duration. Concomitantly, progesterone levels declined, but due to the presence of the implants, progesterone was maintained at a level of about 1 ng/ml. The release of prostaglandins, however, continued throughout the experimental period and did not cease until the implants were removed.


Gastrointestinal allergy to soyabean protein in preruminant calves. Antibody production and digestive disturbances in calves fed heated soyabean flour. Preruminant calves were fed heated soyabean flour as a constituent of a milk based diet. Within two weeks IgG and IgE antibodies specific for soyabean proteins appeared in their serum. To measure the rate of flow of digesta through the small intestine, other calves were cannulated in the abomasum and distal ileum. They were given single experimental feeds containing heated soyabean flour as the sole source of protein. The production of similar antibodies in these animals coincided with an increase in the rate of flow of digesta produced from an experimental feed. These results suggest the development of a gastrointestinal allergy to soyabean proteins.


Gastrointestinal allergy to soyabean protein in preruminant calves. Allergenic constituents of soyabean products. Preruminant calves fed heated soyabean flour produced high titres of serum antibodies with specificity mainly for soyabean glycinin and beta-conglycinin. Various soyabean products that had been processed by different methods were analysed by immunological techniques to determine their content of glycinin and beta-conglycinin in soluble and undenatured form. The presence of such proteins in soyabean flour fed to preruminant calves was associated with the development of digestive disturbances and the production of serum antibodies. It is suggested that the suitability of soyabean products for calf nutrition could be assessed by simple immunological methods to detect these constituents.


Lumbar sympathectomy in obliterative arteriosclerosis. Should it still be performed? During the years 1967-1976, bilateral lumbar sympathectomy was performed in 241 patients with arteriosclerotic occlusions. A questionnaire was completed by 137 patients. Of the total, 68% seem to have improved in some way postoperatively. The material was analyzed with regard to age, sex, diabetes and regarding the effects on pregangrene, established gangrene, amputation, claudication and skin temperature. The operative mortality was 2.1% and postoperative complications were few. Bilateral operation in one stage does not give a higher postoperative mortality than unilateral procedures. Postoperative side-effects, such as neuritic pains, sexual and urological dysfunctions, are considered. Bilateral lumbar sympathectomy still seems to be an alternative procedure, which may be offered some patients with marginal peripheral circulation, when reconstructive arterial surgery is not feasible.


Effect of bilirubin on the fungicidal capacity of human neutrophils. The effect of unconjugated bilirubin on the fungicidal capacity of human neutrophils was examined. Per cent Torulopsis glabrata killed in the presence of 1 x 10(-5) and 5 x 10(-5) M bilirubin was 72.7 +/- 2.5 and 40.9 +/- 7.2 respectively, compared to 81.4 +/- 4.1 in control (p less than 0.01 and p less than 0.001), respectively). This effect was not due to a concomitant inhibition of phagocytosis. The results suggest that jaundiced neonates may be more susceptible to fungal infections.


Taxonomy of Exophiala werneckii and its relationship to Microsporum mansonii. Study of the neotype culture of Exophiala werneckii (Cladosporium werneckii), as well as additional isolates, has shown that the yeast-like and hyphal conidiogenous cells are annellides. E. werneckii cannot be accommodated in Cladosporium, a genus characterized by catenulate holoblastic coanidia. E. werneckii and the dematiaceous hyphomycete that Castellani misidentified as Microsporum mansonii (Cladosporium mansonii) are two entirely different fungi. M. mansonii is considered to be a synonym of the Malassezia furfur since both names were used to describe in tissue the etiologic agent of pityriasis versicolor.


[The efficacy of pleuromutilins on Aegyptianella pullorum infections in chickens (author's transl)]. Pleuromutilins have an aegyptianellicidal efficacy. A significant chemotherapeutic influence on the course of the infection in chickens could only be achieved after repeated oral and intramuscular applications of at least 150 mg and 75 mg/kg body weight respectively. However, even at these concentrations the infections were not cleared.


Studies on the reinvasion of the Onchocerciasis Control Programme in the Volta River Basin by Simulium damnosum s.I. with emphasis on the south-western areas. The aerial larvicidng operation of the Onchocerciasis Control Programme of the World Health Organization which began in February 1975 resulted in a sharp reduction in Simulium damnosum numbers. However, at the onset of the rainy season the fly population increased in certain areas. Detailed surveys both on the ground and by helicopter did not reveal any significant failures of treatments that could account for the fly densities observed, and it was concluded that the flies must originate from sources outside the controlled zone. This reinvasion proved to be an annual occurrence which has been studied in detail between 1975 and 1978 in the south-western parts of the control zone. The methods used included full day catches by vector collectors carried out every day throughout the season, cytotaxonomic determination of larvae, detailed morphological examination of reared and biting adults and treatment of suspected source rivers with insecticide. The results indicate that the invasion takes place in a SW-NE direction across country for distances of 300 km or more along the track of the monsoon winds. It involves mainly the savanna cytospecies S. damnosum s. str. and S. sirbanum. The invading populations are composed of older parous flies, many of which carry infective 3rd stage larvae indistinguishable from those of Onchocerca volvulus. These females tend to bite close to the rivers and do not disperse as far as normal populations with a higher proportion of younger flies.


[Simultaneous infection of Mastomys natalensis with Dipetalonema witei and Litomosoides carinii (author's transl)]. Mastomys natalensis that has been described by Lämmler et al. (1968) as suitable host for Litomosoides carinii can also serve as final host for Dipetalonema witei. At the end of the prepatency period the microfilaraemia increased as rapidly in Mastomys as in the original final host Meriones persicus. Maximal microfilaraemia was observed earlier in Mastomys (120 days p.inf.) than in Meriones (250 days p.inf.). Accordingly microfilariae counts decreased more rapidly in Mastomys. The maximal counts found in Mastomys was 78000 microfilariae/ml blood, which is 3.2 times less than in M. persicus. Furthermore it could be demonstrated that a simultaneous experimental infection of Mastomys with D. witei and L. carinii in possible. The course of microfilaraemia and the number of macrofilariae were comparable in mono- and simultaneous infections for both species of filariae. The macrofilariae of D. witei began to die earlier than those of L. carinii both in mono- and in simultaneous infections. The percentage of dead macrofilariae was 3.8% 110 days p.inf., and 13.1% 130 days p.inf. respectively. Therefore, chemotherapeutic experiments should be terminated and evaluated about 110 days p.inf.


Studies on Dipetalonema viteae (Filarioidea). 4. Passive transfer of immunity to circulating microfilariae by spleen cells. Passive transfer experiments provided clear evidence for a role of spleen cells in the immunity of hamsters against Dipetalonema viteae microfilariae. 106 or more spleen cells from postpatent (amicrofilaraemic) hamsters suppressed incipient microfilaraemia in syngeneic recipients when transferred at either week 2 or week 6 of a primary infection. Spleen cells from microfilaraemic donors (week 15-16 post infection) were also capable of transferring immunity against microfilariae. The spleen cell transfer never affected the survival of adult worms. After transfer of spleen cells from either patent or postpatent hamsters, antibodies to the cuticle of microfilariae could be found in the sera of recipients as early as week 8 of a primary infection.


Serum concentrations of estrone, androstenedione, testosterone and sex-hormone-binding globulin in postmenopausal women with breast cancer and in age-matched controls. The concentrations of estrone (E1), androstenedione (A), testosterone (T) and sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in the serum were determined in 122 postmenopausal women, unselected with respect to age and stage of disease and with a newly diagnosed breast cancer. The results were compared with those in 122 age-matched women without breast cancer, selected from the population register. The patients were found to have a significantly higher mean level than the controls of E1 (132 and 108 pmol/l), A (2.5 and 1.6 nmol/l) and T (1.54 and 1.38 nmol/l) and a lower level of SHBG (40.2 and 47.3 nmol/l) in the serum. A multiple regression analysis revealed in the control group that the serum level of E1 was significantly correlated to A (r = 0.48, p less than 0.001) and T (r = 0.45, p less than 0.001). In the patient group E1 was only slightly correlated to T (r = 0.25, p less than 0.01) and not to A (r = 0.10, p greater than 0.05). A significant negative correlation was found between SHBG and weight in both groups. Otherwise no significant correlations were found between any of the hormone levels and age, stage of disease of weight. It was concluded that an increased availability of A and T, leading to an increased androgenic stimulation--and therefore decreased SHBG--and an increased E1 level, is the most reasonable explanation for the findings. The lack of correlation between E1 and A in the patient group is however difficult to explain and the results do not seem to fit into a definite hypothesis.


A possible influence of the bull on the incidence of embryonic mortality in cattle. Milk progesterone profiles were used to study the high incidence of embryonic mortality between 30 to 80 days after insemination in 91 cows in a single herd. The progesterone levels dropped to basal values at 46.7 +/- 1.37 days after service in 22 per cent of apparently pregnant cows. Embryo loss occurred significantly more frequently following services by one bull (Z). The mortality rates were 14/32 (44 per cent) in cows conceiving to Z compared with 8/73 (11 per cent) in cows conceiving to other bulls. There was no significant effect of the age of the cow or yield on the incidence of embryonic mortality.


Development of Dipetalonema viteae third-stage larvae (Nematoda: Filarioidea) in micropore chambers implanted into jirds, hamsters, normal and immunized mice. Development of third-stage larvae of Dipetalonema viteae within subcutaneously implanted micropore chambers proceeded in all hosts tested up to the fourth-stage larvae and occasionally to adolescent worms. In the jird the timing of development was comparable to a natural infection. Although the mouse is an insusceptible host, larval development could take place, but was very slow. Two intraperitoneal inoculations of living third-stage larvae into mice induced the production of antibodies against the larval cuticle and against common antigens. In such immune mice the development of third- and fourth-stage larvae within micropore chambers was significantly inhibited, larval mortality was increased, and the larval motility was impaired.


Effects of hunger on aggression, approach, and avoidance by juncos (Junco hyemalis). The aggressive tendencies of male dark-eyed juncos Junco hyemalis did not differ significantly following deprivation from food for 20 and 60 min. Tendencies to approach opponents at food, in contrast, increased with longer deprivation. Acute hunger and aggression are thus not competing behavioral systems. Nor do differences in rates of approach by subordinates affect aggressive tendencies of dominant birds.


[Arranged marriages of underage girls and the resulting psychic consequences]. This study is based on 20 cases of disturbed female clients whose marriages were arranged at an under age ranging from 9-13 years. When the men have paid the dowry and fulfilled the marriage customs they are entitled to have sexual intercourse with their wives. Some have this sexual intercourse before or shortly after menstruation and some even have seen their husbands only once or twice before their hands are given in marriage. This early sexual experience, mostly against the will of the underage girls, can precipitate positive or negative reactions. In the positive reaction cases an imprinting fixation on the man takes place. Should the man die or reject the young woman, a disorientation takes place resulting mostly in an inability to have sexual relationship with another man. Should the reaction be negative the woman will do all she can to prevent sexual relationship with the husband through all sorts of symptoms like frequent pregnancies, crawling sensation, secret love affairs with remorse of concience, internal heat, constant head-ache etc. 2 cases are selected from the 20 cases as illustration.


Role of the fly in the transport of Yersinia enterocolitica. Yersinia enterocolitica were isolated from flies collected from a piggery and a kitchen of farm and from ham hung in a piggery. The cultures were identified as Y. enterocolitica biovar 4 and serovar 3 by biochemical and serological characteristics. From these results it is suggested that flies may play an important role in food contamination by Y. enterocolitica. In this study, the probable donors of Y. enterocolitica to the flies were swine.


Heat inactivation of Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare complex organisms in meat products. Wieners and sausages were prepared which contained the most heat-tolerant representative of the Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare complex we were able to obtain. They also were prepared with infected tissues obtained from tuberculous swine. Processing conditions were as varied as possible. Neither incorporation of sodium nitrite in the emulsion nor presence of smoke during processing altered the heat susceptibility of the organisms. Substantial killing of the organisms occurred as wieners reached the upper processing temperatures, but hot oil or radiant heating of the "precooked" sausages allowed very short times within the killing range; hence, higher peak internal temperatures were necessary. The lethalities for these organisms of reaching and maintaining various processing temperatures are given.


Inhibition of behavioral effects of cocaine by actinomycin D in rats. Interactions of actinomycin D (AD, 25 micrograms--50 micrograms/kg intraperitoneally, i.p., or 1 microgram intracerebroventricularly, i.c.v.) with repeated cocaine administration (15 mg/kg i.p. twice daily at 8-hr intervals) were investigated on the spontaneous motor activity (SMA) and stereotypy (ST) in rats. Following repeated injections of cocaine in combination with saline (i.p. or i.c.v.), both SMA and ST were gradually increased to their peaks on day 9, then decreased up to the day 19 and thereafter maintained at higher than normal levels. Given along with cocaine or saline, AD (i.p. or i.c.v.) caused gradual and significant decreases of SMA and ST. On stopping AD (i.p. on day 5 and i.c.v. on day 9) injection, both SMA and ST increased again. After stopping its i.c.v. injection both behaviors were increased to their peaks on day 10, then gradually decreased to and maintained at slightly higher than normal levels on day 18 onwards. The possible mechanisms of actions of AD as an inhibitor of cocaine-induced behavioral effects have been discussed.


The evaluation of the protein quality of soybean products by short-term bioassays in adult human subjects. The protein quality of soybean products was determined by a short nitrogen balance index (NBI) assay with 15 adult males. In the first study, a textured vegetable protein (TVP) was tested alone and in a 50:50 mixture with ground beef. Protein was fed at 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g/kg body weight/day with a constant energy intake. The protein quality (NBI) was then calculated by regression analysis of nitrogen absorbed to nitrogen retained. The NBI of beef (0.91) and of the mixture (0.87) were similar; however, the protein quality of TVP fed alone (0.77) was significantly lower. In the second study, carried out at an intake level of 0.6 g protein/kg/day, supplementation of the TVP with 0.5% DL-methionine improved nitrogen retention, but the values obtained did not reach statistical significance. Meat alone, or the 50:50 mixture fed at an equivalent protein intake, gave similar nitrogen retention values, both of which differed significantly from those obtained when TVP was fed alone. The addition of wheat gluten, used as a source of methionine, to the TVP: meat mixture, produced nitrogen retention values below those obtained with the 50:50 beef:TVP blend. Ten men participated in another trial, this time to determine the protein quality of a soybean protein isolate, which gave an NBI value of 0.91, indicating the high quality of the protein tested. Comparison of the protein quality values obtained by the short-term NBI assay revealed these were essentially the same as those reported by other workers using the conventional long-term approach.


Biological characterization of a mesothelioma line in the nude mice. II. Some characteristics of cells cultivated in vitro prior to and after transplantation in nude mice. Ascitic tumor cells from a female patient with a peritoneal carcinomatosis have been cultivated in vitro. The 25th in vitro passage of these cells were characterized by gowth curves. DNA-distribution patterns, chromosome patterns and drug sensitivity. Cells of the 25th in vitro passage were i.p. transplanted in nude mice. The 14th and 18th passage of ascitic cells and the 3rd passage of the solid tumor material grown in nude mice were compared with cells of the 25th in vitro passage. Changes in DNA-distribution patterns, chromosome patterns and drug sensitivity were observed: The G1/0-peak of the ascitic tumor cells (AP 14, AP 18) revealed a shift to the left. This is in coincidence with the chromosome number reduction found. Differences in sensitivity to Methotrexate and 5-Fluorouracil after transplantation in nude mice were observed. The possible reasons of instability of these biological properties are discussed.


Ultrastructural studies on developing parotid gland of the rat at early postnatal periods. An electron microscopic study of the exocrine and myoepithelial cells of the parotid gland of the rat between days 2 and 40 of the postpartum was undertaken. Besides confirming morphological data of the literature on the evolution of the acinar cells, the following observations are reported. 1. At early postnatal development in some acini "mucous-like" cells containing secretory granules with light and dense parts may be observed. Cells with these types of granules were not found after day 20. 2. Morphological differentiation and maturation of the myoepithelial cells were followed. A parallelism was observed between the maturation of these myoepithelial cells and of the acinar cells. Myofilaments first appear around the nucleus at day 5 and between days 20 and 30 a considerable amount of these filaments is found in the already typical myoepithelial cells. 3. Active morphogenesis seems to be occurring in all cellular compartments namely at very early postnatal periods, e.g., between days 2 to 15. 4. The distribution and amount of thin and intermediate sized microfilaments in cells of these compartments varied visibly by various orders of magnitude.


Formation and release of secretory granules during mitosis in the anterior pituitary gland. Electron microscopic images indicating exocytosis of secretory granules were obtained in rat prolactin cells undergoing mitosis at the estrus in the female reproductive cycle. Immature secretory granules looking like small cored vesicles were found among chromosomes and microtubules of the mitotic spindle. Golgi apparatus was fragmented and its small elements mostly consisting of vesicles were seen at the peripheral region of the cell. Rough endoplastic reticulum was mostly vesiculated, but lamellar stacks were still recognized at the cell periphery. It is evident that fully differentiated cells of the anterior pituitary glands are capable of continuing the activity of secretion, i.e., formation and release of secretory granules during mitosis.


The fine structure of psychrophilic and mesophilic Rhodotorula rubra. Transmission electron microscopy of thin sections of two mesophilic and a psychrophilic Rhodotorula rubra revealed structures normally associated with yeast. The capsule of all three strains was thicker in the cells grown in glucose than those grown in glucose-free media. The cell wall of all three strains showed more lamellae in the cells grown in a medium containing glycerol. Budding was of the Rhodoturula type. Endoplasmic reticula running parallel to the nucleus were commonly observed in the psychrophiles but not in the mesophiles. In the psychrophile, in association with the plasmalemma, lomasomes and plasmalemmasomes were observed. Giant mitochondria were commonly seen in the cells grown in a fermentable carbohydrate-free medium. Vacuoles were mostly empty.


Localization of inhibitory mechanisms to aggressiveness in the medial hypothalamus. Release of aggressive reactions was studied by placing a small lesion on the medial hypothalamus in the rat with previous massive destruction on the contralateral side of the hypothalamus. A set of tests for reactivity to provocations was applied to rats before the operation, after the unilateral lesion, and once more after the bilateral lesions. Bilateral lesions were accomplished in 53 rats. None of them increased food intake even though the ventromedial region was involved in many cases. Only 7 developed signs of aggressiveness. The unique histological feature of the animals showing aggressiveness was that the lesions were confined to the posterior hypothalamus usually sparing the ventromedial nucleus and were close to the base. It was suggested that the lesions might have interrupted the fibers projecting to the midbrain mechanisms for control of emotional reactivity.


Potency testing of pertussis immunoglobulins, relationship between neutralisation test and agglutination test. Neutralisation tests were done with pertussis immunoglobulins and immunosera in which mice were immunised by intraperitoneal injection and challenged 4 hours later by intracerebral injection. The results of the neutralisation tests were compared with those of the agglutination tests done with the same preparations. For 2 pertussis immunoglobulins a correlation was found between the results of both tests, but generally no correlation exists between the agglutinating activity and the protective value of the preparations. There is a more than 100-fold difference in their relationship. Therefore a neutralisation test should be used for potency testing of pertussis immunoglobulins.


The genetic and cytogenetic localization of the three structural genes coding for the major protein of drosophila larval serum. The alpha, beta and gamma polypeptides that make up Drosophila Larval Serum Protein-1 seem to be coded for by genes that have evolved by duplication of a common ancestral gene. We have found variants of all three polypeptides, and these are variants of the coding sequences. The alpha-chain variant mapped to 39.5 on the X chromosome and to the polytene interval 11A7-11B9. The beta-chain variant mapped to 1.9 on chromosome 2L and to 21D2-22A1. The gamma-chain variant was mapped as 0.13 map units from the tip of chromosome 3L or to --1.41 with respect to ru, which has been defined as 0.0, and to 61A1-61A6.


[Neuropharmacological studies on drug dependence (I). Effects due to the difference in strain, sex and drug administration time on physical dependence development and characteristics of withdrawal signs in CNS-affecting drug dependent rats (author's transl)]. We studied the influence of differences in strain, sex and drug administration time on physical dependence of morphine and phenobarbital in rats and also whether or not pole climbing avoidance is useful as an indicator of physical dependence. We then compared the behavioral characteristics seen with morphine-dependence with those of other CNS-affecting drugs. Withdrawal signs involving weight loss in morphine and phenobarbital groups were different in JCL-Wistar, SLC-Wistar, JCL-Sprague Dawley and HOS-Donryu strain rats. Withdrawal signs in males were generally more marked than in females. Withdrawal signs due to the difference of drug administration time were different with the sex and/or kinds of drugs. After administration of morphine-type and barbiturate-type drugs, withdrawal signs of sedation and weight loss, also excitability together with weight loss appeared 24 and 40 hours later, respectively. These signs were generally greatly increased by antagonist-induced withdrawal. Abrupt withdrawal of methamphetamine and cocaine caused no withdrawal signs. Rectal temperature was unchanged on abrupt withdrawal in the case of each drug, though temperatures did decrease with morphine-type drugs, and increased with phenobarbital and chlordiazepoxide groups, on antagonist-induced withdrawal. Inhibition of the avoidance was mild with the abrupt withdrawal of morphine, codeine, phenobarbital chlordiazepoxide and cocaine, but was marked on antagonist-induced withdrawal of morphine and codeine.


[Functional tests for true urinary incontinence in women (author's transl)]. Urinary incontinence is looked at from a functional point of view. It occurs when there is lack of equilibrium between the resistance of the sphincters and the expulsive force of the bladder. The classical features given in the history and in a clinical examination can only suggest an incomplete evaluation of the problem and this is sometimes wrong in respect to the dynamic control of micturition. The traps are briefly reviewed. Functional tests allow objective analysis of the behaviour of the bladder and its sphincters. They are the subject of this study (combined radio-urodynamic tests).


Threshold effects on the lectin-mediated aggregation of synthetic glycolipid-containing liposomes. Cholesterol analogs containing sugar residues linked by spacer groups to the cholesterol O can be incorporated into egg yolk lecithin small unilamellar liposomes. The synthetic glycolipid analogs distribute evenly on both sides of the bilayer. These liposomes are aggregated by the appropriate lectin. For example, when the sugar residue is a beta-galactoside the liposomes are aggregated by ricin and when it is an alpha-mannoside they are aggregated by Con A. The lectin-mediated aggregation of these liposomes is reversed by the addition of the appropriate sugar. The rates but not the extents of aggregation of these liposomes are highly sensitive to the amount of glycolipid incorporated. Below approximately 5% glycolipid incorporation the rate of the lectin-mediated aggregation of these liposomes is exceedingly slow, whereas above this level rapid aggregation proceeds. At all concentrations studied the synthetic glycolipids are incorporated in a unimodal fashion so that the observed threshold effects cannot be based on possible differences in the manner in which the glycolipids are incorporated at different concentrations. This conclusion is based on 1) studies with galactose oxidase that show that the percentage of galactose oxidation in a liposome prepared from a galactosyl-containing glycolipid is independent of glycolipid concentration, and 2) studies on the aggregation of liposomes containing mixed glycolipids in which the glycolipids are shown to behave independently. The importance of a critical density of membrane-bound receptors in order for aggregation to occur is discussed.


[Inborn or acquired? The assertions and methods of twin research in psychiatry]. Is Insanity inborn or acquired?--This question has become more actual in the last years as a consequence of progresses of psychotherapeutic and genetic research and the movement of antipsychiatry. This paper tries to clarify the dignity of the study of twins as contribution to an answer to this question. Some genetic terms are explicated as genotype, phenotype, monofactoriel and multifactoriel genetic transmission with sill. The significance of twin studies, of its contribution to the calculation of heritability and detection of environmental factors, and methodical problems as determination of zygosity and concordance, sampling method and correction of age are critically discussed.


Bovine mycotic abortion caused by Acremonium kiliense Grutz. Acremonium kiliense was cultured from the placenta and abomasal contents of an aborted bovine foetus; attempts to isolate viruses and bacteria were unsuccessful although the serum of the dam contained antibodies to Leptospira pomona. The fungus was nonpathogenic for mice but was able to survive in murine tissues for at least 13 weeks. The possibility of this case being a foetal infection as a result of insemination with contaminated semen is discussed.


Orbital paecilomycosis due to Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) Samson. The first case of orbital paecilomycosis is described. Fungal hyphae were found in a KOH preparation of the granulomatous tissue, removed from the orbit, and also in histological sections. Culture of the tissue was positive for fungus which was resistant to cycloheximide (0.5 g/l). It was identified as Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) Samson (IMI 213487) and shown to be pathogenic for the rabbit cornea.


Adiaspiromycosis of human skin caused by Emmonsia crescens. Two cases of cutaneous adiaspiromycosis by Emmonsia crescens are reported. This is the first human skin infection by this species and is the first report of its kind in man from India. In the first patient, the agent was demonstrated in KOH mounts, histology and culture from irregular, pigmented skin plaques on the right gluteal area. The lesion also contained calcium. In the second patient the fungus was demonstrated histologically in a knee lesion. The agent had elicited a histiocytic and giant cell reaction in the dermis in both cases. The first patient suffered from anaemia and epilepsy and the second suffered from nephropathy with chyluria. The skin lesions were surgically excised with skin grafting in the first patient.


Phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladosporium bantianum in Kerala (India). A case of phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladosporium bantianum is reported from India for the first time. It is also the first known case of infection involving the foot caused by this fungus. The cultural characteristics and animal pathogenicity of the isolate are described.


Treatment of vesicoureteral reflux: point system based on 20 years of experience. During the last 20 years 500 girls with recurrent urinary tract infection and documented reflux were seen in private practice. All patients received medical treatment for 3 to 48 months (an average of 15 months) after which the 250 who were not cured underwent a corrective operation. The primary reason for an antireflux operation is to protect the kidney from the damaging effect of a combination of high pressure and infection. Thus, the criteria for operation included persistent infection, renal changes typical of previous pyelonephritis, major reflux and abdominal or flank pain. The surgical cure rate after careful long-term followup approaches 98%. The medical cure rate at the end of 2 years reached 88%. This experience has enabled the establishment of a rigorous point system, providing common denominators regarding indications for operation. It emphasizes the desirability of attempting a medical cure for at least 1 year after urethral dilatation, except when major orifice defects and major reflux exist. This system should help to increase communication and coordination of efforts among the pediatrician, radiologist and urologist.


Psoriasis and intraocular inflammation.

Psoriasis and intraocular inflammation. Presented in this series were seven men and three women. Ages when seen, ranged from 32 to 68 years (average 54). Psoriasis had begun in childhood in the women and in the late 20's and 30's in the men. Arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis) was present in only one. Their ocular inflammations began from ages 26 to 62 (average 41). The onset of the inflammation was acute iritis in four and in indolent iridocylcitis in six. All but one were bilateral and chronic. The vitreous had heavy debris in nine of the ten patients. The retina was normal in only three. Boggy congestion was present in two with cystoid edema. Patches of edema. fluorescein leaking, depigmentation of both maculae, pars plana exudate, and retinal vessel obliteration to grey-white, shaggy cords was present in at least one of the remaining five patients. Systemic corticosteroid therapy has been used in eight of the ten patients described in this report. Doses no higher than 30 mg of prednisone per day were used to initiate reversal of the inflammatory response. In case 10, knowledge of the sensitivity of the process to steroids led to the successful rapid reversal of a recalcitrant iritis with only 20 mg of prednisone as a first dose and 20 mg per day for less than three weeks. Maintenance corticosteroid therapy ranged from 40 mg of prednisone every other day in case 9, prednisone 12.5 mg one day and 5 mg the next in case 8, to 8 mg of Aristocort or methylprednisolone acetate (M-edrol) daily in cases 1 and 2. In summary, these patients are older, have an indolent onset bilateral uveitis with dense vitreous debris, retinal abnormalites, and are extremely sensitive to systemic corticosteroids. Many of these patients had undergone the series of clinical evaluations known as a "uveitis survey." Many different systemic abnormalities were found and merited treatment which rarely made a difference in their ocular disease, though two improved after infected teeth were treated. Assuming that these ocular diseases were related to psoriasis, one can then challenge the value of anything found by a "uveitis survey." The author uses information gained from such studies to insure that the patient is in the best possible heatlh and then makes clinical correlations such as presented in this paper. The rarity of this combination of ocular inflammations in patients with psoriasis makes it risky to propose that this is a significant association. Arguments that this is a disease entity began with the clinical similarities: older age, indolent onset, vitreous and retinal involvement, and the extreme sensitivity to systemic corticosteroids. None of these patients had psoriatic arthritis and only one had ankylosing spondylitis. The best explanation for the fact that this disorder has not been emphasized in the past would be an attitude of ophthalmologists and physicians that the eye and skin disease were coincident.


[Comparative testing of methods for determining arsenic in food products]. Two methods for arsenic determination on food products were tested, namely: with silver diethylthiourea and after molybdenum blue as presented in AOAC--1975. Better repeatability of results was observed when the method with silver diethylthiourea was used (94--96%). It is recommended that this method be included in BSS. In order to improve the repeatability of results in case the molybdenum blue method is used it is recommended that the contruction of the standard curve follows the entire analytical course post mineralization.


Seasonal variations in the cyanophils of the pituitary gland in correlation with reproductive cycle of Channa striatus (Bloch). Seasonal changes in the cyanophils of the proximal pars distalis of the pituitary gland of C. striatus are conspicuous, and they closely follow the reproductive cycle. There is a poor concentration of their glycoproteinaceous contents during the resting phase and higher concentration during the maturation phase. The cyanophils also undergo a process of hypertrophy, granulation, followed by degranulation and vacuolisation during the spawning phase. They almost empty their contents during the post-spawning period.


Morphology and histochemistry of ovarian changes in the field rat, Millardia meltada. A study has been made of the morphological and histochemical changes of the ovary of the field rat, Millardia meltada during its oestrous cycle and pregnancy. The follicular growth and atresia, ovulation and formation of corpora lutea occur throughout the year except severe winter months (December and January). Fluctuations in the follicular development occur on different days of the oestrous cycle and pregnancy. The granulosa cells show a progressive increase in their size in successive stages of follicle growth. The granulosae of normal follicles show some sparsely scattered lipid bodies which consist of phospholipids. Theca interna cells during follicular growth develop diffuse lipoproteins and lipid droplets consisting of triglycerides, phospholipids and cholesterol and/or its esters. The luteal cells of corpora lutea are formed by the granulosa cells as the theca interna cells degenerate and disappear. The fibroblast-like cells of thecal origin, alongwith the blood vessels, invade the luteal cell mass. The luteal cells during metoestrus, dioestrus and first half of pregnancy show abundant diffuse lipoproteins and a few lipid droplets composed mainly of phospholipids and some triglycerides, which are indicative of active steroidogenesis. The details of degenerative histological and histochemical alterations of corpora lutea during oestrous cycle and pregnancy are also described and discussed. Morphological and histochemical changes of follicular atresia are described. The granulosa cells of atretic follicle degenerate and disappear leaving behind theca interna cells which form patches of interstitial gland cells during the reproductive activity of the present rat. Interstitial gland cells show diffusely distributed sudanophilic lipoproteins and lipid droplets consisting of triglycerides, cholesterol and/or its esters and some phospholipids, which are indicative of steroidogenesis. The functional significance of histological and histochemical changes, which occur in various components of the ovary during oestrous cycle and pregnancy, has been discussed.


Twin azygotic test for the study of hereditary qualitative traits in twin populations. Following previous formulations of a model of qualitative analysis of twin population data independent of zygosity, a new Bayesian approach has been developed. The present model can be applied to any qualitative genetic trait in twin population data, provided no specific source of variation be introduced by the twin condition, and allows not only estimation of the frequencies of mono- and dizygosity as well as the gene frequencies, but also verification of the trait's mode of inheritance.


The problem of determining twin zygosity for epidemiological studies. The use of epidemiological studies of twins as a means of determining the existence of genetic factors in various conditions is well known. To be of value, the zygosity of the twin pairs must be identified with as great a degree of confidence as possible. A method of determining twin zygosity, using concordance in general likeness, hair colour, hair type, eye colour, ear form, tongue roll and phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) taste sensitivity, was developed for use in a survey of 244 pairs of like-sexed twins aged 5 to 15 years. The results obtained and the problems raised when applying this method are discussed. The method was sinple to apply to a large group of twin pairs, and monozygotic pairs were identified with a degree of confidence greater than 95%.


Twin concordance. A more general model.

Twin concordance. A more general model. Estimation of the twin concordance rate for a disease often requires two stages. First, the disease is ascertained in a population or in a population sample, and such twins as are found with the disease become probands. Second, twin pairs with only one proband are further investigated and additional concordant pairs are thus discovered. A mathematical model is presented that allows for continuous variation in completeness of ascertainment in both stages, for correlation within pairs in the primary ascertainment process, and for correlation within pairs in occurrence of the disease. The concordance rate can be estimated by the proband method if secondary ascertainment is complete; other measures of concordance are accurate only if primary ascertainment is complete. A parameter analogous to the concordance rate but related to correlation in primary ascertainment can be estimated from the same data.


The acardiac anomaly new case reports and current status. Two cases of holoacardius are presented. Both had a normal 46,XX female karyotype, identical to that of their respective cotwin. Data are presented supporting the concept that the placental vascular anastomoses are the primary agents in the formation of an acardiac. Cytogenetics, epidemiology and other theories of pathogenesis are discussed.


Variability of plantar zygodactylous triradii in monozygotic and dizygotic twins. Using a special method, the dermatoglyphics of the plantar interdigital areas of 86 monozygotic and 76 dizygotic Polish twin pairs were obtained. The frequencies of different types of zygodactylous triradii were estimated using a recently published new scheme of classification. The second, third, and fourth interdigital areas were grouped together. The findings indicate a high heritability which suggest that zygodactylous triradii might be used as a valuable genetic marker.


Association of handedness and birth order in monozygotic twins. In a random sample of 104 pairs of middle-class Caucasian, handedness-discordant twins six years of age or older, a significant relationship has been found between birth order and handedness in monozygotic twins, there being an excess of left-handed among first-born twins (P less than 0.01). No such relation has been found in dizygotic twins.


Effect of chronic exposure to alcohol on the circulation of rats of different ages. Two groups each of young and old animals were fed nutritonally adequate liquid diet. One group of each served for control, while in the other one 36% of the total caloric intake was supplied by ethanol in place of part of the fat and carbohydrate. The young animals became rapidly adapted to the alcohol containing diet, while the aged animals refused to eat it even at the expense of transient hunger and thirst. Alcohol treatment resulted in body weight loss and the appearance of slight ST segment abnormalities in the ECG. Histological study of the myocardium revealed no pathological finding. Alcohol reduced the blood pressure, TPR, gut and skin fractions of the cardiac output, myocardial nutritive blood flow, and vascular resistance of the carcass in both groups, whereas it increased the relative weight of the heart. There was a greater decrease of blood pressure and a greater increase in the relative weight of the heart in the old than in young alcohol treated animals. Chronic exposure to alcohol results in a redistribution of circulation which is detrimental to cardiac function. This alcohol induced redistribution affects the cardiovascular system of old animals more severely.


Purine metabolism in cultured coronary endothelial cells. Endothelial cells from coronary vessels of guinea pig hearts were isolated, cultivated and morphologically characterized. --Cells from confluent cultures contained adenine nucleotides and their dephosphorylated degradatives in exceptionally high amounts. --Adenine nucleotide levels were only slightly influenced by the growth state of the cultures and remained stable during incubation for three days in purine-free medium. In contrast, brief incubation of endothelial cells under anoxic conditions resulted in a substantial breakdown of adenine nucleotides associated with an enhanced formation and release of adenosine. --Measurements of specific activities of enzymes involved in adenine nucleotide synthesis and degradation lend additional support to the view that a very active adenine nucleotide metabolism is a typical feature of cultured coronary endothelial cells.


Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura occurring in Hodgkin disease after splenectomy: report of two cases and review of the literature. The occurrence of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in Hodgkin disease is uncommon. Even more unusual is the development of ITP in Hodgkin disease following splenectomy. This report describes two patients with Hodgkin disease who developed severe ITP with negative platelet antibody studies very soon after splenectomy (20 days in one and three months in the other). A review of the literature of 21 other patients with well-documented ITP and Hodgkin disease indicated that ITP occurring in Hodgkin disease may be more severe and refractory to therapy than ITP unassociated with Hodgkin. Nodular sclerosis or mixed cellularity histologic types of Hodgkin disease were present in all but one of the patients with ITP and Hodgkin disease, and males constituted 65% of cases. There appeared to be no correlation between the onset of ITP and activity of Hodgkin disease. Of five splenectomized patients with Hodgkin disease who developed ITP and were treated with immunosuppressive drugs for thrombocytopenia, three had an excellent response and two had a good response, suggesting that the combination of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs may be indicated at the outset in patients with Hodgkin disease who develop ITP following splenectomy.


The role of the spleen in "autoimmune" blood disorders. Several immune-mediated blood disorders in both children and adults have findings compatible with an autoimmune etiology, although the autoantigen in most instances is not clearly established. In the present report, we review briefly the clinical features of immune hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and immune neutropenia in children and discuss the possible pathogenetic mechanisms based on present experimental and clinical observations. The role of the spleen in the pathophysiology of these disorders is emphasized.


Pregnancy outcome after previous induced abortion. The outcome of pregnancy was studied in 325 patients with an induced abortion in their previous pregnancy, together with 721 control patients. The patients were matched for age, parity and social class. Smoking and unplanned pregnancies were found to be more comon among abortion patients than among the control patients. As regards pregnancy complications, bleeding during pregnancy and placental retention were found to be significantly more common in the index group. No statistical differences were noticed in gestation length, birthweight, rate of spontaneous abortion and perinatal mortality in the pregnancy following induced abortion as compared with control patients.


[Cellobiose as a regulator of endoglucanase activity of cellulase complexes. Mechanism of the regulation]. Cellobiose may exert different effects on the activities of various endoglucanases. The endoglucanases of T. reesei and Rapidase are noticeably suppressed by cellobiose at concentrations above 3 mM. On the other hand, a low molecular weight endoglucanase from T. koningii is activated by cellobiose, whereas high molecular weight endoglucanases from the same source are inhibited by cellobiose. A detailed kinetic analysis of the effects showed that the low molecular weight endoglucanase is activated by a transglycosylation mechanism, in which cellobiose acts as an additional nucleophile. At saturating concentrations of cellobiose (Ks = 15 mM) the enzyme activity is increased 6-fold. Such a specific mechanism of activation manifests itself in an acceleration of random cleavage of CM-cellulose by the low molecular weight endoglucanase, which can be recorded by a viscosimetric technique. However, its action does not accelerate the production of soluble reducing sugars.