[Our experience with pulsed oxygen and general anesthesia in direct suspension laryngoscopy]. The authors describe a group of 77 direct suspension laryngoscopies in which general anaesthesia and oxygen therapy were used. The technique is described in considerable detail. The catheter used is independent of the laryngoscope and is passed into the nasal cavity. Analysis of the gases in the blood of 15 patients showed that after three minutes of apnea, ventilation was still satsifactory. No pneumothorax occured during this type of anaesthesia. For the O.-R.-L. practitioner using the method, the advantages are as follows: induction anaesthesia is quicker than after neuroleptanalgesia, exposure of the larynx is excellent due to curarization and three endoscopies can be carried out in the same operation: laryngoscopy,  oesophagoscopy and bronchoscopy. The disadvantage of general anaesthesia is that it makes it impossible to judge the mobility of the larynx. In 7,8 p. 100 of the cases, direct suspension laryngoscopy proved difficult or impossible to carry out fir anatomical reasons.


[Cylindrical epithelioma of nasal cavities and accessory sinuses. Anatomoclinical study of 26 cases]. Report of a series of 26 cases of cylindrical epithelioma of the nasal cavities and accessory nasal sinuses. These neoplasms constitute a remarkably homogenous group the main characteristics of which are following: -- uniform histological pattern, similar to that of the epitheliomas of the colon, -- ethmoidal location in almost all cases, -- preferential occurrence in wood-workers, for instance in the Bas-Rhin. The prognosis depends on the extension of the epithelioma verified in 16 patients during the intervention. Recurrences caused death in 13 patients of this series. Ganglionic or distant metastases are rare. Six patients, i.e. 24 p. 100 had a favourable evolution of at least 3 years. Discussion about the therapeutics of the primary tumor and of its recurrences.


[Ultrastructural study of host-parasite relationships in epidermis during "Trichophyton mentagrophytes" infection (author's transl)]. This study presents information concerning (1) location of fungal cells within the tissue, (2) subsequent tissue alterations and (3) behaviour of immunocompetent cells. 1) During initiation of infection, the fungal cells were found to be intracellular in the lower parts of stratum corneum. Digestion of intracellular keratin is obvious, but the resistant cell wall of the squames remain unaltered. During reinfection fungal cells were located intercellulary in the upper parts of stratum corneum. 2) The study of ultrastructural changes in the underlying viable parts of epidermis reveals many alterations of keratinocytes such as mitochondrial damage, lost of tonofilaments, vacuolization, and rupture of cytoplasmic bonds. The epidermal cells are disjoined by an oedematous reaction, and these manifestations may involve large epidermic areas. 3) Cells, arising from the dermis, move into the intercellular spaces that originate from epidermal cellular dissociation. These cells are interpretated as corresponding mainly to lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages. This cellular infiltration is intense. Most of the lymphocytes and macrophages are activated (even giant cells are to be observed). In addition, some of these cells may reach the stratum corneum, the area of parasitic location. The relationships between these manifestations and those related to cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity reactions are discussed. It seems possible to demonstrate the immunopathologic status of the reaction where some specific immunological manifestations appear to be related to the fungal growth acting in a special way by antigenic stimulation.


[Transduction of drug resistance factors and colicinogenic properties by bacteriophage phi-gamma (author's transl)]. Bacteriophage phi-gamma is capable of transducing long segments from hybrids R,Col,Trp plasmids carrying its prophage attachment site, even in absence of definite integration therein. Transductants inherite segments adjacent to the attachment site which may comprise determinants of drug resistance and of colicinogeny. Presence of a related plasmid in the recipient may have a helping effect probably in allowing recombination of the transduced genes with a replicon.


Infection of congenitally athymic (nude) mice with Toxoplasma gondii. Nude mice, congenitally lacking most thymus-derived lymphocytes, are neither more susceptible nor more resistant against primary infection with virulent T. gondii cells than normal control mice. Both mouse groups died at the same time after intraperitoneal infection. Treatment with sulfadiazine protected both mouse groups against acute fatal disease. After termination of treatment with sulfadiazine the Nude mice gradually died, whereas the normal hairy mice survived. The latter had developed high amounts of antibodies and protective immunity to an otherwise lethal challenge infection. In the serum of Nude mice no antibodies could be detected. Pathologic alterations existed in the livers of Nude mice at the time of death.


Laboratory investigations on neuroparalytic accidents associated with suckling mouse brain rabies vaccine. III. -- Preservation of vaccine potency after elimination of murine brain myelin by centrifugation. Myelin, which has been found in nine day-old mouse brain, was eliminated from weanling mouse brain suspensions by centrifugation at 17,000 g for 10 min, as demonstrated by electron microscopy and guinea-pig inoculation tests for encephalitogenic activity. This centrifugation procedure did not affect the potency of seven batches of suckling mouse brain vaccine, when centrifuged and non-centrifuged samples of the same batches were compared by a modified NIH potency test (t = 0.17). The present results with weanling mouse brain preparations suggest that centrifugation at 17,000 g be used in the preparation of rabies suckling mouse brain vaccine instead of the 1,900 g currently employed, which does not eliminate myelin. This new procedure would be expected to reduce the number of postvaccinal reactions which are attributable to the small amount of myelin which remains in vaccines prepared with new-born animal brains following the current procedure.


The effect of prostaglandin E2 on thyroidal secretion of hormonal iodine in the pig. The thyroid gland isolated in situ in 4 pigs was perfused with PGI2 given at increasing rates (1.38, 2.75, 13.8, 27.5 and 138 ng/mn). In the all animals a significant dose-dependent reduction in hormonal iodine secretion rate was observed. These results confirm in vitro experiments with PGE1 (Burke et al., 1972).


[Toxins of Byssochlamys nivea Westling. I. Preliminary study of toxicity in sheep]. The acute intoxication in 4 sheep, due to an extract from a Byssochlamys nivea culture containing patulin is attained by administering per os with a syringe or with an esophagal tube doses of patulin varying from 15 to 50 mg per kg of bodyweight. A dose of 20 mg/kg, given with a syringe, brought on the death of a sheep within 5 hours following the administration, while a dose of 50 mg/kg given by an esophagal tube, only led to some temporary and slight problems. Intoxication brings on such symptoms such as nasal discharge, the stoppage of ruminating, a painful sensitivity in the retro-sternal area, weight loss, and prolonged loss of appetite. With an autopsy, a sero-fibrinous peritoneal exsudate and considerable hemorrhaging in the abomasum can be found. Anatomo-pathological examinations pinpoint lesions in the liver and kidneys. Biochemical examinations revealed hemoconcentration followed by anemia, and a considerable drop in serum proteins. The urea level increases 24 hours after and attains a notable maximum at the 30th hour (50 to 200 per cent). During these acute intoxications, no disorder whatsoever in the nervous system was observed.


[Several strains of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis: biochemical characteristics and allergic activity]. Judged from its biochemical properties and antigenic structure, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis is related to M. avium. When M. paratuberculosis was compared to B.C.G., several essential differences, were found that allowed their clear separation, within Runyon's Group III, M. paratuberculosis is differentiated by its biochemical properties as shown in the following table : (formula: see text). The allergic response of a guinea pig infected with M. paratuberculosis was stronger when an avium sensitine was used that when a bovine tuberculine was used.


[Physico-chemical properties of 7-aminodesacetoxycephalosporanic acid]. 7-Aminodesacetoxycephalosporanic acid (7-ADCA) of 99 per cent purity was prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of 7-phenylacetamidodesacetoxycephalosporanic acid. Its isoelecti point was determined by the electrophoretic method. Potentiometric titration of zwitterion of 7-ADCA was performed and the constants of its ionization were calculated. Minimum solubility of 7-ADCA zwitterion was determined and the curve of 7-ADCA solubility at wide pH ranges was estimated. Equilibrium of 3 forms of 7-ADCA was estimated.


[Electron microscopic study of the structure of colonies of culture of Actinomyces parvullus producing actinomycin D]. Ultrafine structure of the mycellium of the colonies of active and non-active variants of Actinomyces parvullus, producing actinomycin D was studied. Functional rebuilding of the cells of the substrate and aerial mycellium during the colony development in connection with synthesis and accumulation of the antibiotic by the culture was shown. The process of production and secretion of an amorphous material in the cells of the substrate mycellium of the active variant of Actinomyces parvullus was studied. It was supposed that the above process was associated with the antibiotic synthesis by the organism cells. The phenomenon of intrahyphal growth of the hyphae observed in both the active and inactive variants of the colonies was rather characteristic of the cells of the culture studied.


[Study of the composition of gas refuse in chlortetracycline production]. Varius classes of organic compounds, such as acids, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols and others getting into the atmosphere and polluting it were determined in the effluent gases of chlortetracycline production with chemical and physico-chemical methods.


[Characteristics of a new aromatic heptaenic antibiotic, flavumycin A]. The study of the products of alkaline and acid hydrolysis showed that flavumycin A included mycosamine, an aminosugar and n-aminoacetophen, an aromatic fragment. The main functional groups of the antibiotics aglicone were determined.


[Toxicity and pharmacological properties of carminomycin complex components]. Acute toxicity of the components of the carminomycin complex after intravenous administration to albino mice increased as follows. I less than II less than III. Component II induced a decrease in all the indices of the bone marrow and peripheral blood of the animals. It was most pronounced in dogs. The dogs died after administration of component II in the lethal doses as a result of the bone marrow aplasia. The indices of the functional state of the liver and kidneys in the animals after administration of components I and II changed slightly. Component III administered repeatedly to rabbits even in low doses induced significant impairments in the function of the liver and kidneys. Component II differed from component I by more pronounced cardiotoxicity. On the basis of the experimental data and the results published earlier component I is recommended for clinical trials as the least toxic one.


[Relationship between nephrotixic effect of gentamicin and streptomycin and their blood levels in laboratory animals]. A principle of studying the nephrotoxic properties of drugs under conditions of maintaining their constant levels in the blood and dynamic registration of the nitrogen levels in the urea followed by histological examination of the kidney is proposed. Correlation between the levels of gentamicin and streptomycin in the cat blood during 4-hour infusion and the level of the nephrotoxic effect was found, gentamicin being much more toxic than streptomycin.


[Lysozyme as a local defense factor in the gastrointestinal tract of patients with chronic diseases of the digestive organs]. No microbial growth in platings of the gastric juice of patients with gastric ulcer and chronic anacidic gastritis was observed. It means that the absence of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice does not deprive it of any antimicrobial action. The possible role of lysozyme in providing sterility of the proximal part of the gastro-intestinal tract was studied. Eighty patients with chronic diseases of the digestive organs were observed. It was noted that the levels of lysozyme in the gastric juice was high and markedly exceeded the maximum concentrations required for lysis of organisms most resistant to it. The maximum concentration was determined at pH of the gastric juice equal to 7.0-7.5 (265 gamma/ml+/-28). No lysozyme in the content of the duodenum and jejunal juice was found in most cases. Its presence in the above parts of the gastro-intestinal tract was mainly associated with microbial growth. The maximum concentration of lysozyme (40 gamma/ml) in the jejunal juice was observed in a female patient with chronic enterocolitis and significant microbial proliferation in the thin colon (more than 10(4) microbial bodies per 1 ml of the juice). Such parallelism between the presence of lysozyme in the gastric juice and microbial proliferation in it may be considered as a protective-adoptive reaction of the host.


[Effect of prodigiosin on the lysozyme activity in melioidosis]. Decreased lysozyme activity was observed under conditions of melioidosis intoxication in rats induced by intraperitoneal administration of an acetone-killed 3-day culture of the bacterial mass of the melioidosis causative agent. When prodigiozan was administered 48 hours by the 4th day which was indicative of prodigiozan activation of the factors of the microbial non-specific resistance.


[Study of the effect of tetracycline, prodigiosin and their combination on the dynamics of phagocytosis of plague bacteria]. The advantage of the combined use of prodigiozan and tetracycline was observed in tissue culture of peritoneal macrophages of albino mice. Earlier digestion of the intracellular Y. pestis EV by the animal macrophages exposed to prodigiozan and treated with tetracycline was noted. It was shown that the macrophages preserved during several hours of cultivation in vitro their properties acquired in the animal organism under the effect of the substances administered.


[Clinical evaluation of antibiotic therapy of NAG-infection]. It is not concluded yet whether it is expedient to use antibiotic therapy with respect to patients and vibrio-carries with NAG-infection. Observation of a group of patients with acute gastro-intestinal infections caused by NAG-vibrio and carriers of NAG-vibrioes showed that the rate of vibrio isolation after a course of antibiotic therapy (tetracycline, levomycetin) significantly decreased as compared to that in the group of the patients subjected only to symptomatic therapy. The data of the study provided recommendation of antibacterial therapy with respect to patients with NAG-infection especially in cases with accompanying infections or invasions. As for "asymptomic" carriers antibiotic therapy is required only with respect to persons with repeated vibrio isolation.


Thoracotomy under local anaesthesia: personal experiences in 215 cases. The underlying pathophysiology and technic of thoracotomy with local anaesthesia for the surgical treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and other intra- and extrapulmonary diseases is described. The immediate as well as the long term results in 187 patients with 215 operations were favourable. In view of these results the described method of thoracotomy with local anaesthesia  is to be preferred to an incorrectly administered general anaesthesia. However, it is beyond any doubt that in the presence of qualified anaesthetists and adequate equipment thoracotomy with general anaesthesia is preferable to local anaesthesia. However, wherever the conditions for expert application of general anaesthesia are lacking and surgical treatment of lung diseases is necessary, thoracotomy with local anaesthesia is an acceptable and reliable substitute.


Popliteal artery entrapment; claudication during youth. We report four patients who presented early in life with intermittent claudication, caused by popliteal artery entrapment. In three of them this was the result of an abnormality in the anatomy of the popliteal fossa. In the fourth, however, muscular hypertrophy alone led to arterial entrapment. Three patients were successfully treated by simple myotomy. In the fourth arteriography showed a total occlusion of the popliteal artery. An arteriotomy was performed. In was then seen that the vessel was still patent, and the opening was closed with a vein patch. The result of this procedure was also satisfactory. It is the authors' opinion, based on their own experience and that of other workers as reported in the literature, that vascular reconstruction is only indicated when irreversible vascular changes have occurred, or where other lesions have complicated the condition.


The alveolar soft-part sarcoma. A clinically malignant, neuro-endocrine tumor, possibly originating from the tissue composing the paraganglia. The cases of two young women with alveolar soft-part sarcomas (ASPS) in one of the upper extremities are reported. The ASPS is a relatively rare malignant tumor of the soft parts that grows slowly and shows a predilection for the extremities; it occurs most often in young women. The tumor is deceptive in that the clinical impression is benign. So far, the only method of treatment is ample surgical excision. The tumor appears to be scarcely radio-sensitive and primary cytostatic therapy gives very little response. Histogenetically, the tumor is related to the neuro-endocrine paraganglion system. The long-term prognosis of the tumor is unfavorable.


Reduction mammaplasty followed by development of a bilateral non-synchronous carcinoma of the breast. Case report of a woman who at the age of 26 underwent mammary reduction (strmbeck) for macromastia. A primary bilateral non-synchronous carcinoma of the breast was discovered 20 months and 5 years after the plastic surgery. On pathological examination lymph node metastases were not found in both instances. There was a positive family history of the occurrence of carcinoma. Mammography prior to mammary reduction is recommended.


Ascites in benign disease of the pancreas. Ascites in benign disease of the pancreas is a rare observation. One patient with this condition is discussed. The key to the diagnosis is the raise of the amylase and protein content of the ascitic fluid. The condition is caused by pancreatic juice oozing into the free abdominal cavity through a rupture of the pancreatic duct or a pancreatic cyst. Surgical treatment may result in recovery.


[Persistent atrioventricular canal. Differential diagnosis of its variations]. The authors reviewed 40 cases of endocardial cushion defect, 26 with the complete type and 14 incomplete. In 34 cases the diagnosis was corroborated anatomically and in the rest through angiocardiogram. 2. There is a discussion of proposed classifications and in accordance with the abnormality of the endocardial cushions, they outline the anatomic varieties. 3. They show that the complete and partial forms have notable differences in their clinical picture and in the prognosis. Particularly when there are associated malformations. They also give a detailed account of the essential data for the differential diagnosis. 4. In those cases with the partial type, the electrocardiogram showed typical behavior, whereas, in those with complete type the results were related to the associated malformations. 5. The anatomy of the persistence of endocardial cushion defect is analyzed and taking this into consideration, the problems which occur with mitral valve replacement are discussed. 6. They emphasize the importance of an excellent angiographic study, which besides its diagnostic value, is fundamental in making a decision in regard to surgical selection and technique. 7. They show the high frequency of malformations which may coexist with Endocardial cushion defect and remind us that as long as we continue to wait for classic data, especially of tb electrocardiogram, and ignore the left ventriculogram to establish the diagnosis, an important number of cases will remain undiagnosed. 8. They show that in the incomplete type there habitually exits situs solitus and the associated malformations are rare and simple; on the other hand in the complete, situs ambiguo was proven in 69.2% and solitus in the rest, and in 92.3% there were complex associated malformations. They affirm that with the suspicion or the confirmation of the complete type consider the possibility of it is imperative to heterotaxia. If this exist and there is low pulmonary flow we should suspect the coexistence with tetralogy of Fallot.


[Anatomo-clinical study of arterioventricular disorders]. The relationship of the great arteries with their respective ventricles in the three toncoconal morphologies depends on the orientation and rotation of the septum of the trunk and cone. In this work we study a case of crossed great arteries and another of partial distortion of the great arteries and one of transposition of the great arteries, all with arterioventricular concordance. In the anatomic and angiocardiographic examples an analysis is made of the arterioventricular relation in each type of arterial pedicle. We say that arterioventricular concordance exists with crossed great arteries when the pulmonary originated from the anterior infundibulum and its direction of right to left or from left to right in the frontal plane shows the spacial position of the anatomically right ventricle. In the transposition of the great arteries or in the partial distortion of the great arteries with arterioventricular concordance the aorta in the frontal plane shows the spacial position of the anatomically right ventricle. In the first group the aorta originates from the anterior infundibulum while in the second, from the posterior infundibulum. We review the examples of arterioventricular discordance diagnosed by necropsy or by laboratory studies. We study 5 cases; 1 with crossed great arteries, 3 with transposition of great arteries and the last with partial distortion of the great arteries. In the arterioventricular discordances with crossed great arteries in the lateral position, we observe that the pulmonary artery originates from the anterior infudnibulum whereas in the transposition, the aorta emerges from the anterior infundibulum. In the partial distortion of the great arteries the vessels are side by side or the aorta a little bit anterior to the pulmonary which is connected with the anterior infundibulum. In the posteroanterior incidence when there exists an arterioventricular discordance with crossed great arteries, the direction of the pulmonary does not indicate the spacial position of the anatomically right ventricle. In the same way, in the transposition and in the partial distortion of the great arteries the aorta does not indicate the spacial position of the anatomically right ventricle. On the basis of the evidence obtained by experimental and descriptive embriology, the morphogenetic processes responsible for the arterioventricular relations are presented. The anatomic specimens of each example is analyzed and the adequate parameter for the diagnosis of the distinct varieties of arterioventricular relations are presented. Finally a review is made of the few cases found in the literature and the differential diagsis between the concordant and discordant troncoconal malformation is established.


[Correlation between exercise test and coronariography]. In order to evaluate the sensibility and specificity of the maximal treadmill exercise-stress test, a correlation was made, in fifty patients, of the resus of the test and the findings at selective coronary arteriography. None of the patients had received cardioactive drugs previous to the study. Among twenty-nine patients with proven coronary disease, three had false negative exercise tests. The remaining twenty-six cases had positive tests. The sensitivity of the method (reliability in identifying the presence of disease) was 89.7%. Twelve of twenty-one subjects with normal coronary arteries had negative exercise tests. In eight patients without coronary artery lesions, the exercise test was positive (false positive tests). An additional patient had an equivocal response and is included among the false positive responses. These nine-patients form a special group since they had severe heart disease, even though it was not due to atherosclerosis of the major coronary vessels. The specificity of the test (reliability in identifying the absence of disease) was 57.1%. However, in the absence of other heart disease, none of the subjects with normal coronary arteries had a false positive response. An analysis is made of the possible causes of these false negative and false positive responses. It was also shown in this study that the patients with coronary artery disease and positive treadmill tests had a definite functional aerobic impairment as well as a significant reduction in such indices of myocardial oxygen consumption as the heart rate and the double product (pressure-pulse), when compared to the subjects with normal coronary vessels and negative tests. In the group of patients with false positive responses, these parameters were not significantly different from the normals. The exercise-stress test protocol used in this study appears to have an adequate sensibility and an acceptable specificity.


[Atrioventricular conduction disorders following total correction of tetralogy of Fallot. Analysis of the electrogram of the bundle of His]. A study was made of the electric activity of the atrioventricular (AV) conduction system in basal conditions and with atrial stimulation in order to discover the type, severity and prognosis of the AV disturbance in cases of total correction of tetralogy of Fallot. The authors studied thirteen patients from the Paediatric Department of the National Institute of Cardiology who had undergone such surgery, 7 males, 6 females from 3 to 22 years old. All presented advanced RBBB and sinus rhythm; in the immediate postoperative period, one presented complete transitory A-V block which required a stand by pacemaker; in 2 cases there was a first degree AV block; in two other, LAH and LPH. In 5 cases atrial stimulation was made with single charges and progressive frequency. Measurements were taken at the customary intervals. In basal conditions, prolongation of the AH interval was only found in 2 patients, both with first degree AV block in the peripheral EKG; both patients were taking digitalis. The HV interval was longer than normal in 3 cases, with one of these showing also a lengthened AH interval. The atrial stimulation showed prolonged ventricular activation in 2 cases, one of them with normal basal HV interval. The authors conclude that this procedure permits: 1) The discovery of alterations in the AV conduction system which could not be found in a peripheral EKG. 2) Localization of the site of the lesion. 3) The finding of disturbances of the ventricular conduction by atrial stimulation. 4) Identification of those patients who, after a complete correction of tetralogy of Fallot, show a potential high risk of developing complete complete AV block or of sudden death. 5) The establishment of a real prognosis in these patients.


[Aerobic functional capacity in normal subjects]. The functional evaluation of a subject may be performed by measurement of the functional aerobic capacity by means of exercise-stress tests. The maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) is the best parameter to establish this. The values of VO2 max were determined in twenty-five normal subjects, residents of Mexico City. There were twenty men and five women whose ages ranged between the third and fourth decades of life. A maximal exercise-stress test was performed in a treadmill, with constant inclination and progressive speed increments. Electrocardiogram and blood pressure were monitorized at rest, during exercise and in the recovery period. Four collections of espired gas were obtained, one at rest and three at different levels of exercise. VO2/kg. at rest (the value of one met) was 3.49+/-0.58 ml/kg. min. for the whole group somewhat lower for males (3.37+/-0.53 ml/kg. min.) than for female subjects (3.99+/-0.51 ml/kg. min.). These results are comparable to the ones informed in the literature. VO2 max/kg. was 27.8+/-5.57 ml/kg. min. for the entire group and 28.0+/-5.64 and 27.3+/-5.94 ml/kg. min. for men and women respectively. The values of VO2 max/kg. are definitely lower than the ones obtained from normal subjects in other countries. Considerations are made on the possible causes of this discrepancy. A linear correlation was found between VO2/kg or mets in one side and load imposed, cardiac rate or double product (pulse-pressure) in the other. The different VO2 max/kg. values found in this study as compared to the results obtained from other countries, serve to emphasize the need for each laboratory to establish its own normal values and to construct nomograms for the adquate evaluation of functional aerobic capacity. This, in turn, will permit the accurate and correct prescription of exercise for individual subjects or patients.


[Angiographic diagnosis of congenital abnormalities of the coronary vessels]. A new classification for congenital anormaleis of the coronary vessels is presented. The fundamentals of pathophysiology in each entity, are discussed.


[Long term prevention of thromboembolic accidents with acetylsalicylic acid in auricular fibrillation patients]. For the past few years various authors have reported the antiplatelet action and prolongation of bleeding time with the use of acetyl-salicilic acid. In the present work, we review the frequency of thromboembolism in a group of patients with rheumatic or sclerotic heart disease with atrial fibrillation, in which the treatment with coumarins was suspended and substituted for 1 gram of aspirin P.O. daily. The results were compared with a similar group studied by Cárdenas and col. During the time of the observation 10 patients had 14 thromboembolic accidents, slightly predominated by the emboli in the inferior members and in the cerebral vascular territory. The mortality was 2.5% and in 9 patients hemorrhages of little importance appeared, which could have been caused by the ASA, although it can not be proven. In comparing the results of this work with the above mentioned of Cárdenas, it appeared that the number of thromboemboli, of deaths, and secondary accidents in the group treated with ASA was less than in the group which received coumarin or which were maintained without treatment. Based on the results, it can be concluded that it is possible to substitute the coumarins with acetyl-salicilic acid in the prevention of thromboembolism, in patient with rheumatic or sclerotic heart disease with atrial fibrillation.


[Results of 1000 electrocardiographic exercise tests. Their correlation with previous ischemic cardiopathy and arteriosclerotic risk factors]. Exercise electrocardiograms were done on one thousand patients referred to the laboratory of exercise tests for: suggestive symptoms of acute heart failure, old miocardial infarction abnormal resting ECG, or evaluation of coronary reserve. The average value of cardiac rate reached for the group, was close to 80%. The maximum exercise loads managed by the men were superior to those of the women, and in general those managed in the negative test were superior in relation to the positive tests. Of the one thousand cases, 20.2% had positive exercise ECG's. There was no difference inthe percentages of positivity between the two sexes, 20.75% and 19.11% for men and women respecitvely. The percentages of positivity are greater in those subjects sent to the laboratory for suspicion of angina pectoris, old MI, or abnormal resting ECG, than in those referred for detection of ischemic heart disease. The groups of patients with diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, old MI, and abnormal resting ECG had the highest incidence of positive tests: 41%, 37.5%, 30.6%, and 28.2% respectively. The most frequent localization of the ST segment alterations was the anterior portion, with percentages of 85.1% similar to those mentioned in the literature. The frequency of arrithmias, of 12.4% in this group, is a little less than that described in similar groups, but it corroborates the predominance of non-lethal ventricular arrithmias. The mortality in the tests performed was null.


[Aortic coarctation in childhood. Surgical experience in 120 cases]. 112 cases of coarctation of the aorta and 8 cases of tubular hypoplasia of the aortic isthmus operated upon in the Children's Hospital "La Paz" from Madrid, are reviewed. All children were under 7 years of age. 64.2% of the cases of aortic coarctation were in the first year of life, 47.3% of them had associated lesions, being the most frequently present persistent ductus arteriosus and ventricular septal defect. Hospital mortality was 14.2%, what is considered as very acceptable. All the children operated upon for the correction of tubular hypoplasia of the aortic isthmus were in the first year of age. 75% of them had associated ductus arteriosus and ventricular septal defect, being hospital mortality of 62.5%. Most frequent postoperative complications and cause of death were due to broncopulmonary disorders secondary to the existence of a previous pulmonary hypertension.


[Coronary fistula of the left ventricle. Report of a case treated surgically]. A case of a left coronary artery fistula to the left ventricle successfully by surgery treated is reported. The medical literature was reviewed, and it is concluded that because of the surgical low mortality rate, all cases of coronary fistula, diagnosed by angiography and cardiac catheterization, ought to be submitted to surgical treatment.


[Use of cyclophosphamide in membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis]. A study was made of the effect of ciclofosfamide on the nephrotic syndrome, glomecular filtration rate, immuproteins clearance complement, and urinary sediment in 14 patients with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. It was found that the nephrotic syndrome disappeared in 7 out of 8 cases, the glomerular filtration rate increased significantly in 13 out of 14 patients, and there was no correlation between the action of the drug and the behavior of the immunoglobulins clearances, complement, and the urinary sediment. Neither was there found a correlation between the increased renal function and the histological spectrum.


[Final results of ultra-early diagnosis in congenital hip dislocation in the newborn infant population]. Data relating to the first year's work in ultra-early mass diagnosis of cases of congenital dysplasia of the hip are presented. Stress is laid on the importance of this type of screening as a means of preventing the crippling sequelae that this disease. Attention is drawn to the simplicity and cheapness of the examination. Particular reference is made to the notable frequency with which this form of dysplasia was observed in the children of parents known to be original inhabitants of the Sangone Valley.


[Ultrastructure of the myocardium in experimental autoimmune cardiomyopathy]. The myocardium of 20 rats with an experimentally caused autoimmune form of cardiomyopathy was studied by the electron-microscopy method. It was established that lesions of the ultrastructure of the myocardium in this pathology were of a mosaic character. There was a clear-cut difference between the areas of complete destruction of myocytes and the zones of hypertrophy of the myocardium. These were divided into areas with complete hypertrophy of the myocardium and those with incompetent hypertrophy of muscular cells, which, in its turn, depended upon local conditions, in particular, on localization of a great number of collagenous fibres in the interstitial space.


[Role of the changes in the sarcoplasmic reticulum in disorders of myocardial function]. Acute focal ischemia of the myocardium, acute hemodynamic overloading of the heart, coarctation of the aorta, and fibrillation of the heart were simulated on rabbits. The animals were studied for the contractile function of the myocardium, and potential work capacity of the heart was calculated according to a special formula. The rebbits were sacrificed at the acute period of the development of a pathological process, and the contractile myocardium was investigated by electron  microscope. The studies of the bioelectric activity of the heart revealed periodically appearing disorders of the cardiac rhythm. The electron-microscopy investigation showed, apart from changes in the ultrastructure of cells of the contractile myocardium reflecting their hyperfunction, marked dilatation of small canals of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, right to the formation of cisterns containing sequesters of cells. It is established that the changes referred to above in the sarcotubular system were associated with potassium dysbalance. The conclusion was drawn that the above said changes in the sarcoplasmic reticulum was a stereotype reaction of the alterative heart at the level of ultrastructures developing according to the principle of a vicious circle.


[Morphological characteristics of the myocardium of rabbits in experimental arteriosclerosis]. Histological, histochemical, and electron-microscopy studies of the myocardium of 70 rabbits were conducted; experimental atherosclerosis of the aorta in rabbits was caused by periodic four-fold fasting in combination with additions of crystal cholesterol to the diet. Along with the development of the ahterosclerofic process in the aorta, in the myocardium there were noted changes in the endothelium of capillaries, a more intensive production of acid polysaccharides by fibroblasts, a progressing development of the collagenous stroma, a higher heterogeneity of the contractile myocardium, and grave impairment of the structure and functions of the mypcardial cells (appearance of atrophying muscular cells with a decrease in the number of myofibrils) long before the onset of morphological changes in the coronary arteries.


[Circadian aspects of iron metabolism. Changes of total iron binding capacity in patients with liver cirrhosis and in apparently healthy persons]. A group of 8 patients (M) with liver cirrhosis were studied. Each subject was standardized with rest time extending from 22,00 to 05,00 and meals scheduled at 08,00-08,30, 12,00-12,30, 17,30-18,00. Then was sampled at 04,00, 08,00 12,00, 16,00, 20,00, 24,00. In each sample of serum were determined iron, T.I.B.C. and L.I.B.C. All data were analyzed by macroscopic approach (chronograms) and by mean cosinor. A significant circadian rhythm was detected in all parameters, with a statistically valid difference between normal subjects and patients with liver cirrhosis in the mesor of T.I.B.C. and L.I.B.C.


[Effect of Bunaftine on the ventricular tachycardia due to aconitine in the dog]. Suppression of aconitine-induced ventricular tachycardia in the dog with various doses of Bunaftine was attempted. Stable re-establishment of the sinus rhythm was achieved in only 3/15 cases, whereas in 3 tachicardia was unchanged, and in 9 fibrillation appeared, due, it is thought, to the effect of the drug on myocardial conductivity, since fibrillation was the most frequent outcome when high doses were used.


[Clinical evaluation in liver diseases of a new blood coagulation test for the determination of factors II, VII and X]. A recently introduced clotting test designed for the assessment of liver insufficiency was used in 10 normal subjects, 10 with toxic liver disease, 10 with chronic liver disease, and 10 with chronic liver disease, and 10 with cirrhosis of the liver. Comparison with the results of Quick's test, Normotest and thrombotest showed the new test to have excellent standardisation and good sensitivity in the detection of liver impairment.


[Principle of asynchronism of the working cycles of analogous structures]. Electron-radioautographic investigations of the RNA synthesis were carried out in hepatocytes of intact and poisoned with CCl4 mice, fibroblasts of the granular tissue, and in neurons of the parietal region of the cerebral cortex of intact animals. Experimental mice were injected uridine-5H3. It was noted that the analogous structures differed from each other as to their appearance and to the number of argentum grains above them. These differences appearently were due to the fact that at the moment of fixation of the material these structures were at different phases of the working cycle. Owing to nonsimultaneity of the work of the structural elements optimal conditions for their physiological regeneration and adaptive variations in the functional activity of organs were ensured and a harmony in the interrelationships between various organs and between the organism as a whole and the environment were achieved.


[Heparin tolerance in relation to age and the presence of amyloidosis]. Clotting time under basal conditions and 30', 60' and 120' after 100 I.U. heparin/kg i.v. was determined in four groups:1) 15 healthy subjects aged less than 50 yr; 2) 27 "healthy" subjects over 65 yr; 3) 20 subjects with either myeloma (7 cases), benign monoclonal gammopathy (7) or rheumatoid arthritis (6); 4) 4 subjects with amyloidosis (2 primary, 1 secondary to rheumatoid arthritis, and 1 secondary to myeloma). Rectal biopsy and a histological search for amyloid substance were carried out in all subjects from the 3rd and 4th groups. Heparin tolerance was too widely scattered to enable statistically significantly means to be deduced. Comparison between the arithmetical means of the four groups, however, showed a greater resistance in aged opposed to young subjects, and in patients with amyloidosis as opposed to those in the other three groups. This was constant and marked after 60' and 120', suggesting that this test may offer indirect evidence in support of a diagnosis of amyloidosis.


[Evaluation of the effects of 3,4,5-trimthoxy-benzoyl-e-amino caproic acid (ATBC) on the senile heart]. The marked positive inotropic effect of ATBC was noted in 20 senile patients free of ischaemic heart disease and is postulated as the basis of its action in such situation.


[Parasitic pseudotumors due to filaroid nematodes]. Four cases of subcutaneous pseudo-tumour caused by filaroid nematodes are described. The histological picture was marked by granulomatous reaction, with a necrotic centre containing filariae in various stages of regression.


[A new system of analysis for partial thromboplastin time. Comparison with other blood coagulation tests in liver diseases]. A new analysis system for the partial thromboplastin test (Cephotest) has been applied to 40 subjects (normal, suffering from nutritional toxic hepatopathy, chronic hepatopathy and cirrhosis of the liver). The test was then compared with other blood clotting tests (Howell's test, PTT test, Quick's test, Normotest and Thrombotest) and proved to have very good standardization and sensitivity.


[Morphological manifestations of secretory activity of the neutrophils in inflammation]. Neutropholic leukocytes of aseptic peritoneal exudate of rabbits differed from neutrophilic leukocytes of the blood in greater variability in the content of cationic proteins. Some lysosomes ceased to be stained on cationic proteins, which produced a false impression of degranulation of leukocytes. Ultramicroscopically, there was observed a "clearing" of the lysosomes content and its outflow into cytoplasm. Lysosomes acquired the shape of spherical "holed" bodies and were transformed into clear vacuoles with remnants of the electron-dense material. The rupture of lysosome membranes led to an "explosive" type of liberation of the lysosome content into the cytoplasm. Partly degranulated leukocytes remained vital and activity moved about in a homologous serum. Following contacts with histone F1 leukocytes lost cationic proteins. The liberation of cationic proteins from leukocytic took place without destruction of leukocytes and lysosomes themselves.


[Functional-morphological changes in the lungs in bronchial asthma]. Histological and immunohistochemical studies of 57 bioptic specimens of the mucosa of the main bronchi taken during an attack of bronchial asthma, and those of the lungs of 27 patients who had died on the attack, showed that in the course of the attack of bronchial asthma serous-desquamous allergic inflammation, which proceeded according to the type of hypersensitivity, of the immediate type, developed along the full length of the broncho-vascular barrier. It occurred under the effect of biologically active substances liberated in the reaction of the antigen with IgE. Immunochemically, there was detected luminescence of IgE on the basal membranes of the mucous glands, on the basal membranes of the mucosa, as well as in lymphoid, plasmic, and mast cells infiltrating the mucosa. In allergic inflammation in the bronchi there were noted drastic delatation and increased permeability of vessels of the microcirculatory bed, odema, migration of eosinophils, the mast-cell reaction with degranulation of mast cells, spasm of musculature, elevated permeability of the basal membrane, impregnation of the latter with plasmic protein with fibrin, hypersecretion and desquamation of the epithelium, hypersecretion of mucous glands. As a result of the inflammatory changes in the bronchial system disorders of the drainage function of the bronchi with obstruction of their lumens which were most pronounced in small bronchi and bronchioles, developed.


[Fat of the subcutaneous adipose tissue in spontaneous panniculitisi (Weber-Christian disease)]. Histochemical investigations of fat in nodes of lesions of the subcutaneous fatty tissue in 25 patients with spontaneous panniculitis were carried out. It was shown that the disease was not accompanied by accumulation in the subcutaneous fatty tissue of such lipids as cholesterol, phosphoglycerides or glycolipids. Changes in triglycerides with formation of fatty acids were observed in fatty cells already in the presence of a developed cellular reaction in the subcutaneous fatty tissue and apparently could not be considered as a trigger mechanism in pathogenesis of spontaneous panniculitis. The revealing of aldehydes and lipids in fatty cells and in lipophages may indicate to an oxidative character of the processes developing in fat in spontaneous panniculitis. A suggestion is put forward that in pathogenesis of panniculitis a certain role could be played by an impairment of oxidation processes of fat with excessive accumulation of peroxides of lipids.


[Effect of Bunaftine on the aconitine-induced atrial arrhythmias in the dog]. Bunaftine has a quinidine-like vagolytic effect and does not act as a beta-blocking agent. Its effect on aconitine-induced atrial fibrillation in the dog was examined. It led to suproventricular tachycardia in all cases, but re-established the sinus rhythm in only 5/15. It is felt that this lack of success is attributable to the slowing of the frequency of the primary pacemaker on the part of the drug. Slowing down of atrioventricular and intraventricular conduction by Bunaftine was revealed by lengthening of the P-R interval and widening of the Q-RS complex. Decreased blood pressure following administration of the drug appears to be due to reduction of heart rate rather than altered myocardial inotropism or peripheral resistance.


[Plasmocytic granuloma].

[Plasmocytic granuloma]. A post-mortem study of a case of plasma cell granuloma with obstructive polyposis of the major bronchi and foci of lesions of a various degree of maturation in the lungs, lymph nodes and kidneys in a woman aged 39 is described. The morphological peculiarities of plasma cell gronuloma justify its differentiation plasmocytoma, and also serve as the grounds for considering it as a systemic disease associated with reticuloendothelial cells proliferation.


[Various cases of acute gastroenteritis due to Salmonella Paratyphi C]. Five cases of acute gastroenteritis due to Salmonella Paratyphi C observed in the province of Trieste during 1975 are described. It is deduced from the clinical findings and the history in each case that this infection was imported, and favoured by the geographical location of the city and prior mutilating gastrointestinal surgery. The in vitro and in vivo effect of commonly employed antibiotics on this species is assessed.


The conformational stabilities of tropomyosins. The stability to denaturation by heat and guanidine hydrochloride of seven vertebrate (including skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle) tropomyosins and three invertebrate tropomyosins was examined. The transition profiles were discontinuous and in many cases distinct plateaux were observed which indicated the presence of unique partially unfolded states at intermediate temperatures and guanidine hydrochloride concentrations. The denaturation by guanidine hydrochloride could be described in the majority  of cases by a model in which the native state unfolds to a partially unfolded stable intermediate which then unfolds to the completely denatured state. On this basis it was possible to estimate the free energies of unfolding in water. It was shown that part of the alpha-helical structure of tropomyosin is only marginally stable and the free energy of unfolding in water of this segment is less than values found for globular proteins, whereas another segment (or segments) has a stability comparable to that found for globular proteins. The stepwise unfolding may be explained in terms of the coiled-coil interactions in tropomyosin. Differences in stability were found between tropomyosins from different muscles of the same species as well as between species, no two tropomyosins giving the same denaturation profiles. The invertebrate tropomyosins showed a wider range of stabilities, that from scallop striated muscle being far more easily denatured than all the others. No correlation was found between the stability of tropomyosin and the type of regulatory system of the muscle. A comparison of the results from vertebrate and invertebrate species suggests that there has been no selection for proteins of higher or lower stability during the evolutionary time scale.


Fatty liver and kidney syndrome in chicks. I. Effect of biotin in diet. Fatty liver and kidney syndrome, a disorder of young chicks, was studied under laboratory conditions. Affected chicks had enlarged livers (hepatomegaly), an increased content of lipid in the liver, and an increased level of palmitoleic acid in the liver lipids. The disorder was observed mainly in chicks from young parent flocks, and was associated either with commerical diets which were subsequently found to be low in biotin, or with specially formulated low-biotin diets. A third factor, imposition of stress, was required to initiate the disorder. There was evidence of increased lipogenesis causing an increase of triacylglycerols in the liver lipids and an increased production of saturated fatty acids, particularly palmitic acid. Increased levels of palmitoleic acid resulted from an increased desaturation of palmitic acid. Under stress, affected chicks had low blood glucose levels, suggesting that gluconeogenesis was impaired. Since biotin-dependent enzymes are involved in both gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis, it would appear that the relevant enzymes respond differently to a deficiency of biotin.


Preparation of metabolically active cell suspensions from wool roots. A method is described for the preparation of metabolically active cell suspensions from plucked wool roots using the proteolytic enzyme trypsin. The suspensions consist of a heterogeneous population of cells which appear similar in morphology to follicle bulb cells, differentiating keratinocytes and possibly cells of the inner root sheath. The concentrations of trypsin and of inorganic ions for optimum activity of the suspensions have been determined, and the inclusion of EGTA was found to increase the yield of cells. The cell suspensions incorporate [14C]leucine, [3H]uridine and [3H]thymidine into acid-insoluble products, and are sensitive to the action of cycloheximide and emetine, but not to chloramphenicol or rifampin. Autoradiography has shown that the cells believed to be derived from the follicle bulbs show the greatest activity.


The proteins of the keratin component of bird's beaks. Birds' beaks have an outer shell of hard keratin which consists almost entirely of proteins which are very rich in glycine [about 30 residues per 100 residues (residues %)], contain moderate levels of tyrosine and serine (each about 8 residues %), and which have relatively low contents of cystine (about 2-5 residues %), lysine, histidine, isoleucine and methionine. Major protein fractions in the S-carboxymethyl form isolated from the beaks of six different orders of birds have similar amino acid compositions, isoelectric points (pH 4-2-4-9) and molecular weights (13,000-14,500). Detailed chromatographic electrophoretic and compositional studies of the proteins of kookaburra beak reveal them to be a family of closely related proteins with only limited heterogeneity, in contrast to mammalian keratin systems. The major kookaburra beak fraction is similar in overall composition and molecular weight to fowl epidermal scale, kookaburra claw and turtle scute proteins and shows some resemblance to reptile claw protein. Beaks also contain small amounts of protein which are distinctly different from the major fraction but which resemble feather keratin proteins in composition and size.


Sedimentation equilibrium studies on protein from kookaburra beak. Fractionated samples of the soluble S-carboxymethyl proteins from kookaburra beak (Frenkel and Gillespie 1976) were examined by equilibrium sedimentation. The molecular weight was found to be 11,300 when the photoelectric scanning absorption optical system was employed and 13,700 when Rayleigh interference optics were used. Possible explanations for this difference are considered and it is concluded that it must arise from heterogeneity of the protein. Optical rotatory dispersion measurements indicate that the proteins probably exist as random coils in dilute aqueous buffer.


Boophilus microplus: characterization of enzymes introduced into the host. A number of enzymes, presumably secreted by larvae of B. microplus under natural feeding conditions, have been investigated in the skin of previously unexposed calves 4 h after infestation at the attachment site. Carboxylic ester hydrolase activity was demonstrated in the dermis, immediately adjacent to the mouthparts, or in the attachment cone, depending on substrate and reaction pH. The carboxylic ester hydrolase acting on naphthol AS-D acetate (2-acetoxy-3-naphthoic-O-toluidide) at pH 7-1 was characteristically found in the dermis and not in the attachment cone. The use of specific inhibitors showed that this enzyme was primarily a B-esterase or carboxylesterase with possibly a small portion of C-esterase or acetylesterase. It is postulated that carboxylic ester hydrolase could contribute to the dilation observed in the subepidermal capillaries adjacent to the attachment sites of unexposed animals, through the formation of plasma kinins. Other enzymes demonstrated in the dermis, adjacent to the mouthparts, were triacylglycerol lipase, as an aggregated deposit, and small amounts of aminopeptidase (microsomal) and monophenol monooxygenase. Aminopeptidase (microsomal) was also demonstrated in the attachment cone or adjacent epidermis, according to the substrate used. No activity was found in the host tissue, in association with the attachment site, for either alkaline or acid phosphatase, acetylcholinesterase or cholinesterase, peroxidase or amine oxidase (flavin-containing), despite the intense histochemical reaction for the latter in the tissues of larvae.


Boophilus microplus: cellular responses to larval attachment and their relationship to host resistance. The histology of early feeding lesions of the cattle tick B. microplus has been studied using 32P labelled larvae to standardize the duration of attachment. Critical studies were made on 3-h lesions in six separate experiments on different groups of British breed animals. Each group consisted of three animals--one previously unexposed to ticks, one of high resistance and one of low resistance. The degree of mast cell disruption, eosinophil concentration and degranulation, and the extent of epidermal vesiculation were all significantly greater at the site of attachment on highly resistant hosts. In previously unexposed animals there was no mobilization of eosinophils nor mast cell breakdown and no epidermal vesiculation. Possible immune mechanisms producing mast cell disruption and the infiltration and concentration of eosinophils are suggested, and the effect of eosinophil degranulation on larval attachment and feeding is discussed.


Metabolism of cystine by Merino sheep genetically different in wool production IV. Rates of entry of cystine into plasma, measured with a single intravenous injection of L-[35S]cystine, and the subsequent incorporation of 35S into wool fibres. Ten, 2-year-old Merino ewes from a flock selectively bred for high clean fleece weight (Fleece Plus) and ten from a flock bred for low clean fleece weight (Fleece Minus) were randomly divided between two dietary treatments: 600 or 1100 g/day of pelleted lucerne hay. After 14 weeks, each ewe received an intravenous injection of L-[35S]cystine (66-4 muCi). Venous blood samples were collected at 15 specified times until 8 h after the injections, and wool fibres were plucked until 65-75 days after the injections. Protein-free filtrates prepared from blood plasma were bulked within sample times for ewes from the same flock and dietary treatment. Equations relating the specific radioactivity of free cystine isolated from the bulked filtrates to time after injection contained three exponential terms. The entry rate and pool size of cystine estimated from these equations were greater in Fleece Minus than in Fleece Plus ewes (by 25 and 44% respectively for entry rate and pool size). Both traits were also higher in ewes offered 1100 g lucerne/day than in those offered 600 g/day (58-7 v. 33-9 mg/h for entry rate and 19-2 v 11-8 mg for pool size). The concentration of free cystine in plasma was greater in ewes offered 1100 g lucerne/day (3-0 v 2-1 mg/1; P less than 0-05), and greater in Fleece Minus ewes (3-0 v. 2-1 mg/l; P less than 0-05). The percentage of the injected radioactivity recovered in the wool clipped to day 70 post-injection differed between genotypes and between dietary treatments (P less than 0.05), being greater in Fleece Plus than in Fleece Minus ewes, and greater in those offered 1100 g lucerne/day than in those offered 600 g/day. The relationships between 35S incorporated per 1000 fibres (R) and time after injection (t) were best fitted by equations of the form (formula: see text). For all sheep, n = 3. The coefficient of the second term was significantly greater (P less than 0-05) in ewes offered 1100 g lucerne/day, whilst the constant of this term was significantly greater in Fleece Minus ewes. The specific radioactivities of cystine incorporated into wool fibres (SRf) during various intervals of time after injection were derived from these equations and from the measured rates of output of cystine in wool. The equations computed to relate SRf to time after injection (t) were of the form (formula: see text). Again there were three components. The coefficient of the third component was significantly greater (P less than 0-05) in ewes offered 1100 g lucerne/day, whilst the constant of the second term was significantly greater in Fleece Minus ewes.


Transfer of sulphur to the digestive tract of sheep. The transfer of sulphate from plasma to digestive tract and from digestive tract to plasma in crossbred sheep was estimated by the use of isotope dilution techniques with Na235SO4. The passage of 35S along the digestive tract was simultaneously measured by reference to two inert radioactive markers infused intraruminally. In the first experiment, three sheep given a roughage-based diet containing 174 +/- 7 mg S/day received an intravenous infusion of Na235SO4 for 7 days before collections were made of plasma and of digesta from the rumen, abomasum and terminal ileum. Similar collections were made in the second experiment in which four sheep received intraruminal infusions of Na235SO4. From estimates of infusion rate of 35S, specific radioactivity of 35S in plasma and digesta and rate of flow of sulphur in the digestive tract the following calculations were made: The transfer of sulphate from the plasma to the rumen was calculated as 29 mg S/day. Of this only 12 mg S/day passed as organic sulphur in digesta from the stomach. As the net gain of sulphur in the stomach in this experiment was 153 mg/day, sulphate transferred from the plasma contributed only a small amount of sulphur derived from endogenous sources in the stomach. In contrast, the substantial passage of 35S into the intestinal lumen during intravenous infusion of 35SO4 suggested that 38 and 41 mg S/day of the 236 and 145 mg organic S/day flowing from the small and large intestine respectively was derived from plasma sulphate, corresponding to about 26% of the dose.


Changes in plasma volume and haematocrit in intact and splenectomized sheep during feeding. Changes in jugular haematocrit during daily 2-h feeding periods in trained sheep with and without spleens were compared with changes in the concentration of the plasma tracer radio-iodinated human serum albumin. Jugular haematocrit was increased by 16% in intact sheep and 9% in splenectomized sheep 20 min after they started to eat dry rations. The dilution of tracer in plasma, studied after mixing in the vascular system had been completed, showed four phases. Phase 1 was the rate of removal of tracer in the period before eating began. Phase 2 was the sudden increase in plasma radioactivity that occurred in the first 20 min of eating, indicating a loss of plasma from the circulation. Phase 3 was the decrease in tracer concentration during the remaining feeding period and phase 4 was a post-feeding phase, characterized by a slower rate of decrease of tracer than during phase 3, implying that there was significant recycling of tracer during this phase. The sudden increase in plasma radioactivity, initiated by the onset of feeding, represented a reduction in plasma volume of 10-12%. Minimum plasma volume coincided with peak haematocrit values. The reduced plasma volume accounted for the increased haematocrit in splenectomized sheep, but only accounted for about half of the increase in intact sheep. The residual increase in haematocrit in intact sheep was most likely the result of splenic contraction.


Disruption of the metabolism, motility and morphology of spermatozoa by injection of alpha-chlorohydrin into rams. Ejaculated spermatozoa from rams given intramuscular injections of alpha-chlorohydrin (25 mg/kg, daily for 5 days) were studied. Respiratory and glycolytic activity of the spermatozoa was almost entirely suppressed within 1 day and motility had decreased within 4 days of the first injection. Morphologically abnormal spermatozoa appeared in ejaculates after 2 weeks. The most common abnormality was an increase in the number of spermatozoa with looped or bent tails. There was little change in the fructose or amino acid concentration of the seminal plasma. All effects of alpha-chlorohydrin were fully reversible. It is suggested that the initial primary mode of action of alpha-chlorohydrin is to disrupt the metabolism of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis.


Oxygen uptake, glucose utilization, lactate release and adenine nucleotide content of sheep ovarian follicles in culture: effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin. A study has been made of the oxygen uptake, glucose utilization, lactate release and cellular content of adenine nucleotides of isolated sheep ovarian follicles (4-6 min in diameter) maintained in organ culture, and of the effects on these parameters of the addition of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). The mean oxygen consumption of the entire follicles when freshly isolated and of the theca and membrana components was 0-56, 1-08 and 0-05 mumol per milligram wet weight of tissue per hour respectively. About 8 mumol of glucose was taken up and 16 mumol of lactate released per milligram wet weight of follicular tissue per hour during the first 24-h period of culture. This rate reduced by about 30% for each subsequent day of culture, but was significantly increased by the addition of hCG. The mean ATP content of theca and granulosa tissues was 4-6 and 2-8 nmol/mg wet weight of tissue respectively. There was no discernable change in tissue adenine nucleotide content or energy charge ratio during the 3-day culture period, and prolonged exposure to hCG was without effect. Untreated follicles produced both oestrogen and androgens throughout the culture period. The addition of hCG resulted in a transitory stimulation in oestrogen secretion, inhibition of androgen secretion, and a marked and sustained rise in progestin secretion. It is proposed that the increase in glycolytic activity following exposure to hCG may relate to the activation of the granulosa cells coincident with a transference of steroid synthetic capacity from theca interna to membrana granulosa.


Effects of progesterone and oestradiol on RNA and protein metabolism in the genital tract and on survival of embryos in the ovariectomized ewe. The hormonal regulation of metabolism in the genital tract and the development of embryos during early pregnancy in the ewe have been examined. Ovariectomized ewes received injections of maintenance progesterone, oestrous oestradiol and priming progesterone according to schedules designed to simulate endogenous ovarian secretion during early pregnancy, around the time of oestrus and during the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle immediately preceding oestrus. The survival and development of embryos was dependent upon the dose of maintenaince progesterone and the duration of treatment at the time of transfer, but changes in progesterone dose did not change endometrial protein or RNA metabolism on particular days. Both priming progesterone and oestrous oestradiol were required for normal embryo development. Priming progesterone and oestrous oestradiol each increased endometrial RNA/DNA ratios during early pregnancy. There were no interactions between priming progesterone and oestrous oestradiol, their effects being simply additive. Neither maintenance nor priming progesterone had any effect on protein and RNA metabolism in the oviduct. It is suggested that in the intact ewe oestrogen secreted at oestrus and progesterone secreted prior to oestrus play important roles in the establishment of a uterine environment suitable for the subsequent normal development of embryos.


[Research on enzymes of Mycoplasma: enolase of Mycoplasma hominis]. A screening of enzymes on cell-free extracts of various species of mycoplasmas revealed the presence of enolase (EC 4.2.1.11) in significative amount in M. pneumoniae and M. fermentans, in lower amounts in M. hominis, A. laidlawii and in trace only in U. urealyticum. The value of activity of the various mycoplasmas could be correlated with their metabolism. From 40 g of cell paste of M. hominis, 2.5 mg of enolase purified over 70 folds, was obtained with successive steps of salt fractionation and column chromatography. Kinetic studies gave the following constants: Km for 2-phospho-D-glicerate, 0.7 x 10(-4)M; optimum of Mg++ concentration, 1 x 10(-3)M; optimum of pH, 7.7 inhibition by fluoride and phosphate, I = 0.77 X 10(-12)M4. Molecular weight estimation indicated for the native enzyme a value of about 100,000 daltons. These data suggest closer similarities with the enolase of microorganisms like E. coli and yeast than with the genus Thermus or B. stearothermophilus.


[New method for demonstrating HBs antigen saturated by its antibodies]. The modalities for the carrying out of a technique for the detection of HBs antigen, even when it is completely saturated by the relevant antibodies, and its results are set out. The technique includes the preliminary acidification of the test serum at pH 2.4, in such a way as to detach the antibody from the antigen, subsequently, the effect of the hearing (70 degrees C) for some minutes to destroy the antibody. On the contrary, at this temperature the immunological reactivity of the antigen remains satisfactory. Subsequently the neutralization is carried out with Veronal buffer, and the HBs Ag detection is performed by radioimmunoassay.


[Pharmacological alteration of the antigenic properties of experimental leukemias detected by lymphocyte transformation]. It has previously been demonstrated that an in vitro antineoplastic treatment may induce new antigenic specificities in murine lymphomas. L1210 leukemia has been altered by DIC (L1210/DIC); drug-treated L1210 subline has been rejected by syngeneic animals. Here spleen cells from mice, normal or immune to L1210/DIC, have been stimulated in vitro by the L1210/DIC cells as measured by 3-h-thymidine uptake. Spleen cell stimulation did not occur with other syngeneic tumor cells and, as expected, spleen cells have been triggered by allogeneic cells. DIC-induced antigens stimulating syngeneic lymphocytes, as allogeneic cells did, have been demonstrated on L1210/DIC cells.


Clinical usefulness of CEA assay.

Clinical usefulness of CEA assay. CEA is a normal constituent of fetal cells, which can reappear in entodermally-derived neoplasms, following a de-repression process. In order to evaluate the correlation between CEA serum levels, pathological stage and histological type of tumour, and to define the usefulness of CEA in monitoring the patients with gastroenteric neoplasms, 177 patients (62 with gastric heteroplasia and 115 with large bowel carcinoma) were tested for CEA; 83 patients had pre-surgical CEA tests. It was observed that CEA positivity (serum levels greater than or equal to 5 ng/ml, employing the technique here outlined), is higher in colonic than in gastric neoplasms, and in adenocarcinomas in comparison with undifferentiated forms, moreover depending on the pathologic stage. 108 patients were tested for CEA several times and a correlation between CEA variations and clinical evolution was observed. This investigation bears out the importance to monitor the patients with gastrointestinal neoplasms with CEA test, before and after surgery, to evaluate the usefulness of surgery and, when necessary, chemotherapy and, eventually, to adopt more suitable chemotherapeutic modalities.


[Behavior of HBs Ag and HBs Ab in chronic hepatitis]. The preliminary results of the HB, Ag and HBs Ab assay, performed with radioimmunological techniques in 31 cases of chronic hepatitis, 13 of whom carriers of chronic aggressive hepatitis (C.A.H.), 9 of chronic persistent hepatitis (C.P.H.) and 9 of cryptogenetic hepatic cirrhosis (C.H.C.) of both sexes, are reported. The highest number of HBs Ag positive cases was observed both in C.A.H. (69%) and C.H.C. (55%); very lower the HBs Ag positivity both in C.A.H. (33%) and C.H.C. (33%). No correlation between HBs Ag positive and HBs Ab positive was observed.


Effect of some antiblastic drugs on HeLa cells. The antiblastic effects of the antimetabolites MTS, Ara-C, Bleomycin of the alkylating Thiotepa, of Peptichemio (alkylating and antimetabolic) and of Peptichemio-Bleomycin combination, were compared after 24 and 48 hr of treatment on HeLa cells. Ara-C, which inhibits typical mitoses, Peptichemio and MTX, which inhibit atypical mitoses, Thiotepa, which induces the highest percentage of pyknotic nuclei, showed a considerable effect on the nucleus. Peptichemio, and the combination Peptichemio-Bleomycin showed a significant effect on the cytoplasm (induction of vacuoles). After MTX and Peptichemio treatments, and after Peptichemio-Bleomycin combination (1 mug/ml), eosinophilic inclusions were evident both after 24 and 48 hr.


Colony forming activity, density distribution and morphological features of the stem cell population in primary myelofibrosis. In four patients with untreated primary myelofibrosis, the peripheral-blood cell growth in agar culture (frequency of clusters and colonies) was studied. As cell sources, were used either the buffy coat or the fractions obtained from an albumin discontinuous density gradient, prepared according to Dicke's technique. Besides the agar culture, also morphological features of the blasts of the granulocytic cell series of the gradient fractions were investigated, in order to relate the above-mentioned cell parameters. The results, taken as a whole, pointed out: a) increase in circulating CFUc's (expressed as the number/10(5) nucleated cells) in the patients, when compared to the controls; b) high percentage of CFUc's with an abnormal specific density (below 1.062 in 3 out of 4 patients); c) presence in 3 out of 4 patients, of two populations of blasts: one showing low specific density, small size, high N/C rate, high plating efficiency and no nucleoli; the other with a higher specific density and low plating efficiency, showing the typical morphological features of the myeloblasts.


Immunological studies in cerebrospinal fluid of acute viral and tubercular meningitis. The Authors studied the immunological characteristics of lymphocytes in cerebrospinal fluid, from children affected by acute viral or tubercular meningitis. A reduced P.H.A. response of C.S.F. lymphocytes was observed. The Authors emphasize the usefulness of applying some other specific markers of T and B lymphocytes to achieve further informations on immunological traffic of lymphocytes.


Co-antibodies in human leptospirosis.

Co-antibodies in human leptospirosis. Investigations concerning the co-antibodies formed in the course of human leptospirosis and the extractive antigens of leptospiras were reviewed. As a whole, the results concerning leptospira antigens point, next to antigens of serotype, to genus-specific and intertype antigens deeply seated in the cells. These cannot be identified by the MAL test, and therefore are not related to the co-agglutinins in human leptospirosis. The associations of co-antibodies in human leptospirotic sera were analyzed, using the MAL and CF tests performed with 20 pathogenic and water serotypes of leptospira. The results showed that in the course of human leptospirosis high titer co-antibodies are formed, both agglutinating and complement fixing, variably associated for one or more serotype antigens not belonging to the infecting strain. The various biological interpretations of the phenomenon were discussed and the hypothesis of antigenic changes of leptospira strains in vivo as well as in vitro was discussed, as a determining factor in the formation co-antibodies in leptospirosis.


[Incidence and significance of the positivity of Widal's reaction in chronic active hepatitis and in liver cirrhosis]. Agglutinins to S. typhi and/or paratyphi A and B have been found in a high percentage of patients with chronic active hepatitis (54.5%) and liver cirrhosis (61.5%). The coproculture for Salmonella was constantly negative. Formulation some hypotheses able to explain these data, the Author points out the role played by the quantitative and qualitative alterations of the humoral immunity, typical of these liver diseases.


[Behavior of specific antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen in children with acute and chronic hepatitides in healthy carriers and in various co-habitants of chronic hepatitis patients]. The Authors studied the behaviour of ABsAb in a pediatric case-list made up of 8 cases of virus B acute hepatitis, and 63 cases of chronic hepatitis in different evolutive phases: besides, this investigation was extended to 48 healthy carriers (29 of whom bioptically confirmed) and 35 cases of cohabitants with HBsAg-positive hepatic chronic patients. In acute hepatitis the antibody pattern, even if delayed in time, mimics the modalities of the organic response against exogenous stimulations, therefore it constitutes an index of past disease and recovery. In chronic hepatitis (both HBsAg-positive and negative) the specific antibody to the surface antigen is present only at a low percentage (27%) and generally at low titres. In healthy carriers, bioptically ascertained, it is practically absent as to suggest more careful consideration when it turns out present (pseudo-carriers?), while in the cohabitants with virus B patients, especially if chronic, along with HBsAg detection, it consitutes an indispensable element for their classification in patients, ex-patients, not infected and healthy carriers. A very interesting finding, requiring further confirmation, is the unusual behaviour of these antibodies in some cases of relapsed chronic hepatitis.


Correlation between clinical course and CEA levels during chemotherapy. In order to evaluate the correlation between clinical progress and CEA levels in gastroenteric tumours, particularly during chemotherapeutic treatment, CEA assay was performed on 330 patients (126 with gastric neoplasms, 204 with large bowel carcinoma). 175 out of these had a pre-operative assay. Moreover CEA test positivity (CEA larger than or equal to 5 ng/ml according to the technique employed by us) is higher in colon neoplasms compared with gastric neoplasms and in adenocarcinomas in comparison with undifferentiated forms; besides it depends on the pathologic stage. In colon tumours CEA test showed a higher positivity for left than for right forms (66.6% versus 38%). 240 patients were followed up with repeated CEA assays: the following observations were made: a - After radical surgery 72% of the patients shows normalized CEA values. b - In 198 patients who underwent radical surgery, not requiring chemotherapy, there was a close correlation between CEA levels and clinical evolution in 98% of the cases. c - 60 out of 68 patients (88%) submitted to chemotherapy for advanced neoplasms show a close correlation between CEA response to the chemotherapy and clinical response (p less than 0.001). These investigations stress, above all, the importance of CEA test to monitor the treatments performed (surgical and chemotherapeutic) and to adopt, eventually, more effective chemotherapeutic modalities.


Mycoplasmas in pregnant women and in newborn infants. Mycoplasmas were isolated from 96 of 143 vaginal swabs of pregnant women on their first visit at the Prenatal Center. Ureaplasmas alone were isolated in a higher percentage than M. hominis alone or combination with Ureaplasmas. The isolated cultures at 36 weeks of gestation show no significant difference with the first visit isolation. Colonization of mycoplasmas were found in a higher percentage (93.3%) in the abnormal deliveries than in normal ones. Mycoplasmas were isolated also from throat swabs of 19 out of 141 newborn infants: the proportion of mycoplasmas positive infants was higher in low birth, weight children.


Porcine malignant hyperthemia IV: Neuromuscular blockade. The effect of tubocurarine and pancuronium on the initiation or prevention of porcine malignant hyperthermia (MH) was investigated in Pietrain pigs. Tubocurarine 0.6 mg/kg body weight inhibited a suxamethonium-induced response in three pigs, but failed to prevent a fatal halothane-induced response in a further four pigs. Pancuronium 0.2 mg/kg body weight was given to six pigs before a halothane challenge. Three animals developed MH and died; the remainder succembed only after reversal of the neuromuscular blockade. The partial protection afforded by large doses of pancuronium is discussed in relation to the ability of previous muscle activity to influence the sensitivity to halothane.


Pancuronium bromide: an indirect sympathomimetic agent. In the dog, pancuronium 0.2 mg/kg increased left ventricular systolic pressure and systemic arterial pressure, but did not change central venous pressure. Repeated doses produced diminishing responses and eventually no change in arterial pressure. After tachyphylaxis was established, a pressor response to pancuronium could be induced by an i.v. infusion of noradrenaline. Desipramine, a noradrenaline blocking agent, prevented the restoration of the pressor effect of noradrenaline. Guanethidine and reserpine abollished the restoration of the pressor response to pancuronium by noradrenaline. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that pancuronium acts on the postganglionic nerve endings and causes release of noradrenaline.


A study of the effects of dexclamol as the neuroleptic component in neuroleptanaesthesia. In a double-blind cross-over study in dogs, dexclamol was compared with droperidol as the neuroleptic component of a neuroleptanalgestic combination. Fentanyl was the narcotic analgessic. Neuroleptanaesthesia was induced with a mixture of the neuroleptic, the analgesic and nitrous oxide in oxygen. Dexclamol 200 microng/kg i.v. was as effective as droperidol at the same dose in inducing neurolepsy and in supplementing nitrous oxide anaesthesia. Changes in heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature in the animals treated with dexclamol were not different from those observed in the animals treated with droperidol. A comparison of the adrenolytic properties of dexclamol and droperidol was made on the isolated rabbit aortic strip. Both compunds produced a parallel shift to the right of the noradrenaline cumulative dose-response curves, indicating competitive antagonism. The pA2 values showed dexclamol to be approximately 15 times less potent than droperidol in inhibiting the noradrenaline-induced contraction of the rabbit aortic strip.


The effect of concentration on vasoactivity of bupivacaine and lignocaine. In a double-blind trial bupivacaine 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5% and lignocaine 0.5, 1 and 2% were given intradermally to 31 volunteers. Vasoconstriction was observed more frequently at low concentrations of each drug, and vasodilatation at high concentrations. These observations were highly significant (P less than 0.001). Duration of action was unaffected by concentration, except in the case of bupivacaine 0.5%, the effect of which was longer lasting than that of other solutions.


The influence of three antacids on the absorption and clinical action of oral diazepam. Diazepam 10 mg given orally alone or with one of the three antacids (aluminium hydroxide 40 ml, magnesium trislicate 30 ml, sodium cirate 30 ml) was given in a single dose at random to 200 women undergoing minor gynaecological procedures. The concomitant use of aluminium hydroxide or sodium citrate hastened the onset of the soporific effect of diazepam marginally, while magnesium trisilicate tended to delay it. The estimation of plasma diazepam concentrations over 90 min in a similar series of 67 patients showed that the absorption of diazepam was increased significantly by the use of aluminium hydroxide, but there were no striking differences in the four groups. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.


Some pharmacological factors influencing the absorption of diazepam following oral administration. Plasma diazepam concentrations were measured by gas-liquid chromatography in samples of blood from adult female patients follwing diazepam 10 mg orally, alone or in combination with metoclopramide, morphine, pethidine or atropine. Patients receiving metoclopramide had higher plasma diazepam concentrations than those in the control group, while the addition of morphine, pethidine or atropine resulted in lower plasma diazepam concentrations throughout the 90-min period of the study. In the control goup peak plasma concentrations were reached by 60 min. The addition of metoclopramide increased the rate of diazepam absorption and peak concentrations were reached by 30 min, while morphine, pethidine and atropine reduced the rate of absorption with no apparent peak being reached by 90 min.


Reactions to intravenous injections of diazepam. Local reactions during and after i.v. injection of two different formulations of diazepam were studied. Two-thirds of the patients felt pain during the injection. Verfied or probable thrombophlebitis occurred with increasing frequency following operation, indicating a late onset. One month after discharge, 29% of those who had received diazepam in glycoferol-alcohol-benzoic acid complained of tender injection sites, compared with only 10% of the patients who received diazepam in cremophor EL. The difference is significant, indicating an influence of the solvent system.


Anaesthesia and the reticulo-endothelial system: Comparison of halothane-nitrous oxide and neuroleptanalgesia. The effect of halothane anaesthesia and neuroleptanalgesia (NLA) on the phagocytic activity of the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) was investigated with the aid of the Lipofundin clearance test. The results suggest that halothane in nitrous oxide depresses the phagocytic activity of the RES. NLA did not exert a depressant effect on the RES function. As it is essential for the body to be in a defensive condition to cope adequately with infensive condition to cope adequately with infection and cancer metastases, care must be taken to ensure that an anaesthetic procedure does not cause additional impairment of RES function. The results of the investigations suggest that NLA may have advantages in this respect.


The influence of doxapram on postoperative pulmonary function in patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery. An infusion of doxapram 250 mg in dextrose 5% compared with dextrose 5% alone in patients recovering from upper abdominal surgery was associated with a reduction in the degree of hypoxaemia after operation. This may be the result of a sparing effect on the functional residual capacity.


Intraocular pressures after suxamethonium and endotracheal intubation in patients pretreated with pancuronium. Intraocular pressures were recorded after the administration of suxamethonium and endotracheal intubation in a series of 20 patients who had not received pancuronium 1 mg 4 min before the suxamethonium. The pressures were compared with those in a control group of 20 patients who had not received pancuronium. The increase in intraocular pressure which followed the suxamethonium and intubation, and which occurred in about 50% of the patients, was similar in both groups of patients.


A comparison of the incidence of cardiac arrhythmia during two methods of anaesthesia for dental extractions. One hundred premedicated inpatients undergoing wisdom tooth extraction were divided into two groups of 50. Group A was anesthetized by a technique based on droperidol and phenoperidine, whilst group B was anaesthetized with halothane. The e.c.g. in both groups demonstrated a similar overall incidence of cardiac arrhythmia, but analysis revealed a significantly higher incidence of ventricular arrhythmia in group B. The heart rate was significantly less in group A.


[Kinetics of corneal fluorescence in experimental keratitis]. It was shown by the method of scanning photometry suggested by the authors that rabbits with experimentally-induced keratitis displayed a three-phasic reaction of the area of the corneal burn: that of the enhanced fluorescein sorption at the reactive phase: that of the loss of the sorption capacity in the dystrophic stage, and that of the secondary absorption intensification during the regenerative stage. The mentioned phasic changes can be used for the diagnosis and objective assessment of the clinical course of keratitis.


[Microcirculatory changes in the cheek pouch mucosa of hamsters in the dynamics of experimental traumatic shock]. Acute experiments conducted on hamsters demonstrated significant disturbances of the microcirculation in the mucosa of the cheek pouch during a severe traumatic shock after a standardized mechanical injury of the hip. All the animals died in the course of the first 24 hours after this trauma. If the animals died not earlier than in one hour after the trauma the microcirculation changes were distinctly phasic in character; particularly there was seen a phase of temporary relative adaptation and stabilization of the peripheral circulation, invariably followed by the phase of decompensation, the terminal phase and death. In cases with a rapid lethal issue in the course of one hour no distinct phasic character of the microcirculation changes was observed, but there was a more or less rapid aggravation of all he indices. In difference from the majority of other investigators, no marked intravascular erythrocyte aggregation was seen by the authors in the experiments described.


[Dynamics of the mass of the right ventricle of the heart and concentration of RNA in it during the process of "reverse" development of hypertrophy]. Experiments were conducted on male rats, 250-300 g in weight. Adaptation to high altitude hypoxia was created by placing the animals daily for 5 hours, into an altitude chamber, at an "altitude" of 6000 m. The degree of hypertrophy of the right ventricle and its RNA content was studied after 20 days of adaptation, as well as 2, 10, 20 and 40 days after cessation of hypoxia. Twenty days after the beginning of adaptation the muscle mass of the right ventricle the RNA concentration and amount in it was found to increase considerably. After cessation of hypoxia half of the acquired increase in the ventricle muscle mass was lost in 10 days, and half of the acquired increase in the RNA--as soon as in 2 days. Forty days after cessation of hypoxia the right ventricle mass and its RNA content in the adapted animals did not differ from the same indices in control rats.


[Effect of the procedure of blood exchange on several indices of skeletal muscle metabolism]. In 85% blood exchange in healthy dogs and also in the animals under conditions of hemotransfusion shock a study was made of the nitrogen fraction contents, the activity of aspartic and alanine transpherases in the skeletal muscle in the course of 7 days. Blood exchange in hemotransfusion shock was highly effective. However, the process of "washing out" of the non-protein substances from the tissue in these animals was considerably lowered in comparison with that in healthy animals.


[Bone marrow colony-forming capacity in mice subjected to burn trauma]. A method of exogenous splenic colonies was applied to the study of the dynamics of the content of the colony-forming units (CFU) in the bone marrow of CBA mice to which thermal burn of the III degree of 15% of the body surface was inflicted. On the 4th and 16th days after the burn the CFU content in the bone marrow of mice decreased 1.7-2.1 times. The thymus cells of the intact mice administered simultaneously with the bone marrow of the burned mice increased, the amount of the splenic exogenous colonies formed in the recipients. The data obtained permitted to make a suggestion that not only the CFU count diminished in the bone marrow in the burned animals, but also the thymus-dependent cells necessary for normal colony formation.


[Interaction of connective tissue structural glycoprotein with proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans]. It was shown that structural glycoprotein (SGP) of connective tissue isolated from be cattle heart valves and nasal septum cartilage formed water-soluble complexes with protein-chondroitin-4-sulphate and different heparin fractions. SGP formed no mentioned complexes with hyaluronic acid. Probably this plays an important role in the formation of collagen and elastin fibers.


[Adrenocortical regulation of protein metabolism during prolonged physical stress]. Experiments on Wistar male rats revealed depression of labeled amino acid incorporation into the tissue proteins as a result of swimming. When prolonged swimming was accompanied by an enhanced adrenocortical activity the block of the protein synthesis in the liver proved to disappear. Adrenalectomy excluded the activation of alanine-aminotranspherase and a drop of the free amino acids in the liver during physical exercise: corticosterone administration to adrenalectomized animals restored these shifts.


[Effect of sodium succinate on several carbohydrate metabolism indices of ischemic myocardium]. The influence of sodium succinate on the content of lactic, pyruvic acids and glucose in the venous blood flowing from the ischemic zone of the myocardium was studied in dogs with ligated coronary artery. The intracoronary injection of the preparation in doses of 2 and 10 mg/kg diminished the content of blood lactic acid flowing from the ischemic zone; a dose of 10 mg/kg decreased the consumption of glucose by the ischemic myocardium. Sodium succinate (100 mg/kg) intravenously reduced the content of the lactic acid significantly and inhibited the glucose consumption by the ischemic myocardium, with its increase in the arterial blood. A fall of lactacidemia can be connected with the activation of Krebs cycle and an increase of oxygen utilization by the ischemic myocardium.


[Relationship between tryptophan metabolism and the state of melaninogensis]. In studying the excretion of tryptophan and the activity of tryptophan pyrrholase of the liver in black and albino rabbits it was revealed that the kinurenine, kinurenic and xanthurenic acids, 3-hydroxykinurenin, anthranylic acid and 5-hydroxyindolylactic acid levels in the urine collected before the L-tryptophane loading differed in these animals. No 3-hydroxyanthranylic acid was found in the initial urine of these rabbits. A sharp intensification of excretion of all the tryptophane metabolites studied followed the administration of L-tryptophane to albino rabbits, and a harper elevation of kinurenic and xanthurenic acid excretion--to black rabbits. In comparison with black rabbits, the tryptophan pyrrholase of the liver of albino rabbits reached to the L-tryptophan administration more intensively.


[Toxicity and proteolysis in gnotobiotic rats with thermal burns]. Experiments were conducted on germ-free (gnotobiotic) rats. A study was made of the toxic properties of the organs and the activity of proteolytic enzymes in them after thermal burns. Despite the absence of pathogenic microbial flora the germ-free rats developed the state of toxemia with an increase of the level of proteolytic enzymes. The extent of the toxic and catabolic reaction depended on the severity of the burn. Intoxication and an increase in proteolysis in the gnotobiotic rats were similar, and, in a number of cases greater than in usual animals. A conclusion was drawn on the important role of the tissue sources of intoxication in burns. A correlation between the toxemia and proteolysis was established.


[Increase in the sensitivity of rabbit sensomotor cortex neurons to gamma-aminobutyric acid under the influence of diazepam (microiontophoretic study)]. A study was made of the action of diazepam on the effects of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) applied electrophoretically to the neurons of the sensory-motor rabbit cortex. It was shown that diazepam intensified the depressive action of GABA on the spontaneous neuronal activity and the prolonging action of GABA on the duration of the inhibitory phase in the neuron responses to the afferent and direct stimulation of the cortex. Diazepam failed to alter the neuron response to glycine, glutamate and acetylcholine applied microelectrophoretically. It is supposed that diazepam increased the sensitivity of the receptors of the post-synaptic membrane of the neuron to GABA.


[Role of surface phenomena in the mechanism of action of antiarrhythmic substances]. The surface activity of the antiaarhythmic drugs and their influence on the lipid-containing interphasics were studied. It was found that drug No. 7351 (diphenyl isopropyl acetic acid diethyl aminopropyl ester), fubromegan, metamysil, propranolol, quinidine, novocalinamide, xylocaine, and trimecaine possessed surface activity. There exists a symbate relationship between the surface and especially the interphasic activity and the antiarrhythmic effect. The most active antiarrhythmic drug No. 7351 increased the electric conductivity of the lecithine bilayer membrane much more than novocainamide.


[Distribution of the adrenoblocking drug pyrroxan in the bodies of white rats]. The distribution of adrenoblocking drug pyrroxan in the blood plasma and different organs of albino rats had been studied. A rapid appearance of pyrroxan in the brain liver, kidneys, and other organs was shown; its selective accumulation in the hypothalamus was found. As revealed spectrofluorimetrically unchanged pyrroxan molecules disappeared from the plasma and the organs within 2 hours. When pyrroxan-14C was used the radioactivity in the organs was demonstrated for 24 hours, and in the plasma for several days; this indicated the formation of pyrroxan metabolites or its complexes with the plasma proteins and structural elements of the organs. The selective accumulation of pyrroxan in the hypothalamus can account for the high efficacy of this drug in different hypothalamic disorders coursing with the overexcitation of the sympathetic nervous system.


[Stimulant effect of antilymphocytic serum on early stages of hematopoietic recovery in the spleen of radiation chimeras]. Experiments conducted on 236 BALB/c mice were aimed at the study of the effect of the antilymphocytic serum on the hemopoiesis recovery in the spleen of the radiation chimeras, since the antilymphocytic serum was known to increase the number of macroscopic hemopoietic colonies. This increase was found to be due to the intensification of the first hemopoietic recovery stage, i.e. to the acceleration and intensification of the reticular cell activation in the recepient's spleen.