Electrical and mechanical activity of rat uterus in vivo during the estrous cycle. Electromyograms were obtained from three different locations on the uterus of conscious, unrestrained rats during the 4 day estrous cycle. Intrauterine pressure changes were monitored simultaneously by means of indwelling intraluminal balloons (vol. 0.02 to 0.05 ml.). Electrical activity consisted of bursts of action potentials that were usually initiated at either end of the uterus. Propagated burst activity gave rise to cyclic intrauterine pressure changes, whereas bursts appearing at one electrode only did not elicit any measurable contractions. The rate of intrauterine pressure development depended on the propagation velocity, whereas the tension achieved was related to the duration of burst activity. All three parameters of electrical activity studied, namely, the duration and frequency of spike bursts, as well as their rate of propagation, varied significantly during the cycle. Regional differences were also subject to cyclic variations; thus, in proestrus the bursts originated predominantly at the cervical end, whereas in diestrus they were usually initiated at the ovarian end. Oxytocin stimulated the frequency and duration of bursts along the whole uterus and elicited corresponding changes in intrauterine pressure. Response to oxytocin was dose dependent and modified by cycle stage. Norepinephrine caused a transient prolongation of burst activity that was not dose dependent; epinephrine had a marked dose-dependent inhibitory action. The response to catecholamines did not vary significantly during the cycle. The variations in electrical and mechanical activity were characteristic for each stage of the ovarian cycle and could be correlated with the well-known hormonal changes. High circulating estrogen levels in proestrus are associated with infrequent but rapidly propagated spike bursts, whereas low levels in estrus are associated with frequent and sometimes nonpropaged bursts. The rise in plasma estrogen in diestrus coincides with a decrease in the frequency of burst activity, and the elevated progesterone levels are probably causally related to the significant drop in propagation velocity and the increase in duration of bursts observed in diestrus. These findings are consistent with the concept that estrogen withdrawal activates the estrogen-primed, quiescent myometrium, and that progesterone has an effect similar to that of estrogen withdrawal--at least in the rat.


Changes in the free and membrane-bound ribosomes in maternal rat liver during starvation. Free and membrane-bound ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) from maternal rat liver was measured in virgin rats and in variously dated pregnant animals that were either fed or starved for one to four days. The total amounts of free and membrane-bound ribosomal RNA differed between pregnant and nonpregnant rats, but the free ribosomal RNA progressively decreased only in the nonpregnant animals. A similar conservation of membrane-bound ribosomal RNA was observed with starvation among the pregnant rats except for the very early dated pregnant rats. Radioisotope labeling experiments using 3H-labeled orotic acid demonstrated a slower increase in specific activity among fed rats, irrespective of pregnancy state. However, metabolic and physiologic changes associated with pregnancy imposed additional complicating factors to the study.


Sarcoidosis and its ophthalmic manifestations. Of 532 cases of sarcoidosis in the southeastern United States, ocular manifestations were a prominent feature of the disease in 202 (38%) of the patients. Approximately one fifth of them sought medical attention because of ocular complaints. This was the second most frequent clinical manifestation, exceeded only by pulmonary symptoms. When ocular segment structures were affected, the anterior segment was involved in 171 (84.7%) of cases. Chronic granulomatous uveitis was the most common abnormality in 106 cases (52.5%). Posterior segment disease occurred in 51 (25.3%) of cases, usually in the form of chorioretinitis or preiphlebitis; it was sometimes the sole manifestation of ocular sarcoidosis, but usually accompanied abnormalities in the anterior part of the eye. The incidence of central nervous system sarcoidosis was increased when posterior segment involvement was observed. Orbital and adnexal structures, primarily lacrimal gland, were affected in 53 (27.7%) of cases.


Bilateral necrotizing scleritis.

Bilateral necrotizing scleritis. A 53-year-old woman whose history was noncontributory for rheumatoid arthritis and collagen disease had bilateral necrotizing inflammation of the sclera. The left eye had necrotizing nodular scleritis and the right eye, massive granuloma of the sclera. In the right eye the orbital adnexae were also involved by granulomatous infiltration and developed a mass of fibroadipose tissue simulating an orbital tumor within a week after enucleation.


Characteristics of the chemotactic response of neoplastic cells to a factor derived from the fifth component of complement. Chemotactic factors for malignant neoplastic cells can be generated from either the fifth component of complement or from leukotactic fractions obtained from zymosanactivated serum. Digestion of the fifth component of complement by trypsin initially produced leukotactic activity, but as digestion continues, leukotactic activity is lost and tumor cell chemotactic activity is generated. Separation of the leukotactic activity is lost and tumor cell chemotactic activity is generated. Separation of the leukotactic activity and tumor cell chemotactic activity can be accomplished by gel filtration or isoelectric focusing. Gel filtration indicates that the tumor cell chemotactic factor has a molecular weight of approximately 8000 daltons. Tumor cell chemotactic activity can be generated by trypsinizing the leukotactic fractions isolated by isoelectric focusing. The responses of cultured Walker tumor cells or of Walker ascites tumor cells are dose-dependent and truly chemotactic. Cells from a murine malignant lymphoma do not respond to the complement-derived chemotactic factor for tumor cells, indicating that not all malignant cells share this functional property.


Evidence for microfilament involvement in norethandrolone-induced intrahepatic cholestasis. An experimental study of norethandrolone (NED)-induced intrahepatic cholestasis was made. NED was infused via a portal vein catheter into rat liver in vivo, and measurements were made of bile flow. Liver specimens were taken at intervals for light microscopy and for transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Bile-canalicular-rich membrane fractions were prepared. The effects of NED were also examined in isolated hepatocytes in suspension culture. NED infusion induced total cholestasis by 3 hours. Canalicular alterations commonly associated with cholestasis were found in in vivo infused liver and in isolated hepatocytes. Pericanalicular microfilament changes were also noted in both, with loss of filament structure and replacement by a granular zone. In isolated canalicular membrane fractions prepared from NED-treated animals, the normal investment of pericanalicular filaments was no longer present. Loss of the bile canalicular ruthenium red surface coat was also noted. In view of the identical findings in isolated hepatocytes and in in vivo liver, obstruction and mechanical factors can be excluded as possible causes. The results raise the possibility that the mechanism of NED-induced cholestasis may be related to disaggregation and/or detachment of microfilaments from the canalicular membranes.


Supervision and the professional development of the psychiatric resident. The authors used a questionnaire survey to study the way psychiatric residents experience their psychotherapy supervisors at two points in their training. Results show that second-year residents were more critical in their evaluations of supervisors than first- or third-year residents and that there appeared to be a characteristic progression in the experience of residents from year to year. The authors believe that the resident's experience of supervision reflects a developmental process, which others have described and viewed as important in the formation of identity as a psychiatrist.


Liberalized abortion in Oregon: effects on fertility, prematurity, fetal death, and infant death. An analysis of Oregon Vital Statistics data from 1965 to 1975 was conducted to assess the impact of Oregon's 1969 abortion legislation, which substantially increased the number of reported medically induced abortions. This increase was associated with a slight increase in the age-adjusted 1970 fertility rate and there was no decrease in births to women in the age groups obtaining proportionately the most abortions. A significant and persistent 11 per cent reduction in premature births to women over age 20 (p less than .001) and a 22 per cent reduction in spontaneous fetal deaths (p less than .05) were associated with liberalized abortion. Decreases in neonatal and postneonatal infant mortality were observed, but were indistinguishable from an ongoing trend toward improved infant health. A gradual 25 per cent decline in the age-adjusted fertility rate occurred between 1969 and 1975, but the increase in the number of reported abortions could account for only one-fourth of this decrease. A seven-fold increase in the use of family planning clinics between 1970 and 1973 and more liberalized laws regarding provision of family planning service appeared to account for a much higher proportion of the decreased fertility than did liberalized abortion.


Circulating non-human microfilaria in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. A 12-yr-old girl with systemic lupus erythematosus requiring steroid therapy was found to have a circulating microfilaria during an exacerbation of her illness. Morphologically, the microfilaria does not correspond precisely with any previously described species, though similarities exist between the patient's microfilaria and those of Dipetalonema reconditum of the dog and D. interstitium of the grey squirrel. The organism reported here is probably an undescribed species from a wild mammal. Although the association may be merely coincidental, this case suggests that compromised immunity might have led to this unusual infection with a non-human filaria.


Cytological changes associated with the functions of the oviduct epithelium during proestrus and estrus in impala, Aepyceros melampus (Lichtenstein, 1812). This study was carried out on the ampulla epithelium of the oviduct of impala of various ages. The morphological and ultrastructural features of the component epithelial cells were described. The cytological events which take place in the various cell types were documented and discussed. 2 cell types, the ciliated and nonciliated, constituted the cell population of the epithelium. The absence of glycogen in the epithelial cells was recognised.


Diastolic mitral regurgitation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. An analysis of the left ventricular angiograms of 31 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy revealed diastolic mitral regurgitation in 4, a prevalence of 12.9%. The clinical, echocardiographic, angiographic, and hemodynamic data of these patients were reviewed. Diastolic mitral regurgitation could not be attributed to arrhythmia, PR interval prolongation, atrioventricular dissociation, aortic insufficiency, or aortic stenosis. Reduced left ventricular compliance was evidenced by elevated end-diastolic pressure following angiography and reduced diastolic E-F slope on echocardiography. It is speculated that the rapid inflow of blood into a poorly compliant ventricle established a turbulent flow pattern that resulted in the "floating" of blood back into the left atrium.


Protein polymorphism and geographic variation in the loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus. Electrophoretic variations of enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins were investigated in 8 populations of the loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus. The cathodic hemoglobin and the muscle protein in the region II were shown to be polymorphic, in addition to the five polymorphic proteins previously reported (the anodic hemoglobin, muscle protein in the region III, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, phosphoglucomutase and aspartate aminotransferase; Kimura, 1976 & 1977). The muscle proteins in the regions I, IV and V were monomorphic. The values of genetic distances between loach populations, calculated over 10 loci, indicated that M anguillicaudatus should be classified into two local races.


The possibility of germ cell chimaerism in dizygotic twin bulls. A study was made of the progeny of a pair of dizygotic twin bulls whose blood group phenotypes were identical but were genotypically different, indicating a complete replacement of one of the bulls haematopoietic tissus by that of its cotwin. The study was made in an attempt to determine whether the genes of one sibling were transmitted by the other. It it were so it would follow that the germ cells of the testes were chimaeric. Blood typing of 97 progeny provided no evidence to indicate the presence of such a germ cell chimaerism.


[Psychoneuroses of paternity. Puerperal psychoneuroses in man]. Psychotic, neurotic and psychosomatic disturbances, directly promoted by fatherhood condition, seem more frequent than the small number of publications about this subject allow to suppose. Twenty original observations are expounded and discussed; they allow the importance of basic psychological ground; it is necessary to differentiate distinctly between initial paternity disturbances, among immature patients, inducing total disorder, and multiple paternity perturbations where anxiety and culpability feeling prevail. Regarding these disturbances and the sociological phenomenon of the "couvade", the real puerperality in men is investigated in connection with the personal and relational structure of the individual.


[Hereditary transmission of a familial chromosome marker (author's transl)]. Banding patterns allow identification of chromosome 22 admitting today trisomy 22 without doubt. A case of this chromosomic aberration is presented. Particular characteristic of the case is the existence of Gp+ chromosome in the mother, two of her brothers and two later brothers of the "probandus". This variation is not discussed as origin of the trisomy.


Differential diagnosis of leukokoria in children. The differential diagnosis between the diseases, which cause leukokoria, is discussed. Among them congenital cataract, persistence of the primary vitreous, retrolental fibroplasia, retinoblastoma, Coats' disease, von Hippel's disease, inflammatory pseudoglima, Norrie's disease, and organized intraocular hemorrhage are mentioned.


Experimental scrapie in mice: ultrastructural observations. Scrapie, kuru, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are characterized by a similar spongiform pathology, prolonged incubation periods, and an agent with unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. Swiss mice were inoculated with the scrapie agent and sacrificed three to five months later for light and electron microscopy. At three months, small vacuoles were seen within the neuropil of the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. By the fifth month these vacuoles had increased in number and size and were accompanied by moderate astrocytic proliferation. The brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord showed variable changes of much less intensity. Many dilated postsynaptic processes contained osmiophilic particles in random or crystalline arrays. The particles, measuring approximately 23 nm in diameter, appeared consistently in postsynaptic processes of brain from scrapie-infected mice, were lacking in controls, and were a size consistent with sedimentation and filtration data for the scrapie agent. Whether these particles represent the scrapie agent must await further studies.


Microbial transformations of natural antitumor agents: O-demethylation of vindoline by Sepedonium chrysospermum. Vindoline (1a) was transformed to O-demethylvindoline (1b) by Sepedonium chrysospermum ATCC 13378 in 33% yield. Thin-layer and high-pressure liquid chromatographic methods distinguished 1b from previously reported microbial metabolites of vindoline. The structural proof of 1b was based on its mass spectral fragmentation pattern and on its chemical and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral properties.


Disk agar diffusion susceptibility testing of yeasts. A disk agar diffusion method was developed for testing the susceptibility of rapidly growing yeasts in vitro. A totally defined, completely synthetic agar culture medium (synthetic amino acid medium, fungal) and clinical isolates of Candida spp. and Torulopsis glabrata were used. Turbidimetric adjustment of cell suspensions resulted in standard, reproducible inocula, which gave sharp, clear zones of inhibition when applied by an agar overlay method. Optimal disk loads were determined for amphotericin B, amphotericin B methyl ester, 5-fluorocytosine, clotrimazole, and miconazole. Disk potencies were stable over a 2-month period when stored in a vacuum desiccator at -30 degrees C. Using an error ratebounded classification, the zones of inhibition were correlated with both broth dilution and agar dilution minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). With amphotericin B and amphotericin B methyl ester, all isolates were susceptible, yielding zone diameters which clustered within 5 mm. Overall correlations between zone diameters and broth dilution MICs with 5-fluorocytosine, miconazole, and clotrimazole were 97, 96, and 82% (excluding T. glabrata), respectively; correlations of zone diameters with agar dilution MICs were 96, 92, and 88%, respectively. Disk diffusion susceptibility testing of yeasts appears to be generally applicable. However, when results are equivocal, quantitative test methods should be used.


[Cellular response in the mouse to two antigenic extracts from "Vibrio cholerae" (author's transl)]. At the cellular level the primary response in Balb/c mice to an antigen prepared from a strain of Vibrio cholerae Ogawa was studied by a localized vibriolytic plaque procedures which permits the enumeration of immunocytes. The antibody response to a single injection with identical doses of antigen was comparatively studied by both intraperitoneal and subcutaneous immunization. The highest titre was noted two weeks after the intraperitoneal and three days after the subcutaneous injection. Inhibition experiments were performed to obtain an estimate of the average of avidity of the bactericidal antibodies against the different antigens extracted from the vibrio. A correlation between the avidity and the protective properties was noted. The antigen which had a better immunogenetic effect showed the better binding.


X-linked dyskeratosis congenita with pancytopenia. Two maternal male cousins in a Jewish Iraqi kindred were affected with dyskeratosis congenita and had a megaloblastic bone marrow. One cousin had pancytopenia and the other had thrombocytopenia. The kindred displays a deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and a beta-thalassemia trait. The following genetic "markers" of the X chromosome were studied: G6PD, the X-linked blood groups Xg, and color vision. Linkage analysis indicated that dyskeratosis, G6PD, and Xg are far apart on the X chromosome. Chromosomal studies showed a 46XY karyotype in both cases; however, nonspecific numerical aberrations and structural abnormalities were found in the first and in the second case, polyploidy was seen in four of 60 cells. The proband's cultured fibroblasts did not show increased susceptibility to malignant transformation by simian virus 40, an oncogenic virus.


Infection with hepatitis B virus in infancy. A longitudinal study of 8 cases. Eight infants who developed HBsAg aged between 1 and 5 months were identified in the greater Copenhagen area during the period 1970--76. 7 had acquired the infection from their mothers and one had received a HBsAg-positive blood infusion, 3 infants had a transient infection lasting 2 to 8 months while the remaining cases developed persistent antigenaemia with evidence of minor liver dysfunction during a follow-up of one to 6 years. HBeAg was persistently present in 4 of 5 infants, indicating infectivity in these patients. Prematurity or administration of specific immunoglobulin at delivery apparently did not affect the course of infection.


Growth and milk intake of normal infants. The growth of 94 normal term infants was studied from birth to 6 months. 33 infants were breast fed and the others randomly allocated to one of 3 bottle feeds--Cow and Gate V formula, Baby Milk Plus, and Premium. The weight, length, and head growth velocities were similar in all 4 groups. The infants fed Cow and Gate V formula consumed a larger volume of feed at 3 months than the infants fed the 2 other formulae despite a slower weight gain. It is suggested that this is related to loss of calories in unabsorbed fat. The weight gains of all 4 groups in this study were considerably less than infants fed unmodified milks and early solids, studied in the same region several years later.


[In vitro and in vivo sensitivity of animal and human melanomas to various chemotherapeutical agents]. Thin slices of s.c. implanted B-16 melanomas as well as of human melanomas have been incubated for 5 h with (H3) Uridine and (H3) Thymidine in the presence of different chemotherapeutical agents, whose concentration was equivalent to the tenfold therapeutical daily dose in men. In this short term test model, the sensitivity of a melanoma to a chemotherapeutical agent is indicated by the inhibition of the nucleoside uptake by more than 50%. The in vitro sensitivity rates, each based on 10--30 melanomas, are compared to the in vivo sensitivity rates. Sensitivity is indicated by the increase of life span (greater than 25%) in the melanoma bearing mice respectively by the regression of human melanoma metastases (greater than 50%). -- The in vivo sensitivity of the B-16 melanomas, evaluated by the uridine and/or thymidine uptake, was in line with the in vivo sensitivity to all chemotherapeutical agents with the exeption of Adriamycine and DTIC. The in vitro sensitivity of human melanomas to Dactinomicine, Vincristine, BCNU and DTIC corresponds to the in vivo sensitivity whereas no in vitro/in vivo correspondence could be observed in testing Bleomycine, Procarbacine and 5-Fluorouracile.  Comparing the sensitivity of B-16  and human melanomas, similarity was observed in vitro but not in vivo.


Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and splenectomy: a current appraisal. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a disease process characterized by microangiopathic anemia, fever, neurologic manifestations, renal abnormalities, and thrombocytopenia. These clinical findings are caused by vascular occlusions of the microcirculation. At present the utilization of splenectomy, in the treatment of this illness, remains a highly controversial subject. However, review of the literature reveals that 70% of the long term survivors of TTP had undergone splenectomy. This report presents five patients with TTP, four of whom had been splenectomized. Long term survival (greater than one year) was achieved in three individuals. It is recommended that splenectomy be considered as part of the initial management of all patients with TTP, in addition to high dose corticosteroids and antiplatelet drugs.


Cardiac myofibril disorientation and Z band abnormalities in idiopathic cardiomyopathy. An electron microscope study. Morphological alterations in idiopathic cardiomyopathy were examined and their clinicopathological significance was discussed. Six cases of congestive type and five of hypertrophic type chosen from 22 patients according to our strict criteria were examined by light and electron microscopy. The diameter values of cardiac muscle fibers were broadly distributed with multiple peaks in congestive cases and with 4 peaks in the hypertrophic cases in contrast to the 2 peaks in controls. The chief electron microscopic alterations consisted of myofibril disorientation and Z band abnormalities. The congestive cases were characterized by decreased and disdarrayed myofibrils (loose myofibril disorientation), wheras the hypertrophic cases by abundant myofibrils characteristically entangled with each other (tight myofibril disorientation). The Z band showed 3 types of abnormalities. Type 1 was characterized by widening, bifurcation and overriding of Z bands while the regular sarcomere was retained. The changes were more conspicuous in the hypertrophic cases than in the congestive cases. Type 2 was represented by clumping of Z band substance, and Type 3 by an interwoven form of electron dense fibers. Types 2 and 3 were seen in some of the hypertrophic and congestive cases. The tight myofibril disorientation and Type 1 of Z band abnormalities were considered important cytopathological clues for the diagnosis of the hypertrophic type of idiopathic cardiomyopathy.


Therapy groups for women sexually molested as children. A neglected class of sexual assault victims consists of women who were molested as children. In response to their unmet needs, therapy groups composed solely of women who were sexually abused in their childhood have been established. The goals of these groups are twofold: (1) the alleviation of sexual guilt and shame and (2) the clarification of emotional and behavioral consequences of molestation. Ten groups have been conducted, each containing four to six members, comprising an overall total of 50 women. In 97% of the cases, a prior relationship had existed between perpetrator and victim. Treatment consisted of a four-session format. During session I, each group participant described her molestation experiences in detail. Sessions II and III focused on how these experiences have affected the women. Session IV dealt with individual stages of recovery and further treatment plans. Clinical findings included feelings of guilt and depression, negative self-image, and problems in interpersonal relationships associated with an underlying mistrust of men, inadequate social skills, and difficulties in sexual functioning. Evaluations of the therapy groups by the participants indicated that the primary curative component was the sense of identification and emotional closeness instilled by a warm and supportive environment where a common bond was shared.


Modeling effects of explicit and nonexplicit sexual stimuli on the sexual anxiety and behavior of women. This study focused on the specific effects of explicit and nonexplicit sexual stimuli on anxious, coitally inexperienced women. Using Bandura's social learning theory as the thoretical framework, the consequences of modeling behavior on an individual's response patterns were examined. Responses indicating sexual anxiety level, preferred sexual behavior, and manifest anxiety level were recorded. Forty-five women were selected based on their scores on the Short Manifest Anxiety Scale. The subjects were then randomly placed into three treatment groups: explicit, nonexplicit, and control. Analysis of the data revealed significant differences among the women in each of the three groups regarding sexual behavior. Sexual anxiety levels also differed between women in the explicit and control groups. Pre- and posttest manifest anxiety scores also showed a significant difference in the explicit-group women. It has been shown that anxious, coitally inexperienced women who are exposed to sexually explicit stimuli in a controlled situation will have lower sexual anxiety levels, have lowered manifest anxiety levels, and be more willing to participate in a greater variety of sexual behaviors under appropriate circumstances. The results of this study may aid those in the helping professions gain a better understanding of the effects sexual stimuli have on certain individuals.


Binding of the organophosphates parathion and paraoxon to bovine and human serum albumin. Binding of parathion and paraoxon to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) was studied by using equilibrium dialysis. The concentration of unbound organophosphate was determined from its anticholinesterase activity. Binding of parathion to BSA was shown to be reversible. The organophosphates interact with only one type of binding sites in BSA and HSA. The affinity constants at pH 7.2 and 4 degrees C for the interaction of BSA or HSA and parathion were found to be 2.7 X 10(6) and 1.5 X 10(6) M-1, respectively. The affinity constants for the interaction of the serum albumins and paraoxon were considerably lower, 6.0 X 10(3) and 1.6 X 10(4) M-1, respectively. Lowering the pH from 7.2 to 4.8 did not significantly affect the binding parameters. The great difference of affinity of the serum albumins to parathion and paraoxon is discussed with respect to the fate of parathion in the body.


Sequential observations on the gonads and oestrous behaviour of a hermaphrodite gilt. A gilt subsequently found to have one ovary and one ovotestis exhibited two oestrous cycles with normal ovulations before lapsing into bahavioural anoestrus. The testicular tissue of the ovotestis was not developed at the time of oestrus and ovulation. After it developed cyclic behaviour was abolished.


Fatty acid composition of aortic lipids in male and female rabbits. Aortic tissue of adult New-Zealand male and female white rabbits was studied. After thin-layer chromatography of cholesterol esters, triglycerides, free fatty acids, phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidylcholines, their fatty acid compositions are determined. Phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines contain important quantities of arachidonic acid. The level of linoleic acid in these phospholipids is higher in male animals than in female. Conversely the level of arachidonic acid is higher in females than in males.


Incidence of thyroid disease in cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The investigative findings of patients considered to have possible hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were examined, and 31 of these fulfilling defined criteria for the disease were reviewed in detail, with emphasis on thyroid abnormalities. Four patients had a history of thyroid disease (13%). Explanations considered for the apparent association were the effects of hyperthyroidism on normal, or more probably, incipiently abnormal myocardium.


Echocardiographic sign of right-sided hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. The echocardiographic and haemodynamic findings with a patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and dynamic subpulmonary stenosis, without left ventricular gradient, are described. The echocardiogram shows not only asymmetric septal hypertrophy, systolic anterior movement of the anterior mitral leaflet, and midsystolic collapse of the aortic valve, but also increase in the right ventricular wall echoes and systolic collapse of the pulmonary valve. We believe that in the absence of pulmonary hypertension these signs, particularly the systolic closing movement of the pulmonary valve cusp, may suggest right ventricular obstruction in HOCM.


Sequential changes in the human renin-angiotensin system following delivery. Plasma renin activity and concentration and angiotensin II concentration have been measured serially in six normotensive primigravidae and in four mildly hypertensive patients in the four immediately following normal delivery. In normotensive patients, both renin and angiotensin II levels fell sharply over the first two hours to levels within the non-pregnant range, with a subsequent rise to levels, similar to those found in late pregnancy. Changes in the mildly hypertensive patients were smaller, and somewhat slower. It is suggested that the initial fall represents clearance of a renin of fetoplacental origin and that the subsequent rise may be a release from feedback suppression of renal renin synthesis.


The management of lens damage in perforating corneal lacerations. Lens damage is present in 30% of perforating injuries of the anterior segment of the eye. There is no consensus on whether the cataractous lens should be removed at the initial repair of the corneal laceration or later, when the eye has recovered from injury. Twenty-seven consecutive cases with a perforating corneal injury and lens damage were alternatively treated either with simultaneous corneal suturing and cataract removal or with corneal suturing and delayed cataract removal several weeks later. The difference in the frequency of complications between the 2 groups was significant. The 1-step procedure was technically easier to perform, the period of postoperative irritation was shorter, complications due to the presence of an injured lens were prevented, and visual rehabilitation occurred earlier.


Immune response in rats given irradiated wheat. 1. Rats given diets containing freshly-irradiated wheat showed significantly lower mean antibody titres to four different antigens, decreased numbers of antibody-forming cells in the spleen and rosette-forming lymphocytes as compared to rats given either unirradiated wheat or irradiated wheat stored for a period of 12 weeks. 2. The immune response in rats given 90 g protein/kg diet was essentially similar to that seen in animals given 180 g protein/kg diet.


Effect of water-soluble oxalates in Amaranthus spp. leaves on the absorption of milk calcium. 1. Amaranthus spp. leaves contain high amounts of oxalates which affect the calcium absorption. This study was done to determine whether removal of the water-soluble oxalates from the leaves by cooking would reduce this deleterious effect. 2. Experimental work done with two types of basal diets on six adult male subjects has shown that the milk Ca absorption was low when leaves cooked without draining away the water were included in the diet. However when the soluble oxalates were removed by throwing away the water after cooking the leaves, the absorption of milk Ca was unaffected.


Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of compounds I and II of horseradish peroxidase. Enzymatic reaction intermediates of horseradish peroxidase, compounds I and II, were studied by high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 220 MHz. The heme peripheral proton peaks were successfully obtained in the downfield region of 50 to 80 ppm from 4,4-dimethyl-4-silapentane-5-sulfonate for compound I and of 10 to 20 ppm for compound II at pH 9.2. This indicates that no isoporphyrin appears in the catalytic cycle of the enzyme. Temperature dependences of the spectra also were determined for these compounds between 7 and 32 degrees C. With increasing temperature, all the peaks in the downfield region for compound I shifted upfield, obeying the Curie law. These results suggest that the Fe atoms in compounds I and II are in ferryl high- and low-spin states, respectively. The spectrum was also observed in solutions of horse metmyoglobin to which hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was added. The electron formulations of the hemes in their spectra. Evidence was found against a pi-cation radical on the heme ring as a source of the oxidizing equivalent in compound I.


Structural limitations on the bifunctional intercalation of diacridines into DNA. An homologous series of diacridines containing two 9-aminoacridine chromophores linked via a simple methylene chain has been studied in order to investigate the minimum interchromophore separation required to permit bifunctional intercalation. Viscometric, sedimentation, and electric dichroism experiments show that compounds having one to four methylene groups in the linker are restricted to monofunctional intercalation, whereas the interaction becomes bifunctional when the chain length is increased to six carbons or more. The results indicate that bifunctional reaction occurs with an interchromophore distance not exceeding 8.8 A, implying that intercalation by these compounds is not subject to neighbor exclusion if the mode of binding is of the classical intercalation type.


Temperature dependence of the apparent affinity and the maximum velocity of the membrane-bound monosaccharide transport system in the yeast Rhodotorula gracilis. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the monosaccharide transport system in the yeast Rhodotorula gracilis (ATCC 26194, CBS 6681), as tested with D-xylose, revealed that the apparent affinity of the transport system, measured as the reciprocal of the half-saturation constant KT, increased when transport velocity was stimulated by temperature (15--30 degrees C) and decreased when the rate of uptake was reduced at temperatures aboce 30 degrees C. Breaks in Arrhenius plots were accompanied by corresponding breaks in van't Hoff plots. Whereas untreated cells exhibited in the van't Hoff plot a discontinuity at 28--30 degrees C this was not observed in heat-treated cells (at either 37 or 45 degrees C). In heat-treated cells the maximum transport velocity was always lower and the apparent affinity higher than in untreated cells at the same temperature; the optimum temperature for both transport velocity and apparent affinity was shifted to higher values. The data are interpreted in terms of a reversible phase transition of membrane lipids effecting an irreversible alteration of membrane structure. The temperature-induced reversible alkalinization of unbuffered yeast suspensions supports this interpretation.


Regulation of protein synthesis by estradiol-17beta in cultured hepatocytes. Estradiol-17beta added to cultured chick embryo hepatocytes induced the appearance in the medium of a phosphoprotein, identified as phosvitin on the basis of: (i) its behaviour on ionic exchange columns; (ii) its SDS-acrylamide gel electrophoretic mobility; (iii) its amino acid composition. The hormone treatment was also followed by a decreased synthesis of other proteins secreted by the hepatocytes.


The interaction of 7-substituted actinomycin D analogs with DNA. The interaction of actinomycin D and three new 7-substituted analogs with calf thymus DNA has been studied by a number of physical techniques. The methods utilized in this investigation include visible absorption spectrometry and ultrafiltration methodology for the determination of equilibrium binding constants; viscometry; and circular dichroism. The studies show that the 7-substituted actinomycin D analogs retain the G . C base pair specific DNA binding demonstrated by actinomycin D. The mode of binding to native DNA, despite substitution at position 7, is practically unaltered. The retention of this binding specificity by these analogs seems to be unaffected by changes in the electon properties of the chromophore.


Alamethicin biosynthesis: acetylation of the amino terminus and attachment of phenylalaninol. Alamethicin synthetase was extracted from the fungus Trichoderma viride at the end of its exponential growth phase. It is multienzyme complex with a molecular weight of approx. 480 000. The biosynthesis of alamethicin is initiated on the synthetase by acetylation of thiolester-bound aminoisobutyric acid, which remains enzyme bound. Acetyl-CoA serves as the acetate donor. Of the alamethicin constituents, glycine, alanine and valine are also acetylated when incubated alone. This acetylation is prevented by added aminoisobutyric acid, which indicates that the site on alamethicin synthetase catalyzing the acetylation has a preference for aminoisobutyric acid. Alamethicin formation on the synthetase is terminated by linkage of phenylalaninol to the carboxyl terminus of the peptide. It is unlikely that the amino alcohol is a degradation product of alamethicin or that it had been split off from the synthetase complex. Thus it is probably the reaction product of a separate enzyme system.


A histone H2B variant from the embryo of the sea urchin Parenchinus angulosus. A variant of histone H2B has been isolated from sea urchin embryo (Parenchinus angulosus). Out of the 53 amino acids positioned in the three CNBr-peptides only 26 residues are identical to those in the corresponding positions of calf thymus histone H2B. A similar degree of homology exists between the embryonic variant and the previously characterized variants from sperm cells of the same organism.


Analytical fractionation of cultured hepatoma cells (HTC cells). Homogenates of HTC cells have been fractionated by differential centrifugation (in four particulate fractions: N, M, L, P, and a supernatant S) or isopycnic banding in linear sucrose gradients. On this basis, the following subcellular organelles may be characterized: (i) Mitochondria, detected by cytochrome oxidase and succinodehydrogenase, are collected in the M and L fractions, and equilibrate, as a narrow band, at a median buoyant density of 1.18 g/cm3. (ii) Lysosomes, detected by the latent hydrolases beta-glycerophosphatase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, are largely sedimented in the M and L fractions, and display a broad density distribution pattern with a median value of 1.17 g/cm3. This density is decreased or increased after cultivation of the cells in presence of Triton WR-1339 or Dextran 500, respectively. The behavior of cathepsin D is somewhat at variance with that of the two other hydrolases. (iii) Plasma membrane is tentatively detected by alkaline phosphodiesterase I. Largely recovered in the P fraction, this enzyme equilibrates at a median density close to that of the lysosomal hydrolases; the bulk of cholesterol and about half of the leucyl-2-naphthylamidase are closely associated with alkaline phosphodiesterase I; HTC cells do not contain typical 5'-nucleotidase. (iv) Catalase-bearing particles, of high buoyant density (1.22 g/cm3) are present, but 30-40% of the catalase is also found readily soluble. NADPH- and NADH: cytochrome c reductase, and RNA show more complex distributions. It is suggested that the former enzyme is associated with the endoplasmic reticulum; as in liver, NADH reductase activity is shared between the endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondria; half of the RNA is associated with free ribosomes of polysomes. True glucose-6-phosphatase could not be detected.


Rotenone inhibition of tubulin self-assembly. Rotenone effectively inhibits the in vitro formation of microtubules from tubulin containing or lacking microtubule-associated proteins. In both cases a concentration of rotenone equal to that of tubulin present completely blocks assembly. The inhibition can be reversed by the addition of dimethylsulfoxide or by removing rotenone with charcoal.


Surface analysis and depth profiles of calcium in hepatoma cells during pyruvate-induced DNA synthesis. Induction of DNA synthesis is associated with increased uptake of calcium in cultured cells. Calcium distribution within the plasma membrane and adjacent cytoplasmic layers of hepatoma cells was investigated with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and oxygen plasma etching. Cells in minimal growth medium initiate active DNA synthesis 16 h after addition of sodium pyruvate. Cells stimulated with pyruvate and pyruvate-free controls were analysed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy--oxygen plasma etching at 0--40 A (layer I), 0--450 A (layer II) and 0--4000 A (layer III from the outer cell surface. Calcium concentrations were elevated in induced cells compared with controls: +20% in layer I, +60% in layer II, and +300% in layer III. As the plasma membrane is 90--120 A thick, these results indicate that pyruvate-induced DNA synthesis is preceded by an increase in calcium, most marked in the cytoplasm subjacent to the plasma membrane, moderate at its inner surface, and minimal at its outer surface.


The utilization of copper and its role in the biosynthesis of copper-containing proteins in the fungus, Dactylium dendroides. Aspects of the utilization of copper by the fungus, Dactylium dendroides, have been studied. The organism grows normally at copper levels below 10 nM. Cells grown in medium containing 30 nM copper or less concentrate exogenous metal at all levels of added copper; copper uptake is essentially complete within 15 min and is not inhibited by cycloheximide, dinitrophenol or cyanide. These results indicate that copper absorption is not an energy-dependent process. The relationship between fungal copper status and the activities of three copper-containing enzymes, galactose oxidase, and extracellular enzyme, the cytosolic, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and cytochrome oxidase, has also been established. The synthesis of galactose oxidase protein (holoenzyme plus apo-enzyme) is independent of copper concentration. Cells grown in copper-free medium (less than 10 nM copper) excrete normal amounts of galactose oxidase as an apoprotein. At medium copper levels below 5 micrometer, new cultures contain enough total copper to enable the limited number of cells to attain sufficient intracellular copper to support hologalactose oxidase production. As a result of cell division, however, the amount of copper available per cell drops to a threshold of approx. 10 ng/mg below which point only apogalactose oxidase is secreted. Above 5 micrometer medium copper, holoenzyme secretion is maintained throughout cell growth. The levels of the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase respond differently in that the protein itself apparently is synthesized in only limited amounts in copper-depleted cells. Total cellular superoxide dismutase activity is maintained under such conditions by an increase in activity associated with the mitochondrial, CN(-)-insensitive, manganese form of this enzyme. Cells grown at 10 micrometer copper show 83% of their superoxide dismutase activity to be contributed by the Cu/Zn form compared to a 17% contribution to the total activity in cells grown at 30 nM copper, indicating that the biosynthesis of the Cu/Zn and Mn-containing enzymes is coordinated. The data show that the level of copper modulates the synthesis of the cytosolic superoxide dismutase. In contrast, the cytochrome oxidase activity of D. dendroides is independent of cellular copper levels obtainable. Thus, the data also suggest that these three enzymes utilize different cellular copper pools. As cells are depleted of copper by cell division, the available copper is used to maintain Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and cytochrome oxidase activity; at very low levels of copper, only the latter activity is maintained. The induction of the manganisuperoxide dismutase in copper-depleted cells should have practical value in the isolation of this protein.


Effects of hormones on differentiation of parotid glands of suckling mice in vitro. The hormonal requirements for functional differentiation of mouse parotid glands were investigated using organ cultures in chemically defined medium. The hormones tested were insulin, thyroxine and prednisolone, and the parameters examined were alpha-amylase activity and the ultrastructure of the tissue. It is found that most of the amylase in the cultures (80%) was released into the culture medium after 5 days of cultivation. Prednisolone (5 . 10(-3) mg/ml) alone resulted in a 3--4-fold increase in specific activity of amylase (total amylase activity in the medium and culture) over that in its absence, but neither insulin nor thyroxine alone induced the enzyme. Prednisolone plus thyroxine (over 1 . 10(-7) mg/ml) or insulin (over 1 . 10(-3) unit/ml) induced markedly the enzyme, amylase specific activity being as much as 4- or 6-fold that with prednisolone alone. Moreover the enzyme specific activity was dependent on the prednisolone concentration (5 . 10(-7) - 5 . 10(-3) mg/ml) in the presence of thyroxine (1 . 10(-2) mg/ml) or insulin (1 . 10(-2) unit/ml). Morphological differentiation was also observed in explants cultivated in medium containing prednisolone plus thyroxine or insulin. These results suggest that besides glucocorticoids, insulin and thyroxine are involved in increase in amylase activity in mouse parotid glands during the late suckling period.


Extracellular matrix metabolism by chondrocytes. VI. Concomitant depression by exogenous levels of proteoglycan of collagen and proteoglycan synthesis by chondrocytes. The synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans by  cultured chondrocytes, as measured by the incorporation of L-[3H]proline into hydroxyproline and [3H]acetate into glycosaminoglycans, was shown to be depressed by 58% and 39%, respectively, by the addition of exogenous proteoglycan at a concentration of 10 mg/ml growth media. The incorporation of L-[3H]proline into acid-insoluble protein remained unaltered in the presence of the proteoglycan. It was concluded that the effect was depressing the activity on the enzymatic steps, associated with the endoplasmic reticulum, which are responsible for the post-translational modification of collagen and proteoglycan.


[Effect of chemical modification and carboxylate anions on transamination of phenylalanine and alanine in the active center of chicken cytosol aspartate transaminase]. Photooxidation of a histidine residue in aspartate transaminase leads to proportionate loss of the enzyme activity in reactions with L-aspartate and L-phenylalanine. Modification of two arginine residues by 1,2-cyclohexanedione strongly inhibits transamination of aspartate but, in contrast, slightly increases the rate of phenylalanine transamination. A stimulatory effect of a number of aromatic and aliphatic monocarboxylate anions on the rate of alanine transamination in the active site was observed. Indolylbutyrate was the most effective compound among those tested. Indolylbutyrate and indolylacetate act as competitive inhibitors in the case of transamination of phenylalanine or aspartate. The results were interpreted as indicating the presence in the active center of transaminase of a hydrophobic subsite participating in the binding of aromatic aminoacids.


[Production of monospecific immunoglobulin against human leukocyte interferon]. Donkeys were regularly, at seven-day intervals, immunized subcutaneously with human leukocyte interferon (IF) with the activity of 1.6 X 103 U/10 ml. IF-neutralizing antibodies in the titre of 1:128-1:256 were detected in the animals' sera after 38-40 injections. As a result of continuing injections the titre of these antibodies increased considerably. The antibodies to the components of the system in which the IF was obtained were revealed in parallel. Donkey antiinterferon plasma was prepared by plasmapheresis and antiinterferon immunoglobulin (AIFIG) was released from the plasma by centrifugation using ammonium sulphate at 50% saturation. Contamination antibodies were removed from AIFIG by affin chromatography on combined immunosorbent.


[Light and electron microscopic study of rat lung brush alveolocytes]. The 52 alveolar brush cells (ABC) were revealed in the semi-thin sections of the rat lung tissue, metachromatically stained with toluidine blue. Characteristic features of the ABC on the light microscope level were the following: pyramidal body shape, basal position of the nucleus, darker stain tinge of the cytoplasm than that of other alveolar cells, the presence of microvilli on the small free cell surface. There is one ABC per 21 alveocytes, type 2, and 15 alveocytes, type 1. 41.1% of the ABC are localized in places of adjacent alveolus walls junction, 32.7%--on the alveolus wall facing the alveolus cavity, 16.8%--near the alveolus entrance; 9.4% of the cells are directed into the cavities of two neughbo ring alveoli or settle down near the pores of Kohn. In parallel electron microscopy there was revealed in ABC a form of granular cytoplasmic reticulum (unusual for other alveolocytes) in the form of blocks made up of 5-8 cysternae as if adherent one to another, bundles of filaments and microtubules, vacuoles in the apical cytoplasm. The ultrastructure of ABC, their topography, and incidence in the alveoli of rats evidenced their chemoreceptor nature.


In vitro effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on human polymorphonuclear cells and lymphocyte migration. 1. The action of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), sodium salicylate, aspirin, phenylbutazone and indomethacin was investigated on the migration of human polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and lymphocytes, using the system of migration of leucocytes from glass capillary tubes. 2. All NSAID produced a dose-dependent inhibition of cell migration, and were more effective on the migration of the PMN than on lymphocytes. 3. Drugs optimally suppressed PMN migration after 20 to 24 h incubation, and lymphocytes after 3 to 6 h. 4. Prolonged incubation of cells with several concentrations of NSAID demonstrated an 'escape' from inhibition in PMNs prepared from one subject.


Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia: light and electron microscopic observations of a case. The ultrastructure of a case of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia is presented. The papillae and septa within the lesion showed a similar organization. The surface was lined by a nonstratified layer of plump endothelial cells. Immediately beneath lay cells and processes of pericytes rich in thin filaments with fusiform densities, resembling smooth muscle cells. Primitive mesenchymal cells were observed to lie among the pericytes. The stroma beyond the subendothelial layer was collagenous and contained fibroblasts. The ultrastructure of the cells and their organization closely resembles human granulation tissue.


Cellular binding proteins for vitamin A in colorectal adenocarcinoma of rat. Rat colorectal mucosa was examined during the course of carcinogenesis, induced by chronic administration of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH), for the presence and amount of cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) and cellular retinoic acid-binding protein. These two binding proteins are implicated in the action of vitamin A in normal and neoplastic tissue. Induced adenocarcinomas were found to contain low levels of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein (10 pmol/g), similar to the levels found in adjacent mucosa of the same animal and also in colorectal mucosa from normal rats or rats chronically treated with DMH. However, the adenocarcinomas had high levels of CRBP (300 to 500 pmol/g), and these levels were dramatically higher than levels of CRBP in adjacent mucosa of the same animal (40 to 100 pmol/g), colorectal mucosa from normal rats (20 pmol/g), or colorectal mucosa from rats chronically treated with DMH (22 to 25 pmol/g). Consequently, the increase in CRBP occurred only with tumor appearance and not with the general hyperplasia of the crypts caused by DMH administration. The CRBP of the tumor was associated with endogenous retinol (77 to 100% saturation) and was similar to, if not identical with, CRBP of normal tissue, as judged by fluorescence spectra, sedimentation behavior, and elution position on Sephadex G-75.


Selective reduction of human tumor cell populations by human granulocytes in vitro. Human peripheral blood granulocytes at a 10:1 effector cell:target cell ratio were shown by an in vitro semiquantitative staining procedure to reduce the number of human tumor cells, but not that of normal cells. Microscopic observations revealed that this selective reduction of tumor cells by granulocytes was a function of both detachment and cytolysis. The cytotoxic effect of granulocytes on the tumor cells was confirmed by a quantitative 5-[125I]iodo-2-deoxyuridine release assay. The data indicate that human granulocytes at a relatively low effector:target cell ratio (10:1) have the capacity to recognize and destroy human tumor cells in vitro.


The proliferative state of clonogenic cells in the Lewis lung tumour after treatment with cytotoxic agents. The proportion of clonogenic cells from the Lewis lung carcinoma which are in S-phase of the cell cycle has been measured as the fraction killed by a short exposure to hydroxyurea in vitro. Estimates of the proportions of S-phase cells before and 30 min after doses of gamma-radiation of 1000--2000 rad suggest no alternation in the cell cycle age distribution due to these doses of radiation. As the survivors of these high doses of radiation are predominantly hypoxic, the results imply that hypoxic cells have the same cell cycle age distribution as oxygenated cells in Lewis lung tumours. After treatment with cyclophosphamide or CCNU, the proportion of S-phase cells among the survivors exceeds the faction of S-phase cells in untreated populations. This increase is consistent with a relative resistance of S-phase cells to alkylating agents and nitrosoureas.


Effects of antimicrotubular agents on the fine structure of the Golgi complex in embryonic chick osteoblasts. Embryonic chick frontal bones were cultured in the presence of colchicine or vinblastine and subsequently examined by tranmission electron microscopy. In control cultures the osteoblasts showed a large Golgi complex consisting of dictyosomes arranged in a well-defined juxtanuclear area. Microtubules were particularly numerous within this Golgi area although they could be observed throughout the cytoplasm. Colchicine and vinblastine caused the disappearance of cytoplasmic microtubules, while bundles of 10 nm diameter filaments appeared more frequently. In addition, cell polarity was lost and the Golgi complex became disorganized, with the dictyosomes randomly dispersed in the cytoplasm and showing a decreased number of cisternae and an increased number of vacuoles, the latter generally lacking stainable material. Increased number of autophagosomes were also noted. These findings indicate that microtubules function in the organization of the Golgi complex in osteoblasts. In view of the well documented role of this organelle system in collagen secretion it is suggested that previously observed secretory disturbances produced by antimicrotubular drugs may be due to a defective transfer of material to the dictyosomes and/or a defect in the packaging and transport of such material away from them.


Scanning electron microscope studies of the egg shell in some anostraca (Crustacea: Branchiopoda). The tertiary shell of the eggs of anostracan crustaceans consists of two layers, an outer cortex and an inner alveolar layer. Scanning electron microscope studies show that, in most species, these layers are separated by a subcortical space which intercommunicates with spaces in the cortex and with the meshwork of the alveolar layer. No evidence was found for direct communication between pores on the surface of Branchipus stagnalis eggs and the subcortical space. No surface pores were found in the eggs of Branchinecta packardi, Chirocephalus diaphanus, Artemia salina, nor in eggs of the notostracan Triops cancriformis. Similarities in structure and possible functions of the egg shells of anostracan crustaceans and certain insects are discussed in relation to similarities in certain features of their environments.


Possible involvement of putrescine in nucleolar formation in early embryos. Continuous treatment of developing eggs of the polychete Ophryotrocha labronica with alpha-methylornithine, which inhibits synthesis of putrescine, led to arrest of development at gastrulation. The present ultrastructural analysis suggests that the arrest of development is due to failure to form nuclei, and thus reveals a possible role for putrescine in nucleolar formation. Further support for this contention was provided by means of electron-microscopical autoradiography. It was found that newly synthesized putrescine, derived from administered 3H-ornithine, labeled the nucleoli intensely at the time of their normal appearance during gastrulation, the time at which the rate of endogenous putrescine synthesis is maximal. These observations have led to the conclusion that putrescine synthesis may be directly involved in formation of nucleoli.


Hardening of the sea urchin fertilization envelope by peroxidase-catalyzed phenolic coupling of tyrosines. Within minutes after its elevation from the egg surface, the sea urchin fertilization envelope (FE) becomes "hardened" by a reaction that renders it resistant to agents that solubilize, denature or degrade most proteins. Peroxidase activity is released into the surrounding seawater from Stronglyocentrotus purpuratus eggs during fertilization. Evidence from several sources indicate that the catalytic action of the peroxidase is responsible for hardening the FE through the phenolic coupling of tyrosyl residues of the FE proteins. First, the peroxidase is localized within the hardened FE and within the crystalline FE precursor material released from egg cortical granules during the fertilization reaction. Second, a direct correlation is established between the effectiveness of compounds in inhibiting the cortical granule peroxidase (CGP) and their effectiveness in inhibiting hardening of the FE. Third, the CGP catalyzes the cross-linking of tyrosines in solution, a reaction known to be catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Fourth, acid hydrolysates of hardened FEs contain cross-linked tyrosines that are identified by comparing their chromatographic ultraviolet absorption and fluorescent characteristics to those known for cross-linked tyrosines formed by HRP. Finally, when eggs are fertilized in the presence of 125I, the CGP heavily labels proteins of the FE and of the crystalline FE precursor material released with the enzyme from the cortical granules. The iodide label reflects the localization of the CGP and may reflect the sites of peroxidase-generated tyrosyl phenyl radicals involved in the tyrosine coupling reaction. Maximal iodide labeling occurs during the first 5 min period following fertilization, corresponding to the period of FE hardening.


C3 component of complement secreted by established cell lines. The hamster cell line NIL8 secretes the C3 component of complement as well as collagenous molecules and fibronectin (LETS protein). The C3 is found in the culture medium as a disulfidebonded complex of two polypeptides of 130,000 daltons (alpha) and 65,000 daltons (beta). The secreted C3 can be quantitatively cleaved to C3b and further cleaved by C3 inactivators. The activation of C3 to C3b is promoted by zymosan or by antibody-coated erythrocytes, demonstrating participation in both the classical and alternative complement pathways. The availability of this culture system has enabled us to show that C3 is synthesized as a 185,000 dalton precursor (proC3) which is biologically inactive and becomes cleaved to active C3. Some other established cell lines (NIL1 and BALB/c 3T3) also secrete C3, but some others do not.


Uptake of protein by cultured human trophoblast cells. The uptake of peroxidase by cultured human trophoblast cells was monitored ultrastructurally. There was no apparent effect on the distribution of peroxidase caused by treatment at 4 degrees C, with KCN or with IgG. Pinocytic channels penetrate deep into the perinuclear cytoplasm and may act to allow pinocytosis to occur within layers of microfilaments which might otherwise prevent pinosome access to the majority of the synthetic organelles.


Reaction of tonofilament-like intermediate-sized filaments with antibodies raised against isolated defined polypeptides of bovine hoof prekeratin. Total purified and reconstituted bovine hoof prekeratin, containing several polypeptides, as well as individual polypeptide size classes isolated therefrom were used as antigens in guinea pigs. The antibodies raised against these protein preparations were found to decorate the system of wavy arrays of tonofilament-like, intermediate-sized filaments present in various epithelial and epithelia-derived cells. Strong cross-reaction between different vertebrate species was noted, including amphibia. Positive results were obtained with original sera as well as with IgG fractions and antibodies made monospecific by chromatography on total bovine prekeratin covalently bound to Sepharose. Among the antisera raised against the different polypeptide size classes the most intense decoration of fibrillar arrays was obtained with antibodies against fraction 4 which contained polypeptides VI and VII.


Characterization of ellipticine binding to native calf thymus DNA. The binding of [14C]ellipticine to native calf thymus DNA was studied using equilibrium dialysis. A Scatchard polt revealed the presence of high-and low-affinity binding sites in DNA, the former having a K of 4.0 X 10(7) M(-1) and an n (saturation limiting of binding) of 0.078 (1mol ellipticine/13 mol of DNA nucleotides). The forces involved in stabilizing the high-affinity binding, which has been equated with intercalative binding, were due to a combination of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. Difference spectra of ellipticine in the presence of the polydeoxynucleotides, poly d(A-T) or poly d(G-C), showed that there was no base specificity involved in the high-affinity binding. Ellipticine binding to the low-affinity sites, which has been equated with surface binding, was due primarily to the participation of electrostatic interactions of ellipticine with the anionic phosphate groups on the double helical surface of DNA.


Increased thyrotrophin secretion induced by sulpiride in man. 100 mg i.m. sulpiride (a dopamine-receptor-blocking drug) led to a significant rise in plasma TSH in normal womem, in female patients with galactorrhoea, and, to a much more marked degree, in male and female patients with primary hypothyroidism. In the hypothyroid patients, there was a significant positive correlation between basal TSH and its maximum increment after sulpiride. The drug proved to be an even more potent stimulator of PRL, at least in subjects with normal blood PRL. Normal males, on the other hand, displayed no significant changes in TSH after sulpiride. Continuous administration (150 mg/day per os for 15 days) also resulted in enhancement of TSH in normal women. These results suggest that TSH release is controlled by a dopaminergic mechanism in man. The more accentuated TSH response in hypothyroid patients may perhaps be attributable to the absence of negative-feedback on the part of thyroid hormones.


The effect of heroin addiction on pituitary-testicular function. The effect of heroin addiction on pituitary-testicular function was studied in 54 active and 19 abstinent addicts and their results were compared with those of 43 age-matched controls. Abnormal sexual function was frequently found in heroin addicts and this persisted after drug withdrawal. The mean total (mean +/- SE, 18.1 +/- 1.0 nmol/1) and free (0.17 +/- 0.03 nmol/1) testosterone (T) levels in heroin addicts were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (total T 22.8 +/- 1.1 nmol/1), P less than 0.005; free T  0.30 +/- 0.03 nmol/1, P less than 0.005). The mean sex hormone binding globulin binding capacity was higher in heroin addicts (60.1 +/- 5.2 mM) than in healthy controls (35.5 +/- 2.1 mM). These hormonal changes returned promptly to normal after withdrawal. The basal LH and FSH and the responses to LHRH were comparable in the three groups studied. The finding of significantly lower total and free T together with higher SHBG indicates an abnormal testicular function in heroin addiction. Normal basal and LHRH-stimulated LH and FSH levels suggest that chronic heroin abuse depressed testicular function via the hypothalamus or higher centres.


[A new strategy of fight against meningococcal meningitis epidemics in Sahelian Africa]. An acquired sulfamido-resistance to menigococcus having appeared, the authors propose a single injection of a cheap and efficient antibiotic, chloram-phenicol, suspended in oil for cerebrospinal meningitis treatment. This treatment has been successfully applied at the Bobo-Dioulasso hospital (recovery in 82.5% of the cases). Two controlled experiments on the field of the group A polysaccharidic antimeningococcic vaccine in the Koudougou (Haute-Volta) and Koutiala (Mali) areas confirmed its efficiency and innocuity, the conferred immunity persisting two years at least. The appearance of serogroup C meningococcus at the origin of the epidemic attacks in Nigeria 1975 has been confirmed at Niamey (Niger). In consequence of this new experience of the logistic and economic conditions in the countries of the "meningitic belt" the following strategy for meningococcus epidemic control may be proposed:--a strict epidemiologic supervision by nurses in rural dispensaries;--as soon as a few cases are reported in a medical sector, application of the "minute treatment" with chloramphenicol to all meningitic patients, which permits the "lethality prophylaxis"; the national authorities shall be then warned; they will make the diagnostic of the causal serogroup (A or C) thanks to the electroimmunodiffusion technique;--as soon as the serogroup is demonstrated, a specific "circonstance vaccination" campaign for the whole population of the sector shall be carried out, in order to stop the development of the disease.


On the concept of stem cell and a model of functional-morphological structure of the endometrium. The paper discusses the fundamentals of a functional-morphological model of the structure of human endometrial ephitelium during two phases of the menstrual cycle. The model is based on the hypothesis that endometrial epithelium comprises populations of stem cells, capable of long-term self maintenance and producing differentiated epithelial cells, which can be divided according to the model, into three types: estradiol-sensitive cells, estradiol- and progesterone-sensitive cells and progesterone-sensitive cells. The significance of changes in blood-estradiol and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle required for conversion of one type of the cells into another is considered, and histochemical characterization of different types of cells is given.


A photomap of the salivary gland chromosomes of Anopheles stephensi liston (Culicidae: Diptera). A photomap of the banding pattern of the salivary gland chromosomes of Anopheles stephensi Liston, which is first of its kind, has been prepared. The salivary chromosome complement consists of five arms, the shortest of which represents the telocentric X-chromosome, and the remaining four the autosomal arms. A comparison has been made of the banding pattern of this species with other species of the subgenus Cellia.


Cell wall synthesis in Allomyces macrogynus. Scanning electron microscopy and freeze-etching/cleaving have been employed to examine events in the synchronized development of gametophytic germlings of the aquatic Phycomycete Allomyces macrogynus. Motile spores were induced to start synchronized development and the sequence of surface changes associated with the encystment process was studied. Time course studies show that small vesicles (apparently blebbed off from the gamma-particles) start to accumulate on the surface of the plasma membrane after 6 min of synchronized growth at the same time as the first cell wall material can be detected. The vesicles increase in number during encystment. After 15 min of synchronized growth the number of vesicles decrease and after 20 min of growth no vesicle can be observed on the cell surface. During this period the cell surface appears increasingly smooth, probably due to cell wall formation. In freeze-etching/cleaving electron micrographs from this period, both intact and what appear to be ruptured vesicles outside the cell surface, can be observed. The intact vesicle has a characteristic surface pattern presumably of membrane particles. This surface view of the encystment processes supports the hypothesis that the gamma-particles through gamma vesicle formation participate in the cell wall synthesis during encystment in Allomyces.


Studies on the salivary gland chromosomes of an isolated population of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera, Culicidae). The salivary gland chromosomes of Anopheles stephensi from a local wild population in Nadasahib (Haryana) have been studied. The banding pattern is compared with the standard pattern of Anopheles stephensi (NICD strain). Differences in the free ends of the X-chromosome and the autosomal arms have been seen. These differences are both in the shape and the banding pattern of the free ends. The impact of ecogeographic isolation on genetic variability between the two species is also discussed. The Nadasahib population is free from natural chromosomal polymorphism, whereas 32 different types of aberrations have been seen in the NICD strain.


The effect of furosemide on the pulmonary transvascular fluid filtration rate. Considerable controversy exists over the use of furosemide for the prevention of treatment of post traumatic respiratory insufficiency. The conflict revolves around the use of diuretic in a patient with this condition. There is some evidence that a nondiuretic effect of furosemide may be responsible for the reported improvement in lung function. We studied the response to furosemide of the pulmonary microvascular fluid filtration rate reflected in lung lymph flow (Qlym) in the normal lung. Using the unanesthetized sheep lung lymph preparation of Staub, we found a 30% decrease in Qlym after 80 mg furosemide. However, the majority of the decrease occurred within 15 min after injection when diuresis was just beginning. This response appeared to be due to a large decrease in pulmonary venous resistance, decreasing hydrostatic pressure. Protein flow (Qlym x lymph protein content) remained constant. Pulmonary artery pressure remained constant with left atrial pressure decreasing slightly. We have demonstrated that in the normal lung, furosemide significantly decreases the fluid filtration rate by a nondiuretic effect. Further studies of this response should help resolve the controversy over the indications for diuresis and center more attention on the actual mechanism of action of furosemide.


Tolerance, dependence and lethality in morphine-dependent mice after repeated oral administration of methadone. Mice were rendered tolerant to and dependent on morphine via a morphine pellet implantation. Three days later methadone hydrochloride was administered at a dose of 100mg/kg per os 3 hours after pellet removal and then daily for a total of 5--6 days. This dose of methadone was shown to exhibit a high efficacy for the blockade of morphine abrupt withdrawal jumping and only minimal toxicity. Under these conditions, the level of analgetic tolerance with respect to morphine and methadone and the level of dependence as measured by the naloxone ED50 were initially elevated by the morphine treatment. However, upon substitution with oral methadone these levels declined with time at a rate which did not differ from that of a group of mice receiving only water after morphine pellet removal. Despite these findings, the methadone treatment was associated with an increasing tolerance to methadone lethality during the administration of this narcotic which was nearly double that of a similarly treated water control group by the sixth day. This observation could not be explained by an elevation in the level of cellular tolerance rendered by the methadone treatment since the morphine LD50 was not elevated following identical treatment with morphine and then methadone. The significance of these results is discussed with respect to the role of methadone administration and its metabolism in the modification of tolerance and dependence.


Central nervous system myelination in rats exposed to ethanol in utero. Pregnant rats were pair-fed using isocaloric control or 6.6% (v/v) ethanol liquid diets. At 18, 25, and 53 days, the in vivo incorporation of [3H] leucine and [14C] glucose into proteins and lipids of three central nervous system (CNS) myelin subfractions was examined in the offspring (control and ethanol pups) of control and ethanol-treated females. With few exceptions, the pattern of CNS myelination appeared near-normal in the ethanol pups. The ethanol pups had brain weights and total myelin protein content within the normal range. In addition, the amount of protein in light, medium, and heavy myelin was normal at 18 and 25 days. However, the ethanol pups had an excess of the chemically and morphologically immature heavy fraction at 53 days. The incorporation of [3H] leucine and [14C] glucose into myelin subfractions and separated proteins and lipids was similar in control and ethanol pups. The findings of near-normal CNS myelination in the offspring of female rats fed an ethanol liquid diet during gestation differ from our previous findings of a premature onset and slowdown of active CNS myelination in the offspring of female rats that consumed an ethanol liquid diet for one month prior to conception as well as during gestation.


Head circumference, biparietal diameter and brain growth in fetal and postnatal life. The curves for biparietal diameter, head circumference and brain weight with increasing age have different shapes, and these differences have been explained. Interconversion procedures are suggested. One important consequence of changing growth velocities relates to assessing prognosis for catch-up following adversity. On the assumption that catch-up of brain growth must occur within the period of the brain weight growth spurt, the interpretation of head circumference charts is discussed.


Defects of the central nervous system in Finland: III. Disease and drugs in pregnancy. The matched pair system of the Finnish Register of Congenital Malformations was used to search for association between defects of the central nervous system (CNS), and maternal diseases and/or drug consumption during pregnancy. The study material consisted of 710 cases with CNS defects and their controls. Significant associations were found for the following conditions: influenza, threatened abortion, depressive state, toxemia of pregnancy, diabetic mothers, and for the consumption of the following drugs: salicylates, pyrazolones/anilines, euphoristic analgesics, sympathomimetics, barbiturates, and cough medicines. 259 cases with polydactyly and their controls were also compared, with a view to demonstrating what biases might be introduced by the case-control method. After utilizing the possibilities of this design for examining the above mentioned significant associations, the factors to be seriously considered were reduced to the following ones: influenza, depressive state, toxemia of pregnancy, diabetic mothers and cough medicines.


An integrated model for haemorrhagic and ischaemic lesions in the newborn brain. The vascular anatomy of the developing brain changes from a predominantly basal ganglia orientated pattern at 24 wk to a cortically orientated pattern by 34 wk. This information, combined with other known data on cerebral vascular anatomy and physiology, allows us to develop a model for haemorrhagic and ischaemic lesions in the newborn brain based on two main series of reactions. One series involves the effects of hypoxia and hypercapnia in leading to breakdown of the blood--brain barrier with resultant oedema or haemorrhage. The other links a fall in perfusion pressure and factors causing vasoconstriction with the development of ischaemic lesions. Application of the model involves additional consideration of the state of development of the cerebral vessels at the gestational age concerned. The model helps to explain the observed findings in germinal layer haemorrhage/intraventricular haemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia and venous infarction, in the preterm brain. Its use also suggests that there are three patterns of vulnerability in the term infant brain. The model carries several implications for the neonatal management of preterm infants. Routine continuous monitoring of blood pressure is of critical importance as cerebral blood flow may vary with blood pressure in the ill newborn. It is important to avoid head compression which may lead to impaired cerebral perfusion. Finally, control of the acid--base status is essential for maintenance of the blood--brain barrier. Correction of abnormal values must be carried out without provoking rapid swings in either the serum osmolarity or the blood pressure.


Some observations on the interaction of zinc, copper, and iron metabolism in lead and cadmium toxicity. A brief review of the literature indicates that nutritional deficiencies have been shown to increase the absorption and toxicity of orally ingested lead and cadmium. Results from recent studies indicates that low level oral ingestion of cadmium and lead perturbs the metabolism of zinc, copper, and iron and that these changes may be the earliest manifestation of the toxicity of lead and cadmium. The significance of these findings reveals itself in two ways: namely, that toxicologic investigations of lead and cadmium, whether experimental or clinical, must be based on a definitive consideration of the nutritional status of animals or people, and, secondly, that the preventive role of nutrition, especially that of trace metal intakes, must be taken seriously when establishing measures for reducing, eliminating, or combatting the toxic effects of widespread exposure to lead and cadmium in humans.


Ecological aspects of mercury--selenium interactions in the marine environment. In the marine environment, mercury is accompanied by selenium in all investigated species of mammals, birds, and fish--possibly due to a normal homeostatic regulation. It therefore seems likely that selenium will exert its protective action against mercury toxicity in the marine environment, decreasing its detrimental effects on reproduction, behavior, growth, etc. of the organisms and thus protect the population and ecosystem. On the other hand, the increased retention of mercury caused by selenium may lead to a higher level of biomagnification in the food chain and a higher burden in the individual. This might counteract the positive effect of decreased intoxication.


Electrical self-stimulation of the brain: a model for the behavioral evaluation of toxic agents. Rats implanted chronically with electrodes in the posterior lateral hypothalamus were trained to press levers in order to stimulate the brain electrically. Brief exposures to low oxygen concentrations reduced the lever pressing rate proportionately with the reduction in inspired oxygen. Similar reductions in self-stimulation rates could be observed in animals exposed to carbon monoxide or the organic solvent, trichloroethylene. Prolonged exposures of animals to hypoxia in chambers where self-stimulation rates as well as food and water intake via lever pressing were monitored, indicated that as oxygen concentration declined self-stimulation rates showed a marked increase for 12 hr followed by a decline. Food and water intake were depressed. This increase in self-stimulation was only observed at low (20 degrees C) ambient temperatures and was accompanied by central depletion of norepinephine. At high (30 degrees C) ambient temperatures, self-stimulation was depressed by hypoxia. The data show the importance of comparing acute with chronic exposure to toxic agents, as well as the influence of environmental temperature in influencing behavioral events. In addition, the data indicate that the self-stimulation technique offers unique advantages over behavior maintained by food or water reinforcers in evaluating toxic compounds.


Post-translational assembly of lens alpha-crystallin in the reticulocyte lysate and in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Lens mRNA was translated in reticulocyte lysate predominantly into monomeric alpha-crystallin chains. Lens polyribosomes added to the cell-free system produced the same polypeptides, but these were detected predominantly in alpha-crystallin aggregates. Lens mRNA, after microinjection into Xenopus laevis oocytes, produced alpha-crystallin subunits that were exclusively found in the form of high-molecular-weight complexes. Also after injection of the purified 14-S mRNA, coding for the alphaA subuint, the synthesized alpha-A polypeptides were incorporated into high-molecular-weight aggregates. In contrast, the synthesis of alphaB subunits, directed by a 10-S mRNA, did not result in aggregate formation. The experiments thus suggest that aggregate formation of alpha-crystallin is triggered by its alphaA subunits, which are then joined by the alphaB subunits. This process occurs partly in the cell-free system and completely in Xenopus oocytes.


HLA frequencies and haplotypes in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). 26 patients with an acute reversible ITP and 6 with chronic ITP were tissue typed, together with their healthy first-degree relatives. The HLA frequencies of the different groups were compared with those of a normal control population. The only significant difference between the groups was an increase in the frequency of Aw32 in acute ITP patients. HLA-Aw32 was present in 26.9% of patients, but in only 0.8% of the controls (corrected P = 0.000027). The possible importance of associations between antigens of the HLA-A locus with certain diseases are discussed. Family analyses and haplotype determinations proved to be unproductive because no familial clustering of ITP was found.


Comparison of the dopaminergic effects of apomorphine and (-)-N-n-propylnorapomorphine. (-)-N-n-propylnorapomorphine (NPA) was found to be 2.3 times more active than apomorphine in producing stereotypy in novice mice. This potency ratio was not changed by reserpine pretreatment (4 h prior). However, when mice pretreated with reserpine 24 h earlier were used, NPA was found to be 6.5 times more active in producing locomotor stimulation and 8.7 times more active in producing stereotypy than apomorphine. In these mice, a second dose of reserpine or alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (alphaMT) given 4 h prior to NPA administration considerably reduced the locomotor effects of NPA. Such treatments did not modify the effects of apomorphine. Phenoxybenzamine failed to alter the responses of both these drugs. It was concluded that, while apomorphine possesses direct dopamine (DA) receptor stimulant effect, that of NPA is partly direct and partly indirect in nature. In novice mice, NPA was 91 times more active than apomorphine in inhibiting the alphaMT-induced depletion of brain DA. The question is raised why the powerful DA receptor agonistic effect of NPA did not produce equivalent behavioral responses in mice. The likely explanation would be that, in addition to its effect on the striatonigral DA system from which the stereotypic response originates, NPA also exerts a predominant effect on the mesolimbic areas. The combined effect of NPA on these two components of the DA system is reflected in the biochemical results. The overall dopaminergic effect of NPA is several times greater than that of apomorphine.


In vitro characteristics of two established hepatoma cell lines. The in vitro behaviours of a fibroblast-like (DENA-RH 13) and an epithelial-like (DENA-RH 13A) cell line, derived from a chemically induced hepatocarcinoma of rat are described. The DENA-RH 13A can be maintained and studied either in monolayer as a transplantable solid tumor or in fluid-suspension culture as ascites tumor in Wistar rats. The cytomorphology and growth pattern of the clones of the cell lines are described. While DENA-RH 13 cells produced undifferentiated tumors with mainly sarcoma-like structures in allogeneic hosts the epithelial-like cell line (DENA-RH 13A) grew in a carcinoma-like pattern in animals.


Leukoplakia induced by repeated deposition of formalin in rabbit oral mucosa. Long-term experiments with a new "oral tank". Rabbits were exposed repeatedly to formalin irritation using a new oral tank which allows a chronical contact with the oral mucosa. In long-term experiments (11 months) a preneoplastic unrest of the epithelium with dyskeratosis could be produced. This new model of "oral tank" can be used for soluble and insoluble test substances for analyzing pathogenetic processes in the oral cavity.


Cellular responses to surface binding and internalization of concanavalin A. An electron microscopic investigation on the problem of membrane cycling. Monolayer cultures of normal and diethylnitrosamine-transformed rat liver cells were labeled in situ with Con A-HRP or ferritin-conjugated Con A. Ligand-induced redistribution with simultaneous internalization of labeled membrane areas occurred in normal as well as in transformed cells when they were reincubated with PBS at 37 degrees C for different periods of time (from 5 min up to 3 hrs). Compared to normal cells, these afore mentioned processes were accelerated in transformed cells. Internalization in normal and transformed cells resulted in a recycling of labeled plasma membrane areas in the Golgi region with the label being finally accumulated in elements which correspond mostly, but not exclusively, to GERL. Then formation of phagolysosomes and multivesiculated bodies occurred whose labeled content was exocytized after fusion with the plasma membrane. This suggested that the internalized plasma membrane areas were at least partly degraded. The relabeling of some parts of the plasma membrane by extruded lysosomal content indicates that at least some Con A molecules are still biological active. Membrane internalization by endocytosis after binding of Con A obviously causes an increased of membrane biogenesis and exocytosis, thus compensating for membrane removal. This is suggested by the vacuolization and enlargement of unlabeled (not in recycling involved) Golgi apparatus. It may indicate a differential functional role of the Golgi apparatus in membrane turnover in the same cell. The fusion of phagolysosomes with the plasma membrane and the insertion of phagolysosomal membrane into the plasma membrane might be another compensatory mechanism.


Phospholipid composition of Dipylidium caninum. The phospholipid composition of Dipylidium caninum has been studied. Chloroform-methanol-soluble fraction amounted to 2.4% and phospholipids to 0.5% of the wet weight of the parasite. Phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine represented the bulk of the phospholipids, whereas phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl inositol, lysolecithin and lysophosphatidyl ethanolamine were present in minor amounts. Sulfatides were also identified in this parasite.


Satellite DNAs in eukaryotes: a non-adaptive mechanism of speciation which originated with sexual reproduction? Satellite DNAs may have originated during evolution at the same time as sexual reproduction in order to suppress crossingover between the 2 heterogametic sex chromosomes, and may have acquired a function of sterility barriers in hybrid species during evolution. This origin of satellite DNAs appears to be reflected in different stages of speciation: partial and total heterogametic sex hybrid sterility and full hybrid sterility might correspond to subspecies, semispecies and full species.


Combination of two techniques: amniocentesis and nervous tissue explants. A pilot investigation. Addition of serum derived from amniotic fluid cells (AFS) from Tay Sachs carrier to developing mouse cerebral cortex explants results in excessive accumulation of lipid in neuronal cytoplasm.


Effect of infection of mice with Friend leukemia complex viruses on background antibody-forming cell production in vitro. Friend leukemia complex (FLC), and Rowson-Parr virus (RPV) infections of donor mice depress the production of background antibody-forming cells by splenocytes cultured in the absence of specific antigenic stimulation.


The effect of glycine on serum luteinizing hormone in adult female rats. The response of serum luteinizing hormone to glycine has been studied during the estrous cycle in adult female rats. I.p. administration of 200 mg of glycine significantly elevated serum luteinizing hormone levels at all stages of the estrous cycle.


Effects of prenatal stress on the estrous cycle of female offspring as adults. Stress during gestation significantly increased estrous cycle length in female offspring as adults, primarily by lengthening the estrus-metestrus stage. Therefore, prenatal stress may disturb the hormonal milieu of the female fetus during a critical hypothalamic differentiation stage.


[Cock fighting as a model of emotional stress]. Aggressive and passive roosters displayed agonistic behaviour towards each other. The formers revealed a highly agonistic attitude in the first half of the experiment followed by an obvious decline. The passive roosters revealed a relatively stable agonstic attitude. The electrocardiorhythmograms showed that handling of the roosters and other manipulations masked the heart primary response to cock-fighting, and that the analysis of the heart rate during restitution only helped to estimate their emotional tension during fighting. Positive correlations between the aggressiveness and noradrenaline content in the plasma, were obtained. The latter correlated with the sexual activity as well. The agonistic behaviour entailed an insignificant activation of the adrenals.


[Effect of prostaglandins on embryonal myocardium]. In tests set up with cultivated isolated cells and explants of the myocardium of 3- and 7-day chicken embryos a positive inotropic and less marked positive chronotropic action of prostaglandins (PG) were disclosed. These effects of PG are fully blocked with polyphloretin phosphate and by addition to the incubation medium of ethylene-glycol-bis (beta-aminoethyl)N,N1-tetraacetate (EGTA), whereas in increased Ca2+ concentration in the nutrient medium potentiates the inotropic effects of PGE1. The data obtained suggest that the cardiostimulating action of PG is realized through the specific prostaglandin-sensitive myocardium receptors.


[Effect of etimizol and sodium hydroxybutyrate on the compensatory-adaptive capabilities of newborns with chronic hypoxia]. Daily injections of 5 mg/kg of aethimizol to female rabbits during the last week of pregnancy results in normalization of the central nervous and cardiovascular systems reactions in response to a graded mechanical stimulation, in an increased ATP content in the erythrocytes, lesser acidotonic shifts in the blood and marked diminution in the number of stillbirths. Under similar conditions of the exeriment sodium oxybutyrate in a dose of 200 mg/kg did not contribute to normalization of the central nervous and cardiovascular systems response reactions, nor did it lower the acidosis in the blood and had no marked effect on the reduction in the number of stillbirths.


Radioautographic study of the rat brain, uterus and vagina after [3H]R-5020 injection. Localization of [3H]R-5020, a potent synthetic progestin, was examined by radioautography in the central nervous system and the genital tract of estrogen-primed, ovariectomized rat. In the brain, a concentration of radioactivity was found in the nuclei of neurons localized in different specific areas: the preoptic region and the medio-basal hypothalamus. In the anterior pituitary, cells which concentrated the hormone were found. The uterine tissues (uterine horns and cervix) presented a nuclear concentration of radioactivity in stromal and muscle cells but little or no radioactivity in luminal and glandualr epithelia. In the vagina of the same animals, radioactivity was observed in the connective tissue cells, muscle cells and epithelial cells. Hormonal specificity and saturability of radioactivity binding in these target tissues were established by competition with an excess of unlabeled hormones. In the presence of an excess of unlabeled progesterone the nuclear concentration of radioactivity was diminished in all areas, while no inhibition of radioactivity incorporation was observed with unlabeled corticosterone. These results suggest the presence of specific progesterone receptors in the hypothalamus, the pituitary and the genital tract tissues of the rat.


Receptors for 17beta-estradiol in prolactin-secreting rat pituitary cells. Estrogens stimulate prolactin (PRL) synthesis by GH3 cells, a clonal strain of rat pituitary cells grown in culture. At 4 degrees C the binding of [3H]17 beta-estradiol to monolayer cultures of GH3 cells was specific and of limited capacity, with half-maximal and maximal binding after 1--2 h and 12 h, respectively. Scatchard analysis showed one single class of binding sites with Kd = 3.1 X 10(-10) M and n = 309 X 10(-15) mol 17 beta-estradiol/mg cell protein, calculated to give approx. 25,000 binding sites per cell. At 4 degrees C less than 10% of the specifically bound [3H]17 beta-estradiol was found in the nuclear fraction. When the incubation temperature was raised to 37 degrees C, the amount of radioactivity in the nucleus increased to 25% within 30 min with a corresponding reduction in the cytoplasm. The cytosol fractions from monolayer cultures as well as from tumors of GH3 cells contained specific 17 beta-estradiol binding  proteins, having a sedimentation constant close to 8S in a salt-free buffer and 4S in the presence of 0.5 M KCl. scatchard analysis showed one single class of binding sites with Kd = 3.6 X 10(-10) M and n = 258 X 10(-15) mol 17 beta-estradiol/mg cytosol protein (GH3 tumor tissue). Thus, GH3 cells grown in culture and in the intact animal have similar binding characteristics as judged from the data for binding affinity, capacity and specificity. After the in vivo administration of [3H]17 beta-estradiol to GH3 tumor-bearing rats, radioactivity could be extracted (0.5 M KCl) from purified nuclei bound to 4.5S macromolecules. We suggest that the action of 17 beta-estradiol on GH3 cells involves an initial binding of the steroid to specific receptors in the cytoplasm, followed by transport of a fraction of the hormone-receptor complexes to the nucleus involving a temperature-sensitive step.


[Human sex ratio and sex-related selection at birth]. Sex ratio in 11,500 infants died at different perinatal periods (antenatal, intranatal and postnatal) is studied. Sex ratio in these periods is: 107 male : 100 female; 136 male : 100 female; 168 male : 100 female respectively; differences at each period are statistically significant (alpha less than 0.001). A change in differential sex-linked mortality is observed at perinatal period. High mortality in males, which is characteristic of human postnatal ontogenesis, manifests distinctly from the moment of passing on to extrauterine life.


The occurrence of steroid-free, "activated" estrogen receptor in target cell nuclei. New techniques for the adrenalectomy of pigs and for the isolation of pig uterus nuclei are described. The isolated nuclei were analysed for their content of estradiol and of estradiol receptor. The concentration of the latter exceeded that of the hormone in extracts of uterine nuclei from ovariectomized pigs by ratios of 1.8--10.3. Substantial amounts of both monomer and "activated" dimer receptor but no estradiol at all were extracted from uterine nuclei of ovariectomized/adrenalectomized pigs. The mechanism of action of steroid hormones is discussed on the basis of these results.