Induction of the cortical reaction in hamster eggs by membrane-active agents. Fusion of capacitated spermatozoa with the vitelline membrane, but not actual penetration, appears to initiate the cortical reaction in hamster eggs. The reaction can be artificially induced by the application of positively charged particles to the vitelline surface, a situation which may normally be prevented by the zona pellucida. Exposure of hamster eggs to neuraminidase, to lectins (concanavalin A and phytohaemagglutinin-P), to a monovalent ionophore (boromycin) and to 1,3-bis(4-chlorocinnamylideneamino)guanidine elicits a cortical granule discharge resulting in a block to fertilization. These agents all appear to act by inducing depolarization of the vitelline membrane.


Effect of ovariectomy on serum prolactin concentrations in old and young rats. Changes in endogenous prolactin levels in rats with age and after ovariectomy varied according to the reproductive state, emphasizing the different mechanisms underlying infertility in rats in constant oestrus and prolonged dioestrus.


Genetic analyses of pyloric stenosis suggesting a specific maternal effect. Data on pyloric stenosis are analysed by multiple threshold methods that incorporate the sex effect. The polygenic model of inheritance is rejected; the single major locus model can only account for 37% of the cases having a genetic aetiology, requiring an environmental effect to account for the remainder of the cases. A maternal-fetal interaction for gastrin production and sensitivity is postulated to explain all the existing data. The empirical risk figures given are considered to be the most accurate basis for genetic counselling until additional studies provide a sound biological basis for a quantitative genetic model.


Protracted infection with Salmonella bareilly in a maternity hospital. The paper describes a protracted outbreak of Salmonella bareilly in a maternity hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The disease affected the premature babies who suffered from gastroenterities. The infection started in one premature baby room and soon spread to all other premature baby rooms in the hospital. Though the disease affected only the premature babies, there was widespread contamination of the environment and a large reservoir of asymptomatic infections amongst the staff and healthy babies. Initially the spread of infection would have been by person-to-person transfer, but subsequently the rapid spread was probably through the piped water supply contaminated as a result of suction of waste water into the water mains. The organism appeared to grow in the interior of the water tap in that zone which is in contact with the atmosphere and also in the walls of the water tanks at the water level. When the plumbing defect which permitted the contamination was rectified, the organism disappeared from the taps and the infection rapidly subsided. Subsequently all the tanks were cleaned and disinfected. There was no recurrence of infection after this.


Failure of defective interfering particles of Sindbis virus produced in BHK or chicken cells to affect viral replication in Aedes albopictus cells. Whereas defective interfering particles of Sindbis virus are readily produced in BHK-21 cells or chicken embryo fibroblasts by the techniques of serial undiluted passage, similar methods failed to generate such particles in Aedes albopictus cell cultures. In addition, Sindbis virus stocks produced in BHK-21 cells or chicken embryo fibroblasts and which contained defective interfering particles, when tested in A. albopictus cells, failed (i) to interfere with the replication of standard Sindbis virus and (ii) to change the pattern of intracellular viral RNA synthesis from that produced by infection with standard Sindbis virus alone. We conclude that defective interfering particles of Sindbis virus generated in chicken or hamster cells are silent or inert in mosquito cells.


Malignant germ cell tumor of the testis: spontaneous regression of pulmonary metastases with 7-year survival. A case of  a malignant germ cell tumor of the testis in a 28-year-old man is reported. The patient showed spontaneous regression of pulmonary metastasis and is well 7 years after orchiectomy and irradiation of abdominal lymph nodes. A plea is made for further documentation of such cases.


[The study of control of posture by frequency analysis of surface electromyogram: an analysis of changes in muscular activity under the controlled posture (author's transl)]. In order to examine the function of muscle for control of posture a frequency analysis was performed of surface EMGs taken from the arm (M. deltoideus) held at the shoulder level. The results indicate that: (a) Power spectra first with a dominant especially with respect to 45-55 Hz component changed significantly 2 components of 5-60 Hz and 65-75 Hz when a 5 min experiment were repeated 3 times, and (b) the ratios of increased power was remarkable in both bands of 10-15 Hz and 30-35 Hz with repeating trials. The control of posture was discussed from the standpoint of behavioral psychology.


[Genetic analysis of open-field behavior in mice (author's transl)]. 505 mice of BB and C 57 BL/6 as parental strains, as well as derived F 1, F 2 and backcrosses were tested for spontaneous motor activities and eliminations in 4 different apparatus. A component being highly associated expecially with open-field measures was obtained from the principal component analysis. This suggests that an individual score on this composite variable represents a certain unique open-field behavioral pattern. Relatively low heritabilities in broad sense (coefficient of genetic determination) were given by classic genetic analysis, indicating the substantially great effects of the environmental factors of this behavioral character. Further, albino mice in BB, F 2 and B X B showed a very inactive open-field behavioral pattern than pigmented mice.


[Association of Posner-Schlossman-syndrome with Adisson's disease (author's transl)]. After introductory remarks concerning the Posner-Schlossman-syndrome (syndrome of glaucomatocyclitic crises) a case is reviewed. The concurrence with Addison's disease in this patient gives rise to speculations as to possible connections between the two conditions, but the conclusion is that the simultaneous occurrence of the two diseases at present must be regarded as coincidental.


[Diathermy procedures, light and laser coagulation, cryocoagulation. Experimental and clinical considerations]. The clinical and experimental results from the methods of coagulation currently in use are presented. The advantages and disadvantages of trans-scleral methods (diathermy and cryopexy) and trans-ocular methods (Xenon arc and argon laser) are discussed. Experiments on absorption, the mode of action of intense light, the optimal time and method of application, the necessary intensity and the extent of the coagulated area are communicated. Of the trans-scleral methods, cryopexy is to be prefered. The trans-ocular methods have the advantage of a more exact localisation and dosage. Either route can often be chosen in any particular case, though at present no overriding advantage has been shown for either.


Total correction of Ebstein's anomaly by replacement with a biological aortic valve without plication of the atrialized ventricle. For the surgical management of Ebstein's anomaly, the preferred operation will be Hardy's procedure, which preserves the patient's valve. However, we have encountered 3 cases of this disease in which the downward displacement of the tricuspid valve was so severe and the functioning right ventricle was so small that Hardy's method could not be adapted without causing tricuspid regurgitation and making the right ventricular chamber more narrow. We treated these patients by replacing the tricuspid valve with an inverted aortic valve with a stent and not plicating the atrialized ventricle. The results have been proved satisfactory through about 7 years' follow-up, suggesting that our technique will be remarkably effective as a radical corrective operation for Ebstein's anomaly with severe intracardiac abnormalities.


Surgical treatment of atypical pulmonary tuberculosis. During a 12 year period from January 1962 to December 1973, 48 patients with atypical mycobacterial infection of the lung were treated surgically with excellent results. There were no deaths, and sputum conversion was achieved in all of them. The considerable drug resistance of the atypical mycobacteria and the possible ill effects of prolonged conservative treatment in cases with active disease and drug resistant organisms are pointed out. Early surgical treatment is recommended in such circumstances. Some bacterioligical and biological characteristics of atypical mycobacteria are also discussed.


The lymphatic vessels of the uterus during the sexual cycles of the mice. Orthograde delineation and characterization of the lymph vascular system in the uterus of the mouse during the sexual cycle was achieved by absorption of Patent Blue Violet and Japan ink. The lymph vessels in the endometrium are dilated by about 8-10 times and of varying calibre during oestrus. A reticular arrangement is characteristic of the subsequent stages, while the picture during pre-oestrus resembles that of oestrus. The dye is carried away very rapidly through the larger lymph vessels in the mesometrium which have their typical string of pearls appearance.


Effect of neonatal thymectomy on follicle numbers in the post-natal mouse ovary. 1. Surgical removal of the thymus gland within 48 hours of birth has no effect upon the numbers of small, medium and large ovarian follicles in Bagg albino strain mice during the first 12 weeks of life. 2. 20% of thymectomised mice more than 12 weeks of age developed ovarian atrophy which included the disappearance of corpora lutea and an overall reduction in all fractions of the follicle population. 3. These results do not support the proposal of Nishizuka and Sakakura that the thymus gland specifically maintains the non-growing, small (primordial) follicle pool in the mouse ovary during post-natal and reproductive life.


[Effects and mechanism of a locally combined treatment with radiation and heat therapy (author's transl)]. An animal experimental study on solid Walker-tumors was undertaken to determine the therapeutic effects utilizing hyperthermy in the form of combined decimeter wave megavolt treatment. Noted was the superior effect of combination therapy as compared to exclusive use of radiation therapy. Hyperthermy therapy alone does inhibit tumor growth but not involution. This inhibiting characteristic of hyperthermy probably changes cellular mitotic rhythm in the form of cellular synchronisation. The indications for combined hyperthermy megavolt treatment is hypoxic malignant tumors of low radiation sensitivity, especially in superficial and shallow tissue regions. The above treatment is tolerated well and no serious side effects have been observed.


Cosolvent-buffer mixtures as models for the cytoplasmic mileu: the enzymology of adenosine aminohydrolase. Adenosine aminohydrolase from calf intestinal mucosa is sensitive to changes in its environment produced by small mole fractions of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). At a mole fraction of 0.1 where the dielectric constant is lowered from that of 78 of neat water to about 76.5, Vmax was reduced by 65% and affinity for substrate (adenosine) and the two competitive inhibitors, insine and N6-benzyladenosine, was decreased markedly. However, this decreased affinity was such that Ki/Km remained virtually constant for both inhibitors. DMSO itself showed the kinetics of a mixed inhibitor with Ki decreasing with increasing mole fraction. This cosolvent also decreased the heat stability of the enzyme which suggests that enzyme conformation is altered by DMSO. Comparison of data in the presence of DMSO with previously obtained data with dioxane shows that heat stability as well as Vmax, at a given value of dielectric constant, is independent of the amount or nature of cosolvent used to achieve that dielectric constant. However, cosolvent induced changes in Ki indicate that colligative as well as dielectric constant effects contribute to the observed changes in kinetic behavior. These experiments may be considered as models for the behavior of enzymes in the medium of lowered dielectric constant expected in the vicinity of cytoplasmic membranes. The results indicate that in such an environment, adenosine aminohydrolase would be expected to be less efficient a catalyst, but equally susceptible to product inhibition, as compared to media of dielectric constant approaching that of water.


Transfer RNA of a collagen producing tissue, chick-embryo calvaria. Transfer RNA was isolated from calvaria prepared from chick embryos incubated for 15-17 days. The chargeability of the unfractionated tRNA with ten amino acids tested was very similar to that of unfractionated tRNA from adult chicken liver when data were expressed on the basis of pmoles of amino acceptance per A260 unit of tRNA. However, the relative amount of tRNA in calvaria is only about one-fourth the amount in liver. Analysis of individual species of tRNA by two-dimensional electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels shows that there are fewer isoaccepting species of tRNA in calvaria than in liver.


Serologic detection of a y-linked gene in xx males and xx true hermaphrodites. To test the hypothesis that H-Y antigen (present on both somatic and germ cells in normal males but not normal females) is essential for testicular differentiation, we studied four XX males and three XX true hermaphrodites. Blood cells from six subjects and cultured gonadal fibroblasts from a seventh expressed H-Y antigen. Since expression of this antigen requires the presence of a gene normally carried by the Y chromosome, this gene, and perhaps additional Y chromosomal material, should have been present in the genome of these subjects. In one patient this presence is accounted for by a Y-to-X translocation, detectable by chromosome banding. In another a normal Y chromosome was present in a minor population of cells. In the remaining five, no karyotypic abnormality was detectable. Immunologic detection of H-Y antigen is a sensitive test for the presence of the Y chromosome or of its male-determining segment.


[Structure of chromosomal deoxyribonucleoproteins. VII. Free dna in preparation of fragmented chromatin]. Chromatin which was hydrodynamically sheared in a low ionic strength buffer lacking divalent cations (mu = 0.005) contains a heterogeneous set of DNP particles but no molecules of free DNA. The main finding is that a transference of sheared chromatin to 1-2 mM MgCl2 or to 0.1-0.2M NaCl results in the appearance of completely free DNA molecules. A salt-induced rearrangementof DNA-bound histones, but not a partial loss of them is responsible for the observed phenomenon. Formation of free DNA molecules is accompanied by aggregation of the majority of remaining DNP particles. Percentage of free DNA molecules in the chromatin which was sheared to an average DNA length of approx. 400 base pairs is increased from zero in the initial DNP sample to 8-9% in 1 mM MgCl2 and further to 30-31% of the total DNA in 0.30 M NaCl, 2 mM MgCl2. Free DNA molecules in the sheared chromatin are observed not only upon isopycnic banding of formaldehyde-fixed DNP in CsCl gradients but also in non-ionic Metrizamide gradients with either fixed or unfixed DNP samples. Process of free DNA formation is a reversible one; its direction and the equilibrium state depend in particular on the ionic conditions of the medium. Percentage of free DNA molecules in the sheared chromatin at a given ionic strength of solution is strongly decreased upon an increase of the average length of DNA in the DNP particles. Several lines of evidence suggest that free DNA molecules are formed in the sheared chromatin as a result of cooperative rearrangements of histones in salt-induced DNP aggregates. A dynamical model of chromosomal fiber is proposed on the basis of the present and earlier experimental data [1]. According to the model histones are arranged on DNA in clusters separated by stretches of free DNA. A salt-induced migration of histones along or between DNP fibers can result in unification of different clusters, thereby generating longer stretches of free DNA, the total amount of free DNA being approximately constant. Possible in vivo significance of such a dynamical structure is discussed.


[Fat stabilizing action of phosphatides. Part 3. Synergistic action of various phosphatides]. Phosphatides do not regnerate tocopherol worn with supplying oxygen; their synergistic action seems to be a reaction competing with that of hydroperoxide with tocopherol and, consequently, it must be regarded as "tocopherol-saving". Phosphatide mixtures act to some extent as metal capturers. Their effects are functions of the heavy metal contents of the substrates and of their contents of specific metallic pro-oxidants and must be attributed to more complex carbohydrate-containing compounds; phosphatidyl choline and ethanolamine are not able to form metal complexes.


[Conformational isomers of low-molecular nuclear RNA]. We have shown that 8S and U2 fractions of low molecular weight nuclear RNA lmwn RNA) have tow stable conformational states with different electrophoretic mobilities. We have shown also that fractions UIa and UIb are conformational isomers. Fractions 8S and U2 are present only in one conformational state during electrophoresis, while UI RNA is always represented by both conformations. The conformation of lmwn RNAs is dependent upon conditions of isolation of nuclei and of extraction of RNA. It may change during storage of water solution of RNA at -20 degrees. Conformational changes discovered are not the result of degradation. Only one of two stable conformations of any lmwn RNA may be physiologically active, as it is the case of 5S rRNA and tRNAS. One ought to keep this in mind while studying the functions of low molecular weight nuclear RNAs.


[Transcription of ribosomal genes in nuclei of different ploidy]. It has been shown previously that the production of "mature" (27S and 18S) ribosomal RNA's (rRNA) at late stages of embryonic development of the loach (Misgurnus fossilis) does not depend on the degree of ploidy, the haploid (1n) embryos making, per cell, as much rRNA as do the diploid (2n) ones. In order to investigate the mechanims of the compensation of rRNA production in 1n embryos, incorporation of labelled nucleosides in different RNA fractions was compared in two genetical variants. The kinetic and sedimentation analysis showed that in 1n cells a compensatory increase in the production of 36S precursor of rRNA (pre-rRNA) takes place. Chase experiments showed that the rate of the processing and decay of the pre-rRNA was similar in the two genetic forms. Saturation hybridization of labelled, purified 27S rRNA with DNA isolated from the nuclei of 1n and 2n embryos failed to reveal any significant differential increase (amplification) in the proportion of ribosomal cistrons (rDNA) in the haploid genome. It is concluded that the compensation of the production of rRNA in the haploid embryos is accounted for by a greater rate of transcription of the totality of the ribosomal cistrons per single chromosome set.


Lipid oxidation. Part 3. Oxidation of egg phosphatidylethanolamine. Phosphatidylamine isolated from egg yolk phospholipids was autoxidized at 60 degrees C. Oxidation products were separated by thin layer chromatography on silica gel and by column chromatography of DEAE-cellulose. The fractions were characterized by UV and IR spectra and by chemical analysis. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were destroyed during the oxidation, the content of primary amino groups decreased and imine derivatives appeared.


Lipid oxidation. Part 4. Products of thermooxidative polymerization of vegetable oils. The thermal treatment of vegetable oils was studied by gel chromatography on packings of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers. Unlike oils with a lower content of polyene acids, those with a high content of polyene acids contained a larger amount of higher oligomers of fatty acids. The gel chromatography of fatty acid methyl esters from heated oils allowed the determination of the ratio of intra- and intermolecular bonds arising by polymerization reactions. The results of determination of the iodine value of products were correlated with the data obtained by gel chromatography.


[Gas chromatographic methods for flavor testing in cooked pork (M. semimembranosus)]. The authors elaborated a gas chromatographic method for the separation and partial identification of ether-soluble volatile flavour constituents obtained from the semimembranous muscles of raw and cooked (100 degree C) pork by distillation and subsequent extraction and condensation. The different constituents were identified using KOVATS index values. The KOVATS indices of the flavour constituents were calculated from the mean values of triplicate measurements performed at different temperatures, and compared with the values for test substances. The isothermal chromatograms of the samples tested at various temperatures were combined in such a manner that they contained of each isothermal record only the parts with the best separation and without superpositions and non-appearences of peaks. By means of the KOVATS index, 32 volatile constituents could be identified with great probability in the ether extract of the meat flavour. The presence of 8 of these constituents was also confirmed by thin-layer chromatography.


Membrane action of DMSO and other chemical inducers of Friend leukaemic cell differentiation. DMSO and other cryoprotective agents produce a pronounced increase on the phase transition temperature of phospholipid membranes, indicating an increased stability. The effects of DMSO and other cryoprotective agents, divalent cations, and local anaesthetics on the transition temperature of phospholipid membranes seem to correlate with their effects on the differentiation of Friend leukaemic cells in vitro. These studies suggest that the induction of differentiation by cryoprotective agents may be the result of the interaction of these agents with cell membranes.


[A new modified wick catheter for measurement of the brain tissue pressure-an evaluation of static and dynamic properties of the catheter (author's transl)]. The interstitial pressure of the brain was measured with wick catheter by Lassen in 1972. But original wick catheter inserted into the brain tissue does not always measure the real interstitial pressure as indicated by experimental results of Brodersen, because, the interstitial pressure is always affected by solid pressure such as cells in the brain tissue, in the condition of which surrounded by positive CSF pressure in the semiclosed skull box. It is not yet clarified what kinds of the pressure are measured by wick catheter method in the brain tissue. The size of wick catheter is 300-500 times as large as the width of interspace of the brain tissue and the catheter is easily obstructed by brain tissue. Therefore, a new, modified wick catheter is made for improvement of these problems which is observed by using original wick catheter. The new, modified catheter has 0.4 mm inside diameter and 10 cm length. The tip of catheter is closed and 6 small side holes(0.1 mm0)are made. Inside the catheter, several pieces of 0.04 mm diameter nylon threads are inserted as shown in figure 1, and the catheter is filled up with the cerebrospinal fluid. In this paper, the structure of the new, modified catheter is demonstrated, and the brain tissue pressure is measured, comparing with the results of the original wick catheter to test the function of the new, modified catheter. The results of measurement of the brain tissue fluid pressure with the new, modified catheter are as follows; 1) The brain tissue fluid pressure is relatively constant and shows a positive pressure of 5.2 mmHg. 2) As there are few blocking effects in the catheter, the new, modified catheter is useful for the measurement of the brain tissue fluid pressure for a long time. 3) The brain tissue fluid pressure is not altered by the number's of nylon threads in the catheter at static condition, but movement of brain tissue fluid pressure with respiration is a little dumped by the increased conductancy with the numbers of nylon threads in the catheter. 4) The tissue fluid pressure affected by the viscosity and osmolarity of the fluid in the catheter, CSF should be used for correct measurement. According to these results, it might be concluded that the new, modified wick catheter is better than the original wick catheter regarding prevention of obstruction of the catheter by brain tissue fragments, artifacts which causet by movement of wick fibers, measurement of brain tissue fluid pressure for a long time and clarify the resistance of catheter to pressure conductancy.


[CSF enzyme activities in patients with head injury--especially on GOT, GPT, LDH, and CPK (AUTHOR'S TRANSL)]. In our studies on patients with head injury, it was noted that there are some correlations between their clinical courses and the urinary excretion of creatine (cr), creatinine (Crn), 17-ketosteroid and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid. We observed the high urinary excretion of Cr in patients with severe head injury while almost negative in a mild case. We reported those facts in 1974. Also noted in patients with head injury is the relationship between the enzyme-activities (GOT, GPT, LDH and CPK) in the cerebrospinal fluid and their clinical courses. In this paper, we reported 34 cases of head injured patients (simple type: 2, concussion: 9, contusion: 8, acute intracranial hematoma: 7 and chronic intra-cranial hematoma: 8). The control values of CSF enzyme-activities were determined in these 14 cases (simple head injury, whip-lash injury and osteoma of the skull) as GOT less that 15, GPT less than 7, LDH less than 12 and CPK less than 8 units. In the moderate cases, a slight increase in activities of 4 enzymes in CSF were observed, while in severe or comatose cases, the enzyme-activities (especially LDH and CPK) were greater than in the controls. In the dead cases these values were five times as high as the normal case. In the patients recovering from a serious stage, these activities decreased to normal. High CSF enzyme-levels tend to indicate a poor prognosis and low levels a favorable progrosis. In the patients with a significant elevation of CSF enzymes, a high urinary excretion of Cr [normal range: 0-150 (ca. 50)mg/day] was often observed. There was no apparent correlation between the enzyme level in CSF and that in serum and the increase or decrease of these 4 enzymes are not always proprotionate with each other. As reported by Green (1958) and Lending (1961), cerebral cell necrosis and increased permeability of BLB, BBB or cerebral cell membrane can be related to the increase of enzymeactivities. With these observations, it can be considered that severe head injury gives influence on metabolic function in the hypothalamus and may cause in the levels of CSF enzymes and/or the urinary excretions of Cr, Crn and corticosteroids. And the examinations of enzyme activities in the patients with head injury may become a useful aid to make an outlook of their clinical coure and prognosis.


[Angiographical extravasation of contrast material in traumatic epidural hematomas--the clinical significance and surgical indication (author's transl)]. During the last 17 years since 1958, 108 cases with traumatic epidural hematomas were treated in our clinics, and the extravasation from the middle meningeal artery was observed in 20 cases (18%) out of them. The clinical significance of the extravasation will be discussed in association with the indication of surgical intervention. Common carotid angiographies were performed in all of 20 cases, and selective external carotid angiographies were also performed in 2 of them. The time interval from the injury to the angiographical confirmation of extravasation ranged from an hour to ten days. In 14 cases, it was confirmed at the acute stage less than 3 days after the injury, and in the remaining 6 cases it was confirmed at the subacute stage more than 3 days after the injury. Surgical removal of the hematomas was performed in 16 cases, and no surgery was done in the other 4 cases mainly because of slight hemorrhage in the cranial cavity. The extravasation from the middle meningeal artery, which was usually observed to overlap the fracture line or in the neighbourhood of it, was classified into the following three types according to the angiographic contours: 1. Estravasation of contrast material into the perivascular tissue (11 cases): Though it was stated in the literatures that this type of extravasation was usually observed less than 6 hours after the injury, it was confirmed at the subacute stage in our 3 cases out of 11, and even ten days later in a case. Angiographically, it is demonstrated to be an irregular band-like configuration (3 cases), scattered spots (2 cases), round shadow (2 cases), semicircular contour (2 cases) or irregular maplike shadow (2 cases), all of which changed in shape and density through the arterial phase to the end of the venous phase. All of the 11 cases showed large epidural hematomas, and the angiographical extravasation coincided with the site of actual bleeding which was confirmed at the operation. 2. A berry-shaped well-defined round shadow of high density communicating with the arterial lumen--pseudo-aneurysm-like shadow (2 cases): In one, a berry-shaped shadow was discovered in the angiography performed 17 hours after the injury. A small cavity which was surrounded by epidural clot and communicated with the middle meningeal artery was discovered at the operation, and considered to be the site of actual bleeding, since an arterial bleeding through the cavity was noticed. In the other, a berry-shaped shadow which appeared as soon as the middle meningeal artery was demonstrated and disappeared by the late venous phase was angiographically discovered 10 days after the injury. A epidural hematoma was slightly formed and operation was not performed. Two months later, the pseudoaneurysm-like shadow was not demonstrated angiographically. 3...


[Intracranial definitive aneurysm surgery under normothermia and normotension--utilizing temporary occlusion of major cerebral arteries and preoperative mannitol administration (author's transl)]. The permissible occlusion time of brain arteries and surgical results were discussed, based on 181 aneurysm cases, which received definitive aneurysm surgery by utilizing temporary clipping of brain arteries, preoperative mannitol administration and under normothermic, normotensive condition. 1) In order to analyze the influence of artery occlusion under mannitol administration, the causes of sequelae and deaths were examined together with the follow up studies which were taken from 6 months to 6 years and 4 months postoperatively in all cases. Of the total 181 cases, there were 16 cases with sequelae and 7 deaths. These causes were attributable to non-artery occlusion factors, such as postoperative vasospasm, surgical complications or infections, excepting in 3 cases or 1.7% in which possible effect of temporary occlusion cannot be completely ruled out. 2) The maximum occlusion times of each artery without suquelae were 80, 61, 50 and 30 minutes, respectively for the unilateral A1 portion, bilateral A1 portions (simultaneously occluded), intracranial internal carotid artery and M1 portion. 3) Surgical results at discharge showed a mortality rate of 3.8% and a morbidity rate of 7.0%. On follow up studies, taken from 6 months to 6 years and 4 months, more than 79% of the total 181 cases which received aneurysm surgery utilizing temporary occlusions, were reported in good health and working.


[Two cases of craniolacunia associated with meningocele and meningoencephalocele (author's transl)-a1]. Craniolacunia (lacunar skull, Luckenschadel) is characterized by multiple, round or oval, radiolucent defects, sharply separated by dense strip of bone (honey comb like configuration) which tend to cluster in the cranial vault on plain skull film. Craniolacunia is present at birth and frequently associated with myelomeningocele, encephalocele or other congenital abnormalities of the central nervous system. Patients with carniolacunia have high mortality due to these associated lesions, and to the secondary effects of these neurological lesions. Recently, it is interested that the presence of carniolacunia can be used as an early indicator of intellectual capacity or recommendation of early indicator of intellectual capacity or recommendation of early surgery for associated lesions. Two cases of craniolacunia with meningocele in the lumbar region and encephalocele in the frontal region are presented and the etiology, clinical significance, prognosis of craniolacunia are discussed. Case 1 (Fig. 1, 2, 3), who had a soft tumor in the lumbar region since birth, was admitted to Saiseikai Yahata Hospital under the diagnosis of meningocele on October 26, 1973. The circumference of the head was 32.5 cm, and the lumbar tumor was infant fist growth, oval, brownish and soft in appearance. The patient had no neurological positive signs or other abnormalities including chest, abdomen and extremities. Plain skull film showed typical craniolacunia in the parietal, frontal and occipital region of the vault. Three days after admission, the patient had opisthotonus like posture at times and convulsive seizure of extremities. Suspected of meningitis, ventricle tap was performed. From the findings of obtained cloud xanthchromic cerebrospinal fluid which was revealed pleocytosis and many Klebsiella or other Gram (-) bacilli on bacterial culture, the diagnosis of ventriculitis was made...


["Colloid cyst" of the lateral ventricle--report of a case (author's transl)]. Colloid cyst is a relatively rare benign tumor which is usually found in the third ventricle. A patient who had a "colloid cyst" in his right lateral ventricle was experienced. A 33-year-old man had suffered from intermittent attacks of headache and vomiting for five months. On July 22, 1974, he was hospitalized to our clinic because of headache, memory and gait disturbance. At the time of admission his consciousness was clear but he had slight memory disturbance and urinary incontinence. Incipient papilledma was noted and the deep tendon reflexes of the lower extrimities were slightly accentuated. Lumbar puncture revealed a clear CSF and its pressure was within normal limit and the protein was 59 mg/dl. The plain skull films showed no abnormal findings. EEG showed an asymmetry of alpha-wave, and paroxysmal high voltage of slow wave was found in the right frontal area. Right cerebral angiography demonstrated an unrolling of the pericallosal arteries suggesting dilatation of the lateral ventricles. On the 9th hospital day, he suddenly began to complain of severe headache and became drowsy. Mannitol and hydrocortisone were injected intravenously without producing any remarkable effects. A ventricular drainage was done, and the patient recovered rapidly. A conray ventriculography revealed a round filling defect in the right lateral ventricle. A transventricular approach through a short linear incision in the right frontal cortex was preformed on the 25th hospital day. A cyst containing colloid substance, about 5x4 cm in size, was found to be attached to the medial wall of the right lateral ventricle anterior to the foramen of Monro. This cyst was almost completely removed. Histological findings revealed inner lining of epithelial cells, He died on the 25th postoperative day from bacterial meningitis. Autopsy confirmed the cyst to have originated from the right lateral ventricle. A review of the literature was made and the pathogenesis and diagnosis of this disease and the mechanism of development of the symptoms were discussed.


[Transfixion of cervical cord by a glass fragment--report of a case (author's transl)]. Stab wound of the spinal cord caused by accident occurred in the home life is rare absolutely. One case of stab wound of the cervical spinal cord caused by penetrated and retained glass fragment within the spinal canal was reported. A 30-year-old woman was hospitarized on August 16, 1971. with complaint of left hemiparesis, gait disturbance and sensory impairment on the right side. A glass door fell down on the patient's neck on April 14, 1971. and one glass fragment was removed from the patient's left neck by one of the patient's family and no immediate spinal cord symptom appeared and no physician was consulted at that time. One and a half month after the injury the patient rod a motor bicycle and pain and severe stiffness in the shoulder and neck, and headache. These subjective symptom disappeared by rest and same subjective symptom repeated in following five days. Three and a half months after the injury the patient found sensation loss in the right foot and gait distrubance appeared. After the sensory impairment extended to the cervical level which was accompanied by left hemiparesis. On examination, the patient was found to have merked weakness of left limbs, spastic gait and severe impairment of touchpain- and thermosensation below the fifth cervical level but deep sensation was preserved. All tendon reflexes showed marked exaggeration and pathological reflexes were proved. Roentgenograms of the cervical spine revealed a long triangular glass fragment which had been retained in the spinal canal between the first and second cervical vertebrae. The air myelogram suggested the glass fragment had transfixed the cervical spinal cord. Laminectomy was performed and the glass fragment which had a shape of a sharp pointed surgical knife was removed by gentle move in the opposite direction of invation. Following removal of the foreign body, the patient's left hemiparesis recovered to normal state at four months after the operation and right sensory impairment also improved. The cervical spinal cord may be injured in the following way: the right lateral spinothalamic tract may be injured by the skewer injury due to glass fragment but injury of the left same tract may be avoided because of oblique direction of penetration of the glass fragment in the spinal cord. On the other hand, the left pyramidal tract may be compressed by glass fragment and not injured, because left hemiparesis recovered very well postoperatively.


[Cystic meningioma--report of two cases (author's transl)]. Cystic changes are rare in meningioma. The authors reported two cases of the cystic meningioma. 1) The first case was 56-year-old female, whose complaints were motor weakness and hypesthesia on the right side. At the operation, a hen egg-sized tumor with a large cyst was removed totally from the left frontoparietal mid-convexity. Multiple cystic cavities were contained in the tumor. Histologically the tumor was compatible with meningocytic meningioma with angiomatous component and showed numerous myxomatous degeneration and swollen vessel-walls. 2) The second case was 17-year-girl complaining of headache, blurred vision, right hemiparesis and episodes of Jacksonian seizure. At the operation, a goose egg-sized tumor in the left parietal lobe was removed and the tumor contained a large cyst. Histologically the tumor was a malignant meningioma, associating with relatively fresh necroses adjacent the cyst. 3) The pathogenesis of the cystic changes in meningioma was discussed.


[A case of brain cysticerosis].

[A case of brain cysticerosis]. A 59-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with the history of epileptick attack of six years' duration. The seizure was associated with Jacksonian march starting in the right hand and then generalized. Todd's paresis of the right arm followed occasionally to the seizure. He was admitted to neurosurgical unit of other hospital in 1968 and 1971, but on each occasion no tumor or vascular abnormality was detected by extensive examiniations such as brain angiography, pneumoencephalography or brain scanning. He continued his hob as an engineer with anticonvulsant. He once lived in Manchuria in 1930s and had history of pulmonary tuberculosis. He was suffering from diabetes mellitus and chronic otitis media. Recentry he developed headache, forgetfulness, speech disturbance and right hemiparesis and was admitted to our department through psychiatric unit. On examination he was fully conscious but showed typical Gerstmann's syndrome and conduction aphasia. He also revealed bilateral choked disc, right hemiparesis, right hemihypesthesia and right homonymous hemianopsia. The cerebral angiograms and peneumoencephalogram suggested a left parietal cystic tumor. Brain scan with technetium 99m was negative. The spinal fluid was clear but showed slight pleocytosis (99/3/ml). Leucocyte count in the peripheral blood was 6600 per cubic meter with eosinophils of 3%. On craniotomy, small white patches were scattered at the subarachnoidal space suggesting of history of some meningitis. In the left parietooccipital region at Brodmann's area 19, a greyish yellow transparent cystic tumor was found in the subarachnoidal space which was confirmed to be one of the multilocular grape-like cystic tumors extending from area 19, gyrus angularis towards the arcuate fasciculus without continuity with the left lateral ventricle. Microscopic examination showed the racemosal type of cysticercus but no scolex was found. The fluid of the cysts was similar to the spinal fluid. He is totally symptome-free after five months' lapse from the operation except for sporadic spikes on the electroencephalogram. Although some neurosurgeons are against direct operation of the cerebral cysticercosis, we are sure it is possible to cure these patients suffering from chronic cysticercosis with tumor-like symptoms i.e. the tumor type of Stepien. But it is essential not to rupture the cysts during the operative procedure to avoid dissemination of worms which might lead to acute severe cerebral edema. Besides, echinococcus cysts harbouring many worms are often hardly differenciated macroscopically from the cysts of cysticercosis.


Neuropharmacological study on the induction of hypothalamic masculinization in female mice. 82% of female mice, that had received a single injection of 50 mug testosterone propionate (TP) at 4 days of age, became persistent estrous by 90 days. If 50 mug pentobarbital or 10 mug reserpine was given simultaneously with TP, the incidence of hypothalamic masculinization (persistent estrus (PE) and polyfollicular ovaries lacking corpora lutea) at 90 days dropped to 33 and 30%, respectively. Phenoxybenzamine (50 mug) also decreased the incidence of PE to 20 and 30% at 60 and 90 days of age, respectively. However, propranolol failed to nullify the masculinization caused by TP. These results seem to suggest that a monoaminergic mechanism is involved in the hypothalamic masculinization of neonatal mice.


Studies on the puberty-controlling function of the mediocortical amygdala in the immature female rat. The puberty-controlling function of the mediocortical amygdala in immature female rats was investigated by lesioning this region at different ages and by studying the effects on the onset of spontaneous and experimentally-induced precocious puberty. At 21 days of age, bilateral lesions in the anterior mediocortical amygdala (AMCA) caused precocious puberty and enhanced the puberty-accelerating effect of bilateral lesions produced simultaneously in the medial preoptic area (MPA). Similar lesions, ineffective on day 26, delayed the onset of puberty when produced on day 32 in otherwise untreated rats. Lesions in the posterior mediocortical amygdala (PMCA) at 26 or 32 days of age postponed puberty in untreated rats and inhibited the advancement of their 1st pubertal ovulation that resulted from damage to the ventromedial-arcuate region (VAH) or daily administration of 0.05 mug estradiol benzoate (EB) per 100 g b.w. The results confirm earlier findings of different gonadotropin-controlling activities of the AMCA and PMCA in immature female rats and suggest maturational changes in the function of both areas. The gonadotropin-inhibiting action exerted by the AMCA at 3 weeks of age is lost when puberty approaches; a gonadotropin-stimulating activity seems to develop in both the AMCA and PMCA.


The role of pheromones in the regulation of estrous cycle duration in the guinea pig. A decrease in estrous cycle duration, due to shortening of the period of vaginal closure (VC), has been observed in female guinea pigs exposed to the odor of urine from males of the same species. VC shortening was also observed in females exposed to the odor of female urine collected during the period of vaginal opening (VO). No alteration in VC duration occurred, however, in females exposed to urine collected in the 1st 7 days of VC. Also VC shortening did not occur in bulbectomized females exposed to the odor of male urine. Therefore, it was concluded that guinea pig urine, when highly concentrated, contains pheromones capable of shortening estrous cycle VC.


Diurnal rhythms in pineal N-acetyltransferase and hippocampal norepinephrine: effects of water deprivation, blinding and hypothalamic lesions. The pineal gland in the rat exhibits a diurnal rhythm in activity of the enzyme serotonin N-acetyltransferase (N-AT) with peak values during the dark period of a diurnal lighting schedule approximately 100-fold those during the light period. After blinding the rhythm becomes free-running. It is abolished by partial hypothalamic deafferentation with a knife cut made caudal to the optic chiasm. Water deprivation for 23 h daily has no effect on the pineal rhythm in either intact, blinded or deafferented animals. In contrast to this, there is a diurnal rhythm in hippocampal formation in norepinephrine content which can be entrained by a water deprivation schedule in both intact and blinded animals. These observations indicate that in the same animals 1 diurnal rhythm may remain entrained to the light-dark cycle while another rhythm is entrained to a secondary synchronizer, the water deprivation schedule.


Influence of monoamine oxidase inhibitor on the induction of persistent estrus by androgen in the rat. Effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) on the induction of persistent estrus by testosterone propionate (TP) was studied in Wistar strain female rats. Daily treatment with MAOI for the 1st 10 days of life accelerated the occurrence of persistent estrus in rats given TP at 8 days of age. The onset of persistent estrus occurred at 57.3+/2.0 days of age in these animals compared to 92.6+/5.5 days in saline-treated controls. The contribution of hypothalamic monoamines to the induction of persistent estrus by TP treatment in neonatal rats will be discussed.


Central monoamines and hyperkinase of childhood. Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid levels of homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, the major metabolites of dopamine and serotonin, respectively, in hyperactive children did not differ significantly from those of age-matched controls. Dextroamphetamine treatment substantially reduced the spinal fluid content of homovanillic acid but not of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. No change in levels of either monoamine metabolite occurred with placebo therapy. In hyperactive children receiving dextroamphetamine, the amount of homovanillic acid decline correlated closely with the degree of clinical improvement. These results support the view that an alteration in central dopamine-mediated synaptic function may occur in children manifesting the hyperactive syndrome.


Computerized axial transverse tomography in cerebrovascular disease. One hundred eleven patients with supratentorial cerebrovascular disease were studied by computerized axial tomography (CT scanning). With one exception, every patient who had a normal scan 48 hours after the onset of symptoms was ultimately diagnosed as having had transient ischemic attack, although in nearly one-third, the clinical diagnoses at the time of the scan was infarction. A normal CT scan, therefore, augurs a good outcome of supratentorial cerebrovascular disease. Ninety-eight percent of the patients with infarction had abnormal scans, with areas of decreased density in a vascular distribution. Pitfalls in the diagnosis of infarction were (1) initially normal CT scans that changed to abnormal after 48 hours, and (2) mass effect of infarction leading to misdiagnosis of brain tumor. Serial studies eliminated both pitfalls. Intracerebral hemorrhages had a distinctive high density appearance. In 43 percent of patients whose scans showed hemorrhage, the clinical diagnosis was thrombosis. Many did not have symptoms, signs, or outcome of cerebral hemorrhage, and the diagnosis would not have been suspect were it not for the CT scan.


Further observations on carbamazepine plasma levels in epileptic patients. Relationships with therapeutic and side effects. Plasma levels of carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital were monitored weekly over a period of 9 weeks in 20 epileptic patients unresponsive to treatment. No attempts were made to modify phenytoin and/or phenobarbital plasma levels; emphasis was on achieving carbamazepine plasma levels of 4 to 10 mug per milliliter. A remarkable drop in seizure frequency was attained within 2 to 3 weeks of monitoring, with carbamazepine plasma and concentrations within the desired range. Children disposed of the drug faster than adults. No effects of phenytoin and phenobarbital on carbamazepine plasma levels could be observed, while phenobarbital on carbamazepine plasma levels fluctuated remarkably without any relationship to carbamazepine levels. Transient leukopenia was present in most of the patients, while a significant reversible drop in red blood cells was observed in eight patients. The data reported confirm that with a careful monitoring of drug plasma levels, carbamazepine may exert a definite passive effect on seizure frequency in epileptic patients poorly responsive to therapy.


Guanidine and germine in Eaton-Lambert syndrome. A 43-year-old man with Eaton-Lambert syndrome developed chronic interstitial nephritis after 4 years of guanidine hydrochloride therapy. The diagnosis of Eaton-Lambert syndrome was confirmed by clinical neurophysiologic studies and by intracellular electrode studies of end-plate potentials from an intercostal muscle biopsy. Because guanidine had toxic effects in this patient, an alternative form of therapy was tried. Germine-3-acetate (500 mg per day orally) resulted in clinical and electric improvement of the myasthenic syndrome. However, the sensory side effects of numbness of the limbs and unpleasant taste were sufficiently annoying that germine was discontinued.


Neuropathologic changes in ataxia-telangiectasia. The neuropathologic findings in a 17-year-old boy with ataxia-telangiectasia are described. In agreement with previous reports, pathologic changes were present in the cerebellum, spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia, and straited muscle. The lesions in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia were more severe than previously described. Abnormalities were also seen in several brain stem nuclei, including the mesencephalic nucleus of the trigeminus and the substantia nigra. In addition, a small hamartomatous tumor was found in that thalamus.


Imipramine-serotonin induced myopathy.

Imipramine-serotonin induced myopathy. Imipramine and serotonin (5-HT) were used to produce a myopathy in rats. Imipramine was used to stimulate a defect in transport of 5-HT observed in the platelets of Duchenne's dystrophy patients. The most effective dosage schedule was imipramine, 10 mg per kilogram, for 7 days followed by 5-HT, 100 mg per kilogram, 6 hours after the final imipramine dose. A single series of injections produced focal groups of necrotic and regenerating muscle fibers. In some rats, multiple series of injections resulted in a chronic myopathy with a predilection for proximal muscles, particularly quadriceps. In addition to skeletal muscle lesions, focal areas of myocardial damage were seen. The affected rats had a marked elevation of plasma creatine phosphokinase (including MB isoenzyme), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and lactic dehydrogenase. Femoral nerve section did not affect the development of muscle lesions.


Effects of neonatal status epilepticus on rat brain development. A single, 2-hour episode of status epilepticus induced by flurothyl (1,500 mul) in 4-day-old rats irreversibly curtailed brain weight and brain DNA. Status epilepticus inhibited DNA synthesis but did not increase DNA breakdown and produced no histologic lesions. Rats with status epilepticus showed delayed behavioral milestones and reduced seizure thresholds several weeks after status. After milder convulsions (flurothyl 750 mul, bicuculline), brain DNA was curtailed at 7 days but returned to normal at 30 days. These results suggest that, in the immature brain, epileptic seizures too mild to cause cell necrosis can inhibit DNA synthesis and permanently curtail brain DNA content. This may account for the great vulnerability of the immature brain to epileptic seizures.


PSROs, the medical profession, and the public interest. The federal legislation mandating Professional Standards Review Organizations to monitor the decision making of physicians regarding their patients is a method unique to the United States to control medical care costs according to prevailing professional criteria. Other countries, so far, depend largely on health service structures, reimbursement methods, and arbitrary government budget limitations. Our dislike of highly structured delivery systems has pragmatically moved us in the direction of monitoring diagnostic and therapeutic decision making. PSRO is mandated at a time when there is no systematic methodology with validated criteria for monitoring medical practice. This will likely lead to subtle sabotage of PSRO by the medical profession justified by quality standards which are the professions' prerogative. It is conceivable that quality standards will rise and, therefore, costs. The drive for monitoring physician decision making is understandable even when there is no methodology. It then behooves medical schools to conduct research on methodologies of monitoring services, a possible favorable side-effect of the legislation. An unfavorable side-effect may likely be that the criteria will be based exclusively on technical medical considerations and ignore the personal and social attributes of patients which should affect the decision making of physicians. Medicine will then become even more technocratic than it is now. All countries are converging at various degrees of intensity in establishing planned limits to expansion, examining possibilities of monitoring physician decision making and capping this off with arbitrary budget ceilings. The state of the art of health services management appears to permit  no other recourse.


Influence of maternal dietary gamma-linolenic acid on the milk and liver lipids of suckling rats. In lactating rats, the dietary essential fatty acids influence the composition of the milk. Feeding gamma-linolenic acid increased not only the level of this acid but also that of the 20 and 22 carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from it, both in the milk and the liver triglyceride lipids of the suckling pups. Maternal nutrition, therefore, would play an important role in providing these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids during the active phase of growth in the rat.


Further vision deterioration after argon laser photocoagulation in diabetic retinopathy. Out of 222 eyes with diabetic retinopathy, observed during a period of 6-42 months after argon laser photocoagulation, 66 (30%) became worse. The most common complication was a fast increase of previous existing macular oedema due to extensive and heavy macular treatment. Another complication was an increase of the neovascularisation due to the inadequate treatment of avascular zones and heavy-leaking areas and to the growth of the neovascular tuft after the feeder vessel technique without previous peripheral ablation. Retinal and vitreal haemorrhages were frequent in this group. Fibrous tissue formation and vascular pseudopapillitis were less frequent complications. Large coagulations outside the macular area (peripheral ablation) are necessary to destroy the zones of borderline nutritional supply, which probably are closely related to the new vessel formation. The feeder vessel technique must not be used without a peripheral ablation although it may be of great help in destroying prepapillary or large neovascularisation.


Differential thermosensitivity and electric prepolarization of the ampullae of Lorenzini. In a single-fibre preparations the afferent discharges from prepolarized ampullae of Lorenzini responding to graded temperature steps were investigated in the dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula). The transformation characteristics of the ampullary receptors, especially their differential thermosensitivity interfering with electrosensitivity, were analyzed. Prepolarization significantly influenced the dynamic component of differential thermosensitivity, while the static component remained practically unchanged. Hyperpolarization reduced positive and negative dynamic thermal responses; depolarization amplified them. Biological consequences of this bimodal interference for receptor transformation of superimposed thermal and electric stimuli and for decoding afferent ampullary impulse patterns are discussed.


A comparative study of the effects of norepinephrine and vasopressin on Na transport and O2 consumption in frog skin. Experiments were designed to compare the effects of two hormones-vasopressin and norepinephrine-on the energetics of Na transport in frog skin. Simultaneous measurements of O2 consumption and net Na flux were performed in the same skins by means of O2 cathodes and the short circuit current technique. The results showed that both hormones induced similar increments in Na transport. In contrast, there was a conspicuous difference in O2 consumption values, norepinephrine having a very small stimulatory effect compared to the one induced by vasopressin. Thus, despite the fact that both hormones increase Na permeability of frog skin by similar mechanisms and to a similar extent, they appear to exert very different effects on cell metabolism.


Hydrostatic pressures within the vascular structures of the rat kidney. The pressure conditions at the distal end of the interlobular arteries and in the interlobular veins were investigated from the pressures obtained in superficial small arteries and veins, accidentally found on the kidney surface, during the subsequent blockade of the blood stream in the down-stream and up-stream direction, respectively. The results suggested a hydrostatic pressure in the distal end of the interlobular arteries of about 85 mm Hg under normotensive conditions-a pressure which remained fairly constant when the perfusion pressure in the renal artery was decreased within the autoregulation range. The results indicate a considerable pressure drop of about 40 mm Hg along the interlobular arteries. During hypotension this pressure drop decreased, implying a decreased resistance in the interlobular arteries, i.e. a typical autoregulative response. The pressure in the interlobular veins amounted to about 5 mm Hg, which is a few mm Hg higher than that in the renal vein and about 7 mm lower than that in the peritubular capillary network. The results suggest a flow resistance located somewhere between the peritubular capillaries and the intrarenal veins. This resistance is not influenced by vasoactive substances but it is decreased when the systemic venous pressure is raised above 10 mm Hg. The resistance seems to act in the direction of protecting the peritubular capillaries from minor changes in the central venous pressure.


[Development of the preimaginal phases of the flea, Ctenophthalmus wladimiri Is.-Gurv., 1948]. The time required for the development and survival rate of preimaginal phases of C. wladimiri were studied. Experiments were conducted at a temperature from 0 degrees to 30 degrees C and relative air humidity from 60 to 100%. Temperatures between 18 degrees and 30 degrees C and humidity between 90 and 100% are most favourable for the complete developmental cycle of these insects; imagos hatched under these conditions accounted for 9 to 46% of eggs used in experiments.


Is the chemomechanical energy transformation reversible? In glycerol-extracted insect fibrillar muscle suspended in ATP salt solution the incorporation of 32Pi into ATP was studied during the performance of positive or negative oscillatory work and under a variety of mechanical and ionic conditions. An increase in calcium ion concentration from 10(-8)--10(-5) M increased the incorporation rate in proportion to the increase in ATPase activity, mean tension and immediate stiffness, which is a measure of the extent of actin-myosin interaction. Sinusoidal stretches (at 1% Lo) performed at 5 Hz induced the fibres to perform optimal positive oscillatory work and it caused a doubling of the incorporation rate (ant ATPase activity). A decrease or increase of the frequency below or above the optimum of 5 Hz always decreased the power output as well as the incorporation rate which, however, was still noticeable even under conditions where work was done on the fibres. A similar frequency dependence was found when square-wave rather than sinusoidal stretches were applied and this effect could be related to the finding that the rate of stretch-induced incorporation was highest shortly after stretching and then declined to low values (after about 100 ms). These results suggest the formation of an energy-rich intermediate (actomyosin-ADP?) during the contraction process induced by stretching and this intermediate must be assumed to accumulate transiently after stretching.


[Pathological changes in fleas caused by the action of Bacillus thuringiensis exotoxin]. Pathogenic effect of the crystalline exotoxine of Bacillus thuringiensis on the larvae of fleas was investigated. Deformities and changes in the functions of organs and tissues caused by the exotoxin in larvae and imago developed from the latter result in the premature death of the individuals (to 100%) or in the sterility of the remaining fleas.


Adipose tissue blood flow during prolonged, heavy exercise. Subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow (ATBF) was examined in 8 subjects during 6 h exercise on a bicycle ergometer. The initial work load was 118 W corresponding to about 50% of maximal work capacity. The oxygen uptake increased from 0.261 - min-1 at rest to about 1.61-min-1 during work. In 7 subjects ATBF increased, in 1 it remained constant. After 3 h exercise ATBF at an average reached values 3--4 times the control value. This increase was maintained for the remaining work periods. The increase was significant at the 5% level. Plasma free fatty acids increased 7-, plasma glycerol 10-fold during work.


Body temperature and adrenal function in heat-exposed hypothalamic disconnected rats. The effects of hypothalamic disconnection on body temperature and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal activity following acute and repeated exposures to heat were studied. Intact male rats, or animals with complete posterior or anterior hypothalamic disconnection, were exposed to a temperature of 36 degrees C and a relative humidity of 35-45%. In the complete posterior and anterior hypothalamic disconnected rats the basal Tre was higher than that of the intact rats; the rise in Tre following heat exposure was lower in the operated rats than in the intact animals. All the experimental animals, except for those with anterior hypothalamic disconnection, showed a significant inhibition of corticosterone release on exposure to heat for 30 min, but no inhibition was observed in any of the disconnected rats when they were exposed to heat for 120 min. These results suggest that the main stimulus for ACTH release, during the first 30 min of heat exposure, is mediated by a neural input through the posteroir hypothalamus and this is followed by a nerural and/or humoral mechanism which enables the animals to increase their corticosterone secretion.


Interactions between carotid sinus mechanoreceptor and chemoreceptor reflex loops. Our experiments were designed to evaluate the combined influence of the mechanoreceptor and chemoreceptor control loops on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Both carotid sinus areas were isolated by a complete blind sac preparation in chloralose anesthetized dogs in which a flow probe had been implanted previously on the ascending aorta. The following variables were continuously monitored: central aortic pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, vascular resistance of a hind limb, tidal volume, respiratory rate, and oxygen consumption. While one sinus was submitted to step changes of pressure, the opposite sinus was kept at constant mean pressure. In addition, one sinus was perfused with either oxygenated of deoxygenated blood at constant flow rate. These studies show a definite interaction between the control loops initiated by the carotid sinus mechanoreceptors and those initiated by the chemoreceptors. The influence of the chemoreceptors is most marked in the peripheral beds, where it shifts the whole response curve of the mechanoreceptor control loop upward. This response accounts for most of the upward shift of the pressure response curve. On the other hand, the mechanoreceptor loop affects the ventilation, but this effect is range dependent, being most marked for the low pressure perfusion of the carotid sinus.


[Effect of the temperature regimen on the kinetic and thermodynamic functions of the enzyme urease in the helminths of warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals]. The determination of the constant of the urea fission rate and study of the temperature dependence (activation energy) of the urease activity on warm- and cold-blooded animals in Ascaris suum and Contracaecum aduncum were undertaken. It has been shown that the constant of the urea fission rate in C. aduncum is more than an order of magnitude higher than that in A. suum. At a temperature of 17 degrees the rate of this process in C. aduncum changes but little while in A. suum it practically ceases. On the contrary, at 47 degrees the urease ferment activity in A. suum increases considerably while in C. aduncum the process rate does not rise as compared to that at 37 degrees. The subsequent calculations of the energy activation have shown that a certain adaptation to definite conditions of ferments functioning can take place.


Method for the analysis of the entrainment between heart rate and ventilation rate. A digital computer program was developed which allows to continuously represent the relation between heart rate and ventilation rate. Using this program, experiments in anesthetized rabbits were performed. We found periods of synchronization, periods of transient entrainment and escape, and periods of complete desynchronization. By testing the respective roles for the entrainment mechanism of ventilation rate and heart rate it was found that spontaneous adjustments of the ventilation rate play a more pronounced role. Thus, as soon as spontaneous or induced variations of the heart rate and/or the ventilation rate shift both rhythms close to synchronization, variations of the ventilation pattern, which seem to be of reflex nature, tend to induce entrainment.


Effect of central thermal stimulation on the thermoregulatory behavior of the pigeon. Pigeons, trained to work for cooling reinforcement under an ambient heat load, were centrally thermostinulated. Warming the spinal cord and/or the rostral brain stem led to an increase in response rate, while cooling produced a reduction in response rate.


Simultaneous recording of circular and longitudinal muscle contractions of the canine jejunum. A method has been developed for monitoring the mechanical activities of individual longitudinal and circular muscles in a 5 millimeters long segment of intact intestine in the anesthetized dog. The longitudinal contractions were recorded by means of a new movement transducer. The circular contractions were recorded simultaneously using a water-filled intraluminal balloon. A precise separation of longitudinal and circular motor activities was obtained with this method. The two muscle layers manifested motor activity most of the time, but their contractions were out of phase. Phase locking was observed only during short periods of time. The contractions were then sequential, the circular one being first.


Changes in respiratory frequency and end-expiratory volume accompanying augmented breaths in cats. We have studied the pattern of breathing before, during and after augmented breaths in spontaneously breathing, anesthetized cats with the larynx both in and out of the breathing circuit. Following augmented breaths we consistently observed increases in end-expiratory lung volume (EEV), end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure, dynamic lung compliance and respiratory frequency. These changes were of similar magnitude whether the larynx was in or out of circiut and were uninfluenced by section of the superior laryngeal nerves. Laryngeal resistance, measured under constant flow conditions with the larynx removed from the breathing circuit, showed an exaggerated inspiratory decrease during augmented breaths. Passive lung inflations, performed so as to mimic the pattern of augmented breaths, increased dynamic lung compliance but did not elicit changes in EEV or respiratory frequency. The results indicate that the increase in EEV cannot be attributed to increased lung compliance but results from a change in end-expiratory respiratory muscle tone. This change, and the change in respiratory frequency appear to be part of a reflexly evoked central response that includes the augmented breath itself. The larynx participates in the augmented breath, but its mechanical importance is small.


Intraluminal pressure of the small intestine of the unanesthetized dog. Intraluminal pressure recordings have been performed in 14 unanesthetized dogs via a Mann-Bollman fistula by means of an air-filled balloon catheter system and a water-filled catheter system. The dynamic response is adequate for studying intraluminal pressures of the small intestine. Resting pressures in the proximal, middle and distal jejunum averaged approximately 6 mm Hg above atmosphere and no appreciable differences were noted between the different areas. The contraction time of simple, monophasic waves was fairly constant (approximately 1.0 s in duration) and usually unrelated to amplitude of the wave. Propulsion of intraluminal contents occurred in the absence of complex (type III) waves. A pressure wave in a proximal segment of jejunum was temporally related to a wave occurring 5 cm distally. The mean intervals between the proximal and distal contractions were: 0.42 s in the proximal jejunum; 0.74 s in the middle jejunum; 1.56 s in the distal jejunum; 2.79 s in the ileum. These time lags have a log normal distribution. The length of the physiologic segment in the jejunum of the dog varied from 1.0-8.0 cm and was usually 2-4 cm.


Membrane currents in the rabbit sinoatrial node cell as studied by the double microelectrode method. When a strand of the rabbit sinoatrial node tissue was shortened by ligation, the spatial decay of electrotonic potential decreased and the input impedance increased. In a piece of the tissue 0.2-0.3 mm in diameter apparently uniform current spread was obtained. Action potentials recorded from three different sites in this small piece occurred simultaneously and were superimposable. In voltage clamp experiments using the double microelectrode method, the membrane potential was usually held at -30 to -40 mV, where no net current flowed. When membrane potential was suddenly changed from the holding potential, the sign and the time course of the ionic current varied with membrane potential. Hyperpolarization gave an inward current which increased with time. Depolarization gave a transient inward current followed by sustained outward current, and repolarization gave an outward current tail which exponentially subsided with a time constant of 0.37 s. The membrane time constant was 12.0 ms. When the specific membrane capacitance was assumed to be 1 muF/cm2, the specific membrane resistance at the resting potential was 12 Komega cm2. The peak of the transient inward current on depolarization was 1.3 X 10(-5) A/cm2.


Renal control of intestinal sodium and water transport in the dog. The influence of an intravenous infusion of saline on the absorption of water and sodium by the jejunum has been investigated in dogs previously submitted to sodium-rich or poor diets. While the net intestinal transport was reduced in sodium-loaded animals, no response was observed in the sodium-deprived dogs, despite identical changes in arterial pressure, intravascular volume and blood dilution indexes. The intestinal response of sodium-deprived dogs became positive after transplanting to their neck vessels the kidneys removed from sodium-loaded animals, thus demonstrating that the presence in the blood of a humoral message of renal origin is required to permit the inhibition of net transport. The difference of the responses depended on the variations of the mucosa-to-serosa unidirectional flux. The net potassium transport did not change significantly. The experimental conditions made unlikely an interference of mineralocorticosteroids, angiotensin or antidiuretic hormone. The present results suggest that the kidney might modulate sodium transport in the jejunum, and perhaps elsewhere in the body, by the way of an additional endocrine function.


Renal test dyes IV. Intravital Fluorescence microscopy and microphotometry of the tubularly secreted dye sulfonefluorescein. The present study describes for the first time the use of the fluorescent dye sulfonefluorescein for intravital microscopy and microphotometry on the renal surface of rats. With help of this dye tubular secretion can be observed in mammalian kidney in vivo. Tubular secretion can further be quantified with microphotometrical measurements. The molecular structure of sulfonefluorescein is closely related to phenol red, which is known for its tubular secretion. Clearance experiments also show a secretion of sulfonefluorescein. The secretion can be inhibited by probenecid. Ureter ligation causes a strong increase in tubular concentration of the dye. After a temporary ischemia dye accumulation in tubular lumen is greatly reduced.


Effects of electrical stimulation in the lower brainstem on temperature regulation in the unanaesthetized guinea-pig. Electrical stimulation in lower brainstem areas presumed to be parts of the ascending noradrenergic system was carried out in the unanaesthetized guinea-pig. In the same animals noradrenaline (NA) was also injected into the anterior hypothalamus. Certain points in the lower brainstem were found, the stimulation of which resulted in a rise of oxygen uptake (more than 60% over the resting level), of body temperature and of electrical muscle activity at an ambient temperature of 29-30 degrees C. Respiratory rate also rose on stimulation, while heart rate did not show a consistent change. All these changes were found to be very similar to those obtained after an intrahypothalamic injection of NA. When the electrical stimulations at the same sites were repeated several times the extent of rise in oxygen uptake became gradually smaller, amounting to only half of the initial response after four periods of stimulation. An intrahypothalamic injection of NA restored the effectiveness of electrical stimulation in the lower brainstem to the original extent. These results suggest that the thermogenesis evoked by the electrical stimulation of these lower brainstem areas may be ascribed to the activation of ascending noradrenergic pathways terminating in the hypothalamus.


Changes in the blood supply of the gastrointestinal tract in rats with age. Regional blood flow of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and cardiac output have been determined in male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing from 30-726 g. The cardiac output (ml/min per kg) was highest in rats weighing 80-100 g. In heavier rats the cardiac output decreased proportionally with the body weight. The gradient of blood flow to the different parts of the GI tract develops step by step. In the weaning period the blood flow (ml/min per g tissue) through the stomach was less than that through the distal parts of the GI tract. However, the blood flow through the small intestine, cecum and large intestine was uniform at this age. In rats weighing 80-100 g the blood flow through both the cecum and large intestine was less than that through the small intestine. The gradient in blood flow through the various segments of small intestine developed last.


Block of gating currents by ultraviolet radiation in the membrane of myelinated nerve. The effect of ultraviolet  radiation on the asymmetrical displacement currents in the membrane of the node of Ranvier was measured and compared with the ultraviolet blocking of the sodium current. Ultraviolet radiation irreversibly reduced the peak sodium current and the charge displaced during a depolarizing test pulse, the relative reduction being independent of potential. The ratio of the ultraviolet sensitivities of the sodium and the asymmetrical displacement currents is 2.3+/- 0.2. This result suggests two independent identical gating particles per sodium channel in the membrane of myelinated nerve.


Spectral analysis of spontaneous contractions of the isolated portal vein of rats. The spontaneous contractions of segments of rat portal veins have been examined in vitro under isotonic and isometric conditions. The power density spectra of recorded time series lasting 10-60 min were calculated. The spectra usually consist of harmonic frequency components. Only during shorter periods of analysis (10 min time series) we sometimes found additional non-harmonic components. All frequency components are proportionally shifted by changes of the bath temperature according to an average Q10 of 2.0. Increase of the load decreases the frequency of the contractons. The results of the spectral analysi, indicating a preponderance of a single source of periodicity, were supported by direct evidence of a pacemaker region. By recording contractions after systematic dissections of the portal vein segment, we found that spontaneous activity is generated at the central end of the segment.


Studies on the lithium transport across the red cell membrane. I. Li+ uphill transport by the Na+-dependent Li+ counter-transport system of human erythrocytes. Li+ net-transfer across cell membranes was studied on human erythrocytes and ghosts preloaded with 1-2 mM Li+ and incubated in saline media of varying composition at initial thermodynamic equilibrium for Li+. The following results were obtained: 1. Li+ is extruded from glycolyzing erythrocytes against an electrochemical gradient until a steady-state Li+ distribution is established after 24-28 h. 2. The initial rate of Li+ extrusion is not altered by ouabain or by reduction of ATP levels to less than 25% of the normal value. 3. Replacement of external Na+ by K+ or choline+ abolishes the establishment of an electrochemical Li+ gradient. 4. The Li+ distribution ratio Lie+/Lii+ increases proportional to the ratio Nae+/Nai+ at constant extravellular K+ concentrations. 5. In ghost suspension an uphill Li+ transport is driven by an oppositely directed Na+ gradient. The direction of the Li+ uphill transport can be reversed by reversing the Na+ gradient. From the results it is concluded that the Li+ uphill transport across human red cell membranes is mediated by a Na+-dependent Li+ counter-transport system. This system is not inhibited by ouabain and does not appear to be identical to the Na+-Na+ exchange system described by Garrahan and Glynn.


Partial dissociation between salivary secretion and active potassium transport in the perfused cat submandibular gland. Isolated cat submandibular glands were perfused with Locke solutions in a thermostated chamber. Passive loss of potassium and uptake of sodium was achieved either by increasing the permeability of the cell membranes by acetylcholine (ACh) or by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump reversibly by cooling or by removal of extracellular potassium. Irrespective of the way by which the cells were potassium depleted and sodium loaded, re-establishment of normal conditions was sufficient to cause an active net uptake of potassium (probably coupled to net extrusion of sodium). However, while ACh-induced changes in intracellular concentrations of monovalent cations were accompanied by salivary secretion, virtually no secretion was observed when normal conditions were re-established after concentration changes caused by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump. It is concluded that while the transport mechanisms responsible for the maintenaance of the intracellular concentrations of monovalent cations undoubtedly is a (Na+-K+)-activated ATPase, the transport mechanism responsible for the formation of the primary saliva is probably of a different type, since it apparently is not directly activated by the intracellular sodium concentration.


Comparison of the visco-elastic properties of the tail artery in spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats. The quasistatic and dynamic elastic behaviour of the tail artery of male normotensive (NCR) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats was determined in vitro. The tone of the smooth muscle was enhanced by norepinephrine and diminished by papaverine. The circumferential wall stress was changed by varying the transmural pressure level. The experimental procedure was the same as that used in a previous investigation (Bauer and Pasch, 1971). The circumferential (tangential) elastic wall modulus Et was calculated from the mean internal and external radii determined at each pressure level and from dynamic pressure-volume recordings in the frequency range between 0.03 and 20 HZ. The calculation was based on a formula valid for thick-walled, longitudinally constrained vessels.


Recovery of ultrastructural changes accompanying caffeine contractures in isolated muscle fibres of the crayfish. Reversible caffeine contractures in isolated muscle fibres of the crayfish (Astacus fluviatilis; m. extensor carpopoditi) are accompanied by swelling of the diadic cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and by constriction of the T-system tubules. The membranes of the tubules may coalesce and form pentalaminar structures. These changes in the diadic region can be found already in fibres fixed 10 s after the sudden introduction of 4 mM or 6 mM caffeine solution. The changes are completely reversible. The recovery period after a 6 mM caffeine contracture lasts 20 min. The restitution of ultrastructural changes induced by caffeine correlates well with the recovery of responsiveness to a repeated application of caffeine. The pretreatment of fibres with procaine prevents both the generation of caffeine contractures and the occurrence of changes in the ultrastructure. No changes or a very slight enlargement of diadic cisternae were found during potassium contractures of comparable size and duration to caffeine contractures. The effect of procaine as well as the restitution of ultrastructural changes after the recovery of responsiveness to caffeine support the view that the cisternal swelling is a direct consequence of the calcium releasing action of caffeine. Isolated swelling of diadic cisternae and the absence of any changes in the remaining parts of the sarcoplasmic reticulum during reversible caffeine contractures could point to the existence of functional differentiation of the respective parts of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The absence of ultrastructural changes during potassium contractures might indicate a different source of the activating calcium for contraction and/or a different mechanism of its release.


A new device to derive the force-velocity relationship of the isolated papillary muscle using a sonomicrometer and an electromagnet. This report deals with a simplified and improved method for measuring the force-velocity relationship of the cat papillary muscle by means of a coil-type galvanometer and a horizontally oriented lever system. The pre- and afterload generator consists of a rotor coil and a D.C. electromagnet. Because of its variable magnetic field it can easily be adapted to the tolerances of different coils and mounting systems. The ultrasound reflection method is used to measure displacements. This gives a linear and stable measurement of changes of muscle length without physical contact.


A window amplitude discriminator with adjustable upper and lower thresholds. An amplitude window discriminator is described which permits selection of spikes from a multi-unit recording, provided the signal-to-noise ratio is high enough. The device can be built at relatively low cost and time. The circuitry permits analysis of the positive or the negative deflections of the recorded signals. In Part One of the circuitry, the signals are pre-amplified and may be inverted in polarity. In Part Two, the pulses are compared to a variable lower threshold voltage, and low amplitude noise is eliminated. Part Three depicts a logic circuit for elimination of disturbing high-amplitude signals, whose output delivers digital pulses, each corresponding to an original signal (e.g. a neuronal spike) of a certain amplitude.


The role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the pure frequency potentiation: the effect of ryanodine. The dependence of the contraction amplitude of the isolated papillary muscle of the guinea pig on the stimulation pattern is probably caused by a well working sarcoplasmic reticulum. This view is supported by the finding that the alkaloid ryanodine flattens the curve of the force-frequency relationship and abolishes the pure frequency potentiation. Ryanodine is said to destroy exclusively the connection between T-tubulus and sarcoplasmic reticulum.


Responses of Midbrain raphe neurons to local temperature. The effect of heating and cooling in the midbrain on the unit activities of midbrain raphe neurons in the rat was observed. Out of 24 raphe units studied, 14 units responded to a rise in midbrain temperature with an increased rate of firing. The remaining 10 units did not respond to temperature changes between 34 and 41 degrees C. The result is consistent with the idea that the heat-induced increase in brain serotonin turnover is mediated by an increased firing rate of midbrain raphe neurons.


Distal Tubule [Na+] and juxtaglomerular apparatus Renin activity in uranyl nitrate induced acute renal failure in the rat. An evaluation of the role of tubuloglomerular feedback. It has been previously demonstrated that single neophron filtration rate, whole kidney glomerular filtration rate and total renal blood flow decreased by 30-35% 6 h after uranyl nitrate induced acute renal failure in the rat. In order to evaluate a role of the renin-angiotensin system in the initiating phase (0-6 h) of this model of acute renal failure determinations of plasma renin activity, superficial (S) and deep (D) juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) renin activity and distal nephron [Na+] were obtained. Plasma renin activity increased from the control value of 1.5 +/- 0.3 (S.E.M.) to 2.9 +/- 0.4 ng/ml/h (P less than 0.005) at 6 h. Mean renin activity in S- and D-JGA's of control rats was 6.99 +/- 0.41 and 2.67 +/- 0.21 ng/JGA/h, respectively. After uranyl nitrate, renin activity in S-JGA's increased to 13.62 +/- 0.80 ng/JGA/h (P less than 0.001) at 2 h and remained elevated, 12.56 +/- 0.90 and 12.75 +/- 0.87 ng/JGA/h at 4 and 6 h. D-JGA renin activity increased (P less than 0.05) to 7.04 +/- 0.53, 6.23 +/- 0.31 and 3.44 +/- 0.33 ng/JGA/h at 2, 4 and 6 h after uranyl nitrate. Distal tubule [Na+], 27 samples in 6 rats, increased from a mean control value of 53.7 +/- 1.2 mEq/l to 116.9 +/- 2.5 mEq/l, 24 samples in 6 rats (P less than 0.001). Prompt increases in JGA renin activity were observed in the initiating phase of acute renal failure, suggesting a role for the renin-angiotensin system in the pathophysiology of this nephrotoxic model. The association of increased JGA renin activity and increased distal [Na+] is consistent with a role for the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism in the initiating phase of uranyl nitrate induced acute renal failure in the rat.


Four types of GABA receptors in crayfish leg muscles characterized by desensitization and specific antagonist. The effects of application of GABA were studied in the closer and stretcher muscle of crayfish walking legs and compared to those on the opener muscle. EPSPs were measured intracellularly and extracellularly at single synaptic spots, and the input resistance of the muscle fiber was determined. In contrast to the opener muscle, in the closer and stretcher GABA receptors desensitized nearly completely within 5-10 min in the presence of GABA. The presynaptic receptors desensitized more slowly than the postsynaptic ones. While in the opener muscle betaguanidino propionic acid (betaGPA) activates only the presynaptic GABA receptors, in the closer and stretcher muscles both the pre- and the postsynaptic receptors are activated by betaGPA. The postsynaptic GABA receptor on the closer muscle desensitizes in the presence of betaGPA. The results show that with respect to desensitization and the effect of betaGPA four types of GABA receptors can be distinguished. As far as is known from the literature, the homologous synapses in lobster and crab can be assumed to have the same receptor types as those found in crayfish.


Active Ca2+ reabsorption in the proximal tubule of the rat kidney. Dependence on sodium- and buffer transport. Using the stop flow microperfusion technique with simultaneous capillary perfusion the rate active Ca2+ reabsorption was evaluated by measuring the static head electrochemical potential difference as well as the permeability of the tubular wall for Ca2+ ions. Under control conditions the active Ca2+ transport was calculated to be 3.35 X 10(-13) mol/cm - s. It declined toward zero if the ambient Na+ was replaced by choline or lithium. Parallel experiments in the golden hamster showed that active Ca2+ transport, vanished completely if active Na+ transport was blocked by ouabain (1 mM). These data indicate that the active Ca2+ reabsorption from the proximal tubule depends on the active reabsorption of Na2+ presumably via a Na+-Ca2+ countertransport at the contraluminal cell membrane. The static head electrochemical potential difference of Ca2+ is the same in late and early proximal tubules. It is also not affected by the presence of acetazolamide (10(-4) M) by the absence of bicarbonate or glycodiazine buffer or by the absence or presence of phosphate (2 mM).


The bulbar respiratory centre in the rabbit. I. Changes of respiratory parameters caused by intermittent electrical bulbar stimulation during inspiration or expiration. In anesthetized rabbits, spirogram and diaphragmatic activity were examined during electrical stimulation of regions of the medulla oblongata. The stimulating volleys were triggered by the phase transitions of the animal's own respiration. 1. Each early inspiratory volley of 120 ms duration at 100 pulses per second caused an immediate and transient inhibition of the diaphragmatic activity. Respiration was slowed down due to prolongation of inspiration. The tidal volume increased above control. Stimuli delivered after 30-40% of a control inspiration had elapsed cut short this phase and entailed a shortening of the following expiration, too. Respiration was thus accelerated. 2. Each early expiratory volley caused an inspiratory twitch after a short latency. The respiratory rate was slightly increased due to shortening of expiration. The spirogram exhibited a distinct inspiratory effect (elevation of the end-inspiratory and end-expiratory levels). Stimuli delivered after 60--70% of a control expiration had elapsed slowed down respiration due to prolongation of inspiration but did not alter the end-expiratory level. The expiration remained almost unaltered. The effects were still observed while an artificial state of lung distension or collapse was maintained. 3. Volleys of increasing duration were delivered, starting with onset of expiration. The initial respiratory acceleration (shortening of both phases) and elevation of the end-expiratory level, observed when short volleys were applied, changed into slowing down of respiration (prolongation of both phases) and a shift of the end-expiratory level towards active expirations when the duration of the volley was somewhat longer than a normal expiration. The end-inspiratory level remained slightly elevated. Results suggest that during inspiration a progressively increasing inhibitory state is built up. During expiration, both an increasing inspiratory and an expiratory tendency are present as revealed by mixed inexpiratory stimulation effects.


Pulse wave reflection at the collapsed segment of an artery in Riva-Rocci's method. The contours of pressure and flow of a pulse wave arriving at the entrance of a collapsed segment of an elastic tube can be described by application of the basic laws of reflection. The collapsed segment acts like a valve. It is opened by the pressure of the pulse wave when the pressure within the tube becomes higher than the "collapse pressure", i.e. the pressure exerted on the segment from outside. This opening of the collapsed segment suddenly changes the sign of the pulse wave reflection from positive to negative; thus a typical contour change of the pulse proximal to the segment is observed. The most obvious effect is a reduction of the pulse pressure. The extent of this reduction is a function of the collapse pressure. A typical example of this phenomenon can be observed in an artery proximal to the segment which is collapsed due to pressure exerted by an inflated Riva-Rocci cuff. The effect is explained by the assumption that the sign of reflection changes when the pressure of the pulse wave crosses the level of the cuff pressure. This explanation is supported by the results of model experiments.


Changes in interstitial pressure during and after blood volume expansion in rats. Interstitial fluid pressure was measured via a chronically implanted capsule before, during and after acute isotonic, iso-oncotic blood volume expansion in normal or in 48-h dehydrated rats. At the same time, the patterns of body fluid distribution, of selected renal responses and of mean arterial and mean central venous pressure responses were studied. Dry tissue weight (DTW) was subsequently determined by freeze drying of the shaved carcass. Dehydration decreased plasma volume and interstitial fluid volume significantly below normal values. The initial intracapsular pressure in dehydrated animals (-3.7 +/- 0.6 mm Hg) was not significantly different from that in normal rats (-2.5 +/- 0.5), but dehydrated rats showed initially a very significantly lower effective interstitial compliance (0.0005 ml/mm Hg per gram DTW) than did the normal group (0.0704). In the course of the renal response to the volume load, effective interstitial compliance increased to 0.0350 in dehydrated rats but showed no change in normal rats. Neither group completely corrected its elevated blood volume; both returned their central venous pressures to pre-infusion levels; both decreased their interstitial fluid volumes below pre-infusion levels and both decreased their intracapsular fluid pressures 1 mm Hg below the level prevailing in non-infused animals at that time. It is concluded that a reduction in interstitial hydrostatic pressure can be a functionally important influence in the apparent control of central venous pressure following acute blood volume expansion.


Effect of motilin on pancreatic secretion. Motilin and secretin were compared in regard to their effects on pancreatic bicarbonate and protein secretion in conscious dogs provided with chronic pancreatic fistulas. Dose-response analysis showed that maximal bicarbonate response to motilin was about 5% of that to secretin and maximal protein response was about 35% of that to caerulein. The interaction of these two peptides showed that motilin is a potent inhibitor of secretin-induced bicarbonate secretion. Since motilin is released by duodenal alkalinization and inhibits pancreatic bicarbonate secretion, it is possible that this peptide is involved in the feedback mechanism of inhibition of pancreatic secretion by alkaline pancreatic juice present in the duodenum.


Action of caerulein, glucagon or prostaglandin E1 on the motility of intestinal villi. If injected into the artery supplying the first jejunal loop of dogs, caerulein increases, glucagon and PGE-1 decrease villous motility significantly. The relationship between the natural logarithm of the drug doses and their effects is linear.


An assay for albumin messenger RNA in an vitro protein synthesizing system from wheat germ. The synthesis of serum albumin in an in vitro protein-synthesizing system from wheat germ stimulated with rat liver polysomal RNA is demonstrated by immunoprecipitation. The newly synthesized albumin has the same electrophoretic mobility as rat serum albumin. There is a linear increase in precursor incorporation into total protein and albumin with increasing RNA concentration. Potassium and magnesium optima for albumin synthesis are different from those for total protein synthesis.


Globin mRNA contains a sequence complementary to double-stranded region of nuclear pre-mRNA. Melted ds RNA isolated from rabbit bone marrow pre-mRNA was hybridized with excess of globin mRNA which was prepared from rabbit reticulocytes. 7-9% of ds sequences became RNAase-stable and about 30% of the sequences could be bound to poly(U)-Sepharose through poly (A) of mRNA. The size of RNAase-stable hybrid is about 30 nucleotides, that is one fourth of the length of one strand of the ds RNA.