Tonic inhibition of dorsal pontine neurons during the postural atonia produced by an anticholinesterase in the decerebrate cat. 1. Experiments performed in precollicular decerebrate cats indicate that neurons located in the caudal part of the locus coeruleus and locus subcoeruleus as well as in the surrounding reticular formation were greatly depressed during the cataplectic episodes induced by i.v. injection of 0.1 mg/kg of eserine sulphate. 2. These units actually showed a slow regular firing rate when the rigidity was present. Moreover their firing rate greatly decreased during the episodes of postural atonia produced by the anticholinesterase. In some instances a complete abolition of firing occurred during these episodes. The depression of unit discharge anticipated the onset of postural atonia and lasted throughout the episodes. 3. Some of the neurons described above responded with steady changes in their discharge rate to natural stimulation of macular labyrinthine receptors during postural rigidity. However, the response of these neurons to lateral tilts was suppressed during the episodes of postural atonia induced by the anticholinesterase, This and other arguments suggested that these units were tonically inhibited during the induced cataplectic episodes. 4. The time course of the rate deceleration shown by these neurons during transition from postural rigidity to muscular atonia represents a mirror image of the rate acceleration which affects most of the pontine reticular neurons located in the gigantocellular tegmental field (FTG) during the induced cataplectic episodes. These reciprocal rate relations suggest that a functional interaction exists between the two cell groups. In particular it is postulated that the pontine FTG neurons are self-excitatory and excitatory to the locus coeruleus neurons, while the last neurons may be self-inhibitory and inhibitory to FTG neurons. These findings can be related to previous observations showing that neurons located in the region of locus coeruleus undergo a rate deceleration during desynchronized sleep which mimics the time course of firing to the pontine reticular neurons. 5. In conclusion it appears that the decerebrate rigidity is present in so far as the cholinergic reticular neurons, which trigger the bulbospinal inhibitory system, are tonically inhibited by neurons located in the monoaminergic structures of the dorsolateral pontine tegmentum. On the other hand the suppression of the decerebrate rigidity ,which occurs during the cholinergically induced cataplectic episodes results from activation of the cholinergic reticular neurons, which escape tonic inhibition from monoaminergic structures.


Relations of single semicircular canals to the pontine reticular formation. The effects of afferent vestibular impulses on single pontine reticular formation units and on a small filament of the IIIrd cranial nerve were recorded with tungsten microelectrodes in 40 curarized guinea pigs. Single-shock and repetitive electrical stimulations were applied by means of stimulating electrodes inserted bilaterally into the perilymphatic space of single ampullae of the anterior and lateral semicircular canals. The reticular unitary response consisted mainly in excitation of the resting discharge rate: most units showed vestibular convergence being affected by separate stimulation of the single four ampullae. the reticular evoked field and unitary potentials accounted for latency values ranging from 0.3 to 2.5 msec. As for the early latencies they can be interpreted as responses mediated by direct vestibulo-reticular fibres. A delimited vestibular projection field in the parameidan pontine reticular formation was not identified.


[The anti-tetanus serumprophylaxis (author's transl)]. The antitoxin titre against tetanus toxin has been evaluated in wounded subjects before and 24 after anti-tetanus serumprophylaxis by passive haemagglutination. Treatment with digested heterologous antiserum (3000-6000 I.U.) or with human hyperimmune immunoglobulins does not modify preexisting antitoxin titre. Serum negative subjects remain as such.


[Immunological diagnosis of hilarmediastinal lymphadenopathies (author's transl)]. In the last few years, we have adopted the following immunological techniques for the study of hilarmediastinal lymphadenopathies: the E and EAC rosette tests (composition of the lymphocyte population) for an evaluation of the general immunological picture, the delayed-type cutaneous tests to reveal the specific picture of cell-mediated immune responses, and the leucocyte migration inhibition test against related and unrelated antigens. This cellular technique was integrated with the determination of precipitating and agglutinating antibodies against the same antigens. Data are reported regarding tubercular and sarcoid lymphadenopathies, Hodgkin's disease, and secondary neoplastic lymphadenopathy with prevalent intratoracic localization. The techniques used demonstrated that tubercular lymphadenopathy is associated with a well defined immunological profile which is both humoral and cellular. Sarcoid lymphadenopathy (thoracic sarcoidosis) showed a specific, well characterized immunological picture as regards cell-mediated immune responses. In Hodgkin's disease (hilarmediastinal lymphadenopathy) the immunological technique showed up a general, depressed immunological picture, particularly as regards the cell-mediated immunitary response, presumably partly due to the treatment given (physical and pharmacological therapy). Secondary neoplastic lymphadenopathy showed a similar pattern, as far as the immunological parameters used until now are concerned. On the basis of experience gained to date, we believe that the immunological techniques can make a contribution to diagnostic and clinical studies of tubercular and sarcoid lymphadenopathies.


Degenerative and regenerative processes in the olfactory system of homing pigeons. Experimental resection of the olfactory nerve in the homing pigeon induces a total degeneration of the nerve and olfactory epithelium. The orthograde degenerative process starts before the retrograde one. Ten days after resection, new neurons begin to differentiate from the basal cells. The axon forms earlier than the distal dendritic process, and the speed of growth increases slowly. The regenerated axons only reach the bulb in the 5th month. Two months after resection the olfactory epithelium is similar to that of the intact control side. The ultrastructural features of the mucosa and olfactory axons are similar to those of normal ones.


Vestibular nuclei of hemilabyrinthectomized guinea pigs during decompensation. 1. The effects of the post-brachial section of the spinal cord on the field potentials recorded from the vestibular nuclei during stimulation of the right vestibular receptors have been studied in left hemilabyrinthectomized and then compensated guinea pigs. 2. Facilitation of the field potentials in the right vestibular nuclear complex and inhibition in the left nuclei have been observed. 3. These results confirm that the spinal cord is involved in the compensation of the release syndrome brought about by the lesion of one labyrinth. 4. The possible mechanisms underlying such a compensation are discussed.


[Experimental studies on the antibacterial activity of the association cephaloridine-dicloxacilline (author's transl)]. A study on the efficiency of the association cephaloridine-dicloxacilline in the ratio 2:1 has been carried out. Both in vitro and in vivo the antibacterial activity shown by the association is higher than that merely additive of the single components and is due to positive interaction.


[Examination of pork quality using passive electric methods]. Passive electrical values of 76 probes of pig M. long. dors. with different quality are derterminated. It appears, that a factor (P = value), exactly ascertained from electrical parameters, is fit to characterize the quality of pork. The P-value is theoretical established and has relations to the stability of the membrane structures.


[Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner, 1862) Diptera: Sacrophagidae) causing a vaginal myiasis in domesticated two-humped camels in the Mongolian People's republic]. Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner, 1862) [Diptera: Sarcophagidae] was established as the causal agent of a vaginal myiasis in female camels in the Mongolian Democratic Republic. Changes of the genitals occur nearly the beginning of June, 4-6 weeks after foaling, a spontaneous recovery is seen at the beginning of October. Clinical signs of the vaginal myiasis and morphology of the three stages of larvae are described in detail.


[Studies on anesthetized and nonanesthetized slaughter swine. 1. Blood pressure]. The blood pressure of pigs for slaughter were measured. Onset of electric anaesthesia was followed by blood pressure rise of about 25 per cent. Peak values of 100 per cent in excess of the original pressure were recorded in some cases. Termination of the electric stimulus, generally, was followed by sudden blood pressure drop. The original pressure usually was reached ten seconds from the debleeding puncture. With continued debleeding, it stayed at 75 mm Hg after 50 seconds on average. Extraordinary high rise in blood pressure in response to electric stimulation usually was followed by rapid pressure drop, whereas in cases with moderate rise at the time of anaesthesia the subsequent decline was at slower rates.


[Quantitative morphological studies on various organs of the MINI-LEWE miniature swine]. Quantitative morphological studies were conducted into 27 MINI-LEWE miniature pigs, with the view to exploring the correlations between a number of organs (liver, kidneys, heart, spleen, pancreas, adrenal gland, and thyroid gland) and parameters (live weight, age, weight at slaughter, length from snout to tail root, and internal length of slaughter body). The results are presented in 12 ilustrations and five tables.


[Murine model for experimental studies on attenuated mutants of a Pasteurella multocida strain with pathogenicity for the calf. 2. Primary immunization against lethal infection, using fully attenuated streptomycin-dependent (Sm-d) mutant and booster immunization with partially attenuated streptomycin-dependent (Sm-id) revertants]. An experimental study was conducted into the immunisation of mice to a strain of Pasteurella multocida with pathogenicity for calf. Here are the findings: (a) The attenuation of Sm-id revertants was measured with reference to the order of extinction and compared to the wild strain. (b) A selected range of Sm-id revertants with differentiated attenuation is presented. (c) Single immunisation, using fully attenuatted Sm-d mutant does prevent lethal infection with partially attenuated Sm-id revertants, although it is ineffective against wild strain infection. (d) Immunity against 100 times the lethal dose of the wild strain can be achieved by two immunisations, that is primary antigen application, using fully attenuated Sm-d mutant, and booster immunisation, using partially attenuated Sm-id revertant.


[Effect of Mecadox therapy on various organs of the reticulohistiocytary system in chickens]. Chickens received Mecadox treatment for 28 days, beginning at the age of five days, with the daily rations having been 1 g in 1 kg feedstuff. Changes were caused in two periods. The first therapeutic period, first to 14th days, was characterised by rise in total protein, DNA, RNA, amino nitrogen, and ascorbic acid in the adrenal gland as well as by rise in body mass, however, with no change of thymus and bursa mass. The second therapeutic period, between the 14th and 28 th days, led to decline in the above parameters and to involution of the lymphatic organs. The conclusion is suggested that biological stimulation can be achieved only in response to short-time Mecadox treatment.


[Topography and cytoarchitecture of the diencephalon in the female comestic cattle (Bos taurus var. dom.)]. Ten brains of cows were, immediately after slaughter, embedded in celloidin, sliced, and stained to visualise neurocytes and nerve fibres, with the view to elucidating the structures of bovine diencephalon. Macroscopically, the diencephalon of cow is characterised by a comparatively strong epithalamic part, large laterally supported Corpora geniculata lateralis, pronounced ventricular bulgings, almost complete fusion of thalami with Massa intermedia, and very large pituitary gland. The five compartments of bovine interbrain are strongly developed and clearly delimitated by fibrous strings and platelets. By due consideration of the major fibre structures and cyto-architectonic characteristics, 62 nuclei may be differentiated in either half of the diencephalon, with 28 being situated in the thalamus and 23 in the hypothalamus. Two nuclear regions each were recordable from the epithalamus, metathalamus, and subthalamus.


[Pathomorphologic changes in the ruminal acidosis of sheep]. Acute and subacute and spontaneous rumen acidosis was experimentally induced in 20 sheep and two lambs after feeding of barley, maize or glycose. The inner organs of those animals then were examined for morphological changes. The changes recorded from experimental acidosis were analogous to those observed after spontaneous outbreaks. Hyperaemia and blood leakage were macroscopically observed underneath the rumen mucous membrane which could be easily pulled off. The same signs sometimes were manifest in the third and second stomach as well. Pronounced edemas and hyperaemia occurred in the lungs, meninges (pia mater), and brain, and blood leakage was recorded from the epicardium. The histological findings included epithelial desquamation, infiltration of lymphocytes and leucocytes into rumen and fourth stomach (subacute) hepatitis (in 60 per cent of all cases), physical degeneration in the kidneys, and focal myocarditis (in 50 per cent of all cases). There were hyperaemia, edematisation, and blood leakage in the lungs, perivascular and pericellular edema in the brain, and severe hyperaemia of the meninges (pia mater) and thyroid gland. Those morphological changes were persistent and characteristic. Their relevance to diagnosis of rumen acidosis in sheep is undenied, provided that due consideration is given at the same time to the case history and paraclinical indices.


[Vaginal cytology studies on the determination of the onset of estrus cycle post partum in sheep]. State of vaginal cells and arborisation grade of cervical mucus were studied in 364 Merino ewes of meat type from the 7. day ante partum. The Pundel modified Shorr-straining method and the Papanicolaou-straining method were used for differentiation of the cells (casal-, parabasal-, intermediate-and superficialcells). Near the 44., 54. and 70. day post partum a maximum of superficialcells and simultaneously a high grade of cervical mucus arborisation in elongating cyclic intervals can be observed in lactating ewes. In conclusion an early weaning of lambs between the 40. and 50. day post partum is considered to be in aggreement with cyclus.


[Endocrine and spermatogenic testicular function. 9. Correlations between plasma testosterone and morphometric parameters of the testis in boars of different ages]. Close, statistically fully secured correlations were found to exist in boars, aged between four and four-a-half as well as seven and nine months, between the testosterone content in the blood of the V. spermatica interna, on the one hand, and morphometric parameters essential to quantitative sperm production, on the other (testicular volume, volume of germinativum, overall length of tubules, diameter of tubules, and cell density of the germinal epithelium).


Estrogens and endometrial cancer: aspects of etiology and survival rate. With a clinical study it could be demonstrated, that the frequency of diabetes hypertension, estrogen effect in the vaginal smear and proliferative changes of the endometrium was significantly higher in patients with endometrial cancer than in a control group (p less than or equal to 0.001). Obesity was also significantly more frequent (0.02 less than p less than 0.01). In vitro studies demonstrated a significantly higher aromatization of androstendione to estrone in adipose tissue of endometrial cancer patients (p less than 0.01), indicating etiologic correlations between endometrial cancer and extraglandular estrone production. An additional clinical study indicated a better 5-years-survival rate if parameters, indicating endogenous estrogen effect were present.


[Pharmacocinetic behaviour of alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase in therapeutical application to toxify transport forms of cancerostatic substances (author's transl)]. The present studies were carried out to obtain pharmacokinetic data about the elemination of intravenously administered alpha-Larabinofuranosidase from the blood stream and about the distribution and retention of the enzyme in different organs and in a transplantable sarcoma of mouse. The results were used for the planning of therapeutical experiments, in which detoxified transport forms of cancerostatic agents were to be toxified by exogenous enzymes specifically in the tumour tissue. The alpha-Larabinofuranosidase is eliminated from the blood circulation quite rapidly (half-life about 20 min); a large portion is apparently excreted through the kidneys. The distribution in the organs, as compared with the tumour tissue, is very favourable for the planned therapeutical experiments in relation to other enzymes: The enzyme is scarcely accumulated in the RES-containing organs. In the tumour tissue, the enzymatic activity declines linerly with time of the experiment, while elimination of the enzyme from the kidney and muscle follows rather an exponential function. The optimal time interval between the enzyme and substate injections was determined to be 6 hrs.


[Enzymologic investigations of Vx2-carcinoma transplanted into the stomach of rabbits (author's transl)]. Suspensions of V x2-carcinoma cells were inoculated into the stomach wall of rabbits. In 26 animals, changes of lactic acid hydrogenase (total activity and isoenzyme distribution) were followed from the transplantation day to complete development of a tumor. Findings were compared with mucosa specimen taken from different parts of the stomach. As compared with control animals (injection of physiological saline solution into the stomach wall), total enzyme activity was elevated and isoenzymes showed characteristic distribution in homogenisates from tumorous tissue. Mucosa covering the tumor did not reveal such alterations of enzyme activity. It can thus be concluded that V x2 carcinoma was limited to submucosal layers and did not invade the mucosa. This conclusion was confirmed by histologic examination.


Effect of a Rauscher leukemia virus vaccine upon chemical oncogenesis in the mouse. The concept that type-C RNA viruses serve as determinants of chemically induced cancer would be supported if immunization against such viruses reduced the incidence of methylcholanthrene-induced sarcomas. A formalin vaccine was employed which was able to protect mice against the development of virus-induced Rauscher leukemia: 8/12 vaccinated mice survived versus 1/12 controls. When mice so immunized were challenged with near-threshold doses of chemical carcinogen, sarcoma incidence and death latency did not differ between vaccinated and control groups: within 10 months, a 320 mug dose of methylcholanthrene induced 100% sarcomas in both groups, while a 64 mug dose induced 62% and 65% tumors in vaccinated and control mice respectively. Thus, a relevant postulate of the oncogene hypothesis could not be supported by these studies. Formalin treatment neutralizes the oncogenic effect of mouse leukemia viruses yiwlding preparations that are immunogenic and can be successfully used as vaccines to protect against virus-induced leukemia (5). The finding of murine leukemia viruses in chemically induced tumors (1, 2) poses the question of whether these viruses are present in the tumors as passengers, or whether they are etiologically involved in the process of tumor induction. An approach to answering this question would be to challenge with chemical carcinogens mice which have been vaccinated with leukemia virus. If the virus were somehow involved in tumor induction, antiviral immunization might conceivably interfere with chemical carcinogenesis. Whitmire and Huebner (9) have reported that mice immunized with formalin-treated leukemia viruses, become resistant to sarcomagenesis by methylcholanthrene. Repetition of this experiment by Gericke and Chandra (6) gave non-significant differences between experimental and control groups. The present paper deals with the effect of immunization against Rauscher leukemia virus upon tumor induction by near-threshold doses of methylcholanthrene.


[Determination of 3,4-benzopyrene-content in seeds before and after germination (author's transl)]. The content of 3,4-benzopyrene in various seeds before and after germination in different nutritive solutions is determined. The hygienic meaning of the results is discussed.


[Evaluation of lymphography in neurologic complications of neoplastic diseases (author's transl)]. 1. By lymphographic examination, first of all, the primary and secondary tumours of the lymphatic system may be revealed and localized. Further on, it makes possible to state the stage of the disease and thus to apply the appropriate treatment. 2. In case of symptoms indicating that nerve-roots of unknown origin have been damaged, the result of lymphographic examination may call the attention to pathomechanism related to some tumour-disease. If the symptoms of the nervous system are caused by compression or infiltration of a tumour, most frequently the presence of pathologic lymph nodes in their surroundings can be revealed. 3. Among the patients of the National Oncological Institute, in 25 Hodgkin and 2 cases pathologic filling of the lymphatic system was observed by lymphographic examination, -- in 4 cases in the surroundings affected by the damage of the spinal cord while in 23 cases in that of nerve-root. If a tumour disease is discovered and localized in time by lymphographic examination, the symptoms caused by it in the nervous system may be reduced, or, seldom, even alleviated, with a treatment of directed irradation combined with cytostatics. The favourable effect on alleviating pains is to be especially emphasised.


An autoradiographic study of the mouse carotid body using tritiated leucine, dopa, dopamine and ATP with special reference to the chief cell as a paraneuron. A comparative autoradiographic study on the uptake and intracellular localization of 3H-leucine-, 3H-dopa-, 3H-dopamine- and 3H-ATP-derived radioactivity was performed in the mouse carotid body to investigate the metabolic features of the chief cell as a paraneuron. 3H-leucine-derived radioactivity representing recently synthesized peptides was demonstrated in all kinds of cells in the carotid body and surrounding area. The chief cell was less radioactive than the nerve cell in the superior cervical ganglion. In the electron microscope autoradiography, no accumulation of radioactivity could be demonstrated either in the Golgi area of the chief cell, where the membrane-bound particles were probably formed, nor in the periphery of the cells, where they were stored before their release. Incorporation of 3H-dopa-derived radioactivity representing recently synthesized catecholamines was specific to the chief cell, mast cell, and nerve cell in the superior cervical ganglion. In the chief cell the distribution of radioactivity was roughly identical with that of the large dense-cored vesicles. Striking accumulations of 3H-dopamine-derived radioactivity were demonstrated in the adrenergic nerve terminals in the perivascular space and the glomus complexes of the carotid body. Not all of the chief cells incorporated the 3H-dopamine-derived radioactivity. 3H-ATP derived radioactivity was demonstrated in all kinds of cells in the carotid body and surrounding tissues. In the chief cell, as in other kinds of cells, the highest radioactivity was seen in the nucleus. The present results suggest that, if the large dense-cored vike those membrane-bound particles in other paraneurons, contain peptides, monoamines and ATP, the turnover of these products as secretory materials is much slower in this cell than in such endocrine paraneurons as adrenal chromaffin cells and gut endocrine cells.


Double afferent arterioles of the rat renal glomerulus as studied by the injection replica scanning electron microscopic method. One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six specimens of replicated rat renal glomerulus were examined under the scanning electron microscope, and an extremely rare anomaly of the glomerulus with double afferent arterioles was described. The double afferent arterioles arose separately from a terminal twig of the interlobular artery and reached the vascular pole of a subcapsular glomerulus which possessed a single efferent arteriole. Microdissection revealed that this glomerulus was composed of three fairly independent lobules of anastomosing capillaries. Microdissection also revealed that the double afferent arterioles were isolated from each other even in the glomerulus: the one supplied two lobules, while the other the third one only.


On the periodically aggregated particles on the fracture face of the cochlear hair cell. By means of the freeze-fracture technique, the membrane specialization of the cochlear hair cell of guinea pigs was studied. Periodically aggregated particles were revealed on the PF face of the plasma membrane of the outer hair cell. The particles were around 12 nm in diameter and 10 to 17 nm in center-to-center spacing. Their arragement was hexagonal, orthogonal or parallel. Possible involvement of this structure in the electrical excitability of the membrane was discussed.


Intercellular secretory canaliculi in the feline laryngeal gland. Laryngeal glands of adult cats were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Intercellular secretory canaliculi in the gland were an arborized system of capillaries extended among acinar cells, and their stem or collecting canaliculus opened to the gland lumen. The inner surface of the canaliculi was provided with small globular microvili. The canaliculi in the laryngeal gland resembled the hepatic bile capillaries in lower vertebrates.


[Septicemia in children according to autopsy data]. Analysis of section material was carried out covering the period 1943-1975. It was established that proportion of septic diseases in the general structure of children's mortality in the recent years was stabilized at rather high levels (1973-1975--17.1%). Fatal outcomes were most often among infants at the early period of life in whom sepsis developed against the background of premorbid factors including prematurity, malformations, pathologic labour, mother's diseases, etc. The course of sepsis was particularly severe in infants with congenital immunodeficient states. The main pathogene of sepsis at present is staphylococcus. During the period under study, correlation and morphology of various forms of sepsis varied depending upon the pathogene and therapy applied. Since 1968 and up to new the most common form of sepsis has been that morphologically identical to sepsis observed in 1943-1947, i.e. before the wide application of antibiotics.


[Characteristics of umbilical septicemia in premature infants]. An analysis of 60 deaths of premature infants with umbilical sepsis revealed a number of peculiar features of this disease under current conditions: septicopyemia with a fatal outcome in the perinatal period in intrauterine infection, predominance of productive inflammation in the primary focus in infants with septicemia, the effect of acute respiratory diseases on clinico-morphological manifestations of sepsis and its complications, frequency of ulcerative lesions of the intestine against  the background of antibiotic therapy.


[Basic trends and perspectives of development of Soviet pathological anatomy of childhood diseases]. The article deals with the main trends in scientific investigations in the field of pathological anatomy of diseases of childhood in the USSR. New data are presented on respiratory infectious diseases in children, pneumonias, serum hepatitis, meningococcal infection, immunodeficit states, nephrology, gastroenterology, pathology of therapy of tumours and leukemias, perinatal pathology. The main trends of further research in the field of infectious pathology, immunopathology, lesions of the central nervous system and the microcirculatory bed in children, tissue defects and diseases in fetus associated with late toxemia in mothers are suggested.


[Routes of arteriovenous shunting of blood in chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs]. Morphological studies of the mechanisms of arterio-venous shunting of the blood occurring in the lower extremities in varicose and postthrombic lesions of veins were carried out. Studies of the subcutaneous tissue, superficial and binding veins, skin, fasciae, lymphatic nodes, skeletal muscles resected in the course of 152 radical operations in connection with varicose and postthrombic afflictions, showed that in the paravasal tissue of varicose veins and in the sclerosing subcutaneous tissue of the crus anastomoses of the obturator artery type developed. Their formation was connected with compensation of the regional circulation rate due to atrophy of capillary networks in the process of sclerosis. Moreover, a pathological arterio-venous discharge may also take place in the course of organization of thrombosis and origination of the communication between trophic vessels of the wall and the lumen of the recanalized vein. These findings should be considered in selecting a therapeutic strategy in chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities.


[Characteristics of the terminal segments of the lymphatic system of microcirculation according to the data of scanning electron microscopy]. Lymphatic capillaries and postcapillaries in the system of the connective tissue were studied by the method of scanning (raster) electron microscopy. It was shown that these capillaries consisted of chains of ballon-shaped structures-sinuses. Lymphatic capillaries represent an open system which is communicated with the intercellular matter of the connective tissue by means of openings ensuring filtration of the tissue liquid. Impairment of the absorbing function in the fibrous process in the lungs led to deposition in connective tissue cells of cellular detritus and foreign particles with formation around the walls of lymphatic capillaries and postcapillaries of residue-collector zones. Overgrowth of a rough fibrous tissue around these zones brought about atrophy and obliteration of vessels, gradual attenuation of the drenage function in the given region of microcirculation.


[Dynamics of "reverse development" of dystrophic changes in the epithelium of the fundal gastric glands]. Electron-microscopy investigations of the gastric mucosa in 23 patients at various periods following the cessation of the course of a therapeutic fasting diet lasting 20-30 days were carried out. It was shown that oxidation of infiltrative lipids in cover cells and elimination of a great number of residual bodies accumulated in the process of fasting and representing a morphologic manifestation of fat dystrophy, proceeded very intensively and completed in 2 days after the start of taking food. Purification of cells developed mainly in the direction opposite to that of elimination of secretion products. Myelin figures (residual bodies of cytolysosomas) which were to be eliminated from the cell, escaped into the lumen of broadened intercellular spaces and passing along them they reached the basal parts of the cell, then they pass through the basal membrane into lamina propia of the stomach mucosa and penetrate through the capillary wall into the vascular bed. Restoration of the normal ultrastructure of the secretory cells is a lengthy process and it finishes, depending upon the individual feature of the organism, on the 15-20th day from the start of taking food.


[Cytology and enzymocytochemistry of nodose hyperplasia and cancer of the prostate]. In cytological investigations the following forms of cancer of the prostate may be verified: differentiated (clear-cellular and dark-cellular adenocarcinoma); poorly differentiated; and nondifferentiated (microcellular and polymorphic-cellular cancer). In the unchanged epithelium of the prostate there was noted a high activity of acid phosphotase, nonspecific esterase, nonspecific 5'-exonuclease, acid RNA-ase, acid DNA-ase, leucine aminopeptidase, and the absence of activity of alkaline phosphotase, neutral DNA-ase, alkaline RNA-ase. In the cancerous epithelium the activity of leucine aminopeptidase was either drastically decreased or absent altogether; the activity of acid DNA-ase and acid RNA-ase was non-uniform with the tendency to decrease in poorly differentiated tumours. The activity of other investigated enzymes in the cancerous epithelium showed no significant changes. At early stages of development of squamous cell metaplasia in the epithelium there was identified alkaline RNA-ase dissapearing in manifested metaplastic changes.


[Morphofunctional characteristics of male gonads in cancer of different localization]. Morphological and histochemical changes in the genital organs in 62 men, who had died of cancer of various localizations, and those in the testes in 65 practically healthy men aged 30-90 years, who had died of various causes, (controls), were studied. The studies conducted showed that changes in the male gonads in cancer of various localizations were similar to involutional ones, the former, however, were more pronounced and occurred in younger men. It was established that the functional activity of granulocytes in cancer dropped,whereas the activity of sustentocytes remained at a high level. This was one of the causes of impairment of the hormonal balance in the organism of a patient, cancer carrier, and of inhibition of the spermatogenesis activity. The degree and depth of changes depended on the stage and duration of the disease, localization of tumours was of no significance.


[Causes of death of patients with breast cancer (according to the materials of the Oncological Research Center of the USSR AMS for the period 1953-1975)]. The article presents results of investigations of 207 case records and protocols of autopsies of deceased patients who suffered from breast cancer, covering the period from 1953 to 1972 (materials of the USSR AMS Oncological Research Centre). It was established that in 154 patients (74.4%) the cause of death was the progress of the main disease, the most common and "typica" causes of death being pulmonary-cardiac, renal insufficiency (as a result of metastatic lesions of the above mentioned organs) and complications associated with metastases of breast cancer in to the brain and its meninx. In 39 patients (18.8%) the cause of death was directly associated with therapy complications, 14 patients died of diseases not connected with carcinoma of the mammary gland. The structure of causes in the group of deceased patients who when alive suffered from cancer of the mammary gland and who survived 10 and more years from the moment of establishing the diagnosis and carrying out primary treatment (11 observations) was found to be the same as that for the whole group of observations.


[Morphogenesis of cytoplasmic inclusions in influenza]. Morphogenesis of cytoplasmic inclusions was studied in experimental influenza infection in white mice. It was shown that cytoplasmic inclusions in influenza represented foci of partial degeneration and necrosis of the cytoplasm, the developmental phases of which are similar to phases of formation by means of autolysis. The disintegration of the content of inclusions in the epithelial cells of the bronchi was accompanied by accumulation in their zone of enzyme-containing structures of the type of tegmented vesicles. In low delimitation of inclusions odema of cyto- and karyoplasm was followed by destruction of mitochondria and perish of the cell. Formation of inclusions and signs of reproduction of the virus in alveolar cells proceeded with destruction of osmiophilic bodies. The processes of delimitation of inclusions in cytoplasm was of a reactive character and contributed to preservation of the life activity of cells.


[Pathological anatomy of Edwards' syndrome (trisomy 18)]. Data of the literature (200 section observations) and those of 10 authors' own observations on the syndrome of trisomy with relation to chromosome 18 are presented. The pathologoanatomic diagnosis of Edwards' syndrome can be established without an investigation of chromosomes on the basis of a complex of congenital defects present in the newborn. The main of them are: prenatal hypoplasia, dolichocephaly, microgenia, concha auriculae drawn in the horizontal plane, flexor position of bones, shortness and thickness of the great toe and protruding heel, thickness and distortion of convolution of the dorsal lip of the olivary nucleus, hypoplasia of the cerebellum, heterotopia of the piriform Purkinje cells into the white matter of the cerebellum and foci of nondifferentiated cells in the white matter of the great hemispheres; complex cardiac defects--Meckel's diverticulum, fused kidneys (horseshoe- or L-shaped) with small cysts in the renal cortex; and the presence of 10 or more arches on fingers and toes in combination with proximal or intermediate localization of axial triradius.


[Mechanisms of intestinal bacterial toxemia in severe burns]. Electron-microscopy investigations of the small intestine mucosa in white rats with deep thermal burns of 18-20% of the body surface showed that already in early periods following the trauma grave thermal burns caused structural desorganization of the enterocytic barrier and invasion of the intestinal microflora. Damages of the wall of capillaries of the small intestine mucosa, being in themselves manifestations of generalized lesion of the histo-hematic barriers in burns, contributed to further invasion of microflora and its vital activity products into the blood. During the investigation a morphological picture of the phenomenon of endotoxinemia and bacteriemia developed already in the early periods of the burn trauma was established.


[Fetal and neonatal asphyxia].

[Fetal and neonatal asphyxia]. The literature data and the author's own observations justify the conclusion that asphyxia of the fetus and newborn is the most common cause of death in the perinatal period. The author discusses the significance of asphyxia of the fetus and newborn as the main disease or the principal cause of death. The author suggests that the type of asphyxia of the fetus or newborn in every concrete case should be indicated in the pathologoanatomic diagnosis on the basis of physiology of intrauterine and extrauterine life. In case of asphyxia it is suggested that the question concerning the presence (or absence) of the underlying disease--fetopathy, pre-existing the asphyxia condition--should be considered. In case of asphyxia of the newborn the author recommends to bear in mind the anatomic substrate responsible for impairment of the act of breathing of the newborn. In most cases this substrate is represented by pneumopathies--noninflammatory changes in the lungs of the newborn. Pneumopathies of the newborn include deep aspiration of the amniotic content, atelectasis, edema and hemorrhages, hyaline membranes.


[Relationship between the epithelium and connective tissue at different stages of healing of chemical burns of the esophagus]. The interaction between the epithelial and connective-tissue structures was studied on 70 scarry changes in the oesophagus at various times (from 1 year to 45 years) following chemical burns. As sclerotic alterations progressed, proliferation of the layers of the stratified squamous epithelium decreased, which was particularly evident in the zones of strictures of the lumen of the damaged oesophagus. Exacerbation of inflammation due to repeated traumatization of the oesophagus wall was accompanied by proliferation of the epithelial layers. Only 25-30 years after the burns in the proliferative layers of the epithelium there were noted signs of atypia. The chronic inflammation was accompanied by marked lympho-plasmocytic infiltrations. This may indicate to concomitance of chronic oesophagitis with manifestations of autoimmune reactions.


[Comparative morphological characteristics of adenoacanthoma of different localization]. A morphological analysis of 40 observations on adeno-acanthomas of different localizations (oesophagus, uterus, larynx, pharynx) is presented. It was established that adeno-acanthoma, which is characterized by two-component composition, distinguished itself by certain variability of the structure. The plano-epithelial component present in the tumour of the glandular structures may be of a different degree of maturation, may have the structure of planocellular cancer, or may have no signs of atypia. Basing on their own findings and data reported in the literature the authors come to the conclusion that adeno-acanthomas depending on their structures should be referred to differently: adeno-acanthoma and adenosquamous cancer. It is possible that morphological differences in the histological structure of adeno-acanthoma are of significance in the clinical course of the disease.


[Certain results of training of physicians-pathologists through internship]. The article discusses the experience in the post-graduate training of medical personnel in pathological anatomy in internship organized at the centralized prosectorium of the Poltava Regional Clinical Hospital. The Base has been found to fulfil its task quite satisfactorily. The centralized prosectorium has been serving a hospital fund amounting to 2755 beds. Annually, over 700 autopsies and 30 000 investigations of operative, bioptic and section materials are being performed in the prosectorium. A close contact of the regional specialist with the regional (oblast) public health department and his personal participation in the oppointment of medical graduates as prosectors are of importance in adequate staffing of medical institutions with prosectors.


[Endometrial polyp transformed into carcinosarcoma]. A case of polyp of the endometrium in a female patient, 52 years of age, with malignization of both the stroma and the glandular component, is described. Planocellular metaplasia of the epithelium of the glands with its marked proliferation, dystrophic changes, buried growth of the type of adenoacanthoma were observed. The stroma was characterized by overgrowth of polymorphic spindle-shaped cells with the presence of mitosis figures. The general picture of sarcocarcinoma was observed. A favourable 4-year catamnesis was established.


Drugs which cause diabetes.

Drugs which cause diabetes. It is clear from this review that a number of drugs, some of them in widespread use, may have as a side effect a diabetogenic action. Whether this effort occurs when there is no underlying genetic predisposition to diabetes is, at this stage in our knowledge, hard to determine. However, at a time when the incidence of diabetes mellitus is rising steadily in our community, any potential cause for even a proportion of such cases must be seriously considered. Whether at some stage in the future it will be possible to determine either on a genetic profile, or on a pharmacological profile those patients who are likely to develop such side effects, is yet to be seen. Meanwhile, a constant vigilance towards our patients treated with these drugs is required, and a readiness on the part of the physician to arrange the appropriate investigations, and where necessary to rearrange therapy, is essential.


The problem of hirsutism in women.

The problem of hirsutism in women. Women commonly complain of excess facial or body hair. There are generally no other abnormal physical findings and the relevance of other symptoms, especially those related to the menstrual cycle, may be unclear. The theme of androgen excess provides an explanation for the sign and various symptoms, and suggests certain pathology. Rational therapy can be based on and understanding of the hormonal processes involved in the development of secondary sexual hair. Treatment of simple hirsutism is well tolerated even in prolonged courses, and in most cases produces a satisfactory cosmetric result.


Examination of some processing methods for freezing boar semen. Five experiments were conducted to examine the effect of processing methods and diluents on survival and morphology of boar spermatozoa after freezing. Post-thawing survival of spermatozoa was better for Beltsville-F3 (BF3) than for tris-fructose-EDTA freezing diluent when the seminal plasma and glycerol were removed prior to freezing (method A). Both freezing diluents yielded similar viability results when the spermatozoa were frozen in the presence of siminal plasma and glycerol (method B). Viability of spermatozoa after thawing was better when glycerol concentration in the prefreezing diluent (method A) or in the freezing medium (method B) was 2-5 and 5-0 rather than 7-5%. Cooling of diluted semen to 5 degrees C beyond 4 h decreased the post-thawing survival of spermatozoa. The proportion of spermatozoa with undamaged acrosomes after processing and thawing by different methods was indistinguishable and relatively low. When the semen was frozen at cell concentrations ranging from 0-25 to 2-0 X 10(9)/ml, the viability of spermatozoa declined with increasing concentration following freezing in BF3, and S-1 diluents. Viability results were very similar for all cell concentrations examined when tris-fructose-EDTA diluent was used, indicating the possibility of freezing boar semen in a concentrated state.


Fertility test of frozen boar semen.

Fertility test of frozen boar semen. The fertility results of two experiments are presented. In experiment 1, the semen was frozen in tris-fructose-EDTA or BF3 diluents at 0-25 X 10(9)/ml sperm concentration and extended after thawing with either seminal plasma (SP) or the freezing medium (FM) containing no cryoprotective agent. In the second experiment the semen was glycerolated by two methods, frozen at 1-0 X 10(9)/ml sperm concentration, and extended wtih FM before insemination. Fertility after double insemination within one oestrus with semen frozen in tris-fructose-EDTA or BF3 diluents varied depending on the medium used for extension of thawed semen. The farrowing rates for semen frozen in the former diluent with FM and SP post-thawing media were 4/8 and 1/8 respectively, and for semen frozen BF3 diluent with FM and SP post-thawing extenders 1/8 and 5/8. The mean farrowing for the 32 animals inseminasted was 34-4%. Pregnancies for semen frozen in tris-fructose-EDTA and glycerolated at 30 or 5 degrees C were 5/12 and 4/12 respectively, and for single and double inseminations 6/12 and 3/12 respectively. Of 24 animals inseminated 37-5% farrowed.


Effects of semi-starvation on the total body composition and absorptive function of the small intestine of the young adult female rat. Sixteen female rats aged about 80 days and with a mean body weight of 175 g were fed 40% of their ad libitum intake of a laboratory chow. They were killed and analysed for water, protein, lipid and ash after 9, 21-5, 30-2 and 38-8% of body weight had been lost. Compared to a control group of four animals, the 38-8% group lost 13 g or 34% of their protein. The animals in the 21-5, 30-2 and 38-8% groups lost 7-5 g or 87% of their lipid leaving only 1-1 g of lipid. The percentage protein in the body was little affected by body weight loss but lipid decreased from 5 to 1%. In another experiment with 26 rats of 205 g mean body weight and aged about 115 days, absorption rates by the small intestine were measured in vivo after variable weight losses between 0 and 39%. D(+)-Glucose uptake was increased by about 70% in those animals which had lost only 5% of body weight and this increased uptake was retained in those rats which had lost up to 39% of body weight. The absorption of L-leucine was not affected by the decline in body weight compared to the controls but relative to body weight, the ability of the intestine to absorb increased. In the same animals, the wet and dry weights of the small intestine declined slightly faster than body weight and the length of the small intestine tended to decrease slightly with increasing loss of body weight.


Effect of electrical stimulation of the vagus nerves on bile secretion in Anaesthetized sheep. Bile was collected before and during electrical stimulation of the vagus nerves in acute experiments on sheep with ligated cystic ducts. Most stimuli caused no change in bile formation, but a 10-V, 10-Hz stimulus caused a slight increase in bicarbonate output. Neither the response to infused secretin nor the maximum rate of bile salt transport by liver cells changed during vagal stimulation. It was concluded that the vagal innervation of the liver is not likely to play a major role in the regulation of bile formation in sheep.


The relation between Z--disk lattice spacing and sarcomere length in sartorius muscle fibres from Hyla cerulea. Sartorius muscles from the green tree frog Hyla cerulea were set at variety of muscle lengths and fixed for electron microscopy using acrolein followed by osmium tetroxide. The sarcomere length, s, was determined in thick sections using laser-diffraction. The Z-disk lattice spacing, z, was measured in electron micrographs of thin sections from the same muscles. The Z-disk lattice was found to expand as sarcomere length decreased such that the quantity sz2 was constant at 1-05 X 10(6) nm3 for all sarcomere lengths in the range 1-9-2-9 mum. Thus, the sarcomere length dependency of the Z-disk lattice is similar to that of the myosin filament lattice. The density of thin filaments per unit cross section of fibril leaving the Z-disk is less than their density in the A band. Thus, fibrils have a smaller cross section in the I band, leaving more inter-fibrillar space there. This may explain why more mitochondria and lipid droplets are located in the I bands than in the A bands. It is suggested that the Z-disk may contributed to the short range elasticity of muscle fibres.


Eperythrozoon ovis: the difference in carbohydrate metabolism between infected and uninfected sheep erythrocytes. The glucose utilization lactic and pyruvic acid production and oxygen uptake of normal and Eperythrozoon ovis infected sheep erythrocytes were measured under aerobic conditions. Infected cells showed marded increases in both glucose utilization and acid production as compared with controls. Uninfected erythocyte samples which included a percentage of reticulocytes comparable to that found in E. ovis infection showed no apparent difference in glucose utilization and lactic acid production form the normal control erythrocytes, although considerable increases in the oxygen uptake were recorded.


The influence of adrenergic nerves of the response of blood vessels in the rabbit ear to 2--phenylalanine-8-lysine vasopressin (Octapressin). The blood vessels in the rabbit ear have been used to investigate the effects of octapressin on vascular smooth muscle. Continuous administration of this drug resulted in tachphlatis. Cocaine enhanced the response of the ear to octapressin; however, this potentiation was not evident when phentolamine was concurrently added to the perfusate. Denervation and reserpinisation of the ear also eliminated the potentiation of octapressin's response by cocaine. The results suggest that there is a small, indirect sympathomimetic component involved in octapressin's action on the vasculature.


Prostaglandin in the saliva of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus. Previous studies of saliva from engorged female cattle ticks revealed a component which induced contration of some isolated smooth muscles. Fractionation and further characterisation have shown that this substance is of the "slow-reacting" type, but that it is neither a bradykinin nor slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis. The substance is deactivated by incubation with 15-hydroxprostaglandin dehydrogenase and its pharmacological properties also support its classification as a prostaglandin. A second pharmacologically-active component has now been found in the saliva but has not yet been characterised.


Ord River arboviruses--serological epidemiology. This paper presents the results of haemagglutination-inhibition tests carried out on sera from 441 persons, 1,080 cattle and 335 birds in the Kimberley area. Two Alphaviruses (group A) (Ross River and Sindbis) and one Flavivirus (Murray Valley Encephalitis) were used for the preparation of haemagglutinins in the haemagglutination-inhibition tests. The tests showed a high percentage of antibody of Murray Valley Encephalitis in humans, birds and cattle, with an obvious focus of infection in the study site when cattle sera from different geographic areas were compared. These results are discussed in relation to the evolution and ecology of arboviruses in the Ord River area.


The role of wild animals in the spread of exotic diseases in Australia. The distributions of the following feral animals are given -- cattle, buffalo, pig, goat, deer, camel, horse, donkey, fox, dog and cat -- and the native dingo. The possible role these and the native rodents, marsupials and monotremes would play should an exotic disease of livestock enter Australia is discussed. It is considered that feral animals would be important in creating foci from which the disease would spread.


Relationships between heart score, heart weight and body weight in Greyhound dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between heart score (mean QRS interval), heart weight and body weight in Greyhound dogs. Highly significant correlations between these measurements have been observed and distinct sex differences have been demonstrated. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that 66% of the variation in heart weight was due to variation in heart score and body weight. From the regression analysis, a formula for heart weight prediction with a standard deviation of 27.1 g was derived. The implications of these findings have been discussed briefly and emphasis has been placed on the need for good electrocardiographic technique, if the procedures outlined are to be used successfully. The positive correlation between heart score and heart size demonstrated here in Greyhounds is in accord with similar correlations reported previously in racehorses and human athletes.


Artificial insemination of beef cattle.

Artificial insemination of beef cattle. A system for the artificial insemination fo beef cattle was described. The system involved preparation of the cattle and facilities, visual oestrous detection twice a day, drafting each morning and insemination of oestrous cows twice a day. The AI program was evaluated during the course of the program and at pregnancy test 35 to 90 days after the end of the insemination period. The insemination period was from 25 to 60 days depending on efficiency, with programs from 25 to 35 days being favoured. Results for 12218 first inseminations (65.9%) and 2222 second inseminations (57.8%) in 56 AI programs compared favourably with results in dairy AI. Pregnancy rates in lactating cows (70.5%) were significantly higher than in nonlactating cows and heifers (66.1%). Overall efficiency of well-managed AI programs were represented by 63% of cows put into a program becoming pregnant in a 29-day insemination period. Seventy-two per cent of the cows put into the program were inseminated yielding an 88% pregnancy rate. The efficiency of visual oestrous detection was 95% but this estimate did not include false positives. Efficiency of AI programs were effected by management, nutrition, infection, inseminators, facilities and the origin and type of cattle put into a program. Environmental factors such as handling, stress and thunderstorms did not effect efficiency except via a nutritional effect.


A survey of dystocia in beef cattle in Southern Queensland. Data relating to dystocia were obtained for 22% of beef herds in the Roma region of southern Queensland. In 1973 dystocia incidence in 23,129 maiden heifers was 12%; 4% of heifers and 7% of calves died. Thirty-five per cent of the 444 herds surveyed had more than a 10% incidence of dystocia, and 10% had more than a 30% incidence of dystocia. Only 6% of herds had no dystocia. Among the 73% of producers considering dystocia a problem in most years, 14% regarded it as a major problem. The incidence of dystocia in heifers was significantly higher in Poll Hereford than Hereford herds, which in turn were higher than other breeds of cattle. Poll Hereford and Hereford owners were the most concerned about dystocia but did not supervise calving more frequently. Dystocia and attitude were also examined in relation to degree of supervision at calving and size of the breeding herd.


An investigation into hindleg lameness in dairy cows. A hind leg lameness of dairy cows was investigated in south-east Queensland. Samples of bone, blood, saliva, faeces, urine and milk were collected from lame and normal cows, some of which had received a phosphorus supplement of 30 g per day. Results of these investigations are presented and discussed. Clinical observations and pathological examinations indicated that the disease was an arthropathy affecting either the coxo-femoral or femoro-tibial joints. The disease was present in 30% of herds surveyed. Each owner reported 2 to 3 lame cows. The affected cows could not be differentiated from the normal cows on biochemical grounds. An hypothesis is advanced to explain the reported response of lame animals to large supplements of phosphorus. Information which indicates that previous nutritional status and methods of production cannot be ignored as predisposing factors is presented.


Field trials with lyophilised herpesvirus of turkeys vaccine against Marek's disease in layer and broiler rearing flocks. The safety and immunogenicity of commercial lyophilised herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT) vaccine against Marek's disease (MD) was evaluated in 19 field trials involving 76,848 vaccinated and 87,590 control chickens. In the first series of 11 trials involving one commercial vaccine at a dose of 536 plaque forming units (PFU) there was a significant reduction in the incidence of MD (P less than 0.001) and in total mortality (P less than 0.001) from 0 to 18 weeks due to vaccination and the overall protection was 85.2%. In the second series of eight trials involving another commercial vaccine at a dose range of 1360 to 1900 PFU there was a significant reduction in the incidence of MD (P less than 0.001) from 0 to 18 weeks of age due to vaccination. The overall protection was 77.8%. In both series there was a significant difference in MD mortality between meat breeders and crossbred pullets (P less than 0.005) in response to vaccination. There was also a significant difference in total mortality from 0-6 weeks of age between the two series suggesting either differences in response to the two vaccines or differences in the vaccination technique. In a number of trials the incidence of MD was low in the controls, however, where MD incidence was above 2% in the controls protection usually exceeded 80%. It was concluded the vaccines were safe and efficacious and the degree of protection was comparable to that obtained by HVT vaccines described in other countries.


Some aspects of reproduction in fat-tailed sheep in the subtropics V. Seasonal variation in sexual desire and semen characteristics. The seasonal variations in sexual desire and semen characteristics were studied in five 1.5 to 2.5 years young and five mature (4 to 5 years old) fat-tailed Ausimi rams. The sexual desire was assessed according to the "reaction time" (period between initiation of the ram and the semen delivery into the artificial vagina): the sperm quality was assessed with the usual parameters. Although the breeding ability of the rams was continuous throughout the year, the sperm density was highest in the summer (due to long daylight periods). On the other hand the sexual desire and semen volumen reached their peak during the autumn. This and other results denote that the complex environmental factors controlling sexual activity exhibit different seasonal effects on different parts of the male reproductive system.


Productive and reproductive adaptations of Friesian cattle introduced to a suptropical environment. Various parameters were studied in imported and in local female cattle under the conditions in Iraq. The following results were obtained: The age at the first calving was lower in the animals imported in 1964 and 1965 than in the locally born cows. The age at the first calving in the daughter cows of the imported animals increased significantly by 1.6 months per year. The calving interval and the duration of the post-partum periods were longer in imported dams than in daughter cows. The gestation period was shorter in the imported dams than in the daughter cows. The lactation length and the dry period were longer in the imported dams than in their locally born daughters. The percentage of calves born during the life of all recorded cows in the studied herd was higher in the imported dams.


[Correlation between histological findings and clinical behavior following surgery for portal hypertension in cirrhosis (author's transl)]. This is a retrospective study of 29 cirrhotic patients who underwent surgery for haemorrhage or ascites due to portal hypertension, carried out to look for any correlation between histological findings and clinical outcome. When Mallory's bodies and signs of activation are found, indicating that the cirrhosis is progressing, the clinical results are often discouraging. A careful choice of which cirrhosis patients are likely to gain from surgery should take account of selective histological criteria as well as full clinical and haemodynamic data.


[The curative action of Monticelli Term's water in upper respiratory tract diseases (author's transl)]. The Authors study the action of the sodio bromide-iodic water of Monticelli Terme in upper respiratory tract disease and particularly assert that is not to neglect the organic ground on which establishes mucosa's disease. Therman treatment gives the best therapeutic results in every patient presenting chronic inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory trach alternating periods of quiescency and of activity, and poor therapeutic action in patients presenting chronic inveterate diseases with great alterations in vascular and glandular components of the mucosa.


[Studies on the quality of water of the right side tributaries of the Po River; Trebbia and Nure, in 1971-1973]. In the period 1971-73 samplings were taken out monthly at the mouths of the two right side tributaries of the river Po, Trebbia and Nure. The aim of the research was to value the water quality, the polluted load conveyed to the river Po and to compare the real load with the one estimated on the basis of inhabitants and the basin area. Both the water courses are torrent-like rivers with highflow values in the winter and low flow values in the summer (July and August). There are no important industries in the basins studied and the high polluted effluents, mainly domestic and agricultural discharges, are placed in the plain tracts of the rivers at few kilometers from the mouths. As far as the water quality of both rivers is concerned, most of the chemical parameters maintain suitable levels for fish life and drinking purposes; on the contrary the microniological indexes exceed the limits for bathing fixed by the Italian Ministry of Health by 100 E.coli 100/ml. and by 1000 total coliforms 100/ml. in about 90 and 70-80% of samplings. The comparison between real and calculated loads has shown a good agreement for BOD and chloride in Trebbia and for BOD and phosphates in Nure.


[Research on the quality of the Po River and its tributaries in the region of Cremona-Casalmaggiore mountain. III. 1972-1973]. The analises of water samples collected during the second research period, year 1972-73, in the tract of the river Po from Cremona to Casalmaggiore partly confirmed the results obtained in the first period (1971-72). However we have to consider that during this second research year the hydrological conditions of the river Po have been very similar to the average ones of the last 30-40 years. The fact is particularly important and it permitted us to better value all those parameters which feel the effects of the flow variations. Also in this second period the different parameters didn't present significative variations upstream and downstream Cremona and at Casalmaggiore except the turbid load as happened in 1971-72 period. As far as the water qualities are concerned no significative differences have been registered between the two paeriods; in fact the most part of the physioco-chemical parameters keep suitable levels for fish life and drinking purposes; meanwhile, except some particular situations, the microbiological indexes exceed the limits for bathing waters fixed by the W.Q.C. and by the Italian Ministry of Health.


[Simultaneous evaluation total and selective of GFR and ERPF with Hypaque-131I and with Hippuran-125I (author's transl)]. The Authors report their experience regarding the use of radioisotopes (Hypasults obtained in 40 healthy subjects confirm the reliability of the separate tests. Limitation and value of plasmatic and urinary clearances are briefly discussed. As the methods are simple, reproducible and unharmful for the patient, the Authors suggest an increasing application of these radioisotopic techniques for clinical purposes.


[The preparation and characterization of steroid antisera (author's transl)]. The steroids, as compounds of low molecular weight, are not immunogenic; however, certain small molecules (haptens) when covalently linked to proteins become antigenic i.e., they provoke the production of unique antibody. If a steroid were covalently copuled to a protein, an artifical antigen would be produced capable of eliciting the formation of antibody with specificity not only for the protein carrier but also for the particular haptenic steroid. The results would be an in vivo production of a tailor made binding sites for any steroid that can be attached as a hapten to a protein by covalent bonds and thus become antigenic. This procedure allow the preparation of steroid specific antisera suitable for clinical use in radioimmunoassay, methods. The Authors report the techniques of preparation of steroid-derivative antigens of Androstenedion, Testosteron, and Progesteron. The three derivative steroid antigens have shown a good antigenic property by eliciting the formation of specifical antisera in 5 out of 6 rabbits used for the immunization. After 10 weeks from the beginning of immunization antisera useful in radioimmunoassay at the diluition 1/300; 1/1600; 1/2000 respectively for Progesteron, Testosteron and Androstenedion were obtained. The standard curves show a good sensitivity suitable for clinical use.


[Traumatic rupture of the diaphragm (twelve cases) (author's transl)]. Twelve cases of male patients with traumatic rupture of the diaphragm are reported. Eleven involved the left hemidiaphragm, and the twelfth the right. The aetiopathogenetic and anatomical-pathological aspects are discussed, and stress is laid on the importance of early diagnosis. In general, the most effective form of reanimation is prompt surgery, reducing the herniated organs in the abdominal cavity, re-expanding the lungs, and treating the frequent concomitant visceral lesions as each case demands. The criteria followed in selecting the route of access to traumatic lesions of the diaphragm are described; in most of the cases reported, the thoracic route was preferred, often associated with laparotomy.


[Clinical control, study of viral shedding and evaluation of circulating and local antibody response after administration of live and attenuated "Alice" strain influenza vaccine]. Thirty-four young adults were inoculated intranasally by nose drops with two doses, two weeks apart, of inhibitor resistant "Alice" vaccine strain of A/England/42/72 (H3N2). By the rate of volunteers with clinical reactions, always mild and short-lasting, the vaccine showed a low degree of reactogenicity. Viral shedding was evidenced only the day after the first dose and was limited to two vaccinees. Two weeks after the first dose homologous serum h.i.a. appeared in all the 15 volunteers lacking prevaccination antibody and significant titer rises occurred in a substantial number of vaccine recipients with low titers. The incidence of subjects with h.i.a at titers considered to be protective (larger than or equal to 1:40), which was 26% before vaccination, rose to 93% in fully vaccinated volunteers. Very likely because of the presence of n.i.a. in the prevaccinal serum of all the volunteers, the n.i.a. response was less satisfactory. The vaccine induced h.i.a. to A/Port Chalmers/73 e A Scotland/74 (H3N2) variants, although in a lower titer than to the homologous strain. Serum h.i. and n.i. antibody response appeared not to be significantly increased by a second dose. H.i.a., never present in the first sample, were found in the nasal washings taken two weeks after the second dose from 9 out of 16 vaccinees examined. Antibody was detected more frequently in the specimens with relatively high levels of protein and IgA. Secretory n.i.a., already demonstrable in 7 volunteers before vaccination, were acquired by all but one at the end of the experience.


[Homologous and heterologous antibody response induced in man by anti-influenza vaccine containing A/England/42/72 and b/Massachusetts/71]. In november 1973, 43 subjects living in a home for aged were given one dose of influenza vaccine, containing A/England/42/72 and B/Massachusetts/71. After 4 and 20 weeks, sera were tested for antibody contentto the homologous and to A/port Chalmers/1/73 viruses by haemoagglutination inhibition technique. Control group included 23 untreated subjects. The satisfactory increase in the anti-A/England/42/72 antibodies induced by vaccine indicated a good antigenic potency of the A component. The satisfactory cross-reacting response suggests that the "drift" in antigenic content between A England/42/72 and A/Port Chalmers/1/73 was moderate. On the contrary the increase in anti-B/Massachusetts/71 antibodies after vaccination was observed only in a limited number of cases. Twelve subjects (9 treated and 3 controls) experienced upper respiratory tract infections which appeared to be not related to infuenza viruses.


[Prevention and treatment of infections in open heart surgery (author's transl)]. The incidence of bacterial infections in 207 patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass surgery is reported. The effectiveness of various prophylactic antibiotic therapies is debated on the basis of performed antibiograms and the results are compared with that obtained by other Authors using different treatments.


[Distribution of serum Australia antigen (HBs) in a group of Apulian blood donors according to sex and age]. 3183 sera from healthy adults, volunteer blood donors (18-65-year aged) have been tested by a commercial ria (ausria II Abbott), for detection of HBsAg. The frequency of Australia antigen wsa found to be 5.2% (168/3183) in all sera, 6.3% in male and 3.5% in female donors, with differences statistically significant (p less than 0.01). In male donors, the prevalence was highest in the first half of the life (18-40 years)(7.0%) than in the second half (41-65 years) (3.7%), and the difference was also statistiically significant (p less than 0.05). In female donors the HBs Ag frequency was 4.2% and 2.2% repectively for the first and the second half of the life, but the difference was not statistically significant. Possible epidemiological significances were discussed.


[The not choreic neurological complications of rheumatic disease (author's transl)]. The authors discuss the importance of neurological complications of rheumatic disease, which differ from those of Sydenham's chorea: encephalitis; acute cerebral circulatory insufficiency of cardiovascular basis; thrombosis and cerebral haemorrhage; cerebral emboli; and vasculitis. The case of a 13 year old boy who presented with an acute cerebral episode during an active phase of rheumatic fever is described. The E.E.G. showed a right hemisphere disturbance with a slight involvement of the controlateral hemisphere. The cardiac evidence was indicative of a rheumatic carditis. The clinical progress and EEG were rapidly favourable. The possible pathogenetic hypotheses of this case are taken into consideration, and the authors suggest that one must suspect a rheumatic etiology when an acute cerebral syndrome is established in a child or a young adult with current or previous rheumatic fever.


Polymer structure and blood compatibility evaluation - application of an acrylonitrile copolymer. An acrylonitrile-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer has been synthesised by a straightforward procedure. The cationic nature of the copolymer permits ready attachement of heparin and reaction of the copolymer with ethylene oxide gas allows a controlled alteration in chemical structure. These featues of the copolymer are discussed with respect to the influence of polymer properties on blood compatibility as exemplified by blood platelet retention.


Animal experiments with biogalvanic and biofuel cells. Animal experiments with biogalvanic cells have demonstrated that an average power of 80 muW can be derived continously for at least 2 years. There is a further scope to stabilize the power at 100 muW for considerable longer periods so that the chances of cardiac pacing with biogalvanic power have become bright. However, large scale efforts are necessary in in establishing the statistical reliability and the secured performance which are expensive and time consuming. Animal experiments with biofuel cells are still in preliminary stages. We derived a continous power of 40 muW (4MUW/cm2) at 575 mV over 150 days so far. This is the longest recorded period with such a high power density. The main problem in deriving higher power over longer period is to properly encapsulate the cell with materials which are hydrophilic and essentially biocompatible.


[Erythrocytes' deformations in primitive muscular dystrophies (author's transl)]. On the light of previous reports on a possible correlation between echinocytogenesis and primitive muscular dystrophies, we have investigated the presence and time dependent development of echinocytes in the blood of normal subjects, patients and healthy carriers of D.M.D. A very few echinocytes are present in the fresh blood of all the patients and some carriers, but not in the blood of control normal subjects. With time, more echinocytes develop in all cases but much more markedly for sick people and carriers. These results might explain conflicting data on the echinocyte content in the blood reported in the literatura and provide a guideline for a correct analysis of the phenomenon and its possible relevance in the eugenetic diagnosis of carriers.


[On fatal case acute ethyl alcohol poisoning (author's transl)]. A fatal case was reported of acute intoxication with ethyl alcohol, in which the alcohol levels were higher than any previously reported by Italian workers. On the basis of the normal blood alcohol curve patterns, in the case in question the absorption phase must have lasted longer than the hours usually considered as maximum for absorption of ethyl alcohol.


Lindholm blood coagulation test values of some glow-discharge polymer surfaces. An ultrathin layer (approximately 500A) of glow-discharge polymer that is strongly bonded to a polymer film substrate can be sued to modify the blood compatibility of the polymer surface. Glow-discharge polymers of tetrafluoroethylene, hexamethyldisiloxane, ethylene-N2, and allene-N2-H20 were deposited onto Mylar film and subjected to Lindholm whole blood coagulation tests. Lindholm tests were performed in a manner that permitted statistical analysis. This was done by repeating the preparation of samples as well as the coagulation tests a number of times. Results showed that Lindholm tests values were useful in obtaining information pertinent to compatibility of surfaces with fresh human blood and to reproducibility of sample preparation by glow-discharge polymerization. The study also revealed that glow-discharge polymerization is a promising method to impart blood compatibility without altering other bulk properties of substrate polymers.


Development of a pulsatile blood pump.

Development of a pulsatile blood pump. A new type of pulsatile roller pump is described. The pressure and flow characteristics and the wave forms generated by the pump together with the hemolysis measurements for different pumping parameters are presented and a comparison with a standard roller pump is made.


[Possibilities of drug treatment in some sex behavior anomalies]. In this article the authors reconsider the literature about the drug treatment of sexual behaviour anomalies. In fact, the therapy of subjects convicted for sexual offences has been widely studied. The various drugs at disposal may be divided into three main groups: 1) oestrogens; 2) progesterone derivatives; 3) psycho-tropic-drugs. Among oestrogens the most widely used are oral stiboestrol and oestron. Recently, oestradio has been implanted subcutaneously. Even if effective all of them present some inconvenients, sometimes serious one, such as breast cancer. Recently drugs of the second group have been used. The most important of them is Cyproterone acetate, a synthetic substance, which is classified as antiandrogen and whose structure is like to progesterone. The effects in achieving a complete loss of libido and of sexual power have been judged satisfactory by all the authors who have experienced this drug. In U.S.A., where use of Cyproterone is still interdected, Medroxyprogersterone acetate is used parenterally and by depot with similar therapeutical effects. To the last group belong various drugs. The most used in benperidol, a neuroleptic, classified by many authors as antiandrogen.


Blood components deposited on used and reused dialysis membranes. Hemodialysis cartridges used once and reused once or twice were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Blood deposits consisting of leukocytes, platelets, and amorphous material covered 15 to 25% of the dialysis membrane surface of cartridges used once. This deposit increased somewhat with cartridge reuse but did not appear to impair the dialysis efficiency of membranes significantly. Leukocytes formed a major part of the blood deposit and spreading of these cells upon dialysis membranes was marked. Single and aggregated platelets were adherent to the dialysis membranes, to leukocytes, and to amorphous debris. Few erythrocytes were present, and fibrin was not identified. There was little evidence for build up or layering of the blood deposit with cartridge reuse. The procedures for dialysis  cartridge rinsing used in these studies appear to be highly efficient in removal of adherent blood components.


The rabbit ear chamber: a unique in vivo model for the continuous observation of implanted biomaterials. The rabbit ear chamber provides a unique system for viewing an in vivo environment from outside the body. The plastic chamber, modified for our use, is described. Once surgically implanted into the ear of a Laboratory Lop rabbit, a thin tissue bed which grows between the layers of the chamber can be viewed through the microscope. The absorption of biomaterials placed into the chamber can then be observed as a dynamic process.


Sub-total versus partial circulatory bypass of the left heart: a critical review. A number of systems for left heart bypass have been described for short, or long-term circulatory support in animals and in man. Critical to the interpretation of these restuls and to the design of new system is the proportion of left ventricular inflow destined for ejection which is diverted through the apparatus, to that expelled through the aortic valve, and the effect which this fraction might have on the failing heart and the rest of the body. It is the purpose of this communication to review the experimental and theoretical data in support of partial, as opposed to subtotal, left heart bypass.


Non-polarographic blood gas analysis I. In virtro evaluation of gas chromatograph system. A new system providing near continuous arterial p02 and pCO2 measurements without requiring blood samples is described. Based on intra-arterial placement of a closed-tipped 2F catheter with gas chromatographic separation and analysis this system appears capable of providing rapid sensitive data with accuracy and precision equivalent to conventional bench analyzers. The initial in vitro experiments are discussed including flow and temperature dependency studies.


[Study of right-left asymmetry of the temporal planum in the fetus]. Study on the asymmetry of the planum temporale by means of brain sections of 17 to 39 weeks old fetuses. There is a left predominance in 60 %, a right one in 25 % and symmetry in 15 % of the cases. Our results are similar to those published about adult brain, and cerebral dominance depends on it. Cerebral lateralisation is congenital and not acquired. There is also direct relation between the length of the lateral border of the planum temporale and its area. Such measure could be undertaken in living persons by means of radiological examination.


[Cinematic study of prosupination at the level of the radiocubital (radioulnar) articulations]. The authors, using cinematic methods have determined the positions of Instant Rotation Center (IRC) in upper and lower radio-ulnaris joints, in the movement of prosupination : -- At the upper radio ulnaris joint, the IRC divide themselves into 2 zones (I and II), corresponding to the centres of 2 circles of different diameters, each one respectively corresponding to large and small anatomical curves of the head of the radius. -- At the lower radio ulnaris joint, the IRC divide themselves into a third zone (III), situated opposite the head of ulna. The prosupination movement is effectuated around 2 axes delta I - II, and delta II - III : supination around delta I - III, and pronation around delta II - III in a first phase, ten around delta I - II in a second phase. The movement is not impaired if the ligamentum annulare radii is cut, but it is considerably impaired if the ligamentum quadratum is cut.


[Urinary cytology in adult men].

[Urinary cytology in adult men]. Urinary cytology is a good test for estimation of woman's hormonal situation. In a previous paper, the authors showed an "estrogenic" like effect of digitalin, in urocytograms of post-menopausical women. In the present report, the urocytograms of 139 men, 17 to 84 years old, without any urinary disease and treated or not by digitalin, are studied. Normal urinary cytology in the adult and its modifications under digitalin treatment are shown.


[Phylogenic interest of the clivo-pterygoid angle]. The comparison between the planum-clivus angle of Man and the african Pongids shows that the closing of this angle is the result of a noticeable rotation of the clivus and a less important rotation of the planum in an opposite direction.


[Arterial vascularization of the lumbar vertebrae]. The authors have studied the vascularization in the lumbar verebrae. All arteries originate in the arteriae lumbales. They form an internal supply plexus and a peripheral periosteal plexus. The internal supply plexus is formed by radicular arteries divided into an anterior branch (the abdominal artery), with its corporeal branches, and a posterior branch (the dorsal artery) forming the arcus posterior. The periosteal plexus is formed by an anterior plexus for the corpus vertebrae and a posterior plexus for the arcus posterior. Intra-osseous vascularization at the level of the corpus vertebrae has been described; showing a difference between foetuses and adults. In the foetus, the posterior supply vessels predominate, whereas in the adult, the anterior periosteal vessels predominate. At the arcus posterior there is no difference between foetuses and adults.


[Arterial vascularization of the axis].

[Arterial vascularization of the axis]. The authors have studied the vascularization in the axis by microangiography of bone sections from 5 foetuses and 8 adults. All the arteries originate from the vertebralis : periosteal vessels arising from anterior and posterior intertransversary arteries, supply arteries originating in ventral and dorsal arteries. There are 2 distinctive arterial arches, one on the anterior face of the first two cervical vertebrae, the other on the posterior half of the vertebral corpus of the dens. Vascularization in the dens has particularly been studied. There are no anastomoses between the arteries of the dens and those of the axis corpus in foetuses. On the contrary, there are such anastomoses in adults. The least vascularized zone seem to be the neck of the dens.


[Cytogenetic studies in spontaneous abortions]. During the three last years, the authors carried out cytogenetic studies of couples with spontaneous abortions, and of spontaneously aborted foetuses. Among 99 couples studied, 9 abnormal karyotypes were detected. In two cases, maternal balanced translocation appears obviously responsible. Concerning aborted foetuses on 46 karyotyped specimens, 13 are found to bear chromosome anomalies. The authors consider the value of cytogenetic studies when repeated spontaneous abortions occur.


[A curious abnormality of the lesser omentum and the hepatic pedicle]. The author reports the case of a 3 month old foetus whose lesser omentum, normally formed, did not present any vascular or biliary element. Those elements formed together a pedicle at the back of the lesser omentum and entered into the liver at the rear of the caudate lobe. This anomaly probably results from bipartition of the initial mesogastre.


[Arterial vascularization of the patellar ligament (ligamentum patellase) and of the Achilles tendon (tendo calcaneous) in man]. Vascularization in ligamentum patellae and tendo calcaneus have been studied by microangiography with micropaque. Can be noted: 1. for the ligamentum patellae : --its dense vascularization, --the existence of a vascularized sheath around the ligament, densely vascularized in the anterior part, --the important vascularization of the entire ligament in the foetus, but the less important vascularization at the middle third in the adult. 2. for the tendo calcaneus : -- a relatively poor vascularization on the whole, -- a vascularized zone at the middle third, -- a periphereal vascularized sheath around the tendon, densely vascularized in the anterior part.


[External morphology of the roe deet (Capreolus capreolus L)]. The results of a morphological study of the cerebellum of the roe-deer are given. The structural simplicity of Lobus Rostralis, the relatively small development of Lobulus Ansiformis fully agree with previous works on the pattern of the cerebellum in Ungalata.


[Hemodynamic effects on embryonic endocardial morphology]. The modifications of endocardial cells on bulbar cushions of the chick embryonic heart have been studied using the SEM following an experimental stenosis of the pulmonary artery. This stenosis was produced by the occlusion of both 6th aortic arches on the 4th day of incubation by silver microclips. The formation of small craterlike defects was observed on the distal ventral and proximal left bulbar cushions. Giant intercellular openings appeared on the top of the proximal left bulbar cushion indicating some acceleration of the blood flow in this region. Phagocytes traversing the endocardium have been seen more frequently than in controls. It seems that the endocardium is relatively resistant to the described hemodynamic changes. These changes modify the passage of phagocytes into the blood stream as well as cell movements and exocytosis.


[Morphology of the communicating veins of the lower 3d of the leg]. The communicating veins of the lower third of the leg are topographically constant communicating veins but variable as to their morphology and number. Their course shows topographically two parts, namely a superficial or subcutaneous one and a deep or subaponeurotic one. In their subaponeurotical course, the communicating veins change their morphological aspect and sometimes become very complex. These communicating veins show valves, and venous blood is directed towards the depth. They also receive collateral branches emanating from adjacent muscles. Two kinds of communicating veins can be distinguished, a direct and a mixed one. The direct communicating veins predominate on the internal side of the leg. These connect the venous system of the great saphenous vein with the posterior tibial veins. On the external side, the mixed communicating veins predominate. They link the venous system of the short saphenous vein with the peroneal veins. Their function is also studied.


Arterial bifurcation flows--effects of flow rate and area ratio. Velocity profiles and surface shear rates, for three model symmetrical bifurcations made of glass from dimensions based on the arterial system, were investigated. The models studied had area ratios of 0.75, 1.02, and 1.29, with a common included angle of 75 degrees. Area ratio and parent tube flow rate were the two independent variables evaluated. Measurements were made with a tracer particle technique using cinephotography. Velocity profiles had their highest values on the inside, and lowest values on the outside, of the branch. Flow symmetry existed in the plane perpendicular to the plane of the bifurcation. Surface shear rates remained well above the daughter-tube developed values, between two and six diameters downstream from the carina. Shear rates below the daughter-tube developed value were found on the outside wall between the carina and two daughter-tube diameters downstream. Vortex-like flow was absent in this region for the 0.75 area ratio branch and was found above 900 Reynolds number in the 1.29 area ratio branch. The disturbed flow described by others in this region may not contain vortex-like streamlines for the physiologically important 0.75 area ratio.


The necessity of drug level monitoring in anticonvulsant drug therapy. A survey of 'steady-state' serum levels of anticonvulsant drugs from 221 epileptic patients at a university hospital was conducted. Serum concentrations of phenobarbital, primidone, and diphenylhydantoin were determined by a gas chromatographic method. Sixty-five percent (130) of the patients receiving diphenylhydantoin had levels below the therapeutic range of 10-20mug/ml. Subtherapeutic levels appear to be due to inadequate dosage adjustment. Only 25% (33) of the patients receiving phenobarbital had levels below the therapeutic range. Serum levels of diphenylhydantoin or phenobarbital could not be predicted from dosage. Most patients received two or more drugs. Over 10% of the patients had potentially toxic levels of anticonvulsant drugs. High levels of diphenylhydantoin were easily recognized clinically but high levels of phenobarbital were not.


Effect of adrenaline on insulin secretion in rats treated chronically with adrenaline. To determine whether rats could adapt to a chronic exogenous supply of adrenaline by a decrease in the well-known inhibitory effect of adrenaline on insulin secretion, plasma glucose and insulin levels were measured in unanesthetized control and adrenaline-treated rats (300 mug/kg twice a day for 28 days) during an adrenaline infusion (0.75 mug kg-1 min-1), after an acute glucose load (0.5 g/kg), and during the simultaneous administration of both agents. Chronic treatment with adrenaline did not modify the initial glucose levels but it greatly diminished the basal insulin values (21.57+/-2.48 vs. 44.69+/-3.3muU/ml, p less than 0.01). In the control rats, despite the elevated glucose concentrations, a significant drop in plasma insulin levels was observed within the first 15 min of adrenaline infusion, followed by a period of recovery. In the adrenaline-treated group, in which plasma glucose levels were lower than in control animals, plasma insulin levels did not drop as in control rats, but a significant increase was found after 30 min of infusion. During the intravenous glucose tolerance test, the plasma glucose and insulin responses showed similar patterns; however, during the concomitant adrenaline infusion, the treated rats showed a better glucose tolerance than their controls. These results indicate that rats chronically treated with adrenaline adapt to the diabetogenic effect of an infusion of adrenaline by have a lower inhibition of insulin release, although the lower basal insulin levels may indicate a greater sensitivity to endogenous insulin.


Light and dark smooth muscle cells in estrogen-stimulated rat myometrium. Smooth muscle cells of different densities to transmission of electrons (termed light and dark cells) were found in rat myometrium examined in the electron microscope following fixation by immersion in glutaraldehyde. Light cells accounted for about 4% of the total population of cells. No light cells were found in tissues fixed in situ by intraarterial perfusion with glutaraldehyde. In addition to staining differences, light cells were distinguished from most dark cells by differences in nuclear, mitochondrial, endoplasmic reticular, and surface structures. The relative number of light and dark cells after in vitro fixation was not changed in tissues relaxed with adrenaline or contracted with oxytocin. Mechanical injury resulted in increased numbers of light cells. Similarly, chemical injury with metabolic inhibitors resulted in ATP depletion, followed by increased numbers of light cells and gain in water content. We concluded that light cells were produced by mechanical or metabolic damage, leading to loss of volume control mechanisms, swelling, and leakage of protein. Light cells found after fixation in vitro in numerous prior studies represent cells damaged during isolation, and not a physiological variant among smooth muscle cells.


Binding of anticonvulsant drugs to cytochrome P-450: correlation with evidence of induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes. Mephenytoin, diphenylhydantoin, pheneturide, and phenobarbital produced a concentration-dependent inhibition in the binding of hexobarbital to cytochrome P-450 at the type 1 site, while sulthiame slightly potentiated, and ethosuximide did not affect the binding characteristic of hexobarbital. Diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbital, and pheneturide have previously been shown to enhance the urinary excretion of D-glucaric acid (DGA), while sulthiame inhibited the potentiation of DGA excretion caused by these drugs, and ethosuximide produced no change. The results suggest a close relationship between the ability of these drugs to induce hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzyme systems (as indicated by enhancement of DGA excretion) and binding behaviour at the type 1 site.


Effect of alterations in ambient temperature on blood flow in the skin. The effect of changing ambient temperature on skin temperature was recorded in human subjects; also, its effect on blood flow was measured using venous occlusion and optical plethysmography. When cold stimulus was removed in stages using a heating cabinet, it was found that a biphasic flow response occurred in the fingers with each step change in temperature. There was a rapid transient rise followed by a decline to an equilibrium flow level. The transient rise occurred even when the temperature rose from 37 to 40 degrees C, although at this level the equilibrium remained unchanged. It is suggested that the transient rise was due to stimulation of Hensel's dynamic warmth receptors, whereas the rise in equilibrium temperature was due to removal of cold stimulus, which at low ambient temperatures maintains reflex vasoconstriction through activation of static cold receptors. Upper arm skin responded to removal of cold stimulus by a fall in temperature. Immersion of a different limb in cold water produced vasoconstriction in fingers but vasodilatation in the upper arm skin. It is suggested that this may be due to neurogenic vasodilatation, though the present work gives no indication as to pathways.


Survial of fasted rats exposed to altitude. Rats fasted for 48-96h before exposure were shown to have a longer survival time at groups 33,500 ft (1 ft = 0.305 m) simulated altitude than nonfasted controls. Although both become hypothermic at 33500 ft, colonic temperatures of the fasted rats were not sufficiently lower than those of nonfasted animals to explain the difference in survival time. The injection of glucose and insulin before exposure almost completely eliminated the protection afforded by fasting, whereas glucose alone had no effect on survival. It is therefore suggested that an alteration in carbohydrate metabolism, possibly in combination with other starvation-induced changes, allowed fasted rats to survive at 33500 ft until declining body temperature reduced metabolic rate to a level compatible with oxygen supply.


Vasopressin contamination as a cause of some apparent renal actions of prolactin. The injection or infusion of NIAMDD prolactin (NIH P-S-10) into unanesthetized rats resulted in water and electrolyte retention with a large increase in urine osmolality but no effect on glomerular filtration rate. Since these effects on urine output were also observed in homozygous Brattleboro rats, the antidiuretic activity could not have caused by the release of endogenous antidiuretic hormone. Radioimmunoassay of NIH prolactin showed that it was contaminated with vasopressin (20 ng/mg of prolactin). By comparison, Sigma prolactin had no observed effect on urine excretion and contained very little vasopressin (2.5 ng/mg). It is concluded that some of the renal effects of prolactin have been reported in the literature may have been caused by the contaminating vasopressin.