Effect of 6-hydroxydopamine incubation on noradrenaline accumulation and on contractile responses in the rat anococcygeus muscle. The contractile responses of the rat anococcygeus muscle to sympathomimetics, dopaminergic agonists and 5-hydroxytryptamine, but not to acetylcholine, were inhibited by phentolamine (10(-5)M). Following 6-hydroxydopamine incubation (10(-3)M for 3h), the accumulation of noradrenaline was inhibited, contractile responses to noradrenaline were potentiated, responses to tyramine were abolished and responses to acetylcholine were unaltered. Thus, any spasmogen activity due to release of noradrenaline in this muscle was abolished by 6-hydroxydopamine incubation. This method was used to characterise the direct and indirect actions of some sympathomimetics. In addition, dopaminergic agonists and 5-hydroxytryptamine may also act by releasing noradrenaline in this preparation.


In vivo disposition and metabolism of enkephalins: relationship to analgesic properties. After intravenous injection, both Met5-enkephalin and D-Ala2-Met5-enkephalinamide rapidly entered the brains of mice. Both peptides obtained similar concentrations. The t-1/2 for D-Ala2-Met5-enkephalinamide in the brain (0.7 minutes) corresponds roughly to its analgesic t-1/2 (1.7 minutes); thus, rapid metabolism appears to account for the short duration of analgesia seen with this compound. Met5-enkephalin, on the other hand, although attaining similar brain concentrations, failed to elicit analgesia. Rapid metabolism alone does not account for this lack of analgesic effect.


Tissue distribution and excretion of 14C-epichlorohydrin in male and female rats. The tissue distribution and excretion of 14C-epichlorohydrin was studied in both male and female rats following an oral dose of 10 mg/kg. Organs containing the highest concentrations of radioactive label per unit weight were the kidneys, liver, pancreas, ann spleen. With the exception of the pancreas, these are the same organs in which epichlorohydrin-induced pathologic changes have been reported by a number of investigators, indicating a direct correlation between tissue levels and target organ toxicity. The principal route of excretion was via the kidneys, 38-40% of the dose appearing in the urine during the 72 hour period of study. Fecal excretion was relatively insignificant, representing less than 4% of the administered dose. It was found that 18-21% of the administered dose appeared as 14CO2 in the expired air, the majority being excreted in the first 4 hours, suggesting a rapid and extensive biotransformation of the compound.


Studies of the interrelationship between plasma norepinephrine, plasma renin activity and acute myocardial infarction in dogs. Serial determinations of plasma norepinephrine and renin activity were made in dogs following acute ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Increases in both substances closely paralleled increases in creatine phosphokinase activity, heart rate and the incidence of ventricular premature contractions. Following acute myocardial infarction, significant correlations were found to exist between plasma norepinephrine and plasma renin activity and between the levels of these vasoactive substances and the measured indices of ischemic damage. These data suggest that changes in vasoactive systems associated with myocardial infarction may contribute to the extent of ischemic injury.


Calcium augmentation of enzyme leakage from mouse skeletal muscle and its possible site of action. Creatine kinase efflux from isolated mouse skeletal muscle was monitored in the presence of various concentrations of Ca2+ or La3+ over a 5 hour period. Ca2+ levels between 10(-3) and 10(-2)M augmented enzyme leakage to greater than 300% above control. La3+, which is said to displace Ca2+ from sarcolemmal and t-tubule membranes, depressed enzyme efflux at concentrations between 10(-5) and 10(-3M. These data indicate that extracellular Ca2+ mediates in vitro enzyme efflux, and may be acting on the sarcolemma and its extensions. These observations may prove useful in developing new means to regulate enzyme leakage in various muscle disorders.


Chemical compositional studies of erythrocyte membranes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Erythrocytes from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are known to possess a number of structural and functional abnormalities, including an increased osmotic fragility and potassium permeability, a decreased deformability and altered electrophoretic behaviour. To explore the possible chemical basis of these changes, the compositional properties of erythrocyte membranes from patients with DMD and a number of suspected carriers for this disorder have been investigated. Quantitative analyses of membrane cholesterol, sialic acid and major phospholipid classes were normal in both groups of individuals and no alterations in the arrangement of membrane amino and sulfhydryl groups could be detected. It is suggested that increased levels of cellular calcium, possibly occurring as the result of a defect in active calcium extrusion, could account for the structural and functional abnormalities of erythrocytes in DMD.


Prostatic cellular changes after injection of cadmium and lead into rat prostate. Forty male rats were divided into four groups. Group I served as control. Group II received 1 mg. lead injected into the prostate; Group III received 1 mg. cadmium chloride; and Group IV received 0.5 mg. lead acetate and 0.5 mg. cadmium chloride. Results indicated that lead caused stone formation in the bladder and calcification of both bladder and prostate; cadmium caused reduction in size and weight of prostate, and histological observation showed marked atrophy of the gland, cuboidal epithelium, and squamous metaplasia in the acini of the prostate; there was no synergistic effect of lead acetate and cadmium chloride when combined at the level administered to Group IV.


Laser light scattering bioassay for 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ARA-C, NSC-63878). A bioassay method for the estimation of ara-C in biological samples which utilizes laser light scattering from suspensions of drug-sensitive bacteria has been developed. The species employed in the assay was Streptococcus faecium var. durans resistant to methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine. In less than four hours, serum and urine levels of ara-C can be reproducibly measured using the method. A sample volume of 0.1 ml containing 30 ng/ml may be assayed with a precision of +/-10 percent. The present studies further confirm the utility of the method as a rapid and relatively inexpensive assay methodology of broad application. Time variations of drug serum levels and urinary excretion rates in dogs are compared via the differential light scattering (DLS) assay, standard disc diffusion assay, and radiosotopic assay. The results obtained by the various methods are in excellent agreement.


A study of the effect of CO2 on experimental neuroblastoma. The effects of high concentrations of CO2 on experimental murine neuroblastoma tumor were studied. Similar to the experience with the animal model of Wilms' tumor, the local growth of this neuroblastoma model was not affected by concentrations of 76% and 55% of CO2 applied for 10 and 30 minutes. The tumor bearing animals exposed to different CO2 concentrations tended to develop metastases more frequently than the control groups, although no change in survival was noted. Different animals and additional tumor models could be used by others to study the effects of different CO2 concentrations at different exposure times.


Resistance to a transplantable rat mammary tumor (DMBA 8BT) after pre-treatment with syngeneic fetal cells. Mid-term syngeneic fetal cells, injected according to an optimal schedule, protect female Fischer 344 rats against a transplantable mammary tumor (DMBA 8BT). This protection is complete against an inoculum of up to 5 x 10(5) cells, an amount which leads to a 100% tumor take without pre-treatment. Multiparity does not protect against this tumor model.


The identification and measurement of two new metabolites of naltrexone in human urine. Two metabolites of naltrexone were identified in human and rat urine following drug administration. The metabolites, 2-hydroxy-3-0-methylnatrexone and 2-hydroxy-3-0-methyl-6 beta-naltrexol, were identified by comparison of their respective gas chromatographic retention times and methane chemical ionization spectral patterns with authentic standards. The standards were obtained by chemical synthesis from naltrexone. Urinary excretion of the two metabolites was measured by single ion recording of the pseudomolecular ions of the metabolites and an internal standard. Excretion data was collected from 5 human subjects over a period of 5 days following a single dose of naltrexone. The metabolites, 2-hydroxy-3-0-methylnatrexone and 2-hydroxy-3-0-methyl-6 beta-natrexol were found to account for an average (+/- standard error) of 0.45 +/- 0.08% and 4.6 +/- 2.1% of the administered dose, respectively. An unusually long half-life of elimination of the latter metabolite (mean of 20.2 +/- 1.8 hr) was observed. Acid-hydrolysis of the samples failed to produce a significant increase of either metabolite indicating that the major protion of these metabolites is excreted in the free form.


Pharmacokinetics of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. The pharmacokinetic behavior of the reduced folate coenzyme, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, was studied in the rat. Following oral administration the coenzyme was well absorbed from the intestinal tract and was bound to serum proteins. Plasma disappearance occurred in two exponential phases with a t1/2 alpha of 23.5 min and t1/2 beta of 8.5 hr. 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate appeared to be readily taken up by the tissues and was excreted in the urine primarily in the initial 4-8 hr. with minimal degradation in the process.


Centrally mediated hypotension and bradycardia induced by an aminotetralin derivative: TL-68. An aminotetralin derivate, N,N-dipropyl-2-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (TL-68) induced a prolonged decrease in blood pressure and heart rate when administered i.v. in anesthetized cats. The compound inhibited the blood pressure and heart rate responses induced by central stump stimulation of the sciatic nerve indicating inhibition of sympathetic transmission. TL-68 caused a weak inhibition of the positive chronotropic response induced by stimulation of the cardioaccelerator nerve. When comparatively low doses of TL-68 were injected into the left vertebral artery, a considerable dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure and heart rate developed. The same doses had only small or negligible effects on blood pressure and heart rate when given intravenously. When TL-68 was injected into a lateral cerebral ventricle of unanesthetized rats, a significant hypotension and bradycardia was observed which could be prevented by prior intraventricular injection of phentolamine. The results suggest that this compound exerts its effect through a central mechanism of action, perhaps by stimulation of alpha-adrenoreceptors.


Effects of ketamine on brain monoamine levels in rats. The effects of ketamine (50 mg/kg i.p.) on brain monoamines, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and its metabolite 5-hydroxy indoleacetic acid, were studied in three groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats. A rapid, simple, accurate, and sensitive spectrophotoflurometric method was developed to determine monoamines extracted from rat brain. Ketamine significantly increased brain epinephrine (25%), serotonin (28%) and 5-hydroxy indoleacetic acid (32%) in rats. In contrast, norepinephrine (43%) and dopamine (58%) levels were significantly reduced at 30 minutes. The increase in epinephrine (13%) and decrease in norepinephrine (31%) and dopamine (38%) levels remained significant 12 hours after ketamine injection. Serotonin and 5-hydroxy indoleacetic acid levels returned to almost normal in ketamine pretreated animals after 12 hours. Thus, the ability of ketamine to interfere with monoamine metabolism was revealed.


Effects of prolonged administration of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the autonomic and cardiovascular function and regional hemodynamics in mongrel dogs. Cardiovascular and autonomic functions of the dogs treated with delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) 2 mg/kg/day for 35 days, were evaluated under pentobarbital anesthesia. Treated animals required significantly less pentobarbital in comparison with that of the placebo group. However, the interaction between delta 9-THC and pentobarbital at central vagal structures noted in the 7-day chronic study was not evident in the present study. Similarly, vagolytic effects of THC reported in acute studies could not be demonstrated following 35-day treatment. Reflex bradycardia responses to intravenous norepinephrine and phenylephrine were potentiated in the treated animal. These actions were similar to that of clonidine; however, unlike clonidine, this potentiation was due to enhanced withdrawal of sympathetic tone. While there was a significant reduction in the resistances of mesenteric and femoral vascular beds, the overall pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics of the treated animals remained unchanged. An analysis of the ventricular function curves indicated the prolonged administration of delta 9-THC to the mongrel dogs for 35 days failed to produce any adverse alterations in the myocardial contractility and function.


Methylthio metabolites of naphthalen excreted by the rat. Eight methylthio metabolites have been found as urinary products of the metabolism of naphthalene in the rat. One was 1-methylthionaphthalene. A second was a methylthio analog and the dihydrodiol, and a third was naphthalene substituted with one hydroxyl and one methylthio group. Two compounds with common structural elements were found; one of these was prepared by synthesis from anti-1,2:3,4-naphthalene dioxide and one from 1 beta, 2 alpha-dithyroxy-3 alpha, 4 alpha-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene by reaction with 2-keto-4-methylthiobutyric acid or with methionine. Each of these compounds contained one methythio group and three hydroxyl groups substituted on a tetrahydronaphthalene structure. Two metabolites with two methylthio groups and two hydroxyl substituents on a tetrahydronaphthalene ring were also detected; one of these was prepared by synthesis from the dioxide. The most likely metabolic origin of these methylthio metabolites is through the reaction of epoxides (including the diepoxide) with a nucleophile which may be methyl mercaptan, 2-keto-4-methylthiobutyric acid, or methionine.


Analysis and disposition of low dose oral propranolol. A sensitive and specific fluorometric high pressure liquid chromatography technique was used to measure propranolol concentrations in the plasma of three healthy volunteers following an oral 10 mg dose of propranolol hydrochloride. Peak propranolol concentrations were 6 to 8 ng/ml and half-lives ranged fro 2.5 to 5.6 hours. The threshold concept for hepatic uptake or oral propranolol is less marked than previously reported.


A comparison of ascorbic acid excretion with other indicators of nitrosamine hepatotoxicity. All of the 4 noncarcinogenic nitrosamines (NA) and 4 of 7 carcinogenic nitrosamines examined increased the urinary ascorbic acid output after oral administration to rats. Of the remaining carcinogenic nitrosamines, dimethyl-NA decreased, and diethyl-NA and methyl-n-pentyl-NA only marginally affected ascorbic acid output. All of the carcinogenic nitrosamines, except dipentyl-NA, increased pentobarbital-induced sleeping time (PST), serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT) and produced loss of glycogen and necrosis in the centrologular area of the liver after 1 or 3 oral doses. In contrast, noncarcinogenic nitrosamines and dipentyl-NA shortened PST and had no effect on liver histology (light microscopy) and SGOT. Generally, changes in ascorbic acid output correlated neither with carcinogenicity nor acute hepatotoxicity of known nitrosamines, hence the ascorbic output could not be used to predict the carcinogenicity of unknown or untested nitrosamines.


Preparation of immobilized L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in tubular form for depletion of L-phenylalanine. The enzyme L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (EC 4.3.1.5), which catalyzes the conversion of L-phenylalanine into trans-cinnamic acid, was adsorbed in the walls of asymmetric hollow fibers and covalently bound to the innerwall of small bore nylon tubing. Multi-tubular enzyme reactor cartridges were constructed both from hollow fibers and nylon tubes and the capacity of the reactors to degrade phenylalanine at physiological concentrations was evaluated in perfusion studies at different flow rates ranging from 30 to 80 ml/min. Hollow fiber enzyme reactors showed significantly higher activity than nylon tube reactors of commensurable dimensions and this finding is attributed to the difficulties in immobilizing L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase via covalent linkages. The results suggest that extracorporeal use of such multi-tubular enzyme reactors offer a promising approach to deplete serum phenylalanine levels.


Nickel and strontium distribution in some mouse tissues. Passage through placenta and mammary glands. Radioactive isotopes of strontium or nickel (89Sr and 63Ni) were injected ip as chlorides on adult female mice and the distribution and retention studied in several soft and hard tissues, including tissues of fetuses and sucklings. The strontium concentration was comparable in liver, kidney and heart and higher than that of brain tissue. The acid soluble part of the mineralized tissues showed a strontium concentration 100-1000 times that of the soft tissues. Progeny receiving strontium through placenta or through mammary glands showed a distribution pattern similar to that of their mother, with retention of strontium in mineralized tissue. The nickel concentration was larger in the kidney than in other organs investigated. No nickel affinity was found for mineralized tissues. Nickel was readily passed through placenta and mammary glands. Contrary to findings for strontium, the nickel concentration in tissues of fetuses was higher than that of their mother.


Inhibition by trichlormethiazide of catecholamine release from perfused bovine adrenals. Effect of thiazides on catecholamine release was examined using perfused bovine adrenal glands in vitro. Thiazides, such as trichlormethiazide and methyclothiazide inhibited catecholamine release evoked by carbamylcholine although they did not inhibit catecholamine release evoked by excess potassium. Thus it seems that these drugs inhibit catecholamine release release by an anticholinergic mechanism. Such inhibitory effect of thiazide on catecholamine release may be involved in the antihypertensive effect of these drugs.


Resistance of the histamine H2 receptor in guinea-pig heart to blockade by phenoxybenzamine. Phenoxybenzamine is a potent irreversible H1 receptor antagonist in a variety of tissues. In order to assess the ability of this agent to antagonise the H2-receptor, we have examined the effects of phenoxybenzamine on the histamine-induced positive inotropic effect in electrically driven strips of guinea-pig right ventricle. Even at concentrations as high as 10(-4)M no significant change in the responses to histamine was observed. It is concluded that the histamine H2 receptor is unexpectedly resistant to antagonism by 2-haloalkylamines.


Experimental acute hypothermia and intestinal cellular integrity. Shaven and unshaven rats were exposed to a cold stress at 4 degrees C for 6 hr (SE and UE). Control animals remained at room temperature (SC and UC). Hypothermia was induced in group SE, with mean rectal temperature of 22.0 +/- 2.0 degrees C (+/- S.E.M.). All other groups were normothermic, had similar arterial pO2 and hepatic tryptophan oxygenase levels. Acute hypothermia induced a sloughing of cells from the villi into the lumen of the gut, as indicated by an increased DNA in luminal washings. However, there was an unimpaired 3H-thymidine incorporation into the DNA of the intestinal mucosal cells and those present in lumina washes. Intestinal disaccharidases and alkaline phosphatase were not altered. This suggests that more severe cellular alterations reported earlier in hypothermia may have been caused by associated factors other than a decreased body temperature.


Experimental induction of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep by intralymphatic inoculation of Corynebacterium ovis. Lesions histologically similar to those of natural caseous lymphadenitis developed in sheep popliteal lymph nodes following injection of viable Corynebacterium ovis cells into afferent lymphatic ducts. Histopathological examination of affected lymph nodes suggested that exotoxin might be involved in the establishment, progressive development and persistence of caseous lymphadenitis lesions through localised cytotoxicity.


The proportions of muscle, bone and fat in two different types of dog. This study compares the proportions of muscle, bone and fat (obtained by gross dissection) in greyhounds--a breed selected for high speed running--and other dogs, both at maturity and during growth. In adults the proportion of muscle is significantly greater in the 'athletic' greyhound. The proportion of muscle decreases but not significantly with detraining. Adult greyhounds have less fat (even when detrained) than other dogs, but the skeleton provides a similar proportion of liveweight in both types of dog when adult. The greater growth rate of muscle in athletes explains the difference in adult proportions.


Electrocardiograms 32 2-tooth Romney rams. Mean time interval (with 95 per cent confidence limits) for the ECGs of 32 2-tooth Romney rams were: P wave duration, 0.054s (0.044s--0.065s); PR interval, 0.110s  (0.081s--0.139s); QRS duration, 0.044s (0.028s--0.071s); QT interval, 0.135s (0.277s--0.356s); and ST segment, 0.192s (0.157s--0.228s).


Bovine babesiosis: severity and reproducibility of Babesia bovis infections induced by Boophilus microplus under laboratory conditions. A total of 61 intact Holstein-Friesian calves were exposed to Babesia bovis (= B argentina) by the injection of infected blood or the application of infected Boophilus microplus larvae. Tick-induced infections were uniformly severe, even when induced by relatively small numbers of infected ticks. In contrast, calves infected with carrier blood experienced mild, subclinical reactions despite detectable parasitaemia. The greater severity of tick-induced reactions appeared to be due to the large number of infective doses injected by each infected tick rather than greater virulence of tick versus blood-origin babesiae. The severity of tick-induced babesiosis was related to the age of the experimental calves, with more severe reactions and high mortality occurring among older animals. The mean daily temperature rise increased with age and was highest in 15 animals dying of babesiosis. No relationship could be found between peripheral blood parasitaemia, packed cell volume reduction and mortality in tick-induced infections. One thousand larvae from infected colonies induced babesiosis in all of 29 animals exposed. Although larval transmission of B bovis is difficult to quantitate, there would seem to be no objection to using a controlled tick-borne challenge in the laboratory for assessment of susceptibility.


The occurrence, prevalence and transmission of Bacteroides nodosus infection in cattle. Following reports of findings of ovine foot-rot flora in the feet of cattle, a study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Bacteroides nodosus infection in the apparently normal cattle population. We found that 34.5 to 74.2 per cent of the animals examined on different farms had B nodosus present in one or more feet. B nodosus was not the most prevalent bacterium observed in smears from cattle. Other Gram negative species including Fusiformis necrophorus and many Gram positive cocci and coccobacilli were also present. Macroscopic lesions in the interdigital skin characterised by erosion and hyperkeratosis were usually associated with the occurrence of B nodosus. B nodosus isolated from cattle induced mild interdigital dermatitis in experimental cattle and sheep and the infection was transmitted to recipient cattle and sheep under field conditions. Virulent foot-rot of sheep was not transmitted to recipient cattle in conditions where the disease spread to susceptible sheep.


Observations on the ovaries of zebu cattle in Northern Nigeria. A morphological study was carried out on ovaries of 236 local zebu cattle. Ovaries from 189 of the cattle were found to be abnormal grossly. Histological observations indicated changes due to old age. The findings are discussed in relation to the occurrence of low reproductive efficiency in cattle in Northern Nigeria.


Isolation of mycoplasmas from pneumonic sheep lungs in the Sudan. Sixty-four pneumonic sheep lungs were examined for mycoplasmas. Eleven isolates were recovered and were identified on generally accepted criteria as mycoplasma. Four isolates were lost during storage and the remaining seven were divided on the basis of their colonial appearance and other biological properties into two groups.


Some evidence of an age susceptibility to contagious bovine pleuropneumonia. In two separate experiments it was shown that cattle over three years of age were more resistant to contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) than younger animals. A statistical analysis of the results of one of the trials indicated that the difference in the response to challenge between calves less than one year old and animals between two and three years old was not significant. However, when these two groups were compared with animals over three years old the results were highly significant (P less than 0.001). When death was used as the sole criterion of response to challenge a similar picture was seen: nine 14 calves died, four of 15 animals aged between one and two years died, five of 11 animals aged between two and three years died, none of 16 animals aged over three years died. No attempt is made to explain this increase in resistance with increasing age. It is suggested that a better knowledge of the factors that influence resistance and susceptibility would be of value in understanding the pathogenesis of CBPP. It is recommended that to ensure maximum susceptibility of control animals in vaccine trials, all animals used should be less than  three years old.


The role of Penicillia in ryegrass staggers. Tremorgenic strains of Penicillium verrucosum var cyclopium, P canescens, P janthinellum, P novaezeelandiae and P estinogenum were isolated from the faeces of 15 of 23 affected sheep and cattle in eight of nine field outbreaks of ryegrass staggers. One tremorgenic strain of P griseofulvum was isolated from the faeces of one of 25 sheep grazing in unaffected flocks. Tremorgenic strains of P verrucosum var cyclopium, P canescens, P janthinellum and P estinogenum were also isolated from the A horizon of New Zealand soils. Since a large proportion of experimentally dosed live P verrucosum var cyclopium died during passage through the gut, the faecal evidence from naturally staggering animals suggests that at least some outbreaks of ryegrass staggers are caused by tremorgenic Penicillia and that their source may be soil.


The use of copper levels in hair to diagnose hypocuprosis. The possibility of using hair to help diagnose hypocuprosis was investigated. Diets containing different levels of molybdenum and sulphur were fed to nine Hereford steers. Liver reserves of copper were depleted rapidly when dietary levels of molybdenum and sulphur exceeded 2.7 mg/kg and 3.8 g/kg respectively. Following the onset of diarrhoea, liver reserves of copper were repleted by injecting copper glycinate. Samples of liver, blood and hair were collected at regular intervals and analysed for copper. Progressive changes in liver levels of copper were closely paralleled by changes in copper levels in hair and plasma. Relationships between copper levels in liver and plasma, and the liver and hair were both shown to be asymptotic. Plasma and hair levels were sensitive to changes in liver reserves below about 20 microgram/g, but changed little above this level. Sampling variation was shown to be less with hair than with plasma. It was concluded that copper levels in hair are a useful diagnostic aid in detecting hypocuprosis. Hair provides an integrated record of copper availability during its period of growth, and thus may be preferred to blood plasma which represents only a spot sample in time.


Surgical techniques for the serial sampling of cerebrospinal fluid and for electrocorticography in cattle. During the investigation of a familial neurological disease of cattle with some similarities to human epilepsy serial sampling of lateral ventricular and cisternal cerebrospinal fluid and of electrocortical activity was undertaken. In this paper the surgical approach, the technical problems encountered and some solutions are discussed. Further possibilities for the development and application of the technique are indicated.


The absorption of dietary manganese by dairy cows. Additional manganese, sufficient to increase the dietary concentration to approximately 1000 mg/kg, was administered to one cow for four and another for seven days. Manganese concentrations in portal and mesenteric plasma were increased by a mean of 3.9 microgram/litre above the concentration in systemic plasma. This increment is equivalent to the absorption of 0.54 per cent of the administered manganese. The cow which received manganese for seven days showed after six days larger increases in systemic plasma manganese concentration which may indicate a toxic effect of excess manganese upon the liver.


Investigation of a cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity response as a means of detecting Salmonella dublin infection in cattle. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions developed 48 to 96 h after intradermal injection of killed Salmonella dublin in 25 of 28 cattle which had been inoculated intravenously, and in five of 10 cattle which had been inoculated orally with S dublin 24 to 493 days previously. Control animals showed no delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Persistence of infection in five of the intravenously inoculated and in four of the orally inoculated animals was confirmed by isolation of S dublin from the carcases at necropsy one week after skin testing. Failure to isolate the organism from the carcases of 21 animals which had reacted positively to the intradermal test did not eliminate the possibility of their being carriers of S dublin. Skin testing was concluded to be a reliable means of identifying animals which had been, and possibly still were, infected systemically with S dublin. However recovered animals might be falsely identified as infected. Repeated testing gave misleading results.


The isolation of an atypical Mycobacterium from three wood pigeons with tuberculosis-like lesions. Cultural and biological tests were carried out on the livers and spleens of three wood pigeons. Acid-fast organisms were observed in histological sections and smears taken from tuberculosis-like lesions in the organs. Biological tests revealed that all the isolates sensitised the guinea pig to avian tuberculin. One was pathogenic for chickens while the remaining two were non-pathogenic. All were non-pathogenic for rabbits and domestic pigeons. The organisms could not be cultured on conventional media for Mycobacterium tuberculosis or media containing mycobactin. However they were readily maintained on 7H11 media. These results indicate a separate species of mycobacterium related to M avium.


The effect of induced hypocalcaemia on the cardiac output and blood pressure of dairy cattle. A mean reduction of plasma calcium level to 51 per cent of normal infusion of 4.7 per cent Na2EDTA solution into four cows was associated with a mean reduction of 48 per cent in cardiac output. Hypocalcaemia sufficient to produce sternal recumbency in a further four cows resulted in a highly significant fall in the mean arterial blood pressure, which returned to normal immediately after treatment with an intravenous infusion of 350 ml of 32.5 per cent calcium borogluconate.


Alkaline phosphatase activity in the small intestine of the sheep. The distribution of intestinal alkaline phosphatase activities has been studied in 27 adult sheep. There is a descending gradient of activity from duodenum to ileum. The location of the enzyme along the small intestine is suggestive of its involvement in absorption mechanisms.


Observations on toxicity to mice of rumen fluid from sheep fed roughage or concentrate diets. Raw rumen liquor derived from sheep fed a wheat grain plus limestone diet was 2.5 times more toxic when injected into mice than liquor from sheep fed lucerne chaff. Liquors from transitional diets were of intermediate toxicity. Lactic acid was apparently not the toxic factor and relatively high molecular weight substances are implicated.


Genetic resistance to helminths. Comparison of the development of Ostertagia circumcincta infections in Scottish Blackface sheep of different haemoglobin type. Over the years a number of investigators have reported that sheep with haemoglobin A are more resistant to Haemonchus contortus than animals of the same breed with haemoglobin B. The experiment described here was an attempt to ascertain whether a similar association might exist between haemoglobin type and resistance to non-haematophagic parasites. The results indicate that such a relationship might exist, since Scottish Blackface sheep with HbA showed milder biochemical and pathophysiological changes than their HbB counterparts and at the same time harboured smaller numbers of adult worms and more inhibited larvae when necropsied 16 days after a primary infection with 100,000 Ostertagia circumcincta third-stage larvae.


Comparison of single breath and steady state methods for the measurement of pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide in non-homogeneous lungs. The effect of non-uniformity in the distribution of ventilation and diffusion on the apparent pulmonary diffusing capacity measured by the single breath and steady state techniques has been assessed on the basis of a two-compartmental lung model. Both the methods give reasonable estimates of the true diffusing capacity provided the fast compartment has a greater KCO. The reverse of this results in gross underestimation of the diffusing capacity by both methods. There is a fairly good correlation between the single breath and the steady state results both in theory as well as in practice.


[Haemodynamic data, blood gas measurements and coagulation disorders in acute respiratory failure of patients with chronic lung disease (author's transl)]. 24 subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were investigated in the course of acute respiratory failure defined by hypoxaemia, hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis. Haemodynamic data of right heart catheterization and coagulation tests were particularly studied. 12 of these subjects had right heart failure defined by a rise of right ventricular end-diastolic pressure above 10 Torr. Coagulation tests brought evidence of consumption coagulopathy in 8 patients, 7 of whom had right heart failure. Data suggest a significant correlation between right heart failure and coagulation disorders in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These disturbances, accompanied by reduction of pulmonary vascular area, could be in part related to the presence of microthrombi in pulmonary arterial vessels.


Respiratory drive in idiopathic alveolar hypoventilation. Respiratory drive in a patient with central alveolar hypoventilation was assessed by mouth occlusion pressure method. Respiratory drive was almost abolished in this patient.


[Relation between actual barometric pressure at sea level and alveolar and arterial pO2: correlations in 3,054 coal workers with and without pneumoconiosis (author's transl)]. The correlation between barometric pressure and arterial oxygen pressure has been investigated in 3,054 coal miners. Furthermore, the correlation between alveolar oxygen pressure and alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure difference and barometric pressure has been investigated in 1,669 coal miners. For low and for high pO2a there are significant correlations to barometric pressure, in particular for the young age groups. PO2A and AaDO2 show closer correlations to barometric pressure in the middle range of pO2a (65--84 mm Hg). This points to different regulating mechanisms. A correction with a uniform factor is not possible and, for clinical purposes, unnecessary, since the influence of changing barometric pressure on pO2a is only about 1--3 mm Hg.


Studies on bronchoalveolar cells in humans. I. Preliminary morphological studies in various respiratory diseases. A preliminary investigation has been carried out on bronchoalveolar cells obtained following lavage in various respiratory diseases. Of 23 cases observed, 7 have been studied in detail, 6 cases provided insufficient material for investigation, and the data obtained from the remaining 10 cases were inconclusive. Considerations are made with regard to the value of bronchial lavage in clinical diagnosis and cell studies.


Pleural effusion--presenting sign in multiple myeloma. A patient with multiple myeloma in whom recurrent right pleural effusion was the presenting sign of the disease is reported. An IgA (k) monoclonal component was found in both the pleural effusion and the serum. The bone marrow specimen was interpreted as typical for multiple myeloma and the pleural fluid contained numerous plasma cells. Treatment with cyclophosphamide was followed by clinical improvement and the disappearance of the pleural effusion.


Unusual presentations of tuberculosis of the pleura. 3 cases of an unusual presentation of tuberculosis of the pleura which should be differentiated from neoplasm have been described.


Measurement of total lung capacity by a roentgenography-planimetry method in children 4-16 years of age. We have demonstrated the reliability of the planimetric method for the determination of total lung capacity (TCL) in children aged 4-16 in comparison with TLC measured by the plethysmography method. We have found power function formulas to be of greater potential usefulness than linear, logarithmic or exponential formulas for calculating TLC by the planimetric technique.


Effects of added airway dead space on VO2 in dogs. In dogs breathing spontaneously with added dead space, 198, 298 and 548 ml, the O2 consumption is a function of minute ventilation. This relationship (VO2 = 9.3 VE + 81.6; r = 0.95) was the same as that found in dogs breathing spontaneously with normal dead space. With added dead space, average tidal volumes increased but not enough to compensate for the added volume and, thus, dogs achieved alveolar ventilation mainly by using the fatest molecules of gas in the airway, because of the conical shape of the velocity profile of gas molecules. When the values for VO2 and f were grouped according to different VTS, VO2 was found to be a linear function of f. Also, for a given f, VO2 increased progressively with VT; however, the higher the f, the more taxing a given increase in VT was. Over a certain range of respiratory frequencies, dogs could reduce f and increase VT without significantly affecting VO2.


Respiratory drive in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respiratory drive (deltaP 0.1/deltaPCO2) and ventilatory response (deltaVE/deltaPCO2) to CO2 has been estimated in 20 normal subjects and 28 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In patients with COPD, drive and ventilatory response to CO2 were diminished, but no statistical correlation with FEV1, MBC, TLC, FRC, RV/TLC was found. A statistically negative correlation was found between blood bicarbonate and drive or ventilatory response to CO2. Patients with emphysema and normal PaCO2 demonstrated normal deltaP 0.1/deltaPCO2. In contrast, patients with chronic bronchitis with the same pulmonary function abnormalities and hypercapnia had significant diminution of the deltaP 0.1/deltaPCO2. Therefore, we feel that pulmonary function abnormalities alone cannot explain the deltaP 0.1/deltaPCO2 decrease; in most cases there sould coexist a diminished respiratory sensitivity.


Indirect assessment of lung compliance in chronic lung diseases. The slope of the flow volume curves was analysed in 20 normal subjects 28 patients with irreversible chronic airway obstruction, 24 patients with bronchial asthma, 8 patients with diffuse interstitial fibrosis and 7 patients with extensive bronchiectasis. Time constant of the system was taken as the slope of the curve between 50 and 25% of the vital capacity. When considered along with plethysmographically obtained airway resistance, an indirect estimate of the lung compliance was obtained. Significant differences in the estimated lung compliance in the normal subjects, patients with obstructive lung disease or diffuse interstitial fibrosis were demonstrated.


[Computation of the in- and expiratory gas-dynamic breathing efficiency]. The mathematical model for a computation of the mean airway resistance is extended by formulae for the calculation of the gas-dynamic breathing efficiency in the in- and expiratory phase.


[Hemoglobin oxygen affinity in children on chronic hemodialysis]. We have studied the changes induced by hemodialysis in the blood oxygen affinity in a group of 8 children with chronic kidney failure. Before dialysis: the affinity was low - P50 (7.40) = 28,3 Torr. Such a decreased affinity could explain in part why the important anemia (2 million RBC on average) observed in these patients was well tolerated. The observed decrease in hemoglobin oxygen affinity was attributed to an increase in 2-3 diphosphoglycerate (2-3 DPG) concentration, resulting from a high level of inorganic phosphates. After dialysis: the plasmatic pH increased markedly (7.52) with a consequent increase in the blood oxygen affinity in vivo (Bohr effect). No substantial change in 2-3 DPG concentration on P50 (7.40) occurred during hemodialysis.


Further studies on pulmonary oedema of high altitude. Abnormal responses to hypoxia of men who had developed pulmonary oedema at high altitude. 101 Indian soldiers, 57 of whom had developed pulmonary oedema of high altitude (POHA) and 44 who had not developed this condition in spite of being at high altitudes for over 2 years, were investigated for observing the differences, if any, in their reaction to acute hypoxic stress. Each subject was made to breathe a 10% hypoxic mixture for 5 min. Haemodynamic parameters like pulmonary artery pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean), brachial artery pressure, wedge pressure, cardiac output, minute ventilation, arterial oxygen saturation and oxygen uptake before and at the end of hypoxic breathing were estimated. In addition, results of the cold pressor test were recorded and the Vd/Vt ratio was estimated. The results obtained in the present study confirmed those obtained in our previous studies. In addition, it was observed that oxygen uptake was significantly higher and oxygen saturation lower after hypoxia in the POHA subjects than in the controls. Certain parameters for screening of subjects possibly susceptible to POHA have been suggested.


Incidence of pulmonary embolism in deep venous thrombosis. Abnormal radionuclide phlebograms were found in 65 patients in whom simultaneous-perfusion lung scintigrams and phlebograms were performed. All these patients were on adequate treatment with heparin for deep venous thrombosis. In 28% of the cases, the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was made because they had abnormal perfusion lung scans with normal chest radiograph and clinical symptoms of pulmonary embolism.


Early stage of fulminant idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis cured by intense combination therapy using cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone. A 19-year-old patient was treated who developed a life-threatening pulmonary insufficiency after having suffered from a flu-like illness for 13 days. Lung biopsy revealed an early stage of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Chemotherapy by prednisone alone proved ineffective. A combination of prednisone and massive doses of cyclophosphamide and vincristine, however, was effective in halting the rapid progression of the disease. The patient recovered gradually; the results of the pulmonary function tests were close to normal 2 weeks after the onset of therapy. Lung biopsy showed normal lung histology 7 months later. The patient has had no complaints at all for more than 3 years after the episode so that we may assume that he recovered fully.


Measurement of the PO2 transcutaneously with an oxymeter: a new method for patients in intensive care. Transcutaneous measurement of the arterial PO2 is a practicable method for clinical routine work. The covering, calibration and placing of the electrodes are simple. If the circulation is normal, there is a strong correlation between the arterial and transcutaneous PO2. The stability of the electrode permits its employment for long-term monitoring. Recalibration is necessary every 12 h. Comparison with blood gas analysis is essential for control. After measuring for 5-6 h, blistering under the electrode may occur. The electrode has to be re-applied every 4 h. Continuous measurement offers new possibilities in treatment and diagnosis.


Blood alcohol concentrations of patients attending an accident and emergency department. The prevalence of detectable blood alcohol in all new adult patients attending an accident and emergency department was 10.3%. The mean concentration was 20.9 mmol/1 (96 mg/dl). There were significantly more patients with detectable alcohol in the following groups: male patients; patients aged under 35 years; patients attending on Saturdays; patients attending between 21.00 and 08.59 hours; patients involved in road traffic accidents; patients presenting because of drug overdosage, and head injuries. Those with detectable blood alcohol were more likely to be admitted, probably because of their associated reason for attendance. Patients referred by their general practitioner were less likely to have detectable blood alcohol.


Observations on 10,000 patients in the immediate postoperative period. During an 18 month period 10,103 patients were admitted to the recovery unit after surgery at a district general hospital. The majority of patients (62%) recovered rapidly from anaesthesia, but 36.5% required up to 2 h before they could return to the wards, and 1.5% required close supervision for more than 2 h. The patients' requirements during the recovery period are discussed, and suggestions on the equipment, staffing and organization of a recovery unit are made.


Clinical aspects of ball-bearing bomb injuries. This paper reports the effects on 22 victims of a bomb containing ball-bearings. Of five patients requiring admission to hospital three had sustained injuries due specifically to ball-bearings. The mechanism of the weapon, and the nature of the injuries are described. The particular type of wounds sustained, their presentation and management are discussed.


Dependence of the calorigenic effect of adrenaline on the secretory activity of the adrenal medulla in posthypothermic rats. Posthypothermic rats, 13 h after spontaneous rewarming as well as between days 6 and 7, produced the same quantity of heat as euthermic control animals. At the same time both urinary adrenaline excretion and adrenaline content of the adrenals were markedly changed. In the initial phase of the posthypothermic state (13 h after spontaneous rewarming) urinary adrenaline excretion was significantly increased whereas adrenaline content in the adrenals was lower than in normothermic control rats (P less than 0.001). Between days 6 and 7 after rewarming, the rate of urinary adrenaline excretion and adrenaline content in the adrenals returned to the control values. The calorigenic effect of exogenous adrenaline (50 microgram/100 g), found in the euthermic control rats, was not observed in posthypothermic animals 13 h after spontaneous rewarming when the secretory activity of the adrenal medulla was increased. The restitution of the calorigenic action of exogenous adrenaline occurred between days 6 and 7 after hypothermia.


Therapeutic effect of dexamethasone in experimental head injuries. Experimental head injuries, which are easily reproducible in animal studies with guinea pigs, result in a significant increase of secondary serum enzymes. Malate dehydrogenase (MDH), fructose 1,6-diphosphate-aldolase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), together with the isoenzymes 1 and 2, are found especially in brain in large amounts. These enzymes act as 'tracer substances' of cerebral tissue and show significantly increased serum activities in cases where acute substantial damage to the brain associated with severe alterations of the blood-brain barrier is found. In the absence of shock, hypoxia and additional bodily injuries the loss of brain tissue has to be considered the only source of enzyme outflow. The early treatment of injured animals with high doses of dexamethasone results in a protective and stabilizing effect, preventing the extrusion of enzymes from the traumatically involved brain cells. Thus by observing the characteristic serum enzyme activities of treated and untreated injured animals a therapeutic effect of dexamethasone can be demonstrated within a relatively short time.


Transthoracic electrical impedance: artifacts associated with electrode movement. The applicability of transthoracic impedance measurements for estimating thoracic fluid volume and tidal volume is limited by large variations associated with electrode movement, repeated application of electrodes and inter-individual differences. These sources of variation were studied with a four-electrode impedance-measuring device in anaesthetized dogs. Electrode movement artifacts affecting both the resting expiratory value of impedance (Zo) and the respiratory change of impedance (deltaZ/VT) could be largely eliminated by rigidly fixing the distances between the current-supplying and the potential-sensing electrodes. The reproducibility of Zo and deltaZ/VT was found to be affected adversely by local conductivity changes in the skin induced by repeated removal of the glued electrodes. Inter-individual variations in Zo and deltaZ/VT correlated with the thickness of thoracic subcutaneous fat (r = 0.86) and thoracic circumference (r = -0.95) respectively. Correction for these sources of inter-individual variation allowed the standard deviations of Zo and deltaZ/VT to be reduced from 18% to 7% and from 51% to 17% of their respective mean values.


Monitoring pulmonary artery pressures in critically ill patients. A flow-directed Swan-Ganz catheter was used for the catheterisation of the pulmonary artery in critically ill patients. The monitoring of pulmonary artery pressures provided reliable information regarding left ventricular function and pulmonary vascular resistance. Moreover, the pulmonary artery catheter can be used for mixed venous blood sampling. Experiences with pulmonary pressure monitoring for the assessment of left ventricular performance in patients with myocardial infarction and left ventricular failure, for the estimation of lung function in patients with respiratory failure and for the selection of the optimal level of positive end-expiratory ventilation are presented. The advantages of pulmonary artery pressure monitoring for the assessment of the circulatory and respiratory status of critically ill patients are stressed, and technical problems and complications are discussed.


The influence of tracheal vascularization on the optimum location, shape and size of the tracheostomy in prolonged intubation. Tracheal complications due to prolonged intensive therapy were studied. By means of angiography and dye injection of blood vessels in human cadavers, and by means of surgery in dogs, the arterial systems of the trachea in both species have been analysed with regard to problems arising during prolonged intubation in the Intensive Care Unit. In experiments the main arterial networks of the trachea have been exposed, their extent assessed and the anastomoses between them determined. From analysis of the results, the most advantageous location, shape and size of the tracheostomy is proposed. A transisthmic, round and oval-shaped tracheostomy respectively, taking no more than the medial two quarters of the tracheal diameter, was found to be most suitable. Three main arterial systems, segmentally arranged blood vessels, and rich vertical and horizontal anastomoses effectively prevent necrosis of the major tracheal segments. If only one of the three arterial systems functions, the trachea survives. When designing a tracheostomy, its role in the technical procedure of prolonged intubation should have priority. The blood supply of the trachea is of secondary importance.


Osmolality measurements in heart disease. A study of the variations of plasma and urinary osmolality in patients with acute myocardial infarction and heart failure of different origin was made. It was shown that the plasma osmolality may be related to the clinical evolution of heart disease. The effectiveness of monitoring the osmolality in establishing the alterations of water-electrolyte balance is also reported.


Transitory heart pacemaker for the prophylaxis of hypoxic cardiac standstill in cases of severe pulmonary insufficiency. Patients with hypoxia due to severe pulmonary insufficiency show a tendency towards hypoxic cardiac arrest. Asystole can occur in patients during therapeutic and nursing measures such as endotracheal suction. Experience indicates that the hypoxic cardiac arrest is difficult to resuscitate. External heart massage also shows a variety of complications. We propose the appropriately timed and prophylactic use of a transitory heart pacemaker for patients with a tendency towards hypoxic cardiac arrest. Our results show that a transitory heart pacemaker is capable of producing heart contractions even in cases of the severest hypoxia, in which otherwise cardiac arrest already would have occurred. The subclavian vein is punctured, and the electrode is pushed into the right ventricle. The electrode tip is positioned accurately by means of X-ray examination, and also by monitoring the threshold of the stimulating current. We consider that the proposed method should be used in patients who would have an increased chance of survival as a result of the additional measure of using a transitory heart pacemaker in cases of pulmonary hypoxia. It would not be indicated in patients with unfavourable prognoses due to progressive changes in the lungs.


Technique of lung ventilation through an injector. Clinical and experimental evidence that the risks of ventilation through an injector can be diminished if the rate of gas flow in the tracheal probe is kept slow is presented. In practice those inlet devices for oxygen which permit an acceleration of the flow at the end of insufflation give better ventilation. The oxygen and air mixture is more uniform and the distribution is more physiological if there are side holes in the tube; the intake of additional air is then not due to the Bernoulli effect but to the effect of propulsion. Lung ventilation through an injector is worthwhile and is the only possible method in some cases, but it demands skill and care.


Transthoracic electrical impendance in anaesthesia and intensive care. Pulmonary fluid accumulation plays an important role in the development of post-traumatic pulmonary insufficiency. Yet initially diagnosis may be difficult. The measurement of transthoracic electrical impedance was used to detect early pulmonary fluid overload. In healthy test persons infusions of isotonic electrolyte solutions and diuresis were accompanied by changes of impedance dependent on the amount of infused or withdrawn fluid. In patients with pulmonary insufficiency a relatively low mean body impedance was recorded. Enforced diuresis resulted in a rise and in diminution of the alveolar-arterial oxygen difference.


Carbon dioxide in water- and air-breathers. Because water-breathers breathe much more water than air-breathers breathe air, and because in the two media the CO2 capacitance coefficients are similar, the difference in PCO2 between inspired and expired medium is much smaller in aquatic than in aerial animals, being generally inferior to 1 Torr. However, as regards CO2, water is a very complex medium, since the aquatic CO2 system varies with salinity, temperature, carbonation, photosynthesis and eventually ionic exchange in the gills. In no two waters is the pattern of CO2 exchange the same. In respiratory studies of aquatic animals it is very important to keep the carbon dioxide system of the water as constant as possible, or at least to be aware of its possible variation with many factors.


Bicarbonate exchange between body compartments after changes of temperature in the larger spotted dogfish (Soyliorhinus stellaris). Intracellular/extracellular and extracellular/sea-water bicarbonate exchanges were measured in Larger Spotted Dogfish (Sycliorhinus stellaris) exposed to 10 degrees C temperature step changes in a closed sea-water recirculation system. Changes of the bicarbonate concentration in blood plasma (= extracellular space) and in the recirculating sea-water were monitored for 36 h after the temperature change. Intracellular/extracellular transfer of bicarbonate was computed from bicarbonate changes in the extracellular space and sea-water. When the temperature was changed from 10 to 20 degrees C a signigicant transfer of bicarbonate was observed from the intracellular to the extracellular compartment and from the extracellular compartment to the sea-water. These transfers were reversed when the temperature was lowered from 20 to 10 degrees C. The exchange processes were practically completed after 18 h. The amount of bicarbonate exchanged between intracellular and extracellular compartments and sea-water was larger than predicted on the basis of in vitro buffer values of white, red and heart muscle, suggesting that additional tissues exchange significant amounts of bicarbonate with the extracellular space. It is concluded that physicochemical buffering is not sufficient to account for the observed adjustment of intracellular and extracellular pH and that bicarbonate exchange between body compartments and environment may be the most important regulatory mechamism, responsible for the final adjustment of acid-base balance in dogfish.


[Respiratory arrest during sleep. Facts and hypothyses]. The writers analyze 29 nyctohemeral recordings in 20 patients with sleep apneas. In addition to the standard polygraphy, use is made of pneumotachography and capnography. The results (central apnea with open or secondarily closed glottis; obstructive apnea with closed glottis or with expiratory valve phenomenon) raise the hypothesis of a central physiopathological mechanism common to the various types of apneas through a more or less dissociated inhibition of the activity of the respiratory, laryngeal, intercostal, and diaphragmatic muscles:--in central apnea: inhibition of the thoracoabdominal activity and maintenance of the tonicity of the laryngeal muscles, keeping the glottis open;--in obstructive apnea: persistence of the thoracic and/or abdominal activity with inhibition of the activity of the laryngeal muscles, leading to a passive obstruction due to the effect of inspiratory depression.


[Chronology of diagnostic and therapeutic activities in the 3 weeks following rupture of an intracranial saccular aneurysm (series of 316 cases)]. The authors advocate to operate grades I, II and III patients on the 6th or 7th day following the onset of SAH, that is to say between the "oedema" period and the rebleeding period. They study all investigations and therapy which are necessary previously to the operation and advocate to perform a CT scan as the first investigation as well as to control the intraventricular pressure. Their opinion is based on the study of 316 cases admitted over a period of 5 years 218 have been operated upon by a team of 7 neurosurgeons with an overall mortality of 18.3 p. 100. The mortality in grade I and II patients has been 13.3 p. 100. This percentage includes all fatalities occuring in the six months following surgery. The senior author assumes that a good audio-visual teaching of the trainees can improve the results.


[Peripheral and central factors controlling reciprocal Ia inhibition in man]. Variations of the soleus H reflex were studied during voluntary contractions of the tibialis anterior in man. At the onset of contraction there was a weak inhibition of the soleus H-reflex which was not related to the force of the tibialis anterior contraction. 110 msec after the onset of the EMG activity the inhibition became secondarily more marked and was then related to the force of the contraction. This secondary potentation of the H-reflex inhibition is brought about by group I fibres activity, since it was markedly reduced during ischemia of the leg. It is concluded that the early inhibition is only due to suprasegmental activity whereas during the secondary part of the inhibition, there is a supplementary inhibitory action likely brought about by Ia fibres tibialis anterior. The secondary potentiation of the inhibition is therefore likely to be produced via the gamma loop.


[Intermediate forms of infantile spinal amyotrophy. Apropos of 20 personal observations]. The authors report 20 cases of infantile spinal amyotrophy, including 8 sporadic and 12 familial. There were 10 boys and 10 girls, the age of onset of the disease being between 1 and 5 years, with an average of 32 months. The clinical course is such that these forms may be easily distinguished from the classical Werdnig-Hoffman syndrome, by virtue of their later onset and their slower progression. Intermediate forms also differ from the Kugelberg-Welander pseudo-myopathic form in developing earlier and having a less benign clinical course. These features favour the existence of a series of intermediate forms situated between the two classical types, the definition and limitations of the infantile spinal amyotrophies being relatively imprecise.


[Recent findings on the genealogy, clinical aspects and histology of a family with periodic hyperkalemic paralysis]. A family presenting a hyperkalemic form of periodic paralysis was studied through six generations; 31 individuals were affected, 14 could be examined. Periods of diffuse or localized muscle weakness, lasting one to four days, were associated with the classic adynamic attacks. Myotonic symptoms were discrete. Some patients, in particular the hard manual workers, exhibited a permanent proximal deficiency. Serum potassium level was in the lower normal range but raised during the attacks. EMG showed a polymorphic pattern, suggesting a functional neuro-muscular block. The histological and ultrastructural changes were pleiomorphic: vacuoles, tubular aggregates and fibers were found in a patient with permanent weakness; a pure type II fibre atrophy was noticed in another patient, without any weakness between the attakcs. Acetazolamide treatment gave good results in four cases out of seven.


[Irregular antibody screening by Groupamatic at the Paris (C.N.T.S.) and Toulouse (C.R.T.S.) blood transfusion centers]. We report here the experience of 3 years of irregular antibody automated screening with Groupamatic, that is to say of 661,511 samples tested in Paris and 269, 162 samples tested in Toulouse. The positive reactions in Paris were 16,296 (2.46%) out of which 2,021 irregular antibodies were identified (0.30%). The positive reactions in Toulouse were 8,266 (3.07%) out of which 2,138 irregular antibodies were identified (0,79%). The difference between the number of screened positive reactions and the identified one is due to false positive reactions (half of the cases) and to autoantibodies whose number is roughly the same than the number of identified alloantibodies. During the years 1970, 1971 and 1972, the irregular antibodies were systematically screened in Toulouse on all blood donors with a manual technique on opaline plate using enzyme treated red cell tests (papain). 7,147 positive reactions were detected, out of 240,080 tests (2.98%). 1,954 (0,81%) were alloantibodies and 1,529 (0.64%) autoantibodies; 3.455 were false positive reactions and 209 were non identified antibodies. These figures are superimposed with those obtained with Groupamatic during the following years, thus pointing out the interest of this equipment.


[Use of Groupamatic in surveying fetomaternal alloimmunizations]. The A.V.I.S. Blood Transfusion Center of Turin performs the screening of foetomaternal allo-immunizations for the S. Anna Hospital of Turin. This hospital includes 3 hospital departments and 3 obstetrical and gynaecological university departments. The number of births in one year is roughly 13.000, i.e. 50 mother-baby couples, are tested every day. The identification system and the sampling process are described. The program used on the Groupamatic system includes: 1.) First run: Blood typing of mother blood with screening of alloantibodies. Second run: Blood typing control, screening of immune anti-A and anti-B antibodies, syphilis screening. 2.) Washing of cord blood red blood cells: First run: Washed red blood cells ABO and Rhesus typing, direct Coombs test. Second run: Blood typing control. Automatic screening of maternal irregular alloantibodies and automatic indirect Coombs test on washed cordblood red cells are simultaneously controlled with standard manual techniques. Sampling and testing are processed within 24 hours after birth. The set of results concerning mother-baby couples are grouped on one card and sent to the hospital department for a quick MHNN prophylaxy. Results of tests performed on 6.351 pregnancies studied until birth are presented. The automated direct Coombs test was positive with: 1--95% of new borns from mother who have a high immune allo antibody anti-A/B titer (IgG after treatment with two Mercapto etanol greater than I/64). 2--100% of new borns from mother who have irregular allo antibodies in Rh, Kell, Duffy or Kidd systems.


[HBs antigen screening with Groupamatic. Inhibition of passive hemagglutination and latex test]. Some agglutination tests for HBs Ag and anti-HBs detection may be easily automated. Reverse hemagglutination, needing a lengthy incubation and several steps to carry out is unfit for Groupamatic, but hemagglutination inhibition and latex agglutination may be used. Hemagglutination inhibition using selected human red cells (ORh+) coated with cesium chloride purified HBs Ag, has been now routinely used at the C.N.T.S. with visual reading for almost 2 years. Negative and positive controls are necessary. The anti-HBs serum utilized has to be checked daily to get sensitive detection. Every new batch of coated red cells (valid 4 to 6 weeks) is checked in microtiter plates in the laboratory, before being used on Groupamatic. Both positive and dubious results are systematically retested in RIA. We found only 0,5% of false positive. The sensibility of the test compared favourably with other third generation test as reverse hemagglutination. It was close to the results obtained with radio-immuno-assay or enzyme-immuno-assay and it was more sensitive than counter-immuno electrophoresis. 65,472 samples were tested in parallel: we were able to detect 97% of HBs Ag detected by RIA. False negative results were less than 1 per 10 000 and may be avoided by using citrated solution for the anti-HBs serum dilution (suppression of auto-agglutination of the red cells). Antigex TG (the most active batch of latex coated with guinea pig, anti-HBs antibody) made by Pfizer, gave good results on Groupamatic and automatic reading was possible. But more results are necessary using various batches, before to recommend such reagent.


[Groupamatic 360 C1 and transfusion safety]. Presentation of an evaluation program of patient blood grouping through Groupamatic, with final report printed out under the control of the management computer of the blood center. The flow chart is composed of three main steps:--information tracking on a two-part card,--duplicated determination of blood groups and phenotypes by Groupamatic,--correlation check between the two runs by the management computer, followed by the print out of the blood grouping results. Print out always includes two STEPS:--for the first blood grouping: self adhesive label on a color form and on the transfusion record,--for the second blood grouping: definite blood group card and check label for transfusion record,--for antibody screening and pretransfusion check up, results and label with a summary taped on. Transfusion file should always follow the patient and allows to write his transfusion "past" just by sticking on the I.D. numbers of transfused products. Furthermore, the management computer prints out:--the result log book.--a daily updated alphanumeric listing.


[Automated data processing system at the National Center for Blood Transfusion]. 1) Data processing of blood unit test result on Groupamatic with manual labelling listings:--according to unit numbers;--according to blood results. 2) Blood donor file (updating):--114 473 donors;--150 characters/standard donors;--250 characters/precious donors. 3) Automatic print-out of:--call-ups;--donor data cards;--national blood donor cards:--diplomas;--red cards of badges;--particular listings of blood donors for medical checking, calling up, selecting units with special characteristics;--general listings. 4) Automatic labelling of blood units, by reading the unit identification number, and by printing out the corresponding labels.


[Groupamatic in the general organization of collecting and utilization of blood at C.N.T.S]. The automatization of immunohematological tests on Groupamatic equipments and its integration in a data management system of blood units and donor files has been brought about progressively, takinginto account the initiator status of the C.N.T.S. and its priviliged relationship with the manufacturer. A set of different problems was thus successively studied, the solutions of which lead to the development of new techniques, concerning the machine itself and its surroundings: --blood collection: -taking of blood sample on vacutainers containing anti-coagulant, without dilution, at a constant level and clot free; --identification: -connection between blood sample and blood unit by the creation of an identification number on twin labels (2 part card); -donor blood donation connection; --utilization of Groupamatic results: -edition of result listings; -study and use of an automated labelling of blood units; --setting up and daily updating of donor files: -blood collection data management; -creation of a badge--link between blood donation, files and donors. These constant improvements of both system and techniques have helped to put us within reach of the goal set as early as 1963 with Dr. C. Matte, that is to say the establishment of a fully automated system avoiding any intervention other than blood collection. Thus, due to the suppression of retranscription, this system increases the safety and enables the use of previously known donor characteristics.


[Groupamatic 360 C1 and automated blood donor processing in a transfusion center]. Automation of donor management flow path is controlled by: --a 3 slip "port a punch" card, --the groupamatic unit with a result sorted out on punch paper tape, --the management computer off line connected to groupamatic. Data tracking at blood collection time is made by punching a card with the donor card used as a master card. Groupamatic performs: --a standard blood grouping with one run for registered donors and two runs for new donors, --a phenotyping with two runs, --a screening of irregular antibodies. Themanagement computer checks the correlation between the data of the two runs or the data of a single run and that of previous file. It updates the data resident in the central file and prints out: --the controls of the different blood group for the red cell panel, --The listing of error messages, --The listing of emergency call up, --The listing of collected blood units when arrived at the blood center, with quantitative and qualitative information such as: number of blood, units collected, donor addresses, etc., --Statistics, --Donor cards, --Diplomas.


[Integration othe MG 50 into the routine of a hospital transfusion center]. Groupamatic MG 50 equipment looks to be quite well adapted to suit the needs of small or medium size blood transfusion centers, in which the number of blood grouping determinations daily processed is in the range of 100 to 500. In its present configuration (after some modifications have been brought in), the MG 50 offers significant advantages which will be discussed in detail. For a batch of 58 samples tested in one hour on twelve channels a single technician is required instead of 3 to 4; sample supply of equipment is therefore made in a more regular way. In case of run interrupt a single series of 12 determinations is implicated and can be immediately checked. The whole analysis process is limited to twice 11 minutes due to the continuous agitation of discs. The tubing pump priming is automatically performed and the reagent homogeneity is better insured; the presence of dilution tubes is easily controlled. Different programs are easily interchangeable and make the use of equipment smooth. We do think that MG 50 allows a better distribution of work throughout the day and accepts emergency blood grouping requests without any special difficulty.


[HLA and IgA deficiency].

[HLA and IgA deficiency]. The distribution of 29 HLA-A and B antigens was compared in 50 Caucasoïds with an IgA deficit and in 300 healthy controls. The patients were divided in 3 groups: 1) Partial selective IgA deficit (40); 2) Total selective Iga deficit (7); 3) IgA deficit associated with hypogammaglobulinemia (3). The patients viewed as a whole, we observed an increased frequency for the antigens HLA-Aw19, HLA-B5 and HLA-BW17. Yet, the modifications are not cleanly significant, with p less than 0.05, but p corrected not significant. We also considered the 3 groups separated and we did not remark any particular association with HLA. The data concerning HLA and congenital immune insufficiencies are reviewed. The most authors at once studied several immune defects. Only one Hungarian work was performed on IgA deficit. We do not confirm HLA-A1 and HLA-B8 increased frequencies, as it was reported, in Hungary, by Bajtai and al. There is no evident association between one HLA-A or B gene and the IgA deficit. The possible relation of IgA insufficiency with autoimmunity and allergy would justify complementary investigations, especially about HLA-D and Ia genes repartition in this disease.


[Serum proteins and erythrocyte enzymes. Evaluation of frequencies in 2 populations in the Gabon]. The results of the electrophoretic phenotyping of two serum groups (C'3 and Transferrine) and seven red cell enzymes (PAc, PGM, AK, ADA, 6PGD, sGPT and Est D) in two groups of negroes from Gabon are presented. The frequencies are in the normal range observed for African populations except for acid phosphatase in Southern Africa; Khoisan people have frequencies of the "Negroe allele R" higher than in any other population of the world. In Obamba and Bateke populations frequencies of Pr is 0.013.


[Value of a technical modification for the detection of syphilis on Technicon BT 15. Study on 10.076 samples  tested with 2 "VDRL-carbon" antigens]. Previously described Manifold for routine detection of Syphilis using charcoal particles with Auto-Analyzer did not appear satisfactory to the authors. A modified Manifold is described which includes a longer time of incubation and decantation, without any saline addition. Two charcoal antigen suspensions (K-Ag, ART) were tested on 10.076 samples from blood donors, comparatively with 13.614 samples tested through manual Kline and VDRL methods: no significative difference was noted in detection of Syphilis. Differences between both antigen suspensions (ART antigen gives more positive resultats than K-Ag) can be attributed to "false positive" reactions.


[Additional anti-Klebsiella phages used in lysotyping of Klebsiella strains]. In order to increase the efficiency of lysotyping as a method for differentiating Klebsiella strains the authors tested the activity of 10 additional phages isolated, prepared and studied in the laboratory and compared to the Slopek-Milch set. A number of 734 Klebsiella strains were isolated in different clinical and epidemiological conditions and lysotyped. The phage type was determined in 64.60% of the strains examined, using 15 phages of the Slopek-Milch set. By using additional autochtonous phages the proportion of lysotypable strains reached 77.80%; therefore, 13.20% were sensitive only to the additional phages.


[Determination of the take efficiency of lyophilized smallpox vaccine as a function of the vaccination technic (double scarification, multi-puncture and jet injection)]. Revaccination against smallpox was performed by three techniques: double scarification, multiple puncture and jet injection in 352 youths aged 16 and 17 years. The results were assessed by the number of takes, the quality of the cutaneous and humoral response. The highest proportion of major skin reactions was obtained by multiple puncture vaccination (62.4%) and the best humoral response, tested by passive haemagglutination, by jet revaccination. Multiple puncture is recommended as a method of election both in restricted and mass vaccination in view of the high proportion of major skin rections accompanied by a corresponding humoral response, the rapid and readily performed technique and small amount of vaccine needed.


[Significance of roentgen symptomatics of 425 breast carcinomas in 10000 mammographies (author's transl)]. The diagnostic significance of 425 carcinomata of the breast compared with NAD mammographs is examined according to 16 main criteria. Size of the breast, type of tumorous densification, structural changes parenchymal patterns, and prominent duct patterns, are analyzed in greater detail besides the often discussed direct and indirect signs of malignancy. By paying attention to discreet roentgenographic changes, the rate of false negative findings can be reduced. Mammographic examinations on only one level result in a reduction in correct diagnoses of breast carcinoma by at least 8%.


[Critical notes on risk calculations in mammography (author's transl)]. Since 1971 a Mammography Screening Study was carried out in Hamburg. This project shows that mammography is the only method to detect a high percentage of minimal breast cancer. The chance to cure these patients (10-years-survival) then is 80% and more. With mean literature values for parenchym dose, incidence rate and induction period the risk of cancer induction by mammography as a function of age was calculated. It is shown that benefit exceeds risk not only for women over 50 years of age. Even for younger women the use of mammography seems justified, if longer inspection periods from 2 to 5 years are considered.


[Xeromammography (author's transl)].

[Xeromammography (author's transl)]. Film- and xeromammography are good diagnostic methods of breast diseases. Concerning praeclinical situations xeromammography is as well as film-mammography. Radiation hazard of xeromammography is on a lower range.


[Diagnostic significance of high-filtration xeromammography in relation to radiation hazard and image quality (author's transl)]. The use of additional filtration through 3 mm aluminium enables significant reduction of the radiation dose in xeromammography with the Senographe, compared with conventional xerography, by a factor of 2-3, and, compared with film not requiring an intensifying screen, by a factor of 10-12. The applied tissue doses are between 0.14 and 0.30 rad per exposure. Hence, the radiogenic carcinoma risk, which is still largely hypothetic, is very low as far as this mammographic system is concerned. The high quality of the mammographs guarantees absolute diagnostic safety.


[The value of infrared and plate thermography in the early diagnosis of mastocarcinoma (author's transl)]. The inspection and palpation of the breast remains the basis of every breast examination. However, genuine early diagnosis of carcinoma of the breast cannot be achieved by clinical examinations without any supporting investigation. It must be borne in mind that such early diagnosis is the aim of every medical checkup for cancer. This fact has resulted in the development of novel examination methods employing suitable apparatus. The value of mammography is beyond dispute. Since it is the safest of all examination methods as far as accurate results are concerned, mammography makes a decisive contribution toward improving the success rate of early diagnostics. The present paper aims at emphasizing the value of thermography in diagnostics, especially in the early diagnosis of mastocarcinoma. Such a valuation becomes possibly by checking all thermographic findings with the help of mammography. As a result, it must be stated that both infrared thermography and plate thermography can only be additional examination methods in support of mammography in order to discover clinically occult carcinomas within the framework of preventive care examinations.


[Preoperative marking of non-palpable tumors of the breast (author's transl)]. The article reports on a simplified localization method via injection of contrast medium, Patent Blue and suprarenine, subsequent to a review of various methods of localization of non-palpable breast findings with suspicion of carcinoma.


[Parasternal lymphoscintigraphy in mastocarcinoma, its diagnostic value and significance for prognosis (author's transl)]. The scintigraphic investigation of parasternal lymph nodes is a simple method which is well tolerated by the patients. It gives additional information about lymphatic metastases. This examination is of great value for prognosis and therapy in cases of breast cancer.


[Clinical comparative study between the contrast media Biligram, Endomirabil and Biliscopin (author's transl)]. The contrast media Biligram, Endomirabil und Biliscopin are tested in comparative series in a total of 304 patients. The optimal time of exposure for visulaization of the bile ducts and gallbladder is between 60 and 90 minutes in combined filling with Biloptin and the contrast medium used. The contrast media do not differ from one another in a significant manner in respect of contrast densification. All three constrast media have low side effects for injection times of 5 minutes. The side effect quota increases with the amount of injected contrast medium. Of all three contrast media, Biliscopin has the lowest side effect quota.


[Lysis of the odontoid process in rheumatoid polyarthritis]. The authors report 9 cases of partial or total lysis of the odontoid peg in rheumatoid arthritis. Retrospective study of 100 cases of rheumatoid arthritis and the data from the literature demonstrate the rarity of these lesions, the last stage of the odontoid erosions which are much commoner. The therapeutic approach is usually nuero-surgical.


[Osteo-articular infections: choice and monitoring of antibiotic therapy. Apropos of 26 observations with an identified organism]. Study of 26 cases of osteo-articular infections with an identified organism collected in a rheumatology department, has confirmed in the first place the increasing importance of gram negative organisms, compared with the staphylococcus which has always mainly predominated in this type of infection. In each case, the authors have made as complete a bacteriological study as possible, including antibiotic sensitivities, the measurement of the minimum inhibitory concentration of the antibiotics on the isolated strains, study of the bactericidal power in vitro of various combinations, and study of the inhibitory power of the serum on the organism. This study of the inhibitory power of the serum approximates most closely to testing the antibiotic activities in vivo, since one cannot make this assessment, in most cases, within the infective focus itself. Rifampicin, with the imperative condition that it is not used alone, is a major antibiotic in the osteo-articular infections, by reason of its very great activity against the staphylococcus, its excelent penetration into bone, and its ease of use. Other recognized anti-staphylococcal antibiotics behave in a more disappointing fashion. When the effectiveness of treatment is checked regularly by the inhibitory power of the serum, together with the other classical criteria of surveillance, cure of the infection as been achieved in every case.


[Aspects of the crossed thoracobrachial syndrome as seen in rheumatology]. On the basis of 12 personal observations it is pointed out that the thoracobrachial syndrome may become apparent from pain or paraesthesia of the arm. These symptoms typically appear in certain positions or on effort. Essential arterial or venous complications require early diagnosis, which is only possible by vascular exploration (arteriography or phlebography with radiographs with abduction of the arm). The value of clinical changes appears to be very restricted. Simple surgery-resection of the first rib- eliminates all possible multiple compression causes and is indicated in serious or very incapaciting forms of the syndrome.


[Tomodensitometry in osteoarticular pathology. Preliminary results]. From the investigation of 180 patients, the preliminary results of tomo-densitometric study ("scanning") of the locomotor system are presented. The technique permits investigation in the transverse spatial plane, which is ignored in conventional radiology. We feel this to be a major advantage in osteo-articular disease, especially for the spine (measurement of the diameter of the canal, analysis of the posterior structures), the sacro-iliac joints, hip joints (easy-measurement of the angles of anteversion) and patello-femoral joints. The densitometric measurement is the second advantage. It allows the estimation of the degree of bony calcification of any bone in the body with great precision. The preliminary study already demonstrates the limitations of the technique (exploration of a single transverse plane, edge effect, and necessity for a new anatomy).


[Fc-gamma-receptor cells and rheumatoid arthritis]. Certain blood lymphocytes of patients suffering from rhumatoid arthritis (RA) and or control subjects, can be detected using a rosette technique in the presence  of erythrocyte antibody compounds (EA). The EA rosettes demonstrate the presence of cells having a receptor for the Fc fragment of the IgG's (Fc-receptor). A significant increase in highly active EA rosettes during RA was demonstrated using six EA compounds differing according to the type of erythrocyte and the quantity of sensitizing antibody. These highly active EA rosettes correspond to the case in which few antiserum molecules cover the erythrocytes. Their high level in RA may correspond to an increased number of Fc-receptor cells or to a stronger linkage of EA compounds. The cells forming EA rosettes are responsible for the resulting cell antibody cytotoxicity that seems to change little during rhumatoid disease. However, the very special behavior of Fc-receptor lymphocytes incubated in vitro suggests that the IgG receptors are modulated by the immune compounds present during RA.


[Bone scintigraphy in Paget's disease].

[Bone scintigraphy in Paget's disease]. Sixty patients with Paget's disease underwent bone scintigraphy and a radiological and biological exam. The use of scintigraphy in this disease is of double importance: it allows the spread of the disease to be diagnosed without doing X-rays of the entire skeleton. In twenty per cent of cases this disease cannot be located using X-rays and is detected by scintigraphy. It also supplies an additional objective criteria for judging the development of this disease, especially under treatment. The authors study the different hypotheses concerning the fixation to the bone of the isotope tracer in the Paget zone.


[Critical study of variations in bone mass measurement by iliac biopsy]. Measurement of the bone trabicular volume (BTV) of 60 iliac crests obtained at necropsy, was done by morphometry on decalcified bone preparation. Changes in the site and the techniques of biopsy introduce variations which may reach 50% for sites which are one or two centimeters apart. The iliac bone is not especially imprecise and should be replaced by the transfixing horizontal biopsy. For a given zone, one observes a good correlation between the BTV and the ash weight per cubic centimeter of psongious bone, a point which justifies the interest in morphometry for the evaluation of the body bone mass.


[Our experience with the determination of serum anti-alphastaphylolysins and antigammastaphylolysins during infectious osteoarthritis. A personal series of 53 staphylococcal osteoarthritis cases, 14 cases of osteoarthritis from various germs, 47 extra-articular staphylococcal infections and 500 control subjects]. The difficulty of directly isolating the casual agent (by obtaining specimens in situ or if necessary by hemoculture), during infectious osteo-arthritis and mainly during those deeply located such as spondylodiscitis and sacro-iliac infections, has led authors to investigate the field of serologic examinations. In staphylococcosis, which is quite frequent, they report results of serum anti-alphastaphylolysin dosage (AASTL) in 500 controls, 100 patients in whom a staphylococcus was recovered and 14 patients with other germs. In the first group, 10 subjects out of 500 ad a level greater than 2 IU whereas in the second group an elevation of the level of AASTL was observed in 66% of cases of staphylococcal osteo-arthritis (35 out of 53) and in 54% of cases of staphylococcosis without esteoarticular localization (25 out of 47), a total of 60% of staphylococcosis with various localizations (60 cases out of 100). Despite the elevation AASTL serum in 4 of the 14 cases of the third group, this study confirms the great diagnositc value of this dosage mainly when the levels are higher than 4 IU or are still rising. The recent study of the serum antigammastaphylolysins represent an additional factor of interest because of its reliability and its frequent positive result during staphylococcosis (in 19 cases of osteo-arthritis out of 27, and in 10 cases of staphylococcosis without osteo-articular localization out of 16: a total of 29 cases in a series of 43 staphylococcosis). The dosage of both AASTL and AGSTL, however, seems more valuable since out of 40 cases of staphylococcosis, we have observed a simultaneous elevation of AASTL and AGSTL in 22 cases (55%), a sole elevation of AASTL in 8 cases and AGSTL in 5 cases (12.5%). Therefore, in this series, at least one of the enzymes was elevated in 15 cases out of 40 (87.5%) which represents an increase of 12.5% when compared with the study of the sole AASTL and an increase of 20% when compared to the study of AGSTL.


[Value of myeloscintigraphy in the detection of intraspinal compressions]. The authors report their experience of myeloscintigraphy summarizing the 120 examinations made during the years 1975 and 1976, in the department of rheumatology of the regional hospital centre of Clermont-Ferrand. The technique uses serum labelled with technetium 99 introduced by the lumbar route. Schematically 3 pathological patterns can be determined : complet block, segmental block, and partial block. The examination is particularly reliable at the dorsal and high lumbar levels, where only one "false negative" was found, and even that debatable. In this situation it has a valuable role in regard to both the presence and the level of a compression. In the cervical and low lumbar levels, its reliability seems definitely inferior, especially in the case of lateral disc herniations. Tolerance has always been excellent whatever the age of the patient. We have thus an investigation that is simple and well tolerated, and its valuable role in the early detection of myelo-radicular compressions should assure it a place of choice alongside other methods of paraclinical investigation of the spinal canal.


[Microhardness measurement of the cartilage of the human femur head]. Resistance to compression of the cartilage of 29 heads of human femurs were studied with a microdetector. This instrument allows comparison between various samples of cartilage, taking into account the macroscopic aspect of the surface of the articulation. Study of samples using normal microscopy reveals that the hardness of the cartilage can vary considerably from one subject to another, without correlation with the microscopic aspect of the articulation surface, or the exact place of the biopsy or the age of the subject. The presence of superficial microfissures was correlated with significant diminution of the hardness of the cartilage. The most extensive lesions of the cartilage due to aging were observed in subjects with an intact cartilage that was less resistant than the others.


Bioelectrical changes in the rabbit septal nuclei after i.v. administration of adrenaline and hydrocortisone. The effect of i.v. administration of a 10 gamma/kg b.w. and 20 gamma/kg b.w. dose of adrenaline solution and/or 5 mg/kg G. F. hydrocortisone hemisuccinate dose was studied on New Zealand, rabbits with pairs of electrode chronically implanted the LSN, AN, MSN, NDBB, dorsal hippocampus and RFM. The 10 gamma and the 20 gamma/kg b.w. dose of adrenaline cause changes in the EEG traces of the septal nuclei and the dorsal hippocampus expressed by a directly proportional increase in the frequency, and by a decrease in the mean amplitude of the background acticity inversely proportional with the adrenaline dose. Administration of the 5 mg/kg hydrocortisone hemisuccinate dose lead to similar modifications, but with lower values as compared to those obtained by administration of the 20 gamma/kg dose of adrenaline.


Variations in LH and FSH serum gonadotropins in the hypophyseal chromophobe adenoma and acromegaly in the woman in relation to age. Investigation of the gonadotropic function by radioimmunoassay of serum LH and FSH in 62 women with hypophyseal chromophobe adenoma and acromegaly in relation to age and by comparison with 40 normal women revealed low values for LH and FSH during the reporduction period (20--43 years) and increased values in the postmenopausal period (48--84 years) like in physiologic postmenopause. The increase of the gonadotropic function in the hypophyseal tumoral syndrome of the chromophobe adenoma and acromegaly type above the age of 48 from low values compared to the normal to high values like those in physiologic menopause (a gonadotropic turning phenomenon) demonstrate an alteration of the hypothalamic receptors in relation to age and to these diseases.


Plasmatic level of angiotensin I in normal subjects of various ages, in Cushing's syndrome and in normal and pathologic pregnancy. Using RIA for determining the plasmatic renin activity in orthostatism according to the method of Fyhrquist we obtained in the control group of adult subjects nonsignificant variations in relation with sex and age, and in the group with Cushing's syndrome associated with arterial hypertension nonsignificantly increased values as against the controls. In pathologic pregnancy (toxemic pregnancy with arterial hypertension and edemas), the plasmatic renin (PR) activity was significantly higher ( less than 0.001) than in the group with physiologic pregnancy.


Progressive "empty sella" syndrome, gonadotropins deficiency and congenital aqueductal stenosis. Case report. A 23-year old woman had both the empty sella syndrome (ESS) and congenital stenosis of the aqueduct of Sylvius, diagnosed by fractionated pneumencephalography. A progressive increase of the pituitary fossa followed a brisk intracranial hypertension. Dynamic pituitary function tests show a secondary gonadotropin deficiency. The role of intracranial pressure in the pathogenesis of "empty sella" syndrome, as well as the necessity to investigate by pneumencephalography all the patients with progressive enlargement of sella turcica and secondary pituitary deficiency are suggested.


The endogenous release of pancreatic polypeptide by acid and meal in dogs. Effect of somatostatin. The response of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) to testmeal (5 ml/kg) and intraduodenal acid (4 mEq HCl/5min) and its reaction to somatostatin (3.5 microgram/kg/h following bolus injection of 3.5 microgram/kg) was studied in dogs with chronic duodenal and gastric fistulae. In addition the influence of atropin (0.5 mg/kg/h) on acid-induced PP response was examined.  PP was measured by radioimmunoassay pancreatic secretion by determinating volume, bicarbonate, protein, and enzyme in duodenal contents and pancreatic juice. Plasma PP increased significantly following intraduodenal application of testmeal and hydrochloric acid. Its release was completely suppressed by SST. Furthermore, PP response to intraduodenal acid was blocked by atropin. Exocrine pancreatic secretion of bicarbonate and protein was inhibited by somatostatin as well as atropin. Since PP was released following administration of testmeal and acid, both potent stimulators of pancreatotropic duodenal hormones, it may play an important role in the control of the entero-pancreatic axis. The effect of atropin indicates a cholinergic nervous component of PP release.


Lipase activity in blood following endoscopic pancreatography: demonstration of its pancreatic origin and existence of ductal or acino-venous pathways in man. The presence of a lipase activity has been observed in the blood of patients undergoing an endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP). The identity between this serum lipase and pancreatic lipase has been demonstrated by their similarity in in chromatographic, immunological, and catalytic properties. Lipase activity in serum increased when pancreatography was accompanied by a passage of the contrast medium to the kidney demonstrating the presence of ductal or acino-venous pathways in man.